The Banners and Backdrops sale is done and in the books.  Personally, I would call it a success.  Duke and I got to Perry on Friday afternoon.  We had planned on being there earlier, but it just didn’t happen.  We got setup, unloaded, fed and watered then found a hotel.  Tyke, the Gambler, Duke and I made a dash over towards Morrison to the Ring Family compound.  Eric and his brother Michael had cooked up a BIG mess of quail and the fixings to go with it.  Perfect weather, great food and even better people on that fine Friday evening.  

Goats started rollling in on Saturday morning.   Arguably the biggest name in the goat industry, Glen Martin had the honors of judging the goats.  Excellent comments about the goats and his thoughts on the industry.  It’s hard to argue with the results that his kids have had showing for a pile of years.  Lots of big banners in that household.  I mean–just in 2016, that family has had the grand wether at Denver, the res. grand barrow at San Antonio, the grand wether AND the grand steer at Houston.  Everybody else would call that a hall of fame career.  Not at the Martin household, that is just a really good year.  

There was a deep set of doe kids.  Lots of good ones–breeding or show.  Seelke’s brought a wicked trio of doe kids.  They had grand and res. grand.  There were only two bucks and they were both really, really good.  The wethers were a bit different.  There wasn’t that magical great one.  But there was a bunch that I would really like to see how they feed out.  The Trotter family brought a really cool set of wethers that look to have a good future.  And that is exactly how everything sold–the does sold high, the bucks sold high and the wethers sold good.  

Arguably the best auctioneer in the business was on the block with C. Jason Spence.  Whether by car or plane, he had flown into Perry America to chant up the $s.  The does sold really good and the prices stayed high.   Both bucks saw lots of bidding action with the grand buck of Schovanec’s bringing $14k and headed to AZ.  The wethers sold well, but not high.  There were some bargains that will surface later.  As a breeder, when you sell a green one, you just hope it goes to a good home so that it has a chance.  

We had over double the number of registered bidders as compared to last year.  Thank you to all of the breeders, bidders and buyers.  Big thanks to Tommy & Julie as well as all of the rest of the crew that helped this sale run very, very smooth.  Like Mike & Mike in the Morning, next year will be even “bigger and beter than ever.”  

No school today but plenty to do–at school and at home.  Headed to Perry to get things ready for the Banners & Backdrops Sale.  Ring’s are cooking quail tonight.  Duke and I ready to hit some bird.  

Saturday will be show and sale.  There will be a really good set of goats at this event.  Not many bucks, but the quality will be top shelf.  There will be some elite wethers and doe kids.  If you’ve got questions or need somebody to bid, give us a call.  We can hook you up.  Have a great day and a better tomorrow.

Where to begin?  i know that I am behind on this blog.  My fault.  Let’s ramble.

Happy birthday to a couple of cool chicks–Chesley Comstock(18) and Mindi Clark(??).  We look forward to continued great things from Chesley Comstock.  And as for DR. Mindi Clark–cheers to another birthday to my favorite daughter’s best ag teacher.  These two ladies always put me in a better mood (not that anybody could tell).  I love being around super successful women that make my kids behave.  This is what I love about the FFA/4H/Stock Show circles–Kela looks up to Mindi (excuse me–Dr. Clark).  Chesley looks up to Kela.  Duke looks up to Chesley.  That isn’t exactly true as I think that at this point–all of them have to look UP to Duke as he is taller than the rest.  And the best part is that Tammy is always in a WAY GOOD MOOD when she deals with these people.  And that makes me happy. 

Heard that Merle Haggard passed away. This doesn’t help me as I am beginning to look old, feel older and this proves it.  I love great music–all kinds.  It is a well known fact that my iPod is loaded with a wide vareity with one constant–it is all good.  I do know that both of my offspring are well versed in the history of good music.  I’m not worried about either of their musical tastes.  Which brings us to a story.

Last year, as I returned to teaching, my very first class of the very first day back to the very school wich I grew up in, led me to having the Shattuck 8th grade Ag Explorations class.  Not only was Duke in this class, but several Kelln cousins as well as several other offspring of other ex-ag teachers and offspring of people that I grew up with.  But there was also a new move in kid from Darrouzett, TX.  Red headed, cowpoke dressed and quiet.  Until you talked to him.  Then it became apparrent that he had opinions and thoughts and he wasn’t afraid to telll you these thoughts and opinions, IF you were smart enough to ask the right questions.  I liked it.  

