History of Emporia Livestock


In 1925, Hatcher became the sole owner and began operating the sale barn as the "Paul Hatcher Sale Co." Lester Pyle served as the office manager and Holmes remained the auctioneer. The first sale under this new management advertised in area newspapers and hand-written postcards were mailed to the former customers. The sale consisted mostly of Holstein dairy cattle, horses, mules and hogs.

Once farming technology advanced to include the tractors as the main source of power, the sale of mules and horses dwindled and cattle became the main consignments. The first expansion of the sale barn took place in 1939 with the addition of a restaurant, which was open each sale day.

In 1941, a long-time cattleman and member of the both the Kansas and National Cattleman Associations, Olma Peak, became partners with Hatcher and the sale barn was named Emporia Livestock Sales. By this time, saleable items were narrowed strictly to cattle.


As the cattle industry developed and demand for packaged and processed beef became greater, so did Peak and Hatcher's daily involvement. Emporia Livestock Sales saw the addition of more cattle buyers and office personnel.

In 1959, Emporia Livestock was incorporated, succeeded by the incorporation of Peak & Hatcher the partnership, to become known as P & H Cattle Company, Inc., the parent corporation. The next expansion included the addition of the Sunnyslope Feedlot in west Emporia, which carried a feeding capacity of 5,000 head of cattle.


After nearly 50 years at the sale barn, Hatcher retired in 1976 and Peak purchased his interest in the P & H Cattle Co. Inc., and proceeded to maintain all operations associated with each company.

"Where Buyers and Sellers Come to Meet"

Selling Farm Fresh calves and feeders weekly.
Cattle Sales are held weekly on Wednesdays at 11 a.m.