AROUND THE INDUSTY
by Kiley McKinna
2021 Bull Sale Season — Here We Come
Welcome to the annual Spring Sale Edition of Limousin365 . As
you page through this issue , you ’ ll find many of the breed ’ s most relevant and progressive programs highlighted , several of the breed ’ s finest spring sales showcased in accompaniment with multiple feature stories and industry news . As I write this column pondering which direction to head , two words come to mind — charge on ! With 2020 finally in the rear view mirror , it ’ s time to dive into what we hope is a great and enthusiastic 2021 spring sale season !
Naturally , with the spring bull sale season on the minds of many breeders , commercial producers and considering the nature of this edition of Limousin365 , I thought I ’ d share excerpts from an article I recently read ( written by Travis Meteer , Extension Educator for the University of Illinois ) that I think does a good job discussing many of the key factors worthy of consideration when purchasing you next herd bull .
“ Are you sifting through stacks of bull sale catalogs looking for your next bull ? While bull selection can be a daunting task , your choice will impact your herd for years to come . Thus , taking some time to think about what you need from your next herd sire is important .
Here are some points to emphasize when it comes to bull selection .
Know your market .
Understand what traits are value added-traits for your market . One of the best parts about the cattle industry is the different ways producers achieve their goals . While selling calves at weaning into the commodity market is the majority , some cattlemen are marketing in creative ways . Local freezer beef , retained ownership , alliances , branded beef programs , video sales , or fitting the production environment to a consumer demanded practice are all ways farmers are adding value to their calves . Your bull selection should be based on traits that are profitable in your market .
Don ’ t sacrifice functional traits or adaptability to your production environment .
It is easy to get caught up in the data , but remember these critters need to be sound and function in the pasture . Good feet and legs , a strong libido and docility are all imperative . Masculinity , big testicles and a tight sheath are good phenotypic indicators of the right kind . Buying bulls that are raised in similar conditions to your farm is preferred . You can buy someone else ’ s genetics , but you can ’ t buy their management .
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Identify and understand EPDs and phenotypes that signify value added traits you are seeking .
If you sell your calves at weaning through the sale barn and keep your own replacements , traits of priority should be calving-ease , heifer pregnancy and weaning weight . Selecting for more yearling weight , too much milk , too little milk or carcass traits are much less important in this scenario . If you retain-ownership in you cattle through the feedlot and market to the packer , then yearling weight and carcass traits become more relevant to your bottom line . Your ultimate goal should be to produce the most profitable product , thus seek traits that add value without increasing cost of production over the value of the trait .
Demand higher accuracy for traits .
Technologies are available for seedstock producers to increase the accuracy of EPDs on yearling bulls . Genomic-enhanced EPDs result in less risk , less change and more predictability in what a yearling bull will sire . A bull buyer can feel more confident than ever in EPDs when they are backed by genomic testing .
Buy the right size , type and demand quality .
I would compare this to buying a car or truck . If you have little money for gas ( feed ), then don ’ t buy a gas ( feed ) guzzler . Buy a bull that fits your cow herd . Your cows will tell you the right size and milk production for your management . If they come up open … they are not the right size . Now , you also want a bull that is the right type . You don ’ t buy a fancy sports car for a work vehicle do you ? So why buy a fancy , sexy bull to produce working kind cattle ? To me there is a difference in fancy and quality . I suggest you demand quality . Select a product that will last and hold value . Look for signs that the breeder stands behind their product . That is a good sign of quality .
Seek value when buying a bull .
The lowest priced bull is seldom the best value . If you find a bull that has the traits you are looking for , buy him . Set a budget , but understand it is often hard to find everything you are looking for . Bulls with the traits you are seeking can add value to your cattle in a hurry . They can add far more value than a cow . The bull you buy this year will impact your herd for the next five years with his calves , but his daughters will impact your herd for the next 20 years . Make a good investment . Buy a bull that adds value to your calves and your cowherd .”
Folks , I think by and large , the excerpts above hit the nail on the head and serve as a nice reminder to always keep the big picture in mind when making your next herd bull investment . I wish you all the best in your upcoming sales and searches for your next herd sire .
In closing , I sincerely hope you enjoy our 2021 Spring Sale Edition , it is of benefit to your program and a promotional piece the Limousin breed can be proud of . A big thank-you to all of the advertisers , readership and those that continue to support and offer feedback as it relates to your magazine , Limousin 365 . I look forward to seeing down the sale road and remember we are all in this together — Limousin proud .