YV RANCH WELCOME,
Welcome to our inaugural YV Ranch, Nixdorff Genetics Bull Sale Hereford and Angus offering. Backed by the core program principles that we’ve been working many years to establish, we are pleased to share our 2025 bull offering with you. Our family has been in the genetic seed stock industry for over five decades, and for two decades under the YV Ranch name. As our family and our farm continue to grow, we are excited to change up our route of marketing bulls with our inaugural on-farm Bull Sale, Thursday, February 20th, 2025.
Our goal is simple, we strive to support our customers in producing the most efficient cows possible that inturn generate calves that will excel from birth through to slaughter. By running our purebred cows alongside our commercial cows, and in environments similar to our customers’, we can identify animals that fit the environment and rise to the top. As we write this on a late December afternoon, the entirety of our purebred cow herd is 70 miles from the farm, grazing native grasses on coulee hill sides alongside barley chaff residue, while eating snow to meet their water needs. These cows will stay
at this location for at least another month before moving closer to home. Without the continuous environmental pressure on these cows as heifers, on their mothers and their grandmothers, the herd would be in survival mode, they would not be thriving. We pride ourselves in producing functional cattle that prosper in challenging environments.
The selection pressure on the 2025 sale bulls has been immense, leaving only the best of the best in the sale’s lineup. We are very proud of them, and are confident you will find a selection of bulls that will benefit your operation.
Thank you to our friends and customers for supporting us and allowing us to continue doing what we love. We invite you to join us at our inaugural on-farm Bull Sale on Thursday, February 20th, 2025. Reach out to any of us prior to the sale to learn more about our program and about the bulls on offer.
~ the Nixdorff Family
Adam Nixdorff
Coleman Nixdorff
Hal Nixdorff Nicky Nixdorff
Alison Nixdorff
Nels Nixdorff Terri Nixdorff
ONE SALE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025 • AIRDRIE, ALBERTA EVERY BULL SELLS
SALE DAY
INFORMATION
SALE LOCATION
From Airdrie, 10 miles (16km) East from the QE#2 South Airdrie overpass, on the Yankee Valley Road (Twp Rd 270).
The farm is on the south side of the road with a large red YV Ranch sign. Or search “YV Ranch” on Google Maps.
YV RANCH
The Nixdorff’s 280201 TWP RD 270
Rocky View County, AB T4A 2T2
SCHEDULE
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
• Noon-5 pm: Open House Bulls available for viewing and refreshments
Thursday, February 20, 2025
• 8:00 am: Bulls available for viewing, coffee and refreshments
• 12:00 pm: Prime Rib Lunch
AUCTION FORMAT
This will be a video sale with no bulls entering the ring. All sale cattle will be available for viewing on location, sale day and prior.
VIDEOS
Videos of the bulls can be viewed at:
• YV-Ranch.com
• DLMS.ca
• 1:30 pm MST: YV Ranch, Nixdorff Genetics Bull Sale
SALE DAY CONTACTS
Nels 403-510-2771
Terri 403-808-2771 terrinixdorff@gmail.com
Adam 587-580-8310
Hal 403-852-9234
Coleman 403-990-1254
SALES STAFF
Ryan Hurlburt, Auctioneer 306-292-9812
Travis Bygrove, Ring Service 780-205-6008
Kevin Murnin, Ring Service 406-853-4638 (USA Rep)
OFFERING
60 Horned and Polled Hereford and Angus Bulls
• Cattlevids.ca
BID AND VIEW ONLINE AT DLMS.ca
DLMS Sale Day Support 780 -991-3025
CUSTOMER LOYALTY REWARDS
We are pleased to offer volume discounts on 3 or more bulls purchased, with a percentage for each bull purchased up to 10% off on 10+ bulls.
SIGHT UNSEEN PURCHASE GUARANTEE
If you are unable to attend the sale or view the bulls in person we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all cattle purchased sight unseen. Call any of the Nixdorff’s prior to the sale for any assistance or more information on any of the bulls.
BREEDING GUARANTEE
Every bull is semen tested and 100% guaranteed on feet, legs, and ability to breed.
DELIVERY
Pick up your bull before March 1, 2025 and receive $300 off each bull.
Free delivery on all bulls sold to Western Canada and the North Western United States. YV Ranch will work with customers to deliver to further destinations.
An additional fee of $500 CDN on all international purchases under $6000 CDN to cover export brokerage and testing fees.
INSURANCE
Livestock insurance will be available sale day
RIGHT TO SEMEN
YV Ranch reserves the right to draw semen on any sale bulls at YV’s expense and the buyer’s convenience, for in herd use.
HERD HEALTH
Provided by Dr. Waylon Wise and Dr. Alessa Kuczewski and the team at Cow/Calf Health and Management Solutions, CCHMS.
