Nebraska farmland values continued to edge higher this year, extending a years-long climb even as producers navigate tighter profit margins and ongoing uncertainty in the farm economy.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual Land Values Summary shows Nebraska’s average farm real estate value, which includes land and buildings, increased 3.5% from a year ago to $4,400 per acre. The state’s average cropland value rose 2.4% to $6,960 per acre, while irrigated cropland climbed to $9,200 per acre, up 4% from 2025. Pasture values also strengthened, increasing to $3,650 per acre, a 4.3% gain.
The report indicates demand for agricultural land has remained resilient despite softer crop prices and elevated production costs that have pressured farm incomes.
Neighboring states also posted gains. Iowa, which continues to lead the Corn Belt in land values, saw its average farm real estate value increase 3.2% to $10,100 per acre, while cropland averaged $10,700 per acre. Kansas’ average farm real estate value rose 3.2% to $3,200 per acre, with cropland reaching $3,540 per acre.
Nationally, the average value of U.S. farm real estate reached $4,500 per acre, up 3.4% from last year. Average cropland increased to $6,020 per acre, while pastureland climbed to $2,000 per acre, reflecting continued strength in agricultural land markets across much of the country.
USDA’s annual report is based on producer surveys and measures the average value of agricultural land and farm buildings across the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Nebraska farm real estate: $4,400/acre (+3.5%)
- Nebraska cropland: $6,960/acre (+2.4%)
- Nebraska irrigated cropland: $9,200/acre (+4.0%)
- Nebraska pasture: $3,650/acre (+4.3%)
- Iowa farm real estate: $10,100/acre (+3.2%)
- Kansas farm real estate: $3,200/acre (+3.2%)
- U.S. farm real estate: $4,500/acre (+3.4%)
- U.S. cropland: $6,020/acre (+3.3%)
- U.S. pasture: $2,000/acre (+4.2%)