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Top Land Auction Highlights: Q2 2024
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Top Land Auction Highlights: Q2 2024July 17, 2024
Discover the vibrant trends in the land market with our comprehensive review of the top land auctions from the second quarter of 2024!
The second quarter of 2024 saw an active land market with several significant auctions. Here's a closer look at our top land auctions for the quarter:

 

Washington County, IA Land & Acreage Auction - 403± Acres, 5 Tracts

On June 11th, 2024, an extensive auction in Washington County, IA, showcased 403 acres across 5 tracts, revealing the high demand for quality agricultural land. All five tracts brought notable prices.

Tract 1: Sold for $15,350/acre

Tract 1 of the Washington County, IA, land and acreage auction involved 77.91± surveyed acres. The FSA indicates that the tract contains 67.59 cropland acres, highlighting its prime agricultural value. Furthermore, the Corn Suitability Rating 2 for these cropland acres stands at an 83.1, underlining the land's excellent potential for corn production. This tract also included a 3 bedroom, 1 bath, 1,554 sq. ft. home built in 1910, as well as several usable outbuildings. This tract is conveniently located in Section 26, Clay Township, Washington County, Iowa, making it a highly desirable piece of agricultural real estate.

Washington County, IA
 

Tract 2: Sold for $13,250/acre 

Tract 2 features 80.66 surveyed acres, illustrating its significance in Washington County's agricultural landscape. The FSA reports that this tract includes 66.25 acres of non-highly erodible land cropland, optimized with terrace and tiling systems to enhance productivity. The Corn Suitability Rating 2 for these cropland acres is a high 84.9, indicating excellent conditions for crop growth. Additionally, the tract includes pasture land and is equipped with a 30’x44’ barn, a well, and an electric meter, enhancing its utility and appeal. Located in Section 35, Clay Township, Washington County, Iowa, this diverse and well-appointed parcel represents a prime opportunity for those seeking quality agricultural land.

Washington County, IA
 
Tract 3: Sold for $14,975/acre 
 
This tract showcases 101.14 cropland acres, with 100.63 HEL cropland acres actively utilized for row crop production, boasting a Corn Suitability Rating 2 of 81.4, indicating excellent potential for agricultural productivity. An additional 0.51 NHEL cropland acres are dedicated to grass. The land benefits from enhancements such as pattern tiling and terraces, optimizing crop yields and soil health. Situated in Section 34, Clay Township, Washington County, Iowa, this property represents a valuable agricultural investment opportunity in a prime farming location.
Washington County, IA
 
Tract 4: Sold for $7,325/acre 
 
Tract 4 encompasses 136.93 surveyed acres in Clay Township, Washington County, Iowa, offering a rich blend of agricultural and infrastructural elements. It features 80.02 HEL cropland acres, including 67.78 acres in row crop production with a CSR2 of 68.6, enhanced by pattern tiling and terraces. The property also includes 11.37 acres of pasture and 0.87 acres designated for non-crop production. Notable facilities include grain bins with capacities of 10,982, 16,557 (with dryer), and 11,144 (with dryer) bushels, as well as concrete silos holding 8,078 and 7,271 bushels. Additional structures comprise a 56’x40’ barn and a 28’x80’ barn with a 17’x80’ lean-to. The tract is further enriched with a scenic pond, well, electric meter, and other amenities such as concrete fence line bunks, a fuel barrel, poles, and sweep augers, all included in the sale, making this a prime location for agricultural pursuits and rural living.
Washington County, IA
 
Tract 5: Sold for $185,500
 
Tract 5 encompasses a brick ranch home on 2.57 surveyed acres, offering a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Built in 1976, this home features 1,344 sq.ft. of living space on the main level, including a large living room with a corner fireplace, a spacious kitchen with an adjoining dining area, two bedrooms, and a full bathroom. The finished basement adds a large family room with a fireplace and daylight windows, along with an additional bedroom (non-conforming due to window height) and a ¾ bathroom. Key amenities enhancing this home include a Lennox high-efficiency gas furnace, central air, a radon mitigation system, and an attached 2-car garage. Additional conveniences include a well, stove, dishwasher, bookcase shelving in the living room, chest freezer, water softener, LP tank, and any remaining LP on the day of final settlement/closing. Located at 1440 Highway 1 & 78 in Brighton, Iowa, this property is ideal for those seeking a comfortable living space with all the essential amenities.
Washington County, IA

 

Des Moines County, IA Land Auction - 290± Acres, 4 Tracts

This auction on June 18th, 2024, in Des Moines County, IA, involved 290± acres offered in four tract, highlighting the premium value of land in the region.

