Selling calves

[farmers_son]

I think Rpkaiser is giving the best advice. The days of selling weaned calves has come to an end boys. Certainly we need to be considering how we can retain ownership of those calves this year, whether it is the set aside program or to hold on till the border opens in the New Year.

How about the buyers that will always cut out a calf or two out of a nice pen even if there is nothing wrong with them just so they can cheapen up the load. They bid 10-25 cents less for these calves and then they go in the same pen anyway. Pays for the order buyers commission.

[cswilson]

Ohhh aren't 'THEY' terrible we'd all be rich if it wasn't for 'THEY'. If 'THEY' are buying them too cheap maybe it's time for 'YOU' to buy them instead. When we used to sort calves we'd videoed that was standing offer if the rancher thought we were stealing the cutbacks we offered to buy him a load of same type of calves at same price. HMMM NO TAKER'S!!!!

[cowman]

Well an auction mart is the place where buyer and seller meet. If a person thinks they are getting screwed on a particular deal just stand right up and say "NO SALE"! It pisses the buyers and the auction staff off but it is your right to do it! They are still your cattle until you get the money.
Now I know a lot of people here are down on Neilsons, but I just want to relay something that happened at Burnt Lake Auction(Neilson Bros.) last week.
The buyers started this old garbage of wanting to cut out a few animals from a lot. You know..."I'll pay 2 cents more if you'll cut out two"?
The manager stepped right in and bought the whole lot! Did it a couple of times and that nonsense came to a stop real quick! You see he clearly sent the buyers a message?...not going to steal them at this mart today boys?
The buyers don't like this guy but they sure as hell respect him! And the farmers think he is the real meal deal! You can phone him up and ask him what he thinks about the market and he will tell you the truth! A very good manager, in my opinion! And a lot of other people I guess...as he has turned this mart around from a complete dog to one of the best!
His name is Mel Glencross.

[BFW]

Where did he move the cattle to? He probably has an order from some ill informed farmer that doesn't know any better than to give the market operators an order.

[cswilson]

I've had the mart guys buy calves for me and they do a good job-sometimes the orders they get nobody could fill-as long as you make it clear that if they aren't right you ain't paying for them things go pretty smooth-I sent one load back once and things were good after that. The ringside pissing contests get a little old after awhile you must admit.

[cowman]

Another important thing is be there when your cattle sell! Make sure the mart isn't playing games and everything is on the up and up. If one of your calves comes in lame make sure you pass him or let the manager know you expect some Hartford insurance when they knock him back 30 cents!...the things that can go on back in the yards are apalling!
It is also a good idea to make sure the boys in the back are feeding your calves if you are paying for a fed pen! They tend to either "forget" or feed them garbage a billy goat wouldn't eat!
Better to haul in the hay yourself and know they got some good feed in their guts! Never get a water pen if you can help it! You will improve your "shrink" considerably! "shrink"...another buyer scam!