The results from the 2008 American Heritage Futurity in Ardmore, Oklah. were exciting and ground-breaking, with the winner taking home nearly $100,000 in winnings. However, the bigger and quieter story is that of Claremore, Okla.'s Jerry Copp.

Copp’s Lightning C Cattle Co. had three young bulls finish in the top six and pocket over $92,000 for their owner at this one event. Prior to this season, Copp was most recognized for the success of 1546 Spittin’ Gun who won third at the 2006 American Heritage and finished the 2006 season strong. Yet, 2008 opened its doors to three new Lightning C futurity superstars: American Heritage second place-taker 65 Achey Hu, fifth place nabber 61 Wine-Hu and sixth place spoiler 632 Copp Hou, who now boldly holds down the second slot in the ABBI Overall Futurity standings.

Copp shared some perspective on these three wonders doing their thing in competition: “632 Copp Hou is probably...

Anyone that has participated in or followed the bucking bull industry knows one thing — there sure is a lot of black & white out there.

It’s out there in our pastures, out there in the arena, filling our registry and definitely in the winner’s circle. Although some of us know the immediate origin of these white hides highlighted by black noses, eye-rims, hooves and horn tips, few know the ancient history behind the distinctive color pattern. Sure, the majority of our buckers with these features have Tom Harlan and Charlie Plummer to thank immediately, but believe it or not, their story goes back into antiquity nearly 2,000 years.

In reality, very few breeds have a history longer than 200- 300 years, but these cattle are definitely an exception. They can claim with confidence that their ancestors are truly an ancient....