The Livestock Auction

Sometimes I'm still such a city girl trying to be country that when I hear the words "livestock auction" I want to break out singing John Michael Montgomery's hit "Sold".  I've been to a livestock auction twice in my entire life.  Once when we bought Chase and today was my second time.

Growing up we lived not far from a huge livestock auction just north of us that drew in farmer's from far around including a large amish community.  There was a farmer's market next door to the auction and I visited the market many many times.  But I never once stepped foot into the auction arena or much less the viewing pens.  So if you have never been it can be pretty confusing and intimidating.

It is our intention to eventually multiple our small flock of sheep and hopefully sometime in the future start to sell some of those offspring.  With that said, you can sell your offspring three ways. Directly to the consumer, to buyers or packing plants, or at a livestock auction.  It's recommended not to choose just one avenue as it is like putting all your eggs in one basket.  We researched the market reports and decided to visit an auction in person to see how things operated.

The one we chose is one of the most popular in the area but is a bit of a drive out.  It had snowed overnight but the temperature had risen above zero leaving the roads slushy and wet.

We headed out after chores and made a pit stop for gas enroute.  

I only mention this in this blog post because we were shocked to see the difference in gas prices from our town to this one.  There was a whole eight cent difference.  It seems someone is ripping off others and making money while the rest of us struggle just to get by.  There should be fixed rates for gas.  Or at the least enforce equal prices.  Rant complete.

Anyhow, we arrived at the auction and it turned out to be a quiet day.  There wasn't a whole lot of action going on and most of the pens were empty.  The Easter market will begin starting next week, or so we were told.  No matter, we weren't there to buy.  We simply wanted to see how things worked.  We viewed the unloading of a trailer full of goats, sat through a bidding sale, and saw lots and lots of livestock.

There were dairy cows.

Brown cows.

Black cows.

Lone cows.

And crowded cows.

And we saw lots and lots and lots of sheep.

Small sheep, big sheep, playful sheep, sleeping sheep, frightened sheep, bashful sheep.  There were so many different kinds of sheep.

I've not seen the Bambino so excited to see so many livestock in one place.

And I have to agree with him.  It is a feeling of awe to be in the company of so many majestic animals.  I know, I sound like a city girl again don't I?