02/02/2026
Maybe a controversial stance. And probably won’t change anyone’s mind revolved around the topic of “show stock” prices. As I read and hear things around the industry from people who tend to speak out about cattle, sheep, hogs, goats etc being too expensive and how greedy the breeders are for those prices. I want to just put a couple things out there.
First, the phrase “it shouldn’t be about the money, it’s about the kids”. This saying is often followed by something in the term of “we got just as much at the premium auction”. So with that said, is it really about the kids?
Secondly, try buying a calf anywhere for less than $2000. While it’s possible, if you can’t even see the difference in cattle that run through the ring at a sale barn and how less than $2000 will get the high risk calves, and I sit in a lot of sale barn to see this. (That’s my real job) There’s probably not a lot of hope for your eye for livestock in general.
Third thing, when you pay more than market price on livestock, you’re not gaining a much better animal all of the time. You’re paying for service, leadership, help, role models for your children. You pay those that you want to be around. If you don’t want anyone around you or your children, by all means I think cheaper is better.
I drive a lot. Traveling to bull sales, feeder cattle sales, cattle shows, pasture sales and on and on. So podcasts help make that go a bit quicker. Listening to an episode on horse training the comment was made “I sold a $50,000 horse to someone. They ask why so much? Well it’s really a $10,000 horse but $40,000 worth of training.” If you don’t value the service, it’s simple don’t expect it. This isn’t a cheap hobby to buy or sell. Keep that in mind as sale season rolls around. But when you go to the grocery store and shopping for your family, look up and down the shelves. While everything in the same, it’s different at the same time? Price generally reflects that. Sometimes you can get by with the “best choice” label. But sometimes to give your family the best eating experience you have to go with the name brand.
Just food for thought on a cold Kansas morning.
