February 21, 2009
Ridge Spring, S.C.

An excellent set of bulls, nice weather, a big pot of chili and a record crowd of cattlemen set the stage for the 19th Annual Yon Family Farms Performance Tested Angus Bull Sale. The sale was held at the farm in Ridge Spring, S.C on February 21, 2009. A total of 104 bulls sold, with 101 yearling Angus bulls selling for an average of $3431, while 2 yearling, Sim-Angus averaged $2,500. One Angus/Charolais composite sold for $1,700.

Topping the sale was Lot 1, an impressive son of SS Objective from the Sarah cow family, who had a huge Birth to Yearling EPD spread, as well as super carcass EPD's. He was selected by River Taw Farms, LLC in Cherryville, N.C. and sold for $11,000 for 2/3 interest. The 2nd high seller was Lot 7, a super thick, eye appealing, Mytty in Focus son at $10,000 for 2/3 interest to Forbis Farms in Jefferson, S.C. Lot 14, a son of GAR Predestined, rounded out the top three at $8,000 for 2/3 interest and will also make his new home at River Taw Farms. Those bulls that had strong EPD's along with superior performance on test demanded a premium, with the calving ease bulls, as always, being extremely popular. Over half of the bulls that sold were selected by repeat buyers. Bulls sold into seven states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia. The entire sale was broadcast live on the internet on DV Auctions, allowing active bidders from around the country to participate. Special thanks is due to Col. Darren Carter who always handles the telephone bidding during the auction, which was especially active at this sale.

Buyers and visitors enjoyed the traditional chili lunch prepared and served up by the Yon's neighbors. The sale is truly a community event with many neighbors pitching in to extend some of the hospitality from the Ridge.

Yon Family Farms hosts two annual sales -- the third Saturday in February and the first Saturday in November each year in Ridge Spring. In the sale coming up in November, forage-developed, coming 2-year-old bulls, will be available as well as bred cows, cow-calf pairs, bred and open heifers. You may contact the Yons to be added to their mailing list at [email protected] or (803) 685-5048.