Buying At Market for the 1st Time

[Robin2020]

I am off to Kirkby Stephen to buy around 20 Ewe Lambs in September. I am new to this. I have my holding number. I have sorted transport and vets. What else do I need to do before I try purchase? Reading a document for sales in Scotland, you need to join the APHA (animal & Plan Health Agency), Is this so in England?? I was also told to register with the sales company in Kirkby, which makes sense.

Anything else?

Any advice on the big day?!!! I am told it will be tricky taking on the major players

 

[delilah]

someone more experienced than me may be able to offer advice on whether to worm them before they set off for home to clean them out, I don't know if that is the current advice ?

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Act like you know what you’re doing or the auctioneer will have your pants around your ankles

 

[Gedd]

Have a good look around pre sale pick a few lots you like and stick to your valuation dont get carried away

 

[ImLost]

Don't be afraid to walk away. There will always be more to buy elsewhere.

 

[Highland Mule]

Don't be afraid to walk away. There will always be more to buy elsewhere.

Absolutely! Don't make it 'the big day', but just another sale day - go to a few before then so you get an idea of what goes on, and can avoid being caught up in the excitment of it all.

Ultimately though, if you overpay on a small lot of 20, it's not going to be as painful as it would on a big lot, and only you will know how important that extra £5-10/hd is to your future lifestyle.

 

[primmiemoo]

Are you registered with a Vet yet? They can fine tune what you need admin-wise.

What everyone else says about the auction.
Try to follow the pattern of the auction, and see if you can pick up the flow of it. It is worth rehearsing to yourself as the lots that you aren't interested in are sold, and trying to value the next.

When picking a pen, do talk to the vendor. You need to know the system the lambs are from, health status of the flock, including when last wormed and fluked, and whether vaccinated against clostridial diseases. Ask about hoof health.
Don't presume an organic flock is free from worm or foot problems, or free from toxoplasmosis or enzootic abortion. Ask them as well about health, and whether they vaccinate, and be prepared to vaccinate your purchases.

Broad admin:

Sheep and goat keepers: how to keep a holding register

What you must record in a holding register (also called a flock or herd record), when to update it and what to use.

www.gov.uk

Hth, and good luck

 

[neilo]

An alternative view...

Don’t worry about sticking to an exact figure, or you’ll never buy anything. Just have a vague value in your head, but be prepared to go a little over that if trade dictates it.

Ask the vendor about vaccinations, worm status, etc.....then ignore it and assume they are unvaccinated and riddled with resistant worms. As with any incoming stock, quarantine treat with Zolvix or Startect, then house for a day or two to empty out resistant worms in a shed, rather than on your pasture. Similarly for fluke.

 

[pgk]

Buy direct from farm.

 

[Jackov Altraids]

You really must have at least one 'dry run'.
Be happy that you can predict what different pens are going to sell for.
It may be worth introducing yourself to the auctioneer if you get chance but don't tell him exactly what you intend to buy!!

 

[Tubbylew]

Do you know anyone you trust to show you the craic? I certainly wish I had when I started out, I'm still not overly sure when I've bought sumnat or not? Also I find it's easy go pick out the best stock in the mart, but it all goes to pot when it goes through the ring, and you've a budget to, more or less, stick to.

 

[Hilly]

Bid for odd ones you don’t want and drop out then the auctioneer will not be so confident to run you up as he think you will drop out next bid .

 

[andybk]

An alternative view...

Don’t worry about sticking to an exact figure, or you’ll never buy anything. Just have a vague value in your head, but be prepared to go a little over that if trade dictates it.

Ask the vendor about vaccinations, worm status, etc.....then ignore it and assume they are unvaccinated and riddled with resistant worms. As with any incoming stock, quarantine treat with Zolvix or Startect, then house for a day or two to empty out resistant worms in a shed, rather than on your pasture. Similarly for fluke.

^^^
this ,

your biggest cost will be scab , resistant worms , codd ,if brought in by mistake , be prepared to pay a bit over the odds for fresh , non limping sheep , worm , footbath , and treat for scab on arrival ,regardless and isolate for a month

 

[farmerdan7618]

Have yourself a value in your head for a bunch, be prepared for an early lot to be over this by a bit. Bid quickly, and be prepared to 'drop' one on somebody if they are running you, by stopping suddenly. Regular buyers need to make a margin, but you will stop them running you if they are scared of getting left with an expensive animal. After this, the remaining lots will be cheaper.

 

[bobk]

Buy the best stock , they will be the most expensive but generally pay in the long term , buy cheap buy twice .

 

[tr250]

Buy the best stock , they will be the most expensive but generally pay in the long term , buy cheap buy twice .

Don’t go silly though plenty buy the best do them badly and sell them cheap.

 

[4course]

watch your budget and try and go to a sale at the venue before you bid so you get to know the general run of trade ,and the faces of the buyers and where they usually stand , the bigger buyers are creatures of habit,,watch and learn remember the cheaper lots are cheap for a reason.Go to the mart in good time to register your name and set up a bidding account and try and find out which auctioneer is selling and if at all possible introduce your self ,do not give him your budget but no harm in telling him broadly what you are looking for but again dont give him numbers just be vague and say a few pens this will ensure your bid is taken and give you a chance of getting your one and only lot knocked down to you ,plus as a new face dont be shy .Chances are you will end up being pushed a couple of bids above the run of trade it is not a cartel but not far off. CAVEAT EMPTOR

 

[bobk]

Don’t go silly though plenty buy the best do them badly and sell them cheap.

I thought the OP was buying breeding stock .

 

[sherg]

Have a good look around and mark the pens you like, buy the best you can afford it'll pay in the long run

 

[andybk]

watch your budget and try and go to a sale at the venue before you bid so you get to know the general run of trade ,and the faces of the buyers and where they usually stand , the bigger buyers are creatures of habit,,watch and learn remember the cheaper lots are cheap for a reason.Go to the mart in good time to register your name and set up a bidding account and try and find out which auctioneer is selling and if at all possible introduce your self ,do not give him your budget but no harm in telling him broadly what you are looking for but again dont give him numbers just be vague and say a few pens this will ensure your bid is taken and give you a chance of getting your one and only lot knocked down to you ,plus as a new face dont be shy .Chances are you will end up being pushed a couple of bids above the run of trade it is not a cartel but not far off. CAVEAT EMPTOR

agree with this , have spoken to a few buyers after a sale , and was told sale was partly on auctioneer recommendation , so no harm in asking whos who . Southern counties auctioneers and Sedgemore have always been pretty fair to us over the years .