Private Treaty Bull Sales: Using Data Sheets to Attract Buyers

It all starts with creating an animal set for the bulls or heifers that you would like to market. Head over to My Herd > Animal Groups > Animal Sets and create the set of cattle you plan to market. Be sure to name the new set so you can easily remember it when generating reports. For this article, we’ve named the Animal Set ‘2025-Potential-SaleBulls.’ Once the set is defined, navigate to Reports > Interactive > Data Sheet, select the animal set you created, and click the Edit Sale Info button. This will generate a list of the bulls in your set. On the left side of the grid, you’ll find the Add/Edit icon—clicking on it will open the Sale Data Edit screen, allowing you to input and refine the sale details for each bull.

Enhancing Private Treaty Sales with Detailed Bull Data

This is where you can enter important data on your bulls that will appear on your data sheets. You have the ability to add a footnote highlighting key traits, such as pedigree strengths, performance data, or breeding potential. Additionally, you can set a price for each bull, ensuring potential buyers have clear pricing information upfront. To further enhance your listings, you can upload a high-quality picture of each bull, providing a visual representation that helps buyers assess their conformation and overall appeal.

When listing bulls for private treaty sale, consider whether to set a firm price or invite potential buyers to call for details. A clearly listed price offers transparency and attracts serious buyers who are ready to purchase, while asking for inquiries allows for conversation, flexibility, and negotiation. Sellers looking for efficiency may prefer posting a price, while those who prioritize buyer engagement might find it beneficial to encourage calls.

To ensure the best presentation, I recommend entering data for two bulls first and then generating a sample Data Sheet. This will give you a clear idea of how the information is displayed, how much space you have for footnotes, and whether any adjustments are needed before completing the rest.

Showcasing Your Bulls: Selecting the Right Data Sheet



Now that you’ve entered your footnotes and sale details, it’s time to generate a report. There are multiple report styles to choose from, each offering a unique layout and focus. You can click on the provided examples to preview what each report will look like before making your selection.

With 13 different report options available, you can tailor the output to best suit your marketing strategy. Each report format pulls in different data points, including submitted weights, EPDs, and Percentile Ranks. Some reports also incorporate additional insights, such as cow production numbers on the dams and ultrasound measurements on the bulls, offering potential buyers a more comprehensive evaluation.

For those who want a visual representation of genetic merit, one report even allows you to customize which EPDs are displayed as Percentile Graphs, making it easier to showcase key strengths in a visually engaging format. By selecting the right report, you can present your bulls in the most effective way possible, ensuring buyers have the critical information they need to make informed decisions.

You can personalize your data sheet by adding a title and footer, making it an excellent place to prominently display your ranch’s name and contact information. This ensures potential buyers know exactly how to reach you.

The number of bulls displayed per page depends on the report style you select. Reports featuring more detailed data, such as percentile graphs, images, and extended EPDs, will display fewer bulls per page, while simpler formats allow for more listings.

For example, several report styles accommodate eight bulls per page, while the landscape listing format can include up to 16 bulls in a single view. This layout also integrates EPDs, $Values, birth weights, adjusted weaning and yearling weights, and ultrasound data, giving buyers a thorough overview of each animal.

In the sample image of the “Style1: 2-Gen Ped w/ EPDs/$Values” report, you can see how the comments, title, and contact information are displayed. Taking time to review and customize these elements ensures your report is not only informative but also visually polished and professional, making a strong impression on potential buyers.

You can generate multiple versions of the report if needed. For example, if you sell a bull, you can add that into the footnotes portion of the report marking it sold. 

If you're adding or adjusting listings, the Animal Sets feature allows you to easily add or remove bulls, keeping the report flexible until the final lineup is confirmed.

Maximizing Your Private Treaty Bull Sales: How to Use Your AAA Reports Effectively

Once you’ve generated a polished report through AAA Login, the next step is putting it to work for your private treaty bull sales. These reports are valuable tools that can enhance your marketing efforts and help connect you with potential buyers. Here are several ways to maximize their impact:

Leverage Social Media for Promotion

Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, are powerful tools for reaching a targeted audience. Consider these strategies:

• Post high-quality pictures of your bulls alongside your report to showcase their EPDs, pedigrees, and other relevant data.
• Boost your post to define a target region and audience, using key terms such as Angus Cattle, Beef cattle, Rancher, Farm, Cattle Feeding, American Angus Association, etc.
• Facebook boosts can be done for as little as $10, making them a cost-effective way to increase visibility and engagement.
• Consider use of the word "offered" instead of "selling" to comply with Facebook policies.

Utilize Local Sale Barns

Many local sale barns provide bulletin boards where producers can post advertisements. If permitted, place a printed copy of your report on these boards with clear contact information. This ensures that local buyers who frequent these sale barns are aware of your available bulls.

Create a Private Treaty Catalog

If you have a significant number of bulls to market privately, consider utilizing Angus Media’s Pasture to Publish program. This service allows you to:

• Design and develop your own catalog showcasing your bulls.
• Tell your story—highlight your ranch’s history, breeding philosophy, and what sets your cattle apart.
• Access Angus Media’s printing services to produce high-quality copies.
• Showcase your catalog on Angus Media’s Private Treaty website, expanding your online presence and reaching a wider audience.

Distribute Your Listings or Catalog Effectively

Once you have your listings or catalog created, use it strategically:

• Online Presence: If you have a website, upload it for easy access. If built through Angus Media, it will also be featured on their private treaty page, expanding your reach.
• Check with your local state / cattlemen’s association and see if they offer any classified ads on their website. 
• In-Person Distribution: Keep copies on hand for prospective buyers who visit your ranch. A well-prepared listing / catalog provides detailed information and serves as a lasting reference for potential customers

Turning First-Time Buyers into Lifelong Customers

Repeat customers are the foundation of a successful private treaty operation. These buyers already trust your cattle program, making them more likely to return year after year. Engaging and retaining them not only ensures steady sales but also strengthens your reputation through word-of-mouth marketing.

Maintaining strong relationships with past buyers goes beyond just making a sale—it’s about fostering long-term trust and loyalty. Stay in touch throughout the year, not just when it’s time to sell, by checking in and showing genuine interest in their operation. Ask how their previous purchases are performing and if the bulls are meeting their expectations. Keeping detailed records of past sales allows you to offer personalized recommendations, ensuring they find bulls that align with their herd goals. By staying engaged and providing valuable insight, you strengthen the connection with repeat buyers and make their purchasing decisions easier.

By prioritizing strong customer relationships and personalized engagement, you can turn first-time buyers into lifelong customers, ensuring the success of your private treaty sales for years to come.

As you navigate your private treaty bull offerings, having a flexible and up-to-date listing is key to connecting with potential buyers. By utilizing tools like the Animal Sets feature, you can easily adjust your report to reflect bulls currently available, ensuring accuracy and clarity for those interested. Keeping records updated with notes on availability helps streamline communication and maintain transparency throughout the process.

A well-organized and informative report not only enhances your marketing efforts but also builds trust with buyers looking for quality genetics. By presenting a clear and professional listing, you make it easier for potential customers to evaluate their options and make informed decisions. With thoughtful planning and regular updates, your private treaty bull sale can be both efficient and successful.