June = Bull sales

Bulls are usually sold by auction.  So by the end of May we have a stack of catalogues lieing around the living room, as we go through  each to see which bulls have suitable EBV's (Estimated Breeding Values) for us.   The Boss and I try to buy average birth weight bulls, and that insures the cow herd remains at a good average so we avoid calving problems.  We also want positive rib and rump fats, as we have a cold winter and the cattle need some fat to survive.  We also try to get a reasonable IMF  (Intramuscular Fat) score, as our steers are sold to a feedlot that supplies the Japanese market.  When we arrive at the sale, anything with EBV's we don't like is crossed out, and it reduces the time taken inspecting the bulls that may be suitable.  Then anything that doesn't measure up conformation wise - bad feet, legs, open shoulders, too straight or bent hind legs are out too.  Then we sit down to bid on them, along with everyone else, and of course we've always got the top priced bull picked out, so that means we never get that one.  This year we managed to buy the bull we wanted (an Angus) at the first sale, so that saves having to spend several days away.  Last year it took 3 sales to get one, as prices were so high.  And I had to leave the Boss behind on the last one, as he had work to do here (sloshing around in the mud)

 Hereford Bulls waiting patiently as they are inspected .  They have a lot of handling so they are quiet, but you always have to respect them.

The Auctioneer in action, and yes it is raining and muddy, but we've sat on an open stand in the snow before today - and believe me that is not pleasant.  This sale has nice haybales to sit on in a shed.