Farmland vs. Recreational Land: What’s the Difference and What’s It Worth
Productive farmland is the foundation of our business, but demand for recreational land is strong, too.
Recreational land that offers hunting, fishing, creeks and ponds, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) income, or potential for residential living often attracts multiple bidders. In our area, buyers seeking recreational land usually want it for hunting.
There’s constant demand for recreational land in many of the counties we serve, including Humboldt, Webster, and Boone. Buyers typically have a tie to the local area.
Recreational Land Commands Competitive Prices
To understand how values are determined for recreational land, let’s compare it to other types of land.
In Iowa, farmland typically has two uses: crop production (corn, soybeans, hay) on flatter ground and cattle pasture on rolling terrain. Soil types, soil productivity, field configuration, drainage, and infrastructure (buildings, fencing, barns, water sources) all contribute to the land’s income-producing potential.
Recreational land, in contrast, is bought primarily for the rural lifestyle, not income production. There can be a premium for smaller parcels, generally in the 10- to 20-acre range. Don’t worry if you have a larger parcel, though. In the areas we serve, there’s strong demand for land of all types.
We’re Here for You, Every Step of the Way
If you’re thinking about selling land, we have access to a wide network of potential buyers and expert farm managers to help you through the process. The best time to sell is when you’re ready. It’s amazing what can fall into place when you give us a call to start the process.