USDA releases 2026 cash rents for Texas cropland, pastureland
Cash rents in Texas for pastureland and irrigated cropland showed slight increases from last year, and non-irrigated cropland dropped slightly, according to the new rental rates report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducted a nationwide survey to gather data and compile a report showing the average cash rental rates across the U.S.
Pastureland
The statewide average for pastureland was $8.60 per acre, which is up from $7.70 last year.
Ranchers in Wharton County reportedly paid the most to rent pastureland at an average of $30.50 per acre.
Other top rental rates were in Falls County at $24.50 per acre and Titus County at $24.00 per acre.
The report shows ranchers pay the least to rent pasture in West Texas, at $1.10 and $1.70 per acre, in Midland and Terrell counties, respectively.
Irrigated cropland
The statewide average paid to rent irrigated cropland increased to $125 per acre, up $11 from last year.
The highest average reported lease rates were in Hartley County at $205 per acre and Gaines County at $190 per acre.
The lowest reported rates for irrigated cropland were in Childress County at $26 per acre.
Dryland cropland
The average cash rent rate for non-irrigated cropland in Texas is $35.50 per acre, which is a decrease of $1 per acre from last year.
In San Patricio County, farmers once again reported paying the highest average cash rental rate at $83.50 per acre, according to the USDA report. Nueces County farmers reported paying $70 per acre.
Farmers in Kendall County pay the lowest average rate at $9.50 per acre for dryland cultivated acres.
About the survey
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service conducted a nationwide survey to gather data and compile a report showing the average cash rental rates across the U.S.
The rates reported in the survey reflect average cash rents and are shown on a per-acre, per-year basis.
The survey targets all farms and ranches that have historically rented land on a cash basis for pasture, irrigated cropland and non-irrigated cropland. Land rented for a share of the crop, on a fee per head, per pound of gain, by animal unit month, rented free of charge, or land that includes buildings such as barns are excluded from the survey.
