ANNUAL BULL SALE
JANUARY 11, 2025 | 1:00 PM | BUFFALO, WY
ANGUS BULLS guaranteed to produce POUNDS THAT PAY
COMMITTED TO PROVIDING COMMERCIAL CATTLEMEN IN THE GREAT PLAINS REGION WITH ANGUS PERFORMANCE-BASED BULLS BRED FOR PRODUCING POUNDS THAT WILL PAY.
RAFTER T ANGUS
ANNUAL BULL SALE
JANUARY 11, 2025 | 1:00 PM | BUFFALO, WY BUFFALO LIVESTOCK AUCTION
SALE DAY CONTACTS
Sale Barn
Kale Kretschman, cell
Kim Kretschman, cell
Galen Kretschman, cell
SALE DAY REPRESENTATIVES
Curt Cox .
Wyoming Livestock Roundup
Andy Rest
Cattle Business Weekly
Matt Wznick .
Western Ag Reporter
Scott Dirk
Tri-State Livestock News
AUCTIONEER
307-684-0789
307-299-4569
307-257-4262
307-622-0840
307-630-4604
406-670-5678
406-489-2414
605-380-6024
Kyle Shobe 406-366-0472
ONLINE BIDDING
Watch the sale live and bid online with DVAuction . DVAuction Tech Support 402-316-5460
Ryan Large, DVAuction Representative . . 308-340-9859
PHONE BIDDING
Ray Mader .
. 307-751-1318
Phone bidding options available, please contact Kale or Kim Kretschman for more information.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Cattle will sell under the Standard Terms and Conditions as recommended by the American Angus Association .
RETAINED INTEREST
Rafter T Angus will be retaining a one-third revenue sharing interest in every bull selling in the sale Full possession and salvage value sells on all bulls .
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
A supplement data sheet will be available sale day with scrotal measurements, ultrasound data and other updates . Announcements from the auction block take precedence over catalog information .
SALE LOCATION
Buffalo Livestock Marketing (same place, new name) 44 T W Rd Buffalo, WY 82834
SALE DAY SCHEDULE
9:00 AM Bulls on Display 11:30 AM
TRUCKING
Delivery of all bulls is free of charge to central points in Wyoming and adjoining states . Delivery of bulls will begin Mid-March . Trucking for females is the buyer's responsibility We will assist in making arrangements INSURANCE
Martin-Trudeau Insurance, Mitchell, SD .605-996-3106
We strongly encourage our buyers to purchase insurance on their bulls against death or injury . We cannot guarantee them against an act of God or sickness that develops while he is in your control . We do guarantee our cattle to be healthy sale day and when their arrive to your ranch We recommend Martin-Trudeau Insurance, but they will not be available sale day, you may contact them at your convenience and set-up a policy per your request .
WINTERING
All bulls will be wintered free of charge at our ranch . Delivery will begin in mid-March If you need a later delivery date, feeding arrangements can be made at the buyer’s expense
HERD HEALTH
All cattle sell with proper health papers for interstate shipment . A rigid herd health program is followed . All cattle have been calf hood vaccinated with 7-way Somnus at branding and at weaning along with IBR, BVD, BRSV, Pasturella and a Dectomax Pour On
FERTILITY
The bulls will be fertility tested by a licensed veterinarians, Drs Jay and Brandi Hudson, prior to delivery
FIRST BREEDING SEASON GUARANTEE
Rafter T Angus guarantees bull(s) which sell for $3,000 or more for their first breeding season (60 days from turn out) provided the bull(s) are managed properly and are kept in acceptable nutritional and physical health . Upon delivery Rafter T Angus guarantees the bull(s) are sound and fertile Should death or injury occur to the bull(s) it should be documented and verified by a licensed DVM. Rafter T Angus will either give credit to the buyer or replace injured bull(s) at their discretion, if a comparable bull(s) is available
SIGHT UNSEEN GUARANTEE
We guarantee all bulls purchased sight unseen . If you don’t like the bull at the time of delivery, we’ll take him home .
