Can I Buy Farmland With Someone Else?
Yes, you can buy farmland with another person. In fact, spouses, family members, business partners, farmers, and investors often purchase land together. Buying farmland with someone else can make a larger purchase possible. For example, buyers can combine their down payments, borrowing power, and other resources. However, buying the farm is only the first step. […]
Can the Closing Date Be Changed on an Iowa Farmland Sale?
Yes, the closing date on an Iowa farmland sale can often be changed if the buyer and seller both agree. However, the closing date is part of the purchase agreement. Therefore, one party generally should not assume they can simply move the date on their own. If the closing date needs to change, the buyer, […]
How Do I Find Buyers for My Farmland in Iowa?
The best way to find buyers for farmland in Iowa is to expose the property to multiple qualified buyers rather than relying on a single neighbor or local contact. Potential buyers may include neighboring farmers, local operators, investors, landowners looking to expand, beginning farmers, and buyers from outside the immediate area. Finding a buyer is […]
How Often Does Iowa Farmland Change Ownership?
Iowa farmland does not change ownership very often. More than half of Iowa farmland has been held by the same owners for at least 20 years, according to Iowa State University’s 2022 Farmland Ownership and Tenure Survey. About 20% had been held for more than 40 years. This long-term ownership helps explain why quality Iowa […]
One Large Farm or Several Small Farms: Which Is Better?
One large farm may be better for buyers who value efficiency, scale, and easier management, while several smaller farms may be better for investors who want diversification, flexibility, and exposure to multiple locations. Neither strategy is automatically better. The right choice depends on your goals, budget, risk tolerance, and how you plan to use the […]
How to Compare Farmland in Two Different Counties
To compare farmland across two counties, evaluate five key factors: soil productivity ratings, recent sale prices, property tax rates, access to utilities and infrastructure, and crop yield history. USDA soil surveys, county assessor records, and experienced land brokers provide the data you need to make a confident, informed investment decision. Buying farmland is a major […]
What Makes a Farm Easy to Market? A Seller’s Guide
A farm is easy to market when it combines a strong location, well-maintained infrastructure, clear documentation, and professional presentation. Properties with transparent pricing, quality soil data, and high-quality photos attract qualified buyers faster and often sell for higher prices in today’s digital market. Selling farmland involves more than posting a “For Sale” sign at the […]
Bare Farmland vs. Improved Farms: What Buyers Prefer
Buyers don’t universally prefer bare farmland or improved farms. The right choice depends on the buyer type, current market conditions, and your goals. Investors and large operations often favor bare land for its lower cost and flexibility, while owner-operators and farming families gravitate toward improved farms that are ready to work from day one. If […]
How to Tell If a Farm Has Problems Before You Buy
To tell if a farm has problems, inspect soil quality, drainage, fencing, infrastructure, and review property records before purchasing. Look for signs like standing water, compacted soil, structural damage, or missing documentation. Catching these issues early can save buyers thousands of dollars in repairs and lost productivity. Buying farmland is one of the most significant […]
What Is Prime Farmland? A Guide for Land Buyers and Sellers
Prime farmland, as defined by the USDA, is land with the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, fiber, and forage crops. It features adequate moisture, fertile soil, good drainage, and minimal flooding risk—making it the most productive and valuable category of agricultural land. Farmland is not created equal. Some parcels […]