Last week I had the pleasure of joining the Ag News Daily podcast to discuss current farmland trends, generational shifts in land ownership, and what sellers and buyers across the Midwest should know heading into 2026. As a broker and auctioneer with Whitaker Marketing Group, I’m in the trenches every day and wanted to pull out the most actionable take-aways for landowners, investors and farmers.
Why This Podcast Episode Matters for Midwest Farmland
The podcast covered a number of timely topics:
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Late 2025 land-value trends: who’s buying, who’s selling
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How generational transitions are moving more parcels onto the market
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The intersection of ag-policy, farm labor and how that influences land demand
These aren’t just “news items” — they directly affect how we market land for sale, structure auctions, and help our clients maximize return.
Explore Late-2025 Land-Value Trends
In the interview I noted some key themes:
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We’re seeing more land entering the market, driven by generational transfers and retirement decisions.
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Buyer demand remains strong in quality farm units, especially those near infrastructure (grain elevators, good road access).
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Pricing is under pressure in some corridors due to macro-economic / input-cost concerns, but prime tracts still command premium pricing.
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Recreational and amenity-rich tracts (hunting, multi-use) are increasingly being factored in by buyers, not just production value.
Discover Generational Buying & Selling Patterns
One of the more interesting angles: landowners who previously held for decades are now assessing liquidity, estate plans and tax strategies. On the buyer side, multigenerational farms are consolidating, while non-farmer investors are seeking land as an asset class. These shifts can affect timing, listing strategy and auction formats.
Features & Highlights of What This Means for Sellers
If you’re thinking of selling land (or have in the next 12–24 months), here are four actionable take-aways from the podcast:
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Timing matters: With more parcels in play, early-listing and the right marketing can create scarcity and competitive bidding.
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Presentation counts: Quality photos, topo maps, soil data and video walks help differentiate your offering.
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Auction formats can unlock value: Particularly when more buyers are chasing fewer premium tracts, well-structured auctions can drive higher returns.
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Trust a specialist: Working with a broker/auctioneer who knows both farmland dynamics and the auction landscape can make a big difference.
Conclusion
I’m always glad to share these insights because it aligns with what we do at Whitaker Marketing Group — helping landowners and buyers through major transitions. If you’re considering listing farmland, exploring an auction, or just want a market-check for your tract, drop me a line and let’s talk strategy. Also, feel free to listen to the podcast episode for the full discussion.
