Sales operation is family business

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

Mike Spencer pauses during a sale behind a barrier in the sale ring. Spencer first built the sale facility with Brahman cattle in mind, but now utilizes it mostly for goats and sheep, plus tractors. -- Staff photo by Montgomery

Jan. 20, 2004 - Amid the sounds of steel gates opening and the closing, and a "baa" or snort from a goat or a sheep, producers can sell their animals in a relaxed atmosphere at the Mike Spencer Stockyards.

The sale barn, located south of Gilmer, within the city limits on Highway 271, has been in operation for four years.

One of the most notable differences at the stockyards is that buyers are not registered by number. "We just need to know your name," said owner Mike Spencer. "We still have the personal touch."

Buyers come from all over East Texas, South Texas, and Louisiana for the sale that is held every second Saturday of the month at 6 p.m. Just about all breeds of goats come through the ring; and sheep, or even a llama or two, also have been known to sell. Plus, another benefit for goat farmers, is the occasional sale of Great Pyrenees puppies - a breed known for their livestock guarding qualities.

Spencer explained the stockyards were originally built for a regular Brangus sale. "The plan was to hold a sale every month," he explained. "The pens were designed to hold approximately 10 heifers each. There are 10 pens and the plan was to sell about 100 head a month; but the first sale never took place because I sold more from the house. So, to make use of the barn, it was decided to sell goats and sheep."

Being a Moorman feed dealer who visits many ag operations in the region, Spencer realized there was a need for a goat and sheep sale in the East Texas area.

"I knew there was a demand, and I had the facility, so we began," he added.

Since that first sale in April 2001, Spencer stated, "I've seen the market grow from a small run of 40 to 140-plus. Prices have steadily increased with the market fluctuation."

The sale is a family operation. Wife Debbie helps in the office and sons Kirby and Chase help coordinate the happenings in the back during sale time. They also help with the loading and unloading of the animals.

And, if a goat is not what you had in mind for brush control and a tractor was, Spencer can assist with that problem. He sells farm equipment at the same location. Matter of fact, those coming to the barn on Highway 271 will see the equipment before they see the barn. There is a sign stating Mike Spencer Stockyards and on the second Saturday of the month, the parked trailers are not hard to miss.

(For more information, contact Spencer at 903-734-3000 or 903-725-6328.)