The summer growing season is well underway across the upper Midwest, and the team at America's Land Auctioneer has been traversing North Dakota and Minnesota to check crop conditions firsthand. Host Jack Pifer welcomes Kevin Pifer and land manager Tyler Burby to share their observations from recent field tours, where timely rains have created promising conditions despite early season challenges from windstorms.

What emerges throughout their conversation is a fascinating glimpse into the interconnected world of agricultural land markets, auction methodologies, and the unique culture that surrounds rural America. Tyler reports that while corn and soybeans started slower than usual, the recent heat has accelerated growth dramatically. The crops' resilience mirrors the adaptability of the auction industry itself, which continues to evolve in response to technological change.

Kevin offers a passionate defense of live auctions in an era when many competitors have moved entirely online. "The online is the end of the line for an auction company," he asserts, explaining that a good auctioneer can add $300-400 per acre to farmland values. Data from Pifer's recent sales supports this approach – while 51% of their sales now come from online bidders, the remaining 49% represents in-person buyers who value the traditional auction experience. This hybrid model, combining live auctioneers with simultaneous online bidding platforms, has become Pifer's signature approach.

The conversation takes an unexpected detour into coffee culture when Kevin and Tyler share insights from their visit to Alley Beans, a specialty coffee roastery in Valley City. The parallels between carefully sourced coffee beans and meticulously marketed farmland aren't lost on the team, who appreciate the craftsmanship behind both. Tyler even cites research suggesting regular coffee drinkers may live 19% longer, adding scientific weight to their morning ritual.

Looking ahead, the fall auction calendar is filling rapidly, with the Western Dakota Land Auction Event anchoring October's offerings and eight significant auctions already scheduled for September 22-24 alone. As Kevin predicts Federal Reserve interest rate cuts by year-end, the stage seems set for increased agricultural investment opportunities. For farmers, investors, and land enthusiasts alike, this episode offers valuable insights into where the market is heading and why the human element remains irreplaceable in land transactions.

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Contact the team at Pifer's

Halfway through 2025, the agricultural land market across the upper Midwest demonstrates remarkable stability despite economic headwinds that might suggest otherwise. This mid-year analysis reveals how 150 parcels representing 35,000 acres have sold at an average of $4,300 per acre—maintaining the strength shown throughout 2024 when many expected a downturn.

The regional variations tell a fascinating story of American farmland values. Premium Red River Valley parcels command up to $12,000 per tillable acre while challenging properties bring $3,000 an acre in the same general vicinity. What factors create this dramatic price spectrum within seemingly similar geographies? Our experts break down how soil types, drainage patterns, productivity history, and even micro-climate conditions impact valuation in ways casual observers might miss.

Perhaps the most surprising market development comes from western ranch country, where grassland values have surged 10-15%. With cattle markets reaching historical highs, grazing properties that historically fetched $1,200-1,400 per acre now regularly exceed $1,800. This demonstrates agriculture's cyclical nature—as row crop economics face pressure, livestock operations gain purchasing power.

The psychological impact of weather continues to drive market sentiment. A significant drought buster in mid-May transformed western Dakota auction results almost overnight, highlighting how precipitation patterns remain the ultimate market mover in agricultural communities. While modern farmers deploy sophisticated technology and financial instruments, Mother Nature still holds the ultimate leverage.

The buyer pool has evolved since the frenzied markets of recent years. While attendance remains robust, active bidders have decreased from 20-25 per auction to single digits in many cases. Online participation continues to strengthen, and investor presence has increased compared to 2022-23. Yet the fundamental driver remains constant—quality land commands premium prices from buyers who recognize its long-term value.

Looking toward the second half of 2025, several extraordinary properties are coming to market, including Black Hills parcels with direct views of Mount Rushmore and bordering Custer State Park. Visit piperscom to explore these opportunities and subscribe to our podcast for continued market insights from America's Land Auctioneer.

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Contact the team at Pifer's

The hidden world of agricultural land management takes center stage as Morgan Ulmer, a seasoned land manager with Pifer's, pulls back the curtain on what happens after the seeds go into the ground. Racing from field to field across the entire Red River Valley, Morgan reveals how professional land managers become the eyes and ears for property owners who may live hundreds or thousands of miles from their agricultural investments.

Morgan walks us through the meticulous process of field inspection—checking everything from water issues and weed pressure to crop health and projected yields. These detailed assessments, complete with extensive photography and documentation, ultimately form the backbone of comprehensive reports that keep landowners connected to their investments. "We have boots on the ground," Morgan explains, highlighting how land managers provide crucial peace of mind for distant property owners including trusts, family inheritances split between siblings, and investment groups.

The conversation takes a sobering turn as Morgan describes the aftermath of recent catastrophic straight-line winds that devastated farms across portions of North Dakota. Machine sheds destroyed, grain bins toppled, and power poles snapped "like matchsticks" serve as stark reminders of agriculture's vulnerability to nature's fury. Yet through it all, Morgan notes the remarkable resilience of the farming community: "They're resilient people... they don't miss a beat" when it comes to cleanup and recovery efforts.

The episode offers fascinating glimpses into the technological evolution of land management, from smartphone apps that estimate corn yields by photographing cobs to the game-changing deployment of drones for aerial inspection of difficult terrain. We also hear how land managers contribute valuable regional data to industry organizations like the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, helping establish crucial benchmarks for rental rates and agricultural trends across the region.

Whether you're a landowner seeking better oversight of your agricultural investments, a farmer curious about professional management services, or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes work that supports modern agriculture, this episode delivers valuable insights into the vital role land managers play in protecting and optimizing one of our most precious resources.

Follow at www.americalandauctioneer.com and on Instagram & Facebook
Contact the team at Pifer's