"I like a good challenge,” said Gary Brown, about why he bought the Mo-Ark Livestock facility, formerly Barry County Livestock Auction, in Exeter, Mo. “Also, I don’t believe this market has ever reached its full potential and I’d like the chance to get it there.”
Gary and his wife, Vickie, bought the market back in April. One factor that made them pick Exeter was the poultry industry. There are many small farms where beef is used as a utility item to keep pastures clean and neat as well bring in more profit. Barry County is very efficient in grass production, which translates into gain on cattle. The auction barn has added a new, faster computer system to provide better service to the customers. The auction ring has been revamped to improve safety. They’ve also painted and spruced things up.
They have a lot of people working who have worked for the auction barn a long time. Marty Hall has been there since the first auction, he runs the back end. His son, Colt, helps in the ring. Another son, Dusty works wherever he’s needed. Randy Henry, on horseback, and his son, Ryan, help run the pens in back, returning the livestock to the appropriate pens after they’ve sold. Lavern Reynolds and his son, Brandon, have been there for years. Don Catron checks in and sorts while his daughter, Mickie works in the back and helps the vet.
One major improvement is ‘Doc’ Jason Salchow, a full service veterinarian, who is there before, during and after the auction. He will vaccinate, ear tag or perform whatever services are needed for the customers. Salchow has a good preventive vaccination program and a lot of people are using that.
Another new face is Kelly Roberts, who recently graduated from Missouri State with an Ag Marketing Degree. Vickie refers to Kelly as “an angel God gave us.” Kelly does the check in and helps in the office. “These are down home country folks that do what needs doing,” Kelly said.
When asked what time the sale starts, Gary pointed out that “Wal-mart, grocery stores and such have sales. We have an auction, which is the most efficient way to sell. We present the cattle in the best possible way to get the highest bidder.” The auction starts at 11 a.m. on Saturdays.
The auction's restaurant also received high praise. “The girls do a great job,” according to Gary. There is a different special every Saturday. They have home-cooked meals with large portions, and great pie.
Cowboy Church is held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Gary said he wants people to know, “This is a family run business, my wife and I are active in it. We don’t want anybody working for us, we want them to work with us. It’s the same way with producers and customers, we work together.”
