Course Descriptions

Education Offerings

The ASFMRA is an internationally recognized leader in Appraisal, Farm Management and Agricultural Consulting training, offering a variety of qualifying education courses, continuing education seminars and accreditation pathways for rural property professionals aspiring to take the next step in their career development. There is something for everyone, from the beginner to the seasoned professional.

The ASFMRA is a not-for-profit professional society and a sponsoring member of The Appraisal Foundation, providing education since 1929 and serving all jurisdictions in the United States.

If you have any questions regarding the courses on this page, please contact Deanna Ilk at 303-692-1222 or dilk@asfmra.org.

Please note that some of the classes listed below are currently unavailable. To view classes that are currently available, visit the Education Calendar.

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Appraisal Education

The ASFMRA provides Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB) and state approved appraisal training for certified general licensure and for continuing education. We also offer accreditation courses leading to the Accredited Rural Appraiser or Real Property Review Appraiser professional designations. These designations will elevate your career by illustrating your dedication to being the best in your field. 

Take a look at upcoming courses available on our Education Calendar.

How to Become an Appraiser | Recommended Education Path

State Appraisal Boards

Courses:

This four-day course will introduce you to real property concepts and characteristics, legal considerations, influences on real estate values, types of value, economic principles, market area analysis, highest and best use, and ethical considerations.

The course should provide a solid foundation in basic appraisal principles no matter what appraisal specialty you pursue.

By successfully completing the course and exam, you will have met most states' education requirements in the content area identified as basic appraisal principles.

If you are considering a career in professional valuation services, your journey should begin with Basic Appraisal Principles.

Co-developed by the Appraisal Institute, ASA, and ASFMRA

Required Equipment & Textbooks: The Appraisal of Real Estate, Fifteenth Edition; HP-12c, HP-17bII or HP-19bII calculator (Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Suggested Textbook: The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, Sixth Edition

Contact Hours: 28 hours + 2 hour exam

Course Timetable: Days 1-4: 8 AM - 5 PM

AQB Licensure Requirement: Trainee, Licensed, Certified Residential, Certified General

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

A102 Basic Appraisal Procedures is an introductory course for those preparing for a career in valuation services. The course is the second in the curriculum sequence of qualifying education required by states for those individuals pursuing appraisal licensure and certification.

Students will learn the basic appraisal procedures with concentration on the appraisal process and an emphasis on rural properties and techniques. Topic themes run throughout the course to focus student learning on defining the appraisal problem, collecting and selecting data, analyzing the data using the three valuation approaches, reconciling the approaches and communicating with the client and intended user of the appraisal service. An integrated case study will guide the students through the appraisal process. Beginning with neighborhood analysis and concluding with the final value opinion, the students will appraise a rural residential property with multiple land uses.

The content is divided into five units: The Valuation Process, Area and Neighborhood Analysis, Highest and Best Use, The Approaches, and Reconciliation. Within each unit there is a set(s) of student learning goals, definitions and concepts, and examples. Each unit is completed with a set of classroom exercises and finally a review and quiz. The student will be well prepared for the exam if they follow the recommended timeline for completing the case study as each unit is presented.

Required Equipment & Textbooks: HP-12c calculator. You must be familiar with calculator operation when the course begins. Answers to problems in course material are shown using the HP-12c. Do not come to class expecting to be taught how to use a financial calculator. (Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Suggested Textbook: The Appraisal of Real Estate, Fifteenth Edition; Appraising Residential Properties, Third Edition; The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, Sixth Edition.

Contact Hours: 28 hours + 2 hour exam

Course Timetable: Days 1-4: 8 AM - 5 PM

AQB Licensure Requirement: Trainee, Licensed, Certified Residential, Certified General

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

The 15-Hour National USPAP Course focuses on the requirements for ethical behavior and competent performance by appraisers that are set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The course material emphasizes the role of the appraiser and the impartiality associated with this role. Special responsibilities of the appraiser with regard to impartiality are explored in detail. In addition to lectures, the course includes discussion problems that show how USPAP applies in situations that appraisers encounter in everyday practice. These examples address issues frequently experienced by appraisers as professionals in the appraisal of real property, personal property, and business or intangible assets, and in appraisal review. This course is designed to aid appraisers seeking competency in USPAP, in all areas of appraisal practice including those subject to state licensing or certification and continuing education requirements imposed by professional organizations, client groups, or employers.

Contact Hours: 14 classroom hours + 1 hour exam

Course Timetable: Day 1-2 8 AM - 5 PM

AQB Licensure Requirement: Trainee, Licensed, Certified Residential, Certified General

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

The underlying theme of all sections are USPAP requirements for ethical behavior and competent performance by appraisers. Discussion will focus on specific USPAP revisions and afford you the opportunity to apply this information through case studies and a review of frequently asked questions and responses of various USPAP topics. The material emphasizes the role of the appraiser, the appraiser's impartiality associated with this role, and helps clarify concepts such as scope of work and when USPAP applies. The special responsibilities of the appraiser with regard to impartiality are explored in detail.

