What does the September 2026 RLI Iowa Land Values Survey say about farmland prices? The latest REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI) – Iowa Chapter Land Trends and Values Survey reports that Iowa farmland values increased 0.6% from March 2026 to September 2026.
Combined with the previous six-month increase, Iowa farmland values are up approximately 1.9% from September 2025 to September 2026.
The latest survey also shows that farmland values are not moving equally across Iowa. East Central Iowa recorded the strongest six-month increase at 2.5%, while North Central Iowa declined 1.3%.
Buyers also remain selective. High-quality farmland is selling well, while medium- and lower-quality land is struggling in some areas.
What Is the RLI Iowa Land Values Survey?
The RLI Iowa Land Values Survey, also known as the REALTORS® Land Institute Iowa Chapter Land Trends and Values Survey, tracks changes in Iowa farmland values and market conditions.
Survey participants provide their opinions about the current Iowa farmland market and estimates of average farmland values. The September 2026 survey estimates values as of September 1, 2026. The estimates represent bare, unimproved land sold on a cash basis.
RLI reports farmland values across Iowa’s nine crop reporting districts. Land is separated into categories including high-quality cropland, medium-quality cropland, low-quality cropland, non-tillable pasture and timber.
What Are the Latest RLI Iowa Land Survey Results?
The September 2026 survey reported a statewide farmland value increase of 0.6% during the previous six months.
The latest RLI results show:
- March 2026 to September 2026: +0.6%
- September 2025 to March 2026: +1.3%
- September 2025 to September 2026: +1.9%
These results indicate that Iowa farmland values have returned to modest positive movement following declines reported during portions of 2024 and 2025.
