Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Farm Management & Real Estate Services in Spencer, IA
Founded in 1960, Cotton-Grave Farm Management has established itself as a premier provider of farm management, real estate, and appraisal services across Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. With over six decades of dedicated service, we have cultivated a reputation for excellence rooted in integrity, personalized attention, and a deep understanding of agricultural land and its unique challenges and opportunities. Our team, comprising seasoned professionals with extensive industry knowledge, specializes in tailored solutions that empower landowners to make informed, strategic decisions regarding their farm investments. Backed by a combined 125 years of experience, we offer comprehensive farm management services, including tenant selection, lease negotiations, crop share and cash rent management, and financial reporting, ensuring optimal returns and long-term sustainability. Our real estate division expertly facilitates the buying and selling of farmland, leveraging in-depth market insights and a robust network to connect clients with prime agricultural properties. As certified appraisers, we deliver precise valuations grounded in rigorous analysis of market trends, soil quality, productivity, and recent land sales, equipping clients with the data needed for confident decision-making.A testament to our commitment to quality and trustworthiness is our remarkable 98% client retention rate, reflecting the enduring relationships we've built through unwavering dedication to our clients' success. We pride ourselves on transparency, ethical practices, and a client-centric approach that prioritizes your goals and legacy. Our leadership team, including industry-recognized experts like John Cotton, Gary Grave, Mike Koenecke, and Brent Swart, brings not only professional excellence but also a personal connection to agriculture, evidenced by their multi-generational farming backgrounds and active community involvement. This blend of expertise and genuine passion for agriculture positions us uniquely to serve as your trusted partner in preserving and enhancing your farm legacy. Whether you are a multi-generational family farm or a first-time land investor, Cotton-Grave Farm Management stands ready to provide the personalized guidance and professional stewardship you deserve. Through continuous innovation and adherence to the highest standards of service, we remain committed to exceeding expectations and contributing to the prosperity of the agricultural communities we serve.
Services
Farm Management
Real Estate Sales
Land Appraisals
Tenant Selection
Crop Share Management
Cash Rent Management
Land Auctions
Estate Planning Appraisals
Investment Consulting
Financial Reporting
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- We have over 65 years of experience in farm management and real estate.
- Our team has 125 years of combined industry expertise.
- We offer personalized service tailored to each client's needs.
- Our company is a leader in agricultural land appraisals.
- We serve landowners across Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.
What people say
Trusted partner
Expert guidance
Personalized service
Sound agricultural practices
Long-term success
Services
Farm Management
Our farm management services include tenant selection, lease negotiations, crop share and cash rent management, and financial reporting. We ensure optimal returns and sustainability by leveraging decades of industry expertise and localized market knowledge. Clients benefit from transparent communication and tailored strategies designed to align with their unique agricultural goals.
Real Estate Sales
We facilitate farmland transactions through private treaty, public auction, or 1031 exchange, using in-depth soil analysis and productivity projections. Our team connects buyers and sellers with prime agricultural properties across three states. Clients gain confidence through data-driven insights and seamless transaction support.
Land Appraisals
Professional appraisals consider market trends, soil quality, productivity, and recent land sales to determine accurate valuations. These assessments support estate planning, investment decisions, and financial reporting. Clients receive detailed reports that comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Crop Share Management
We monitor and report on crop planning, inputs, yields, and financials for sharecropping arrangements. Our process includes mid-year updates and year-end summaries to ensure transparency. Landowners gain peace of mind knowing their operations are managed with accountability and expertise.
Financial Reporting
We handle bill payments, tax filings, insurance management, and mid-year/year-end financial summaries. Our systems ensure accurate record-keeping for tax preparation and decision-making. Clients receive organized, timely reports that simplify farm financial oversight.
People
John Cotton
Owner/Farm Manager
John Cotton, with 60 years in farm management, is a licensed broker and former bank director. He holds leadership awards and community service honors, including Iowa State University's Agri-Business Award.
Gary Grave
Owner/Farm Manager
Gary Grave, a licensed broker in three states, brings 35 years of appraisal experience. He served on agricultural boards and held leadership roles in Kiwanis and YMCA organizations.
Mike Koenecke
Owner/Farm Manager
Mike Koenecke, from a six-generation Iowa farm family, has 20+ years in agronomy. He contributes to local nonprofits and community boards while managing farmland operations.
Brent Swart
Owner/Farm Manager
Brent Swart, a fifth-generation farmer, holds a Master's in agronomy. He leads soybean associations, serves on bank boards, and combines academic expertise with hands-on farming experience.
Questions
What services does Cotton Grave provide?
We specialize in farm management, real estate sales, and land appraisals across Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.
How do you determine the value of my farm?
Our appraisals consider market trends, soil quality, productivity, and recent land sales for accurate valuations.
Why choose Cotton Grave over other firms?
With 65 years of experience and 98% client retention, we offer personalized service and regional expertise.
Can you help with buying or selling farmland?
Yes, our team assists with farm transactions from private sales to auctions and 1031 exchanges.
How do I start working with Cotton Grave?
Contact us for a consultation to create a customized plan for managing, buying, or selling your farmland.
Reviews (3)
Barbara Van Ness
Oct 12, 2020
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For three generations Cotton and Grave Farm Management & Realty has managed five farms that belong to our family. Our Grandfather, Joy Dolvin, asked John Cotton to manage four of these farms back in the mid-1980s; the fifth farm was acquired later. John has been our main contact over the years. He has chosen outstanding people to whom to rent the farms. Time has always been taken by him to explain things to us and answer our questions, no matter how big or small. When recommending improvements on the land, such as tiling, the advantages are clearly explained but the final decision always left
Randall Tuttle
Aug 25, 2020
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My experience selling several land parcels through Cotton-Grave and Mike Koenecke was excellent. I was thoroughly appraised of all activities during the process, from listing, opportunities, and through all the processing of the sales. I always received good suggestions and advise and was very comfortable during the process. I highly recommend them.
Randy Tuttle
Randy Tuttle
Ken & Lori Smith
Jun 12, 2020
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I have rented land from Cotton Grave Farm Management for 43 years. Their standard of integrity is without question. Ive always appreciated the transparent communication with management decisions related to the farm. Mike is a solid addition to the firm. Cotton Grave brings tenure along with a future in succession, ag technology, and sound professionalism.
