Unlocking the Value of Iowa Farmland: A Comprehensive Guide to Current Land Prices and Expert Insights - June 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
June 2025 Farmland Market Snapshot: Rural Mainstreet Update
The June 2025 Rural Mainstreet Index climbed to 51.9—its highest level in nearly two years—signaling modest optimism across the Midwest ag economy. However, challenges persist:
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Farmland values remained weak, staying below growth neutral (40.9) for the 13th time in 14 months, pressured by high interest rates, input costs, and export volatility.
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One in four farmers is expected to see negative income in 2025, according to rural bank CEOs.
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Farm equipment sales continue to lag for the 22nd straight month, reflecting tight margins and cautious spending.
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Ag exports from the region dropped 18.5% in the first part of 2025, with Mexico remaining the top buyer.
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Despite these headwinds, farm loan delinquencies remain low, and bankers report steady home sales and modest hiring gains.
While the rural economy shows signs of stabilizing, many factors—including commodity prices, interest rates, and global trade—continue to weigh on farmland prices.
Iowa-Specific Update:
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Iowa’s RMI rose to 51.0 in June, up from 46.8 in May.
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Farmland values in Iowa dipped, with the index falling to 39.3 from 41.6.
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Hiring was mostly flat, with a slight decrease from 44.9 in May to 44.8 in June.
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Iowa ag exports declined by 1.8% year-over-year, down $11.9 million in the first four months of 2025. Notably, 74.5% of Iowa’s agricultural exports went to Mexico, highlighting the state’s continued trade reliance.
While the overall economic sentiment has improved slightly, Iowa farmland values remain under pressure—making it essential for landowners to monitor market trends closely and explore strategic selling opportunities while inventory is still limited.
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 June, a total of 3,809.47 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 June Auction sales is $11,323 per acre
- The highest dollars per acre tillable farm in Iowa that sold this month by auction was sold on June 17th in Osceola County for $15,900/acre. This 242.51 acre farm is 100% tillable and has a 84.8 CSR2 rating which calculates to be $188/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 June, the average price per tillable acre—based on farms that were 80% or more tillable and sold at auction—increased from $9,974 to $11,323/acre. For comparison, the average price a year ago was $11,068 per acre.
This month’s average likely increased from May due to double the amount of acres sold. The few sales in May were for farms with lower per-acre values, which pulled the overall average down.
The 12-month rolling average price per acre in Iowa now stands at $12,045/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 June, 3,809.47 acres of farmland were sold at auction—up from 1,280.54 acres in May. Last year 9,078 acres were sold in June. This seasonal dip is common as many farmers focus on planting. Still, farmland continues to sell successfully year-round—even with a crop in the ground. There’s no need to wait until after harvest!
If selling is on your mind, now is a great time to start the conversation. Our team is here to guide you through your options with expert support every step of the way. Just fill out this short form, and one of our experienced auctioneers or land brokers will be in touch soon!
Monthly Iowa Auction Results: Average Price Per CSR2 Point
The average price per CSR2 point in June was $143—down $6 from May. We are not 100% sure why the dollars per CSR2 has declined significantly from April other than lower number of high quality farms selling in May-June and some of those 90+ CSR2 farms are not bring as high $/CSR2 values. See chart below for more information.
For comparison, the average was $164 per CSR2 point this time last year, while the 12-month rolling average sits at $161.64.
CSR2 is a key metric used to assess soil productivity and plays a major role in determining your farm’s value. If you’re unsure of your farm’s CSR2 rating, we’re happy to help. Reach out for a free soil map and evaluation—especially if you’re considering selling farmland in Iowa.
