Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary

United States
Department of
Agriculture
National
Agricultural
Statistics
Service

Land Values and
Cash Rents
2010 Summary
August 2010

ISSN: 1949-1867

Contents
Agricultural Land Values Highlights ................................................................................................................... 4
United States Average Farm Real Estate Value, Dollars per Acre: 2001-2010 .................................................. 5
2010 Farm Real Estate Value by State, Dollars per Acre and Percent Change from 2009 ................................ 5
United States Average Cropland Value, Dollars per Acre: 2001-2010 ............................................................... 6
2010 Cropland Value by State, Dollars per Acre and Percent Change from 2009.............................................. 6
United States Average Pasture Value, Dollars per Acre: 2001-2010.................................................................. 7
2010 Pasture Value by State, Dollars per Acre and Percent Change from 2009 ................................................ 7
Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre by Region and State: January 1, 2006-2010 ................................... 8
Cropland Average Value per Acre by Region and State: January 1, 2006-2010 .............................................. 10
Irrigated and Non-Irrigated Cropland Average Value per Acre by State:
January 1, 2006-2010 ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Pasture Average Value per Acre by Region and State: January 1, 2006-2010 ................................................ 14
Farm Real Estate Value of Farmland and Buildings by Region and State:
January 1, 2005-2009 ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Agricultural Cash Rents Highlights .................................................................................................................. 18
United States Average Cropland Cash Rent, Dollars per Acre: 2001-2010 ...................................................... 19
2010 Cropland Cash Rent by State, Dollars per Acre ...................................................................................... 19
United States Average Pasture Cash Rent, Dollars per Acre: 2001-2010 ........................................................ 20
2010 Pasture Cash Rent by State, Dollars per Acre ........................................................................................ 20
Cropland Rented for Cash Average Cash Rent per Acre by Region and State: 2006-2010 ............................. 21
Pasture Rented for Cash Average Cash Rent per Acre by Region and State: 2006-2010 ............................... 23
Economic Regions .......................................................................................................................................... 24
Statistical Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 25
Information Contacts ....................................................................................................................................... 28

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

3

Agricultural Land Values Highlights
The United States farm real estate value, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, averaged $2,140
per acre on January 1, 2010, up 1.4 percent from 2009. Regional changes in the average value of farm real estate ranged
from a 4.9 percent increase in the Northern Plains regions to a 3.3 percent decline in the Southeast region. The highest
farm real estate values remained in the Northeast region at $4,690 per acre. The Mountain region had the lowest farm real
estate value, $911 per acre.
The United States cropland value increased by $30 per acre (1.1 percent) to $2,700 per acre. In the Northern Plains and
Delta regions, the average cropland value increased 6.9 and 6.1 percent, respectively, from the previous year. However, in
the Southeast and Mountain regions, cropland values decreased by 5.3 percent and 5.0 percent, respectively.
The United States pasture value was unchanged from 2009 at $1,070 per acre. The Southeast region had the largest
percentage decrease in pasture value, 5.6 percent below 2009. The Northern Plains region had the highest percentage
increase, 3.8 percent above 2009.

4

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Average Farm Real Estate Value - United States
Dollars per acre
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
2001

2002

2003

2004

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

5

Average Cropland Value - United States
Dollars per acre
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
2001

6

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Average Pasture Value - United States
Dollars per acre
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
2001

2002

2003

2004

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

7

Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre by Region and State: January 1, 2006-2010
Region and state 1

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Change
2009-2010

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(percent)

Northeast ........................................
Connecticut .................................
Delaware .....................................
Maine ..........................................
Maryland .....................................
Massachusetts ............................
New Hampshire ..........................
New Jersey .................................
New York ....................................
Pennsylvania ...............................
Rhode Island ...............................
Vermont ......................................

4,550
12,100
10,400
2,110
8,400
11,700
4,240
14,400
2,020
4,380
15,300
2,480

4,920
12,700
10,700
2,230
8,500
11,900
4,800
15,700
2,180
4,970
16,400
2,740

4,980
12,700
10,300
2,200
8,000
12,300
4,900
15,300
2,350
5,120
16,800
2,900

4,830
12,000
8,900
2,100
7,500
12,000
4,800
13,800
2,400
5,100
15,300
2,800

4,690
11,500
8,100
2,000
7,200
11,600
4,750
13,100
2,400
5,000
13,600
2,750

-2.9
-4.2
-9.0
-4.8
-4.0
-3.3
-1.0
-5.1
-2.0
-11.1
-1.8

Lake ................................................
Michigan .....................................
Minnesota ...................................
Wisconsin ...................................

2,760
3,370
2,340
3,100

3,180
3,760
2,700
3,640

3,410
3,900
2,970
3,850

3,300
3,750
2,870
3,750

3,300
3,650
2,940
3,720

-2.7
2.4
-0.8

Corn Belt .........................................
Illinois ..........................................
Indiana ........................................
Iowa ............................................
Missouri ......................................
Ohio ............................................

2,920
3,590
3,250
2,910
1,910
3,420

3,290
4,020
3,640
3,370
2,170
3,700

3,700
4,550
4,100
3,950
2,300
4,020

3,620
4,530
4,020
3,850
2,200
3,880

3,680
4,650
4,100
3,900
2,250
3,900

1.7
2.6
2.0
1.3
2.3
0.5

Northern Plains ...............................
Kansas ........................................
Nebraska ....................................
North Dakota ...............................
South Dakota ..............................

799
870
1,030
580
680

896
980
1,140
650
770

1,020
1,020
1,330
770
920

1,020
1,030
1,340
780
890

1,070
1,060
1,460
810
920

4.9
2.9
9.0
3.8
3.4

Appalachian ....................................
Kentucky .....................................
North Carolina .............................
Tennessee ..................................
Virginia ........................................
West Virginia ...............................

3,280
2,670
4,060
2,970
4,430
2,000

3,520
2,740
4,330
3,250
4,900
2,300

3,650
2,850
4,450
3,450
5,000
2,500

3,530
2,850
4,250
3,300
4,800
2,400

3,520
2,880
4,130
3,450
4,600
2,400

-0.3
1.1
-2.8
4.5
-4.2
-

See footnote(s) at end of table.

8

--continued

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Farm Real Estate Average Value per Acre by Region and State: January 1, 2006-2010 - (continued)
Region and state 1

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Change
2009-2010

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(percent)

Southeast ........................................
Alabama ......................................
Florida .........................................
Georgia ........................................
South Carolina .............................

