Local ag land values are up

Fawn River Township officials were recently informed the value of agriculture land is climbing steadily.

Assessor Dale Hutson shared with township officials at their December meeting the average selling price of farmland in other area townships.

He said property in Leonidas Township has topped $8,600 per acre, $8,000 an acre in Mendon Township and about $7,500 an acre in other areas around the county.

Though he declined to state the size of property, Hutson said in Fawn River, one sale was recorded for $1.3 million.

Hutson said many sales are by investors not from Michigan. He said the ability to irrigate land in St. Joseph County enhances the value of its farmland.