From Amish Roots to Auction Block

Kevin Pifer America's Land Auctioneer - Pifer's Auction, Realty and Land Management

What happens when worlds collide? When Christian Miller sits down with Jack Pfeifer for a candid conversation about his journey from Lancaster County's Amish community to becoming a successful auctioneer in the Northern Plains, we're treated to a fascinating glimpse into a rarely-seen American experience.

Christian pulls back the curtain on growing up Amish, where one-room schoolhouses, horse-drawn farm equipment, and tight-knit community values shaped his worldview. He describes how Lancaster County's agricultural economy operates - from communal tractor ownership (with engines mounted directly on implements pulled by horses) to intensive dairy operations on relatively small acreages. We discover that virtually everything in Amish communities sells through auctions, explaining why auctioneering runs in Christian's blood as a third-generation professional following his grandfather and great-grandfather who began calling bids in 1942.

The land dynamics Christian describes are eye-opening, with prime Lancaster County farmland commanding upwards of $20,000 per acre. This price pressure has pushed Amish families into neighboring York County, doubling land values there as families seek space to continue their agricultural traditions. Unlike conventional approaches to land investment, Christian explains how Amish families willingly take on "lifetime debt" for farmland, understanding it may be their children or grandchildren who finally own the property outright - a multigenerational perspective on legacy that profoundly influences market behavior.

The conversation shifts to exciting developments at Pifers as they celebrate their 25th anniversary, with Jack Pfeifer stepping into the CEO role while maintaining the company's commitment to exceptional service across real estate, auction, and land management sectors. The transition of leadership in their land management division signals growth and innovation while honoring the foundation built by longtime leaders.

Ready to discover more about America's agricultural landscape and the professionals who help transfer land between generations? Subscribe to America's Land Auctioneer podcast for regular insights into rural real estate, agricultural trends, and the stories behind the sales.

Follow at www.americalandauctioneer.com and on Instagram & Facebook

Contact the team at Pifer's

 

Rocky’s Downtown Hour Episode 022: Crowns, Croissants & Community Care

rocky's downtown hour

It’s a lively Friday on Rocky’s Downtown Hour! Host Rocky Schneider kicks things off with a look at what’s buzzing in downtown Fargo—from the very first Miss Downtown Pageant at the iconic Fargo Theatre to the magic-filled Night Bazaar that lit up the Civic Center.

Rocky then sits down with Nicole of Nicole’s Fine Pastries & Café, who shares her inspiring journey of expanding a beloved local bakery into a full café and market. From croque monsieurs to artisan pastas and French butter, Nicole talks about food as experience, risk-taking in small business, and how community support has fueled her 20+ years downtown.

Later, Rocky welcomes Jan Eliason, head of Fargo’s Harm Reduction Division, for an eye-opening conversation on homelessness, the Downtown Engagement Center, and building trust with vulnerable neighbors. Together, they tackle tough questions about safety, compassion, and what it really means to make downtown Fargo welcoming for all.

 

Jay Thomas Show: Fallon, Kimmel, and the First Amendment (09-18-25)

jay thomas 1000x1000x

This episode of the "Jay Thomas Show" is a whirlwind of weather reports, political commentary, and local news. Host Jay Thomas, filling in for the regular host, kicks off the show by discussing the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show, which he attributes to poor ratings and controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk's assassination. Thomas and his callers debate the role of late-night television and whether Kimmel's suspension is an attack on free speech. The show also features discussions about local crime, West Fargo's West Fest, and the challenges of dealing with technology and streaming services.

