RED BLUFF BULL SALE
Jan. 28, Red Bluff, CA
1 Maine-Anjou bull: $14,500
2 Gelbvieh bulls: 13,500
220 Angus bulls: 9,095
19 SimAngus bulls 8,987
8 Balancer bulls: 8,719
20 Hereford bulls 8,338
7 Simmental bulls: 8,321
14 Red Angus bulls: 8,143
9 Charolais bulls: 7,750
3 Shorthorn bulls: 7,000
12 Polled Hereford bulls: 6,771
13 Stock dogs: 11,500
Auctioneers: Rick Machado, Trent Stewart, Eric Duarte & Max Olvera
Sale Manager: Red Bluff Sale Committee
TOPS—Angus bulls: WR Rivergate NA01, 1/1/2025 by Musgrave Jumbo; to Little Shasta Ranch, Montague, CA, $26,000. Westwind Gettysburg DJH 437, 8/31/2024 by EZAR Gettysburg 1061; to Aaron Neese, Bonanza, OR, $15,000. Sunbright Growth Fund 5M, 9/29/2024 by Deer Valley Growth; to Marty Marx, Redding, CA, $15,000. Oak Ridge Acclaim 1574, 10/27/2024 by E W A Promise; to Pozo Angus, Paso Robles, CA, $16,000. Oak Ridge Cover T Bases 1834, 12/18/2024 by EXAR Cover the Bases 0819B; to Ron Lagrande, Williams, CA, $15,000. Oak Ridge Double Down 1424, 10/5/2024 by EXAR Double Down 1788B; to Lone Star Ranch, Inc., Ferndale, CA, $16,000. Elwood Patriarch 4085, 8/11/2025 by Tehama Patriarch L229; to Shufelberger Ranch, Redding, CA, $22,000. Coldstream Hero 402, 2/23/2024 by G A R Fireproof; to Kasper Land & Cattle, Melba, ID, $15,000. Balancer bulls: PEV Western Charm 50M7, 4/6/2024 by PEV Western Charm; to Creighton Nevin, Eagle Point, OR, $15,000.
From the depth of the offering to the intensity of the bidding, Red Bluff delivered a turnout of bulls and buyer engagement that reflected both confidence in the market and trust in the Red Bluff program.
The quality of bulls consigned this year was as deep and consistent as Red Bluff has seen in many years. Committee members noted that the 316-head offering represented one of the tightest, least low-grading bull sets ever presented at the sale—a true testament to consignor discipline and the standards upheld throughout the week. Bulls were uniform, sound, and functional, giving buyers confidence from the first lot to the last.
The strength of the Red Bluff Bull Sale continues to rest with its consignors. There is a core group of cattlemen and cattlewomen who have supported this sale for decades, bringing bulls that buyers have come to recognize for quality, consistency and reliability. Commercial ranchers from across California, Oregon, Idaho and Nevada once again gathered to source their bull batteries, many relying on Red Bluff as their primary genetic investment for the year.
In an era when many consignment sales struggle for identity and uniformity, Red Bluff continues to stand apart by offering pedigrees, consistency and cattle that add value to real-world calf crops. These bulls carry what many simply refer to as the “Red Bluff standard”—a level of approval earned through reputation and results.
That reputation is protected by a rigorous and time-tested evaluation process. Bulls are sifted and graded stringently throughout the week, beginning with a sifting committee focused on soundness, structure, and overall quality. Bulls that fail to meet expectations are removed before ever advancing. Those that pass move on to the grading process, where they are evaluated in the show ring alongside their contemporaries and assigned numerical grades that ultimately determine selling order. This disciplined approach has been instrumental in maintaining buyer confidence and building the value associated with a Red Bluff bull.
The 2026 sale will be remembered as one that leaves a lasting impression. Exceptional quality, strong and sustained bidding, a packed audience, and sale results that spoke loudly to market confidence defined the day. The average saw a significant increase over last year’s already record-setting event, underscoring the momentum this sale continues to build.
A sincere thank you goes out to all the consignors, buyers and committee members whose commitment and effort make Red Bluff one of the most anticipated weeks of the year. Additional thanks to Crystal Amen Photography for her generosity in allowing WLJ to share her outstanding images that help capture the story of this remarkable event.
