Annual Fallon all breeds sale expecting more than 150 bulls

The Nevada Cattleman’s Association expects a good weekend at this year’s 48th annual Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale.

“We expect a full bull sale,” said NCA spokeswoman Desiree Seal. “Beef prices are holding up long enough.”

Seal said Thursday the bull sale, which will begin Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the Fallon Livestock Exchange eight miles west of Fallon, actually kicks off with the sifting of the bulls this morning at 7:30 a.m. Consignors are expected to bring more than 150 bulls to this year’s sale.

Churchill County High School’s FFA organization helps the NCA by feeding the bulls and helping out where needed.

According to Seal, producers from Nevada and adjacent states have worked throughout the year to bring the best quality range-ready bulls and participate in the sale. In addition to the regular consignors who make the annual trip to Fallon, Seal said this year’s bull sale has attracted new consignors.

Seal said the annual event, which has become one of the largest in the state, was also a full sale in 2013 with consignors bringing more than 150 bulls to Fallon.

“Consignments for this year’s sale features quality Balancer, Angus, Hereford and Limousin breeds,” she said.

Seal received word that U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., was interested in visiting the livestock exchange and wanted to fit a stop into his schedule.

Monte Bruck, manager of Fallon Livestock Exchange, and Eric Duarte from Beatty, Ore., will share auctioneering duties. With good weather forecasted for the weekend, Seal is expecting a good turnout. For the past week, though, Bruck has been preparing the Fallon Livestock Exchange for the consignors who are primarily coming from California, Nevada, Idaho and Utah.

The Invitational Stockdog Trial will be held north of the main building and pens. Seal said the trial gives ranchers an opportunity to show how dogs help round up cattle. The three classes in the trial are Open Class, Ranch Class and Futurity Class. Kevin Hancock of Fallon; Shawn McGee of Auburn, Calif.; and Lorne and Paula Homes of Red Bluff, Calif,, trained dogs that will be auctioned after the dinner.

Seal said this year’s bull sale is dedicated to Phil Allen, a longtime consignor who has long been considered a leader in the livestock industry. His involvement in the livestock industry has spanned more than 50 years, and Allen has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards.

On Valentine’s night, Seal said all are welcome to enjoy the Fallon Bull Sale dinner and dance hosted by the Churchill County Cowbelles at the Fallon Convention Center. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., welcome and bull sale awards at 6 p.m. dinner at 6:30 p.m. and dancing to follow. Immediately following dinner will be a Stock Dog Auction of three dogs showed earlier in the day. All proceeds from the Stock Dog Trial are donated to benefit the fight against cancer.

Seal said the NCA is grateful for the cosigners, buyers sponsors and donors who annually participate in the sale.