4-H and FFA Land Economics Projects
Educational research projects on farmland values, cash rents and soil productivity
Practical evaluation
- Define which land class is relevant in the county of interest: cultivated cropland, irrigated cropland, pasture, mixed-use land or farm real estate.
- Compare USDA statistics with public records and clearly label the year, geography and source.
- Find USDA NASS statistics and record source, year, land type, survey scope, unit, and any missing or suppressed values.
- Review local deeds, verified comparable sales and county assessor information rather than applying a national average to one parcel.
- Inspect soil characteristics, water access, road easements, improvements and existing leases.
- Calculate annual property taxes, financing, operating costs, conservation obligations and insurance costs.
- For a purchase, lease, tax appeal or legal decision, seek qualified local professional advice.
What an average cannot tell you
Compare USDA statistics with public records and clearly label the year, geography and source. Statewide land value averages do not necessarily reflect individual transactions. County estimates may be missing, withheld, outdated or based on different land categories. Verify units, reporting year and source before comparison.
State-level research
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Official land data and research sources
Use published USDA figures with their source year, geography, agricultural land class, and units. A published regional mean is not an individual property appraisal.