Farmland Market Archives - Page 2 of 20

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.

Michigan Farmland Spotlight: Innovation, Specialty Crops, and Global Reach

Jennifer Moran | May 28, 2026

Michigan and it’s farmland remains one of Land Sales Bulletin’s most dynamic Midwest reporting states — a region where long‑established family farms continue to evolve, diversify, and find new markets. A recent example comes from Tekonsha, where sixth‑generation farmer Ed Shumway transformed his family’s 170‑year‑old dairy farm into a thriving international popcorn operation, shipping premium kernels to 28 countries.

Shumway’s shift from dairy to specialty crops began in the early 1990s, when he pivoted to popcorn production after years of managing a traditional dairy herd. Today, he farms roughly 700 acres, rotating popcorn and soybeans for fertility and pest management benefits. His operation extends beyond his own acres, contracting with growers in Michigan and Ohio to bring total popcorn acreage to 2,000 acres annually.

Michigan’s specialty crop strength is on full display in stories like this. From precision harvest practices — where even a cracked hull can reduce popping quality — to investments in advanced drying and cleaning systems that ensure premium kernels reach global buyers, Michigan producers continue to demonstrate the innovation and adaptability that define the state’s agricultural landscape.

Shumway Popcorn’s international reach includes markets in Jordan, Lebanon, Chile, Germany, Mexico, and Indonesia, supported by Michigan’s strong export infrastructure and state‑level resources for agricultural trade. It’s a reminder that Michigan farmland doesn’t just feed local communities — it connects to global supply chains. Farm Progress: Michigan farmer pivot to popcorn goes global

Land Sales Bulletin tracks verified farmland sales across Michigan and the broader Midwest, providing transparent, comparable data that helps landowners, operators, and ag professionals understand the trends shaping regions like this one.

Why a 602-Acre Indiana Farm Drew Bidders From Seven States

Jennifer Moran | May 22, 2026

A recent auction in west‑central Indiana showcased the continued strength of Midwest farmland—especially in regions where scale, soil quality, and location converge. The 602-acre farm, offered in seven tracts, drew 54 registered bidders and a standing‑room‑only crowd, with interest coming from seven states.

Despite the wide geographic interest, the final buyers were all local farmers or investors from west‑central Indiana, underscoring the resilience of local demand in a tightly held region. The property’s appeal was driven by three rare attributes:

Large scale — 602 acres, with 595.57 acres classified as cropland
High-quality soils — a WAPI of 172.6, unusually strong for the region
Strategic location — near major routes and within the growing “Silicon Heartland” corridor between Indianapolis and Purdue University

The farm averaged $19,259 per acre, well above Indiana’s statewide average of $14,826 per acre reported by Purdue University. Read more from Successful Farming: Why This 602-Acre Indiana Farm Drew Bidders From 7 States

As one of Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting states, Indiana continues to demonstrate selective strength—particularly for Class A soils and large, contiguous tracts that rarely come to market.

Why This 602-Acre Indiana Farm Drew Bidders From 7 States - Successful Farming

Wisconsin Farmland Values in 2026: Stability Driven by Supply, Equity, and Local Demand

Jennifer Moran | May 21, 2026

Our Midwest reporting state of Wisconsin farmland values in 2026 remain remarkably steady, even after several years of rapid appreciation. Peoples Company’s recent analysis shows the market has shifted into a phase that is stable, disciplined, and highly localized.

Despite expectations of a correction due to higher interest rates and tighter margins, values across much of the state have held firm. The key stabilizers: limited supply, strong owner equity, and continued demand for high‑quality parcels.

Inventory remains the defining force. Generational ownership patterns and strong financial positions have kept many high‑quality tillable acres off the open market, reducing transaction volume across Wisconsin’s agricultural counties. When productive, well‑located parcels do list, competition is intense — especially among local operators seeking strategic expansion opportunities.

Interest rates have influenced buyer behavior but have not weakened values. Well‑capitalized buyers remain active, relying less on leverage and focusing more on operational fit and long‑term efficiency.

Quality differentiation is widening. Soil productivity, access, drainage, field configuration, and proximity to existing operations are now major determinants of value potential, with top‑tier parcels commanding clear premiums. Read more: Wisconsin Farmland Values in 2026: What’s Driving the Market

For Wisconsin landowners, 2026 remains a historically favorable environment — but outcomes increasingly depend on location, accurate pricing, and hyper‑local market knowledge. As Land Sales Bulletin continues to report verified sales across the Midwest, Wisconsin stands out as a market driven by fundamentals rather than speculation.

