J.D. Shannon
In Town: On Thursdays, he works at the Douglas County Livestock Auction in Ava, Mo. On a typical Thursday, “I get up really early to go down to the barn. I sort cattle and I auctioneer a bit. I unload and load cattle and do whatever else needs to be done. When I was in school I spent as many days as I could at the sale barn,” said J.D.
Where did you learn to auctioneer?
“Sitting at the Mtn. Grove sale barn, when we owned it. I would sit there all day in a seat and listen. I just picked it up gradually. I liked it and it stuck with me, I guess.”
On the Farm: J.D. uses a computer program to keep track of all the farm cattle. He tags all the cows and keeps track of each cow’s calf and the pasture they are located, entering the information each day as it changes. When it is time to sell calves, he enters the information to get an idea of which cows/bulls are the best performing of the herd. He has a few head of cattle of his own, and also helps his dad with daily feeding.
Ideas for the future: “I didn’t want to go to college. I wanted to stay here and do this – farm. I’d like to be a full-time farmer someday,” he said. “I like whatever kind of cattle are making the most dollars, but Charolais and Herefords are probably my favorite.”
Story and Photo by Jane Kinser
