Livestock Auctions & Direct Packers

Marketing Dairy Cattle

Auction markets and video/online sales are important channels for marketing dairy cattle—from cull cows and calves to breeding stock. Understanding how these markets work helps farmers capture maximum value and choose appropriate channels for different animals.

Types of Auction Markets

Traditional Livestock Auctions

• Weekly or scheduled sale days
• Physical auction with live bidding
• Animals present and viewable
• Immediate payment and pickup

Video and Online Sales

• Animals sold from video/photos without transport
• Broader buyer reach
• Scheduled sale events or continuous listing
• Animals ship after sale

Specialized Dairy Sales

• Registered cattle consignment sales
• Production sales by breeders
• Complete herd dispersals

What Each Channel Sells Best

Traditional Auctions

• Cull cows for slaughter
• Bull calves and day-old calves
• Commercial cattle in small numbers
• Animals needing immediate sale

Video/Online Sales

• Groups of bred heifers or cows
• Quality breeding stock
• Animals reaching distant buyers
• Sales where description matters more than physical inspection

Maximizing Auction Value

Preparation

• Clean, healthy animals show better
• Current health records and vaccinations
• Accurate weights and descriptions
• Lot sizes that appeal to buyers

Timing

• Avoid heavy supply days
• Consider seasonal price patterns
• Market animals at appropriate condition

Cost Considerations

Auction commissions typically run 2-5% of sale price. Yardage, brand inspection, and other fees add to costs. Trucking to distant sales adds expense that must be offset by higher prices. Video sale fees vary by platform and service level. Compare net returns after all costs.