T H E N E W S O F T H E A M E R I C A N A K AU S H I A S S O C I AT I O N
P rime
WINTER 2018
AKAUSHI
Akaushi Versus the Term Wagyu
10 OF A
www.akaushi.com
THE
COMMANDMENTS
SUCCESSFUL
SEEDSTOCK PRODUCER
American Akaushi Association
2017 Annual Meeting Coverage
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www.akaushi.com • Winter 2018
• Your source for the original foundation Akaushi herd in the U.S. • We have the largest Akaushi herd outside of Japan • Premier global source for Akaushi genetics • Voted Top 25 seedstock producers in the U.S. by Beef Magazine and NCBA
Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
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www.akaushi.com • Winter 2018
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WINTER 2018 | VOL. 1 NO. 1
AKAUSHI
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Features
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24 Akaushi Versus the Term Wagyu
For many years, people have been confused about the difference between the terms Akaushi and Wagyu. Understanding the difference is critical to the success of the Akaushi breed.
26 The 10 Commandments of a Successful Seedstock Producer
Achieving success as a seedstock producer requires hard work and dedication. Following Donnell Brown’s 10 commandments can help producers of all sizes become successful.
31 Annual Convention Coverage
Highlights from the 2017 Annual American Akaushi Association Annual Convention.
ON THE COVER
In Every Issue 6 8 12 14
Around the Campfire Akaushi Matters Calendar of Events DNA Matters
16 Beef Matters 20 Untangling the Helix 22 Irons in the Fire 32 New Members
Janie Bain (361)238-7218 jbain@akaushi.com
32 Member News 33 Ad Index
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Executive Director
Executive Assistant/Office Manager
As the seasons change from fall to winter, a group of Akaushi cattle are moved home. Akaushi are known to perform well in a variety of climates and geographical locations.
Prime Time Publisher
American Akaushi Association
128 East South Main | Flatonia, Texas 78941 (361) 238-7218 office • www.akaushi.com Bubba Bain (361) 238-7218 bbain@akaushi.com
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Advertising Sales | Jessica Ebert
Administration | Leslie McKibben
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Akaushi Prime Time
The News of the American Akaushi Association is published quarterly and distributed digitally to all interested parties. To recieve Prime Time, call or email the AAA offic.
Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
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E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R ’ S M E S S AG E
Around the Campfire Bubba Bain | Executive Director | bbain@akaushi.com
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hope everyone had the greatest Christmas ever and now the beginning of what will be a very happy and prosperous New Year! Well, here we are. We’ve reached another milestone – our own breed publication. Wow! We introduced the Akaushi Prime Time online magazine during this past annual convention. This publication is designed to benefit the Akaushi breed and its members. The fall issue of Prime Time will be a printed version that will double as our Annual Membership Directory. This issue will also be distributed each year at the American Akaushi Association (AAA) Annual Convention. While I’m on the subject, we would like to thank everyone who participated in our first membership directory. It’s been a great success. If any of you would like more directories to distribute (feed stores, vet clinics, banks, real estate offices, accountant offices, doctor’s offices, etc.), please let us know and we will gladly send you more. Don’t be left out of next year’s directory. Start thinking about what you’d like your ad to say. Prime Time will allow the association to communicate more efficiently than ever before about whole-herd reporting deadlines, DNA updates (SNP testing and its benefits), upgrades to existing programs (A4 Advantage™ Program), information on new programs (GridMax™ hybrid composite), association tutorial videos, expected progeny difference updates and more. Prime Time will also offer articles written about a variety of topics from some of the best writers in the beef and cattle industries. We would like our members to utilize this publication to promote your Akaushi cattle and ranching operations. Prime Time will Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
