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.
Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics Dr. Jim Mintert shares a closer look at farmer sentiment and the key issues shaping the agricultural economy in January.
February 04, 2026 10:53 AM
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Stronger U.S.-Guatemala trade rules favor dependable, regionally integrated supply chains — rewarding execution and commitment over cost-only sourcing.
February 04, 2026 09:00 AM
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China-led demand continues to anchor soybean and sorghum exports despite weekly swings.
February 04, 2026 06:00 AM
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Clearer 45Z rules favor U.S. oilseeds, but final RFS volumes remain critical to locking in demand.
February 03, 2026 12:39 PM
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Even small declines in the calf crop translate into sustained supply pressure, supporting cattle prices over multiple years.
February 03, 2026 12:22 PM
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Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.
February 02, 2026 12:13 PM
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