2026 Northeast Nebraska Farmland Prices: What Landowners Need to Know

Farmland is one of the most valuable assets many Nebraska families own. Whether you farm the land, rent it to another producer, or have inherited property, knowing what it may be worth is an important part of planning for the future.

According to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s (UNL) 2026 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey, farmland values in Northeast Nebraska declined slightly over the past year. However, the market is not moving in the same direction for every type of property. Cropland values softened, while pasture and grazing land values continued to rise.

For landowners in Antelope, Knox, Pierce, Madison, Wayne, and surrounding counties, these trends provide useful insight into the local agricultural real estate market.

What Is the Average Farmland Price in Northeast Nebraska?

UNL reported an average agricultural land value of $8,185 per acre in Northeast Nebraska as of February 1, 2026, a 1% decrease from the previous year.

The Northeast district includes 13 counties: Antelope, Boone, Burt, Cedar, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Knox, Madison, Pierce, Stanton, Thurston, and Wayne.

Here is how average land values changed by property type.

Source: University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 2026 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey.

These figures are regional averages, not guaranteed selling prices. Two farms in the same county can have very different values depending on soil quality, productivity, irrigation, field layout, access, and buyer demand.

Read the full report from UNL’s Center for Agricultural Profitability.

Why Are Cropland Values Declining?

Several factors are putting pressure on farmland prices across Nebraska.

Lower crop prices. When corn and other crop prices fall, farm income can become tighter. Producers may have less money available to purchase additional acres.

Higher operating expenses. Seed, fertilizer, fuel, machinery, labor, and other production costs affect how much a farmer can afford to pay for land.

Interest rates and financing. Higher borrowing costs can make land purchases more expensive. Buyers must consider both the purchase price and the cost of financing.

These conditions help explain why Northeast Nebraska experienced modest declines in its average cropland values in 2026.

However, a 1% or 2% decline in a regional average does not mean every farm has lost the same percentage of its value. Highly productive farms can continue to attract strong interest from buyers, especially when they fit the needs of neighboring operators.

Irrigated and Dryland Farms Have Different Values

The UNL survey shows a clear difference between the average values of irrigated and dryland cropland in Northeast Nebraska.

Irrigated farmland

Center pivot irrigated cropland averaged $11,735 per acre, while gravity-irrigated cropland averaged $9,710 per acre.

Irrigation can help support crop production when rainfall is limited. Buyers also consider the condition of the irrigation system, water availability, operating costs, and the productivity of the soils.

Dryland farmland

Dryland with irrigation potential averaged $9,185 per acre. Dryland without irrigation potential averaged $7,670 per acre.

Soil quality, drainage, yield history, rainfall, and field conditions all influence the value of dryland. The potential for irrigation can also affect what buyers are willing to pay, although that potential must be evaluated on a property-specific basis.

For sellers, these differences demonstrate why it is important to understand the characteristics of the individual farm rather than relying on one average price per acre.

Pasture and Grazing Land Values Are Moving Higher

One of the more notable findings in UNL’s 2026 report is the increase in Northeast Nebraska grazing land values.

Tillable grazing land increased 3% to an average of $4,535 per acre. Nontillable grazing land increased 5% to $3,120 per acre. Hayland values rose 2% to $4,145 per acre.

Stronger cattle markets have helped support demand for grazing acres. Pasture productivity, available water, fencing, carrying capacity, and access to livestock facilities can all influence a property’s value.

For landowners who own pasture or hay ground, these figures show that the market may be behaving differently than it is for cropland.

What Are Farmland Rental Rates in Northeast Nebraska?

Landowners who rent out their farms should also pay attention to cash rental rates. Rental income can be an important part of the overall return on agricultural land.

UNL’s 2026 survey reported the following average cash rental rates for Northeast Nebraska:

Source: UNL’s 2026 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey.

These rates provide a useful starting point for discussions between landlords and tenants. Actual rental rates depend on the property, expected yields, lease terms, irrigation arrangements, and local competition.

For example, a lease may assign responsibility for irrigation expenses, well maintenance, fencing, or other improvements to one party. Those terms can affect the amount of rent that makes sense for both the landowner and the operator.

Before renewing a lease, landowners should compare their current agreement with local conditions and consider the property’s productivity and expenses.

Is Now a Good Time to Sell Farmland in Northeast Nebraska?

That depends on your goals and the specific property.

The recent decline in average cropland values does not automatically mean landowners should wait to sell. Likewise, rising pasture values do not guarantee that every pasture will sell for more than it did last year.

Several factors should be considered before making a decision:

• Recent comparable sales: What have similar farms in your area actually sold for?
• Productivity: What do the soil types, yield history, and land improvements contribute to the property’s value?
• Buyer demand: Are neighboring farmers or other qualified buyers looking for additional acres?
• Rental income: Does the farm generate income that supports holding it longer?
• Family and financial plans: Are you considering retirement, an estate settlement, an inheritance, or a change in farm operations?

The best time to sell is not determined by a statewide or regional average alone. It depends on the property’s market position and what the sale needs to accomplish for the owner.

What Should Buyers Know About the Current Market?

For buyers, a changing market is a reason to evaluate opportunities carefully.

Lower average cropland values may create room for negotiation on some properties, but desirable farms can still attract competing offers. Buyers should review soil information, production history, water resources, lease arrangements, improvements, and financing costs before making a decision.

It is also worth looking beyond the purchase price. A farm’s productivity, expected rental income, and long-term operating costs all contribute to its financial potential.

Understanding the local market can help buyers determine whether a property fits their farming operation or investment goals.

Every Farm Has Its Own Value

UNL’s 2026 report provides a helpful snapshot of the Northeast Nebraska farmland market. Cropland values declined modestly, while grazing land and hayland values increased. Cash rental rates also varied by land type.

But regional averages cannot tell the entire story of an individual farm.

A property’s soils, irrigation, location, productivity, improvements, and local buyer demand all matter. That is why landowners should look at recent comparable sales and the specific characteristics of their property when estimating its market value.

At Ag Land Realty LLC, we work with landowners throughout Northeast Nebraska and understand the importance of making informed decisions about agricultural real estate.

Whether you are considering selling a family farm, purchasing additional acres, reviewing a rental arrangement, or simply wondering what your land might be worth, understanding the local market is a good place to start.

Thinking about selling your Northeast Nebraska farmland? Contact Ag Land Realty LLC to discuss your property and learn more about current market conditions.

Market data is from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 2026 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey. Figures represent regional averages as of February 1, 2026, and are not appraisals or guaranteed sale prices. Actual values and rental rates vary by property and local market conditions.