As I was trying to relate to a whole new generation, I asked each student a few questions–favorite movie, favorite song, favorite food, etc.  This one hit the ball right back up the middle–John Wayne movies, Merle Haggard, calf fries and Baxter Black is my favorite author.  Wait…what?!  I knew that I liked this kid.  Of course, he and Duke and several others are good buddies now.  And tonight when I asked Duke, “You heard Merle passed?”  In the flat-line voice that Duke chooses to use, “Yep and you can guess who told me first.”  I didn’t have to wonder.  

My favorite Merle Haggard song–whew–as much as I like the “Okie from Muskogee”  and how can you go wrong with Merle & Willie on “Pancho & Lefty”.  Of course, “Mama Tried” ties to all of us.  But, the song Rainbow Stew always hits me hard.  “I’ll be drinking that free bubb-a-lubb and eating that rainbow stew.”  That’s great word-smith right there boys and girls.  Play that song and listen to the words.  It is a timely little ditty that sounds more light-hearted than it actually is.  

On a really serious note, I talked to a buddy of mine that operates north of Woodward towards Freedom.  He literally had thousands of acres of land burned up.  He isn’t sure how many cows/calves are lost or how many round bales of hay got burnt.  He was physically and mentally beat down.  But, he had this to say, “I ain’t never seen fire move like that.  It wasn’t a fair fight.  All I know is that I I found my best 50 yearling replacement heifers this morning.  All of them.  I can rebuild.  We cut fences and opened gates.  I pray for those cows and calves.  I haven’t heard of anybody losing their lives.  I’ll help anybody rebuild.  I sent a couple of semi loads of hay to Kansas last week.  I hope that I don’t need a favor but I ain’t worried.  Ag people take care of  ag people.  We all needed those cedars burnt; but we weren’t looking for this kind of fire.  As long as nobody is hurt, it will be fine.”  When I offered to help rebuild fence, he replied, “I noticed that you paid to have your fences built.  I reckon that there is a reason why.”  I wasn’t offended.  

On another serious note.  I highly recommend eating a lunch with your parents.  Two Saturdays ago, I went to a bull sale with my Dad and ate a sale time burger.  Excellent trip.  Today, I met my Mom for a quick lunch.  Excellent trip.  Nothing serious either time.  Just enough to make a hard-ass like myself realize that sometimes a person just needs to slow down and realize that one should slow down, look around and……yep.  Yes, my parents need to realize that their MIDDLE son is a disapointment and that they need to write him off.  They should have named him Richard.  

Speaking of rambling–another one of Duke’s buddies brought Tammy and I a really cool home-made display.  It is a baseball home-plate wood cut-out with an un-stitched baseball made into a cross centered on the plate.  This horse-hide cross is surrounded by the words, “Everyone commits errors but his sacrifice will get you HOME.”  Have I mentioned that our kids have really good friends?  Well, just ask me and I will gladly tell you what I think.  And if you really want a valid opinion, just ask the Dragon Lady.  

Things are good here in paradise but could always be better.  Here’s to hoping that you all had a good day and a better tomorrow.  Cheers!

p.s.  Maybe it’s just me, but my mood always spikes upward a bit when I hear the first couple of guitar licks of “Sweet Home Alabama”.  Random! 

      The winds were back with a vengeance on Tuesday.  Unfortunately, a fire got started north of Woodward.  It is still going.  Supposedly, a couple of high lines whipping in the wind sparked and started the fire.  We’ve got several friends that live near where the fires started.  One of those families is Scott and Chesley Comstock and Scott’s parents.  Luckily, they are all fine.  I do know that there has been a home or two lost and I am afraid that there will be lots of lost cattle.  The country north of Woodward is composed of rolling grass hills, cedar canyons and rocky hills.  Not many roads, nor many green wheat fields to work as firebreaks in that part of the world.  Not a good combination for firefighters to deal with.  And as bad as the wind is blowing, a fire break probably wouldn’t help.  A lack of wind and a rain is about all that will stop these kind of fires.  

      We’ve lost a home to a flood before, but at no time was anybody in danger.  Damage was cosmetic only.  No personal belongings were lost.  I wouldn’t wish a fire on anybody.  The loss of homes, belongings, livestock, hay, etc.  would just be staggering to deal with.  And then there is the problem of fences.  Lots and lots of miles of burnt up fence will have to be tore out and replaced.  New grazing land will have to be found until that grass grows back and fences replaced.  Prayers for all those affected and for those that are fighting the fires.  The majority of the fire fighters in this part of paradise are volunteers.  These people are out there fighting and risking their own safety for free.  

I enjoy watching the pshycology involved with the art of bidding during an auction.  There are lots of emotions that can happen in a short period of time during an auction.  

