Latest RLI Iowa Land Values Survey: March 2025 Results
Iowa’s leading farmland brokerage, auction, and appraisal team with over 35 years of experience
MARCH 2025 IOWA FARMLAND MARKET UPDATE
Latest RLI Iowa Chapter Land Values Survey Results
The REALTORS® Land Institute – Iowa Chapter has just released its March 2025 Land Trends and Values Survey, providing critical insights for landowners and investors. In fact, these findings highlight both statewide trends and regional differences that matter to today’s farmland owners. As a result, the data provides context for understanding shifts across Iowa’s nine crop reporting districts.
- Statewide Farmland Value Change: -1.0% from September 2024 to March 2025
- 12-Month Change: -6.0% overall decrease from March 2024 to March 2025
- Regional Performance: Variations across Iowa’s nine crop reporting districts:
- North Central Iowa: -2.1% (largest decrease)
- South Central Iowa: +0.2% (only region showing growth)
- Northwest Iowa: -1.2%
- Northeast Iowa: -0.1%
- West Central Iowa: -1.6%
- East Central Iowa: -1.5%
- Southwest Iowa: -0.5%
- Southeast Iowa: -0.7%
Market Analysis & Outlook
In summary, our team’s analysis of current conditions reveals several key patterns that provide context for Iowa farmland values:
- Stabilizing Market: Following the significant gains of 2021-2022, the market has entered a correction phase. However, regional variations continue to create unique opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.
- Specialized Land Types: Interestingly, non-tillable/timber acres are showing positive growth (+1.1% statewide).
- Key Market Drivers: Specifically, the March 2025 survey identifies commodity prices (69%) and interest rates (43%) as the most influential factors.
- Buyer Profile: Overall, farmers remain the primary purchasers (57%), followed by investors with 1031 exchange funds.
- Supply Constraints: As a result, 69% of survey respondents report fewer farms on the market compared to last year.
- Long-Term Outlook: Looking ahead, 69% of market experts project farmland values to increase over the next five years.
Furthermore, for a complete county-by-county breakdown or to understand how these trends affect your specific property, contact our team for a complimentary market analysis. Additionally, we offer comprehensive farmland services designed to help you navigate today’s evolving market.
Complete Iowa Farmland Services
Iowa Farmland Auction Services
As a result, Iowa’s premier farm auction company delivers consistently superior results:
- Multi-Format Auctions: Live, online, and hybrid auction options to maximize competitive bidding.
- Pre-Auction Marketing: Comprehensive promotion strategy reaching qualified buyers nationwide.
- Transparent Process: Clear terms, professional management, and detailed reporting.
- Online Bidding Technology: State-of-the-art platforms allowing remote participation.
- Post-Auction Services: Complete transaction coordination through closing.
Selling Iowa Farmland
Moreover, our comprehensive marketing approach maximizes your property’s exposure and value:
- Custom Valuation: Property-specific analysis using recent comparables and soil productivity ratings.
- Strategic Marketing: Targeted campaigns to reach active buyers in your specific region.
- Professional Presentation: High-quality photography, detailed maps, and comprehensive information packages.
- Buyer Qualification: Thorough vetting of prospective buyers to ensure smooth transactions.
- Expert Negotiations: Skilled representation to secure optimal terms and conditions.
Buying Iowa Farmland
In addition, our buyer services help you identify and acquire the ideal agricultural investment:
- Personalized Property Search: Access to both on-market and off-market opportunities.
- Comprehensive Analysis: Detailed evaluation of soil quality, improvements, and income potential.
- Return Projections: Realistic cash flow analysis and ROI calculations.
- Due Diligence Support: Complete investigation of property condition and potential issues.
- Strategic Acquisition: Expert guidance through the offering and purchase process.
Annual and semiannual changes in Iowa farmland values from the REALTORS® Land Institute – Iowa Chapter, showing a -1.0% shift from fall 2024 to spring 2025, a -1.2% decline from spring to fall 2025, and a total -2.2% change year over year.
Iowa Farmland Investment Analysis
Current Market Trends
Overall, the Iowa farmland market is experiencing several important trends. Together, these data points show a market that is steady yet evolving. In particular, regional variations and buyer behavior continue to shape land values across the state. Consequently, understanding these trends helps buyers and sellers make better timing decisions.
- Regional Variations: Quality land continues to command premium prices despite market cooling.
- Historical Context: Even with recent decreases, values remain significantly higher than pre-2020 levels.
- Buyer Motivation: Meanwhile, expansion-minded farmers continue to be the most active buyers (57%).
- Inventory Levels: As a result, 69% of respondents report fewer farms for sale compared to 2024.
- Expected Returns: Looking ahead, most survey participants project 2-3% annual returns on cropland investment.
Non-tillable and timber land values across Iowa’s nine crop reporting districts, including percent changes and per-acre prices from March to September 2025, reported by the REALTORS® Land Institute – Iowa Chapter. 
Pasture land values across Iowa’s nine crop reporting districts, showing percent change and per-acre prices from March through September 2025, as reported by the REALTORS® Land Institute – Iowa Chapter.
Long-Term Performance
Moreover, our historical analysis demonstrates Iowa farmland’s compelling investment characteristics:
- Appreciation: Despite the current correction, Iowa farmland has shown +44.3% growth since 2020.
- Income Stability: Cash rental returns typically provide 2-3% annual income.
- Comparison with ISU Survey: Both the RLI and Iowa State University surveys confirm similar value trends.
- Future Projections: 69% of experts expect values to increase over the next five years, with most anticipating gains of 0-10%.
Risk Factors & Market Influences
Equally important, understanding the forces shaping the Iowa farmland market is critical for informed decision-making:
- Interest Rates: The Federal Reserve’s policies continue to impact borrowing costs and investment returns.
- Commodity Prices: Crop prices remain the single most influential factor affecting land values.
- Supply Constraints: Limited inventory continues to support values despite other headwinds.
- Non-Farm Investors: Increasing participation from investors seeking portfolio diversification.
- Government Programs: Farm policy changes and support programs impact long-term profitability.
Why Choose Our Iowa Farmland Brokerage?
- Survey Participation: Active contributors to the REALTORS® Land Institute Iowa Chapter surveys.
- Specialized Knowledge: Exclusive focus on agricultural and recreational land transactions.
- Transaction Volume: Handling millions in farmland sales annually across all 99 Iowa counties.
- Advanced Valuation: Proprietary analysis tools incorporating soil quality, yield history, and comparable sales.
- Complete Representation: Full-service approach from initial consultation through closing.
- Auction Expertise: Specialized team of licensed auctioneers with proven results.
Free Iowa Farmland Valuation
Discover What Your Iowa Farmland Is Worth in Today’s Market
Finally, when you work with our team of expert Iowa farmland brokers and auctioneers, you receive a complimentary, no-obligation market analysis designed specifically for landowners. As a result, you gain a clear picture of your property’s position in today’s market. Ultimately, this understanding helps you make confident decisions about timing, pricing, and long-term planning.
Your free analysis includes:
- Current market valuation based on recent comparable sales
- Detailed soil quality assessment and CSR2 ratings
- Customized marketing recommendations
- Auction potential evaluation
- Income and return projections
Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation:
Phone: (515) 996-5263
Email: info@wmgauction.com
Online:
Request a Free Farmland Valuation →
Spring RLI Survey 2025 March 25 Press Release
Proud members of the REALTORS® Land Institute – Iowa Chapter and the National Association of REALTORS®
