February 18, 2012
Ridge Spring, S.C.

Rain loomed in the forecast but it didn't keep the crowd from coming out to the 22nd Annual Yon Family Farms Bull Sale. The sale was held at the farm in Ridge Spring, S.C. on February 18, 2012. A total of 125 bulls sold, with 113 registered yearling Angus bulls selling for a farm record average of $4,095, while seven yearling Sim-Angus bulls averaged $4,071. One registered Charolais sold for $3,000, while one registered Balancer bull sold for $3,750 and three commercial Angus bulls sold for an average price of $3,833.

Demand was strong throughout the sale. Topping the sale was Lot 14, a crowd favorite, who was a massive son of SAV Final Answer from the Rose family, with a Birthweight EPD of -1.1 and a Yearling EPD of +102. He was selected by Lonnie Ellison from Lenoir City, Tenn., and sold for $15,000 for 2/3 interest. The 2nd high seller was Lot 1, an eye appealing, powerful SS Objective son for $10,500 for 2/3 interest to BJR Summerford Angus in Falkville, Ala. (Robert Summerford is also the co-owner of Yon Future Focus, the high selling bull from the 2008 Sale). Lot 7, the heavyweight of the sale, a Predestined from the Sarah cow family, was the third high lot and sold for $8,000 for 2/3 interest to Brad Cooper from Potts Camp, Miss. A total of 10 Angus bulls sold for $6,000 or higher this year. Prices remained steady throughout the day. The top selling Sim Angus bull was a powerhouse son of Club King and was the selection of 3 S Ranch in Jayess, Miss. to use in their SimAngus operation.

Bulls sold into ten states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia, Mississippi, Florida, Kentucky and Arkansas. Repeat customers purchased 54 percent of the bulls sold. The entire sale was broadcast live on the internet on DV Auctions, allowing active bidders from around the country to participate. Special thanks are due to Travis Mitchell who handled the telephone bidding during the auction, which was extremely active at this sale. Auctioneers for the event were Col. Mike Jones and Col. Darren Carter.

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. As the sun set on a great sale day, the much needed rain began.

Yon Family Farms hosts two annual sales -- the third Saturday in February and the first Saturday of 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.