The traditional image of American ranching is evolving, with women like Haley Robison and Sheridan Visser leading the charge. Their stories reveal how determination, innovation, and community support are transforming agricultural businesses across the heartland.

Haley's journey from helping on her family's ranch to establishing Dry Creek Red Angus showcases the methodical path to building a respected cattle operation. Beginning with just three heifers in high school, she's now producing thirty-plus registered bulls annually through careful genetic selection and advanced reproductive technologies. Her focus on creating efficient, moderate-framed females that thrive in North Dakota's challenging environment demonstrates the scientific precision modern ranchers bring to their breeding programs.

Meanwhile, these entrepreneurial ranchers identified an opportunity to transform a byproduct of their beef production into something valuable. Holy Cow Tallow began as a solution for sensitive skin issues but quickly grew into a thriving business with retail locations across multiple states. Their whipped tallow lotion and natural sunscreen harness the healing properties of beef suet, rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K that naturally complement the human skin barrier.

What truly distinguishes these women is their ability to balance multiple enterprises while raising young families. With children as young as six already actively participating in ranch work, they're nurturing the sixth generation on land established in 1907. Their husbands are equal partners in these endeavors, with Max even running his own custom leather business shipping nationwide.

This model of diversification, embracing both traditional practices and innovative product development, offers a blueprint for sustainable rural businesses. By integrating cattle production, value-added products, and committed community networks, these women demonstrate how modern agriculture can thrive through female leadership and entrepreneurship.

Ready to experience the healing benefits of beef tallow products made by real ranchers? Visit Holy Cow Tallow on Facebook or Instagram @HolyCowND to discover their all-natural skincare line.

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AgTech Week Fargo stands at the intersection of agriculture's rich traditions and its technology-driven future. This collaborative event brings together three cornerstone organizations – the Chamber, Bushel, and Grand Farm – to create an immersive four-day experience where innovation meets practical application in ways that truly matter for producers.

The journey begins Tuesday with the Chamber's Midwest Ag Summit, where transportation experts, sustainability officers, and policy specialists tackle the complex challenges of moving agricultural products from field to global markets. With speakers including a Federal Maritime Commissioner and transportation leaders from rail and sea shipping, attendees gain crucial insights into the infrastructure supporting modern agriculture. The summit's interactive format encourages direct engagement, allowing participants to pose questions and share perspectives that shape the conversation.

Wednesday transforms talk into action with Grand Farm's Field Day, offering hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge agricultural technology. Imagine watching autonomous tractors work fields without operators, seeing robots identify and eliminate weeds with precision, and exploring sensor technologies that provide unprecedented insight into crop and soil conditions. This isn't theoretical innovation – it's practical technology you can touch, evaluate, and envision on your own operation. The day culminates with the AgTech Week Shindig, featuring live music from the Crop Dusters and networking opportunities that foster unexpected collaborations.

Thursday's Cultivate Conference addresses specific pain points identified through extensive research with regional producers. Focusing on pest management, equipment development, soil health, and precision agriculture, the conference connects innovators directly with farmers experiencing these challenges. Keynote speakers including Brian Hefty of Hefty Seed Company and farmer panel discussions ensure that technological development remains grounded in agronomic reality. For producers, this represents a unique opportunity to influence the direction of agricultural innovation – and farmers can attend free with code GROWER2025.

Whether you're a producer seeking solutions, an agribusiness professional exploring new technologies, or simply curious about agriculture's future, AgTech Week offers meaningful engagement with the people and innovations shaping tomorrow's food production. Register now at agtechweekfargo.com and be part of transforming how we grow food for generations to come.

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When disaster strikes in America's heartland, every day counts. For farm families facing a health crisis, injury, or natural disaster, the inability to plant or harvest can spell financial ruin in a matter of weeks. Farm Rescue stands as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of rural communities coming together, providing emergency support when farmers need it most.

Founded in North Dakota by airline pilot Bill Gross twenty years ago, Farm Rescue dispatches volunteers and equipment to farms across ten states, ensuring crops get planted and harvested when farmers cannot do the work themselves. What's remarkable is the scale of impact achieved by just six full-time employees coordinating over 700 volunteers who commit at least a week of their time to help complete strangers save their livelihoods.

The stories behind each case reveal the harsh realities facing America's agricultural communities. From farmers battling cancer while trying to keep multi-generational operations afloat, to young families facing catastrophic injuries during critical planting seasons, to those struggling with mental health crises—Farm Rescue provides not just practical assistance but a lifeline of hope. Their reach has expanded well beyond their North Dakota origins to include Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Kentucky, and Illinois, with plans to add five more states in the coming years.