Contact Hours: 7 hours

Course Timetable: Day 1: 8 AM - 4 PM

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

This course offers an introduction to statistical analysis for appraisers, emphasizing practical application over theoretical training. It covers fundamental terminology, the significance of descriptive and inferential statistics, and basic statistical analysis in Excel. All of the material is reinforced using real-world examples and practice problems, as well as two extensive case studies. This course doesn't aim to make students statisticians, rather, it encourages further study for proficiency in applying advanced analytical techniques in appraisal practice.

Please Note: This course is designed to follow Basic Appraisal Principles and Basic Appraisal Procedures. It is assumed the student has already gained the level of knowledge and understanding that is taught in the lower level classes.

Required Equipment & Textbooks: HP-12c, Hp-17bII or HP-19bII calculator(Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Suggested Textbook: Valuing Rural America – Foundations of Data Analysis

Contact Hours: 14 hours + 1 hour exam

Course Timetable: Days 1-2: 8 AM - 5 PM

AQB Licensure Requirement: Certified General

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

This course is specifically designed to meet the 30 hours required by the Appraiser Qualifications Board for Qualifying Education for General Certified Appraisers. The course covers topics such as underlying Sales Comparison Approach definitions and concepts, the analysis of a comparable sale, paired sales techniques, derivation and sequence of adjustments, analysis of properties with multiple land types, reconciliation, and case studies. These topics are discussed with a distinct bent toward the sometimes unique aspects of rural property valuation. Concepts are reinforced through classroom discussion, drill problems and periodic diagnostic quizzes.

Please Note: This course is designed to follow Basic Appraisal Principles and Basic Appraisal Procedures. It is assumed the student has already gained the level of knowledge and understanding that is taught in the lower level classes.

Required Equipment & Textbooks: HP-12c, Hp-17bII or HP-19bII calculator(Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Suggested Textbook: Appraisal of Real Estate, Fifteenth Edition; Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, Sixth Edition

Contact Hours: 27 hours + 3 hour exam

Course Timetable: Days 1-3: 8 AM - 5 PM; Day 4: 8 AM - 4 PM

AQB Licensure Requirement: Certified General

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

This course is specifically designed to meet the 30 hours required by the Appraiser Qualifications Board for Qualifying Education for General Certified Appraisers. The course covers topics such as underlying Cost Approach definitions and concepts. Extensive site or land valuation techniques are presented because of the importance of land in appraising rural properties. Comparable sales analysis includes determining the contributory value of land classes; paired sales techniques; derivation and the correct sequence of adjustments, and analysis of properties with multiple land types. Depreciation analysis covers age-life, modified economic age-life and market derived depreciation to include all forms of depreciation including physical, functional, and external obsolescence. These topics are discussed with relevance toward the unique aspects of rural property valuation. The concepts are reinforced through classroom discussion, drill problems and daily review exams.

Please Note: This course is designed to follow Basic Appraisal Principles and Basic Appraisal Procedures are recommended before taking this class. It is assumed the student has a working knowledge of the HP 12C calculator and has the level of knowledge and understanding that is taught in the lower level classes.

Required Equipment & Textbooks: Appraisal of Rural Property, 2nd Edition; HP-12c, Hp-17bII or HP-19bII calculator (Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Suggested Textbook: Valuing Rural America; Appraisal of Real Estate, Fifteenth Edition; Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, Sixth Edition

Contact Hours: 27 hours + 3 hour exam

Course Timetable: Days 1-3: 8 AM - 5 PM; Day 4: 8 AM - 4 PM

AQB Licensure Requirement: Certified General

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

This course is specifically designed as the introductory course to the Income Approach which meets 30 of the 60 hours required by the Appraiser Qualifications Board for Qualifying Education for General Certified Appraisers. The course covers topics such as application of the six functions of $1, underlying income approach definitions and concepts, construction of the income and expense statement, direct capitalization theory and techniques, introduction to yield capitalization, discounting, lease analysis, building and land residual analysis, and straight-line recapture theory and techniques. These topics are discussed with a distinct bent toward the sometimes unique aspects of rural property valuation. Concepts are reinforced through classroom discussion, drill problems and periodic diagnostic quizzes. After successful completion of this course, the student will be prepared for the more advanced topics discussed in the second 30 hour Income Approach module.

Please Note: This course is designed to follow Basic Appraisal Principles and Basic Appraisal Procedures. It is assumed the student has already gained the level of knowledge and understanding that is taught in the lower level classes.

Required Equipment & Textbooks: Appraisal of Rural Property, 2nd Edition; HP-12c, Hp-17bII or HP-19bII calculator (Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Suggested Textbook: Valuing Rural America: Foundations of Data Analysis, ASFMRA Appraisal of Real Estate, Fifteenth Edition; Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, Sixth Edition

Contact Hours: 27 hours + 3 hour exam

Course Timetable: Days 1-3: 8 AM - 5 PM; Day 4: 8 AM - 4 PM

AQB Licensure Requirement: Certified General

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

The course includes an overview of the income approach, computing financial rates, and an in-depth examination of discounted cash flow analysis (DCF). The course covers principles of discounted cash flow analysis, application and common errors in discounted cash flow analysis, and culminates with discounted cash flow case studies. Students will also delve into the relationships between rates, learn about the concepts of discounting and net present value, and engage with drill problems to enhance practical understanding. Procedures and application of yield capitalization, cash equivalency and mortgage analysis, and valuation of lease interests are also topics that are explored. This course is designed to provide students with a deep and practical understanding of income-based valuation methods for property appraisal.

