RACINE, Wis., Jul 18, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Maple Leaf Farms, which closed its Racine facility earlier in 2008, will sell the 802 acres previously used for duck production at auction on Wednesday, Aug. 13, with Schrader Real Estate & Auction Company, Columbia City, Ind., managing the sale.
While the properties being sold include the processing plant, poultry buildings and other facilities, company officials doubt the property will be used as a poultry plant again in the future.
"The factors that led us to close the duck farm and processing facility haven't changed, so we will sell the land in 20 tracts to allow buyers to purchase just what suits their needs. More than half of the land is excellent tillable farmland, and there are several sites for building and some nice areas for hunting," said Scott Tucker, co-president of Maple Leaf Farms.
Selling in multiple tracts provides more flexibility for buyers while making the land accessible to a wider pool of potential buyers, according to R.D. Schrader, vice president of Schrader Auction Company.
"The processing plant and poultry buildings have been maintained and can still be used for poultry growing and processing, but we won't be surprised if buyers are more interested in conversion to other uses," said Schrader.
Tracts range in size from approximately five acres to more than 132 acres. The property is located at three different sites in the Racine area.
The tillable farm land is expected to draw substantial interest because of surging demand for agricultural land, according to Schrader. "Between record exports and high demand for fuel grains, agricultural profits are strong, and there is growing demand for good tillable land," he said.
Individuals interested in more information about the land and auction may call Schrader Auction at 800.451.2709 or visit the company's web site at
www.schraderauction.com.
Schrader Auction Company is the nation's leading auctioneer of agricultural, recreational, development and other types of land throughout the United States. Maple Leaf Farms Inc. is America's leading provider of quality duck products, supplying retail and food service markets throughout the world with innovative, value-added foods.
