Have you ever considered including a visit to a livestock auction in your next travel itinerary? Maybe you attended an auction when you were a child and want to relive your childhood memories, or does the auctioneer’s chant draw you in? Is meeting new people or just sitting around and catching up with friends appealing? Or it might be the tasty food served at every auction. In the Midwest, livestock auctions are weekly, so you should not have difficulty finding one to attend.
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Welcome to the Leary Angus Farms auction
Every March, Richard, and Donny Leary host a bull auction on their family farm just minutes outside Caledonia, MN. It was cool and breezy outside, but inside the pole barn, it was toasty warm and filled with positive energy and the familiar earthy smell of hay and cattle. The Learys provide attendees with a free meal – Angus burgers, beans, chips, cookies, and a drink. Prepared and served by the local cattleman association.
The auction begins
The auction, a well-orchestrated performance, promptly started on time. After a brief introduction, the bulls were brought in one at a time while the auctioneer described the bull’s features to encourage high bids. Then the fast pace bidding starts, the bull is sold, the bull goes out the other door, and the next bull comes in.
The catalog
The auction catalog is a must-read, even if you do not plan on purchasing a bull. The catalog shares the farm’s history. In this case, the Leary family has been raising Angus cattle for 77 years. The highlight of the catalog is the detailed description of each animal and its picture.
The auctioneer
The auctioneer, Seth Welshaar, sets up high on the auction block, so every attendee can see him and he can see every attendee.
The ringman
The ringmen, also known as bid spotters, are scattered among the spectators. It is difficult to take one’s eyes off the ringman, also known as the bid spotter. A professional spotter puts on a lively performance that leaves you in awe of each precise move he makes with his hands and arms. Don’t let the ringman’s unexpected jumps or his loud, firm voice that yells, ‘yep,’ scare you. It is easy to watch a ringman’s performance for hours.
The future of Leary Angus
Sold! Number 254!