3,580
2,100
5,230
3,800
2,550

3,890
2,200
5,500
4,350
2,820

3,940
2,300
5,640
4,300
2,950

3,690
2,150
5,150
4,100
2,900

3,570
2,100
5,000
3,900
2,900

-3.3
-2.3
-2.9
-4.9
-

Delta ................................................
Arkansas .....................................
Louisiana .....................................
Mississippi ...................................

1,870
2,000
1,780
1,770

2,080
2,240
1,950
1,970

2,220
2,420
2,050
2,080

2,160
2,390
1,970
2,000

2,230
2,500
2,050
2,030

3.2
4.6
4.1
1.5

Southern Plains ...............................
Oklahoma ....................................
Texas ...........................................

1,140
970
1,190

1,320
1,080
1,380

1,470
1,150
1,550

1,470
1,170
1,550

1,530
1,180
1,630

4.1
0.9
5.2

Mountain ..........................................
Arizona 2 ......................................
Colorado ......................................
Idaho ...........................................
Montana ......................................
Nevada 2 ......................................
New Mexico 2 ...............................
Utah 2 ..........................................
Wyoming .....................................

852
3,050
1,020
2,200
720
830
410
1,510
400

964
3,200
1,130
2,480
830
980
460
1,730
490

1,030
3,500
1,150
2,500
900
1,000
500
1,850
560

922
3,500
1,100
2,200
700
1,000
480
1,800
520

911
3,500
1,080
2,100
700
1,000
480
1,810
510

-1.2
-1.8
-4.5
0.6
-1.9

Pacific ..............................................
California .....................................
Oregon ........................................
Washington ..................................

3,280
5,360
1,470
1,720

3,660
5,960
1,720
1,850

3,970
6,440
1,900
2,020

4,010
6,600
1,800
2,000

4,050
6,700
1,780
2,030

1.0
1.5
-1.1
1.5

48 States 3 .......................................

1,830

2,010

2,170

2,110

2,140

1.4

- Represents zero.
See page 24 for definition of Regions.
2
Excludes American Indian Reservation land.
3
Excludes Alaska and Hawaii.
1

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

9

Cropland Average Value per Acre by Region and State: January 1, 2006-2010
Region and state

1

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Change
2009-2010

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(percent)

Northeast ........................................
Delaware .....................................
Maryland .....................................
New Jersey .................................
New York ....................................
Pennsylvania ...............................
Other States 2 .............................

4,970
10,000
8,200
14,900
1,800
4,680
7,370

5,350
10,200
8,400
16,000
1,900
5,330
7,690

5,590
9,800
7,800
15,600
2,150
6,000
7,930

5,340
8,500
7,300
14,000
2,200
5,700
7,570

5,220
7,700
7,000
13,300
2,300
5,650
7,150

-2.2
-9.4
-4.1
-5.0
4.5
-0.9
-5.5

Lake ................................................
Michigan .....................................
Minnesota ...................................
Wisconsin ...................................

2,480
2,900
2,130
2,900

2,830
3,280
2,420
3,370

3,080
3,480
2,700
3,600

3,020
3,370
2,610
3,650

3,090
3,300
2,770
3,610

2.3
-2.1
6.1
-1.1

Corn Belt .........................................
Illinois ..........................................
Indiana ........................................
Iowa ............................................
Missouri ......................................
Ohio ............................................

3,090
3,640
3,250
3,100
2,010
3,470

3,530
4,150
3,640
3,600
2,330
3,820

4,030
4,850
4,140
4,260
2,500
4,140

3,910
4,670
3,950
4,050
2,540
3,900

4,000
4,820
4,030
4,100
2,670
3,950

2.3
3.2
2.0
1.2
5.1
1.3

Northern Plains ...............................
Kansas ........................................
Nebraska ....................................
North Dakota ...............................
South Dakota ..............................

985
854
1,560
610
1,040

1,090
914
1,760
670
1,180

1,280
1,020
2,050
810
1,400

1,300
1,050
2,180
800
1,400

1,390
1,120
2,410
820
1,460

6.9
6.7
10.6
2.5
4.3

Appalachian ....................................
Kentucky .....................................
North Carolina .............................
Tennessee ..................................
Virginia ........................................
West Virginia ...............................

3,290
2,810
3,450
2,820
4,800
3,300

3,570
2,930
3,720
3,200
5,250
3,600

3,730
3,100
3,850
3,400
5,350
3,800

3,600
3,150
3,770
3,270
5,000
3,500

3,590
3,180
3,720
3,400
4,700
3,400

-0.3
1.0
-1.3
4.0
-6.0
-2.9

See footnote(s) at end of table.

10

--continued

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Cropland Average Value per Acre by Region and State: January 1, 2006-2010 - (continued)
Region and state 1

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Change
2009-2010

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(percent)

Southeast ........................................
Alabama ......................................
Florida .........................................
Georgia ........................................
South Carolina .............................

3,790
2,300
6,540
3,620
2,110

4,180
2,450
6,860
4,290
2,430

4,380
2,650
6,980
4,540
2,610

3,960
2,500
6,430
4,050
2,500

3,750
2,400
6,180
3,690
2,520

-5.3
-4.0
-3.9
-8.9
0.8

Delta ................................................
Arkansas .....................................
Louisiana .....................................
Mississippi ...................................

1,540
1,550
1,530
1,530

1,690
1,680
1,690
1,710

1,800
1,770
1,830
1,810

1,810
1,860
1,740
1,810

1,920
1,990
1,800
1,900

6.1
7.0
3.4
5.0

Southern Plains ...............................
Oklahoma ....................................
Texas ...........................................

1,110
889
1,190

1,250
979
1,360

1,390
1,110
1,500

1,380
1,130
1,480

1,430
1,160
1,540

3.6
2.7
4.1

Mountain ..........................................
Arizona 3 ......................................
Colorado ......................................
Idaho ...........................................
Montana ......................................
Nevada 3 ......................................
New Mexico 3 ...............................
Utah 3 ..........................................
Wyoming .....................................

1,520
10,500
1,170
2,450
756
2,670
1,370
2,620
970

1,640
10,800
1,270
2,770
784
2,720
1,570
2,940
1,150

1,670
11,500
1,310
2,800
811
2,740
1,630
2,700
1,180

1,610
10,000
1,300
2,610
787
2,700
1,810
2,810
1,180

1,530
8,000
1,290
2,470
779
(4)
1,820
2,720
1,180

-5.0
-20.0
-0.8
-5.4
-1.0
(X)
0.6
-3.2
-

Pacific ..............................................
California .....................................
Oregon ........................................
Washington ..................................

