WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) _ A Purdue University survey of Indiana farmland values has found that they rose between 4.5 percent and 6.3 percent statewide over the past year, more than expected.

The report says top-quality farmland averaged more than $5,300 per acre, average land was valued at about $4,400 per acre and poor-quality land averaged $3,500 per acre.

Purdue Extension agricultural economist Craig Dobbins says land values increased sharply over the past 12 months when compared with the previous year. He says there was a downward correction last year.

The strongest gains as high as 8 percent were found in west central and northeast Indiana.

Higher farmland values give farmers more equity and generally make it easier for them to renew loans.