CALVING EASE RECOMMENDATION
Free Lunch 1:00 PM
LIABILITY
Sale Begins
All persons who attend the sale do so at their own risk Rafter T Angus and Buffalo Livestock Auction assumes no liability, legal or otherwise, for any accidents which may occur ACCOMMODATIONS
Hampton Inn, Buffalo
Comfort Inn, Buffalo
307-684-8899
307-684-9564
Throughout the catalog we have selected bulls we feel are definite calving ease and should be considered to use on heifers These notes can be found in the footnote section of the lot boxes . This suggestion is based on a number of factors including pedigree, birth weight and our knowledge of the sire and dam . All buyers should take into account their own program when considering these recommendations . Please talk to us prior to the sale if you have any questions .
GreetingsCattlemen!
As we look back on 2024, it’s been a year filled with challenges, from droughts and fires to health issues. But through it all, the resilience of the cattle industry and the record-setting cattle markets have been a much needed silver-lining . The year reminded us why we love this business and strengthened our commitment to delivering genetics that add value to your operations
Our bull offering this year is built on power and performance without sacrificing maternal qualities. We’ve continued to focus on new sire groups that meet these goals, always aiming to pass along genetics that move your herd forward . We continue to use AI bulls, which allows us to carefully select sires and focus on well-balanced progeny This year’s sires bring a combination of growth, fertility, and longevity that we’re excited to share
In addition to our bulls, we’re offering a standout selection of bred females this year First, we have 24 F-1 black baldie bred heifers raised on a reputation ranch in North Dakota These heifers are sired by Mrnak and Stuber Hereford bulls, bred to low birth weight Rafter T Angus bulls, and are due to calve in April 2025 . Next, we’re excited to include 20 commercial Angus bred heifers from our neighbor, Scott Joslyn These heifers are backed by Sitz Alliance, SAV Resource, and EXT genetics, making them ideal for productive mama cows They’re bred to RTA Turning Point 3000 and a Red Angus bull . Finally, we’re proud to offer 25 home-raised Angus bred heifers, owned by Brad and Delight Harris . These one-iron heifers are AI bred to RTA Winchester 377 and will begin calving on April 1 Find out more about these heifers on pages 24 and 25
As always, our cattle are developed with a focus on genetic excellence, adaptability, and real-world functionality We work closely with our veterinarians, Drs . Jay and Brandi Hudson to develop bulls and females that perform under real-world conditions . Every bull will receive a complete breeding soundness exam before delivery, and we’re proud to offer centralized delivery points for our customers in Wyoming and neighboring states
We’re deeply grateful for our customers and the trust you place in our genetics We know the decisions we make directly impact your profitability, and we take that responsibility seriously. Thank you for your continued support of our program .
Videos of the offering are available on our website at www rafterangus com Please don’t hesitate to call with any questions about our program or sale lots
We look forward to visiting with you on sale day! Lunch will be served at 11:30 a .m ., and we can’t wait to see you there
RAFTER T ANGUS
The Kretschman Family Kale, Kim, Galen & Zane
S A V CHECKMATE 8158
BD: 2/22/18 • AAA#: *19253201
EPDDefinitions
PRODUCTION EPDs
Calving Ease Direct (CED), is expressed as a difference in percentage of unassisted births, with a higher value indicating greater calving ease in first-calf heifers. It predicts the average difference in ease with which a sire’s calves will be born when he is bred to first-calf heifers.
Birth Weight EPD (BW), expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire’s ability to transmit birth weight to his progeny compared to that of other sires .
Weaning Weight EPD (WW), expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire’s ability to transmit weaning growth to his progeny compared to that of other sires .
Yearling Weight EPD (YW), expressed in pounds, is a predictor of a sire’s ability to transmit yearling growth to his progeny compared to that of other sires
Scrotal Circumference EPD (SC), expressed in centimeters, is a predictor of the difference in transmitting ability for scrotal size compared to that of other sires .
