Belle Fourche Livestock Market sells to Travis Linch

BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. – One of the largest livestock auction markets in the region didn’t have a for sale sign in the window.

But that didn’t stop Travis Linch from asking Baxter Anders of Belle Fourche Livestock Market if it could be.

The two struck a deal and are announcing the sale, according to Anders.

“I think everybody knows Travis through his trucking business,” observes Anders. “I’ve known him for a long time and have done a lot of business with him. He is a hard worker and ambitious. I think he’ll do great.”

The long-time livestock market owner and rancher added, “Travis runs cattle himself and has a backgrounding facility. He’s aware of what goes on in the industry.”

Born and raised in Belle Fourche, Linch, whose kids are Kavin, 15, Jaxon 12 and Sameen, 5, grew up in his dad’s trucking business.

“I was born and raised in Belle Fourche. I grew up around trucks and around Belle Fourche Livestock. As a kid, walking those catwalks and exploring the yards was a pretty cool playground.”

As the trucking business evolved, Linch became interested in other aspects of the cattle business. He delved in 10 years ago and now runs his own cow/calf operation along with backgrounding. And Travis Linch Trucking LLC keeps hauling cattle all across the Midwest.

He also worked for a long-time cattle buyer who passed away in November 2023. “Eventually, people were calling me wondering if I knew of any cattle in the country,” he recalls. “That sparked my interest and wondering if there wasn’t an opportunity. That’s the truth of it-that’s what got me going on the idea of a livestock market.”

Anders will tell you that he wasn’t looking for a buyer but when he was approached with a lot of enthusiasm (and persistence) from Linch, it sparked his interest. Linch will tell you that he bugged Anders enough until he finally sold it. “Either way,” says Linch, “the transaction has been great and Baxter has been so good to me. That’s the truth behind it all.”

Anders purchased the market in 2018. Along with customers who he is appreciative of over the years, he enjoys the auction market environment.

“The competitiveness of a sale has always been a lot of fun,” shares Anders. “Showing what you can get for somebody’s cattle, getting cattle placed where they need to go, the sale has always been the part I enjoy the most.”

Baxter Anders purchased Belle Fourche Livestock Market in 2018.

He added, “We really appreciate everyone we dealt with over the years at the sale barn and thank everybody for their support over the years.” He says his family is excited for the next endeavor, continuing to cow/calf, run some yearlings and backgrounding. He will also continue as a representative for Superior Livestock.

According to Linch, salebarn staff and schedules will remain the same with Anders staying on for additional guidance and support for a time.

“I’m still getting my feet wet,” observes Linch. “There’s things to learn.  I’m planning on getting out in the country and to keep earning people’s business.”

He feels with the location of the market that matches what he calls the ‘natural flow of cattle’ to and from Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, the facility couldn’t be in a better place. That, and the support from the community, has him looking ahead.

“Being born and raised here, my family with the oldest trucking company in Belle Fourche, this is my hometown. It’s where I want to raise a family and do business.”      

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