Agricultural Property Appraisals in Southwestern Ontario

We regularly complete appraisal assignments for:

• Cash Crop Farms
• Dairy Farms (supply managed)
• Poultry Farms (broilers & layers – supply managed)
• Hog/Swine Farms
• Beef Cattle Operations
• Sheep & Goat Farms
• Equestrian / Horse Farms
• Hobby Farms & Recreational Properties
• Fruit & Vegetable Farms
• Vineyard & Winery Properties
• Mushroom Farms
• Greenhouses & Controlled Environment Agriculture
• Nurseries and Garden Centres
• Bush Lots & Wooded Properties
• Maple Syrup Operations
• Mixed-Use & Agri-Commercial Properties
• Rural Residential Estates with Agricultural Use 

With over a decade of experience appraising agricultural properties across Southwestern Ontario, Agrecomm provides specialized valuation services for complex rural and farm properties.

Not all farmland offers the same agricultural capability or market appeal. Identifying the characteristics that influence farmland desirability is a critical component of the appraisal process. Key considerations may include soil type, Canada Land Inventory (CLI) classification, tile drainage, topography, and field size, shape, and access.

These characteristics influence both crop suitability and cropping practices. Across Southwestern Ontario, arable land is most commonly used for the production of corn, soybeans, wheat, hay and forage, barley, and oats.

Within this range of crops, many producers utilize annual crop rotations to support soil management and disease control. The use of cover crops has also increased in recent years, contributing to reduced soil erosion, improved drainage, and enhanced long-term soil health.

The Canadian dairy industry operates within a supply-managed framework, and dairy facilities across Southwestern Ontario range from traditional barn configurations to modern operations incorporating advanced equipment and technology.

Key valuation considerations for dairy properties may include overall barn layout (free-stall or tie-stall), building age and condition, on-site replacements, feed storage systems, manure handling and storage, milk house facilities, and parlour configuration. The functional arrangement of these improvements plays an important role in operational efficiency, labour requirements, and overall utility.

Additional factors commonly considered in dairy appraisals include stall design and ventilation, feed handling systems, the capacity and condition of manure storage, and supporting electrical, water, and mechanical systems.

Where applicable, consideration may also be given to expansion potential, surplus land, and alternate-use characteristics, particularly for properties located near settlement areas or within evolving rural markets.

We also provide as-complete appraisals for farms constructing new dairy facilities, as well as for applicants participating in Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s New Entrant Program, where valuation is required in support of financing or other valuation purposes.

The Canadian poultry industry operates within a supply-managed framework. The industry is comprised of primarily chicken and turkey farms operating as breeder, pullet, broiler, or layer operations. Poultry facilities across Southwestern Ontario range from traditional barn configurations to modern operations incorporating automated feeding, ventilation, and environmental control systems. Appraisals are completed on a real estate–only basis but with the assumption that existing quota or production contracts remain in place.

Key considerations for poultry properties may include overall barn configuration, building age and condition, feed systems, ventilation system, manure handling and storage, and bird handling infrastructure. The functional arrangement of these improvements plays an important role in operational efficiency, labour requirements, and overall utility.

The Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) New Entrant Chicken Farmer Program supports qualified new producers entering the supply-managed poultry sector through education, training, and quota transition support, factors that can influence buyer demand and market activity for poultry properties. We also provide as-complete appraisals for farms constructing new poultry facilities, where valuation is required in support of financing or other valuation purposes. Where applicable, consideration may also be given to on-site expansion potential and surplus land. We provide both as-is and as-complete appraisals for farms constructing new facilities, where valuation is required in support of financing or other valuation purposes.

Hog and swine facilities across Southwestern Ontario range from traditional barn configurations to modern operations incorporating automated feeding, ventilation, and environmental control systems.

Key valuation considerations for hog properties may include overall barn configuration (sow, nursery, and finishing operations), building age and condition,  feed storage systems, manure handling and storage, and technology. Barn size also play an important role in per-animal space requirements and overall operational capacity. The functional arrangement of these improvements contributes significantly to operational efficiency, labour requirements, and overall utility.

Additional factors commonly considered in swine appraisals include barn layout efficiency, ventilation and climate control systems, biosecurity features, floor systems, feed handling infrastructure, the capacity and condition of manure storage, and supporting electrical, water, and mechanical systems.

