Farmland prices on the rise

As farmland prices around the state of Minnesota have continued to increase over the past 20 years, it has left many farmers wondering if and when the farmland bubble may burst.

According to Steve Taff, economist with University of Minnesota Extension, farmland prices have been rising steadily since 1990 and have peaked at a state average of more than $3,500 per acre in 2010. Since 1992, Taff has conducted an annual farmland appraisal in coordination with the 100-year study organized by the University of Minnesota.

“There are two ‘drivers’ for high land prices: high corn prices and low interest rates,” Taff said.

As a result of these two factors, buying high-priced land may be attractive to many people. People may view high corn prices as an incentive because of the potential for increased revenue, while low interest rates make it much easier for producers to get loans and make the payments.

“No one knows. That’s the short answer as to whether these record farmland prices will soon drop,” Taff said.

Fewer farmers possess the capital necessary to be willing to bid on land, according to Taff. This has caused existing member participation in many rural communities to be lower and makes it difficult for new farm membership to be established.

As a result of high prices, only 1 percent of Minnesota’s farmland is sold in a given year, leading to 50 percent of the farmland being leased.

With prices expected to continue to rise, Taff cautions prospective land buyers to be careful and take necessary precautions.

“Consider your financial situation, get some good advice from creditors and think of your family,” he said. “I worry that there are a few farmers out there on the verge of getting overextended when looking to finance their farm.”

For more information, visit www.extension.

umn.edu/AgBusiness or www.cffm.umn.edu.

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