Tucker, L O 1975-06-24,27

L. O. Tucker discusses his years in the livestock auction business and various aspects of buying and selling cattle through stockyards and auction barns.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: L.O. Tucker

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: June 24 and 27, 1975

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: David Murrah

Length: 4 hours

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Personal history, Background in cattle business, Hauling cattle, Buying livestock for Vernon Packing Company, Took over Vernon Auction (1950), Auction barn in Corsicana, Difference between auctions and stockyards in 1930s and 1940s, Value of staying abreast of market, Relation between live value and carcass value, Charges for selling cattle through stockyards, Relation between feedlot and packers, Grading carcasses, Contrast between grass-fed and grain-fed beef.

Tape 1, Side 2: Reason for putting water in meat, Procedure for buying for Vernon Packing Company, Terminology explained, Characteristics sought in buying cattle, Conversation involved in buying described, Explanation of 10% cut, Worked for private buyers, Bank closed in Vernon.

Tape 2, Side 1: Personal history reviewed, Employees at cattle auction barn, Soliciting business, Difference between auction business in West Texas and East Texas, Reason for not guaranteeing cattle prices, Hauling cattle to auction for customers, Relationship with major buyers, Example of him buying cattle to maintain price, Mistakes people make when buying cattle.

Tape 2, Side 2: Importance of starting bid, Past owners of Lubbock auction, Value of speed in managing auction, Difference in selling according to seasons, Early dishonesty in cattle sales, Reason for current honesty, Seller’s tricks.

Tape 3, Side 1: Weekly schedule outlined, Routine on a sale day, Explanation of passing cattle out when seller does not like price, Procedure of selling cattle explained, Ways an auctioneer can influence price, Sellers bidding up own cattle, Importance of auctioneer, Hot checks named as problem.

Tape 3, Side 2: Explanation of floating, Difference between western and eastern cattle, Cross-bred and purebred cattle contrasted, Easier to make money in Vernon, Story of building new auction barn in Corsicana.

Range Dates: 1930s-1975

Bulk Dates: 1950-1975

Access Information

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