selling-farms-union-county-pennsylvania

3/10/2026

Selling Farms in Union County, Pennsylvania

A Guide for Farm Owners Considering Selling Agricultural Property

Union County is one of the most productive agricultural regions in central Pennsylvania, located along the Susquehanna River Valley. The county’s fertile farmland, strong agricultural heritage, and active farming community have supported agricultural production for generations.

Agriculture in Union County includes crop farming, dairy operations, livestock production, poultry farming, and diversified family farms. Many farms in the county consist of productive agricultural land that has been held by the same families for decades.

Because of the county’s fertile soils and proximity to communities such as Lewisburg, Mifflinburg, and New Berlin, farmland in Union County attracts a variety of buyers including farmers expanding their operations, Amish and Mennonite farming families, agricultural investors, and rural lifestyle buyers seeking productive farmland.

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

 

Why Farms in Union County Are Valuable

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

 

Fertile Agricultural Soils

One of the most important drivers of farmland value in Union County is soil productivity. Many farms in the county contain fertile soils that support strong agricultural yields.

These soils are well suited for crops such as:

  • corn
  • soybeans
  • wheat
  • hay and forage crops

High soil productivity allows farmers to produce strong crop yields and livestock feed, which increases farmland value.

 

Large Agricultural Valleys

Union County contains several broad agricultural valleys that provide excellent conditions for farming.

These areas typically feature:

  • relatively flat terrain
  • large open fields
  • well-drained soils
  • efficient access for modern farming equipment

Because of these characteristics, farmland in these valleys can command strong prices.

 

A Strong Agricultural Community

Union County has a strong agricultural community that helps maintain steady demand for farmland. The county includes many family farms as well as Amish and Mennonite farming operations, which play an important role in the local agricultural economy.

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

 

Average Farm and Farmland Prices in Union County

Farmland values in Union County vary depending on soil productivity, parcel size, and farm characteristics.

Typical farmland values often range between:

  • $7,000 – $14,000 per acre

However, farmland prices may vary depending on several factors including:

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

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

 

Who Buys Farms in Union County

Several buyer groups are active in the Union 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 production
  • increase livestock feed acreage
  • improve operational efficiency
  • secure farmland for future generations

Because nearby farmland integrates easily into existing farm operations, neighboring farmers often place the highest value on available farmland.

 

Amish and Mennonite Farmers

Union County has a strong Amish and Mennonite farming presence, particularly around Mifflinburg and surrounding rural areas.

These farmers frequently purchase farmland in order to:

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

Because of this strong demand, farmland sales in the county can sometimes become competitive.

 

Agricultural Investors

Agricultural investors sometimes purchase farmland in Union County as a long-term investment.

These buyers often view farmland as an asset that can provide:

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

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

 

Rural Lifestyle Buyers

Some farms in Union County attract buyers interested in rural living.

These buyers may seek properties suitable for:

  • hobby farms
  • rural homesites
  • small agricultural operations

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

 

Agricultural Conservation Easements

Some farms in Union 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 strong interest from farmers seeking long-term farmland stability.

 

Development Pressure in Union County

Compared with suburban counties near major cities, Union County experiences relatively limited development pressure.

However, farmland located near communities such as:

  • Lewisburg
  • Mifflinburg
  • New Berlin
  • Winfield

may have potential for rural residential development.

Despite this, most farmland in the county continues to be used primarily for agricultural production.

 

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 Union County

Effective marketing is essential when selling agricultural property.

Common marketing strategies include:

  • farmland listing platforms
  • MLS exposure 
  • direct outreach to neighboring 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

Union County remains one of the most productive agricultural regions in central Pennsylvania. The county’s fertile soils, strong agricultural community, and long farming tradition continue to support a stable farmland market.

For farm families considering selling farms or farmland, 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 landowners, careful planning and strategic marketing are essential when bringing agricultural property to market.