4,690
8,290
1,950
1,620

5,420
9,700
2,280
1,700

5,570
9,880
2,380
1,830

5,210
9,480
2,340
1,790

5,070
9,130
2,300
1,850

-2.7
-3.7
-1.7
3.4

48 States 5 .......................................

2,300

2,530

2,760

2,670

2,700

1.1

- Represents zero.
(X) Not applicable.
1
See page 24 for definition of Regions.
2
Includes: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
3
Excludes American Indian Reservation land.
4
Not published due to insufficient reports.
5
Excludes Alaska and Hawaii.

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

11

Irrigated and Non-Irrigated Cropland Average Value per Acre by State: January 1, 2006-2010
[Only States with significant irrigated acreage appear in this table]
Region, state,
and land type 1

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Change
2009-2010

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(percent)

Corn Belt
Missouri all cropland ....................................
Irrigated ..................................................
Non-irrigated ..........................................

2,010
2,650
1,970

2,330
2,800
2,300

2,500
2,980
2,470

2,540
3,050
2,500

2,670
3,120
2,630

5.1
2.3
5.2

Northern Plains
Kansas all cropland ......................................
Irrigated ..................................................
Non-irrigated ..........................................

854
1,200
820

914
1,260
880

1,020
1,450
980

1,050
1,500
1,000

1,120
1,550
1,070

6.7
3.3
7.0

Nebraska all cropland ..................................
Irrigated ..................................................
Non-irrigated ..........................................

1,560
2,030
1,330

1,760
2,230
1,520

2,050
2,650
1,750

2,180
2,700
1,850

2,410
3,050
2,000

10.6
13.0
8.1

South Dakota all cropland ............................
Irrigated ..................................................
Non-irrigated ..........................................

1,040
1,400
1,030

1,180
1,600
1,170

1,400
1,830
1,390

1,400
1,850
1,390

1,460
(2)
1,450

4.3
(X)
4.3

Southeast
Florida all cropland .......................................
Irrigated ..................................................
Non-irrigated ..........................................

6,540
7,330
5,780

6,860
7,580
6,160

6,980
7,790
6,300

6,430
7,000
5,900

6,180
6,700
5,700

-3.9
-4.3
-3.4

Georgia all cropland .....................................
Irrigated ..................................................
Non-irrigated ..........................................

3,620
3,500
3,650

4,290
3,550
4,450

4,540
3,600
4,750

4,050
3,500
4,200

3,690
3,300
3,800

-8.9
-5.7
-9.5

Delta
Arkansas all cropland ...................................
Irrigated ..................................................
Non-irrigated ..........................................

1,550
1,700
1,430

1,680
1,850
1,540

1,770
1,920
1,650

1,860
2,100
1,600

1,990
2,250
1,700

7.0
7.1
6.3

Louisiana all cropland ..................................
Irrigated ..................................................
Non-irrigated ..........................................

1,530
1,320
1,580

1,690
1,470
1,740

1,830
1,560
1,890

1,740
1,500
1,800

1,800
1,700
1,830

3.4
13.3
1.7

Mississippi all cropland .................................
Irrigated ..................................................
Non-irrigated ..........................................

1,530
1,480
1,540

1,710
1,740
1,700

1,810
1,980
1,770

1,810
1,830
1,800

1,900
1,970
1,880

5.0
7.7
4.4

Southern Plains
Oklahoma all cropland .................................
Irrigated ..................................................
Non-irrigated ..........................................

889
1,160
880

979
1,250
970

1,110
1,400
1,100

1,130
(2)
1,120

1,160
(2)
1,150

2.7
(X)
2.7

Texas all cropland ........................................
Irrigated ..................................................
Non-irrigated ..........................................

1,190
1,290
1,180

1,360
1,520
1,340

1,500
1,680
1,480

1,480
1,700
1,450

1,540
1,700
1,510

4.1
4.1

See footnote(s) at end of table.

12

--continued

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Irrigated and Non-Irrigated Cropland Average Value per Acre by State: January 1, 2006-2010
(continued)
[Only States with significant irrigated acreage appear in this table]
Region, state,
and land type 1

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Change
2009-2010

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(percent)

Mountain
Arizona all cropland 3 .............................................
Irrigated ...........................................................

10,500
10,500

10,800
10,800

11,500
11,500

10,000
10,000

8,000
8,000

-20.0
-20.0

Colorado all cropland .............................................
Irrigated ...........................................................
Non-irrigated ....................................................

1,170
2,700
740

1,270
2,900
820

1,310
3,100
890

1,300
3,150
840

1,290
3,100
840

-0.8
-1.6
-

Idaho all cropland ..................................................
Irrigated ...........................................................
Non-irrigated ....................................................

2,450
3,900
1,050

2,770
4,350
1,230

2,800
4,500
1,360

2,610
4,000
1,300

2,470
3,800
1,220

-5.4
-5.0
-6.2

Montana all cropland .............................................
Irrigated ...........................................................
Non-irrigated ....................................................

756
2,500
580

784
3,000
560

811
3,300
580

787
2,800
600

779
2,700
600

-1.0
-3.6
-

Nevada all cropland 3 .............................................
Irrigated ...........................................................

2,670
2,670

2,720
2,720

2,740
2,740

2,700
2,700

(2)
(2)

(X)
(X)

New Mexico all cropland 3 ......................................
Irrigated ...........................................................
Non-irrigated ....................................................

1,370
4,000
340

1,570
4,630
360

1,630
5,360
410

1,810
5,490
400

1,820
5,500
400

0.6
0.2
-

Utah all cropland 3 ..................................................
Irrigated ...........................................................
Non-irrigated ....................................................

2,620
4,570
1,060

2,940
5,220
1,120

2,700
5,260
1,150

2,810
5,200
1,080

2,720
5,050
1,040

-3.2
-2.9
-3.7

Wyoming all cropland .............................................
Irrigated ...........................................................
Non-irrigated ....................................................

970
1,700
500

1,150
1,860
700

1,180
2,090
750

1,180
1,900
700

1,180
1,930
690

1.6
-1.4

Pacific
California all cropland ............................................
Irrigated ...........................................................
Non-irrigated ....................................................

