How to Buy Cattle at a Livestock Auction: A Guide for New Buyers

Easy Step by Step Instructions for Buying Cattle at a Livestock Auction

Buying cattle at a livestock auction is tons of fun, whether you are an experienced veteran or attending a cattle auction for the first time. Livestock auctions is where most dairy farmers and cattle ranchers buy replacement cattle for their herd, and often tend to be a very loud, very social event. It's at the livestock auctions where you see your neighbors, catch up on the local gossip, and discover who is expanding their herd or going out of business. For most of us, buying cattle at the auction is pure entertainment.

For newbies going to a cattle auction for the very first time, this guide will help explain the ins and out of livestock auction, and how to prepare before you go.

1. Call the livestock auction house for information before doing anything: Buying cattle at a livestock auction starts by calling up the auction house that's located in your community or county. Have a pen and paper handy because you'll be asking a lot of questions, such as,"What kind of cattle do you sell?" Not all livestock auctions sell all kinds of cattle with some limiting their sales to beef cattle, while others sell only dairy. You might also ask when the cattle auctions are, at what times, and when buyers can preview what's available. Additional things to inquire about is the type of identification needed if you intend to write a check, and if on-site veterinarian services are available to have the cattle immunized and dehorned.

2. Attend a few livestock auctions to get a feeling for how the process works. Before buying cattle for the first time, it's wise to attend a few auctions first to see how the whole thing works. Some cows are sold in lots of related cattle, while others are sold individually. You'll also get a feeling for how much cows typically sell for per pound.

3. Once you're confident enough to buy some cows, figure out transportation ahead of time. If you do not own your own livestock trailer to bring to the auction yard, borrow one from a friend. The auction manager can also put you in touch with the name of reputable cattle haulers. These guys should be contacted ahead of time so they can plan their schedule for the day.