Please Note: This course is designed to follow Basic Appraisal Principles and Basic Appraisal Procedures. It is assumed the student has already gained the level of knowledge and understanding that is taught in the lower level classes.

Required Equipment & Textbooks: HP-12c, Hp-17bII or HP-19bII calculator(Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Suggested Textbook: Valuing Rural America -Foundations of Data Analysis; The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal; The Appraisal of Real Estate

Contact Hours: 27 hours + 3 hour exam

Course Timetable: Days 1-3: 8 AM - 5 PM; Day 4: 8 AM - 4 PM

AQB Licensure Requirement: Certified General

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

This 30 hour course provides a forum for analysis and discussion of the impacts on the highest and best use of rural real estate for the appraiser. The course is designed for the appraiser who has considerable experience in appraising rural real estate or who has completed the first two levels of core courses and Income I offered by the ASFMRA. The appraiser will learn to determine the highest and best use through the required steps of:

  • Legally permissible
  • Physically possible
  • Financially feasible
  • Maximally productive

Please Note: This is an intermediate skill level course. It is assumed the student has already gained the level of knowledge and understanding that is taught in the lower level courses.

Required Equipment & Textbooks: HP-12c, HP-17bII or HP-19bII calculator (Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Suggested Textbook: Appraisal of Rural Property, Second Edition

Contact Hours: 28 hours + 2 hour exam

Course Timetable: Days 1-3: 8 AM - 5 PM; Day 4: 8 AM - 3 PM

AQB Licensure Requirement: Certified General

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

This presentation will focus on all the components and steps required to prepare an appraisal report that is clear, adequately researched, avoids common errors, properly structured and meets the client’s requirements.

Please Note: This course is designed to follow Basic Appraisal Principles and Basic Appraisal Procedures. It is assumed the student has already gained the level of knowledge and understanding that is taught in the lower level classes.

Required Equipment & Textbooks: the most current version of USPAP; HP-12c, Hp-17bII or HP-19bII calculator(Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Suggested Textbook: Valuing Rural America – Foundations of Data Analysis

Contact Hours: 28 hours + 2 hour exam

Course Timetable: Course Timetable: Days 1-3: 8 AM - 5 PM; Day 4: 8 AM - 4 PM

AQB Licensure Requirement: Certified General

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

This course is intended to satisfy the 30 hours of Subject Matter Electives required by the Appraiser Qualifications Board for Qualifying Education for Certified General Appraisers. The course is specifically designed to illustrate how all the approaches to value fit together in an appraisal, drawing from the body of knowledge taught in Cost Approach for General Appraisers (A310), Sales Comparison Approach for General Appraisers (A300), and Income Approach for General Appraisers, Part 1 (A320). The material will be presented primarily in the form of case studies, supplemented with lectures and class discussion.

Please Note: This course is designed to follow Basic Appraisal Principles, Basic Appraisal Procedures, the Cost, Sales and Income courses. It is assumed the student has already gained the level of knowledge and understanding that is taught in the lower level classes.

Required Equipment & Textbooks: HP-12c, Hp-17bII or HP-19bII calculator (Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Suggested Textbook: Appraisal of Real Estate, Fifteenth Edition; Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, Sixth Edition; Appraisal of Rural Property, 2nd Edition

Contact Hours: 27 hours + 3 hour exam

Course Timetable: Days 1-3: 8 AM - 5 PM; Day 4: 8 AM - 4 PM

AQB Licensure Requirement: Certified General

Accreditation: This course is required for the ARA and the RPRA

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

The student will apply appraisal methodologies and analytical techniques to rural, urban fringe and a special use facility case studies and drill problems. New methodologies and analytical techniques including trend, bracketing and statistics are introduced and incorporated into the course.

A400 is designed for students who have completed their basic appraisal curriculum courses and are preparing for the comprehensive examination and their appraisal career. It is an excellent course for practicing appraisers seeking exposure to practical applications for current and new appraisal methodologies. It is not recommended to students who have not completed the fundamental appraisal courses.

Please Note: This is an advanced skill level course. It is assumed the student has already gained the level of knowledge and understanding that is taught in the lower level courses.

Required Equipment & Textbooks: Appraisal of Rural Property, Second Edition; HP- 12c, HP-17bII or HP-19bII calculator (Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Optional Equipment: Self-powered laptop computer. (There is NO computer tutoring in this course.) Computers are not allowed during the examination.

Suggested Textbook: The Appraisal of Real Estate, Fifteenth Edition; Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, Third Edition; Capitalization Theory and Techniques Study Guide. AIREA Financial Tables and The Appraiser's Workbook are available only through the Appraisal Institute at (312) 335-4100.

