Independence, Iowa – The legacy of longtime Buchanan County farmer Larry Rasmussen is continuing to benefit the local community following the recent sale of his farmland, with proceeds now distributed to five area nonprofit organizations.

The farmland, located northeast of Independence, was sold at auction on November 5, 2025 for a total of $2,293,280. In accordance with Rasmussen’s estate plan, the property had been placed in a trust following his passing in 2020, with instructions that the land be sold and the proceeds divided among several local organizations that were meaningful to him.

Attorney Brian Eddy of Roberts & Eddy, P.C., worked in collaboration with Travis Smock of Peoples Company to assist the Rasmussen family and the estate with the sale of the farmland.

Rasmussen spent much of his life working the land alongside his family. He was born in 1948 to Emmett and Wylmarie Rasmussen and grew up helping operate the family farm with his parents and sisters. Together they raised cattle and grew corn and soybeans. After his parents passed away, Rasmussen continued managing the farm and its daily operations for many years.

Following the sale, proceeds from the farm were distributed among five Buchanan County organizations:

Buchanan County Health Trust
Mustang Foundation / Independence Agriculture Education, Inc.
Bechter-Boies Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2440
Buchanan County Conservation Board
Sheehan-Tidball American Legion Post #0030

Each of the organizations plans to use the funds to support programs and initiatives that benefit Buchanan County residents.

The Buchanan County Health Trust, a nonprofit organization established in 1989, provides grant funding to local organizations for medical equipment, health programs, training, and other health-related needs. The donation will strengthen the Trust’s ability to continue supporting community health initiatives throughout the county.

The Mustang Foundation / Independence Agriculture Education, Inc. supports educational opportunities for students within the Independence Community School District, helping provide additional funding for programs and projects that enrich student learning and extracurricular activities.

Local veterans organizations also received support through the distribution. The Bechter-Boies VFW Post #2440 and Sheehan-Tidball American Legion Post #0030 both serve veterans and their families while supporting patriotic, youth, and community programs throughout the region.

The Buchanan County Conservation Board, which manages parks, natural areas, and environmental education programs across the county, will use the funding to support conservation efforts and park improvements that benefit both residents and visitors.

Through the sale of the farm he cared for throughout his lifetime, Rasmussen’s legacy will continue to support education, conservation, health initiatives, and services for veterans across Buchanan County.

About Roberts & Eddy, P.C.

Roberts & Eddy, P.C., based in Independence, Iowa, provides legal services to individuals, families, businesses, and agricultural clients throughout Northeast Iowa. The firm assists clients with a range of matters including estate planning, real estate transactions, business law, agricultural law, and bookkeeping.