Musser Bros Blog

Washington State lawmakers want tax on farm equipment

2009-02-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

Washington State Senate Democrats launched a surprise attack on agriculture in our state with a bill that includes two of the cruelest proposals imaginable:

For the first time, farmers would have to pay the hated business and occupation tax if their gross income is $200,000 or more.

Second, farm auctions would be subject to the state sales tax.

SB 5911 is the bill that is being presented and the sponsors and co-sponsors are listed below. Please contact your State Senator and those listed below and let them know how you feel on this issue.

Senator Craig Pridemore, Democrat (Prime Sponsor)
Office: 360-786-7696
E-mail: pridemore.craig@leg.wa.gov

Senator Phil Rockefeller, Democrat (Co-Sponsor)
Office: 360-786-7644
E-Mail: Rockefeller.phil@leg.wa.gov

Senator Adam Kline, Democrat (Co-Sponsor)
Office: 360-786-7688
E-Mail: kline.adam@leg.wa.gov

Musser Featured on Podcast

2009-01-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

Scott Musser was recently interviewed and featured on a podcast at www.auctioneertech.com. Aaron Traffas of Purple Wave Auctions hosts a fantastic auction-centric website. You can view the podcast here

Musser Bros. featured on Auction Network

2008-08-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

The Auction Network has completed two series that feature auctions conducted by the Musser Bros. The first one was shot onsite during the Outback Farms auction this spring in Burbank, Washington, the second in Billings, Montana during the three-day auction for the Living Estate of our founder, Robert E. "Bob" Musser.

Here are links to all 12 mini episodes:

Outback Farms
Episode One - Farmers prepare to live a little.
Episode Two - Episode 2 Unique challenge requires silent communication.
Episode Three - Who wants a used pivot pump?
Episode Four - Road Trip: Hamley's.
Episode Five - Bigger doesn't mean harder.
Episode Six - Road Trip: Trust Cellars.

Robert E. "Bob" Musser Living Estate
Episode One - Bob Musser's Living Estate Auction
Episode Two - Leaving behind big footprints.
Episode Three - Road Rip: Downtown Billings
Episode Four - Practicing what they preach.
Episode Five - Day three bidding gets spirited
Episode Six - Road Trip: Prairie Winds Cafe

Historic Sal-Jo Ranch fetches $742,500

2008-07-03T10:58:00.001-07:00

Over 50 people gathered to watch and bid on the historic Sal-Jo Ranch headquarters in Kennewick. Originally, built in 1939 on the banks of the Columbia, the home had never been on the market, but it had been on the road. The home was moved to it's new location in 1951 due to the construction of McNary Dam.

Sallie McMillin and Joan Bell were on-hand to sign the papers with auctioneer, Scott Musser.

Auction Network to feature Musser Bros. Auction

2008-02-16T22:53:00.000-08:00

The Auction Network, attended and filmed the Outback Farms auction in Burbank, Washington. The film crew arrived at the auction site on the day before the auction to interview our clients, Bob and Connie Smith as well as the auction manager, Scott Musser. The next day, the crew was onsite from daybreak to sunset, capturing all aspects of the auction.

Buyers from six states and Canada competed vigorously for a chance to purchase the equipment offered. Highlights included:

John Deere 8520, $100,000
1997 IHC 8200 Fertilizer Truck, $42,000
1997 IHC 8200 Potato Trucks, $25,000 each
Spudnik 780 Potato Piler, $46,000

15,000 acre Forest Service Permit and 610 head of cattle sold

2008-01-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

Recently Musser Bros. closed on the sale of a first ever sale by combining 610 head of cattle with the corresponding 15,000 acre US Forest Service Permit. Over 100 people attended the event that was held in Shell, Wyoming. The Barnett Ranch has been in operation since the early 1900's and had built up a quality lineage of Saler cattle. When the bidding finally stopped, Joseph Holden of Holden Angus was the successful high bidder. Mr. Holden wanted to expand his summer grazing operations for his ranch which is located outside of Thermopolis, Wyoming.

When Wayne and Fred Barnett first approached Harold Musser of Musser Bros. about the possibility of auctioning the entire herd of cattle along with their permit, Harold wanted to make sure that all the criteria was there to make a successful auction happen. First of all, the seller had to be motivated to sell. With Wayne approaching 79 years old and Fred, having asthma, doing most of the farming, Harold knew that the timing was good for the Barnetts. Secondly, after researching the demand for the cattle and the Forest Service permit, it appeared that there would be a strong demand for the property to be auctioned off. Furthermore, the Barnetts were aware of several neighbors who could be interested in the property, and they wanted to be fair and above board in their dealings with all of them, and not to be put into the position of choosing one neighbor over another. It was determined that the transparency of the auction method would be the best venue to achieve their goals.

With Musser's web site, it was a perfect way to communicate with potential buyers, all the information they would need to receive in order to make a good intelligent decision to buy. A long list of information, including an agreement to purchase contract, US Forest Service allotment maps, information regarding the permit and the transfer of permit to qualified purchasers were all uploaded on www.mbauction.com for interested purchasers to view. The Musser Bros. team of auction experts believe that the more information that can be supplied to the buyers, the more the buyers will be comfortable in bidding, resulting in a higher sales price for the sellers.

