Our final cattle sale of the season is behind us. We sold 1,065 head for $3,461,769.83. Again, we had some great Rainy River Raised cattle and we had quite a few animals from both Thunder Bay and Dryden Districts. It is great that they are seeing us as a wonderful marketing option for them as well. The Stratton Sales Barn total sales for 2025 is $17,355,356.60. That is very impressive and like I will always say, farmers spend their money close to home so Agriculture is of HUGE importance in our District. Our leader, James has told us that this time for sure this was his last sale. James has been a great manager and he will be missed by many. The auctioneer said some kind words about James at our sale and since then he has received many texts from some of the staff telling him how much he will be missed. James figured out that he sold over 64,000 head of cattle over his last 12 years. That is a very impressive number as well. We hope James doesn’t stay away completely, but we recognize he doesn’t need to work as hard as he has. Thank you so much to all our staff. Many people give up a lot of time to make these sales happen and, yes, some are paid, but the hours they spend away from their own lives adds up quickly and it is very much appreciated. It is so great when you see the staff taking ownership and really trying to makes things the best they can possibly be. We just finished our 65th year and we are hoping for many more.
I had a major catch up day on my farm Sunday because of being pulled away by the sale as well. Firstly, since winter seems to have arrived, I had to finish putting away the last garden hose that was nicely frozen. I put plastic around my duck kennel as I am planning to leave them out of the barn this winter. They have a heated house they can go in and I thought the plastic would keep them out of the wind. If I think they aren’t doing well I can always bring them back in. The are happy so far other than I have taken their pool away. I then started hauling panels, grain feeders and things our of my shed. My lambs and calves were in there and I am hoping my friend will come with his skid steer and clean it out. It has built up so much that the manure was pushing out the east wall. Once I hauled out the panels, I shoveled out the entire wall to get the boards back in place. I have an idea I am going to try to prevent that going forward. I was nervous that if I waited too long to shovel that the ground would be frozen and it wouldn’t be too easy.
It is starting to get me a bit anxious when I think of Christmas quickly approaching, and all the tasks I like to complete prior. I told my mom tonight that I might have to move my date back…
Don’t forget about “Christmas in the Barn” this weekend on Tompkins Road just outside of Emo. The products will unique and make excellent gifts for everyone on your list.
