Auctioneer Larry Weeda takes bids during an auction Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, in Belle Plaine, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
CHELSEA – As a reporter, you’re often thrust into unfamiliar territory. Whether it’s covering a shooting in a dark alley or stem cell research at a medical institute, you’re expected to know enough to ask the right questions to make sense of the situation.
I’m hoping that experience serves me well as we embark on the next phase of trying to save the family farm owned by my uncle, Craig Musel. Craig has been in a nursing home and I’ve been tasked with keeping the bills paid.
The goal – my hope at least – is to generate enough income so we don’t have to sell the land that has been in my family for nearly 150 years.
Less than a week ago, books, toys, furniture, tools, dishes and other household goods from the farm were sold during an auction in Belle Plaine. This time, we’re moving onto the big stuff.
As much time as I spent at my grandparents’ farm, I’m sorry to say I really couldn’t tell the difference between a combine and a manure spreader. Still, it was my job to show off what was left of my uncle’s equipment, (with the help of Craig’s best friend, thankfully) to auctioneer David “Spanky” Boldt.
Water tanks, wagons, a livestock trailer and an older model John Deere tractor are among the items that will be sold during a consignment auction on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, in Gladbrook, Iowa.
The 3010 John Deere, from the early 1960s, has a corn picker (or so I’m told.) Unlike the sale in Belle Plaine, this auction is a compilation of equipment from many farms, so just a portion of the items belong to my uncle.
The sale begins at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 7 at the Tama County Fairgrounds, 1217 175th Street in Gladbrook. Here is a map and information about the sale. Find photos of some of the equipment below, and more at this link. 
I pushed this on to my farmer pals Cindy. Little tight being next Saturday but you never know who may be interested. B
Thanks Barney!