2022 Big Gully Farm Bull Sale

Welcome! We would love to host you at our Big Gully Farm Bull Sale on Thursday, December 8. As always, the sale will take place at the farm, 12 miles north of Maidstone, Sask., beginning at 4:30 p.m. MST. Along with your family and friends, please join us for supper and drinks at this pre-Christmas event.

Our business’ viability is predicated on providing high-quality, sensibly-developed, maternally-built commercial bulls that offer strong value and profit potential. The feedback of commercial farmers and ranchers, coupled with the future direction of our business, are at the forefront of our decisions. At the foundation, we aim for our bulls to be sound structured, muscular, long, bold ribbed, docile, attractive and possess a favourable genomicallyenhanced EPD profile with increasing carcass merit values. More importantly, they should transmit to their crossbred daughters strong milking ability, udder quality, longevity, fertility, and the ability to efficiently maintain body condition on forage.

Currently there is a well deserved (though underwhelming) upswing in revenue. However, a contradiction exists concerning which breeding strategy can best capture that revenue, while mitigating intolerable input costs in trying to profit. Packers have a craving for heavier carcass weight, larger ribeye and higher marbling. This somewhat challenges the more moderately framed, lower input, forage developed breeding direction, with an eye on optimizing profit per acre vs. profit per cow, that many commercial operations are considering. Our thought is that

multiple breeds must be involved in a structured hybrid vigour system to optimize profitability. We believe F1, Hereford-influenced baldy females are an integral component of the commercial cowherd considering docility, efficiency, lifetime production and fertility contributions. Moreover, when mated to third-breed, terminal merit sires, those same baldy matrons can generate feeder progeny with premier payweight and end-product merit from maximum direct and maternal heterosis effects.

A real value-added revenue opportunity awaits so many commercial Angus and straightbred herds by simply opting to capitalize on crossbreeding and the subsequent gains in baldy calf growth rate, fertility, lifetime cow production, and female saleability. All these benefits come with very little, or potentially even less, cost involved. Arguably, Hereford bulls in general have a modest cost per cow serviced based on their typically reasonable purchase price, and coupled with their prolonged years of service due to structural correctness, practical development and manageable demeanour. Many customers wish they had more baldy females in their herd, but find selling those cattle as replacements or breds too easy and profitable to retain at the rate they would prefer.

Regarding the sale offering, each bull will be developed through till next spring, double vaccinated with Fusogard, yearlings ultrasounded for carcass merit by Shari, evaluated for breeding soundness, and delivered only when the buyer is ready for them. We don’t intend for you to find the absolute heaviest or fattest bulls at BGF – we simply aren’t comfortable, and

looking forward...

truthfully, can’t afford to develop them that aggressively. We prefer to utilize genomic-enhanced EPDs and associated contemporary group rankings as a barometer for performance selection decisions, rather than maximum individual weight. As a reference, when we ultrasound in the spring, yearling bulls will typically range from 0.15” to 0.33” of backfat on a hay and oat/protein supplement ration.

Unforeseen circumstances can potentially arise with semen testing and breeding, so as a precaution the bulls have been scrotal measured by our veterinarian to assure satisfactory development to this point. If a complication arises prior to or following delivery, we will address it as soon as possible by offering a replacement bull/BGF herd sire, or refunding your investment in full. We aim to avoid sale credit if possible. To show appreciation for those who invest in us, we offer a 2% repeat buyer discount, a 3% volume discount on two or more bulls and a $250 cull bull credit towards any bull purchased.

We want to make it clear, if it means being able to build a relationship with you or earn consideration as a bull provider, we are more than willing to delay payment or spread purchase costs into 2023, realizing your feeder cattle may not be marketed by sale time. Another consideration if you cannot make the sale is to view/ participate online at www.liveauctions.tv. It is our 13th year utilizing their service with a platform, professionalism and integrity that we value. Please remember to register ahead of time; it is free, quick and easy to comprehend-just like any alternative.

In closing, we would love to host you and your family for the evening. If you have considered utilizing a Hereford bull, but not yet sampled one, we will do anything we can to make your initial experience with the breed a positive one. If we can provide you with more information, host you ahead of time or visit with you about the cattle, please make sure to contact us anytime.

