Welcome to our 27^th annual bull sale. Like for so many, 2011 started out rather challenging and our heart goes out to everyone that experienced some kind of disaster, whether it was floods, drought, fire, ect. We almost felt guilty here south of Almont once spring finally came. We truly had a banner year, the best hay crop and most grass I can remember. We did not creep the calves this year and we weaned the 22^nd of September and then started them on Headstart 70 with free choice hay for a week, and then right into a total mixed ration. We had such an exceptional corn year that we made some high moisture earlage rather than chopping all of our corn for silage. They are currently receiving 1 pound liquid supplement, 4 ½ pounds of dry distillers, 25 pounds of 48% high moisture earlage, 4 ½ pounds of chopped hay and 10 pounds of silage. It looks like a lot of earlage, but it is wet and only tested a little higher than our silage, where our nutritionist felt we would have to add some corn. Our gains have been exceptional, and I am sure weather has been a big factor, that we felt there was no need for more energy. We really like this ration and they consume it extremely well. It is a high roughage, growing ration insuring soundness, longevity and fertility. Disposition has always been important, but as we age, it seems even more valuable. We have been culling for temperament for years and we are certainly seeing the benefits. This is the calmest, most docile offering we can remember.
     The past several years we have been selling around 100 cows and keeping that many replacements back into our herd.  This keeps our cowherd young, with some of the most up to date genetics.  Our entire cowherd is now several generations solid colored, smaller framed, and even easier fleshing.  Normally we graze our cows out until mid December. This has all been done without sacrificing performance.  This is something we are very proud of. We want cows that can calve easy, hold their condition, breed back early, and still raise a big calf. We have had many favorable comments from customers on the excellent daughters they are getting out of our bulls.
     We have grown our Sim-Angus program, on both the sire and the dam side, long enough to get a feel for their value. We were concerned about how consistent and predictable they would be.  If you cut me I’d bleed Simmental blood and feel there will always be a demand for the purebreds.  We have spent a lot of time researching the Angus and Red Angus breeds and truly feel when you cross the best of both breeds; Simmental with Angus or Red Angus, very few purebreds of either breed can compete.  We are every bit impressed with our ¼ bloods and ¾ bloods.  They are proving to be extremely predictable and consistent.
     With the uncertainly in our economy and the extreme movements in our markets it’s nice to know we are producing a product that’s in demand. Sim influenced, primarily Sim-Angus black or red, are some of the most sought after in sale barns and by order buyers, not only for placements in feedlots but also for replacements in cowherds. This is the strongest demand that we have seen since we have been in business. Simmental x Angus or Red Angus cattle can and do deliver a higher percentage of choice yield grade 1 and 2 carcasses than any other popular crossbred or straight bred. We are excited to be one of the owners of Allied Genetic Resources. Our goal through AGR is to help our customers by assisting them with marketing and other services after the purchase of TNT Genetics.
     This is truly the thickest, deepest, best set of bulls we have ever offered from end to end.  We have considerably less purebred Simmental bulls than we have had in the past, due to the high percentage of purebred cows that sold in our reduction sale. You’ll see our high standard of quality from the first to the very last bull in the sale. We invite everyone to come to the ranch to view the cattle and see the way we manage our herd. We are very proud of our cattle, and feel you will be proud of “The Explosive Difference” they will make for you.  I truly have a passion for this business, and love breeding cattle and the never ending pursuit to try to make them better. One of our greatest blessings over the past 27 years is the wonderful people we have met, and the dear friends we have made in this business. Thanks so much for your interest. Hope to see you Friday the 10^th!

                                                                                                                                                   Sincerely, Kevin, Lynette & family