DATA COLLECTION
Provided by Herdtrax Beef, Dr. Troy Drake.
TERMS
Full terms listed on page 43.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Airdrie
Comfort Inn & Suites
403-948-3411
Fairfield Inn & Suites 403-945-7000
Balzac
Days Inn by Wyndham 403-516-3297
INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES
International buyers, take advantage of the favorable Canadian dollar
STRUCTURAL SOUNDNESS: all cattle are run on large summer and winter pastures, pushing their need for overall structural soundness.
FERTILITY: all heifers follow a timed AI protocol at 55% of their mature body weight forcing only the most fertile to cycle, followed by a short exposure to bulls for no more than 45 days. This allows for animals with lower fertility to be culled from the program at a young age. Cows are limited to a 63-day exposure window. Both heifers and cows are bred coming off of winter grazing crop residue and greenfeed swaths.
LONGEVITY: the longevity of a commercial cow herd is directly related to the operation’s profitability. Our data collection process allows us to critically examine the overall differences in longevity among our genetic lines and allows us to make strict culling decisions.
MATERNAL TRAITS: every female is given a score for udder structure and for teat size directly after calving, this allows us to eliminate females with poor quality udders. It also allows us to identify bulls that offer maternal traits. Before a sire is used in the herd, the dam and paternal grand dam are evaluated to ensure that their udders are of the highest quality. We have been collecting udder scores on all our females in both our purebred and commercial herds for 20 years. This has allowed us to make strict and objective culling decisions.
YVGENETIC SELECTIONCARCASS
DO-ABILITY: cows should not only survive in harsh environments but they should be able to thrive. From weaning to calving, our purebred cow herd is co-mingled with our large commercial cow herd. While together, they spend the winter extensively grazing crop residues, followed by swath grazing in the spring, before calving on large stubble fields.
TEMPERAMENT: Selection for docility is continuous, removing any hard to handle or wild animals from the program.
FEED EFFICIENCY: this is one of the newest traits we have been selecting for. In order to maintain a profitable cow herd, input costs must be reduced. With feed being the largest component of a herd’s input costs, selecting for feed efficiency allows us to reduce these costs without compromising the performance of our cattle.
PERFORMANCE: cows and calves are run in large contemporary groups from birth through weaning and maintained in the same groups until they are yearlings. This allows for direct comparison of performance while removing any influence of environmental factors. Cow weights are recorded on a yearly basis, allowing for selection of high growth animals while maintaining a moderate cow size.
CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS: in an effort to improve lean muscle yield and carcass weights, all sale bulls are ultrasounded for ribeye area, marbling and backfat. In addition to this, we finish all of our cull bulls and heifers, as well as commercial steers and heifers, collecting their carcass data from the packer. We also collect carcass data from some of our bull buyers’ calves. The multiple sources of data allow us to make informed breeding decisions to continuously improve our carcass merit.
RATING SYSTEM explained 5 Star
Simplifying our data for a better user experience.
As we continue to track more and more metrics on our cattle, our goal is to provide our customers with the most accurate data possible, along with the easiest way to use it to select for profit-driven cattle .
The more stars a bull has, the greater genetic improvement you can expect in his calves in the following areas:
CALVING EASE
Use the Calving Ease 5 Star Guide to select for reduced calving difficulties and calf vigor
***** Use on all Heifers and Cows
**** Use on Mature Heifers and Cows
*** Use on Mature Cows
** Use on Mature Cows
* Use on Large Frame Mature Cows
PERFORMANCE
Use the Performance 5 Star Guide to select bulls to add more weaning and yearling growth.
MATERNAL
Use the Maternal 5 Star Guide to select bulls to produce better replacement females based on udder quality, teat placement and structure, cow longevity, stayability and mothering ability.
EFFICIENCY
Use the Efficiency 5 Star Guide to make efficiency improvements in both the cow herd and feeder pen by reducing cow herd feed consumption, increasing summer grazing density and improving feedyard F:G and profit. Individual animal Residual Feed Intake (RFI) and feed to gain metrics are used, along with metrics from our cow herd collected during low quality winter feeding conditions.
CARCASS
Use the Carcass 5 Star Guide to make genetic improvement to the carcass quality of future feeder calves. All sale bulls have been scanned for marbling, ribeye area and rib fat, and then benchmarked within our herd. YV feeder steers and heifer kill data with known sires have added to our in herd benchmarking.
It’s
Leading the way
IN FEED EFFICIENCY
simple, it’s about reducing feed consumption.
We individually test all of our sale bulls and replacement heifers for Residual Feed Intake, AKA, Feed Efficiency.
