December 2024 Land Market Update

Iowa farmland trends map showing high, median, and low land values by crop reporting district from August 2024 to January 2025.

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 […]

JULY 2024 IOWA FARMLAND VALUE

Map of Iowa showing farmland value trends from March to August 2024, with high, medium, and low prices per acre and per CSR2 across all nine crop reporting districts.

As we reach the midpoint of the year, it’s a good time to review the current state of the Iowa farmland market. The latest data through July 2024 offers valuable insight into land values and auction activity across the state. Below is a clear breakdown of the key trends. 1. Land Values Across Iowa The […]

Iowa Farmland Prices in 2024: Navigating the Shift

A colorful infographic titled “Iowa Farm Prices 2024” showing county-by-county farmland values, price averages, market trends, commodity data, and year-over-year changes across the state.

For generations, Iowa’s fertile plains have sustained farmers and attracted investment. But what’s the current landscape for farmland for sale in 2024? While the market stabilizes after years of remarkable growth, key dynamics continue to shape prices. Let’s explore the trends, factors, and forecasts to help you navigate this crucial decision. A Plateau in Motion: […]

Understanding Farmland Values in Today’s Economy

A farmer inside a tractor cab using a touchscreen precision agriculture monitor to control field operations.

As David Whitaker, deeply involved in the agricultural sector of Iowa, I have a unique perspective on the ebbs and flows of the farmland market. My connection to this region has provided me a front-row seat to observe how agricultural practices and economic trends intersect and evolve. I’m eager to delve into the current state […]

2023 Iowa Farmland Overview

Map of 2023 Iowa farmland prices by county, showing average price per acre across the state with color-coded values ranging from around $7,000 to over $19,000 per acre.

Iowa farmland has remained a strong and dependable asset for both investors and farmers in recent years. Values continue to rise steadily, and several key factors—such as advancements in farming technology, shifts in land use, and national economic policies—continue to influence this upward trend. Auction Highlights Iowa hosted 1,049 farmland auctions covering 115,626 acres. These […]

Will the Land Market Remain Strong

Whitaker Marketing Group logo with gold outline of Iowa and the phrase “Land Is Our Brand” on a black background.

Experts say farmland values may be heading for a plateau, even though several variables could still shift the market. By Cassidy Walter Market Momentum Slowing Headlines of record-setting sales and rapid appreciation created major excitement in the farmland market last year. As 2023 continues, industry experts say that momentum is easing. Prices remain strong, but […]

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 […]

DECEMBER 2022 IOWA FARMLAND VALUE | IOWA LAND GUY

Iowa land trends by crop reporting district from July 2022 to December 2022 showing high, medium, and low farmland values per acre and per CSR2.

Wow, What a Year for Iowa Farmland Without question, the Iowa farmland market delivered another remarkable year. Despite ongoing uncertainty in the broader economy, land values remained historically strong, supported by solid fundamentals and sustained buyer demand. Below is a breakdown of what the numbers tell us—and what they may signal heading into 2023. Iowa […]

2022 Iowa State University Land Survey

2022 Iowa farmland values by county as of November 1, 2022

The 2022 Iowa State University Land Value Survey reported a 17.0% statewide increase, pushing average Iowa farmland values to $11,411 per acre from November 2021 to November 2022. This marks the highest nominal land value ever recorded since Iowa State began tracking farmland values in the 1940s. History of the Iowa State University Land Value […]

NOVEMBER 2022 IOWA FARMLAND VALUE | IOWA LAND GUY

Iowa land trends by crop reporting district showing farmland values per acre and per CSR2 from June 2022 to November 2022

Decision Making in Today’s Farmland Market December and early January are often the months when landowners, farmers, and investors pause to evaluate the year ahead. This is the season for big questions. Should land be sold or held? Is it time to buy? Do equipment trades make sense? How did taxes and profit shake out? […]