8,290
10,000
2,980

9,700
11,700
3,480

9,880
12,300
3,570

9,480
11,600
3,400

9,130
11,100
3,500

-3.7
-4.3
2.9

Oregon all cropland ...............................................
Irrigated ...........................................................
Non-irrigated ....................................................

1,950
3,000
1,520

2,280
3,500
1,770

2,380
3,740
1,900

2,340
3,680
1,850

2,300
3,620
1,820

-1.7
-1.6
-1.6

Washington all cropland .........................................
Irrigated ...........................................................
Non-irrigated ....................................................

1,620
3,660
1,070

1,700
3,900
1,110

1,830
4,200
1,210

1,790
4,200
1,150

1,850
4,500
1,150

3.4
7.1
-

- Represents zero.
(X) Not applicable.
1
See page 24 for definition of Regions.
2
Not published due to insufficient reports.
3
Excludes American Indian Reservation land.

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

13

Pasture Average Value per Acre by Region and State: January 1, 2006-2010
Region and state 1

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Change
2009-2010

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(percent)

Northeast ........................................
Maryland .....................................
New Jersey .................................
New York ....................................
Pennsylvania ...............................
Other States 3 .............................

3,060
7,700
15,500
880
2,270
5,290

3,420
(2)
16,800
980
2,900
6,360

3,480
(2)
16,500
1,100
3,100
6,370

3,270
(2)
14,900
1,050
2,600
6,060

3,150
(2)
14,200
1,050
2,500
5,820

-3.7
(X)
-4.7
-3.8
-4.0

Lake ................................................
Michigan .....................................
Minnesota ...................................
Wisconsin ...................................

1,470
2,070
1,120
1,740

1,720
2,450
1,330
2,000

1,840
2,630
1,480
2,130

1,790
2,550
1,400
2,050

1,760
2,400
1,400
2,020

-1.7
-5.9
-1.5

Corn Belt .........................................
Illinois ..........................................
Indiana ........................................
Iowa ............................................
Missouri ......................................
Ohio ............................................

1,630
1,940
2,000
1,400
1,500
2,360

1,910
2,350
2,230
1,780
1,730
2,720

2,090
2,550
2,510
2,070
1,800
3,200

1,950
2,400
2,430
1,880
1,700
3,050

1,940
2,620
2,410
1,900
1,660
3,000

-0.5
9.2
-0.8
1.1
-2.4
-1.6

Northern Plains ...............................
Kansas ........................................
Nebraska ....................................
North Dakota ...............................
South Dakota ..............................

390
590
350
260
360

440
660
400
300
400

516
750
480
350
470

496
750
450
350
430

515
770
475
370
440

3.8
2.7
5.6
5.7
2.3

Appalachian ....................................
Kentucky .....................................
North Carolina .............................
Tennessee ..................................
Virginia ........................................
West Virginia ...............................

3,210
2,230
4,400
3,400
4,440
1,800

3,500
2,500
4,800
3,680
4,800
1,900

3,620
2,570
4,870
3,880
4,830
1,950

3,400
2,420
4,600
3,650
4,800
1,900

3,300
2,440
4,340
3,600
4,500
1,900

-2.9
0.8
-5.7
-1.4
-6.3
-

See footnote(s) at end of table.

14

--continued

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Pasture Average Value per Acre by Region and State: January 1, 2006-2010 - (continued)
Region and state 1

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Change
2009-2010

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(percent)

Southeast ........................................
Alabama ......................................
Florida .........................................
Georgia ........................................
South Carolina .............................

4,300
1,650
4,810
7,100
2,500

4,770
1,750
5,360
7,850
2,920

5,040
1,800
5,930
7,450
3,000

4,270
1,700
5,300
6,000
2,900

4,030
1,650
5,050
5,400
2,900

-5.6
-2.9
-4.7
-10.0
-

Delta ................................................
Arkansas .....................................
Louisiana .....................................
Mississippi ...................................

1,740
1,740
1,690
1,780

2,060
2,080
1,980
2,110

2,160
2,200
2,060
2,200

2,130
2,200
2,100
2,050

2,140
2,300
2,100
1,930

0.5
4.5
-5.9

Southern Plains ...............................
Oklahoma ....................................
Texas ...........................................

986
760
1,030

1,170
900
1,220

1,340
1,000
1,400

1,300
1,010
1,360

1,340
1,020
1,410

3.1
1.0
3.7

Mountain ..........................................
Arizona 4 ......................................
Colorado ......................................
Idaho ...........................................
Montana ......................................
Nevada 4 ......................................
New Mexico 4 ...............................
Utah 4 ..........................................
Wyoming .....................................

522
750
740
1,450
630
570
250
900
320

590
900
730
1,620
740
640
280
900
410

617
950
710
1,610
760
650
310
940
480

517
900
670
1,280
530
620
280
870
410

518
950
650
1,250
530
(2)
290
920
410

0.2
5.6
-3.0
-2.3
(X)
3.6
5.7
-

Pacific ..............................................
California .....................................
Oregon ........................................
Washington ..................................

1,350
2,150
560
600

1,720
2,800
660
680

1,900
3,020
740
770

1,730
2,900
700
820

1,700
2,850
670
820

-1.7
-1.7
-4.3
-

48 States 5 .......................................

960

1,030

1,090

1,070

1,070

-

- Represents zero.
(X) Not applicable.
1
See page 24 for definition of Regions.
2
Not published due to insufficient reports.
3
Includes: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
4
Excludes American Indian Reservation land.
5
Excludes Alaska and Hawaii.

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

15

Farm Real Estate Value of Farmland and Buildings by Region and State: January 1, 2005-2009
[Total value of land and buildings is derived by multiplying average value per acre of farm real estate by the land in farms]
Total value of land and buildings
Region and state

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Change
2008-2009
(percent)

(million dollars)

(million dollars)

(million dollars)

(million dollars)

(million dollars)

Northeast ........................................
Connecticut .................................
Delaware .....................................
Maine ..........................................
Maryland .....................................
Massachusetts ............................
New Hampshire ..........................
New Jersey .................................
New York ....................................
Pennsylvania ...............................
Rhode Island ...............................
Vermont ......................................

4,368
4,420
2,706
15,450
5,460
1,739
9,500
13,965
31,044
896
2,900

4,840
5,304
2,849
17,304
6,084
1,950
10,656
14,685
34,164
1,071
3,100

5,207
5,457
3,011
17,510
6,188
2,256
11,461
15,696
38,766
1,148
3,370

5,080
5,150
2,970
16,400
6,396
2,303
11,169
16,685
39,680
1,176
3,538

4,800
4,361
2,835
15,375
6,240
2,256
10,074
17,040
39,525
1,071
3,416

-5.5
-15.3
-4.5
-6.3
-2.4
-2.0
-9.8
2.1
-0.4
-8.9
-3.4

Lake States .....................................
Michigan .....................................
Minnesota ...................................
Wisconsin ...................................