Bull Sifting Committee
• Mac McGiffin, Red Bluff, CA.
• Matt Owens, Red Bluff, CA.
• Bryan Owens, Red Bluff, CA.
Bull Grading Committee
• Mark Bidwell, Hat Creek, CA.
• Lane Russ, Ferndale, CA.
• Joe Clarot, Modesto, CA.
RED BLUFF GELDING SALE
Jan. 30, Red Bluff, CA
28 Ranch horse geldings: $25,232
11 Mares: $18,273
9 2-year-old horses: $12,778
TOPS—Geldings: CCR Smarty Cat, a 2019 sorrel gelding by Bamacat; from Coal Creek Ranch, Ridgeway, CO, to Dan Reeves, Valley Springs, CA, $110,000. Reyzin Your Hands, a 2022 chestnut gelding by Reyzin the Cash; from Tom and Carmen Buckingham, Bruneau, ID, to Mathew LaGrande, Williams, CA, $54,000. Keep Yer Bets, a 2018 chestnut gelding by Play Yer Bets; from Rod and Cindy Owens, Klamath Falls, OR, to Kevin Tomera, Spring Creek, NV, $38,000. Five Star Jackson, a 2016 bay gelding by High Brow Jackson; from Colton Campbell, Klamath Falls, OR, to Ron Anderson Cattle Co., Eagle Point, OR, $35,000. One Fine Move, a 2019 sorrel gelding by One Fine Vintage; from Mark Broeckel, Chico, CA, to Justin Davis, Cottonwood, CA, $35,000. Mare: I’ll Be Big Time, a 2017 red roan mare by One Big Time; from Sterling and Bailey Humphry, Cassel, CA, to Robert Staley, Cottonwood, CA, $35,000. Two-year-old: GW Deuces Wild, a 2024 sorrel gelding by One Shiney Metallic; from Grace Warner, Paso Robles, CA, to Steve Waldron, Pilot Hill, CA, $19,500. — JARED PATTERSON AND LOGAN IPSEN
It’s been a long-time coming for the Red Bluff Gelding Sale to have a gelding bring over $100,000, and during the 64th annual sale, CCR Smarty Cat from Coal Creek Ranch brought $110,000!
It’s been no secret that the horse market has been strong over the past several years, so it was only a matter of time before the right buyer and the right horse matched up. For over a decade, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) was registering fewer and fewer horses, causing a supply and demand issue in North America. This ultimately saw fewer trainer options available across the states, while a need for quality horses continued to stay strong. For the past five years, AQHA has seen sharp uptick in registration numbers, but these horses aren’t quite in the system for ready-to-go ranch prospects like the Red Bluff Gelding Sale has built its name on. In fact, sale entries have also been down over the past few years as well. Today, these proven horses that someone can buy and go right to work on are from the era of fewer registrations, so when the right horse comes along, people are watching and ready to bid.
CCR Smarty Cat, a six-year-old gelding, by the 6666 Ranch stallion and son of High Brow Cat, Bamacat—who was the 2012 NCHA Open Futurity Reserve Champion—was crossed with a Peptoboonsmal x Smart Mate combination mare to produce a sharp made, clean looking, cowy, quick and savvy gelding that could cut, rope and show. He also has the far West Coast pride of being trained by California’s own Hall of Famer Ted Robinson. The stars aligned when Valley Springs, CA, rancher Dan Reeve held the winning bid, and a new record was set.
As mentioned earlier, the availability of high-caliber geldings has become more difficult to find. But in light of this, the Red Bluff Gelding Sale committee has stayed the course and not waivered their standards. Horses are vetted with extreme thoroughness and care. To make it to the sale takes a sound, broke and usable gelding or mare. This is why the 28 geldings averaged $25,232!
Geldings are evaluated across multiple disciplines including stock horse, snaffle bit, cutting and roping. Each horse is extensively vetted and must display themselves in their gaits, maneuvers, ranch courses and be given the opportunity to rope cattle in the initial viewing. From there, each horse can then show to their expertise as they work to earn the favor of potential buyers.