be a place to locate Akaushi cattle that are for sale as well as for your own marketing needs, domestically and internationally. Speaking of marketing needs, we continue to improve and Prime Time will enhance the prialso offer articles vate treaty marketwritten about a ing programs (old variety of topics and new) for our from some of the membership. On best writers in the the terminal side, beef and cattle be sure to continue industries. using the Certified Akaushi Beef (HeartBrand® Beef) program. This program should always be your initial buyer bid. It will be up to you to pursue additional bids. We are continuing to encourage our membership to become involved in their regional Akaushi marketing co-ops. These co-ops are useful for selling terminal cattle and marketing replacement animals, both fullblood and percentage Akaushi. AgriClear, the online marketing platform, is still available for those who would like to continue with that format. We are also setting up a fee-based program on DigitalBeef that will allow our members to list their cattle for sale, both terminal and replacements. This tool will be known as the Akaushi Sale CattleLog. In addition to the calendar of events on our website, we will have a calendar of events in the magazine so you can keep up with where the association will be promoting Akaushi. This will allow members to come to events and participate in the promotion of the Akaushi breed, as well as their own ranching operations. In October, we completed our sixth annual, very successful American Akaushi Association Annual Convention. The attendees were greeted with a great slate of speakers and programs. The 2017 Securing the Legacy Award went to Broken Winds Continued page 10 6
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www.akaushi.com • Winter 2018
A M E R I C A N A K AU S H I A S S O C I AT I O N U P D AT E
Akaushi Matters Janie Bain | Executive Assistant/Office Manager | jbain@akaushi.com
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hristmas is easily my favorite season, but a close second is the New Year and a fresh start. What will 2018 bring? Well, for one thing, our new publication, Prime Time. In my column, I will cover what is going on in the office and keep you informed about any changes or upcoming deadlines. I would also like some input from you, our readers, regarding what you would like to see in the magazine. Ask questions or make suggestions and send them to me at jbain@akaushi.com.
we do as an association and we get a lot of questions regarding DNA testing. The following are some questions we are frequently asked.
What is the best type of sample?
The best sample is the one that works best for you, in your environment, with your facilities. We accept blood, hair, tissue or semen samples. If you can get the animal secured in a squeeze chute, you should be able to collect any type of sample. If you are ropin’ and draggin’, you might want to consider more of a streamlined collection method that tissue collection kits provide. The tissue samples must be collected with either the Typifix kits from Temple Tag/ Datamars or the Tissue Sampling Units (TSUs) from Allflex.
Whole-Herd Reporting – Spring 2018
Why do samples fail? Hair Cards
American Akaushi Association members’ Spring 2018 Preliminary Inventory Report was mailed Jan. 15. It contains your fullblood and purebred males and females born between Jan. 1 and June 30 that are at least 24 months of age by June 30, 2018. Please review this inventory and make any necessary changes. If the list contains animal(s) that are no longer in your herd, please place the appropriate disposal code next to the animal(s) and return the inventory report to us. Animals in your fall season will not be included in this inventory. Corrections can also be made online by going to www.akaushi.digitalbeef.com. Adjustments made online should be completed by Feb. 28. If you are mailing your changes, they should be in the association office by Feb. 15 so our staff will have adequate time to update the records. The Preliminary Inventory Report is not an invoice. Please do not pay at this time.
Too few or no follicles (should have around 30). DNA is only present in the root of the hair. Small follicles from young calves. Samples should be collected from calves at least six months of age. Fecal matter and dirt in sample. Any foreign material may interfere with genotyping. Do not store or ship hair samples in plastic bags. They could become contaminated with mold. Make sure you place hair samples in the appropriate hair sample card.
Blood Cards
Not enough blood on the card. The sample circle should be filled and blood visible on both sides of the paper. When spotting cards from stored blood, make sure to invert the tubes four to five times first. Spread the samples out and allow the blood to dry in a well-ventilated room.
DNA Submissions
We processed close to 20,000 DNA samples in 2017. This is a big part of what Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
Continued page 10 8
McNeil Ranch
Akaushi cattle and genetics
BREEDING FOR PERFORMANCE USING THE BEST AKAUSHI GENETICS AVAILABLE!!!
