Baby Boomers: How Retiring Farmers Fuel Big Iron’s Online Auction Momentum | Building Nebraska
Thu Jan 29 2026
As more farm families retire and look to reduce risk, Big Iron Auctions is seeing continued growth in its online auction model, according to co-founder Mark Stock.
Stock discussed the company’s evolution and current business dynamics on Part 2 of the Building Nebraska podcast, powered by the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Stock, who started the auction business with his brother Ron, said the company’s data shows online auctions consistently outperform traditional open-outcry sales.
He said the trend is being driven largely by retiring baby boomers who want certainty as they exit agriculture.
Stock said Big Iron’s growth has also depended on staying focused while continuing to adapt, including embracing new technology.
Hear how Big Iron Auctions has grown from a Nebraska startup into a nationwide online auction company, remaining rooted in people, from employees to sellers navigating some of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
Building Nebraska is powered by the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
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As more farm families retire and look to reduce risk, Big Iron Auctions is seeing continued growth in its online auction model, according to co-founder Mark Stock. Stock discussed the company’s evolution and current business dynamics on Part 2 of the Building Nebraska podcast, powered by the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Stock, who started the auction business with his brother Ron, said the company’s data shows online auctions consistently outperform traditional open-outcry sales. He said the trend is being driven largely by retiring baby boomers who want certainty as they exit agriculture. Stock said Big Iron’s growth has also depended on staying focused while continuing to adapt, including embracing new technology. Hear how Big Iron Auctions has grown from a Nebraska startup into a nationwide online auction company, remaining rooted in people, from employees to sellers navigating some of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Building Nebraska is powered by the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.