Unlocking the Value of Midwest Farmland: A Comprehensive Guide to Current Land Prices and Expert Insights - April 2025 Report
Welcome to Our Monthly Midwest Farmland Value Report
In this monthly report, Jason Smith, Land Broker and Auctioneer dives into Midwest 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 Minnesota. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Midwest Farmland Values:
Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) – April 2025 Update
Farmland values across the Midwest continue to feel downward pressure due to high interest rates, rising input costs, and ongoing trade volatility, according to Creighton University’s April 2025 Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI). For the 11th time in the past 12 months, the regional farmland price index remained below the growth-neutral threshold.
In Minnesota, the index inched up to 42.8 (from 40.3 in March), despite a 23.3% year-over-year decline in agricultural exports. Mexico remained the state’s top trading partner, accounting for 14.5% of ag and livestock exports.
Missouri saw its index fall to 35.7 (down from 39.3), with exports dropping 19.7% compared to the previous year. Notably, 86.2% of Missouri’s ag shipments were bound for Mexico.
Nebraska posted a modest increase in its farmland index to 39.3 (up from 36.4), and stood out as one of the few states to see an export gain, rising 6.5% year-over-year.
In South Dakota, the index rose to 40.7 (from 37.5), while the state experienced a remarkable 203.6% surge in exports, 88.5% of which were shipped to Mexico.
These state-level variations reflect a complex and uneven Midwest farmland market in early 2025, shaped by a mix of domestic economic conditions and international trade dynamics.
Jason Smith, Broker | Auctioneer
Founder, Farmland Auctioneer & Land Broker
Jason is a veteran farm real estate auctioneer with many awards and accolades. He is among the top Farmland Auctioneers in the Midwest. Licensed in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota.
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 515-537-6633
April 2025 Farmland Sales & Prices Across the Midwest
Staying up to date on farmland prices is crucial for buyers and sellers. Below, we break down recent sales data, including county locations, land size, soil productivity ratings, and sale prices per acre. By analyzing this data, you can gain insight into the current farmland market and what your property may be worth.
Minnesota Farmland Sales – April 2025
Average price of farmland in Minnesota (80%+ tillable farms sold by auction)
- Total acres sold: 773.92 acres
- Average price per acre: $7,733
- Average price per tillable acre: $8,122
🏆 Highest Sale: 120 acres in Martin County sold for $12,o00/acre on April 15th.
- Tillable Percentage: 99%
- Crop Productivity Index (CPI): 90.3
- Price per CPI: $133
South Dakota Farmland Sales – April 2025
Average price of farmland in Minnesota (80%+ tillable farms sold by auction)
- Total acres sold: 1,268.55 acres
- Average price per acre: $10,212
- Average price per tillable acre: $10,689
🏆 Highest Sale: 67.27 acres in Minnehaha County sold for $16,500/acre on April 24th.
- Tillable Percentage: 96%
- Crop Productivity Index (CPI): 84.4
- Price per CPI: $195
Nebraska Farmland Sales – April 2025
Average price of farmland in Nebraska (80%+ tillable farms sold by auction)
- Total acres sold: 1,352.27 acres
- Average price per acre: $8,147
- Average price per tillable acre: $10,721
🏆 Highest Sale: 21.68 acres in Lancaster County sold for $16,361/acre on April 14th
- Tillable Percentage: 92%
- National Commodity Crop Productivity Index (NCCPI): 59.9
- Price per NCCPI: $273
Missouri Farmland Sales – April 2025
Average price of farmland in Missouri (80%+ tillable farms sold by auction)
- Total acres sold: 179.40 acres
- Average price per acre: $4,900
- Average price per tillable acre: $5,393
🏆 Highest Sale: 179.4 acres in Callaway County sold for $4,900/acre on April 2nd
- Tillable Percentage: 90%
- NCCPI: 52.7
- Price per NCCPI: $93
Full Farmland Sales Data for April 2025
Want to see more detailed sales data? Click below to view farmland prices for each state:
📌 Iowa Farmland Sales – April 2025
📌 Illinois Farmland Sales – April 2025
FAQ: How long does it take to sell farmland at auction?
From the time you sign a listing agreement to the final closing, the entire auction process typically takes about 65 to 80 days. It happens in two main phases: the marketing period, which lasts around 30 days and leads up to the auction day, followed by the closing period, which generally takes another 30 to 40 days after the auction is complete.