MATERNAL EPDs
Maternal Milk EPD (Milk), is a predictor of a sire’s genetic merit for milk and mothering ability as expressed in his daughters compared to daughters of other sires In other words, it is that part of a calf’s weaning weight attributed to milk and mothering ability
Heifer Pregnancy (HP), is a selection tool to increase the probability or chance of a sire’s daughters becoming pregnant as first-calf heifers during a normal breeding season . A higher EPD is the more favorable direction and the EPD is reported in percentage units .
MANAGEMENT EPDs
Docility (Doc), is expressed as a difference in yearling cattle temperament, with a higher value indicating more favorable docility . It predicts the average difference of progeny from a sire in comparison with another sire’s calves . In herds where temperament problems are not an issue, this expected difference would not be realized
Claw Set EPD (Claw), is expressed in units of claw-set score, with a lower EPD being more favorable indicating a sire will produce progeny with more ideal claw set The ideal claw set is toes that are symmetrical, even and appropriately spaced .
Foot Angle EPD (Angle), is expressed in units of foot-angle score, with a lower EPD being more favorable indicating a sire will produce progeny with more ideal foot angle The ideal is a 45-degree angle at the pastern joint with appropriate toe length and heel depth
CARCASS EPDs
Carcass Weight EPD (CW), expressed in pounds is a predictor of the differences in hot carcass weight of a sire’s progeny compared to progeny of other sires
Marbling EPD (Marb), expressed as a fraction of the difference in USDA marbling score of a sire’s progeny compared to progeny of other sires
Ribeye Area EPD (RE), expressed in square inches, is a predictor of the difference in ribeye area of a sire’s progeny compared to progeny of other sires
$VALUE INDEXES
Maternal Weaned Calf Value ($M), an index, expressed in dollars per head, predicts profitability differences from conception to weaning with the underlying breeding objective assuming that individuals retain their own replacement females within herd and sell the rest of the cull female and all male progeny as feeder calves The model assumes commercial producers will replace 25% of their breeding females in the first generation and 20% of their breeding females in each subsequent generation Traits included are as follows: calving ease direct, calving ease maternal, weaning weight, milk, heifer pregnancy, docility, mature cow weight, claw set and foot angle
Weaned Calf Value ($W), an index, expressed in dollars per head, to predict profitability differences in progeny due to genetics from birth to weaning The underlying objective being producers will retain 20% of the female progeny as replacements and sell the rest of the cull females and their male counterparts as feeder calves Traits included are as follows (in no particular order): birth weight, weaning weight, milk, and mature cow weight .
Beef Value ($B), a terminal index, expressed in dollars per carcass, to predict profitability differences in progeny due to genetics for postweaning and carcass traits This terminal index assumes commercial producers wean all male and female progeny, retain ownership of these animals through the feedlot phase and market these animals on a carcass grid Traits included in the index are as follows: yearling weight, dry-matter intake, marbling, carcass weight, ribeye area and fat
