Estate Planning Tips to Avoid Probate for Farmland Owners
When it comes to farmland and real estate, planning ahead is the best way to protect your legacy and ensure a smooth transition for your family. Unfortunately, one of the biggest hurdles landowners face is probate—the legal process of validating a will and distributing assets. Without proper planning, probate can become lengthy, costly, and emotionally […]
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 […]
The Growing Role of Investors in Iowa Farmland Auctions
Iowa farmland has always been at the heart of American agriculture. Traditionally, farms have been passed down through generations of family operators. In recent years, though, a noticeable shift has taken place — investors are playing a much larger role in Iowa’s farmland market. This trend is changing how farmland is bought, sold, and managed. […]
Maximizing Value on Lesser-Tillable Land
Not every acre of Iowa farmland is the same. While highly tillable land often captures headlines and record auction prices, lesser-tillable land—with waterways, timber, pastures, or rolling terrain—can offer significant opportunities if positioned correctly. At Whitaker Marketing Group, we help landowners unlock hidden value by marketing not just the farm’s tillable acres, but its full […]
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? […]
The Power of Drone Technology in Farmland Sales
When it comes to farmland sales in Iowa and across the Midwest, presentation is everything. Whether you’re marketing a 40-acre parcel or a 400-acre family farm, the ability to showcase the land effectively can make the difference between an average sale and a top-dollar auction. Therefore, presentation truly determines results. One of the most powerful […]
The Role of a Closing Attorney in a Farmland Transaction
When it comes to buying or selling farmland in Iowa and across the Midwest, few steps are as critical as the closing process. While many people focus on price negotiations, financing, or land surveys, most overlook the crucial role of a closing attorney. Yet, this professional plays a vital part in ensuring the transaction is […]
2025 RLI Land Survey
Latest RLI Iowa Land Values Survey: March 2025 Results Iowa’s leading farmland brokerage, auction, and appraisal team with over 35 years of experience MARCH 2025 IOWA FARMLAND MARKET UPDATE Latest RLI Iowa Chapter Land Values Survey Results The REALTORS® Land Institute – Iowa Chapter has just released its March 2025 Land Trends and Values Survey, […]
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 […]
Farmland Value July 2025: Iowa Market Rebounds Across All Land Classes
All Price Tiers Rebound in July: Is This a Turning Point? Here’s how things looked across the board: High Ground bounced from $11,300 in May to $13,742 in July. Medium Ground increased from $8,234 in June to $9,203 in July. Low Ground surged from just $5,800 in June to an impressive $8,930 in July The […]