Minnesota Farmland Recent Sales
Call us about selling your land at (641)423-6400. We can help you safely transition your land ownership using a private sale, public auction or even a private land auction.
| County | Date Sold | Total Acres | Total Price | $/Acre | Tillable Acres | $/Tillable Acre | % TIllable | Soil Score | $/CPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin | 04/15/2025 | 120.00 | $1,440,000 | $12,000 | 119.54 | $12046.18 | 99.62 | 90.3 | $133 |
| Norman | 04/01/2025 | 332.68 | $1,863,008 | $5,600 | 296.52 | $6282.91 | 89.13 | 66.9 | $84 |
| Norman | 04/01/2025 | 321.24 | $1,798,944 | $5,600 | 297.95 | $6037.74 | 92.75 | 62.8 | $89 |
| Averages/Totals | 773.92 | $5,101,952 | $7,733 | 714.01 | $8,122.28 | 93.83 | 73.3 | $102 |
South Dakota Farmland Recent Sales
| County | Date Sold | Total Acres | Total Price | $/Acre | Tillable Acres | $/Tillable Acre | % Tillable | Soil Score | $/CPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnehaha | 04/24/2025 | 67.27 | $1,109,955 | $16,500 | 64.81 | $17,126.29 | 96.34 | 84.4 | $195 |
| Union | 04/18/2025 | 42.85 | $492,775 | $11,500 | 42.18 | $11,682.67 | 98.44 | 76.6 | $150 |
| Union | 04/18/2025 | 80.00 | $920,000 | $11,500 | 79 | $11,645.57 | 98.75 | 84.3 | $136 |
| Grant | 04/17/2025 | 149.51 | $1,121,325 | $7,500 | 134.11 | $8,361.23 | 89.70 | 76.9 | $98 |
| Brookings | 04/17/2025 | 160.00 | $1,440,000 | $9,000 | 158.89 | $9,062.87 | 99.31 | 67.4 | $134 |
| Moody | 04/10/2025 | 147.00 | $1,470,000 | $10,000 | 140 | $10,500.00 | 95.24 | 70.6 | $142 |
| Kingsbury | 04/03/2025 | 320.00 | $3,520,000 | $11,000 | 300 | $11,733.33 | 93.75 | 87.2 | $126 |
| Spink | 04/03/2025 | 187.27 | $1,256,956 | $6,712 | 166.36 | $7,555.64 | 88.83 | 65.0 | $103 |
| Spink | 04/02/2025 | 114.65 | $940,130 | $8,200 | 110.15 | $8,535.00 | 96.08 | 60.4 | $136 |
| Averages/Totals | 1268.55 | $12,271,141 | $10,212 | 1,195.5 | $10,689.18 | 95.16 | 74.8 | $136 |
Nebraska Farmland Recent Sales
| County | Date Sold | Total Acres | Total Price | $/Acre | Tillable Acres | $/Tillable Acre | % Tillable | Soil Score | $/NCCPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson | 03/01/2025 | 160.00 | $1,048,000 | $6,550 | 152 | $6,895 | 95.00 | 62.90 | $104.13 |
| Butler | 03/03/2025 | 117.86 | $1,333,700 | $11,316 | 115 | $11,597 | 97.57 | 55.20 | $205.00 |
| Lancaster | 03/04/2025 | 106.56 | $831,168 | $7,800 | 44 | $18,890 | 41.29 | 60.60 | $128.71 |
| Lancaster | 03/04/2025 | 83.95 | $784,933 | $9,350 | 77 | $10,194 | 91.72 | 55.30 | $169.08 |
| Stanton | 03/04/2025 | 120.00 | $1,078,110 | $8,984 | 110 | $9,801 | 91.67 | 75.80 | $118.53 |
| Lancaster | 03/04/2025 | 83.95 | $784,933 | $9,350 | 77 | $10,194 | 91.72 | 55.30 | $169.08 |
| Dakota | 03/06/2025 | 160.00 | $1,328,000 | $8,300 | 148 | $8,973 | 92.50 | 66.60 | $124.62 |
| Thurston | 03/06/2025 | 80.00 | $888,000 | $11,100 | 79 | $11,241 | 98.75 | 69.90 | $158.80 |
| Stanton | 03/07/2025 | 161.35 | $1,452,150 | $9,000 | 154 | $9,430 | 95.44 | 66.90 | $134.53 |
| Phelps | 03/21/2025 | 135.63 | $1,783,535 | $13,150 | 133.05 | $13,405 | 98.10 | 77.80 | $169.02 |
