EX 23.1 Form 10-K 2012

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (Nos. 333-177308, 333-81374, 333-125089, 333-183357 and 333-181481) on Forms S-3, S-4 and S-8 of Heartland Financial USA, Inc. of our reports dated March 15, 2013, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Heartland Financial USA, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, which reports appear in the December 31, 2012 annual report on Form 10-K of Heartland Financial USA, Inc. and subsidiaries.