One of America’s Largest Contiguous Farms for Sale in South Dakota

It’s not often that a 34,000-acre farm hits the market. Even rarer is finding one that consists of a single, massive, contiguous landholding.

That’s exactly what’s happening in central South Dakota, just outside the state capital of Pierre.

Gunsmoke Ranch contiguous acres

Gunsmoke Ranch, a sprawling dryland organic farming operation, is being offered through a sealed-bid process that runs through July 30th. According to Peoples Company President Steve Bruere, who is managing the sale, properties of this size and scale are becoming increasingly difficult to find anywhere in the country.

“There are some ranches out there where you’ll find this many acres,” Bruere said. “But to have 34,000 contiguous acres of row-crop ground is extremely rare.”

Gunsmoke Ranch listing here. 

That scale brings real operational advantages. Unlike properties made up of scattered tracts, a contiguous farm allows for more efficient management, equipment movement, and overall logistics.

But size isn’t the only thing that makes Gunsmoke Ranch stand out. The property is also a turnkey operation with a well-established tenant in place who is ready to perform from day one.

Operationally ready farm for sale in South Dakota

Bruere says Peoples Company knows the farm well. The company was brought in roughly six years ago to help run a leasing process to find a long-term tenant, and Peoples Company's land management team has been involved with the management of the farm ever since that process. 

“There is a current tenant in place, and that lease runs through the 2028 crop year,” Bruere said. “You’ve got a high-quality tenant who has been on the farm in some shape or form for more than 20 years and knows the property better than just about anybody.”

The current tenant is interested in staying on the farm longer term, if the new owner desires.

The ranch includes two highly improved farmstead sites featuring a combined one million bushels of grain storage, multiple equipment buildings, and a home that can serve as either a foreman’s residence or owner lodging. One of the sites also offers direct access to U.S. Highway 14, providing efficient grain transportation and logistics.

Bruere noted that the property's large field sizes are well suited for modern farming equipment, helping maximize efficiency across the operation.

Recreational Opportunities for South Dakota farm

Bruere said that while Gunsmoke Ranch is first and foremost a production agriculture asset, the property also offers opportunities to generate additional income through recreation.

“It’s located near Lake Oahe and the Missouri River, and it has tremendous recreational potential,” he said. “Owners have plenty of space to enjoy hunting themselves, but there’s also an opportunity to generate additional income through hunting leases.”

South Dakota has long been known as a premier hunting destination, particularly for pheasant and pronghorn hunting. The property's size and location could make it attractive for recreational leasing opportunities.

The ranch’s proximity to Pierre also adds another layer of appeal. Buyers have access to commercial air service, restaurants, lodging, and other amenities. 

Renewable energy and livestock potential of South Dakota farm

The sheer size of Gunsmoke Ranch also opens the door to future renewable energy development.

“Gunsmoke could be its own wind turbine project,” Bruere said. “There are enough acres here, and you could pursue a lease with one of the renewable energy groups that have reached out over the years.”

A transmission line runs through the northern portion of the property and south of Highway 14, providing infrastructure that could support future development. Bruere said opportunities may also exist for solar installations or participation in carbon programs.

The property's scale could also support livestock integration if future owners choose to pursue it.

Potential owner for large farm in South Dakota

So, who might be interested in a farm of this magnitude?

“We anticipate the buyer pool will largely come from the investment community,” Bruere said. “High-net-worth individuals, family offices, and other investor buyers who are looking for land investment opportunities at scale.”

The sealed-bid format gives prospective buyers time to conduct their due diligence, evaluate the property's long-term potential, and determine what they believe it is worth. When bids are opened on July 30th, one of the largest contiguous farming operations in the country could begin to have a new owner.

RELATED: South Dakota’s governor took this action last year that provided a significant roadblock for a project that some farmers hoped could transport new income potential for their operations but that some landowners contended could strip them of their constitutional rights.