Farmland Prices Drop

Continued low commodity prices are putting even more pressure on producers. Farmers have been faced with lower income on their operations for some time. Now the value of their land is being affected.

Minnesota's farmland prices dropped last year as the agriculture industry continues facing low crop prices and reduced income.

The Star Tribune reports that sales data for fiscal 2017 reported to the Minnesota Department of Revenue and analyzed by the University of Minnesota indicate that the median price per acre was about $4,600, a 5.4 percent decrease from 2016.

Former Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Bruce Peterson says land values are important to a farmer's equity.

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Mike Petefish says falling land prices may make it easier for farmers looking to rent or purchase land.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis says the state's agricultural sector, which has been struggling for four years, is weak but stable.