Growing up on a potato farm in Southeast Idaho, I never imagined my path would lead me to the bustling world of agricultural machinery auctions. Yet, those early days on the farm sowed the seeds of a passion that would guide my career, moving me from the fields of Idaho to the heart of the Midwest auction scene. This episode, join Jim Sabe and his guest, Chris Bair from our Worthing office near Sioux Falls, as we uncover the fascinating journey through the landscapes of North and South Dakota and explore the vibrant life of auctioneering.

What makes live auctions so compelling in our digital age? Chris and I delve into the resurgence of traditional auction events, especially in areas like Eastern North Dakota and South Dakota, where they thrive as lively social gatherings. We’ll reflect on the impacts of extreme weather shifts, the strategic importance of our Sioux Falls facility, and the unique stories behind each auction that bring communities together. Highlighting our dedicated team members, including the ever-energetic Jeff Polk, we discuss how their expertise continues to drive record-breaking results at Pifers, proving the unmatched energy of live auctions.

Finally, we tackle the evolving dynamics between live and online auctions, offering insights into the balance between tradition and innovation. Chris shares exciting upcoming auctions and the community spirit that makes these events truly unique. Whether it's through the personal connections or the thrill of the bidding process, this episode promises a glimpse into the dynamic and ever-evolving world of auctioneering. Join us in celebrating the rich human stories and immense dedication that fuel our passion for auctions.

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Contact the team at Pifer's

Ever wondered how journalism can bridge the gap between agriculture and the everyday world? In our latest episode, we sit down with Mikkel Pates, a seasoned journalist whose career spans over four fascinating decades. Inspired by his father’s work in agricultural communications and his upbringing on a ranch, Mikkel embarked on a journey that led him to chronicle the stories of rural America. From his first role in Worthington, Minnesota, to the playful yet impactful rivalry between SDSU and NDSU, Mikkel shares how these experiences shaped his unique perspective on agriculture journalism.

Explore the intriguing world where faith intersects with business through the story of a Jerusalem artichoke venture in Minnesota. We dive into the complexities of a business that used religious beliefs as a marketing strategy, only to spiral into controversy with its pyramid scheme-like structure. Mikkel sheds light on the motivations and vulnerabilities of those involved, revealing the untold stories behind this faith-based endeavor. His approach to gaining trust and encouraging openness from interviewees offers insights into the human side of journalism that often goes unnoticed.

The episode takes a sharp turn towards the challenges faced in the evolving landscape of agricultural reporting. Mikkel reflects on the transition from traditional media to the digital age, where sensationalism often eclipses the substantive reporting. We journey through pivotal agricultural events like the farm credit crisis of the 1980s and the rise of co-ops in the 1990s, leading to the modern cautionary tale of Hunter Hansen's grain trading fraud. As Mikkel enjoys his retirement, we celebrate his lasting impact while extracting valuable lessons from his storied career.

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Contact the team at Pifer's

What if you could revolutionize cattle management with just a tag? Join us as we uncover the innovations in livestock monitoring with Max Cassette, VP of Business Development at 701 Autonomous Rancher. From his roots on a row crop farm to spearheading the charge at 701X, Max shares his journey and the cutting-edge tech his team is bringing to ranchers. Discover how their GPS ear tags not only track cattle in real-time but also monitor health, offering ranchers a powerful tool to tackle challenges like cattle straying and early disease detection—transforming the age-old practices in the cattle industry.

Max also walks us through the strategic acquisition of Digital Beef and how this integration turbocharges rancher data management. Imagine having registry software seamlessly combined with cow-calf platforms, paving the way for improved genetics, health tracking, and ultimately a better return on investment. The innovative XT Pro GPS ear tags are more than just trackers; they are a game-changer in genetic monitoring and herd health, providing ranchers with a cost-effective solution to boost calf production and reduce losses. It's a testament to how incorporating technology can lead to substantial long-term gains.

The future of ranching is in the hands of those who dare to embrace technology, and Max sheds light on the pivotal role young ranchers play in this transformative era. We explore the valuable collaboration between generations, where technological savvy meets traditional wisdom to conquer rising land and production costs. By leveraging digital tools and software, ranchers are not just surviving but thriving, as evidenced by the success stories from test ranches. With a nod to the past and an eye on the future, Max illustrates how 701X is not just keeping pace with industry demands but setting the standard for modern livestock management.

Follow at www.americalandauctioneer.com and on Instagram & Facebook
Contact the team at Pifer's