31,007
56,032
42,966

34,037
63,180
47,430

37,600
72,630
55,328

39,000
79,893
58,520

37,500
77,203
57,000

-3.8
-3.4
-2.6

Corn Belt .........................................
Illinois ..........................................
Indiana ........................................
Iowa ............................................
Missouri ......................................
Ohio ............................................

86,670
44,700
82,368
51,625
44,588

96,571
48,425
89,919
55,963
48,222

107,736
53,872
103,796
62,930
51,800

121,485
60,680
121,660
66,930
55,878

120,951
59,496
118,580
64,020
53,544

-0.4
-2.0
-2.5
-4.3
-4.2

Northern Plains ...............................
Kansas ........................................
Nebraska ....................................
North Dakota ...............................
South Dakota ..............................

38,200
41,587
20,094
25,783

41,282
47,071
22,852
29,716

45,374
51,984
25,740
33,649

47,124
60,648
30,492
40,204

47,586
61,104
30,888
38,893

1.0
0.8
1.3
-3.3

Appalachian ....................................
Kentucky .....................................
North Carolina .............................
Tennessee ..................................
Virginia ........................................
West Virginia ...............................

34,300
33,616
31,248
31,540
6,840

37,380
35,728
32,967
36,326
7,200

38,360
37,238
35,750
39,690
8,510

39,900
38,270
37,605
40,000
9,250

39,900
36,550
35,970
38,400
8,880

-4.5
-4.3
-4.0
-4.0

See footnote(s) at end of table.

16

--continued

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Farm Real Estate Value of Farmland and Buildings by Region and State: January 1, 2005-2009
(continued)
[Total value of land and buildings is derived by multiplying average value per acre of farm real estate by the land in farms]
Total value of land and buildings
Region and state

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Change
2008-2009

(million dollars)

(million dollars)

(million dollars)

(million dollars)

(million dollars)

(percent)

Southeast ........................................
Alabama ......................................
Florida .........................................
Georgia ........................................
South Carolina .............................

18,040
45,840
33,598
11,542

18,690
49,476
41,800
12,470

19,800
51,150
44,805
13,818

20,585
52,170
44,720
14,455

19,350
47,638
42,230
14,210

-6.0
-8.7
-5.6
-1.7

Delta States .....................................
Arkansas .....................................
Louisiana .....................................
Mississippi ...................................

26,270
13,600
18,122

28,000
14,240
19,470

31,136
15,795
21,670

33,154
16,503
22,880

32,504
15,859
22,100

-2.0
-3.9
-3.4

Southern Plains ...............................
Oklahoma ....................................
Texas ...........................................

31,050
129,800

33,756
154,343

37,908
179,952

40,365
202,120

41,067
202,120

1.7
-

Mountain ..........................................
Arizona 1 ......................................
Colorado ......................................
Idaho ...........................................
Montana ......................................
Nevada 1 ......................................
New Mexico 1 ...............................
Utah 1 ..........................................
Wyoming .....................................

13,709
27,990
19,305
29,088
3,198
13,942
9,607
10,982

16,311
31,926
25,520
43,776
4,150
16,684
11,293
12,640

16,926
35,482
28,520
50,547
4,777
18,505
12,479
14,798

18,156
35,995
28,500
54,720
4,871
19,829
13,291
16,856

18,156
34,430
25,080
42,560
4,871
19,121
12,953
15,704

-4.3
-12.0
-22.2
-3.6
-2.5
-6.8

Pacific ..............................................
California .....................................
Oregon ........................................
Washington ..................................

130,795
23,046
24,450

137,752
24,402
25,800

151,384
28,208
27,565

163,576
31,160
29,896

167,640
29,520
29,600

2.5
-5.3
-1.0

48 States 2 .......................................

1,429,586

1,598,775

1,777,282

1,921,888

1,870,171

-2.7

- Represents zero.
1
Value of all land and buildings adjusted to include American Indian Reservation land value.
2
Excludes Alaska and Hawaii.

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

17

Agricultural Cash Rents Highlights
Nationally, cash rents per acre paid to landlords for cropland in 2010 rose $3.00 (3.0 percent), while pasture rents
remained unchanged. Cropland cash rents averaged $102.00 per acre, compared with $99.00 per acre for 2009. Pasture
cash rents averaged $11.00 per acre, consistent with the 2009 price but above the 2008 price of $10.50. The increase in
cropland land rental rates are the result of producers receiving strong commodity prices, while pasture cash rent is affected
less by commodity prices and more by land values.
The Appalachian region had the highest percentage increase for cropland, 7.6 percent above 2009. Cropland cash rents
increased $2.50 per acre to $71.00 in the Northern Plains region and $3.00 per acre to $152.00 in the Corn Belt region.
The Corn Belt and Northern Plains regions account for slightly more than one half of cash rented cropland acreage in the
United States.
The major corn and soybean producing states of Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa experienced increases in cropland cash rents.
Illinois increased 3.7 percent to $169.00 per acre, while Indiana and Iowa both increased approximately 1 percent to
$141.00 and $176.00 per acre, respectively.
While pasture rent in the Northern Plains remained unchanged from the previous year, rents in the Southern Plains
increased by 10 cents and rents in the Mountain region decreased 10 cents. The Northern Plains, Southern Plains, and
Mountain regions account for nearly 83 percent of the cash rented pasture acreage in the United States. The cash rent paid
for pasture in the Corn Belt region decreased $1.50 to $29.50 per acre, which is the highest cash rent paid for pasture in
the United States.

18

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Average Cropland Cash Rent - United States
Dollars per acre
105.00
100.00
95.00
90.00
85.00
80.00
75.00
70.00
65.00
2001

2002

2003

2004

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

19

Average Pasture Cash Rent - United States
Dollars per acre
12.00
11.50
11.00
10.50
10.00
9.50
9.00
8.50
8.00
2001

20

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Cropland Rented for Cash Average Cash Rent per Acre by Region and State: 2006-2010
[Unless otherwise specified as irrigated or non-irrigated, data are for all cropland]
Region, state,
and land type 1

2006

2007

(dollars)

2008

(dollars)

2009

(dollars)

2010

(dollars)

(dollars)

Northeast ...............................................
Delaware ...........................................
Maryland ............................................
New Jersey ........................................
New York ...........................................
Pennsylvania .....................................