Hoping for a miracle–This bidder has an addiction to owning a good animal, but they know that they aren’t going to get it done.  This is the type that bids at 8:05 am on an online auction and then spends the rest of the day checking to see if they still have the bid, knowing full well that 99% of online bidding doesn’t happen until the auction begins to close. 

Settler–There are those bidders that have a budget.  They find their animal of choice and bid right up to their budget, not past.  Usually, they find the higher end animals which blow right past their budget.  This type of bidder normally has to participate in several sales before they finally settle on an animal that fits their budget.  

Realizer–The next type of bidder/buyer has usually been a settler and they have now made the decision to expand their budget just a bit.  They are uncomfortable bidding past their budget, but they realize they will have to spend more to get what they want.  They will make a run bidding on their animal of choice, past their budget limit, but they don’t get it and you can visibly see the disgust on their face as they stand there shaking their head.  Heart rate goes up considerably.

Competitive–This type has gone through the first three mental phases and is now prepared to boldly go where they have not been before.  They still have a budget, but it has increased.  During the bidding, they get past their initial budget and are now nearing the point that they don’t want to cross but it now becomes a competition.  One on One with the dollar amount becoming irrelevant.  This level is the most visible as you literally see the bidder jump off the cliff and not look back until it is done.  At the drop of the hammer, there is a feeling of relief that they got what they wanted but also the fact that they have never spent that much before.  Once they cross this point, If this purchase works out for them, they will become an aggresive bidder on whatever they want in the future.

The Aww, screw it—This bidder has crossed the bridge and burnt it as they crossed it.  There is no turning back.  This type is just going to own that one, no matter what.  They are sick of traveling, sick of looking, they know that they want/need this one and they aren’t going to lose.  This one usually utters some 4 letter words as they turn loose and keep nodding their head towards the bid taker or they keep clicking that mouse.  SUBMIT!  

 Personally, I have experienced all of the symptoms.

       There are a few high quality goats selling tonight in the online Banners & Backdrops sale.  The live version of this sale will go down this saturday, April 9, at Perry, OK.  I’ve seen several sets of goats that will be selling there.  There will be a really deep set of wethers, several top shelf doe kids, a donor quality yearling or two and at least one wicked buck prospect.  

        Last year, this sale produced some very good wethers.  The 3rd, 4th and 5th overall at the Kansas State Fair sold in this sale.  The grand wether at the Kansas Jr. Livestock Show sold here.  The grand wether at the Ozark Empire Show.  I bought the 1K buck at this sale. I am bringing a wether out of him to the live sale.  I think that this one has a chance to be really good.  

If you have questions about consigning or the stock that will be there, give me a call.  

  Huge thank you to all that bid, bought, called, texted, acted interested or anything else involving the “Kind Of” April Fool’s Day online sale.  I am truly thankful for the interest.  I had more phone calls and texts regarding this sale than any that we have ever had.  The phone has had trouble staying charged.  Again, THANK YOU!

12 lots went to 9 different states.  Some were new buyers that I have talked to.  Some were new buyers that I have yet to talk to.  The rest are repeat buyers.  As much as I love new buyers, repeat customers are even better.  

Thanks to Tammy and Duke for taking care of stuff when I can’t.  This whole deal doesn’t happen without Kela, Tammy and Duke.  For those of you that know us, you will agree.  For those of you that don’t know us, trust the ones that do.  I married well (not 4 money) and as a result have two oustanding offspring.  One of the many reasons that I am a firm believer in the value of maternal genetics.  

I am already getting texts wanting to know what buck went where.  I will gladly advertise the new owners as they see fit.  Their call, not mine.  

It is sales like this that make a newcomer think that they might want to get in the goat business.  I can tell you that there are easier ways to make a dollar.  I was around when the goat industry started in Oklahoma.  I have spent an a$$ pile of cash traveling to see goats in other states.  I hemorraghed money for many years.  After losing money for several years, learning the hard way and consistently trying to do better, I can now tell you the DO’s and DON’Ts of raising show goats. Now, we are a small herd, but I really like our depth of quality.  More importantly, I like the people and the stories that I have from this industry.  There needs to be a book, a movie or a reality show about the goat business.  Lots of characters.  

Out of the 12 lots that I sold tonight, I lost money on two of them. (both wethers)  But, those two wethers were too good to just send to the taco factory.  They both are headed to really good homes.  Although we bought the wethers at fair market price, then sold at a lower price, I still like to think that we owe it to the goats and those breeders to see that they get a chance.  

