Farm auctions are still a neighborhood event. Many of the buyers are local. Many people who come just to support the family or to see others are also local. But if you have lots of big equipment to sell, especially a diversified lineup, using an auction service that can offer both live on-site and internet bidding has its advantages.

That’s what Joe and Russ Kelsay and their families decided when they planned to sell off dairy, haying, forage and other equipment at auction after exiting the dairy business late last year. They chose to go with an auction firm that advertises beyond U.S. borders, and that offers internet bidding, which goes on simultaneously with live bidding.

Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers handled advertising, setup and the sale itself. A large auction firm, Ritchie Brothers has a division that handles agricultural sales. Choosing a firm that offers internet selling was a calculated risk, Joe acknowledges. Increased costs go along with internet auctions, at least in some cases.

Russ says there were inquires by email and phone from as far away as Canada before the auction, held in April. Potential internet bidders could also view lots that would be up for sale in advance on the company’s website.

Since the Kelsays were offering dairy equipment, including a milking parlor and freestalls, specialized silage handling equipment, and lots of hay equipment, they thought it made sense to reach a broader audience. They were one of the few remaining dairies in their county in Indiana, and one of a handful in their vicinity. The farm will continue as a crop operation.

Auction time

Once the auctioneer fired up the sale, the internet broadcast began. Based on interest in bids and number of items sold to internet buyers — even many large items — it appears that choosing to sell both live and via the internet was a wise move.

Some of the equipment went to other states, including Tennessee, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. As is customary in these types of sales, buyers had several days to pick up and remove merchandise.

There was still plenty of excitement on-site, as “ring men” changed and raised hands excitedly, taking in bids. Whenever an item sold via the internet, the auctioneer noted that it was an internet buyer and read the buyer’s number to the clerk, just as he read an on-site buyer’s bidder number out loud.

So, what was the pulse of the market for used machinery? As in any auction, that’s tough to pinpoint. Some items appeared to sell for more than expected, others for less, and many at about where you might expect, considering age and condition.

“Man, they took a bath on that one,” someone commented after an implement sold. Someone else looked quizzical, obviously thinking the item brought more than he would have paid for it. Bargains, good deals and solid sales at auctions are all in the eye of the buyer.

Take a look through the slideshow to see what some items brought in the auction.