Where applicable, consideration may also be given to on-site expansion potential. We provide both as-is and as-complete appraisals for swine facilities, where valuation is required in support of financing or other valuation purposes.

Beef cattle facilities across Southwestern Ontario range from traditional bank barns and open-sided structures to modern beef barns incorporating improved ventilation, feeding infrastructure, and manure handling systems.

Key valuation considerations for beef properties may include overall barn configuration and layout, building age and condition, feed storage systems, manure handling and storage, and livestock handling infrastructure. Barn size, pen configuration, and site circulation also play an important role in functional utility, equipment access, and overall operational efficiency.

Additional factors commonly considered in beef appraisals include ventilation systems, feed handling infrastructure, the capacity and condition of manure storage, and supporting electrical, water, and mechanical systems.

Land characteristics are also important, including pasture quality, fencing, water access, arable acreage, as these influence site functionality and feed production potential.

Where applicable, consideration may also be given to on-site expansion potential. We provide both as-is and as-complete appraisals for beef facilities, where valuation is required in support of financing or other valuation purposes.

Sheep and goat operations across Southwestern Ontario are typically oriented toward meat, milk, and, in the case of sheep, wool production. These properties often combine pasture-based grazing with on-site livestock housing, which may include loose housing systems and a range of barn configurations from older traditional structures to modern purpose-built facilities designed to support milking operations.

Key valuation considerations for sheep and goat properties may include overall barn configuration and layout, building age and condition, feed storage systems, manure handling and storage, and livestock handling infrastructure. Barn size, pen configuration, and barn layout can also play an important role in functional utility, equipment access, and overall operational efficiency.

Additional factors commonly considered in sheep and goat appraisals include ventilation systems, feed handling infrastructure, the capacity and condition of manure storage, and supporting electrical, water, and mechanical systems.

Land characteristics are also important, including pasture quality, fencing, water access, arable acreage, as these influence site functionality and feed production potential.

Where applicable, consideration may also be given to on-site expansion potential. We provide both as-is and as-complete appraisals for sheep and goat facilities, where valuation is required in support of financing or other valuation purposes.

Equestrian properties across Southwestern Ontario range from small private facilities to larger operations incorporating riding arenas, stables, paddocks, and supporting buildings.

Key valuation considerations for equestrian properties may include stable configuration and layout, building age and condition, construction materials, stall design and finishes, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, outdoor tracks, footing systems, tack and storage areas, bedding systems, equine hydrotherapy pools (where applicable), on-site veterinary or treatment facilities, and manure handling infrastructure. Barn size, stall configuration, and site circulation also play an important role in functional utility, equipment access, and overall operational efficiency.

Additional factors commonly considered in equestrian appraisals include ventilation systems, arena construction and surface condition, fencing quality, paddock layout, and supporting electrical, water, and mechanical systems.

Land characteristics are also important, including pasture quality, fencing, water access, arable acreage where applicable, and the proximity of usable land to the barns and riding facilities, as these influence site functionality and overall market appeal. Site features such as topography, privacy, road access, and scenic views can also contribute to overall market appeal, particularly for equestrian properties with a residential or estate component.

Where applicable, consideration may also be given to on-site expansion potential. We provide both as-is and as-complete appraisals for equestrian facilities, where valuation is required in support of financing or other valuation purposes.

Hobby farms and rural recreational properties across Southwestern Ontario typically combine rural residential use with smaller-scale agricultural or recreational improvements. These properties range from modest country acreages to larger rural estates and may include a mix of residential dwellings, accessory buildings, pasture or open land, and recreational features.

Key valuation considerations for hobby farm and recreational properties may include dwelling quality and condition, outbuilding quality, configuration, and utility, building age and construction, site layout, and overall functional usability. Improvements such as small barns, shops, storage buildings, riding areas, or hobby livestock facilities can contribute to value depending on their condition, layout, and adaptability.

Additional factors commonly considered in these appraisals include land composition and usability, fencing, water access, driveway configuration, and supporting electrical, water, and mechanical systems.

Site characteristics are also important, including topography, privacy, road access, scenic views, ponds and the balance between open land, pasture, and wooded areas, as these elements influence lifestyle appeal and overall marketability.

We provide real estate appraisals for hobby farm and recreational properties to support financing and other valuation requirements.

