New Report Shows Small Dip in Iowa Farmland Values

Farmland values in Iowa decreased slightly over the past six months, according to the latest Land Trends and Values Survey released by the REALTORS® Land Institute – Iowa Chapter. 

The report, which reflects input from agricultural land professionals across the state, shows a 1.2% decrease in the average value of Iowa tillable farmland between March and September 2025.

That follows a 1% decline in the previous six-month period. Overall, the report showed a 12-month drop of 2.2% in farmland values across the state.

The survey, conducted twice annually since 1978, gathers estimates from land brokers, appraisers, and managers for the value of bare, unimproved farmland sold on a cash basis. It also includes supplemental data on pasture and timberland.

While the overall trend for tillable acres has been slightly downward, pastureland posted a 3.3% increase in value over the last six months, bolstered by strong cattle prices. Timberland values slipped 0.8%, in line with the broader trend for cropland.

RELATED: This Iowa farm sale may test market conditions and whether buyers still remain optimistic about the growing asset class.

Declining But Stable Conditions for Iowa Farmland

Despite the modest decline in tillable land values and downward movements in corn and soybean prices in the last couple of years, survey respondents overwhelmingly described the market as "stable." 

A mix of contributing factors—including a tight inventory of available farmland, the prospect of an above-average fall harvest, and resilient livestock markets—has helped prevent sharper value declines.

Corn Growers Want More Government Support for Farmers

Recently, organizations that represent corn and soybean growers have raised concerns about the challenging economic conditions facing farmers and the need for government intervention.  

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said as commodity prices drop, input costs remain at near-record levels. 

“At a time when many corn farmers are facing a reality of losing money after yet another year of hard work,” said Illinois farmer and NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr, “it is essential that we examine all factors contributing to the economic hardships facing corn growers.”

NCGA is urging Congress and the administration to act to drive increased demand for corn, such as higher blends of ethanol and increased foreign market access. 

RELATED: American farm bankruptcies continue to climb. Here are some of the reasons behind the uptick.

The American Soybean Association is also sounding the alarm about other economic stressors hurting producers. The organization has warned that China, the biggest importer of soybeans, is turning to South America to meet demand.

A lot of this has to do with ongoing tariff retaliation. This is what was shared on its website  about the situation:

“As a result, China currently has zero new crop export orders for U.S. soybeans on the books for 2025/26. This time of year, and in years in which trade disputes were a non-issue, China has typically ordered an average of 14% of its anticipated soybean purchases from the U.S. before soybean harvest begins in the Heartland, with a high of 27% ordered going into 2022/23. Other countries have not made up the difference either, with new crop sales down 81% from the five-year average.”

The Association is urging President Trump to come up with a trade deal quickly.  

The Future of Farmland Values

Looking ahead, land professionals are watching closely to see how the market responds to the seasonal rise in farm listings expected in the fall and winter months. Historically, this time of year brings increased transaction activity, which could influence price trends into early 2026.

RELATED: This longtime ag industry executive explains why he expects more farms to hit the market in late 2025.