Kevin Pifer + Jack Pifer + Steve Link + Andy Mrnak + Jim Sabe + Christian Miller
245 episodes
3 days ago
Ever wonder why a field that looks “messy” in the fall can be the most valuable ground on the farm? We sit down with Paul, a third‑generation North Dakota producer, to unpack how no‑till, cover crops, and salinity management rebuilt soil structure, improved infiltration, and quietly raised the long‑term value of his land. His story starts with crop diversity after the Freedom to Farm Act and moves through the hard early years of saturated topsoil, compaction layers, and skeptical neighbors be...
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Ever wonder why a field that looks “messy” in the fall can be the most valuable ground on the farm? We sit down with Paul, a third‑generation North Dakota producer, to unpack how no‑till, cover crops, and salinity management rebuilt soil structure, improved infiltration, and quietly raised the long‑term value of his land. His story starts with crop diversity after the Freedom to Farm Act and moves through the hard early years of saturated topsoil, compaction layers, and skeptical neighbors be...
Ever wonder why a field that looks “messy” in the fall can be the most valuable ground on the farm? We sit down with Paul, a third‑generation North Dakota producer, to unpack how no‑till, cover crops, and salinity management rebuilt soil structure, improved infiltration, and quietly raised the long‑term value of his land. His story starts with crop diversity after the Freedom to Farm Act and moves through the hard early years of saturated topsoil, compaction layers, and skeptical neighbors be...
Rare land doesn’t wait. We open the gates on a decisive moment for ag buyers and sellers across the Upper Midwest, from a brisk harvest to a Casselton land auction that drew heavy, disciplined bidding and a single operator sweeping premium tracts. We talk through what set those parcels apart—soils, location near crush and ethanol plants, and development pressure—and why smart buyers are ignoring short‑term commodity noise to lock in long‑run productivity. From there, we head northwest to a B...
A family ranch, a hometown bank, and a region built on grit—this conversation brings them together to explain how modern agriculture actually works when the numbers get big and the margins get thin. We sit down with banker and lifelong ranch kid Duane Bowman to unpack the shift from two-hundred-thousand-dollar operating notes to multi-million-dollar lines, the rise of precision ag and seed genetics, and the reality of running million-dollar machinery on dryland acres. It’s a clear-eyed look a...
Taxes shouldn’t decide the future of your farm. We sit down with Jody Robinson, VP of Tax Planning at Mariner Wealth Advisors, to unpack how the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” changes the game for landowners and the families who depend on them. From estate tax thresholds to capital gains strategies, we break down what actually matters when the goal is to keep acres in the family and options open. We start with the bigger picture: how a higher, now “permanent,” federal estate tax exemption bu...
What does it really take to keep a small town alive—and help it grow? We sit down with developer and community leader Nathan Burseth to unpack how Colfax, North Dakota, paired housing with heart to attract families, remote workers, and retirees while strengthening its school and tax base. From the first 15 lots to multiple phases in Colfax Meadows, to the shop-friendly Trackside, to the barn dominium-focused Reserve, Nathan shows how choice, covenants, and city services create real momentum w...
Land headlines may say “wild,” but the on-the-ground story is sharper: focused buyers, resilient prices on the right tracts, and real opportunity in mixed-use and grassland parcels. We unpack the three pillars driving value—farm profitability, interest rates, and safety nets—then dig into why “land is local” still explains so much of what clears at auction. Attendance may be thinner than last year, yet prime quarters near existing operations continue to command strength, especially where soil...
Ever wonder how a shy teenager becomes the person who can run a meeting, lead a team, and shift an 18‑speed without grinding a gear? We sit down with educator and rancher Colby Steeke to trace that journey—from a ranch in southwest North Dakota to a 1,300‑student CTE powerhouse where agriculture education meets real-world opportunity. The story starts with roots: parents who teach ag, sisters who show goats across the Midwest, and mentors like the late Butch Howland who believed travel and ex...
What happens when worlds collide? When Christian Miller sits down with Jack Pfeifer for a candid conversation about his journey from Lancaster County's Amish community to becoming a successful auctioneer in the Northern Plains, we're treated to a fascinating glimpse into a rarely-seen American experience. Christian pulls back the curtain on growing up Amish, where one-room schoolhouses, horse-drawn farm equipment, and tight-knit community values shaped his worldview. He describes how Lancast...