For 12 years we have put selection pressure on feed efficiency through active feed intake testing. Over the past 6 years, we have tested all our bulls, along with all our purebred and some commercial heifers on our on-farm GrowSafe feed intake system.
Retaining high efficiency sires in our program has resulted in significant improvements in the feed to gain of our cattle on feed and it has allowed us to increase stocking densities during summer grazing. Selection for feed efficiency benefits our own purebred and commercial herds, and also adds immense value to our customers’ breeding programs. The unique characteristics of feed efficiency, specifically residual feed intake (RFI), make it compatible with every breeding program.
By selecting for cattle with a lower RFI we can achieve:
• A reduction in cowherd feed requirements by 20-30%
• Extended grazing days for cattle on pasture
• More efficient feed to gains on feeder cattle
Cattle with lower RFI numbers are more efficient.
Feed Intake Measuring Equipment
Each bunk weighs each animal’s intake continuously and records their electronic identification
RANCH cow
Typically, a ranch’s goal is to increase profitability year over year, with each ranch taking its own approach to achieving this. Year after year our fundamental principles have remained the same, we are focused on lowering inputs and cutting costs as opposed to solely driving performance. The most profitable ranches are the ones with fewer inputs, less costs and lower overheads. Every day we work to push these principles ahead on our operation and we hope our customers share a similar mindset.
Selecting the right genetics to contribute to a ranch’s herd can play a large role in reducing a herd’s input requirements and costs. Ideally, the genetics should be sourced from a place where the cattle are run similar to, or tougher than your own. This is where we believe our genetics can add the most value to our customers’ cow herds.
Every YV Ranch bull is backed by a cow that meets the fundamental principles to generate profitability and longevity within a herd. Every single YV Ranch cow is run in a large group year round, where over the winter all the purebred cows are grazed alongside their commercial counterparts for the whole winter, every winter! The cow herd is continuously pushed for self sufficiency where every cow needs to wean a live calf, untouched by human intervention to remain in the herd. Intensive cow herd udder, feet, fertility and temperament scores are analyzed to continue pushing the envelope on longevity.
If you’re interested in having your herd work for you, not you working for your cows, then a YV Ranch Bull is what you’re looking for.
The most profitable cow herds are often the ones with the fewest inputs. YV Ranch cows check all the boxes while working in low input environments:
√ Fertility
√ Longevity
√ Excellent Udders
√ Exceptional Feet and Legs
√ Feed Efficiency
HEREFORD REFERENCE SIRES
YV 4F MR CREDIT 70H
YV 70H | C03074591 | HORNED
YV 70H was used on heifers and cows adding marbling, calving ease and pigment to his calves. His cow, 9F, has continued to impress us as she ages, and has made her way into our donor program. 12 SONS SELL
BR 213B FORTY CREEK 234F
BR 234F | C03048035 | HORNED
Forty Creek has proven himself both here at YV Ranch as well as Braun Ranch, with over 275 registered offspring. His sons will throw pigment and stoutness in their calves, with a great hooded eye and daughters that will stay in the herd. He has become a trait leader in Sustained Cow fertility, RFI as well at Carcass Weight. Forty Creek is co-owned with Braun Ranch. 7 SONS SELL
YV 234F SUNNY CREEK ET 13J
YV 13J | C03087772 | HORNED
YV 13J, high seller at the 2022 Calgary Bull Sale was sold to Carmichael Herefords, South Dakota. We have used 13J heavily in both our commericial and purbread AI program. 3 SONS SELL
YV 234F FORTY CREEK 45H
YV 45H | C03073956 | HORNED
YV 45H, sold to Beery’s Land and Livestock, Montana, was used because of his exceptional dam, 60E. Fertility and udder structure run deep in his pedigree, leading 45H to being a trait leader in Sustained Cow Fertility. 9 SONS SELL
YV 39D SUN DESIGN LAD 104F
YV 104F | C03052501 | HORNED
YV 104F sons will throw all the traits we have admired in his grandsire, Starstruck. They will throw super long calves that will have tremendous feet and legs and have a thick mossy hair coat. With a large group of daughters in production he has proven his maternal side as well. 5 SONS SELL
CSC 701 BOLDER 901
901 | C03069531 | POLLED
Bolder was selected as an AI sire in our polled program to add volume and shape, while lowering birthweights. His sons are carbon copies to him and will make soft made calves with added muscle and hair. 2 SONS SELL
HEREFORD REFERENCE SIRES
CHURCHILL RED BARON 8300F ET
8300 | C03073840 | POLLED
