Traditionally at this time, I would send out a mailing to alert you to watch your mail box for the 2004 HOJER GELBVIEH RANCH SALE CATALOG. I would also tell you more about the bulls in the offering. This year I want to take this time to tell you about us and why we do what we do and when we do it. In other words, how we see ourselves different than other breeding programs.

To start, most other seed stock suppliers want to take $50.00 off of the sale price on the day of the sale if you take your bulls home. I want you to send you bulls home with me. I will care for your bulls and put them through a transition so they are ready for breeding on grass. The information that I gather from observing the development of the bulls over the next 90 days is critical in making my future breeding decisions. I do understand the risk of keeping the bulls but I also understand the value of information to drive your future production and profitability. I consider this to be a major philosophical difference.

COMMUNICATION: It is the objective of our program to send you several communications prior to the sale day, not just send you a sale catalog. Most importantly, to provide education about the bull offering and industry information to allow you to make the best decision possible. We have had post office problems so if you do not receive our first mailing by early January, give us a call. We have been very consistent with this approach for 12 years.

REWARDS: The “Commercial Lifetime Patronage Discount Program” is the first of its kind in the industry and we have customers that ARE receiving as much as $500 in cash back. I will put cash in your hands for doing business with us. YOU are our best advertisers and I have decreased our advertising budget and I am investing in you. We really feel good about this and I know the wives like it as well.

GUEST CONSIGNERS: I have been asked by other breeders, “Why do you do it?” I do it because we have to fulfill the need that has been created by our success. To stay at 35-40 bulls would have put too much upwards price pressure on you. We needed to expand our numbers to keep a lid on our average price that you bid from the seats. People tell my that I am crazy but I am in this for the long run and listening to you the market and adjusting to you is the right thing to do. The integrity of Eisenbraun Gelbvieh, Ron Steffen and Jamie Larson are second to none and I am proud to have them help meet our demand that is created by you.

THE LITTLE THINGS: I take calls year around because people look at me as a source of information and they know that I want them to call. We want to communicate!! After the sale last year, we helped you find 14 additional bulls because of misfortunes that you ran into while your bulls were on pasture. Most people would have just said that they were sold out. When you are in trouble or have a need, you can count on us to be there.

Over the next two weeks, our group will be calling you to verify your address, answer any questions and to ask you for your business. We are doing this because we care.