Missoula Livestock Auction Co.
This article appeared in the Missoulian Centennial issue.
Howdy from the Gang at Missoula Livestock Auction Company
The Missoula Livestock Auction Company plays a key role in maintaining a balanced and orderly market for both buyers and cattle producers.
100 years ago cattle raisers not only had a difficult time getting their stock to market but once they got there, they were at the mercy of the dealers and traders. Usually it took a week to get the cattle to market after reaching the shipping point.
One third to one half of the gross returns was lost getting cattle to market. There was little opportunity to keep posted on prices through newspapers or radio. Often cattle from many areas would hit the market at the same time and drive prices down, throwing the small cattlemen at the mercy of the dealers and buyers. In other words, marketing 100 years ago was a very expensive deal.
The Missoula Livestock Auction Company, along with many other similar operations, rose to correct the situation. Ranchers have been encouraged to improve their stock through better breeding and bloodlines. As part of this program the Missoula Livestock Auction Company started the Top Cut Hereford Sale and Show. This now is the biggest sales event between Denver and Calgary. The Auction Company has cooperated in a similar program with Western Montana Angus Breeders Association in their Western Montana Angus Sale and Show.
Now anyone can find a good market 5 to 6 hours from his ranch. . .
No other market in Montana has a better year around average on receipts than right here in Missoula.
Steady growth in receipts through the years indicates that Missoula is in a favorable location to bring together buyers and cattle raisers. The Missoula Livestock Auction Company handles between 70,000 and 80,000 head each year. Receipts average between eight and nine million dollars per year.
Employing 12 full-time and 40 part-time people the Missoula Livestock Auction Company ships the larger percentage of its cattle by rail than any other yard in the Northwest.
For over 50 years Howard Raser’s hobby has been raising Appaloosa horses such as the one shown above. Last year he sold the biggest herd in America. Not being able to drop his hobby, Howard retained some of his stock and now has about 150 head. Of these 100 are brood mares half of which are Appaloosa. His hobby has had a purpose. Not many years ago it looked like the Appaloosa might become extinct and he has hoped to help in perpetuating the horse that he thinks can do all jobs better than any other breed.
Howard Raser, President – Ruth Johnson, Secretary-Treasurer – Willis Raser, Vice President – Jesse Raser, Yard Man.