For a look at the previous week’s results, see our Iowa Land Auction Prices, January 10–16, 2026.
This report on statewide Iowa land auctions gives farmland owners a clear look at how buyers are responding to auction offerings across the state. Using verified auction data from January 20–23, 2026, these results help sellers understand current pricing, demand, and how auctions are performing in today’s market.
At Whitaker Marketing Group, auctions are at the core of what we do. Because statewide Iowa land auctions reflect real buyer behavior, not asking prices, they provide one of the most accurate tools available for landowners considering a sale.
Weekly Snapshot of Statewide Iowa Land Auctions (January 20–23, 2026)
This week’s statewide Iowa land auctions included a broad mix of land types and sale outcomes, offering valuable insight for sellers across multiple regions of the state.
Highlights from the week include:
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Tillable, pasture, CRP, recreation, and mixed-use farmland
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Sale prices ranging from approximately $5,500 to over $22,000 per acre
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Strong premiums for high-quality tillable farmland
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A small number of postponed or adjusted auctions reflecting timing decisions
As a result, this dataset provides a realistic view of how the statewide auction market is functioning.
What Statewide Iowa Land Auctions Mean for Sellers
First, High-Quality Tillable Land Continues to Lead Pricing
First and foremost, productive tillable farmland once again commanded the strongest prices in statewide Iowa land auctions.
For example:
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Multiple Lyon County tillable tracts sold above $19,000 per acre, with top sales exceeding $22,000 per acre
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A Johnson County tillable farm sold near $20,000 per acre
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Farms with strong CSR2 ratings consistently attracted competitive bidding
Therefore, buyers remain willing to compete aggressively for quality farmland when it is clearly presented and offered through auction.
Seller takeaway:
Well-positioned tillable land continues to perform best when exposed to open, competitive bidding.
Next, Buyers Are Still Pricing Productivity, Not Just Acres
In addition to headline prices, statewide Iowa land auctions show buyers closely evaluating productivity metrics such as CSR2.
Specifically:
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Higher-quality tracts achieved some of the strongest $ per CSR2 results
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Mid-range farms traded at more moderate efficiency levels
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Mixed-use and lower-productivity tracts reflected more conservative pricing
Consequently, buyers are comparing opportunities carefully across counties rather than bidding blindly.
Seller takeaway:
Accurate soil data and tillable breakdowns remain critical to auction performance.
Additionally, Mixed-Use and Recreational Land Require the Right Auction Strategy
While tillable farmland led pricing, statewide Iowa land auctions also included a wide range of mixed-use, pasture, and recreational tracts.
This week’s data shows:
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Pasture and hay farms selling in more moderate price ranges
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Recreational and wooded tracts trading based on buyer pool size and location
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Mixed tillable-CRP-pasture farms requiring targeted marketing
As land complexity increases, strategy becomes even more important.
Seller takeaway:
Auctions work for all land types, but the marketing approach must match the property.
Importantly, Adjusted or Postponed Auctions Provide Timing Insight
It is also worth noting that a small number of auctions during this period were marked as postponed or adjusted.
Importantly, these outcomes are a normal part of statewide Iowa land auctions and often reflect timing considerations, seller preferences, or strategic decisions made ahead of the sale date.
Rather than signaling market weakness, these adjustments often indicate thoughtful planning as sellers and auctioneers work to align timing and buyer engagement.
Seller takeaway:
Auction outcomes—whether completed or adjusted—help clarify market readiness and timing.
Why Auctions Remain an Effective Tool for Iowa Farmland Sellers
Overall, statewide Iowa land auctions continue to offer key advantages for sellers:
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True price discovery through competition
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Defined timelines without prolonged negotiations
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Transparent buyer behavior
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Clear market feedback sellers can act on
As a result, auctions provide confidence and clarity that other sale methods often cannot.
At Whitaker Marketing Group, we believe sellers benefit most when the market is allowed to determine value openly.
How Sellers Should Use Weekly Statewide Auction Data
Rather than focusing on a single sale, landowners should use statewide Iowa land auctions as benchmarks.
For example, weekly results help sellers understand:
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How buyers are valuing productivity right now
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Which land types are attracting the most competition
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Where pricing expectations may need adjustment
Therefore, statewide auction data becomes a planning tool—not just a recap.
Considering an Auction? Let the Data Lead the Decision
Ultimately, every farm is different. However, acreage, CSR2, land type, and location all influence outcomes.
By reviewing statewide Iowa land auctions, sellers can better evaluate current demand and decide whether an auction is the right strategy for their property.
For additional context on broader land value trends, landowners may also review the Iowa State University Land Value Survey published by Iowa State University.
Thinking About Selling Farmland by Auction?
If you are considering selling, the first step is understanding how your farm compares to recent statewide Iowa land auctions like these.
A professional auction evaluation can help determine:
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Buyer demand for your land type
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Appropriate auction format
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Timing considerations
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Market positioning strategy
At Whitaker Marketing Group, we rely on real auction data—not guesswork—to help Iowa landowners make confident selling decisions.
