Iowa Farmland Prices Remain Strong for Quality Ground in October
Iowa farmland auctions remained active throughout October 2026, with reported sales reaching as high as $28,000 per acre. While the farmland market has softened slightly in some areas, high-quality farmland continues to attract buyers willing to pay competitive prices.
According to the October 2026 Iowa Land Auction Results report, approximately 11,265 acres were represented in the month’s auction activity, including approximately 9,331 tillable acres.
The report includes farmland auctions held from October 1–30, 2026, across numerous Iowa counties. Results varied considerably depending on soil quality, location, land type, and buyer demand.
Highest Iowa Farmland Auction Prices in October 2026
Several farms brought more than $17,000 per acre during October, with some of the strongest results coming from northwest Iowa.
The highest reported sales included:
- O’Brien County: 75.47 acres sold for $28,000 per acre, with a tillable CSR2 of 95.8.
- Sioux County: 80 acres sold for $19,800 per acre, with a tillable CSR2 of 76.9.
- Cherokee County: 310.87 acres sold for $19,750 per acre, with a tillable CSR2 of 93.0.
- Lyon County: 80 acres sold for $19,700 per acre, with a tillable CSR2 of 93.5.
- O’Brien County: 103.01 acres sold for $19,000 per acre, with a tillable CSR2 of 97.4.
- O’Brien County: 80 acres sold for $18,900 per acre, with a tillable CSR2 of 94.3.
- Mahaska County: 35.37 acres sold for $18,851 per acre, with a tillable CSR2 of 80.2.
- Lyon County: 80.58 acres sold for $17,600 per acre, with a tillable CSR2 of 91.7.
The $28,000-per-acre O’Brien County sale was the highest reported price in the October data. This 75.47-acre farm had a tillable CSR2 rating of 95.8, making it one of the highest-quality farms included in the report.
These results demonstrate that strong farmland can still command premium prices, particularly when multiple buyers are interested in the same property.
Iowa Farmland Auction Activity Across the State
October’s auction results reflected considerable differences in farmland values across Iowa.
Northwest Iowa Farmland Sales
Northwest Iowa recorded several of the month’s highest prices.
O’Brien, Cherokee, Lyon, and Sioux counties all reported sales approaching or exceeding $19,000 per acre.
One notable sale in Cherokee County involved 310.87 acres that brought $19,750 per acre. With a tillable CSR2 of 93.0 and 301.57 tillable acres, this property represented a substantial farmland transaction.
The results suggest that buyers remain willing to invest in productive farmland in desirable agricultural areas.
Central Iowa Farmland Sales
Central Iowa also recorded several notable transactions during October.
- Story County: 75.29 acres sold for $13,600 per acre, with a tillable CSR2 of 85.4.
- Hardin County: 225 acres sold for $14,000 per acre, with a tillable CSR2 of 87.9.
- Greene County: 119.08 acres sold for $15,200 per acre, with a tillable CSR2 of 86.8.
- Dallas County: Two farms sold for $16,000 per acre, with tillable CSR2 ratings of 86.3 and 87.3.
These transactions show continued demand for productive farmland in central Iowa, although prices differ depending on the property’s characteristics and local competition.
Eastern and Southern Iowa Farmland Sales
Eastern and southern Iowa recorded a wider range of sale prices, reflecting differences in soil productivity, recreational appeal, and tillable acreage.
Fayette County had considerable auction activity on October 30, with multiple farms selling between $5,300 and $12,900 per acre.
In Henry County, a 122.63-acre farm sold for $17,071 per acre, while a 22-acre property brought $15,600 per acre.
Southern Iowa also saw several sales involving CRP, pasture, recreational land, and mixed-use properties. These farms often attract a different buyer pool than highly productive row-crop farmland.
How Did CSR2 Ratings Influence Farmland Prices?
CSR2, or Corn Suitability Rating 2, is an important measurement used to evaluate the productivity of Iowa farmland.
Generally, a higher CSR2 rating indicates greater potential for row-crop production. However, CSR2 alone does not determine a farm’s selling price.
For example, the October report included an O’Brien County farm with a tillable CSR2 of 95.8 that sold for $28,000 per acre. Another O’Brien County farm with a tillable CSR2 of 94.3 sold for $18,900 per acre.
Despite similar soil productivity ratings, the two properties had a significant difference in their final selling prices.
Other factors influencing farmland values include:
- Location and proximity to neighboring farming operations
- Drainage and overall farmability
- Field size, shape, and accessibility
- Percentage of tillable acres
- Local competition among buyers
- Current agricultural commodity prices and interest rates
This is why farmland valuations should consider comparable sales and individual property characteristics rather than relying solely on CSR2 ratings.
Not Every Iowa Farmland Auction Resulted in a Sale
The October report also included properties marked as No Sale, Undisclosed, or Undetermined.
For example, several Buena Vista County farms offered on October 27 were reported as No Sale. Additional properties in Dallas, Mills, and Allamakee counties also had No Sale results.
These outcomes are important when evaluating the overall farmland market.
A No Sale result does not necessarily indicate a lack of buyer interest. Seller expectations, reserve prices, bidding activity, and property-specific circumstances can all influence whether a transaction is completed.
Similarly, properties listed as Undisclosed or Undetermined should not be treated as confirmed sales at a particular price.
What Do October’s Farmland Auction Results Mean for Iowa Landowners?
October’s results show that Iowa farmland continues to attract buyers, particularly when properties offer strong productivity, desirable locations, and good farming characteristics.
However, the considerable differences in reported sale prices reinforce the importance of understanding the local market.
A farm selling for $19,000 per acre in northwest Iowa does not necessarily mean a similar-sized property elsewhere in the state will bring the same price.
Landowners considering selling should evaluate recent comparable sales, soil quality, tillable acreage, access, and current buyer demand before establishing price expectations.
Choosing the right selling method can also play an important role. Depending on the property and seller’s goals, a public auction, sealed bid sale, or traditional listing may be appropriate.
Looking Ahead at the Iowa Farmland Market
As harvest wraps up and the year comes to a close, farmland buyers and sellers will continue watching agricultural commodity prices, interest rates, and local land availability.
October’s results provide evidence of continued demand for quality Iowa farmland, but they also show that not every property performs the same.
While some farms brought premium prices, others sold for considerably less or did not sell.
The coming months will help provide a clearer picture of how Iowa farmland values are responding to current agricultural and economic conditions.
Thinking About Selling Iowa Farmland?
At Whitaker Marketing Group, we specialize in Iowa farmland auctions, traditional listings, sealed bid sales, and farmland valuations.
We follow farmland auction activity across Iowa to help landowners understand current market conditions and make informed decisions about selling their property.
Whether you’re considering selling now or planning for the future, our team can help you evaluate your farmland and determine the best approach for reaching qualified buyers.
Contact Whitaker Marketing Group at www.wmgauction.com to learn more about selling your Iowa farmland.