Red Baron was used in our ET program to produce polled calves that complement our horned breeding, they are soft made, structurally sound and easy doing. 2 SONS SELL
YV 77C MR CREDIT STRUCK 37H
YV 37H | C03073548 | HORNED
YV 37H was added to our AI program as a son of 77C with added performance, out of one of our most proven cows. 37H sons will excel in performance and add pounds to calves in the fall. 1 SON SELLS
YV 35X ZAM 15Z
YV 15Z | C02969107 | HORNED
Zam has been used again as an AI sire on heifers, the Zam sons will produce moderate sized calves that grow quick. Zam is owned with Little Fort Herefords. 1 SON SELLS
YV 234F MR FORTY CREEK ET 20J
YV 20J | C03087921 | HORNED
YV 20J was purchased off the farm by Ridder Hereford Ranch of Nebraska, being a top embryo bull and full sibling to 13J. He carries the power and structure of his sire and the quality of teat and udder from his mother. 2 SONS SELL
AGA 18Z ZOOM STAN CREDITOR 77C
ALNK 77C | C03012611 | HORNED
77C sons combine the best of top old Canadian pedigrees and they continue to lead our feed efficiency program. Combining that with their big foot, hair and ruggedness they make great ranch bulls, and we have continued using both 77C and numerous sons within our program. 1 SON SELLS
CMF 1720 GOLD RUSH 569G
CMF 569G | C03098985 | POLLED Gold Rush is an Endure son with added calving ease and marbling, hes is short marked and adds length to his calves. 1 SON SELLS
Thank you to Orrin Henn for partnering with us on various deals, to Tianda Praud for always being there to help process cattle, to Roy Bushfield for cowboying up at a moment’s notice, and to Bryn Horne for always helping get the cows home.
THE ANGUSYVcattle of
We believe that with a strong selection of value adding traits, solid feet and tremendous udders, these bulls can fit into any cowherd and create a complimentary cross that many of our customers love and appreciate, the proven and time tested baldy.
Complete Carcass and Feed Intake data will be available prior to, and on sale day on all Angus sale bulls.
ANGUS REFERENCE SIRES
SQUARE B ATLANTIS 8060
IMP 060F | 2192495 | BLACK
Atlantis was chosen as an AI sire after seeing some great offspring as well as his volume and rib shape, paired with a proven maternal line.
3 SONS SELL
HF QUICK DRAW 145G
HAMI 145G | 2112196 | BLACK
Quick Draw is an embryo son that goes back to Cowboy Up, his sons will add power and growth, and can be appreciated for their soundness.
2 SONS SELL
WOODHILL REVIVAL H028
IMP 028H | 2212304 | BLACK
Revival was selected to use on heifers, showing moderate birthweights and explosive growth after birth. The Revival sons we saw last spring impressed us enough to use him ourselves. 1 SON SELLS
BALDRIDGE ALTERNATIVE E125
IPM 0125E | 2193410 | BLACK
Alternative is an AI sire that has added calving ease and carcass merit, his sons will add value to any offspring and he has been widely used with great reports. 1 SON SELLS
HF ALL-ROUND 130E
HAMI 130E | 2003556 | BLACK
All-Round round was used as a walking bull and was appreciated for his square, moderate stance and solid feet, getting used on both cows and heifers with proven calving ease. 1 SON SELLS
S A V SUPERCHARGER 6813
IMP 6813D | 2019463 | BLACK
Supercharger has been widely used for his structure and maternal power, his sons will add shape and base width to calves, and make broody females. 1 SON SELLS
OF YV RANCH, NIXDORFF SALES & MARKETING
Harness the power
Reach out to any of the YV Ranch team to discuss opportunities to market your YV influence feeder steers, open and replacement quality heifers in 2025.
YV sales and marketing; unleashing the power of YV Genetics. Creating more value, easier transactions and greater control in your cattle sales.
Hal 403-852-9234 • Adam 587-580-8310 • Coleman 403-990-1254
2025 NIXDORFF GENETICS BULL SALE terms and conditions
TERMS OF SALE: Cash or cheque payable at par on sale day unless prior arrangements have been made; no invoicing on buyers in attendance unless previous arrangements have been made. Every animal sells to the highest bidder and in cases of disputes, the auctioneer’s decisions will be final. Announcements from the auction block will take precedence over the printed matter in the catalogue. Current exchange rates will be announced sale day. All monies are in Canadian funds.
HEALTH: All animals in the sale have met all necessary health requirements.
GUARANTEE: Each animal becomes the purchaser’s risk immediately after the animal is sold. All animals in this sale will be sold under terms and guarantees set forth by the Canadian Hereford Association and Canadian Angus Association with regards to health, freedom from genetic conditions and from both reproductive and specific genetic unsoundness.
LIABILITIES: All persons attend the sale at their own risk. The seller, facility owner and sale manager assume no liability, legal or otherwise, for any accident that occur.
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