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.

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:

Three junior heifer exhibitors continue their trek through the Texas Swing at the San Antonio Stock Show, balancing competition, friendship, and life on the road.
Lynn County 4-H students showcase robotics and STEM skills at the San Antonio Stock Show, highlighting how ag education programs are preparing the next generation in agritech.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses lingering winter illnesses, shares strategies to boost immunity, and advises rural communities on when to seek medical care on Rural Health Matters.
Nick Westgerdes of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers breaks down farmland values, rental rates, and sales trends in Illinois, while previewing the upcoming land values conference for 2026.
As National FFA Week continues, Ag Teacher Appreciation Day serves as a reminder of the lasting impact ag educators have on students, communities, and the future of American agriculture.
Analysts warn the closed U.S.-Mexico border is straining cattle supplies and packing capacity. StoneX and USDA data point to long-term industry shifts.