COLUMBUS, Ohio / FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE) and Ohio State University Extension, the outreach arm of the college, has announced a new partnership with Acres.com, a leader in farmland transaction data. By leveraging Acres’ robust datasets and AEDE research expertise, the collaboration will enhance Ohio State’s ability to deliver timely insights to agricultural producers, policymakers, and researchers across Ohio.
“We’re excited about the collaboration between Acres and Ohio State,” said Aaron Shew, Vice President of Product and Data Science at Acres.com. “By providing Dr. Gabriel Lade, Dr. Ani Katchova, and their graduate students access to the leading land intelligence platform in the country, we hope to empower accurate and timely transaction-based land values reports and research. More than the provision of software, this partnership demonstrates how Ohio State and Acres value driving cutting edge analysis, research and training for the future.”
The partnership builds on the University’s long-standing Western Ohio Cropland Values and Cash Rents Survey, led by Barry Ward of OSU Extension. By integrating Acres’ real-time farmland sales data, covering more than 120,000 acres transacted in Ohio over the past year, AEDE can validate survey results with verified transaction data, offering a more complete and accurate picture of land markets statewide.
“The partnership with Acres will allow us to examine how farmland prices vary at the state and national levels and to study their determinants,” said Dr. Gabriel Lade, Associate Professor and Swank Chair of Rural-Urban Policy. “These insights will help us understand how land markets influence agricultural production and development patterns.”
Dr. Ani Katchova, Professor and Farm Income Enhancement Chair, added, “Access to transaction-level data from Acres will help us identify trends in farmland use and better inform farmers and policymakers concerned about farmland loss.”
To date, both Ohio State and Acres data show Ohio farmland values averaging $9,000–$10,000 per acre in 2025, reflecting steady year-over-year appreciation of roughly 5%. Transaction volume has remained consistent since 2017, indicating continued confidence in farmland as a long-term asset despite market fluctuations.
Ohio State and Acres plan to publish additional research and analysis as their collaboration continues, delivering new perspectives on farmland values, ownership, and land use change in Ohio and beyond. View preliminary findings here.
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About Acres
Acres.com is a land data and mapping platform built to make America’s largest asset easy to understand. With data for over 150 million parcels of land, Acres brings together the information you need to understand and value land with confidence. Access more accurate and comprehensive land intelligence, comparable sales, and easy-to-use mapping tools for fast, informed decision making. Visit www.acres.com to learn more.
About The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) leads innovative teaching, research, and outreach efforts that address critical issues in food systems, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and community health. With campuses in Columbus, Wooster, and statewide through Ohio State University Extension, the college’s outreach arm, and 4-H programs, CFAES educates individuals of all ages, serving more than a million people annually. The college is home to over 400 faculty, 1,335 staff, nearly 3,000 students, and a global network of 47,000 living alumni. Spanning 88 counties and 10,738 acres in Ohio, CFAES integrates academic excellence with real-world impact united in our purpose - We Sustain Life.