As we prepare the final results for the Cal Poly Bull Test Program in preparation for our annual bull sale in October, I am reminded of the controlled chaos of bull sale season. The fall bull sale run in California, or sprint for our partners in cattle marketing, is a reminder of the value of genetic progress and investment. 

Like many of you, I look forward to bull sale season because it is a time to reflect on lessons learned in the past and look forward to the future in a spirit of collective excitement. 

The relationships fostered during bull sales are special, because it is a time to share news and watch families grow. For my students and me, the excitement is palpable as we prepare to welcome our supporters to campus.

After speaking with Rick Machado and Holly Foster of Western Video Market, I am optimistic about this bull sale season and the outlook for our beef producers on both the commercial and seedstock side of the business. I believe it is important to speak to the experts in cattle marketing when interested in a market outlook. We talked a lot about the value of relationships and a handshake still means something in the beef business and to Western Video Market. 

Foster is optimistic about the feeder cattle sales supporting the bull sales this fall because investment in genetics and value-added programs is still strong. Even with the futures market falling off and heifer retention at a slow pace, the market has remained resilient. This symbiotic relationship between commercial and seedstock producers should be seen as a collective investment in the industry. 

Machado and I discussed the fact that cow-calf producers are in the driver seat at the moment, and the investment in genetics is paying off. We also discussed some strategies for bull buying as the California bull sale run begins.

A focus on genetic investment is particularly important when you consider the primary source of new genetics in the herd — the bull. As he’s a world champion auctioneer, I always love to pick Machado’s brain in preparation for the bull sale season. He and I discussed how imperative it is for producers to attend the preview and physically evaluate the cattle. Selection for genetic value does not begin and end in the sale book, and focusing on single-trait selection is a mistake. 

“Many producers in the Western United States emphasize their selection criteria on calving ease. The labor involved with calving deters a lot of people from selecting bulls with a lower calving-ease direct. But we sacrifice too much with selecting for extreme calving ease when breeding mature cows,” Machado said during our discussion. 

I could not agree more with this sentiment. Selection for structure and phenotype that fits your production environment and goals is the key to long-term success. We also discussed it may be beneficial for producers to lean a little more towards selection for maternal traits during the rebuilding phase. We both stressed the importance of doing your homework before the sale and focusing your selection principles on your herd’s weaknesses.

One thing I always stress to my students is to never be afraid to ask for help. This is something I focus on in my own life, because fear of failure held me back from achieving my full potential for too long. I think this is such an important mindset for ranchers as they prepare to make these investments in the future of their herd at the bull sale. 

One thing I often discuss with producers is the intimidation factor of bull selection and evaluation. I always stress to people that our auctioneers, ringmen and every seedstock producer I have ever worked with are ready and willing to answer any questions about expected progeny differences (EPDs) and bull selection. While the amount of data and information provided in a sale book can be overwhelming, it is important to focus on a balanced selection of EPDs and phenotypic characteristics that fit the needs of your ranch. Remember, these bulls will add value to your calf crop, but they need to be able to work in your environment for their calves to achieve their genetic potential. 

Safe travels to all as you attend fall bull sales and start fall works on the ranch. For some, it is calving season, while others in the Western region will start gathering and shipping. No matter what’s going on in your neck of the woods, I wish you all success in your endeavors on the ranch. As always be well, and God bless the American rancher.