Page 22 - MWC 10-26-2023s

The Midwest Cattleman · October 26, 2023 · P22
Cattle Auction Preparations: A Sale Day Checklist for Ranchers

By Paige Carlson
One of the biggest days of There is nothing that can put Stress equals shrink when it tion (date, vaccines given, etc.)
the year for most ranchers – a damper on the day fast- comes to cattle. As Bob Lar- -Implant information
sale day – is much anticipat- er than an injury. Especially son, DVM, professor of pro- -Specific genetics
ed, yet stressful. when a lot of cattle will be en- duction medicine at Kansas -Any other information
When it comes time to take tering the facilities and when State University says, “Three that may help the cattle bring
calves or cows to the sale new or extra hands are help- percent shrink is probably a premium
barn, the laundry list of items ing with the process. Ensure unavoidable. The question is, •Share split informa-
to prepare and complete for the facilities are ready to use is it going to be worse than tion. Notify the livestock
the event may seem daunt- and all help understand how that?” auction accountants of split
ing. Here’s some helpful tips the facilities work. •Prepare an affidavit. Is information (if applicable),
and considerations for the •Check your trailers. there information that should ensuring you and other part-
days and hours leading up to Your crew will not want to be shared with buyers when ners are paid accurately after
sale time. wait on fixing a flat tire or your cattle enter the ring? the sale.
Several days or weeks be- other equipment hiccups. What shots have they had Last, but not least, when
fore: Take some time to make sure and when? Prepare an affi- all cattle have successful-
•Consign your cattle. the trailer tires are full of air davit sheet to give to the auc- ly made it to the sale barn,
Take the time to call the sale and the pickup or truck is tioneer’s stand, ensuring your go grab yourself a hot beef
barn a few weeks before sale fueled and ready to go. The cattle bring the most money sandwich and a piece of pie at
day to consign the cattle you more time the cattle stand for the time and effort you the sale barn café and take a
plan to sell. This allows the and wait to be loaded, the have put in. This may include deep breath. The hard work is
barn to advertise your cattle greater the shrink. a list of items, such as: through.
and have a general idea of the Hauling and/or Sale Day: -Calving date or timeframe Best wishes to all cattle-
total cattle numbers that will •Communicate with -Weaning date (specifical- men and cattlewomen on sale
be sold that day. your crew. Ensure all help ly, how many days the calves day in the coming months!
•Line up help. Prepare to understand your goals and have been weaned) Drovers
have extra hands on deck, if plans for the day, including -Preconditioning informa-
needed, to efficiently load cat- the time round-
tle and haul them to the sale up begins, what
barn. How many head will to bring and
you be taking? Make sure you where the cattle
have adequate trailer room to will be hauled
haul cattle comfortably and and sold. It
help minimize shrink. may seem re-
•Move cattle closer to dundant, but
working facilities (if pos- it’s better to
sible). By moving the con- over-communi-
signed cattle closer to the cate so everyone
working and loading facili- is on the same
ties, cattle will have less ex- page.
ercise and stress on sale day, •Manage
resulting in less shrink. This your mindset.
also allows them extra time With the an-
to become acquainted with ticipation and
a new water source and stay excitement of
hydrated. the day, keep
One or two days before in mind the im-
loading/hauling: portance of low-
•Check your facilities. stress handling.

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