Central Iowa Farm Auction Tops $5.8 Million Across Six Tracts

A 481-acre farm in Dallas County, Iowa, sold at auction in early August for a combined $5,849,610, averaging $12,154 per acre.

The property, located northeast of Dallas Center and about 30 miles northwest of Des Moines, was offered in six tracts through a High Bidder's Choice auction. Individual tract prices ranged from $9,350 to $15,200 per acre.

Ben Price, an agent with Farmers National Company who managed the sale, said the results reflected continued demand for quality farmland in one of central Iowa's most desirable agricultural regions.

What Attracts Buyers to Quality Ground?

“Overall, the results were generally in line with our expectations heading into the auction and exceeded our undisclosed reserve,” Price said. “The sale reinforced the continued demand for high-quality farmland in central Iowa, particularly when large, contiguous tracts are offered for sale.”

The farm attracted strong interest from a variety of buyers. Approximately 70 people attended the auction in person, while nearly two dozen others watched online. More than 20 prospective buyers registered to bid, and roughly a dozen actively participated during the sale.

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Attendees included neighboring landowners, farmers, agricultural investors, 1031 exchange buyers, lenders, and other interested observers. While most bidders came from central Iowa, several traveled from outside the region, including Kansas.

According to Price, the property's appeal came down to the characteristics buyers continue to prioritize despite a more selective land market.

What Land Features Stood Out?

“All six tracts possessed characteristics consistently sought by both agricultural operators and investors,” he said.

The farm averaged more than 85% cropland, with CSR2 soil ratings above 80 across all tracts. Several parcels were nearly 100% tillable and carried average CSR2 ratings near 86. Price also pointed to the property's large, contiguous fields, strong access, and efficient layout as major selling points.

The sellers were Brenton Brothers, Inc., a sixth-generation family-owned farming and livestock corporation based in Dallas Center. Price said the Brenton family has long played a significant role in Dallas County agriculture and is also known for its historic ties to Brenton Banks.

Four buyers purchased the six tracts, and all plan to keep the land in agricultural production.

Stine Seed Company purchased Tracts 1, 2, and 5, totaling approximately 208 acres, for a combined $2.85 million. An adjoining landowner purchased Tract 3, two neighboring farm brothers purchased Tract 4, and an adjoining landowner and produce farm operator purchased Tract 6.

What Do the Results Say About Iowa Land Values?

Price said the central Iowa farmland market continues to be consistent.

“I would describe the farmland market in central Iowa as steady and selective,” he said. “While values have moderated from the peak enthusiasm seen several years ago, there remains strong competition for premium farmland.”

He said farms offering strong soils, a high percentage of tillable acres, efficient field layouts, and desirable locations continue to attract aggressive bidding.

The sale results align with recent data from Farm Credit Services of America. According to the lender's July benchmark farmland report, Iowa farmland values were unchanged during the first half of 2026. Values were down 1.4% from a year earlier and 4.3% below July 2024 levels, while overall sales activity was lower than during the same period in 2025.