by Sterling Allen
for Agri-Times NW
Lorenzen Ranches, one of the largest source of Red Angus genetics in the U.S., is hosting the largest bull sale on the west coast February 23.
The Lorenzen family has been farming in the Pendleton area for almost 100 years. The family roots began when Leonard Lorenzen began purchasing Red Angus cattle in 1959, shortly after the national breed association was formed.
“Reputation cattle from proven seed stock is bringing a premium at the video sales, “said Larry Lorenzen. “Buyers get the added value advantage to market Lorenzen Ranch genetics to prospective buyers.”
A beautiful sunny day allowed the opportunity to view the 400 Red Angus and Sim-Angus bulls on test at their feedlot being fed a balanced growing ration in large pens allowing the opportunity for the bulls to exercise and build up legs. The top bulls offered are sourced from over 2000 cows, of which only the top performing 300 bulls will be available for sale. A large selection of ½ brothers will sell. A new efficiently constructed sale barn is currently being constructed by Kralman Steel located adjacent to the feedlot.
Lorenzen Ranch selects cooperative breeders to raise bulls that become the source of the same strong genetic program from their reputation ranch operation to offer buyers.
These genetic traits include good disposition, total beef production, feed conversion, low to moderate birth weights and carcass traits. “A bull with good carcass traits will provide a $2400 advantage in choice premium product,” said Sam Lorenzen, the third generation cattleman that recently returning to the family ranch after graduating from OSU.
Lorenzen Ranch purchased over 1000 head of calves this year featuring their genetics to retain ownership at feedlots. An example of their strong performance is a pen of heifers fed at Beef NW Feeders that graded 100% choice or better, with 15% attaining the premium prime grade. Retained ownership allows them to see how their cattle actually perform and compare to other cattle pens.
Lorenzen Ranches spends a lot of time calling their bull buying customer at their ranches. Sam visited many of their customers the past year to build relationships asking “How do the bulls hold up, how do you market your calves, and what genetics are you looking for in the future.” “We also offer advice to bull buyers on feeder cattle marketing programs and industry trends,” said Sam Lorenzen.
“We have a pretty good handle of what ranchers want,” said Larry Lorenzen. “Getting input from customers converts to a good bull breeding program and allows us to become a full service provider of bulls.”
Many of their ranchers were looking for more heterosis in their cattle program so Lorenzen’s responded by offering 75 head of Simmental composite bulls at the sale this year, ranging from ¼ to purebred Simmental genetics that exhibit a moderate 5.5 frame score.
“We have a large selection of calving ease bulls being offered at the sale,” said Sam Lorenzen. “ We are offering bulls for everyone’s price range,”
Leonard Lorenzen would be proud today to see the expansion of the Lorenzen Ranch Red Angus program and the continuation of the family legacy assisted by his grandson, Sam.
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