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 Lancaster County's agricultural economy operates - from communal tractor ownership (with engines mounted directly on implements pulled by horses) to intensive dairy operations on relatively small acreages. We discover that virtually everything in Amish communities sells through auctions, explaining why auctioneering runs in Christian's blood as a third-generation professional following his grandfather and great-grandfather who began calling bids in 1942.

The land dynamics Christian describes are eye-opening, with prime Lancaster County farmland commanding upwards of $20,000 per acre. This price pressure has pushed Amish families into neighboring York County, doubling land values there as families seek space to continue their agricultural traditions. Unlike conventional approaches to land investment, Christian explains how Amish families willingly take on "lifetime debt" for farmland, understanding it may be their children or grandchildren who finally own the property outright - a multigenerational perspective on legacy that profoundly influences market behavior.

The conversation shifts to exciting developments at Pifers as they celebrate their 25th anniversary, with Jack Pfeifer stepping into the CEO role while maintaining the company's commitment to exceptional service across real estate, auction, and land management sectors. The transition of leadership in their land management division signals growth and innovation while honoring the foundation built by longtime leaders.

Ready to discover more about America's agricultural landscape and the professionals who help transfer land between generations? Subscribe to America's Land Auctioneer podcast for regular insights into rural real estate, agricultural trends, and the stories behind the sales.

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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 tools, this purpose-built application consolidates weather forecasts, grain market data, and inventory management into one intuitive interface. "I used to log into four or five websites," shares one farmer, "now I literally just have to go into one app." Developed in just three months after consulting with dozens of producers, the app represents agriculture's ongoing digital transformation.

We then journey into the sugar beet harvest with Harrison Weber of the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association. Weber explains the unique dual-harvest system and the delicate balance between sugar content and tonnage. With prices down 30-40% year-over-year, producers face significant challenges, yet remain optimistic about crop quality. "A good crop can mitigate some of those things," Weber notes, highlighting how weather, factory efficiencies, and storage conditions will ultimately determine the season's success.

Ross Johnson of Agassi Drain Tile shares insights from his company's 20-year journey and their expansion into precision planting technology. "Getting everything placed, both spaced out evenly and at depth, with the same compaction over it" dramatically affects yield, Johnson explains. His comments reinforce a recurring theme throughout the episode: even in challenging economic times, strategic investment in the right technology delivers substantial returns.

The episode concludes with Fair Director Cody Cashman revealing record vendor participation and exciting plans for next year's show, including the potential addition of a combine demolition derby. His passion for agricultural education shines through as he describes the fairground's year-round educational center and livestock enrichment program.

Ready to experience more insights from America's agricultural heartland? Subscribe to America's Land Auctioneer and visit piferscom for expertise in farmland management and auctions where experience truly meets results.

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Contact the team at Pifer's

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 brings authentic passion to the Hall of Fame's mission. When asked why this work matters, Thompson's answer cuts to the heart: "If we don't tell our story, what's that story going to sound like?"

The conversation reveals how the Hall of Fame functions as far more than a museum. Beyond its impressive exhibits honoring legendary cowboys, ranchers, and rodeo champions, the facility hosts land auctions, receptions, and community gatherings. Perhaps most remarkably, Thompson and his staff of seven don't wait for visitors to come to them—they travel extensively throughout North Dakota and beyond, sacrificing countless weekends to connect with communities and members who've relocated to warmer climates.

This dedication speaks to a deeper truth about preserving heritage: it requires going to where people are, meeting them in their own communities, and creating opportunities for stories to be shared. The Hall's ambitious expansion plans—adding 10,000 square feet with technology-focused areas for younger visitors—demonstrates their commitment to evolving while honoring tradition.

As Thompson explains, the urgency of their mission grows daily: "We lose those people every day. We lose a piece of that history when somebody leaves us." From the sod houses of early settlers to today's multi-generational ranches, these stories create an unbroken chain connecting past and future. Through creative fundraising (including auctioning a donated motorhome that attracted bidders nationwide) and a network of over 300 trustees who nominate Hall of Fame inductees, the organization continues finding innovative ways to capture these narratives before they're lost forever.

Want to be part of preserving North Dakota's western heritage? Visit the Hall of Fame in Medora, attend an event, or consider supporting their expansion project through membership or donation. Every contribution helps ensure these powerful stories will inspire generations to come.

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Contact the team at Pifer's