Bull Pen November/December 2009 by FanCorp Publishing

Features 12 Bull Pen Bash pictorial 14 Contractor Q&A 18 2009 ABBI Awards 24 ABBI Seminar report 28 2009 Wild Card recap 30 ABBI Annual Sale results On the Cover:

Black Pearl wins the ABBI Classic Championship allen glanville photo

Columns 6 Bull Pennings 8 Bedford’s BULL-etin 44 Who’s Your Daddy? 46 ABBI Junior Breeders

PUBLISHER Christopher Burkhardt VP OF PUBLICATIONS Susan Bedford DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Jeannie Kaiser CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Cody Lambert • Justin McKee Dr. Jonathon Beckett Dr. Gary Warner • Bridget Cook Amy Gardner • Sugar Kuhn Slade Long • Allen Glanville Cindy Gotoski MARKETING DIRECTOR Lisa Marie Swearingen GRAPHICS WRANGLER Cedric Maniquiz PHOTOGRAPHERS Allen Glanville • Andy Watson Bronté Phillips

50 Hot Shots 52 Ask Dr. Warner

Departments 10 Headquarters Headlines 34 Event recaps 38 Sale recaps Next Bull Pen: Jan./Feb. 2010.

2010 Preview Issue

ABBI’s BULL PEN is published bi-monthly by

Deadline is Dec. 10

FanfCorp Western Lifestyle Publishing

714-434-2579

November/December 2009

Bull Pen, FanCorp, USBBA and ABBI are not responsible for opinions or claims made in this issue.

www.bullpenmagazine.com

Brad Boyd Becomes ABBI’s Third President I'm excited to be starting my first term as ABBI President. This couldn't be a more dynamic time for the industry—we just had our best Finals ever, our registration numbers are up and our membership keeps growing. The ABBI was able to pay out over $891,000 in Las Vegas across the Classic Finals, Futurity Finals and Wild Card events. That is a huge milestone that many thought we might never see in the bucking bull industry. We have the highest caliber bulls anywhere and the ABBI is where tomorrow's PBR stars are coming from. It was a big honor for Classic bulls to have an entire round of the PBR World Finals and a great opportunity for the ABBI to get TV exposure for our bulls. When the ABBI bought RSR (Rodeo Stock Registry) they had just over 10,000 animals registered. By the end of the year we expect to have over 100,000 animals registered, and about 30,000 will be from this year alone. Our membership also continues to climb as more and more people become educated and excited about becoming involved with our sport. We are looking forward to making 2010 a great season and doing even more to expand our Junior Futurity events. I'd like to thank everyone who supported these events in 2009—by donating a heifer, making a monetary contribution or taking the time to help out a junior member compete at one of these events. Our future is in the youth of our industry. A big thank you to Andee Lamoreaux and her staff for all their dedication and non-stop effort to grow the sport—at the ABBI Finals and year round. I'd also like to thank outgoing president Russ Gant for all of his hard work over the last two seasons. I wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season. I look forward to seeing you at an ABBI event in 2010.

Join USBBA today to receive your Bull Pen every 60 days! Contact Betty Luxner, betty@americanbuckingbull.com 719-242-2747 or go to www.bullpenmagazine.com (click on “receive Bull Pen”)

November/December 2009

www.bullpenmagazine.com

NEWS, NOTES

NODS allen glanville photos

RIP Apollo

a silver lining in such a sad event) was that King bought two Apollo yearling calves at the ABBI Sale. That means that Box K Cattle will have little Apollos at ABBI events soon carrying on the legacy of their great sire. King also bought some other promising young bulls at the ABBI Finals Sale, as well as a bucking dummy to benefit the Junior Futurities.

We were all looking forward to watching Apollo buck in Vegas. When Apollo’s handler suggested to owner Ken King that they get a few more outs on him prior to the Big Show, King agreed. King was devastated to get a call that the bull had been injured. King told me in Vegas that he hoped they could save him, but it didn’t look good. A few days after the PBR World Finals concluded, Apollo had to be put down. The only good thing (if you have to find

Welcome Aboard Ok, well technically, Brad Boyd and Kaycee Simpson have always been on the ABBI train, but they are changing cars. VP Brad was elected to replace outgoing Prez Russ Gant, with Kaycee then taking Brad’s position. I’m confident these two guys will keep us on track and a big THANK YOU to Russ for being an awesome conductor the past two years.

How Tweet It Is

We Rocked the Hard Rock It was one of my highlights of Las Vegas—the annual Bull Pen Bash. This year it was held at the Hard Rock Cafe and we had it packed. Good food, great live music from James Intveld and wall-to-wall breeders. The PBR’s Sean Gleason, the newest ABBI Board Member, was in attendance as was Andee Lamoreaux and some of the hardworking ABBI staff. Some PBR riders (current and retired) also came out to support the Bull Pen Magazine party: L.J. Jenkins, Tater Porter, J.W. Hart (now a breeder and PBR commentator and Mark Ward (now a breeder and event producer). Everyone got to leave with a great goodie bag from sponsors like Ford and Greeley Hat Works.

Thanks to everyone who followed me (BullPenEditor) or Sugar Kuhn (SugarKuhn) on twitter during the World Finals. We tried to bring you as much of the action in real time as possible and hope you’ll continue to follow us as the new season starts. For those of you not kneedeep in twitter yet…just go to twitter.com /bullpeneditor or twitter.com/sugarkuhn to follow us. If your interest is more on the PBR side, you can follow me at PBR events at twitter.com/ChuteSusan.

Incentive? Big Money! The ABBI Breeders Trust Incentive program paid out $15,717 to Diamond S’ Mission Accomplished in Vegas. Trevor Walker got $5,750 for Mission Accomplished’s sire, Mission Pack. Just a reminder... if you don’t register those sires and offspring you don’t get paid! Visit americanbuckingbull.com to learn more and get in on the dinero. 5569 Mission Accomplished

November/December 2009

www.bullpenmagazine.com

Bedford’s Bull-etins: News, Notes & Nods

...continued

Code Blue is Gold Congrats to Code Blue for coming out on top in the PBR’s World Champion Bucking Bull race. The bull’s victory, co-owned by Chad Berger, gave Berger another big buckle after he had already won PBR Stock Contractor of the Year. Blue posted some serious scores—including a 47.5— and remains unridden. I’m extremely proud that we had two Classic bulls in the running—Black Pearl and Crosswired, who finished fourth and fifth respectively.

Cha-cha-cha-cha-chachanges…2010 PBR World Finals The 2010 World Finals will go to a new format—5 days. More details to follow, but mark your calendars for next year from Oct. 20-24. At a press conference PBR CEO Randy Bernard explained that this new schedule will allow fans to come out for the entire event—rather than having to pick one weekend over the other.

PBR World Cup Comes Home I’ve always wanted to go to a PBR World Cup event but I’ve been waiting for it to get a little closer to home— Australia and Brazil are about 10 more hours than I care to spend on a plane. So I was delighted to learn that we (as in the good ole U S of A) get to host the event this year! It will be held in Las Vegas April 8-10. The US will defend their title against Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico. If J.W. Hart (hint,hint) is team captain again I’d bet on gold!

Bigger and Better Don’t worry, all your favorite columns will be back for the New Year. I’m also excited and proud that we’ve got a new column by BP photographer Allen Glanville where he’ll be sharing one of his favorite photos with you each issue. www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

The Latest from ABBI HQ Finals:

Now that we are home from Vegas, it is still amazing how quickly it goes. The Classic bulls were neck and neck for most of the season. The conditioning and the athleticism of the Classic bulls this year was second to none. The futurity calves also came to Vegas to play. They were the real deal. It has been interesting to watch the development of so many programs as more focus is put onto the conditioning, health and nutrition of the younger calves. Next year’s Classic events should be even more exciting than this year’s. Registration. With 2010 just round the corner, there are a few reminders that I’d like to bring up. Remember that beginning Jan. 1st, all proposed dams to your offspring must be in your inventory. If they are not, you will need a written authorization from whom ever has them in their inventory. Also, with the planned move to the newer technology for DNA testing, we will no longer be offering the ability to run offspring to multiple inventories, other than your own current inventory. This is a practice that has caused many problems and in an effort to provide better and more accurate results, this will no longer be allowed. The need for you to research the potential parents and only submit the legitimate potential parents is a practice that needs to be adhered to by all of our breeders. Good record keeping is a must in this business and will help eliminate a lot of the questions and the multiple results that have tainted the registry to this point. A reasonable number of potential parents is the best practice. Do your research before you send your paperwork in to registry the calves, instead of trying to chase them after the fact.

Events:

The 2010 competition season is already here. The first event opens on November 30 for the December 31 New Year’s Eve Challenge in Cowtown Coliseum-Ft. Worth, TX. We welcome our 2006 and 2007 bulls to kick off the 2010 season during this exciting event. As you are preparing your entries please keep a couple things in mind. Ensure that you are using a 2010 entry form. All entry forms with complete payment must be received together by close of books of the event. If the entry form with payment is not received by close of books, the animal will be drawn out of the event. If you

November/December 2009

www.bullpenmagazine.com

are competing with an animal as a partnership, please submit a signed Member Agreement for Competition Partnership for the 2010 season. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office.

Tidbits:

Did you know that the ABBI website uses an Address Verification System (AVS) when you use a credit card to pay for your purchases? The AVS system matches (verifies) the address information in the ABBI membership with the information the credit card companies have on file. If your current zip code does not match the zip code in the AVS system the transaction will be “declined”. So, if we call you regarding a “declined” credit card transaction, 99% of the time it is because the information doesn’t match. So consider the following: (1)Have you moved and not updated the Credit Card billing address? (2)Is there a different zip code for your mailing address? (3)Is it a business credit card with a different address?

USBBA ABT:

The USBBA American Breeders Trust (ABT) payment deadline is approaching! The sustaining payment for nominated 2008 calves is $150 due on or before 12-312009. 2009 bull calf nomination payments of $250.00 or the sustaining payment of $150 is due on or before 1231-2009. The USBBA ABT is an incentive plan designed to increase the market value and marketability of those animals sired by ABT Lifetime and ABT annual sires. Animals sired by these must be nominated into the ABT program by December 31st of their birth year with a onetime payment of $250 or a semiannual payment of $150 paid on or before 12-31 of their birth year and yearling year. These nominated animals are placed into “classes” based upon year of birth. The funds paid into these classes then make up the incentive pool. Animals then become eligible for incentive payments based upon their performance at a specified event and the number of animals remaining in the class. More information will be forth coming and any modifications to the program.

ABBI Member Benefits From your official sponsors: Members receive 6 colorful, educational issues of Bull Pen magazine each year. In addition, members qualify for the special Member Rate when they advertise in Bull Pen, the ABBI Breeders Guide A USBBA Publication or the ABBI Las Vegas Finals program. Bull Pen is the Authority on Breeding, Buying and Bucking Bulls. Big Tex would like to extend a great discount to all ABBI members and PBR riders, stock contractors and bull owners. All you have to do in an e-mail or phone call is mention Big Tex Trailers slogan “Tough As A Texas Longhorn” or “Big Tex 13” for your special discount. Big Tex Trailers has a large selection of new and used trailers available. Horse, stock, utility, cargo, and many other trailers are available at all times, as well as truck beds. Big Tex Trailers takes any type of trailer in on trade and offers financing and a large selection of parts. Mt. Pleasant, Texas. (903) 577-7418 or mitzil@bigtextrailers.com. www.trailersdirect.com or www.bigtextrailers.com. To be the Official Equipment Company of the PBR, Priefert has to prove its equipment is worthy every week! Designed with ultimate durability and safety for both man and animal, Priefert’s Rough Stock line of bucking chutes, arenas and holding pens not only withstand being tested

2008 ABBI BOARD OF DIRECTORS General Manager Andee Lamoreaux President Brad Boyd V.P. Kaycee Simpson Jim Bob Nall Sean Gleason Scott Pickens J.W. Hart Cody Lambert Shawn McDermott Ty Murray

ABBI Contact Info: 101 West Riverwalk Pueblo, CO 81003 Phone: 719-242-2747 Fax: 719-242-2746 andee@ americanbuckingbull.com

ABBI SHAREHOLDERS Scott Accomazzo & Moody-Rice Cattle Co. David M. Allen Berger Bucking Bulls Diamond S Bucking Bulls & Scott Pickens Dillon & H.D. Page Jerome & Tiffany Davis Bob Diedrich & Jason Diedrich Brad Boyd & Toby Floyd Russell Gant Lyndal Hurst Doug & Stephanie Joseph Don & Janelle Kish Joe Merrick Julio Moreno & Cotton Rosser Jim Bob & Diana Nall Paradise Farms Monty Samford Tony Sharp & Craig Zaunbrecher Kaycee Simpson Bob & Kristen Tallman Thomas Taylor & Nikki Gusel Tom Teague Trevor Walker Cliff Wiggins

by the toughest bulls in the world, they must also repeatedly handle being loaded, unloaded and set up for PBR events all across the country. To quote Randy Bernard, “It (Priefert equipment) has never let us down—ever.” Priefert is proud to support the Toughest Sport on Earth and understands the importance of protecting your investment in the next 4-legged star of the PBR. Visit www.priefert.com or call 800-527-8616. Makers of the Original Blue Bucking Dummy and the “Ultra” Blue Dummy, now the PREFERRED Dummy of the ABBI. Check out the “Little” Blue Dummy, only 14 pounds, for weanlings and yearlings. Little Blue donated three Ultra Blue dummies to benefit the Jr. Futurity at auction. 325-643-5270 Courage is measured in seconds. Many dream about it. For the lucky souls who live it, there’s Wrangler Western Wear.

