Midwest farmland values continue to show long-term strength and resilience as we enter 2026, even in the face of softer grain margins and economic headwinds. According to the January 2026 Benchmark Farmland Report, farmland across eight Midwest and Plains states remains historically strong, supported by tight land supply, financially stable buyers, and continued producer demand.
For landowners, this data confirms that high-quality farmland remains one of the most durable long-term assets in agriculture — even during periods of margin pressure.
What Is the Benchmark Farmland Report?
The Benchmark Farmland Report is produced by Farm Credit Services of America, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, and Frontier Farm Credit. It tracks 93 benchmark farms across Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Wisconsin.
These same farms have been appraised for more than 30 years, allowing for consistent, apples-to-apples tracking of farmland value trends. In addition, more than 11,000 verified arm’s-length farmland sales from 2025 were analyzed to support real-world market insight.
Midwest Farmland Values Remain Stable in 2026
Despite lower grain prices and tighter farm margins, benchmark farmland values across the eight-state region increased an average of 1.5% over the last six months of 2025.
Only two states — Iowa and North Dakota — experienced modest declines, while most states posted gains. Wisconsin stood out with a double-digit increase driven by strong competition for land near dairy and specialty crop operations.
Long-term performance remains especially strong:
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5-Year Average Increase: +58.4%
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10-Year Average Increase: +53.3%
This reinforces what many landowners already know: farmland has remained a reliable long-term store of value even through economic cycles.
Iowa Farmland Values in 2026
Iowa farmland saw a modest softening:
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6-Month Change: -1.5%
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1-Year Change: -1.8%
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2-Year Change: -6.7%
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5-Year Change: +44.0%
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10-Year Change: +45.0%
Cropland values declined slightly as Iowa’s higher cost structure meets lower commodity prices. However, late-2025 sales showed stabilization, with a fourth-quarter rebound.
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2025 Average Cropland Price: $12,605 per acre
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Q4 2025 Average: $13,173 per acre
For Iowa landowners, this suggests values have leveled — not collapsed — and remain well above long-term historical averages.
Strong Cropland Markets Across the Region
Several states saw continued strength:
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Kansas: +7.4% year-over-year
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South Dakota: +7.9% year-over-year
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Minnesota: Modest gains with strong Q4 rebound
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Wisconsin: +26.6% year-over-year
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Wyoming: +8.7% year-over-year
Wisconsin’s gains were driven by dairy and specialty crop demand, with buyers paying premiums for land near their operations.
Pastureland Values Supported by Strong Cattle Markets
Pastureland saw meaningful gains in several states:
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Nebraska: +11.8% year-over-year
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South Dakota: +18.4% year-over-year
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Wyoming & North Dakota: Continued upward pressure
Strong cattle prices and limited pasture availability continue to support pastureland values, especially for operators expanding herds.
Farmland Sales Activity: Fewer Tracts, Strong Demand
The report confirms what many landowners and brokers are seeing:
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Fewer tracts came to market in 2025
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Cropland sales declined in most states
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Public auction volume dropped in many regions
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Private and broker-listed sales remained dominant
Iowa auction sales declined 16%, while no-sale auctions moved closer to historical norms. South Dakota was one of the few states to see increased auction activity.
Limited supply continues to support pricing — even with tighter margins.
Farmers Still Dominate Farmland Purchases
One of the most important takeaways for landowners:
Farmers accounted for nearly 85% of all farmland buyers in 2025.
This confirms that producers — not outside investors — continue to drive the farmland market. While investors were more active in 2021–2022, today’s market is dominated by working farmers focused on:
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Proximity to existing operations
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High-quality soils
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Operational efficiencies
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Long-term ownership strategies
High-quality farmland continues to sell well, while buyers remain selective.
What This Means for Landowners in 2026
For landowners, the January 2026 data sends a clear message:
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Farmland values remain historically strong
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Supply remains tight
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Financially solid buyers are still active
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High-quality farms continue to command premiums
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Timing and marketing strategy matter more than ever
Whether you are considering selling, transitioning land to the next generation, restructuring ownership, or simply tracking your farm’s value, understanding these trends is critical to making informed decisions.
How to Use This Data for Your Land
Professional land valuation, targeted marketing, and regional expertise can make a meaningful difference in results — especially in a market where buyers are selective and quality matters.
If you would like to understand how these 2026 farmland value trends apply specifically to your farm, your county, or your operation, a localized analysis can provide clarity on:
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Current per-acre market value
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Buyer demand in your area
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Best timing strategies
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Auction vs. traditional listing considerations
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Long-term land transition planning
Interested in how Midwest farmland values 2026 impact your farm’s value? Contact Whitaker Marketing Group to speak with a farmland expert about your property.
