Choosing Great Pets

Raising healthy Black Angus cattle takes skill but purchasing cattle from an auction takes just as much knowledge. Auctions are fast-moving events that can easily feel overwhelming, especially if you haven't done your research and don't know what you're looking for. Make certain you're ready for auction day.

Learn How Auctions Work

The auction culture is face-paced but believe it or not, the buying process should be somewhat slow. The auctioneer might rattle numbers off at mock-speed, but it's best to exercise caution and avoid being the first bidder. Seasoned buyers know which cattle to bid on, so if you find that you're the only one placing a bid — it could be a bad sign. Lastly, remember that once you bid, you can't reverse it. So, it's best to be certain before you make your move. 

Know What Size Cattle You Need

Ensure you know what size cattle you need for your farm. Black Angus cattle can easily exceed 1,000 pounds in weight, but it does take time for them to bulk up. If your plan is to purchase cattle that you can quickly slaughter for meat, you want to choose cattle that are closer to their max weight. However, if you want to purchase cattle that you plan to graze for some time and eventually sell, you might want to choose cattle that are younger. 

Examine Health Status

It's important to note that auction directors generally have health guidelines in place, and any cattle that don't meet the criteria are not put up for sale. However, it's still helpful to know what some of the red flags are. For instance, watch how the cattle roam around the auction area. Any sign of staggering or favoring one hoof over the other could indicate a problem with their hoof or a neurological issue. If you know what to look for, you will be able to spot issues that might have otherwise been missed. 

Look for Single Owner Lots

If your plan is to purchase a lot of cattle, look for a single seller. The issue with individual sellers is that each farm will have a different way of caring for their animals, with some having higher standards than others. If you buy four cattle, and one of the original owners had questionable practices and the animal is sick, the other three healthy cattle can also become ill. When you purchase cattle raised at the same standard, they're more likely to all be healthy. 

Black Angus cattle are wise investments, but you do want to follow these tips to ensure you make the right choice based on your needs. Talk to a business like GDA Farms for more details.