LAFAYETTE, Indiana — Johnny Klemme, advisor, broker and auctioneer with Geswein Farm & Land, has earned the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) designation from the National Auction Association, one of the industry’s highest designations for auction professionals.
The Certified Auctioneers Institute is a three-year executive education program held at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, bringing auction professionals from across the country together for advanced training in auction strategy, business operations, leadership, ethics, negotiation, technology, marketing and client service.
Widely recognized as one of the auction industry’s highest levels of professional education, fewer than 2% of auctioneers nationwide hold the CAI designation, making it a meaningful distinction within the profession.
For Klemme, the designation represents more than a professional achievement. It reflects a continued investment in serving landowners, farm families, trustees and professional advisors at a higher level.
“Earning the CAI designation is an honor, but the real value is how it helps us better serve the people who trust us with major land and life decisions,” said Klemme. “Many farmland sales and auctions involve family legacy, financial goals, long-term stewardship and once-in-a-lifetime assets. My responsibility is to help clients feel informed, prepared and confident as they move toward their next chapter.”
Johnny Klemme, Author of American Family Farmland was the Salutatorian of his class at Reppert School of Auctioneering and has now earned the prestigious 3-Year CAI designation from the NAA.
Unlike programs focused on a single asset class, CAI emphasizes the broader business of auctioneering and the professional systems behind successful client outcomes. Klemme s
aid the experience reinforced many of the principles already central to Geswein Farm & Land’s work: clear communication, thoughtful planning, transparent auction processes, strong marketing and a client-centered approach.
“Our clients are the heroes of the story,” said Klemme. “They’re the ones making important decisions about land, family, wealth and legacy. Professional education helps us bring more clarity, structure and guidance to that process so they don’t have to navigate it alone.”
Geswein Farm & Land specializes in farmland real estate, auctions, appraisals, farm management and land advisory services throughout Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. The firm works with farm families, landowners, heirs, trustees, attorneys, accountants, wealth managers, investors and farm operators.
This continued investment in professional education reflects Geswein Farm & Land’s long-term commitment to delivering thoughtful advice, strong market exposure and professional auction execution for clients across the Midwest.
“Farmland is more than an asset on a balance sheet,” said Klemme. “It represents generations of work, stewardship, sacrifice and family history. That alone deserves a professional process, but it also deserves a servant-leadership mindset.”
About Johnny Klemme
Johnny Klemme is an advisor, broker and auctioneer with Geswein Farm & Land. He advises landowners, farm families, heirs, trustees, investors and professional advisors through farmland sales, auctions,and land-related decision-making. He is also the author of American Family Farmland, a book focused on helping families navigate decisions involving inherited farmland, legacy, wealth and stewardship.
About Geswein Farm & Land
Geswein Farm & Land is a farmland real estate, auction, appraisal and farm management company serving landowners, farm families, investors and professional advisors throughout Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. Since 1977, the company has focused on helping clients create more land value through professional guidance, trusted relationships and responsible stewardship.
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