Land Blogs

The AgWest Advantage

2 min read

When selling land — whether it’s farmland, pasture, or recreational acreage — AgWest Land Brokers don’t just list your property and wait; they craft a…

Understanding Nebraska’s Farmland Market in 2026

4 min read

Nebraska farmland values and cash rental rates continue to shape investment and operating decisions across the state in 2026. According to the latest survey from…

Irrigated vs. Non-Irrigated (Dryland) Farmland: Pros, Cons, and Value Differences

4 min read

One of the most fundamental decisions for Nebraska farmland owners and investors is choosing between irrigated and non-irrigated (dryland) farmland. Each land type offers distinct…

The Ogallala Aquifer and Its Impact on Nebraska Agriculture

4 min read

The Ogallala Aquifer underlies much of western and central Nebraska and remains one of the most important natural resources supporting the state’s agricultural economy. For…

Nebraska Soil Types and Why They Matter

4 min read

Nebraska’s soil diversity is one of the most important—and often overlooked—factors influencing farmland value, productivity, and long-term investment potential. From the rich loess soils of…

Mineral Rights and Farmland: What Nebraska Landowners Should Know

4 min read

Mineral rights are an often overlooked, but potentially significant, component of farmland ownership in Nebraska. While many landowners assume that purchasing land includes everything beneath…

Nebraska Farmland Leasing Basics

4 min read

Leasing farmland is one of the most common arrangements in Nebraska agriculture, particularly for landowners who do not actively farm their ground. With a large…

Lease Termination Notices for Nebraska Farmland and Pasture

4 min read

Ending a farm lease the right way is just as important as signing one. In Nebraska, lease termination rules are well established—particularly for cropland—and failing…

Setting Cash Rental Rates in Nebraska

4 min read

Cash rental rates are a cornerstone of Nebraska’s farmland economy, influencing profitability for both landowners and tenants. These rates are not fixed—they fluctuate year to…

Crop-Share vs. Cash Lease Agreements

2 min read

When Nebraska landowners lease farmland, the two most common structures are cash leases and crop-share leases, each with different implications for risk, income, and involvement.…

Irrigation Well Rights and Responsibilities in Nebraska

2 min read

Irrigation wells are a major factor in Nebraska’s agricultural productivity, but they also come with specific legal and regulatory responsibilities that both landowners and tenants…

Nebraska Grazing Rates and Ranch Leases

2 min read

Nebraska grazing rates and ranch lease terms vary widely across the state and reflect differences in forage quality, regional demand, stocking rates, and market conditions.…

Nebraska Soils and Crop Selection

2 min read

Nebraska’s soils are remarkably diverse and play a major role in determining which crops perform best across the state. Much of Nebraska’s farmland is dominated…

Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) and Farmland Investing

2 min read

Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) are a tax-efficient real estate investment vehicle that allows multiple investors to pool their capital and own fractional interests in professionally…

Using a Self-Directed IRA to Invest in Farmland

2 min read

Using a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) to invest in farmland can be a powerful way to diversify retirement savings into real, tangible agricultural assets while enjoying…

1031 Exchanges with Nebraska Farmland

2 min read

Using a 1031 like-kind exchange with Nebraska farmland lets investors defer federal and state capital gains taxes when they sell an investment property (like crop…

Reverse 1031 Exchanges for Farmland

5 min read

In competitive agricultural land markets, timing can make all the difference. A Reverse 1031 Exchange gives investors a strategic advantage by allowing them to acquire…

Estate Planning for Nebraska Farmland Owners

2 min read

Farmland often represents a multi‑generation legacy — both financially and emotionally — which makes proactive estate planning essential for Nebraska landowners who want to preserve…

Conservation Programs and Farmland Value

2 min read

Participating in USDA conservation programs can provide Nebraska landowners with steady income and environmental benefits while enhancing the long‑term productivity and sustainability of their land.…

Technology’s Role on Nebraska Farms

2 min read

Technology is reshaping how Nebraska farms operate, driving efficiency, sustainability, and better decision‑making across both crop and livestock operations. Precision agriculture tools such as GPS‑guided…

Absolute Auction vs. Private Treaty Listing

2 min read

When selling farmland, one major decision a landowner faces is whether to use an absolute auction or a private treaty listing. An absolute auction —…

Benefits and Downfalls of Grazing Corn Stalks

2 min read

Grazing corn residue — leaves, husks, and stalks left after harvest — can be a useful tool for Nebraska producers when managed correctly. Long‑term research…

Benefits of Hiring a Full-Time Land Broker

2 min read

When selling farmland or acreage, choosing a full‑time land broker over a part‑time agent can make a significant difference in your experience and the final…

Why Getting a Survey Done is a Good Idea

2 min read

When buying or selling land — especially agricultural acreage, pasture, or rural property — a land survey provides clarity and peace of mind by showing…

Title Company Duties

2 min read

When you buy or sell land, a title company plays a central role in making sure the transaction closes smoothly and legally. Long before closing…

Nebraska Documentary Taxes

2 min read

When you close on a land sale in Nebraska, one of the taxes you’ll encounter is the documentary stamp tax, a state transfer tax imposed…

Benefits of Title Insurance

2 min read

When buying or selling land in Nebraska, title insurance is one of the most important safeguards you can have in place, even though it isn’t…

What is a Title Commitment

2 min read

Before closing on a land sale — whether farmland, pasture, or rural acreage — your title company will issue a title commitment, also called a…

Understanding Nebraska County Officials: Assessor, Clerk, and Treasurer

6 min read

Understanding how county government works is especially important for landowners, buyers, and taxpayers across Nebraska. Three key offices—the assessor, clerk, and treasurer—form the backbone of…

Understanding IRS Depreciation for Soil Fertility on Farmland

3 min read

An Overview of Farm Depreciation Rules Many landowners don’t realize that a portion of a farmland purchase may qualify for farmland depreciation under IRS guidance…