A brace or gusset is added to the first and last flight blade of an auger length for stability and reinforcement. The braces are generally box shaped with the flight blade as the box bottom. The brace walls are welded together along with a top panel. The brace is adjacent the auger shaft on one end and complementary shaped on one side to conform to the shape of the flight helix. A deflector is added to the last flight blade to distribute dirt and debris away from the first flight blade on the subsequent auger length. The auger length is reinforced against the twisting torque and compressive forces that occur at the first and last flight blade.