In this article, we will look at the 14 Best Farmland and Agriculture Stocks to Buy Now.
The American Agriculture Sector and Trump’s Tariffs
At the beginning of March, the White House announced the imposition of 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and additional 10% tariffs on China. While President Trump granted a one-month tariff delay for automakers and paused the same for certain Mexican and Canadian goods until April 2, he announced in an interview with Fox News that tariffs “could go up” with time.
Since tariffs on Chinese goods weren’t a part of the exemptions, China imposed retaliatory tariffs on the US, particularly targeting US agricultural goods. Specifically, a 10% tariff was imposed on American soybeans, while corn was hit with an additional 15% charge. CNBC reported that China is prepared to fight “any type of war” with the United States. The news channel reported that the Chinese Embassy in the US reported in a post on X:
“If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end.”
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson also labeled the American fentanyl-related explanation for imposing tariffs a “flimsy excuse.”
READ ALSO: 10 Best Consumer Staples Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 10 Best Mid Cap Biotech Stocks to Buy.
Could Tariffs Reduce Agriculture Goods Prices for Americans?
On March 4, Landus Cooperative CEO, Matt Carstens, appeared on CNBC’s ‘The Exchange’ to talk about how tariffs could potentially slash the prices of various agricultural products and discuss the long-term benefits of these tariffs on agricultural markets. He said that a significant need to find markets exists for American farmers. Corn makes up about 20% of any given year that the US exports to other countries, while soybean reaches up to as much as 50% of America’s production going to other markets. This creates an interesting dynamic that puts considerable pressure on the ongoing circumstances.
Carstens was of the view that the American farmers hopefully understand that the government is playing the long game here and working on something that would hopefully be significantly profitable for America in the long run. That translates to opportunities for farmers to get the most for commodities, something that they need to a great extent at the present. However, in the short term, we have to deal with these changes in the market.
In other words, Carstens said that the scenario could benefit consumers because the US is flooded with the said agricultural product. Since it is comparatively more expensive to export these products, American consumers get cheaper soybeans and corn, but the farmers potentially lose their export business. There is, thus, a balance that comes into play. The market will certainly see price decreases as export slows and supply increases. However, the farmers are dealing with prices that continue to escalate amid other costs.
With these trends in view, let’s look at the 14 best farmland and agriculture stocks to buy now.
Photo by onur ozkardes on Unsplash
Our Methodology
We sifted through stock screeners, financial media reports, and ETFs to compile a list of 30 farmland and agriculture stocks and chose the top 14 most popular stocks among hedge funds. The list is ordered in ascending order of the number of hedge funds as of fiscal Q4 2024. We sourced the hedge fund sentiment data from Insider Monkey’s database.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
14 Best Farmland and Agriculture Stocks to Buy Now
14. Fresh Del Monte Produce (NYSE:FDP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18
Fresh Del Monte Produce (NYSE:FDP) produces and distributes fresh fruit and vegetable products. Its operations are divided into the following segments: Fresh and Value-added products, Bananas, and Other Products and Services. In addition to selling various kinds of fruits and vegetables, the Fresh and Value-added products segment also produces juices, prepared snacks and meals, and other beverages.
The company successfully shifted its operations from a net loss in 2023 to a $142.2 million net income in 2024. This shift was driven by focusing on high-margin items such as avocados and pineapples, strategic operational improvements, and disciplined cost management. Fresh Del Monte Produce (NYSE:FDP) also generated strong cash flow, reaching $129 million, along with a notable 39% reduction in long-term debt to $244 million.
One of the primary drivers of Fresh Del Monte Produce’s (NYSE:FDP) growth strategy is its focus on value-added products and specialty ingredients, which is boosting profitability. It recently signed a licensing agreement with The Nunes Company, further bolstering its product portfolio and positioning the company for long-term expansion. It ranks 14th on our list of the best farmland and agriculture stocks to buy now. Investors are bullish on the stock due to its strategic operations, and its median price target of $30.94 implies an upside of 22.83% from current levels.
13. Calavo Growers, Inc. (NASDAQ:CVGW)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22
Calavo Growers, Inc. (NASDAQ:CVGW) markets and distributes fresh and prepared avocados to mass merchandisers, retail grocery, food service, food distributors, wholesalers, and club stores globally. It derives avocados from Mexico, California, and other growing regions from around the globe. The company operates in two segments: Prepared and Grown. The Grown segment comprises fresh avocados, papayas, and tomatoes. The Prepared segment manages guacamole products and avocado pulp sold to food service and retail. Calavo Growers, Inc. (NASDAQ:CVGW) sells its products under the Calavo family of branded and private labels, distributing them domestically and internationally.