Contact Hours: 36 hours + 4 hour exam

Course Timetable: Days: 1-5 8 AM - 5 PM

Accreditation: This course is required for the ARA

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

This hands-on, how-to 3-day seminar addresses the generally accepted principles and procedures to value partial interests (not fractional ownership interests, but something less than the fee bundle of rights). The seminar provides an overview of the differences between conservation easements prepared under USPAP, UASFLA/Yellow Book and IRS requirements – and their application to partial estate valuations. Other partial interest examples and case studies encompass highway right-of-ways, power lines, pipelines and navigation easements that demonstrate how to solve complex valuation problems and report their results.

Suggested Textbook: Valuing Rural America: Foundations of Data Analysis; Real Estate Valuation in Litigation, Second Edition

Contact Hours: 22 hours + 2 hour exam

Course Timetable: Day 1-3: 8 AM - 5 PM

Accreditation: This course is required for the ARA and RPRA.

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

Course A430 is an introduction to eminent domain appraisal. The course is designed to familiarize experienced appraisers with the language, parameters, and methodologies applicable to eminent domain appraising. The concept of the Larger Parcel, peculiar to partial takings, will be presented. The states various eminent domain rules of appraisal will be discussed with emphasis on understanding State Rule No. 2 and State Rule No. 4 (the Federal Rule). The appropriate accounting for what is the “take”, what damages are and what are benefits and the appropriate offsets, if any, are presented. The course explores the legal implications of eminent domain appraising and will familiarize the student to the legal process.

Course problems are designed to instill an understanding of the appraisal decisions and methodologies necessary to complete an eminent domain partial taking assignment. The case study is the acquisition of land for widening of an existing two-lane highway to a four-lane highway. The case study is a State Department of Transportation project submitted for bid. The case study incorporates real life problems and situations that face the eminent domain appraiser. The case study offers the work groups, or individuals, a chance to apply what they have learned in the class to a real life situation. The students are initially asked to approach the case study as if they were preparing a bid analysis determining the larger parcels, highest and best uses, potential damages and benefits. If there is sufficient class time the students may be asked to apply their bid analysis to a valuation analysis.

Please Note: This is an intermediate skill level course. It is assumed the student has already gained the level of knowledge and understanding that is taught in the lower level courses.

Required Equipment & Textbooks: HP-12c, HP-17bII or HP-19bII (Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Suggested Textbook: Valuing Rural America: Foundations of Data Analysis; Real Estate Valuation in Litigation, Second Edition

Contact Hours: 20 hours + 2 hour exam

Course Timetable: Days 1-3: 8 AM - 5 PM

Accreditation: This course is required for the ARA and RPRA

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

This course is based on the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (Yellow Book), sixth edition. In updating these Standards, the Interagency Land Acquisition Conference, incorporated relevant new appraisal methodology and theory, integrated new case law, and ensured appropriate consistency with professional appraisal standards. The content is restructured and revised for clarity and readability, resulting in practical and understandable guidance for appraisers, attorneys, and the public.

The first three sections, Appraisal Development, Appraisal Reporting, and Appraisal Review, parallel The Appraisal Foundation’s Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) STANDARD 1: Real Property Appraisal Development, STANDARD 2: Real Property Appraisal, Reporting, and STANDARD 3: Appraisal Review, Development and Reporting. The Yellow Book’s Section 4, Legal Foundations for Appraisal Standards, explains the legal foundations for the previous sections.

Suggested Textbook: Sixth edition of Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions, commonly known as the "Yellow Book"

Contact Hours: 21 hours + 2 hour exam

Course Timetable: Day 1-3: 8 AM - 5 PM

Accreditation: This course is required for the RPRA.

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

This is an advanced course that is intended primarily to assist students in preparing for Comprehensive Exams and to assist them in entering the proper mindset for working complex appraisal problems. It is intended to be a refresher course for those that have successfully completed the required education for Accreditation. Very little time will be spent on discussing basic principles. Rather, this course will focus on working complex rural based appraisal problems and case studies and allow the students to work closely with the instructors on specific concepts and principles to solidify their understanding. The course will cover complex appraisal theory and case studies with respect to the three approaches to value, highest and best use, eminent domain, and other pertinent material.

Please Note: This is an advanced skill level course. It is assumed the student has already gained the level of knowledge and understanding that is taught in the lower level courses.

Required Equipment: HP-12c, HP-17bII or HP-19bII calculator (Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Suggested Textbook: Valuing Rural America: Foundations of Data Analysis

Contact Hours: 20 Hours

Course Timetable: Days 1-2 8 AM - 5 PM; Day 3 8 AM - Noon

Accreditation: This course is recommended for the ARA and the RPRA

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

To teach the class participants about the Appraisal Review process through lecture, class discussion, reviewing appraisals, and reporting the results of that review. To teach the class participants about review concepts under the Uniform Standards of Professional Practice (USPAP) there will be case studies for an apartment appraisal, farm appraisal, commercial produce appraisal and one family housing appraisal.

The purpose of this course is to provide training for review appraisers performing reviews of appraisal reports for federal land acquisitions or conveyances. Because this course utilizes the Yellow Book, the format follows the outline of Standard C - Standards for Review of Appraisals. The course material expands on the sections in these Standards with pertinent discussion questions and drill problems.

