Nebraska Ag Land Values Decline as Farm Finances Tighten

By Ryan Evans

Nebraska’s agricultural land values decreased by 2% in the past year, with an average value of $3,935 per acre as of Feb. 1, according to preliminary findings of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 2024-25 Farm Real Estate Market Survey.

This is the first decline in the non-inflation-adjusted market value of Nebraska agricultural land in six years and follows a record high of $4,015 per acre in 2024.

The survey’s preliminary report was published March 12 by the university’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, based in the Department of Agricultural Economics. It provides current estimates of agricultural land values and cash rental rates, broken down regionally across a variety of land types and classes.

Industry professionals who responded to this year’s survey attributed the decline in land values to current crop prices, interest rate levels and farm input costs, said Jim Jansen, an Extension agricultural economist who leads the survey and report.

“High interest rates and lower crop prices have tightened farm finances, leading to cautious land and equipment investments,” Jansen said. “With borrowing costs at multi-decade highs, land markets have slowed as producers navigate these financial pressures.”