LONGVIEW, Alta. — June floods inundated farm equipment in various parts of southern Alberta, and now some of that equipment could be coming to auction.
It’s a case of buyer beware.
Janet Patriquin, assistant farmer’s advocate, said no issues have yet been reported, but those in the market for used equipment should be aware of potential risks.
“We’re trying to get ahead of things and just make sure that if farmers are buying equipment … we’re working with the Canada West Equipment Dealers and making sure that dealers out there, if they have flood damaged units, they’re sending disclosures.”
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Patriquin said the advocate’s office encourages farmers to understand what the disclosures mean should they buy equipment affected by water. For one thing, it can mean warranties are void.
“We want to make sure that farmers know what they’re getting themselves into,” Patriquin said.
The Alberta Farmer’s Advocate office administers the Farm Implement Act and provides assistance in settling warranty complaints, mediating disputes related to machinery, obtaining emergency repair parts and maintaining information on new machinery trends.
The act provides warranty protection, information on replacement parts and minimum requirements for sales contracts. However, it does not apply to farm implements sold at auction.
