Kansas State University

Are Woody Plants Affecting Land Values?

Submitted by Carol Baldwin

Woody plant encroachment is a problem across much of the Great Plains. Lack of control, deliberate introduction of problem trees, and undervaluation of old-growth rangelands are leading to rapid degradation of remaining Kansas rangelands. 

K-State ag economists Jack Lindamood and Gabe Sampson investigated the possible impact of woody encroachment on rangeland land values in Kansas. Their research was recently presented at the 2025 Risk and Profit Conference. The ppt "Land Value Impact of Woody Encroachment in Kansas" can be found at:  https://agmanager.info/events/risk-and-profit-conference/previous-conference-proceedings/2025-risk-and-profit-conference/7