Sharpen the students review skills through the solution of appraisal review case studies. Assist the student to become a more proficient reviewer.

Please Note: This is an advanced skill level course. It is assumed the student has already gained the level of knowledge and understanding that is taught in the lower level courses such as Valuation of Conservation Easements and Other Partial Interests in Real Estate, and Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions.

Required Equipment & Textbooks: HP- 12c, HP-17bII or HP-19bII calculator; Current edition of USPAP, and Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (Click here for basic information how to use an HP-12c)

Suggested Textbook: The Appraisal of Real Estate, Fifteenth Edition, Appraisal of Rural Property, Second Edition

Contact Hours: 36 hours + 4 hour exam

Course Timetable: Days: 1-5 8 AM – 5 PM

Accreditation: This course is required for the RPRA

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

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Farm Management Education

The ASFMRA offers the best Farm Management education available in the market place today. Earning your Accredited Farm Manager designation will help you stand out from your peers while boosting client confidence in your qualifications.

Take a look at upcoming courses available on our Education Calendar.

Courses:

Farm Budgeting

  • How are budgets used and the questions a budget should answer
  • What information is needed to prepare a budget
  • Difference between fixed and variable costs
  • Difference between a partial budget and an enterprise budget
  • Cash flow budgets
  • How other budgets fit into a whole-farm budget
  • Farm financial analysis tool
  • Budget case studies

Farm Accounting & Financial Statements

  • Overview of accounting
  • Financial statements
  • Balance sheets
  • Assets and liabilities
  • Income statements
  • Cash flow statements
  • Statement of Owner’s Equity
  • Financial ratios

 Farm Finance

  • How to evaluate an investment
  • Financial modeling in agriculture
  • Introduction to agricultural portfolio management
  • Integrated case study
Required Materials: Laptop, financial calculator and must have a working knowledge of Excel

Contact Hours: 24 hours

Accreditation: This course is required for the AFM

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

Presentation and Selling Skills

  • How to prepare an oral presentation
  • How to effectively use visual aids
  • Speaking to the media
  • Learn about the selling cycle
  • Body language

Negotiation, Conflict Management, Business Proposals and Expert Witnesses

  • Understand the 5 keys to negotiating
  • How to identify and handle conflict
  • How to prepare a business proposal
  • What is an expert testimony and how to prepare for it
  • Professionalism

Business Communication, Controls, Security and Business Structure

  • How to best develop and write business documents
  • Understanding contracts
  • Organizing emails and phone calls
  • Business ethics
  • Explanation and benefits of different types of business structures

Contact Hours: 24 hours

Accreditation: This course is required for the AFM

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

Leasing and Appraisals

  • Definition of leases and the risks associated with each type
  • What is the role of the farm manager when leasing a property for a client?
  • Legal aspects and tax implications of leases
  • Appraisal reports and the three approaches to value

Production and Conservation

  • Important elements of row crop production
  • Cereal grain, orchard and vine production
  • Hay and forage; rangeland and pasture; and seed production
  • Open range and confinement livestock production
  • Woodland and Forestry, aquaculture and organic production
  • Wildlife and hunting land production practices
  • Conservation practices

Risk and Marketing

  • Role of country elevators and terminals in the grain marketing industry
  • Supply and demand
  • Technical and fundamental analysis
  • Futures contract
  • Traders and their impact on CBOT and CME markets
  • How to evaluate market trends using charts, graphs and cyclical patterns

Projects, Locations and Management

  • How to perform a new site inspection
  • Locating a property given any type of legal description
  • Personal property, trade fixtures and real property
  • Risks associated with a property
  • Discuss the five phases of project management
  • Discuss the variety of property risks
  • Record keeping procedures essential for tax reporting
  • Writing a farm plan

Contact Hours: 24 hours

Accreditation: This course is required for the AFM

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

Review for Exam

Contact Hours: 8 hours

Accreditation: This course is required for the AFM

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Agricultural Consulting Education

The ASFMRA is the only professional society that offers Agricultural Consulting education to meet the needs of ag professionals today and into the future. Our ag consulting education is peer-developed, peer-reviewed and geared towards professionals looking to set themselves apart with next-level expertise and client satisfaction. Learn about earning your Accredited Agricultural Consultant designation here.

Take a look at upcoming courses available on our Education Calendar.

