Just Getting Warmed Up

By: Matt Woolfolk

Fall sale fever has spread across Beefmaster territory!  Starting with the Southeastern Beefmaster Breeders Association (SEBBA) sale in Tunica, Miss., through this past weekend at Beef on Forage in Brenham, Texas, Beefmaster breeders have seen excellent prices and a strong demand for their genetics.  I have no doubt that this momentum will carry into Memphis and the President’s Council Sale to be held Nov. 1, 2014 .  After seeing many of the consignments headed to Beale Street, I think you will be impressed with the offering!

While times are good throughout the cattle industry, I think this is only the beginning for the Beefmaster breed!  Now is the time to begin putting yourself in prime position for the future.  With feeder calf prices at record highs, it’s tempting to sell heifers at weaning.  However, I think now is the time to keep quality replacement heifers.  Producing the right kind of bull starts with a strong, high-quality cow herd built on young, strong replacements.  As sales have indicated, “the right kind of bull” is in high demand!  Bulls with complete performance records are the kind that attract the progressive commercial cattlemen.  Collecting data from birth through sale day is very important.  Measuring weights, gains on test, ultrasound data and scrotal circumference, while paying close attention to Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs), will go a long way in improving your bull market. Performance records and EPDs are the tools to utilize for making breeding decisions to continually build and improve a cow herd.

As I continue to travel the country this fall, please give me a call at 210-464-0923 to schedule a ranch visit.  I’m looking forward to seeing you all in Memphis for what will be a great convention and I would be glad to visit with you about what I can do to help your operation.

Upcoming sales I will be traveling to include:

10/28- 11/1  – BBU Convention and President’s Council Sale, Memphis, Tenn.

11/6-11/8  -  Louisiana BBA Cowboy Classic Sale, Lake Charles, La.

If you’re unable to attend and would like for someone to evaluate sale lots for you, do not hesitate to give me a call.