Fewer cattle for sale, but prices same in NE Georgia after mad cow scare

CARNESVILL E- There were fewer cattle for sale, but prices were about the same as before the mad cow scare during bidding at a northeast Georgia auction barn.<br> <br> Farmers brought only 450 cattle to Franklin County Livestock Sales in Carnesville Tuesday as cattle auctions resumed after a traditional holiday break.<br> <br> That was about half the number on sale the same time last year.<br> <br> This is the first week most auctions have been opened since the first U-S case of mad cow disease was discovered in Washington state just before Christmas.<br> <br> Relieved farmers said prices -- mostly for beef cattle -- were close to what they were before the holiday break, while prices for calves were down just ten to 15 percent.<br> <br> About 350 farmers packed the auction&#39;s wooden benches and assortment of old office chairs.<br> <br> Closest to the sawdust-covered arena were buyers from feedlots in the Midwest that add extra weight before the cattle are slaughtered for meat.<br> <br> Farmers showed up to buy animals to replenish their herds.<br> <br> Georgia has almost one-point-three (m) million head of cattle, most of which are raised for beef rather than dairy products.