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SC Angus News
March 9, 2005
By Windy Bartee
Angus bulls crash in price in February in SC! April Fool!
February in South Carolina brought a series of record-breaking bull sales. The averages are listed below:
| Date |
Sale |
# Lots |
Gross |
Average |
| 2/5 |
Clemson Bull Test |
35 |
$90,100 |
$2,574 |
| 2/12 |
Black Crest Farm |
67 |
$112,200 |
$1,675 |
| 2/19 |
Yon Family Farm |
112 |
$329,600 |
$2,943 |
| 2/26 |
Tokeena Angus |
47 |
$90,050 |
$1,916 |
Dr. Larry Olson of Clemson wrote, "Sale records fell all over the place at the 2005 Clemson Bull Test and Heifer Sale...an all-time Clemson Bull Test Sale record…This was also the best performing and heaviest group of bulls ever sold at Clemson. On top of their record ADG of 4.11 lbs./day during the test." There was a tie this year for top selling bulls between Stillwater Cattle Company and Double B Farms at $4,600. The next top-seller was Paul Boyd Angus at $4,300. Marvin Zeigler had the highest weight bull of any breed bull ever at 1,875 pounds. His sold for $4,000.
These Angus bull buyers are certainly no fools. After purchasing a registered Angus bull and having the registration transferred, the American Angus Association will automatically send an update of that bull’s EPDs when they are available each year… Just one more advantage of buying an Angus bull for your herd.
Another event in February was the "Day at the Capital" for the legislators to put the SC Cattlemen on their radar. Back in the "good ole days" almost everyone (95%) had exposure to agriculture by growing up on a farm or having grandparents on a farm. Now that statistic is reversed and getting smaller on the farm end. South Carolina cattlemen, have "dropped off the radar" for the people that make the laws, according to Representative Mac Toole from Lexington County. That was said even though agriculture is the second largest business in South Carolina. This is no April Fool!
The South Carolina Cattlemen need to make their presence known. Get to know your elected representatives and tell them your concerns and opinions concerning the issues and proposed legislation that would affect your agricultural business. A major concern for South Carolina farmers is "Right To Do Business" S. 304. Let your legislators know that you support this legislation. Clemson needs your support for the Clemson budget to get Extension agents replacing those who retired last year to help advise us in the cattle industry.
The first of March came in with a bang at the SC Ag Expo in Columbia at the Columbia Convention Center. David Gazda, our regional American Angus Association representative, gave an excellent presentation extolling the benefits of Angus genetics in the beef industry. Most of the Angus breeders on record have less than 50 head but comprise 78.4 % of the Angus cattle. Cattle producers are seeking Angus genetics to improve their prices. The Angus bring top dollar in the sale ring.
Our Angus and other cattle prices have been at a high for some time now. One of the SC Ag speakers was Eddie Bradley from Union County, Georgia. He was selected as the Georgia Cattleman of the Year. To quote Eddie, " I had a fella ask me, ‘When are the cattle prices going back up?’" Eddie delivered this line with an appropriate pause of silence emphasized with a deadpan expression, implying "April Fool?" to the inquiry. He also advised the cattlemen present to use the free labor of their mother-in-law to help detect heat and watch for calving. April Fool! to your mother-in-law.
The Thirty-fourth Carolina Futurity is an annual feature in March on the third weekend, March 19th . The annual banquet and meeting took place at the Clemson Madren Convention Center on Friday, March 18th. The highlight of the evening was the dedication of the Futurity to Floyd and Elsie Patrick of Pelzer, SC. Floyd and Elsie have developed their Angus herd since 1989. Floyd wanted something to do when he retired from his job as signal electrical supervisor for the Southern Railway System. He found his passion in his registered Angus herd and his grandchildren. He bought his grandson, Matthew Patrick, his first show cow from Dr. George Smith. She was a Nelson Bold Ruler daughter. He and Elsie traveled with Matthew and granddaughter, Katie to cow shows as they participated in the South Carolina Junior Angus Association.
Floyd and Elsie have been supportive members of the South Carolina Angus Association. Floyd has served as a Director for the South Carolina Angus Association. He has used progressive techniques in his breeding. To improve the genetics in his herd, he uses artificial insemination and embryo transplant with recipient cows. . Floyd is a faithful supporter of the Carolina Futurity. He has consistently put some of his best cows into the sale. During his long recovery from heart surgery, he sold his Angus herd at the Carolina Futurity. Since his recovery, he has been working on rebuilding his Angus herd. This year, though he only had eight cows, he has offered two of the best-bred cows he has ever had in this Futurity.
Floyd and Elsie will celebrate their fifty years of marriage this year. During those fifty years together, they raised and educated their three boys, Sonny, Ray and Robert. The Patrick boys have produced seven children to make Elsie and Floyd proud grandparents. We congratulate them and celebrate with them their lives and contribution to their family, their faith, their community, the Angus breed and the South Carolina Angus Association.
April brings wedding bliss to an Angus bachelor, Dr. Steve McPhail of the McPhail Angus family from Seneca. Steve found a beautiful bride, Jessica Bramlett to share his life and (we hope) love of Angus. His family is involved with Tokeena Angus and Stillwater Cattle Company. Steve is no April Fool! Congratulations!
Angus and April Fools are like oil and water. "If you have Angus on your farm you just can’t be no fool. "
If you have information to include in the SC Angus News please notify Windy Bartee at tumblet@earthlink.net or by telephone 803-222-7533.
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