August 2026 Minnesota Land Market Update
The supply of farmland for sale has been steady, and we are currently scheduling auctions throughout September and into the post-harvest season.
Many of the sellers we are working with are absentee landowners or families who own farmland but are no longer actively involved in the farming operation. These sales often require additional planning around leases, harvest, multiple owners and year-end closing goals.
Farmland Values
Demand is strong, with top quality farmland bringing the highest values. Local expansion farmers make up a large portion of the buyer pool, while 1031 exchange buyers continue to participate when a property fits their investment goals.
Current southern Minnesota value ranges are generally:
- High-quality farmland: $12,000 to $14,000 per deeded acre
- Mid-level farmland: $9,000 to $11,000 per deeded acre
- Farmland with several challenges: Below $9,000 per deeded acre
Soils, drainage, field configuration, access, and location all influence where a property falls within these ranges.
Recent Waseca County Sale
One of our recent sales was the Johannsen Farm in New Richland Township, Waseca County. The property included 160± acres with 143.4± tillable acres, high-quality soils and a building site with storage buildings and smaller grain bins.
The farmland had minimal tile but offered excellent access to an outlet, with an open ditch running through the property. This sale is a good example of how buyers consider the entire property, including soil quality, drainage potential, improvements and usable tillable acres.
Recreational Land Demand
Buyer interest is steady for recreational properties. Deer hunting land with a combination of river frontage, wooded acres and quality habitat is in highest demand. Access, income opportunities and building potential can further influence demand and value.
Outlook for Fall
Heading into the fall selling season, we anticipate continued demand for high-quality farmland and generally steady land values. Buyer interest can vary considerably as property quality changes, making an accurate evaluation and the right sale strategy especially important.
If you are considering a fall or post-harvest sale, now is a good time to begin reviewing the property, lease terms and preferred closing timeline.