Florida Farm Animal Auctions

Cattle | Goats | Sheep| Miniature Farm Animals

Arcadia | Cattlemen's | Columbia | Okeechobee | Ocala | Sumter | Townsend

Florida is where beef cattle production began

Florida cattle for sale at auction and from breeders. The Texas Longhorn gets all the attention as an example of beef cattle but the first beef cattle in the United States originated right here in Florida. Interestingly, almost every strain and breed of cattle in the United States started in Florida when the Spaniards imported cattle in the early 1500s.

Florida produces several breeds of cattle for export to mainly South America, as well as domestic consumption throughout the United States.

Cattle and Cows

Often the terms cattle and cow are used interchangeably. In fact, cattle refers to the plural of cows, and the term cows refers to the females of the species. So all cows are cattle, but all cattle are not cows. On a dairy farm, all cattle are cows used to produce milk. On a cattle ranch, there is a mixture of cows, steers, and bulls that are raised to produce beef. Steer are neutered cattle raised to produce beef.

Florida Cattle Breeds

• Black Angus – Most common breed in Florida and the U.S.; originated in Scotland; prized for flavorful meat.
• Brahman – Bred in the U.S. from Indian cattle; highly tolerant of heat, sun, and humidity; ideal for Florida climate.
• Brangus – Crossbreed of Brahman and Angus; combines heat tolerance with meat quality.
• Florida Cracker Cattle – Descendants of Spanish cattle; adapted to Florida’s wild and heat conditions.
• Ona White Angus – Highbred variant of Black Angus; white color enhances sun tolerance in Florida.
• Senepol – Known for heat resistance and extended grazing in hot climates; well-suited for Florida.
• Highland Cattle – Scottish origin; shaggy coats; surprisingly resilient to Florida’s heat.

Mini Cattle and Mini Cows

Breeds and Characteristics: Miniature cattle are gaining popularity among farmers and hobbyists due to their manageable size, lower feed requirements, and friendly dispositions. These smaller versions of standard cattle are ideal for small farms, petting zoos, and even as pets. Here's an overview of some popular miniature cattle breeds:

Miniature Cattle Breeds

• Miniature Hereford – Famous mini breed with red bodies and white faces; calm, adaptable, and ideal for small-scale beef production.
• Dexter – Irish origin; one of the smallest natural breeds; dual-purpose for milk and meat; hardy and gentle.
• Belted Galloway – Known as "Belties"; black or brown with a white belt; excellent beef quality and climate adaptability.
• Lowline Angus – Australian-developed from Aberdeen Angus; compact, easy to manage, and efficient meat producers.
• Miniature Zebu – Ancient Indian breed; heat-tolerant with a distinctive hump; used for milk, light draft work, and as pets.

Benefits of Miniature Cattle

Space Efficiency: Miniature cattle require less space and are easier to manage, making them ideal for small farms and hobbyists.

Lower Feed Costs: These cattle consume less feed compared to standard breeds, reducing overall costs.

Friendly Disposition: Many miniature cattle breeds are known for their gentle and friendly nature, making them suitable for families and educational settings.

Versatility: Miniature cattle can be used for beef, milk, and even as pets or show animals.

Florida Cattle Auctions and Livestock Auctions

Arcadia Stockyard

Located on Hwy 17, 8 miles north of Arcadia, FL 34266

Arcadia livestock auctions are held every Monday and Wednesday at noon. Arcadia Stockyard uses misters to cool the animals, which allows for lower stress. Arcadia Stockyard features a newer State-Of-The-Art Market, easy Drive-Thru Unloading, and a Front Porch Atmosphere! Keep your eye on our calendar for any special sales we plan for the fall season. We will schedule bull sales, replacement heifer sales, and our annual slaughter cow and bull sale. We work to provide you with quality bulls and heifers to purchase for your herd. Our slaughter sale has historically been a good sale. Don’t forget this important sale when planning to cull your herd.

Cattlemen's Livestock Market

3305 US-92, Lakeland, FL 33801 863-665-5088

Cattlemen's Livestock Market can help you achieve best market prices for all your livestock. See our weekly price report on cattle prices for bulls, heifers, and steers.

Columbia Livestock Auction | Cattle | Goats | Sheep

4662 SE Country Club Rd, Lake City, FL 32025 (386) 752-3159

Columbia Livestock Market is a family owned and operated business since 1964, located just South of Lake City on US Highway 441. Goats and sheep will also auction at the beginning of each sale if available. Owners are on sight before, during and after the sale to assist customers with any questions or concerns regarding the sale order, bidding process, price of cattle and transaction process.

Ocala Stockyard | Cattle | Hogs | Goats

9100 NW Highway 25A, Ocala, Florida, 34482 (352) 732-4454

Ocala Stockyard is a bonded livestock market. Cattle Sales Monday's at 1 pm. Goat and Hog auction is the 1st Friday of each month at 12 pm.

Okeechobee Livestock Market | Cattle

1055 US Hwy 98 North Okeechobee, FL (863) 763-3127

Okeechobee Livestock Market sells livestock including calves, cattle, and goats every Monday and Tuesday at 12.00pm. Okeechobee Livestock Market stockyards have been serving Florida Cattle Producers since they were opened by cattlemen in 1937. The market continues to bring good quality calves to buyers nationwide and fair market value to Florida producers.

Sumter County Livestock Market

P.O. Box 62 Webster, FL 33597 (352) 793-2021

The Sumter County Livestock Market is one of the largest Cattle Auctions in the Southeastern United States. Auction starts at 12 pm every Tuesday unless otherwise posted! We receive cattle starting Monday evening from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again on Tuesday morning starting at 7 a.m. All grown animals need to be in line by 11:30 a.m. as we sell those animals first.