Unlocking the Value of Iowa Farmland: A Comprehensive Guide to Current Land Prices and Expert Insights - May 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
May 2025 Rural Mainstreet Index Highlights
Farmland values across the Midwest continue to decline, with the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) staying below growth neutral for the 20th time in 21 months. Farmland prices specifically fell below growth neutral for the 12th time in 13 months, dropping to an index of 39.6. Elevated interest rates, high input costs, and tariff volatility are key pressures. Most bankers (68%) cite lower ag commodity prices as the top threat to farming profitability, followed by rising tariffs. Agricultural exports are also down 19.3% year-over-year, further straining rural economies. Confidence among rural bankers remains low, and only 8% are optimistic about farmland prices in 2025.
Iowa Snapshot
Iowa’s overall RMI improved slightly to 46.8 in May, up from 39.8 in April, while the state’s farmland price index rose to 41.6 from 36.8. Hiring conditions also showed modest improvement, with the employment index climbing to 44.9 from 37.5. Despite these gains, Iowa ag exports declined by $23 million (down 4.7%) in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Mexico remained Iowa’s top ag trade partner, accounting for 70.9% of Q1 exports.
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 May, a total of 1,280.54 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 May Auction sales is $9,974 per acre
- The highest dollars per acre tillable farm in Iowa that sold this month by auction was sold on May 15th in Mitchell County for $22,000/acre. This 113.14 acre farm is 100% tillable and has a 94.7 CSR2 rating which calculates to be $232/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 May, the average price per tillable acre—based on farms that were 80% or more tillable and sold at auction—fell from $13,853 to $9,974. For comparison, the average price a year ago was $9,506.82 per acre.
This month’s lower average is likely due to the limited number of acres sold. The few sales that did occur 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 $11,905.30/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 May, 1,280.54 acres of farmland were sold at auction—down from 2,933.28 acres in April and 3,582.69 acres in May of last year. 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 May was $149—down $16 from April. Similar to the decline in the average price per acre, this drop is likely due to the low volume of sales during the month and may not accurately reflect current market conditions. For comparison, the average was $162 per CSR2 point this time last year, while the 12-month rolling average sits at $163.
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
| 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.