What makes Farm Rescue unique is how it embodies the best traditions of rural America while adapting to modern agricultural challenges. Their fleet of equipment—including late-model planters, tractors, combines, and semis—allows them to efficiently serve families in crisis across vast geographic areas. The organization operates on a $4.5 million annual budget, with 85% going directly to operations, ensuring maximum impact for every dollar donated.

Want to be part of this remarkable mission? Visit farmrescue.org to learn how you can volunteer, donate, or refer a family in need. Together, we can ensure that a health crisis or natural disaster doesn't mean the end of a farming legacy that took generations to build.

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A multibillion-dollar rainstorm has completely transformed the land market across Western North Dakota and surrounding regions. After months of drought conditions had operators questioning whether there would be enough grass for the season, recent rainfall measuring 2-10 inches has saturated the soil, filled dugouts, and created a wave of optimism that's driving strong prices for both grassland and cropland.

The results from recent auctions tell the story vividly. A 3,076-acre ranch in Golden Valley County drew 52 serious bidders, with cropland parcels bringing $2,375 per acre and the ranch headquarters selling for $1,750 per acre. Similarly, a quarter-section of grassland near Dickinson fetched $2,000 per acre - evidence that well-maintained properties with good water infrastructure and fencing are commanding premium prices. These sales reflect more than just improved moisture conditions; they demonstrate the fundamental strength in a market where livestock numbers have declined nationwide over the past five years.

The cattle market has responded accordingly, with bred pairs selling for approximately $4,500 at recent sale barns. With forward contracts for calves potentially bringing $2,100 each, the economics of restocking herds makes tremendous sense for operators. The farm equipment market shows similar strength, with used John Deere sprayers bringing $40,000 more than comparable models sold just last year.

Looking ahead, several exceptional properties are coming to market, including 1,800 acres in Corson County, South Dakota, 685 acres in Burke County, North Dakota, and a truly unique 840-acre property in Custer County that offers something extraordinary - a direct view of Mount Rushmore from one of its nine parcels. Whether you're looking to expand your operation or find that perfect recreational property, now's the time to explore these opportunities at Piferscom or call 701-523-7366 to speak with our experienced team.

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The agricultural auction landscape continues to showcase remarkable resilience despite economic uncertainties, with machinery and land values holding strong across North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota. What began with cautious optimism has transformed into a season of exceptional results that consistently exceeded expectations.

High-quality farm equipment has commanded premium prices throughout spring auctions. From the Fent tractor at Harman's to the combine and four-wheel drive at Sheely's, well-maintained machinery continues to attract serious buyers both domestically and internationally. When a combine sold to a Brazilian buyer, it highlighted the increasingly global nature of agricultural equipment markets. Most surprising has been the strength of on-site participation, with one auction seeing just 26% of items sold online – a striking contrast to the typical 48-52% we've observed in recent years. This dynamic has demonstrably pushed values higher as buyers compete in real-time for quality equipment.

Beyond the mechanics of selling, what distinguishes professional auction services is the comprehensive approach to managing every aspect of the process. From washing and detailing equipment to handling complex logistics, marketing, and post-sale loadout, sellers often only need to "open the mailbox and take a check" when working with full-service auctioneers. This support proves invaluable for retiring farmers navigating emotional transitions after lifetimes of agricultural work. Many sellers lack exit strategies or tax planning, making professional guidance an essential component of the auction relationship.

Transparency forms the foundation of successful auction businesses. Honest representation of equipment condition, including disclosing any flaws or maintenance issues, builds trust with repeat buyers who follow specific auctioneers from sale to sale. As the summer progresses, specialty auctions continue even as traditional machinery sales slow during peak farming months. Looking ahead, the second annual Bowman Car Auction on July 26th coincides with Pifers' 25th anniversary celebrations, promising an exciting event featuring approximately 50 vehicle consignments alongside a 330-vehicle show spanning Main Street.

Have equipment or property you're considering selling? Visit piferscom to connect with experienced auction professionals who can guide you through the entire process.

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The agricultural equipment market is experiencing a remarkable recovery in 2025, defying early predictions and showcasing surprising strength across multiple categories. This episode of America's Land Auctioneer dives deep into these market dynamics with Chris Bair, Regional Manager at Pifer's Worthington-Sioux falls office, who shares firsthand insights from recent highly successful auctions.

Bair reveals how their March auction became "the strongest sale in almost five years," setting the stage for a robust spring season. The conversation explores the fascinating phenomenon of pre-COVID equipment commanding premium prices, with examples like a 2012 John Deere 4830 sprayer recently fetching $171,000—breaking a three-year price ceiling. Meanwhile, newer equipment faces accelerated depreciation of $1,000-1,500 per hour, creating a market environment where quality used machinery has become increasingly attractive to buyers calculating operational costs.