47.00
65.00
62.00
47.50
39.00
46.50

50.00
72.00
66.00
50.50
39.50
55.00

51.50
72.00
66.50
52.50
41.50
55.00

54.50
70.00
68.50
55.00
44.00
55.00

53.50
66.00
65.00
55.00
43.50
56.50

Lake ......................................................
Michigan ............................................
Minnesota ..........................................
Wisconsin ..........................................

80.00
65.00
88.00
71.00

84.00
73.00
94.00
72.00

97.00
78.00
109.00
85.00

101.00
81.00
113.00
87.00

107.00
80.50
121.00
92.00

Corn Belt ...............................................
Illinois ................................................
Indiana ...............................................
Iowa ...................................................
Missouri
Non-irrigated ..................................
Ohio ...................................................

119.00
132.00
111.00
133.00

124.00
141.00
120.00
150.00

139.00
163.00
135.00
170.00

149.00
163.00
139.00
175.00

152.00
169.00
141.00
176.00

79.00
86.00

79.00
91.00

80.00
100.00

90.00
101.00

94.00
101.00

Northern Plains ......................................
Kansas ..............................................
Irrigated .........................................
Non-irrigated ..................................
Nebraska ...........................................
Irrigated .........................................
Non-irrigated ..................................
North Dakota .....................................
South Dakota
Non-irrigated ..................................

53.50
44.00
74.00
39.00
101.00
131.00
76.00
39.00

59.50
45.00
82.00
41.00
103.00
139.00
79.00
41.00

66.00
47.50
92.00
42.50
121.00
158.00
97.00
42.50

68.50
48.00
89.00
43.50
128.00
163.00
97.00
45.50

71.00
50.00
95.00
43.50
135.00
170.00
103.00
46.50

53.00

56.50

64.00

71.50

71.50

Appalachian ...........................................
Kentucky ............................................
North Carolina ...................................
Tennessee .........................................
Virginia ..............................................
West Virginia .....................................

56.00
78.00
52.00
67.00
40.00
30.00

64.50
82.00
54.50
67.00
45.00
30.00

63.50
78.50
57.50
68.50
40.50
28.00

66.00
93.50
61.00
73.00
43.50
28.00

71.00
103.00
63.00
78.00
45.00
32.00

Southeast ..............................................
Alabama ............................................
Florida
Non-irrigated ..................................
Georgia ..............................................
Irrigated .........................................
Non-irrigated ..................................
South Carolina ...................................

48.00
39.00

64.00
43.00

66.00
43.00

60.00
48.00

62.00
48.00

39.00
60.00
116.00
43.00
29.00

40.00
60.00
116.00
44.00
29.50

40.00
65.00
125.00
48.00
32.50

45.00
76.50
143.00
49.00
34.00

43.00
80.00
141.00
51.00
32.50

Delta ......................................................
Arkansas ...........................................
Irrigated .........................................
Non-irrigated ..................................
Louisiana ...........................................
Irrigated .........................................
Non-irrigated ..................................
Mississippi .........................................
Irrigated .........................................
Non-irrigated ..................................

69.50
76.00
86.00
56.00
72.00
81.00
66.00
68.00
90.00
62.00

72.00
74.00
90.00
56.00
69.00
82.00
66.00
71.50
92.00
65.00

78.00
79.50
97.00
60.00
73.00
97.00
67.00
80.50
103.00
73.00

80.50
82.50
100.00
52.00
73.50
85.00
66.00
82.50
100.00
67.00

84.00
86.00
103.00
51.00
74.50
87.00
66.00
87.50
105.00
72.00

See footnote(s) at end of table.

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

--continued

21

Cropland Rented for Cash Average Cash Rent per Acre by Region and State: 2006-2010 - (continued)
[Unless otherwise specified as irrigated or non-irrigated, data are for all cropland]
Region, state,
and land type 1

2006

2007

(dollars)

2008

(dollars)

2009

(dollars)

2010

(dollars)

(dollars)

Southern Plains .....................................
Oklahoma
Non-irrigated .................................
Texas ................................................
Irrigated .........................................
Non-irrigated .................................

29.00

28.50

31.00

33.00

33.50

28.00
28.00
62.00
23.00

27.00
29.00
65.00
23.00

28.00
31.50
80.00
24.00

28.00
34.50
77.00
25.00

28.00
36.00
75.00
26.00

Mountain ...............................................
Arizona
Irrigated .........................................
Colorado ...........................................
Irrigated .........................................
Non-irrigated .................................
Idaho .................................................
Irrigated .........................................
Non-irrigated .................................
Montana ............................................
Irrigated .........................................
Non-irrigated .................................
Utah
Irrigated .........................................

65.00

43.00

45.50

58.00

75.00

180.00
61.00
100.00
23.00
108.00
128.00
58.00
28.00
68.00
20.00

170.00
37.50
100.00
22.00
93.00
130.00
58.00
23.00
(2)
19.50

180.00
41.00
110.00
24.00
98.50
145.00
55.00
24.50
66.00
20.50

170.00
62.50
110.00
24.00
130.00
160.00
57.00
28.50
69.00
21.50

160.00
62.50
110.00
23.00
132.00
160.00
60.00
31.00
85.00
22.00

60.00

62.00

65.00

70.00

73.00

Pacific ...................................................
California
Irrigated .........................................
Oregon ..............................................
Irrigated .........................................
Non-irrigated .................................
Washington
Irrigated .........................................

192.00

175.00

187.00

223.00

219.00

320.00
100.00
135.00
70.00

340.00
97.00
165.00
72.00

360.00
107.00
195.00
75.00

350.00
141.00
195.00
88.00

345.00
137.00
190.00
80.00

200.00

210.00

250.00

245.00

245.00

48 States 3 ............................................

79.50

77.50

85.50

99.00

102.00

1

See page 24 for definition of Regions.
2
Not published due to insufficient reports.
3
Excludes Alaska and Hawaii.

22

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Pasture Rented for Cash Average Cash Rent per Acre by Region and State: 2006-2010
Region and state 1

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

(dollars)

Northeast ...............................................
Pennsylvania .....................................

26.00
25.00

26.50
30.00

27.00
32.00

30.00
32.00

25.50
25.00

Lake States ...........................................
Minnesota ..........................................
Wisconsin ..........................................

