Ohio Farmer

Land productivity and potential crop return are the primary factors.

September 27, 2021

2 Min Read
rural farm scene in Ohio
STUDY RESULTS: The Western Ohio Cropland Values and Cash Rents Survey results are based on 94 surveys, and respondents were asked to group their estimates based on three land-quality classes: average, top and poor.Ron and Patty Thomas/Getty Images

According to the recently released Western Ohio Cropland Values and Cash Rents Survey, cropland values in western Ohio are expected to increase in 2021 by 3.8% to 5.3%, depending on the region and land class. Cash rents are expected to increase from 3.6% to 3.9%, depending on the region and land class.

The study was conducted from January through April in 2021. The opinion-based study surveyed professionals with a knowledge of Ohio’s cropland values and rental rates. Professionals surveyed were rural appraisers, agricultural lenders, professional farm managers, ag business professionals, OSU Extension educators, farmers, landowners and Farm Service Agency personnel.

The study results are based on 94 surveys, and respondents were asked to group their estimates based on three land-quality classes: average, top and poor. Within each land-quality class, respondents were asked to estimate average corn and soybean yields for a five-year period based on typical farming practices.

Survey respondents were also asked to estimate current bare cropland values and cash rents negotiated in the current or recent year for each land-quality class. Survey results are summarized for western Ohio with regional summaries (subsets of western Ohio) for northwest Ohio and southwest Ohio.

Ohio cropland varies significantly in its production capabilities, and consequently, cropland values and cash rents vary widely throughout the state. Generally, western Ohio cropland values and cash rents differ from much of southern and eastern Ohio cropland values and cash rents.

The primary factors affecting these values and rents are land productivity and potential crop return, and the variability of those crop returns. Soils, fertility, and drainage or irrigation capabilities are primary factors that most influence land productivity, crop return and variability of those crop returns.

Other factors affecting land values and cash rents may include field size and shape, field accessibility, market access, local market prices, field perimeter characteristics and potential for wildlife damage, buildings and grain storage, previous tillage system and crops, tolerant or resistant weed populations, USDA program yields, population density, and competition for the cropland in a region. Factors specific to cash rental rates may include services provided by the operator and specific conditions of the lease.

For the complete survey research summary, visit the OSU Extension Farm Office website at farmoffice.osu.edu.

Source: OSUE, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

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