Iowa farmland sales from September 26 through October 1, 2026, showed a wide range of results across the state. Reported sale prices ranged from $5,800 per acre to $25,500 per acre, showing once again that farmland values can vary significantly based on location, productivity, land use, and local buyer demand.
During this period, strong farmland sales were reported in Sioux, Benton, and Osceola counties. At the same time, two Fayette County farms resulted in no sale.
Here is what the latest Iowa farmland sales tell us about the market.
Sioux County Farmland Reaches $25,500 Per Acre
Some of the strongest results during this period came from Sioux County.
On September 30, a 67-acre tillable farm sold for $25,500 per acre. The property had approximately 64.31 tillable acres and a tillable CSR2 of 89.4.
Another 80-acre Sioux County farm sold for $23,000 per acre. That property included approximately 77.06 tillable acres with a tillable CSR2 of 96.
These were the two highest reported per-acre sales in this group.
Benton County Farmland Brings $15,000+ Per Acre
Benton County also had two strong farmland sales on October 1.
A 77-acre tillable farm with a CSR2 of 92.9 sold for $15,750 per acre. A separate 40-acre farm with a CSR2 of 92 sold for $15,000 per acre.
Both results show the demand that can exist for highly productive farmland when the property is in a competitive local market.
Osceola County Farm Sells for $17,250 Per Acre
Another notable sale occurred in Osceola County, where 34.86 acres sold for $17,250 per acre.
The property had approximately 32.37 tillable acres and a tillable CSR2 of 93.7.
For buyers and sellers comparing farmland sales, this is another example of why soil productivity and the percentage of tillable acres are important factors to consider.
Other Iowa Farmland Sales
Several other sales from September 26 through October 1 provide a broader look at the market.
In Union County, 79 acres of tillable farmland and farmstead sold for $10,700 per acre. The property had a tillable CSR2 of 73.5.
In Crawford County, 65.87 acres of CRP ground sold for $9,000 per acre.
Two Cerro Gordo County development-tillable properties sold for $9,161 per acre and $7,271 per acre.
In Page County, 61 acres of tillable farmland with a CSR2 of 55.1 sold for $5,800 per acre.
A 164.42-acre tillable-farmstead property in Taylor County sold for $6,184 per acre, while 144 acres of tillable farmland in Lee County sold for $6,900 per acre.
Lee County also had two smaller development properties sell for $9,555 per acre and $11,248 per acre.
Two Fayette County Farms Result in No Sale
Not every property in this period resulted in a completed sale.
Two tillable farms in Fayette County were reported as no sales on September 29. One included 75.24 acres with a tillable CSR2 of 82.6. The other included 88.42 acres with a tillable CSR2 of 74.3.
No-sale results can be useful when evaluating the farmland market because they show that soil quality alone does not guarantee a particular result.
Seller expectations, reserves, property characteristics, local demand, auction terms, and the number of motivated buyers can all influence the outcome.
How Much Is Iowa Farmland Selling for?
Based on the properties with disclosed sale prices from September 26 through October 1, 2026, Iowa farmland prices varied considerably.
The lowest reported price in this data was $5,800 per acre in Page County, while the highest was $25,500 per acre in Sioux County.
That nearly $20,000-per-acre difference is an important reminder for landowners: there is no single price per acre that represents the value of Iowa farmland.
Even farms with similar acreage or soil ratings can sell for very different amounts.
What Determines the Value of Iowa Farmland?
Several factors can influence what buyers are willing to pay for a farm.
Soil productivity is important. CSR2 is commonly used when comparing Iowa farmland, but it should not be the only number considered.
Tillable acres also matter. Buyers want to understand how much of the property can actually be farmed and how efficiently those acres can be operated.
Location can have a major impact on price. Competition from neighboring farmers and local investors can create stronger demand in some areas.
Drainage, access, improvements, leases, CRP income, development potential, recreational value, and farm layout can also influence a property’s value.
That is why comparing a farm to a statewide average does not always provide an accurate picture of what it could sell for.
What Do These Sales Mean for Iowa Farmland Sellers?
The sales from September 26 through October 1 show that buyers are still willing to compete for quality farmland. However, they also show that the market can vary substantially from county to county and property to property.
For someone considering selling farmland, the best starting point is to review recent comparable sales close to the property.
A strong comparable should consider more than price per acre. Location, CSR2, tillable acres, drainage, improvements, farm size, and buyer demand should all be considered.
The method of sale can matter too. Depending on the property and local market, a public auction, sealed bid sale, or traditional listing may be the best way to reach potential buyers.
Is the Iowa Farmland Market Still Strong?
The latest sales suggest that the Iowa farmland market remains active, but results are highly local.
Strong sales above $15,000 per acre occurred in Sioux, Benton, and Osceola counties during this period. Other properties sold below $10,000 per acre, and two farms did not sell.
Rather than looking at one statewide number, buyers and sellers should pay attention to what comparable farms are doing in their specific area.
Thinking About Selling Farmland in Iowa?
If you are thinking about selling your Iowa farmland, recent sales can help provide a starting point. However, determining what your specific property may bring requires a closer look at the farm and the local market.
Whitaker Marketing Group works with landowners throughout Iowa to evaluate farmland, review comparable sales, determine the best method of sale, and market properties to potential buyers.
Whether you are considering a farmland auction, sealed bid sale, or traditional listing, our team can help you understand your options and develop a strategy for your property.
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