Land Values Drift Lower

The Center for Agricultural Profitability (CAP) at the University of Nebraska reports the average value for agricultural land in Nebraska is lower this year compared to last. This year’s average value, $3,905 per acre, is down 1% relative to 2025. The record high of $4,015 per acre was set two years ago. This year marks two consecutive years of declines, albeit moderate. The figures come from CAP’s annual survey of land appraisers, farm and ranch managers, agricultural bankers, and other real estate professionals.

Figure 1. Nebraska Average Land Value, 1978-2026

Changes in values were mixed across regions in the state. Average values were higher in the Northwest and North regions, up 1% and 4% respectively, due to rising grazing land values. The value of land was also higher in the Central region, up 2%. Elsewhere values were off between 1%-3% with declines most pronounced in the Southeast. Lower crop prices and struggling returns dampened the values of all categories of cropland. Dryland cropland without irrigation potential dipped 1%, dryland crop ground with irrigated potential decreased 2%, center pivot irrigated cropland was2% lower, and gravity irrigated land declined 3%. Grazing and hay land values, on the other hand, increased between 4%-7% statewide, boosted by record cattle prices.

More on the CAP report can be found at: https://cap.unl.edu/news/nebraska-ag-land-values-decline-second-consecutive-year/

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