MARKETING YOUR F1 CATTLE
The F1 specialty sale season is just around the corner and breeders should take steps now to market their cattle, even though the COVID-19 pandemic is making it more difficult this year.
The F1 Brahman female, also known as the “Queen of Cow Country,” is still in high demand, and there are a variety of marketing opportunities available to Brahman-influenced cattle breeders.
Due to the coronavirus situation, many historic F1 sales that are usually on the same weekend year after year have been forced to move their date, and in some cases, their location as well. The Brahman Journal staff has worked diligently to make a list of the upcoming F1 sales; however, these dates and locations may continue to fluctuate due to public mandates and safety precautions.
The sales with stars next to them on the list are sanctioned by the ABBA and will award additional money to the champion F1 pens. Prize money ranges from $100-150 per pen depending on the sale and type of pen. Also, the Southern Classic Sale, Deep South Sale and Carolina Brahman Breeders Association Sale will feature pen judging as well if you are interested in the competition aspect.
Due to the pandemic, it is extra important to stay in contact with each sale’s respective management team to gather information about consignment requirements, pen competitions and time frames.
Most sale managers will provide an informational packet to consignors that includes important information, like a schedule of events, information on sale requirements, nomination forms, taxes, and more. Again though, due to no fault of the sale manager, plans might be more fluid this year so stay in touch with your event’s coordinator and be sure to keep your prospective buyers updated with any changes.
Market your animals! With everything going on in the world, it is more important than ever to let people know what you are selling and when. Make an announcement on your ranch’s website and/or Facebook page, post to online cattle groups, call up past clients and buy ads in appropriate publications like The Brahman Journal.
Consignors should try to get good photos of their lots, and if possible, video. A little advertising can go a long way! Send photos to the sale manager early so they can use them in the sale book or on their website. Check out last year’s catalog if you can find one and see how much room you have for foot-notes. Put together a good, size-appropriate writeup about your cattle.
In the last weeks leading up to the sale, consignors should get their animals in top condition, re-tag them, clean them up and get them ready to haul! Keep in mind that all sales require valid health papers, and if you are going to a sale with out-of-state buyers, go ahead and get their travel papers/tags.
The world may be in a state of turmoil but Brahmaninfluenced cattle and the people who raise them are a hearty breed. They will weather this time of uncertainty with a plan in hand and hope for things to return to normal soon.
