Has Farmland Really Doubled in 12 Years? Let’s Dig In

Twelve years ago the world looked a little different.
Gas was cheaper, TikTok didn’t exist, and if you told a farmer that cropland prices would nearly double by 2025, most would have laughed and said, “Sure, and corn prices will double too.”

But here we are.

According to USDA surveys and Missouri Extension reports, U.S. average cropland was worth around $3,000 an acre average back in 2012. Fast forward to today and that same ground is selling for $5,800 or more an acre nationwide, with parts of Missouri seeing “good dirt” bring $8,500 to $8,600 and premium farms selling in the mid to upper teens. In other words, that $1 million farm you could have bought in 2012 might fetch close to $2 million now, sometimes more.

But Is Now the Time to Sell?

Here is the million dollar question: If land prices doubled in 12 years, should you cash in now?

It depends.

Some landowners are sitting on a Century Farm and say, “We have made it this long, why sell now?” Others see headlines about record sales and wonder if this is their last chance to hit the jackpot.

The truth is every farm is unique. The soils, the tenants, the location, and even the family history all play a role in timing a sale. That is why some long time owners are still scratching their heads.

Bottom Line

Yes, farmland has nearly doubled in the past 12 years. In some Missouri counties it has more than doubled. The big question is whether this run continues or whether we have hit a plateau.

For landowners, the decision comes down to:

• Do you want to keep holding for the long term

• How does the next generation of your family feel about it

• Is now the time to capture today’s values and roll into something else, whether that is a 1031 exchange, retirement, or simply cash in the bank

• Do you want to diversify into other assets or keep wealth tied up in farmland

• How important is keeping the land in the family legacy compared to maximizing its financial value

• Are rising input costs and management responsibilities worth it to you personally

• Would selling now help settle estates, reduce family stress, or simplify future decisions

• How will current interest rates and tax policies affect timing and net proceeds

Either way, if you are a long time landowner still wondering, you are not alone. Farmers and investors are asking the same question

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and reflects my personal opinions as of the date of writing. It should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. Real estate markets are influenced by many factors beyond interest rates, and individual circumstances will vary. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified financial or legal professionals before making any investment or selling decisions.

Dennis Prussman, Realtor & Auctioneer
https://premierlandsales.com/dennisprussman

Land Specialist, Realtor, Auctioneer, Husband (38-years), Dad, Bee Keeper, Veteran (34-years).

Dennis is a Sellers Agent who specializes in marketing Missouri farms to a local, regional, and nationwide audience with a goal of maximizing the farm’s sale price. He offers both traditional listing and auction services and is an award-winning marketing specialist at the national level. He has a reputation for exceeding sale price and customer service expectations.