We are a family owned and operated seedstock ranch that sell about 150 bulls a year. We run both Black and Red Angus cattle. Our herd has been artificially inseminated every year since 1974. We have taken a very “commercial” approach to our purebred herd. We have avoided the fashions and fads that have cycled through the industry and we have tried to steer clear of single trait selection. Our focus has been on birth weight, growth, maternal, fertility (both male and female), carcass, feed conversion, and metabolism. These traits are then blended into a well-muscled structurally sound bovine that works for the commercial cowman.
Some 30 odd years ago we decided to go from a 2-year-old bull selling program to a yearling. When we made this operating decision it soon became clear that we would have to cull ⅓ of the herd. These cows were not capable of raising a bull that would be ready to market at 12 to 15 months old. Our cowherd has been culled hard to produce a female that can raise a bull that is not only marketable at 12 months but also at 9. Over the past many years we have moved our bull sales further and further toward a younger bull. Now over half of our bulls are gone by the 15th of December. This has made an outstanding mother cow.
Moving to Nevada has allowed us to start Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAP) testing our bulls. The PAP test helps determine which animals are most at risk for brisket disease and detects the early stages of the disease. The results are only valid if cattle are tested at or above 5,500 feet. The #1 and #2 problems in feedlots are respiratory issues. Brisket disease is also being seen at as low as 3,000 feet elevation. Research is showing that PAP tested sires help eliminate these respiratory problems in their progeny. Here in Nevada, our feedlot is at 6,000 feet elevation. By offering PAP tested bulls we are providing the genetics that the feedlots will eventually pay a premium for as it is truly related to their bottom line.
To learn more about our cattle operation or buying bulls for your outfit, contact Monty Pearce at 208-412-6156 or Luke Pearce at 208-695-0399.
