After a few years of upward pricing, farmland values are starting to cool.
One economist says prices started to peak across farm country in the early 2020s.
“Yes, and that corresponds with that double-digit run-up in land values during that time for a lot of states, specifically the ‘I’ states, with very strong commodity prices, some good yields in a lot of places, and uncertainty in the market post-COVID, and some other things that drove the land prices higher. And the people, this would be families that inherited land, estates that needed to sell the land, or even some investors that wanted to capitalize on those higher prices. They decide to sell, and those prices run up. We saw the same thing leading up to 2012-'13,” said Randy Dickhut.
On average, land listings are down 25 percent from early 2020. Researchers at Farmers National say active farmers continue to be the primary land buyers this year.
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
January 18, 2026 12:00 PM
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Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
January 18, 2026 07:00 AM
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Rising rural business confidence supports local ag economies, but taxes and labor shortages remain key constraints.
January 17, 2026 02:00 PM
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CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
January 16, 2026 01:44 PM
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Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses how January’s WASDE report could impact ARC and PLC payments and updates on disaster relief programs as farmers navigate a challenging market environment.
January 16, 2026 01:34 PM
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Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller joined us to discuss data center expansion, farmland preservation, rural economic impacts, and imminent cattle biosecurity concerns affecting agriculture today.
January 16, 2026 01:28 PM
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