Ritchie brothers auctioneers calls Saskatchewan home

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers, an auction company with a global reach, now calls Saskatchewan home for their agriculture sector. The grand opening of the permanent Ritchie Brothers auction facility in Saskatoon took place on July 8.

Although the company has been in this facility since November 3, 2006, it was not completed at the time. Their first auction in Saskatchewan at the partially completed facility was held on April 11, and they set the record for the largest agriculture equipment sale in Canadian history. Well over 5,000 people were in attendance, and more than 3,000 placed bids.

Les Harding, the Regional Operations Manager for Ritchie Brothers, says the company’s brand name and popularity are growing.

“We are at a point now where we have outgrown the facility even though we have only had two sales in it,” Harding stated. “Now, we are beginning an expansion.”

The company will be taking down the fence and pouring concrete, increasing the size of the display and consigned equipment lots by 10 acres, and expanding the parking facilities by four acres. The increased space will allow customers easier access. Additional bleacher-style seating will also be installed.

“We’re building off of our success,” Harding said. “We have already established a record and are excited for what the future holds.”

Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers started to get more involved in the agriculture sector in Western Canada approximately four years ago. They made several acquisitions in Saskatchewan, including two small auction companies in the southeastern portion of the province and another in the Rouleau area.

After rolling into the agriculture division and realizing the potential market opportunities, the company decided it needed a facility to act as a hub for the agricultural portion of their operations. After investigating the options, they decided to locate their facility in the Saskatoon area.

According to Harding, this facility has great benefits for Saskatchewan producers.

“A big way in which we will benefit Saskatchewan producers is the fact that our employees are a staffed and managed Saskatchewan group. We understand the market, and we understand producers’ needs. We also understand the province’s daily, weekly and monthly economic status,” he said.

“Also, the space at the new facility allows farmers who are looking to do complete dispersals the chance to bring in their entire equipment lines. It definitely gives them a platform to showcase their equipment.”

Harding says the next auction will take place in late fall or early winter. Once confirmed, the auction date will be announced and posted to their website at www.rbauction.com.

Producers can expect to find a wide range of equipment on the block, including late-model combines, four-wheel-drive, front-wheel-assisted dual-drive tractors, balers, air drills and seeders, and spray equipment.

“Really, all equipment used in the process of farming will be available, and, as the market grows, we will include items such as pick-up trucks, grain trucks, tractor trailers and semis,” Harding said.

For more information, contact:
Les Harding, Regional Operations Manager
Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers
Phone: (306) 933-9333
Website: www.rbauction.com