SALE REPORT
ADAMS RANCH HOSTS FIELD DAY & SALE NOVEMBER 7-8

November 7-8, 2007
Ft. Pierce, Fla.

Field Day

Adams Ranch Field Day and open house was held November 7th to a crowd of 100. Morning pasture tours were followed by lunch. The informative afternoon program was led by John Arthington, of the University of Florida, Ona Experiment Station. He was followed by Dr. David Riley of the U.S.D.A. at Brooksville, and Jim Johnson with Bovigen.

Dr. Riley discussed hybrid vigor, described as a “gift from God.” Planned matings of selected breeds can yield greater gains and a large step up in production. Gains from hybrid vigor play a large part in Florida's commercial operations.

Jim Johnson with Bovigen discussed the uses of Gene Star genetics testing to identify animals with greater marbling, more tenderness, and greater feed efficiency. Gene testing has focused on the most important economic traits. For example, bulls identified with all the gene markers for feed efficiency will have an additional value in today's market in excess of $2,200/head.

The afternoon wrapped up viewing a group of ABEEF pairs (1/2 Braford, 1/4 Red Angus, ¼ Gelbvieh). These composite cows reflected years of selection for good maternal traits, structural soundness, and good udders.

Sale Day

The Adams Ranch 29thAnnual Bull Sale was held on November 8th. The weather was outstanding. With the support of the St. Lucie County Cattlewomen, the sale was kicked off at high noon.

A nice offering of Adams Ranch raised horses started the sale. The pair of working horses averaged $5,000/hd. Yearling fillies averaged $700.

The highlight of the sale was the Braford bulls averaging $2,600, followed by the ABEEF bulls at $1,950. A total of 77 bulls sold to an enthusiastic crowd.

142 heifers averaged $1,500 for Braford bred heifers, and $1,100 for bred composite heifers. Year-old open heifers averaged $750.

The cattle went home to 47 buyers from Missouri, Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida.