Our History

A New Name. Nearly Fifty Years of Experience.

Growthland is one of Iowa’s most experienced agricultural real estate, appraisal, and farm management firms, even if the unified name is newer than the people behind it. Growthland brings together four legacy Iowa firms whose roots reach back to 1977: Wearda Farm Management (est. 1977), the original Growthland companies founded by the Dodgen family in Humboldt (incorporated 1977), Mid-States Farm Management (est. 1986), and Agri-Management Services (est. 1990). Each built its reputation over decades of serving farm families in its own corner of the state. In 2021 they came together under one name, a name that has served Iowa landowners for nearly 50 years.

Headquartered in Marion, Iowa, with offices in Hampton, Humboldt, and Ottumwa, Growthland specializes in agricultural real estate and business brokerage, farm and swine property management, appraisals, and advisory services. Our team averages more than 30 years of industry experience per agent, and our depth in livestock and complex agricultural transactions has taken our work across the United States.

Growthland by the Numbers

• Roots to 1977 through four legacy Iowa firms
• 700+ appraisals completed every year, totaling more than $1 billion in appraised value annually
• Tens of millions of dollars in agricultural real estate brokered every year
• 30,000+ acres of farmland and 65+ swine finishing sites under management
• Brokerage licensed in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska
• Four Iowa offices: Marion (headquarters), Hampton, Humboldt, and Ottumwa
• Agents averaging more than 30 years of industry experience

Our Story

1977	Two of our legacy firms begin: Charlie Wearda founds Wearda Farm Management in Hampton, and the Dodgen family incorporates the original Growthland companies in Humboldt.
1982	Dave Dodgen’s Growthland Ag Realty builds its statewide specialty in the appraisal, valuation, and brokerage of livestock production facilities.
1986	Mid-States Farm Management is founded by Darrell Limkeman, serving Southeast Iowa from Ottumwa.
1990	Dick Isaacson, in the industry since 1977, founds Agri-Management Services in Marion, Iowa, growing it from a one-man shop to serve more than 50 clients across six states.
2008	Maurie Cashman founds Aspen Grove Investments in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
2013	Ben Isaacson joins Agri-Management Services, bringing swine-industry experience to the family firm.
2016	Agri-Management Farm Services, LLC is formed as Ben Isaacson and Aspen Grove Investments become part-owners alongside Dick Isaacson.
2019	Aspen Grove Investments merges with Agri-Management Services, and the combined firm purchases Growthland Ag Realty from Dave Dodgen, adding the Humboldt office, and the Growthland name, to the family.
2020	Wearda Farm Management transitions its farm-management business to the firm after 43 years serving North-Central Iowa.
2021	Mid-States Farm Management is acquired from Darrell Limkeman, extending the footprint into Southeast Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois via the Ottumwa office. In October, the firm announces it will consolidate under one name: Growthland.
2022	The Growthland name takes effect across the company; a new Hampton office opens in 2023, bringing the firm to four Iowa locations.
Today	One team, four offices, licensed in five states, carrying forward nearly 50 years of heritage serving Midwest landowners.

Many of our clients are at a transition point in their life or business: growth, transition within a family, acquiring additional assets, managing assets, or selling assets to move on in life. Whatever the situation, our goal is the same: use our knowledge to create value for our clients.

Learn more about our services on our About Us page, meet the people behind the work on Our Team, or call our Marion office at (319) 377-1143.