New Record Farmland Price in NW Iowa

Generally, May is one of the slowest months of the year with 500-900 acres of Iowa farmland going to auction. May 2022 came in at 5,589 acres. Compared to 2,418 acres the same time last year, auction activity remains well above average and there is a good number of auctions on the books for the next 30 days.

Northwest Iowa's Plymouth County topped the market recently with a sale at $25,000/acre for pure cropland with no influence from development or wind energy. This farm is in an equity rich neighborhood with few farms ever selling for generations.

For perspective on current market conditions, this sale price is the highest in Plymouth County ever and by some distance. Dollars per tillable acre in this county have increased 35.3% over the past six months, demonstrating explosive market conditions!

Editor’s Take:

And, it’s not just in NW Iowa. According to several reports from local bankers and the Federal Reserve, farmland prices are going up across the country. The good news – for farmers/ranchers with land holdings their net worth continues to climb as well, making their balance sheets look extraordinary. The bad news – more competition for the land. Not only from other farmers who want to expand, but outside investors from the U.S. and overseas. With stocks and bonds in turmoil and freefall, farmland appears to be a very solid long-term investment. Perhaps not as liquid as stocks or bonds, but it’s there when you need it. Like we keep saying, who are your best customer prospects as this economy turns on its head – farmers and ranchers!