While David attended the National Land Conference hosted by the Realtors Land Institute, I stayed home handling land closings, shuttling kids, and calving cows. I am not complaining—this is exactly what I love to do. However, as I worked through several land transactions, I kept thinking about the size of these investments and what farmers can do to make their land work harder for them. Seeing these purchases firsthand made me focus on ways landowners can get more value from every acre.
Cover Crops and Double Cropping Opportunities
I, being the cattle person, go straight to cover crops and/or double cropping. These practices allow the land to produce more while improving soil health. They help build organic matter and increase soil fertility. In addition, they reduce erosion caused by both wind and water. For many farms, cover crops also provide additional grazing or forage opportunities. This approach creates value in both the short and long term.
Field Improvements That Increase Productivity
There are several other ways to improve farmland performance. These improvements can provide measurable returns when planned correctly.
Drain Tile Installation
Properly installed drain tile can increase yields by 15–25 percent. Tile improves soil conditions and allows crops to develop stronger root systems. As a result, fields become more consistent and reliable.
Land Leveling and Water Management
Land leveling or grading helps manage water flow across a field. In areas with runoff issues, these changes can increase yields by 10.7–12.9 percent. Better water control leads to better crop performance.
Irrigation Systems
Irrigation has gained my attention in recent years. We operate on sandy soil where pasture often burns out by early July. With a well-planned irrigation system, crop, pasture, and hay yields improve significantly. Corn benefits the most, with potential yield increases of up to 170 percent.
Tree Removal
Tree removal can be a difficult topic. However, it often results in more tillable acres. Over time, those added acres can improve annual income and long-term farm value.
Long-Term Thinking Pays Off
Some farmers have used these practices for years. Others may just be getting started. Either way, small improvements can lead to meaningful gains. Thinking creatively about land use often results in a more profitable farming operation.
Iowa Farmland Auction Results
Results from the 142 Auctions (14,098 acres) this last year have the average for the state at $11,680/acre, high quality ground at $14,010/ acre, and medium quality ground averaging $9,195/ acre. Low quality ground has remained steady at an average of $6,003/ acre
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Our obligation; is to market your farmland to the largest audience yielding you the most successful outcome!
David & Ann Whitaker | Iowa Land Guy
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Iowa Land Values by CSR Score: Green= 75-100CSR Tan=50-75CSR Orange= less than 50CSR
Farmland in Iowa by Acres Sold
Farmland Values in Iowa across the state
