USDA Survey Reveals 79% of U.S. Rented Farmland Owned by Non-Farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service has released findings from the 2024 Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL) survey, indicating a significant shift in farmland ownership in the United States. The survey reveals that 79% of rented farmland is owned by non-operating landlords, who do not actively farm the land themselves. This group includes private individuals, trusts, family entities, and non-family organizations. The survey highlights that over 2.0 million landowners rent out approximately 348 million acres of farmland, with the land and associated buildings valued at over $1.6 trillion. In 2024, landlords generated $34.1 billion in rental income while incurring $12.0 billion in operating expenses. The survey also notes a potential transition in land ownership, with 43 million acres expected to change hands in the next five years, though market availability remains limited. 
