The first half of 2009 increases, noted by the Red River Valley Echo, were due to:

·         Favorable interest rates

·         Ownership costs comparable to renting costs

·         Pent-up demand

·         Good commodity prices

·         Drop in production costs

·         Foreign buyers

Farmland values for the entire country of Canada increased 2.9% over the first half of 2009, and 14.3% over the past 18 months. Cropland increased in value the most, while wet farmland and pastureland increased in value the least.

-Colvin