This year’s ag land value, rental rates are high expenses for producers

Land prices and rental rates are some of the highest expenses a producer must face annually. Every summer, UNL’s Center of Agricultural Profitability (CAP) releases The Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market survey. Those wanting to check it out themselves can find a pdf version at cap.unl.edu/land or can contact their local extension office, but here are some highlights: Across the state, the all-land average value for ag real estate in Nebraska decreased by one percent. The Southeast region saw the largest drop with a three percent decrease while the North region saw a four percent gain. Current crop prices, interest rate levels and farm input costs were cited as major downward pressures on prices while livestock prices and 1031 tax exchanges were cited as positive drivers.