Land Sales Bulletin

Farmland Values Hold Firm Across the Midwest Despite Weaker Farm Finances

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthMarch 26, 2026

American Farmland Owner reports on the New Federal Reserve surveys that show farmland values across the Midwest held steady or increased in 2025, reinforcing the strength of the region’s land market even as farm finances weakened.

For those following Land Sales Bulletin’s 10-state Midwest region—Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin—the data highlights continued stability:

  • Chicago Fed District: Farmland values up 6% year over year
    • Indiana +9%
    • Wisconsin +9%
    • Iowa +7%
    • Illinois +3%
  • Kansas City Fed District:
    • Non‑irrigated land: –0.3%
    • Irrigated land: +1.2%
    • Ranchland: +4.1%

At the same time, repayment challenges increased, more banks tightened credit standards, and interest rates—while easing—remain above long‑term averages.

Even with these pressures, Midwest farmland continues to stand out as one of the most stable assets in the agricultural economy. Read more: americanfarmlandowner.com

Nebraska Land Market Shows Quiet Strength

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthMarch 12, 2026

Nebraska continues to demonstrate why Midwest farmland market remains one of the most resilient asset classes. Despite softer commodity prices, verified sales across the state show values holding firm — a trend echoed across Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting region.

Recent Nebraska transactions highlight the diversity of demand:

  • Greeley County pasture brought $3,600/acre, supported by recreational appeal and steady local interest.
  • Platte County pivot‑irrigated cropland surged to $14,650/acre, reflecting the premium placed on high‑quality, rarely available acres.
  • Merrick County irrigated tracts sold between $7,700 and $8,300/acre, buoyed by strong soybean yields, excellent access, and reliable water infrastructure.

Nebraska’s mix of irrigated productivity, livestock supported regions, and limited turnover keeps values supported — and reinforces the broader regional story of resilience. Read more from Farm Progress: Resilience of land markets is a surprise

Midwest Farmland Market Snapshot

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthMarch 11, 2026

Farmland activity across our Midwest continues to demonstrate strength and resilience, with recent sales underscoring the diversity of land types and buyer demand across Land Sales Bulletin’s core reporting states.

Here’s a concise look at notable transactions featured in the latest Landwatch Weekly:

Indiana – A large 380‑acre Elkhart County farm sold for an average of $20,265/acre, with top tracts of productive tillable ground reaching $24,480/acre. Mixed timber‑tillable tracts followed closely behind.

Minnesota – Rock County cropland brought $17,000/acre across two tracts, supported by strong PLC yields and a productivity index above 96 — a clear indicator of continued appetite for top‑tier soils.

North Dakota – Ramsey County farmland sold for $1,975/acre, with tracts offering 63–68 PI soils and flexibility for spring wheat, peas, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and canola. Values remain steady in regions where productivity varies but cropping diversity is strong.

Across the region, buyers remain focused on soil quality, crop versatility, and long‑term productivity, even as interest rates and input costs continue to shape bidding behavior.

Land Sales Bulletin provides confirmed, recorded sales across the Midwest — ensuring transparency, accuracy, and a clear view of real market movement. Read more about the highlighted sales from Progressive Farmer: https://conta.cc/4llHfoQ

Minnesota Farmland Market Shows Wide Variability

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthMarch 10, 2026

Our Midwest state of Minnesota’s farmland market remains a study in contrasts. Some sales are exceeding expectations, while others show signs of softening — and shifting buyer dynamics are playing a major role. Farmers accounted for 70% of Hertz Farm Management’s purchases in 2024, dropping to 58% in 2025 as investor activity increased.

Recent Federal Reserve data shows nonirrigated land values up 0.7% and pastureland up 12% in the 9th District, reflecting strong cattle markets. Strong A‑quality sales continue across Minnesota, with recent prices ranging from $9,779 to $12,916 per acre depending on county and CPI. Read more from Farm Progress: Strength of farmland market continues to vary across Minnesota

As always, Land Sales Bulletin’s timely, finalized land sale data across Minnesota and the broader Midwest provides essential transparency for understanding these trends and benchmarking local market performance: Midwest Land Sales Data

Minnesota land sales - Farm Progress

March 2026 Midwest Farmland Market Snapshot: Recent Auction Sales

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthMarch 3, 2026

Farmland auctions across our Midwest reporting states and beyond continue to show strong momentum heading into spring 2026. Progressive Farmer’s recent Landwatch sales report, highlights steady demand for high‑quality cropland, recreational tracts, and irrigated acres, with buyers still prioritizing soil productivity, location advantages, and long‑term income potential.

