TOP DOLLARS

$122,500: The amount Barber Ranch netted for one of its National Hereford bulls. The sale marked one of the biggest deals so far at this year's stock show.

Wallace Syndicate, a Channing, Texas, operation, purchased the bull. And while it forked over the big bucks, Wallace has to share the bull with Barber Ranch, also a Channing, Texas, organization.

Why?

The terms of the deal say so.

You see, $122,500 buys only a half interest, half possession of the bull, meaning the Texas operation will take on a partner - Barber Ranch - in the deal. The bull will split time at both ranches.

$46,941: The average sales price for a Hereford bull this year.

SELLING WHAT?

Bulls, heifers and the like aren't the only items for sale at the stock show. You can buy bull sperm, too, or so signs around the stock yard boast.

The sperm is frozen in straws and shipped to the buyer. These straws are not as long or as thick as regular drinking straws, but they bear a not-so-appetizing resemblance.

Price for sperm varies, depending on the bull.

EMBRYOS, TOO

Who wants to settle for sperm when you can pick out both parents.

Interested parties can purchase livestock embryos. The embryo is flushed from the mama, frozen, shipped and implanted into a surrogate parent.

The going rate? "Four No. 1 embryos" of a Hereford cow sold for $5,200, according to sale results.

Source for all roundup facts: Kati Anderson, National Western Stock Show Media and Public Relations Director; 2008 stock show sale results