NAFB – Interest in purchasing agricultural land has grown since a coronavirus pandemic-induced slowdown blanketed the land market last spring.

Farmers are feeling more financially secure as strong commodity prices arrived on top of large government payments in 2020. This is propelling farmers to bid more aggressively for additional land than has been the case during the past six years, according to Farmers National Company. Individual investors, both first-time, and experienced buyers, are stepping into the land market as they search for a safe, long-term real estate investment in a low interest rate environment.

The increase in ag land prices is happening in most areas of the Grain Belt and with most types of land. Higher land values will bring more sellers into the market as estates, trusts, recent inheritors, and family groups evaluate whether to sell the farm or ranch and capture the higher prices.

An additional consideration is the uncertainty surrounding future tax policies, which may trigger a sale sooner rather than later for some.