Equipment for Managing Your Iowa Acreage

By Jessica Graham

Growing up, many of us dreamed of owning a vast piece of Iowa land—somewhere with a pond, rich habitat, and plenty of wild game. I wanted to be able to hunt as much as possible and own my own piece of ground. These days, with land prices skyrocketing, those dreams have shifted toward smaller acreages. But whether you have 5 acres or 5,000, the right equipment can make all the difference in transforming your land into a haven for hunting, conservation, and recreation. Here’s a rundown of the must-have equipment for any Iowa acreage.

Getting Around: ATVs, UTVs, and Tractors

Once you’ve got your land, you’ll quickly realize that maintaining it is a must. Depending on your end goal, you will need to select equipment to fit your needs. Some want to have a manicured and mowed cabin or house with a pond. If that is you your equipment will look differently than the Iowan who wants a rough piece of land and timber with low pressure. Even a 5-acre property can demand serious labor, and anything bigger than that? You’re going to need a way to get around.

An ATV or UTV is essential for getting around, hauling gear, checking food plots, and making general upkeep more manageable. During hunting season, they’re especially helpful with game hauling a deer out. Plus, let’s be honest—they’re just plain fun to drive. In the winter, a snowplow attachment for your UTV can make clearing driveways and trails much easier.

. They are so versatile, and can be used for a myriad of different reasons. They essential for land, to help you get your work done, and they can be leveraged to put in food plots from start to finish. ATVs and UTVs have become an essential part of the hunting landscape, and they are a natural fit for making and maintaining food plots. There are a number of food plot implements that can be attached to your Utility ATV or UTV, from plows, spreaders, and sprayers. These implements can help you till the soil, plant your crop, and maintain the plot. Here, we will discuss the various ATV/UTV equipment available for plowing, discing, and finishing soil for food plots. We will also explore how you can use an ATV/UTV to make a wildlife food plot. 

Attachment Systems

If you do not have a 2-inch receiver hitch on your vehicle, you should consider adding one. There are a lot of compatible implements that can fit into the receiver to help you get your tasks accomplished. Once you have the receiver hitch, you can add a ball mount to the receiver hitch for towing trailers. Also, once you have the receiver, there are some systems that converts the two-inch receiver on your ATV or UTV into a three-point system like on a tractor, complete with an electronic control to raise and lower the implement. From there, you can select disc-plows, harrows, chisel plows, and more. It is a one-stop setup for making an entire food plot.

Some ATVs and UTVs have power takeoff (PTO) shafts. You will not have the PTO of a tractor, but you may be able to power some light equipment. However, not all ATVs and UTVs come with PTO shafts. If your vehicle doesn’t have one, you can add one on. There are kits available that can be mounted on the end of a crankcase and are PTO-driven to convert to hydraulics. Quick couplers attach implements to the front of the vehicle for use with the PTO.

For those with larger plots, a tractor is a game-changer. A compact tractor with the right attachments can handle mowing, tilling, plowing, and even snow removal. Implements like a front-end loader, brush hog, and rear blade are must-haves for managing overgrowth, clearing paths, and keeping your property in top shape year-round.

Pasture and Habitat Maintenance

If you have pasture, CRP ground, or simply want to manage wildlife habitat effectively, a few key pieces of equipment will save you hours of work.

A brush cutter is the go-to piece of equipment for maintaining fields, clearing undergrowth, and keeping trails open. If you plan on planting or maintaining clover, alfalfa, or native grasses, a mower or brushcutter will be your best friend for keeping weeds down. Pull-behind brushcutters or pull type flail mowers are a solid choice for ATVs and UTVs. They come in different cutting widths, so you can find one that is a good fit for your ATV/UTV. If you’re maintaining a food plot and keeping weeds at bay, a brush hog will do the trick.

For those who want a polished look around their cabin or shooting lanes, a finish mower is the way to go. These mowers have multiple blades mounted on a single cylinder or disk, creating a smooth, even cut. They’re not meant for tall weeds or brush but are perfect for maintaining already established grass.

Food Plots

If you purchased your acreage for hunting, or you just enjoy the wildlife, food plots will be a priority. Having the right equipment will make food plots easier and ensure you can put them in year after year.

To prepare the soil, a plow followed by a disc can break up compacted dirt and create a good seedbed. Many opt for a tiller instead, and get a great seedbed in one pass. For planting, a broadcast spreader is can be used for a lot of species, but a drill or planter will improve seed-to-soil contact and increase efficiency, especially for larger plots and with larger seed. A cultipacker is another worthwhile investment to press seeds into the soil, improving germination rates.

Timber and Land Management

Many Iowa acreages come with some timber, and to maintain timber you will need a few basic tools. A chainsaw is a must—trees will fall, limbs will break, and sometimes, trails need clearing. Whether you’re cutting firewood, trimming overgrowth, or clearing storm damage, a reliable chainsaw will get the job done. A log chain or tow strap can also come in handy for moving downed trees and brush.

Invest in Your Land

Owning Iowa land, whether for hunting, conservation, or just enjoying the great outdoors, requires an investment—not just in the property itself but in the tools that will keep it in prime condition. The right equipment makes managing your acreage easier, more enjoyable, and ultimately more rewarding. With these essential tools, you’ll be well on your way to creating a property that thrives for both wildlife and recreation.