Combined Value ($C), an index, expressed in dollars per head, which includes all traits that make up both Maternal Weaned Calf Value ($M) and Beef Value ($B) with the objective that commercial producers will replace 20% of their breeding females per year with replacement heifers retained within their own herd The remaining cull heifer and steer progeny are then assumed to be sent to the feedlot where the producers retain ownership of those cattle and sell them on a quality-based carcass merit grid. Expected progeny differences (EPDs) directly influencing a combined index: calving ease direct (CED) and maternal (CEM), weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (YW), maternal milk (Milk), heifer pregnancy (HP), docility (DOC), mature cow weight (MW), foot angle (Angle), claw set (Claw), dry matter intake (DMI), marbling (Marb), carcass weight (CW), ribeye area (RE) and fat thickness (Fat)
Sire’s pedigree with sire’s registration number
Dam’s pedigree with dam’s registration number
LOT BOXDetails
CLEARMONT 491
Ellingson Profound 8155
Ellingson Prolific
#EA Queen 8070
RTA Motive 566
RTA Bessie 784
RTA
#S Powerpoint WS 5503
#EA Rosetta 6157
#Koupal Juneau 797
EA Queen 2350
#Soo Line Motive 9016
#RTA Bessie 123
M Diamond Alliance 780
BDA Bessie 6012
Footnotes and Calving Ease Recommendations EPD Percentile Ranks, Top 50% Weights and Ratios
3 RTA ROZET 483
RTA PROLIFIC 477
8155
Bar Joe Hero 2774
Dam’s Production:
LOT 12 RTA PROLIFIC 490
“Kale and Kim take a sincere interest in selecting lines that give their customers top notch quality . We’ve seen their concern in selecting functional animals and especially in selecting for good feet We can assure you they’ve done the tough research of filtering through herd sires in order to provide you with what they feel is the best in the industry ” - Drs. Jay and Brandi Hudson, Lazy H
S
Reference Sire
LOT 22 RTA TIGER 460
RTA RECLUSE 476
29 RTA CAPITALIST 482
Coleman ROCK 7200
ARVADA 461
Connealy Liberty 837A Connealy National 390C Joy Erie of Conanga 7879
#Deer Valley Patriot 3222
Conanga
UNDERSTANDING CALVING EASE SCORES
Throughout the catalog we have selected bulls we feel are definite calving ease and should be considered to use on heifers These notes can be found in the footnote section of the lot boxes
LOT 45 RTA FOR SURE
65+COMMERCIAL ANGUS + F-1Females
24 F-1 Black Baldie Bred Heifers
Bred Angus, Due April 1, 2025
Owned by Rafter T Angus
F-1 Black Baldie Heifers
• Sired by Mrnak Hereford, and Stuber Hereford bulls
• Ultra-sounded by Dr Jay Hudson
• Given Vira Shield 6 VL5 and Vitamin A
• Poured with Ivomec and given Safeguard in November
• All one iron out of a home-raised set of cows .
Bred to:
RTA For Sure 3033 (AAA# 20779805)
Peak Dot for Sure 3013H x Paintrock Answer 248-377-1
RTA For Sure 3023 (AAA# 20779801) Peak Dot for Sure 3013H x WW Really Windy 3719
Harding Architect ET 3668 (AAA# 20757530) S Architect 9501 x S A V Resource 1441
FEMALE OFFERING SALE TERMS
• All females will be on-site at Buffalo Livestock on sale day .
• Buyer is responsible for taking delivery of females on sale day or shortly thereafter .
• Females are bangs vaccinated .
• Females will sell with a gate cut minimum purchase of 5 head .
• Videos of heifers will be available on DVAuction
20AngusCommercialHeifers
20 Commercial Angus Bred Heifers
Bred to Rafter T Angus bulls due to start calving April 1, 2025 Owned by Scott Joslyn
• Home raised, one iron heifers
• EXT, Alliance and Resource bloodlines
• Bred to RTA Turning Point 3000 (Reg# 20819182)
• Also bred to a Red Angus bull
25AngusCommercialHeifers
25 Commercial Angus Bred Heifers
Bred to Rafter T Angus bulls due to start calving April 1, 2025 Owned by Brad and Delight Harris
25 fancy home-raised, one-iron commercial Angus heifers 17 are AI bred to RTA Winchester 377 (Reg# 20779819), 9 carrying bull calves and 8 carrying heifer calves Eight are bull bred to either RTA Winchester 377 or RTA Fury 2129 (Reg# 20468597) . They will start calving April 1, 2025 These girls grew up in big country in Northern Campbell County Wyoming They are extremely gentle and cake broke The heifers have had Vira Shield 6 +VL5HB, injectable Dectomax and poured with Clean Up 2 They have been on a Vitaferm mineral program
RTA Winchester 377 (AAA# 20779819) S A V Scale House 0845 x B Bar Joe Hero 2774 Service Sire
Rafter