David Knowlton of NAI Capital Commrecial in Newport Beach tells GlobeSt.com that the land sold for $2.878 million and that the buyer, who owns and operates an adjacent dairy farm, bought the property initially for expansion of its own dairy farm. Knowlton and Lyndi Reed of NAI Corporate Real Estate in Utah represented both sides in the transaction.

"The land is right in the middle of 8,000 acres of dairy farms right now, and there has been some residential and retail development. The area is zoned for agricultural use, but it is planned for a pocket of industrial development in the county's general plan," Knowlton tells GlobeSt.com.

Knowlton says the new owner plans to continue operating the farm for now but expects to convert it to industrial use, probably smaller buildings, once development ensues.The church had owned the land since about 1976. The property includes a milk barn, several homes and miscellaneous buildings to support the dairy operation.

The church initially bought the land and ran it as a dairy to supply its own needs, Knowlton says, but years ago it stopped operating the dairy and leased it to other farmers. Knowlton estimates industrial development could begin in the area some time within the next five to 10 years.