>The Machinery and Equipment sold first, and the farmland afterward in front of a large crowd of active bidders.

This is proof positive that the auction method of selling farmland truly works to the advantage of the seller for many reasons.
1 - The seller entertains the bidders' offers in the midst of a very competitive atmosphere ... the bidders know it is "Now or Never" if they want it. Unlike a "sealed bid" exercise where one basically bids in the dark without knowing what the competition is doing, the bidders are aware of the immediate situation and can react to being outbid at that very moment.

2 - Many times the property sells for more than the seller would have listed it for.

3 - The pressure to sell to a certain neighbor, renter, or any other party is removed from the seller's shoulders, as he gives everyone an equal opportunity to buy it.

4 - The seller reserves the right to accept or decline the final offer.