The value of agricultural land is influenced by several factors, from soil quality to market demand. Whether you’re buying, selling, or appraising farmland, understanding these elements can help you make informed decisions. In this blog, we’ll explore the most critical factors affecting farmland prices and how they impact land valuation.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 65 tracts or 7,510 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during February 2025. The average dollar per acre was $12,178, the average dollar per tillable acre was $13,263, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $171.

When it comes to buying, selling, or managing agricultural land, accurate valuation is essential. Agricultural appraisers play a crucial role in ensuring that farmland transactions are conducted fairly and transparently. Their expertise helps buyers, sellers, financial institutions, and investors make informed decisions. This article explores the role of agricultural appraisers, their methods of valuation, and why their work is critical in land transactions.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 76 tracts or 6,614 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during January 2025. The average dollar per acre was $11,295, the average dollar per tillable acre was $13,808, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $180.

Interest in real estate and other alternative or Alt-investments has increased substantially in the past couple of years. Forbes magazine, for example, reported that the share of financial advisors recommending Alts to their clients increased from 25% in 2020 to 55% in 2024 (Fred Hubler, 9/10/2024). Among these, agricultural real estate has stood out because of the understood positive correlation with inflation, low correlation with equity returns, and low risk of capital loss with relatively consistent income.

Peoples Company tracks agricultural auctions across the state of Iowa. From this data, we calculate the average dollar per CSR2 point ($/CSR2) for sales of tracts with greater than 85% tillable land. Additionally, these tracts are largely unimproved or include minimal improvement contribution.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 90 tracts or 8,791 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during December 2024. The average dollar per acre was $11,076, the average dollar per tillable acre was $12,329, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $175.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 223 tracts or 22,530 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during November 2024. The average dollar per acre was $12,090, the average dollar per tillable acre was $13,949, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $180.

While corn and soybeans dominate the landscape, it is easy to overlook the small, yet active logging industry found across the Midwest. Iowa alone has 2.1 million acres of woodlands, where local loggers harvest common species ranging from oak and walnut along the Mississippi River to maple and cottonwood in the state’s interior. Logging as a niche market in the larger agriculture industry generates a $5 billion impact on Iowa’s economy.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 139 tracts or 12,335 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during October 2024. The average dollar per acre was $11,072, the average dollar per tillable acre was $12,408, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $161.

Anyone in the farmland sector has heard the adage that as the size of a farm increases the price per acre typically decreases. Whether you’re an appraiser or other real estate professional, this message seems to be heard throughout the business. While this can be true in many cases, I’ve run across some instances where the theory could be questioned.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 93 tracts or 7,374 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during September 2024. The average dollar per acre was $13,428, the average dollar per tillable acre was $13,481, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $170.

Peoples Company tracks agricultural auctions across the state of Iowa. From this data, we calculate the average dollar per CSR2 point ($/CSR2) for sales of tracts with greater than 85% tillable land. Additionally, these tracts are largely unimproved or include minimal improvement contribution.

In an era where sustainability and profitability intertwine, land investment has evolved beyond conventional real estate ventures. Modern investors seek opportunities that not only promise financial gains but also contribute positively to the environment and communities.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 52 tracts or 5,039 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during August 2024. The average dollar per acre was $13,134, the average dollar per tillable acre was $14,862, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $181.

When we think of investment vehicles, our minds often drift to stocks, bonds, or commercial and residential real estate. But there’s an investment class that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves: farmland. Beyond its basic value as a commodity, farmland offers a range of unique benefits and hidden opportunities that set it apart from more traditional investments. Here’s why farmland is worthy of consideration for your diversified portfolio.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 35 tracts or 2,754 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during July 2024. The average dollar per acre was $10,669, the average dollar per tillable acre was $13,495, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $178.

In the realm of agricultural lending, the process of appraisal holds significant weight. It's not just about assessing the monetary value of land and assets; it's about understanding the intricacies of farming practices, environmental impacts, and the overall sustainability of agricultural operations. Agricultural appraisal ensures that lenders can make informed decisions while offering financial support to farmers, fostering growth in rural economies, and ensuring food security.

Investing in farmland with a cash yield of only 2.5% might seem less attractive when current treasuries yield 5% or more. However, several strategic reasons exist to consider farmland a valuable addition to your investment portfolio. This article will explore these reasons, including inflation hedging, portfolio diversification, long-term appreciation, and other benefits that make farmland a compelling investment.

California has long been the United States’ most significant agricultural producer in terms of crop diversity and total crop value – its ag exports alone are worth more than the total production of 44 states and California is the only state that generates over 10% of America’s agricultural receipts.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 87 tracts or 7,243 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during June 2024. The average dollar per acre was $11,298, the average dollar per tillable acre was $13,538, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $168.

Peoples Company tracks agricultural auctions across the state of Iowa. From this data, we calculate the average dollar per CSR2 point ($/CSR2) for sales of tracts with greater than 85% tillable land. Additionally, these tracts are largely unimproved or include minimal improvement contribution.

