Whether you ’ve been raising creature for decades or are looking for your first yoke of bottle calf , a farm animal auction bridge may be the position to find your next livestock purchase . Livestock auctions are known by many name — sale barn , auction barn , livestock substitution — but they all provide the same armed service : an splendid place to source great stock at fair prices .
hoi polloi havestrongfeelings about livestock auction sale . There are folks who would n’t buy a cow from a sale b if it were the last moo-cow on Earth . Some of the reasons the great unwashed deflect auction include the risks of getting get up in the bidding operation and overpay for an animal , gravel too excited about an strange animal and making a self-generated decision that they ’ll by and by regret , and purchase an beast with a trouble or health vexation in which they are not equipped to handle . Also , many people do n’t like the added pressure of have to make a nimble decision . Once the auctioning process begin , there is n’t much time to chew over before the gavel hits the closure and the auctioneer shouts , “ Sold ! ”
Auction Benefits
Many experient rancher sing the praises of the local cut-rate sale barn . It can be a great position to find trade , and it often render the sound selection , variety and opportunity for the hobby husbandman or homesteader .
Bringing Home Babies
The changeover to the new farm is an important part of the farm animal auction purchase . The last thing a Fannie Merritt Farmer require is to preface a disease or problem onto his or her holding . Here are some wide-eyed precautions to take to maintain a sizable farm and homestead .
Auctioneer Advice
Once the decision has been made to visit the local livestock auction bridge , there are a few things to know before point that first bid .
to help the auction amateur and experient veteran alike navigate the stock auction , we enlisted the help of licensed auctioneer , Ricky Timberlake . Timberlake is the possessor / operator of Timberlake Auctions in LaGrange , Kentucky , and has been sell great livestock to the highest bidder for more than 40 geezerhood . He know how to navigate livestock auctions and has some tried - and - lawful bakshis for the beginner to ensure a happy ending for the farmer and the new farm addition .
“ The sleazy [ animals ] are n’t always the best deals , ” Timberlake says . “ And the highest [ price ] ones are n’t necessarily the most expensive . ”
As confusing as this statement might appear , it ’s a fact that many experient farmers understand well . What might seem like a steal of a bargain at the farm animal auction can apace deform into a pile of veterinary bills and health care . besides , the most expensive bottle calf at the auction can establish to be deserving every penny and arguably the beneficial deal at the house that daytime . “ You ca n’t give too much for a good one , ” is the slogan of many seasoned auction participants .
Timberlake monish the beginner to be a spectator before becoming a client . He urge attending a pair of auction bridge prior to rip the trigger on a Seth of goats .
take a back seat and see the activity for a few visits allows a somebody to study how thing work . It provides an opportunity to observe the market and make appropriate command . You ’ll get familiar with the auction linguistic process and the ask price and become more well-fixed with the bidding process .
Shutterstock
Do n’t be afraid to speak to the owner / operator of the auction . It ’s their line of work to help . The staff at the auction bridge should be well-chosen to familiarise new customers with the mental process :
The auction sale staff can also help client with specific strain requests and selective information . hollo ahead can save you a wasted trip . A husbandman on the hunt for a Berkshire Sus scrofa or Jersey moo-cow might await weeks before the particular stock number through the auction . A nimble phone call can often uncover if a specific selection is on the roster for the night .
Plan to get there well in the lead of the actual summons . This allows you to easily see to it in at the part , preview livestock and talk to faculty about what animals will be auctioned as well as the Holy Order of events .
Candi Johns
Timberlake also recommends novices to bring an experienced friend or colleague along , if possible . With experience comes noesis and wisdom . Knowledge is learned , soundness is live and most times , it ’s in the buyer ’s skillful interest group to have someone at their side with a little of both .
An auction veteran will know the lingo . Many term can be frighten away for a starter ; registered , wean , bucket - broke , bred , work , castrated , tongue - cut , tip , stag and many other terms will fall apace from the auctioneer ’s mouth . ( See “ Say What ? ” on page 56 for some definition . ) Many of these term are warning signals ; others are a green light to a super buy . Having an experienced James Leonard Farmer by your side is a not bad way to navigate the extraneous water .
An experient auction - attendee will also be familiar with the market . sealed clip of year , livestock Price will intensify ; other times , the marketplace will encounter a letup . A steady will belike have it away how the industry fluctuates and if it ’s a good metre for your mean purchase . Lastly , a lettered friend will probably bonk a ripe animal when they see one . Candi Johns
Say What?
Learn the lingo used at the vendue house to get the best deal . Here are a few terms you should have intercourse before bidding :
What to Expect
Do n’t allow the auctioneer or the auction sale house restrain you . The outgrowth could n’t be uncomplicated . While there unquestionably will be some loyal talking and prices flying around , there ’s nothing to fear .
After you arrive at the auction house , go over in . Everyone is give a number to be used for bidding . When you need to press , simply moderate up your house or carte du jour . However , do n’t be the first one to wish . Watch the bid . Auctioneers will unremarkably call for for more than they think they can get and then back up . Let someone else get down , and startle in if you like the creature and the price .
Also , do n’t scratch your head , melt down your fingerbreadth through your hair or undulation at someone across the elbow room . If you do , you could end up with an unwanted bull or group of goat . Many bidders do n’t use their cards or telephone number to wish . They merely raise their hands . Make an attempt to keep your hands in your circuit unless you intend to buy the creature on display .
Candi Johns
While you ’re three , why not take home a distich ? Many farm animals — oxen , sheep , goat , pig — are herd animal . If this is your first livestock leverage , debate going home with at least two so they have a companion .
last , go disposed . If there is a chance you might get in on the auction activity , take a truck or trailer to safely transport the newest addition to their new home .
Thanks to the older - fashioned expressive style of buy and sell at the local livestock auction , neat animal and great price are useable to everyone . “ Do n’t ever let anyone tell you that you ca n’t purchase a salutary animate being at an auction , ” Timberlake says . “ They ’re wrong . ”
This story originally appear in the May / June 2018 issue ofHobby Farms .
