Glad everyone made it thru their part of the storm without major damage. Clean up is always the pits. The "system" from TX is moving our way, much of the fury left behind. We have some rains now, winds really picking up but, not expected to be more than a thunderstorm. Bad part for us is that the rain is hanging around for the next 3-4 days.
It was 76 here today, sunny in morning and overcast all afternoon. It was a home day and, as planned, I took a goat to the auction. Mixed emotions as I mainly use auctions to sell off the bucklings. I had bought Romeo as a weanling, the full blood Saanen I had been wanting. He will be 2 next month & I've had 2 yrs of breeding's from him. Excellent lines, etc. But he has become such an escape artist I had just "had it" and mad decision to sell him.
Back up the little pickup with camper shell, opened his pen with a bucket of feed in hand. He loves his feed! walk to the truck, toss a handful on the tailgate, set bucket inside and in he went. Close tailgate. Done. Off we go.
I got there a little earlier than planned but, trucks arriving. You just don't want to be first few up, prices are generally less at first & last. I took the truck home (had borrowed DDs, due to shell). Did some things, ate, went back It's only 8 miles to check arrivals for sale, talk, etc.
Had been a couple hours and the place was buzzing! Lot of animals & people. Low and behold, whose head is sticking out into the aisles, greeting everyone --- Romeo! He was loving the atmosphere and they were sure enthused with the one who had become the official "Hello everyone!" greeter.
This big, white bruiser was eating it up!!
Auction starts, many lots of turkey, rabbit, duck, chickens, pot bellied pigs, etc., sold first. I couldn't help myself, bought 8
really nice pullets, 4 at any day lay age, 4 about 2 mos out. I'd have gotten $20 a pop to sell privately, paid $7 each. Very happy. Anyway, when those were out and ring cleared, time for animals and they had about a dozen head of cattle. Mostly Holstein just weaned, a few were feeder calf size and a couple mature Dexters -- in need of a lot of groceries. I sat on my hands! Prices were low but I wasn't taking on any hay burners. Had promised myself. Then time for the sheep & goats.
I'm expecting my guy to get thru first few, as we arrived that way. Nope, almost last! Prices were excellent on goats and there were some very, very nice ones! One Boer buck I wanted so badly (all 350# of his huge, spotted body) but knew I was not ready for him. At end I DID get name & number from seller who has more of same
in sons & daughters. So, will get one this Spring...or three. LOL. His buck brought $420 -- which I was absolutely willing to have paid! It was high sale today. My buck was #2 @$370....he was looking great & had made friends.
Met buyers who are currently planning to use him for breeding. He'll sure do that! He loves his job.
All in all, longish day. Good results. I am excited to have found a local breeder with Boers I can love. And, these pullets are great. Same breeder I got the last 7 from, who are fantastic!
That's been my day of fun& networking that I get to do seldom. Enjoyed every minute. I plan to do a lot more of it in 2020.
