Midwest Farmland Archives - Land Sales Bulletin

Nebraska Farmland Values Show Mixed Movement in 2026

MktgLSB | 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

MktgLSB | 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

Farmland Values Across the Upper Midwest

MktgLSB | April 8, 2026

Farmland values across the Upper Midwest continue to be defined by one theme: stability. Despite tighter margins and higher production costs, producers in our Midwest reporting states of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota remain supported by strong balance sheets and historically limited land supply.

The article highlights meaningful differences across the region. Iowa is seeing lower auction volume and modest softening in returns. Nebraska remains steady, with high‑quality tracts still drawing strong interest. South Dakota stands out as the exception, posting increased sales activity and double‑digit gains in pastureland values over the past year.

Local buyers continue to dominate the market, and financing is becoming a more common strategic tool. With supply still constrained and fundamentals holding firm, the Midwest land market remains balanced and resilient — a story where stability itself is the headline. Farm Progress: Here’s the secret to steady farmland values

Farmland values across the Midwest remain steady

MktgLSB | April 6, 2026

Farmland values across the Midwest continue to hold steady—even inching upward in places—despite softer commodity prices and persistently high input costs. Recent insights from the Chicago Fed and the Iowa Realtors Land Institute show modest value increases across key crop districts, with tillable acres remaining especially resilient.

Industry experts point to several forces supporting today’s land market: limited supply, strong farmer demand, reinvestment through 1031 exchanges, and ongoing pressure from residential, commercial, and data‑center development. Farmland also remains a favored hedge against inflation, keeping buyers active even in a neutral interest‑rate environment.

At Land Sales Bulletin, we see these same dynamics across our 10‑state Midwest reporting region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. With only 1.5% to 2% of farmland changing hands annually in many states, competition for quality acres remains strong, and farmers continue to make up the majority of buyers.

A steady market doesn’t mean a quiet one—just a competitive one shaped by long‑term value and tight supply: farmprogress.com

Minnesota Farmland Market Holds Steady as 2026 Outlook Improves

MktgLSB | April 1, 2026

Minnesota’s farmland market continues to demonstrate resilience heading into spring, supported by firmer commodity prices, USDA bridge payments, and improved grower sentiment. While demand isn’t at the peak levels seen from 2021–2023, values across the state remain steady, with recent sales showing strong productivity indexes and competitive per‑acre prices

As one of Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting states, Minnesota plays a key role in illustrating broader regional trends: moderated demand, lower sales volume compared to the boom years, and a market that continues to hold value despite higher interest rates and input cost uncertainty. With farmers entering the 2026 planting season facing more positives than negatives, Minnesota’s land market remains a steady anchor in the Midwest. Read more from Farm Progress: Demand for Minnesota farmland holds steady as outlooks improve

Midwest Notable Farmland Sales March 2026

MktgLSB | March 30, 2026

Our Midwest reporting states of Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska are the featured farmland sales in American Farmland Owner‘s recent Notable Sales report.

Farmland auctions across the 3 featured states show prices from $11,500 to $22,100 per acre, driven by soil quality, productivity, and location. Read details behind each sale https://www.americanfarmlandowner.com/post/midwest-notable-farmland-sales-march-2026

Farmland Values Hold Firm Across the Midwest Despite Weaker Farm Finances

MktgLSB | March 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: americanfarmlan d owner.com

Midwest Farmland Values – “The Selective Strength” Era

MktgLSB | March 24, 2026

Nick Westgerdes, AFM, owner of New Roots Farm Brokerage, shares specialized farmland value insights and management reports for our Midwest reporting states of Illinois and Wisconsin. As the current President-Elect of the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ISPFMRA), his recent 2026 reports highlight a “resilient” but evolving market using our Illinois and Wisconsin land sales data. New Roots Farm Brokerage – Client Driven & Farm Focused.

Nebraska Land Market Shows Quiet Strength

MktgLSB | March 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

MktgLSB | March 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