Not every acre of Iowa farmland is the same. While highly tillable land often captures headlines and record auction prices, lesser-tillable land—with waterways, timber, pastures, or rolling terrain—can offer significant opportunities if positioned correctly. At Whitaker Marketing Group, we help landowners unlock hidden value by marketing not just the farm’s tillable acres, but its full range of potential.Understanding Lesser-Tillable Land
Lesser-tillable land often includes:
-Areas with steep slopes or erosion concerns
-Timber, pasture, or CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) acres
-Ground with waterways or wetlands
-Smaller irregular-shaped fields
While these acres may not generate the same crop income as high-CSR2 tillable fields, they bring value in other ways. For more details on how farmland productivity is measured, see Iowa State University’s resource on Corn Suitability Rating (CSR2).
5 Ways to Maximize Value 1. Highlight Recreational Potential Timber, pasture, and wildlife-friendly acres are highly attractive to recreational buyers. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities add a lifestyle component to land ownership. In fact, demand for recreational tracts has grown steadily, according to the Realtor Land Institute. 2. Leverage Government Programs Enrolling acres in CRP or conservation easements provides stable income while improving soil and water quality. Programs like CRP are managed by the USDA Farm Service Agency and can boost both land value and marketability.3. Market to Livestock Producers Pasture acres hold strong value for cattle operations. By marketing land to both row-crop and livestock buyers, sellers can broaden their pool of bidders.4. Consider Long-Term Investment PotentialNon-tillable or rolling land near towns or highways may hold development or building site potential. Positioning a property this way can attract investors who see value beyond agriculture.5. Bundle the Story, Not Just the Soil At Whitaker Marketing Group, we market land as a whole asset—not just per-tillable-acre. We highlight unique features like creek access, hardwoods, ponds, or road frontage. This approach often drives competitive bidding between recreational buyers, farmers, and investors.Case in Point We’ve seen farms with only 60% tillable land sell at premiums because of their hunting draws, CRP income, and location. By understanding how to market the whole package, sellers avoid underselling properties that are more than just crop ground.Final Thoughts
When it comes to farmland sales, lesser-tillable land doesn’t mean lesser value. With the right marketing strategy, features like recreation, conservation programs, pasture use, or future development can become key selling points.
At Whitaker Marketing Group, our team specializes in uncovering every angle of your farmland’s potential—helping you maximize value, no matter the mix of acres. 515-996-5263 |✉️info@wmgauction.com