Recently Sold Land in Iowa Price Results
| Date | County | Total | Acres | $/acre | Tillable Acres | % Tillable | $/tillable acre | CSR2 | $/CSR2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/12/2025 | Hamilton-Hardin | $5,750,388 | 432.36 | $13,300 | 424.44 | 98.17 | $13,548 | 82 | $162 |
| 6/13/2025 | Buena Vista | $2,682,352 | 181.24 | $14,800 | 173.5 | 95.73 | $15,460 | 84.5 | $175 |
| 6/13/2025 | Hamilton | $874,000 | 115 | $7,600 | 110.5 | 96.09 | $7,910 | 73.3 | $104 |
| 6/16/2025 | Woodbury | $1,334,025 | 121 | $11,025 | 120 | 99.17 | $11,117 | 78 | $141 |
| 6/16/2025 | Woodbury | $1,221,000 | 120 | $10,175 | 119.6 | 99.67 | $10,209 | 67.7 | $150 |
| 6/17/2025 | Osceola | $3,855,909 | 242.51 | $15,900 | 235.82 | 97.24 | $16,351 | 84.8 | $188 |
| 6/18/2025 | Emmet | $1,487,586 | 130.49 | $11,400 | 125.79 | 96.40 | $11,826 | 82.4 | $138 |
| 6/18/2025 | Tama | $1,519,400 | 107 | $14,200 | 105.49 | 98.59 | $14,403 | 95.9 | $148 |
| 6/18/2025 | Poweshiek | $1,999,812 | 196.06 | $10,200 | 178.14 | 90.86 | $11,226 | 84.5 | $121 |
| 6/20/2025 | Tama | $1,635,000 | 150 | $10,900 | 149 | 99.33 | $10,973 | 85 | $128 |
| 6/20/2025 | Tama | $480,000 | 40 | $12,000 | 39 | 97.50 | $12,308 | 91.7 | $131 |
| 6/20/2025 | Tama | $992,000 | 80 | $12,400 | 75 | 93.75 | $13,227 | 83.8 | $148 |
| 6/24/2025 | Emmet | $1,679,600 | 152 | $11,050 | 147.17 | 96.82 | $11,413 | 78.8 | $140 |
| 6/24/2025 | Lee | $100,706 | 11.71 | $8,600 | 10.89 | 93.00 | $9,248 | 63 | $137 |
| 6/25/2025 | Harrison | $600,000 | 80 | $7,500 | 78.73 | 98.41 | $7,621 | 60.4 | $124 |
| 6/26/2025 | Greene | $2,488,000 | 160 | $15,550 | 154.48 | 96.55 | $16,106 | 86.2 | $180 |
| 6/26/2025 | Ringgold | $406,000 | 70 | $5,800 | 68.26 | 97.51 | $5,948 | 47.2 | $123 |
| 06/03/25 | Iowa | $1,728,992 | 142 | $12,176 | 128.97 | 90.82 | $13,406 | 80.1 | $152 |
| 06/03/25 | Iowa | $560,175 | 77 | $7,275 | 70.49 | 91.55 | $7,947 | 57.6 | $126 |
| 06/05/25 | Henry | $436,392 | 54.72 | $7,975 | 44.17 | 80.72 | $9,880 | 53.5 | $149 |
| 06/06/25 | Franklin | $620,100 | 53 | $11,700 | 50.87 | 95.98 | $12,190 | 80.7 | $145 |
| 06/06/25 | Franklin | $1,528,800 | 147 | $10,400 | 146.29 | 99.52 | $10,450 | 80.3 | $130 |
| 06/06/25 | Franklin | $1,482,000 | 114 | $13,000 | 112.01 | 98.25 | $13,231 | 86.4 | $150 |
| 06/06/25 | Franklin | $1,057,300 | 109 | $9,700 | 106.77 | 97.95 | $9,903 | 80.5 | $120 |
| 06/10/25 | Palo Alto | $1,609,500 | 145 | $11,100 | 144 | 99.31 | $11,177 | 79 | $141 |
| 06/10/25 | Marshall | $1,080,660 | 77.19 | $14,000 | 74.85 | 96.97 | $14,438 | 92.7 | $151 |
| 06/10/25 | Marshall | $2,029,690 | 156.13 | $13,000 | 130.55 | 83.62 | $15,547 | 94.6 | $137 |
| 06/12/25 | Dickinson | $905,400 | 80.48 | $11,250 | 78.22 | 97.19 | $11,575 | 79.9 | $141 |
| 06/12/25 | Dickinson | $806,352 | 75.36 | $10,700 | 72.55 | 96.27 | $11,114 | 82.7 | $129 |
| 06/12/25 | Hamilton | $2,838,300 | 189.22 | $15,000 | 189.05 | 99.91 | $15,013 | 82.5 | $182 |
| Totals/Averages | $45,789,439 | 3,809.47 | $11,323 | 3664.6 | 95.76 | $11,825 | 78.66 | $143 |
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.