White County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

Key Factors that affect farmland value in White County include:

• Location
• Presence of Wind Turbines
• Presence of Pattern Tile or Tile Systems for Drainage
• Presence of Pivot Irrigation Systems
• High Soil Productivity Indexes (WAPI and NCCPI)
• Proximity to Grain Markets or Storage
• Yield & Fertility Histories
• Historical Farm Management Plans / Crop Plan History

According to Land.com, about 1,000 acres of land went up for sale in White County, Indiana, with listings totaling nearly $31 million in value. That puts White County at 40th among all Indiana counties for the amount of land currently on the market. The most listings were found around Monticello, which makes sense given its central role in the county. Covering 508 square miles, White County is actually one of the ten largest counties in the state and is located in Indiana’s north western region.

Other factors to note that may affect farmland values in White County include soil quality, water availability, and climatic conditions, which are essential for cropland productivity. Proximity to grain markets and transportation infrastructure, such as highways and railroads, also significantly impact land values by facilitating easier access to buyers and suppliers. Additionally, land-use regulations, zoning laws, and the presence of conservation programs (CRP or EQIP, etc)  can either enhance or restrict the potential uses of farmland, thus affecting its value. Economic trends, such as commodity prices and interest rates, play a crucial role in determining land demand and investment returns. Currently we see very few farms for sale, and continued growth in the demand for farmland – thus supporting strong prices despite higher interest rate headwinds. The historical productivity of the land and technological advancements in farming practices can further influence the desirability and valuation of farmland in White County.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that White County encompasses approximately x acres of farmland. With an average farm size of about 528 acres and around 577 farms in operation, the county is a significant player in Indiana’s agricultural landscape. Corn and soybeans dominate as the primary crops, substantially bolstering the local agricultural economy. The census also highlights that 87 farm operators in White County are family-owned businesses, underscoring the critical role of agriculture in the community’s heritage and economy.

Key analytics from the USDA census provide a deeper understanding of White County’s agricultural dynamics. The average farm size of 528 acres suggests a mix of small to medium-sized farming operations, which can influence efficiency and scalability in agricultural practices. The dominance of corn and soybeans indicates a reliance on crop rotation strategies, which can enhance soil health and productivity but also make the local economy vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices.

• The prevalence of family-owned farms highlights the significance of generational farming knowledge and community-oriented business practices.
• These family operations often face unique challenges, such as succession planning and access to capital, which can impact long-term sustainability.

Additionally, the data on farmland distribution and usage can inform policy decisions, investment strategies, and resource allocation to support the agricultural sector’s growth and resilience in White County.

Overview of White County Agriculture

Location and Geography: White County, Indiana sits in the northwest part of the state, featuring low, rolling hills dominated by agriculture and urban areas, with the Tippecanoe River flowing south through its center.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: Grown extensively across White County, corn is used for livestock feed, ethanol production, and grain exports, thriving in the county’s fertile Midwestern soils.
2. Soybeans: A key rotational crop, soybeans are valued for their versatility in oil, animal feed, and food products, and are widely planted alongside corn.
3. Winter Wheat: Typically grown as a secondary or rotational crop, winter wheat supports soil health and provides an additional harvest outside the primary growing season.

History & Background of White County, Indiana

County Seat: Monticello

Townships: Big Creek / Cass / Honey Creek / Jackson / Liberty / Lincoln / Monon / Prairie / Princeton / Round Grove / Union / West Point

History: Named after Colonel Isaac White, who fought in the historic Battle of Tippecanoe

Population: 24.69K

Cities & Towns: Brookston / Burnettsville / Chalmers / Monon / Monticello / Reynolds / Wolcott

Acreage: 325,395

According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for White County, Indiana.

The 2022 Ag Census for White County, Indiana, reported the following crop statistics:.