| Phelps | 03/21/2025 | 77.27 | $1,124,279 | $14,550 | 73.98 | $15,197 | 95.74 | 74.30 | $195.83 |
| Phelps | 03/21/2025 | 158.82 | $1,937,604 | $12,200 | 157.00 | $12,341 | 98.85 | 80.70 | $151.18 |
| Wayne | 03/27/2025 | 160.00 | $1,592,000 | $9,950 | 152.19 | $10,461 | 95.12 | 75.50 | $131.79 |
| Sherman | 03/27/2025 | 154.59 | $1,245,000 | $8,054 | 144 | $8,646 | 93.15 | 65.70 | $122.58 |
| Rock | 03/28/2025 | 160.00 | $832,000 | $5,200 | 131 | $6,351 | 81.88 | 33.00 | $157.58 |
| Averages/Totals | 1,919.98 | $18,043,410 | $9,657 | 1,747.22 | $10,908 | 90.57 | 65.03 | $149.36 |
Missouri Farmland Recent Sales
| County | Date Sold | Total Acres | Total Price | $/Acre | Tillable Acres | $/Tillable Acre | % Tillable | Soil Score | $/NCCPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | 03/20/2025 | 47.54 | $232,946 | $4,900 | 38.14 | $6,107.66 | 80.23 | 61.5 | $80 |
| Stoddard | 03/19/2025 | 88.97 | $851,816 | $9,574 | 82.08 | $10,377.88 | 92.26 | 61.8 | $155 |
| Stoddard | 03/19/2025 | 71.30 | $692,445 | $9,712 | 67.00 | $10,335.00 | 93.97 | 60.1 | $162 |
| Stoddard | 03/19/2025 | 161.71 | $975,200 | $6,031 | 129.22 | $7,546.82 | 79.91 | 58.9 | $102 |
| Scotland | 03/18/2025 | 100.20 | $1,212,420 | $12,100 | 98 | $12,371.63 | 97.80 | 72 | $168 |
| Scotland | 03/18/2025 | 204.30 | $1,634,400 | $8,000 | 198 | $8,254.55 | 96.92 | 70.7 | $113 |
| Scotland | 03/18/2025 | 99.30 | $779,505 | $7,850 | 78.6 | $9,917.37 | 79.15 | 65.6 | $120 |
| Clark | 03/17/2025 | 40.22 | $522,860 | $13,000 | 40 | $13,071.50 | 99.45 | 63 | $206 |
| Clark | 03/17/2025 | 79.18 | $605,727 | $7,650 | 63.8 | $9,494.15 | 80.58 | 61.4 | $125 |
| Dunklin | 03/07/2025 | 206.00 | $1,975,296 | $9,589 | 205.76 | $9,600.00 | 99.88 | 65.2 | $147 |
| Lincoln | 03/06/2025 | 52.77 | $591,024 | $11,200 | 46 | $12,848.35 | 87.17 | 46.7 | $240 |
| Totals/Averages | 1,151.49 | $10,073,639 | $9,055 | 1,046.6 | $9,993.17 | 89.76 | 62.45 | $147 |
Rachel Tiffany
Auctioneer & Land Broker
Rachel is a licensed real estate broker assistant, auctioneer, and farmland agent in Iowa and managing broker and auctioneer in Illinois specializing in the sale of farm, land, and rural residential real estate. She is a graduate of Iowa State University, where she received a Bachelor’s in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Business. She is also a graduate of the National Auctioneers Association Certified Auctioneer Institute (CAI) school in March 2023. Rachel is eager to answer your questions, talk with you about your farm, and help you gain a deep understanding of your options as a seller. If you’re considering selling land, or even just curious about your options for the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out to her.
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 515-954-8063
Navigating the Selling Process:
Tips for Selling Your Farm
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 the Midwest
Meet our team of Midwest 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 Minnesota 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:
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 farmland or call us at 507-769-0128.