Southeast Wisconsin Farmland Values Surge on Manure‑Access Premiums

Jennifer Moran | May 20, 2026

Farmland values in southeast Wisconsin are rising sharply, with localized increases of 25% to 35% over the past year. Some properties are now trading between $13,000 and $16,000 per acre, even as grain and milk prices remain relatively flat.

According to Compeer Financial, the primary driver behind this surge isn’t commodity strength — it’s proximity to nutrient management systems and the operational efficiencies tied to manure application logistics.

Large dairy operations in Wisconsin increasingly require nearby acreage to meet nutrient management regulations, reduce hauling distances, and control fuel and labor costs. Land located within a three‑mile radius of major livestock facilities is commanding a premium as producers compete for strategically located acres.

Competition is also expanding beyond traditional farm operators. Commercial waste processors seeking land application sites for residual materials are entering the market, adding further upward pressure in regions with limited farmland inventory.

Structural changes in Wisconsin’s dairy sector — including modernization, automation, and herd expansions from 1,500 to more than 3,000 cows — are amplifying the need for nearby cropland and reshaping local land markets.

For landowners, recent high‑profile auctions in Dodge County and areas near Madison have elevated expectations and encouraged additional listings, with private sales achieving similarly strong results. Read or listen to the full report: Farmland Near Manure Sources Fetches Premium Pricing – Compeer

While commodity prices do not fully support these valuations, location‑driven demand continues to define southeast Wisconsin’s farmland market — a trend Land Sales Bulletin will continue monitoring across our Midwest reporting region.

Nebraska: A Key State in Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest Reporting Region

Jennifer Moran | May 12, 2026

Nebraska remains a core part of Land Sales Bulletin’s 10‑state Midwest reporting region, with recent sales activity underscoring a familiar theme across the state: strong buyer demand and limited supply. Farmland listings remain scarce, and that tight inventory continues to support values even as commodity margins shift.
Landowners are cautious to sell, buyers remain active, and professionally marketed farms are moving quickly — a dynamic reflected in this month’s representative sales.

Recent Verified Sales Across Three Nebraska Counties

Saline County (Southeast) — 237.79 acres sold for $4,850/acre
- 219.08 tillable acres across two parcels
- Mix of flat and gently rolling cropland
- Working corral and pen facilities included
Lancaster County (East) — 75.16 acres sold for $8,800/acre
- More than 96% tillable, with a four‑year lime program applied before 2024 planting
- Geological and hydrological reports suggest irrigation potential in the northeast corner (no test drilling yet)
Pierce County (Northeast) — Two‑tract sale
- Tract 1: 160 acres at $4,300/acre; 129.9 certified irrigated acres; includes 2012 Zimmatic pivot and irrigation equipment
- Tract 2: 320 acres at $5,300/acre; 267.48 certified irrigated acres; includes two 2007 pivots, gearhead, and updated well components

These transactions highlight the diversity of Nebraska’s land base — from high‑quality tillable acres in the east to pivot‑irrigated tracts in the northeast — and reinforce the value of consistent, verified reporting across the Midwest. Read more from Farm Progress: Land in Demand but not much supply on the Market

Subscribers can explore full sale details, historical trends, and county‑level data through Land Sales Bulletin’s reports and digital tools.

Farmland sales across the Midwest remain active this spring

Jennifer Moran | May 11, 2026

Recent farmland sales across our reporting states of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin continue to show strong buyer interest and steady demand in core Midwest markets. In Fremont County, Iowa, a 197‑acre farm sold for $10,000 per acre , while Faribault County, Minnesota saw a 123‑acre tract reach $12,200 per acre at auction . North Dakota’s Steele County recorded a multi‑tract sale averaging $3,430 per acre across 790 acres of cropland . In Sauk County, Wisconsin, a two‑tract, 190‑acre offering averaged $6,775 per acre, reflecting continued interest in mixed‑use and recreational acreage .

These transactions highlight ongoing resilience across Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting states, where our finalized sales data helps farmers, producers, lenders, and rural land professionals stay ahead of market shifts.

Read more from Progressive Farmer: Recent Farmland Sales in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin

Landwatch Weekly - Recent Farmland Sales in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin from Progressive Farmer

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

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