The world of cattle sales is often associated with straightforward transactions, but the recent bull sale at South Dakota State University’s 33rd annual event marked a significant departure from the norm. This year’s live auction format and online bidding raised the stakes and exceeded expectations, both in terms of financial returns and the hands-on learning experience for students in the university’s Beef Seedstock Merchandising class.
Real-World Application: The Seeds of Success
• SDSU’s Beef Seedstock Merchandising class has been involved in the bull sale since its inception 33 years ago
• The class is responsible for all aspects of the sale, from advertising and catalog design to video production and the actual sale day
• This year marked the first time the class held a full live auction with online bidding through DV Auction
| Year | Average Price per Bull |
|---|---|
| Previous Year | $5,100 |
| Year in Question | $6,432 |
The Benefits of a Live Auction Format
The introduction of a live auction format this year was a key factor in the sale’s success. The high-selling bull, a $17,500 prize, sparked a live bidding war, an exciting moment that wouldn’t have happened in a closed bid setting. “We just kind of felt that it was time,” said Cody Wright, professor in SDSU’s Animal Science Department. “Certainly, based on the results today, they were 100% spot on.”
The live auction format also brought an added energy to the event, with the crowd being able to see and interact with the bidders in real-time. “You get to see a lot more from the crowd,” said Cheznie Best, a third-year student who participated in the sale. “It was really fun to see our guys out there hyping the bidders.”
A Hands-On Learning Experience
For students in the Beef Seedstock Merchandising class, the bull sale represents a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. The class is involved in every aspect of the sale, from advertising and catalog design to video production and the actual sale day. “The class is a great experience,” said Ivan Blume, a senior animal science major. “We were able to take a minute and dissect,” the various aspects of the sale, from catalog formatting to video production. The hands-on experience was invaluable to the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the seedstock and commercial sides of the industry. “We got to come out, we got to video the bulls, we got to see the bulls,” said Best. That hands-on experience is really valuable.”
A New Era in Cattle Sales
The success of this year’s bull sale marks a new era in cattle sales, one that prioritizes hands-on learning and real-world application. SDSU’s innovative approach has set a new standard for the industry, and its students have reaped the benefits of this unique learning experience. In
“In terms of an active learning environment, this is about as applied as you can possibly get,”
Cody Wright, professor in SDSU’s Animal Science Department, sums up the experience.
Related Articles
