I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of a better feeling than when you get something like a scheduled event completed. Some examples would be your income tax, Christmas shopping, working your calves, turning the bulls out and so on.  For me, it’s getting the San Antonio All Breed Sale over and even more importantly, having a successful sale for our consignors. So, officially the 34^th Annual sale is now in the history books and if I were to say it was a good one, that would be an understatement. We sold 42 bulls representing five different breeds that averaged $8,065 and 441 head of pairs, bred and open heifers that averaged $4,242. As in years past, we will have a detailed sale report and photos of all the winners in the next issue of SLS.

I would like to complement our consignors for bringing the best bulls and females to this year’s sale and having the confidence to allow us the opportunity to market their cattle. Special congratulations to Jasik Hay Farms from Pleasanton, Texas for consigning the grand champion pen of females and McMurtry Brangus, Troy, Texas, for consigning the high grading bull.  More importantly, I would like to compliment all of our consignors for not only bringing us the best cattle in the state but also for the camaraderie they share with each other while they are at the show. Trust me when I say they love to compete and win, but more importantly, they show old-fashioned respect and integrity to each other when it’s over.

So, what did we learn from this year’s San Antonio All Breed Sale? What we have always known — exceptional, high-quality bulls and females are in big demand. If you don’t believe me just look at these facts from the past San Antonio Sales. In 2024, 54 bulls sold for an average of $6,056 and the females-493 head, sold for an average of $3,130.  In 2023, 46 bulls sold for an average of $5,713 and the females-452 head sold for an average of $2,700.  This market is hot and apparently, our buyers are very bullish and feel like their investment is potentially safer in the pasture than in the stock market or in the bank. That seems especially true right now when calves are bringing anywhere from $1,400 to $2,000 depending on the size and quality of the calf and a $4,000 cow/calf pair can actually pay for herself in maybe three years. As Hank Williams used to sing, “If you got the money, honey, I’ve got the time.” Maybe we need to change the words to, “If you got the money and grass, honey, it’s time to shine.”

In the next six to eight weeks, I’m going to predict that other high-quality bull and replacement female sales could actually top our sale here in San Antonio. So, don’t wait until May to try and find a two-year-old bull or some good quality pairs for $4,500. You and I both know when the green grass starts growing, everyone will be trying buy cattle and then it will be too late!