With more than 30 years of combined experience designing and manufacturing Hydraulic Squeeze Chutes and Working Facilities for Feedlots and Cattle Producers, Cattleac chutes are built with the same heavy material needed for strength and lasting durability. Standard layout, or customize a layout to fit your needs. www.cattleaccattleequip.com Cooper Tires is the official tire sponsor of both the ABBI and the PBR. A fraction of a second really counts in bull riding, and when a fraction of a second is on the line, you can count on Cooper Tires to make a difference. Visit coopertire.com.

Market your breeding services to the world’s best breeders in the BULL PEN! National Marketing Director Lisa Marie Swearingen 714-434-2579

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

bronté phillips

allen glanville

bronté phillips

allen glanville

The Bull Pen Bash Monday, Nov. 2 @ Hard Rock Cafe, Las Vegas

12 12

November/December 2009 November/December 2009

www.bullpenmagazine.com www.bullpenmagazine.com

allen glanville

ville allen glan

photos by Allen Glanville and Bronté Phillips

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009 www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

13 13

allen glanville

bronté phillips

allen glanville

allen glanvi lle

bronté phillips

allen glanville

Q&A How do you think the ABBI is doing? What is on the horizon for ABBI competition? Where is the market heading?

because somebody has to claim it. Like anything else, the bull market is strong if you've got a 22-point or better bull. But, if you have a 21-point or under bull, the resources are limited and we need to figure out a way to make a market for those that aren't placing in the top 20. The female market is sluggish because the market is saturated. I think because the female market is softer, people are going to start cleaning up their herds by keeping their dams that produce and breeding them to worthy sires which should help clean up the female market.

ABBI shareholders share their impressions of the industry.

Julio Moreno

I think the future looks very good. When you look at the numbers coming from last year, I think we can look forward to having more events and better events. I think we will start seeing events or at least classes at events that will make a spot for all types of bulls to go. The money that they are putting up is great. If you look at this year's Classic you had $250,000 up if you won it. A friend of mine won around $17,000 in the Futurity out there with two different bulls, so where competition is concerned we’re looking good. I’m glad that I’m able to market my bulls. If people can get their bulls to the right people and get help marketing them it sure helps. As far as the female market goes, those good producing females will always be in high demand and bring good money.

Kaycee Simpson, Incoming vice-president:

I think the ABBI is healthy in the growth of registrations. I think we've got a pretty diverse board in place right now. We have guys that pack a lot of bulls and guys that have smaller herds. I feel we need to work harder at getting our events spread out across the country better and if we do, the ABBI will continue to grow. I think things look very good because people are using the best technology and resources to get the best cows to produce better bulls. Because of this, the competition is going to keep getting tougher and it will continue that way. We definitely need to find a resource or event to take care of the 21-point bulls. Whether it's a 2D or 3D system, we need to find something for those type of bulls. I think also that we need to have something like the racehorse industry has. Some type of a claiming division. In the racehorse industry there are claimers where you have to have competed in a claiming race before you can compete elsewhere. This would make people use their bulls and sell them, and make people really pay attention to what they are putting out there,

November/December 2009

Russ Gant, Outgoing ABBI President

It looks like another strong year for registration. Numbers don’t lie. We had 24,000 animals registered just in 2008, and 90 some thousand total registrations. In 2009, we have outstanding numbers again and had a recordbreaking year. We now have over 110,000 total registrations. Hopefully members will take advantage of the $15 transfer fee before the end of the year and get their inventories cleaned up by getting cows transferred. There’s nothing but big things coming. We’re ahead of the game for 2010 and 2011. For 2010, we have more animals paid up for the American Heritage than ever before and it looks like 2011 could and should set records for the number of entries and for the amount of money paid out. I think the ABBI Board of Directors and the PBR Board of Directors have a responsibility to give the members even more events to compete in. In 2010, we’re having some new events coming called Super-Classics which we’d like to pay $20,000 to win. We have to put out the effort, but even in this economy if we

www.bullpenmagazine.com

do, I really think we will see the industry growing.

Scott Accomazzo The future looks as good as it ever has in the ABBI. We have hung in there really well with the economy. Membership has increased and that is really promising. The events are stronger, membership and registration numbers are stronger. The money keeps getting better. At the Spring Spectacular we went from 70 entries to 170 so people aren’t sitting at home—they are bringing their bulls out. Because of Pure Smoke’s success in Vegas, bull sales for us have been crazy which proves that a great bull is priceless. However, I do think we are headed toward adding events that will include your second tier bulls. Maybe something like a 4D barrel racing format or a nonpro division to involve more breeders that are not contractors. We have to start involving all breeders. There are a lot of members with 21-point bulls out there, myself included, and we need to find a place for those bulls to compete. I think this would be a great place to start involving people who may be intimidated by having to compete against the elite like D&H Cattle or Boyd-Floyd or Monty Samford. I think the market is heading toward a bull-based market with more partnerships and investors seeking out people to haul or partner with. In my opinion, the bull market is higher than it’s ever been. It seems to be more of a hobby investment so we didn’t see a decline in spending in that area. On the female side, since it’s more of a long-term investment, the market is down just like every other futurist type of investment in the U.S. I do see a rise as the economy gets better. When it does, the supply and demand for quality bulls will make it too expensive to invest in bulls for some; then you will see people back to trying to raise their own which will ultimately bring the female market back up.

a positive growth period, we need to focus on getting more sponsors and the membership.

Cindy Rosser The registrations are up and that is good. I’d like to see us concentrate on having more events so people have more places to take their bulls. Whether it’s a limited thing like the cutting horse industry has or something else, we really need to work on this area. If you have a topcaliber bull and well-bred cattle I think they are always going to bring good money.

Cliff Wiggins I think the market is going to improve. The ABBI is young and going to continue to grow and get better. There’s more participation and the animal registry is getting stronger every year. Since the animal registry is growing, that means there will be more animals available to compete. That should make ABBI better and the market for good ones better. I think if there was some type of lower level competition it would help the animals get more experience and be better trained along the way. If it wasn’t for members there wouldn’t be an association. Because the numbers look good and it looks like we are in

Edward Martinez

I think we are headed in the right direction, especially with people like Andee and Brad (Boyd, new ABBI president) in important roles. We are definitely going to grow. There was more registered cattle this year than any year. In 2010 I think there will be a whole lot more registrations and I think the competition is getting tougher and tougher because of the focus on breeding. Everyone is breeding for a World Champion. The market should get better and rebound this coming year. We had 102 futurity calves in Vegas and those people paid their way there, and we had 67 Wild Card entries, so obviously the interest is still there. With the amount of money that’s up, people will still be interested and want to play to win, and this is an indication where the bull market is heading. From personal experience, I think the female is the main denominator. Regardless, you have to start out with good females. I think people are going to start really valuing females that produce.

Toby Floyd I think the ABBI is definitely moving ahead and upward. At the Finals, we had more entries than ever, the toughest competition ever—and bucking outdoors was great. The 4- second rule in the Futurity was a good thing and it definitely kept the bulls fresher. I heard a lot of people say they wish we’d had a scoreboard and it was something that we did look into. Unfortunately, it would have cost around $13,000, so we opted out of getting one. In the Wild Card competition, my vote is to spread out the $50,000 more. I think we will have more entries if we do and I am going to push to try and get that done. Next year will be a one-round competition in the futurity, and as

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

long as fuel doesn’t get up to $10 a gallon everything will be in Vegas again. I think the market is going to stay steady and get better for ABBI competition bulls. Hopefully, our money is going to keep increasing. When you have the chance to win $250,000 in the Classic and $100,000 in the Futurity you are going to have the entries. However, if the PBR doesn’t put together a better team competition, then I am worried about the 5-year-olds and older bulls. If there is not an opportunity for these bulls to win $125,000 or so their value will drop. As far as the female market goes, dams that are producers of either good females or bulls will continue to be very valuable.

not just the cattle market. If you’ve got a really good bull or cow they are going to hold their value. You need something to police itself. A lot of people got into it when the market was really high. I'm hoping that the market will come back to where it is decent again, but first I think we'll see those people that aren't that serious about this getting out and those that are serious staying. I think we are going to have to find ways to keep the industry fresh and interesting if we want to keep the interest of people.

Keith Strickland (for Tony Sharp)

I think we've thrived in a bad economy. The cattle market is down already, then put spots on them and they really aren't worth anything. Anybody can make money or a living when times are good, but when the bad times come, that's where you will seperate the men from the boys. When I started breeding bulls and cattle, my goal has always been to breed champion bulls. Having the champion futurity bull, champion classic bull or wild card bull— those are my main goals. Now I know I still end up with some 21-point bulls, but that's what your amateur deals and high school and college rodeos are for. Right now, it seems like it’s just a few guys trading money around from year to year, but as far as having lower level competitions I think it would end up being a mess. How do you figure out which 21- point bull is better than another 21-point bull? The only thing I've seen that would probably work would be some type of claiming event or a lower tier deal where the top 20 can't enter or something.

Q&A I feel like the ABBI is the only game in town and the number one market, so based on that I think it will continue to grow. I'm hoping they will continue with the bull team concept so there's another avenue to win money. Then when you're finished with your top 20 bulls at an event, it would be nice to have a playing field or place to compete with those other bulls. And I think they need to look at and entertain that idea. Mostly because we need to keep our entries up and if people can't win they are not going to come. This market is like everything else. Everybody has recreational money that they normally spend, but right now they are sitting on it and not spending it like they were. The whole economy has dropped off,

November/December 2009

Monty Samford

www.bullpenmagazine.com

Reproductive Performance Shouldn’t be a Coin Toss. The SQM took us from a 65% ET conception rate to more than 90%. We generate our dollars through our embryo program, and the SQM is allowing our conception rates to greatly increase. The fact that it's economically priced is just a bonus.

Dan Byrd, Owner Byrd Cattle Company Red Bluff, CA

800-328-5870 318 Lake Hazeltine Drive Chaska, MN 55318-1093 ®

Fax: 952-448-3603 www.qualitechco.com

Quali Tech . . . Protected. Targeted. Nutrition

Flip the reproductive performance odds in your favor with SQM® from Quali Tech, Inc. The only trace mineral program that can be fed at 100% inclusion rates, SQM® trace minerals quickly improve reproductive performance, decrease rebreeding intervals and provides the most balanced health platform for your genetics to perform at their maximum potential. Whether you’re raising high-quality beef, selling bulls and/or semen or standing in a show ring, SQM® assures your breeding program is no coin toss. Only trace mineral that can be used at 100% inclusion rate – no need to add less effective sulfates.

∏ Vastly improved reproductive performance ∏ Better utilization of your mineral investment ∏ Backed by extensive research and in-field use ∏ Recommended by pure bred Angus breeders for more than 10 years

Don’t bet your operation’s reproductive efficiency on a coin-toss breeding program. Even the odds with SQM® trace mineral program and start reaping the benefits this season.

2009 allen glanville photos

Russ Gant presenting Scott Accomazzo the ABBI Horizon Breeder Award for Pure Smoke 18

November/December 2009

Outgoing ABBI President Russ Gant receives a buckle as thanks for all of his hardwork from incoming ABBI President Brad Boyd www.bullpenmagazine.com

Cody Ohl and Ken and Tex Beshears accept the award for their Futurity Champion Pure Smoke.

AWARDS

World Champion Classic Black Pearl World Champion Futurity Pure Smoke Reserve Classic Top Notch

Reserve Futurity 90 Proof Year End Classic Champion Black Pearl Year End Futurity Champion Jug Head Reserve Year End Classic Crosswired Reserve Year End Futurity Time Bandit Breeder of the Year (Classic) Steve and Julie Ravenscroft Horizon Breeder of the Year (Futurity) Scott Accomazzo High Money 3 Year Old Bull Priceless

High Point ABBI Bull of the Finals Black Pearl Wild Card Champion Copp Hou Wild Card Top 4 Copp Hou Bushwhacker Tiddy Kat Moon PBR World Champion Bucking Bull Code Blue

Chad Berger and Clay Struve are awarded PBR Stock Contractor of the Year for the second year in a row

Jerry Copp, owner of Wild Card winner Copp Hou

PBR Stock Contractors of the Year Berger/Struve

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

ABBI World Champion

Futurity Finals Las Vegas, NV

bronte phillips

he ABBI’s youngest buckers provided a stunning spectacle at the Wrangler U facility outside the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas during the 2009 Futurity Finals. The setting was dramatic, the weather amazing and the crowd large and lively.

U 7042 Pure Smoke owned by Cody Ohl/ Ken & Tex Beshears. 2009 ABBI Futurity Champion.

