Bench Creek Ranch is rolling out the red carpet for cattle producers looking to add power, efficiency, and exceptional genetics to their herds. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 12, 2025, when the ranch hosts its First Annual Gascon Bull Sale at 1 p.m., with a preview of the bulls beginning at 10 a.m. The sale will be held at the Bench Creek Ranch feedlot, located at 12451 Fitz Lane, Fallon, Nevada. Can’t make it in person? No problem—bulls will also be available for bidding online through DVAuction.
It all began in 2012 when Paul Plouviez, owner of Bench Creek Ranch, and Ranch Manager Sarah Porter, decided to bring something extraordinary to the U.S. cattle market. After years of raising other breeds, they took a bold step—importing 72 Gascon embryos from France. The complicated and costly process paid off when seven calves were born, laying the foundation for the first Gascon herd in the United States. Fast forward to today, Bench Creek Ranch boasts a thriving herd of 230 purebred Gascon cows and 60+ bulls.
While the ranch continues to operate a calf-cow operation with breeds like Brafords, Charolais, Black and Red Angus, and Beefmasters—all crossed with Gascon bulls—2024 marked an exciting milestone. Bench Creek bred all their purebred Gascon cows to ultra black polled bulls, resulting in a new line of sleek, black Gascon cattle. These mature bulls stand 4 to 5 feet tall and weigh between 2,000 and 2,700 pounds—a force to be reckoned with in the commercial beef industry.
For cattlemen looking to boost carcass weight and cut feed costs, Gascon bulls might just be the secret ingredient. Bench Creek’s data shows impressive results—Gascon crosses gain 6 to 8 pounds per day on a ration feed produced right on the ranch. In 90% of cases, this reduces the number of days required on a high-fat, high-protein finish ration while maintaining quality through even the harshest weather conditions.
The payoff? 20% to 30% higher carcass yields. Gascon’s sturdy bone structure and frame size contribute to producing high-quality beef with U+, E+, and S+ cut-out ratings. These crosses consistently hit 730 to 900+ pounds by one year old and are carcass-ready between 20 to 24 months.
Nevada’s tough climate has proven to be an ideal testing ground for the Gascon breed. Surviving harsh winters, years of drought, and scarce feed is no small feat—but the Gascon thrives in these conditions. Thanks to its unique physiology—lacking a brisket—the Gascon has greater lung capacity, enabling it to utilize high-altitude terrain more efficiently.
This adaptability makes Gascon an ideal breed for Nevada’s rugged landscape. In addition, their low birth weights—around 70 pounds for males and 65 pounds for females—make them an excellent choice for first-time heifers. Calves gain an impressive 3 to 4 pounds per day, thriving on the increased fat content in their mothers’ milk.
Tight udders, minimal sickness, and remarkable immunity add to the breed’s advantages. Pinkeye is virtually unheard of in Gascon cattle, thanks to the breed’s dark eye pigmentation. They also carry the slick gene, a genetic trait enhancing heat tolerance, making Gascon an ideal choice for demanding climates.
Another bonus? Gascon bulls bring more than just brawn to the table—they’re known for their mild temperament, making them easier to handle whether on the range, in the feedlot, or on smaller farms. Their calm nature also reduces weaning stress, leading to fewer health complications. Add to that a calving interval of less than 380 days and 98% success in unassisted calving, and it’s no wonder they’ve earned their reputation as the “Beef Up” breed.
The Bench Creek Bull Sale promises to be more than just a sale, it’s a community event. Attendees can enjoy coffee, burgers, and vendor booths before, during, and after the sale. Paul, Sarah, and the Bench Creek team are eager to showcase how far they’ve come with the Gascon breed and to share an opportunity that could elevate your herd to its highest potential.
For more information or questions about the sale, contact Bench Creek Ranch at 775-217-5425. To learn more about the Gascon breed and its advantages, visit Bench Creek Ranch in person on April 12 or check out the auction online at DVAuction.
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