WE ARE 100% FULLBLOOD AKAUSHI BREEDERS WITH SEEDSTOCK AVAILABLE FOR SALE. n n n n
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the Embassy Suites. Again, we are planning a great set of speakers and programs. There will be something for everyone. Akaushi genetics and programs have never been better than they are right now. Make your move! Akaushi deserves its rightful place among the other recognized beef breeds in the industry. It’s up to us to tell our story. We’ve come a long way but still have so much more to do. With your continued support we will reach all the goals we set. Akaushi is making a difference. Make your move! Until next time, vaya con Dios. PT
AROUND THE CAMPFIRE Continued from page 6
Cattle Company, Canyon, Texas. Congratulations! This year, we also recognized the first purebred (15/16) Akaushi certified with the AAA. That award also went to Broken Winds Cattle Company. The first polled (heterozygous) purebred bull certificate went to Espuela Ranch (Jim Dyer Family), Ft. Davis, Texas. Congratulations to Jim and his family. If you missed the 2017 convention, mark your calendars for the 2018 meeting, which will be Oct. 26-28 in San Marcos, Texas, at AKAUSHI MATTERS Continued from page 8
String the Typifix samples in order on a zip tie or rubber band. Place the TSU tubes in envelopes of 10 or 20. Write beginning and ending IDs on the envelope. Sending the correct paperwork with the samples is a must. Orders missing any required information will be set aside until the member provides the information. Also, please include payment with your samples. The DNA submission form and fee schedule can be found at www.akaushi.com under the Resources tab. Fill them out and include them with your samples. Record your calves on DigitalBeef prior to sending the samples. Calves must be recorded in the database prior to submitting samples to the lab. This is where sample barcodes are scanned and the files are created and uploaded into the lab’s database. It takes a fraction of the time to process your information and get it to the lab if your calves are already in the system when we receive your samples. There are tutorials on the association’s website that will walk you through the recording process, or you can call the office and we will be glad to assist you. Please read Tim Kozelsky’s article, “DNA Matters,” on page 14. And, if you have not started the conversion to DNA SNP testing for your herd, please get in touch with us and let’s get that process started. Here’s to a great 2018! PT
Do NOT dry the card using a hair dryer as heat can damage the DNA. Do NOT store or ship blood cards in plastic bags. They could become contaminated with mold.
Allflex and Typifix Kits
No sample in tube. Sample is trapped in cap/does not enter the tube. The sample will not be preserved. Tubes should be kept at room temperature or in a freezer if stored long term. Samples punched through a tattoo can introduce inhibitors that will result in a failed sample.
Semen Samples
Store semen samples at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Semen straws can easily be damaged. Shipping in an empty ballpoint pen tube is recommended. All of the DNA supplies mentioned above can be purchased through our office, except for the ballpoint pen tube. You are on your own on that one.
How can I get my results faster?
We have no control over how fast the samples are processed at the lab. However, you can help our office speed up sample processing by doing the following: Organize your samples by placing them in numerical order by ID. Bundle your blood and hair cards together in small groups. Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
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Dove Creek Wagyu Cattle Company is located in the beautiful Ozarks in Southern Missouri, where our cattle can enjoy the lush, green grass alongside the creeks and streams that are spring fed and crystal clear.
Our Objective at Dove Creek Wagyu Cattle Co is to deliver
Dove Creek Wagyu
Genetic Excellence ~ Maximum Performance in every one of our Akaushi offspring.
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Our Focus is to raise cattle that carry the most
elite genetics as well as the ultimate in marbling and carcass quality. We have painstakingly selected our Akaushi sires and females based on these qualities and their ability to maintain size, structure and productivity.
Our Goal is to help you build genetics in your cattle to positively affect performance, whether you concentrate your efforts on producing full-blood breeding stock, F1 production or a show program.
Embryos Semen For Sale
Both SOR 1083 (Alford) and SOR 1080 (Moose) are outstanding sons of Big Al and out of Kaedemaru 2. These bulls are genetically exceptional in marbling - being ranked #2 in the Legendary’s Proprietary Marbling Index, and scored .35 units higher than Big Al himself. These bulls also have excellent dispositions. • •
We have embryos for sale by Alford and Moose, as well as Big Al, Tamamaru, Shigemaru, Brady, Samsung, and Heart Brand Red Emperor, and out of original import daughters - Available Now!
We currently have conventional semen available on Alford and Moose. We have high concentration female sexed semen available on Moose.
