Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
are buying, and you may not have a way to verify if the animals are illness-free or if they are
pregnant or ready to be bred. Sales barns also carry some risk because animals are exposed to
so many other animals that could potentially transfer illnesses. Exceptions to this would be
when stockyards sponsor breeder auctions or auctions from other certified programs.
Breeder auctions
are held for animals with certain genetics, such as a Hereford breeders'
auction. These can be held at stockyards or at another site. Sometimes, auctions are held for
estate sales or for farms going out of business.
Online auctions
Online auctions are popular because animal sellers can show off their sale animals without
taking them off the farm, which reduces stress and potential exposure to illness. Similarly,
buyers like these forms of auctions because they do not have to attend an auction physically,
and they can make their choices and hire someone to haul the animals to them. These auctions
also expose sale animals to a wide range of potential customers. Breeders' auctions often are
held online or via satellite.
Most people involved with online auctions will be honest, but there are risks. You can protect
yourself by getting all the terms of your deal in writing and making sure you know all the de-
tails of the deal. For example, will the seller ship animals to you or hire a third party to do
this, or are you responsible for picking them up? Sometimes you can provide a down payment
(sometimes by overnight check or wired funds) and will not have to pay the total amount until
the animals arrive at your farm. After you buy animals, it may be a good idea to inspect them
visually before they are shipped or make it clear under the terms of the sale that you will re-
turn any unacceptable animals at the seller's expense. Good auction sites want to ensure their
buyers and sellers are protected, and you can contact these companies to see what protective
measures they recommend.
Beef Cattle
You may be contemplating a small herd for your own farm, or you may just want a raise a
steer or two to fill your freezer with quality beef. First, decide what type of cattle operation
you want. Do you want to start with young calves and raise them to harvest for yourself, or do
you want to sell them as fed and finished cattle? Do you want to purchase pregnant cows or
cows that already have calves? Do you want to purchase a group of cows that are not preg-
nant, breed them, and then wait for a calf crop?
