Weather affecs cattle sale

By Ken Johnston
Editor

The Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association (RRCA) kicked off their fall cattle sale season Saturday at the Stratton Sales Barn.
Two things, a feed shortage last year and the weather Saturday had a huge impact on the sale. RRCA only sold 546 head Saturday, a number that is well below the normal annual Stocker sale. Total sales receipts were at $594,566.62.
A Stocker Sale consists mainly of yearlings but there was a feed shortage last year. “The main reason behind lower numbers was the feed shortage last year. People didn’t feed cattle like normal,” said Kim-Jo Bliss of RRCA.
With it being very hot and humid over the weekend, many people took advantage of the conditions to go combining rather than attend the sale. “Currently everyone is haying or combining. This is the best weather we have had all year and there is still plenty of grass so people are busy and ignoring their cattle,” explained Bliss. “I don’t know how many people told us ‘we just didn’t have time to gather our cattle.’”
Bliss said that despite the low number sold, prices were very good. “As always cull bulls and cows do very well in Stratton. Yearlings were well over $1,100.00. I think producers were pleased with all prices.
The sale was broadcast over the internet again Saturday. Something that has continued since they had a pilot run of the sale over the net last year. “We did not sell any cattle on-line and I have not yet received a report on how many viewed the sale,” said Bliss Monday morning. People can view the sale and not bid over the net.
Cattle that sold went both out west and to Southern Ontario.
“It was a successful sale - I do wish our numbers were a bit higher -- it concerns me that our numbers could be very high for the next sale,” concluded Bliss.
The next RRCA sale is September 28th - it is mainly a spring calf sale.