MarketReport

Frequently asked Questions

How do you accept poultry and rabbit consignments?

Ideally, we would like your poultry and rabbits to be sold in wooden vegetable crates. You can ask around for them at local farms or small supermarkets. We also sell them here at the auction for $1 each. CURRENTLY, OUR CRATE SUPPLY IS VERY LIMITED. BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE YOUR OWN CRATE TO SELL WITH YOUR BIRDS OR RABBITS SHALL WE RUN OUT. This charge can be paid in cash at the time of purchase OR taken out of your check for the consignment. If you have a metal/wire cage or dog crate that you would like to leave with your animals, we can sell them in your container. You will not get your crate/container back. We DO NOT accept them in cardboard or other unventilated containers. Please do not put too many birds or rabbits in one crate, especially with hot temperatures forecast. They need to be comfortable.

When is the Auction held?

We have a sale every Tuesday. We open for consignments at 9:00 a.m. The sale starts at noon, with eggs, poultry and rabbits. We take a break while we are accepting other consignments, and start again at 2:00 p.m. with hay. Pigs, goats, lambs and sheep will follow in that order. We do not have an exact time, as we do not know how many animals of each kind will be consigned on any certain day. Calves will be sold as soon as we can load the smaller livestock for the buyers, followed by cows, bulls, heifers and feeders.

How do I buy animals?

You will need a number to buy, which you can get in the office upstairs. This number will be permanent and it does not cost anything. Listen to the auctioneer to learn if the animal is sold by the dollar (each), or by the pound. The auctioneer will announce the weight of each animal to be sold per pound. If you do not understand, please stop him and he will answer your question. We accept cash, or personal check if you have a letter from your bank that says you are a member of good standing. We do not take debit or credit cards. Livestock has to be removed the day of the sale.

Can anyone buy and sell or do I have to be a member of the Co-Operative ?

You do not have to be a shareholder to buy or sell. The auction does not have a buyers premium. There is a commission to sell. We accept cash, or personal check if you have a letter from your bank that says you are a member of good standing. We do not take debit or credit cards.

When is the best time to sell an animal that is likely to be bought for a holiday?

You will want to be sure that buyers have time to process the meat before the Holiday. The week of a holiday is too late for these animals to be butchered. If you have animals to consign for a holiday, please call the auctioneer with advanced notice for advice on timing and to get the best pricing, as he must inform buyers with an idea of what is to come.

Any other questions?

You can call the sale barn (413) 665-8774 with any questions on a Tuesday or call the manager

Kim Reardon during the week 1413-530-2853 she will return any message.

------------------ Regulation update -------------

As of noon Friday , May 3rd, 2024. Northampton Cooperative Auction has been informed of the following conditions regarding the movement and sale of lactating dairy cattle.

Massachusetts lactating dairy cows can be consigned to the sale on an OSS ( owner shipper statement). the sale barn will have owner shipper statements available on the dock or consigners can obtain prior to sale day by contacting manager Kim Reardon (413-530-2853) and one can be forwarded to you.

Out of state lactating dairy cows no longer require a health chart , and may be consigned with us and a OSS form available at the loading dock

There continues to be no restrictions on calves, heifers, steers, bulls (dairy or beef breeds and beef breed cows in any stage of lactation . The regulation only apply to lactating dairy cows.

the New England state veterinarians have requested an exemption from USDA to allow lactating dairy cows to move interstate within New England to sale barns on an OSS. USDA is reviewing the request but has not made a determination and our Ma state Veterinarian, Dr O'Connor, does not believe there will be a change in mandate prior to Northampton auctions tuesday sale.

Northampton Cooperative auction Assoc. is as frustrated as you are with this situation and we are doing all we can do to advocate on behalf of our dairy farmers. We will continue to update you as we become aware of changes in the mandates. we are hopeful USDA will recognize the uniqueness's of New England and adopt the state veterinarian's proposal of an OSS to move cows within our region to sale barns .

We apricate your patience with this . ----- The Northampton Livestock Auction Assoc.