Navigating Ag Land Sales in Central California

What Families Should Know Before Selling Ag Land

Central California’s farmland—particularly in the Central Valley—has long been the heartbeat of American agriculture. From almonds and grapes to citrus and cattle, this region has built multigenerational legacies and fed the world. But for many families, the question looms: Should we sell the land?

At Avidity Capital, we understand that selling farmland is never just a financial decision—it’s a deeply personal one. Our team specializes in helping high-net-worth farm families navigate this transition with purpose, clarity, and a plan to preserve what generations before have worked to build.

Here’s what you need to know about today’s agricultural land market—and how we can help.

The Current Market: Strong Demand, High Value

The Central Valley is among the most active agricultural land markets in the U.S., with nearly 200,000 acres currently listed for sale, representing an estimated $4 billion in market value.

Key Stats:

• Total Acreage for Sale

  ~187,657–200,000 acres

• Total Listings

  2,954–4,085

• Average Listing Price

  ~$1.1M–$3.1M

• Median Price per Acre

  $13,379–$25,009

• Average Hobby Farm Price

  ~$707,000

• Median Days on Market

  235

• Largest Properties

  1,000+ acres, $10M+

Whether you own a small parcel or a 2,000-acre operation, buyers are active—and the opportunities are real.

Types of Properties in Demand

• Large Farms & Ranches – Highly productive tracts priced from $5M to $20M+

• Hobby & Mid-Sized Farms – Smaller parcels under $1M, often suited for specialty crops or lifestyle buyers

• Mixed Use – From grazing land to vineyards and orchards, buyers are looking for flexibility and income potential

Hotspots: Where Activity is Highest

Some of the most active areas include:

• Fresno County – Known for robust buyer interest in almonds, grapes, and row crops

• Kern County (Tehachapi) – Popular with both investors and lifestyle buyers

• Tulare, Kings, Yolo, Solano, and Sutter Counties – A blend of large-scale operations and smaller, specialized plots

Thinking About Selling? You’re Not Alone.

More and more farm families are weighing their options due to:

• Water access challenges

• Unfavorable crop pricing

• Rising input costs

• Generational transition (i.e., children choosing careers outside of agriculture)

If you’re asking yourself, “What now?”—you’re in the right place.

How Avidity Capital Helps Families Like Yours

We offer Legacy Land Advisory—a dedicated service that helps Central California farm families transition out of agricultural ownership with a thoughtful, tax-smart plan.

We help you weigh your options:

1. Sell outright and navigate capital gains taxes

2. 1031 Exchange into direct real estate (e.g., rentals or apartments)

3. 1031 Exchange into a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) to outsource landlord duties

4. Blend of the above

What makes us different:

• We run point from start to finish

• We coordinate your Qualified Intermediary, CPA, Attorney, and DST providers

• We offer intergenerational wealth planning to ensure proceeds are protected and reinvested in alignment with your goals

Final Thought: You Built the Legacy. Let’s Help You Preserve It.

Selling the land doesn’t have to mean the end of the story. It can be the beginning of a new chapter—one defined by financial security, strategic reinvestment, and peace of mind for your family’s future.

If you're ready to explore your options, we're here to guide you through it.