Tract 1: Sold for $14,425/acre 

This property features 73.31 cropland acres with a high Corn Suitability Rating 2 (CSR2) of 81.7, emphasizing its excellent potential for agricultural productivity. Located in Section 8, Danville-N Township, Des Moines County, Iowa, this tract offers prime farmland well-suited for intensive agriculture in a key farming region.

Des Moines County
 
Tract 2: Sold for $16,525/acre

Tract 2 encompasses 90.96 surveyed acres, situated just half a mile west of Danville at 20585 Roosevelt Road. The FSA records indicate that 90.65 acres of this land are devoted to cropland, with a Corn Suitability Rating 2 of 83, highlighting its excellent potential for agricultural productivity. Located in Section 16, Danville-N Township, Des Moines County, Iowa, this tract presents a prime opportunity for farming in a region known for its fertile soil and strong agricultural output.

Des Moines County
 
Tract 3: Sold for $16,875/acre

Tract 3 consists of 88.46 surveyed acres, strategically located 2.5 miles south of Mediapolis on Highway 61, then 3.5 miles west on Pleasant Grove Rd., and further 0.4 miles north on 160th Ave. Alternatively, it can be accessed by traveling 6.6 miles north of Danville on Danville Rd., then 4 miles east on Pleasant Grove Rd., followed by a 0.4 mile north on 160th Ave. The FSA reports that 84.67 acres of this tract are utilized as cropland, boasting a high CSR2 of 89.4, indicating superior potential for crop production. Situated in Section 6, Franklin Township, Des Moines County, Iowa, this tract offers significant agricultural opportunities in a well-connected and accessible location.

Des Moines County
 
Tract 4: Sold for $15,250/acre

Tract 4 features 30.46 surveyed acres, ideally positioned 4.5 miles north of Danville on Danville Rd., followed by a 0.5-mile journey west on NW 48th Ave/180th St. The FSA notes that 28.74 acres of this tract are dedicated to cropland, with a CSR2 of 77.2, reflecting good agricultural viability. Located in Section 21, Pleasant Grove Township, Des Moines County, Iowa, this property is well-suited for farming and represents a promising agricultural investment in a strategic location.

Des Moines County

 

Pierce County, ND Land Auction - 23± Acres

On June 18, 2024, Pierce County, ND, saw 23± acres of its prime land sold in one tract and saw active bidder participation.

Tract 1: Sold for $251,000

Located in White Township, Pierce County, North Dakota, this property spans over 23 acres, including more than 14.6 acres of cropland with a Soil Productivity Index of 70.1, indicating good agricultural potential. The lot, identified as Lot 1 Section 35-151-74, features a house and a granary accompanied by several amenities: a well, a fresh water cistern adjacent to the well, a septic tank, and electrical hook-ups of both 30 amp and 50 amp in the center of the yard. This configuration makes the property not only suitable for agricultural activities but also well-equipped for residential use.

Pierce County, ND

 

Clay County, MN Land Auction - 133± Acres

On June 19, 2024, Clay County, MN, featured an auction for 133± acres near Hawley, MN, split into three tracts, reflecting the area's robust agricultural value and serving as a testament to the wants of growers and investors.

Tract 1: Sold for $7,890/acre 

Tract 1, located in the NE1/4NE1/4 less highway of Section 9-139-44, just south of Hwy 10, encompasses over 35.02 surveyed acres. This tract features 31.20+ acres of cropland with a high Soil Productivity Index of 84.9, demonstrating excellent potential for agricultural productivity. Notably, the tract has no US Fish & Wildlife easement, ensuring fewer restrictions for land use. The soil composition includes 32.8% Langhei-Barnes complex, 25.8% Hokans-Buse complex, and 25.2% Barnen loam, each contributing to the fertile and robust agricultural conditions of the property.

