Illinois Farmland Auctions Top $4.1M as Midwest Land Values Hold Firm

Jim Rothermich with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers joined us to share the latest on farmland real estate markets across the Midwest.

Jennifer_Campbell_08_31_16_USA_IL_CAMPBELL_FARM_045.jpg

Campbell Farm in Franklin, Ill. (FarmHER Season 1, Ep. 25)

FarmHER, Inc.

DES MOINES, IOWA (RFD NEWS) — Several recent farmland auctions in Illinois posted some notable results. Four tracts were up for sale, and combined, they brought in roughly $4.1 million. Here’s a breakdown:

  • In Bureau County, 120 taxable acres sold for $9,400 per acre, totaling about $1.1 million.
  • In Marshall County, nearly 40 acres sold for approximately $550,000 — or about $14,000 per acre.
  • In McLean County, 118 acres brought $12,000 per acre.
  • In Stark County, 104 acres changed hands for more than $10,000 per acre.

Taken together, the sales offer another snapshot of how farmland real estate values are holding up in parts of the Midwest.

There have been several notable ag land sales across farm country in recent months, as producers weigh opportunities to buy or sell amid shifting market conditions. With multiple factors poised to influence the land market in the months ahead, interest remains high.

Jim Rothermich with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA), who tracks land auctions across Iowa, joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report with an update on farmland auctions in the Midwest.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Rothermich discussed how market conditions played out in 2025 based on auction data. He also addressed the total number of acres auctioned in 2025, how activity is shaping up so far in 2026, and what opportunities may exist for land buyers heading into the year, as producers assess their next move in a changing market.

Related Stories
Ted Ogle of Superior Livestock says limited supplies still underpin the market despite a slight retreat in cattle prices, but expects volatility to persist into the fall.
The annual event features draft horse competitions and family entertainment.
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew recaps this week’s Washington fly-in, NFU’s Farm Bill priorities, and the growing economic pressure on producers.
More than 100 training providers have been shut down amid a federal crackdown.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The USDA’s September Cattle-on-Feed report shows inventories remain above year-ago levels, while both placements and marketings fell to record lows for the month.
NCGA President Jed Bower discusses the Farm Bill and why year-round E15, making it into the final bill, is critical for corn growers as input costs continue to eat away at margins.
Farm Bureau Director of Government Affairs Brian Glenn discusses its critical priorities as the Farm Bill reaches the Senate floor.
Arkansas Agronomist Jarrod Hardke discusses statewide harvest conditions, crop quality, and the outlook for grain producers as hot, dry weather continues.
Pork producers had hoped the Senate farm bill would address the issue.
Paul Neiffer says ranchers affected by drought-related livestock sales may have more time to reinvest proceeds if their county is on the IRS drought list.