Sincerely, Lance & Shari

buyerINCENTIVES

VOLUME BUYER DISCOUNT Buy two or more bulls and receive 3% discount on each purchase.

REPEAT BUYER DISCOUNT Enjoy 2% off of your purchase if you’ve bought a bull in the past from Big Gully Farm.

DEFERRED PAYMENT PLAN Considering our sale falls early in the season, we are willing to individually work out a favourable payment plan with you when discussed prior to the sale. Deferring payment to 2023 is an option.

CULL BULL DISCOUNT When a sales receipt is provided from the sale of a cull bull during the summer or fall immediately (post-breeding) before the sale, $250 will be discounted from the purchase of your new sire. Only one discount can be applied per bull purchase. SALES RECEIPT MUST BE E-MAILED PRIOR TO SALE FOR DISCOUNT TO BE ELIGIBLE AND ISSUED.

The Power of Genomically-Enhanced EPDs

The Canadian Hereford Association has embraced the use of genom ics into their genetic evaluation by launching a first of its kind single step analysis that utilizes the marker effects of specific traits. Likewise, CHA is directly estimating accuracy values rather than approximating. The direct estimation of accuracy results in a more conservative value, but a more accurate value than previous methodologies. The CHA is producing the most reliable genetic evaluation that is supported by Whole Herd enrollment and genomics, which will give prospective buyers added confidence in purchasing young and unproven animals.

Buying animals that have a genetic profile incorporated into their Ex pected Progeny Difference offers many advantages that allow for quick er breed and herd improvement. Below is a table showing the average increase in accuracy when buying a young animal with a Genomic En hanced EPD versus an animal without a GE-EPD. Similarly, an effec tive progeny number increase is listed by the trait that shows how many progeny equate to a genomic enhancement of a young animal (e.g. year ling). That’s right, buying a young animal that has been genotyped is like having 2-17 progeny, depending on the trait. The proof gained on young, non-parent animals, through a genomic enhancement is valuable and greatly mitigates the risk and allows for more directed selection.

calving ease 0.09 17 birth weight 0.12 8 weaning weight 0.14 12 yearling weight 0.16 9 scrotal circ. 0.17 6 mature cow wt. 0.12 4 udder suspension 0.17 7 teat size 0.17 7 carcass weight 0.11 3 fat 0.08 2 ribeye area 0.07 2 marbling 0.10 3

Uncharted 30K is a heavy weight, high performing individual that is long sided, smooth shouldered, and sound structured. Short marked with full pigment, you’ll also find him to be really big bodied and bold middled. His dam is stout with excellent center body dimension.

Online Bidding

SALE START

The sale will begin at 4:30 p.m. MST on December 8. Videos of the sale lots can be viewed at www.biggullyfarm.com HOW TO PARTICIPATE In order to participate in the auction online you will need to pre-register and obtain a buyer number. Go to the LiveAuctions.tv website, www.liveauctions. tv, and select Big Gully Farm Bull Sale (you may need to create a user name and password if this is your first time). After logging in select the link that says, “register for a buyer number.” This form requires you to fill out your bank’s name, city, state, phone number and a contact. You may register to bid after bidding has opened but please remember that authorization to bid is not instantaneous.

HOW THE AUCTION WORKS Once you have a username and have received a buyer number then you are ready to bid. You will see a screen that is unique to your user ID. There will be a list containing the sale lots. If you click on a lot, the video clip or photo will be displayed to

the right. The next bid, current price, proxy bid, and manual bid buttons will be displayed below the video area. This page will react to your bids by stating, “you are in” or “you are out.” No one else will be able to see your bid – that data is not accessible to the public. Each time you login, the auction screen will display your personal bidding information. Your auction screen is unique and private displaying your activity to only you. Remember that you must have the lot that you are bidding on selected. This is where it tells you if you are in or out. It is here where you can also see your proxy (automatic) bid settings as applicable.

