Per usual, the month of March roared in like a lion bringing snow, wind and a week of freezing temperatures. Followed by several days of unseasonably warm weather which resulted in mass amounts of runoff from the surrounding hills and mountains. Because most of the ditches remained laden with packed snow, they were unable to accommodate the influx of water and flooding resulted throughout the state. Of course this crazy weather presented itself just days before our annual bull sale and so we were scrambling about, frantically, attempting to divert the water from the sale barn and lots. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the words from dad and mom “Never put off for tomorrow what can be done today”. And thankfully, we ran our operation in accordance. If we had not spent the month of February moving snow and cleaning barns and pens it would have taken a tremendous effort to have the ranch in order for our sale following the crazy weather. Our crew was amazing, working around the clock digging trenches, hauling snow and mud, and moving cattle to any found dry ground. All and all, considering the circumstances we did a darn good job and had the grounds looking “presentable” for our guest on sale day.
For those of you not accustomed to a bull sale, it is an event many Seedstock Producers (aka. Purebred Breeders) hold each year. This year marked the 48th annual sale held at the Cooper Hereford Ranch. Cattlemen from across the country travel to Willow Creek, MT on the second Tuesday of March each year in hopes of purchasing a bull (or two, or three, or eight….) of their liking to use for their respective breeding program. The bulls we sell are yearling bulls, which mean they are basically a year of age. So this year, 2014, we were selling calves born last January and February of 2013.
We had a wonderful crowd present which translated into one of the best sales we’ve had to date. Bulls sold to over 20 states. Buyers throughout the country and as far away as Australia and Uruguay watched the sale live over the internet and on TV.
Click here to view the entire album showing photos from the flood and sale.
