Sold my first group of cattle.

[Adam Freeman]

Sold my first group of cattle today at the local barn during one of their special cow sales. Sent two black angus cows. They were 2 year old's that were 4 and 5 months pregnant as well as a calf that was just not making as much gains as the rest of her herd mates. The heifer calf went through at 145 pounds and brought $300 while the cows went through averaging 1043 pounds and brought $1285 a head. Not to bad I don't think for north central Kansas. Watched some go for more and some for less ranging from $650 to $1950 a head. My cows were very gentle, bunk broke, home raised and bred to a Gardnier Angus bull. Thoughts or anyone else at the sale today.

 

[MurraysMutts]

Sounds like ya done alright!
First time selling is always scary eh?

 

[wbvs58]

Sounds like an exciting experience. Were the cows sold as being in calf?

Ken

 

[TCRanch]

I'm selling a couple bred cows for $1350 each, private treaty, based on the average of the last 2 weeks sales in Winfield (south central KS). One is almost 6 and probably 1400 lbs, the other almost 7 and a solid 1600 lbs. Also selling them 3 steers: 500 lbs @1.87/$935, 600 lbs @1.635/$981 and 700 lbs @1.49/$1043.

 

[Dsth]

sounds like similar to prices around here in Eastern Iowa. I always like to sell private treaty if I can. It is good when you have repeat costumers. Plus you don't have to take a hit on the barns charges.

 

[Adam Freeman]

Sounds like ya done alright!
First time selling is always scary eh?

Yeah I was very nervous but told they did good.

 

[Adam Freeman]

Sounds like an exciting experience. Were the cows sold as being in calf?

Ken

Yes the two cows sold as being pregnant the auctioneer called them heifers even though this would be there second time calving

 

[KAstocker]

I'm selling a couple bred cows for $1350 each, private treaty, based on the average of the last 2 weeks sales in Winfield (south central KS). One is almost 6 and probably 1400 lbs, the other almost 7 and a solid 1600 lbs. Also selling them 3 steers: 500 lbs @1.87/$935, 600 lbs @1.635/$981 and 700 lbs @1.49/$1043.

How'd you come up with those prices on the steers?

 

[Dave]

How'd you come up with those prices on the steers?

I agree. Those prices are 20-30 cents a pound higher than they are selling for here. And we have a pretty good market.

 

[TCRanch]

How'd you come up with those prices on the steers?

The prices are based on the local sale results the day they came out to see them and the following week. Bred cows were down the second week, calves were up. I priced on the average at the high end because the same buyer always purchases my calves and they consistently do well. These calves (and cows) are going to a family that is just starting out and has young children and they are dog gentle: hand feeders, love to be petted/scratched, will follow you around, super easy to work. Plus, they are fully vaccinated, weaned and well cared for.

The operative phrase is "private treaty". I am under no obligation to sell either the calves or the cows and they are under no obligation to purchase them. If they had an objection to the price I quoted, they could certainly go to the sale barn - and have no clue what they're getting. Caveat Emptor.

 

[KAstocker]

Those would be nice prices to get so good luck. It looks like the top price for a 500# steer was $1.67 on 11/11. Top price for a 400# steer would've been around your $1.87 price. No way I'd pay that for singles, but if you find someone that's looking for exactly what you got, I suppose you're in a better position to get those prices.

 

[TCRanch]

Those would be nice prices to get so good luck. It looks like the top price for a 500# steer was $1.67 on 11/11. Top price for a 400# steer would've been around your $1.87 price. No way I'd pay that for singles, but if you find someone that's looking for exactly what you got, I suppose you're in a better position to get those prices.

I should have clarified: the same buyer at the sale barn purchases all my calves. Or rather 99% of them. This private treaty sale is a friend of a friend that approached me because they're familiar with my herd. I did sell all my other calves yesterday and my avg. 605# steers brought 161.50, avg. 735# steers @150.50, avg. 543 heifers @146.00 and avg. 606# heifers @141.50. I did have 4 dink steers (yet another reason I hate twins!) that only averaged 464# @189.50 and took a dump on a heifer that resembles a freight train with freakishly short legs - bowed in, like they can't support her weight (but bless her heart, she's otherwise cute as a button). She clocked in at 575# and I got a whopping 101.00 out of her.

 

[bird dog]

Ya'll shes a funny lookin one. Those are great prices for private treaty and at the barn. You put those prices on private treaty calves around here and your phone would never ring.

 

[TCRanch]

Ya'll shes a funny lookin one. Those are great prices for private treaty and at the barn. You put those prices on private treaty calves around here and your phone would never ring.

You think genetic or a fluke? Dams 3rd calf and I have a lot of that lineage. First time I've ever had a stumpy little thing like that.

 

[bird dog]

You think genetic or a fluke? Dams 3rd calf and I have a lot of that lineage. First time I've ever had a stumpy little thing like that.

I would think its a one off if its a younger cow. If she's old, there is a trailer in her future.

 

[TCRanch]

Little update on my private treaty sale. Buyer is very happy, occasionally sends me videos, the daughter is in love with the 500# steer, who is now expensive yard art. Yup - he's now a pet in a separate pasture with a horse & a couple goats for company. Okay, then!

 

[Adam Freeman]

Sold the rest of my calves today as well

4 blk str 591lbs 160.00C
4 blk str 659lbs 150.00C
1 blk str 370lbs 170.00C

3 blk hfr 585lbs 140.00C
1 blk hfr 595lbs 125.50C
1 blk hfr 405lbs 152.00C
1 blk hfr 500lbs 30.00C Dry Eyes
1 blk hfr 305lbs 141.00C

 

[Djm961]

Sounds like you are doing it right. Congrats on those prices.