317.37 acres Richland County

Prime Red River Valley Farmland – 317.37 ± Acres – Richland County, ND In the southern portion of the legendary Red River Valley — an agricultural region known worldwide for its black, nutrient-rich soils — an exceptional tract of farmland comes to market. This 317.37 ± acre property in Township 132 (Barney), Range 50, Section 25, Richland County, North Dakota is more than just cropland. It is a long-term agricultural investment located in one of the most productive regions of the Upper Midwest. The property lies just south of Mooreton, ND, an area where the valley’s dark, fertile fields stretch endlessly toward the horizon. Here, the combination of climate, soil, and infrastructure has produced strong yields for generations. Access to the farm is straightforward and convenient: from Mooreton, drive half a mile west to 168th Avenue (County Road 1) and then continue 2.5 miles south. The property lies to the west of the road, its large, open fields ready for modern, high efficiency farming operations. Acreage and USDA Designations This farm is built for productivity and efficiency. Of the 317.37 ± deeded acres, the USDA designates 311.43 acres as farmland, with 307.05 acres in active cropland. The base acreage totals 287.20 acres, allocated to the region’s two most profitable and widely grown crops: 154.24 base acres for corn and 132.96 base acres for soybeans, along with a CRP reduction of 19.80 acres. The farm is backed by strong PLC yields: 144 bushels per acre for corn and 47 bushels per acre for soybeans. These are competitive, consistent figures that reflect the quality of the soils, the favorable climate, and the history of strong farm management. Soils and Productivity The heart of the property’s value lies in its soil. The farm carries a Soil Productivity Index (SPI) of 89.6 and a National Commodity Crop Productivity Index (NCCPI) of 54.3, placing it at the top tier of agricultural land in Richland County and indeed the Red River Valley. The soils here are the product of glacial Lake Agassiz, which once covered this region thousands of years ago. As the lake receded, it left behind deep deposits of silt and clay that formed the base for one of the richest agricultural zones in North America. The soils are dark, fine-textured, and nutrient-rich, making them ideally suited for a wide variety of crops. Dominant soil types on the property include Overly silty clay loam (0–2% slopes), valued for its excellent moisture retention and fertility; Fargo silty clay loam (0–1% slopes), one of the Red River Valley’s hallmark soils and among the most productive soil series in the country; and Galchutt Wheatville silt loams (0–2% slopes), which add ideal structure and drainage to the farm’s profile. These soils work in harmony to provide stable yields in a variety of growing conditions. In wetter years, the mix of silty clay loams drains effectively with proper management. In drier seasons, the heavier soils hold valuable moisture for crop use. This balance is one of the primary reasons farmland in this region has been consistently profitable for generations. Drainage and Improvement Potential The farm is already highly productive, but opportunities exist to enhance it further. One of the most impactful improvements an owner can make in the Red River Valley is the installation of subsurface drain tile. Tile drainage improves early planting conditions by removing excess water from the root zone, allowing equipment to enter the field sooner in the spring. This not only prevents soil compaction but also provides a critical head start for crops, which can lead to higher yields. Throughout the growing season, tile reduces the risk of waterlogged soil, improves soil aeration, and promotes deeper root development. The benefit is particularly noticeable in wetter years when natural drainage may be challenged. Installing tile can transform variable areas of a field into consistently high-yielding acres. For investors, this creates an immediate value-add opportunity: tile not only boosts production but also increases the long-term market value of the land. Crop Production in the Region This part of Richland County sits at the center of one of the most versatile cropping regions in the country. The primary crops are corn and soybeans, both of which perform exceptionally well in these soils. But the valley’s productivity does not stop there. Spring wheat is a traditional crop in the area, prized for its quality and marketability. Barley and oats are also grown, along with specialty small grains. Sugar beets are another key crop in southern Richland County, supported by processing plants in the region. Dry edible beans — including pintos and navies — perform well in rotation, as do canola, sunflowers, and alfalfa. This diversity is important. It demonstrates the adaptability of the soils and the climate to a variety of crops, which allows producers to respond to market demands and maintain healthy rotations that protect the long-term productivity of the land. Climate and Growing Conditions The Red River Valley enjoys a climate that supports high yields across a range of crops. Summers are warm, with daytime highs often in the 70s and 80s, providing the growing degree days necessary for corn and soybeans to reach full maturity. Long daylight hours during the summer months provide extended photosynthesis time, which supports grain fill and yield development. Cooler nights benefit grain crops by improving test weights and quality. Precipitation averages are well-balanced for the crops grown here, and while spring may bring ample moisture, the generally consistent weather patterns allow for timely planting and harvest. Winters are cold, which serves an important agricultural purpose: it naturally breaks pest and disease cycles, contributing to soil health and reducing input needs for the following growing season. Transportation, Infrastructure, and Market Access One of the advantages of this farm’s location is its proximity to key transportation routes and agricultural infrastructure. The property has excellent access via a maintained county road, with connections to Highway 13 just minutes away. From there, Interstate 29 is easily accessible, providing direct north-south movement to Fargo, Grand Forks, and beyond. Gravel road access ensures dependable transportation in all weather conditions, which is critical during planting and harvest when timing is everything. The location also makes it convenient for moving grain to local elevators, ethanol plants, and processing facilities. Nearby, Wahpeton serves as a major agricultural hub with multiple grain handling facilities, processors, and cooperatives. Towns like Colfax, Hankinson, Dwight, and Mooreton provide additional delivery points for corn, soybeans, and wheat. The network of grain elevators in Richland County ensures competitive pricing and marketing options for producers. Richland County and Regional Agriculture Richland County is consistently among North Dakota’s top-producing agricultural counties. Its fertile farmland, paired with excellent infrastructure, makes it a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural economy. Historically, the towns of Barney, Mooreton, and Wahpeton developed alongside the farms they served. Barney, located in the same township as this property, was founded as a rail and agricultural shipping point. Mooreton became a center for local trade and services. Wahpeton grew into a regional processing and marketing center, connecting Richland County farms to national and international markets. That heritage is still visible today. Agriculture is the economic engine of Richland County, and the infrastructure supporting it is well-established and highly functional. Investor Perspective From an investment standpoint, this property offers a combination of qualities that are increasingly rare. First is scale: at over 317 deeded acres, with over 307 acres in active production, the farm is large enough to attract interest from serious operators and investors.