Why Ranch & Farm Auctions Is Different From Other Auction Houses
Some might think all auction houses are the same. That couldn’t be further from the truth, though. One size doesn’t fit all, at least not when it comes to auction houses. They aren’t all made the same. Here’s why Ranch & Farm Auctions is different from other auction companies.
Editor’s Note: This is not financial, investment, legal, or real estate advice. Consult with a financial planner, investment specialist, real estate lawyer, and real estate professional before buying or selling land at auction. Contact Ranch & Farms Auctions for a consultation regarding your potential auction.
About Cody Lowderman
Cody Lowderman born and raised in Macomb, Illinois. He’s a lifelong resident there, and he grew up on a cattle operation. His dad and older brothers were involved in the family auction business, including estates, real estate, machinery, cattle, etc. He was very active in cattle growing up and still is.
After college, he took to the auction business. He wasn't really sure what he was going to do. But he got a degree and realized the auction deal wasn’t so bad after all. So, he dug into that and started on a local level with his family. He’s always had a passion for cattle and got into selling cattle. He had an opportunity to work for some firms in real estate and land auctions. That snowballed and turned into a great thing for me. Obviously, it led to where he is today with Ranch & Farm Auctions and Whitetail Properties.
Ranch & Farm (R&F): How did Ranch & Farm Auctions get its start?
Cody Lowderman (CL): Ranch & Farm Auctions is a division of Whitetail Properties. It was founded because they saw the need for their clients, and potential clients, who might want the option to go to auction.
R&F: Why do certain lands do so well at auction?
CL: The majority of what I would call good income-producing farms with class A soils and tillable ground is usually sold via the auction method. They saw that opportunity. Not to mention the recreational side of things as well. When there are multiple parties, and multiple interests, auctions should be a first priority — not a last priority. With an auction, there's never a ceiling. There's not a pre-established price, so to speak.
R&F: How much expertise and experience does Ranch & Farm Auctions have?
CL: The founding members of Whitetail Properties have been in the land business a long time. They have the touch, and boots on the ground for a number of years. They've grown tremendously. All these agents across the nation in different territories all have the same values. They’re rooted in core concepts. It's hard to beat or compare when you're talking about their firm and team.
R&F: Does Ranch & Farm Auctions operate within a certain niche?
CL: From an agriculture perspective, the outdoors is a word that comes to my mind. When you think of outdoors, and you think of land, I think you should think of Ranch & Farm Auctions and Whitetail Properties.
R&F: How does Ranch & Farm Auctions display professionalism and transparency?
CL: I think it starts from a seller aspect. As soon as they initiate the contact, and if they want to move forward with an auction sale, the respective agents, the office, and the auction staff (auctioneers and ring men), expect and display transparency. From consultations to marketing to expectations for price-point perspective and more — transparency is No. 1.
From the buyer perspective, potential buyers and bidders might reach out to those listing agents. Obviously, they have the core trusted values and principles that the company stands for. They use those as they work through the process and auction day. From an auction staff standpoint, I always try to make clear that we want to be transparent with folks. Any questions whatsoever — we want to make sure those are all answered and everybody's on the same page. We want to have a comfort level or zone and feel comfortable bidding on the property. It’s their choice.
R&F: How does Ranch & Farm Auctions’ vast client network benefit buyers and sellers?
CL: A huge amount. My talks with people around the countryside — that's one of the things I bring to the forefront or mention more times than not. It’s the database, marketing, and buyer pool that Ranch & Farm Auctions brings to the table. There again, you'd be hard-pressed to find a company that has the reach that Ranch & Farm Auctions offers.
R&F: What marketing tools does Ranch & Farm Auctions provide?
CL: They bring that grassroots common sense approach right to you. But, you know, they market on the regional, state, and national levels. It all incorporates back to the database, including buyer database, that they have available.
R&F: What makes day-of-sale auction execution different with Ranch & Farm Auctions?
CL: I think transparency, which we mentioned earlier, is key for both sides of the aisle. From a buyer standpoint, you know, it's clean and simple; it's cut and dry; and everybody's on the same playing field. When you leave that day, you know you're in the ball game or you're out of the ball game.
From a seller’s perspective, it’s the same thing. You know those agents and auction staff are working on your behalf. And you know where you stand at the end of the day as well. As far as getting that property moved on to a new owner, and getting funds put in your pocket, Ranch & Farm Auctions helps accomplish that.
R&F: What bidding options does Ranch & Farm Auctions provide?
CL: As for different bidding options and platforms, we still firmly believe in the live auction method of marketing. Having a venue, and being at that venue on site with a live auctioneer and live bidding, is significantly impactful. We incorporate live online bidding simultaneously. So, if you're not comfortable coming to that auction, or if you’re not able to, you can still bid from the comfort of your home office, or wherever you might be.
You can even bid on the phone. There have been several times that auction staff has been on the phone with a pre-approved bidder. Again, that’s available if you can’t be there or can't bid online.
We also offer absentee bidding for those folks who cannot be there, cannot be online, or can’t bid on the telephone. Or maybe they’d just rather somebody else handle those bids at their discretion. Obviously, that's handled confidentially in the buyer’s best interest.
R&F: What’s one example of how Ranch & Farm Auctions offers convenience?
CL: I think, the ability to come in and take something off the seller’s plate is what comes to my mind. It starts with the in-house and auction staff, especially that agent and the seller. Then, it goes to the in-house staff for marketing and advertising. So, the seller doesn't have much to worry about. Obviously, everybody's different, but they can feel confident, and have peace and rest, knowing that our team is going to take it from the starting point to the finish line. We’re going to handle everything in-between in a smooth, efficient, and professional manner.
R&F: What’s one story about Ranch & Farm Auctions operations you’re proud to tell?
CL: I don't know that I can just pinpoint one. I like the fact that, when you do business with Ranch & Farm Auctions, you're doing business with good, honest folks. Things are going to be done right. We’ll have “i’s” dotted and “t’s” crossed. We're going to do everything in our power to market and execute that auction sale to the best of our ability for that client or seller.
R&F: Why should buyers and sellers work with Ranch & Farm Auctions?
CL: It all goes back to honesty and transparency. You know where you stand. From the seller’s perspective, you know you are going to get the effort, work, and diligence. From a buyer’s perspective, you're going to get an open, honest, transparent auction.
For landowners looking to sell at auction, contact Ranch & Farm Auctions. We can answer questions and help with your auctioneering needs. For buyers hoping to purchase land, check out some of the upcoming Ranch & Farm Auctions events near you.
Published on 2025-10-24