Farmland owners face several challenges to ownership related to utility companies, pipeline companies, highways, and others who need to acquire property for a potential new corridor through their land. There are increasing demands for power and energy sources which is leading to increased demands from agencies needing to acquire land. It is important for landowners and companies that need to acquire a corridor to understand the process of completing appraisals for eminent domain purposes.

As inflation rates continue to rise in the United States, investors have renewed interest in alternative investment opportunities that can outperform traditional asset classes without sacrificing stability. In 2021, The Land Report named Bill Gates as the top private farmland owner in America, since then investors of all sizes and backgrounds have flocked to the agricultural sector.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 37 tracts or 3,711 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during May 2024. The average dollar per acre was $11,238, the average dollar per tillable acre was $12,604, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $165.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 50 tracts or 3,514.48 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during April 2024. The average dollar per acre was $10,852, the average dollar per tillable acre was $13,624, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $181.

At Peoples Company, the question that is heard daily up and down the halls is a simple yet pivotal one: “What is happening in the land market?” In recent years, the answer has been straightforward - an upward trajectory.

Peoples Company tracks agricultural auctions across the state of Iowa. From this data, we calculate the average dollar per CSR2 point ($/CSR2) for sales of tracts with greater than 85% tillable land. Additionally, these tracts are largely unimproved or include minimal improvement contribution.

In 2021 the U.S. rejoined The Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, and published “The Long-Term Strategy of the United States, Pathways to Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 [1]. Net zero refers to a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) that is produced and the amount of GHG removed from the atmosphere. Agriculture accounts for approximately 10% of total GHG emissions in the U.S. [2].

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 82 tracts or 6,803.16 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during March 2024. The average dollar per acre was $11,316, the average dollar per tillable acre was $13,574, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $174.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 85 tracts or 7,064.51 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during February 2024. The average dollar per acre was $13,389, the average dollar per tillable acre was $14,935, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $185.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 40 tracts or 3,868.91 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during January 2024. The average dollar per acre was $12,060, the average dollar per tillable acre was $14,071, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $183.

Peoples Company tracks agricultural auctions across the state of Iowa. From this data, we calculate the average dollar per CSR2 point ($/CSR2) for sales of tracts with greater than 85% tillable land. Additionally, these tracts are largely unimproved or include minimal improvement contribution.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 94 tracts or 9,929.61 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during December 2023. The average dollar per acre was $12,104, the average dollar per tillable acre was $14,085, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $180.

After reading yet another negative headline on the $20 trillion commercial real estate (CRE) market, I was reminded of the investment characteristic I once assumed the CRE market shared with the $4 trillion farmland market.

When it comes to determining the value of your property, whether for buying, selling, refinancing, or other purposes, it's crucial to rely on the expertise of a qualified professional. Two common choices for property appraisal are certified appraisers and real estate agents or brokers. While both can provide valuable insights, there are key differences between the two.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 255 tracts or 23,230 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during November 2023. The average dollar per acre was $12,018, the average dollar per tillable acre was $14,124, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $181.

As harvest across the Midwest is wrapping up, the seasonal auction sales are officially in full swing. In Iowa, our appraisal team was able to track over 7,800 acres sold in 89 tracts. The average dollar per acre was $13,043, average dollar per tillable acre was $14,423 with an average dollar per CSR2 point of $178. This is down 2% from the Q3 average. Illinois had a rally, too, with 1,830 acres selling in 24 tracts at an average dollar per acre of $15,281.

November is historically the busiest time of year for public auctions, and 2023 is no exception. The week of November 5, 61 tracts were auctioned in Iowa, 20 in Illinois, 15 in Minnesota, and 10 in Nebraska.

The appraisal team at Peoples Company was able to track 57 tracts or 5,552 acres sold at public auction in Iowa during October 2023. The average dollar per acre was $12,456, the average dollar per tillable acre was $13,820, and the average dollar per CSR2 was $171.

My brother and I own land that has been in our direct family lineage for 150 years, and I am proud of this legacy. There is a general admiration for farm operations that have been in a family for several generations. However, there can be surprises in the event of a death or marriage dissolution that a family may be unaware of when there are multiple owners with varying fractions of ownership, resulting in minority ownership.

Peoples Company unveils the 2023 National Land Values report featuring data-driven research on current farmland values across the nation, trends that may impact future values, and practical stories from around the country. This exclusive webinar explores the impact of renewable energy, foreign ownership, inflation, higher interest rates, and continued geo-political pressures on farmland values.

Throughout my 20-year career at Peoples Company, I have been involved in billions of dollars of real estate transactions and have witnessed firsthand the financial performance of U.S. farmland through numerous economic shocks including the great financial crisis, Ben Bernanke’s quantitative easing experiment, Trump’s trade wars, the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and now the nation’s battle with persistent inflation. On a pure return basis, farmland has outperformed most traditional equity and fixed income strategies, and has done so with incredibly low volatility compared to other asset classes over that time period.