Thank you to Tommy & Julie for getting the pics and stuff up on short notice.  The Milligan’s were there for Kela and I back in 2006 when the first online goat auction took place.  NOW!?!?!  Holy Batman!  I have to spend the next couple of days coordinating deliveries top to bottom and side to side. Regardless that Tommy and Julie are Kelln Family friends–they are full service at handling our sales–before, during and after each sale.  I love it when the constructive criticism phone call comes from the Perry office.   Tommy–“WTF are you doing?”  We won’t delve into the rest of the conversations as they normally go downhill from there.  I have a habit of selling stuff without pictures (not recommended)  and I don’t want to over-sell anything (highly recommended).  

I distinctly remember all of the breeders that questioned if those early sales were real or not.  RUSM?!  Now, they are some of the biggest online sellers of all-time.  

The scary part of an online sale is the amount that moves outside of the advertised lots.  Semen, wethers, doe kids, mature does, buck kids and mature bucks that haven’t been advertised.  An online sale generates so much traffic.  It is scary, yet absolutely amazing.  

Here’s to another day in the business.  I wish nothing but horseshoes and shamrocks to all of you tough enough to raise goats.  Thanks to all and here’s to a better tomorrow.  Cheers!

      Wednesday has been here and is on the way out.  Another dark night.  But that is to be expected.  Yesterday was a quick trip to Alva for the NWOSU FFA Interscholastics.  We only took a crew of 8th graders that wanted to compete in the Entomology contest.  These “buggers” did well for their first time as they picked up a 2nd place piece of hardware.  Then back to school.  For those of you that think life slows down as soon as stock shows are over, well, you would be wrong.  

       I appreciate all of the phone calls and texts regarding the upcoming online sale.  There are several that have requested video.  I don’t have any, but it has been duly noted that I need to think about it for next year.  Video, pictures, whatever, I still would rather trust somebody that knows the beasts.  

       One thing that I have noticed about myself this week.  I try to describe each animal in detail–positives and negatives.  But, I have realized that I get really in depth when it is a younger/up&coming breeder that I am talking to.  I’m not sure if it is the dad part, ag teacher part or just the fact that I want to see younger people do well and get the best that they can for their $s.  

Here’s to the next day and hopefully another after that.  The wind laid down for a few hours today, but it’s back.  

     The wife asked me what I wanted for supper?  I asked, “What are my options?”  She replied, “Something with hamburger or fajitas.”  I said, “A hamburger steak would be fine. See what Duke wants.”  

      Later, I walked into the house to the aroma of canadian bacon, sausage, eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, etc.  I mistakenly asked, “I guess Duke wanted Breakfast?”  Her reply, “No.  He didn’t care, but I wanted breakfast.”  I’m glad that she is smarter than the rest of us.  I wanted breakfast, I just didn’t know that it was an option.  And I wasn’t smart enough to bring it up.  Actually, I’ve been wanting to go hit a cafe of a morning and eat a platter of breakfast foods, but I haven’t found the time.  I love that smell of breakfast foods cooking.  I don’t feel any healthier eating what I just ate.  But, I am in a good mood.  Fat, full and sassy.  

     I don’t think that I will ever be smarter than an online sale.  Personally, I would rather talk to the breeder than study the pictures of an online sale animal.  However, I think that I am in the minority.  I have had calls wanting certain angles of a given animal.  1–If I had more pics, we would have used them.  2—It never crossed my mind to try to take that angle of a critter.  3–I feel that I can be more honest describing an animal than any pic ever will be.  (Now, I remember why I have sold animals without pictures).  

      I like that the sun is out later than it has been.  But, I don’t find myself getting inside until after dark.  If I was smarter, I would manage my time better.  

Have a good one and a better tomorrow.

    Monday is here and a new week begins.  Hopefully, I am a little more caught up this week than what I have been.  I did have a good weekend.  Made it to the Bixler Ranch bull sale on Saturday.  Saw some really good cattle and some even better people.  Dad bought a dang good bull.  Sunday was Easter at Shattuck.  The only family member not there was Kela and Tammy fired up the facetime on the iPad.  Great prime rib lunch.  And there was snow on the ground Sunday morning. The weather has been freaky, but we finally put some taters in the ground.  I hope that the recent freezes haven’t screwed up the Sand Plums for 2016.

     The sale info should be live today for the Kind Of April Fool’s Day Online Sale.  There are 5 bucks, 5 doe kids and 2 wethers.  Something for everybody.  There are a couple of bucks in this sale that I really don’t want to sell, but I don’t need as many bucks as what I already have standing around here.