CALF_News_December_2018_January_2019

37 CALF News • December 2018 | January 2019 • www.calfnews.net TEXAS FEED FAT CO., INC. TEXAS FEED FAT CO., INC. P.O. Box 1790 • Durant, Oklahoma 74702 We specialize in Quality Feed Fatand Quality Service. Leaders in the feed fat industry since 1974! Durant, Oklahoma Ted Kirkpatrick (580) 924-1890 Hereford,Texas Kirk Sehi (806) 363-6490 calltoday! CAPITOL LAND & LIVESTOCK The Schwertner Select program is a health based program aimed at weaning a calf in its healthiest, natural environment. 254.527.3342 www.cllnet.com In business since 1946, we are committed to delivering quality, country fresh calves and yearlings on time at a guaranteed price. Schwertner Select additional sales were added in 2018, bringing the total to eight. Besides attracting buyers from throughout feedyard country, Pogue is responsible for sorting all of the cattle into uniform groups. He spends many hours sorting the cattle arriving from a large area, including neighboring states. The groups’ unifor- mity, along with their pre-conditioned status, are essential to the sales’ 20 years of success. Pogue says sorting cattle into uniform groups has carried over into his pre-conditioning operation as well. He sorts cattle into groups that will attract buyers for the quality and health status that will command top dollar. At 59, Pogue doesn’t see himself slowing down or chang- ing what he does. He is optimistic about the future, both for himself and the industry. He and Brynette, who grew up in the neighboring town of Greenville, have been married for 41 years and have two daughters, both of whom are married and have children of their own. Grandchildren are now an important part of his life. Looking back on his career, Pogue says the most rewarding part of it all is the people he has met and had the opportunity to work with through the years. It may be local ranchers, order buyers, or employees, but no matter the relationship, people are important to him. “A few years back, a longtime customer came to me and told me how grateful he was for what I had done for him,” Pogue remembers.“It sent chills through me.” It’s clear he has a heart for people. “As an auctioneer, it can sometimes be hard to care about every transaction,” he says.“I have to remind myself sometimes how important each and every transaction is to both the buyer and the seller. I want the seller to get the most possible for his animal and the buyer to feel like he was treated fairly.” That can be a challenge when speed is important to get through several thousand head of cattle in a reasonable amount of time. “Sometimes you have to slow down for that guy who just wants to buy four or five head and only comes to the sale once or twice in a year,” he says.“The professional order buyers don’t always understand and get a little frustrated, but it’s important to me to take care of every one of our customers.” Pogue says the most important piece of advice he can give someone just getting started is don’t be afraid to ask for help. “It’s good to take what you know and apply it, but nobody can know everything they need to know. Ask for help,” he says. “This is all I’ve ever known. God gave me the talent to be an auctioneer. He gave me the ability to sort cattle. He gave me a good memory and he surrounded me with people who have helped me through the years. What I have is strictly from the Lord.” From the livestock auction to the feedyard, Pogue has found his formula for success. It includes diversity and it revolves around people.  DOING IT ALL IN NORTHEAST TEXAS Continued from page 35