Online Auction with Bid Center
200 +/- Acres of Tillable, Hunting & Rec Land
Offered in 4 Tracts
Harrisburg, IL
Bidding Opens: Monday, May 18th
Bidding Closes: Tues., June 2nd @ 6:00 pm
Showing: Sunday, May 17th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
REAL ESTATE:
An exceptional opportunity awaits with three outstanding properties—“Buck Point Farm,” “Pickering Farm,” and “Hilliard Farm”—offering a diverse blend of productive farmland and premier recreational acreage, all within close proximity to the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. With high-quality tillable ground, scenic ponds, wooded tracts, and abundant wildlife, this offering provides both immediate returns and long-term potential. Offered in multiple tracts, buyers can select from prime cropland, desirable hunting, fishing and outdoor retreats or even a beautiful homesite. This is a rare chance to secure land that delivers income, versatility, and natural beauty.
AUCTION TRACTS: Download auction tract info in the "Documents" section above.
“Buck Point Farm” consists of 140.26 +/- acres of agricultural and wooded land with 128.6 tillable acres. The soil types are average for this area and consist of Banlic, Hosmer, Zanesville, Grantsburg, and Sharon classes. There is a portion of both tracts located in the flood zone.
There are 67.9 acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), with CRP acreage on both tracts. The contract pays $7,335 per year and expires on 09/30/2026. Buyer agrees to succeed to the current CRP contract and assumes all rights and responsibilities of the CRP-1 terms and conditions throughout the life of the contract. Buyer and seller agree to a pro-rated payment based on the date of final closing. The cover crop must remain on the CRP acreage until 10/1/2026. The “Buck Point Farm” will be offered as follows:
Tract #1 – consists of 92.05+/- acres on the north side of the “Buck Point Farm”. The property has frontage from Murphy Rd. near N. Battleford Rd. Approximately 90 acres of this tract are tillable. This tract is a nice piece of agricultural land that would make a wonderful addition to any farming operation.
Tract #2 – consists of 48.21 +/- acres on the south side of the “Buck Point Farm”. This parcel has access from Battleford Rd. and an easement from Murphy Rd. This versatile tract offers approximately 35 acres of productive tillable land complemented by a beautiful 4.33-acre pond, creating both income potential and recreational appeal. The remaining acreage features a mix of wooded land and a thoughtfully cleared camping site, complete with an enclosed structure. This building is equipped with electric service, public water, a small water heater for the kitchen sink & shower, and a gravel floor throughout. Inside, you’ll find a functional kitchen and dining area with range, refrigerator, and sink, along with a separate section offering storage space and a shower. The structure can be heated with a wood stove and had air-conditioning. A space has been cleared and leveled for a 40’ x 60’ building. This tract could continue to be used for camping and recreation or would make a beautiful potential home site.
Tract #3 – The “Pickering Farm” consists of 57.11+/- acres at the end of Pickering Lane. There are 12.94 +/- tillable acres with soil types average for this area consisting of Belknap, Banlic, and Orthents classes. The farm is partially fenced and was previously used for a cattle operation. The remaining acreage is wooded and perfectly suited for hunting, fishing, camping and all types of outdoor recreation. There are several sloughs on the property and a nice, clear pond that even has a diving board! This tract also has access to the Blue Hole for fishing & there are trails to ride horses or ATV’s. This is a beautiful tract and certainly an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Directions: From Hwy 45 on the south-west side of Harrisburg, go south on Blue Hole Rd., turn west on Pickering Lane.
Tract #4 – The “Hilliard Farm” consists of 15.41 +/- wooded acres that are well-suited for hunting and recreation. Please note that this tract DOES NOT have legal access. There are apx. 3.43 acres of the property located in the flood zone. This tract has power available, but there is no access to public water. Directions: From Hwy 45 on the south-west side of Harrisburg, go south on Blue Hole Rd., turn west on Pickering Lane. The property is located at the point where Pickering Lane curves to the north.
ULTIMATE CHOICE BIDDING PROCESS: Online bidding will begin on Monday, May 18th. Bids can be placed on the tracts four individually and the two “Buck Point Farm” tracts can be bid on individually or in combination. No other combinations will be allowed. All bids will remain open until competitive bidding is exhausted. Please note that bidding will end at 6:00 pm on Tues., June 2nd, subject to a 3 minute auto-extend closing. Bidding assistance on the day of the auction will be available at the Bid Center starting at 5:00 pm.
CRP CONTRACTS: Buyer agrees to assume all seller's obligations and conditions under the current CRP agreement which expires 9/30/26. Buyer shall execute and sign all required USDA, FSA, and other forms or documents to successfully assign the current CRP agreement. If the buyer(s) of the tracts with CRP acreage do not abide by the terms of the CRP contracts, the buyer(s) will be responsible for all fees, penalties and expenses levied by the FSA. The 2026 CRP payment will be pro-rated to the date of final closing. The cover crop must remain on the CRP acreage until 10/1/2026.
BID CENTER LOCATION: A Bidding Center will open at 5 pm on auction day at the Smithpeters Law Office located at 2 North Vine Street, 6th Floor in Harrisburg, IL. Auction company staff will be available to assist bidders at this location. Bidding will end at 6:00 pm (subject to the auto-extend closing), please arrive early.
MINERAL RIGHTS: Any mineral rights owned by the seller will convey to the purchaser.
FARM TENANT’S RIGHTS: The “Buck Point Farm” and the “Pickering Farm” currently have agricultural leases in place for 2026. These leases will be assigned to the purchaser at the final closing and the purchaser will pay the seller’s expenses and receive the seller’s share of the 2026 crop income.
TERMS: The real estate will sell subject to court approval. Buyers shall post a non-refundable 5% earnest money deposit upon completion of the auction, with the balance due within 30 days of delivery of insurable title to purchaser. The real estate taxes will be pro-rated to the date of final closing. Possession will be given at final closing, subject to current tenant’s rights. Buyer and seller will each pay their own customary closing expenses with seller paying the Illinois transfer tax. Any fee charged by a title company or escrow agent to close the transaction will be split evenly between buyer and seller. Buyer agrees to assume all seller's obligations and conditions under the current CRP agreement which expires 9/30/26. Buyer shall execute and sign all required USDA, FSA, and other forms or documents to successfully assign the current CRP agreement. If the buyer(s) of the tracts with CRP acreage do not abide by the terms of the CRP contracts, the buyer(s) will be responsible for all fees, penalties and expenses levied by the FSA. The cover crop must remain on the CRP acreage until 10/1/2026. The 2026 CRP payment will be pro-rated to the date of final closing. The “Buck Point Farm” and the “Pickering Farm” currently have agricultural leases in place for 2026. These leases will be assigned to the purchaser at the final closing and the purchaser will pay the seller’s expenses and receive the seller’s share of the 2026 crop income. This auction is subject to a 3 minute auto-extend closing.
SHOWING: Sunday, May 17th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. The Showing Headquarters will be at the campsite on Tract #2. Showings at other times can be arranged by calling the auction company at 812-474-6100.
SELLERS: Paul & Mark Steapleton