Leanna Lehman
The Great Basin Bull Sale returned to Fallon over Valentine’s Day weekend, bringing ranchers, buyers, and spectators together for one of the region’s busiest winter events.
According to Rafter 3C Operations Deputy, Jesse Segura, more than 275 bulls were entered for this year’s sale, with 204 making it through the sift and sold in the ring, a sizeable increase over last year’s 170. With 150 registered buyers, the sale generated approximately $1,566,500. The average bull price hit an astounding $7,679, and Charolais bulls topped out at $8,125 each.
Beyond the sale itself, the multi-day event filled the Rafter 3C complex with activity, including a ranch rodeo and bronc riding, Joe Nichols concert, VIP dinner, stock dog trials, western market, bull sale mixer, and the “Sophia Strong” benefit.
Held each year around Valentine’s Day, Bull Sale week has become a seasonal gathering for the region’s cattle industry. In addition to Nevada ranchers, the event drew buyers and sellers from Northern California, Southern Oregon, Idaho, and Utah.
The modern sale is conducted by video. Ranchers study each bull’s performance records before bidding, looking for genetics that will strengthen their herds for years to come, then bid on the bulls most suited to their herd’s needs.
This year’s event again brought strong traffic to Fallon. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses saw a noticeable boost as visitors filled the community for the weekend. Segura reported 3,200 attendees over three days and an overall economic impact of about $600,000.
The three-day event kicked off with a western market that included local favorites like My Gypsey Soul and Battle Born Boots. On Thursday night, Joe Nichols performed fan favorites to an enthusiastic crowd after a VIP dinner catered by Troy’s Double Shot Bar.
Friday’s ranch rodeo, which was organized by Richard Allegre and family, drew teams from across the region. Events like the team branding honor the long-standing tradition of ranch crews gathering to help brand livestock.
The ranch bronc riding competition put several seasoned cowboys to the test. Unlike professional saddle bronc riding, which uses specialized equipment, ranch bronc riders compete using everyday working saddles with stirrups and saddle horns, the same style of saddle used on a ranch. According to Segura, the event is a qualifier for the Western States Ranch Rodeo Finals, which draws cowboys from the western region. This year’s winner was Tegen Nevaraz.
Ranch Rodeo Results - Women’s teams
1st place - Faith Hill Construction: Sandy Kiel, Payton Feyder, Tess Johnson, Mattie Ward; 2nd place - Rancho Deluxe: Brynn Lehman, Lindy Norcutt, Natalie Maher, Riata Andeth; 3rd place - Lambert Cattle Co: Noel Lambert, Sadie Miller, Kale Knittle, Marissa Julian.
Men’s teams
1st place - Salt and the Peppers: Dave Thacker, Denton Williams, Noah Williams, Jace Harry; 2nd place - Wildhorse Cattle Co: Tyson Torvik, Sterling Lambert, Jessie Nuttall, Zalin Arritola; 3rd place - Hone Ranch: Justin Geney, Nick Nalder, Austin Carrasco, Gene Harry Jr.
Family Branding
1st place - The Rope Slingers: Cody Bayles, Ben Bayles, Jake McKay, Quirt McKay; 2nd place - Paradise Team: Jake McKay, Cody Bayles, Colton McKay, Sam Bayles; 3rd place - Hot Springs: Colton Vega, Quirt McKay, Nick Wade, Ben Bayles.
In the stock dog trials, Mike Collins and his dog Nell claimed first place at the event, followed by Dalton Wright with Mina in second, and Bill Schwoerer with Cash in third.
The “#Sophia Strong” benefit was held Saturday at noon to help Sophia Behimer and her family with medical expenses as she battles osteosarcoma. As part of the fundraiser, Tyson and Emily Torvik donated a calf for auction. In total, the benefit raised $27,000. Photo: 1st place in the Family Teams events: The Rope Slingers, Cody Bayles, Ben Bayles, Jake McKay, Quirt McKay, with Ranch Rodeo organizer, Richard Allegre. Photo by Amamda Allegre.
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