Franklin Co IL 317.16± Acres In 6 Tracts

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Auction Date:  12/09/26        Auction Time: 11:00 AM CT

Auction Held At: American Legion, 311 S Main St, Benton, IL 62812

Entire Farm Description:

Located in Franklin County, Illinois, just 3 miles from Thompsonville and 8 miles from Benton, this 317.16± acre surveyed farm offers an excellent combination of tillable acreage, agricultural income potential, and outstanding whitetail and turkey hunting. With 229± acres of tillable ground and a diverse mix of mature timber, thick bedding cover, and natural travel corridors, this property offers a great opportunity for both the farmland investor and the serious hunter looking for a large, well-rounded recreational farm.

The 229± acres of tillable ground have a strong five-year production history for the area, providing buyers with a proven agricultural component and the opportunity for continued farm income. The balance of the acreage consists of a diverse mix of habitat, ranging from thick, heavy cover that provides excellent bedding and security for wildlife to large, mature timber that offers natural travel routes throughout the property. This combination of productive farmland and quality timber creates an excellent environment for holding and attracting deer and turkeys throughout the year.

From a hunting standpoint, this farm really stands out. The layout of the tillable fields, timber, and heavy cover creates multiple natural pinch points and travel corridors that should provide excellent opportunities to intercept mature bucks as they move between bedding and feeding areas. During my walkthrough of the property, I observed an impressive amount of deer sign, including numerous rubs and scrapes throughout the timber and field edges. There is clearly a strong presence of whitetails on this farm, along with an above-average population of turkeys and other wildlife. A creek running through the property and a stocked pond provide additional water sources, adding to the overall quality of the habitat.

Another important feature is the ability to access and hunt different portions of the property under a variety of wind conditions. Multiple access points, along with numerous potential stand locations, give hunters the opportunity to adjust their approach depending on wind direction and deer movement. For a serious hunter, this is a major advantage when trying to consistently hunt a property without putting unnecessary pressure on the deer. The size and layout of this farm also provide opportunities for multiple hunters to enjoy different areas of the property.

With road frontage, convenient access to nearby communities, proven agricultural production, and excellent hunting habitat, this 317.16± acre farm offers a combination that should appeal to farmland investors, hunters, and buyers looking for both income and recreation. Properties of this size with this much habitat diversity and tillable acreage are worth a serious look.

Additional Purchase Opportunity: A very solid older farmhouse is also available for purchase separately, outside of the auction. This could provide an excellent opportunity for a buyer looking for a hunting camp, weekend getaway, or a place to stay while enjoying the farm. Contact Josh Malone, listing agent, for additional information regarding the home and its availability.

• 317.16± surveyed acres in Franklin County, Illinois
• 229± acres of tillable ground
• Strong five-year agricultural production history for the area
• Excellent combination of farm income and recreational opportunities
• Outstanding whitetail deer hunting potential
• Above-average turkey population
• Multiple natural pinch points and deer travel corridors
• Extensive deer sign, including numerous rubs and scrapes observed during my walkthrough
• Diverse habitat ranging from thick bedding and security cover to large, mature timber
• Excellent transition areas between agricultural fields and timber
• Multiple access points for hunting different wind directions
• Numerous potential stand locations throughout the property
• Property layout allows multiple hunters to hunt separate areas
• Creek providing a natural water source for wildlife
• Stocked pond offering additional fishing and recreational opportunities
• Abundant deer, turkey, and other wildlife
• Road frontage providing convenient property access
• Located just 3 miles from Thompsonville and 8 miles from Benton
• Excellent opportunity for farmland investors and serious hunters
• Additional purchase opportunity: Solid older farmhouse available separately, outside of the auction; not included in the 317.16± acre offering

Tract 1 Description: 116.8938± Acres

Located in Franklin County, Illinois, this tract offers an excellent opportunity for the serious whitetail hunter looking for a property with the natural features that can make a difference when pursuing mature bucks. The combination of timber, thick cover, agricultural ground, and natural terrain features creates multiple pinch points and established travel corridors that should provide excellent opportunities throughout the hunting season.

One of the biggest advantages of this tract is the way the habitat naturally directs deer movement. The transition areas between heavy cover, mature timber, and agricultural fields create natural funnels that hunters can take advantage of when bucks are traveling between bedding and feeding areas. A creek and pond provide valuable water sources, adding another important element to the property's overall habitat. These features, combined with the available cover, make this a tract worth serious consideration for anyone looking to improve their hunting opportunities.

During my walkthrough of the farm, I observed an impressive amount of deer sign, including numerous rubs and scrapes throughout the timber and field edges. The property also supports an above-average turkey population, adding to its recreational appeal.

