This 161-acre +/- Randolph County farm offers a combination that I believe will appeal to both the land investor and the recreational buyer. Approximately 98 acres, or about 60% of the property, are currently considered tillable, providing an agricultural income component while the remaining acreage consists primarily of hardwood timber, creek bottom, trails and wildlife habitat. A deeded easement road provides access to the property, creating a more secluded setting once you arrive at the farm.

Of the approximately 98 tillable acres, roughly 14 acres are currently enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, with approximately 84 acres being farmed in a corn and soybean rotation. This mixture of active cropland and CRP provides income while also contributing to the recreational character of the property. The transition areas where the crop fields, CRP and hardwood timber come together create a diverse landscape with multiple habitat types in a relatively compact area.

One of the features that stood out to me is the elevation and layout of the farm. Beautiful hardwood timber follows the higher ground between portions of the crop fields and CRP acreage. From these elevated areas, there are impressive views overlooking the surrounding timber and agricultural landscape. For someone considering a future home or recreational cabin, the property offers potential building locations where you could take advantage of both the elevation and views.

From a hunting standpoint, I like the way this farm is laid out. The combination of approximately 88 acres of active cropland, CRP, hardwood timber and creek bottom provides several different habitat components for whitetail deer and wild turkey. The timbered areas connect agricultural fields and thicker cover, creating natural transition areas and potential travel corridors throughout the property.

There are also several locations within the interior of the farm that could be considered for secluded food plots. These areas are positioned away from some of the larger open agricultural fields and could provide additional food sources within or adjacent to timber and cover. For a deer hunter, having the ability to establish smaller interior plots can provide additional options when developing a hunting strategy for different times of the season and wind directions. -

An established trail system extends throughout the timber, providing access for hunting, property maintenance and recreational use. These trails also make it easier to reach different portions of the farm and appreciate the changes in terrain. The elevation, hardwood ridges, agricultural fields and lower creek ground give the property considerably more diversity than you might expect from a farm with approximately 60% tillable acreage.

Silver Creek runs along the south end of the property and adds another important feature to the landscape. The creek, timber and adjoining agricultural ground create additional edge habitat and contribute to the overall recreational value of the farm. The hardwood timber along the higher elevations between the crop fields and CRP provides both visual appeal and additional wildlife habitat while preserving a substantial agricultural component.

What I appreciate most about this Randolph County property is that you do not have to choose between productive acreage and recreational land. Approximately 63% of the farm is tillable, yet there is still a substantial timber and habitat component. The current corn and soybean rotation provides agricultural production, the CRP adds another land-use component, and the hardwood timber, Silver Creek, trails and potential food plot locations give a recreational buyer plenty to work with.

Whether your priority is agricultural income, hunting and recreation, a potential future building site, or a combination of these uses, this 161-acre +/- farm deserves a closer look. The elevated portions of the property provide beautiful views across the fields and hardwood timber, while the more secluded interior creates an entirely different feel once you leave the agricultural ground and enter the timber.