For Texas Longhorn Nerds Only…

 Buying cattle : the new buyer’s perspective by Cathy Hawke Many folks who have been burned in a bad cattle sale do not want to talk about it, file a law suit ; or seek restitution. They just go undercover. Sadly this allows for bad things to happen to good people. If there is no policing of bad sales practices, or if people fear being black balled or falling out of favor, then buyers better be very savvy when purchasing cattle. First.The expectation of what you are buying and what the seller is advertising for sale is a good starting point. If you think a low price reflects a seller who doesnt know what they own; think again. Many factors affect a low price. They may have a financial hardship; they may have lost interest ; the cattle may be behavior problems , be mean, jumpers, unable to conceive, raise a calf and so on. Who is representing the cattle for sale ? An agent ? The seller? The Ranch Manager? This is important. The representations made, need to hold the seller accountable. This is where reputation comes into play. Ask others if they have had any experience with this seller ,agent, ranch. Investigate good and bad comments. One poor report may just be a problem buyer. They exist. What kind of guarantee does the seller make? A word of warning. This sounds appealing, but what does it mean? Does it mean if the cow wont breed ,you get a full refund? I have heard sellers guarantee their animals. Make sure you understand what they mean. Do you get your money back in full or, a replacement animal of equal value ? Ask about Ocv’d. Think it doesnt matter because you just want an ag exemption. It does matter ! If you purchase animals without ocvd, your hands are tied and you may not be able sell them out of state. Ask about the care of animals, vaccinations and so forth . A good custodian will gladly give you information. Ask if the animal has ever had any health related issues. Many dont ask. It is very easy to ask, has she ever had any health related issues ? Know who you are buying from. If you cow is being purchased from certain geographic regions of the US; it never hurts to know the type of diseases indigenous to the area or they type of environment your animal came from. This helped me and we gave an out of state cow from Texas, liver fluke meds and she fattened up beautifully. Before you even move on to reproductive issues, ask about temperament. This is a non negotiable item. Some say that want their grand kids to be safe. How about you? Or your ranch hands? Family? Vet? To allow a mean or dangerous animal to breed is wrong for the owners; future owners and even the breed itself. I always tell sellers when calling about an animal , that I board them and I can not tolerate an ill behaved animal. I go on to say that I am a guest and that I can not or will not subject the ranch owners to a problem animal. You would be surprised how many sellers have at that point opened up and said ” she isnt for you”. I profusely thank them , rewarding them for their honesty and ensure that they know I would consider their herd for other animals since they were forthcoming with me. While sellers don’t tattoo “she’s a mean one” or ” he is a jumper ” on their hips; if you just talk to the seller, and listen, listen to what they say and what they don’t say, it may reveal a red flag. It may be awkward to ask, but trust me, I rather have an awkward moment with a seller than a bad actor in my herd. Be polite. Even say you are a little uncomfortable and mean no offense but “…….” and ask. The worst thing that can happen to the seller is spending twenty minutes on the phone with a you and end up making a few thousand dollars for that phone call. Let’s do the math. Say you pay 2000 for a cow. You spoke for twenty minutes asking all of your “dumb” questions. The seller made one hundred dollars a minute. Red flag number one. You have questions and they do not have answers. I am not talking about yesterday’s tip to tip measurement. As shocking as this may seem, not everyone measures their animals every week. ( In a sale, tip to tip measurements should be verified if it is part of the representation of the seller.) We are talking about questions that you have that will make or break your pursuit of this animal. If they are important questions as to why her calving history shows two calves for a 8 year old cow ; or if you are contacting a seller who has an animal in a sale and you ask whether she has been flushed; you have to exercise your judgment as to whether the questions you have are important , deal breakers and how you will proceed if at all , if you cant get information. If someone doesnt want to talk to you, they do not want to do business with you. The feeling should be mutual. Do not be shy to run your concerns by a more experienced breeder. If you think by revealing how new or inexperienced you are may allow others to take advantage of you, you are right. So it is your job to be as educated as you can be; try not to act impulse ( I have failed this many times) and ask questions that are good sound questions. I am so small I can not afford a mistake . For this reason, I try and research the animal in every way I am able. I look at pedigree, offspring; siblings; I look at any and every animal related on top and bottom of the pedigree. I ask questions. Do not fall for the “she is a full sister or or full brother to this or that” line. Unless the animal is mature enough to see what you have, many siblings do not end up looking like their sisters or brothers in terms of tip to tip. No breeder can guarantee how an animal is going to turn out . If very young ,you have a better chance of getting a better animal if you look into the pedigree. Breeders with multi generations can show you the great grand dam, the grand dam and so forth. If you stack the deck in a pedigree that is consistent ,your offspring will most likely lean towards that type. Beware the sizzle. Anyone who is selling you a “game changer ” is most likely selling the sizzle. Really? How can anyone sell you a bull that is 15 months old ; has no offspring and has never been bred and tell you he will make you rich and famous? You are being played. You all want to be the best you can be and that passion is exploited by some .Very often, I talk to breeders who are preyed upon and they are given all sorts of exciting predictions. If that seller is able to predict the future ,then why is the animal for sale, and to you? In this industry , people like to keep their best. Always be skeptical. Always ask questions. Has she calved every year? Can I see offspring? photos? Be careful of flippers. They are in it for the profit. They buy and tack on many thousands. Many did not breed the animal. They have no idea about it’s mother, it’s sire or even the animal itself. People buy from these folks but you best be savvy to play their game. If you are eager to fall for being told exactly what you want to hear, you need to hide your wallet and go out and learn. Learn to buy with your eyes. What do you see? Let the animal speak ,not the seller. You have eyes. If you see a real problem, be polite. A horrible udder with balloon teats? Do not be rude and point it out. Let the animal speak for itself. There are many breeders who are willing to show you their animals and be honest and if smart , try to match you to the animal that will make you happy . I will go back, over and over to a good seller or recommend them. I personally believe in lifetime associations. How you conduct yourself as a seller is your name; it is branded on the hide of your cattle and your name is the most important asset you own. When it is your turn to be the seller, be kind. Be patient and have integrity. The greatest compliment is to have a buyer come back to you for another animal or to speak highly of you to others. As a buyer, be respectful. Ask the seller when it is a good time for them to show cattle. Leave your pets and kids at home . Do not smoke on their property. Be a good ranch guest. Before you head out, plan on the phone how you are going to look at cattle? Are you going to see the entire herd? Focus on those for sale? The buyer needs to ask will we discuss prices AFTER looking? Each ranch owner has a style of their own. While people complain about showing cattle and having no sale; that is the prerogative of a buyer, to look. It is the seller’s job to qualify that person as to whether they are kicking tires or not. The reality is this. Tire kickers can turn into huge buyers and big talkers with big bank accounts may be all talk. Treat others with respect, whether you are buying or selling. Sellers should thank buyers for coming and of course buyers need to be considerate of sellers and thank them as well. Cathy Hawke written for Cathys Cattle College