It's the curtain call for a cattleman's career.
After nearly a half-century of sales, owner Dave Porth takes a final bow.
"We're all getting old," said Porth, 73. "You don't move as fast."
Auction echoes were ringing through Rock Island Livestock Auction Company.
Four generations of Porths came from all over the country to salute their patriarch.
"Part of that crowd in there is all my kids," he beamed.
"It's so nice to see everyone that's come and family, too," added Chris Cleveland, one of Porth's six children.
Monday's final sale is a sentimental journey.
"You could see this was coming 15 years ago," he said.
There are fewer local producers, higher prices and auction barns closing down.
"It's just a matter of changing times," he said.
Dave Porth started working here in 1966. The auction barn, itself, first opened back in the 1930's.
"I'm used to working with livestock every day of the week," he said.
Making the rounds one more time really is something special.
"The work ethic that our father has taught us is unbelievable," said Todd Porth.
Most of the staffers are now in their 70's and look back at the heyday.
"The bleachers would be packed full," remembered auctioneer Chuck Herrold. "The trucks would line up and down the road just to unload the cattle."
Herrold called sales there for a dozen years. Monday's was something for families to experience.
"We're not thinking about retiring," Herrold said. "We're thinking about slowing down. We can't find the 'R' and the 'E,' but we know about the 'tired.'"
Porth perched in the box for a Monday finale.
The old-school routine is coming full-circle.
While the auction barn, itself, is for sale, he plans to keep busy with farm visits and brokering some livestock sales.
"I always enjoyed working with cattle," he concluded.
For Dave Porth, quite a career.