New York-based Maltz Auctions is selling nearly 1,000 pieces of farm equipment from defunct tree fruit producer Prima Wawona. Maltz Auctions photo

The farm equipment belonging to Fresno-based Prima Wawona — once the largest producer of stone fruit in North America — is being auctioned off this week as part of its bankruptcy liquidation.

Prima Wawona filed for bankruptcy protection on Oct. 13, 2023, $600 million in debt and seeking court approval to pay wages and benefits for more than 8,000 employed at its ranches and packinghouses.

It’s one of a number of large farm companies that have gone under and sold off land due to rising costs, lower commodity prices and capital constraints. 

Nearly all of the 13,000 acres of farmland that hit the market from Prima Wawona’s collapse have since been purchased, reported The Fresno Bee.

Now nearly 1,000 pieces of major agricultural equipment and machinery — tractors, earth movers, trailers, pickups and more — from the bankruptcy proceedings are up for auction.

Online-only bidding opened Thursday and is scheduled to close on Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. Pacific Time, reported New York-based Maltz Auctions, which is handling the auction. An asset viewing area is located at 11597 Ave. 408 in Dinuba, with viewing times scheduled Nov. 11-13 from 9 a.m. to 3 pm. Vehicles will be systematically started on a schedule to be announced.

Pre-registration, at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled end time of the auction, is required.

“There is truly something for everyone involved with farming…,” said Richard Maltz, CEO of Maltz Auctions, in a news release.

A deposit in the form of a cashier’s check, cash, postal money order or wire transfer is also required to bid.

“Your buying power will be 4x the amount of your deposit,” according to the Maltz Auctions new release. “For example, if you send $1,000 you will be approved for up to $4,000 in bidding.  All unspent deposits will be processed for a refund within 48 business hours following the conclusion of the auction.”

The complete catalog of items and bidding information is available at remotebidding.maltzauctions.com.