BATH, N.Y. — Empire Livestock Marketing recently collaborated with Cornell University to hold its second annual board sale on Sept. 12, at its Bath, N.Y., market. As the only board sale in the state, the event provides additional market access, buyers and competitive prices for New York producers.
“We are seeking ways to market feeder cattle more efficiently and with less stress on the animals. Board sales are very popular in other states. We did some research and decided to give it a try at our Bath market” said Ken Krutz, general manager of Empire Livestock Marketing.
The event required collaboration, time and hard work to get set up and ready for buyers. First, all cattle were graded using U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Feeder Calf standards by a USDA grader and weight was estimated. The cattle were grouped by sex, feeder calf grade and weight. The cattle remained on the farm until picked up by the buyer and weighed on certified scales. A video was shot and made available via website prior to the sale and projected at the auction facility on sale day.
The objective of the auction was to provide low-risk cattle in large groups. When marketing feeder cattle, reducing stress is paramount in keep cattle healthy when they arrive at their next home. The cattle stress can be reduced by minimizing time spent in the marketing process and in transport. Cattle that are properly vaccinated and treated for internal and external parasites reduces the risk of health issues. Buyers have come to Empire in the past expressing the want and need in procuring this type of cattle in a more efficient process.
“We are pleased with the success we have seen. We saw an increase in our numbers from last year. It has given choice to our consignors on how they want to sell their feeder cattle. We are already planning next year’s sale” said Ken Krutz.
At the sale, there were a total of 11 lots sold from three consignors. When compared to similar board sales in other states, prices at the Empire Board Sale were up to $4 per hundredweight higher. A lot of heifers weighing 700 to 800 pounds sold $3 per hundredweight higher at the Empire Board sale as compared to another sale. Overall, there were 124 head sold in a price range of $105-$139 per hundredweight.
Empire Livestock Marketing, LLC is the largest, full-service marketer of livestock in the Northeast. Empire is committed to maximizing farmer’s income on livestock, equipment and facility sales, offering all farmers the opportunity to auction their goods. There six markets and a direct marketing facility all across New York State. Empire Livestock is proud to command a market share of more than 50 percent of all livestock sales in its operating territory. That also means farmers never have to travel too far to find an Empire market. Empire’s enhanced services and knowledgeable market managers and staff help farmers at every step of the way. Whether looking to sell a single cow, a herd of replacement heifers or a line of equipment, Empire will help meet
any needs.
–Empire Livestock Marketing, LLC
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