As we pass the halfway mark of 2025, agricultural land values have remained largely stable nationwide, with only slight regional fluctuations — an important signal for pork producers navigating tight margins and evolving market dynamics.
According to Progressive Farmer and data from Farmers National Company, the current land market is being shaped by a classic case of supply and demand: there are more motivated buyers than there are willing sellers. Despite rising input costs and a forecasted drop in farm income, many producers are holding onto their land, viewing it as a reliable asset in uncertain times.
Midwest Farmland: Slight Declines, But Still Near Highs
Farm Credit Services of America reports that average ag land values across Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming rose 1.7% in the first half of 2025. However, Iowa and Nebraska saw slight declines — the second consecutive dip for both states. Nebraska cropland values dropped 0.5% since January 1 and 1.2% compared to a year ago, while Iowa declined by 0.1%.
More notably, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln recorded a 2% drop in Nebraska ag land value — the state’s first decline in six years — citing increased financial pressure on crop producers, rising interest rates, and lower crop revenues.
For pork producers with diversified operations or real estate holdings in these regions, this leveling off may prompt reevaluation of land-based investments or expansion plans.
Western Gains and Market Confidence
While the Midwest saw modest retreats, South Dakota and Wyoming posted gains. South Dakota cropland values rose 3.5% in the past six months and 6.2% over the past year, while Wyoming posted a modest 0.5% increase. These increases suggest resilience in some Western ag markets, offering potential opportunities for producers looking to expand or relocate.
Investor Interest Grows Amid Limited Supply
Farmers National Company notes that investors — both individual and institutional — are increasingly drawn to farmland, with Midwest values still up nearly 57% over five years. While producers remain the dominant buyers, outside interest is reinforcing land’s reputation as a long-term, appreciating asset.
For pork producers, this trend reinforces the importance of securing or retaining land, especially as competition grows from non-ag buyers who view land as a stable investment amid market volatility.
What’s Next for Land Values?
Looking ahead, the 2025 corn harvest could pressure commodity markets if supply exceeds demand — a key factor that could influence land values into 2026. Additionally, global trade tensions and tariff policies continue to create uncertainty, potentially impacting export markets that support U.S. agriculture.
Tim Koch of FCS America summed it up: “When producers are still willing to invest in farmland, it tells us they believe in the future of the industry.” For pork producers, that confidence in land ownership remains a vital piece of long-term planning.
As the economic landscape evolves, Swine Web will continue monitoring how ag land trends intersect with pork production, risk management, and farm growth strategies.
