The Lundar Bull Sale has long been a tradition for cattle producers in Manitoba’s Interlake and beyond. Now entering its 58th year, the annual sale returns to the Lundar Agri-Ed Centre on Saturday, April 4, bringing together breeders, buyers and community members for another year of livestock and fellowship.
Lundar Bull Sale president Jack Cruise said he is looking forward to welcoming producers back for the long-running event, which features a variety of breeds.
Cruise recalls attending some of the earliest sales with his father, who was among the event’s founders. For him, the sale’s longevity speaks to the strength of the region’s cattle community.
“We have a good reputation and we strive to maintain that,” Cruise said. “We have managed to be successful year after year, and people come from all over the province to buy our cattle — it’s a good place to be.”
Over the years, the sale has become more than just a marketplace. Cruise said it has also become an annual opportunity for producers to reconnect with friends and neighbours.
“There are several generations of repeat buyers,” he added. “It always brings back memories of those who have come and gone. There are people who have been involved with the sale since it started — whether as a buyer, contributor or organizer — and while the sale itself is a big component, the chance to reconnect and reminisce is another important part of the day.”
Cruise said he is proud of the reputation the sale has built and hopes producers will continue to support the event for years to come.
While the core of the sale has remained largely unchanged over the decades, the range of breeds available has expanded. In the early years, the sale primarily featured Hereford, Angus and Shorthorn cattle. Today, buyers can choose from a wider selection of breeds that have been introduced to Manitoba over time.
This year’s lineup includes 13 Hereford bulls, 13 Simmental bulls, seven Charolais bulls, four Angus bulls, three Limousin bulls and one Shorthorn bull. In addition, two Hereford heifers, two Charolais heifers and five pens of three commercial heifers will be available.
Cruise said keeping the sale local is important for Interlake producers.
“A lot of people like that they can come close to home and still find good cattle,” he noted.
Behind the scenes, he added, a great deal of work goes into organizing the event each year. Cruise said the sale would not be possible without the support of the board of directors and the community.
Viewing of the cattle will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 3, both in person at the Lundar Agri-Ed Centre and online at www.buyagro.com.
Admission to the sale is free and everyone is welcome to attend. A pre-sale lunch will be available starting at noon on sale day, offering a light and social lead-in to the one-hour sale beginning at 1 p.m.
For more information about the Lundar Bull Sale, contact Cruise at 1-204-739-3645.
