MAY 2026 | SPRING EDITION

Written By: Devin Dye | The Land Guy

Q1 2026 FARMLAND MARKET UPDATE – WESTERN OHIO

As we close the first quarter of 2026, the Western Ohio farmland market continues to demonstrate both strength and selectivity, offering valuable insight for landowners considering future decisions. Below is a summary of Dye Real Estate & Land Company’s farmland sales activity from January through March 2026, along with a snapshot of current market trends shaping land values across the region.

Q1 2026 MARKET AT A GLANCE

  • Total Acres Sold: 1,469.80 acres
  • Total Dollar Volume: $20,536,813
  • Average Price per Acre: $13,973
  • Counties Represented: 10+ counties across Western Ohio
  • Sales Methods: Auctions and Private Listings

This first quarter produced a strong level of activity. Competitive bidding and steady buyer demand supported solid pricing, particularly on high‑quality tillable farms.

FARMLAND VALUES ACROSS WESTERN OHIO

Sales during Q1 2026 reflected a wide range of per‑acre values, driven by factors such as productivity, location, field size, and marketing method:

  • Strong auction results were seen in several counties, including Shelby, Putnam, Logan, and Henry, with top tracts achieving well above average pricing.
  • Private treaty listings also performed well, particularly on smaller and mid‑sized farms with high-quality soils and good access.
  • Prices per acre ranged from approximately $8,500 to over $23,000, emphasizing the importance of individual farm characteristics and professional marketing.

What This Means for Ohio Landowners

  • Farmland values remain historically strong, especially for well‑managed, highly productive farms
  • Buyers are active but selective, rewarding quality and good presentation
  • Proper marketing, accurate valuation, and local expertise continue to produce measurable results

For landowners considering selling, today’s market offers opportunity — but only with the right approach.

Looking Ahead to Spring and Summer 2026

As we move deeper into the spring selling season, we expect:

  • Continued auction interest on premium tracts
  • Steady listing activity
    Ongoing demand from local
  • operators, expanding farms, and investors

Dye Real Estate & Land Company remains committed to providing trusted guidance, market knowledge, and proven results for Ohio landowners.

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

Craig von Stein

We’re excited to welcome Craig as the new Equipment Division Manager at Dye Real Estate & Land Company. Born and raised on a family farm in Hancock County, Ohio, Craig brings a deep understanding of how equipment functions not only as machinery, but as essential capital in any operation. With a degree in Agricultural Business from The Ohio State University and nearly 20 years of experience in machinery sales, equipment finance, and large-scale auctions, he offers a well-rounded perspective on how equipment is valued, marketed, and sold. Craig’s approach is grounded in listening, trust, and honesty — principles that guide every client relationship. Whether evaluating fleet values, assisting with strategic downsizing, or marketing a full line of equipment, he is committed to providing clarity and confidence at every step.

CARA BUDDE

We’re pleased to welcome Cara Budde as our new Director of Agent Success. Cara began her real estate operations career in 2014, specializing in agent systems, growth, and compliance. Her mission is simple: to ensure our agents never have to navigate the business side of real estate alone, freeing them to focus on clients and closings. As Dye Real Estate & Land Company expands beyond northwestern Ohio, Cara’s leadership will play a vital role in supporting our agents and strengthening our systems. Originally from New Orleans, she brings a love of vibrant music, great art, and a perfectly crafted roux — along with a passion for helping people succeed.

AUCTION vs. LISTING PERFORMANCE

Both marketing strategies proved effective during the first quarter:

Auctions

  • Delivered competitive results for well-located and
    high-quality farms
  • Benefited from multiple interested buyers and
    transparent price discovery
  • Often resulted in above‑average pricing when offered at the right time

Listings

  • Performed well for sellers seeking pricing stability or
    flexibility
  • Attracted buyers focused on specific acreage and
    location needs
  • Continued to move inventory efficiently in a
    balanced market

Selecting the right sales method remains critical, and results continue to show that strategy matters as much as timing.

PENDING SALES INDICATE CONTINUED DEMAND

Looking ahead, buyer interest remains strong:

  • Total Pending Acres: 1,183.61 acres currently under contract
  • Pending properties span multiple counties, including Allen, Henry, Shelby, Paulding, Defiance, and surrounding areas
  • Both auction and listing formats are represented in
    pending activity

This level of pending acreage signals continued confidence in farmland as a long‑term investment, even as buyers

Quarter One Sales Information

Total Acres Sold Q1:
1,469.797
Total Dollar Volume:
$20,536,813.30

Average Sales Price Per Acre:
$13,972.55
Total Pending Acres Q1:
1,183.606

Considering a Sale or Curious About Your Farm’s Value?

If you’d like a confidential opinion of value or want to discuss current market conditions in your area, we would be happy to help. 

Thank you for trusting Dye Real Estate & Land Company.