Two reports published September 2 put fresh numbers around Nebraska agriculture in 2026: total farm and ranch production expenses reached $32.4 billion in 2025, while the state's average farm real estate value increased to $4,400 per acre in 2026.

The latest Nebraska expense numbers

USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service data summarized by Nebraska Extension show total Nebraska farm and ranch production expenses rose 6% in 2025. Livestock expenses were the largest category at $11.6 billion—up 33% from 2024. Feed expenses fell 10% to $3.4 billion, while rent increased 1% to $2.8 billion.

The average Nebraska operation spent $734,127 in 2025, 7% more than the year before. These are statewide survey averages, not a budget for any individual farm, but they show why gross revenue alone is a poor measure of whether an opportunity improves the bottom line.

Land values kept rising; rent moved less

Nebraska's 2026 average farm real estate value was $4,400 per acre, up $150—or 3.5%—from 2025. Cropland averaged $6,960 per acre, including $5,650 for dryland and $9,200 for irrigated ground. Pastureland averaged $1,590 per acre.

Statewide cropland cash rent averaged $227 per acre, up 0.4%. Irrigated cropland averaged $283, down $3 from 2025; dryland averaged $168, up $2; and pasture averaged $29.50, up $1. County-level results can differ materially from these statewide averages.

The practical takeawayRising asset values do not automatically create better operating cash flow. When costs are elevated, every program or practice should be judged by likely net value, timing, risk, and required work—not by the headline payment.

Questions to ask before adding a farm-program commitment

  • What payment is realistically available on these specific acres?
  • What seed, application, equipment, labor, professional, and financing costs come first?
  • When is payment expected, and who carries the expense until then?
  • Does the practice affect a lease, current contract, crop plan, or future program eligibility?
  • What records, inspections, and multi-year obligations are required?
  • What remains after all farm costs and service fees?

Use county and farm-level numbers

State averages are context—not a substitute for local cash rent, soil productivity, irrigation capacity, field history, and the terms of a particular lease or contract. A useful opportunity review should connect current program terms to the actual acres and show both the potential gross payment and the estimated net result.

Official sources

Put the numbers around your acres.

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