Bill Klassen held his first farm auction on July 23, 1968.
He says a lot has changed over those forty plus years.
"There's a lot more technical things to it. We have Internet bidding now, so that's a big job to take care of. We have computer advertising, Internet advertising, websites to take care of, it's a full time job."
Klassen says the majority of their Internet bidding comes from North America but they have had individuals from Egypt and some Asian countries who have been keeping an eye on the highest bid. Bill Klassen Auctions Ltd. even has its own smartphone app.
Klassen notes the number of auctions they hold on a yearly basis seems to be declining.
"Our farmers retiring is less every year," said Klassen. "Agriculture has been good to them so they keep farming. I think we did eight auctions in April, whereas 20 years ago we did an auction every day in April except Sunday."
Klassen says the auction company now assumes a majority of the duties at the event including parking.
He adds prices at the auctions this year have been very good.
Source: SteinbachOnline