The Truman Mox team recently returned from a productive field assignment in Indianapolis, where we completed a multi-unit agricultural equipment appraisal on behalf of a financial institution. This particular engagement involved coordinating closely with both the borrower and the bank to inspect and evaluate a wide range of agricultural assets—while much of the equipment was still in active use due to the peak spring season. Our ability to remain flexible with scheduling allowed us to meet the borrower’s time constraints without compromising the accuracy or quality of the report.
In agricultural lending, time is often of the essence. Borrowers rely on rapid turnarounds to keep deals moving forward, especially during planting or harvest seasons when equipment cannot be idled. At Truman Mox, we understand this dynamic and structure our process accordingly. We coordinated with the borrower to conduct our on-site inspection at a time that minimally disrupted their operations. Despite tight deadlines, our team maintained a meticulous approach, collecting serial numbers, photographing condition, and documenting each asset’s specifications in detail. Within a week of the visit, a comprehensive agricultural equipment appraisal report was delivered to the bank, providing the assurance they needed to finalize underwriting.
This engagement is just one example of the work Truman Mox does across the country. We are a national machinery and equipment appraisal firm, capable of mobilizing quickly to perform site inspections and deliver compliant, defensible appraisal reports. With agricultural equipment, it’s not just about identifying tractors and harvesters, it’s about understanding their utility, depreciation cycles, secondary market activity, and specialized usage in the context of farming operations. Our team brings real-world expertise and formal training to each agricultural equipment appraisal, ensuring accurate valuations backed by both market data and cost methodologies.
The agricultural industry presents unique challenges when it comes to equipment valuation. Tractors, combines, sprayers, planters, and tillage tools each have their own life cycles, seasonal
patterns of use, and secondary market dynamics. In many cases, these assets have been customized or maintained in a way that affects their Fair Market Value or Orderly Liquidation Value. At Truman Mox, we consider these nuances carefully. Our agricultural equipment appraisals are never boilerplate, we tailor each report to reflect the true condition and market relevance of the equipment being valued.
Another key factor is regional variation. Values for similar agricultural equipment can vary significantly depending on geography, crop type, and local demand. An older hay baler might retain more value in a dairy-heavy region of Wisconsin than in a corn-dominated area of Illinois. Our appraisal team is trained to evaluate this context and integrate regional trends into each assignment. When we traveled to Indianapolis, we came prepared not just with our inspection checklists, but with a clear understanding of regional farming patterns, auction trends, and dealer pricing benchmarks relevant to that part of the Midwest.
Agricultural lenders, private equity firms, and business owners alike count on Truman Mox for our accuracy and integrity. Whether the purpose of the appraisal is collateral lending, estate planning, litigation support, or a buy-sell transaction, we produce reports that stand up to scrutiny. Every agricultural equipment appraisal completed by Truman Mox is USPAP-compliant, meaning it adheres to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, as required by most financial institutions and courts.
Beyond tractors and harvesters, Truman Mox appraises a wide array of farming equipment and infrastructure. This includes irrigation systems, grain dryers, sprayers, precision GPS systems, hay rakes, and specialty tools for vineyards and orchards. We understand that agricultural operations are capital-intensive and often involve legacy equipment with varying degrees of modernization. Our valuation methods account for condition, functionality, age, usage history, and market activity, all of which affect real-world value.
What sets Truman Mox apart is not just our reach, but our responsiveness. We work in all 50 states and can usually have a team on-site within days. Our process is streamlined yet thorough, and our clients benefit from clear communication at every step. This recent assignment in Indianapolis is a testament to our commitment to quality and timeliness. In a season where many appraisers would avoid visiting active farms due to operational challenges, Truman Mox embraced the opportunity and delivered.
If you’re a bank, attorney, farmer, or business owner in need of an agricultural equipment appraisal, Truman Mox is ready to help. We bring years of specialized experience, a nationwide footprint, and a deep respect for the agricultural industry. Contact us today to discuss your equipment valuation needs, and trust that we’ll meet you in the field, wherever that may be.