Women shown sale secrets

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 539, 7 June 1994, Page 5

Women shown sale secrets

By

justine

McCarthy

An enthusiastic group of women, organised by Ruapehu R.E.A.P., got together at Waimarino Livestock the evening prior to the last Raetihi stock sale to learn ways to minimise errors in their sale technique assisted by the kindly advice of the folk there. The staff were quizzed on whether the Raetihi saleyards attract enough buyers; whether to have an agent with you or not; if you want only a few of a large line can you ask and when?; what is the best way to present your stock; Whether to send your stock there at all and when to sell it in the paddock; can they join your motley crew up with some other stock in a similar condition to create a bigger line and perhaps gain a higher price; T.B. cards; commis-

sion; the fact you cannot get a 'cuppa' there any more, and the 'nudge, nudge knowing wink' of actually buying. The only definite for the group the follo wing day was the weather was going to be one stumble shortof hail. In the predicted conditions, negotiating around the pens could be likened to the ladies of the Waimarino negotiating the catwalks of Paris in four-inch platforms without the pay of the supermodels. Sale day dawned and the weather was as mean as predicted. The yards were as long as ever, the comradeship as constant and air of tension abounded. Seating was tight and women, unable to sit together, found that waving out could have done innocent but appalling damage to the bank balance. The women discovered the apparent intimidating glares of at least 10 auctioneers

was part and parcel of the job and did not mean you had just run over their favourite dog. There were plenty of laughs, a different experience for some, and an initiation into a great part of New Zealand life. A very worthwhile exercise for those staunch of spirit. A lot was learnt and the next sale ought to see a larger contingent of Waimarino women; some buying up with nothing more that a raised eyebrow.