Calavo Growers, Inc. (NASDAQ:CVGW) reported strong fiscal Q1 2025 results, with revenue reaching $154.39 million. Its results for the quarter reflect the strong fiscal Q1 adjusted net income performance the company has delivered since 2019. The primary growth drivers behind this improvement include Calavo Growers, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:CVGW) strategic focus on operational efficiency and margin improvement. Its segments are also driving growth with continuously positive operations. The Fresh segment reported a 24% growth in sales, while overall net sales rose around 21% year-over-year.
In a report released on March 13, Ben Klieve from Lake Street maintained a Buy rating on Calavo Growers, Inc. (NASDAQ:CVGW) and set a price target of $35.00. According to hedge funds, it is the 13th best farmland and agriculture stock on our list.
12. Dole plc (NYSE:DOLE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22
Dole plc (NYSE:DOLE) distributes and markets fresh vegetables and fruits. The company operates through the Fresh Fruit, Diversified Fresh Produce –EMEA, Diversified Fresh Produce – Americas and ROW, and Fresh Vegetables segments.
The company attained significant progress and development in 2024, delivering strong financial performance, continuing its solid growth trend over the last number of years, and exceeding its most recent adjusted EBITDA guidance by around $12 million. Dole plc (NYSE:DOLE) grew organically in 2024, which is why investors are bullish on the stock. Its Group revenue and adjusted EBITDA rose on a like-for-like basis, supported by growth across its core business areas and categories. Its median price target of $14.05 implies an upside of 26.33% from current levels.
BofA analyst Bryan Spillane raised Dole plc’s (NYSE:DOLE) price target to $14 from $12 on February 27 and kept an Underperform rating on the shares. The firm raised the company’s FY25 adjusted EBITDA forecast to $395.8 million from $382.0 million. The analyst reasoned with investors in a post-earnings note that Dole plc’s (NYSE:DOLE) “strong” adjusted EBITDA beat and its “history of guiding conservatively” support this raise.
11. Vital Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ:VITL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 30
Vital Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ:VITL) packages, markets, and distributes pasture-raised butter, shell eggs, and other products. It sells its products primarily to retail food service channels under the trade names Vital Farms, Alfresco Farms, Lucky Ladies, and RedHill Farms.
2024 was a positive year for the company. It exceeded around $600 million in net revenue, considerably ahead of its initial expectations. Vital Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ:VITL) is thus on the path to attaining its $1 billion sales target by 2027.
In addition, the company added over 125 new family farms, taking the total count to 425 by year-end. Once completed, these farms will expand their egg-sourcing capacity by more than 40%. Investors are thus bullish on the stock, and its median price target of $32.23 implies an upside of 39.62% from current levels. In a report released on March 19, Ben Klieve from Lake Street maintained a Buy rating on Vital Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ:VITL), with a price target of $50.00. It ranks 11th on our list of the 14 best farmland and agriculture stocks to buy now.
10. Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 32
Based in Canada, Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR) provides crop inputs and services. It operates a distribution, production, and agriculture retail facility network to support growers. Its operations are divided into the following segments: Nutrien Ag Solutions (Retail), Potash, Nitrogen, and Phosphate. Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR) manages retail operations in seven countries across three continents. Its agriculture retail network services more than 500,000 grower accounts worldwide.
The company reported an adjusted EBITDA of $5.4 billion for 2024 and underwent a 16% growth in retail adjusted EBITDA. This improvement was attributed to stronger-than-expected crop protection margins in North America.
Barclays analyst Benjamin Theurer raised the firm’s price target on Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR) to $59 from $56 on March 5, keeping an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The analyst told investors in a research note that crop prices and agriculture input pricing experienced a volatile start in March, with uncertainty rising for US farmers amid tariff concerns and disputes. Analysts are, however, bullish on Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR), and the stock’s median price target of $47.40 implies an upside of 26.58% from current levels. The company ranks tenth on our list of the best farmland and agriculture stocks to invest in now.
9. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 33
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG) manufactures and markets branded garden and lawn care consumer products. Its segments are divided into US Consumer, Hawthorne, and Other. The US Consumer segment offers various consumer lawn and garden products, including Scotts and Turf Builder lawn fertilizer and grass seed products, Ortho herbicide and pesticide products, Miracle-Gro soil, plant food and gardening products, and Tomcat rodent control and animal repellent products. Its brand portfolio primarily comprises Gavita, General Hydroponics, Gro Pro, Botanicare, Agrolux, Mother Earth, and more.
The company reported better-than-expected fiscal Q1 2025 results, with its EPS of -$0.89 exceeding expectations of -$1.23. It also reported a 1.56% growth in revenue, reaching $416.8 million and surpassing estimates by $24.76 million. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG) is focusing on expanding its market share and customer base by investing an additional $40 million in its operations, ranging from innovation to brand support. A significant share of this investment is focused on advertising. The company is also developing a multi-year plan to optimize its business and slash costs, which will result in $400 million in annual savings.
