Livestock Auction Markets in the Southeast: Methods and Facilities

Excerpts from the report Introduction: Today auction markets are the most important agency in the marketing of livestock in the region. With minor exceptions, more than half of every class of livestock marketed is sold at an auction market. These markets serve the largest number of producers and also handle the largest volume of livestock. With few exceptions, auction markets in the Southeast sell all species of livestock. However, the number of horses, mules, goats, and sheep handled is comparatively small. Cattle and hogs are handled by at least 95 percent of the markets. Only a few auctions sell cattle only or hogs only. The purpose of the research reported here was: (1) To design improved livestock auction market facilities, (2) to determine the extent to which established market practices affect facility layouts and designs, and (3) to develop more efficient methods for receiving, selling and loading livestock at auction markets. In this research 20 markets were selected for case study in different geographical areas. Five auctions were selected in each of the following States: Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. Data were obtained through time studies and analyses of methods at each market. In addition, a layout and flow diagram of several of the facilities was prepared. Selected operations and the facilities at a number of other markets also were studied.