By: NATHAN STUEDLE
U.S. farmland values reached another record in 2026, although the pace of appreciation is beginning to slow. USDA says average farm real estate values increased 3.4 percent to 4,500 dollars per acre, marking the sixth consecutive annual increase. Since 2020, farm real estate values have climbed nearly 44 percent. Cropland values increased to a record 6,020 dollars per acre, while pasture values reached 2,000 dollars. Average cropland cash rent declined by just one dollar to 160 dollars per acre and remains about 15 percent above 2020 levels.