Networking Your Way to Bucking Bull Success

January 27, 2018

Bucking bulls are an addiction. At least that’s the way a good many in the business describe their obsession with the big, powerfully athletic animals that have captured the hearts – and wallets – of people proud to call themselves bucking bull breeders.

For those of us in the industry, bucking bulls are beautiful. From those faltering baby steps to that defining moment of the first trip out of the bucking chute, it’s all about hope and expectation. And when we see the expectation become a reality, it’s time to cash in on the bragging rights.

Those bragging rights are important, not only to a breeder’s ego and reputation, but to the success of the program as well. It’s a lot about word of mouth, partnerships and networking. And, like every other business, success can be a whole lot about who you know.

We all know about the successful partnerships – the bull teams winning the money in the CBR and the stock contractor/owner partnered bulls burning up the PBR. We also know about the networking that has produced great teams like the Jared Allen Pro Bull Team and the superior bull herd that Chad Berger hauls cross country.

For those established in the industry, networking and partnerships are the hub of their business wheels. Some were born into the family business. Others have spent decades developing their superior breeding program from a wish and a prayer. It is safe to say that no one in the bucking bull business, not even the likes of McCoy Ranch and D&H Page Cattle Company, can exist as a lone entity.

Networking is especially important to breeders establishing themselves in the business – or just starting out. And the only thing it takes to get into the network is a little motivation and a thick skin. People in the industry like to talk bulls. And many are more than willing to spend some time discussing their favorite subject – bucking stock.

Social media is a great tool for networking and making connections. There are groups online to join. And many breeders, as well as contractors, put contact information on Facebook. Bucking Bull Associations usually have a page on Facebook with event and contact information readily available.
Through networking and connections, collaborations can happen. Some of the finest bucking bulls have been the result of two breeders putting together a combination of genetics that create a superstar like Apollo. The NBBA superstar and CBR Bull of The Finals was sired by the legendary bull Sky King in a collaboration between Alan Jones and Jerry Nelson. Bloodlines are enhanced by shared sires and swapped heifers, a practice that has enriched a great number of quality breeding programs to make them even better.

Success in the bucking stock business has different meanings for different people. Whether it is raising a futurity calf, developing a bloodline, hauling bulls to competitions or putting together a top quality herd of bucking cattle, it’s all about networking. Just ask anyone in the business.

by Terry Lidral for Bucking Stock Talk Magazine

Editor’s note: Those who are thinking about entering the bucking bull industry – or are just plain bucking bull fans, can join networking too. People in the bucking bull industry love talking bulls.

Author: Terry Lidral

Terry Lidral is a western writer/journalist who lives in Idaho. She is the publisher and editor of the online magazine Bucking Stock Talk and the online magazine Western Living Journal. Her publishing credits include Storyteller for Real American Cowboy Magazine, writing feature articles for Humps N Horns Magazine as well as a wide variety of national and international web sites, historical magazines and news publications. She is known for her "up close and personal" profiles of celebrities and industry moguls such as NPR's Tom Bodett; PBR's Wiley Petersen and D.H. Page, PRCA's Sammy Andrews, Cindy Rosser and Julio Moreno to name a few. She has been applauded for her way of making a personal connection between her readers and her subjects. She indulges in her love of rodeo by serving as an associate board member for the Caldwell Night Rodeo. She is also an accomplished trainer and handler in dog agility. Her shelties Amelie and Milo are titled in NADAC, USDAA and AKC.