At Whitaker Marketing Group, we’re often asked one key question by Iowa landowners: “Who is actually buying farmland these days?” With headlines about billionaires and outside investors purchasing large tracts of U.S. farmland, it’s natural for local families to wonder whether their ground will be bought up by out-of-state interests or kept in the hands of neighbors. The reality may surprise you. While outside buyers are active in Iowa and surrounding states, most farmland transactions still happen much closer to home. Let’s break down the facts behind today’s farmland buyers, separating perception from reality.
Preception vs. Reality
There’s a common belief that out-of-state investors are “taking over” Iowa farmland. But according to data compiled by the Carter Andrews Market Observatory (CAMO), between 70–80% of farmland purchases in the Midwest are still made by local buyers. That means the majority of transactions are still happening between neighbors, local farmers, and in-state investors who understand the value of Iowa’s soil and communities.
Who Are the Local Buyers?
Local buyers make up the backbone of farmland sales. In Iowa, they often include:
-Farm operators expanding their operations by purchasing adjacent or nearby ground.
-Local investors who see farmland as a stable, long-term investment with consistent returns.
-Families and estates purchasing land to preserve a legacy or secure wealth for future generations.
Marketing these unique attributes requires a specialized approach. At Whitaker Marketing Group, we showcase not just the farmability of a property, but also the lifestyle value it offers to today’s recreational buyer.
The Role of Out-of-State Buyers
Out-of-state buyers certainly play a role in Iowa’s land market, but it’s often smaller than people assume. These buyers typically focus on:
-High-quality tracts with strong CSR2 ratings and proven productivity.
-Recreational land with timber, water, and hunting potential.
-Diversification portfolios, where farmland serves as a hedge against inflation or stock market volatility.
In nearby Missouri, recreational and lifestyle buyers accounted for more than 20% of transactions in 2024, according to Missouri Ag Connection. That trend extends into Iowa as well, especially when recreational tracts or CRP-enrolled land comes to market.
Why the Confusion?
If local buyers still dominate, why does it feel like outsiders are driving the market? A few reasons:
-Media coverage often highlights large institutional purchases, which are high-profile but relatively rare.
-The rise of recreational land buyers, many from outside Iowa, has created more competition for timber and hunting tracts.
-Shows like Yellowstone and other cultural influences have sparked national interest in Midwest and Western land.
While these factors fuel the perception, auction results across Iowa consistently show local buyers making up the majority of winning bids.
What This Means for Iowa Landowners
The takeaway is clear:
-Stability: Local farmers remain the largest group of farmland buyers.
-Opportunity: Out-of-state recreational and investor buyers add competition, often driving higher sale prices.
-Strategy: To maximize results, sellers need to market their land in a way that reaches both groups.
That’s where professional marketing and auction services make a difference.
How Whitaker Markteing Group Maximizies Buyer Reach
At Whitaker Marketing Group, we specialize in connecting landowners with the widest pool of qualified buyers. Our approach combines:
-Local Presence: Deep Iowa roots and trusted relationships with area farmers and landowners.
-National Reach: Strategic marketing on MLS platforms, national auction networks, and targeted digital advertising.
-Proven Results: Our auctions consistently attract both local bidders and out-of-state interest, creating competitive environments that yield the best outcomes for our clients.
Conclusion
The majority of Iowa farmland is still being purchased by local operators and investors—but out-of-state buyers are part of the equation. The real key for landowners is ensuring their property is marketed to attract both. At Whitaker Marketing Group, our mission is to bring every qualified buyer to the table—whether they live down the road or across the country. That’s how we yield the most successful outcome for every sale. If you’re wondering who might buy your farm, contact Whitaker Marketing Group today for a confidential farmland valuation and a personalized marketing plan.
515-996-5263 |✉️info@wmgauction.com