Fruit and vegetable farms across Southwestern Ontario range from smaller market garden operations to larger commercial growing properties and typically combine productive farmland with supporting agricultural improvements. These operations are often concentrated in specific growing regions, where soil conditions, climate, and proximity to markets support specialty crop production.

Key valuation considerations for fruit and vegetable properties may include land quality and usability, soil capability, field layout and access, irrigation and water availability, building age and condition, and the presence of storage, packing, or handling facilities. Site configuration and proximity of productive land to operational improvements also play an important role in overall functionality.

Additional factors commonly considered in these appraisals include drainage characteristics, access to transportation routes, on-site electrical and water infrastructure, and the adaptability of existing improvements.

We provide real estate appraisals for fruit and vegetable farms to support financing and other valuation requirements.

Vineyards and winery properties across Southwestern Ontario range from small estate operations to larger commercial facilities and typically combine productive vineyard land with specialized agricultural and hospitality-related improvements. 

Key valuation considerations for vineyard and winery properties may include vineyard acreage and condition, vine variety and vine age, soil capability, site orientation and drainage, building age and condition, and the presence of processing, storage, tasting, or retail facilities. Site layout and the proximity of vineyard blocks to operational improvements also play an important role in overall functionality. 

Additional factors commonly considered in these appraisals include irrigation and water availability, access to transportation routes, on-site electrical and mechanical infrastructure, and the adaptability of existing improvements. 

Location is also an important consideration, as vineyards are typically concentrated in specific growing regions where climate, soil conditions, and proximity to tourism markets support production and direct-to-consumer sales. 

We provide real estate appraisals for vineyards and wineries properties to support financing and other valuation requirements. 

Mushroom farms across Southwestern Ontario typically combine specialized production buildings with supporting agricultural and industrial infrastructure. These properties range from smaller-scale operations to larger commercial facilities designed to accommodate climate-controlled growing environments.

Key valuation considerations for mushroom properties may include building age and condition, growing room configuration, climate control systems, electrical capacity, water availability, and the presence of storage, handling, or processing areas. Site layout and proximity of operational improvements also play an important role in overall functionality.

Additional factors commonly considered in these appraisals include ventilation systems, environmental controls, access for transportation and servicing, and the adaptability of existing improvements.

Location is also an important consideration, particularly where access to labour, utilities, and transportation routes supports ongoing operations.

Where applicable, consideration may also be given to on-site expansion potential. We provide both as-is and as-complete appraisals for mushroom farms, where valuation is required in support of financing or other valuation purposes.

Greenhouse and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) properties across Southwestern Ontario range from smaller specialty growing operations to large-scale commercial facilities and typically combine climate-controlled growing areas with specialized agricultural and industrial improvements.

Key valuation considerations for greenhouse and CEA properties may include building age and condition, greenhouse structure type and covering materials (such as glass or double poly), eave heights, climate control systems, heating and cooling infrastructure, electrical capacity, and water availability. Site layout and the proximity of growing areas to support buildings also play an important role in overall functionality.

Additional factors commonly considered in these appraisals include ventilation systems, environmental controls, irrigation infrastructure, access for transportation and servicing, and the adaptability of existing improvements.

Location is also an important consideration, particularly where access to utilities, labour, and transportation routes supports ongoing operations.

We provide real estate appraisals for greenhouses & controlled environment agriculture to support financing and other valuation requirements.

Service area and ancillary buildings are also an important component of greenhouses. Service areas commonly house the irrigation and environmental control systems for the greenhouse, office space, warehouse space (with or without coolers) for storage of inventory, and manoeuvrability of rolling stock for day-to-day activities. This service area is generally a greenhouse style structure similar to that of the growing area, however, large modern facilities have been developed with steel frame service areas similar to that of an industrial building. Ancillary buildings which support the greenhouse growing area are also common and are considered as part of the overall greenhouse operation. Ancillary buildings for modern greenhouse properties are primarily bunkhouses for migrant workers but can include additional support structures for the greenhouse facility. Having these buildings on-site continues to be an important requirement for modern greenhouses.

Service areas and ancillary buildings are key components of greenhouse operations. Service areas typically house irrigation and environmental systems, offices, storage, and operational space, and may be built in greenhouse-style or modern steel-frame structures. Ancillary buildings, including worker accommodations and other support facilities, are also common and remain important to the overall operation.

Nursery and garden centre properties across Southwestern Ontario typically combine plant production areas with retail-oriented improvements, ranging from small seasonal operations to larger year-round facilities with dedicated sales space.

