David Whitaker

Iowa Farmland Market: A Year of Adjustment, Not Decline The 2025 Iowa State University Land Value Survey shows that Iowa farmland values increased 0.7% from November 2024 to November 2025, bringing the statewide average to $11,549 per acre. While this rise is modest, it signals market stability—especially following last year’s 3.1% correction and three prior years of explosive growth. Even after adjusting for inflation, today’s farmland values remain historically strong. Nominal values sit 32.5% above the 2013 peak, reinforcing the long-term resilience of Iowa farmland. What Landowners Should Know: Key Survey Insights Statewide Trends State average value: $11,549 per acre (up $83 from 2024) Inflation-adjusted value: $8,475 per acre (down 1.8%) Market context: This year’s slight increase follows three record-breaking years (2021–2023) and a minor 2024 correction. Interpretation: A movement of less than ±5% is viewed as a market adjustment rather than a shift. Regional Patterns: A Divided but Stable Market Top-Performing Regions Northeast: +4.1% (strongest districtwide growth) East Central: +3.4% Northwest: +2.9% (remains the district with the highest prices) Areas Seeing Softness North Central: –2.6% Central: –2.0% These declines are concentrated in Iowa’s more crop-dependent regions, while strong livestock areas saw more stability and growth. District Value Range Highest: Northwest at $14,522 per acre Lowest: South Central at $7,623 per acre County-Level Investment Highlights Top Values O’Brien County: $16,269 per acre — the highest in the state Sioux & Lyon Counties: continue strong, each above $15,000 Most Affordable Appanoose County: $6,679 per acre Biggest Movers Largest increases: Clayton & Allamakee Counties (+4.4%) Largest decreases: Kossuth County (–4.3%), Humboldt (–3.8%), Wright (–3.8%) Even with local fluctuations, all county changes remained within ±5%, reinforcing the narrative of a stable correction year rather than a downturn. Quality Tiers: How Different Land Classes Performed High-quality land: $14,030/acre (+0.7%) Medium-quality land: $10,809/acre (+0.6%) Low-quality land: $7,580/acre (+1.7%) Low-quality land surprisingly posted the strongest percentage increase—particularly in northern and southeastern districts—reflecting demand for pasture, timber, and recreational land. Market Forces Influencing 2025 Farmland Values Positive Drivers Limited farmland supply (mentioned by 21% of respondents) Stronger-than-expected yields: Corn: 216 bu/ac Soybeans: 65 bu/ac Solid buyer demand: 68% of sales went to existing farmers Investor interest remains steady: 26% of purchases were investor-driven Market Headwinds Commodity price declines: the most commonly cited negative factor (32% of respondents) High interest rates: still weighing on financing costs despite recent declines Elevated input costs: continue to pressure farm profitability Sales activity slowed: 42% reported fewer sales Only 17% saw more sales than last year The combined effect of these forces created a year of mild appreciation and broad stability. Buying or Selling in 2026? Strategic Considerations For Sellers This year’s increase signals stability, not a downturn. Many experts still anticipate softness in the next 12 months, meaning acting sooner could be beneficial. Estate sales remain dominant (55% of all transactions), continuing a multi-year trend of generational transition. For Buyers 82% of agricultural professionals predict land values will increase over the next five years. Areas with slight 2025 pullbacks may offer strong long-term buying opportunities. Quality still matters—high-quality land showed the strongest stability, even in weakening districts. Looking Forward: Expert Market Expectations One-Year Outlook 41% forecast a decline 28% expect stability 31% expect an increase Most predicted declines are small (under 5%). Five-Year Outlook 82% expect rising values 41% expect increases of 10–20% Only 10% expect any decline Price Predictions Corn: $4.96/bushel by 2030 Soybeans: $11.96/bushel by 2030 With yields strong and long-term affordability remaining tight, the fundamentals continue to support long-run appreciation. About the ISU Land Value Survey Since 1950, the Iowa State University Land Value Survey has been the only annual, county-level farmland value estimate for all 99 counties, built from the collective input of experts including: Agricultural lenders Brokers & appraisers Farm managers Government professionals In 2025, 316 agricultural professionals contributed 463 county-level estimates, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators of Iowa’s farmland market. For questions about the survey findings or methodology, please contact Dr. Rabail Chandio, Assistant Professor and Extension Economist, Department of Economics, Iowa State University (rchandio@iastate.edu). Source: Chandio, R. 2025. "2025 Iowa State University Land Value Survey: Overview." CARD working paper 25-WP 674, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Center for Agricultural and Rural Development.

