Cattlemen from a five-state area attended the 56th Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale in February to either sell or purchase featured range-ready bulls ranging in age from 16 to 24 months. Martin Paris, executive director of the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association in Elko, said 64 bulls were sold at the Fallon Livestock LLC for an average of $3,233. Prior to the sale, cattlemen have been fairly optimistic that prices, which have been steady during the past five years, will be consistent for the rest of the year. Steve Smith of Steve Smith Angus in Lehi, Utah, said sale prices have been strong so far. Like so many cattlemen who attended the All Breeds Bull Sale, water more than prices were in their thoughts. He said the western front of the Wasatch Range has endured fewer storms and snowfall for the winter, similar to what cattlemen are facing in western Nevada and central California and Oregon. “We’re facing what you guys have here in Fallon,” Smith said. Dan Daniels, who also spoked to the Nevada Rancher in 2021, said the strong sales show in this year’s bull sales are following the percent set last year despite the coronavirus pandemic. Daniels, who has attended the Fallon sale for 31 years, said he has seen bulls sell for more than $5,000 this year. Likewise, as with Smith, Daniels said lack of precipitation remains as a concern. Paris said the average price was $3,233 for the five breeds that were brought to Fallon. The bread averages included 48 Angus for $3,566; 10 Herefords for $1,930; three Brangus for $2,633; one Charolais for $4,250; and two Red Angus for $2,175. Prices have remained consistent for the past four sales. In 2021, 64 bulls were sold in Fallon for an average of $4,245. The breed averages included Angus, $5,009; Herefords, $2,494; and Red Angus, $3,500. The sale average for the top 60 bulls sold in 2020 before COVID shut many events down averaged $3,308. The average came in at $3,530 in 2019 for 69 bulls, and the average for the top 75 bulls in 2018 was $3,214.
Steve Ranson Both buyers and sellers looked at the bulls and compared notes before the auction began at the annual Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale.
Paris said the 2022 Top Range Bull and the Angus Best of Breed were awarded to Rick and Jerrie Libby of the Flying RJ Ranch in Live Oak, Calif. He said the Hereford Best of Breed was awarded to Dan Bell of the Bell Ranch in Paradise Valley, Nev., and Amador Angus near Modesto, Calif., had the top selling bull, Amador Stockade, for $5,250. This year’s recipient of the volume buyer jacket is Steve Lucas of Lucas Livestock,” Paris said. “ Whether you bought one bull or eight, your continued support of the Fallon Bull Sale is much appreciated. The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association and Fallon Bull Sale Committee thank you for your participation and congratulate this year’s award recipients.” Prior to the sale, the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association and Fallon Bull Sale Committee recognized retiring committee member, Steve Biddinger. The longtime Churchill County resident has been involved with the Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale for 55 years as both a consignor and committee member. Maureen Weishaupt, the Fallon Bull Sale Committee chair, presented Biddinger with a vest. Harris also recognized the Elko IFA Country Store (ear tags for the sale), Progressive Rancher and Nevada Rancher (advertisement for the sale). He also thanked Demar Dahl, Stix Cattle Company and Robert DePaoli for contributing a donation calf, Churchill County FFA, Churchill County Cowbelles, sale ringmen, Eric Duarte (auctioneer), Dr. Randy Wallstrum (sale veterinarian), the Sifting and Grading Committees, the Fallon Bull Sale Committee members and Fallon Livestock LLC.
Steve Ranson