Selling Farms in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania (2026 Guide)

3/10/2026

Selling Farms in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania 

A Guide for Farm Owners Considering Selling Agricultural Property

Westmoreland County is one of the most diverse agricultural counties in western Pennsylvania.

Located just east of Pittsburgh, the county contains a mix of productive farmland, rural landscapes, and growing suburban communities.

Agriculture in Westmoreland County includes crop farming, livestock operations, dairy farms, hay production, and specialty agriculture. Many farms in the county have been owned by the same families for generations, and agricultural land often represents one of the most valuable assets within those families.

Because of its proximity to the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, farmland in Westmoreland County may attract several types of buyers including farmers expanding their operations, agricultural investors, rural lifestyle buyers, and developers interested in land with future residential potential.

For farm owners considering selling farmland or entire farm properties in Westmoreland County, understanding how buyers evaluate agricultural land can help ensure the property is marketed effectively and achieves the strongest possible value.

 

Why Farms in Westmoreland County Are Valuable

Several factors influence farmland values and buyer demand in Westmoreland County.

 

Productive Agricultural Land 

Westmoreland County contains many areas of productive farmland capable of supporting a variety of agricultural operations.

Farmers in the county commonly grow:

  • corn
  • soybeans
  • wheat
  • hay and forage crops

These crops are often used to support livestock operations or regional agricultural markets.

Although parts of the county contain rolling terrain, many farms contain open fields suitable for modern agricultural equipment.

 

A Strong Livestock and Crop Farming Economy

Agriculture in Westmoreland County includes a mix of livestock and crop farming operations.

Common agricultural activities include:

  • beef cattle
  • production dairy farming
  • crop farming
  • hay and forage production

These operations rely on farmland for grazing and feed production, which helps maintain steady farmland demand.

 

Proximity to the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area 

One of the most significant factors influencing farmland values in Westmoreland County is its proximity to Pittsburgh and surrounding suburbs.

Communities such as:

  • Murrysville
  • North Huntingdon
  • Hempfield Township

Penn Township have experienced population growth and residential development.

Farmland located near expanding suburban areas may have transitional land value, meaning it could eventually be considered for residential or mixed-use development.

This dynamic can increase land values compared with purely rural agricultural regions.

 

Average Farm and Farmland Prices in Westmoreland County

Farmland values in Westmoreland County vary depending on soil productivity, parcel size, and location.

Typical farmland values often range between:

  • $5,000 – $11,000 per acre

However, farmland values may vary depending on several factors including: soil productivity parcel size and configuration topography and drainage agricultural improvements proximity to growing communities

Properties located near suburban development areas may command higher prices due to potential future development.

 

Who Buys Farms in Westmoreland County

Several buyer groups are active in the Westmoreland County farmland market.

 

Farmers Expanding Agricultural Operations

Other farmers are often the most competitive buyers of farmland.

Farmers frequently purchase nearby land in order to:

  • expand crop acreage
  • increase livestock feed production
  • improve operational efficiency
  • secure farmland for future generations

Because nearby farmland can be easily incorporated into existing farm operations, expanding farmers often place the highest value on available farmland.

 

Agricultural Investors

Agricultural investors sometimes purchase farmland in Westmoreland County.

These buyers often view farmland as a long-term investment that can provide:

  • land appreciation
  • farm lease
  • income diversification from traditional investments

Many investors lease farmland to local farmers who continue agricultural operations.

 

Rural Residential and Lifestyle Buyers

Some farms in Westmoreland County attract buyers interested in rural living or lifestyle properties.

These buyers may seek properties suitable for:

  • hobby farms
  • rural homesites
  • country estates
  • small agricultural operations

Properties with scenic views, farmhouses, or barns may be particularly attractive to these buyers.

 

Transitional Land Buyers

Because Westmoreland County sits within commuting distance of Pittsburgh, some farmland may attract buyers interested in long-term development opportunities.

Land located near communities such as:

  • Greensburg
  • Latrobe
  • Murrysville
  • Irwin

may eventually transition toward residential or mixed-use development.

Developers may sometimes purchase farmland with long-term development plans.

 

Agricultural Conservation Easements

Some farms in Westmoreland County participate in Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which protects farmland from development.

These easements permanently restrict development rights while allowing continued agricultural use.

Preserved farms remain valuable agricultural properties and often attract interest from farmers seeking long-term farmland stability.

 

Preparing a Farm for Sale

Farm owners considering selling agricultural property should gather key information about the property before bringing it to market.

Important preparation steps include:

  • reviewing property surveys and boundaries
  • compiling soil productivity maps
  • documenting agricultural improvements
  • reviewing conservation easements
  • confirming zoning classifications

Providing detailed property information helps buyers evaluate the farm more effectively.

 

Marketing Farms in Westmoreland County

Effective marketing is essential when selling agricultural property.

Common marketing strategies include:

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

Because farmland buyers often search across broad geographic regions, comprehensive marketing exposure can help attract competitive buyers.

 

Why Agricultural Land Sales Require Specialized Expertise

Selling farms and farmland involves considerations that differ from typical residential real estate transactions.

Important farmland factors include:

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

Understanding these factors helps ensure agricultural property is priced correctly and marketed effectively.

 

Final Advisory Perspective

Westmoreland County remains an important agricultural region in western Pennsylvania. The county’s productive farmland, rural landscapes, and proximity to Pittsburgh continue to support a dynamic farmland market.

For farm families considering selling farmland or entire farm properties, understanding the local agricultural land market and preparing the property carefully can help ensure a successful transaction.

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