Bull sale: A premier event for cattlemen

Although the number of bulls is down from last year, the association’s executive director said she’s hoping for a good sale during the auction on Feb. 16 at the Fallon Livestock LLC on Trento Lane.

“The number of bulls is somewhat low,” Kiley Chapin said. “We’re hoping we get a lot of buyers and hoping to see some good prices.”

Last year’s sale attracted 163 range-ready bulls. Chapin said the 2018 sale featured bulls ranging from 14-25 months of age. The sale average for the top 75 bulls sold was $3,214. Additionally, she said breed averages included Angus at $2,735.29; Balancer, $2,710; Charolais, $2,137.50; and Herefords, $3,582.35.

“Each year, the consignors continue to bring high-quality bulls,” she said. “Because of the high quality of bulls and dedicated support to the sale, the sale continues to be a success and reach out to many of the western states.”

Chapin said the NCA uses its share of money from the sale to help fund the office staff, publish a monthly newspaper and annual bull sale program and assist with expenses when members attend legislative or non-legislative events to inform the membership.

During the past half century, Chapin said producers from Nevada and its neighbors have worked hard to bring the best range-ready bulls to Fallon. The need for bulls, said Chapin, will determine the sale’s success.

“Bulls are needed depending on the year and what operations are going through,” she said. “We’ve heard a lot of people need a lot of bulls this year.”

In addition to Nevada, Chapin said producers come from Utah, Idaho, Oregon and California. She added several more consignments are coming from Oregon. While she has an accurate count of bulls, she said it’s difficult to predict the number of buyers who will show up. During past bull sales, she said buyers and their families have packed the stands.

“Tommy Lee and his family, along with the crew at the Fallon Livestock LLC, provide their support and hard work to make the sale successful,” Chapin said.

In addition to the bull sale, Chapin said the event features a trade show, a Friday night dinner and dance hosted by the Churchill County Cowbelles and Stock Dog Trials. In previous years dog trials were held on Friday morning, but Chapin said Saturday morning was added. She said the extra day will bring in more people to see the dogs, and then during the sale, she said four dogs will be auctioned.

“All proceeds from the Stock Dog Trial are donated to benefit a family in need of help within the livestock industry,” she said.

The trials begin each morning at 7:30 a.m.

Additionally, the bull sale relies on volunteers such as the students from the Churchill County High School FFA program.

Chapin said the NCA is appreciative of the consigners and buyers who participate in the annual Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale as well as sponsors and people who support the sale and cattlemen’s association.