Most of Polk County was blessed and missed the worst of Hurricane Ian. Sadly, our neighbors to the south are going to be rebuilding for many years. It is a horrible scene, but such a blessing to see so much cooperation from across the nation. This is America at its best, neighbors helping neighbors. We continue to pray for our country to receive the aid needed to rebuild.
As a nation, we have been suffering from a different but deadly storm for the past year.
Inasmuch as November is the next election, that will determine whether we will continue down this path of total destruction or get back in control of this runaway train. I pray everyone will evaluate the situation and pull the right lever in the voting booth.
The market on farmland is holding and going up in price. It’s actually far above what any agricultural use will return in seasonal production. At the bottom of the buying surge are foreign buyers who, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal, own 37.6% of our farmland. China owns about 1% of that. Supply and demand make the market, that’s something Biden is not aware of. Unfortunately, this is not mountains and deserts but our best agricultural land.
Billionaires such as Bill Gates and others are not interested in immediate income return. They are interested in the control of resources. Much of the land in the south, and especially in Florida, is being influenced by the huge move from northeastern neighbors. They are coming south for better and safer living conditions.
The auction industry is playing a big part in the evaluation of these sales as most of the agricultural land across mid-America is being sold at auction. The owners are using the auction method of accelerated marketing. It is an educated choice because it’s bringing better prices than any other form of sale.
We are also seeing an increase in the value of antiques and collectibles, which was depressed by as much as 50% over the past 10 years. However, like everything else, it is starting to cycle back to previous prices.
Gun sales are terrific with prices on collectible guns up a strong 30% this year. Modern and
new automatic rifles are leveling off and down some due to all the similar new products coming out of the far East.
Our next firearm and ammunition auction will be next January. Don’t wait till the last minute to let us know if you have something you want to sell so we can market it to the masses.
See you at the auction.
This column is sponsored by Higgenbotham Auctioneers International, Ltd., and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.
BIO: Marty Higgenbotham, founder and president of Higgenbotham Auctioneers International, Ltd., has conducted approximately 12,000 auctions, selling everything from cemetery lots to shopping centers. He graduated from Reisch Auction College in 1959. Since then, he has sold in 49 states and five foreign countries. Clients include Wal-Mart, AutoZone, HUD, and the states of Kansas, Missouri, Texas, and Florida.
