Providing Knowledge to Bull Customers

Seedstock producers, whether they hold a production sale or not, are in the business of providing bulls that will make a difference for their commercial cow-calf customers. Recently I attended McLean Ranches Customer Appreciation Day in Moses Lake, Washington. This Coulee City area Angus Ranch owned by Bill and Bev McLean and family have provided purebred Angus bulls for the last 23 years -- but have been in the cattle business for more than 50 years.

Like all seedstock producers Bill appreciates his bull buying customers, however, for the last two years, he has differentiated his operation from most by hosting an appreciation day for his customers which included this year three very informative speakers as well as a dinner.

Why go to the extra time, expense and effort to do this?

McLean: "Because our customers are our lifeline and if we can provide them with knowledge that gives them an economic advantage than we are providing a service that nobody else provides."

Many of his bull buyers have been return buyers for years, but he begin this customer event to add even more to the service and knowledge he provides to customers.

McLean: "We try and merchandise seedstock that are complete in their package. They've got growth traits, carcass traits, maternal traits, convenience traits -- all the things a commercial rancher needs on his ranch to make it as trouble-free as possible and as profitable as possible."

Later this week, we'll hear more from the speakers at McLean Ranch's Appreciation Day.