Land Sales Bulletin

Dairy Investment Surges Across Key Midwest States During National Dairy Month

accountJennifer Moran | calendar-monthJune 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

May is National Beef Month and We’re Celebrating Our Midwest States

accountJennifer Moran | calendar-monthMay 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!

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: U.S. Head of Cattle – January 1 2025 and 2026

Our top ranked Head of Cattle Midwest reporting states

Nebraska Farmland Values Hold Steady Amid Market Shifts

accountJennifer Moran | calendar-monthMarch 19, 2026

Our Midwest state of Nebraska continues to demonstrate why it remains a cornerstone of Midwest farmland performance. According to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s latest survey, the statewide all‑land average value sits at $3,905 per acre in 2026, a modest 1% decline from the previous year. This marks the second consecutive year of slight softening after Nebraska reached a record high in 2024.

Survey respondents point to lower commodity prices, higher input costs, and elevated interest rates as the primary pressures on land values. Even so, Nebraska’s market remains resilient, with grazing land and hayland values rising 4–7% statewide, supported by strong cattle prices and competition for pasture. Irrigated and dryland cropland values saw small declines, generally between 1–3% depending on land class and region. Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report | Center for Agricultural Profitability | Nebraska

For those tracking Nebraska’s land market closely, two reports are now available for download:

These insights complement what Land Sales Bulletin continues to document across its 10‑state Midwest region: tight supply, strong buyer competition for quality acres, and a market that remains steady even as financial conditions shift.

Midwest Farmland Surveys Report Minor Price Changes – Hertz Farm Management

accountJennifer Moran | calendar-monthJanuary 28, 2026

Recent Hertz blog post titled “Midwest Farmland Surveys Report Minor Price Changes” reports that our Midwest reporting states’ farmland values are currently experiencing a “sideways trend” as of early 2026. Find key findings covering the 7th, 9th, and 10th Federal Reporting Districts. Key highlights for our reporting states include:

  • Chicago Federal Reserve District: Reported a 3% average gain in land values compared to 2024, with values remaining unchanged between the second and third quarters of 2025.
  • Illinois and Iowa: Northern Illinois saw a 4% year-over-year gain for “good” farmland, while Iowa’s average for similar land fell by 1%.
  • Iowa State University Survey: Affirmed the trend with a reported slight 0.7% average increase in farmland values across the state.
  • Nebraska: Values declined by 2% in 2025, though this follows three consecutive years of increases and a record-setting price peak in 2024.
https://www.hertz.ag/blog/detail/midwest-farmland-surveys-report-minor-price-changes

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

accountJennifer Moran | 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

A Cherished Christmas Tree Tradition

accountJennifer Moran | calendar-monthDecember 1, 2025

This holiday season, consider starting a cherished family tradition by visiting local tree farms to cut down your Christmas tree. The experience not only fosters family bonding and fun but also supports local economies in our Midwest. Engaging in activities at these farms promotes community spirit and offers a special way to celebrate the season! Click the image below and check out our Midwest Christmas Tree Farm Resource for links to tree farms across our 10 Midwest states, and discover the joys of fresh pine and family fun!

Midwest Christmas Tree Farms

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