Selling Agricultural Land in Central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley

3/11/2026

Selling Agricultural Land in Central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley

A Guide for Farmers and Landowners Considering Selling Farmland

Central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the Commonwealth. Stretching across counties such as Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Juniata, Mifflin, Centre, Perry, and parts of Dauphin and Montour, the region contains fertile river valleys, productive farmland, and long-established farming communities.

Agriculture has shaped the landscape and economy of the Susquehanna Valley for generations. The region supports a wide variety of agricultural activities including crop farming, dairy operations, livestock production, poultry farming, and diversified family farms.

Because of the valley’s productive soils, strong agricultural infrastructure, and proximity to regional markets, farmland in the Susquehanna Valley attracts a wide range of buyers including farmers expanding operations, Amish and Mennonite farming families, agricultural investors, and rural lifestyle buyers.

For landowners considering selling farmland in the Susquehanna Valley, understanding the unique characteristics of the regional farmland market can help ensure the property is marketed effectively and achieves the strongest possible value.

 

The Susquehanna Valley: One of Pennsylvania’s Core Agricultural Regions

The Susquehanna Valley sits within Pennsylvania’s Ridge-and-Valley physiographic region, where broad agricultural valleys run between forested mountain ridges.

Major agricultural counties in the region include:

  • Union County
  • Snyder County
  • Northumberland County
  • Juniata County
  • Mifflin County
  • Centre County
  • Perry County
  • Montour County

These counties collectively contain hundreds of thousands of acres of productive farmland, making the Susquehanna Valley one of the most important agricultural landscapes in Pennsylvania.

 

The Agricultural Economy of the Susquehanna Valley

Agriculture in the Susquehanna Valley is diverse and productive, supported by fertile soils and strong farming traditions.

 

Crop Production 

Crop farming is a major agricultural activity across the region. 

Common crops include:

  • corn
  • soybeans
  • wheat
  • barley
  • hay and forage crops

These crops are often used to support livestock and dairy operations.

 

Dairy Farming

Dairy farming remains an important agricultural industry in many parts of the Susquehanna Valley.

Dairy farms rely on farmland to support:

  • feed crop production
  • pastureland
  • manure management
  • livestock facilities

Because dairy operations depend heavily on land resources, dairy farmers are often active buyers of farmland.

 

Livestock and Poultry Production 

The Susquehanna Valley also supports significant livestock and poultry production.

Common agricultural operations include:

  • beef cattle farms
  • poultry operations
  • mixed livestock farms

These operations require large areas of farmland to support feed production and grazing.

 

Why Susquehanna Valley Farmland Is Valuable

Several factors influence farmland values across the region.

 

Fertile River Valley Soils

The Susquehanna Valley contains some of the most productive agricultural soils in Pennsylvania.

River valley farmland often features:

  • fertile alluvial soils
  • strong crop productivity
  • good drainage conditions
  • relatively flat terrain

These conditions allow farmers to produce strong crop yields and efficiently operate modern farm equipment.

 

Large Agricultural Valleys

Much of the region consists of broad agricultural valleys between mountain ridges.

These valleys typically contain:

  • large contiguous fields
  • efficient equipment access
  • established agricultural infrastructure

These characteristics make the region highly attractive for modern farming operations.

 

A Strong Agricultural Community

The Susquehanna Valley has a strong agricultural community that supports farmland demand.

Many counties in the region contain significant Amish and Mennonite farming populations, particularly in:

  • Snyder County
  • Union County
  • Juniata County
  • Mifflin County

These communities frequently purchase farmland when it becomes available, helping maintain strong demand in the farmland market.

 

Average Farmland Prices in the Susquehanna Valley

Farmland values vary depending on soil productivity, parcel size, and farm improvements.

Typical farmland prices often range between:

  • $6,000 – $14,000 per acre

However, farmland values may vary depending on:

  • soil productivity
  • field size and configuration
  • drainage conditions
  • agricultural infrastructure
  • parcel size

Farms with prime soils and large contiguous fields often command the highest prices.

 

Who Buys Agricultural Land in the Susquehanna Valley

Several buyer groups are active in the region’s farmland market.

 

Farmers Expanding Agricultural Operations

Other farmers are often the most competitive buyers of farmland.

They purchase farmland to:

  • expand crop acreage
  • increase livestock feed production
  • improve operational efficiency
  • secure farmland for the next generation

Because nearby farmland integrates easily into existing operations, these buyers often pay strong prices.

 

Amish and Mennonite Farmers

The Susquehanna Valley contains large Amish and Mennonite farming communities, which are often active farmland buyers.

These farmers frequently purchase land to:

  • expand family farming operations
  • support future generations of farmers
  • maintain productive farmland

This demand helps maintain a strong farmland market across the region.

 

Agricultural Investors

Some investors purchase farmland as a long-term asset.

These buyers often seek:

  • long-term land appreciation
  • stable farm lease income
  • diversification from traditional investments

Investors often lease farmland to local farmers who continue agricultural production.

 

Rural Lifestyle Buyers

Some farmland attracts buyers interested in rural living.

These buyers may purchase properties for:

  • hobby farms
  • rural homesites
  • country estates

However, most farmland in the region is purchased by agricultural operators.

 

Agricultural Conservation Easements

Many farms in the Susquehanna Valley participate in Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. These programs permanently preserve farmland by restricting development rights while allowing continued agricultural use.

Preserved farms often remain highly attractive to farmers seeking long-term agricultural land.

 

Development Pressure in the Susquehanna Valley

Compared with suburban regions of Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna Valley experiences moderate development pressure.

Farmland located near communities such as:

  • Lewisburg
  • Selinsgrove
  • State College
  • Lewistown

may occasionally attract residential development interest.

However, agriculture remains the primary driver of land values throughout the region.

 

Preparing Farmland for Sale

Farm owners considering selling farmland should prepare important information before bringing property to market.

Key preparation steps include:

reviewing property boundaries and surveys

  • compiling soil productivity maps
  • documenting farm infrastructure
  • reviewing conservation easements
  • confirming zoning classifications

Providing detailed property information allows buyers to properly evaluate the property.

 

Marketing Agricultural Land in the Susquehanna Valley

Effective marketing requires reaching the right buyer groups.

Common marketing strategies include:

  • farmland listing platforms
  • MLS exposure 
  • direct outreach to other farmers
  • marketing to agricultural investors
  • targeted marketing to rural land buyers

Because farmland buyers often search across large geographic regions, broad marketing exposure is essential.

 

Why Agricultural Land Sales Require Specialized Expertise

Selling farmland differs significantly from selling residential property.

Important farmland considerations include:

  • soil productivity analysis
  • agricultural infrastructure evaluation
  • farmland preservation restrictions
  • zoning and land use regulations
  • development potential

Understanding these factors helps ensure farmland is priced accurately and marketed effectively.

 

Final Advisory Perspective

Central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley remains one of the most productive agricultural regions in the Commonwealth. The region’s fertile soils, large agricultural valleys, and strong farming communities continue to support a stable farmland market.

For farm owners considering selling agricultural land, understanding the unique characteristics of the Susquehanna Valley farmland market is essential for achieving the strongest possible outcome.

Because farmland often represents one of the most valuable assets owned by farm families, careful planning and strategic marketing are critical when bringing agricultural property to market.