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Farmland
Indiana farmland values remained relatively stable in 2026, but regional differences and changing market forces are creating a mixed outlook. Purdue agricultural economists Todd Kuethe and Michael Langemeier examine what is driving farmland values and what the market could look like in 2027.
Read MoreIndiana farmland values held relatively steady in 2026, according to Purdue’s annual Farmland Values and Cash Rents Survey.
Read MoreFor many U.S. farmers, farmland is about more than annual income. A Purdue analysis finds that family and sentimental reasons are the most common motivation for owning land, while producers remain more optimistic about farmland values five years from now than over the next 12 months.
Read MoreThe lease structure you choose can change your farm’s risk, cash flow and upside—even when long-run returns look surprisingly similar. So which farmland lease makes the most sense for you? This Purdue Commercial AgBrief compares fixed cash rent, crop share and flexible cash rent and shows how each performs under different market conditions.
Read MoreLeases on agricultural land are strongly influenced by local custom and tradition. However, in most areas, landowners and operators can choose from several types of lease arrangements: crop share, fixed cash rent, flexible cash leases. Each leasing arrangement has advantages and disadvantages. Rather than focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of various lease arrangements, this article uses a case farm in west central Indiana to illustrate net returns to land derived from crop share, fixed cash rent, and flexible cash lease arrangements.
Read MoreLand values are influencing investment timing, financial outlook, and risk decisions on farms across the Midwest.
Read MoreResults from the March 2026 Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reveal a clear divide in producer sentiment based on land value expectations. Farmers expecting declining land values report weaker financial performance outlooks, lower investment confidence, and greater concern about input costs. In contrast, those expecting rising land values are more optimistic and influenced by factors such as alternative investments. Tracking these differences provides important context for understanding shifts in the farm economy.
Read MoreMichael Langemeier presented at the Fort Wayne Farm Show on January 14, 2026, on crop net returns prospects and the farmland market.
Read MoreFarmers typically find that rental rates don’t adjust rapidly during a downturn and consequently they lose money on rented land. But most farmers don’t want to give up rented land even if it is not profitable because it is difficult to find another parcel to replace it. They continue to hold on to rented land waiting for better prices, lower costs, and/or higher yields. The fundamental question is how long can they delay the decision. In other words, when should they hold them and when should they fold them? This question has become even more relevant today, given the financial pressure currently faced by crop producers across the Corn Belt, including lower commodity prices, tighter margins, and higher interest rates.
Read MoreJim Jansen from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins Michael Langemeier on this episode of the Purdue Commercial AgCast to discuss cash rent considerations for irrigation, pasture, and hay leases. They provide factors affecting cash rent including maintenance costs, insurance, and land productivity and emphasize the importance of clear lease agreements. Offering practical advice for both landlords and operators on fair rental agreements.
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