Staff writer
Predicted snowfall might have kept some folks away from the Goessel Farm Equipment Consignment Auction on Saturday, but auctioneer Van Schmidt said he was more than pleased with the results of the sale.
“We might have given out fewer numbers, but basically what we were doing was giving out numbers to people who were there to buy,” Schmidt said. “It was the sightseers who likely stayed home.”
Those who did attend the auction held at the Mennonite Heritage and Agricultural Museum complex grounds, saw everything from fence posts, cinder blocks and 16 bantam chickens to trucks, tractors, and combines sell in the swirling snow.
“We had a John Deere 7720 combine go for well over $10,000,” Schmidt said. “And those chickens sold for $50.”
Another item not seen on most farm consignment auctions was a John Deere No. 10 pedal tractor.
“The pedal tractor sold for $500,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt said good used farm machinery sold high, indicating the farm economy was in good shape.
“For the most part, the machinery is staying local,” he said. “Some of that newer stuff is still going south to Mexico, but local farmers are continuing to invest in their operations.”
Rachael Burkholder, who was at the auction with her family selling hedge fence posts, said she was surprised at the good turnout.
“It was snowing and blowing at times,” she said. “But most people just stood outside in the weather and took part in the auction. We went inside to get coffee several times and there were not a lot of people in the building.”
Schmidt, who organizes a spring and fall consignment auction in the community each year, said he also was pleased with Saturday’s turnout.
“It was actually an enjoyable time,” he said. “All went well.”