Jessica Lambert

I Bought a Farm Instead of a Boat LandGuys Client Story | Every Acre Tells a Story™ I bought a farm instead of a boat—and that one choice completely changed how I spend time with my family, how I invest, and how I live. Mitch Biggs didn’t start out aiming to become a multi-state landowner. Initially, he just wanted a peaceful escape. However, what began as a personal search turned into a story of legacy, lifestyle, and lifelong relationships—thanks to the LandGuys team. Why I Bought a Farm Instead of a Boat “I was really looking for a place to get away and hunt,” Mitch recalls. “My son and I fish a couple days a week throughout the summer, and I’ll never get that time with him back. I wanted something we could do together in the winter too.” At first, the idea of buying a bigger boat seemed like the logical next step. But after thinking it through, Mitch realized he didn’t want something fleeting—he wanted something lasting. A boat offered fun for a season. Land offered purpose, investment potential, and unforgettable family time. That’s when he decided to buy a farm instead of a boat. From Boats to Backroads: A LandGuys Story Mitch first connected with Toby Stay, an experienced Illinois Land Broker with LandGuys. After selling a property in Virginia, he used a 1031 exchange to reinvest in land. At that point, Toby introduced him to Missouri-based LandGuys agent Dalton Hughes, who helped Mitch secure the right recreational property. Although the deals happened in different states with different brokers, the experience felt consistent. That seamlessness is what impressed Mitch most. "I’ve bought land before, but with them, I actually understood the potential of what I was buying," Mitch said. Through the process, Mitch came to see that LandGuys wasn’t like other brokerages. Their team didn’t just know land—they lived it. More Than a Deal: A Relationship Built Over Time Mitch has purchased land with LandGuys in both Illinois and Missouri. That repeat experience speaks to the trust he’s built with the team across state lines. “I think long term it’s a great investment,” Mitch shared. “They’re not making any more of it.” Now, years later, that connection continues. On a recent fishing trip in the Outer Banks, Mitch spent time with Jesse Stay—Toby’s son and Illinois LandGuys broker and Iowa and Missouri land agent—and his brother Tanner. They weren’t there to talk shop. They were there to fish, share stories, and spend time outdoors together. The same values that brought them together through land brought them together on the water. It’s a reminder that LandGuys brokers don’t just sell land—they live the lifestyle. And for Mitch, that makes all the difference. Legacy Over Luxury For Mitch, landownership wasn’t about adding another toy to the garage. Instead, it was about building something that would last. “There’s just something special about showing up and knowing you own that piece of ground—and it’s yours,” he said. Owning land gave Mitch something so valuable—it gave him a place where his family could grow and gather. “It’s something my family can enjoy forever,” Mitch said. “That’s what made it worth it.” Why LandGuys Was the Right Choice Mitch appreciated the consistency across locations. Despite working with multiple brokers across state lines, the brand experience never faltered. That’s because LandGuys isn’t just multi-state—it’s multi-generational. And that matters when you’re making a decision this important. Thinking About Land? Here’s Mitch’s Advice If you’re considering a big lifestyle purchase—a boat, a cabin, or a second home—Mitch’s story offers a different perspective. He was originally looking for something fun to do with his family during the winter months, and a boat was on the table. But instead, he chose land. “I almost bought a boat,” Mitch said. “But I bought a farm instead.” Looking back, he sees it as a lasting decision. “It’s something my family can enjoy forever,” he added. “There’s just something special about showing up and knowing that you own that piece of ground—and it’s yours.” Every acre tells a story™. Ready to start your own land story? Whether you're dreaming of a weekend retreat, a hunting property, or a long-term investment, our team is here to help.Contact LandGuys to take the first step.

