The 2018 Blue and Gold Auction held at the National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS), in Louisville, KY raised $46,313 dollars for the Kentucky FFA Foundation consisting of 14,313 FFA members in 160 FFA Chapters. 

The multi-faceted event featured a silent auction available for all 314,000 attendees of the NFMS to participate in. The silent auction included items like hunting trips, tires, farm tools etc. 

In addition to the silent auction, an online benefit auction held on BigIron.com on Feb. 21 allowed BigIron’s registered bidders to bid on and purchase higher dollar items including a goose neck trailer, UTV, tractor, hydraulic post pounders and other big-ticket items. BigIron Auctions made this a national event by bringing in buyers from across the country including: Kentucky, Wyoming, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Kansas, Ohio among many others. 

Auction item donors receive front gate exposure at the NFMS, as well as the opportunity to support future leaders in the agriculture industry. “The exposure from the FFA of the Gatormade Trailer was most helpful in promoting efforts at the National Farm Machinery show, as well as enhancing our national image.” Zyndall Haste, Gatormade Trailers Representative, shared following the auction.  

“Those who contribute to this organization are part of something great that is preparing students to meet the needs of companies looking for driven and motivated employees,” said Sheldon McKinney, executive director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation.

All proceeds of the Blue and Gold Benefit Auction, conducted by BigIron Auctions in partnership with the NFMS, will be used to expand the vision of the Kentucky FFA, Growing Leaders, Building Communities & Strengthening Agriculture. This includes bringing high quality programming and leadership training to the 1,500 members attending the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center, supporting awards & prizes for deserving members competing in Career Development Events and supporting local chapters.