Each year, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts a nationwide survey to gather data and compile a report showing average cash rental rates across the United States.  Please note that all reported cash rent amounts are listed in a per acre/per year format.

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To view the database with the data for each state, click here.  To view the database with data for each county in the US, click here.  To view the report for Texas, broken down by region and county, click here.

Pastureland

The statewide average for pastureland was $7.70/acre, which is up from $7.10 last year. The highest pastureland rental rates were reported in Falls County at $23/acre, Wharton County at $21.50/acre, Bowie County at $21.00/acre, and Delta County at$20.50/acre. Conversely, the lowest reported pastureland lease averages were in West Texas with Culberson County coming in at $0.60/acre, Hudspeth at $0.90/acre, and $1.10 in Upton County.

Irrigated Cropland

The Texas average lease rate for irrigated cropland was $112/acre, up $12 from 2021.  The highest average reported lease rates were in Hartley County ($232/acre) and Sherman County ($202/acre). The lowest reported rates for irrigated cropland came from Caldwell County ($32.50/acre) and Chambers County ($50/acre).

Non-Irrigated Cropland

Statewide non-irrigated cropland lease rates averaged $31.00/acre, up $1.00 from last year.  The highest reported rental for non-irrigated cropland was found in Willacy County and San Patricio County, both at $69.50/acre, and $69/acre in Nueces County.  On the other hand, the lowest rates came from Mason County at $8.10, Comal County at $8.40, Llano County at $8.50, and Hemphill County at $8.60

District Summary

Dr. Greg Kaase pulled together the following table showing the average cash lease rates for 2021 and 2022 for each of Texas’ regions.

More Information

For more information on agricultural leases, we’ve got a number of other resources.  If you’d like to see another report that includes average lease rates, click here to see a blog post about the Texas Rural Land Value Trends Report.  To read about agricultural leases, check out Chapter 11 of the  Owning Your Piece of Texas Handbook or our Ranchers Agricultural Leasing Handbook.  We also have podcast episodes specifically discussing grazing, farm, and hunting leases.  Lastly, we’ve got a course specifically geared to grazing and hunting leases that is available live (2023 dates to be announced in November) or online (available anytime on demand).