Key valuation considerations for nursery and garden centre properties may include building age and condition, greenhouse or growing structure types, outdoor display areas, retail building configuration, site layout, parking availability, and customer access. The functional arrangement of growing areas, retail space, and support buildings plays an important role in overall usability and operational flow.

Additional factors commonly considered in these appraisals include irrigation infrastructure, electrical and water availability, storage and handling facilities, signage, visibility, and the adaptability of existing improvements.

Location is a critical consideration, particularly exposure to traffic corridors, ease of access, proximity to population centres, and overall site visibility, as these factors directly influence retail performance and market appeal.

We provide real estate appraisals for nurseries and garden centres to support financing and other valuation requirements.

Bush lots and wooded properties across Southwestern Ontario range from small treed parcels to larger forested tracts and often include a mix of mature timber, open clearings, and natural features.

Key valuation considerations for wooded properties may include overall acreage, tree species composition, maturity and density of forest cover, accessibility, and site layout. The presence of cleared areas, trails, ponds, wetlands, or other natural features can influence usability and market appeal, depending on the intended use of the property.

Additional factors commonly considered in these appraisals include road frontage, driveway access, topography, drainage characteristics, the balance between wooded and open land, and the availability of services such as hydro at the road.

Location also plays an important role, including proximity to population centres, recreational corridors, and rural amenities, as these factors influence buyer demand and overall marketability. In certain areas, institutional purchasers such as Conservation Authorities may also be active in the market, which can affect buyer composition and transaction activity for wooded properties.

We provide real estate appraisals for bush lots and wooded properties to support financing and other valuation requirements.

Maple syrup operations across Southwestern Ontario typically combine productive sugar bush land with specialized agricultural improvements, ranging from small-scale operations to larger commercial facilities.

Key valuation considerations for maple syrup properties may include sugar bush acreage and tree density, accessibility and trail layout, building age and condition, and the presence and quality of sugar shacks, processing areas, storage facilities, and sap collection systems. Site configuration and proximity of productive maple stands to operational improvements also play an important role in overall functionality.

Additional factors commonly considered in these appraisals include internal access roads and trails, electrical availability, water supply, and the adaptability of existing improvements.

Location also plays an important role, including proximity to population centres and tourism corridors, as these factors influence direct-to-consumer sales potential and overall market appeal.

We provide real estate appraisals for maple syrup operations in support of financing and other valuation requirements.

Mixed-use and agri-business properties across Southwestern Ontario typically combine agricultural operations with on-site commercial components, such as on-farm manufacturing, retail shops, processing areas, or service-related uses. These properties range from small family-run operations to larger facilities incorporating multiple income-generating activities.

Key valuation considerations for mixed-use and agri-commercial properties may include building age and condition, layout, zoning, retail or service space configuration, parking availability, and customer access. The integration of on-site retail or sales areas with core agricultural operations plays an important role in overall usability and market appeal.

Additional factors commonly considered in these appraisals include visibility, access to transportation routes, electrical and water availability, storage and handling facilities, and the adaptability of existing improvements.

Location is also a critical consideration, particularly exposure to traffic corridors, proximity to population centres, as these factors directly influence customer traffic, workforce accessibility, and commercial viability.

We provide real estate appraisals for mixed-use and agri-commercial properties in support of financing and other valuation requirements.

Rural residential estates with agricultural use across Southwestern Ontario typically combine a primary residence with varying degrees of agricultural land and supporting outbuildings. These properties range from smaller estate parcels with hobby-scale agricultural use to larger rural holdings incorporating pasture, crop land, or specialty agricultural improvements.

Key valuation considerations for rural residential estate properties may include dwelling quality and condition, outbuilding configuration and utility, building age and construction, site layout, and overall functional usability. Agricultural improvements such as small barns, workshops, storage buildings, or fencing can contribute to value depending on their condition, layout, and adaptability.

Additional factors commonly considered in these appraisals include land composition and usability, fencing, water access, driveway configuration, and supporting electrical, water, and mechanical systems.

Site characteristics are also important, including topography, privacy, road access, scenic views, ponds, and the balance between open land, pasture, and wooded areas, as these elements influence lifestyle appeal and overall marketability.

We provide real estate appraisals for rural residential estates with agricultural use in support of financing and other valuation requirements.