DoveCreekWagyu.com | Call us at: 402-741-1631 | Michelle@DoveCreekWagyu.com 11
www.akaushi.com • Winter 2018
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
CASTRATION TOOLS BY CALLICRATE
JAN. 31-FEB. 2
Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show, Phoenix, Ariz., Booth #1764
FEB. 15
Spring Whole Herd Reporting “Mail-In” Inventory Adjustments due.
FEB. 27-MARCH 3
Houston Livestock Show, Houston, Texas, Booth #AG5
E A R LY C A S T R AT I O N
“The Callicrate WEE Bander is well worth the investment.” John Blevins, California
FEB. 28
Spring Whole Herd Reporting “Online” Inventory Adjustments finalized
MARCH 1
Spring Whole Herd Reporting Invoices mailed to breeders
MARCH 23-25
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention, Fort Worth, Texas, Booth #932
APRIL 30-MAY 2
National Pedigreed Livestock Council Annual Meeting, Kansas City, Mo.
D E L AY E D C A S T R AT I O N
“The Callicrate Bander is phenomenal.” George Chambers Carrolton, Georgia
JUNE 16
Broken Winds Cattle Co. Akaushi Field Day, Canyon, Texas
JUNE 20-23
Beef Improvement Federation Annual Meeting and Research Symposium, Loveland, Colo.
JULY 20-21
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention Norman, Okla.
AUG. 6-7
Texas A&M Beef Short Course, College Station, Texas
OCT. 26-28
7th Annual American Akaushi Association Convention, San Marcos, Texas
D E L AY E D C A S T R AT I O N
• HUMANE • BLOODLESS • DRUG FREE
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A K AU S H I B R E E D G E N E T I C S
DNA Matters Tim Kozelsky | DNA & Data Service Analyst | tkozelsky@akaushi.com
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017 has been a banner DNA year for the American Akaushi Association (AAA)! To date, we have processed more than 19,800 samples. Our previous best year was 2014, when we processed 17,933 samples. There has been a 66 percent increase in the number of members who sent in DNA samples in 2014 compared to the number of members who submitted samples in 2017. So, as you can see, we are very busy with DNA. In 2016, AAA began to convert to a new DNA parentage profile test. This change is being dictated by the DNA industry because vendors are no longer supporting the original short tandem repeats
equipment. The new test is called single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The previous DNA method was called short tandem repeats (STR). In a nutshell, STRs look at the number of times a marker is present in a DNA chain. SNPs look at the actual value of the marker. Unfortunately, STR and SNP profiles are not compatible. This is why we are asking all members to update the profiles of animals in their breeding program. There are a number of benefits to converting to SNP profiles. SNP testing is the key that truly unlocks the information contained within DNA. First, a typical SNP parentage profile captures the values of more than 85 pairs of markers. STR only measures a maximum of 12 markers. With the additional markers, AAA has a stronger DNA tool to determine parentage. How much information is hidden in DNA? Believe it or not, there are more than 3 billion base pairs of alleles in the bovine genome. As genomes are mapped and traits associated with specific genes are determined, desirable breeding animals can be selected through SNP DNA instead of purely by expected progeny differences (EPDs) and/or physical expression of the desirable trait. We currently use this technique to determine whether breeding animals are carriers or affected concerning the F11 disorder. AAA has partnered with our DNA lab, Neogen/GeneSeek, to create an Akaushi DNA profile, which encompasses more than 150,000 pairs of alleles. Our hope is
1/4 Vertical, 4 color Prime Time Comanche Cattle Company Winter 2018
Comanche
Cattle Company Proven Akaushi Genetics Selling registered,
full-blood Akaushi cattle through private treaty. Join us for Ranch Day June 16 at Bar 73 Ranch southeast of Canyon,Texas
Continued page 18 Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
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A K AU S H I B E E F
Beef Matters Lauren Lowry | Marketing and Customer Relations, HeartBrand® Beef Inc. | llowry@akaushi.com
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s we enter 2018, we reflect on a great year and by far the largest year for HeartBrand® Beef. We have seen more than 20 percent growth in total sales, and we are steadily expanding our export market. South Korea is currently our largest export market, receiving weekly shipments of our Certified Akaushi Beef. We are very excited about the additions of Japan, Thailand and the Dominican Republic as well as the export opportunities that come with these new relations. The past three months have been a very active time for buying back calves from Akaushi producers to utilize in our beef
program. Since 2013, close to 30,000 head have been processed through the HeartBrand Beef program, and in 2018, we are on pace to process about 12,000 head. This is roughly 150,000 pounds of Certified Akaushi Beef being sold throughout the United States and internationally each week. With a premium branded beef program comes integrity and consistency. We know the Akaushi breed brings just that to the table. Therefore, we choose to partner with Akaushi producers around the nation to provide the highest quality beef for our program. Working as a team, we’re able to share beef margins with feedlots as well as cowcalf operators to highlight the changes that can be made to advance their carcass quality and bottom lines. With a growing brandedbeef sector, we want to allow our partners to know how their cattle are performing and have a real investment in the beef industry. HeartBrand stands firmly behind the integrity of our beef. Therefore, to be eligible for the HeartBrand Beef Buyback Program, cattle must be DNA verified to a fullblood Akaushi parent. The parentage is not required to be sourced from the HeartBrand herd, but the animal must be registered with the American Akaushi Association. Cattle are eligible for the program at all ages as HeartBrand purchases weaned, yearlings and fat cattle. We target to pay a $100 premium for weaned calves. For finished cattle, HeartBrand is currently offering a premium of $0.20 per pound over the five-day CattleFax average. We offer a
