More than 2,100 head of cattle were sold at the Luverne Livestock Auction Monday, making it the biggest sale of that type in Luverne for more than 30 years. Cattle overflowed the yards into temporary pens that were reinforced by round bales at the fairgrounds. According to Jerry Reisch, who co-owns the business with his wife, Christy, 41 cattle producers and 61 registered bidders were on hand Monday for the annual feeder cattle auction. The sale in recent years has drawn 1,200 to 1,400 head of cattle, but several years ago the numbers had dropped to only 800. Since then, Reisch said he’s worked to bring up the local client base. "We appreciate the clients we’ve had," he said. "The local people have come to trust us." He said local producers were pleased with their prices Monday, with an average 500-pound steer bringing $1 per pound. "Three months ago, you could buy that same steer for 85 cents a pound," Reisch said. Reisch said the prices reflect a recent dip in supply that’s consistent nationwide. "We’ve had a lot of herd liquidation because of the drought," he said. "The supply was down; that’s why we’re seeing prices where they’re at."
Photo by Lori Ehde