Good, quality tilled land has been and continues to be the leader in the real estate market place. Farm ground with good returns has cash buyers coming to the market seeking a "safe place" to park money. With near 0% returns from the banks and a stock market that is far less than stable, land is still the best place to put your money. The second two quarters of 2010 were very strong in this segment - values jumped as much as 25-35% in a 6-month period. That is proof of the confidence in the land market and continued distrust of banks and stock market.
Tilled ground continues to be the leader in the land market. Fueled by high commodity prices, low interest rates and distrust of the stock market, investors have been driven to the land market. Starting in the 3rd quarter of 2010, the land market started making big upward moves and has continued to stay strong through the first half of 2011. CRP and native grass have also stayed strong but not with the big jumps in value that tilled ground has seen over the last 6 months. Again, the safe money is in land - time proven.
Recreational land values have remained strong for truly "special' properties. Land next to major migration paths, refuges, river properties and watershed lakes remain in demand. This market is not at the same level it was at the end of 2007, but with the rest of market remaining so strong, has kept this segment at stable levels.