The heart of the discussion focuses on auction methodologies and how Pifer's has evolved to maximize returns for sellers while maintaining their commitment to the live auction experience. Despite technological advances, over 50% of auction value still comes from on-site buyers, and research indicates roughly 16% of American farms lack internet access altogether. This reality has shaped Pifer's hybrid approach—combining the energy and momentum of live auctions with sophisticated online bidding platforms that together engage up to 1,400 bidders per event.

Particularly fascinating is the company's strategic pivot from timed online-only auctions to "live online" formats that allow equipment to remain at owners' locations while still benefiting from live auctioneer engagement and multiple bidding platforms. As Bair eloquently states, "Technology should never replace the auctioneer. Technology should always complement the auctioneer."

The episode concludes with previews of upcoming auctions, including the May 13th Summer Equipment Auction in Worthington featuring construction equipment, vehicles, and recreational items, along with several farm retirement auctions throughout the Upper Midwest. Whether you're looking to buy or sell agricultural equipment, this episode provides valuable market intelligence and strategic insights that could significantly impact your next auction experience.

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Beneath the expansive North Dakota skies, a transformative mega-project is reshaping the landscape and future of the Red River Valley. The Fargo-Moorhead Flood Diversion Project stands as one of America's most ambitious civil engineering undertakings – a 30-mile channel designed to protect communities from the devastating floods that have repeatedly threatened homes and livelihoods.

Gil Gilbert from ASN Constructors takes us behind the scenes of this monumental project, revealing the staggering scale of operations that most observers can barely glimpse from nearby highways. "We're moving 45 million cubic yards of excavation," Gilbert explains, painting a picture of massive earth-moving that would cover the entire NDSU campus with several feet of soil. The $130+ million investment in locally-purchased equipment includes specialized excavators so large they require five separate truckloads just to transport to the site. These machines operate 24/7, accumulating 8,000 hours in just two years before retirement – a testament to their relentless workload.

What makes this project particularly fascinating are the extreme challenges overcome through engineering ingenuity. Construction continues year-round despite temperatures plunging to -50°F, where metal components crack under stress and excavation equipment battles ice chunks that can cause $100,000+ in damage with a single impact. The Red River Valley's notorious clay soils present their own obstacles, requiring specialized techniques like discing mud to facilitate drying. Surprisingly, winter operations often achieve higher production rates than summer work, thanks to expertise brought in from mining operations in Northern Canada. The project employs a diverse workforce, including local farmers during winter months, international experts, and NDSU graduates through internship programs.

When completed in 2027, this infrastructure marvel will deliver far more than flood protection. The diversion channel will feature recreational trails and parks, creating lasting community amenities alongside its primary purpose of eliminating the need for flood insurance in Fargo-Moorhead. Though designed to be used for flood protection only once every 20-50 years, its daily impact on regional resilience and quality of life represents a blueprint for how modern civil engineering can transform environmental vulnerabilities into opportunities. Ready to witness this extraordinary transformation firsthand? Take a drive along I-94 or I-29 to glimpse the future of Fargo-Moorhead taking shape before your eyes.

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Agricultural land values across the Upper Midwest are showing remarkable resilience, with recent auction results highlighting the market's continued strength. From Burke County farmland bringing $3,400 per acre to an exceptional Emmons County property fetching $7,500 per acre, today's buyers are proving willing to pay premium prices for quality land.

The pattern is clear throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota – premium cropland continues to command top dollar while more marginal properties sell for predictably lower values. This growing price disparity reveals how sophisticated agricultural investors have become in evaluating productivity potential, soil quality, and long-term value. In Wells County, quality cropland sold for $3,100 per acre while nearby pasture land brought $1,250, perfectly illustrating this market dynamic.

Even more impressive has been the extraordinary machinery market we're witnessing this spring. Four-wheel drive tractors remain the stars of equipment auctions, with well-maintained units bringing stellar prices. A John Deere 9560R with 2,500 hours sold for $240,000 at our Bowman consignment sale, while a 2015 model 9620R with similar hours fetched $275,000 at a farm retirement auction.

The transportation segment has been particularly remarkable, with semi-trailers reaching unprecedented values. A 2012 Wilson grain trailer recently sold for $50,000, and even older cattle trailers from the late 1990s are bringing $30,000 to $50,000. This reflects both limited new inventory and the essential nature of these assets for agricultural operations.

Looking ahead, we highlight several exciting opportunities for buyers, including a 3,000-acre working ranch auction in Golden Valley County on May 8th and an extraordinary 840-acre property in Custer County with direct views of Mount Rushmore coming up in July. Whether you're a farmer expanding operations, an investor seeking agricultural assets, or someone dreaming of your own piece of the Black Hills, these upcoming sales offer rare opportunities to acquire exceptional properties.

Join us each week for the latest insights on land and equipment markets across the region, and visit Pifers.com to explore our complete inventory of upcoming auctions and past results.

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