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Who We Are |
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Welch Livestock Market was incorporated by Barrett and David Welch in October of 1960. David and Barrett were the owners of I.T. and C.A. Welch and Sons, Inc., of West Edmeston, a firm which had bought and sold cattle for many years and had earned a good reputation. Howard Mattice, a cattle buyer for I.T. and C.A. Welch and Sons, was hired as manager. Howard's son William, a graduate of SUNY at Cobleskill, worked along with his father, learning the business. The Market is currently managed by William Mattice. The first sale was conducted on November 14, 1960 with David Welch in the auction box and Barrett Welch in the ring. That first year the Market sold 13,096 head. In 1984 that increased to over 30,000. Sales peaked in 1992 at just over 38.000 and have declined along with the local declining dairy base. On June 16, 1997 the millionth animal milestone was reached. A 2 year old heifer named "Lorraine" owned by Ed Flood of Amenia was sold. Barrett Welch was brought out of retirement to auction her. She was purchased by longtime Welch customer, Carl Gifford of Masonville. Carl Gifford commented after the sale, "... Welch's is one of those rare businesses that emphasizes the personal touch ... if you're fair with them, they're fair with you" Today Welch's still offers that personal touch. You'll still see Howard around but his son, Billy, is managing the day to day operations. Others include Steve Huffman, Secretary-Treasurer and David Lawrence, Office Manager with Susan at the front counter during sales. The on premises Restaurant if now operated by Welch Livestock Market. There is also a myriad of support personnel handling the animals before, during and after the sales.
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