Farmland values in Alberta increased an average of 5.7% during the first half of 2012, following gains of 4.5% and 4.0% in the previous two reporting periods. The province has seen values continue to rise since 1993.
Overall, northern Alberta experienced strong increases in farmland values, corresponding to very strong commodity prices. Several areas saw larger farm operations consolidate their land base. Competition for land caused prices to increase, with location and availability as the major drivers. Some areas, primarily in the northern Peace Region, saw land prices stabilize, possibly in response to concerns about moisture conditions.
Once again, in central Alberta, strong cattle and grain prices corresponded with an increase in the price of land.The irrigation area of southern Alberta saw robust demand for irrigated land, resulting from high commodity prices and specialty crops grown under contract. The Lethbridge area also saw strong demand for good cropland.
Source: http://www.fcc-fac.ca