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Behind the Hammer: Insights from America's Land Auctioneers

Behind the Hammer: Insights from America's Land Auctioneers
April 19, 2025 10:00 AM

Step into the fast-paced world of agricultural auctions with this engaging conversation between host Jim Sabe and special guest Cliff Sanders, a veteran livestock auctioneer who recently joined the Pifer's team. Their friendship spans decades, beginning at auctioneer school in Mankato, Minnesota, where both men stood out wearing cowboy hats among their classmates.

The auction market remains remarkably strong despite economic uncertainties. A recent Fent tractor sold for $395,000, highlighting how premium equipment still commands top dollar. The podcast showcases several upcoming sales, including the Sheely auction in Drake featuring pristine 2017-2019 John Deere equipment that was professionally maintained and stored indoors. Another upcoming sale in Mandan features a 2012 Bobcat with just 35 hours – virtually new despite its age.

Sanders brings a distinctive livestock auctioneer's cadence to machinery sales, maintaining the faster pace that livestock auctioneers are known for. His territory covers eastern North Dakota, including the Devil's Lake region where he previously worked at the auction barn. Throughout the conversation, both auctioneers emphasize that live auctions with online bidding consistently outperform online-only formats, drawing buyers from across North America.

The social dimension of auctions emerges as a central theme. As Albert Roerick from Pifer's Steel location explains, "Building relationships is the main thing with all the sellers, buyers." These relationships extend beyond individual sales, with auctioneers often connecting buyers with specific equipment they're seeking. In rural communities, auctions serve as gathering places where neighbors reconnect, highlighting their importance beyond just commerce.

Join us to discover why quality farm equipment continues to bring strong prices, how the hybrid auction model maximizes returns, and why the personal connections forged at rural auctions remain irreplaceable in our increasingly digital world. Check out Piferscom for upcoming sales across the Upper Midwest!

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Contact the team at Pifer's

185.01 Acres - Clay County, MN

185.01 Acres - Clay County, MN

Auction Note

This auction features 185.01 +/- acres of very diversified property with an established gravel pit as well as pasture/hayland and existing farmstead. This property has great access off County Rd. #23, which is paved road only 2 miles from MN State Hwy. #10. No individuals are currently residing at the farmsite.  

NOTE:  Property is subject to sale prior to Auction date.  Access to gravel pit area is allowed and drilling test holes are allowed with notification made and scheduled through Pifer’s agent, Terry Skjerseth.

Property Information

Acres: 185.01 +/-
Legal: N½ 30-139-45
Pasture Acres: 95.77 +/- (Estimate)
Gravel Acres: 71.24 +/- (Estimate)
Taxes: $4,730.00 (2025)

Contact

Agent Photo
Terry Skjerseth
701.261.1144
tskjerseth@pifers.com

I Want More Information


Auction Materials


Driving Directions

From Hawley, MN, proceed west on Hwy. #10 for 4 miles to County Rd. #23. Go south of County Rd. #23 for 3 miles and this will place you at the NE corner of subject property. Access to gravel pit is in the NE corner of subject property at above described intersection and farmsite is ¼ mile north on  40th Ave. S.

Cliff Sanders

Title
Equipment Sales Rep/Auctioneer
Clifford, ND
Employee Phone
Employee Email
csanders@pifers.com

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