Working with the Railroad and Your Farm

There are currently 3,931 miles of railroad track in Iowa, and, according to the 2012 Census, 30,622,731 acres of farmland in Iowa. With farmland making up over 85% of Iowa’s land, it is inevitable that railroads will run through farmland. In most instances, the railroad right-of-way belongs to the railroad company while the adjacent farmland is owned by other persons or entities including family farmers.

If a railroad right-of-way runs through your property, it is important to review your deed for provisions concerning the railroad right-of-way. Unless set forth in the deed, other recorded document, or in a statute, the railroad company does not have greater rights than any other person to enter upon your farmland, pass over it, or use it.

If you have a rail line going through your property, and have questions about your property rights, call attorneys Ron Martin or Mark Rettig at Day Rettig Martin, P.C.

Sources: https://www.american-rails.com/ia.html  https://www.farmlandinfo.org/statistics/iowa