Iowa farmland auction results in August 2026 showed a wide range of land values across the state. The August market included sales from approximately $6,100 per acre to $21,500 per acre, with several high-quality Iowa farms bringing more than $16,000 per acre.
According to the August 2026 Land Talk Monthly data from Iowa Appraisal, the month’s auction activity covered 10,821 acres, including 9,484 tillable acres. Results varied considerably based on location, soil quality, land use, tillable acres, and other property characteristics.
For Iowa landowners, these results reinforce an important point: there is no single statewide price for farmland. Buyers continue to evaluate each farm individually.
What Did Iowa Farmland Sell for in August 2026?
Reported August 2026 auction prices ranged from $6,100 per acre to $21,500 per acre among properties with disclosed sale prices.
The highest reported price in the data was an O’Brien County farm that sold for $21,500 per acre. The 74.68-acre property had a tillable CSR2 of 93.2 and 67.81 tillable acres.
Other strong O’Brien County results included:
- 78.27 acres at $19,000 per acre
- 159.76 acres at $18,400 per acre
- 92.53 acres at $17,800 per acre
- 158.80 acres with a wind turbine at $17,700 per acre
These results demonstrate the strength that high-quality farmland can command in parts of northwest Iowa.
What Were Some of the Highest Iowa Farmland Sales in August?
Several Iowa farmland auctions reached or exceeded $17,000 per acre during August.
In addition to the O’Brien County sales, 162 acres in Scott County sold for $18,600 per acre on August 25. The farm had a tillable CSR2 of 91.9 and approximately 158.5 tillable acres.
A 185-acre Plymouth County farm sold for $17,100 per acre on August 14.
Other notable results included a 37.03-acre Sac County farm at $16,200 per acre, a 76.6-acre Sac County farm at $16,100 per acre, an 80-acre Hancock County farm at $16,000 per acre, and a 189.62-acre Cherokee County farm at $16,000 per acre.
How Did Farmland Prices Vary Across Iowa?
August’s auction results show why statewide averages never tell the entire story.
For example, several southern Iowa properties sold below $10,000 per acre. A 46.56-acre Appanoose County pasture and recreation property sold for $6,100 per acre. A 168.20-acre Decatur County farm sold for $6,500 per acre, while an 80-acre Keokuk County pasture and tillable property sold for $6,700 per acre.
At the same time, high-quality farmland in counties such as O’Brien, Scott, Sac, Hancock, Cherokee, Palo Alto, and Plymouth produced significantly higher prices.
That variation is normal in the Iowa farmland market. Location, productivity, percentage of tillable acres, local buyer demand, improvements, recreational value, and other property-specific factors can all influence what buyers are willing to pay.
Does CSR2 Affect Iowa Farmland Values?
CSR2 is an important factor in Iowa farmland values, but it does not determine a farm’s sale price by itself.
The August results provide several examples of highly productive farms achieving strong prices.
The 78.27-acre O’Brien County farm that sold for $19,000 per acre had a 98 CSR2. Another O’Brien County farm with a 97.7 CSR2 sold for $18,400 per acre.
The Scott County sale at $18,600 per acre had a 91.9 CSR2, while a 37.03-acre Sac County property with an 86.9 CSR2 sold for $16,200 per acre.
However, CSR2 should not be viewed as a stand-alone valuation formula. Two farms with similar soil ratings can sell for different prices because of location, drainage, field configuration, improvements, access, local competition, and other factors.
What Did Central Iowa Farmland Sell for?
Central Iowa also had several reported transactions during August.
A 114-acre Story County farm sold for $9,900 per acre on August 21. The property had a tillable CSR2 of 81.4 and approximately 95.06 tillable acres.
Dallas County had several results earlier in the month. Reported prices included:
- 158.10 acres at $14,000 per acre
- 81.50 acres at $13,600 per acre
- 49.50 acres at $12,900 per acre
- 78.10 acres at $11,400 per acre
- 82.44 acres at $10,700 per acre
- 148 acres with a farmstead at $9,350 per acre
The range within a single county is another reminder that farmland values need to be considered on a property-by-property basis.
What Did Western Iowa Farmland Sell for?
Western and northwest Iowa produced some of the strongest results in the August data.
Beyond the O’Brien County sales, 160 acres in Palo Alto County sold for $16,250 per acre, while 189.62 acres in Cherokee County sold for $16,000 per acre.
Sac County also had multiple strong sales on August 21. Four properties brought $16,200, $16,100, $15,700, and $14,200 per acre.
Farther south and west, values varied. Montgomery County sales included prices of $10,800, $9,800, and $9,100 per acre. A Montgomery-Mills County property sold for $6,900 per acre.
Were There Any Iowa Farmland Auctions That Did Not Sell?
Yes. Not every property in the August report resulted in a completed sale.
The data identifies several properties as “No Sale.” These included properties in Tama, Lucas, Madison, and Calhoun counties.
Other auction results were listed as “Undisclosed” or “Undetermined.”
A no-sale result can happen for many reasons. The bidding may not reach the seller’s expectations or reserve, or the seller may decide that current market conditions do not justify accepting the highest bid.
This is also why looking only at successful auction prices can give an incomplete picture of the farmland market.
What Can Iowa Landowners Learn From the August 2026 Results?
The biggest takeaway from the August Iowa farmland auction results is the large difference between individual farms.
Some properties exceeded $18,000 or even $20,000 per acre. Others sold below $10,000 per acre.
That does not necessarily mean one auction succeeded while another failed. Iowa farmland markets are highly localized.
A farm’s value can be influenced by:
- County and location
- CSR2 and soil productivity
- Tillable percentage
- Drainage and tile
- Farm size and configuration
- Road access
- Improvements and farmsteads
- CRP or recreational acres
- Wind turbine or other income
- Local farmer demand
- Investor demand
- Competition among adjoining landowners
For sellers, the goal should be to understand the market surrounding their specific farm, rather than relying solely on a statewide average.
Is 2026 a Good Time to Sell Farmland in Iowa?
The August results show that buyers are still willing to compete for Iowa farmland, particularly when a property fits their operation or investment goals.
However, whether it is a good time to sell depends on the farm and the landowner’s objectives.
A seller considering an auction should first determine the likely buyer pool, review recent comparable sales, evaluate the farm’s strengths and weaknesses, and develop a marketing strategy designed to reach qualified buyers.
The best indication of what your farm may bring is usually not the statewide average. Instead, focus on recent sales of comparable farmland in your county and surrounding area.
How Much Is My Iowa Farmland Worth?
The best way to estimate Iowa farmland value is to compare your property with recent local sales while accounting for soil quality, tillable acres, location, drainage, improvements, and current buyer demand.
August 2026 provides plenty of evidence that even farms sold during the same month can have dramatically different values.
If you are considering selling farmland in Iowa, Whitaker Marketing Group can help you review recent sales, understand the potential value of your property, and determine whether an auction, sealed bid sale, or traditional listing makes the most sense.
There is no obligation to sell simply because you ask what your farm may be worth.
Have questions about your Iowa farmland? Contact Whitaker Marketing Group to discuss your property and the current land market.