For the first time on record, the event was held outdoors. Although many were initially nervous about the set up, it didn’t take long for most to relax including the co-owner of the freshly crowned 2009 World Champion Futurity Bull Pure Smoke. “At first with that much money on the line I was a little bit nervous about having to load my bulls on big trucks to have them hauled over to the event,” explained Cody Ohl. “ But everything was very professional. The chute help and guys working in back are great. I mean they know what’s going on, and they know how to handle these bulls and they do this stuff everyday. Once the bulls got to the event, the set up was great. The lead-ups were lined right where there was no way for a bull to get hurt and the pens were set up so there was no way for a bull to get out once they got to the arena.” Sunshine, regal palms and the beautiful Mandalay Bay Resort provided the perfect backdrop to showcase 102 well-prepped and talented ABBI 2-year-olds. “I thought the outdoor deal and the weather was outstanding. The whole crowd environment just seemed a

November/December 2009

by Sugar Kuhn

lot more intense and exciting to me. Having it so close to where most everybody stays was great. Most people could walk over or catch a cab to get there. If it had been indoors there wouldn’t have been such a great crowd or so much enthusiasm,” said Ohl. When it comes to the caliber of contenders present in Vegas, Ohl points out the obvious. “I had lunch with my partners who were only there for the short-go and I told them there were about 80 bulls entered that a guy would love to have his name on. It was a heck of a field and same with the 20 in the short-go. There were at least 17-18 bulls that went out there and had the same trip they had in the long-go. That’s awfully impressive and something to really be proud of,” Ohl added. Newly appointed ABBI President Brad Boyd echoed Ohl’s sentiments about the event. “This year’s futurity was one of the greatest sets of 2-year-olds ever. All the bulls performed well and the owners of these animals did a great job preparing and showing them. The ABBI and the PBR should be commended for having such a great set up for the bull housing. I heard nothing but compliments. It was a great year and I look forward to 2010,” said Boyd.

LONG-GO: The two-go tussle started with the long-go on Monday November 2. A heavy-hitting set of young bulls busted their best moves in hopes of snagging a top twenty spot in Wednesday’s Finals. The bulls were bucked in four sections with drags in between. Jim Bob Custer, Chuck Lambert, Grant Ogilve, Mel Kimbro, Wacey Cathey and Dean Randolph had the difficult task of sifting through the substantially talented field of buckers. “I thought the judging was really good-and not just because my bulls did so good, but by the feedback I heard from everyone. I mean sorting through that many really good bulls in that short of a time is no easy task for anybody-And I think they did a really good job of it,” said Ohl. When the long-round wrapped, Ohl and Ken & Tex Beshears’ super-salty bucker U 7042 Pure Smoke, lit a fire in first with a spectacular 90.5 point out. D&H Cattle Co. & Margy Haines’ bucking brindle 58T Flyin’ Train soared into the number two spot with a close 90 point effort. Walker Bucking Stock Breeders 701 90 Proof sipped his way into third with 89.50 points and Chumley, Long & Samford’s 24-7 Ice Cream Paint Job licked up fourth with an 88.75. 4C’s & Larry Barker’s 710 Black Ice’s 88.50 slid him into fifth while Chumley, Long & Samford were back for more in sixth with -22 Party All the Time’s 88.25. Show Sports &

www.bullpenmagazine.com

...continued

Lenehan’s Shakey Waters drank up seventh, Shippy & Lesko’s Twist N Shout shuffled into eighth, D&H/Buck/Shores’ Buckin Machine kicked into ninth and Mike Rawson’s Yard Bird clucked into tenth. Rounding out the top 20 Short-Go qualifiers were; CR Bucking Bulls’ Wild One, Bryan Smith’s Plumb Nuts, Cody Ohl’s Alternator, AM Bucking Bulls’ Lil Moody, Ravenscroft/Boyd-Floyd’s Time Bandit, Mike Rawson’s Straw Boss, Ohl & Tillman’s Little White Out, Whitehead & Tilley’s S8, Lightning C’s MB 789 and D&H & Flinn’s Jughead. After winning the first round with his co-owned bull Pure Smoke, Ohl reflected on the bull’s super-stealthy out. “The first trip, I knew he had it in him but wow! I couldn’t believe it. Just to be a part of it all and that it’s here that he just had his best trip and the best trip I’ve seen a bull have. It was just great to see and know that I own this bull,” beamed a very proud Ohl.

SHORT-GO:

Mandalay Bay was the perfect backdrop for the year’s most prestigious futurity

bronte phillips

The same stunning weather and a packed house were in place on Wednesday, November 4 for the Short-Go and the final battle of the top 20 contenders. The ABBI staff breezed through the 20 finalists and when the two-go tussle was over U 7042 Pure Smoke’s second 90 point performance for Cody Ohl and Ken & Tex Beshears gave the brazen bovine a 180.50 point total, the 2009 Futurity World Champion crown and a cool $100,000. “The second day, boy the pressure was on. I thought I’d had a bit too much flank in him the first day, so I backed off some. Unfortunately when he was in the chute he had a bit of a bow standing there and I missed his flank by a few inches. At about 3 seconds I thought I saw him weaken some, but he was still really good,” said Ohl. Walker Bucking Stock Breeders’ black and white spotted bull 701 90 Proof, added an 87.75 point out in the shortgo to his long-go marking for a total of 177.25. The combined total earned 90 Proof the Reserve World Champion title and $32,824.24. D&H Cattle Co. & Margy Haines’ 58T Flyin’ Train put up a second score of 87 points for a total of 177 points on two, a third place finish and a check for $19,694.54. S729 Twist N Shout from Shippy & Lesko was 88.25 in

701 90 Proof owned by Walker Bucking Stock breeders. 2nd place.

allen glanville

ABBI World Champion Futurity Finals

the finals bringing his two-out total to 175.75. The two outs found him occupying fourth when the dust settled and netted $14,223.84 for the bull’s owners. Chumley, Long & Samford’s -22 Party All the Time was marked 87.25 in the short-go for a total of 175.50 on his two outs. These two markings put him fifth by a quarterpoint and paid his owners $12,035.55. The same trio scooped up an additional $10,941.41 for 24-7 Ice Cream Paint Job’s sixth place finish who had a two-go total of 175. Mike Rawson’s A79 Yard Bird crowed into seventh and plucked $9,847.27 for his 174 point total while 675 Alternator stirred up another $8,753 for owner Cody Ohl for his 172.50 point total. Mike Rawson doubled-back with Straw Boss for a ninth and tenth place split with Show Sports & Lenehan’s Shakey Waters. Each bull had a total of 172.25 yielding both owners $7,111. D&H & Flinn’s 77 Jughead’s 171 point total was good enough for eleventh place and traveling companion Buckin’ Machine from D&H/Buck/Shores was 170.75 for a twelfth place finish. Lightning C’s MS 789 punched out 170.50 for 13th, Ohl & Tillman’s Little White Out laid down 170.25 for 14th and CR Bucking Bulls’ Wild One zipped up 15th with his 170 point total. Completing the super-competent field was Time Bandit in 16th place from Ravenscroft/Boyd-Floyd with 169.50, Bryan Smith’s Plumb Nuts with 163 for 17th, Whitehead & Tilley’s S8 in 18th with 160.50,4C’s & Barker’s Black Ice with 160 in 19th and AM Bucking Bulls’ Lil Moody in 20th with 156 points. ABBI’s General Manager Andee Lamoreaux had much to be proud of at the close of the contest and expressed her feelings on the event, our industry and future competitions. “The futurity competition at the ABBI Futurity Finals was a enormous success. It will take some planning and creativity to better this event for next year, but our goal is always to improve. The weather and the setting were perfect-blue skies and palm trees. The calves were absolutely amazing and I think the industry is finally starting to grow into itself. These young athletes are really starting to shine as the breeders are giving more attention to the training, conditioning, health and nutrition of their young bulls. I can’t wait to see next year’s freshman class of bulls in the Classics-It’s going to really be exciting.”

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

ABBI World Champion

Classic Finals

by Susan Bedford

Las Vegas, NV RANK

250 Black Pearl 514 Top Notch MO350 Bushwhacker 507 Chick'N Fried 510 Red Bone

911 Ground Zero

7 8/9 8/9 10

41/5 Deja Blu -8 Bring It 22S Priceless 569 Mission Accomplished

OWNER

Ravenscroft / Boyd-Floyd Martinez Bucking Bulls Julio Moreno / Richard Oliveria H&D Bucking Bulls / Huff Hebert Bucking Bulls Ace of Spades / Beach City / Moody-Rice / Lone Star / Shippy Teague Bucking Bulls Chumley Long Cattle Co D&H Cattle CO / L&E Bulls 4L & Diamond S Rodeo

That brings the bull’s career earnings to just under half a million dollars. “I’m going to nickname him Mr. Las Vegas!” declared Brad Boyd when asked about his superstar. The Ravenscroft/Boyd-Floyd bull was also the regular season year-end champion, but his owners knew that was no guarantee of what might transpire in Las Vegas. The slate is wiped clean at

allen glanville. rider: skeeter kingsolver

ust as not every oyster can produce a pearl, not every cow can produce a champion bucking bull. But Steve and Julie Ravenscroft’s Whitewater cows certainly have produced their share of gems. The Ravenscroft’s crowning jewel, 250 Black Pearl, is now the 2009 ABBI Classic Champion. After winning ABBI Reserve Classic Champion last year as a 3-yearold, Black Pearl was able to take it to the next level this season. From an extremely competitive field, Ravenscroft/Boyd-Floyd’s Black Pearl emerged victorious on Nov. 5 and was crowned the 2009 ABBI Classic Champion and earned a check for $250,000.

BULL

1 2 3 4/5 4/5

RND 2

TOTAL

PAYOUT

91 89.25 90.25 89 90.75

183.75 180 179.75 179 179

$250,000 $100,000 $34,995 $23,330 $23,330

90.25

88.50

178.75

$19,442

88.50 87.75 88.50 88.50

89 89.50 88.75 88.25

177.50 177.25 177.25 176.75

$17,498 $14,581 $14,581 $11,665

the ABBI Classic Finals and each bull starts over again—all that matters is the scores the bulls earn during the long and short round. “The bull spoke for himself,” affirmed Boyd. “He came through and did it all and was perfect—and that is what it took to win in Vegas. He didn’t even stub his toe.” It may sound like a fairy tale, but it took a lot of effort by a lot of people to get Black Pearl to the top. “A lot of the decisions we and Toby and Brad made about his career I think really played into this outcome,” shared Steve Ravenscroft. “People have to realize that the decisions you made three years ago will have an influence on the outcome. It isn’t just feed and how much you buck them or how much you don’t. There’s a lot more to it than just raising a great bucking bull.” Those decisions included waiting to compete until the Wild Card when he was a 3-year-old last season, and sending him to Texas to be hauled by Boyd and Floyd. “That made all the difference.” Affirmed Steve. “We couldn’t get him shown enough if he had stayed up here with us and Brad and Toby (Floyd) did a great job with him. We couldn’t ask for better partners. We feel so fortunate to have Brad and Toby.” Julie Ravenscroft still isn’t sure the reality of the win allen glanville

Ravenscroft/Boyd-Floyd receive their check for their bull Black Pearl winning the 09 ABBI Classic Championship.

RND 1

92.75 90.75 89.50 90 88.25

November/December 2009

www.bullpenmagazine.com

has set in yet. “We (Julie and Steve) were sitting in the second row next to Brad and Nicole Boyd and Zach Gunter (with the ABBI) motioned up to us that we won,” recalled Julie. “It was quite a relief. That was the most nerve-wracking week of my life. Neither of us could eat that day.” “It was an immense relief when it was over,” confirmed Steve. “Unless you’ve been through it I don’t think you can really explain and understand how proud we were.” Not only were Steve and Julie proud, almost their entire hometown of Islashi, Neb. came out to celebrate Black Pearl’s victory. “Our community has always been really supportive of us and Black Pearl. They were so excited for us,” shared Julie. “We wanted to thank them so we rented a building and had an open bar and snacks. 115 people showed up (their town has 190).” As the breeders of Black Pearl, Steve and Julie received the ABBI Breeder of the Year award. “I still don’t think it has really sunk in. It is hard to explain how rewarding this is. When it happens you can’t really believe it,” said Julie. “To be Breeder of the Year has been a goal of ours for a long time, as was to have the Classic Champion,”

shared Steve, “this is unbelievable.” The ABBI Classic Finals long go was held in conjunction with the PBR’s Round Three of the Built Ford Tough World Finals on Nov. 1. This was the first year that PBR livestock director allowed an entire round to be comprised of nothing but ABBI Classic bulls—a testament to just how good the 3 and 4-year-old bulls are. From that field of 44, the top 20 advanced to the ABBI short go during the PBR’s Round Four on Nov. 5. Black Pearl won the long round with a 92.75. Black Pearl helped 2008 World Finals Event winner Robson Palermo to a round three victory after they teamed up for a ride that garnered the cowboy a 92.25 point score. “He has a huge heart,” said Steve of Black Pearl. “When a Brazilian gets on him and really pulls his rope, it seems like he tries harder.” Martinez’ 514 Top Notch took second in the round with a 90.75. 911 Ground Zero was third with a 90.25. In the short go, Black Pearl was again first with a 91. With a 90.75, Hebert’s 510 Red Bone was second. MO350 Bushwacker from Julio Moreno and Richard Oliveria was third with 90.25. Nearly $580,000 was paid out to the top 20 Classic bulls in Las Vegas. Reserve Champion Top Notch earned $100,000. Bushwacker finished third in the average for just under $35,000. Splitting fourth was H&D/Huff’s 507 Chick ‘N Fried and 510 Red Bone, each earning $23,330. 632 Copp Hou from Lightning C, who made his mark as a Futurity bull, advanced to the Classic Finals from the Wild Card by winning first and $50,000. Copp Hou finished in fifteenth overall and added another $7,000 to his career total. During the long round of the Classic Finals, Top Notch helped new PBR World Champion Kody Lostroh earn a 91. During the Classic short round, it was 4L & Diamond S Rodeo’s 569 Mission Accomplished who helped Lostroh to get it done—Lostroh earned a 90.25 and won the round on the Classic bull. Diamond S’ Mission Accomplished earned an additional $15,717 for being in the ABBI’s Breeders Trust Incentive program. His sire, Mission Pack, earned Trevor Walker $5,750 in incentive money.

