June 2026 - Land Sales Bulletin

Midwest Farmland Sales Roundup: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota & Nebraska

Jennifer Moran | June 19, 2026

This week’s Landwatch Weekly delivers a full sweep across four of Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting states, highlighting strong auction activity and continued buyer interest across row‑crop regions.

Illinois — Ogle County
• 286 acres sold for $4.4M (avg. $14,162/acre)
• Tracts included PIs of 135.6, 135, and 127.1
• Mix of high‑quality cropland, small wooded areas, and older grain bins
Iowa — Lee County
• 356 acres sold for $2.6M (avg. $8,750/acre)
• Row‑crop acres with a soil rating of 48.2 plus tile and terracing
• Features included a creek, pond, and strong whitetail habitat
• Additional tracts with 129 tillable acres and improved tile/terrace systems
Minnesota — Rock County
• 162 acres sold for $2.8M (avg. $17,000/acre)
• Corn/soybean bases with PLC yields of 160 bu corn and 47 bu soybeans
• Extensive drainage tile across both tracts
Nebraska — Keith County
• 323 acres sold for $1.3M (avg. $4,050/acre)
• Tract 1: 133 certified irrigated acres; Tract 2: 136 certified irrigated acres
• Both equipped with 2004 Zimmatic 7‑tower pivots with end guns
• Combined base acres: 233 corn, 30 soybean, 8 wheat with respective yields of 165, 60, and 48 bu/acre

Across the region, sales continue to reflect strong demand for high‑quality cropland, with tile, irrigation, and productivity ratings playing a central role in pricing. Read more from Progressive Farmer: Recent Farmland Sales in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska

Dairy Investment Surges Across Key Midwest States During National Dairy Month

Jennifer Moran | June 18, 2026

June’s National Dairy Month arrives at a moment when several of our Midwest states are seeing major momentum in dairy processing investment. As processors look beyond traditional strongholds, states with growing milk supplies — including Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan — are emerging as strategic hubs for future capacity.

The article highlights Iowa’s return to the nation’s top 10 dairy states, driven by herd growth along the I‑29 corridor spanning western Iowa, southwestern Minnesota, and eastern South Dakota. Wisconsin continues to draw significant investment, with more than $1.1 billion tied to its long‑standing leadership in cheese and whey production. Michigan also stands out, attracting $1.3 billion in new processing capacity as it leads the nation in milk per cow productivity.

As processors “follow the milk,” the Midwest’s expanding production base positions the region for continued growth — reinforcing the essential role our states play in the nation’s dairy landscape. Read more from Farm Progress – farm progress – the-new-dairy-gold-rush-which-states-see-investment-in-processing

Iowa Farmland Values Hold Steady as Key Market Factors Take Shape

Jennifer Moran | June 16, 2026

In a new analysis from Doug Hensley, President of Hertz Real Estate Services, Iowa enters the 2026 growing season on “stable legs” thanks to limited land supply and continued buyer demand. Hensley outlines three forces that will shape the direction of Iowa’s land market through the second half of the year: crop prospects, geopolitics, and interest rates.

Iowa farmers — who continue to purchase 70% to 75% of row‑crop farms offered to the market — remain closely tied to in‑season yield expectations, influencing how aggressive they are in bidding for land. Geopolitical variables, including China’s soybean demand and the economic ripple effects of the Iran conflict, add further uncertainty for commodity prices and farm‑level profitability. Meanwhile, interest rate direction remains a critical watchpoint as inflation pressures push borrowing costs higher.

Despite these moving parts, recent Iowa sales — from Sioux County’s $26,600/acre auction to strong CSR2‑adjusted prices across counties like Story, Cedar, and Marion — reinforce the market’s underlying stability. Farm Progress: Will stable Iowa land values continue? Watch these 3 factors

As one of Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting states, Iowa continues to demonstrate resilience, disciplined demand, and a market that rewards high‑quality farmland even in a complex economic environment.

June 2026 Farmland Market Update: Stability Holds Across the Corn Belt

Jennifer Moran | June 15, 2026

Hertz Real Estate Services’ June 2026 Farmland Market Update highlights a land market that remains steady across the Corn Belt, even as producers navigate tighter margins and shifting interest‑rate expectations. Hear from their President, Doug Hensley, shares the latest on farmland values, current market conditions, and key factors influencing the land market – Hertz Farmland Market Update Videos

Across the Midwest, Land Sales Bulletin’s finalized land sale data reflects the same trend: resilient pricing for top‑tier cropland across our Corn Belt states. While softer commodity prices and elevated input costs are creating pressure, neither has meaningfully disrupted the market’s underlying strength.

As both a trusted customer and a leading voice in the farmland industry, proud to share Hertz’s latest update. Make sure to sign up to have their Farmland Market Updates land in your inbox: https://www.hertz.ag/subscribe

South Dakota Farmland Market Update: Stability Driven by Local Demand

Jennifer Moran | June 12, 2026

South Dakota continues to demonstrate steady strength and stability in the Midwest farmland market, supported by limited supply, strong operator interest, and stable cash rents. As one of Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting states, South Dakota remains a key region where finalized sales data helps producers, lenders, and landowners understand real-time market conditions.

Recent insights from ASFMRA‘s South Dakota Ag Update highlight several consistent themes. High-quality tracts continue to draw competitive bidding, with local producers leading most purchases. Investor activity remains present but secondary to operator demand. Cash rents are holding firm across much of the state, supported by strong balance sheets and the ongoing scarcity of acres coming to market.

