Culpeper-area cattlemen find good buys at cattle sale

By Nate Delesline III

Published: December 14, 2008

With their trucks’ diesel engines rumbling and receipts in hand, dozens of people lined up at Culpeper Agricultural Enterprises Saturday afternoon to claim their purchases.

The economy has hit everyone and cattle farmers are no exception.

That’s why with about 50 cattle — mostly angus — sold, and 150 registered buyers, organizers of the Virginia Beef Cattle Improvement Association’s annual bull sale declared the event a success.

Scott P. Greiner, the sale’s sponsor and manager, and an educational advisor at Virginia Tech, said that the average $2,000 per head that each of the bulls went for was an exceptionally good price.

But besides being a good sales venue, the goal of the event is also to share ideas and to catch up with friends, Greiner added.

“The purpose is to promote a cooperative venture between all the breeders,” he said.

Formed in 1955, the goal of the non-profit organization is to improve beef cattle in Virginia through improving genetic traits that enhance economic importance and to engage in educational and promotional work, according to the group’s Web site.

Culpeper’s sale is one of the oldest in the U.S., according to county extension agent Carl Stafford.

Nate Delesline III can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 110 or .