Black Pearl was one of two Classic bulls in contention for PBR World Champion Bucking Bull and finished fourth in the PBR race. Black Pearl was also chosen by PBR Livestock Director Cody Lambert to buck in the PBR World Finals Championship Round on Nov. 8. PBR star J.B. Mauney rode Black Pearl in the Championship Round for 93.75 to cinch the event win and become the first man to ever cover eight bulls at the World Finals. “That was gravy,” shared Steve. “For J.B. to ride him to the highest scored ride of the Finals.” The other ABBI Classic bull in contention for World Champion Bucking Bull was D&H/Wiggins’ Crosswired, who Lambert also selected for the Championship Round. Crosswired was the 2008 ABBI Classic Champion and finished second overall for the 2009 regular season. Crosswired had a slip in the ABBI long go (which gave his cowboy a reride) where the ABBI judges gave him an 86.5—which was not enough to advance to the short go of ABBI competition. But Lambert was confident in the bull’s ability and Crosswired did not disappoint in the Championship Round. He dumped Caleb Sanderson in 1.5 seconds, ending the Florida cowboy’s hopes for Rookie of the Year honors. Crosswired finished fifth overall in the PBR’s World Champion Bucking Bull race. “I think it is just amazing that we have an organization like the ABBI who can pay out $250,000 to the winning bull and is able to showcase all of the member’s bulls like this. So a big thanks goes to the ABBI who made this all possible,” concluded Steve.

allen glanville. rider: elliott jacoby

514 Top Notch Martinez Bucking Bulls. 2nd place. ABBI Classic Finals, Las Vegas, NV.

...continued

allen glanville. rider: chris shivers

ABBI World Champion Classic Finals

13/6 Bushwacker owned by Julio Moreno Bucking Bulls. 3rd place 2009 ABBI Classic Finals, Las Vegas, NV.

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

Knowledge is Power!

by Sugar Kuhn

The caliber of the athletes that performed in Vegas during the ABBI competitions was truly remarkable this year, and breeders are seeking out cutting-edge information to try to keep up. An instrumental role of the ABBI is to provide opportunities for its members to stay ahead of the curve and maximize opportunities to better their programs. By learning about integral components such as nutrition and bovine health, breeders have a chance to improve their chances of being successful. The ABBI staff put much time and effort into its planned seminar event which was held on Saturday morning, October 31, at the South Point Hotel and Casino.

Ron Gordon of Qualitech

Adam Barkow

he third annual ABBI Educational Seminar opened with a presentation by Dr. David Imke from the Granbury Animal Clinic of Texas. Imke sits on the ABBI’s Veterinarian Advisory Board and spoke in detail about an important issue to breeders. His presentation was something any level of breeder should be interested in—mouthing of competition bulls. Steve Ravenscroft, ABBI Classic Breeder of the Year and

co-owner of World Champion Classic Bull Black Pearl, was one of many ABBI breeders who felt they could gain something by attending the seminar. “People that are new to the industry or those who haven’t been in the cattle business that long should have found this seminar really informative and helpful,” said Ravenscroft. “There are many necessary parts to a program, and these athletic type animals require more. Although much of the seminar contained information I think I am already aware of, I know that these vets and nutritional companies spend a lot of time, effort and money researching and gaining new knowledge. They are always seeing something new, and because of that, breeders of all levels should be taking advantage of any information that’s available to them. If you didn’t make it out this year, you should really make a point to attend the next one. If you walk away with one thing new, it was worth your time.” The presentation by Dr. Imke stressed the amount of time and effort that has been put into studying the current mouthing system and how the study has ultimately

November/December 2009

increased their confidence in the system. Many were surprised by the detailed information that Imke delivered during his presentation and what it means to this important process of competition eligibility. “We looked at 393 bulls from 20 different ranches,” reported Imke. “284 or 72.3% mouthed younger than their paperwork, 72 (18.3%) mouthed older and 37 or 9.4% mouthed exact. So, 81.7% of the bulls in this study mouthed younger or exact which means your chances of a bull mouthing younger are much greater than of a bull mouthing older.” This presentation was not only informative, but should put to rest many people’s uneasiness about its accuracy affecting eligibility. “The biggest thing that I took away from the ABBI seminar had to do with Dr. Imke’s presentation on mouthing,” explained Ravenscroft. “He has really researched it and put a lot of time into this issue. He really drove home the importance of having your bulls mouthed as soon as their paperwork allows. Getting your bulls mouthed as soon as they are 18 months on paper. I don’t want to do it any later than 24 months, since that seems to be the best way to prevent any issues with having bulls mouthed older than they may be. There is definitely a window there and breeders need to be taking advantage of the information Dr. Imke presented. When they are old enough, you better be mouthing them, and if you missed his presentation you might not fully understand how important timing is.” “The majority of bulls will mouth younger than their registered birth date,” said Imke in closing. “The age at the time of validation and sire correlations are much more likely to cause a bull to mouth older than nutritional factors or chart imperfections.” The seminar continued with a visually interesting presentation by Dr. Gary Warner, arguably the industry’s leading veterinarian when it comes to bucking bulls. His presentation centered around the injuries and health problems common to our industry. With many detailed slides of actual industry cases, Warner covered a host of common problems breeders either have faced or will face at some point in their programs. Warner talked in length about lameness and its role in sidelining performance. “The majority of issues that affect bucking performance are lameness related and of those, 70% can be traced to the foot. From the basic issues that occur in natural pasture type situations like hoof rot, or abcesses and even simple hoof over-growth, to wounds like punc-

www.bullpenmagazine.com

Knowledge is Power!

...continued

ture wounds or your more traumatic type of injuries like toe fractures, you always start with the hoof if you have a lameness issue.” Warner also elaborated on the success he’s had personally with long-bone fractures. “When it comes to fractures of the leg, we’ve had great success with long-bone fractures and have many bulls that make full recoveries, even going on to buck again. As long as the break is not through the skin and the owner doesn’t waste too much time getting a bull in, we are usually very optimistic about their recovery and future in these cases.” Warner also discussed some injuries that he finds to be more frustrating. “The most frustrating injuries for me are those that deal with the stifle, particularly when we have a bull break that growth plate. The biggest problem with this type of injury is trying to immobilize the region, because these bulls don’t want to be in one place.” “As far as Dr. Warner’s presentation,” Ravenscroft said, “the main point that came across to me is that breeders should be paying attention to hoof care and those feet. The feet are what it’s about. Breeders need to stay on top of their hoof maintenance with these high performance athletes. They really need to be trimmed every six to 12 weeks depending on their condition—just like you would a horse’s. If you see lameness, breeders should really be paying attention and calling their vet since these types of things can lead to career-ending issues. Without those feet, you don’t have much in the way of performance.” Perhaps the most educational part of the seminar was the final presentation by Ron Gordon of QualiTech, a premier provider of cutting-edge nutrition. “A lot of breeders know they should be implementing a mineral program, but for financial reasons don’t, or if they do they are not consistent and only add them into a ration at certain times of the year. Or they are feeding inorganic trace minerals which don’t have the efficiency or monetary value in the long run,” said Gordon at the onset of his presentation. Gordon explained how trace minerals are essential nutrients in the diets of all classes of cattle and that their intake and absorption are required for growth, bone development and density, a multitude of metabolic functions, immune system health and response, reproductive efficiency and health and enzyme function and structure. Additionally, trace minerals stimulate appetite and are the key to peak performance in a high-quality program such as those in the bucking bull industry. Gordon’s presentation covered the essential trace minerals that effect normal immune function and disease resistance. Zinc, Copper and Manganese play a large role in these areas. Selenium in addition to Zinc and Copper is mandatory in reproductive efficiency, according to Gordon. “These organic trace minerals have shown superior benefits when compared to the inorganic sulfates, oxides, carbonates and chlorides in universal trials,” noted Gordon. Organic minerals have a higher bioavailability (the extent to which a trace mineral enters an animal’s sys-

November/December 2009

tem and reaches a particular site of action) than inorganic substances, according to Gordon. He pointed out how organic nutrients are more easily digested and that they work longer than other micronutrients. More interesting still was his point that when antagonists are present, zinc in the organic form can have up to twice the bioavailability as inorganic zinc does—which allows a breeder to use less zinc all while getting greater nutritional results. He also explained that a deficiency of any of these organic trace minerals can compromise the efficiency of an organic mineral program. “Keeping the level of minerals in balance in every tissue, fluid cell and organ is fundamental to maintaining good health in both animals and humans. Balance of trace minerals can be challenging when antagonistic interactions happen between minerals. A high concentration of antagonistic elements decreases biological effectiveness of the trace minerals that they attack which inhibits absorption in the intestinal tract. Mitigating conflicts between minerals is important and Quali Tech nutritionists developed SQM which is an only organically complexed trace mineral. This advanced form of protected trace mineral uses our patented polysaccharide complexing biotechnology,” said Gordon. Gordon also explained that SQM is a process that bonds a trace mineral with a polysaccharide escort which ultimately protects the nutrients both physically and chemically until they arrive in the small intestine where they can be absorbed. While most nutritionists do not recommend organic minerals as a sole source of supplemental minerals, they have made an exception for SQM because when it is used at 100% inclusion, it offers both rumen stimulation and rumen bypass. “When it comes to Ron Gordon’s presentation about the importance of minerals, these are things many commercial cattlemen like myself understand,” added Ravenscroft. “Hopefully breeders who didn’t know or understand this were paying attention to his presentation and took advantage of the opportunity to ask him questions so they do understand it now. A breeder can eliminate a multitude of problems, especially in your young calves, by having a proper mineral program in place. I can tell you from personal experience that your mineral program is very important to your overall herd health and to the health of these competitive bulls. Breeders can eliminate about 90% of problems, especially in your calves like scours, endotoxemia and other immune system problems by implementing a good mineral program. Your mineral program is an important part of practicing good herd health management.” For breeders just getting into the business to established veterans like Ravenscroft, each year the ABBI seminar offers information that can benefit programs of all sizes. Imke, Warner and Gordon are all leaders in their field and—as evidenced by the crowd that would have been standing room only if more chairs hadn’t been brought in—more and more ABBI members are taking advantage of the opportunity in Las Vegas each year to learn from the best.

www.bullpenmagazine.com

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

BULL

RANK

by Allen Glanville

allen glanville

he ABBI held their fourth annual Wild Card event at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Oct. 29. Lightning C’s Copp Hou This was the first qualiwins the Wild Card. fier event held at the Finals. In past years, the format has changed every year. The first Wild Card drew 300 bulls and was bucked in a single day’s event; many called it the “Bull Marathon.” Last season, this event was held in four different locations. This season the Wild Card was added to the festivities held during the ABBI finals. The first year, many thought it would be easy to bring a good bull and walk away with the $50,000 offered to the winner. After seeing the quality of bulls, the contractors realized it was going to take a special bull to win, and the numbers have been lower ever since. After seeing great bulls that were bucked in competition bucked this season, it is exciting to see bulls that have been held from much of the competition all come together for a crapshoot with four bulls advancing to the regular ABBI Classic competition and a chance to win $250,000. In the past, many bulls have advanced from this Wild Card and finished in the top 10 in the Classic championship. Last season’s champion, Black Pearl, placed second. Showtime was third and Red Dirt Road placed fifth, all qualified from the Wild Card. The motto from the first Wild Card was, “No bull left behind.” and last season sure backed up the ABBI’s beliefs. This season the Wild Card drew 66 bulls and again there were better bulls showing up for this last-chance event. When you enter this event, you better have a bull you capable of winning the Finals. This year, Lightning C Cattle Co.’s 632 Copp Hou picked up right where he left off last season, when he was crowned the ABBI Futurity champion. 632 recorded a 90-point performance and won the top advancing spot, picking up the big $50,000 check. If you add up 632’s total earnings, he has won over $200,000 in his young career. 632 was the best Futurity bull the ABBI has seen since their start of Futurity competition. This season he is picking up at the same pace, only this time with a rider. If you watch him buck, it is with the same intensity he displayed with the bucking dummy and rarely have you seen a bull

November/December 2009

Copp Hou Bushwhacker Tiddy Kat Moon Moonshine TBB 6218 RFD-TV Twistoff Super Freak

9/10

Derailed

9/10 Iron Horse 10/11/12 44 Red Bull 10/11/12 62 Slider

OWNER

Lightning C Cattle Julio Moreno / Richard Oliveria Martinez / TM Bucking Bulls BRH Ranch & Gene Baker Teague Bucking Bulls Teague Bucking Bulls/RFD-TV Circle T Ranch & Rodeo Davis Rodeo Ranch & Canter Kenny & Paula Jack and Rick & Kellie Taylor Circle T Ranch & Rodeo Leffew, Isbell, Sweeney Plummer, Larson, McKee

