Key Takeaways From an Ag Economy Session at the 2026 National Land Conference

Ag economy takeaways from the 2026 National Land Conference showing farmland values and lending trends

The biggest Ag economy takeaways from the REALTORS Land Institute – 2026 National Land Conference centered around farmland values, lending conditions, and farm income pressure. During the session, speakers broke down how global markets, rising costs, and shifting credit conditions are influencing today’s land market. For landowners, investors, and operators, these Ag economy takeaways highlight […]

Statewide Iowa Land Auctions January 24–30, 2026

Iowa Land Auction Results graphic showing statewide Iowa farmland auction activity for January 24–30, 2026

For a look at the previous week’s results, see our Iowa Land Auction Prices, January 20–23, 2026. Statewide Iowa land auctions from January 27–30, 2026 provide farmland owners with a clear snapshot of how buyers are responding to different land types across the state. Using verified auction data from multiple counties, this weekly update helps […]

2025 Iowa State University Land Survey

Map of 2025 Iowa farmland values by county, showing average land value per acre across all 99 counties and statewide average of $11,549.

Iowa Farmland Market: A Year of Adjustment, Not Decline The 2025 Iowa State University Land Value Survey shows that Iowa farmland values increased 0.7% from November 2024 to November 2025, bringing the statewide average to $11,549 per acre. While this rise is modest, it signals market stability—especially following last year’s 3.1% correction and three prior […]

Navigating Conservation Programs: How CRP and CSP Boost Farmland Value

When it comes to maximizing the value of Iowa farmland, many landowners immediately think about soil quality, CSR2 scores, or grain market proximity. But one often overlooked factor can significantly increase both the profitability and attractiveness of farmland: conservation programs. Programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) not only […]

Iowa Poised for Record Corn Harvest in 2025

As the Midwest’s premier farmland real estate and auction firm, Whitaker Marketing Group is closely watching the 2025 corn outlook — and the numbers are extraordinary. Iowa, America’s leading corn producer, appears ready to set a new record, creating both opportunities and challenges for farmland owners, buyers, and investors. What’s Driving Iowa’s Record Corn Outlook? […]

2024 Iowa State University Land Value Survey: Market Insights & Strategic Outlook

ISU Land Survey

Iowa Farmland Market Cooling: What the 3.1% Decline Really Means The 2024 Iowa State University Land Value Survey reveals that Iowa farmland values decreased by 3.1% from November 2023 to November 2024, bringing the statewide average to $11,467 per acre. This modest decline represents a natural market correction after three consecutive years of record-high values, […]

Iowa’s Farmland Transition: What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

Iowa is entering a major farmland transition. With a large share of acres held by older owners and fewer, larger operations doing more of the production, getting a start has never been tougher for beginning farmers. Recently, reporting from The Des Moines Register, combined with new data from Iowa State University and the USDA, highlights […]

Still Up 51.70% in 5 Years: Iowa Farmland Market Update – July 2025

Still Up 51.70% in 5 Years: What Does This Mean for Your Farm? Each year, Iowa farmland owners and investors look to the mid-year benchmark report to answer one question: Where is the market headed? The July 2025 report from Farm Credit Services of America delivers both clarity and opportunity. The Short-Term Dip Let’s start […]

Farmland Market Update – June 2025

Welcome to the latest farmland market update from Whitaker Marketing Group! The Iowa farmland market continues to show resilience and strategic opportunity, even as we see slight market adjustments in some regions. The data from the past 12 months reinforces what we’re seeing on the ground: quality sells, and farmland remains a secure, in-demand asset. […]

May 2025 Farmland Market Update: Is Now the Right Time to Buy or Sell?

The Iowa farmland market continues to evolve as we head into the summer of 2025. This month’s data shows shifting prices, rising interest in lower-quality land, and one of the tightest inventory periods we’ve seen in recent years. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, timing and strategy are key. Here’s what May had to […]