The Catalog Process

• The Calendar Catalog mailing is planned for three weeks prior to sale day unless requested otherwise. From that three week mark, we plan how long the catalog will be in production, start to finish, and what else will be in house at that time. Each ranch is given an “info in” deadline to maintain that schedule, with great respect by us and the other ranchers that are affected if things get off schedule! That’s a busy time of year for us, and we know it is for you, too.

• Paper Order Based on rough page counts, quantity and paper desired for each catalog, paper is ordered for the season. Press size sheets are brought in on skids. Catalogs alone annually use 650,000 sheets of paper; that’s 44,000 lbs — nearly a pot-load!

• Our ranchers are given a Ballyhoo Binder to serve as a reference tool assisting in making the preparation and proofing process as simple, easy and accurate as possible. It outlines everything from AIMS preparation to pictures, layout and even tips for proofing the catalog. How many challenging things in life do we get an instruction manual and check list for?!?

• Animal Information is taken directly from the ranch’s AIMS program. This eliminates typing errors in pedigrees and numbers, allows the ranch to supply complete info and makes catalog proofing easier than ever. This also speeds the process along, allowing us to get you a proof even quicker. If you don’t have AIMS, breed associations can supply an electronic file. Hand-written notes and registration papers are also welcome.

• Catalog Layout is customized for each ranch — you know what you need to tell people and what your customers are looking for! We strive to achieve promotions that completely reflect you and your operation.

• Proofing is done via e-mail. We send you an Acrobat file (pdf) that you print and put in your binder, following the proofing instructions and tips. Any changes are made and as soon as we get your “go-ahead” the catalog is put on the press.

• The catalog is sent to the back for Printing and Bindery. Aluminum plates are made, the pages are printed on 19” x 25” sheets, cover printed on another press, pages folded down after drying overnight, they’re bound and trimmed. Sounds quick and easy, huh? The crew certainly can make it seem that way! Believe me though, there’s more to catalog production than just pushing a button!

• Final step is getting the catalogs where they belong — in your customer’s hands! Catalogs are Mailed from Ballyhoo using your mailing list, saving additional shipping time and cost. Addresses are applied as the catalogs come off the trimmer, they’re loaded into mail tubs, and into the postal system. Phew! The balance of the catalogs are shipped to the ranch.

• Okay, we’re not quite done. How about the Website? Following proofing, the catalog is placed on our site, and sent to your webmaster to be posted on yours, all as part of the complete service package!