News : FFA Labor Auction nets nearly $11K from area farmers, businesses & grandparent

FFA Treasurer Jacob Patrilla stands on the auction block as Duane Johson takes bids.

Duane Johnson jokes with Riley Ries during the FFA Labor Auction.

FFA VP Tyler Henkle takes his turn at the auction block.

Aaron Burkey

CJ Fowler

Jessica Dickerson answers questions from auctioneer Duane Johnson.

Keaton Robb

Kirra Darling

William Greenwood

John Eden

The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Labor Auction earned the chapter nearly $11,000 in bids and donations. The chapter members raised $10,500 from the labor auction, aveaging $437.50 per person. Area residents also made donations totalling $450 during Thursday's event.

"I thought that everything went very smooth, with a great turnout with great support," said FFA Advisor Louise Fleming. "However, I am finding this to be true all of the time from the community of Vinton-Shellsburg schools."

See complete bidding totals HERE.

For area farmers, business owners and auctioneer Duane Johnson, it's an annual tradition that goes back decades.

The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA labor auction raised thousands of dollars for the chapter on Thursday night. Those funds will help send members to state and national conventions.

Some bidders paid as much as $500 for a day's work from one of the 29 FFA members who signed up for the auction. Fleming and chapter officers kept track of the high bidders and the amount of money raised.

Johnson said he does not remember exactly how long he has been the auctioneer for this annual event. The best guess is 35 years or so. He replaced the auctioneer who had been calling the auctions when former FFA teacher Duane Fisher arrived in 1973. Johnson thanked the bidders for their generosity, and in what he calls his "speech," reminded the FFA members that the auction continues because of the efforts the FFA members have made to work for those bidders who pay higher than usual prices to show their support for the Ag and FFA programs.

Johnson thanked those who have supported the FFA through the years, specifically mentioning farmers and ag-related businesses. He also said that the grandparents of FFA members are a big part of the success of the annual auction. "We love you grandparents," said Johnson.