Schramm Farms in Harrison City holds auction after closing popular market

Some of the first pieces of farm equipment from Schramm Farms & Orchards in Harrison City were auctioned off Saturday morning, marking an end to the Schramm family’s four generations of plowing fields and planting crops in Western Pennsylvania.

Despite being a chilly spring morning, more than 300 bidders registered for their chance to nab some of the farm’s agricultural equipment. The auction, run by Mark Ferry Auctioneers, came almost four months after the farm ceased operations, and the market, where fresh fruits and vegetables were sold, shuttered.

“I’m ready for it,” Hilary Schramm said. “I need some free time. With this, we didn’t get any.”

The auction will continue at the market next Saturday, April 9. It will focus on equipment used for growing, like transplanters and sprayers.

The business — known for its popular pumpkin patch, maze and fruits and vegetables — officially closed at the end of the year after 40 years in operation.

At the time, Schramm cited difficulties in finding people to work, as well as impacts from government regulations. He noted that his children did not want to take over the business.

The Schramm family actually began farming 120 ago off of McKnight Road in Ross. They relocated to Penn Township in 1981.

Now, equipment from the farm will be used by farmers across the region.

Throughout the morning, smaller pieces like valves, brass and copper largely sold for under $100. From there, prices varied, with a quad selling for $250. Other pieces, like a Toro lawnmower sold for $1,200. Nine tractors were also up for bid, as well as wagons.

James Fleming, 25, attended the auction with his father, James Fleming Sr., 62. The duo operates a vegetable farm in West Sunbury, Butler County.

“A lot of times you can pick stuff up for cheaper normally than what you can do at a dealership brand new,” said James Fleming, noting they were specifically looking for tillers. “For example, some stuff here ain’t very old but you can get it at a better price.”

He said that the number of auctions held at farms across the region has increased over the years as businesses continue to shutter.

Between 2007 and 2017, almost 9,650 farms ceased operations, according to the U.S. Census of Agriculture.

In Westmoreland County, 216 farms ceased operations during that same period, Shannon Powers, spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, previously told the Tribune-Review. She noted that several are small, family farms.

Harry and Pam Amsler, of Washington Township, often take advantage of auctions to help find equipment for their farm, which has cattle, sheep and goats.

The couple were hoping to buy a tractor as well as a square or round baler.

Harry Amsler, 67, attributed a large number of farms closing to a lack of workers. The couple doesn’t plan to hire any additional help for their farm this year.

“Nobody wants to work, nobody wants to do it anymore. … There’s no money in it,” Amsler said. “It’s a shame. That’s everywhere, no matter what you have.”

While Chris Brittenburg acknowledged the loss of another local farm, the organic vegetable farmer was hopeful he could find some rare pieces of equipment Saturday.

“This could be a good opportunity to find some good finds,” said Brittenburg, 44, of New Bethlehem, Clarion County. “Equipment is really high right now. The cost has skyrocketed for things that are new for the most part but also used (equipment). So an auction sometimes offers really good opportunities to find some hidden things.”

Others, like Adam Krozel, 44, of Kecksburg just wanted to see what was up for bid.

“It helps you save some money in the long run if you can find something in decent shape that you can use,” said Krozel, who operates a grain and beef farm.

According to Schramm, the 300-acre farm is not for sale. He didn’t disclose any future plans for the property, but noted that his brother, Ralph, will continue growing crops at the back of the farm.

Grandma’s Country Oven Bake Shoppe, which has been operated for 31 years next to the market, remains open.