2012 McDonnell Angus Beef Country Genetics Bull Sale
Leo and Sam McDonnell held their Beef Country Genetics Bull sale at Bowman Livestock Market, Bowman, ND on May 8, 2012. Though the crowd was smaller, those present were very active bidders and buyers, giving the McDonnells a very successful sale.
The sale offering comprised of early-born embryo transfer (ET) calves from the Rhame, ND ranch and select group of February-born calves from their Montana ranch. Leo likes the idea of ET, since it offers bull buyers the opportunity to select multiple bulls that are bred alike, thus allowing a more uniform calf crop. Leo also believes in selecting genetically efficient cattle that will work in a grass environment. The herd sires used are proven in feed efficiency and feed conversion without giving up the ever important traits of performance, fertility, maternal, structural soundness and calving ease.
The bulls were in range-ready condition – not overly pushed – and ready to work in rugged breeding pastures.
Topping the sale was Lot 51, McD SF Total 1137, a March 2011 son of TC Total 410 with EPDs of BW 3.6, WW 59, YW 105 and Milk 20 with a $B index of 87.19. This powerhouse bull sold to Fraser Ranch, Corning, CA and Hay Cow Ranch, Lincoln, CA, for $15,500.
Selling at $15,000 was Lot 1, McD Performer 120, a February 2011 son of Basin Yellowstone R178. This calving ease performance bull has EPDs of BW 0.9, WW 50, YW 94 and Milk 17 and had an actual weaning weight of 735 pounds. Webo Angus, Lusk, WY, was the buyer.
Lot 47, McD SF Converter 1310, a March 2011 son of Willekes Converter 4402-9, sold to Medicine Rocks Angus for $8,500. This bull has EPDs of BW 2.0, WW 54, YW 92 and Milk 17 with a $B of 72.21.
Two bulls sold at $8,000 each:
Lot 52, McD SF Total 1348 is an ET brother to the top-selling Lot 51 bull and sold to Fraser Ranch and Hay Cow Ranch in California.
Lot 70, McD SF Net Worth 1331, a March 2011 son of SAV Net Worth 4200 with EPDs of BW 1.9, WW 49, YW 92 and Milk 26, went to Blooming Valley Farms, Watertown, SD.
DeGrand Angus, Baker, MT, selected Lot 2, McD Performer 102, a February 2011 son of Basin Yellowstone R178 with EPDs of BW 3.9, WW 52, YW 91 and Milk 19 for $7,500.
Selling at $6,750 was Lot 41, McD SF 6EM3 – 1330, a March 2011 son of Rito 6EM3 of 4L1 Emblazon with EPDs of BW 1.0, WW 55, YW 100 and Milk 22. Eric Bowman, Rhame, ND, was the buyer.
