A 2019 Case IH Steiger Rowtrac 500 tractor reached a remarkable $550,000 during the clearing sale in Esperance last Wednesday. This sale was organized to benefit the Mt Burdett Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting local communities in Esperance and surrounding areas. The funds raised will be directed to the Esperance Community Foundation and the Rural and Regional Advancement Foundation.
The auction featured a total of 212 lots, including various high-value machinery such as harvesters, grain-handling equipment, and motor vehicles. The event achieved a notable 100 percent clearance rate, with all items sold, while those that were initially passed in were negotiated afterwards.
Darren Chatley, a livestock agent with Nutrien, praised the event as “an outstanding, well-supported sale.” A total of 180 registered bidders participated, representing a wide geographical area including the Wheatbelt, South West, and Great Southern regions, as well as interest from South Australia and New South Wales. Chatley expressed satisfaction with the turnout, stating, “It was a pleasing result for everybody.”
The second-highest sale price at the auction was for a 2019 CRS.90 harvester, which fetched $375,000. Additionally, a Tandem AgriSpread AS 2150 was sold for $160,000. Notable vehicle sales included a 2019 LandCruiser GXL Ute with 86,000 kilometers, also achieving $80,000, and a 2018 LandCruiser 70 series dual cab GXL with 115,009 kilometers, which matched the same price. A Volvo prime mover was sold for $50,000.
Greg Curnow, a member of the Mt Burdett Foundation advisory committee, noted the strong interest in the machinery available before the sale. “Given that the Foundation is going to continue providing ongoing support for the community, we received a lot of local support,” he said. Curnow also acknowledged the efforts of the Mt Burdett staff for their exemplary presentation of the equipment.
David Falconer, chairman of the Mt Burdett Foundation, highlighted that the properties sold are leased for the 2026 season and beyond, facilitated by Paul Thompson from Nutrien Harcourts, who provided his services pro bono. This sale represents a significant step forward in securing ongoing community support through the foundation’s initiatives.
The successful auction reflects the vitality of the agricultural sector in the region and the community’s commitment to fostering local development through collaborative efforts.
