Unlocking the Value of Iowa Farmland: A Comprehensive Guide to Current Land Prices and Expert Insights - April 2025 Report
Welcome to Our Monthly Iowa Farmland Value Report
In this monthly report, we dive into Iowa farmland values, helping you understand the factors that determine what your farm is potentially worth. Our goal as auctioneers and farmland real estate agents is to provide you with up-to-date information, recent sales data, expert insights, and tips for maximizing the potential value of your farmland sale. Let us answer the questions you have about selling farmland in Iowa. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Iowa Farmland Values:
Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index: Farmland Prices and Economic Trends – April 2025 Update
Iowa Farmland Prices See Modest Improvement in April
While challenges remain for the rural economy, Iowa farmland values showed a small but encouraging uptick in April. According to Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), the state’s farmland price index rose to 36.8—up from 33.6 in March—marking a step in the right direction despite still being below the growth-neutral benchmark of 50.
Overall economic conditions in rural Iowa also saw slight improvement, with the state’s RMI edging up to 39.8 from 39.2 the previous month. Although still in cautious territory, this gain reflects a bit more stability in an environment that continues to be influenced by high interest rates, elevated input costs, and global trade dynamics.
Ag exports from Iowa were down nearly 20% in early 2025 compared to the same time last year, but Mexico remains a strong trading partner, accounting for 70% of Iowa’s ag and livestock exports to start the year. Across the region, support for the President’s recent tariff increases remains high among rural bankers, with 75% backing the move.
While farm equipment sales and hiring numbers remain subdued, these modest gains in land values and overall economic indicators suggest some resilience in the market as producers adapt to ongoing challenges.
Contact us for a free market analysis of farms that have recently sold in your area at 515-537-6633 or [email protected]
For more detailed information, visit the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Economy page.
Jason J Smith
Auctioneer & Land Broker
Jason is an experienced farmland broker and auctioneer with extensive experience in farmland sales across this Midwest. Jason has worked with hundreds of clients to create advantageous outcomes. If you are selling land schedule a consultation with Jason by calling or using the calendar.
Phone: 515-537-6633 Email: [email protected]
Recent Farmland Sales Data
Let’s dive into the latest sales data, including county location, land size by acre amount, soil productivity ratings, and sale prices per acre and total price in the table below. By analyzing this data, you can get a clearer picture of how your property may be valued in the current market.
Current Average Price Per Acre of Farmland in Iowa Sold By Auction
- In the month of April, a total of 2,933.28 acres of 80% of more tillable farmland was sold in Iowa by the auction method.
- The current average per acre price for land in Iowa according to April Auction sales is $13,853 per acre
- The highest dollars per acre tillable farm in Iowa that sold this month by auction was sold on April 10th in Osceola County for $22,900/acre. This 118.71 acre farm is 98.9% tillable and has a 97 CSR2 rating which calculates to be $236/CSR2.
- See full results from all tracts of farmland that sold in table at end of the page.
- See how these averages compared to last month and a year ago below in next section below to see trend line history.
Current Farmland Prices in Iowa: A 12-Month Overview
Check out the accompanying graph for insights into Iowa farmland prices over the past year. In April, the average price per tillable acre (for farms with 80% or more tillable land and sold by auction) rose from $13,234/acre to $13,853/acre. A year ago, the average was $11,829/acre.
The 12-month rolling average price per acre in Iowa now stands at $12,048/acre.
If you’re considering selling your farm, reach out to us for an expert opinion on its current market value.
Monthly Number of Acres Sold At Auction 80% or more Tillable Farms
In April, 2,933.28 acres were sold through auction, down slightly from 3,980.21 acres in March and closely aligned with the 2,971.29 acres sold in April of last year. This dip is typical for the season, as many farmers shift focus to planting. However, farmland can successfully be sold year-round—even with a crop in the ground. You don’t have to wait until after harvest!
If you’re thinking about selling, now is a great time to start the conversation. Our team is ready to walk you through your options and provide expert guidance every step of the way. Fill out this quick form, and one of our experienced auctioneers or land brokers will reach out to you soon!
Monthly Iowa Auction Results: Average Price Per CSR2 Point
The average price per CSR2 point of $165.77 decreased $4 from March. Comparatively, the price per CSR2 point was $184.52 a year ago. The 12-month rolling total for Iowa is $165.90/CSR2 point. This metric of soil productivity calculation plays a crucial role in determining the overall value of your farm. If you’re unsure about your farm’s CSR2 soil rating, don’t hesitate to contact us for a soil map and evaluation, especially if you’re considering selling land in Iowa.
