Bull sale has heart on Valentine’s Day

The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association 49th Annual Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale is coming to the Fallon Livestock Exchange sales yard on Saturday.

The one-day sale begins at 11:30 a.m.

According to Stephanie Licht, the event’s first-year sale secretary, more than 90 high-quality, range-ready bulls are consigned, but she said sifting and grading of the bulls may result in a fewer number ready for bidding.

“We don’t know how many will be sifted or graded out, but 2-3 percent usually don’t make the grade,” she said, adding sifting begins this morning at 7:30 a.m.

Last month, she had 103 bulls consigned.

“But we still have 94 here, and the prices have been good everywhere,” Licht said.

Although prices have remained high, Licht said this year’s sales in the West are experiencing fewer bulls. For example, she said the Red Bluff (Calif.) sale usually attracts 350-400 bulls but the number was down by 100 bulls.

Buyers, some who make the annual trip to Fallon, are going to the sellers instead.

“It’s less stressful on the animals,” Licht said, referring to buyers who transport the bulls hundreds of miles to Fallon. Sellers primarily come from Utah, California, Idaho and Nevada.

For both buyers and sellers, Licht said it also saves the “wear and tear” on vehicles and their help.

Licht said the Hereford bulls are coming from the Bell Ranch, Phil Allen & Son, Daniels Hereford Ranch and Hawley Harrison & Sons. Angus bulls are coming from Edd Price, the Hone Ranch, Flying R J Ranch, Wild West Angus, White Angus, Dana & Rena Weishaupt, Steve Smith Angus, Rose Ranch – Travis Smith, Robison Ranch LLC, Westwind Ranch Angus, Potter’s Emmett Valley Ranch, Amador Angus & Farms, Schafer Ranch, Ocampo Cattle Company, Cardey Ranches and the El Rancho Espanol de Cuyama. 7 Lazy 11 Murray Greys will be sold in addition to Charolais from the Broken Box Ranch and H. B. Cattle Company.

According to Licht, other activities include the Invitational Stock Dog Trials tbenefit the fight against cancer. The Stock Dog Trial also begins this morning at 7:30 a.m. Three started Stock Dogs will be auctioned after the Churchill County Cowbelles annual dinner-dance. The dinner also includes a welcome and awards beginning at 6 p.m., followed by food at 6:30 p.m. Licht said tickets are $15, and dinner reservations can be made through Kathy Lofthouse at Lofthouse@aiinc.com or 775-423-5065.

Licht said the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association would like to thank the loyal buyers and consignors who have supported the sale for many years. Additionally, she said the NCA also expresses deep appreciation to loyal donors and sponsors which include Bernard J. Petersen and Bruno Bowles of the Great Basin Ranch/Southern Nevada Water Authority, donors of the yearling 2015 Angus Replacement Heifer “Raffle Calf”; Louie Damonte and the Damonte Ranch and for a “Dues Donation” calf; Larry Lester of Hoof-Beat Gates and Corrals for the Raffle panels; the Best of Breed Award Plaques/Hats, and ear tags from Pinenut Livestock Supply; the Fallon Convention & Tourism Authority; our supportive trade publications the Progressive Rancher and the Nevada Rancher; the Churchill County FFA and office volunteers directed by Kristina Moore, and many others laboring behind the scenes.