By Scout Nelson
Nebraska farmland values continued to rise in 2026, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The report found increases in cropland and pastureland values, while cash rental rates remained relatively stable compared to the previous year.
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) collected and published the data, providing insights into land values and rental trends across Nebraska. The findings offer an overview of the state's agricultural real estate market in 2026.
Nebraska's average farm real estate value, which includes farmland and farm buildings, reached $4,400 per acre in 2026. This represented an increase of $150 per acre, or 3.5%, from 2025, reflecting continued strength in the agricultural land market.
Cropland values also moved higher during the year. Average cropland value rose 2.4% to $6,960 per acre, while dryland cropland increased to $5,650 per acre and irrigated cropland climbed to $9,200 per acre.
Pastureland posted one of the largest gains among land categories. The average value reached $1,590 per acre, up $180 per acre from the previous year, highlighting ongoing demand for grazing land.
Cash rental rates experienced only modest changes in 2026. Cropland rents averaged $227 per acre, up 0.4% from a year earlier, while irrigated cropland rents declined slightly to $283 per acre and dryland cropland rents increased to $168 per acre.
Pastureland cash rents also edged upward during the year. The average rental rate reached $29.50 per acre, representing a $1 increase from 2025.
Additional county-level cash rent information is available through the USDA NASS Quick Stats database. Landowners, producers, and industry professionals can also review the 2026 Ag Land Values Report, 2026 State Cash Rents Report, and 2026 County-Level Cash Rents Report for more detailed data and historical comparisons.
Photo Credit: usda.jpg
Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy