I am familiar with the circumstances of that sale. 80 between two big landholders,with a ton of equity in their existing land, both wanted it, only chance in a generation to acquire it, both have lots of cash, and a low dollar cash basis in their existing property. So for instance if you paid $500.00 per acre for your ground avg. eons ago, and a whole lot did, you add a mere 80acres, even at that exhorbitant price it doesn't add much, spread out over 2500 or more, other acres. As far as manure spreading, any new enterprise for confinement livestock must control permanent access via deed or deeded easement to spread manure on enough property to dispose of it safely. Iowa has an exemption for hog confinement under a certain number of head. Contrary to the conjecture voiced earlier, manure spread had nothing to do with this purchase. Just optimistic farmers with a lot of cash and a big balance seets who would rather own the ground than have the cash in the bank. Sales in excess of 7500.00 per acre are common in that area, even on tracts of 160@ and up. Most are sold to neighbors with no auction or public marketing. I'd lot rather be a seller than a buyer at those levels, my sense tells me I'll be able to buy it back cheaper in my lifetime.