I’m not sure about other wives, but a good date night is much-needed every now and then. My date nights usually consist of something to do with cattle. A date night that includes a movie and dinner are rare for me. The good thing about the sale barn is we get to see people we haven’t seen in a while. When we arrived at the sale barn the crowd was just starting to get there.
A sale barn is a market place for cattle owners to sale to a diverse group of buyers. On the majority most producers sale this way. It is the most cost efficient market for the producer. For the cattle it can be a hectic night, because a sale barn is loud and fast-moving. Cattle come from different parts of the region and from farms all around. As the cattle are brought in, they are examined by the attending Veterinarian for sickness, disease, lice, and injury. In the state of Georgia an Inspector from the Georgia Department of Agriculture is also present to inspect the cattle. Each cow, calf, bull, and steer are given an identification tag. Before the sale starts, the barn is open for viewing. This time is for the potential buyers to look at what is being sold. It’s also a time for the seller to promote his cattle. (See the Herdsman below)
The Herdsman talking business
So why did I title this “Sale Barn Date Night”? Going to the sale barn is a time for The Herdsman and I to get away from the farm and spend time with our girls. Last night was extra special because we meet our good friends (The W’s) and their two children at the sale. Mrs. W and I took the kids to Dairy Queen for dinner and to catch up on what has been going on in the others life. The kids enjoyed the evening as much as the adults. Like most farm children, our kids don’t get to play with other children at home. The men also get to socialize and catch up on what other people are dealing with. When the sale starts up, its a melting pot of conversations and serious bidding for hours.
After several hours and a hot sale ring; we headed home. Saying goodbye to our friends until next time was drawn-out. But, that just gives us more to talk about the next time.
The Herdsman's Wife 