One of the world’s oldest assets just hit all-time highs — and Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos are quietly loading up. Do they know something you don’t?

According to the USDA’s Land Values 2025 Summary report, the average U.S. farmland value climbed to a record $4,350 per acre this year — up 4.3% from 2024. That’s an 89.1% jump from 2011, when an acre cost just $2,300.

The gains span both cropland and pasture:

• Cropland: up 95.6% since 2011 to $5,830 per acre.
• Pasture: up 79.4% over the same period to $1,920 per acre.

Farmland rarely makes headlines — it’s not as flashy as AI stocks or cryptocurrencies — yet it has a timeless appeal: come what may, people always need to eat.

It’s no wonder some of America’s wealthiest individuals have staked big claims in this space. According to The Land Report, Jeff Bezos owns 462,000 acres of farmland, while Bill Gates holds 275,000 acres.

Warren Buffett: ‘I’ll write you a check’ for this timeless asset

Warren Buffett may be best known for his decades-long winning streak in the stock market, but he’s also a fan of farmland — highlighting it as a productive asset that can generate value year after year.

“If you said … for a 1% interest in all the farmland in the United States, pay our group $25 billion, I’ll write you a check this afternoon,” Buffett stated in 2022.

The good news? You don’t need $25 billion — or know how to grow crops — to get in on the opportunity.

FarmTogether is an all-in-one investment platform that lets qualified investors buy stakes in U.S. farmland. The platform identifies high-potential agricultural properties and then partners with experienced local operators to manage the land effectively.

Depending on the type of stake you want, you can get a cut from both the leasing fees and crop sales, providing you with cash income. Then, years down the line after the farm rises in value, you can benefit from the land appreciating and profit from its sale.

Another income asset Buffett would pay billions for

In that same 2022 remark about farmland, Buffett added that if you offered him “1% of all the apartment houses in the country” for $25 billion, he would “write you a check.”

Why? Because no matter what’s happening in the broader economy, people still need a place to live and apartments can consistently produce rent money.

Real estate also has a long track record as an inflation hedge. When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rents typically increase, giving landlords a revenue stream that helps offset inflation’s bite.

Again, you don’t need billions — or even to buy an entire property — to benefit from real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms like First National Realty Partners (FNRP) allow accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.

Another option is Arrived, that offers an easy way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.

Backed by world class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

The process is simple: browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment.

Another old, tangible asset hitting new highs

Farmland isn’t the only age-old asset making waves in 2025.

Gold — a store of value for thousands of years — is glittering once again. Its price has surged more than 35% over the past 12 months.

Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, recently highlighted gold’s importance in a resilient portfolio.