Courses:

  • Consulting Standards
  • Troubleshooting Financial Analysis
    • Enterprise budgeting
    • Financial statement analysis
    • Financial ratios
    • Functions of the dollar
    • Comparative analysis of investment options
    • Group activity of tracking ratios back to budgets through statements
  • Report/Business Writing
  • Business Structure
  • Business Contracts
  • Rapid Fire Baseline Concepts
    • Production Practices
    • Principles of Leasing
    • Risk Management
    • Locating and Characterizing Property
    • Understanding Appraisals
    • Practical Application of Budgeting
  • Succession Planning
  • Practice Management

Contact Hours: 24 hours

Accreditation: This course is requred for the AAC

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222

Class I – Advanced Consulting Theory

  • Creative team building/group introduction
  • Identify the role of the consultant
  • How to identify the client's goals
  • How to identify stakeholders
  • Learn how to manage consulting projects, using advanced project management techniques, as well as consulting project management models

Class II – Analytical Methods and Theories of Consulting

  • Learn to use the SWOT Analysis
  • Learn to use Porter's Five Force method of evaluation
  • Learn how to us other analysis tools
  • Introduction to other templates, checklists and other resources
  • Case Studies

Class III – Fundamentals of Data Gathering

  • Why does the consultant gather data
  • How does the consultant gather data?
    • Gathering data to fulfill deliverables
  • Introduction to Tools to gather data
    • Identifying questions you need to ask (scope)
    • Utilizing open-end questions
    • Fact finder (capturing information)
    • Who (stakeholders) do you interview?

Class IV – Advanced Concepts in Technology for the Consultant

  • How to utilize the technology as a consultant
  • Other technological tools available to the agricultural consultant
    • How to make your presentations looks better

Class V – Designing, Delivering and Evaluating the Consulting Solution

  • Does there need to be a review of the scope and of the data?
  • Setting strategies, goals and targets
  • How to present a solution that will be accepted, gain buy-in
  • Providing ROI for changes made
  • Maintaining the consulting solution (quality control)
  • Describing the problem, determining most important factors that contribute to the problem, visualizing what success looks like and creating actions to lead to success.

Class VI – Negotiating the Consulting Engagement

  • Identify the scope of the project
    • Fact finding that leads to the appropriate scope
    • Determine the most appropriate and relevant issues
    • Outlining the deliverables
      • In depth review of the various theories of negotiation
      • Writing the consulting agreement
      • Relevant role playing to enable practicing

Class VII – Selling the Consulting Process

  • Selling cycle
    • The participants strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to focus their business to target markets, as well as identify areas to improve
  • Marketing plan
  • Personalities
    • What is their personality type?
    • What are the characteristics of each personality type?
    • What are the physical needs of each personality type?
    • What are the emotional needs of each personality type?
    • How to work with each personality type
  • Body language analysis
  • Negotiating
    • Study of body language and the connection to negotiation
  • Communication
    • Written and oral, emails and text messages, frequency of communication, mode of communication, etc.

Contact Hours: 24 hours

Accreditation: This course is required for the AAC

For questions about approvals, contact Deanna Ilk at dilk@asfmra.org or 303-692-1222


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Continuing Education

The ASFMRA offers specialized seminars on topics including Timber Property, Mineral Rights, Dairy Appraisal and much more. The complexity of rural appraisal and farm management demands specialized knowledge, and these courses will equip you with the tools necessary to not only meet, but exceed client expectations.

Take a look at upcoming courses available on our Education Calendar.

Seminars:

Target audience: Appraisers

In order for an Appraiser to see the appraisals through the eyes of a Reviewer, they first need to know what a Reviewer’s role and responsibilities are. The 1-day course will explain who appraisal reviewers are and what appraisal reviewers do. It will also explain why appraisal reviews are completed and what appraisal reviewers can and can’t do. It will explain an appraisal reviewer’s qualifications, the different types of appraisal reviews, discuss the common appraisal errors and what appraisers can do to avoid issues on appraisal reviews.

Contact Hours: 7 hours

Target audience: Appraisers

Agricultural facilities are often the most difficult assignments an appraiser will be asked to tackle. Feedlot facilities are within that category, and no facility is exactly the same. This seminar reviews the underlying appraisal theory relative to facility appraisals and then applies the theory specifically to the valuation of a cattle feedlot. Applicable terminology, facility types and typical operations are presented, followed by discussion of the overall appraisal process beginning with problem identification, leading to the steps to complete and analyze a facility following the traditional approaches to value.

Contact Hours: 8 hours

Target audience: Appraisers

One of the most difficult assignments as an appraiser is the valuation of an agricultural facility. This practical seminar reviews the underlying appraisal theory relative to facility appraisals and then apply the theory specifically to the valuation of a swine / confinement facility. The instructor will walk you through the steps to complete a swine / confinement facility from beginning to end.

Contact hours: 8 hours

Target audience: Appraisers


This course is designed for appraisers who want to expand their skills to enable them to take on more difficult and complex assignments, and for those who want to learn new techniques for developing creative solutions to complex appraisal problems. This course will give the student a good understanding of various techniques that can be used in appraising unique and difficult properties – the “oddballs.”

Contact Hours: 8 hours

Target Audience: Appraisers

It is intended that the student attending this 4-hour course will become better equipped to handle and more familiar with the challenges of Appraising Rural Residential Properties in today’s environment. The student will learn what rural lenders and/or underwriters expect of the appraiser and how to better meet those expectations via presentation by the industry experts of a rapidly expanding non-conventional construction methods concluding with rural residential property examples. Best Business Practices overview highlights the emphasis is on the appraiser to do the right analysis.

Contact Hours: 4

Target audience: Appraisers

This one-day course is designed for professional rural real property appraisers who interact with business appraisers in assignments requiring an equity valuation for estate, divorce, gifting, or transfer purposes.

