Drum roll please...... POLLARD Rita 4012 has earned the coveted spot as the 2025 Angus Foundation Heifer Package female. The heifer will sell at the National Angus Bull Sale on January 10, at the 2025 Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City.

This sale not only showcases top-tier genetics but also benefits the Angus Fund, supporting programs that shape the future of the breed, including Beef Leaders Institute the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference and Angus University. 

“Pollard Farms has donated an exceptional female,” says Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “This female will be a great asset to anyone’s herd, whether they are looking for phenotype or genomic enhancements, and while supporting the Angus Fund.” 

POLLARD Rita 4012 is a daughter of EXAR Cover the Bases 0819B and out of a productive, young two-year-old that is “on her way to the donor pen,” says Dr. Barry Pollard of Pollard Farms. She stems from the PF W34 Rita 4139, a long-time donor in the Pollard Farms program. Rita is an elite donor prospect that exemplifies the phenotypic and numerical balance that Dr. Pollard and his crew strive to produce; ranking in the top 1% for $C , Marb, $G, $AxH and $AxJ; top 2% for $B and $W; top 5% for RADG; top 10% for WW, YW, and HP; top 15% for CED, BW, PAP, and $M; top 20% for RE;  and top 25% for CW and $F. 

Her sire, EXAR Cover the Bases 0819B, is valued at $400,000 and is owned by Pollard Farms and Express Ranches. Cover the Bases 0819B first calf crop was headlined by the $240,000 half-interest, top-selling, record setting female at the 2023 Big Event at Express Ranches production sale.   

“His first calf crop was phenomenal,” says Dr. Pollard. “He is a high carcass and high marbling bull with a great foot structure and great bone. As Jarold always said, ‘he is a different kind of marbling bull.’” 

The dam of Rita 4012 is a prolific, young two-year-old that comes from a long line of maternal genetics in the Pollard herd.  PF W34 Rita 4139, a longstanding donor in the Pollard program, is a direct daughter of EXAR Rita U049, who came to Pollard Farms as the $62,000 half-interest, Lot 1 from a past Big Event.  

“I am honored to donate the Angus Foundation Heifer Package this year,” says Dr. Pollard. “She comes from a great cow family and is a high carcass animal. Her dam exemplifies what the goals of our operation are. On the topside, her sire’s first calf crop was phenomenal.  I think people will be pleased with her look and genetic abilities.” 

Pollard adds that the Foundation has given so much to him and his family and he is proud to offer this female representing genetics from the heart of his herd.  

 “I hope everybody bids a lot of money and they make a lot of money,” he says with a smile.  

For more information about the package, contact Boester at jboester@angus.org or visit www.angus.org/foundation.