We believe strongly that selling land and property is about more than a profit. It’s about the process from start-to-finish. And, our process is led with integrity, trust and honesty. The relationships we’ve built over the years are the proof that our process works.
Lennox, South Dakota, native Joel Sr. has 40 years of auctioneering experience, including more than 6,000 auction sales for real estate totaling over 35,000 acres, machinery and personal property. He graduated in 1979 from South Dakota State University and now lives on a farm north of Centerville with his wife Vicki. Joel and Vicki have three children and seven grandchildren.
Joel began his auction career more than a decade ago after graduating from auctioneers school in Mason City, Iowa. He spent his childhood working livestock and grain farming on the Westra’s family farm near Centerville, South Dakota. His passion for auctions developed naturally as he clerked auctions for his dad, Joel Sr., on nights and weekends growing up. After graduating college, he worked as a business and personal banker before joining his dad as a partner in Westra Auction. Joel and his wife, Lisa, live on a farm near Chancellor, South Dakota, and have two sons, Jake and Luke.
Ag real estate was a natural fit for Phil, as his agricultural and farming experience spans generations. He began his career in real estate more than 10 years ago, with his main area of expertise in residential sales. He graduated from South Dakota State University in May 2005 with an agricultural business degree and minors in agricultural marketing and animal science. Phil grew up near Renner, South Dakota, where he still lives and operates Eggers Southview Farms with his father.
To Jonathan, farming is more than a profession. As a fifth generation farmer from Lennox, South Dakota, farming is who he is. After earning his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from South Dakota State University and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan, Jonathan lived in Washington for a short stint before returning to South Dakota with his wife Tara. They now raise their three boys, Peter, James and Alex, on the farm.
Justin brings a passion for farming and equipment to the Westra team. Born and raised on a farm in northwest Iowa, he now lives in South Dakota with his wife Dawn and their children, Alyssa and Kaden. He currently farms and puts his degrees in diesel technology and heavy equipment to use running two businesses — a mechanic shop and commercial excavation business — and assisting the Westras with farm equipment sales. Growing up, Justin loved attending farm sales to see what equipment was selling for, and today he’s grateful his childhood hobby is part of what he does for a living.
Growing up on a farm near Menno, SD, John understands what it means to have an affinity with land that has been in the family for years. John attended Dakota State University and received his degree in Computer/Business Education. After teaching IT at a local high school, John took a position with Westra Auction, brining his knowledge of farming and technology together to assist with the website, online auctions, advertising and social media. He and his wife Jen and their two kids, Ethan and Addysen live on a farm north of Beresford.
The Westra Auction story is really a family story.
Joel, Sr., started his auction business in 1981. Today, Westra Auction is run by father and son Joel Westra, Sr. and Joel Westra, Jr.
First and foremost, we’re South Dakota natives and multi-generation farmers and landowners. We’re passionate about land and the people who own it, because we know firsthand the hard work and investment that comes with owning land.
We know selling land and property is about more than a profit, and that’s why we pride ourselves on the strength of the relationships we’ve built over the years and our business values – integrity, trust and honesty.
Our auctions are not about Westra. They’re about you. As the real estate landscape evolves, one thing we can guarantee is that you can trust us to get the job done right with integrity.
Partner with us on your next sale or purchase.
Joel is the [auction] authority around here, so we went with him. We sold an acreage and some farmland. They took care of everything and did a really good job. They were professional and personable. On the acreage we worked with Phil and on the farmland I dealt directly with Joel. In the end, it was totally positive and I think we got more money that way versus selling it privately.
Keith Johnson
We owned some property in southeast South Dakota that was held in the family for generations. When we were going to get the property appraised, none of us being farmers, we needed a good appraisal and were referred to the Westras. We hired them to appraise the land, and when it came time to sell the land, our experience with the appraisal made me comfortable reconnecting with them to do the auction. Any contact we did have with the team was friendly, amiable, professional and made me feel at ease. The auction itself was just fun, having never been through anything like that. It was entertaining, well done and seemed to go smoothly. We were really pleased with how it turned out, not necessarily only because of the money, but because of the smoothness. I would highly recommend them.
Jon Arneson
We were hesitant to have an auction because of COVID, but after talking to Joel, we decided to have a live auction. Everything went really smoothly. It was just a good experience, and we can’t say enough good about their company and Joel and his son. I would definitely recommend them to anyone else. They’re a really good crew to work with.
Paul Boyenga
When we decided to have an auction, there was no question who we were going to have. They did an auction for my father-in-law’s estate several years ago, and they handled everything professionally and did a great job. They’re just good guys to work with. Above all, they’re honest, professional and prompt at getting things done when they need to be done. The biggest thing is, they know their buyers and they know their market and they know what they’re selling and what the value of what they’re selling is. I would highly recommend them to anyone – the whole team.
Gary Peterson
We sold our farm equipment by auction in August 2020, and the whole process was very smooth. We were pleased with how they conducted the auction and with the end result. We’ve kept in contact with them since the auction and have been really happy getting to know them.
Paul Boyenga
What is the Westra auction process? We need at least six weeks of lead time before an auction can take place. This ensures we have time to prepare, identify potential buyers and advertise the sale.
Before an auction comes to life, we need to know you and your goals for the sale. We’ll sit down, discuss your needs and set expectations.
We’ll set a date for your live or online auction at least six weeks from our initial conversation and talk through the steps to getting there.
We know we only get one chance to prepare for an auction. That’s why we thoroughly research and act on a comprehensive marketing plan.
By the time auction day arrives – whether it’s a live or online-only event – we’re confident our preparation and planning will pay off. Our past results speak for themselves.
Westra Auction, LLC
46745 288th St . Centerville, SD 57014
605-310-6941
[email protected]
605-957-5222
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605-351-5438
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605-254-6966
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605-728-7282
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