By Scout Nelson
Pastureland values across North Dakota continue climbing in 2026, marking the sixth straight year of growth. New data shows that pastureland values now exceed $1,000 per acre in every North Dakota State University Extension region where information is available.
North Dakota State University Extension agricultural finance specialist Bryon Parman says statewide pastureland values increased about 7% from 2025 levels. Since 2021, average pastureland values have increased from $972 to $1,556 per acre. This reflects a 37.5% increase over the past five years.
The information comes from the North Dakota Department of Trust Land annual land survey. Parman organized the data by NDSU Extension regions to help explain trends across the state.
“This year marks the first time since being tracked that every NDSU Extension region’s pastureland values were over $1,000 per acre,” says Parman.
The northwest region records the largest increase, with pastureland values rising from $936 to $1,186 per acre. The north central and southeast regions also posted gains, averaging $1,332 and $2,154 per acre. Smaller increases appear in the east central, south central, and southwest regions.
Pastureland rental rates also increased, although at a slower pace than land values. Statewide average rents rise slightly more than 4%. Some regions report modest gains, while the southeast region records a small decline from $38 to $35 per acre. Other areas either remain steady or show limited growth.
“The growth in pastureland values isn’t all that surprising given where beef cattle prices have been the last couple of years,” says Parman. “However, some people might have expected a much larger increase in pastureland rents from 2025 to 2026, which did not appear to have happened.”
High beef prices continue supporting long-term pastureland demand and investment interest. However, lower cattle inventories reduce immediate demand for additional rented pasture, limiting stronger rent increases. Experts encourage landowners and producers to study long-term trends rather than focusing only on yearly changes when evaluating land values and rental conditions.
FAQS:
- Why are North Dakota pastureland values increasing?
Strong beef cattle prices and long-term investment demand continue supporting higher land values.
- How much did pastureland values increase from 2025 to 2026?
Statewide pastureland values increased approximately 7% from 2025 levels.
- Which region reported the largest pastureland value increase?
The northwest region recorded the largest increase in pastureland values.
- Why are pastureland rents rising slower than land values?
Lower cattle inventories reduce immediate demand for additional rented pastureland.
- What milestone did pastureland values reach in 2026?
Every NDSU Extension region reported pastureland values above $1,000 per acre.
Photo Credit: credit-minnesota-corn-growers-association
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle