‘Not So Perfect Storm': Sen. Grassley Voices Concern for Slipping Land Values in Iowa

Iowa land values dropped 3% year-over-year. Sen. Chuck Grassley said this discomforting pattern is a harbinger of crisis for farmers, as seen in the 1980s.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — Longtime Senate Ag Committee Member, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), warned other lawmakers that a bit of a crisis is brewing in Iowa, his home state, over land values.

Sen. Grassley said in a floor speech this week that land values are down 3 percent year-over-year in his home state, which he views as an uncomfortable pattern that he has seen play out before.

“In the 1980s, that didn’t happen overnight,” Sen. Grassley said. “It kind of crept up on us very slowly. We don’t want to let that happen again. So, we need to be vigilant today.”

Grassley went on to say that for too long, Congress has waited to act. He is calling on his colleagues to take action and help save family farms.

Related Stories
Tariff revenues rarely flow directly back to farmers.
The most common mistake farmers make is waiting until a health crisis occurs to transfer the farm to their children.
Co-founders Jeremy and Heather Clark share how Vets to Cowboys helps U.S. veterans build new skills, find community in cattle ranching, and discover new opportunities in agriculture.
USDA Under Secretary Richard Fordyce says the department stands ready to provide technical assistance with the Farm Bill if Congress requests it.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen discusses a new rail antitrust case in Kansas and its potential implications for farmers as rail upgrades signal continued export-driven demand for logistics.
Fertilizer investigation may impact input costs and margins.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Mosaic Company’s Keith Byerly shares smart input investment strategies, fertilizer considerations, and ways growers can manage risk heading into the 2026 growing season.
NCGA Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses the evolving role of ethanol in the current energy crisis, opportunities for expanding corn discusses the evolving role of ethanol in the current marketdemand, and the industry’s outlook moving forward.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins surveys Nebraska wildfire damage as cattle losses, tight supplies, rising imports, and beef industry investigations impact U.S. markets. Roger McEowen outlines legal and tax considerations for ranchers recovering from wildfire damage.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller launches Agricultural Defense Program to combat pests, disease, and predators threatening farmers and ranchers statewide.
USDA Cattle-on-Feed report for March shows slightly lower inventory and higher February placements, signaling a tighter supply but steady outlook for the U.S. cattle herd.
Nebraska Cattle Rancher Joe Van Newkirk shares his firsthand insight on devastating wildfires in the Sandhills, discusses challenges facing ranchers, long-term calf health concerns, and the recovery efforts underway.