Future Farmers of America auction set for Oct. 3

SILOAM SPRINGS — With less than two weeks to go until their second annual alumni auction, the local chapter of Future Farmers of America and its supporters are gathering consignment items and crossing their fingers for a decent turnout.

From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.Oct. 3 at Siloam Spring's Riding Grounds on Cheri Whitlock Drive, FFA alumni will sponsor this year's auction.

The proceeds will be fed back into Siloam Springs High School's FFA program. A portion of the money will be used to fund future FFA operations. The majority of what is raised will go toward scholarships intended for students exiting the local program.

"Our FFA has an enrollment of 560 students," said Mike Rogers, Siloam SpringsHigh School agriculture instructor and FFA adviser. "Students learn skills for employment, experience for citizenship and a value of work ethic. Additionally, our students get hands-on practical experience about livestock, plants, leadership and mechanics."

Items being sought for the auction include heavy machinery, tractors, lawn equipment and trailers.

Clothing will not be accepted for auction. Only items that may be stored outdoors are suitable forthe event.

"The consignment fee is 10 percent," said Natasha Goforth, FFA alumni and event organizer. "If someone brings something to the auction and the item sells, the 10 percent consignment fee goes to the FFA - the seller keeps the other 90 percent."

There is no fee if items don't have a buyer, and sellers are allowed to set a minimum sell price.

Several items have been added to the auction's roster, including Massey Ferguson square balers, a 5-foot John Deere brush hog, a 6-foot brush-hog disc, a Fella FM240 disc mover, a Case 1190 tractor, an 8-wheel V rake, a 9-foot tiller, a 14-hand mule and a horse.

"Come at 9 a.m. to preview the items and get a bid number," Rogers said. "Don't let anyone outbid you."

Several more items, which will continue being donated until the day before the auction, will be added to the list as they come in, Goforth said.

Last year, items included four-wheelers, tractors, hay equipment, cars and pickup trucks, trailers, tools, building materials, horses and a leather-sewing machine.

Concessions will be available at this year's event beginning at 9 a.m. Unlike last year, nachos and hot dogs will not be served. Instead, baked goods and beverages will be offered.

For more information or to arrange to drop off consignments, call Lou Reed at 790-0390 or Bruce Myers at 524-7602.