NCHA 2012

This past weekend myself and Wes Tiemann a good friend of mine that I work many of my cattle sales with attended the National Cutting Horse Futurity in Fort Worth, TX.  I have been wanting to go to this for sometime now and haven't had the chance, with a weekend open from sales we took advantage and headed to Fort Worth.

The horses at the Futurity were amazing, I would definelty describe them as athletes.  I have only ridden a cutting horse one time and I must say it is Awesome.  To see the horses work so hard and have total control of a cow is Amazing.

The main reason I wanted to go was to see the Auctions.  We went to Friday and Saturday's Auctions.  On Friday night they sold the horses in the main Sale Arena, the crowd was huge, it is good we got there early because there was not a seat in the house.  Selling the sales were Col. Don Green, Col. Steve Friskup, and Col. Justin Holmberg.  I had never got to watch these gentlemen sell a sale and I must say they are all some of the best I have ever seen.  It was also good to get to meet these gentlemen and visit with them prior to the sale.  One of my good friends Wade Cunningham is a Pedigree Reader for Western Blood Stock, that manages the sales during the Futurity.  I must say Wes and I both were very impressed with the job that Wade did at the Futurity.  On Saturday we watched the sale, during this sale the horses were working a cow while being sold.  This is something I had never seen however is very effective.  Again a large crowd was in attendance and horses sold well.  It is exciting to see a horse working a cow and selling for $150,000 at the same time.

I had a great time while in Fort Worth and as always Wes and I try to learn "Life" lessons every where we go! I am planning on making this trip again next year to see more great horses and more great sales.

Col. Clint

The Fall of 2012

Had a exciting fall with good cattle sales as well as enjoyed attending some shows.  Congratulations to all the buyers and sellers that attended the sales I sold.  I believe that the quality of cattle get better and better each year at each of my sales.  I had a first time sale in Farmington, MO where I sold the Performance Tested Bull Sale, I remember attending this sale when I was very young with my Granddad when he sold bulls there.  Again this year I served as one of the Auctioneers for the Sydenstricker Genetics Production Sale, this was there 60th Anniversary sale and a record 1.8 million dollars worth of cattle sold for a average of $4141 per head.

As well as good sales the show were also enjoyable, going to the Tulsa St. Fair where our Simmental bull OBCC Park Ave. M91X was Reserve Grand Champion.  At the American Royal he placed 2nd in class behind the Reserve National Champion Bull.  We also went to Louisville and took in a couple days watching the Angus Jr show as well as attending some of the Angus meetings and Foundation Reception.  It is always good to go to the shows and get to see so many friends from all over the country.

OBCC Park Ave. M91X

Rachel and I are looking forward to a great Christmas Holiday with family and friends we have a lot of places to be and thankful that we get the opportunity to go to each of the Christmas dinners and get together's with our family.

I would encourage each of you to follow me on Twitter @colclint or on Facebook www.facebook.com/colclint
   

NJAS Here We Come

I am excited to say that I will be attending the National Jr Angus Show this next week!  The show is being held in Louisville, KY, which was the site of my first NJAS in 1995.  The NJAS was always a highlight of our summers, from 1995 until my brother Jordan was done showing we only missed one show.  I learned a great deal and made friends from all over the nation.  I hope that each Jr that is going this year has as good of an experience that I had when I was a Jr member.

I'm also excited that my wife Rachel owner of Western Beads & Bling will have her Jewelry for sale while at the show, look for her in the trade show area.  I would encourage everyone to stop by, say hi and check out all the new BLING!! 

I wish all of you good luck and safe travels!

Beef Leaders Institute

It has been a great start to the summer.  We have had one of the hottest beginning's to summer that I remember, however the cattle are still looking good and the grass is holding up.

In the middle of June I had the opportunity to attend Beef Leaders Institute (BLI) hosted by the American Angus Association.  Being selected to join the group of cattlemen and cattlewomen was indeed a honor.  This was definitely a eye opening experience to portions of the industry that I had not seen.  While on the trip we visited Cargill where they make most of the deli and precooked meats that are sold in many stores around the country.  We also toured Sysco in Nebraska.  While there we had the opportunity to tour the warehouses where their products are shipped from.  I did learn that they are a primary outlet for Certified Angus Beef.  I must say my favorite part of the Institute had to have been touring the Tyson plant.  We had the opportunity to see the entire process starting from the whole carcass hanging on the rail down to a ribeye steak. This was for sure a lot to take in however I have gained an even greater appreciation for the hard work that goes into the whole process.

I would encourage anyone that is a member of the American Angus Association to contact them for information on BLI.  This was a great experience and I'm thankful to the Association for giving me the opportunity to participate. 

Circle A Ranch Bull Sale

On this past Saturday I along with Col. Jim Birdwell had the opportunity to sell the Circle A Ranch Bull Sale.  They had a wonderful sale averaging $4339 on 236 bulls, and $2327 on 465 bred heifers.  It is always fun to sell a good sale and to work a with a great crew.  Congratulations to Circle A on another successful sale!

3 Sales in 1 Weekend

I had a very exciting weekend selling 3 sales in one weekend. I started out the weekend in Warrensburg, MO at Weigand Grain & Livestock Annual Bull Sale, where we sold 44 bulls to average $3127.  They had a huge crowd and the bulls were very good as well.  I always enjoying selling the WGL Bull Sale, since I grew up showing with the whole family and becoming friends with them.  They are such a good family and I am proud to call each of the friends.

Next I went to West Plains, MO to sell the Heart of the Ozarks Angus Association Spring Sale. There we had 49 lots to average $3016 with the top selling bull bringing $6000.

Leaving West Plains I headed to Mt. Morris, IL on a short 8 hour drive.  In Mt. Morris I sold the Rock River Bull Sale with a great set of bulls that averaged $2800.  

It has been a few long days but it always fun and enjoyable to work with such great people and sell good cattle.

Valentines Day

Well it has been a good day today!  I spent this Valentines day in St. Louis selling a car auction and I'm staying the night in Stl to sell another car auction tomorrow.

I had my first #agchat on twitter experience tonight. I would highly recommend anyone that has a interest in Ag to become involved on Tuesday nights.  You can follow me on twitter @colclint.

I look forward to the rest of the week with two more car auctions and getting our MO Angus Futurity heifers ready for next weeks sale.

Have great week!!!

Fort Worth Stock Show

This past week Rachel and I attended the Fort Worth Stock Show for the first time.  We had a great time exhibiting with Owen Bros. Cattle Co.  We took our Simmental bull who won his division.  OBCC took 3 heifers winning Purebred Champion Female for the second year in a row, Congrats to the whole Owen family on a great job.

Also while we were out of town Rachel attended the Dallas Market and was amazed at all the different products available.  She also found some new suppliers for beads and will have more Awesome "Bling" coming out soon.  Check out her website www.westernbeadsandbling.com   If you are going to be attending the AGR Show in Columbia, MO be sure and look her up to see the new products.

Have a Great Friday