A Day in the Life of an Appraiser: Spotlight on Young Professional Member Emily Ooms

Farm Credit East is committed to the next generation of agriculture. As part of that commitment, we’re also committed to growing and developing our team alongside the unique needs of the industries we serve. To develop that next generation of leaders, Farm Credit East offers a Young Professionals (YP) program. This development program consists of about 15 employees in all different job roles across our eight-state territory who have about 2-5 years of experience in the company. Young Professionals are involved with Farm Credit East’s internship program, recruiting and various employee engagement efforts.

To further provide insight into the various career paths available at Farm Credit East, this article spotlights Young Professional Emily Ooms, one of Farm Credit East’s dedicated appraisers. At Farm Credit East, agricultural appraisal is a specialized field that blends financial analysis, on-farm experience, and an understanding of the evolving ag industry.

No Two Days Alike

Rather than following a predictable routine, Emily says her days shift based on customer needs, property types and project timelines, making appraisal a career that is both dynamic and engaging. “It’s the diversity that keeps it fun,” she noted.

This variety is one of the aspects she enjoys most. Her work takes her throughout the Finger Lakes and Western New York, where she appraises a wide range of properties from dairy farms to wineries and orchards.

Boots on the Ground

There is no better way to understand the diversity of Northeast agriculture, than by getting out and exploring the countryside. Emily spends roughly 25–35% of her time on the road. Some projects require an hour on-site, while others include several hours of walking properties, measuring buildings, taking photographs and gathering notes.

For larger assignments, she often brings a colleague or intern along. “On these bigger projects, it’s nice to have someone with you,” she said. “It makes it easier to take pictures, measure, take notes and ensure you don’t miss any details.”

The remainder of her time is spent researching comparable sales, writing reports and monitoring industry trends, which is an essential part of accurate valuation in a constantly changing agricultural market.

The Art and Science of Appraisal

Emily describes appraisal as a combination of creativity, problem-solving and technical expertise. “There are never two properties the same,” she explained. “You always have to figure out how to make it work and capture all the different nuances.”

Understanding value from a buyer’s perspective is key, along with maintaining a thorough knowledge of market conditions and industry shifts.

Beyond Appraisal

In addition to her role as appraiser, Emily is actively involved in Farm Credit East’s Young Professionals program. “It’s been nice to incorporate my job with Young Professionals,” she said. “Getting to work with interns has been one of my favorite parts.” She says she brings them along on appraisals, introduces them to appraisal methodology and provides hands-on learning experiences. Her passion for mentorship reflects Farm Credit East’s commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Considering an Appraisal Career?

Entering the appraisal field requires a three-year training process and a willingness to dive into both technical concepts and boots-on-the-ground learning. While an agricultural background is helpful, curiosity, persistence and a strong desire to learn are equally valuable traits.