Fellow Cattlemen,

'Times change' they say and I would like to tell you of the changing times at Spring Creek. For years bulls have been sold at the Regina and Lloydminster Bull Sales with many banners, ribbons and memories to remind one of the good times, friends and business that we had. However, with changing demands from the commercial industry and customers, bulls will no longer be taken to these sales and we will concentrate on selling all bulls by private treaty off the farm.

While bull sales had their advantages, they also had their drawbacks. First of all too many hours were required to halter-break, wash, comb and clip etc., all of which would not add much value to the bull with respect to the buyer's needs. There was also the worry of getting 'fill' on bulls so they would look in natural condition and have bulls 'settle in' in strange city environments. Many times the bulls could be appreciated better at home in their natural surroundings.

Without all the extra work required by the traditional Bull Sales, hopefully we can spend more time adding more useful value to the bulls for their new owners and make your 'bull buying experience' more rewarding for you. Some of the advantages we see in on-farm sales are:

a) more time to look at all the bulls in their natural state

b) a chance to view sires and dams

c) time to sit down with us to discuss EPD's, pedigrees, ultrasound data etc. on a selected group of bulls

d) a chance to make your purchases early in the year rather than at the last minute at a March sale

e) bulls will be individually priced so you can weigh relative merits of individual bulls compared to your requirements, and not have your purchase be determined by the 'sale order'

f) a farm visit will allow you to assess the level of management and feed that the bulls have received. Consignment sales are a poor contemporary group and make decisions difficult

g) offers a chance for buyer and seller to 'get to know one another' to build a better business relationship with regards to breeder guarantees and future business

h) 'bull shopping' can be at your convenience

i) no 'trucking worries' after the sale

Angus cattle are new to our program. We were fortunately able to select a small herd of mostly Red Angus cattle from the heart of an established breeder's herd due to the drought conditions. When choosing these cattle I kept in mind the type of Angus that I felt would complement and cross well with Simmental in the commercial herds of our customers.

Yours truly,

Brian J. McCarthy