Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Eric and Clay Lyman, Co-Owners of Lyman Livestock. In this episode, they will dive into the Lyman Livestock 14th Annual Bull Sale, held on February 28th, 2026, at 1PM MT, in Salina, Utah.

Lyman Livestock is a fifth-generation ranching operations based out of Central Utah, Run by three brothers, Eric, Kevin, and Mike-and their children. The kids are taught ranching activities at a young age. Their wives are integral to the operation, assisting with meals, feeding, clerical work, and bull sale information.

Eric and Clay describe how the family transitioned from general farming and commercial cattle into registered seedstock roughly 25 years ago, with growth accelerating over the past decade. They emphasize a collaborative family culture where disagreements happen but remain minor, and the brothers and their children function as a close‑knit team. 

Their cattle are run in multiple, demanding environments, including high‑arid desert near Canyonlands National Park, spring ground near Yuba Lake, and high‑elevation summer pastures between Montpelier, Idaho, and Cokeville, Wyoming. Cows must calve unassisted, travel long distances for water and forage, and perform across varied terrain and elevation. This zero‑tolerance approach ensures only functional, durable cattle remain in the herd.

Bull selection starts with structural soundness: feet and legs capable of handling rocks, high elevations, and long working lives. Only after structure do they consider EPDs, focusing on calving ease, stability, and weaning performance. Given the prevalence of high‑altitude grazing in the West, they have been committed to PAP testing for around 25 years and have built a cow herd proven to handle high‑altitude disease.

They further enhance genetic predictability through intensive DNA testing. Working with Allied Genetic Resources and DataGenie, all sale bulls receive 100K genomic tests, increasing EPD accuracy. They use simplified badges such as G+, ACE, and ATM to help buyers quickly identify all‑around sires, heifer‑safe calving ease bulls, and terminal growth and carcass sires. The sale will feature 134 PAP‑tested Simmental and SimAngus bulls, including standout sons of the widely regarded GW Medicine Man, reflecting strong consistency, length, rib, and eye appeal throughout the offering.

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