28.00
19.00
38.00

28.00
19.00
38.00

29.00
21.00
36.00

27.50
22.50
36.00

27.00
24.00
32.00

Corn Belt ...............................................
Illinois ................................................
Iowa ...................................................
Missouri .............................................

31.00
34.00
38.00
26.00

31.00
35.00
39.00
26.00

32.00
37.00
42.00
26.00

31.00
35.00
43.00
25.00

29.50
39.00
40.00
24.00

Northern Plains ......................................
Kansas ..............................................
Nebraska ...........................................
North Dakota .....................................
South Dakota .....................................

12.50
13.70
12.50
11.30
12.90

14.00
14.50
14.00
12.50
13.80

15.50
15.50
15.50
13.50
15.90

15.50
15.50
16.00
14.00
17.00

15.50
15.50
16.00
13.00
16.00

Appalachian ...........................................
North Carolina ...................................
Tennessee .........................................
Virginia ..............................................

22.00
25.00
19.00
20.00

23.50
27.00
20.00
21.00

23.00
29.00
22.00
21.00

20.50
24.00
20.00
19.00

20.00
24.00
19.00
19.00

Southeast ..............................................
Alabama ............................................
Florida ...............................................
Georgia ..............................................

20.00
18.50
22.00
25.00

23.00
19.50
24.00
25.00

23.50
19.50
25.00
27.00

20.50
19.50
18.00
25.00

18.00
19.00
14.00
24.00

Delta States ...........................................
Louisiana ...........................................
Mississippi .........................................

17.50
19.00
16.00

20.00
23.00
18.00

21.50
27.00
18.50

17.50
16.00
16.00

16.00
16.00
15.00

Southern Plains .....................................
Oklahoma ..........................................
Texas .................................................

8.20
8.50
6.10

6.80
9.50
6.20

7.20
10.50
6.50

6.90
10.50
6.20

7.00
11.00
6.10

Mountain ................................................
Colorado ............................................
Montana ............................................
New Mexico .......................................
Utah ...................................................
Wyoming ...........................................

4.00
4.00
5.00
2.00
11.00
4.50

4.50
5.50
6.50
2.30
5.30
4.00

4.50
5.50
6.50
2.70
4.80
4.00

4.40
5.50
4.70
2.40
4.80
4.00

4.30
5.00
4.80
2.20
5.00
4.00

Pacific ....................................................
California ...........................................

14.50
13.00

19.00
14.00

18.50
15.00

16.50
14.00

14.50
13.00

48 States 2 .............................................

10.80

10.00

10.50

11.00

11.00

1
2

See page 24 for definition of Regions.
Excludes Alaska and Hawaii.

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

23

Economic Regions:
Northeast:.................... Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New
York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont.
Lake States:................. Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin.
Corn Belt: .................... Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio.
Northern Plains: ......... Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota.
Appalachian: ............... Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia.
Southeast: .................... Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina.
Delta States: ................ Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi.
Southern Plains: ......... Oklahoma, Texas.
Mountain:.................... Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming.
Pacific: ......................... California, Oregon, Washington.

24

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Statistical Methodology
June Area Survey
Survey Procedures: The estimates of land values in this report are based primarily on the June Area Survey, conducted
during the first two weeks of June. This annual survey uses a complete, probability-based land-area sampling frame. In
2010, the survey included a stratified sample of 11,167 land areas (segments), averaging approximately one square mile in
size.
Enumerators collecting data for the June Area Survey contact all agricultural producers operating land within the
boundaries of the sampled land segments and record land value information for cropland and pasture within these
segments. They also collect an estimated value of all land and buildings for the operator’s entire farming operation and the
estimated percent change from the previous year. In addition to land values, enumerators collect information on acres of
crop and pasture land rented for cash and the per acre cash rent paid.
Survey reported data are reviewed for reasonableness and consistency by comparing with other data reported in the survey
and with data reported within the segment the previous year.
Estimating Procedures: Once the data are summarized, each Field Office (FO) conducts an analysis of the summarized
indications and any other available information for their State. FOs then set estimates for land values and submit these
recommendations along with their assessment of survey and other administrative information to the Agricultural Statistics
Board (ASB).
Survey data are also summarized for Regional and National levels and reviewed independently of each State’s review.
National and Regional targets are established by the ASB. After FO recommendations are submitted, the ASB reviews the
FO estimates and supporting comments and any conflicts with targeted Regional and National levels are resolved.
The State estimates are weighted by the amount of cropland and pasture in each state, based on the most recent Censuses
of Agriculture. For the purposes of this report, cropland pastured is defined as cropland.
Published Estimates: State averages are not published for States with limited reports and/or high variability of the survey
item’s reported data.
Revision Policy: For non-census years land values are subject to an annual revision the following year. After the 5-year
Census of Agriculture is completed, land value estimates for the non-census years are subject to a final historic revision.
The basis for revision must be supported by additional data that directly affect the level of the estimate.
Reliability: The June Area Survey from which land value and cash rent estimates are made is subject to sampling and
non-sampling errors that are common to all surveys. Both types of error affect the "accuracy" of the estimates. Sampling
error occurs because a complete census is not taken. The sampling error measures the variation in estimates from the
average of all possible samples. An estimate of 100 with a sampling error of 1.0 would mean that chances are 19 out of 20
(95 percent confidence interval) that the estimates from all possible samples averaged together would be between 98 and
102 (the survey indication plus or minus two times the sampling error).
The sampling errors from the 2010 area frame survey are listed below:

Farm Real Estate Value (%)
All Cropland Value (%)
Irrigated Cropland (%)
Non-irrigated Cropland (%)
Pasture Value (%)
Cropland Cash Rent (%)
Pasture Cash Rent (%)

United States
2.0
0.8
1.8
1.3
2.5
1.0
3.9

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Regions (range low to high)
1.0 to 13.3
0.8 to 6.8
0.9 to 8.6
1.6 to 7.0
2.3 to 8.9
0.6 to 11.6
3.0 to 22.8
25

