Iowa farmland auction results for October 3–9, 2026, showed a wide range of land values across the state. Reported sale prices ranged from $4,300 to $14,400 per acre, reflecting differences in soil quality, land use, location, and agricultural productivity.
The week’s reported results included tillable farmland, pasture, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres, and recreational properties. While several farms attracted strong prices, others sold for considerably less.
These results demonstrate why farmland buyers and sellers should evaluate each property individually rather than rely solely on statewide averages.
Iowa Farmland Auction Results for October 3–9, 2026
The reporting period included 26 auction tracts across seven Iowa counties. Of those, 23 tracts reported successful sales, while three tracts in Dallas County were listed as no sales.
Here is a summary of the week’s reported activity:
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Highest sale price: $14,400 per acre in O’Brien County.
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Lowest sale price: $4,300 per acre in Monroe County.
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Total reported tracts: 26.
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Successful sales: 23.
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No-sale tracts: 3.
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Counties represented: Dallas, Monroe, Mahaska, O’Brien, Wayne, and six counties?
The results highlight the importance of soil productivity, tillable acreage, and property characteristics when determining farmland values.
O’Brien County Farmland Reaches $14,400 Per Acre
One of the strongest reported sales occurred in O’Brien County on October 8, 2026.
A 108.66-acre tillable farm sold for $14,400 per acre. The property featured a tillable CSR2 rating of 91.3 and approximately 102.57 tillable acres.
This sale demonstrates continued demand for highly productive farmland in northwest Iowa.
Higher CSR2 ratings generally indicate stronger soil productivity. However, buyers also consider drainage, field accessibility, location, and the overall percentage of tillable acres.
Another O’Brien County property consisting of 30.17 acres of pasture sold for $5,600 per acre.
The difference between these two sales illustrates how land use can significantly influence property values, even within the same county.
Monroe County Shows a Wide Range of Farmland Prices
Monroe County accounted for much of the reported auction activity during the week.
Sale prices ranged from $4,300 to $13,600 per acre across properties with different agricultural and recreational characteristics.
Several notable sales included:
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A 27-acre tillable farm with a 73.4 CSR2 sold for $13,600 per acre.
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A 13.74-acre tillable-CRP tract with a 72.7 CSR2 sold for $13,400 per acre.
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An 18.93-acre CRP property with a 70 CSR2 sold for $12,600 per acre.
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A 65.74-acre tillable farm with a 74.6 CSR2 sold for $12,500 per acre.
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An 87.81-acre CRP property with a 51.3 CSR2 sold for $4,800 per acre.
These results show that Monroe County farmland values vary considerably depending on the property’s size, soil quality, current use, and potential income.
Smaller tracts may also attract buyers looking to expand existing operations or purchase land near property they already own.
Wayne County Farmland Sales Range From $5,600 to $8,050 Per Acre
Wayne County reported seven tillable farmland sales on October 8, 2026.
Prices ranged from $5,600 to $8,050 per acre.
The highest reported Wayne County sale involved 150.7 acres with a tillable CSR2 rating of 50.2. The farm included approximately 145.6 tillable acres and sold for $8,050 per acre.
Other reported results included a 143.5-acre farm selling for $5,600 per acre, a 35-acre tract selling for $6,200 per acre, and a 120-acre property selling for $6,900 per acre.
These sales suggest that buyers continue to evaluate southern Iowa farmland based on its earning potential and individual property characteristics.
Although CSR2 ratings are important, they do not tell the entire story. Farm layout, drainage, topography, and local buyer demand can all affect the final sale price.
Dallas County Reports Three No-Sale Tracts
Dallas County reported three auction tracts on October 6, 2026, that did not sell.
The properties included:
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164.05 acres of tillable-pasture land with a 77.3 CSR2.
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104 acres of tillable farmland with a 72.3 CSR2.
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38.3 acres of tillable farmland with an 88.4 CSR2.
A no-sale result does not necessarily mean a property lacks value or buyer interest.
There are several reasons why farmland may not sell at auction. These include seller expectations, reserve prices, financing considerations, and the level of competition among bidders.
For landowners, these results reinforce the importance of selecting an appropriate marketing and selling strategy.
How Does CSR2 Affect Iowa Farmland Prices?
CSR2, or Corn Suitability Rating 2, is one of the primary tools used to evaluate agricultural soil productivity in Iowa.
The rating ranges from 5 to 100, with higher numbers generally representing greater potential for row-crop production.
However, CSR2 is only one factor in farmland valuation.
For example, the week’s reported sales included an O’Brien County farm with a 91.3 CSR2 selling for $14,400 per acre and a Monroe County farm with a 73.4 CSR2 selling for $13,600 per acre.
Although the O’Brien County farm had a substantially higher CSR2 rating, the difference in sale price was relatively modest.
This demonstrates that location, parcel size, and buyer competition can influence the final auction result.
What Do These Iowa Farmland Sales Mean for Buyers and Sellers?
The October 3–9, 2026, results show that Iowa farmland prices remain highly dependent on local market conditions.
For sellers, understanding recent comparable sales is essential when deciding how to market a property. A farm’s value should reflect its productivity, location, improvements, and potential buyer demand.
For buyers, reviewing recent auction results can help establish realistic expectations before purchasing farmland.
It is also important to consider cash rental income, financing costs, property taxes, and long-term ownership goals.
A farmland purchase should be evaluated as both an agricultural asset and a long-term investment.
Is Now a Good Time to Sell Farmland in Iowa?
The right time to sell farmland depends on the individual property and the landowner’s goals.
The week’s auction results demonstrate that productive farmland can still command strong prices. However, the three no-sale tracts also show that not every property will achieve the seller’s expectations.
Before selling, landowners should consider recent comparable sales, current buyer demand, the property’s income potential, and the most appropriate method of sale.
An experienced farmland broker can help evaluate these factors and develop a marketing strategy designed to attract qualified buyers.
Work With Whitaker Marketing Group
At Whitaker Marketing Group, we specialize in farmland auctions, land brokerage, and agricultural real estate throughout Iowa and the Midwest.
Our team monitors farmland sales and auction activity to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.
Whether you are considering selling inherited farmland, expanding your farming operation, or evaluating the current market value of your property, we can help.
Thinking about selling farmland in Iowa? Contact Whitaker Marketing Group to discuss your property and explore your selling options.
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