The air was smoke-filled as we walked across the cement floor toward the ring. I was surprised how crowded it was as all three bleachers were full and most of the standing room only spots taken. I was glad I wore my work clothes and old John Deere cap; I fit right in with this mangy group, in appearance anyway! There must have been several hundred people to watch the stock sales there at Lee City! It was a festive, carnival-like atmosphere and many folks in the stands were eating cheese burgers or nachos and cheese from the restaurant the facility offers.
Simon and I had gotten our 13 piglets unloaded a bit earlier. Simon had been a big help, as he ran down and caught a couple that had gotten away while the rest were being tagged. After saying goodbye to the piglets and filling out the paperwork, all there was to do was take in the scene and wait for my check!
There were a couple dozen full grown hogs that went through the sale and there were 3 other feeder pigs that went along with our 13. We didn't stay for the other sales but there were a great number of cattle, goats, and some sheep to be sold.
This was our second experience selling at a stock sale, but the first at Lee City. It was much more professionally run here, and the crowd was incredible! We definitely get more money for each pig, however, when folks come to our homestead and buy directly from us.
The stock sale owners got their cut, and the sale price was pretty puny, but I got rid of all those piglets at once without having to jeopardize our reputation. You see, these piglets were small and slow-growing, as were the previous litters from the same sows. (We are not keeping those sows.)Instead of finishing out at 6 months of age, some of those pigs were taking 10 months, or longer! They can eat a lot of expensive feed in four more months time, and I didn't like the idea of attaching our name to such potentially problematic pigs! I want folks to remember all the superior animals they had bought from us in the past, but purchasing one lemon could cancel out that good reputation we had built up. At the stock sale, we were more anonymous.
Even knowing that that they were not superior animals, I still thought the average price of $22.12 per pig was a bit low. I was hoping for $30 a piece, but like I said, I am happy to be rid of them, and I definitely can use this money.
No one really seems to be interested in buying feeder pigs this time of year, and I can understand why. It is more difficult keeping them through the winter, and this winter is looking to be a harsh one! Also, the price of corn is so much more in the winter. The price of 100 pounds at our local feed store is now $13.60 for plain shelled corn! That can add up quickly over a winter! Also, these animals would be butchering size in the spring or summer, which isn't the best time to butcher. So when I rationalize all of that, I really am pleased with my $249.75 check!
Last week (Wednesday) I also sold one of those 10 month old hogs, that only weighed about 150-175 pounds, for $65. I don't think I would have gotten that much for her at the stock sale, but the man who bought her was quite pleased with the price. I probably could have gotten more, if I had priced her higher.
Still, making $314.75 in pig sales over a few days is pretty good for us right now! Thank you, Lord, for providing this extra income for us at this time!
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