In the 50 years since it first began serving southeast Manitoba with cattle sales, Grunthal Livestock Auction Mart has seen a whole lot of change – and the steadfast support of the surrounding community.
“The way we market livestock is not the way it was done even 25 years ago,” says Brad Kehler, who joined the auction mart in 2016. “We’ve had a lot of changes over the years, but we’re always trying to keep on the cutting edge of things in the industry. It’s been great.”
To celebrate the company’s golden anniversary, Grunthal Livestock Auction Mart will be hosting a special event – and auction, of course – on September 6 at its location on Provincial Rd 205.
“We’re going to have a great day on Friday, starting at 10 in the morning,” Kehler says. “We’ll have some concessionaires out with some booths and things, and we’ll have a live auction running from 10 until about noon.”
Lunch is free, and folks are welcome to visit, bid and just enjoy themselves until 2 pm.
“It’ll be a great time, and we hope to see lots of people come out,” says Kehler.
Fifty years ago, 20 or so local producers got together and established the auction mart in Grunthal because they needed a local venue for marketing their livestock. Needless to say, the auctioneering was done in person back then, and while the move to hybrid online sales has been a generally beneficial one, Kehler admits there’s still some nostalgia for the old days.
“I’m an auctioneer. I love the camaraderie,” he says. “I always say I got replaced by a computer, but that’s just the way things go.”
As the auction mart displays its items for sale in its yard, there’s still the interaction with customers who come to pick up their purchases. And Tuesday cattle sales and bi-weekly sheep and goat sales on Wednesdays help retain the live auction format. It’s still a hit.
“I think we’re going to be stacking up for a very good fall grazing season, and we’re selling these cattle at absolute record prices,” Kehler explains. “It’s great to see these guys making some good coin. It’s well-earned.”
Ultimately, the hybrid auctioneering style has been of great benefit to customers, not only when it comes to livestock but also onsite farm and equipment sales. Customers receive excellent end-to-end service, and feedback is always appreciated.
“Our online platform has really grown, and I think it’s been a very good service we’ve been able to bring to our customers,” says Kehler. “I think our future is bright, and we look forward to keep doing business and creating a stronger legacy for our area.”
Already in the agriculture industry before he started with the auction mart, Kehler points out that being part of the local community remains the most rewarding part of his work.
“What I love most is probably that I’ve been able to become more a part of the community over the last number of years,” he says. “We’re looking forward to growing our opportunities in our business and creating more business for the guys around us.”
Grunthal Livestock Auction Mart’s 50th anniversary celebration will take place Friday, September 6 from 10am to 2pm. Lunch is free, and all are welcome. The auction mart can be contacted by calling (204) 434-6519, and additional information is available on its website.
