Farmland sales across the U.S. Midwest closed out 2025 showing solid per-acre values, even as producers face tighter margins, volatile commodity prices, and uncertainty around the next farm bill. Recent transactions in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and South Dakota confirm that high-quality land with long-term flexibility continues to attract buyers.

The strongest values were tied to urban proximity, soil productivity, and development potential, reinforcing farmland's role as both a productive asset and a long-term investment within the U.S. agricultural supply chain.

In McHenry County, Illinois, two tracts totaling nearly 128 acres sold at auction for an average of $11,380 per acre, or roughly $1.46 million. Located within the city limits of Harvard, the all-tillable farm carries a Productivity Index of 128.1 and has been operated by the same family since 1995. Originally purchased for residential development, part of the property has already been developed, and remaining acres are again viewed as a prime opportunity for future housing, adding upside beyond crop yields.

In eastern Iowa, a 60-acre property in Clinton County, Iowa, sold for $3,600 per acre, totaling $216,000. The tract includes wooded acres, pasture, and a pond, and its value reflects strong demand for recreational and mixed-use farmland, especially land adjacent to conservation and outdoor amenities such as the Syracuse Wildlife Management Area. These properties continue to appeal to buyers seeking diversification beyond row crops.

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A productive 86-acre farm in Audrain County, Missouri, sold at auction for $8,600 per acre, or $736,000. Most of the land is dedicated to row-crop production, supported by terraces and waterways that align with sustainable agriculture practices. A portion of grassland and existing infrastructure supports livestock and cattle pasture, increasing the farm's appeal to diversified operations managing both crops and animals amid rising input costs.

The highest per-acre value came from Minnehaha County, South Dakota, where a 53-acre farm located just 10 miles from Sioux Falls sold for $19,000 per acre, or nearly $1 million. The property includes 49 acres of cropland with a soil productivity index of 70.2, along with average PLC yields of 142 bushels per acre of corn and 32 bpa of soybeans. Remaining rural housing eligibility and scenic building sites highlight how urban growth pressure continues to push farmland prices higher near expanding metro areas.

Together, these sales suggest that as 2026 begins, farmland values remain resilient. Acres that combine strong yields, conservation features, development rights, or recreational use continue to command premiums, reinforcing farmland's role as a cornerstone asset for producers, investors, and rural communities navigating an evolving USDA policy landscape.