As an overview, it concentrates on distinguishing the differences in methods of analysis and provides guidance on how rural real estate appraisers can contribute to the business analysis.

Contact Hours: 8 hours

Target audience: Appraisers

This 1-day seminar will provide the student with a background in the cost approach and actual practice in estimating cost using Marshall Valuation Service. Discussions include land value, costs of improvements, profit, depreciation, contributory value of site improvements, indicated value and personal property or intangibles.

Contact hours: 8 hours

Target Audience: Appraisers

The seminar will focus on the basics of data analysis. Material will focus on What is data analysis, acquiring data, basic cleaning of data, using charts and tools for visualization of data, and basic tools to turn data sets into information. Material will included step by step basics for the functions and methods presented. Examples will be focused around rural real estate and farm management case studies. Participants will complete the seminar with a basic understanding of data analysis, sources of quality public data and several techniques they can employ in practice. This is not a basic excel class and a understanding of basic excel is required.

Contact Hours: 8 hours

Target audience: Farm Managers and Appraisers

This seminar will help the student understand drainage terms and systems which can then be imparted to management and/or appraisal clients. This knowledge will assist the client in determining the economic impact of drainage on farmland income and valuation.

Contact hours: 4 hours

Target Audience: Appraisers, Farm Managers, Consultants

This seminar will provide attendees with the principles or elements of Farm and Ranch Succession, Estate and Continuity Planning. It will provide various strategies to minimize risk and tax liability from transferring farmland assets to the next generation. This seminar will discuss the pitfalls and problems with failing to properly plan for transfer of the farm operations between generations and family members, while offering solutions to minimize these issues.

Contact Hours: 8 hours

Target audience: Appraisers

The objective of this course is to provide the student attending the 4-hour seminar the background and tools necessary to prepare appraisal reports intended for use by Farmer Mac and limit the need for report revisions. The student will learn the expectations for appraisal reports prepared for Farmer Mac and how to better meet those expectations via a review of the three approaches to value. In addition, the additional requirements and forms will be identified and addressed. The Best Practices overview will highlight the most common reasons for revision requests in appraisals completed for Farmer Mac, other USPAP requirements most often overlooked by appraisers, and address report contents and presentation.

Contact hours: 4 hours

Target audience: Appraisers

Highest and Best Use is often cited by reviewers as an area of weakness in appraisals. While proficiency with HBU is fundamental to the appraisal process, it is a tricky concept. This seminar is designed to hone your understanding of the application of HBU analysis in the appraisal process. You will review the terminology, process and methods of market analysis and highest and best use analysis as applied to real property appraisal. Using illustrations from rural and urban real estate, the seminar utilizes many examples to demonstrate the application of these processes and drill problems to give you practice in applying this knowledge.

Contact hours: 8 hours

Target audience: Appraisers

This 1-day seminar is intended to reinforce the concepts of the Income Approach and its application to the overall appraisal process. The seminar introduces improved techniques for estimating the value of income-producing rural property by converting anticipated benefits into property value. The seminar is intended to not only review the various formulas and procedures utilized for deriving various rates of return, but also to develop an understanding of the inter-workings of these derived rates such that the appraiser can more accurately interpret market movements.

Contact hours: 8 hours

Target audience: Appraisers

It may not be legal in your state yet…..The Introduction to Cannabis Operations and Valuation seminar is designed to introduce students to basic terminology, processes, and methods of valuing a cannabis operation with emphasis on real property valuation.

Students will learn about the various legal and land use regulations pertaining to this unusual commodity (both State and Federal) and about the importance of a well-prepared and well-written Highest and Best Use analysis. Discussion will include the potential challenges and common pitfalls of valuing special use facilities with a focus on understanding key components and commonalities found in most cannabis operations.

The seminar will enable students to successfully identify and understand variations in growing methods and facilities associated with medicinal, recreational and industrial hemp; review actual construction costs for a well-prepared Replacement Cost New (RCN) analysis; and understand what analysis is necessary for the production of a credible and supported opinion of value.

Contact Hours: 8 hours

Target Audience: Appraisers

This presentation will focus on developing a basic understanding terminology, history, and processes unique to Indian trust lands appraisals.

Contact Hours: 4 hours

Target Audience: Appraisers

As of 2012, there are wineries located in all 50 states and wine grapes are grown in every state except Alaska. Further expansion of this agricultural industry is predicted in the coming years. Would you like to learn more about it? This course provides an introduction to vineyard and winery valuation concepts and methodologies. Students will learn about the different growing regions within the U.S., as well as general terminology, growing conditions, and consumer trends. Discussions will include what physical components are most important in the valuation of a winery facility and what’s currently driving vineyard values. Learn how to apply the Discounted Cash Flow analysis to a permanent planting. Understand and discuss the difference between a “boutique” operation and a “commercial” facility and which one is thriving and why. This course is meant to provide a look at one of agriculture’s more interesting industries. This is an introductory seminar, so even if you have no experience in this use-type, you are sure to come away with something new in your tool box.