With planting season progressing and producers optimistic about field conditions, the overall outlook remains steady. Limited supply continues to be the defining factor supporting values, even as margins tighten and operating costs rise.

Tune in to learn more in ASFMRAs South Dakota Ag Update.

Land Sales Bulletin will continue to track finalized sales across South Dakota and the broader Midwest to keep the market informed.

Recent Farmland Sales Across Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, and Ohio Highlight Steady Regional Demand

Jennifer Moran | June 9, 2026

Farmland auctions across our Midwest states continue to show strong buyer engagement, with recent sales recorded in Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, and Ohio.

Knox County, Illinois, an 88‑acre farm sold for $8,200/acre, supported by a 121.8 PI, 74 tillable acres, and a wind energy easement .
Decatur County, Kansas saw a 470‑acre farm sell in two tracts for an average of $2,325/acre. The larger tract included 200 acres of grassland and 116 acres of cropland with 88 wheat‑base acres at a 56 bu/acre yield, while the second tract featured 84 cropland acres and 71 acres of grassland. Buyers also received 100% of the 2026 wheat crop .
Fillmore County, Nebraska, a 151‑acre irrigated farm brought $12,583/acre, supported by strong corn and soybean base acres and a 7‑tower irrigation system .
Butler County, Ohio, a 144‑acre property sold in four tracts for $15,521/acre, featuring wooded acres, tillable ground, and average yields of 129.6 bu/acre corn and 46.4 bu/acre soybeans .

Across the region, soil quality, crop base strength, and property features continue to drive competitive bidding and support resilient land values. Read more from DTN Progressive Farmer: Recent Farmland Sales in Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska and Ohio

DTN Progressive Farmer Landwatch Weekly Report - June 4, 2026

Strong Buyer Interest Continues Across Midwest Land Markets

Jennifer Moran | June 5, 2026

Recent land sales across the Midwest show that buyer demand remains steady, even as overall listings stay limited. The latest report highlights representative sales from Kansas and Missouri, along with two strong transactions from Illinois, one of Land Sales Bulletin’s core Midwest reporting states.

In Kansas, cropland in Ottawa County sold for $2,450 per acre at online auction, supported by productive silt loam soils and consistent wheat yields . Missouri’s Reynolds County pastureland brought $2,500 per acre, reflecting strong forage production and well‑maintained fencing and water infrastructure.

Illinois posted two notable sales:
• Knox County: 87.78 acres sold for $8,200 per acre, offering productive tillable ground and upland game habitat.
• Tazewell County: 40.3 acres reached $19,900 per acre, supported by a strong 138.5 Productivity Index and high‑quality soils including Ipava and Sable.

These sales underscore the resilience of Midwest farmland markets, where buyer interest remains high and finalized transactions continue to reflect strong regional demand. Farm Progress: https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-business/buyers-still-lining-up-for-land-sales

Iowa Cash Rents Hold Steady in 2026 Despite Market Pressures

Jennifer Moran | June 3, 2026

Iowa’s 2026 cropland cash rents showed remarkable stability, landing at an average of $270 per acre, just $1 below 2025 levels. Despite lower commodity prices and elevated input costs, rental rates across high-, medium-, and low‑quality farmland saw only minor adjustments, mirroring the steadiness seen in recent land value surveys.

County‑level results reflected Iowa’s typical variability: 47 counties posted increases, 49 saw declines, and 3 remained unchanged. The highest average rents were reported in Sioux, Lyon, and Delaware counties, while Wayne, Lucas, and Davis recorded the lowest averages.

Looking ahead, improved season‑average price projections for corn and soybeans—supported by USDA’s May WASDE update—have contributed to a more optimistic outlook for 2026 crops. Futures markets are signaling some of the strongest price expectations in over a year, helping keep cash rents from moving sharply in either direction.

For landowners and operators across Iowa, these findings reinforce the value of using county‑level data as a starting point for 2027 lease discussions, while still tailoring agreements to productivity, drainage, fertility, and local market conditions. Farm Progress: https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-business/why-iowa-cropland-cash-rents-barely-budged-in-2026?

Illinois Farmland Sales Hold Steady in Q1 as Smaller Tracts Lead the Way

Jennifer Moran | June 1, 2026

Illinois farmland sales remained steady through the first quarter of 2026, with more than 10,190 acres changing hands and total reported sales topping $103.5 million. Most transactions clustered between $10,000 and $13,000 per acre, reflecting a balanced, stable market despite broader economic pressures.

One of the most notable trends was the continued strength of smaller tracts under 80 acres, which averaged $11,443 per acre, outpacing larger farms by roughly $640 per acre. Local farmers remained the dominant buyers, accounting for 57% of purchases statewide.

Top-end parcels continued to command premiums, with several sales exceeding $20,000 per acre in counties such as Hancock, Effingham, and Christian. While market signals point to ongoing volatility, Illinois farmland values overall remain supported by strong local demand and consistent pricing. Successful Farming: Illinois Farmland Sales Top $103 Million in Q1 as Small Tracts Outpace Larger Farms

As always, Land Sales Bulletin, reporting finalized land sales across its 10‑state Midwest region—including Illinois—continues to track these trends to keep buyers, sellers, and advisors informed.