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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
I always find it interesting to listen to an auction. I am intrigued by the hum of the auctioneer's chant — the rapid-fire cadence of numbers, words and sound.
After doing a little research, I found that public auctions have been around for hundreds of years. The word "auction" itself dates back to the 16th century. Auctions have been an effective way for sellers to sell items at a valued price, and likewise, buyers often benefit from purchasing at a bargain. Over the years, some interesting things have been auctioned such as Thomas Jefferson's Monticello home, the Pan Am Building in New York and even Dorothy's ruby slippers.
Auctions have been the Anderson family's main business for more than 30 years. Keith Anderson was a cattle trader and used to travel to different livestock auctions around the state while caring for his small farm in Ephraim. In 1971, Keith decided he wanted to run an auction company so after finding one for sale, he bought it and moved his family to Ogden.
Keith ran the company successfully until 1997 when his son, Jerry, took over. Jerry tells me Anderson Livestock Auction sells livestock such as sheep, goats, pigs and cattle. Fall and spring are the busiest times for the business while things tend to slow down in the summer. Anderson Livestock Auction remains a family owned and operated business since Jerry's wife, daughter and four sons are all involved with daily operations.
Anderson Livestock Auction recently opened a brand new facility in Willard. Jerry says it's a big step up from the auction's previous location. Not only is it more compact and economical, but it also has scales in the ring where the animals are displayed so buyers can see what the animals weigh before purchasing them. The location, just off Interstate 15, has also been a draw for numerous passers-by.
Livestock auctions as a whole have decreased in the last few years, but Jerry hopes Anderson Livestock Auction can continue serving residents in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho and Nevada.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
