There is a point each fall when the miles, sale catalogs and cups of coffee start running together. But ask me what stood out from this year’s bull sales across the West, and I keep coming back to cattlemen’s steadfast dedication to improving their operations. The numbers tell part of that story. The conversations around the pens, in the seats and after the last bull sold tell the rest.
So far this fall, I have attended 32 bull sales across California and into Oregon, visiting seedstock programs with storied histories alongside emerging operations building their own reputations. Their breeding philosophies and cattle varied, but one theme kept showing up: commercial cow-calf producers want to progress. They want to improve their herds and enhance their calf crops’ marketability. There is real intention behind those purchases, and that gives me considerable confidence in the people moving this industry forward.
Across WLJ-attended fall sales to date with comparable results, 2,992 bulls averaged $12,733, compared with $9,913 a year ago, an increase of 28%. Those figures reflect a tremendous fall and a substantial investment by commercial cattlemen in the next generation of their herds.
Across the breeds, 2,376 Angus bulls averaged $13,675, up 35% from last year, while 113 Hereford bulls averaged $10,881, an increase of 28%. Another 143 Red Angus bulls averaged $8,815, and 360 SimAngus bulls averaged $8,658. We also saw 48% more SimAngus bulls sell in the territory this fall. Taken together, those results show the considerable dollars producers committed to their breeding programs.
What encourages me most is the purpose behind that investment. The decisions made in a bull sale seat this fall will influence calf crops, replacement females and marketing opportunities for years. Producers are thinking about what comes next. They are evaluating where their cattle fit, what their customers value and how to put themselves in a better position when those calves are ready to sell.
Buyers continue to place particular emphasis on feet and docility among the many traits they evaluate. Functionality is paramount. At these prices, the expectation that bulls hold up, cover country and last is understandably high. Breeder customer service matters just as much. A bull must fit the country, the cows and the management behind him, and buyers want confidence in the program standing behind their purchase.
That is where relationships carry real weight. Seedstock producers spend years developing cattle and earning their customers’ trust. Commercial producers bring their own experience, expectations and hard-earned dollars to those decisions. When both sides understand each other’s goals, there is a foundation for continued progress. Strong sale results are rewarding, and seeing those purchases work for customers is what keeps that relationship moving forward.
My overall read on this fall is that it has been incredible. Cattle producers have good reason to feel optimistic, and it sure feels good to have our turn in the barrel. There can always be a hiccup along the way, but the willingness to invest in better cattle speaks to the confidence I have felt throughout this sale season. My hope is that this momentum translates into productive bulls, strong calves and more opportunity for the families doing the work.
As we finish the fall and head into winter, I am excited for what is still ahead. Like so many of you, I am hoping we are blessed with timely moisture, growing feed and good markets. There is something reassuring about looking toward another season with hope, knowing how much effort has already gone into preparing for it. A little rain, some green country, and snow-covered mountains would certainly give us all another reason to smile.
More than anything, I am grateful for the friendships this business continues to give me. Thank you for the conversations, the hospitality and the opportunity to be part of your sale days. Those friendships make the miles worthwhile. I care about seeing your cattle do well, but I also care about the people and families behind them.
If I can help with any of your cattle marketing needs as we close out fall and move through winter, please reach out. I would appreciate the opportunity to visit about your goals and help you find the right direction for your program. Here’s to moisture where we need it, continued strength in our markets and more good days spent among great friends. I look forward to seeing you down the road. — JARED PATTERSON
