Managing farmland isn’t about chasing short-term gains. It’s about preserving and improving your land for the long term. For 65 years, Sunderman Farm Management Company has helped Iowa landowners do exactly that.
Since 1961, when Roger Sunderman founded the company, our mission has been clear: treat every acre with the same care as if it were our own. That commitment still drives everything we do today.
Above: An original Sunderman Farm Management sign.
Rooted in Experience Since 1961
A pivotal chapter in our story began in March 1969, when Brian Larson joined the company. Brian brought nearly a decade of hands-on experience with the Soil Conservation Service, including expertise in designing farm tile drainage systems.
Now 87 years old, Brian continues to work full time at Sunderman Farm Management. He also owns and operates 700 acres of Webster County farmland, where his family raises corn, soybeans, cover crops, and hay.
“While a lot has changed through the years, the basic service we provide is the same,” says Brian.
Nurturing Generations of Trust
Brian’s son Brent has carried on his family’s focus on long-term relationships built on trust. “Being raised on my family’s farm in Webster County gave me a strong sense of place,” says Brent, a retired U.S. Air Force officer, licensed Iowa real estate broker and REALTOR®, appraiser, and crop insurance salesperson who joined Sunderman Farm Management in 2005.
200+ Years of Combined Experience in Iowa Farm Management
The Sunderman team offers more than 200 years of combined experience, thanks to:
- Jon Larson (Brent’s uncle): Jon farms near Badger and has been a real estate salesperson since 1999.
- Jon Flattery: A licensed real estate salesperson and certified general appraiser who farms with his dad and is raising his family on a farm near Fort Dodge.
- Brittany Decker: Brittany previously worked with the USDA–Natural Resource Conservation Service and offers a wealth of knowledge in soil health, conservation, nutrient management, and Farm Bill programs.
- Brent Taylor: A licensed real estate broker who formed Taylor Land Management in 1992. Taylor Land Management became part of Sunderman Farm Management several years ago.
- Jenene Friedrichs: Office manager. A Fort Dodge native, she has 20+ years of experience in accounting, banking, and tax preparation.
- Amy Herzog: The Sunderman team’s assistant office manager. She grew up on a family farm near Larchwood, Iowa, and has over 20 years of experience in the health insurance and finance industries.
- Marilyn Ropte: Marilyn returned to Sunderman Farm Management after working with Taylor Land Management for 25 years.
Above: Brent Larson and Jon Flattery at the Sunderman Farm Management office.
Farm Management Services Tailored to Your Goals
Managing a farm requires more than just overseeing crops. It takes a hands-on, proactive approach to protect your land and maximize its potential. Our comprehensive Iowa farm management services include:
- Land Brokering: Guidance and representation in buying, selling, or leasing farmland with full brokerage support.
- Project Coordination: Supervision of drainage, structural repairs, conservation practices, and other improvement projects.
- Farm Visits: Monthly visits during the growing season to monitor crop progress, soil conditions, drainage, erosion control, and conservation practices. We also keep an eye on fence-line maintenance, trespassing, and unauthorized uses, protecting your farm as if it were our own.
- Reporting and Accounting: Each month, you’ll receive written reports with income, expenses, crop updates, and weather summaries. An annual Income and Expense Summary is delivered every January, aligned with Schedule F tax forms. Depreciation schedules are also prepared when improvements are made, ensuring your tax professional has accurate records.
- Production Data and Soil Fertility Mapping: We track yields and soil health while coordinating with FSA programs and government incentives to enhance profitability and long-term sustainability.
- Insurance, Taxes, and Vendor Management: From managing vendor relationships to handling tax payments and insurance needs, we take care of the details so you can enjoy peace of mind.
- Certified Appraisals: Our licensed appraisers provide certified general appraisals for estate planning, financing, sales, and legal proceedings.
- Agricultural Consulting: Strategic guidance on succession planning, conservation practices, lease negotiations, and mediation services.
Honoring Tradition, Embracing Innovation
Celebrating 65 years as a farm management company is about more than longevity. It’s about moving forward with purpose.
We’re excited that Brent’s son, Isaac, will join Sunderman Farm Management after he graduates from Iowa State University this spring. A licensed private pilot and UAV pilot, Isaac combines his passion for aviation with his interest in technology and agriculture.
Your Land Becomes Part of Our Legacy
“Our success is built on great clients and team members who offer service that’s second to none,” says Brian Larson. “We’re family here.”
When you work with Sunderman Farm Management, your land becomes part of a 65-year legacy of Iowa farm stewardship. We look forward to hearing from you.