Recent Auction Results Across the Our Midwest Reporting States:

  • Indiana – Adams County
    A 95‑acre farm east of Decatur sold for $14,737/acre, featuring four mostly tillable parcels with Blount and Pewamo soils and an additional wooded tract.
  • Iowa – Monroe County
    A 135‑acre recreational farm brought $5,400/acre, supported by hardwood timber, CRP grasses generating $11,723 annually, and strong wildlife habitat.
  • Nebraska – Butler County
    A 159‑acre irrigated cropland farm reached $13,783/acre, supported by Hastings silt loam soils, a full‑circle pivot, and proximity to ethanol and crush plants.
  • Ohio – Champaign & Logan Counties
    A 314‑acre farm sold in two tracts for $17,557/acre, backed by strong corn and soybean PLC yields and a balanced crop base.
  • South Dakota – Moody County
    A 161‑acre row‑crop farm brought $12,876/acre, featuring solid PLC yields and added value from 2025 dairy manure application at no cost to the buyer.

Progressive Farmer shares sales details and more: March 2026 Recent Farmland Sales

Landwatch March 2026 Recent Farmland Sales

Over 7,300 Acres of Iowa Farmland Scheduled for Auction in February 2026

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthFebruary 18, 2026

Our Midwest reporting state of Iowa’s farmland market is heating up this February — more than 7,300 acres across 38 counties are heading to auction. Key highlights for real estate pros, lenders, and appraisers:

• Large multi‑tract offerings in Mahaska & Des Moines Counties
• Strong CRP income on several parcels
• High‑quality cropland with solid CSR2 ratings
• 47+ auctions statewide, from live events to sealed bids
• Market experts point to a stable but highly selective land environment in 2026

A valuable month to watch for pricing signals, buyer behavior, and regional demand shifts. Successful Farming: Over 7,300 Acres of Iowa Farmland Scheduled for Auction in February 2026

OVER 7,300 ACRES OF IOWA FARMLAND SCHEDULED FOR AUCTION IN FEBRUARY 2026

Midwest farmland values ended 2025 with resilient growth

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthFebruary 17, 2026

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago AgLetter No. 2011, February 2026 – Our Midwest reporting states farmland values ended 2025 on solid footing.

• +6% annual increase across the Seventh District
• Q4 values up 2% • IL, IN, IA, WI all posted single‑digit gains
• Credit conditions tightened, but interest rates eased

Read more: https://www.chicagofed.org/publications/agletter/2025-2029/february-2026. Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest sales data demonstrates the strong demand for high‑quality tracts, reinforcing the Chicago Fed’s findings.

Are Farmland Values Leveling off Nationwide

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthFebruary 11, 2026

Farmland values across the Midwest are holding historically strong, even as the market shifts into a more balanced, disciplined phase. According to Farm Progress, our Midwest reporting states from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas are seeing values stabilize near record highs, with buyers becoming more selective and quality-driven.
“Midwest farmland values remain historically strong heading into 2026” has been an encouraging and consistent headline. Our data reinforces this message: the market isn’t falling—it’s normalizing, with long‑term confidence and limited supply keeping values elevated. Read more from Farm Progress – Farmland values hold steady, reflect shift toward balanced market

Midwest Farmland Values 2026 Overall Trend: Stable, Historically Strong Values

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthFebruary 10, 2026

Our Midwest reporting states farmland values remain resilient and historically high entering 2026, even with softer grain prices and tighter margins. The January 2026 Benchmark Farmland Report shows that land across eight Midwest and Plains states continues to perform well thanks to:

  • Tight land supply
  • Financially strong, well‑capitalized buyers
  • Steady producer demand

The message to landowners: high‑quality farmland remains one of the most durable long‑term assets in agriculture. Learn more about the tracked 93 benchmark farms and more from Whitaker Marketing Group – Midwest Farmland Values 2026 Iowa and Regional Land Prices

Midwest Farmland Values 2026 Iowa and Regional Land Prices - Whitaker Marketing Group

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