COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s landowners, agricultural lenders, rural appraisers and others with firsthand knowledge of land transactions are invited to participate in the annual Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey conducted by University of Missouri Extension.

This survey provides critical insights into farmland values across the state, helping farmers, lenders, policymakers and researchers understand current market trends, said Juo-Han Tsay, MU Extension assistant professor and survey organizer. The data collected offers a more localized perspective that complements USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service statewide estimates, Tsay said.

“For this survey to be robust and indicative of Missouri trends, we need broad input from Missourians,” she said. “The more responses we receive, the more accurate and useful the results will be in helping stakeholders make informed decisions about farmland purchases, sales and investments.”

The MU Extension survey captures information on land transactions that have occurred in the calendar year, including those for cropland, pastureland, timberland and recreational and hunting land.

The 2024 survey included more than 250 responses and revealed slower growth in Show-Me State farmland values. Average “good” nonirrigated cropland was valued at $8,524 per acre, and average “good” pastureland was valued at $5,687 per acre. Significant increases were seen in pastureland, timber and recreational land values.

“Last year’s respondents expected land prices to increase in 2025, particularly in northwest Missouri,” said Tsay. “By participating in this year’s survey, we can create a clearer picture of Missouri’s farmland market.”

Tsay said anyone with knowledge of a recent land transaction – whether as a seller, buyer, lender, appraiser or real estate agent – is encouraged to complete the survey. Individuals may also submit multiple responses if they have insights on multiple transactions.

Participants can complete the anonymous survey in 5-10 minutes at http://muext.us/landvaluesurvey25.

Results from the 2025 survey will be available on the MU Extension website later this summer, providing regional estimates by land type along with historical survey data for comparison.

Tsay encourages Missourians to submit responses based on known farmland transactions by May 18, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute valuable data that better supports decision-making for Missouri’s agricultural economy, she said.