Farmland values in Iowa continue to draw attention, with recent sales across several counties reflecting a market where demand remains higher than supply, according to an April 17 update from Hertz Real Estate Services.
The significance of these trends lies in the central role that farmland plays in the agricultural sector’s financial health. Data from a February 2026 United States Department of Agriculture report show that farm real estate now makes up more than 83 percent of total farm sector assets, amounting to over $3.7 trillion out of $4.5 trillion in total assets for U.S. agriculture.
Recent auction results illustrate this ongoing strength: In Dickinson County, 79 acres sold for $15,600 per acre; Floyd County saw a sale at $17,400 per acre for 159 acres; and other counties including Dubuque, Carroll, Marshall, Johnson, Pottawattamie, Lucas and Jefferson reported prices ranging from about $10,100 to $16,300 per acre depending on location and land quality as measured by Corn Suitability Rating index (CSR2). The debt-to-asset ratio across the farm sector stands at just under 14 percent overall—and under 11 percent specifically for real estate—indicating relatively low leverage on agricultural land compared to its value.
Doug Hensley is president of Hertz Real Estate Services which compiled this list but did not handle all sales. He said there is still more demand than supply in today’s Iowa farmland market: “Will every sale in today’s market look strong? Certainly not. But there is still more demand than supply in today’s Iowa farmland market…the following sales continue to reflect that reality.” Hensley also invited landowners with questions or interest to contact their experts or subscribe for monthly updates.
Hertz Farm Management assists families with succession planning and estate guidance according to the official website. Its headquarters feature facilities designed for professional farm management as well as real estate and appraisal operations according to the official website. The company focuses on providing service and advice rooted in integrity while supporting landowners according to the official website.
Operating as a family-run business guided by members of the Hertz family according to the official website, Hertz Farm Management extends its services throughout Iowa and into Illinois, Missouri and South Dakota according to the official website. Its appraisers hold certifications such as Accredited Rural Appraiser (ARA) and Real Property Review Appraiser (RPRA) credentials according to the official website.
As shifts continue within commodity prices and profitability metrics across agriculture nationwide, observers expect continued interest around land values given their outsized impact on both individual families’ legacies and broader asset portfolios.