New 2025 Iowa Land Laws Effective July 1 Own land, lease hunting ground, or work in rural Iowa real estate? New Iowa land laws take effect July 1, 2025. These changes impact how you use, access, finance, and manage land—especially if you farm, hunt, or invest. At LandGuys, we work where policy meets the property line. That’s why we’ve reviewed these new laws to help you understand what’s changing and what to watch for in your land decisions. #1 - Drone Flights Over Farmland Now Require Landowner Consent Senate File 491 creates new privacy protections for Iowa landowners by restricting unauthorized drone flights over rural farmsteads. Operators of remotely piloted aircraft are now prohibited from flying within 400 feet of farm animals, equipment, or structures located on a farmstead, unless they have the landowner’s permission. This law applies only to farmsteads located outside city limits. The property must be actively used for farming and generate at least $15,000 in annual revenue. The law also covers imagery, audio, and data collected by drones. Landowners now have legal grounds to challenge unauthorized drone use. They can also ask the court for a temporary injunction to stop repeat violations. This bill gives landowners more control over their airspace and digital property. It makes Iowa one of the most protective states for regulating drone activity over active farmland. Why This Matters for You: Drone flights are now subject to stricter rules when operating near active farmsteads in Iowa. That means real estate photographers, land managers, wildlife surveyors, and crop consultants must take extra care to stay compliant. Always get written permission from the landowner before launching a drone over farmland. This applies even if you’re only capturing video, images, or data for scouting, listings, or monitoring purposes. Violating this law can result in legal action, including court-ordered restrictions and possible penalties. This change underscores the growing importance of digital property rights in rural land use. "I think overall this bill being passed is a great peace of mind for landowners, and especially our farmers. Technology is forever advancing. This provides added protection for your herd or your equipment on the farm from curious neighbors—allowing you to defend your farm and your belongings in the airspace above too.” – Tristin Williams , Media Creator & Iowa Land Agent, LandGuys Whether you’re filming a listing, checking crop health, or surveying deer movement, respect landowner boundaries—not just on the ground, but in the air too. Read the full SF 491 bill here #2 - New Iowa Law Excludes Discount Points and Some Closing Costs from Land Loan APR Calculations Senate File 398 changes how Iowa classifies closing costs on land loans. Previously, certain fees were considered “finance charges” under Iowa’s consumer credit laws, which could raise the disclosed APR. Now, many of those charges—including discount points used to lower the interest rate—are excluded from finance charge calculations. This change applies only to consumer loans secured by land that are originated by mortgage bankers licensed or registered under Iowa Code chapter 535B. Additionally, total points, fees, and APR must stay within limits set by federal regulations under 12 C.F.R. §1026.43(e). As a result, APR disclosures on eligible land loans may appear more favorable, even though the actual dollar amounts may remain unchanged. This update could improve the competitiveness of land loan products in Iowa’s rural real estate market. Why This Matters for You: If you’re buying, investing in, or lending on land, this change can make loan APRs look better on paper, potentially making financing more attractive or easier to compare. It’s smart to review your loan terms and disclosures with your lender to understand how this update might affect your deals. "Omitting certain closing costs and discount points from consumers' finance charge calculations allows borrowers to more accurately compare products. This will ensure they can better evaluate pricing scenarios and choose what’s best for their financial picture when buying land.” – David Little , Iowa Land Agent, LandGuys  Read SF 398 in full #3 - Youth Deer Hunting Licenses Expand to All Seasons Senate File 423 significantly expands how youth deer hunting licenses can be used in Iowa. These licenses are now valid across all established deer seasons, rather than being limited to a specific timeframe. Hunters may use the license and tag during any regular season, applying any legal method of take allowed for that season. However, once the tag is filled, the license is no longer valid for future use. This change gives youth hunters greater flexibility, while still adhering to standard harvest limits. The law also updates Iowa DNR’s deer depredation permit criteria. Landowners who suffer $1,000 or more in damage caused by deer—including loss to crops, horticultural products, trees, or nursery stock—can now apply for a depredation permit. This allows more affected landowners to seek relief in high-pressure areas. Why This Matters for You: If you manage hunting leases or farmland, this law provides youth hunters with greater flexibility to hunt during all deer seasons. This can help increase youth participation and better distribute hunting activity throughout the year. The updated depredation permit criteria also gives landowners more tools to manage deer-related damage. That means more control over wildlife pressure on your property and better protection for crops and trees. "I’m really encouraged by Iowa’s decision to expand youth deer hunting licenses to all seasons. Giving young hunters more flexibility to get out there, on their schedule and with legal methods for any season, is a great way to build confidence, skills, and a lifelong respect for the outdoors.” – Danny Fane , Iowa Managing Broker, LandGuys "Extracurricular activities and social commitments are at an all-time high. The importance of ample time to get kids in the field can only strengthen our youth participation in the outdoors and build Iowa's hunting population for years to come.” – David Little , Iowa Land Agent, LandGuys "I am super excited for this law coming into place this year. Our youth is the future of our sport and this will most definitely create higher success rates for harvesting these young folks’ first deer to create memories that last a lifetime” – Tristin Williams , Media Creator & Iowa Land Agent, LandGuys View SF 423 legislation details #4 - Expanded Hunting Access for Disabled Veterans in Iowa House File 885 expands access for disabled veterans in Iowa. Qualifying residents can now use a deer hunting license and tag during any established season, using the legal method of take for that season. This license can be issued in addition to other deer licenses the hunter is eligible for. To apply, veterans must provide documentation confirming Iowa residency and a service-connected disability, verified through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The law also increases the number of nonresident hunting licenses available to disabled veterans. Iowa will now reserve 125 wild turkey licenses and 75 deer licenses each year specifically for disabled nonresident veterans to take part in organized hunts across the state. Why This Matters for You: This law expands hunting opportunities for disabled veterans, giving them more flexibility and access. It also benefits outfitters and landowners who support veteran hunting programs by broadening participation and creating new partnership opportunities. "I absolutely love what Iowa is doing with House File 885, this is a huge step forward in making the outdoors more accessible for our disabled veterans. These hunts aren’t just about deer or turkey, they’re about connection, healing, and giving back to those who’ve given so much.” – Danny Fane , Iowa Managing Broker, LandGuys  Access HF 885 language here What It Means for Landowners and Buyers Whether you’re buying a farm, managing deer pressure on your property, or planning drone footage for a listing, these new laws will change how you operate. Iowa’s rural land policies continue to evolve—and staying informed is part of protecting your investment. At LandGuys, we work at the intersection of land, law, and legacy. These aren’t just rule changes—they’re real-world shifts that affect the way you hunt, farm, lease, or buy. Need help understanding how these changes apply to your property or next move? Contact your Iowa LandGuys team. We’ll talk through it with you, one field at a time. LandGuys and its brokers are not licensed attorneys in Iowa and do not provide legal advice. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal counsel. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified attorney or legal professional. Every Property Tells a Story™. Let LandGuys Tell Yours.

