Cedar Valley Produce Auction

About the auction

Just a little about us.

In 2001 a group of farmers built the Cedar Valley Produce Auction that is located west of Elma and south of Riceville in north central Iowa, and in the following years it has grown and now sells over $4 million annually! Selling flowers in the spring and then produce in the summer. All produce and flowers are grown locally and sold at the auction. The Auction Method is the fairest way to sell, as it creates a true supply and demand environment.

The Cedar Valley Produce Auction is a supplier of fresh produce, flowers, vegetables, and some bulk foods. All produce is locally grown and supplies farmers markets in 3 states! The auction also supplies local produce at wholesale prices. In the spring the Auction sells flowers in flats, and hanging baskets and mid summer changes over to sell fresh produce.

Wholesale produce auctions have been successfully operated for a long time. New Jersey was one of the first states to have a produce auction. Pennsylvania now has six auctions, with other auctions being held in New York, Kentucky, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Missouri.

For the larger buyers who don't have time to attend the auction, there will be an experienced order buyer available to buy his fresh produce, flowers, hanging baskets, and vegetables and also to get it loaded and delivered to his farmers market or place of business. There will be a 3% buyers fee charged for order buying as it takes extra effort to buy the product and see that it gets loaded on the truck for delivery. Charges for delivery are extra.

Instructions for new buyers

1. Get a bid card. We will ask for your drivers license to help with the check-in process.
2. When the Auction starts listen closely because they will tell you how many they are selling (etc. 3, 6, 9, or 60) you don't want a surprise when you come to pay and there is more than expected!
3. When you win the bid they will write your bid number on the back of the little tags on the card. Make sure you find your bid number and your items. Do not take anything that does not have your bid number on it, that could be considered stealing!
4. If you need any help please ask the floor men for help, do not just assume your items are here. Please find them.
5. Must have a copy of the invoice before loading. (It does not need to be a paid invoice.) Can get the printout at the office.
6. Do not remove tags before loading.
7. You are responsible for your purchases after you win the bid.
8. While we do have security cameras installed, we are not responsible for lost and stolen items.
9. All sales must be paid for the day of the sale.
10. Pets are not allowed in the auction barn.
11. In the new "Big" Barn the minimum purchase is 5 (five) boxes.
12. In the "Old" Barn the minimum purchase is 2 (two) or as announced by the auctioneer.

Hope to see you soon!
Thank you and have fun!