USDA Prime Farmland Designation Explained

NRCS Definition (7 CFR 657.5)

Nine qualifying conditions covering soil quality, moisture, frost-free days, pH, erodibility, and flooding frequency.

Land Capability Classes

Class I through VIII with subclass letters (e, w, s, c) indicating specific limitations.

Related Classifications

Farmland of Statewide Importance, Unique Farmland, Local Importance, conditional designations.

Value Impact

Prime farmland commands 15-40% premium over non-prime in comparable markets. FPPA regulatory framework (AD-1006 scoring).