Sleepy Eye Auction Market operates like a family

Melisa Goss
Apr 8, 2025
Apr 8, 2025

Sleepy Eye (2) worked.jpg — Long-time Sleepy Eye Auction Market employee Jimmy Ibberson looks at a 1960s aerial photo of the facility.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Melisa Goss

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Nestled in the heart of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the Sleepy Eye Auction Market has long been a pillar of the local agricultural community.

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Sleepy Eye (35) worked.jpg — Sleepy Eye Auction Market has been serving its community since 1947.
Submitted photo

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Sleepy Eye (16) worked.jpg — Fieldman Jimmy Ibberson has worked at Sleepy Eye Auction Market since 1974, or as he puts it "for at least two years."
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Melisa Goss

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Sleepy Eye (18) worked.jpg — Sleepy Eye Auction Market owner Marie Guggisberg has been a co-owner of the facility since Jan. 1, 2024. Her daughters, Leah and Amelia, regularly spend time with her at the barn.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Melisa Goss

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Sleepy Eye (33) worked.jpg — Sleepy Eye auctioneer Samantha Edigar-Johnson gets ready for the next round of cattle during a sale.
Submitted photo

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Sleepy Eye (7) worked.jpg — Glenn Berkner served as a long-time auctioneer. He passed away in 2023, a death that had a tremendous impact on all at Sleepy Eye Auction Market, owner Marie Guggisberg said.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Melisa Goss

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Sleepy Eye (3) worked.jpg — Gail Lendt has worked at Sleepy Eye Auction Market for the past 14 years.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Melisa Goss

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Sleepy Eye (13) worked.jpg — Sleepy Eye Auction Market makes a point to support local 4-H and FFA efforts.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Melisa Goss

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Sleepy Eye (28) worked.jpg — Marie Guggisberg’s daughter, Leah, plays in an area set up for her and her younger sister Amelia.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Melisa Goss

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Livestock Legacies is a recurring feature of Tri-State Neighbor highlighting the history of local livestock auctions and their impact on the communities they serve. If you have ideas for future stories, contact Editor Janelle Atyeo at jatyeo@tristateneighbor.com.