What is the FSA (Farm Service Agency)

Graphic with the words 'Top 50 Questions About Farmland' over a green cornfield with blue sky in the background.

Top 50 Questions about Farmland The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is a government agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides programs and services to support farmers and landowners. Its primary goal is to help farmers manage risk, improve land productivity, and ensure the stability of agricultural production in the U.S. Key Functions […]

Bang for your buck

Monthly Iowa farmland prices per acre showing high-, medium-, and low-quality land value trends from February through April based on auction data

While David attended the National Land Conference hosted by the Realtors Land Institute, I stayed home handling land closings, shuttling kids, and calving cows. I am not complaining—this is exactly what I love to do. However, as I worked through several land transactions, I kept thinking about the size of these investments and what farmers […]

MARCH 2023 IOWA FARMLAND VALUE | IOWA LAND GUY

Iowa farmland values by crop reporting district showing high, medium, and low land prices per acre and per CSR2 from October 2022 to March 2023

As of April 2023, Iowa farmland prices continue to trend upward. Strong demand for quality agricultural land remains a key driver across the state. According to the Realtors Land Institute March survey, average Iowa farmland values increased by approximately 1 percent over the past six months. This steady growth reflects continued confidence in the farmland […]

Should we split the farm into multiple tracts?

Graphic with the words 'Top 50 Questions About Farmland' over a green cornfield with blue sky in the background.

Top 50 Questions about Farmland Deciding whether splitting a farm into tracts is the best strategy depends on several factors, including geography, buyer demand, and your goals as the seller. This decision often comes up during the farmland valuation process, when both the physical layout and the marketability of the property are reviewed. Key Factors […]

Can I Sell My Farm If It Is Leased Out?

Farm family standing together in a field at sunset, talking and looking across the land.

Top 50 Questions about Farmland Many landowners wonder whether selling leased farmland in Iowa is possible, and the answer is yes. Whether your farm is currently under a lease or has an open lease agreement, Iowa law provides several options that allow you to sell successfully while maintaining compliance and transparency. Key Considerations When Selling […]

APEX 2022 Producers Club Award

Farmland real estate professional recognized with a national APEX Award from the Realtors Land Institute, displayed alongside award branding and company logo.

David Whitaker, an Iowa farmland specialist, has earned the prestigious APEX Award from the Realtors Land Institute (RLI). This national recognition highlights his exceptional performance in farmland real estate and his continued commitment to serving landowners at the highest level. The award places Whitaker among the top land professionals in the country. What the APEX […]

Whitaker Marketing Group: Your Top Choice for Iowa Farmland Brokerage

Wood-grain surface featuring the Whitaker Marketing Group logo and the phrase “Land Is Our Brand.”

If you’re looking to buy or sell farmland in Iowa, you need a broker with the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the market. That’s where Whitaker Marketing Group comes in. With over 40 years of combined experience, our team of experts has the expertise to help you achieve your goals. Why Choose Whitaker […]

Can I have a Reserve When I Sell My Farmland

Graphic reading “Top 50 Questions About Farm and Farmland” over a green Iowa cornfield landscape.

Top 50 Questions about Farmland Can I Have a Reserve When I Sell My Farm? Yes, you can set a reserve when selling your farm. A reserve is your bottom-dollar price—the minimum amount you’re willing to accept for the property. This option allows sellers to ensure their farm doesn’t sell below a certain value. Types […]

JANUARY 2023 IOWA FARMLAND VALUE | IOWA LAND GUY

Iowa land trends map showing farmland values by crop reporting district from August 2022 through January 2023.

The land market has experienced steady growth in recent years. Strong demand for agricultural and rural land continues to support prices. Local buying power remains high, and more investors now view farmland as a hard asset. Buyers increasingly value farmland for appreciation, inflation protection, diversification, steady cash flow, and long-term sustainability. As a result, a […]

Utilizing IRS 1031 and Farmland

Two farmers shaking hands in a field at sunset, representing a successful farmland agreement.

A 1031 exchange, also known as a like-kind exchange, allows landowners to defer capital gains taxes when selling qualifying property. Instead of paying taxes immediately, the seller reinvests the proceeds into a similar property. For farmland owners, this strategy can play an important role in preserving capital and repositioning land investments. What Is a Like-Kind […]