Jennifer Moran, Author at Land Sales Bulletin

Resilience Continues to Define the Midwest Land Market — With Minnesota Sales Holding Strong

Jennifer Moran | May 7, 2026

Resilience remains the defining characteristic of Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting region, even as producers navigate drought, rising input costs, and global uncertainty. High‑quality farmland continues to demonstrate remarkable stability across the 10‑state region — and Minnesota is no exception. Recent sales across Minnesota highlight this strength. In the past month, several high‑quality tracts surpassed $12,000 per acre, including:

Faribault County: 123.02 acres at $12,200/acre with a CPI of 93.5
Watonwan County: 151.08 acres at $12,650/acre with a CPI of 93.6
Nobles County: 74.05 acres at $14,835/acre with a CPI of 97

Even with economic pressures, these results echo what LSB’s data has shown for years: high‑quality Midwest farmland gets knocked down less often — and gets back up faster. As one recent report noted, the resilience of top‑tier tillable ground is comparable to “Rocky Balboa” in its ability to rebound.

Across the Midwest, Land Sales Bulletin continues to provide the finalized, county‑level sales data that helps producers, landowners, and advisors navigate a market defined by strength, stability, and long‑term confidence. Read more from Farm Progress: Despite challenges, high-quality farmland prices remain high

Producer Sentiment, Land Value Expectations & Why Finalized Midwest Sales Data Matters

Jennifer Moran | May 6, 2026

Producer sentiment continues to diverge sharply depending on how farmers view the direction of land values. The March 2026 Purdue University–CME Group Ag Economy Barometer shows that only 10% of producers expect land values to decline, while 35% expect them to rise over the next 12 months . Those expecting higher values also reported stronger current conditions and more optimism about future financial performance—with a Financial Performance Index of 111 compared to 93 among those expecting declines .

High input costs remain the top concern for both groups, though the pressure is felt more intensely among producers anticipating lower land values . And when asked what’s driving land values locally, the groups split: those expecting declines pointed to net farm income, while those expecting increases cited alternative investments as the biggest influence .

Why Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest Data Is Essential

Understanding producer sentiment is valuable—but sentiment alone doesn’t move markets. Finalized sales do.

That’s where Land Sales Bulletin provides critical clarity. By documenting finalized, completed farmland sales across 10 Midwest states, LSB delivers the ground‑truth data needed to interpret sentiment shifts in real time. When producers express optimism or caution, LSB’s county‑level sales reports show whether actual transactions reflect those expectations—or diverge from them.

In a moment when producers are split on the direction of land values, LSB’s consistent sales data helps land professionals, lenders, appraisers, and producers distinguish perception from market reality. It’s the difference between watching the weather forecast and checking the rain gauge.

As the ag economy continues to evolve, pairing sentiment indicators with verified Midwest sales data offers the most complete picture of where farmland values may be headed next. Read more from farmdocdaily: Producer Sentiment and Land Value Expectations – farmdoc daily
Download the full report: Producer-Sentiment-and-Land-Value-Expectations Report- fdd050126

Celebrating National Beef Month Across the Midwest — With a Spotlight on South Dakota

Jennifer Moran | May 5, 2026

May marks National Beef Month, a time to recognize the producers, markets, and rural communities that keep the Midwest’s beef sector strong. In South Dakota — one of Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting states — cattle production remains a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural identity. From cow‑calf operations to finishing lots, South Dakota producers continue to demonstrate resilience, stewardship, and a commitment to high‑quality beef.

As demand for local protein sources grows, the region’s beef sector remains supported by strong consumer interest, generational expertise, and a land market that reflects the long‑term value of pasture and rangeland. National Beef Month is an opportunity to highlight the producers who make it possible and the land that sustains them. Learn more from AgUpdate: Finding local beef: South Dakota’s new directory connects producers, consumers

Finding local beef: South Dakota’s new directory connects producers, consumers

May is National Beef Month and We’re Celebrating Our Midwest States

Jennifer Moran | May 1, 2026

May is National Beef Month and we’re celebrating our top ranked Midwest states: Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota!

Join us in showing appreciation for the cattle ranchers who rise early each day to rustle up their herds and provide food for the world; the U.S. beef industry is still the largest in the world! See a complete list of all U.S. states:May is National Beef Month and we’re celebrating our top ranked Midwest states: Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota!

Our top ranked Head of Cattle Midwest reporting states

Southeast Iowa Farmland Auction Surges to $21,050 Per Acre

Jennifer Moran | April 29, 2026

A recent Louisa County auction underscored the continued strength of Iowa’s farmland market, with a 79‑acre tract selling for $21,050 per acre—well above the county’s average value of $11,632 per acre. The multi‑tract sale drew 46 registered bidders from at least 12 states, reflecting broad demand for high‑quality row‑crop ground paired with recreational timber.

The top‑selling tract featured a strong CSR2 of 88.4, appealing to both local and out‑of‑state buyers. Additional timber tracts, including parcels adjacent to the Cairo Woods Wildlife Area, also attracted competitive bidding.

