The bulls on test have reached the midpoint of this year’s yearling bull feed test. What started out as extremely warm and wet has transitioned to a cold, dry climate with the least snow I can remember. Because of good post-weaning fall feed this year, we left the bulls out to utilize the grass longer than usual. As always we develop the bulls predominantly on native feed, rather than a high concentrate feedlot ration, to allow the bulls to achieve a natural growth curve to more accurately measure feed efficiency and genetic separation. They are fed in a large open area, giving them plenty of space to romp and exercise, keeping their feet and legs clean and strong.

For generations, our breeding program has focused heavily on maternal traits. It is the single most important economically relevant selection trait in the cow-calf sector. Without it, sustainability is unachievable. With that said, we focus on growth and marketability next, relying on the maternal strengths of the cow to birth, raise, and deliver a calf to the feedlot with built-in genetics and the capability to excel in the feeding sector and hang an upper 2/3s choice carcass for the end product user. In today’s market, more than ever before, with beef at an all-time high value and demand, the most important trait to the end product user is MARBLING!!! We have equal importance as maternal traits, concentrated on the selection for high marbling genetics without sacrificing muscle, growth, and structural correctness. THE AVERAGE MARBLING EPD OF THESE SALE BULLS IS .59, THE TOP 20% OF THE BREED, with many in the top 10% and better! The most important marketing tool that a producer can possess is to represent his or her sale calves to a prospective buyer with the knowledge of the marbling potential within those calves.

The bulls will undergo a complete breeding soundness exam and ultrasound carcass data before sale day. They will be trich tagged and have health papers to allow for transport to any neighboring state to Idaho. We also collect DNA on each animal, which is submitted to the lab for genomic-enhanced EPD calculations. The animals are screened for genetic defects and verified parentage. The bulls remain on feed until sale day and can be taken to the buyer’s Ranch at that time. Any bulls not hauled out on sale day will stay on feed at no charge until April 15 or to any prior arrangement before delivery.

The bulls will be penned in like-kind groups for preview on sale day, before the sale, from 10:00 am until after the sale. We still follow a private treaty format, setting a base price on each bull and utilizing an auctioneer to settle any two or more bidders’ interests on a bull.

Lunch is at noon; the sale starts at 1:00 pm Pacific time.

The heifers are from progressive breeding programs with generations of production records and genetic improvements. They are developed on a forage-based ration; bangs vaccinated and will have had all their pre-breeding vaccinations. The heifers are screened and sorted for physical defects and potential disposition problems. This year, we welcome consignments from Albertson A bar T Ranch and Houck Brothers Farm, both long-time customers of V bar X Ranch and are both Historic Idaho Centennial Ranches.

SALE DAY: SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025

We welcome your calls and inquiries. Feel free to stop by anytime to look at the bulls.

Feeding time is 8:00 am.

Thanks for your time, the Woods.