Minnesota Farmland Values 2026 USDA Land Report Insights
The USDA released its annual Land Values Summary for 2026 in late July, and farmland values are up across the country, particularly here in Minnesota. Farmland continues to hold up as a stable, long-term asset. For Minnesota landowners weighing their next move, the report offers a useful starting point.
According to the USDA cropland value report, Minnesota’s average cropland value rose to $7,300 per acre in 2026, up 4.3% from 2025. Nationally, cropland averaged $6,020 per acre, up 3.3%. Minnesota’s cropland value has climbed roughly 25 percent since 2022.
The majority of our sales this year have been in Southern Minnesota, where we see some of the state’s higher farmland values. Through September 2026, Wingert Land Services closed 55 transactions totaling more than 6,107 acres, with cropland sales averaging approximately $11,358 per tillable acre, well above the USDA’s statewide figure.
High-quality farmland in our market area sold from an average of $11,000 to $14,300 per deeded acre. The USDA number is a statewide estimate built from a survey of farm operations, not an average of closed sales, so it blends every region into one average.
Key Takeaways for Minnesota Farmland Owners
- 1. Southern Minnesota Continues to Outpace the State Average. Productive soils and an active local buyer pool keep our region’s values running well above the statewide number. Recent local sales and property-specific characteristics provide a clearer basis for understanding what an individual farm may be worth.
- 2. The Buyer Mix Is Shifting. Since 2023, we’ve watched the mix of buyers change. In 2026, expansion farmers account for 80% of our buyers. Investors have become more selective as they consider other options for their capital. When high-quality farmland fits their objectives, we’ve seen both groups actively compete.
- 3. A Statewide Average Won’t Tell You What Your Farm Is Worth. Soil productivity, drainage and outlets, tillable percentage, field configuration, access, and location are what determine an individual farm’s value. A 4.3% statewide increase should not be assumed to apply to every property.
Final Thoughts
The USDA numbers offer a useful starting point, but every farm is different. Soil quality, drainage, configuration, and the buyers active in your area all affect where a specific property lands. At Wingert Land Services, we help farmland owners understand their options, whether you are planning for retirement, considering a 1031 exchange, or want to know how your farm compares to recent sales in your area.
This year is a good example of how regional markets can perform differently than the statewide average and why local market data is important. If you are ready to sell or simply want to know what your land is worth, we would be glad to visit with you.