Sampling errors cannot be applied directly to the values published in this report to determine confidence intervals since
the official estimates represent a composite of information from more than a single source.
Non-sampling errors cannot be measured directly and can occur in complete censuses as well as sample surveys. They are
caused by the inability to obtain correct information from each person sampled, differences in interpreting questions or
definitions, and mistakes in coding or processing data. To minimize non-sampling errors, vigorous quality controls are
used in the data collection process and all data are carefully reviewed for consistency and reasonableness.
Terms and Definitions
Farm: Any establishment from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were sold or would normally be sold
during the year. Government payments are included in sales.
Farm real estate value: The value at which all land and buildings used for agriculture production including dwellings,
could be sold under current market conditions, if allowed to remain on the market for a reasonable amount of time.
Cropland value: The value of land used to grow field crops, vegetables or land harvested for hay. Land that switches
back and forth between cropland and pasture should be valued as cropland. Hay land, idle cropland and cropland enrolled
in government conservation programs should be valued as cropland.
Irrigated cropland value: The value of land that normally receives or has the potential to receive water by artificial
means to supplement natural rainfall. Irrigated cropland may consist of both land that will or will not be irrigated during
the current year, but still has the facilities and equipment to do so. Irrigation facilities and equipment such as wells,
pumps, canals, ditches, reservoirs, lakes, tanks, ponds, rivers, streams or creeks are usually present or on nearby acres.
Irrigated cropland is normally worth more than land without irrigation potential or facilities.
Non-irrigated cropland value: The value of land that only receives water by natural rainfall.
Pasture, grazing and grassland value: The value of land that is normally grazed by livestock. Pasture does not need to
have livestock grazing on it at the time of interview or during the current year in order to be valued as pasture or grazing
land.

Cash Rents Survey
Sampling Frames and Survey Procedures: The 2009 Cash Rents Survey data were used as the main sample source for
the 2010 probability sample. In addition, Census of Agriculture data were once again used to identify other potential cash
renters of cropland (irrigated and non-irrigated) and pasture.
The Cash Rents Survey was conducted annually by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). During
June, cash rent data was collected on the June Area Survey and the June indication was used as an additional source. State
level cash rent estimates were set and published on August 4, 2010. Data collection on the Cash Rents Survey was from
March 2010 through the end of June 2010 and was coordinated with March Crops / Stocks Survey, March Hogs, and the
Agricultural Resource Management Survey – Phase 3 (ARMS 3). The final 2010 Cash Rents county estimates will be
published on September 10, 2010. Data will be published at the county, district, state, regional, and National level.
The Cash Rents Survey collects basic cash rents data from farmers and ranchers. This survey provides the basis for
estimates of the current year’s Cash Rent paid for Irrigated Cropland, Non-irrigated Cropland, and Pasture. The sample
size for the 2010 Cash Rents Survey was approximately 225,000.
All responses were passed through a computer edit to check for consistency within the report. Data were further reviewed
across reports to detect outliers and erroneous data. Suspect data were either confirmed or corrected.

26

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Survey results are subject to non-sampling errors such as omissions, mistakes in interpreting questions, reporting,
recording, and processing the data. The effects of these errors cannot be measured directly, but they are minimized
through rigid quality controls in the data collection process and through the data review process.
Estimating Procedures: NASS Field Offices (FOs) were responsible for interpreting the State level survey results and
submitting recommendations to the Agricultural Statistics Board (ASB). The ASB reviewed all State level
recommendations and established official estimates for all States. County level survey results were reviewed by each FO
and recommendations were submitted to the ASB for review and approval.
Terms and Definitions
Cash Rent: All land operated that is rented on a per acre basis for cash only. This excludes land rented for a share of the
crop or livestock; on a fee per head, per pound of gain, or AUM basis; on a “Whole Farm” basis; land rented free of
charge; or land rented that includes buildings such as greenhouses or dairy barns.
Cropland: Land used to grow field crops, vegetables or land harvested for hay. Land that switches back and forth
between cropland and pasture should be considered as cropland. Hay land, idle cropland and set aside cropland for
government program should also be considered as cropland.
Irrigated cropland: Land that normally receives or has the potential to receive water by artificial means to supplement
natural rainfall. Irrigated cropland may consist of both land that will or will not be irrigated during the current year, but
still has the facilities and equipment to do so. Irrigation facilities and equipment such as wells, pumps, canals, ditches,
reservoirs, lakes, tanks, ponds, rivers, streams or creeks are usually present or on nearby acres.
Non-irrigated cropland: Land that only receives water by natural rainfall.
Pasture: Land that is pastured and grassland that is normally grazed by livestock. Pasture does not need to have livestock
grazing on it at the time of interview or during the current year.
Published Estimates: Estimates of average cash rental rates per acre for irrigated cropland, non-irrigated cropland and
pasture are published at the county, district, state, regional, and National level where possible. In instances where an
insufficient number of reports were received to produce reliable estimates for a county or district, reports are combined
and published as other counties or districts.
Revision Policy: These estimates are final and will not be revised.
Reliability: Survey estimates are subject to sampling variability, since not all operations renting land for cash are
included in the sample. Survey results are also subject to non-sampling errors such as list duplication or incompleteness,
or mistakes in reporting, recording, and processing the data. These errors are minimized through strict quality controls in
the data collection process and a careful review of all reported data for consistency and reasonableness.

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

27

Information Contacts
Listed below are the commodity statisticians in the Economics Section of the Environmental, Economics, and
Demographics Branch of the National Agricultural Statistics Service to contact for additional information. E-mail
inquiries may be sent to [email protected].
Kevin Barnes, Chief, Environmental, Economics, and Demographics Branch ..................... (202) 720-6146
Kevin Hintzman, Head, Economics Section .......................................................................... (202) 690-3223
Richard Barton – ARMS ........................................................................................... (202) 690-1052
Daryl Brinkman – Prices Received, Prices Received Indexes .................................. (202) 720-8844
Kuan Chen – Prices, Prices Research........................................................................ (202) 690-3347
Bryan Combs – Census ............................................................................................. (202) 720-9168
Angie Considine – Cash Rents .................................................................................. (202) 720-2250
Mark Gorsak – Prices, Prices Research .................................................................... (202) 720-3225
Michael Mathison – ARMS ...................................................................................... (202) 720-3243
Joe Samson – Cash Receipts, Grazing Fees .............................................................. (202) 720-5446
Scott Shimmin – Farm Numbers, Land in Farms, Land Values ............................... (202) 690-3231
Jennifer Sissom – Prices Paid, Prices Paid Indexes .................................................. (202) 690-3229

28

Land Values and Cash Rents 2010 Summary (August 2010)
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

Released August 4, 2010, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board,
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Access to NASS Reports
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 All reports are available electronically, at no cost, on the NASS web site: http://www.nass.usda.gov
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For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Agricultural Statistics Hotline at (800) 727-9540,
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail: [email protected].
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