The night of the sale is unlike any other horse sale. Nearly 4,000 people pack the arena to watch the sale. Each horse has several people bidding, and the night is filled with action. World champion auctioneers Rick Machado and Trent Stewart call a beautiful sale with commentary by Oregon’s Eric Duarte. It’s simply a sight to see if you’ve never attended. Many spectators are able to take in the dog sale just a few hours earlier, followed by the horse sale on Friday night and then attend the bull sale the following day. It’s a filled schedule for any ag enthusiast and should be on the bucket list for those who haven’t been able to make it yet.
The committees behind the sale go above and beyond throughout the entire year to ensure this is one of the most premier events in the western horse world. Manager B.J. Macfarlane, secretary Trish Suther and the entire committee and advisory board continue to ensure the success from year to year, and have stepped up to make the upcoming 65th anniversary the next best sale to date!
RED BLUFF STOCK DOG SALE
Jan. 30, Red Bluff, CA
16 Stock dogs: $10,984
Auctioneer: Trent Stewart
Pedigrees: Matt Macfarlane
TOPS: 208 Rhonda a 2024 Tri-Colored female; by 208 Fred ABC, from Koen Clausen, Melba, ID, to Kurt Baney, Paulina, OR. $17,000. WD John a 2023 Blk & White male, by AY Big Tuna ABC, from Hannah Cash, Alturas, CA, to Scott Hiney, Escalon, CA, $16,000. MB Sara a 2023 tri-colored female by Row Deuce ABC, from Jeff Clausen, Melba, ID, to NB Ranches, Montague, CA, $14,500. GS Mollya 2023 Tri-Colored Female, by GS Rowel ABC, from Henry VanOrnum, Cave Junction, OR, to Rob Brawner, Woodlake, NE, $12,000. Hank, a 2023 Tri-Colored Male by Timmy ABC, from Shane Harley, Bonanza, OR, to Larry Lanzon, Turlock, CA, $12,000. — JARED PATTERSON
The Red Bluff Stock Dog Sale once again proved why it’s a can’t-miss event during the Red Bluff Bull & Gelding Sale. The Don Smith Pavilion was filled wall to wall, creating an atmosphere that only Red Bluff can deliver. From the moment the first dog entered the arena, the energy was high, and true price discovery unfolded as buyers, consignors, and spectators watched competition sort the very best to the top.
Each dog competed across a three-trial format, evaluated by qualified judges who scored every aspect of their performance. Dogs were judged on responsiveness to the handler, ability to control and move cattle, proper use and release of pressure, course management and overall working style. With margins often razor-thin, a single point frequently separated placements—underscoring just how deep and competitive this offering truly was.
The trials themselves were action-packed and well attended, with hundreds of spectators present for each run. The first and final trials took place outdoors in a four-acre, paneled pasture adjacent to the fairgrounds. In these rounds, a set of five yearling cattle were released and pushed to the far end of the course. The dog was then sent on a long fetch, tasked with bringing the cattle back under control and driving them through a set of open panels designed to simulate a fence-line gate.
From there, the cattle were worked again and ultimately driven into an open stock trailer. Handlers were limited to shadowing, with penalties applied for any assistance—placing full responsibility on the dog’s ability to think, read cattle, and execute the job. While not every run completed the full course, each one showcased the dog’s instincts, handle, and level of training under real pressure.
The second trial shifted indoors to the arena on the fairgrounds. While similar in structure, this environment required cattle to be penned rather than loaded, tightening the working space and allowing dogs to demonstrate finesse, precision, and close-quarter stock sense. The indoor round highlighted subtle differences in working style and often played a pivotal role in final standings.
This year’s sale featured an exceptionally strong set of stock dogs from start to finish, with several standout performances emerging early and carrying momentum through the finals. The competition remained tight through all three rounds, reinforcing the depth of quality that Red Bluff continues to attract. When the dust settled, the champion and reserve champion reflected not only elite training and natural ability, but programs committed to producing stock dogs that workday in and day out.
Congratulations to all consignors whose dedication and preparation made this year’s sale a success, and to the committee members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the Red Bluff Stock Dog Sale at the front of the industry. It’s the combined commitment of consignors, buyers and leadership that continues to make this event one of the very best in its class.
