The Udder Side

I’m Just Buying A Bull…Right?

Most of us don’t really believe that, yet the gravity of the decisions associated with selecting the next generation of seedstock may be greater than you first think. All of us consider the calves these bulls might sire and the value that they should return to the ranch. Most consider pricing bulls based on a projection of years of service (hopefully 3-7 years, barring injury) and the calf performance we might expect them to sire. If you don’t keep your own replacement heifers, this makes some sense. If, like most folks, you raise your own females, the long term effects of this year’s buying decisions on ranch profitability may not be quite as obvious until we break it down based on the long term maternal value traits we are purchasing. Let’s assume your operation purchases 4 bulls this coming spring of 2013.

  • First calves born in spring of 2014
  • First daughters calving in spring of 2016 (First granddaughters calve in 2018)
  • With any luck at all, 2 or more of these bulls are still breeding at age 7 (2019)
  • Last calves born sired by these bulls in 2020
  • Last calf crop females have their first calves in 2022 (Their first daughters calve in 2024)
  • In 2023 a substantial share of the 2-7-year old cows are daughters of the bulls purchased 10 years before.
  • In the year 2031 there are still a few 11 and 12-year-old daughters in your herd sired by the 2013 purchased bulls.
  • In the year 2031 the granddaughters and great-granddaughters of the bulls purchased 18 years ago still make up a substantial portion of the genetics of your herd.

I know most of us don’t like to think about the year 2031. If, however, your plans are to keep or make the beef business an important part of your families’ livelihood as far out as 2031, which most of us do, the bulls you purchase this year will still be an important piece of the profits you enjoy or the challenges you are still working through nearly 20 years from now. Sire selection is that important, so use all the tools available to make the best decisions you can…every time!

If you would like to see a snapshot of your cowherd 10-20 years from now… you only need to spend some time viewing the cowherd of the seedstock producer you buy your bulls from. With the exception of a few differences created by environment, you’ll see where your program is headed. The quality, size, disposition, body condition, udders, feet, calving-ease, fertility, longevity, etc of your future cow herd is right there for you to see.

Stop by for a visit anytime to see what your herd can look like by using Trinity genetics! At Trinity Farms, “You are buying more than a bull, you are buying a program.” Come to the sale - the cattle speak for themselves. Call or visit ahead of time and we will be glad to review your goals with you and help you make selections to get you where you want to go - to the year 2031 and beyond!

(Thanks to Marty Ropp from Allied for putting together this article).


Trinity bred Angus and
SimAngus Heifers


Trinity bred Angus and
SimAngus Heifers


Trinity bred SimAngus
Heifer sired by Hooks
Shear Force


Trinity bred SimAngus Heifer sired
by Brooks Above Par