How Does Livestock Auction Work?
If you are interested in buying livestock at a local auction, there are a few things that you should know to ensure that you end up with the right animal and are not overpaying. There are many different types of animals that you can find at a livestock auction, so it is important to take the time to research each one before heading to the auction.
Identify What You Are Looking For: There are many different breeds of livestock and knowing which ones will be best for your farm can help you narrow down your selection. It can also save you a lot of time at the auction.
Call Ahead: If you are trying to get a specific breed, it is always a good idea to call the auction ahead of time and ask when that animal will be available. This will allow you to plan your trip and be more prepared when you arrive.
Listen: Be attentive to what the auctioneer is saying and be sure to pay attention to the amount that he is asking for each animal. This will help you stay focused on the animal you want to purchase and prevent you from being distracted by other potential bids.
Be Patient: It can be tempting to jump in and start bidding, but it is always a good idea to wait for the auctioneer to lower the price before you make your bid. This will help you avoid paying more than you wanted to, which can happen when the auctioneer opens a high number for the animals you are trying to buy.
Do Your Research: Before going to the auction, do some research on what kind of animals you are looking for and the size of the animal at different ages. This will help you determine if the livestock you are bidding on is healthy and well-bred.
Network: Livestock auctions are a great way to meet other livestock industry professionals and build a community. They are also a fun way to socialize with people and enjoy food and entertainment.
Bring Cash and Checks: Most auction houses don’t accept credit cards, so be sure to have cash or checks on hand when you go to the auction.
Register Before You Bid: Most auctions require that you register before you are allowed to place a bid. This will ensure that the auctioneer can keep track of your registration and allow you to quickly get a ticket so that you can place your bidding.
Watch & Wait: It can be tempting to introduce your new livestock into the rest of the herd when you arrive at the auction, but it’s best to wait a few weeks before doing so. This will give the rest of the herd a chance to get used to the new addition and prevent future problems.
Prepare: It’s a good idea to bring a large truck or stock trailer to haul the livestock home from the auction. This will ensure that you don’t have to worry about finding a place to store the animals until they are ready to move out of the auction.