With agricultural acreage providing additional income potential, this tract offers a good combination of hunting, habitat diversity, and investment opportunity. Whether purchased individually or combined with adjoining auction tracts, the natural travel corridors, pinch points, and water sources make this an attractive piece of Franklin County hunting ground.

Tract #: 1

Deeded Acres: 116.8938±

FSA Farmland Acres: 94±

Soil Types: Belknap silt loam, Hickory clay loam 

Soil PI/NCCPI/CSR2: 97.69

CRP Acres/Payment: 0

Taxes: TBD; current taxes of $3072 include the house 

Lease Status: Open Tenancy for 2027 crop year

Possession: Immediate possession subject to current tenant’s rights for 2026

Survey: No survey needed

Brief Legal: In the NW ¼ S18, T7S, R4E 

PIDs: 1318100002

Lat/Lon: 37.9215, -88.8111

Zip Code: 62890

Tract 2 Description: 28.7339± acres

Located in Franklin County, Illinois, this tract offers a combination of tillable acreage and recreational opportunities that should appeal to both hunters and land investors. While agricultural ground makes up a larger portion of this tract, the surrounding habitat and proximity to quality deer cover create opportunities that extend well beyond farming.

The tillable acreage provides an opportunity for agricultural income, with the overall farm having a strong five-year production history for the area. The combination of income potential and recreational value is what makes this tract attractive.

From a hunting standpoint, the agricultural fields can play an important role in deer movement, particularly during the early and late portions of the season when food sources become increasingly important. The relationship between the open ground and surrounding timber creates opportunities to establish stand locations and take advantage of deer traveling between feeding and bedding areas.

For buyers looking for a property that offers both recreational use and agricultural income potential, this tract deserves consideration. It could also be an excellent addition to adjoining auction tracts, providing additional acreage and flexibility for hunting and land management.

Tract #: 2

Deeded Acres: 28.7339±

FSA Farmland Acres: 26±

Soil Types: Ava silt loam, Pike silt loam 

Soil PI/NCCPI/CSR2: 97.54

CRP Acres/Payment: 0

Taxes: $662.4

Lease Status: Open Tenancy for 2027 crop year

Possession: Immediate possession subject to current tenant's rights for 2026

Survey Needed?: No survey needed

Brief Legal: In the SW1/4 S7 T7S R4E 

PIDs: 1307300004

Lat/Lon: 37.9218, -88.8093

Zip Code:             62890

Tract 3 Description: 40.4698± acres

This Franklin County, Illinois tract offers buyers an opportunity to own a piece of Southern Illinois farmland with both agricultural and recreational potential. With a larger percentage of tillable acreage, this tract provides an income-producing component while still offering the benefits of being located in an area with an abundance of whitetail deer and turkeys.

The tillable ground has been part of a larger farming operation with a strong five-year production history for the area. The agricultural acreage is an important feature, particularly for buyers who appreciate the opportunity to generate income from land they can also enjoy recreationally.

For the hunter, agricultural fields are an important part of a property's overall habitat. Food sources and the movement of deer between agricultural ground and surrounding cover can create excellent opportunities, especially when hunting pressure and wind direction are properly considered. Buyers looking to further develop the recreational side of this tract may also appreciate the flexibility that comes with owning a combination of open ground and surrounding wildlife habitat.

Whether purchased as a standalone property or combined with additional auction tracts, this farm offers an opportunity to invest in land while enjoying the deer and turkey hunting that Franklin County is known for.

Tract #: 3

Deeded Acres: 40.4698±

FSA Farmland Acres: 30±

Soil Types: Ava silt loam, Pike silt loam

Soil PI/NCCPI/CSR2: 98.6

CRP Acres/Payment: 0

Taxes: $836.8 estimated (split parcel with tract 4) 

Lease Status: Open Tenancy for 2027 crop year

Possession: Immediate possession subject to current tenant’s rights for 2026

Survey Needed?: No survey needed

Brief Legal: SW1/4 SE1/4 S7 T7S R4E 

PIDs: Part of 1307400003

Lat/Lon: 37.9218, -88.8061

Zip Code: 62890

Tract 4 Description: 50.553± acres

Located in Franklin County, Illinois, this tract offers a good combination of agricultural acreage and whitetail hunting potential. With a substantial portion of the property consisting of tillable ground, buyers have an opportunity to continue agricultural production while taking advantage of the recreational opportunities associated with the surrounding wildlife habitat.

