AMES – Iowa State University released its latest figures this week on cash rents for corn and soybean acres, showing statewide average of $1 increase. The 2010 average was set at $184, up from $183 in 2009.

Across the Farm News’ 33-county coverage area, cash rents were lowered in some counties from a range of $1 to $22 per acre. In other counties the rates increased in a range from $2 to $16 per acre.

Hamilton County had the highest per acre cash rent increase of $16, from $202 to $218. The counties of Crawford and Cerro Gordo share the distinction of having the largest decreases at $16 per acre, from $201 to $195 in Cerro Gordo and from $199 to $177 in Crawford.

Contact Larry Kershner at (515) 573-2141, Ext. 453, or by e-mail at kersh@farm-news.com.