How many years have you attended the NWSS?
Troy has been attending the NWSS since the early 1970’s.
Why do you attend these Major Shows?
Attending major shows is a good way to get our cattle out and showcase what we have to offer other breeders. Denver is one of our favorite places to do this because it draws in cattlemen from all over the country. Having cattle at places like Denver allows people to get to know more about what we are all about and have a better idea of what we have to offer them.
What sires are for you currently using in your operation?
As far as Charolais, Firewater has been a very dominant sire for us the last decade and now his son, Turton, is doing a fabulous job for us. Many of our cows are now Firewater daughters and we have had a lot of success mating them with Wrangler, Rhinestone, Diablo, and other bulls in our battery. We are really excited for the bull calf that we will have on display in Denver, Outsider, who is an outcross to nearly our entire herd.
Do you think the Charolais breed has changed? If so how? And do you think it’s for better or worse?
The Charolais breed has made a lot of progress toward being the type and kind that suits the cattle industry today. They have become more moderate in their frame size while becoming bigger bodied and easier keeping all of which has made them more appealing to the commercial cattlemen.
Charolais have also taken off in the show ring in recent years on the purebred side and in the club calf business.
What do you enjoy about the Charolais Breed?
I like seeing the progress that they have made in the last couple decades and how much more respected they have come within the industry. It’s also really fun to be a part of a breed that is not only getting attention in the show ring but even more so on the commercial side!
If you had to pick another breed to show what one would it be and why?
I really like the Red Angus breed and we have continued to get more involved within the breed over the last few years. I think the breed has a lot to offer and is making a lot of steps in the right direction. We will actually be showing and selling three Red Angus in February at the Black Hills Stock Show.
What is your favorite thing about the NWSS?
I like going because it’s a good time to see everyone and offers an opportunity to show off our program and interact with customers. Aside from the show, we always have a good time being part of numerous sales that happen during the NWSS, such as Embryos on Snow.
What is your favorite Sullivan Supply Product?
Right now I have to say Revive because it is a great product that really helps us improve the hair at this time of the year.
Thomas Ranch has a bull sale on Jan 23rd 2015 where they will be selling 50 head of age-advantaged Charolais, Angus, and Sim-Angus bulls.They will also have multiple Charolais and Red Angus consigned to the Black Hills Stock Show and Sale the first week of February. The annual bull sale is the second Tuesday in April and Thomas Ranch will offer 350 Charolais, Red Angus, Angus, and Sim-Angus Bulls.
The 2nd Annual Fall-born heifer and steer sale is in April.