The Iowa farmland market continues to show varying results as the 2026 fall auction season moves forward. From October 17–23, 2026, 19 farmland auction results were reported across Iowa, with prices ranging from $6,650 to $19,750 per acre for properties that sold.
High-quality tillable farmland continued to attract competitive prices, while recreational land, CRP acres, and farms with lower productivity ratings experienced different results.
This week’s auction data provides insight into current Iowa farmland values, buyer demand, and how land quality continues to influence sale prices.
Iowa Farmland Auction Results for October 17–23, 2026
During the reporting period, 19 auction results were recorded across 10 Iowa counties. Of those, 16 properties sold, while three Mills County properties were reported as no-sales.
Key highlights from this week’s farmland auctions:
- Highest Price Per Acre: $19,750 in Cherokee County
- Lowest Price Per Acre: $6,650 in Greene County
- Total Auction Results: 19
- Successful Sales: 16
- No-Sales: 3
- Highest CSR2 Rating: 93.0 in Cherokee County
- Counties Represented: 10
The results demonstrate the importance of farmland quality, location, productivity, and property characteristics when determining market value.
Highest Iowa Farmland Auction Prices This Week
Several farmland auctions achieved strong prices during the October 17–23 reporting period.
Cherokee County Farmland Sells for $19,750 Per Acre
The highest reported sale price came from Cherokee County, where 310.87 acres of tillable farmland sold for $19,750 per acre.
The property featured a CSR2 rating of 93.0 and approximately 301.57 tillable acres.
This sale demonstrates that highly productive farmland can continue to command premium prices, particularly when it offers strong soil quality and a high percentage of tillable acres.
Mahaska County Farmland Sells for $18,851 Per Acre
In Mahaska County, 35.37 acres of tillable farmland sold for $18,851 per acre.
The property featured a CSR2 rating of 80.2 and approximately 33.70 tillable acres.
This result shows that smaller farmland tracts can also achieve strong prices. Location, neighboring landowners, and competition among buyers can all influence the final sale price.
Henry County Farmland Sells for $17,071 Per Acre
A 122.63-acre farm in Henry County sold for $17,071 per acre.
The property included approximately 121.35 tillable acres and had a CSR2 rating of 76.5.
With nearly the entire property consisting of tillable farmland, this sale highlights the value buyers may place on farms offering substantial income-producing acreage.
Plymouth County Farmland Sells for $16,550 Per Acre
Plymouth County recorded a sale of 72.33 acres of tillable farmland for $16,550 per acre.
The property featured a CSR2 rating of 77.1 and approximately 65.20 tillable acres.
Another Plymouth County farm consisting of 138.21 acres sold for $14,600 per acre, demonstrating multiple successful sales within the county during the reporting period.
Greene County Farmland Auction Results
Greene County had four reported farmland sales during the week, providing an opportunity to compare properties with different characteristics.
- 119.08 acres: Sold for $15,200 per acre with a CSR2 of 86.8.
- 56.06 acres: Sold for $14,300 per acre with a CSR2 of 82.8.
- 47.62 acres: Sold for $12,850 per acre with a CSR2 of 81.2.
- 158.71 acres: Sold for $6,650 per acre with a CSR2 of 71.7 and a Tillable-CRP land classification.
The variation in Greene County sale prices highlights how farmland values can differ significantly, even within the same county.
The three properties classified as tillable farmland sold between $12,850 and $15,200 per acre. Meanwhile, the property containing CRP acres sold for considerably less.
Buyers should evaluate each property’s tillable acreage, productivity, conservation program obligations, and potential income before comparing sale prices.
Story County Farmland Sells for $13,600 Per Acre
Story County recorded a sale of 75.29 acres of tillable farmland for $13,600 per acre.
The property featured a CSR2 rating of 85.4 and approximately 72.21 tillable acres.
Story County remains an important farmland market in central Iowa. This week’s sale provides another data point for landowners and buyers evaluating farmland values in the area.
However, a single auction result should not be used to determine the value of every farm in the county. Location, drainage, soil quality, field configuration, and buyer competition can create significant differences in property values.
Three Mills County Farmland Auctions Report No-Sales
Not every farmland auction resulted in a completed sale during the reporting period.
Mills County recorded three no-sales:
- 97.73 acres of tillable farmland with a CSR2 of 76.6.
- 56.39 acres of recreational-CRP land with a CSR2 of 71.9.
- 68.11 acres of tillable farmland with a CSR2 of 85.6.
These results are worth watching as the fall farmland auction season continues.
A no-sale does not necessarily mean there was no buyer interest. Seller expectations, reserve prices, property characteristics, and bidding activity can all influence whether an auction results in a sale.
For landowners considering selling farmland, these results reinforce the importance of developing a realistic marketing and auction strategy based on current market conditions.
How Does CSR2 Affect Iowa Farmland Auction Prices?
CSR2, or Corn Suitability Rating 2, is one of the primary tools used to evaluate the productivity of Iowa farmland.
Generally, farms with higher CSR2 ratings have greater row-crop production potential, which can contribute to higher farmland values.
However, CSR2 is only one factor buyers consider.
For example, this week’s Cherokee County farm with a CSR2 of 93.0 sold for $19,750 per acre. Meanwhile, a Mahaska County farm with a CSR2 of 80.2 sold for $18,851 per acre.
These results demonstrate that farmland values cannot be determined by CSR2 alone.
Other important factors include:
- Location and proximity to competing buyers
- Drainage and soil conditions
- Percentage of tillable acres
- Farm size and field configuration
- Existing leases and possession dates
- Access and improvements
- Local demand for farmland
Understanding these factors can help buyers make informed decisions and sellers establish realistic expectations.
What Do This Week’s Iowa Farmland Auction Results Tell Us?
The October 17–23, 2026, results highlight several important characteristics of the current Iowa farmland market.
High-quality farmland is still achieving strong prices. The Cherokee County sale at $19,750 per acre demonstrates that buyers remain willing to pay a premium for productive farmland.
Farmland values vary significantly by property. Even within the same county, differences in CSR2, tillable acres, and land use can lead to substantially different sale prices.
Not every auction results in a sale. The three Mills County no-sales demonstrate that a successful transaction is not guaranteed and that pricing expectations remain important.
Local market knowledge matters. Statewide averages can provide a general overview, but comparable sales within a property’s immediate market are often more useful when evaluating farmland.
These results reflect one week of reported auction activity rather than a complete measure of statewide farmland price trends.
Thinking About Selling Iowa Farmland?
Whether you are considering selling farmland through a live auction, online auction, sealed bid auction, or traditional listing, understanding recent sales is an important part of the process.
At Whitaker Marketing Group, we specialize in farmland auctions, agricultural real estate, and land valuations throughout Iowa and the Midwest.
Our team monitors farmland auction results and market conditions to help landowners understand their options and develop a marketing strategy for their property.
If you are considering selling your farmland or would like to learn more about its potential value, contact Whitaker Marketing Group.
Visit www.wmgauction.com to learn more about our farmland auctions, current listings, and real estate services.