Clay County, MN
 

Tract 2: Sold for $6,690/acre 

Tract 2, situated at Lot 6, Section 9-139-44, 3 miles south of Hwy 10, spans over 30.42 surveyed acres, with 18.84+ acres designated as cropland. This tract boasts a Soil Productivity Index of 83.2, indicating strong agricultural potential. The soil composition further enhances this capability, featuring 34.5% Langhei-Barnes complex, 29.4% Hokans-Buse complex, and 17.3% Hokans-Svea complex. 

Clay County, MN
 

Tract 3: Sold for $7,770/acre 

Tract 3 in Clay County, just south of Hwy 10, described as N1/2SW1/4, excluding a 3.18-acre surveyed farmstead in Section 10-139-44, covers a total of 67.82+ acres. Of this, 65.39+ acres are utilized as cropland, with a Soil Productivity Index of 72.9 indicating a solid foundation for agricultural output. The predominant soil, Langhei-Barnes complex, makes up 64.7% of the terrain, supporting robust farming activities. Additional soil types present include 11.7% Hokans-Buse complex and 9.3% Quam silty clay loam, each contributing to the diverse agricultural potential of the land. This mix of soils and the ample cropland provide a fertile environment for sustained farming operations.

Clay County, MN

 

Lucas County, IA Land, Commercial Building & Grain Elevator Auction - 43± Acres

On June 25, 2024, Lucas County, IA, saw 43± Acres sell in three tracts, including a commercial building and grain elevator.

Tract 1: Sold for $9,550/acre

Tract 1 offers approximately 40 deeded acres, located just 4 miles south of Chariton on Highway 14 and an additional 4.5 miles west on County Highway H50. This tract consists of 35.12 HEL cropland acres as indicated by the FSA, with a Corn Suitability Rating 2 (CSR2) of 49.7, reflecting moderate potential for corn cultivation. Situated in Section 16, Warren Township, Lucas County, Iowa, the property's strategic location and agricultural capacity make it a valuable asset. Bidding for this tract will be conducted at 40 times the bid price per acre, emphasizing the substantial investment opportunity it presents.

Lucas County Tract 1
 

Tract 2: Sold for $170,000

Tract 2 features a substantial commercial building on approximately 3.11 acres located at 116 Albia Road in Chariton, IA. The property includes a large 70’x100’ steel frame structure equipped with two 2-ton built-in cranes spanning the length of the building. This main area, which is heated and spray-foamed, also features a 20’x14’ tall overhead door with an opener, a 12’x10’ tall overhead door with an opener, and an attached 24’x24’ paint room. The front of the building houses a 20’x80’ office space complete with a reception area, two private offices, a bathroom, and an adjoining break room with a separate bathroom, all serviced by a gas furnace and central air. Additional features include a 20’x40’ front canopy, open green space suitable for outdoor storage or future expansion, a gravel parking lot, and city water, sewer, and Alliant Energy gas and electric services. Located within the Chariton city limits, this property offers a total of 9,176 sq.ft. of versatile space ideal for various commercial applications.

Lucas County
 

Tract 3: Sold for $34,025

Tract 3 comprises a grain elevator facility situated on approximately 0.43 acres at 1101 Auburn Ave, Chariton, IA. This property boasts a total grain storage capacity of 215,236 bushels, distributed among various bins: one 91,379 bushel bin, three 34,619 bushel bins, and one 20,000 bushel hopper bin. The facility is well-equipped for efficient grain handling with a 10’x60’ truck scale featuring a Fairbanks-Morse scale head, a grain dump, two elevator legs (measuring 80’ and 100’), and a 44’ catwalk for easy access and operation.
Additional amenities at the grain elevator include an office space with a bathroom, a gas furnace, central air conditioning, and an attached electrical room that houses a GSI Moisture Manager. The property is fully serviced by city water, sewer, and Alliant Energy gas and electric, ensuring that all operational needs are met efficiently. This strategic setup makes it an ideal location for managing large-scale grain storage and distribution operations within the Chariton area.
Lucas County
 
These auctions underscore the dynamic land market as we progress through 2024. Each transaction not only offers a snapshot of the current value of agricultural and development land but also underscores the strategic significance of these areas for future expansion and investment.
 
Keep an eye out for further updates and highlights from the land auction landscape as we keep a finger on the pulse of the market throughout 2024.