November 2025 Iowa Farmland Market Update As the year approaches its final month, the November farmland numbers show a noticeable pullback across all land classes following a strong run through the fall. Even with the softening in values, the broader market remains healthy, and prices are still above where they stood one year ago. Below is a closer look at how High-, Medium-, and Low-quality farmland performed this month compared to both last month and last year. High-Quality Farmland High-quality farmland moved from $14,349/acre in October to $13,604/acre in November.Despite the month-over-month decline, today’s value still exceeds the $12,056/acre average from this time last year. This remains a strong long-term trend, showing continued confidence in top-tier Iowa ground. Medium-Quality Farmland Medium-quality land adjusted from $10,136 → $9,384/acre this month.Even with the pullback, prices remain comfortably above the $8,061 average from November 2024. Medium-quality ground continues to track consistently and remains one of the most stable segments in the state. Low-Quality Farmland Low-quality ground saw the sharpest correction, moving from $7,022 → $6,006/acre.Last year at this time, it averaged $7,626, putting this month’s number below the prior-year benchmark. Variability in this category remains common, influenced by recreational demand, location differences, and non-tillable characteristics. Auction Activity With one month left in the year, auction volume tracks slightly below last year: 2024 through November: 957 farmland auctions 2025 through November: 884 farmland auctions Even with fewer auctions compared to last year, interest remains steady and year-end activity continues to build momentum. Final Thoughts November brought a cooling effect to Iowa farmland values, but the long-term picture remains stable. High-quality land continues to outperform last year’s numbers, and medium-quality ground is still trending above 2024 levels. Auction activity and buyer engagement remain solid heading into the final month of the year. To view the full market breakdown and ongoing updates, visit the link below: Call us at 515-996-5263 https://www.wmgauction.com/ If you’d like to discuss what today’s market means for your farmland, our team is here to help.          

In today’s farmland market, buyers expect data-driven insights, transparency, and confidence in a property’s long-term potential. At Whitaker Marketing Group, we leverage GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and advanced soil mapping to showcase farmland in ways that go far beyond traditional listings. As a result, both buyers and sellers gain a clearer understanding of the land’s true value. What is GIS & Digital Soil Mapping? GIS is a system that captures, stores, and analyzes spatial data, allowing us to create layered maps that reveal important characteristics such as soil types, drainage, and topography. In other words, it provides a visual representation of how land performs.  According to the USDA NRCS Soil Survey, GIS ools are becoming increasingly vital for evaluating agricultural land. Furthermore, Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) takes this process a step further by using models and remote sensing to predict soil properties across entire landscapes. Research published in the Frontiers in Soil Science Journal shows that DSM provides higher-resolution soil data that can improve both farm management and land valuation. Benefits for Sellers & Buyers 1. Build Buyer Confidence with Clarity GIS maps allow buyers to see soil fertility, productivity zones, and drainage patterns in one view—helping them understand a farm’s value quickly. For example, tools like EOS’s GIS in Agriculture show how producers already use this technology to make informed decisions. Consequently, farmland marketed with GIS data attracts more confident and qualified buyers. 2. Showcase Productivity and Land Value Soil productivity often correlates directly with farmland pricing. The Iowa State University Extension notes that soil quality, drainage, and fertility remain leading factors in determining farmland value. Therefore, by highlighting these attributes through mapped visuals, sellers can demonstrate long-term return potential in a clear, compelling way. 3. Support Informed Pricing and Investment Decisions GIS enables suitability analysis, which evaluates which areas are best suited for planting, conservation, or development. Because of this, buyers can make more data-driven investment decisions. The USDA Geospatial Data Gateway provides nationwide datasets that support this type of land-use planning and marketing. In turn, this ensures accuracy and trust throughout the transaction process. 4. Demonstrate Modern, Pecise Land Management GIS is foundational to modern precision agriculture. The USDA Agricultural Research Service reports that precision tools enable GPS-guided planting and variable-rate applications—practices that boost efficiency and sustainability. As a result, farms utilizing these methods tend to achieve higher long-term performance and attract more investor interest. 5. Elevate Listings with Credibility and Detail When listings incorporate data from trusted resources like the NRCS Web Soil Survey, buyers can verify soil types and productivity themselves. In addition, this transparency builds credibility and enhances confidence in both the land and the seller. How Whitaker Marketing Group Uses GIS & Soil Mapping 1. Parcel Evaluation – We pull boundary data and overlay it with NRCS soil survey information. 2. Generate Contextual Maps – Layer visuals to show slope, drainage, and soil classifications. 3. Data-Backed Descriptions – Write listing narratives that explain soil productivity and management zones in clear language. 4. Advanced Insights – Use DSM to show predictive values like carbon content and water-holding capacity. Final Thoughts At Whitaker Marketing Group, mapping is more than a technical tool—it’s a storytelling resource. Ultimately, by combining GIS data, soil insights, and precision technology, we help sellers position their land for success while giving buyers the confidence to invest wisely. 515-996-5263 |✉️info@wmgauction.com