PUEBLO, Colo. ― Thomas L. Teague, owner of Salem National Leasing and Teague Bucking Bulls, LLC., announced today that after 15 years as a Professional Bull Riders stock contractor he will leave the business of raising bucking bulls.
In Fort Worth, Texas on June 3 at Will Rogers Coliseum, Teague, who was voted PBR Stock Contractor of the Year in 2006 as a part of Page & Teague Bucking Bulls, will hold a dispersal sale of his 2-, 3- and 4-year-old bucking bulls.
Teague co-owned the only three-time World Champion Bull (2002-2004) in PBR history, Little Yellow Jacket, whose likeness is replicated in bronze outside of the PBR’s headquarters in Pueblo, Colo. He also co-owned the 2006 World Champion Bull Mossy Oak Mudslinger and 2005 World Champion Bull Big Bucks, as well as raised two-time World Champion Bull (2008, 2010) Bones.
“I’ve had a great run,” said Teague. “The bucking bull business takes a lot of hard work and dedication. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some great partners who recognized talent and potential in several very special bovine athletes and helped me to run a very successful program. It involved a lot of heart and soul and a 100 percent commitment. It’s the only way to raise and train the athletes who compete in the PBR.
As my businesses continue to grow, I realize that my schedule can no longer accommodate the time necessary to continue to raise the world caliber bucking bulls commanded by the PBR. The sport continues to push the limits of excellence and needs programs that can support that end. There are many great bucking bull programs who produce great PBR athletes and I welcome them to continue as I intend to continue working as a member of its board of directors to take the sport to the next level.”
Teague was instrumental in helping the PBR secure its television rights in 2001 and helped establish the American Bucking Bull, Inc. (ABBI), the leading bucking cattle DNA registry in the world. He presently owns and will continue to own stock in the ABBI.
“This sport has seen incredible growth and I am very confident it will see even more growth in the future. The PBR bull riders and stock contractors deserve to be treated like world class professional athletes and I’ll do whatever I can to help them make it.” Teague added.
Teague’s initial sale in June will be followed up in September 2014 with a mature cow and calf sale. In the spring of 2015 Teague will hold a heifer sale and set a date to sell his remaining 2013 bull calves.
“Tom is a world class stock contractor, businessman and the PBR’s biggest supporter. He’ll be a part of the sport for years to come. The PBR respects his decision, knowing how difficult it was for him to make it, as he is a tireless man whose commitment knows no end,” said PBR Chairman and CEO Jim Haworth. “We congratulate his success as a stock contractor and are excited for his future with the PBR.”
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