Midwest Farmland Prices – July 2025 Update

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.

Midwest Farmland Sales Report May 2025

Understanding Midwest Farmland Values:

The July 2025 Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) Rural Mainstreet Update offers a telling snapshot of the farm economy across the Midwest. While the overall index remained slightly above growth neutral at 50.6, the outlook for farmland values continues to be pressured by weak commodity prices, higher input costs, and trade uncertainty.

For the 14th time in the past 15 months, farmland prices stayed below growth neutral, with bankers projecting an average 2.9% decline in farmland values over the next 12 months. Meanwhile, farm loan demand hit record highs, signaling tighter margins for producers.

Key Regional Trends

  • Farmland values: Most states remain below the 50 growth neutral line, with only South Dakota showing a reading above neutral in July.

  • Exports: Regional agricultural and livestock exports dropped nearly 15% compared to last year, with Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri experiencing the steepest declines. On the other hand, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota posted export gains.

  • Top trade partner: Mexico continues to dominate as the primary buyer of Midwest ag exports, accounting for more than half of all shipments across the region.

  • Banker outlook: 76% of rural bankers identified low commodity prices as the top threat to farm income, while nearly 20% pointed to tariffs as a growing concern.

State-by-State Breakdown

Illinois

  • RMI: 51.4 (down from 52.7)

  • Farmland Price Index: 49.3 (up from 42.3)

  • Exports: Down 41% ($0.9 billion drop)

  • Reliance on Mexico: 30%

Takeaway: Farmland values are edging higher, but Illinois is facing steep export declines and weaker hiring.

Iowa

  • RMI: 49.7 (down from 51.0)

  • Farmland Price Index: 46.3 (up from 39.3)

  • Exports: Up 12% (+$89.5 million)

  • Reliance on Mexico: 74.5%

Takeaway: Iowa stands out for positive export growth, though farmland values remain soft.

Minnesota

  • RMI: 51.2 (down from 54.5)

  • Farmland Price Index: 49.6 (up from 45.2)

  • Exports: Down 20.9% (-$94.1 million)

  • Reliance on Mexico: 37%

Takeaway: Land prices are improving slightly, but exports and job hiring trends remain under pressure.

Missouri

  • RMI: 49.0 (down from 50.3)

  • Farmland Price Index: 45.2 (up from 38.2)

  • Exports: Down 16% (-$60.8 million)

  • Reliance on Mexico: 86%

Takeaway: Missouri shows the heaviest reliance on Mexico for exports, leaving farmers exposed to trade disruptions.

Nebraska

  • RMI: 51.1 (down from 52.4)

  • Farmland Price Index: 48.8 (up from 41.8)

  • Exports: Up 24.5% (+$106.9 million)

  • Reliance on Mexico: 67.4%

Takeaway: Nebraska leads the pack with strong export growth, a bright spot in an otherwise cautious outlook.

South Dakota

  • RMI: 52.0 (down from 52.3)

  • Farmland Price Index: 50.2 (up from 43.2)

  • Exports: Up 20.2% (+$11.1 million)

  • Reliance on Mexico: 77.4%

Takeaway: South Dakota is the only state in this group where farmland values crossed into growth territory in July.

Outlook

While some states like Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota are showing resilience through export gains, overall farmland values remain under pressure. Weak commodity prices, high interest rates, and ongoing tariff concerns continue to weigh on the Midwest farm economy.

Banker sentiment suggests that without stronger crop prices, farmland values are likely to stay muted into 2026.

Jason Smith, Broker | Auctioneer

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

July 2025 Farmland Sales & Prices Across the Midwest

If you’re thinking about selling farmland in the Midwest, staying on top of current land prices is essential. Understanding how much land is selling for, what buyers are paying per acre, and how soil productivity impacts values can help you set realistic expectations and time your sale for the best return. Below, we break down July 2025 farmland sales data from Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Missouri.

Minnesota Farmland Sales – July 2025

Minnesota recorded a standout sale in Blue Earth County, where 76.38 acres sold for $1,122,938.76, averaging $14,702 per acre. With nearly all of the ground tillable (99.6%), the tillable price rose to $14,756 per acre. Strong soils (97 CPI) pushed the land to bring $151.57 per productivity point, highlighting continued buyer demand for Class A farmland in southern Minnesota. This sale shows that top-quality ground remains highly competitive, even as farmers face tighter margins in 2025.

South Dakota Farmland Sales – July 2025

There were no farmland transactions in South Dakota this month that met the 80% tillable threshold. Check back next month for updates.

Nebraska Farmland Sales – July 2025

Nebraska saw more variety in prices during July, with values depending heavily on location and soil quality. In Deuel County, 88.9 acres sold for $3,616 per acre, supported by 95% tillable land but a lower soil score of 32.1. Chase County recorded a 160-acre sale at $2,550 per acre, reflecting nearly all tillable acres (99%) but moderate soils (53.3 NCCPI). The strongest sale came from Gage County, where 152.73 acres sold for $6,161 per acre, or $7,371 per tillable acre, supported by better soils (60 NCCPI) and stronger local competition. On average, Nebraska farmland sold for $4,109 per acre in July 2025, with nearly 93% tillable acres. This demonstrates how eastern Nebraska farms with higher productivity continue to command premiums, while values in western regions remain more moderate.

Missouri Farmland Sales – July 2025

Like South Dakota, Missouri did not record any sales of 80% or more tillable land during July. We’ll continue to track sales and provide updates each month.

Full Farmland Sales Data for July 2025

Want to dig deeper into farmland values? Explore more detailed farmland sales by state:

📌 [Iowa Farmland Sales – July 2025]
📌 [Illinois Farmland Sales – July 2025]

FAQ: How is farmland value different from assessed value or appraisal value?

County tax assessments and appraisals don’t always reflect true market value. The actual selling price of farmland is determined by what buyers are willing to pay in an open market. This is why auctions and recent comparable sales provide the most accurate snapshot of land values. Sellers should use recent sales data — not just assessed value — when estimating what their farm may bring.

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 $/Tillable Acre Soil Score $/CPI
Blue Earth 07/01/2025 76.38 $1,122,938.76 $14,702.00 76.10 99.63 $14,756.09 97.0 $151.57

South Dakota Farmland Recent Sales

There were no 80% or more tillable farms that sold by auction in South Dakota for the month of July. Check back next month!

Nebraska Farmland Recent Sales

County Date Sold Total Acres Total Price $/Acre Tillable Acres % Tillable $/Tillable Acre Soil Score $/NCCPI
Deuel 07/11/2025 88.90 $321,500 $3,616 84.7 95.28 $3,796 32.1 $113
Chase 07/02/2025 160.00 $408,000 $2,550 158.46 99.04 $2,575 53.3 $48
Gage 07/01/2025 152.73 $940,950 $6,161 127.65 83.58 $7,371 60.0 $103
Totals/Averages 401.63 $1,670,450 $4,109 370.81 92.63 $4,973 48.5 $88

Missouri Farmland Recent Sales

There were no 80% or more tillable farms that sold by auction in Missouri for the month of July. Check back next month!

Rachel Tiffany

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.