How NOT to sell sheep:
We recently traveled over four hours to pickup some bred ewes to add to my fledgling dairy flock. Upon reflection of this…let’s say “unique” experience, I wanted to share some things NOT TO DO when you are attempting to sell your livestock.
Lack communication – don’t do this! Especially if someone is traveling a long distance, respond to them in a reasonable amount of time and keep the lines of communication open.
Leave home when your potential buyers are scheduled to arrive – please don’t do this! After driving all that way, over passes and through snow, we arrived at our destination (on time) to find NO ONE AROUND. What?!! When we tried to call the sellers no one answered. Eventually, they called us and let us know they had run to a nearby town and would be home soon-ish.
Leave all the stock for sale out in an open pasture – I think it is common courtesy to be respectful of others time. Part of that is having animals gathered up and ready to be looked over by potential buyers. The only time I would say this is not the case is if the buyers specifically ask to see the animals out on pasture.
Be unprepared: This links back to not being considerate of others’ time… are you sensing a common theme here? If you are going to sell livestock, consider how you will sort them from the flock or herd, and how you will load them. I know this may vary depending on what your buyers bring (stock rack or a trailer or otherwise) but at least take a few minutes to consider how you can do this and what you might need to setup ahead of time if you do not have anything permanent already setup.
Yell / cuss and belittle people: Does this even need an explanation? I’m not saying I am a delicate flower that can’t handle someone hollering once in awhile or who shudders at a cuss word, but in general, you want the buy / sell experience to be a positive one, not negative or I doubt you’ll get return customers.
So there you have it, five ways NOT to sell sheep. I truly hope that anyone reading this does not have an experience like this, however, to frame it in a positive light – it is an experience we won’t soon forget and an interesting story to tell!
Would this ordeal turn you off? Or am I being uptight? I’d love to hear your thoughts and if you have had an interesting adventure like this please share!