Live Oak BBA Bull & Heifer Gain Tests

Dear LOBBA Member:

In preparation for upcoming gain test opportunities I have met with the folks at Tom Brothers Ranch and your Board has approved three different calf development options. There is limited space for each option so we need to get a response from our members on your level of commitment to each option.

Option 1: As last year we will be starting our 2014 spring born Bull Development Gain Test for Bulls weaned this fall on February 1, 2015. These calves should be delivered in mid January. We have reserved 2 pens and can accommodate about 80 bulls. As we did last year we will attempt to make it possible to keep the top end of these Bulls all the way through to the 2016 Bull Sale with special recognition at that sale for all Bulls completing the test.

Option 2: A special heifer development program is being offered for 2014 spring born heifers that are being weaned this fall. This test will also begin on February 1, 2015 and will run for 112 days and will include Sonogram and performance  data. We only have one pen available and can accommodate 40 to 50 heifers.

Option 3: This is a real experiment, and if you read Bill Pendergrass’s article in the October Cowman about the lack of commercial bull sales in the spring of the year you will understand where we are going. We would like to round up about 40 Bulls born in the Fall of 2013 to go on a gain test beginning in early December. This test would end in March and the top end of these Bulls would be sold in a special offering after our Derby Sale May 2, 2015 at the Carr Sale Facility.  These Bulls would be sold at 18 to 20 months of age with complete Sonogram and performance  data. They would get their BSE at the Tom Brothers Ranch and be fitted and delivered to the Carr facility for the Sale.

Please, your prompt response to any or all of these options will help us plan and assure you of a place in these programs as space is limited at the Tom Brothers Facility. You may call Bob Siddons at 512-217-3400 or Anthony Mihalski at 210-415-0888 with any questions or to reserve space in these programs.

Thank you for your consideration,

Bob Siddons