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At Heritage Land & Auction Group, we believe land is more than an asset. It’s your heritage, your legacy, and a significant part of your family’s future. Our mission is to provide trusted guidance, local expertise, and timely market insights to help you make informed land ownership decisions.

Southwest MN and Northwest IA – Farm Sale Summary

January 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026

Compiled and provided by Heritage Land & Auction Group

County

# of Sales

Total Acres Sold

Highest $ / Acre

Lowest $ / Acre

Avg $ / Acre

Avg $ / Acre

Cottonwood, MN

10

954.41

$13,521

$5,500

$10,367

$9,933

Jackson, MN

6

414.06

$12,917

$9,048

$11,065

$11,033

Murray, MN

7

617.99

$13,250

$6,601

$9,754

$11,448

Nobles, MN

16

2088.92

$16,700

$6,874

$12,501

$11,607

Pipestone, MN

5

781.13

$10,853

$6,200

$8,897

$8,788

Rock, MN

6

840.61

$17,547

$5,800

$9,285

$7,746

Dickinson County, IA

9

859.7

$21,388

$8,217

$13,599

$12,792

Lyon County, IA

16

1221.4

$22,866

$8,967

$17,195

$13,488

Osceola County, IA

13

1723.6

$19,573

$8,423

$14,087

$11,195

ALL COUNTIES TOTAL

88

9501.82

$22,866

$5,500

$12,455

$11,584

South Central Minnesota – Farm Sale Summary

January 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026

Compiled and provided by Heritage Land & Auction Group

County

# of Sales

Total Acres Sold

Highest $ / Acre

Lowest $ / Acre

Avg $ / Acre

Blue Earth, MN

11

818.14

$14,532.52

$6,563.25

$11,300.36

Nicollet, MN

1

46.11

$9,759.27

$9,759.27

$9,759.27

Redwood, MN

9

965.14

$11,832.00

$8,884.62

$10,118.44

Renville, MN

26

2,121.23

$14,656.24

$5,322.69

$10,672.60

Sibley, MN

11

1,281.52

$13,478.63

$7,428.92

$10,917.92

ALL COUNTIES TOTAL

58

5,252.38

$14,656.24

$5,322.69

$10,720.58

Northeast IA – Farm Sale Summary

January 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026

Compiled and provided by Heritage Land & Auction Group

County

# of Sales

Total Acres Sold

Highest $ / Acre

Lowest $ / Acre

Avg $ / Acre

Avg $ / Acre

Buchanan, IA

7

615.50

$13,163.14

$9,885.60

$10,721.56

$9,933

Clayton, IA

4

369.50

$8,780.99

$7,251.06

$8,011.18

$11,033

Delaware, IA

4

281.60

$13,202.39

$8,017.30

$10,014.34

$11,448

Dubuque, IA

4

455.00

$21,705.40

$14,937.76

$16,341.37

$11,607

Jackson, IA

6

944.50

$18,311.86

$8,255.53

$10,999.23

$8,788

Jones, IA

10

1,108.40

$14,109.19

$8,782.94

$11,886.70

$7,746

ALL COUNTIES TOTAL

35

3,774.50

$21,705.40

$7,251.06

$11,492.54

$12,792

Note: Sales data compiled from public records and third-party sources. Not all transactions listed were brokered or represented by Heritage Land & Auction Group. This report is provided for informational purposes only. 

Have you heard about the new tax break for farmland sellers?

A newly enacted federal provision could offer meaningful relief for Midwest landowners considering a sale. Rather than paying the full capital gains tax in the year of sale, qualifying sellers may now spread that obligation over four annual payments.

How do I qualify?

To qualify, the property must be farmland that was actively farmed or leased to a farmer, the buyer must be an active farmer, and the land must remain in agricultural use after the sale.

With farmland values across the Midwest increasing dramatically over the past decade, this flexibility could improve cash flow, ease estate transitions, and support retirement planning — without eliminating the tax altogether.

Is this the same as a 1031 exchange?

It’s worth noting this is not a 1031 exchange. A 1031 still allows full deferral through reinvestment into like-kind property and may remain the stronger strategy for some sellers. The new provision is an alternative worth exploring, particularly for those looking to exit farmland ownership outright.

[Read the full editorial →]

Thinking About Selling Farmland?

The team at Heritage Land & Auction Group is here to help you navigate your options. Whether you’re planning a private sale or considering an auction, we work alongside your advisors to help you make the most informed decision possible.

Contact us today to start the conversation.

The information above is provided for reference purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Every landowner’s situation is unique — always consult your tax professional, CPA, or attorney before making any decisions regarding the sale of agricultural real estate.

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