RED DOC MEASURES UP For the 11th consecutive year, I have summarized and ‘ranked’ the ultrasound and feed efficiency data from the Red Doc offering. Relative to 2025, feed costs were relatively flat, yet the base price for beef went WAY up! What a record year to be in the cattle business. The Red Doc bulls are always one of the most anticipated sets of information I get the opportunity to analyze. This data tracks consistently with a year ago. What’s that mean? There’s more money to be made from the dedication Red Doc has placed on raising efficient cattle that perform and demand premiums on the rail! Buyers should place an immense amount of confidence on the EPDs generated from the data. While record prices have been extremely welcomed by the cow-calf sector, we have to keep in mind that the feedlot sector needs to remain profitable as well. The average Cost of Gain for the bulls in this sale was $0.76. If an implanted steer can mirror this efficiency and growth, the cost of taking a 600 pound feeder to a 1,600 pound market animal is $760. All said, there’s still profit margin for the feedlot and carcass incentives for the packer to continue purchasing at or above the board price. Bottom line, cattle that are efficient and grade Choice or better will never go out of style; Red Doc genetics exceed that mark consistently. Above average bulls in this offering will sire calves fetching a $2.00-20.00/cwt premium above the base price. Global beef demand is telling you to park those premiums in your wallet and retain a few more heifers. The true long term value of these bulls may be in the maternal prowess they offer through daughter retention. Given the current cow inventory nationwide, producing heifer calves that offer performance and carcass quality in an efficient package should demand a premium right along with the steers. In 2026, good bulls are expensive; they should be. Red Doc bulls are backed with as much real-world information as any in the country. Their investment in data collection, technology innovation, and ruthless in-herd selection should be rewarded on sale day. The return on investment is all yours to keep!
Best regards,
Patrick Wall Area Beef Field Specialist – SE Iowa PAW Livestock, LLC Marion County Extension Office 210 N. Iowa St., Knoxville, IA 50138 O: 641-842-2014
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