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

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

Compeer Financial – 2026 Farmland Values Outlook

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthFebruary 3, 2026

Compeer Financial’s latest Appraisal Report episode unpacks how farmland values across our Midwest reporting states of southwestern Minnesota, northern Iowa, and eastern South Dakota continue to reflect long-term fundamentals rather than short-term commodity swings. Even with tighter crop margins, buyer demand for high-quality acres remains strong across our Midwest states. Watch or Read in their links below:

Watch: https://ow.ly/tz2v50Y5pfl

Read: https://ow.ly/UyrJ50Y5pfk

More Than 2,400 Acres of Illinois Farmland Head to Auction in February 2026

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthJanuary 29, 2026

Our Midwest reporting state of Illinois is gearing up for a busy February, with more than 2,400 acres of farmland scheduled for auction across 11 counties. The listings range from small 28‑acre tracts to a major 600‑acre Centennial Farm offering in Christian County, reflecting a diverse mix of high‑productivity cropland, recreational parcels, and homestead‑plus‑farmland combinations. Our trusted land sales data can help demonstrate patterns emerging in Illinois’ land sales and throughout the Midwest. Find key auction highlights and more from Successful Farming: More Than 2,400 Acres of Illinois Farmland Head to Auction in February 2026

The Dramatic Shift in the U.S. Ag Land Price‑Rent Ratio

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthJanuary 15, 2026

The U.S. ag land price‑rent ratio has nearly doubled since 1998 — rising from 20 to 36 — and no single economic factor fully explains why. New farmdoc analysis shows that if the ratio had held steady, today’s cropland values would be roughly 40% lower. With land making up ~80% of U.S. farm assets, understanding the drivers behind this long‑term shift is essential for lenders, investors, and producers. Read more from Successful Farming – The Dramatic Change in U.S. Ag Land Price-Rent Ratio

Download farmdoc daily full report here: Farmdoc – Change in US Ag Land Price-Rent Radio

Kansas–Oklahoma Farmland Auction Draws Fierce Bidding

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthDecember 24, 2025

A multi‑parcel farmland auction spanning Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle brought in $15.59 million as 5,043 acres of irrigated, dryland, grass, and CRP ground sold to a mix of local farmers and outside investors. Irrigated acres were the star of the sale, along with local demand playing a major role, with top tracts reaching $6,700 per acre, driven by strong water availability, high‑quality soils, and reliable center‑pivot systems. Local demand played a major role, especially from producers farming adjacent land. Learn more about this standout sale from Successful Farming – https://bit.ly/3YdWGF5

Midwest Farmland Values Moved Up Modestly in the Third Quarter

accountMktgLSB | calendar-monthNovember 14, 2025

“According to the most recent AgLetter, Seventh District farmland values in the third quarter of 2025 were 3% higher than a year ago.” Read more on the land values for our Midwest reporting states Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin: Midwest Farmland Values Moved Up Modestly in the Third Quarter – Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Download their full report: Ag Letter No 2010 November 2025 Full Publication

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