Our final cattle sale of the year is behind us! We sold 1,134 head for $3,613,496.55. That will bring our totals to 5,634 head for $19,247,193.24. Very impressive. Rainy River District will see most of this money spent right here at home. The market might have been a bit softer over the weekend, but I think most producers were still happy. There are a lot of emotions selling cattle; it is your one pay cheque you receive for a long year of work. Then you must figure out how to budget that one cheque to make it last until next year! Thank you to everyone that makes our Stratton Sales Barn such a success. It takes a large team, and we should be very proud of all that we accomplish. Selling the great cattle of Rainy River District is really something I am proud to be a part of. We will be deciding on the 2027 sale dates this month so watch for that as we prepare for another great year.
Last week I had a bit of a rough start. Tuesday I was up early (didn’t sleep much at all) because I had to have three butcher animals at the abattoir for 6:30 a.m. For some reason that gets me stressed out. I worry that they will get away from me, or that they won’t grade well or whatever other silly thing my brain can come up with. Anyway, I was at the abattoir early and I unloaded and headed home to pick up the steers that my friend purchased from me. I was at their place before daylight (they were still enjoying their morning coffee) and was home to unhook trailer and change and still make it to work on time! I had a good day at work and headed home to feed cows and upon my arrival I was suspicious of how a heifer was laying. Sure enough, she had died. I called Stacey right away and she was up to do a postmortem right away. I was off to feed cows. Stacey felt she had a few issues going on, none of which we could have corrected. But of course, I was my pick of the heifers. But dead is dead, you just must move on. I do get frustrated when I think about all that we do to ensure our cattle have the best feed, care and vaccinations but there is still something underlying that you cannot do a thing about. We always need to remind ourselves, if you have livestock, you have deadstock.
I am working on another exciting night! On Nov. 27 at the Lakers Game, it will be “Ag Night.” We will have some great prizes, vendors and 4-H members wearing their 4-H shirts will get into the game FREE. I am excited for a fun night and proud of the Lakes for including Agriculture!
This Friday is our Annual 4-H Awards night. I will update you on the Award Winners next week!
