December 20, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:

Holly Martin, director of communications

816-383-5143

hmartin@angus.org

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Beef up your bull buying strategy

Angus University to hold educational event at Cattlemen’s Congress.

Breeding season is an imperative time for cattlemen and women, and the investment in a herd bull can be daunting. Angus University will host an educational session about bull buying strategies at Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 9 a.m. This session will provide attendees with answers to their biggest bull buying questions and the ability to select bulls with confidence.

“Buying a bull is an important decision,” said Mark McCully, Association chief executive officer. “We’re fortunate to provide education from some of the industry’s experts to commercial cattlemen ahead of the spring bull buying season.”

The one-hour event will consist of three, 20-minute sessions focused on bull buying strategies. Attendees will hear from Angus staff, extension specialists and industry representatives as well as have the opportunity to ask questions during a social session following the presentations at the Angus booth.

Association Regional Manager Jeff Mafi will address “Sorting Through the Sale Book.” Understanding EPDs and logos will help commercial cattlemen feel more confident reading through sale offerings. Mafi will also help attendees navigate terms and conditions and private treaty sales.

“We get a lot of questions in the field on what the numbers in the sale book mean and how cattlemen can apply them to their herd,” Mafi said. “These sessions should answer those questions and help people feel prepared to make a more confident investment.”

During the “Finding Balance” session, producers can expect to learn how to apply EPDs to their herd goals, while maintaining phenotype. Mark Johnson, Oklahoma State University livestock extension specialist, will help attendees understand Angus Sire Search and explain the basis for buying a good bull for specific needs. Johnson will also explain the importance of bull stocking rate to getting cows bred.

The event will conclude with a presentation on bull nutrition and maintenance. Dr. Jill Peine, ruminant nutritionist with Ridley Block Operations, will explain proper body condition scores, nutrition protocols and supplementation strategies during the “Focus on Fertility” session. Proper nutrition can play a large role in the success of breeding soundness exams for producers.

Confidence is key when making bull buying decisions this spring. Angus University is the source for industry-leading education. For more information on bull buying strategies, visit www.angusuniversity.com.

— Written by Jera Pipkin, Angus Communications  

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. 

The American Angus Association^® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 25,000 members across the United States, Canada and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by more than 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org.