An Angus bull bred by Schaff Angus Valley of Saint Anthony, ND, set a sales record on Feb. 10 when he sold for $800,000 at the ranch’s 115th Annual Production Sale. The previous record high bid for a bull at public auction was $750,000.
The 14-month-old SAV Elation 7899 was purchased by Square B Ranch and Cattle Company, Warsaw, MO, and Bogle Ranch, LLC, Langley, OK, with Schaff Angus Valley retaining 20 percent ownership.
Brian Bell, owner of Square B Ranch, told WLJ told that while the amount paid is impressive, the ranch has also made some big steps in the past and views this purchase as an “investment in the future.”
Bell went on to say the bull comes from an extensive cow line bred by Kelly Schaff, owner of Schaff Valley Angus. “This is the best one he [Kelly] has made. We’re excited about the future this brings and holds for the Angus industry as a whole moving forward,” Bell said.
Agricultural ventures in general are often somewhat of a risk. Asked if this purchase might be a gamble since it might take a few calf crops before truly knowing what Elation will produce, Bell said he doesn’t believe the purchase was a gamble. “They’ve had 115 sales and have proven to continue to get better and better; and they’ve done it with the same cow families and this is one of them.” He then added, “It is less gamble than most people would think.”
Elation will be at stud in Iowa where semen will be collected and frozen. He will return to North Dakota in the spring where he will “walk” and be used for natural service. “He’s still got to be a bull,” Bell said. Schaff Angus Valley retained possession rights on Elation so he will stay at the ranch through the breeding season, about 60 days, and then go back to Iowa, a rotation that is likely to continue throughout his life.
Asked if a seller retaining an ownership interest is common, Bell said it is a normal practice with sales of this magnitude, however, most breeders retain 30 to 33 percent ownership. Explaining this agreement, Bell said, “Kelly is gracious enough to know that when you make an investment like this you’re going to have to sell all of the semen you can, and he dropped his ownership to 20 percent.”
An announcement by Square B Ranch and Cattle Company explained that Elation is a son of Sinclair Emulation XXP, a linebred son of N Bar Emulation EXT, considered by many as the most influential Angus bull in modern times. It was also noted that XXP is also the son of a Pathfinder dam that is a maternal sister to the legendary N Bar Primrose 2424.
That announcement also quoted Schaff as saying, “Elation marks the reintroduction of the Emulation line to the beef industry.” He went on, “For decades, the Emulation line has led the industry for fertility, longevity, udder and feet quality—traits that are often overlooked by our industry but will be fundamentally important for the economic survival of cow-calf producers in the future.”
Looking at performance traits, as a calf, Elation posted a 205-day weight of 1,052 pounds and a 365-day weight of 1,601 pounds. Additionally, he ranks in the top percentages within the Angus breed for many expected progeny differences (EPDs).
Bell explained that Elation’s genetics will be used to produce both registered and commercial cattle, with initial purchases likely to be focused on registered herds. Semen will be available through Square B Cattle Company and is expected to sell for $50 per straw. In addition, buyers wishing to register bulls and females can purchase certificates for $40 each, Bell said.
Talking about the affordability of adding genetics to a herd, Bell told WLJ, “If you want to use the best that’s out there for $50 a straw, you can create females that have perfect udders and perfect feet, and that have some longevity within your herd. I don’t want to say it’s priceless—but it’s worth a lot.”
This is Bell’s first business partnership with David Bogle, owner of Bogle Ranch, LLC. Speaking about the agreement, Bell told WLJ, “We’re super excited to be partnered with David and Schaff Angus Valley. They are two first class operations that will be instrumental in the future of this bull and those genetics.”
WLJ attempted to reach Schaff Angus Valley for comment on the monumental sale, but due to calving activity, a response was not received as of press time.
Bell concluded, “It’s a big win for the Angus breed in general.” — Rae Price, WLJ editor