Standout Moments:

  • 1:00 - Jay Thomas and his producer, Macey, discuss the news of Jimmy Kimmel's indefinite suspension and the "hypocrisy" of liberals who are "screaming" about free speech.
  • 4:00 - A caller, Wade, talks about the history of late-night hosts, and Thomas argues that Jimmy Fallon has been successful by not being overly political.
  • 8:00 - The show announces a contest for Kansas tickets and gets a winner almost immediately, but the winner's niece is unable to pick them up, so the tickets are given away again.
  • 10:00 - A listener's email prompts a discussion about the challenges of YouTube TV and how an IP address can cause a user's local channels to be replaced with news from other cities.
  • 15:00 - Jay Thomas and a caller, Jeff, discuss the history of late-night hosts and the ratings-driven business decisions of networks like ABC.
  • 18:00 - The show's hosts discuss the cancellation of West Fargo's Cruise Night due to weather and the challenges of rescheduling such a large event.
  • 21:00 - The hosts discuss the ongoing bell theft story in Gwinner, North Dakota, and a similar incident involving the theft of a Statue of Liberty in Fargo.
  • 25:00 - A caller, Josh from West Fargo, calls in to thank Jay Thomas and the entire crew for everything they've done for Cruise Night over the years.
  • 27:00 - The show discusses recent local crimes, including a watch being stolen at gunpoint and a student bringing a gun to school, which Jay says is a reason to put metal detectors in schools.
  • 30:00 - Jay Thomas and callers discuss the number of assassination trials currently taking place in the United States and the divisiveness in the country.
  • 32:00 - A listener's email points out the double standard of liberals who are crying about free speech for Jimmy Kimmel but were happy when Tucker Carlson was fired.
  • 35:00 - A caller, Lori, talks about Milo, a gay and Jewish conservative who is "coming out of retirement," and who she says will challenge the left's ideology.
  • 37:00 - Jay Thomas and his hosts give away a hundred-dollar gift certificate to All Sauger Meats.
  • 42:00 - The show wraps up with a discussion of more emails and a final farewell from Jay Thomas, who will be back on Monday.

 

Professional Launch Episode 022: Kristi Huber

professional launch

In this episode of Professional Launch, host Ricot Aladin sits down with Kristi Huber, founder of Perspective Shift Consulting, leadership strategist, and creator of the Radical Clarity Compass. Together, they explore what it truly means to lead—with authenticity, influence, and balance.

Kristi shares lessons from her years at United Way and beyond, revealing how leaders can avoid burnout by focusing on the “Four Vs”: values, vision, voice, and vitality. From mentorship and networking to navigating change and finding alignment, this conversation is packed with wisdom for professionals at every stage of their career.

Whether you’re a student preparing for your first big interview or a manager guiding a team through uncertainty, Kristi’s insights on clarity, communication, and leadership will leave you motivated to launch forward with purpose.

 

Bonnie & Friends: A Thursday Morning Recap

Bonnie & Friends on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY

This episode of "Bonnie and Friends" provides a mix of local news, sports, and human interest stories on a rainy Thursday morning. The show kicks off with a weather update from the WDAY Radio studios in Fargo, noting scattered showers and a high of 67 degrees. The hosts report on an armed robbery in Fargo, a local apartment fire, and a historical bell theft in Sargent County. A key agricultural report from NDSU and USDA reveals historically weak crop prices, particularly for corn. The episode also highlights a Heroes Compass charity walk for veteran suicide awareness.

Later, the sports segment covers the Minnesota Lynx's playoff victory , the Twins' loss , and an unfortunate season-ending knee injury for former NDSU player Cody Mauck. The hosts also preview upcoming high school and college football games.

The show features interviews with local experts. First, Don Kinsler, a lawn and garden expert, discusses the benefits of the recent rain for local lawns and provides tips for fall planting and fertilizing. He also answers listener questions about perennial mums and zinnias. Later,

Bridgette Readel, WDAY Ag Director, provides an update on the return of avian flu to North Dakota and South Dakota and the financial strain on farmers due to low commodity prices. Finally,

Carly Floggin, director of UND's music therapy program, explains the program's return and how music can aid in physical and mental healing, even for patients with memory issues.

The hosts engage with listeners throughout the show, asking what "can automatically make your day better" and receiving answers ranging from sunshine and compliments to a good book or music.

