<b>By CINDY LADAGE<br>
Illinois Correspondent</b> </p><p>

NOKOMIS, Ill. — Farmers throughout the Midwest enjoy the RFD-TV network and even more when they recognize the faces they see. For auction-goers and collectors of antique farm equipment and memorabilia they may have noticed central Illinois couple, Kurt and Jane Aumann of Nokomis, Ill. in an episode of a new program called Aumanns’Album.<br>

The Aumanns are part of the Aumann Auction family and they work with collectors from across the country. The firm travels nationwide conducting antique tractor, farm toy and memorabilia auctions. This experience was invaluable when they hosted the first pilot episode which centered on antique tractor auctions, farm toy auctions and special events where collectors gather.<br>

As collectors themselves, the Aumanns are aware of the sentiment that goes along with this unique hobby. Always been involved with the agricultural field, Jane graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in agricultural communications, and Kurt published an antique tractor magazine, The Belt Pulley for more than 15 years and is a nationally recognized auctioneer. As CEO of Aumann Auctions, Inc. Kurt grew up in his family’s auction business which locally specializes in farm and residential real estate auctions.<br>

The RFD adventure began when the Aumanns were approached by the television network to try out the new program. Jane Aumann shared that to get the network on the air first took about a year of planning.<br>

After submitting the first half-hour pilot program and the successful airing of the pilot in October 2007, the Aumanns signed on for 13 original episodes. Aumanns’ Album will run in two prime time slots. The Midwest couple is excited about the episodes because not only are they featured, but are responsible for content and production. They are working in tandem with a production company based out of Springfield.<br>

One of the featured collectors on their pilot episode of Aumanns’ Aumann was George Schaaf of Frankfort, Illinois. They sold Mr. Schaaf’s collection this past September, and a rare 1913 Case 30-60 Tractor sold for $400,000.00. “That auction was a highlight. We had bidders from 26 states and 5 foreign countries, set a world record, and it was our first filming for Aumanns’Album,” said Kurt.
Sharing the stories of collectors like George Schaaf is what caught the attention of the collecting public. Everyone can’t always attend events that generate their interest, but the can enjoy watching from the comfort of their own living room, or relive the experience if they were there.<br>

“This was such an incredible opportunity for us. We are excited about putting together great new programming for RFD-TV,” explained Kurt Aumann. “In our business we are exposed to so many interesting people with great stories.”<br>

Traveling across the country for his auction business, Kurt has a chance to meet event planners, collectors, and those in the business end as well. These meetings spur on new ideas and add a variety of elements that not many can boast.<br>

For Jane Aumann it is the people she meets that makes this all worthwhile. We do it all, but our favorite part is visiting with collectors. We love to hear the stories about their hobbies and tractors. That really is what our show is all about. The content about our auctions just tops everything off,” added Jane.<br>

When can collectors expect to see these episodes? According to the Aumanns, the episodes of Aumanns’ Album will run on RFD-TV on Thursdays at 7pm CST and then again on Sundays at 8 pm CST. RFD-TV is the nation’s first 24-hour television network dedicated to serving the needs and interests of rural America and agriculture and is viewed in over 30 million households. RFD-TV can be found on Channel 379 on DirectTV and Channel 231 on DISH Network plus other cable providers.<br>

Kurt and Jane will soon be traveling to Iowa and Michigan to film more episodes of Aumanns’ Album. They will also be taping an upcoming farm toy auction at their auction center in Nokomis on Feb. 9 and invite the public to participate. They plan to do a feature segment on farm toys. To contact them about the show, send e-mail to info@aumannsalbum.com<br>

To check out upcoming auctions, log onto www.aumannauctions.com