Recently Sold Land in Iowa Price Results
| County | Sold Date | Acres | $/Acre | Tillable Acres | % Tillable | CSR2 | $/CSR2 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mills | 4/1/2025 | 25.05 | $18,563 | 23.75 | 94.81 | 96 | $193.36 | $465,003 |
| Mitchell | 4/1/2025 | 155.84 | $17,336 | 151.76 | 97.38 | 90 | $192.62 | $2,701,642 |
| Mills | 4/1/2025 | 182.18 | $14,306 | 177.68 | 97.53 | 94.8 | $150.91 | $2,606,267 |
| Mitchell | 4/1/2025 | 81.17 | $19,503 | 80.04 | 98.61 | 91.3 | $213.61 | $1,583,059 |
| Hancock | 4/10/2025 | 160.00 | $5,800 | 144.20 | 90.13 | 55.6 | $104.32 | $928,000 |
| Osceola | 4/10/2025 | 317.95 | $17,400 | 308.78 | 97.12 | 89.8 | $193.76 | $5,532,330 |
| Osceola | 4/10/2025 | 118.71 | $22,900 | 117.4 | 98.90 | 97 | $236.08 | $2,718,459 |
| Buena Vista | 4/11/2025 | 183 | $11,950 | 161 | 87.98 | 84.4 | $141.59 | $2,186,850 |
| Cerro Gordo | 4/11/2025 | 80 | $15,513 | 71.39 | 89.24 | 85.2 | $182.08 | $1,241,040 |
| Muscatine | 4/2/2025 | 102.53 | $12,250 | 94.66 | 92.32 | 76.5 | $160.13 | $1,255,993 |
| Dickinson | 4/2/2025 | 240 | $16,700 | 229.9 | 95.79 | 90 | $185.56 | $4,008,000 |
| Sioux | 4/23/2025 | 80 | $20,500 | 74.72 | 93.40 | 86 | $238.37 | $1,640,000 |
| Fremont | 4/29/2025 | 80 | $12,800 | 74.28 | 92.85 | 84.4 | $151.66 | $1,024,000 |
| Greene | 4/3/2025 | 65.40 | $11,100 | 59.80 | 91.44 | 82.2 | $135.04 | $725,940 |
| Winneshiek | 4/3/2025 | 80.00 | $12,221 | 74.7 | 93.38 | 66.1 | $184.89 | $977,680 |
| Greene | 4/3/2025 | 80 | $12,700 | 74.83 | 93.54 | 87.5 | $145.14 | $1,016,000 |
| Greene | 4/3/2025 | 76.89 | $12,700 | 73.36 | 95.41 | 86.1 | $147.50 | $976,503 |
| Greene | 4/3/2025 | 120.00 | $12,100 | 117.43 | 97.86 | 82.3 | $147.02 | $1,452,000 |
| Hardin | 4/4/2025 | 153 | $14,400 | 149 | 97.39 | 87.5 | $164.57 | $2,203,200 |
| Hardin | 4/4/2025 | 160 | $14,300 | 156 | 97.50 | 88.1 | $162.32 | $2,288,000 |
| Hardin | 4/4/2025 | 74 | $11,000 | 73 | 98.65 | 81.5 | $134.97 | $814,000 |
| Marion | 4/8/2025 | 45.46 | $6,799 | 37.39 | 82.25 | 47.9 | $141.94 | $309,083 |
| Mills | 4/8/2025 | 238.1 | $11,550 | 230.09 | 96.64 | 75.8 | $152.37 | $2,750,055 |
| Winnebago | 4/8/2025 | 34.0 | $8,100 | 34.48 | 101.41 | 68.2 | $118.77 | $275,400 |
| Totals/Averages | 2,933.28 | $13,853.79 | 2,789.64 | 94.65 | 82.26 | $165.77 | $41,678,503 |
Navigating the Selling Process:
Tips for Selling Your Farm in Iowa
Explore a set of practical tips for successfully selling your farmland by downloading our free eBooks here. Schedule a non obligatory consultation with us today and we will cover everything from when is the best time to sell, a customized marketing plan, sales methods, how we can help you find the right buyer, and answer your questions.
Farm Real Estate Experts in Iowa
Meet our team of Iowa farm real estate and auction experts who can provide you with valuable guidance and personalized assistance throughout the selling process. If you’re looking to uncover the true value of your Iowa farm or are considering selling, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team. We’re here to provide you with a customized plan to meet your goals. Contact us today to get started.
Assessing Your Farm’s Worth:
Iowa Land Market Analysis Appraisal Technique
Curious what your farm could sell for? We prepare market analysis for each of our farmland sellers to help you discover and learn what your farm is worth from our market based research and expertise. Fill out our form here to request a market analysis of your Iowa farmland.