Selling my ewes taught me a lesson I’ll never forget.
I learned a tough lesson this week after selling my ewes, and I figured I’d share it in case it helps someone else.
I made mistakes. I trusted what I was told instead of verifying it, and I won’t do that again.
If you’re selling livestock, especially animals you’ve invested years into, don’t feel bad about doing your homework. Check county property records if acreage matters. Look at public social media. Ask for current photos or videos of the setup. If you can’t verify things yourself, do an on-site visit if it’s reasonable.
It might feel weird, but at the end of the day you’re deciding where animals you’ve cared for are going to spend the rest of their lives. That’s worth a little extra effort.
I also learned that if something feels off, listen to your gut. It’s okay to lose a sale. Another buyer will come along. It’s a lot harder to stop worrying once the trailer leaves …or that red flag rented U-Haul van.
One thing I wish more people would hear, especially young families getting excited about livestock, is this: invest in the infrastructure before you buy the animals.
Good fencing. Shelter. Enough space. A way to safely handle them. A plan for feed, water, and veterinary care.
Sheep are amazing, but they’re still livestock. If the setup isn’t ready, both the animals and your family can end up paying the price.
I’m not posting this because I think I’m better than anyone. Quite the opposite. I learned this lesson the hard way and I’m constantly learning how to do better for these animals I care deeply about.
Going forward, I’m going to be a better livestock steward. I’ll ask more questions, verify more information, and if someone gets offended by that, then they’re probably not the right buyer for my animals anyway.
Curious what everyone else’s “I wish I’d known that before I sold livestock” lesson has been.