Big Beautiful Bill Series: Protecting American Farmland and Forests 

From federal land sales to foreign ownership, American farmland and forests are in the spotlight once again. 

In Parts 1 and 2 of our ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ series, we explored sweeping farm program updates and tax policy reforms reshaping the agricultural landscape. To close out this series, we turn to a less discussed but more fundamental topic this bill opened the door to—protecting American farmland and forests.  

More specifically, who owns the land beneath our boots and who should? 

While not technically addressed in the final text of the megabill, the private and federal ownership of American farmland and forests sparked a heated discussion during its development that snowballed into several policy actions. 

• An executive order to establish the Make America Beautiful Again Commission; 
• The withdrawal of a proposal to sell millions of acres of federal land; and 
• A renewed focus on foreign ownership of American farmland. 

Together, these initiatives underscore a growing tension at the heart of U.S. land policy that’s worthy of a discussion. How do we protect private landowner rights while also safeguarding American farmland and forests from overdevelopment, foreign control, and misuse? 

The Make America Beautiful Again Commission 

Signed just a day before the Big Beautiful Bill passed, the Make America Beautiful Again Commission executive order flew comparatively under the radar. Rather than relying on federal mandates and regulatory oversight, the goal of the commission is to elevate voluntary, incentive-based efforts that protect: 

• Wildlife and migratory corridors, 
• Aquatic ecosystems and drinking water, 
• Public access for hunting, recreation, and rural tourism. 

This pivot toward collaboration echoes what farmers and ranchers have long championed—stewardship over control. 

The Federal Land Sale That Wasn’t 

In the months leading up to the Big Beautiful Bill’s passage, one controversial provision had people on both sides of the partisan aisle up in arms—the sale of millions of acres of federal land. 

What Was Proposed 

The House version proposed offloading 500,000 acres of federal land in Nevada and Utah. The Senate version went much further, proposing the sale of up to 3.3 million acres across 11 Western states. This would include Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service land. Both ranchers who rely on BLM land for grazing leases and conservationists were among those concerned. 

A Swift and Bipartisan Backlash 

The provision was ultimately withdrawn after facing strong bipartisan opposition. More than 80 percent of Americans oppose selling or closing public lands. While federal land makes up roughly 28 percent of total U.S. acreage, the issue is especially significant in the West. For instance, 80 percent of Nevada’s land is federally owned, compared to just 0.3 percent in Connecticut. Opposition to this proposal united unlikely allies, with senators from both parties joining ranchers, conservation groups, and outdoor recreation businesses to help defeat the plan. 

“It doesn’t go to the people, it goes to the highest bidder and that could be a terrifying reality.”

– Natalie Kovarik, Rancher and Co-Host of Discover Ag Podcast 

Renewed Focus on Foreign Ownership of American Farmland 

Debate over potential buyers of federal public lands added fuel to the growing controversy over foreign ownership of U.S. farmland. Though foreign entities currently own a small share of U.S. ag land—less than three percent—the increase in foreign purchases of American farmland over the years has some sounding the alarm.  

To address these growing concerns, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a National Farm Security Action Plan that included strengthening oversight of foreign-owned American farmland. Key actions include: 

• Creation of a public portal to report suspicious foreign land purchases; 
• Overhaul of AFIDA (Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act) to include stronger penalties and enforcement; 
• Coordination with the U.S. Treasury and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) for review of farmland deals; and  
• Cancellation of federal research partnerships with hostile foreign actors. 

The Impact of Policy on American Farmland 

These land policy developments come at a pivotal time for Rural America. With nearly 40 percent of U.S. farmland expected to transfer ownership over the next two decades, the rules around who can buy American farmland (and under what conditions) are increasingly consequential. 

Greater scrutiny around foreign ownership of American farmland is already prompting some foreign-owned companies to begin divesting their U.S. land holdings. This could present opportunities for American landowners to buy and expand rural land holdings by limiting competition.  

On the flip side, it could also increase the regulatory red tape associated with American farmland sales, leasing, or inheritance transactions. Farmers planning to sell and retire may find their exit strategies disrupted by legislation targeting foreign ownership or overdevelopment. In some areas, these policies are already sparking land disputes that are dividing rural communities and leading to legal battles. 

AgAmerica’s Commitment to American Farmland Ownership 

In an era when American farmland is becoming more political, precious, and protected, AgAmerica remains committed to keeping it in the hands of those who know it best—our nation’s farmers and ranchers.  

We’re not a government agency or GSE. As a private agricultural land lender, we are singularly focused on financing for agricultural land use and aren’t limited by excessive red tape. We’re able to offer flexible loan structures, faster closings, and a commonsense approach tailored to the real-world evolving needs of rural landowners nationwide. Whether you’re refinancing, expanding your operation, or preserving your family legacy, our team brings deep industry knowledge and long-term perspective to the table. 

Protect your land. Finance your future. Contact us today to work with a lender who knows the industry and is committed to championing its future.