Bull Sales With Dad
Tomorrow kicks off the California Bull Sale Run. For a little over a month ranchers across California and beyond will be traveling to various bull sales up and down the state enjoying a fabulous lunch from tri tip to tacos all the while looking at bulls to bring back home to their own herds.
Our family ranch was not different, each year my dad and I would embark on our day long journey first stopping at McDonalds along the way for an sausage McMuffin :) . Once our bellies were filled we were on our way traveling to a bull sale. Dad drove until he got older and then we switched spots and I was behind the wheel. We visited about all the bulls being offered that day and which ones we wanted to bid on. Once there we made sure to make our way through the pens and take a look always comparing our notes and discussing what bull was best for us and our family program. We enjoyed lunch and visits with fellow cattlemen and women and it seems like no matter what sale we were at we always sat towards the back to the right of the auctioneer, Any significance ? Hmmm not sure but it was our spot and each year you could find dad and I there. By the end of the day more than likely we would pick up one or two or three and they were always ones we wanted. Bulls that were low birth with sound feet and legs, beneficial carcass traits, good milk on the mamas side and many times pretty to look at, though the latter was not really a prerequisite, they just happened to be that way.
Memories with my dad and our bull sale adventures are some of the best memories I have with him. They were treasured times where I learned a lot and got to spend the day off the ranch with my dad. I am so dang blessed to work in the bull sale business now and I know my dad would be thrilled with the work I am doing. Many times after a sale I think about how if dad was still here he would be calling to find out the averages, what bulls went for the most, who did I see and what was for lunch. Good times !
I have a special spot for dads and their kids at bull sales, I love seeing them, they remind me of me. You can bet if you are at a sale with dad I might just grab your picture. They are a precious treasure!
Best of luck to all of the Seedstock Breeders this month, I wish them much success in their hard work. For those on the buying end I hope you find something to bring home that fits just right.
Photo: My most prized picture of me and dad at the Silveira Bull Sale a year before he passed away. My friend Kelli Toledo took the picture and sent it to me shortly after he went to heaven. Today it sits on my desk amongst all my “ bull sale stuff.” Priceless !
Dad and Me at a Bull Sale ~ sits on my desk ~ happy memories