SCORE

PAYOUT

90 89 88.50 87.75 87.50 87.50 87.50 87.25

$50,000

87 87 87.50 87.50

handle the rider like this bull has. 632 may be the first Triple Crown winner with the ABBI. Jerry Copp, 632’s owner, described his bull’s performance: “I sure feel blessed today with our bull winning. He hit the ground good and he is one great bull and we are sure proud of him. There were a lot of really good bulls here today and winning is sure special. I guess from here we will see just how special he is.” 632 was sired by Houdini and out of cow Copp B-84, Copp/Newman breeding. Second place went to Julio Moreno/Richard Oliveria’s MO 350 13/6 Bushwhacker with 89 points. Moreno remarked, “350 13/6 had a great day, but he is better than today and I hope he gets to show just how good he really is and wins the Classic Finals. He has only been bucked six times and is a 3-year-old, so he is just beginning to show how good he really is.” 350 13/6 was sired by Reindeer and is out of MO 110. Third went to Martinez/Richard Oliveria’s 522 Tiddy Kat with 88.5 and in fourth place was BRH Ranch & Gene Baker’s bull 61 Moon at 87.75. Baker gave this take on the Wild Card: “We were the sixth bull out today and I sweated watching all these good bulls bucking here. I sure feel great picking up the final spot in the Finals. Our bull 61 must be bi-polar because he has so many different trips, but today he was exciting.” It’s a shame that only four bulls advanced to the Finals because of the quality of bulls bucked in the Wild Card. One little bobble or the rider bucking off fast sent ABBI GM Andee many good bulls Lamoreaux presents home that sure could have added to the a check to Jerry Copp, competition in this year’s ABBI Classic center, and members of his family, following Finals. Copp Hou’s victory in There were only two bulls out of the the ABBI Wild Card. 66 that some judge didn’t mark at least 20 points or better, and one of these came out backwards and didn’t score well. These stats say volumes about this year’s crop of bulls entered in the exciting and unpredictable Wild Card event.

www.bullpenmagazine.com

allen glanville

ABBI Wild Card

1 2 3 4 5/6/7 5/6/7 5/6/7 8

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

2009

ABBI World Finals Sale

The South Point Showroom was packed with buyers for the awards banquet and sale.

n November 4, South Point Hotel and Casino welcomed over 500 people including bull riders, stock contractors and fans into the South Point Showroom for one of the most highly anticipated bucking bull sales of the season. The biggest stock contractors came together to offer the best genetics and some future superstars to make this a can’t-miss event. With only 23 coveted lots up for bid, and everything from futurity prospects to PBR stars currently on the Built Ford Tough Series, the poker tables held no interest for any serious breeders or fans while the 2009 ABBI Select Sale was in progress. Superior Livestock provided real-time internet access to the interested bidders who could not make it to Sin City. Auctioneer Justin McKee always brings a wealth of knowledge to the bucking bull industry and this sale was no exception. McKee’s excitement about the caliber of each lot and the potential of the young bulls being offered reverberated throughout the standing room only venue. Working with Justin were commentators Clint Adkins, Brandon Bates and PBR Livestock Director Cody Lambert. The anticipation grew as prospective bidders pored over the sale catalog—and with the list of consignors including Cindy Rosser, Gary Blythe, J.W. Hart, D&H Cattle Co., Russ Gant, Steve and Julie Ravenscroft, Jeff Robinson, and Tom Teague to name a few—the odds of owning a future superstar were far better than the odds at the craps table. This year ABBI Registry Manager, Zach Gunter went to great lengths to put together a diverse sale with everything from a Whitewater calf, consigned by Cindy Rosser,

November/December 2009

to a pair of calves sired by PBR Superstar Apollo, consigned by Jerry Lindley. Live breeding to a select group of PBR Superstars including Big Tex, consigned by Chad Berger and Clay Struve, and Bones, consigned by Tom Teague, generated a tremendous amount of interest among the serious breeders who knew the potential of producing a future PBR athlete with the right combination of genetics. The sale got off to a good start when Ken King of Box K Cattle, bought 4-year-old Depths of Despair for $17,500, consigned by Russ Gant and Kelly Orhood. Depths of Despair had a great year in the Classic competition, winning the North Platte ABBI Classic event and finishing in the ABBI Top 20. King was also the high bidder on Ferocious Beast, consigned by Cliff Wiggins. A pair of yearling bulls, offered by Jerry Lindley out of PBR Superstar Bull Apollo will also be added to the Box K Cattle Co. herd. King explained that although he owned Apollo, he wanted to get a head start on his offspring by purchasing yearlings so he’ll be able to compete at ABBI events sooner. Phillip Harrison took the opportunity to partner once again with 6-time PBR Contractor of the Year, D&H Cattle Co. on Red Hot for $55,000, the highest bid of the night. Red Hot was ridden by L.J. Jenkins at the BFTS event in Reno for a score of 89 points and this bull is eligible to compete as a classic bull in 2010 as a 4-year-old. Dillon and H.D. Page bet that S8, an exciting futurity prospect (sired by Sampson) who was the winner of the Archdale ABBI Futurity Event will continue to shine. D&H Cattle Co. also took the opportunity to add Loudamy 883, a full brother to PBR Finals Bull Zorro who retired this year

www.bullpenmagazine.com

andy watson

by Cindy Gotoski

allen glanville

live breeding opportunity with Black Pearl offered by 2009 at the World Finals. Loudamy 883, consigned by Kevin Breeders of the Year Steve and Julie Ravenscroft. To add Loudamy, is a yearling bull sired by Doo Dad and will be some new genetics to his already outstanding breeding eligible to buck in the futurity events in 2010. program, Walker also bid on a live breeding with PBR legStock Contractor of the Year Chad Berger will be addend Mudslinger, consigned by D&H Cattle Co. Mudslinger ing an exciting futurity prospect to his trailer with the is the 2006 PBR World Champion Bucking Bull with an purchase of Dr. Performance, sired by Dr. Hou and conaverage rider score of 91.32 points. signed by Mitch Terrell. Dr. Performance was the winner Jeff Robinson mixed things up this year and offered of the third ABBI Junior Futurity of the season in Sulphur a live breeding choice to one of three superstars on his Spring where he earned Trevor Terrell $10,000. Berger will trailer to the winning bidder. S. Jackson paid $5,000 for a also take home Paralyzer, an athletic 2-year-old sired by live cover opportunity with either Skyhawk Cut-A-Rug, Electric Avenue, consigned by Shane George. Mayor Payne or El Presidente. Jody South is rolling the dice on a partnership with J.W. The sale came to a close with Chad Berger and Clay Hart on a yearling bull who’s the full brother to PBR Short Struve consigning two straws of semen out of Big Tex, Round Bull Cat Man Do. Cat Man Do has been ridden 15 who was purchased from Brian Agnew at last year’s ABBI times with a score of over 90 points. “Cat Man Do is the best bull we’ve ever raised,” reiterated Hart before the Sale, Sale. Big Tex has a 95% career buck off rate and the average rider score is 91.25—making his “and this is the best calf I’ve got semen much sought after. this year. I’d never sell something The very last lots went to benefit I wasn’t proud of.” a great cause. Both Cody Ohl and Ken Trevor Walker of Walker BuckKing bought a Little Blue Bucking ing Stock took the opportunity Dummy with the proceeds going to to bid on two units of semen the USBBA Junior Futurity. from Code Blue, son of Sky King. The ABBI Select Sale generated an Code Blue has had 16 PBR outs impressive total of $191,250 and gave with an impressive 100% buck established and new breeders opoff percentage and went on to The ABBI’s Zach Gunter, PBR portunities to get genetics that just be crowned PBR 2009 World Announcer and breeder Justin McKee aren’t easily available on the market Champion Bucking Bull. Walker and PBR Livestock Director Cody today. also had the winning bid on a Lambert keep the sale rolling

West Coast Event— a Step in the Right Direction! Reno, Nevada September 12, 2009

bronte phillips

by Sugar Kuhn

Zach, Mabel, Tim & Leigh . Mann Creek Cattle Co.

t’s no secret West Coast breeders want more opportunities to showcase bulls from their breeding programs and on September 12 they were given the chance during the ABBI Futurity at the Lawlor Event Center in Reno, Nevada. Although there was some concern initially on whether the event would be able to pull the necessary entries, supportive breeders supplied 20 entries allowing the event to go on as planned. Success found itself into the lap of 22 Muddy Smile who came out the big winner after a super-successful 88 point out. 22 Muddy Smile is out of an XS ranch cow with Kish breeding. The win was something Mann Creek Cattle Co. had been waiting for. “He came from Randy Schmutz in a cow on a trade deal and we raised him from a calf. We still have his mother,” said Tim Roberts of Mann Creek. “This is his fourth trip. He turns back almost every time.

November/December 2009

Every now and then he gets a little too hot, but this was a pretty typical trip.” Mann Creek is a family operation, Robert’s mom Jewell Creigh and aunt Mabel Dobbs are also partners. And even though they are spread across the United States, all the family helps out. “It is fun and a family thing. We’ve been doing this for about 5 years now,” shared Creigh. “Tim used to fight bulls for about 12 years and knows all about the bloodlines and has taught me more about genetics than I could ever possibly know. Mabel’s daughter and son-inlaw take care of the cows and raise RANK

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BULL

22 Muddy Smile 8T Mr. Smith 7081 Apostle's Creed 14/7 Dew Drop 366 South Point R711 John Henry (Doc) Holliday 718 Screamin Eagle 975 Wild Child J7 Purple Rain 766 Oscars On Fire

www.bullpenmagazine.com

the babies.” Muddy Smile’s trip provided a 2.25 point cushion ahead of Nick Nuciforo’s 8T Mr. Smith who put up an 85.75 marking and snagged the second place finish. Ken McFetridge’s 708 Apostle’s Creed nipped at Mr. Smith’s heels with an 84 point out and the Perry Ranch’s 14/7 Dew Drop was fourth. Thor Hoefer, Mark Huffman & Mustang Ranch’s 366 South Point was fifth and Screamin Eagle from Rockin L7 Bucking Bulls was sixth. Cosca Brown Bucking Bulls found the seventh hole with 975 Wild Child and Purple Rain from Thieman Bucking Bulls was ninth. The girl power team of Katie Parker and Connie Morgan grabbed the tenth place finish with Oscars on Fire and Mann Creek Cattle Co. had another player with GR8 Slam in eleventh. The Reno Futurity event provided a needed opportunity for Mann Creek Cattle Co., Nick Nuciforo and Ken McFetridge who were able to get their bulls qualified for the Finals in Las Vegas because of this event. ABBI Official Judges were Scott Moore, Buddy Gulden, Chuck Lambert, Bill Pacheco, Allan Jordan and Jeff Shearer.

Success found itself into the lap of 22 Muddy Smile OWNER

Mann Creek Cattle Co. Nick Nuciforo Ken McFetridge Perry Ranch Hoefer/Huffman & Mustang Ranch Rockin L7 Bucking Bulls Holden Bucking Bulls Cosca-Brown Bucking Bulls Thieman Bucking Bulls Katie Parker/Connie Morgan

SCORE

PAYOUT

88.00 85.75 84.00 79.00 78.50 77.75 74.75 72.50 69.25 66.00

$3,204 $2,314 $1,424 $1,068 $890

Thank you Sponsors for your support of the

2009 Bull Pen Bash!

planet hollywood

Your participation and assistance made our 5th annual VIP event a true SUCCESS!

THE OFFICIAL TIRE OF THE PBR.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO COOPERTIRE.COM OR CALL 1.800.854.6288

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

Regular Season Race Comes Down to Reno Reno, Nevada September 12, 2009

by Susan Bedford

bronte phillips

SJR 250 Black Pearl

RANK

1 2

BULL

OWNER

Ravenscroft / Boyd-Floyd D&H Cattle Co. Jeff Robinson Bucking Bulls, Jeffrey 3 540 Scott Buckle Man Scott and Gary Blythe 4 10-5 Crosswired D&H Cattle Co. / Wiggins 5/6/7 37S Red Hot D&H Cattle Co. 5/6/7 427 Sooner Shaker D&H Cattle Co. 5/6/7 507 Chick ‘N Fried H & D Bucking Bulls / Huff 8 MO 350 13/6 Bushwhacker Julio Moreno / Richard Oliveria 9 3/5 Slim Domino Julio Moreno / McGaffery 10/11/12 L539 Over the Edge Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo 10/11/12 44 Red Bull Leffew, Isbell, Sweeney 10/11/12 62 Slider Plummer, Larson, McKee

250 Black Pearl W55 Real Moody

November/December 2009

SCORE

PAYOUT

92.50 90.50

$8,372 $4,784

90.25

$3,588

89.75 88.50 88.50 88.50 88.00 87.75 87.50 87.50 87.50

$2,990 $2,413 $2,143 $2,143 $1,495 $1,196 $349 $349 $349

www.bullpenmagazine.com

he most lucrative and prestigious ABBI event of the season takes place in Nevada. Heading into Las Vegas, 250 Black Pearl got his first taste of success in the Silver state by winning Reno and warming up for the main event the following month at the Thomas & Mack. The win was worth more than just the check he earned for Ravenscroft/Boyd-Floyd—Black Pearl was neck and neck with D&H’s Crosswired to be the high-money bull for the regular season. With over $470,000 paid out to Classic bulls, Black Pearl and Crosswired had won more than any other two animals in the industry and the title would be determined in Reno. Held during the Built Ford Tough Series event, the ABBI’s 3 and 4-year-old athletes matched up against the world’s best bull riders for the last regular-season Classic event. Black Pearl faced PBR Champion front runner Kody Lostroh , while Crosswired squared off against Brazilian Valdiron de Oliveira. Both bulls dumped their formidable opponents and all the cowboys—preparing for the upcoming World Finals where they would draft bulls—took notice. Black Pearl won by two points, his 92.5 beating out D&H’s W55 Real Moody’s 90.5 In third was Jeff Robinson, Jeffrey Scott and Gary Blythe’s 540 Buckle Man with 90.25 10-5 Crosswired, last year’s ABBI Classic Champion, was fourth with an 89.75. “We couldn’t ask for more!” said an enthusiastic Julie Ravenscroft. “To get another win—and at this last event of the regular season—was incredible.” Three bulls split fifth with 88.5 apiece: 37S Red Hot (D&H), 427 Sooner Shaker (D&H) and 507 Chick ‘N Fried (H&D Bucking Bulls/Huff). Julio Moreno’s California bulls took eighth and ninth. MO 350 Bushwacker (owned with Oliveira) and 3/5 Slim Domino (owned with McGaffery) were 88 and 87.75. Splitting the final paid spot with 87.5 were L539 Over the Edge from Lufkin, 44 Red Bull from Leffew/Isbell/Sweeney and 62 Slider from Plummer/Larson/McKee. Black Pearl’s 92.5 didn’t just clench the event win, his $8,372 paycheck also put him ahead of leader Crosswired to take the title of ABBI Year End Classic Champion. Pearl’s $60,110 at the end of Reno was less than $2,000 more than Crosswired—who won almost $3,000 in Reno but had to settle for second headed into Las Vegas.

