How Much Value Does Tile Add to My Farm?
Nick Hopp
Iowa Land Specialist
Tile drainage has become a key investment for farm fields across the Midwest, particularly after harvest and before the frost sets in. Operators often use this time to complete tile work, recognizing the increasing value of well-tiled land. Many are upgrading fields previously tiled with wider spacings of 60 to 90 feet by adding additional drainage. Today, we’re seeing new tile lines added at tighter spacings, such as 45 feet or even narrower, improving the farm’s overall drainage and productivity.
However, when it comes time to sell the property, farm owners often struggle with how to properly value the tile drainage systems already installed on the land. As mentioned, each farm is unique, and the spacing will vary depending on the needs of the operator or investor. A general guideline is that land with pattern tile drainage can add between $800 and $1,200 per tiled acre.
If you’re selling land with a tiled drainage system, the best way to maximize its value is to provide documentation of the work done. Keeping receipts for tile installation projects can be a huge benefit. If a previous tenant installed the tile work or you inherited the property, you can still track down this information.. A local tile company can conduct a tile locate, often at a relatively low cost, and generate maps of the drainage system. These steps have been successfully completed by specialists, such as High Point Land Specialists, to ensure the tile value is accurately represented.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to highlight any tile drainage improvements when selling your property.
For buyers, investing in tile drainage on a new farm is often one of the smartest decisions they
can make, whether they are operators or investors. Proper drainage improves crop yields and
makes the land more valuable in the long run.
Do you want to learn more?
If you’re selling land with tile drainage or thinking about adding tile to your property, reach out tolocal High Point Land Company agent. For more questions regarding land real estate, visit our YouTube Knowledge Center!
With seven years of full-time experience as a land specialist in Iowa and South Dakota, Nick Hopp has distinguished himself as a leading expert in the field. Nick has successfully facilitated the sale of thousands of acres, setting numerous township and county records through his adept use of proven auction and real estate strategies. If you are interested in selling your farmland, call Nick at 319-240-6121 or email him at nick@highpointlandcompany.com