From Pasture to Profit: Understanding the Journey of Livestock on LiveAg
In the late 1980s, the concept of marketing load-lots of feeder cattle “on the video” revolutionized the livestock auction industry. However, for some ranchers, the process of selling cattle through a video auction platform like LiveAg may still seem unfamiliar. In this article, we’ll explore how LiveAg streamlines the journey from pasture to profit and will address common questions about online cattle marketing.
Meet the Experts
To better understand the LiveAg process, we spoke with two key members of our team: Mitch Hickey, our Operations Manager who handles consignment and purchase contracts, and CJ Page, our LiveAg Xchange Manager. Let’s meet our experienced team members before we dive into the details.
Mitch Hickey brings over three decades of experience in consignment and purchase contracts management to our team. With deep roots in the livestock industry, Mitch was raised on the Hinman Ranch in Kremmling, Colorado, where her family bred registered and commercial Herefords and showcased feeder calves across the western and central United States. Her extensive knowledge of business practices for cattle producers, backgrounders, and feeders is complemented by her expertise in data management, query operations, and reports analysis. Throughout her 33-year tenure in the business, she has earned the respect of livestock auction representatives throughout the central and western regions. Mitch now resides in Brush, Colorado, with her family.
CJ Page’s deep roots in the cattle industry stem from his upbringing in southern Colorado, where he worked alongside his grandfather, a respected order buyer, at local sale barns. With more than a decade of experience in marketing cattle, he has a comprehensive understanding of the industry — from day-to-day ranch operations to livestock auctions — making him an invaluable asset to LiveAg. CJ’s passion for all aspects of the cattle business, combined with his blend of traditional knowledge and forward-thinking approach, enables him to provide unique insights and support to LiveAg’s diverse clientele. CJ now resides in Ranger, Texas with his wife and three children, and, along with his LiveAg duties, manages a stocker operation with his father.
How LiveAg Differs from Traditional Livestock Auctions
Traditional local auction markets have long been the go-to method for selling cattle. However, LiveAg’s innovative approach offers several key advantages for ranchers looking to market their livestock in load-lot groups:
“With LiveAg, you have access to a nationwide network of buyers, ensuring your cattle receive top dollar,” says CJ. “Plus, our LiveAg Xchange platform allows you to set your own asking price and watch the bids roll in, all from the comfort of your home or pickup truck.”
By eliminating the need for physical presence to merchandise cattle, LiveAg makes it easier than ever for ranchers to connect with buyers and secure the best possible price for their cattle. Cattle are delivered straight from the ranch and direct to the buyer once the sale has been completed.
Understanding the LiveAg Consignment Contract
When listing cattle on LiveAg, whether a video auction or on the Xchange, ranchers enter into a consignment contract that outlines the terms of the sale. This contract includes essential information such as:
- Number and type of cattle being sold
- Weight range and average weight of the lot
- Delivery date and location
- Value Added Programs
“Our consignment contract is designed to protect both buyers and sellers,” says Mitch. “It ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the details of the sale and minimizes the risk of misunderstandings or disputes on delivery day.”
The Seller’s Experience
When you consign your cattle with LiveAg, you can rest assured that you’re working with a team of dedicated professionals who have your best interests in mind. Our sellers never need to worry about hiring truck drivers or coordinating transportation logistics. We work closely with buyers to ensure a smooth delivery process, and our sellers are guaranteed payment on delivery day.
One of the key advantages of selling through LiveAg is the access to a larger buyer base. By marketing your cattle to a nationwide network of buyers, you take advantage of competitive bidding and price discovery, ultimately securing the best possible price for your livestock.
“With a nationwide buyer network, the ability to create true price discovery is second to none,” CJ points out. “As soon as cattle are consigned, we go through our buyer base and locate the right buyers. In many cases, cattle are sold before they even make it onto the website.”
Behind the scenes, your dedicated LiveAg representative is actively involved in the promotion and representation of your livestock. He or she works tirelessly to connect with potential buyers, sharing detailed information about your cattle and answering any questions that arise. This hands-on approach ensures that your cattle receive the attention they deserve and are matched with the most suitable buyers – for the best price.
“Buyers often reach out to us in search of cattle that meet specific criteria,” CJ says. “We’re able to match them with our consignors, facilitating sales and minimizing the time cattle spend on the market.”
Throughout the entire process, your cattle remain in the comfort of your ranch until they are shipped directly to the buyer’s feedyard or backgrounding operation. This not only reduces stress on the animals but also helps maintain their health and quality, helping them arrive at their destination in top condition.
The LiveAg Xchange: Cattle for Sale at Your Fingertips
For buyers looking for “cattle for sale near me,” the LiveAg Xchange offers an intuitive, user-friendly platform that makes it easy to find and bid on the lot of livestock you need, no matter where they are in the country.
“The LiveAg Xchange is like a virtual sale barn, but with nationwide reach,” explains CJ. “Buyers can browse load-lot listings from across the country, view detailed information about each lot, and place bids with the click of a button.”
Whether you’re a rancher looking to sell or a buyer searching for your next load of cattle, LiveAg’s online auction platform streamlines the process and helps you achieve your goals more efficiently.
Get Started with LiveAg Today
Ready to experience the benefits of online cattle marketing for yourself? Sign up for a free LiveAg Xchange account today and start exploring the endless possibilities our platform offers.
If you have any questions about how the LiveAg Xchange works or need assistance getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out. Give our team a call at 817-533-6699 or send an email to info@live-ag.com. Our friendly team is always happy to help!