What Is El Niño Weather Pattern and How Could It Impact Iowa Farmers in 2026?

Young corn crop growing in an Iowa field under storm clouds as El Niño weather patterns bring increased rainfall and cooler temperatures to the Midwest.

El Niño is a climate pattern caused by warmer-than-normal water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Although it develops thousands of miles from Iowa, it can influence weather across the Midwest. For Iowa farmers, El Niño often means cooler temperatures, increased rainfall, and wetter harvest conditions. Additional moisture can support crop growth. However, too much rain […]

What Affects Farmland Value the Most?

Midwest cornfield representing factors that affect farmland value

Understanding the true worth of your rural property requires much more than a simple appraisal. For Midwestern landowners, land is a lifelong investment, a family legacy, and a tangible asset. Determining its exact value means looking at a unique set of variables that go far beyond standard residential real estate metrics. If you are planning […]

Iowa Land Auction Results: May 2–May 8, 2026 Market Update

Iowa land auction results market update for May 2 through May 8 2026

The Iowa farmland market had a quieter reporting week, with limited publicly available auction data to review. This week’s update focuses on why auction volume can naturally slow during planting season and what that means for Iowa landowners. Why Was Iowa Land Auction Activity Slower This Week? One of the biggest reasons for reduced auction […]

What Marketing Is Used for Farmland Auctions

marketing used at auction for land sales and farmland marketing strategies

When you take your farmland or rural property to auction, the goal is clear: secure the highest possible return. Reaching that goal requires more than simply placing a sign by the road. You need a targeted marketing strategy that puts your property in front of the right buyers at the exact right time. Effective auction […]

Can I Set a Reserve Price for My Farmland Auction?

Iowa farmland with wind turbines representing land value and reserve price in farmland auction

Whether you are planning for retirement, settling an estate, or reallocating capital, your primary goal is to maximize your land’s value. However, the fear of your property selling for less than it is worth can make the auction process feel stressful. This brings up a critical question for many landowners: Can you set a reserve […]

Iowa Land Auction Results: April 18–24, 2026 Market Update

Iowa land auction results April 18-24 2026 farmland planting tractor aerial view

The Iowa land auction results April 18–24, 2026 show a steady farmland market with continued demand for quality tillable acres. Buyer activity remained measured across multiple counties, with consistent interest in farms offering strong CSR2 ratings and good farmability. The overall trend continues to reinforce that well-positioned farmland remains a highly sought-after asset. These results […]

Listing vs. Auctioning Your Farm: Which is Better?

Farmland with hay bales and wind turbines representing land sales and auctions

Making the decision to sell your farm often comes with mixed emotions, especially if you are navigating retirement, settling an estate, or reallocating your capital. Once you decide to move forward, a critical question immediately follows: should you list your property traditionally, or take it to auction? Land is a completely different asset than residential […]

Iowa Land Auction Results: April 11–17, 2026 Market Update

Iowa farmland with tractor and planter during spring planting for land auction prices April 11-17 2026

The Iowa farmland market continues to show strength as we move deeper into the spring season. Auction activity from April 11 through April 17, 2026 highlights consistent demand for quality tillable acres, with buyers remaining aggressive on productive farms across multiple regions of the state. This report details Iowa land auction results April 11-17 2026 […]

Selling Land: Auction vs. Traditional Listing

auction vs listing method for land sale comparison graphic farmland

Deciding to sell a farm, ranch, or recreational property is a significant financial step. Land is a distinct asset class that requires a specialized approach to sell effectively. When you decide to go to market, you face a critical choice. Should you hire an auctioneer, or should you list your land traditionally? Both methods offer […]

How to Interview a Real Estate Agent for Your Land Sale

landowner interviewing real estate agent before selling farmland

Selling your farmland or rural property is a major financial milestone. For many Midwestern landowners, this land represents decades of hard work, a family legacy, or a vital component of a retirement plan. Because the stakes are so high, finding the right professional to guide your sale is critical. The answer to a successful transaction […]