I’m still patiently waiting for warm, dry weather—and I’m sure we all have similar interests in this.
It sounds like once again we were on the edge of the rain and snowfall last week, but what did fall here certainly was enough to make the sales barn in Stratton a wet, sloppy mess.
At least Saturday turned out to be a dry day, which made the conditions a bit more bearable.
We sold 869 cattle, with a total value of $1,080,673.58. That works out to an average of $1,250 across the board–and we haven’t seen prices like that.
In fact, I had to question the auctioneer a few times: “Did you say $2.12? Like a 2?”
So this is a great sign of the huge value agriculture is–not only to our district but right across the country. It’s a great time to be in the business, though a tougher time to get into the business.
• • •
It was a tough week preparing for the cattle sale, with some troubles at the barn. But they were overcome and we continued on.
It is a challenge when we only operate four times per year.
It wouldn’t happen without the dedicated volunteers who often take time from their regular jobs and their own personal farms to make things happen at the sales barn.
We also have some great staff that gives 100 percent to make things go as smoothly as possible.
As well, our new sales barn manager (James Gibson) did an excellent job and we only heard good things about a job very well done.
Our next sale is slated for Saturday, Sept 6 and we already are excited about it!
• • •
I had some excitement on Friday both at the Emo Agricultural Research Station (EARS) and at home!
At EARS, the University of Minnesota paid a return visit to my station and it is looking like we might be able to work together on some canola projects.
Having an international partnership is great news for EARS. We still have a long way to go but all of these areas certainly help!
On the home front, “Saltee”—one of our ewes that many may have met previously from farm tours, etc.–gave birth to four babies! Yes, four (two boys and two girls) and they are all fine.
This made for a lot of excitement. This ewe is Maddie’s, so she certainly was pleased.
At this point, mama seems to be having no issues keeping them all full!
We’re just waiting for the last one and lambing season will be off our list. Next on the list is getting them sheared.
As for the cattle, I need to work on a bull plan and get the bulls out this weekend–and here we go again!
