Turning acres into opportunity

With razor-thin margins, rising capital needs and a shifting federal policy environment, landowners are revisiting a familiar question: How else can I responsibly generate value from my land?

Following the rollback of many clean energy and climate-related incentives under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, some diversification opportunities have narrowed. But several remain—particularly those that have outlasted political cycles and regulatory whiplash.

“Today’s landowners still have options,” says Robert Veldman, senior land management adviser at Pinion. “But they need to be strategic, informed and comfortable with what actually works under the current policy environment.”

Here are seven that continue to provide value in 2025, prioritized by current demand and longevity:

1. Wind and solar leasing

Despite some regulatory pullbacks, wind and solar projects remain active, driven by rising energy demand and delivery shortfalls—particularly from data centers—in regions with existing transmission infrastructure and large stretches of connected land. Developers are increasingly selective, but viable parcels are in demand for project development, interconnection or easement corridors.

Even when a project isn’t built on your property, your land may still be valuable as part of the broader energy infrastructure.

With developers targeting fewer parcels, know your land’s true value—and never sign speculative offers that could impose 40 to 80 years of deed restrictions without legal or technical review.

2. Linear infrastructure easements

With OBBBA’s emphasis on domestic energy and utility development, landowners can expect a surge in requests for linear infrastructure easements—including electrical transmission, oil and gas pipelines, water lines, and fiber optic corridors.

These easements can provide recurring or lump-sum income, depending on the asset and lease terms. However, they may also come with long-term land use implications.

Treat these agreements like business contracts. Ensure compensation matches market rates and that terms include surface-use protections and defined restoration requirements.

3. Mineral leasing

Mineral leasing remains a consistent revenue opportunity in regions with production history or ongoing exploration. The OBBBA has accelerated federal approvals and emphasis on natural gas production, which could increase activity across Appalachia, the Texas-Louisiana border, the High Plains, and Intermountain West.

Even if a lease looks favorable up front, royalty structures, term renewals and surface-use agreements must be carefully negotiated to avoid surprises in both the short and long term.

4. Conservation easements

Modern conservation easements have evolved into flexible tools for landowners—particularly for those seeking to preserve ag use while accessing capital or managing estate transfers.

With OBBBA securing permanent funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs, landowners can still access financial incentives in exchange for restricting development rights, while continuing to graze or farm the land.

These are especially powerful when used as part of generational transition or buyout plan. Work with a qualified conservation planner to align the easement with your operational goals.

5. Carbon farming and sequestration

Carbon markets remain volatile, but well-managed land practices like cover cropping, no-till, nutrient management, and rotational grazing are increasingly supported through Natural Resources Conservation Service programs.

While third-party carbon credit markets may lack stability, USDA programs offer technical and financial support for practices that improve long-term land health.

Focus first on soil health and conservation goals. If carbon income becomes available, it should be seen as a secondary benefit—not the primary driver.

6. Water rights and water banking

In drought-prone states, water rights and local water markets have emerged as strong diversification opportunities. Leasing unused allocations, participating in aquifer recharge programs, or partnering with municipalities are all possible paths for additional revenue.

These strategies are highly localized. Regulatory clarity and infrastructure readiness are key to monetization.

7. Wildlife habitat and wetlands

Landowners in certain states may qualify to create or restore wildlife habitat in exchange for mitigation credits purchased by developers or public agencies.

These programs can offer strong financial returns—especially in regions with high development activity or species-specific conservation requirements. For example, consulting support for species habitat mitigation credit programs is currently active in Nevada and has previously been offered in Wyoming.

Wetland mitigation markets also exist, though landowners typically participate through third-party consultants or aggregators. Direct credit creation is more complex and less commonly pursued independently.

Consider these as longer-term or niche opportunities. If your land contains qualifying habitat or wetlands, consult with a mitigation banking professional to assess eligibility and market potential.

What still works and why

Diversifying your land’s value remains as important as ever. In 2025, the most resilient strategies:

• Are tied to tangible, long-standing land assets (e.g., minerals, easements, conservation)
• Don’t rely solely on shifting federal incentives that may change with each administration
• Can coexist with ag operations, estate planning planning and environmental stewardship

What’s changed is the need for greater due diligence and informed expectations. Not every opportunity is a fit—but for those that are the financial impact can be substantial.

Editor’s note: Maxson Irsik, a certified public accountant, advises owners of professionally managed agribusinesses and family-owned ranches on ways to achieve their goals. Whether an owner’s goal is to expand and grow the business, discover and leverage core competencies, or protect the current owners’ legacy through careful structuring and estate planning, Irsik applies his experience working on and running his own family’s farm to find innovative ways to make it a reality. Contact him at [email protected].