WALKERTON, Ind. — Kraft Auction Service is proud to announce a new partnership with Dennis and Jeff Polk to continue the Polk family’s 40-plus year Labor Day auction tradition while significantly expanding Kraft’s growing antique tractor and equipment division.

The Polk’s, who founded the annual Labor Day auction more than four decades ago, are excited to begin a new chapter of this long-standing tradition at Kraft Auction Service’s Walkerton yard. As part of the expansion, Kraft will grow the Walkerton facility to over 50 acres, creating a premier destination for hosting quarterly equipment auctions along with two annual antique tractor auctions.

Each antique tractor auction event held in Walkerton will be a two-day live event with day one offering two auction rings featuring tractor parts, memorabilia, and farm-related collectibles. Day two will feature two rings dedicated to antique tractors, trucks, and farm equipment.

Celebrating 50 years of business in 2026, Kraft established their Antique Truck and Tractor Division in 2023 with the hiring of division leader Adam Floyd and through a strategic partnership with the team at JC Tractor Restoration. Over the past three years, Kraft has successfully hosted bi-annual live drive-through tractor auctions at its Valparaiso location, along with onsite collection auctions throughout the Midwest.

This new partnership with the Polk’s strengthens Kraft’s position as a national leader in antique farm and equipment auctions and ensures the continuation of a beloved Labor Day tradition.

Looking ahead, Kraft’s expanded event calendar will include:

April 10-11: Two-day annual live drive-through auction in Valparaiso, Ind., featuring the Steve Justin John Deere collection 

Sept. 2-3: Two-day antique tractor, equipment, parts and memorabilia event in Walkerton

Nov. 13-14: Two-day live drive-through auction in Valparaiso featuring pre-war tractors, engines, and trucks

In addition to these marquee events, the team will host live simulcast and online auctions across the United States for individual collections throughout the year. Kraft remains committed to delivering high-energy live auction experiences while offering multiple online bidding platforms to accommodate bidders worldwide.  

Live auction events continue to play a vital role in the tractor collecting hobby — offering opportunities for friends and collectors to reconnect, share their passion, and acquire unique pieces. For sellers, live competitive bidding environments consistently provide the opportunity to maximize return on investment.

The Polk’s and Kraft will also collaborate on late-model and farm retirement auctions.

The first event in this expansion will be a live farm retirement auction for Eaton Farms in Mentone, Ind., on March 30. The auction will feature a well-maintained line of John Deere equipment, with the full catalog to be released in the coming weeks.

Founded in 1976, Kraft Auction Service is a full-service auction company specializing in real estate, farm machinery, commercial assets, estates, and benefit auctions. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the company remains family owned and operated, serving clients across the Midwest with a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and results-driven service. Over the past five decades, Kraft Auction Service has successfully conducted thousands of auctions, combining industry expertise with innovative marketing and personalized client support.

For more information, visit www.kraftauctions.com or contact the company at 219-973-9240