Illinois Farmland Prices: 2024 vs. 2025 Market Update
Illinois farmland prices continued to edge higher in 2025, even as overall market activity slowed from the prior year. While fewer acres changed hands, buyers remained willing to pay strong prices for quality ground. As a result, Illinois once again behaved more like Iowa and Minnesota than Nebraska, with firm pricing paired with lighter transaction […]
The Rise of Recreational Land Buyers in Iowa and the Midwest
At Whitaker Marketing Group, we’ve seen firsthand how the land market continues to evolve across Iowa and nearby states. Productive farmland remains the foundation of our business. However, a new trend is emerging — the rise of recreational land buyers. More families now seek land not only for farming but also for hunting, fishing, ATV […]
Washington & Louisa County Iowa Farmland Auction Results
A Record Sale for Iowa Farmland Whitaker Marketing Group achieved exceptional Iowa farmland auction results on October 22, 2025, selling 902.25 ± acres in Washington and Louisa Counties for $13,175,420—an average of $16,701 per tillable acre.This farmland auction reflected both the continued strength of Iowa’s land market and the power of strategic, data-driven marketing. The […]
Top Mistakes Landowners Make When Selling Their Farmland
Selling farmland is one of the most important financial decisions a landowner can make. Whether you’re retiring, settling an estate, or simply restructuring your portfolio, the stakes are high. Unfortunately, many sellers leave money on the table—or face unnecessary delays—because of avoidable mistakes. At Whitaker Marketing Group, we’ve helped countless landowners navigate the sales process, […]
David Whitaker Takes the Stage: Competing at the 2025 International Auctioneer Championship
When names like David Whitaker and Whitaker Marketing Group come up in auction circles, people think of results, strong marketing, and a clear understanding of farmland and property auctions. However, there’s another arena where David shines — on stage, in front of judges and a live audience. In 2025, he once again steps into the […]
Why More Landowners Are Choosing the Auction Method (and Why Whitaker Marketing Group Does It Best)
When you need to move farmland or rural real estate quickly, confidently, and for true market value, the auction block isn’t a gamble—it’s a strategy. At Whitaker Marketing Group, auctions are our specialty. We’ve honed a process that delivers speed, certainty, and strong results by creating urgency and putting serious buyers head-to-head. Why More Sellers […]
Farm Lease Termination in Iowa: Don’t Miss the September 1st Deadline
Thinking about selling your farmland this fall? Add lease termination to your checklist—because in Iowa, most farm leases automatically renew unless one party serves written notice on or before September 1. Miss that date and you’re likely stuck with the lease (and the tenant) for another crop year. Iowa’s Automatic Renewal Rule—In Plain English Iowa […]
David Whitaker Named Iowa’s Broker of the Year: How Hard Work and Expertise Built a Midwest Powerhouse
We are thrilled to announce that David Whitaker, co-owner of Whitaker Marketing Group, has been honored as the Broker of the Year by the Iowa Chapter of the REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI). This prestigious award recognizes David’s exceptional achievements in land brokerage and his unwavering dedication to clients across Iowa and the Midwest. David is […]
What is a Sealed Bid Auction?
A sealed bid auction allows potential buyers to submit confidential offers without knowing what others have offered. This process motivates each bidder to present their best possible offer based on the property’s value. Many farmland and real estate sales use sealed bids because they combine fairness with efficiency. How Does a Sealed Bid Auction Work? […]
December 2024 Land Market Update
As 2024 came to a close, the Iowa farmland market demonstrated remarkable resilience and stability. Despite a few regional shifts, the market remained steady, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Here’s a closer look at how values changed and what these trends mean for the agricultural real estate market. High-End Prices: Slight Declines Per […]
