FNC News

In an agricultural economy defined by fluctuating commodity prices, changing interest rates, rising input costs, and increasing competition for farmland, one question has become more important than ever: What should farmland rent for in today’s market? 

For many landowners, including institutional ownership groups, determining the current value of their farmland assets and understanding leasing opportunities can be challenging. At the same time, farmers looking to grow their operations often struggle to identify available land and connect with landowners beyond their local network. CommonGround was created to solve both challenges.  

As a modern digital farmland marketplace, CommonGround helps landowners better understand the value of their land assets while creating new opportunities for farmers seeking to expand their operations. Through valuation tools, digital listings, leasing workflows, and marketplace connections, the platform brings greater transparency, accessibility, and confidence to farmland transactions for owners, operators, and investors. 

By bringing both sides of the leasing transaction into one digital marketplace, CommonGround helps landowners reach a broader pool of qualified farmers while giving operators a more efficient way to discover and pursue available farmland. The platform simplifies what has traditionally been a relationship-driven, fragmented process by combining market intelligence, digital listings, and connection tools in one place. As landowners seek better insight into asset performance and farmers compete for growth opportunities, this type of transparent, technology-enabled marketplace represents the future of farmland leasing. 

Farmers National Company acquired CommonGround in early 2026 as part of a broader strategy to bring cutting-edge farmland technology to landowners while pairing that digital experience with trusted land professionals who have boots on the ground across the nation, in over 30 states. 

"Farmland is one of the most valued assets many families, ownership groups, and investors hold, yet understanding what it’s worth and the market opportunities around it has never been more complex," said Grant Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President of Farm Management at Farmers National Company. "Whether you're a landowner evaluating leasing options or a farmer looking for additional acres, better information leads to better decisions." 

The acquisition reflects Farmers National Company’s commitment to investing in tools and partnerships that support long-term land stewardship, improve landowner profitability, and help farmers compete in a more data-driven agricultural economy. 

About CommonGround 

CommonGround is the only digital farmland marketplace designed to bring transparency, efficiency, and data‑driven decision support to farmland leasing. The platform provides landowners with tools to evaluate lease value, market land for lease, and connect with vetted farmers, and land professionals. Backed by America’s largest land management company, Farmers National Company, CommonGround offers a modern experience with the backing of a nearly 100-year agricultural company. Learn more at CommonGround.com