Course Hours: 8 hours

Target Audience: Appraisers

The objective of this seminar is to orient the students on how to inspect a livestock ranch, analyze water rights, soils, grazing permits and leases, prepare a land inventory, estimate forage production (carrying capacity) and analyze forage balance. This seminar addresses only ranches whose Highest and Best Use is as a livestock ranch. The students will be exposed to the three approaches to value and different sales analysis methodologies for valuation of ranches.

This seminar offers an perspective to appraisers, real estate brokers, lenders and investors of how to analyze and value a livestock ranch.

Course Hours: 8 hours

Target audience: Appraisers

This course is designed to refamiliarize appraisers and other valuation experts on the need for concise, relevant, and timely market area descriptions in valuation and appraisal reports. The presentation will also focus on the applicability of a well-researched industry analysis when working with special use facilities and other segments of real estate where economic impact within the industry has a direct impact on the real estate associated with it. The course is designed to be interactive and students will work together to complete a written assignment upon conclusion of the instructional segments. Students are required to bring a laptop.

Contact Hours: 8

Target audience: Appraisers

This seminar will address issues related to the completion of agricultural appraisals using techniques deemed “best practices." The seminar will help the appraiser to consistently exceed the expectations of intended users and the standards and practices of their peers for similar assignments. ‘Best Practices’ is intended to reinforce the need to continually question the use of existing techniques and methodology, promote innovation, and improve the quality of appraisals being completed by rural appraisers. Users of farm appraisal reports will benefit from more thorough, readable reports and reliable, well supported valuations. Those taking the seminar will benefit from increased confidence and perceived value in appraisal results and improved reputation for quality and professionalism.

Contact hours: 8 hours

Target audience: Appraisers

This class will give a summary of how the Equivalency Ratios and the Equivalent Acres are used in day-to-day appraisal operations. Using the Real Estate Market to find, understand and analyze an important skill to have in your toolbox. Extracting the Ratios from the Market is the largest part of this class. Knowing how to adequately use these Equivalency Ratios will eliminate the need to calculate the Land Mix Adjustment.

Contact Hours: 4

Targe Audience: Appraisers, Farm Managers

Beginning with an introduction to the basic concepts and types of permanent plantings, the course covers a wide array of topics including trellis systems, plant density, row orientation, and the impact of elevation and topography on planting feasibility. Additionally, the course explores environmental protection measures, lifecycle stages, and the influence of location, soil, climate, and irrigation on plantings. The seminar also addresses yields, commodity prices, management practices, data sources, the principles of highest and best use, non-real property considerations, and valuation approaches including cost, income, and sales comparison. Through this course, students will gain insights into market perceptions, management practices, and valuation techniques, preparing them for practical application in the field of permanent planting valuation.

Contact Hours: 8 hours

Target audience: Appraisers

Are "rights appraised" only fee simple, or is there more to this? Properties have evolved over the years and it is rare to find a property that doesn't have restrictions on the title ranging from life estates, utility and access easements, cell tower sites, deed restrictions, mineral rights and more - some of these encumbrances may or may not have an impact on value; however, to report "fee simple" is misstating the facts and could create an issue or liability to the appraiser. Come and learn more about why you haven't heard this before and what your approach should be.

Contact Hours: 8 hours

Targe Audience: Appraisers

This presentation will focus on; 1.The nature of an expert witness throughout the litigation process; 2.The litigation process including discovery and more specifically depositions; 3.Rules of evidence and civil procedure; 4.How attorneys try to trap appraiser expert witnesses; 5.The areas where the appraiser is involved and participates at trial; 6.Other considerations such as common mistakes while testifying, fees, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Contact Hours: 8 hours

Target audience: Appraisers

This 1-day course introduces and demonstrates with case studies market-driven valuation methods to support value opinions of properties with a highest and best use for timber production. Students will focus on proper sales analysis, quantitative method to isolate and support the highest and best use, quantification of a land and timber mix adjustment in the sales comparison approach and consistent analysis of subject and sales.

Contact hours: 8 hours

Target audience: Appraisers, Farm Managers

This 1-day course will provide the accountant, attorney and land owner with the history of the conservation easement and facts surrounding their increasing use. The source of funds and development of the land trust movement will be explained. The IRS and the involvement of the attorney, accountant, appraiser and landowner will be explained. The appraisal document, its development and its intricacies will be explained and discussed. A look at the changing world of easements will complete this interesting and helpful course. This seminar was developed jointly with ASA.

Contact hours: 8 hours

Target audience: Appraisers

There is a great deal of expertise and knowledge that go into valuing a Dairy Farm. Learn about the definition of values issues, waste management, environmental and zoning issues, water supply and water rights, manure easements and leases, property rights values, industry analysis/feasibility studies and of course highest and best use. Walk through a case study and gain real practice with these principles and how they are utilized in a complex dairy appraisal.

Contact Hours: 8 hours

Target Audience: Appraisers

The development of a reliable market database includes the discovery, verification, analysis, and archiving of real estate sales. The objective of this seminar is to focus primarily on the verification process. The class participant’s past experience in these four steps is likely varied, but complete sales analysis is not possible without in-depth sales verification.

Contact Hours: 8 hours

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