Southeastern Minnesota’s farmland market has been quieter through 2026, yet values for Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting state continue to show strength even with fewer finalized sales. Compeer Financial’s appraisal team notes that activity across Dakota, Le Sueur, Rice, Goodhue, Wabasha, and Dodge counties is well below last year’s pace, but the fourth quarter may close that gap as farmers wrap up harvest and evaluate year-end decisions.
Key Highlights
- Farmland sales across six southeastern Minnesota counties are down sharply from 2025, with just 55 qualifying transactions so far.
- Despite slower activity, values remain resilient, rising approximately 5% year over year and 21% over the past four years.
- County averages vary widely, from $11,000 to $11,500 per tillable acre in much of the region, up to nearly $14,500 in Dodge County.
- Strong yields in parts of Minnesota may help offset weaker commodity prices as farmers assess their financial position heading into 2027.
- Solar projects, suburban expansion, and recreational land demand continue to influence values across southeastern Minnesota.
- Year-end sales activity, typically strongest from November through February, could significantly narrow the gap between 2025 and 2026.
Compeer Financial’s appraisal team, including author Aaron Stark, continues to monitor our Midwest reporting state of Minnesota’s evolving land market closely. Listen or read their full report: https://www.compeer.com/articles/southeastern-minnesota-farmland-sales-slow-in-2026
