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Insights into Nevada Bull Sales and Ideal Genetics

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As Nevada ranchers ourselves, we at Rafter 9 Ranch understand the unique demands of our region and the qualities needed in a high-performing bull. Recent bull sales, such as those at Birch Creek and Great Basin, have showcased a rising trend in both the volume and value of bulls sold, underlining the demand for genetics that deliver balanced growth, calving ease, and maternal traits. Birch Creek’s steady price growth suggests a strong outlook for the upcoming Great Basin sale, where we will be offering our own bulls bred to thrive in this environment.

Bloodlines and Traits Favored in Nevada

Nevada buyers consistently seek out specific bloodlines that excel in our conditions. Lines like Baldridge Alternative and Coleman Rock are in demand for their proven balance of growth and calving ease, while bulls from Silver State Effective bloodlines are appreciated for their maternal qualities and consistent weight gains. Traits like Calving Ease Direct (CED) and Birth Weight (BW) are essential for ease of birth and reduced labor at calving time, which is especially valuable for heifer management. Additionally, traits like Weaning Weight (WW) and Yearling Weight (YW) contribute to efficient growth, helping ranchers improve productivity while lowering feed costs.

Our Ideal Bull: Designed for Nevada Operations

At Rafter 9 Ranch, we’ve honed in on an “ideal bull” profile for Nevada. Our bulls feature:

CED scores in the +8 to +10 range with low BW to ensure calving ease, particularly for heifers.

• Strong growth markers, like WW scores from +60 to +80 and YW scores between +100 to +130, ensuring our bulls deliver gains without excessive feed requirements.

• A focus on maternal strength, with Milk traits around +25 to +30 and Heifer Pregnancy (HP) values that ensure the longevity and reproductive health of the herd.

• Carcass quality traits, suited to producing high-quality beef.

These traits make our bulls well-suited for ranchers seeking a combination of ease, growth, and efficiency—all while contributing to the overall profitability of their operations.

Evaluating Our R9R Bulls: Greater Good 404 and Home Town 406

We’re excited to offer two standout bulls at this year’s Great Basin sale: R9R Greater Good 404 (21044421) and R9R Home Town 406 (21044420). Greater Good 404 embodies growth and efficiency, with WW +93 and YW +160, perfect for ranchers focused on weight gain. On the other hand, Home Town 406 provides a balanced approach with a CED of +8, ensuring compatibility with heifers, and moderate growth that appeals to a variety of herd needs. Both bulls showcase the best of Rafter 9 genetics, combining traits that Nevada operations prioritize.

How Rafter 9 Bulls Benefit Your Herd

Our bulls are bred with an eye on the real-world needs of Nevada ranchers. By offering calving ease alongside strong growth and maternal traits, our bulls help you achieve the productivity gains you’re after without compromising on quality. Investing in Rafter 9 bulls means adding proven genetics that will strengthen your operation and keep pace with the market’s rising standards.

At Rafter 9 Ranch, we’re committed to helping Nevada ranchers succeed by providing bulls that truly meet the demands of our land and industry. We look forward to seeing how these genetics will continue to shape the future of cattle in the Great Basin.

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