A Life Built on Grit Most people don’t walk away from a successful business they helped build from the ground up. But I’m not most people—and I’ve never really followed a typical path. I’m Wisconsin land agent Derrick Backaus, and before I helped clients buy and sell rural property, I spent over 30 years in the stainless steel fabrication industry—learning every aspect of the business from welding to management, sales to engineering. That company was part of my family. We built it together from the ground up, eventually employing over 50 people. I thought I’d be there forever. But life had other plans. Turning Point In 2017, everything changed. My wife was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma after months of unanswered health issues. Around the same time, my sister-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer. She passed away just a few years later. And then I lost my mom to Lewy Body Dementia. I was spending more time in hospitals than boardrooms—and for the first time in my life, I started asking myself if I was really where I was meant to be. It tested my faith. It challenged everything I thought I knew about success. As my wife started her treatments, it was clear to me that family life was more precious than business life. It took her multiple years to “ring the bell” and hear the words your cancer is inactive. It was at this point we made the decision to sell our family business. I stepped away, unsure of what would come next—but fully certain that it needed to be rooted in purpose. Purpose, for me, was back to basics of serving customers not only on a business level but more on a personal level. Back to the Land, Back to Myself Even during my years in business, I was never far from the dirt. I’ve bought and transformed raw acreage into wildlife habitat, restored ponds, built food plots, planted orchards, and even launched a hemp farm to produce CBD oil through my business, DAB Hemp Farm LLC. These endeavors kept me grounded in so many ways. I saw some failures along the way, but those failures taught me to keep trying to get it. I know what it means to invest in land with your own hands, and I’ve seen what a property can become with the right care and vision. Today, I live in Trempealeau County, surrounded by apple trees, whitetails, agricultural fields, and grandkids who love to sit in the stand with me. I love to show my grandkids the true value of the outdoors. It warms my heart, that they love to be outside shooting bow, casting a line or sitting in the tractor. My dad once told me something I’ll never forget: “Son, invest in land because God isn’t making any more.” He was right. That simple advice shaped how I live, how I invest, and how I help others see the true value of the land beneath their feet. That value comes in many shapes and forms.  For some, it’s truly investing of dollars but for others it’s a passion that brings more value than money could ever buy. Why I Do This Now When I found LandGuys, it wasn’t just another brokerage—it was a team built on values I recognized. People who understand that land isn’t just bought or sold—it’s passed on. The property I now farm, hunt, fish, and live on was one couple’s dream meant to be passed on.  That dream was carried on when my family showed up with three daughters who all fell in love with their property.  It wasn’t just a sale; it was a vision carried on by the next generation.  With over 30 years of experience serving people in business, community service, and land management, I now get to guide clients through some of the most meaningful transactions of their lives. Whether you’re buying your first hunting property or preparing to sell a piece of land your family has owned for generations—I understand the weight of that decision. This isn’t just a job for me. It’s a second chapter. One I didn’t expect, but one I’m grateful for every day. Let’s Walk it Together If you’re looking for a land agent who’s been in the field, on the tractor, and around the table for tough decisions—I’d be honored to walk that path with you. Let’s talk about where you are and where you want to go next. Contact me Derrick Backaus, Wisconsin land agent, today or follow me on Facebook. Every Property Tells a Story™. Let LandGuys Tell Yours.