Production Sales

Building meaningful customer relationships in the seedstock business

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:23:56 -0400

Strong relationships are what set producers apart. It isn’t fancy marketing or the shiniest catalog that keeps customers loyal. It’s showing up, telling the truth and being there when it matters.

Selection and management of bulls for a successful breeding season

kacie.mccarthy@unl.edu — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Now is the time when producers are sorting through bull catalogs, tabbing pages and attending bull sales to purchase their next herd sire(s) for the coming breeding season.

From a plywood sign to SEO: The changing face of marketing

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Unlike in decades past, nailing a hand-painted plywood sign to a fencepost or running a small print ad in the local paper no longer fills out the itinerary of a cattle sale’s marketing campaign.

Things to consider before adding females to a production sale

abby@agproud.com — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Adding females to a sale can be a big decision for a producer. The type of sale, where to focus marketing efforts and how to stay relevant in an ever-evolving business all play into the decision.

Production sales can reap profits for the right type of operation

Fri, 26 May 2023 14:49:44 -0400

Among other options, some producers may choose to put on a production sale. While this option can work for some, the overhead and labor involved with this type of marketing can be a turnoff for others.

Is an online sale option right for you?

abby@agproud.com — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

A business’s goal – of any kind – is to make a profit. This is no different for beef producers. An online option for bull sales may be the way to do this for some producers.

Cooperator herds: A way for cattlemen to collaborate

abby@agproud.com — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 15:21:39 -0400

By definition, to “cooperate” means to work jointly toward the same end. This is the idea when it comes to the development of cooperator cattle herds.

What makes a good website?

robin@focusmarketinggroup.net — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:00:01 -0500

“Where do we start?” A common question that runs through most folks’ minds when they decide their operation is ready for a website. Websites can be intimidating but, with a little planning and guidance, a website can be the most pivotal marketing tool a cattle operation can utilize.

Building customer relationships as a seedstock producer

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:00:01 -0500

Building long-lasting customer relationships takes commitment, trust and service between the seedstock provider and the customer.

Poll: Masks and social distancing go unpracticed at bull sales

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 22:36:56 -0500

While you may not be able to enter your local Walmart or any number of other businesses without a mask on, chances are, if you're missing one at a bull sale, you will not be booted out the barn door.

What does the paperwork tell you when selecting livestock?

ckinder@uidaho.edu — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 15:00:01 -0500

Production livestock sales in the West have been happening since last fall: purebred bulls and heifers, commercial heifers, open or bred heifers and young cows of all breeds.

Building successful seedstock buyback programs

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 15:00:01 -0500

Seedstock buyback programs are popular for customers and breeders alike. Commercial producers receive higher prices for high-quality cattle, with a ready market for superior calves.

Getting the most out of GE-EPDs in cattle marketing

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 15:00:01 -0500

Genomics, in addition to being a powerful decision-making tool, is finding a new home in cattle marketing.

Planning is critical for bull sales during a pandemic

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 15:00:01 -0500

Once characterized by handshakes and in-person greetings, the process to purchase bulls is changing swiftly to include more technology and less sitting elbow-to-elbow.

Year-round prep for your production sale

robin@focusmarketinggroup.net — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 22:03:01 -0500

Production sales can be overwhelming. There are lots of moving parts and people behind the scenes that have to synchronize to execute the event. But with a little foresight, your family or business partners can successfully plan a production sale with minimal headaches.

Poll: Ranchers buy bulls by private treaty

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:38:10 -0400

When it's time to buy a bull, ranchers prefer a one-on-one approach, according to a recent Progressive Cattle online poll.

Running the numbers on your bull budget

justin.benavidez@ag.tamu.edu — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 15:00:01 -0500

"How much should I spend on a bull?” is a tough question and one that pops up seasonally like the common cold. Bulls are a long-term asset for a beef cow enterprise and can be an expensive asset at that.

Taking the stress out of picture day

robin@focusmarketinggroup.net — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 15:00:01 -0500

A good photo is all about angles and lighting. A half step one way or another on the photographer’s end can change a picture (and ultimately the sale price) dramatically.

10 tips to marketing bull sales through social media

carolinearendt@icloud.com — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 17:59:40 -0500

With the holidays quickly approaching – and the New Year quickly after that – it’s time to start thinking 2020 marketing for your outfit. With bull sale season being the first major event on many cattlemen and women’s calendars, it’s important to be prepared.

Buying a bull? Run the numbers

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 16:37:01 -0400

Bulls are an investment, and just like all investments, some pay off and some don’t.

Assess needs, set budget before the bull sale

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 22:47:11 -0500

Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett wrote in their hit song, “The Front Porch Song,” “I’ve known a whole lot of old bulls in my life, and their work is never done.” It’s an appropriate sentiment, especially when going to the sale barn to buy a new sire. Understanding the importance of bull sale protocols, assessing your needs as a producer and keeping your financial goals in mind can make or break your day-to-day operation.