An Arkansas sale barn suffered a total loss on Aug. 21 after a fire started in the kitchen and destroyed Cleburne County Livestock Auction in Heber Springs, according to local news outlet THV11.
Blake Wilf, the barn’s co-owner, said they quickly moved the cattle out of the barn and were able to conduct the auction at another sale barn after the cattle had a chance to recover.
Brian Harris, Cleburne County Farm Bureau president and local producer, said the loss will result in more shrinking as producers are forced to move their cattle farther, especially in the heat. Harris continued that with prices at a premium, the loss of 30-50 pounds means hundreds of dollars lost. Wilf said he hopes to build a new facility and have a temporary one soon.
According to THV11, Wilf became the owner in May, taking over a barn that other families had owned for generations.
