The Appraisal Foundation (TAF) recently released its appraisal highlights from its August newsletter. TAF President Kelly Davids spoke of “getting involved” with her appraisal organization.

“You often hear us mention just how many incredible ways there are to get involved with the work of The Appraisal Foundation. From boards and councils to panels and partnership, the possibilities are wide-ranging,” Davids wrote in the August newsletter. “But this year, we debuted a new way for organizations, or even individuals, to get more involved in our work and have a direct hand in moving the profession forward.”

Davids was specifically referring to contributors, including those having a particular project they want to pursue, which TAF can bring to life using its deep expertise and networks, or those who simply want to support the ongoing work of TAF boards.

“These individuals or groups provide monetary support, and, if their focus is a particular project, input on how the foundation should use those funds to meet the needs of current or aspiring appraisers,” Davids said. “One such example is our very first contributor, the Farm Credit Council.

“Farm Credit came to us with a request to help lay the groundwork for a rural appraisal practicum. With the support of their subject matter experts and funding, our team launched an exciting project to develop a beta-phase framework and implementation guide for a modular practicum course focused on rural and agricultural properties,” Davids added.

TAF noted this framework represents a foundational starting point meant to guide education providers as they build their own practicum courses. Rather than a full course or turnkey solution, once it becomes available later this year, this document will offer a structured example assignment, teaching resources and implementation strategies that can be adapted to meet training needs.

“We are incredibly appreciative of Farm Credit’s trailblazing efforts to kickstart this important initiative and to help open new experience pathways for aspiring rural appraisers,” Davids concluded. “If you or your organization are interested in contributing to a project like this one or simply in deepening your support of TAF’s work, I hope you will consider reaching out to our team to learn more. We would love to chat with you about how we can carry out this important mission together.”