LINCOLN- The value of land in Nebraska continues to tick upward as commodity markets aid the increases. Within the state, the average sale price for an acre of high-quality irrigated land has reached $12,000. That’s a $2,000 increase from a year ago and a $3,500 increase from two years ago. Some farmers say irrigated land can go for as much as $14,000 on average.

Paul Schadegg, a Farmers National vice president, and state agriculture experts cited strong commodity prices as a main factor for high land values. Corn and soybeans aren't at their peak prices, but they are far from their low prices. “The commodity markets are, without a doubt, the main driver in the land market in general,” Schadegg said.

Schadegg said the threshold for what qualifies as high-quality land depends on the region of the state. Across all regions, above-average soil quality and topography are factored into the category. In central and western Nebraska, irrigation also is factored in. Well quality and water availability also are considered in western Nebraska. Schadegg classified eastern Nebraska land as the best in the state.

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