1
WELCOME TO OUR 10
TH
ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE
A couple of years ago, we started this letter with “What a ride it’s been,” but that was in reference
to the excellent cattle prices. Well, that is again true, but it’s because of the downward slide in
cattle prices, it’s been enough to take a person’s breath away. We have been and keep building
genetics that will excel and work for all of us in both up and down markets. Meaning, cows that
work without huge imputs, cows that can hunt feed, wean a good calf and do well when cowmen
and women are cutting corners so the bottom line shows some black ink. But, in addition, their
calves have to work in the feedlot and fetch a premium at harvest, are super tender and a deli-
cious eating experience for our customers. That’s a pretty tall order for a cow that has to work in
a harsh environment and stay in shape so she breeds back early for next year’s calf. We believe
the Angus cow can and does do it all better than any other cow out there. You can cross her and
get a baldy that works here, but no matter what, the Angus cows is in the genetic mix of the really
great cows that are producing the world’s best beef.
We are still putting heavy selection pressure on AI sires and our own herd bulls to be great cow
makers along with lots of feed efficiency. The bulls in the sale have plenty of maternal genetics
for replacement females. We have used some sires that add some back fat, it sure helps for harsh
winters and dry summers, our young females stay in great shape and we have a marked increase
in the number of 2- and 3-year-olds that breed back early and calve in the first 21 days. Our cows
are loaded with maternal traits, real world functionality, added fertility and their genetics will
produce calves with extras for your buyers. We continue to follow the “Old Cowboy Rule,” put as
much milk and performance as your environment will let you have in your cow herd, our chal-
lenging range conditions keep us producing breed leading females that “can take it.”The open
commercial heifers in this sale will fit this profile.
On the performance side, we haven’t dropped the ball. WEBO genetics still have performance
packed in alongside the feed efficiency for your calf or yearling buyer, who are demanding cattle
that have the genetics to produce a profit at every level. The feeder buyers are still paying premi-
ums for cattle that have higher quality grades, perform and finish with fewer days on feed before
harvest. The bulls in the sale will produce calves that fit that demand profile. No matter when or
how it’s sold, beef is still sold by the pound, be it live, in the box or at the meat counter. Selection
pressure is still applied for carcass trait improvement and optimum performance. Here at WEBO
we strive for optimum and not maximum for any one trait, we just can’t get along with big ol’
cows that demand lots of imputs. Our cows are run pretty much like yours, we summer on grass,
(no creep for the calves), cake and hay in the winter.
We will be delighted to see you and your family sale day April 4, 2017. We will have a great beef
lunch served by the Niobrara County Cattlewomen. If you need more information, we will be hap-
py to help you and answer any questions you may have about our cattle. Come to the sale, look
the bulls over and make your own assessments. Please know we will stand behind our cattle, if
an issue comes up let us know. We will do what is right and strive to correct any problems that
may occur. We are pleased and thankful for the opportunity to be your source for high quality,
efficient Angus bulls.
Sincerely,
Buttons York & Family
