2026 USDA NASS Cash Rent Rates Published 

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Understanding current cash rental rates is important for both landowners and agricultural producers. One of the most widely used sources of rental rate information is the annual USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) cash rent survey, which compiles data from respondents across the country. The rates reported in this survey reflect average cash rents and are shown on a per-acre, per-year basis. 

Thomas Ranch on August 18, 2026 in Anderson, Texas. (Anna Haley/Texas A&M Agrilife)

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.

Pastureland

  • The statewide average for pastureland was $8.60/acre, which is up $1.10 from last year.
  • The highest pastureland rental rates were reported in Wharton County at $30.50/acre. Falls County reported $24.50/acre, and Titus County reported $24.00/acre.
  • Conversely, the lowest reported pastureland lease average was in the Southern High Plains with Midland County at $1.10, and Trans-Pecos District with Terrell at $1.70/acre.

Irrigated Cropland

  • The Texas average lease rate for irrigated cropland was $125/acre, up $11 from 2025.
  • For 2026, the highest average reported lease rates were in Hartley County ($205/acre) and Gaines County ($190/acre).
  • The lowest reported rates for irrigated cropland came from Childress County at $26.

Non-Irrigated Cropland

  • Statewide non-irrigated cropland lease rates averaged $35.50/acre, which is a $1/acre decrease from the prior year.
  • The highest reported rental for non-irrigated cropland was found in San Patricio County at $83.50/acre and in Nueces County at $70/acre.
  • On the other hand, the lowest rates came from Kendall County ($9.50), and Llano County ($9.90).

District Summary

Dr. Greg Kaase pulled together the following table showing the average cash lease rates for 2025 and 2026 for each of Texas’ regions.

County-level estimates are accessible online at the following web address:
https://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/results/E0F5EB36-3313-3D7B-9E7F-E56A3365CF2B#9A9F55D7-E267-38C6-ACB9-DF106291B5A7

More Information

For those looking to learn more about agricultural leases, we offer a number of helpful resources. Chapter 11 of the Owning Your Piece of Texas Handbook provides an overview of key agricultural leasing concepts, while the Ranchers Agricultural Leasing Handbook takes a deeper look at issues commonly faced by landowners and tenants. Both publications offer practical guidance on topics ranging from lease terms and liability concerns to termination and dispute resolution.

In addition, our podcast library includes episodes focused on grazing, farming, and hunting leases, featuring discussions on common legal issues, best practices, and real-world considerations for lease agreements.

For those interested in a more hands-on learning experience, our Ranchers Leasing Workshop covers important topics related to grazing and hunting leases, including drafting provisions, liability protection, and risk management. The workshop is offered both in person and online. Our next live course will be held in Bryan, Texas, on December 8, and the online version is available on demand for participants who prefer to learn at their own pace.

 

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