Agricultural landowners, producers, Extension professionals, and other stakeholders across Kentucky rely on accurate, up-to-date information to make informed decisions regarding farmland values and cash rental rates. Recognizing the need for consistent and region-specific data, Kentucky Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension Agents collaborated with Dr. Greg Halich of the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Department of Agricultural Economics, to collect and analyze this critical information.

A total of 71 ANR Extension Agents participated in the initiative, surveying landowners, farmers, Property Valuation Administrators (PVAs), real estate professionals, and auction companies across their respective counties. These surveys gathered data on both current agricultural land values and prevailing cash rental rates.

Seventy usable survey responses were submitted to Dr. Halich, who will compile the findings to update the widely referenced publication AEC 97: Land Value and Cash Rent Survey. This updated edition will feature aggregated data organized by region and sub-region, allowing users to access localized information tailored to their specific geographic interests.

This collaborative effort demonstrates the vital role of Extension in bridging the gap between academic research and on-the-ground decision-making, ultimately supporting more informed, sustainable agricultural land management across the Commonwealth.

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