Latest RLI Iowa Land Values Survey: September 2025 Results
Iowa’s leading farmland brokerage, auction, and appraisal team with over 35 years of experience
SEPTEMBER 2025 IOWA FARMLAND MARKET UPDATE
Latest RLI Iowa Chapter Land Values Survey Results
The REALTORS® Land Institute – Iowa Chapter has just released its September 2025 Land Trends and Values Survey, offering valuable insights for landowners, investors, and agricultural professionals. Conducted twice annually since 1978, this respected survey captures statewide and regional farmland value trends from industry experts specializing in land brokerage, management, appraisal, and development.
- Statewide Farmland Value Change: -1.2% from March 2025 to September 2025
- 12-Month Change: -2.2% overall decrease from September 2024 to September 2025
- Regional Performance: Variations across Iowa’s nine crop reporting districts show a stable yet slightly softening market:
- Central Iowa: -2.8% (largest regional decline)
- 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
Overall, the September 2025 report reflects a stable Iowa farmland market, with a mild statewide decline after the March 2025 decrease of 1.0%. Despite these small adjustments, farmland values remain historically strong and supported by limited inventory and solid crop expectations.
- Stabilizing Market: After significant gains in 2021–2022, Iowa farmland values continue to move sideways, showing remarkable resilience despite softer commodity prices.
- Land Type Performance: Tillable cropland fell -1.2%, timberland declined slightly (-0.8%), while pastureland gained +3.3% — showing steady demand for grass and cattle acres.
- Market Drivers: Corn and soybean price declines have added downward pressure, yet high cattle prices and a lack of farms on the market continue to support values.
- Supply Trends: Survey respondents report that low inventory remains one of the key factors holding land values firm.
- Seasonal Outlook: Industry experts are closely watching how the farmland market reacts to an expected seasonal uptick in listings this fall and winter.
Complete Iowa Farmland Services
Iowa Farmland Auction Services
Whitaker Marketing Group continues to lead the state in farmland auction results by combining expertise with innovative strategies that maximize competition and exposure.
- Multi-Format Auctions: Live, online, and hybrid formats to capture every buyer.
- Comprehensive Marketing: Targeted campaigns to reach active investors and local farmers.
- Transparent Process: Professional, efficient management from start to close.
- Technology Integration: Seamless online bidding options for all participants.
- Post-Auction Support: Complete transaction coordination through closing.
Selling Iowa Farmland
Our proven marketing approach ensures every acre reaches its full market potential.
- Custom Valuation: Accurate property analyses based on soil productivity and recent comparables.
- Targeted Marketing: Regional campaigns focused on qualified buyers.
- Professional Presentation: Drone videos, detailed maps, and polished property materials.
- Buyer Qualification: Ensuring serious, capable bidders every time.
- Negotiation Expertise: Securing optimal terms and conditions for our sellers.
Buying Iowa Farmland
Whether expanding your operation or investing for the long term, our team helps you find the right property.
- Personalized Search: Access to both listed and off-market properties.
- Detailed Evaluation: Soil ratings, income potential, and improvement assessments.
- Return Projections: Realistic ROI and cash flow analysis.
- Due Diligence: Guidance through title, lease, and inspection processes.
- Strategic Purchase: Expert representation from offer to closing.
Iowa Farmland Investment Analysis
Current Market Trends
The September 2025 RLI survey shows a market in balance, driven by long-term fundamentals rather than short-term speculation.
- Regional Variations: Slight softening across most regions, but values remain near historic highs.
- Historical Context: Farmland values are still significantly higher than pre-2020 levels, even with recent corrections.
- Buyer Profile: Farmers remain the dominant buyers, followed by 1031 exchange and investor-driven purchases.
- Limited Supply: Inventory continues to be constrained, supporting value stability.
- Projected Returns: Experts anticipate steady 2–3% annual returns from cropland investments.
Long-Term Performance
Despite short-term moderation, Iowa farmland continues to perform as a reliable long-term asset.
- Appreciation Since 2020: Cumulative growth of more than 40% across most regions.
- Cash Rent Stability: Income-producing acres provide consistent annual returns.
- Comparison to ISU Survey: Consistent trends showing minimal declines and ongoing market resilience.
- Future Expectations: Most professionals anticipate stable to modest value gains in 2026, supported by strong fundamentals.
Key Market Influences
- Interest Rates: Borrowing costs remain a major factor shaping buying decisions.
- Commodity Prices: Lower corn and soybean prices continue to apply mild pressure.
- Cattle Market: Strong cattle prices are boosting pasture demand.
- Inventory Constraints: A continued shortage of available farms supports overall value stability.
- Economic Confidence: Land remains a preferred investment for those seeking long-term security.
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 September 25 Press Release
Proud members of the REALTORS® Land Institute – Iowa Chapter and the National Association of REALTORS®