1/4 Vertical, 4 color Prime Time Crosswinds Ranch Winter 2018
WINDS RANC S S O H R C Breeder/Producer of fullblood cows, heifers and young bulls for sale private treaty.
1/2 and 3/4-blood Akaushi/Angus cross also available.
Daryl West | 806-382-0704
Continued page18 Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
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DNA MATTERS Continued from page 14
BEEF MATTERS Continued from page 16
eventually to use this profile to determine the percentage of Akaushi in an animal without knowing its parentage. Using DNA to determine parentage is just scratching the surface of the potential power DNA contains. Popular tests that are available to members include horn/ polled and coat color. As we build up our DNA database, we will one day be able to offer DNA-enhanced EPDs, which more accurately predict the traits a particular sire adds to his offspring. We will also have tools to help members select breeding animals based on genetic markers instead of phenotype so they don’t have to wait for them to produce a calf to evaluate sire/dam performance. There is even research being done to DNA test embryos, which will greatly speed up breeding programs. The next few years will be an exciting time for us as we unleash the power of DNA for the American Akaushi Association and its members. PT
Since 2013, reimbursement of close to 30,000 $20 per head for head have been DNA verification processed and also pay reasonthrough the able freight costs HeartBrand Beef to ship cattle to our program, and in feeding facility. 2018, we are on The average U.S. pace to process Department of Agabout 12,000 head. riculture quality grade in our program is 39 percent Prime and fewer than 2 percent Select, making HeartBrand Beef one of the highest grading programs on the market. With your Akaushi herd, you hold the potential to sell your cattle on a grid to a premium-based program, or utilize our buyback program and earn some of the highest paid premiums in the industry. We strongly believe that Akaushi is one of the most promising breeds for the beef industry’s future, and we look forward to watching the breed continue to grow! PT
Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
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sitor Center 3,000 sq ft Vi mplete 12/15/17 Projected Co
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www.akaushi.com • Winter 2018
I N D U S T R Y T E C H N O LO GY
Untangling the Helix Elisa Marques, Ph.D., MBA | Founder, AgFRONT | emarques@agfront.com
Back to the Basics With a New Twist
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ongratulations on the inaugural issue of the Akaushi Prime Time magazine! I am very humbled, honored and happy to contribute to the magazine and its future growth. It also happens to be the beginning of a new year. With every new year, we make new resolutions. We often do this because we think that what we did before is not working or because we have the illusion that new is better. So sometimes we tend to abandon the old. However, when it comes to cattle breeding, not much has changed over the years. You still select your bulls for your next breeding season. You still wean your calves. You decide which females to keep as replacements. Maybe you retain ownership. Maybe you don’t. You sell your calves. While cattle breeding has maintained much of its essence, we can’t help but notice that changes are happening faster than before. Decision making is happening faster and more precisely. You may wonder why. It is largely because of how we process all the data we collect and because we are adding more information early on in the animals’ lives via DNA testing. There is no miracle pill, though. You still need to collect data. That’s not going away. In the context of this article, back to the basics means the following: 1. You keep records of your cattle and their performance; 2. You keep records of your expenses; 3. You keep records of your breeding groups; and 4. You keep vaccination records. And so on. You must keep records. There can be no improvement if you don’t know where you Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
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stand today. Recordkeeping is as old as dirt and it will never, and should never, go away. It’s basic. What has changed today is how you record, manage and make decisions using data. That’s the twist. We have added technology, whether it’s the new technology that allows us to manage our data in the cloud, DNA technology or e-commerce technology that changes how we sell to our customers. Technology helps us make informed decisions about our business. It also helps us do less of the things that we are not good at so that we have more time to do the things that we are good at. Technology allows us to stay in our zone of genius.
