The History of Texas, Thoughts and Musings

The Origins of a Ring and Auctioneers at Livestock Auctions

When researching livestock auctions and the actual concept of a ring with auctioneers started. While there were some used in the 50s (maybe as early as the 40s) it appears that it mostly became a widespread way of selling cattle and other stock in the early 60s.

Prior to that, the Livestock Commissions were mostly a place to bring sellers and buyers together, where they could meet up and strike a deal, then the house would weigh and facilitate the transaction and collect their fee.

If anyone has knowledge about or when you actually remember your first cattle auction in action, I would appreciate your input.

I remember going to San Antonio Union Stockyards in the 50’s, around 1957 or 58. I guess I figured there was an auctioneer but read the other day that they didn’t build the first ring until 1960. That’s what peeked my curiosity.

2 thoughts on “The Origins of a Ring and Auctioneers at Livestock Auctions”

  1. Ronnie,

               I spent many an hour at the Junction, Kerrville and Fredericksburg auctions in the 50’s. Dad was an order buyer, or what some people called commission men. The auctions as I remember them in our area went back to the 40’s. Prior to that, cattle went to Kerrville to be shipped to the Union Stock Yard in San Antonio. Grand dad and dad traded with Rock Regan, a buyer at San Antonio’s Union Stock yard in the early days. Junction was the go to place for the sales of sheep and goats in the 50’s and I think continued big in sheep and goat even after the support was lifted on hair. Dad’s cousin, Lemuel Jones was the auctioneer. In the late 30 and 40’s dad and Lemuel travel and rodeo together. In later years Lemuel in addition to auctioneering was the rodeo announcer for many of the local rodeos here in Central Texas.  

           Best to you,

    Harold D

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment