Unlocking the Value of Midwest Farmland: A Comprehensive Guide to Current Land Prices and Expert Insights - March 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 prices across the Midwest continue to face pressure from elevated interest rates, input costs, and trade volatility, according to the April 2025 Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI). For the 11th time in the past 12 months, regional land values remained below growth neutral. In Minnesota, the farmland price index ticked up to 42.8 (from 40.3 in March), even as ag exports declined 23.3% year-over-year. Mexico remained the top export destination, accounting for 14.5% of the state’s ag and livestock exports. Missouri saw a drop in its farmland price index to 35.7 (down from 39.3), alongside a 19.7% decline in exports, though a striking 86.2% of shipments headed to Mexico. Nebraska’s farmland price index rose slightly to 39.3 (up from 36.4), and it was one of the few states to see a trade gain, with exports increasing 6.5% over the same period in 2024. In South Dakota, the farmland index improved to 40.7 (from 37.5), while exports skyrocketed 203.6%, with 88.5% of goods going to Mexico. These state-specific trends illustrate the complex and varied landscape of the Midwest farmland market in early 2025.
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
March 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 – March 2025
Average price of farmland in Minnesota (80%+ tillable farms)
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Total acres sold: 716.97 acres
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Average price per acre: $11,600
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Average price per tillable acre: $12,325.63
🏆 Highest Sale: 80.57 acres in Sibley County sold for $14,100/acre on March 11th.
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Tillable Percentage: 95%
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Crop Productivity Index (CPI): 93.9
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Price per CPI: $150
South Dakota Farmland Sales – March 2025
There were no sales of 80% or more tillable farmland in South Dakota during March. Be sure to check back next month or explore our previous blogs for additional sales data.
Nebraska Farmland Sales – March 2025
Average price of farmland in Nebraska (80%+ tillable farms)
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Total acres sold: 1,919.98 acres
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Average price per acre: $9,657
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Average price per tillable acre: $10,908
🏆 Highest Sale: 77.27 acres in Phelps County sold for $14,550/acre on March 21st
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Tillable Percentage: 95%
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National Commodity Crop Productivity Index (NCCPI): 74.30
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Price per NCCPI: $195.83
Missouri Farmland Sales – March 2025
Average price of farmland in Missouri (80%+ tillable farms)
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Total acres sold: 1,151.49 acres
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Average price per acre: $9,055
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Average price per tillable acre: $9,993.17
🏆 Highest Sale: 40.22 acres in Clark County sold for $13,000/acre on March 17th
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Tillable Percentage: 99%
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NCCPI: 63
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Price per NCCPI: $206
Full Farmland Sales Data for March 2025
Want to see more detailed sales data? Click below to view farmland prices for each state:
📌 Iowa Farmland Sales – March 2025
📌 Illinois Farmland Sales – March 2025
FAQ: Do Auctions Really Bring You More Money than a Private Land Sale?
Wondering whether an auction could bring more for your farmland than a private sale? You’re not alone—it’s one of the most common questions we get. In fact, we wrote a blog to explain why auctions often result in higher returns for sellers. Read it here.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sibley | 03/04/2025 | 79.13 | $1,036,603 | $13,100 | 76.20 | $13,603.71 | 96.30 | 92.6 | $141 |
| Sibley | 03/11/2025 | 80.57 | $1,136,037 | $14,100 | 77.10 | $14,734.59 | 95.69 | 93.9 | $150 |
| Brown | 03/11/2025 | 40.00 | $528,000 | $13,200 | 38.29 | $13,789.50 | 95.73 | 94.1 | $140 |
| Brown | 03/11/2025 | 35.94 | $411,513 | $11,450 | 35.94 | $11,450.00 | 100.00 | 94.8 | $121 |
| Sibley | 03/11/2025 | 80.57 | $1,136,037 | $14,100 | 77.10 | $14,734.59 | 95.69 | 93.9 | $150 |
| Yellow Medicine | 03/20/2025 | 64.45 | $708,950 | $11,000 | 63.50 | $11,164.57 | 98.53 | 90.6 | $121 |
| Pope | 03/27/2025 | 186.03 | $1,460,336 | $7,850 | 150 | $9,736 | 80.63 | 91.5 | $86 |
| Pope | 03/27/2025 | 150.28 | $1,202,240 | $8,000 | 128 | $9,393 | 85.17 | 79.1 | $101 |
| Averages/Totals | 716.97 | $7,619,716 | $11,600 | 646.13 | $12,325.63 | 93.47 | 91.3 | $126 |
South Dakota Farmland Recent Sales
There were no sales of 80% or more tillable farmland in South Dakota during March. Be sure to check back next month or explore our previous blogs for additional sales data.
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.