View all video results at VBBInow.com

allen glanville

ucking bull competition has gone high tech. After five years of successful live ABBI events, Video Bucking Bull Inc. (VBBI) Series was launched this season. This exciting new format allowed breeders anywhere in the world to videotape Sean Scalco their Futurity bulls and enter them in the online competition. After two regular season events, where breeders were able to get their feet wet (not to mention getting up to speed with their video cameras and internet), the VBBI held their Fall Spectacular Event. With $10,000 extra prize money added, the entry forms were flying. This event drew many who had never even thought about this type of event before. With 110 entries all wanting some of this big money, it really got a big number of stock contractors and bucking bull breeders involved in this new format of competition. It only took $300 to enter to have a chance at winning over $8,000. This event became the fourth largest ABBI Futurity of the 2009 season and all indicators are that internet competitions will only become more and more popular. Contestants were scrambling to get their 2-year-old bulls videoed, as many had never entered an online futurity before. The VBBI decided to let videos, from events held earlier that month, be allowed for this competition, so those who had already participated in earlier season events could submit new video and enter again with the same videoed performance. Bull Rafter 7r 227 Who’s Your Momma owned by Sean Scalco had the total package needed to win the big event. His combined strong score of 89.465 propelled him to first place and Scalco picked up a fat check for $8,180 for his four seconds of videoed work. 227 was so good he outscored his nearest competitor by almost four points. Just a year ago it’d be hard to believe a bull could win that much money in competition by never leaving his own ranch! This event has radically changed the way people are going to buck their futurity bulls. When you think about not needing to haul your bull to an event and all the stress that goes into competing, it’s a no-brainer to see the advantages-no fuel, food or motel costs. “I just knew 227 was going to be special right from the start and he sure has turned out spectacular,” remarked Scalco. “I can’t tell you all the calls I have had congratulating me since winning this video event, it sure makes you feel good about the sport. We actually bred 227 this season, so when he is 5 his offspring will be bucking. We purchased 227 from the Roach’s as a weanling and he was

227 Who’s Your Momma, owned by Sean Scalco.

by Allen Glanville allen glanville

VBBI Fall Spectacular

sired by Chaos out of a Smartellic daughter. “Royce actually named the bull because when we were loading him he was real hot and Royce said ‘who the heck is his mother?’ The reason we have not hauled 227 much this season is all we were really interested in was getting him qualified for the ABBI Futurity Finals. Getting to Las Vegas and getting a chance at winning $100,000 is what it’s really all about.” The Fall Spectacular Event reserve champion was D&H Cattle Co.’s 83T Lil Squirt with 84.370, third was Circle T 723 (owned by Shirley Talley) with 84.269. Fourth was David Simpson’s 7215 Pure Poison with an 83.553 and in fifth was Bryan Smith’s 734 Plum Nuts with an 83.402. After winning two VBBI events, Scalco is a big believer in this form of competition. “We won two of these events this season and everyone knows that bulls buck better at home,” shared Scalco. “When you think of the cost and how much you save it just makes sense. These VBBI events are cheap to enter and the money goes right in the bank. Just think spend $300 to enter and get a chance at winning $8,000 how can you do better than that?” Now that he is familiar with the routine and requirements involved with video competitions, Scalco doesn’t really see any downside, even for breeders new to the sport.“I think the people who are thinking about entering should just do it. This type of event is just not that hard to do and it sure is worth everything- just keeping your bull calm is huge. The biggest problem I see is people videoing the bull either too close or too far away but once you get the hang of it it’s easy,” assured Scalco. “One thing we do is video the bull from two different angles, then choose the best one to enter. We sure like the video events and have had some great success this season. We are looking forward to next season because of the success it had this season. Just look at the contractors who entered this big event - D&H Cattle, Boyd-Floyd Bull Co, Ravenscroft, Diamond S and Trevor Walker. All the big players in this sport participated in the Fall Spectacular.” As VBBI keeps growing, it looks like many 2-year-old bulls will get to spend less time on the trucks and more time in the RANK ID # BULL OWNER SCORE pastures 1 227 227 Who’s Your Momma Sean Scalco 89.465 - all while 2 83T Page 83T D&H Cattle Co. 84.370 winning 3 723 CIRCLE T 723 Shirley K Talley 84.269 a lot of 4 Pure Poison David Simpson 83.553 moo-lah 5 Plumb Nuts Bryan Smith 83.402 for their 6 78 Poker Face 78 Sean Scalco 83.387 owners. 7 701 701 Trevor Walker 83.222 8 9 10

77 669 701

PAGE 77 FLOYD 669 CIRCLE T 701

D&H Cattle Co. Toby Floyd Shirley K Talley

82.937 81.985 81.826

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

ABBI Futurity, 4C’s Ranch Stephenville, Texas September 19, 2009

allen glanville

Flank man Ricky Carpenter and Shane George owner of Shakey Waters.

by Allen Glanville

“We are happy as can be because 705 has been a great bull right from the start and is one truly athletic bull.” —Shane George

allen glanville

ilbert and Julie Carrillo of 4C’s completed their summer series futurity at their facility located in Stephenville, Texas. Twenty-nine bulls competed in this do or die qualification for the ABBI futurity finals to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The competition was tough because the top three bulls were separated by just half a point. The four second event makes it where any slight bobble of your bull will send him to the bottom of the standings quickly. Show Sports Bucking Bulls 705 Shakey Watters put together the right combination scoring 86.25 points and collecting a check for $3,674—not bad for four seconds of work. 705 had the kick and extension plus the turn back needed to outscore the field. 705’s owner, Shane George took us through his thoughts, “We are happy as can be because 705 has been a great bull right from the start and is one truly athletic bull. 705 turns back really quickly and does it so fast he actually kicks the pen. The last time we bucked him here he kicked the pen three times and cost us dearly. Ricky Carpenter flanks our bull and has helped us all season. 705 was sired by Blues Man a Bodacious son and out of a Rough Water cow. Second place went to Show Sports Bucking Bulls’ 727 Paralyzer with 86.0, third was Anderson Bucking Bulls 80 7R80 with 85.75, forth went to Whitehead/Tilley’s S8 with 84.25 and fifth was 72 Wild One owned by Carylon Mock with 84.0. Two of our top contenders 710 Little White Out, Cody Ohl/ Shonda Tillman & 364 Time Bandit, Ravenscroft/ Boyd-Floyd finished sixth and seventh, 710 with 82.75 and 364 at 81.75, you just never know what these youngsters will do. We sure have enjoyed watching these bulls all season and seeing them as they grow and mature. With these bulls it is anybodies guess who will win, but you can bet there will some really good bulls when we get to Vegas.

705 Shakey Waters owned by Show Sports Bucking Bulls. ABBI futurity champion 4C’s S’ville, Texas.

RANK

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9/10 9/10

BULL

Shakey Waters Paralyzer 7R80 S8 Wild One Little White Out Time Bandit Circle T 723 JF 7-2 Firestorm

OWNER

Show Sports Bucking Bulls Show Sports Bucking Bulls Anderson Bucking Bulls Whitehead / Tilley Carylon Mock Cody Ohl / Shonda Tillman Ravenscroft / Boyd-Floyd Circle T Ranch & Rodeo John Fry 4C's / Hayes

SCORE

PAYOUT

86.25 86 85.75 84.25 84 82.75 81.75 79.25 78.50 78.50

$3,674 $2,489 $1,896 $1,304 $948 $830 $711

For up-to-date Classic rankings visit americanbuckingbull.com

November/December 2009

www.bullpenmagazine.com

ABBI Junior Futurity Sulphur Springs, Texas August 22, 2009

Darrel Barron along with Jennifer White congratulate Trevor Terrell for his bull 718 Dr Performance winning the ABBI Jr Futurity, Sulphur Springs, Texas.

allen glanville

his season Donny Gowin, Jay Waddle and Jim McLain decided to add an ABBI Junior Futurity to their already packed weekend during their ABBI Classic in Sulphur Springs, Texas. This futurity was the third junior event of the 09 season. Seventeen bulls were entered for this event and after watching these bulls bucks these kids were serious about their program. Just watching the excitement and enthusiasm displayed before the event is something special. With the parents instructions and the directors giving the rules you could just feel the nervousness but once the event was started these kids performed like pros. After watching the youngsters you could tell the parents were more excited than their kids. One such group led by Aaron Halpin, his dad and grandpa all were seen cheering their bull Bucking Nightmare as he bucked. Aaron was holding each side of his hat and his eyes were big as saucers. Bull 718 Dr Performance owned by Trevor Terrell scored 87.25 points and claimed the $10,000 dollar check. 718’s quickness and kick were enough to impress the judges and out score the field. Terrell explained about his bull, “718 really bucked and this was a tough event that any of the top four bulls could have easily won. 718 was sired by Dr Hou and out of a Marvin Nixon cow. It’s phenomal the way the ABBI breeders have stepped up to help us, just look what the producers did providing heifers to all the top placers today.” Trevor wanted to stop his friend Rex Samford’s streak because Samford had won the first two junior events this season. Trevor added, “It was time for someone to win besides Rex because he was getting rich but no, we are friends and want each other to do well and I just did beat him out of first by half a point. Today I have the bragging rights.” Second and third were split between 719 Widow Maker, Matt Jack & 24 Ice Cream Paint Job, Rex Samford each with

allen glanville

718 Dr Performance, Sulphur Springs, Texas

by Allen Glanville

86.75. Forth went to Aaron Ryan Halpin and his 10 Bucking Nightmare 83.5, fifth was 707 4LCC Hells Done Popped Garrett Lemons/4L Cattle CO. 82.25 and sixth went to Page 74T Cash Roberts with 80.25. Watching these Junior Futuritys has been rewarding seeing the youth learning the skills needed to raise and buck their bulls. One youth Matt Jack has seen the whole circle of these events. His first event last season he finished dead last, then it was placing third from the bottom but he kept coming and competing finally he finished tied for second and receiving a heifer. Jack explained, “I have had fun at these events and know the down side but today I know the up side.” Jacks plans include attending Veterinarian School after his high school graduation. Jay Weddle, Donny Gowin, Kent Cox, Brent Bullard and Jim McLain all went the extra mile giving the top placers a heifer to go with their winnings adding a smile to each recipient. Toby Floyd helps produce the junior events and always takes the time to talk with the kids and give them the information needed to buck their bulls, “This is so rewarding working with these kids and I truly enjoy every minute of it all,” remarked Floyd. RANK

ID #

1 2/3 2/3 4

718 24 719 10

707

74T

728

8/9

011

8/9 10

777 T78

BULL

Dr. Performance Ice Cream Paint Job Widow Maker Bucking Nightmare

OWNER

Trevor Terrell Rex Samford Matt Jack Aaron Ryan Halpain Garrett Lemons / 4L Cattle 4LCC Hells Done Popped Co. PAGE 74T Cash Roberts / D&H Cattle Megan Walker / Walker 728 Bucking Stock Breeders Callie Brighton / Diamond Fearless Fred T Ranch Misery Business Beka Jo Williamson PAGE T78 Bailey Buck / D&H Cattle

RND 1

PAYOUT

87.25 86.75 86.75 83.50

$10,000 $908 $908 $560

82.25

$459

80.25

$408

70.00 67.50 67.50 61.50

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

Homestead Genetics Fall Production Sale Fort Worth, Texas October 3, 2009

allen glanville

by Allen Glanville

Bidders calls being taken during the Homestead Genetics Sale, Ft Worth, Texas.

omestead Genetics, Gene Baker held his fifth Annual Production Sale at the Superior Productions office located in the historic Livestock Exchange building located in the Ft. Worth Texas Stockyards. Baker decided to go with a studio and video auction shown on live RFD-TV. Baker explained his thoughts, “It just cost so much to get a sale done in an arena today, I thought I would try to do one like this and see just how much I could save.” When you do a live sale you must rent a facility, move your cattle and with all the other cost this might be the way to go. This season we have seen two other sales done this way with good results. Homestead Genetics has their ace in the hole with their great bull Houdini, who has become the number one Legendary sire of the bucking bull industry. When talking cattle, just mention Houdini’s name and you have everyone’s attention. Auctioneer Bruce McCarty handled the gavel while Gene Baker explained the pedigrees as Superior Livestock manned the phone lines and RFD-TV telecast the videos. With that said, Baker had his sale loaded with Houdini’s genetics and the phone lines lit up with buyers wanting his cattle. 83 lots were offered and Baker had the diversity of bloodlines to grab anyone’s attention. In today’s market you must have the bloodlines that are proven and make them as good as possible, because it’s a buyers mar-

November/December 2009

ket. The buyers can pick and choose what they desire and with so many sales this year they had some good choices to pick from. Eighty lots were sold and grossed $169,650 averaging $2,121 per head. 37 heifers averaged $1,700 with lot 2, Playboy daughter out of a Smoking Joe cow brought $7,500. 14 weanling bulls averaged $1,629, with lot 60 Houdini over cow 7011 Lori bringing $2,850. 11, yearling bulls averaged $1,541 with lot’s 33 & 37 each bringing $2,000 each. 11 two year old bulls averaged $3,391 with lot 67 Dr Hou out of cow Nixon 22 brought $9,500. 7 older bulls averaged $2,029 with lot 14 bringing $2,700. Gene Baker summed up his sale, “I was really pleased with everything, a little disappointed with what the heifers brought but received more than expected with the bulls. This was our fifth annual sale and we are starting to get things right. The market is soft but the better cattle are still holding well and Houdini’s bloodlines are still selling. As you already know it takes a special bucking bull to bring top dollar in today’s market and Jerry Nelson paid $15,000 for lot 72 today. With this sale being done in a studio it did loose some of the feeling of a sale but with eleven people answering the phone lines there was plenty of bidding. With the economy like it is people are looking for ways to save money and this is one more way to achieve this.

www.bullpenmagazine.com

Big Tex would like to extend a great discount to all ABBI members and PBR riders, stock contractors and bull owners. All you have to do in an e-mail or phone call is mention â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tough As A Texas Longhornâ&#x20AC;? for your special discount.