WHAT IS A PROXY BID? With a proxy bid you can enter your maximum bid and then sit back and watch. When you enter a proxy bid amount the LiveAuctions system automatically bids on your behalf up to your maximum bid. If the lot closes out for less than your maximum, that’s all you’ll have to pay. This means that you don’t have to keep coming back to re-bid every

time another bid is placed. This makes it more convenient and less time consuming. It can also greatly assists those breeders that can’t be near a computer or are busy with other duties at the time of the final bidding. Your maximum amount is kept confidential from other bidders and the seller. Even though you can see this amount on your screen, no one else can. The LiveAuctions system compares your bid to those of the other registered bidders and the system automatically places bids on your behalf, using only as much of your bid as is necessary to maintain your high bid position. The system will bid only up to your maximum amount as necessary to maintain you as the high bidder. If another bidder has a higher maximum, you’ll be outbid and the system will tell you that “YOU’RE OUT.” But, if no other bidder has a higher maximum you win the final bid.

QUESTIONS/ASSISTANCE If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact Nicki Ross, 587-377-1580.

Terms & Conditions

TERMS OF SETTLEMENT: The terms of the sale are cash or cheque, payable at par. The right of property shall not pass until settlement is made. All settlements must be made with clerks of the sale before cattle will be released. Payment terms can be arranged if you discuss them with Lance prior to the sale. BIDS & DISPUTES: Every animal in the video sale will be sold to the highest bidder. In case of disputes, bidding will be re-opened between the parties involved. If no further bid is made the buyer will be the person from whom the auctioneer accepted the last bid. The auctioneer’s decision in such matters will be final.

PURCHASER’S RISK: Each animal becomes the risk of the purchaser as soon as sold. Animals will be cared for at the purchaser’s risk for a reasonable length of time.CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION: Each animal will carry papers issued by the Canadian Hereford Association. A certificate of registry duly transferred will be furnished to the buyer for

each animal immediately after payment has been made. LIABILITY: Although every precaution will be taken to protect the safety and comfort of buyers, the auctioneer or owners assume no responsibility in this matter and disclaim any liability, legal or otherwise, in the event of an accident or loss of property.

INSURANCE: We strongly recommend, but do not require that insurance is purchased for full value on each animal sold. Several insurance providers can be suggested if the buyer chooses this option. US FUNDS & EXPORT: Current exchange rates will be announced sale day. Big Gully Farm will do all the health testing and export papers required for shipment. We will deliver the cattle across the border and assist in further shipping arrangements from there. Cost is the responsibility of the buyer from that point on. ANNOUNCEMENTS: All announcements made from the auction block will take precedence over the printed matter in the catalogue. Buyers are therefore cautioned

to pay close attention to such disclosures. HEALTH: All animals in the sale have met all necessary health requirements. Calves are given Inforce 3, Once PMH, Toltrazuril and Vit. A/E & Selenium. At turnout, calves receive Bovi-Shield Gold One Shot, Tasvax 8 and Ivermectin. Two weeks prior to weaning, calves receive Bovi-Shield Gold FP5 and Ivermectin. Heifers and cows are vaccinated with BoviShield Gold FP5 and Tasvax 8 one month prior to breeding. Heifers receive Merck Guardian and booster prior to calving, while cows receive a single dose prior to calving. Bulls follow the same pre-breeding vaccination protocol with two doses of Fusogard as calves and a single dose as 2-year olds. All cattle receive Ivermectin twice per year. ABSENTEE BIDS: Bidders unable to attend the sale may phone their bids and instructions to the auctioneer, ringman or special representatives. Bids must be received in sufficient time prior to the sale.

learning AWARD

We have decided to alter the Big Gully Farm Beef Cattle Learning Award to more intimately give back to the families whose support we have been fortunate to receive through their bull acquisitions. Each bull buyer will receive two nominations to be made out in the name of a young cattle enthusiast aged 25 years or younger, who will then be eligible in a draw for three awards of $1,000 each.

Youth must use the award on beef cattle-related experience such as an AI course, workshop, 4-H/breeding animal purchse, animal science tuition, etc. Successful youth may only receive one award per year.