I was surprised to feel the vibration in my feet. The auctioneer’s chant was so loud and continuous it actually created a noticeable presence in the space, like a thick sonorous fog slowly curling into every corner of the amphitheater and penetrating the walls and floorboards, my shoes helpless to stop the din as it resonated into the palms of my feet.
On a muddy winter’s day, Aileen, Shelley and I found ourselves at the Toppenish Livestock Commission auction. Having been to many other kinds of auctions, we were surprised by how otherworldly this particular auction felt in comparison. As strangers to the cattle industry, entering into this space felt somewhat alien. Brown theater seats peppered with cowboys, sloped down to perch above the viewing area where the cattle were brought through.
The bidding went quickly as the animals entered one door on the left and were ushered across a small semi-circle to another door on the right. A man at each door with what looked like a giant fly swatter gently guided the cows as the auctioneer’s steady habiddyhabiddy and quick eye picked up on the imperceptible nods of the seasoned bidders as the doors banged open and shut. And on it went, again and again with no break in the action. It took several rounds for us to finally fall in with the rhythm. After that, it was hypnotizing to sit there and let the sound wash over us. The few short times there was a break in the selling, the silence seemed wrong, my feet anxious for the buzz to return to them.
The fact that there is a livestock auction here in the Yakima Valley is pretty special as there aren’t many around. There are only a handful in Washington, with Toppenish being the only one in the central part of the state. With a 60-plus-year history, their roots go deep and their reach broad. I was told that 2013 saw over 127,000 animals pass through their gates. While cattle is the prime seller, on Saturdays you can find horses, pigs, sheep and goats as well.
If you’ve ever wanted a freezer full of your very own meat, a butcher cow at auction may be just the starting point you need. Come on down, show your driver’s license and get to bidding. Your buzzing feet will show you the way to a bountiful icebox. Next week we’re talking to a local butcher…
Andreana, very well written. I accompanied my Dad to many cattle auctions when I was a kid. For a short time John & I had a small farm in West Valley and when we went to the auction it brought back all that excitement I felt as a child. Seeing all the old farmers lined up watching the cattle go through commiserating whether that cow was worthy of a bid. Your blog certainly brought back all those feelings. By the way, I still love the excitement of a good auction of any kind.
Wow this is an awesome article! My mom has worked for TLC for 24 or 25 years, and I basically grew up here. This place has seen many changes, but it’s still the same old auction barn. I worked here for many years, until I graduated from college. This article is very well written, and it captures the essence of this place. Great job!
Yes, I remember running the cattle through the alleys to the sales arena. My my, had forgotten to add that to my resume. Just stumbled onto this page. Think I will sign up.
please do! thanks, Ted!
I want to know when the auctions are my neighbor got horse at auction for ten dollars is there away I can get one without going to an auction want the size of a Morgan female send dates times of auctions
Chelsea, check out http://toppenishlivestock.com/ for a listing of upcoming auctions.