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

Frontier Rodeo Co. Production Sale Randy Schmutz & Joe Don Pogue

Elkhart, Texas September 19, 2009

by Allen Glanville

allen glanville photos

Vernon Guidry and Jerry Nelson before the Mega Genetics Sale, Orchard, Texas.

rontier Rodeo Company, Jerry Nelson, Jimmy Ray and Looks West Productions held their first annual sale in Elkhart, Texas. This sale was the first time buyers could purchase genetics from twelve years of Nelson’s breeding program. Anyone who has been to a bull riding has either seen or heard of bulls that Nelson has owned or raised. Bulls like Big Bucks, Sky King, Locomotive Breath, Knock Em Out John the list is way too long and this sale provided cattle bred by these great bulls. This sale was giving the experienced and new breeders a jump start for producing great bulls. 190 lots were sold grossing $222,325 for an average $1,195.

thought they were better than they brought. The better bred cattle brought good prices like they should have. The old days of someone paying $10,000 for a good producing cow are gone but even back then it was too good to be true. I have built my business to buck cattle and we will produce forty five events next season, we provide a place to buck bulls and create jobs for this industry. I can’t count the calls I get from people wanting to buck their bulls because they have no where to buck them. Last week at our event in Belton, Texas I could have had 100 bulls if I wanted. Our success at this sale was because I have the genetics you can’t find just anywhere, we have the semen from Sky King and it is hard to come by.

This sale was the first time buyers could purchase genetics from twelve years of Nelson’s breeding program. Anyone who has been to a bull riding has either seen or heard of bulls that Nelson has owned or raised. Seven Embryo Heifers averaged $3,207 and the high selling lot was a full sister to Leprechaun sold for $4,450. Three weanling bulls averaged $2,866 top lots were sired by BA and out of a Sky King cow and sired by Scene of the Crash out of Nelson breeding each brought $3,100 each. The cows averaged $1,764 with top lot being sired by Sky King out of JJ-044 bred to Sudden Impact, $4,150. The remaining cows averaged $650. Jerry Nelson had this to say, “I thought the sale was good, could have been better, I held 20 lots because I

November/December 2009

Randy Schmutz (Looks West Productions) added, “Looks West Productions was pleased to have been involved in the Frontier Rodeo Sale. The good cattle with top pedigrees sold well and a lot of people were able to buy cattle at a reasonable amount and the buyers were pleased. Our market is still strong but you need to have the right cattle and expose them to the right buyers.” With all the sales this year and seeing the better cattle still bring decent prices only backs up our belief that customers are still buying what they want.

www.bullpenmagazine.com

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

Bucks by Design Mega Genetics Bucking Stock Sale Orchard, Texas September 25, 26, 2009

by Allen Glanville

allen glanville

Crowd At Mega Genetics Sale, Orchard, Texas.

ucks by Design held their seventh annual Mega Genetics Sale at their facility located in Orchard, Texas.186 lots were offered over the two day sale. Friday night the high end bred heifers and selected cowcalves were offered. Saturday was the bull sale with all the horse power imaginable. Cattle bred to Big Bucks, More Bucks, Scene of the Crash, Blizzard, Wild Fire, Houdini and Avalanche and the buyers were excited about purchasing their off spring. Friday night after check in there was a complimentary dinner sponsored by Precise Genetics followed by the Mega female sale. The turnout was good and the superior phone was kept busy. Saturday was started with an Invitational futurity with $10,000 dollars added. This futurity was limited to bulls purchased from last year’s sale. Not only were the bulls competing for the prize money but also the winning bull receives the Mega-Match which matches the amount originally paid for the bull. New Yorker John Vinchot’s 84F Studley won this year’s event winning $3,530 plus $3,500 the purchase price making his check worth $7,030. Following the futurity, breakfast was provided again by Precise Genetics. Billy Jaynes held a seminar on judging a futurity and went through each category required and then explained the Million Dollar Futurity and the Triple Horn Futurity. At 11:00AM the Mega Male Sale started and at noon lunch was catered to each person as the sale was in progress. Joe Don Pogue handled the gavel while Billy Jaynes explained the pedigrees and the turnout was exceptional. Superior Productions handled the phone lines while RFDTV carried the telecast. It was a hot and humid day but nothing compared to the bidding on the better bred cattle with Pogue’s gavel smoking and the phone lines jumping. Nothing is more exciting than watching people in a hot bidding war and there was plenty of this going on. The sale grossed $511,925 and with 186 lots sold aver-

November/December 2009

aging $2,752 and with this economy the sale was a huge success. There were sixty six bulls offered averaging $3,473 with lot S32, 645-8 Swagger sired by 1M1 Mighty Tricky/Houdini, sold for $40,000. Twenty two bred females averaged $2,357 and the high selling lot was S109, M701 sired by Big Bucks out of a Whitewater cow and bred to More Bucks sold for $6,100. Sixty one 2009 calves averaged $2,229; Thirty eight open females brought an average $2,079. Top selling semen was 13 straws of Little Yellow Jacket and sold for $7,300. Joe Don Pogue gave his take on the sale, “I sure enjoy selling top genetics and all the action they bring, there were some nice cattle offered here.” Tom Peterson remarked, “I sold cattle this year and it’s the first time I have returned home with a check instead of cattle.” Peterson sold a bull calf, Lot S5, 92T for $18,500 to Jerry Nelson. Billy Jaynes summed up his sale, “I think the results speak for their self because there are still people interested in our industry. We strive to Phillip and Ima Jean Harrison. do more than sell people an animal. We become their partner in many circumstances because we want them to know we are interested in teaching them about the industry and giving them knowledge that will help them to make better decisions as they become more involved. Our success is dependent upon long term relationships and we fully understand that and work hard to maintain good relationships with our customers.” Clint Wade, Marketing Manager added, “We do a high volume of marketing, we advertise many places that many outside the industry never see. We have fun with our customers; we not only provide them with an avenue to be a bull owner but also provide them an atmosphere that is unparallel in the business. We are here to continue to educate our customers and offer services to encourage them and allow them to have fun.” When you attend one of the Mega Genetics Sales, you get to see a little of everything and meet some really nice people but the main thing is they make it fun.

www.bullpenmagazine.com

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

Who's Your Daddy? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Vegas Style! photos by Allen Glanville

Genetics have never been more important to the bucking bull industry. Breeders are paying more attention than ever to the genetic combinations that are yielding world champion caliber offspring. The recently exalted individuals from the 2009 season boast some very influential "Daddies" in their parentage. There are sires and genetic lines that repeat when looking at pedigrees from the individuals that pulled premier titles while in Vegas. ABBI World Champion Futurity Bull U-7042 Pure Smoke, owned by Cody Ohl/Ken and Tex Beshears is the youngest of the Vegas victors. His intensity was unmatched in each of the two rounds which left many more than curious about his genetic make-up. This crafty juvenile was bred by Scott Accomazzo of the Ace of Spades Ranch and is a son of Hargis' 54 Up in Smoke and a Monsoon daughter, 3/T 4042. 3/T 4042 is also a maternal great-grand-daughter of the notorious Bodacious. This brown and white wonder-bull wowed spectators and judges in Las Vegas with moves that breeders often only dream about. With fever and feisty flare, Pure Smoke executing every move required of a top-end futurity star. U-7042 may not bear his Daddy's coal black coat color but definitely latched onto the intensity and fire that his Daddy is known for. 54 Up in Smoke is the product of a mating between Bailey's 55 Gunslinger and a 315 Panhandle Slim daughter. Up in Smoke captured more attention for his heated and unruly disposition than anything else during his

Pure Smoke

November/December 2009

www.bullpenmagazine.com

career. While his career is not as decorated as one might expect, his sire-power is making waves in more programs that just that of Accomazzo's or Ohl's. 54 Up in Smoke is one Daddy that is proving to be one of the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sires to really pay attention to. ABBI Wild Card Champion Bull 632 Copp Hou, owned and bred by Lightning C Cattle Co., is one of the more thrifty 3-year-olds around. He's gathered more awards in his short two year career than most bulls gather their entire lives. Jerry Copp and Britt Bockius are the proud owners of this talented and hearty bovine who came to Vegas already wearing a World Championship. He handily pulled his own ABBI Futurity World Championship in 2008 and nabbed another title when the 2009 Wild Card contest concluded. This strong, stealthy bull beat out many bulls a full year older and did it by a full point. Besides being a competent contender, this handy bovine boasts arguably the most accomplished Daddy in the industry when it comes to money earning offspring. His Daddy is legendary super-sire 329 Houdini, a son of the infamous 161 White Sports Coat, and out of one of the industry's most respected dams, CP 6. Copp Hou's Daddy is well-known for producing when crossed over practically anything, but in 632's case the successful mating occurred by crossing 329 over dam Copp B-84, a female

Copp Hou

product of Copp and Newman Breeding. Copp Hou clearly took after his Daddy in the performance category and is proving to be a rugged individual who like his father should be around to gather more credence for the Houdini line. ABBI World Champion and Year End Champion Classic Bull 250 Black Pearl, bred by Steve and Julie Ravenscroft and co-owned with Boyd-Floyd Bull Co., is the season's biggest and most bonafide success story. Over his accomplished four-year campaign, the brazen black powerhouse has accumulated over $600,000 in earnings. A product of the Nebraska Sandhills, the heavy-hitter first turned heads on the futurity scene after winning the 2007 Breeders Cup. He started really building steam through last year's Wild Card competition. He walked away the 2008 Classic Reserve World Champ and spent the 2009 season gathering enough big wins to nab the Year-End Classic Title. The big-dippin' bucker didn't stop until he rolled out of Sin City with the 2009 Classic World Title. Black Pearl's champion status is definitely no accident since his pedigree is a well-crafted plan on paper. He, too, answers the "Who's Your Daddy?" call with the likes of 329 Houdini, but this time his momma's Daddy 97 Whitewater Skoal provides the ultimate out-cross. Proof that Black Pearl's maternal grandfather Whitewater packs a powerful, pedigree punch lays with the success of his half brother, 364 Time Bandit, the 2009 Reserve Champion Futurity Year-End winner and 16th place finisher overall in Las Vegas. When considering Black Pearl's genetics, the newly crowned Classic World Champ double dips when it comes to two of the industry's most accomplished supersires, Houdini and Whitewater Skoal. 2009 PBR Bucking Bull of the Year 644 Code Blue had to perform till the bitter end before many gave him his due. But the respect was worth the wait for owners Rick Wagoner, Jimmy Walton, Chad Berger and Clay Struve. This big and bucky beast sewed up the World Champion title before the final round could finish. With tons of talent and the ability to buck by feel, Code Blue left Vegas not only a World Champion, but an un-ridden one to boot. Code Blue's original breeders, Dr. Robert and Paula Platner, laid out a finely tuned plan when they bred this heavy-hitter. The brawny bovine boasts a Daddy that many are scrambling forâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;240 Sky King, who also totes a top Daddy of his own, the history-writing 624 Wolfman. Code Blue shares blood with big-timers like the late great Apollo and Brown and Kile's gritty, gray Cloud King. If Wagoner and Walton's blond-bomber stays true to his Daddy roots, this 5-year-old should have many an out remaining. If he can stay healthy and happy with his job, Code Blue could be a repeat customer in the World Champ race for years to come. As the newly crowned Champ continues his reign during the 2010 season, all eyes will be watching to see if he can launch his Daddy into super-sire status.

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

Industry Expert

Junior Breeder Brandon Stewart

Brandon Stewart with Clayton’s Pet

hen you’ve impressed some of the TOP bucking bull breeders in the country, you know you’re in the right career. Even more spectacular: getting noticed in the crowd as a bucking young eighth-grader. Most amazing however, about junior breeder Brandon Stewart, is his modesty yet unbridled enthusiasm to grow the business. And at age 13, it’s already his business to know the business. Consider this: on his school lunch hour, Brandon sells bucking bull semen; carefully taking the time to respond to each of his business e-mails. At Brandon’s small junior high school near Stephenville, Texas, his father is actually his science teacher. So, when fellow classmates at Iredell Junior High head to the cafeteria, Brandon shuts the door to his dad’s empty classroom, and masterfully brokers bull semen. “I love the bucking bull industry, so when lunch time comes, I think more about the bulls than food,” piped up the middle schooler, explaining, “sometimes you can’t get a hold of people after 5pm when their business closes, so in order to release their bull semen, I need to e-mail them on my lunch hour.” Brandon sure does his homework. Incredibly focused, this creative

November/December 2009

young breeder canvasses the most elite breeders, and despite being 13; Brandon is not just out of the gate. He’s equipped with his own herd of 29 bucking bulls and cows. Even his father is astounded by Brandon’s savvy.