Key Moments:

  • 0:00 - A recap of the morning weather, including the rainy conditions and temperature in Fargo.
  • 1:02 - Details on a concerning agricultural report from NDSU and the USDA, which indicates that crop prices are at a historic low.
  • 4:14 - A somber sports update: Cody Mauck, a former NDSU player, suffers a season-ending knee injury.
  • 7:00 - Lawn and Garden expert Don Kinsler discusses the benefits of the rain for lawns and offers advice on fall planting and fertilizing.
  • 10:18 - WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel reports on the return of avian flu in North and South Dakota turkey flocks.
  • 11:05 - Bridgette Readel discusses the financial struggles of farmers due to historically low crop prices and a lack of bids from China.
  • 20:15 - A discussion about the new, but expensive, Meta Ray-Ban glasses and the controversial opinion that concert tickets are still "underpriced".
  • 22:50 - The hosts interview Carly Floggin, director of the University of North Dakota's (UND) new music therapy program, about its return and its benefits for cognitive and emotional health.
  • 24:45 - Carly Floggin explains the science behind how music can trigger memories in patients with Alzheimer's and other memory issues.

 

Free For All Thursday

WAG: Weather and Ag In Focus on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY

This episode of Weather and Ag in Focus, recorded on Thursday, September 18th, covers a variety of topics, including weather updates, agricultural market news, and a deep dive into farm succession planning. Meteorologist Dean Wysocki and Ag Director Bridgette Readel discuss current rain and shower activity, noting that some areas have received a significant amount of rain recently, with one area pushing an inch and another receiving over eight inches in the last week. The hosts also touch on upcoming weather, mentioning that Friday will be wet, but Saturday and Sunday look drier, with Sunday being the "pick day of the weekend".

The podcast then shifts focus to September as Suicide Awareness Month, particularly for those involved in agriculture. The hosts highlight resources like the

AgriStress hotline and the 988 crisis hotline. The hosts also discuss the return of avian flu in North and South Dakota, and efforts to increase biosecurity to prevent the virus from spreading.

The episode features an interview with Heather Venenga, who discusses her new book,

The Bible, The Barn and The Back 40, which serves as a workbook for farm transition planning. She addresses the stress on farm families, why the older generation may be hesitant to transition, and the importance of a "dream team" of advisors. Venenga also emphasizes that "fair" does not always mean "equal" when it comes to passing on a farm, citing that it's not realistic to split a farm and expect it to continue. The podcast concludes with a reminder about a charity car wash event and a warning about flooded roads near Jamestown.

Key Moments:

  • 0:00 - A quick overview of the current weather, including low-sixties temperatures and showers moving from southeast to northwest. The hosts note a wide variety of precipitation totals, with some areas receiving over half an inch and others seeing as much as eight inches in the last week.
  • 2:20 - A discussion about September being Suicide Awareness Month, with a special focus on farmers and ranchers. Resources like the AgriStress hotline (1-833-897-2474) and the national 988 crisis hotline are mentioned.
  • 3:03 - The hosts talk about the return of avian flu, with a confirmed case at a turkey farm in Dickey County, North Dakota. They mention a separate case in South Dakota that led to the elimination of 55,000 birds.
  • 7:19 - The hosts interview Heather Venenga, who talks about her new book, The Bible, The Barn and The Back 40, a resource for farm succession planning.
  • 10:30 - Venenga explains why "fair" doesn't always mean "equal" in farm succession planning and how to provide for non-farming children while keeping the farm whole.
  • 12:20 - Venenga details her journey from corporate America to becoming a specialist in farm succession planning. She also highlights the importance of a "dream team" of advisors, including an attorney, CPA, and financial advisor.
  • 14:15 - The hosts give a final weather update, re-emphasizing the wet forecast for Friday before drier weather and warmer temperatures arrive over the weekend and into next week. They also issue a warning about street flooding and closed roads around the Jamestown area due to heavy rain