In contrast, what's a bull worth that is able to continue servicing cows for five to ten years? Probably a whole lot more than you paid for him. From an economic point of view, bull longevity is extremely important to cow/calf producers, but few take the time to consider the factors that affect bull longevity when they make their purchases.

     Genetics. Many of the factors that affect bull longevity are genetic in nature. Here at Pharo Cattle Company, we are very diligent about selecting and breeding for structural correctness, doability and fertility. We won't allow problem cattle to stay in our breeding program. In addition to a breeding soundness exam, we require every bull to pass a very thorough visual inspection before he can be sold in one of our sales. The number of problems other seedstock producers are willing to overlook and ignore continues to amaze me.

     Development. The way a bull has been developed can have a tremendous effect on his longevity. Most bulls are developed on a relatively hot feedlot ration that negatively affects their reproductive system, their digestive system and their liver function, as well as the soundness of their feet and legs. The only animals that should be treated this way are those that are intended for slaughter.

     Pharo Cattle Company takes a different approach to bull development. Our yearling bulls are fed a grain-free, high-roughage ration designed to produce gains of only 2 pounds per day. We also believe it is important to provide plenty of room for exercise and play. Our bulls won't be as big or as fat as other bulls, but they will be healthier and should last much longer. We expect our yearling bulls to gain weight during their first breeding season. How often do you see that happen?

      Our forage-tested bulls are developed on grass with minimum supplements. They are 18-month-old bulls that have never been shut up in a corral and have never been fed any grain. Their condition was earned the hard way. A high percentage of the bulls that start this program won't make it to the sale. The ones that do make it are extremely tough and are expected to last for many, many years without problems.

     Because of the way our bulls have been bred and developed we believe they can service more cows than bulls purchased at other sales. We also believe their useful life will be much, much longer.

     What’s a good bull worth? If a bull can breed twice as many cows for twice as many years as the average bull, what is he worth? Quite possibly, he is worth FOUR TIMES more than the average bull.