Wayne and Fred Barnett are now looking for a few good cattle to raise and feed on their Shell, Wyoming ranch, however, their number of cattle on the ranch will be far below their previous number. Wayne will miss the daily trips up on the Big Horn mountains to check on the cattle, or move them to another pasture, however with a few cattle around the ranch to keep him busy, he looks forward to slowing down. The Barnetts have been trailing their cattle every summer to the mountain and every fall, they would bring them home. Fred will concentrate on farming on the ranch and will be able to keep the land.

Musser Bros. was pleased with the outcome of the auction and was especially pleased that they could add Wayne and Fred Barnett to their long list of satisfied customers.

Harold R. Musser

Live auction industry exceeds $270 billion in 2007

2008-01-23T15:17:00.000-08:00

Live auction industry exceeds $270 billion in 2007
Residential real estate auction revenue increase 5.3%
despite housing market downturn

Overland Park, Kan - In 2007 the gross revenue from goods and services sold at live auction grew 5.3% to $270.7 billion. In 2006, the auction industry sold $257.2 billion in goods and services at auction, an increase of 7.1% from 2005. The annual report was compiled by Morpace, Inc. on behalf of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) which surveys auction professionals to determine the state of the industry, as well as track key auction specialties within the industry.

While traditional real estate professionals continue to face the challenges of a housing market downturn, the real estate auction market continues to be one of the fastest growing auction sectors generating $58.4 billion in 2007. Within the real estate segment (i.e. residential, land/agricultural, commercial/industrial), residential real estate auctions witnessed the largest growth, increasing 5.3% from 2006. Accounting for 32% of the total live auction industry, automobile auctions continue to be the largest sector of the industry generating $87.8 billion in sales. Charity auction revenue grew from $15.6 billion in 2006, to $16.2 billion in 2007, an increase of 4.1%. The overall number of live auctions conducted in 2007 increased by 4.6%.

"The live auction industry continues to grow at an amazing pace," said NAA president Tommy Williams, CAI. "More and more consumers are realizing the benefits of buying and selling at live auction. Consumers are now buying or selling their homes, purchasing art and antiques, or raising capital for charitable causes through auctions."

To assist consumers interested in real estate auctions, the NAA launched the first real estate auction multiple listing service (MLS) in 2007. Prospective bidders from across the world can access www.auctionmls.com to view upcoming real estate auctions ranging from residential, to farm/agricultural real estate. In addition to launching the first auction MLS, the NAA partnered with the Auction Network to develop the first 24/7 multi-media network devoted to the auction industry. Everyone from the enthusiast to the casual bidder can participate real-time in a wide variety of auctions taking place worldwide by visiting www.auctionnetwork.com.

# # #

2007 Revenue Estimates by Auction Specialty Areas
- Gross Revenue (Billions)
Art, antiques & collectibles - $13.7 (+3.9%)
Automobiles - $87.8 (+0.6%)
Agricultural machinery & equipment - $18.2 (+0.7%)
Commercial and industrial machinery & equipment - $13.0 (+7.3%)
Livestock - $17.4 (+0.0%)
Land and agricultural real estate - $25.9 (+2.5%)
Commercial and industrial real estate - $15.7 (+4.2%)
Residential real estate - $16.9 (+5.3%)
Personal property - $9.7 (-3.5%)
Intellectual property - $0.2 (+5.1%)
Other (Non-Charity) - $2.2 (-1.9%)
Charity - $16.2 (+4.1%)

Twas the Night Before the Auction...

2007-12-23T17:49:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before the Auction, and all ’round the farm
Not a creature was stirring, not even in the barn.
The tractors were lined up in the field with care,
In hopes that our bidders, soon would be there.

The sellers were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of high bidders danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When down in the kitchen there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Down to the kitchen I flew like a flash,
Found that noisy phone, I wanted to trash!

The bidder was calling from the county next door
Saying that the roads to the auction, really were quite poor.
I told him that Musser Bros. only cancelled for one reason,
And that was only, if the roads closed for the season.

“Are the hours on that tractor, original and neat?”
“Or do you know if, it has a new seat?”
“What about that combine, it looks really slick,
How about the oil, does it show on the stick?”

I answered all his questions, the best that I could,
And went back to bed, to sleep, like I should.
I sold the auction one or two times through the night,
One time, I had 400 bidders, then, none were in sight!!

I awoke in the morning, all ready to go.
And lo, and behold, it really did snow.
I loaded the signs in the trailer with care,
And strategically placed them, to invite bidders there.

We arrived at the farm, and blue smoke filled the air,
As the seller was trying, to start the tractors with care.
Plug in the trailer, set up brochures,
Turn on the heater, so the girls don’t go, Brrrrr!

The first bidders arrived, then another, and another,
Sometimes I wonder, why I worry and bother.
For we painstakingly plan each little detail,
To insure for our seller, this auction will not fail!

