When It’s Time to Retire: Navigating the Transition with BigIron and Sullivan Auctioneers
For most farmers, the place they work is more than just a business — it’s their life’s work. Every acre planted, every piece of equipment in the shed, and every harvest pulled in has years of sweat, sacrifice, and pride behind it. That’s why walking away from a lifetime on the land is one of the hardest choices a farmer can make.
It’s not simply about closing out a career; it’s about passing on a legacy. According to the USDA’s most recent Census of Agriculture (2022), the average age of the American farmer is now 58.1 years old, with over one-third of all producers over 65. As the next generation steps up, many long-time operators are making the difficult but hopeful decision to retire — a transition that marks both an ending and a new beginning.
And while today’s agricultural markets face pressures from tariffs, rising input costs, and shifting global trade conditions, the challenges extend far beyond economics. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, farm production costs have risen over 28% since 2020, totaling more than $100 billion in additional expenses due to higher prices for fuel, fertilizer, machinery, and chemicals (USDA via U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, 2024). Many of these increases stem from international tariffs and supply chain disruptions that have squeezed farm margins across nearly every sector (Farm Policy News, University of Illinois, 2025).
Meanwhile, sentiment among producers remains cautious. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reported that farmers cite rising costs, weaker income prospects, and trade uncertainty as top concerns influencing their long-term decisions (Purdue Ag Economy Barometer, June 2025).
That’s why BigIron and Sullivan Auctioneers have built their reputations on walking with farm families through this important transition. Together, we help ensure that land and equipment are sold with care, transparency, and results — so the process is less about stress and more about honoring a lifetime’s work.
Retirement Auctions Across the Heartland
As 2025 comes to a close, more than 40 farm families across the U.S. have entrusted BigIron and Sullivan Auctioneers to help them take the next step in their farming journey. Each retirement auction tells a story of dedication, hard work, and the deep connection farmers have with their land and community.
The Patterson Retirement Auction – October 23, 2025
This fall, the Patterson family of Iowa will take that step. After years of commitment to their operation, they’ve chosen to retire, entrusting BigIron and Sullivan Auctioneers to help guide the process.
- Land Auction – Sullivan Auctioneers will bring productive Iowa farmland from the Patterson operation to auction, giving new stewards the opportunity to carry the legacy of this ground into the future.
- Equipment Auction – BigIron will auction the tools that powered the Patterson farm season after season, including a 1988 Case IH 1660 2WD Combine, a 1990 Case IH 7120 MFWD Tractor, and a John Deere 7000 12R30 Planter.
Dean Papke Retirement Auction – December 12, 2025 | Miles, IA
For Dean Papke, a lifetime of farming and trucking is represented in a powerful lineup of trucks, tractors, and implements. From meticulously maintained Kenworth W900L trucks to a Case IH Axial Flow Combine and Kinze 3605 planter, this sale reflects years of precision and pride.
Young Farms Inc. Retirement Auction – November 19, 2025 & January 6, 2026 | Holt County & Craig, MO
A three-generation family farm that’s been laser-graded and meticulously managed, Young Farms Inc. is offering over 1,400 surveyed acres of prime Missouri farmland, along with a lineup of John Deere tractors and combines. It’s the kind of sale that demonstrates the care, investment, and expertise behind a lifetime in agriculture.
These are just a few of the dozens of retirement auctions scheduled through the end of the year — each one marking a significant milestone for the families involved and the communities they’ve supported.
How BigIron and Sullivan Auctioneers Help
When a farmer decides it’s time to retire, the list of “what’s next” can feel overwhelming. That’s why BigIron and Sullivan Auctioneers step in with:
- Guidance every step of the way – From cataloging equipment to preparing farmland for auction, our teams handle every detail.
- Unmatched reach – Marketing to buyers across the U.S. and internationally ensures fair competition and strong returns.
- Respect for your legacy – We know these aren’t just assets — they’re the tools and land that built a life.
Honoring the Past, Supporting the Future
Retirement doesn’t erase the story of a farm — it opens a new chapter. For families like the Pattersons, Papkes, and Youngs, it means celebrating a lifetime of farming while confidently stepping into what comes next.
If you or someone you know is considering retirement, know this: you don’t have to navigate it alone. BigIron and Sullivan Auctioneers are ready to help make the transition as seamless as possible — so you can focus on what matters most.
Explore our current and upcoming retirement auctions at:
SullivanAuctioneers.com BigIron.com
Sources
- “Steep Section 232 Tariffs Hit Construction Equipment, Parts” — Equipment World: 50% duty rate on derivative steel/aluminum affecting cranes, bulldozers, etc. Equipment World
- “More buyers may turn to used construction equipment as a result of the tariff hike…” MY Equipment
