While Missouri's farmland market remains relatively stable, new survey data point to rising interest—and prices—for timberland and recreational properties. That's one of several key takeaways from the latest Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey, conducted annually by University of Missouri Extension.
The survey not only tracks changes in land values but offers insights into who is buying and selling Missouri farmland.
Key trends and market drivers
The 2025 survey reveals that the average value of "good" non-irrigated cropland is valued at $8,596 per acre, virtually unchanged from last year. Pastureland dipped slightly in value, while timberland and hunting/recreational land saw significant increases. Interest in nonfarm uses of land continues to grow due to several factors, including limited land availability.
According to the survey, farmland values are higher in the urban St. Louis area and lowest in the south-central region. The survey, which gathered 417 responses and more than 2,000 land transaction observations from March to May 2025, highlights the varied nature of Missouri's farmland market.
While respondents believed local farmers accounted for more than one-third of Missouri farmland buyers on average, investor and recreational land/lifestyle buyer activity is reported to be growing; respondents reported that these buyer groups each accounted for more than 20% across the state. On the seller side, more than two-thirds were believed to be estate sales, retired farmers or families executing succession plans. Respondents suggested that favorable market prices may have factored into sellers' decisions.
Across the board, researchers observed a flat trend in farmland values from last year's survey, outside of decreasing irrigated cropland values, and saw increases in timberland and hunting/recreational land values.
Mixed outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, survey respondents offered mixed predictions for 2026 farmland values. Some anticipate small increases in urban areas, as well as the state's central and south-central regions. However, economic signals could suggest potential headwinds.
Although respondents are expecting modest bumps, the economic outlook for agriculture could put a damper on things, as projections from the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center estimate a 23% decrease in Missouri net farm income for 2026 due to declining direct government payments and persistently high input costs. Other forces, like interest rates, government policies and land quality could also affect the market in the short-term.
Why the survey matters
With no required land sales reporting system in Missouri, the annual Farmland Values Opinion Survey remains a vial resource for landowners, farmers and ag professionals seeking insight into trends in the state's land market. Although averages may be impacted by year-to-year changes in geographic response rates, these insights still hold value for those interested in Missouri's farmland market.
To view full survey results, visit http://muext.us/IPMfarmlandvalues