“Hi Joe.” “Hi Frank.” “Hello Pete, How’s Mary?”
“It’s a great day for an auction, Isn’t that tractor cherry?
It’s time to get started, we’ve got lot of iron to sell,
"Let’s all gather around. Bob, ring that bell!"

Who’ll give a hundred, yes, who’ll make it two,
Now, three, four, give five, boy the bids really flew.
We sold all the tractors, we sold all the plows,
We sold a few pallets, we even sold cows.

All the hard work and planning has really come through,
Our seller’s real happy, he’s off to pursue,
A nice round of golf, a few days in the sun,
He’s really quite pleased, that his work days are done.

We’re off to begin, again, where we started,
This auction thing really ain’t for the fainthearted.
A few sleepless nights, a worry there and here.
But I wouldn’t change if I could, I am an auctioneer!

—Scott Musser, 2007

Year End Equipment Auction

2007-12-19T17:23:00.000-08:00

We were pleased with the response to our 2nd annual Torgerson's LLC equipment auction. Although the temperature was cold the bidding was good and active. Torgerson's LLC own several CIH dealerships around Montana and are of the mindset that it is better to move their pre-owned equipment inventory after a short period of time rather than sit on it for months and months. The annual auction is a integral part of their strategic marketing program.

This auction also was a first, in Montana, where our customers could bid live over the internet on items that were of interest to them. Without a lot of publicity on this service we still had a large number of participants from all across the Northwest & Canada. Look for more of these Live Internet Bidding opportunities in the coming months.

We are looking forward to adding more services in the upcoming year, perhaps financing on many of our equipment auctions this year will be considered.

Mert Musser

Welcome to the new mbauction.com

2007-11-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

After listening to our customers feedback and many long hours of hard work, we are proud to launch the new and improved home of mbauction.com.

Many thanks to Joshua Stengel with Rowdy Data at www.rowdydata.com for his work on this project. Without his help, we couldn't have produced such a great site.

We hope you enjoy our new site and if we can do anything to make it better, please let us know.

Auction Industry Growing

2007-08-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

OVERLAND PARK, KAN. - Gross sales revenues from auctions by NAA members in the first quarter of 2006 increased 5.7 % over same time period one year ago, a study by the NAA has found. If this trend continues, this will translate into approximately $254.1 billion total revenue for 2006 for the entire auction industry, up from $240.2 billion in 2005, a 5.8 percent increase.

These are the findings documented in a quarterly report of auction industry growth being conducted by global market research firm MORPACE International on behalf of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA).

The research shows the steady continued growth of the overall auction industry, said NAA President Dennis K. Kruse, CAI.
The following are some other key findings documented in the quarterly report:

One-third (33%) of NAA members say they have conducted more auctions in 2006 than they did in 2005, while 17% say they have conducted fewer than last year. Overall the number of auctions appears to have increased by 2.3% in 2006 compared to the first quarter of 2005. The average number of auctions conducted by NAA members through the end of the first quarter is 15.

Forty-two percent (42%) of NAA members say they have seen an increase in gross sales receipts in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the same time one year ago. At the end of the first quarter of 2005, 44% said they had seen an increase compared to a year ago. Among those who say they have seen an increase, the median amount of increase reported was 25%.

The growth of the residential real estate auction business continues, but is slower than the previous period last year (2.6 percent his year, versus 6.6 percent last year). At that time, 38% had seen an increase in revenue while only 8% had seen a decrease compared to the previous year. Now, 35% have seen an increase and 20% have seen a decrease.

Growth in commercial and industrial real estate auctions has remained constant, 2.2% over this time last year compared to 2.7% last year. However, revenue for agricultural real estate auctions appears to have declined 4.4% over this time last year compared to a growth of 1.4% increase reported last year.

Funded by the National Auctioneers Foundation, the Auction Industry Research Study was commissioned by the NAA in 2003 to study and document the growth of the live auction industry. Results of the initial study were released in July 2004 and updates are being conducted on a quarterly basis.

Musser Elected Vice President of NAA

2007-07-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

San Diego, CA - The National Auctioneers Association (NAA), the largest professional organization for auctioneers, has elected a new slate of officers and board of directors to lead the organization for the coming year. The election took place today during the 58th International Auctioneers Conference and Show at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego.

Scott Musser of Kennewick, Washington was elected to the office of Vice President, a term he will serve for one year. Previously, Musser has served on the NAA Board of Directors as a Director and Treasurer.

Another pleased seller

2006-12-19T13:15:00.000-08:00

We were very pleased with Musser Bros. overseeing our auction. The preparation for an auction was much more than we ever anticipated and the success of the auction was greatly determined by this preparation. Musser Bros. are masters at preparation and setup. In addition, the Musser name draws people, period. We were impressed in the amount of customers from out of state as well as the local turn out. If you truly want to have a first class auction that will bring top dollar and that is built upon integrity and honesty, then make it a Musser auction. Brion Torgerson, Torgerson LLC