South Dakota – Land Sales Bulletin

Landwatch Weekly: Recent Midwest Farmland Sales Across Iowa, Indiana & South Dakota

Jennifer Moran | July 24, 2026

Progressive Farmer’s Landwatch Weekly column continues to show steady strength across Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting region. This week’s updates highlight positive momentum in Iowa, Indiana, and South Dakota, with strong per‑acre values and diversified land use driving buyer interest.

Midwest Highlights

Indiana – Wells County A 79‑acre farm sold for $24,050 per acre, supported by 52 acres of tillable ground and two residential homes.
Iowa – Allamakee County A 258‑acre multi‑tract sale averaged $16,750 per acre, with one premium tract reaching $27,400 per acre. Buyers were drawn to a mix of timber, tillable acres, recreational land, and Mississippi River views.
South Dakota – Brookings County A 40‑acre farm sold for $14,125 per acre, featuring strong cropland SPI (81.9), livestock paddocks, a residence, and a heated shop — a well‑rounded operational property.

These finalized sales reinforce continued confidence in high‑quality cropland, diversified land assets, and properties with strong residential or operational improvements across the Midwest.

Source: Progressive Farmer — Landwatch Weekly
Article Link: https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/business-inputs/article/2026/07/23/recent-farmland-sales-indiana-iowa

Sunflower Acreage Climbs in 2026: Strong Gains in North & South Dakota Lead the Nation

Jennifer Moran | July 23, 2026

U.S. sunflower acreage rose 5% this year to 1.35 million acres, according to USDA estimates, with the strongest growth coming from South Dakota and North Dakota. Oil‑type and non‑oil sunflower varieties both saw year‑over‑year increases, reflecting tight stocks, strong demand, and elevated prices heading into fall.

Among the eight major sunflower‑producing states, the Dakotas stand out. South Dakota posted the largest increase in planted oil‑type acres, up 56,000 acres from last year . North Dakota followed with a 30,000‑acre increase . Non‑oil sunflower acreage also expanded sharply, with South Dakota again leading all states with a 21,000‑acre jump .

For Land Sales Bulletin readers, this is a positive regional signal: both North Dakota and South Dakota—key LSB Midwest reporting states—are driving national growth in a crop tied to strong market fundamentals, tight stocks, and early‑harvest price premiums expected later this season .

South Dakota: Largest oil‑type acreage increase (+56,000 acres) and largest non‑oil increase (+21,000 acres).
North Dakota: Strong oil‑type acreage growth (+30,000 acres).
Market Context: Tight stocks and strong demand expected to keep prices firm into September.
National Trend: U.S. sunflower acreage up 5% year over year.

Read more from Farm Progress: U.S. sunflower acreage jumps 5% as tight stock pushes prices

Midyear 2026 Farmland Values: Resilience Across Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest Reporting States

Jennifer Moran | July 22, 2026

Benchmark farmland values across Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming remain flat to slightly higher in mid‑2026, according to Farm Credit Services of America’s July Benchmark Farmland Report. Values are supported by strong buyer financials and an already tight real estate market that saw even fewer sales in the first half of the year.

Iowa cropland dipped modestly, leaving overall benchmark values flat. Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming posted incremental gains across both cropland and pasture since January.

The report also highlights broader trends across grain and protein‑producing states served by collaborating Farm Credit associations, reinforcing long‑term appreciation and durable demand across the Midwest.

Iowa*

6‑month change: 0.0% | 1‑year change: ‑1.4%
5‑year change: 31.6% | 10‑year change: 51.1%

Nebraska*

6‑month change: +1.2% | 1‑year change: +3.2%
5‑year change: 42.9% | 10‑year change: 39.2%

South Dakota*

6‑month change: +4.2% | 1‑year change: +6.4%
5‑year change: 71.6% | 10‑year change: 61.8%

Wyoming

6‑month change: +2.7% | 1‑year change: +6.0%
5‑year change: 55.4% | 10‑year change: 99.6%

Market Context

Tight real estate supply and financially strong buyers continue to support values region‑wide
Benchmark values across all four states show significant long‑term appreciation, with ten‑year gains averaging nearly 100%

*Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest Reporting States

Full Report: Farmland Values 2026: Trends in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming | FCSAmerica

Midwest Farmland Values: Strong Sales Across IL, MN, MO, and SD

Jennifer Moran | July 16, 2026

Farmland sales across our reporting states of Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, and neighboring Missouri continue to show the Midwest’s steady land market strength. Progressive Farmer’s latest report highlights multi‑tract auctions with strong per‑acre prices, solid soil ratings, and diversified tracts that reinforce ongoing buyer demand across the region.

Illinois (Livingston County): A 236‑acre farm sold for $2.7M, averaging $11,350/acre.
Minnesota (Cottonwood & Watonwan Counties): A 449‑acre auction brought $5.2M — averaging $11,775/acre — with soil ratings in the 90s.
South Dakota (Moody County): A 407‑acre farm sold for $5.3M at $13,100/acre.
Missouri (Sullivan County): A 164‑acre farm sold for $1M, with cropland tracts averaging $4,750/acre and mixed-use features including pasture, hayfields, timber, and a home site.

Progressive Farmer’s coverage underscores the strength of Midwest farmland values and provides timely insights for producers, investors, and land professionals across our Land Sales Bulletin reporting states, and Missouri. https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/news/business-inputs/article/2026/07/16/recent-farmland-sales-illinois-south

Midwest Farmland Sales: Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota See Active Summer Markets

Jennifer Moran | July 13, 2026

Progressive Farmer’s Landwatch Weekly column highlights another week of active farmland sales across the Midwest. While Kansas is not part of Land Sales Bulletin’s official reporting region, its inclusion offers valuable context for our readers following regional trends. Strong demand, diverse property types, and notable per‑acre values were seen across Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Highlights:

Iowa – Buchanan County: 51-acre farm sold for $1.7M, including a 39-acre cropland tract at $16,196/acre
Kansas – Barber County (non‑reporting state): 311-acre farm sold for $799,655 ($2,575/acre) with wheat, canola, and corn base acres plus pasture and ponds
Nebraska – Garden County: 523-acre recreational ranch sold for $1.2M ($2,296/acre) featuring ponds, pasture units, and a ranch home
South Dakota – Beadle County: 161-acre pastureland farm sold for $693,966 ($4,305/acre) with virgin sod and cropland conversion potential

See the full report and breakdown from Progressive Farmer: Recent Farmland Sales in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota

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

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.

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

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!