As one of Land Sales Bulletin’s 10 Midwest reporting states, Iowa continues to demonstrate resilient buyer interest, with premium soils and recreational attributes driving strong results across the region. Read more from Successful Farming: Southeast Iowa Farmland Sells for $21,050 Per Acre, Draws Multi-State Bidding

Southeast Iowa Farmland Sells for $21,050 Per Acre, Draws Multi-State Bidding - Successful Farming

Illinois Farmland Auctions Surpass $40 Million in March

Jennifer Moran | April 28, 2026

Illinois farmland sales remained strong in March 2026, with more than 4,100 acres changing hands and total transactions exceeding $40.4 million. Activity spanned key agricultural counties including Grundy, Hancock, and McLean, where high-quality Class A tracts continued to draw competitive bidding from both local operators and investors.

Notable sales included two 120.52‑acre tracts in Grundy County that sold for $16,900 per acre, reflecting strong demand for highly productive soils with PI ratings above county averages. In Hancock County, a 138.69‑acre tract sold for $7,775 per acre, supported by strong organic matter and fertility advantages. McLean County saw 72.55 acres sell for $15,600 per acre, backed by strong yield history and solid soil productivity.

Market analysts note that despite higher interest rates and elevated input costs, Illinois farmland values remain resilient. Limited supply, strong balance sheets, and steady investor interest continue to support pricing across the state—one of Land Sales Bulletin’s 10 Midwest reporting states. Read more from Successful Farming: Illinois Farmland Auctions Bring Over $40 Million in March

Illinois Farmland Auctions Bring Over $40 Million in March - Successful Farming 4-23-2026

Illinois Farmland Values Expected to Ease in 2026

Jennifer Moran | April 27, 2026

Illinois farm managers expect farmland values to soften slightly in 2026, with most anticipating a 1%–5% decline and some projecting up to 10%. According to the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, excellent farmland averaged $15,846 per acre in 2025, down 3% from the prior year, while good‑quality land held steady. Recreational land, however, saw an 11% increase.

Shifts in cash rent expectations, tighter farmer liquidity, and broader economic pressures—including fertilizer costs and global conflict—are shaping the outlook. As Illinois remains a core state within Land Sales Bulletin’s 10‑state Midwest reporting region, readers can track verified sales and market trends across the region with consistent, county‑level detail.

Read more: Steady to small decrease expected for farmland values – AgriNews

Nebraska Farmland Values Show Mixed Movement in 2026

Jennifer Moran | April 21, 2026

Nebraska remains a key state within Land Sales Bulletin’s 10‑state Midwest reporting region, and the latest preliminary data from the 2026 University of Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey reflects a market adjusting to tighter margins and shifting sector strength.

Statewide farmland values dipped 1% to $3,905 per acre, marking the second consecutive year of decline as crop producers face narrower margins and softer receipts. In contrast, grazing and hay land values rose 4% to 7%, supported by strong cattle prices and historically low cow herd numbers.

Regional differences remain notable:

East District continues to lead at $9,315/acre (down 1%).
North Region saw the strongest gains, up 4%.
Southeast District posted the largest decline at –3%.

Cash rents followed similar patterns, with cropland rents slipping 1% to 9% depending on land type, while pasture rents strengthened.

As one of Land Sales Bulletin’s core Midwest reporting states, Nebraska’s evolving land values, rental trends, and sector‑specific pressures continue to shape the broader regional story. The final UNL report, expected in June, will add detail on land grades, transaction characteristics, and auction trends. Read more from Farm Progress: Average Nebraska farmland values drop for second straight year

North Dakota Farmland Market Shows Strength Through Discipline

Jennifer Moran | April 20, 2026

A major North Dakota land auction—spanning 4,398 acres across four counties, brought in $21.82 million, landing nearly even with its two‑year‑old appraisal. The results highlight what we’re seeing across the region: buyers remain active, but they’re more selective than in past peak years. Some tracts soared above 120% of appraisal values, while others settled lower, reflecting a market that rewards high‑quality soils, strong access, and proven productivity.

As one of Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting states, North Dakota continues to demonstrate that while the market isn’t at the highs of 2022, it remains far from collapsing. Demand is steady, capital is active, and buyers are selective, reflecting a more mature, disciplined phase of the land cycle. Farm Progress: North Dakota auction shows a disciplined but still strong land market

North Dakota Auction Shows a Disciplined but Still Strong Land Market

Strong March for Iowa Farmland: $78M in Sales Across 10,600 Acres

Jennifer Moran | April 15, 2026

Iowa farmland auctions brought in more than $78 million in March, with over 10,600 acres changing hands across the state. Sales in counties such as Louisa, Sioux, and Ringgold reflected strong demand for high‑quality cropland and well‑maintained pasture, even as broader market conditions remain steady and increasingly selective.

Economists note that Iowa’s land values continue to be supported by limited supply, consistent buyer interest, and stronger livestock margins, while crop producers face tighter profitability. These dynamics mirror trends across Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting region, which includes Iowa among its 10 states. Successful Farming: Iowa Farmland Auctions Bring Over $78 Million in March

As always, Land Sales Bulletin provides verified, county‑level sales data to help buyers, sellers, and industry professionals track real‑time market movement across the Midwest.