“I was impressed by Brandon’s knowledge of, not only our breeding, but he’s pretty knowledgeable about the whole industry. I don’t see any reason he can’t go as far as he wants to. He’s pretty outgoing, and is going to be quite a salesman.” —H.D. Page, D&H Cattle Co. “He’s just got a way of making deals, and enjoys it. He’s sold some of my cows,” Ken Stewart relayed. “Sometimes when people call to make a deal with him, I’ve got to tell them, hey sorry – he’s at school. From the time he comes home ‘til he goes to bed, he has a phone next to his ear. People ask things like ‘what does

www.bullpenmagazine.com

allen glanville

photo courtesy of www.littlestewssemensales.com

Reindeer’s semen go for?” Ken said. The eighth-grader’s main goal is to concentrate on the D&H Program. “One day I want to have a truckload of bulls the caliber of D&H stock to take down the road, and call my program, ‘The Deepest Page Genetics South of the Red River.’ ” The compliment was warmly received by D&H co-owners H.D. Page and his father Dillon Page; six-time PBR Stock Contractors of the Year. H.D. responded generously. “I’ve talked with Brandon on the phone a few times, and met him in-person,” H.D. told Bull Pen. “I was impressed by Brandon’s knowledge of, not only our breeding, but he’s pretty knowledgeable about the whole industry. I don’t see any reason he can’t go as far as he wants to. He’s pretty outgoing, and is going to be quite a salesman.” “Wow!”….was Brandon’s response, when he heard what H.D. said. Brandon’s dad agreed. “It’s neat that people like H.D. and Dillon treat him with respect, and not just as a kid, and I appreciate that people have made him feel such a part of it.” Often called “Cowboy Capital of the World,” and known for its agriculture industry, Stephenville, TX. is 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth, TX. “And so, I make a point that, when there’s a sale or futurity and these people are going to be in

Industry Expert: Junior Breeder Brandon Stewart

...continued

Flirtin’ with Disaster

town, that Brandon gets their cell phone number, and goes and meets them in-person,” his father added. The teen’s business acumen has added up. “Brandon asked some of the top PBR stock contractors if he could broker bucking bull semen for them, and get 10%. So, for a $1,000 straw, he got $100.00.” Brandon’s dad noted. Brandon has sold some semen from bulls owned by 2007-2008 PBR Stock Contractor of the Year Chad Berger. Brandon has also “gone international;” helping broker bull semen sales to Australia and Canada. At age 11, Brandon teamed-up with Travis Eckroth; a choice breeder uniquely qualified in international semen brokering. Travis told Bull Pen, Brandon has been helping him advertise and sell semen from Mud Flap, and a bull in Canada; a half brother to Cochise. Due to strict quarantine regulations and blood testing, only a handful of bulls produce exportable semen.

Travis is one of the few involved. Brandon’s own herd includes a Hotel California son out of a Mossy Oak Mudslinger daughter. Other bloodlines: Panhandle Slim, Rough Water, Super Dave, Sports Machine, Copperhead, Houdini, Red Rocker, Backlash, Larry The Cable Guy and Strawberry Wine. Brandon’s favorite is 5-time PBR Finals and NFR Finals bucking bull Clayton’s Pet. Brandon’s parents Ken and Sheila Stewart were in the dairy business for almost two decades. Ken began his bucking bull career in 2003; breeding five cows to a neighbor’s bull. Ken started reading The Breeders Connection, and Brandon was right on his heels; becoming an insatiable reader. Brandon’s two brothers, 16-year old Blake and Bradley, 7 also have cows. Brandon placed 11th at his last futurity; the NBBA Finals in September. Then, on the last day of the futurity season, Brandon bought a futurity

bull for next year, from breeder Scott Accomazzo. Brandon enjoys hunting and fishing, but lately he hunts mostly for bull deals on the internet, and maintains his semen sales website, Little Stews Semen Sales www.littlestewssemensales.com. “I also like to design professional websites, and help people,” Brandon said. So, what’s a 13-year old to do in a recession? He’s finishing eighth grade. And, inspiring others. The teen has a powerful greeting on his website:

1st Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

August 22, 2009. Sulphur Springs, Texas. I like this shot because it not only shows the intensity of the bull but the try of the rider. When you look at the background you see different looks from the people on the chutes, some watching the bull while others are watching the rider. Bull is 12 Pale Rider and rider is Skeeter Kingsolver. Hope you like my shot.

November/December 2009

www.bullpenmagazine.com

Rogers Animal Hospital Our facility is equipped to handle and treat bucking bulls. We have large hospital pens and a new W-W Super Pro Hydraulic Chute. Ricky Rogers, DVM 1246 N Business 45, Corsicana, TX 75110 903-872-6655

www.rogersanimalhospital.com www.texascattleconsulting.com

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

Creative Medicine

very now and again even the creative have to diverge from their normal style of doing things. We veterinarians, as a general rule, are not thought to be creative people in a general sense, as we would be writers or painters or such if we were. But, every now and again it is fun to look at things from a different perspective. Although the original idea to write a piece from an animal’s perspective is not mine, I thought it would be fun to describe the case concerning 319 of Boyd and Floyd Bucking Bulls from the bull’s perspective. I am a long way from being a bull whisperer, but after 30 years of practice I do like to think I can understand the way they may feel from time to time.

Cool picture of my broken leg! photos courtesy of elgin veterinary hospital

The Case of Injury

i, I am 319 of the Boyd and Floyd bull string. I am one of the young guys who they are developing to be a super star, or at least that is what I like to think of myself. I will get there too, at least after I get over this little injury I got myself into. See, I had an out the other night Me.. and stepped wrong out of the chute asleep getting as I made this really tight spin to the fixed left with a little dip of the head, what I thought was a cool move, when I felt something snap in my left elbow. Boy, nothing has ever hurt like that, not even when I caught my foot in the squeeze chute trying to kick Toby after he gave me a vaccination. Anyway, I limped back to the de-rigging chute and on back to my pen. I kind of sorted myself off from the rest of the guys, because I didn’t feel like bumming around and high fiveing and all. Anyway, I had to really work at getting to the trailer after the event, because my leg was so dang sore. Brad saw me and said they would get some pain medicine in me when I got home and see how I looked in the morning. Boy, I think that was the longest trailer ride I have made in my life but the guys were real special, as they let me lean on them so I could keep weight off my bad leg. When we got home, the other bulls let me off the trailer first and I got to go right to the squeeze chute to get my shot. Man, did that help me get some rest. Next day my leg was still hurting, and I just can’t understand how I could have gotten hurt this bad. I am in good shape as I exercise everyday and have the best of everything. Anyway, Toby and Brad both looked at me and said they had better get me checked out as they think a lot of all of us bulls and I was too lame for it to be a pulled muscle or a bruise. One of the hands came in the pen this afternoon and took me to the trailer for what I later found out to be a long ride to Elgin. My leg still hurt but the medicine they gave me last night seemed to make the pain bearable. I get to Elgin Veteri-

nary Hospital, and the driver backs up to an unloading chute at the main barn. Some guys came to get me off and put me in a long alley in this barn full of other bulls and cows with odd looking contraptions on their legs and bandages and such. Later, this guy who I later found out was the veterinarian came out and watched as his helpers (later I found out the guys are “Technicians”) made me move around. He determined that I was lame in my left front (gee I knew that already but then us bulls already knew the vets weren’t rocket scientists!) and told his techs to put me on the hydraulic table. Man, this one really cool dude put a halter on my head and I was allowed to walk in this air conditioned room where they tied my head to a metal table after which they placed two belts around my chest and belly, moved a slide gate keeping me next to the table and tilted me on my side as they tied down my right front leg. After the table laid me on my side the “techs” tied my other legs except for my bad leg to the table. After this, Dr. Warner comes in with his big mugs and starts an examination of my leg starting with my foot and looking at every part of my leg. He took out these funny looking pliers and squeezed my toes and then he bent my ankle and knee. I wanted to tell him “hey, dummy, it is my elbow” but since I can’t talk, I decided I had better just lay there. Anyway, he squeezes on my elbow but it doesn’t seem to hurt very much and he makes the comment he can’t find any swelling or pain anywhere, I wish he could ask me. So, he moves my elbow and shoulder at the same time and this hurt like heck and now he scratches his head and says he’s not sure where I hurt. So he tells his guys go get the digital x-ray machine and he’ll take some pictures to figure this out. He said if he doesn’t find anything in my elbow he will inject anesthetic into my shoulder. Hey, big dummy it’s the elbow ok, I don’t care if you don’t see a lot of those. Let’s get on with this, I tell myself, as they drag this big ugly computer-like thing out and hook up all these wires. Well, the techs put on these big heavy aprons and gloves and the Doc proceeds to position this Continued…

November/December 2009

www.bullpenmagazine.com

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

Dr. Warner: Creative Medicine

...continued

plate thing and use a machine to shoot x-rays of my elbow. A couple of times the guy holding my leg hurt me but I didn’t move because I knew they were just trying to help. Anyway, it didn’t take Dr. Warner very long to figure out after the first x-ray that I had a fracture of a bone he called the olecranon, which from what I understand, is the point of my elbow. He said it is a common thing to see in horses and a few of us bulls get them now and again. I heard him talking to another doctor about how the guys down in the horse barn did these surgeries all the time, and he was going to see if they would help me. The other Doc gave me a shot of antibiotics and another pain killer and the techs were real good about getting me off the table. They put me in a nice clean pen with water and feed, but I decided to lie down for a while and rest my leg. A little while later I got up and ate and drank a little water (hey, this Elgin water tastes good) and about this time one of the techs pushed me to another pen where there was no feed or water. He had turned to the guy helping him and told him I was having surgery after lunch tomorrow and had to be off feed and water. Guess I better rest up because there is no telling what these folks are going to ask me to do.

Surgery Day

am up early waiting with anticipation of what is to come today. I heard the techs talking as they were feeding the other cattle that Drs. Warner and My surgeon, Dr. Hays, Cornish were talking about how to fixing my leg get me into the orthopedic surgery suite as they usually lead cattle into the anesthesia induction room on a halter. They said the big doc is going to knock me out with some cool drugs and put a tube down my wind pipe to breathe and put me on a cart to carry me to surgery. I guess that will be a pretty wild trip by most standards. The techs also were talking about how the horse surgeon, Dr. Hays, was going to work on me and how he was going to affix a metal plate with holes in it to the broken bone in my leg with a whole bunch of stainless steel screws. Man, I sure hope he is as good as they said he was. As the guys were finishing their chores, Dr. Warner came to my pen and stared at me for the longest time. He mumbled something to himself about being glad I had some sense and that he felt that would help me protect the repair he was about to do. I am going to make sure I don’t do anything to screw this up because I want to buck again. Well, it is after lunch and the techs are coming to get me. They take me to a big hydraulic squeeze chute where the docs put an intravenous catheter with a line to it attached to my back. More shots are given and I feel a little sleepy. Now they let me out of the squeeze and I go to

November/December 2009

another area where they squeeze me with a gate and give me another shot in the IV line. This is the last thing that I remember until I wake up a couple of hours Look at my later. hardware! One of the bulls in the outside pen said it was real cool the way they hoisted me up onto the cart. They carried me to surgery all hooked up to an anesthesia machine and IV fluids and the whole smear. Anyway, when I woke up I was real sore but my leg already felt better even with a 16 inch incision in it. I had a cute little bandage on it, and Dr. Cornish continually fussed over me for the next few days making sure I took all my medicine and that I was eating as I should. I tried to be a good patient and mind my manners even though I am supposed to be a big bad bucking bull. The surgeon had placed a 10-hole plate on my bone with screws in every hole. They actually trusted me enough not to make me walk to the squeeze chute, but to treat me in the stall. I manned up and helped by acting like my hero Camo used to say he did. He told me he would stand in the pen behind a gate for Dr. Warner to put medicine in his knees. Heck, if he can take a shot in the knee, I sure can take one in my neck. Anyway, three weeks after surgery and I feel fine, my sutures are all out and I can put full weight on my leg. I heard the techs talking yesterday and said Doc said I could go home in a couple of weeks to eat grass and make time with the girls. If everything goes well, I will be bucking in no time—and watch out PBR, because I am going to set the world afire.

www.bullpenmagazine.com

Looking good and ready for a little layup time at home.

Elgin Veterinary Hospital Gary D. Warner, DVM 600 Highway 290E, Elgin, TX 512-285-3375 elginbullvet@yahoo.com

Special interest in bucking stock. We have available digital radiography, ultrasonography, arthroscopy, hydraulic chutes and tables, and hospital facilities with special bucking bull pens. We are located 20 miles east of Austin, Texas.

BA Livestock Good 2009â&#x20AC;&#x201D;looking forward to 2010! Cattle, Semen, and Embryos Available

Go Big Tex - Mom and Dad

AG33

Broken Arrow 966

BA Livestock Brian and Libba Agnew 224 CR 2106, Clarksville, Texas 75426 903-669-9189 email: balivestock@yahoo.com

www.bullpenmagazine.com November/December 2009

November/December 2009