ASX-listed Rural Funds Group may look to sell half-stakes in about $163 million of farms it currently owns and operates as it looks to reduce gearing amid expectations interest rates will remain higher for longer.

Last week, the owner of almost $2 billion of cattle stations, almond and macadamia orchards, vineyards and broadacre cropping farms announced it had sold half-stakes in two irrigated Queensland cropping properties it owns and operates to a company managed by American-based investment firm The Rohatyn Group.