The agricultural acreage has been part of a larger farm with strong five-year production records for the area. Although the soils are lighter, the property offers value beyond its farming capabilities. For the buyer who enjoys hunting, the agricultural component can serve as an important food source for deer and turkeys, creating opportunities to capitalize on wildlife movement throughout the season.

One of the benefits of owning a tract like this is the flexibility it offers. Buyers can continue utilizing the tillable acreage for agricultural income while considering ways to enhance the property's recreational potential. The combination of food sources, nearby cover, and the abundance of wildlife in the area makes this an attractive option for someone wanting both income and hunting opportunities.

This tract would make a good standalone investment or could be combined with adjoining auction tracts to create a larger hunting and agricultural property with additional management opportunities

Tract #: 4

Deeded Acres: 50.553±

FSA Farmland Acres: 41.75±

Soil Types: Ava silt loam, Pike silt loam

Soil PI/NCCPI/CSR2: 90.9

CRP Acres/Payment: 0

Taxes: $1046 estimated (split with tract 3) 

Lease Status: Open Tenancy for 2027 crop year

Possession: Immediate possession subject to current tenant's rights for 2026

Survey Needed?: No survey needed

Brief Legal: In the SE1/4 S7 T7S R4E 

PIDs: Part of 1307400003

Lat/Lon: 37.9218, -88.8013

Zip Code: 62890

Tract 5 Description: 40.2543± acres

Located in Franklin County, Illinois, this tract really stands out from a deer hunting standpoint. The combination of timber, heavy cover, and agricultural ground creates the type of habitat diversity that serious whitetail hunters look for. With natural transitions between bedding and feeding areas, this property offers multiple opportunities to take advantage of deer movement throughout the hunting season.

One of the features that makes this tract attractive is the way the different habitat types come together. Thick cover provides security and bedding opportunities, while the timber and agricultural fields create natural areas of deer movement. These transitions can be especially productive during the rut when mature bucks are covering ground in search of does.

During my walkthrough of the larger farm, I observed an impressive amount of deer sign, including numerous rubs and scrapes throughout the timber and along field edges. The abundance of deer activity, combined with the natural layout of the habitat, makes this a tract I believe has excellent hunting potential. The property also benefits from the strong turkey population found throughout the farm.

For buyers looking for a hunting property with the opportunity for agricultural income, this tract offers a combination worth considering. It also provides an opportunity to combine additional acreage from adjoining auction tracts to create a larger, more diverse hunting property.

Tract #: 5

Deeded Acres: 40.2543±

FSA Farmland Acres: 22.5± 

Soil Types: Ava silt loam, Hickory clay loam 

Soil PI/NCCPI/CSR2: 85.6

CRP Acres/Payment: 0

Taxes: $595.96

Lease Status: Open Tenancy for 2027 crop year

Possession: Immediate possession subject to current tenant's rights for 2026

Survey Needed?: No survey needed

Brief Legal: SW1/4 SW1/4 S8 T7S R4E

PIDs: Part 1308300001

Lat/Lon: 37.9236, -88.7988

Zip Code: 62890

Tract 6 Description: 40.2543± acres

This Franklin County, Illinois tract offers an excellent opportunity for buyers looking for a property with strong whitetail hunting potential and a good mix of wildlife habitat. The combination of timber, thick security cover, and nearby agricultural ground creates an environment that should appeal to hunters interested in pursuing mature bucks.

What makes this tract particularly attractive is how well the habitat lends itself to deer hunting. The relationship between bedding cover, timber, and food sources creates opportunities to identify deer travel patterns and establish productive stand locations. Having the ability to hunt these transitions while considering wind direction and access is an important part of consistently hunting mature deer.

The larger farm showed an impressive amount of deer activity during my walkthrough, with numerous rubs and scrapes observed throughout the timber and field edges. Along with the strong whitetail presence, the area supports an above-average population of wild turkeys, providing additional hunting opportunities.

This tract offers the opportunity to own a quality piece of Southern Illinois hunting ground with agricultural income potential. Whether purchased individually or combined with adjoining auction tracts, the habitat diversity and hunting setup make this a property that deserves a serious look.

Tract #: 6

Deeded Acres: 40.2543±

FSA Farmland Acres: 24.5±

Soil Types: Ava silt loam, Hickory clay loam 

Soil PI/NCCPI/CSR2: 85.6

CRP Acres/Payment: 0

Taxes: $595.96

Lease Status: Open Tenancy for 2027 crop year

Possession: Immediate possession subject to current tenant's rights for 2026

Survey Needed?: No survey needed

Brief Legal: NW1/4 SW1/4 S8 T7S R4E

PIDs: Part 1308300001

Lat/Lon: 37.9267, -88.7988

Zip Code: 62890