Deep in the heart of America's farm country, Big Iron stands as the nation's largest agricultural show, sprawling across 300 acres of the Red River Valley Fairgrounds. On this special episode of America's Land Auctioneer, host Steve Link takes us through the final day of the 45th annual event, capturing conversations with the innovators shaping modern agriculture. The spotlight first falls on Chris Paulson and his groundbreaking QA Farmer app. Born from frustration with existing digital tool...
What makes a community's stories worth preserving? Rick Thompson believes the answer lies in the rich tapestry of western heritage that defines North Dakota—a legacy he's dedicated his career to protecting as Executive Director of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Thompson's journey from Bowman, North Dakota to his current role spans decades of deep connection to rodeo and western culture. With an animal science degree and 25 years producing a nationally syndicated rodeo program, he brin...
What happens when rural communities face development projects that promise prosperity but threaten local resources and way of life? Trent Luce, the voice behind Luce Trails Media for 26 years, joins us for a frank conversation about the changing landscape of America's heartland. Trent shares his journey as a sixth-generation American farmer whose family built their Illinois barn in 1889—a structure that still stands today as his nephew prepares to become the seventh generation of land stewar...
Navigating the complex world of agricultural programs can be overwhelming, especially for those just starting their farming journey. In this enlightening conversation with James Cruz, County Executive Director for Clay County FSA with over 31 years of experience, we unpack the valuable resources available through the Farm Service Agency that many producers overlook. The Farm Service Agency operates in nearly every county nationwide, making it uniquely positioned to deliver critical support p...
The wealth that's been created in farming and the transfer that's coming is unprecedented, yet many farm families still put off crucial estate planning conversations. In this insightful discussion with senior wealth consultant Galen McGregor, we unpack the essential components of effective farm legacy planning and why it matters at every age – not just for the elderly. Farm families face unique challenges when transitioning assets between generations. From deciding who gets which parcel of l...
The vibrant green landscape stretching across North Dakota this summer tells a remarkable story of agricultural transformation. What began as a potentially devastating drought has evolved into one of the most verdant growing seasons in recent memory, with implications reaching far beyond this year's harvest. Jim Sabe and Daryl Lies take listeners on a journey across the state's diverse growing regions, from the unexpectedly lush Badlands to the thriving croplands of the north. "I've never se...
The auction block comes alive across the Upper Midwest in this dynamic exploration of recent sales and upcoming opportunities with America's Land Auctioneer hosts Andy Mrnak and Jim Sabe. In the rolling green landscapes of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota, and the bustling main street of Bowman, North Dakota, recent auctions have showcased everything from pristine farm equipment to collector-worthy vehicles. A 2014 John Deere tractor with low hours commanded $67,000, while classic car enthusiasts d...
When a small town decides to dream big, extraordinary things happen. The Dakota Territory Car Club's annual car show and auction in Bowman, North Dakota proves that community spirit combined with passion can create something magical that brings people together from hundreds of miles away. What makes this event remarkable isn't just the 300+ meticulously maintained classics lining Main Street (though they're certainly impressive). It's the deliberate commitment to keeping everything accessibl...
Navigating the complex world of taxes isn't just for accountants—it's essential knowledge for every landowner, farmer, and small business operator wanting to protect their hard-earned assets. In this illuminating conversation, host Steve Link welcomes tax expert Kent Busick from Busick Associates, who breaks down the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill" and what it means for your bottom line. Kent brings a unique perspective to tax planning, having grown up on a North Dakota grain farm befor...
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 inte...
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 pe...
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 inspect...
Ever wonder why a field that looks “messy” in the fall can be the most valuable ground on the farm? We sit down with Paul, a third‑generation North Dakota producer, to unpack how no‑till, cover crops, and salinity management rebuilt soil structure, improved infiltration, and quietly raised the long‑term value of his land. His story starts with crop diversity after the Freedom to Farm Act and moves through the hard early years of saturated topsoil, compaction layers, and skeptical neighbors be...
