by Ron Stock

Land is surprisingly still setting high prices on the market. Interest rates are up, and commodity prices are lower, but the scarcity of farms for sale is most likely keeping land values propped up, according to BigIron Realty.

Marketing a farm these days typically takes about eight weeks.

Based in Columbus, Neb., BigIron, a licensed real estate broker in eight states, compiles the reports each month for this column. However, not all sales are handled by BigIron each month. For more information, call BigIron at 800-887-8625.

The following are a few of the most recent sales in Nebraska:

East

Merrick County. A total of 27.77 acres sold at online auction for $234,656.50. This is an all-electric, gravity-irrigated farm with acreage close to Grand Island with great access via Highway 30. There is a home on the property, but it has not been lived in for 20-plus years and is not livable. There are adjacent buildings for storage on the property. The farm is leased for the 2024 crop season on a 60-40 share rate. The buyer receives the 2024 lease rent. Possession will take place on March 1, 2025. — Compliments of BigIron Realty

North

Holt County. A total of 160 acres sold at online auction for $400,160. This is a pivot-irrigated quarter section in eastern Holt County. This property was farmed as certified organic in 2023. Included in the sale was a 10-tower Zimmatic pivot, power unit with generator, Amarillo gearhead with pump and a 1,000-gallon fuel barrel. The power unit and pivot can be started, controlled and stopped remotely with a smartphone. — Compliments of BigIron Realty

Holt County. A total of 143.64 acres sold for $800,000. This is an irrigated quarter section with 143.64 certified irrigated acres. The current tenants have been row-cropping 104 acres, with the balance of the irrigated acres in grass for hay. Recently converted to electrical power for irrigation equipment, including a variable-speed electric motor for precision watering, the irrigation equipment consists of a 2012 Reinke eight-tower pivot, 75-hp electric motor and Western Land Roller pump. Corners include grass to hay or graze, plus trees for protection and electric water availability in the southeast corner. — Compliments of Farmers National Co.

Panhandle

Deuel County. A total of 152.01 acres sold at online auction for $912,060. These 150 acres of pivot-irrigated cropland are located just southwest of Big Springs. There is a six-tower Zimmatic pivot with an extra-long overhang. The well is located along the south side of the farm, and there is an irrigation canal running through it. There are also turn-outs on the south end for furrow irrigating the corners that the pivot misses. — Compliments of BigIron Realty

Stock is co-founder of BigIron Auctions and Realty with his brother Mark.