Spring in Motion: Inside Pifer’s Land Management Season
A behind-the-scenes look at field inspections, lease preparation, and protecting landowner investments
As the seasons begin to shift, so does the pace for Pifer’s Land Management team. Spring marks one of the most critical times of the year for ensuring our clients’ land is properly maintained, documented, and positioned for a successful growing season. From field inspections to lease finalization, our team is already hard at work preparing for the months ahead.
One of our primary focuses right now is gearing up for our annual spring field checks. These inspections are a cornerstone of the services we provide to landowners. Each parcel we manage receives a thorough, hands-on evaluation, allowing us to monitor conditions, identify any concerns, and provide detailed reporting back to our clients. Our goal is simple: give landowners a clear, accurate picture of what’s happening on their property.
Preparation for field checks begins well before we ever step foot in a field. Our team is currently printing inspection sheets for every parcel we oversee, which is no small task when you consider we manage hundreds of properties spanning thousands of acres. Each inspection sheet is tailored to ensure consistency and accuracy in our reporting, allowing us to track everything from crop conditions to potential maintenance needs.
At the same time, we’re making sure our equipment is ready to go. Cameras and drones are a key tool in our process, as each land manager captures thousands of photos throughout the inspection season. These images provide valuable visual documentation that complements our written reports, giving landowners an even deeper understanding of their property’s condition.
Once materials and equipment are prepared, we move into route planning. Using multiple mapping systems, like OnX and LandID, strategically organize travel schedules to efficiently cover all managed parcels. Given the wide geographic range of our portfolio, thoughtful planning is essential. Our field inspection season typically spans several months, starting in June and continuing through October, which requires both precision and flexibility.
While efficiency is important, we never rush the inspection process. Each field visit is conducted with careful attention to detail, ensuring nothing is overlooked. Our commitment is to deliver thorough, reliable insights that help landowners make informed decisions about their investments.
In addition to field preparation, our team is actively focused on lease management. This includes collecting rent on behalf of our clients and finalizing any remaining leases for the upcoming crop year. We are currently working through written bid processes on select properties, helping ensure competitive and fair rental agreements. Our objective is to have all leases secured by mid-April, providing both landowners and operators with clarity and confidence heading into the 2026 crop season and beyond.
At Pifer’s, land management is more than oversight, it’s stewardship. Every inspection, report, and lease we handle is done with the long-term success of our clients in mind. As we head into another farm season, our team remains committed to delivering the highest level of service, care, and expertise across every acre we manage.
Author’s Bio: Morgan Almer is a Land Manager at Pifer’s, overseeing properties across eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota. He specializes in managing highly productive Red River Valley cropland, bringing a strong understanding of the region’s unique agricultural landscape. Since joining Pifer’s in 2020, Morgan has played an integral role in expanding the land management portfolio while helping landowners protect, enhance, and carry forward their legacy.