Farm Power: Forage harvester takes spotlight in BigIron auction

Feb 23, 2017

Auction was held Feb. 22

Farms.com Auction Report
By Farms.com Media

An online auction hosted by BigIron Auctions on Feb. 22 was highlighted by a forage harvester selling for more than $135,000.

A 2008 John Deere 7850 forage harvester from Greeley, Colorado sold for $139,250 to a buyer in South Dakota after 130 bids.

Specs: 1,288 hours, 695 chopper hours, 15L Cummins Diesel Engine, 660 HP, 3 Speed Hydrostatic Transmission, 40 Knife Drum, Kernel Processor, Knife Sharpener, Rear Weights, Front Tires 800/65R32 Goodyear, Rear Tires 580/70R26 Michelin.

A 2010 John Deere 8345R MFWD tractor from Imperial, Nebraska sold for $132,250 to a buyer from Nebraska after 171 bids.

Specs: 3,127 hours, 345 Eng HP, 6 Cyl Diesel Engine, IVT Transmission And ILS Front Suspension, Leather Seats Deluxe Cab, HID Lights, Power Mirrors, Foot Throttle, 60 GPM Hydraulic Pump, 4 Hyd, 22 Front Weights Rear Weights, 480/80R50 Rear Tires, 380/80/R38 Front Tires, Cat 4 Quick Hitch, Auxiliary Hyd Connectors On Rear.

2010 John Deere 8345R MFWD tractor

A 2009 John Deere 8530 MFWD tractor from Hayden, Colorado sold for $113,750 to a buyer from Nebraska after 198 bids.

Specs: 4,297 hours, 330 HP, John Deere 9.0L - 6 Cylinder Diesel Engine, 330 HP, Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) With RH Rev, Independent Link Suspension (ILS), Electric JoyStick, 4 Hydraulic Outlets, Class III Quick Hitch, PTO -1000 - 1 3/4", Front Weight Bracket, Large Cast Weights On Inner Axles And Cast Weights On Outer Axles As Shown, Rear Tire Size 480/80R50 Firestone Deep Tread 23° Radials-Duals, Front Tire Size 420/85R34 Firestone Radial All Traction DT-Duals.

A 2012 John Deere 4830 self-propelled sprayer from Alliance, Nebraska sold for $103,000 to a buyer from Indiana after 153 bids.

Specs: 2,228 hours, John Deere 6.8L Diesel Engine, Hydrostat Transmission, 120' Aluminum Boom, 5 Way Nozzle Bodies, 7 Section Boom Control, 1000 Gal Tank, Stainless Steel Inductor, Tread Width Control, Tires: 380/90R46, Clima-Trak, StarFire 3000, John Deere GS3 2630 Monitor.

A 2014 New Holland TV6070 4WD articulated tractor from Hayden, Colorado sold for $96,500 to a buyer from Wyoming after 181 bids.

Specs: 650 hours, 155 HP, FPT 6.7L 6-Cylinder Diesel Engine, Hydrostatic Transmission, Infinite (8 Range) Forward and Reverse, Class II Front/Rear 3-pt Hitch (1 set of arms noted), 540/1000 PTO, 4 Hydraulic Outlets (Rear), 2 Hydraulic Outlets (Front), Front Clevis Drawbar, Front Wheel Weights, 480/85R34 Tires, New Holland 84LB Loader With 5-Tine Grapple, Quick Coupler Bucket.

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.