An eight-thousand-acre ranch in northwest South Dakota, owned by the state, was put up in a lease auction last week.

Commissioner of School & Public Lands Ryan Brunner says it was leased in one big tract..

Brunner says they got a surprising high bid…

Bruner says most public land in Harding County was being leased for twelve to eighteen dollars an acre.

Brunner says the land will be used for some native animals…

Brunner says they saw ten to fifteen bidders in the auction.