The cattle industry is at an exciting crossroads as there is so much more information available to help us all make more informed decisions as we select profitable cattle to introduce into our programs. The fastest growing breed, Red Angus is setting the industry standard for accuracy and predictability of EPDs and ERTs through the implementation of THR. THR, or Total Herd Reporting, is mandatory, requiring the annual production for each cow and calf be reported. Thus, the genetic pre-dictions are based on data across the entire breed, not just select groups. Red Angus is the only breed that describes the Economically Relevant Traits in the EPD format, evaluating profitability from Reproduction, to Calving Ease, Heifer Pregnancy, and Stayability. The innovative decisions made by the Red Angus Association are the envy of the industry. Based on EPDs and ERTs, Red Angus cattle are the best genetically described cattle in the business.

The Larson-Strawberry Ridge Sale is proud to present for your selection, an exceptional set of bulls and heifers. Everyone talks consistently about Balance in all traits. As you will note as you read through the catalog, both programs BREED FOR BALANCE. We don't just talk about it…we do it!!! Both programs diligently pursue excellence in their breeding decisions, ultilizing the most cutting edge, accurate information available. The sale offers some of the highest performing, pheno-typically correct, genetically advanced bulls and heifers in the breed. There are bulls ranging from low birth weight, calving ease bulls to tremendous growth bulls for use on mature cows to increase pounds and profit.

The weather has presented many challenges this year. Hope sprang eternal as the early rains were plentiful, offering hope the 12th year of drought would be broken. However, the summer brought extreme heat, with weeks of over 100-degree temperatures and constant hot, exceedingly high winds. By the end of July, the nutrients had all been leached out of the grasses at Larsons, which is reflected in the weaning weights. The calves made up for lost time immediately on test, and gained well. The hot, windy conditions triggered rampant fires, several very close to Strawberry Ridge.

As you study our sale catalog, we believe our disciplined approach will be quite evident. Not only do most lots rank exceptionally high on a percentile basis, but they also provide an additional comfort factor as their pedigrees are quickly recognizable.