Milverton Stockyards continues tradition of community livestock sales

Members of the Milverton 4-H Beef Club served BBQ burgers, sausage and hotdogs along with coffee and hot chocolate at the Park’s Milverton Stockyards on Saturday, Feb. 14, as a fundraiser for their club. From left are Macy Neidig, Peyton Stever and Greta DeWetering. Gary West photo

By Gary West

For generations, farming towns and villages across southwestern Ontario gathered weekly for community livestock sales – busy auction days where farmers bought and sold cattle, pigs and other livestock, and neighbours caught up on local news.

Many area residents will remember the sales barn in Tavistock, where Amos Zehr and later his grandson, Joe Zehr, auctioned calves, pigs and animals of all kinds. Household furniture auctions were also once common, later moving to the Tavistock Memorial Hall.

That tradition continues in Milverton where the Milverton Stockyards on Spencer Street remains a hub of agricultural activity. A regular community sale is held every Monday at 11 a.m., along with a monthly beef sale held mid-month that draws consignors and buyers from across the region.

For decades, the stockyards were owned and operated by John and Audrey Nicholson. After many successful years, the business and property were sold to Parks Livestock of Canada owned by Hayden Parks and his family.

Under the Parks’ ownership, the operation has expanded significantly. Recognizing the strength of Perth County’s agricultural sector, the family invested in a large, modern hog, sow and weaner barn. Built by FGC Construction of Mitchell, the facility now handles thousands of pigs each week. Area hog producers have said they are pleased with both the service and the payment methods offered at the facility.

The monthly beef sale continues to attract strong participation. Farmers have the opportunity to buy and sell beef cows, calves and stocker cattle in a well-organized and professionally run environment. The sale operates under the guidance of Dave and Margo Carson of Listowel, along with Doug Coulter, Frank Dewetering and his family, and Hayden Parks.

The Feb. 14 beef sale saw a steady flow of cattle through the ring and a large turnout of buyers in the stands, underscoring the continued importance of community livestock markets in Perth County.

Those interested in consigning cattle or seeking more information can watch future local publications for sale dates or contact Dave Carson at 519-291-8252 or Frank Dewetering at 519-272-7560.