Market Strength

Commission: Even More Important in Today’s Market

As cattle prices have risen, percentage-based commissions have become significantly more expensive for producers.
East Texas Livestock operates on a flat, per-head commission, not a percentage—creating meaningful savings in today’s market.

Our average flat rate commission is $34 on calves

For comparison in today’s pricing:

• A $2,000 calf
• 4% commission costs $80
• 5% (Louisiana sales), the cost is $100
• At East Texas Livestock, that same calf is $34.50
That difference goes directly back into the producer’s pocket. No percentages. No escalations as prices rise.

Where Market Strength Truly Separates

This is where East Texas Livestock consistently pulls away.
The typical auction in East Texas or Louisiana operates with 4–6 regular buyers. While those buyers may cover cattle classes, limited demand naturally limits price competition—especially as orders are filled throughout the sale.

East Texas Livestock takes a different approach.

On an average Tuesday, we draw 18–23 active calf buyers, all bidding and competing in real time. That depth of demand creates sustained competition throughout the sale and results in true market-setting prices, not just early-sale highs.
When buyer numbers are thin, prices often soften as the sale progresses and buyers work to “cheapen up” remaining cattle. With a house full of buyers, this dynamic is reduced—and often eliminated.

Buyer Confidence Drives Aggressive Bidding

Centrally located in the heart of Texas cow-calf country, East Texas Livestock has become a hub for major order-buying companies, regional cattle operators, and local buyers. Long-standing relationships, consistent volume, and well-managed cattle allow buyers to purchase with confidence.
In recent years, we’ve also attracted weekly buyers from Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico bringing aggressive northern orders that further strengthen competition and support higher prices.

See the Market for Yourself

We encourage producers to come watch the sale, compare buyer participation, and evaluate the bidding firsthand.
When you see the number of buyers, the consistency of competition, and the resulting prices, the difference speaks for itself.