On April 2, Truist analyst Bill Chappell upgraded Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG) to Buy from Hold with an unchanged price target of $70. The analyst told investors that the lawn and garden category in the US has finally normalized after COVID-19. According to the analyst, both Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG) and the sector are well-positioned to manage the macroturbulence anticipated to affect consumers over the next year. The analyst also said that the stock’s valuation is “highly attractive on a historical basis.”
8. Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:CALM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 34
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:CALM) produces, packages, grades, markets, and distributes shell eggs. It operates processing plants, farms, feed mills, warehouses, hatcheries, and other properties to support its operations. The company markets its products to regional grocery store chains, food service distributors, club stores, and egg product manufacturers.
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:CALM) reported $954.7 million in net sales in fiscal Q2 2025, while net income reached $219.1 million. The quarter marked a record for total dozens and specialty dozens sold for the company. The strong financial and operating performance in fiscal Q2 2025 was supported by robust demand for shell eggs.
The company recently announced a new share repurchase program of up to $500 million. It has plans to opportunistically and strategically repurchase shares from time to time in the open market. Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:CALM) takes the eighth spot on our list of the best farmland and agriculture stocks to invest in according to hedge funds.
7. Bunge Global SA (NYSE:BG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 38
Bunge Global SA (NYSE:BG) is a global agribusiness and food company. Its product offerings include canned and frozen vegetables, spices, vegetable oils, wine vinegar, fruit spreads, canned meats and beans, and other items. It sells its products through the brands Mrs. Dash, Ortega, Back to Nature, Bear Creek, Green Giant, and Cream of Wheat.
On March 25, the company announced an agreement to sell its European margarine and spreads business to Vandemoortele. The agreement is expected to cover Bunge Global SA’s (NYSE:BG) margarines and spreads business in Germany, Finland, Poland, and Hungary, along with its spreads and margarine manufacturing sites and a portfolio of 20 consumer brands.
Bunge Global SA (NYSE:BG) also plans to improve productivity in its investments and operations while returning considerable capital to shareholders. It repurchased around $1.1 billion of shares in 2024, and share buybacks continue to be a notable part of the company’s capital allocation strategy.
On February 11, Bank of America Securities analyst Salvator Tiano reiterated a Buy rating on Bunge Global SA (NYSE:BG) and set a price target of $87.00. Its median price target of $73.20 implies an upside of 18.85% from current levels. The company takes seventh place on our list of the top farmland and agriculture stocks to invest in according to hedge funds.
6. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 38
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) is a human and animal nutrition company that serves as an agricultural processor and supply chain manager. It operates through the Carbohydrate Solutions, Nutrition, and Ag Services and Oilseeds segments. The company is focusing on enhancing its operating efficiency, especially in its fertilizer business. It is investing in digitization and automation initiatives to boost its production, enhance product quality, and slash costs.
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) is focusing on a strategic plan to boost its profitability, targeting around $200 to $300 million in cost savings over the coming few years primarily through workforce reductions and operational efficiencies. The company has plans to bolster its financial positions amidst economic fluctuations and improve its margins.
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) is also employing data analytics, AI, and SAP S/4HANA to augment pricing strategies, improve demand forecasting, optimize its supply chain, and maintain its competitive edge. A primary growth driver for the company is its expansion into plant-based and nutritional products within the Nutrition segment. This high-margin business significantly slashes dependence on otherwise volatile commodity markets, positioning Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) for long-term growth and strong cash flow generation.
5. The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41
The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) produces and markets concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Its operations are divided into the Phosphates, Potash, and Mosaic Fertilizantes segments. The Phosphates segment produces concentrated phosphate crop nutrients and phosphate-based animal feed ingredients. The Mosaic Fertilizantes segment manages mines, chemical plants, port terminals, crop nutrient blending and bagging facilities, and warehouses.
Agriculture markets have improved, which is why The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) is expecting constructive agriculture and fertilizer fundamentals in 2025. It is also making strategic and operational progress, and the company’s business is well-positioned to benefit from positive market dynamics this year. In fiscal Q4 2024, The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) reported $169 million in net income, while adjusted EBITDA reached $594 million. It also experienced strong phosphate prices and stripping margins, notable underlying business performance in Brazil, and solid potash performance.
On April 4, RBC Capital raised the firm’s price target on The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) to $30 from $28, keeping a Sector Perform rating on the shares. The analyst told investors in a research note that the company has ambitious plans to improve its operations, support long-term growth, and re-allocate capital. However, these improvements are likely to materialize over time. They added that the company has a potential upside if phosphate prices remain elevated and The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) can execute well. The company is the fifth-best farmland and agriculture stock to buy now according to hedge funds.
4. Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 44
Tyson Foods, Inc., (NYSE:TSN) is a food company that operates in the Beef, Chicken, Pork, and Prepared Foods segments. Its portfolio of brands includes Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Ball Park, Hillshire Farm, State Fair, Aidells, and more. The company’s fiscal Q1 2025 performance reflects another year of potentially positive growth. The quarter marked its third consecutive quarter of year-over-year increases across key metrics, including adjusted operating income, sales, and adjusted earnings per share.
Its adjusted operating income rose by $248 million in fiscal Q1 2025, reflecting a notable 60% growth. In addition, adjusted operating income margin expanded by 170 basis points compared to last year, and adjusted earnings per share rose by a significant 65%. Tyson Foods, Inc., (NYSE:TSN) ended the quarter with its net leverage ratio at 2.3 times, a notable accomplishment from 4.1 times at the end of 2023.
Overall, its fiscal Q1 2025 results show the best quarterly performance in more than two years, lending a positive light to the company. Tyson Foods, Inc., (NYSE:TSN) takes the fourth spot on our list of the best agriculture and farmland stocks to invest in.
3. Corteva, Inc. (NYSE:CTVA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45
Corteva, Inc. (NYSE:CTVA) provides seed and crop protection solutions, focusing on the agriculture industry and food supply. Its operations are divided into the Seed and Crop Protection segment. The Seed segment develops and supplies advanced germplasm and traits, producing yield for farms. The Crop Protection segment manages the global agricultural input industry, offering products for insects, weeds, pests, and disease protection.
Corteva, Inc. (NYSE:CTVA) has a positive outlook for 2025, reflecting positive momentum and anticipated continued record crop demand. It has guided for EBITDA of $3.7 billion at midpoint, reflecting a 10% increase over 2024. EBITDA margins are projected to grow between 100 and 150 basis points. Corteva, Inc. (NYSE:CTVA) also attained progress in slashing royalty expenses, taking the net royalty expense down from $800 million in 2019 to approximately $200 million. The company has plans to attain royalty neutrality by 2028.
On March 31, Argus upgraded Corteva, Inc. (NYSE:CTVA) to Buy from Hold with a $69 price target. The analyst said that farmers are increasingly inclined to invest in technology that augments yields, a trend benefiting Corteva, Inc.’s (NYSE:CTVA) volume. Its management anticipates strong demand to support gains. The analyst supported the rating with the company’s stabilizing prices and improving fundamentals.
2. FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 48
FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) is an agricultural sciences company that provides solutions for plant health, crop protection, pest control, agriculture, and turf management. Its brand portfolio includes Rynaxypyr, Cyazypyr, Authority, Boral, Centium, Command, Gamit, Talstar, Hero, Quartzo, and Presence.
The company reported $1.22 billion in revenue in fiscal Q4 2024, reflecting a 7% growth over fiscal Q4 2023. Volume growth, primarily for the company’s growth portfolio, supported this growth. Organic revenue also rose 12% year-over-year, excluding the impact of foreign currencies. On March 24, Analyst Laurence Alexander from Jefferies maintained a Buy rating on FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC), keeping the price target at $49.00. The analyst said that overall market conditions look favorable, supported by stable demand for fruits and vegetables and benign weather patterns. This stability is anticipated to support FMC Corporation’s (NYSE:FMC) near-term performance.
The analyst also said that the company boasts a robust R&D pipeline and cyclical leverage, which are key growth drivers. FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) takes the second spot on our list of the best farmland and agriculture stocks to invest in.
1. Deere & Company (NYSE:DE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 57
Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) manufactures and distributes equipment used in agriculture, forestry, turf care, and construction. Its operations are divided into Agriculture and Turf, Construction and Forestry, and Financial Services.
On March 7, Argus raised the firm’s price target on Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) to $510 from $440, keeping a Buy rating on the shares. The analyst told investors in a research note that the company is well-positioned for a demand recovery, primarily due to its proactively right-sized inventory at its distributors. The firm opined that it sees solid earnings power for Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) later in 2025, supported by events such as resuming shipments to distributors, restarting rate cuts by the Fed, and increasing profitability for farmers.
The company’s management is also confident about its performance, announcing a 10% dividend hike in its outlook, which Argus considered another positive factor supporting its rating. In a report released on March 6, Adam Seiden from Barclays also maintained a Buy rating on Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) with a price target of $475.00.
Overall, DE ranks first among the 14 best farmland and agriculture stocks to buy now. While we acknowledge the potential of farmland and agriculture stocks, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than DE but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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