Jason: "The biggest problem with bull buyers is they want champaign for the price of beer."
I won't argue that but it shouldn't stop one from finding out whether he can get champaign for the price of a beer. Haha!
Jason: "SH your idea has a couple flaws, mainly cost. The breeders in the deal will be stuck with what they get even if the flush isn't great. Their cost per bull won't be any cheaper than what they can get elsewhere."
That could be Jason. It's not like it's an original concept. Brad S and I were discussing this very issue a few years ago and I still see merit in it. What I like best is the idea of being able to breed to the genetics that best matches your specific environment as opposed to looking for those genetics.
I have found what I'm looking for in various bull sellers operations but the prices are getting quite high. Not sure we couldn't be raising bulls just as good for less money.
Jason: "Bull buyers that can't find good bulls for less than $4K aren't looking very hard."
I agree!
Jason: "Most guys paying that kind of money for bulls only do it because they can't evaluate the true value of bulls. Everyone can spot the best looking bull in a pen, not many can evaluate the best bull for them."
That's a very true statement. A few years ago I was driving back from a bull sale in North Platte, NE kicking myself because I didn't buy a bull that was a twin that had sacrificed some performance due to being a twin.
The best bull I ever had on the place was originally bought for $3000, used a year, and sold to me for $2300. A 600U son.
Jason: "Aside from genetics, management plays a big part in how the bulls develop. I am getting more and more guys that finally after buying fat bulls for 20+ years they realize over fed bulls don't last."
Amen!
I got burned a few times on show bulls that melted down in the pasture. Too fat to cover the ground initially and too weak to cover the ground once they melted.
Had some show bulls that ended up not being able to travel.
There is definitely a difference between a bull that looks good in the show ring and one that is "range ready".
~SH~