DNA Technology: Science over Sales
During my presentation to the 2013 American Akaushi Association (AAA) Annual Convention, I said, “the Akaushi breed is a force to be reckoned with.” I meant what I said then, and I mean it now. Contrary to what you may think, I am not an advocate for one breed versus another. I believe in diversity, science and technology. There are several things that the AAA has done correctly, right out of the gate. Continued page 23
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REFLECTIONS AND RECOLLECTIONS
Irons in the Fire Paul Marchant | Rancher/Columnist | paul@progressivepublish.com
Fashionable Practicality
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ou’ll probably get no argument from anyone who knows me that I am far from a fashion expert. That’s not to say, however, that I don’t at least pay passing attention to the occasional fashion trend. I don’t think I’ll ever be too keen, or even aware of, any of the ridiculousness that spews out of New York City or Paris. But, when it comes to critters and what’s hot and trending at, say, the National Western Stock Show, the American Royal or the National Finals Rodeo … well then, now you’ve got my attention. I was slow to warm up to square-toed boots – I was always partial to the roundtoed look – but now I’m all in with the square toe. The look has definitely grown on me, and for crying out loud, they’re much more comfortable than anything the Wicked Witch of the West would be sporting. I wonder what took the trend so long to get a toehold, as it were. At the other end, you have the hat world. If you see a high-crowned, short-brimmed hat bobbing its way through a crowd, you can pretty well bet that the guy under it is in his seventh or eighth decade. Regional differences abound, as well. A flat-topped lid will surely brand you as a Great Basin buckaroo, while the big, turned-up, flying-nun brim is a Texas look through and through. As far as what sits atop your pony, you can see the same kind of trends. Sixty-foot ropes hanging on mule-hide-wrapped slick forks are all over eastern Oregon, southern Idaho and Nevada, while a 35-footer tied hard and fast to a Modified Association tree pretty much places you in the Great Plains. Somewhere I have a 5x7 picture of one of my last FFA project steers, taken around Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
1981. He was a big, white-faced, yellow Simmy-cross steer that, I thought, was the picture of perfection. He probably stood nearly 5 feet tall at the hip and finished at around 1,200 pounds. He was, in my mind, the embodiment of the perfect show steer. In the picture, standing at the halter, I appear in all of my ridiculous teenager glory. My pointy-toed boots are barely visible from beneath my too-long wranglers, which are worn out in the back – a result of dragging in the dirt under my boot heels. You can almost discern my eyes from beneath my long, shaggy bangs, which hang out from under a big, old, wide-brimmed, high, round-topped hat. If you could see my eyes, you’d probably notice a touch of indignant fury; a result of my bitter disappointment at my steer not being named grand champion at that year’s version of the Summit County Fair. In the championship drive, the judge opted for a couple of more moderately framed steers to be his grand and reserve champions. With the benefit of time-aided wisdom and a little common sense, the whole scenario seems almost nonsensical now. First of all, how did I dare show up in public dressed like that? Second, what in the world were the powers that be in the beef industry thinking, particularly those in the show world, when they perpetuated the notion that such inefficient animals were good for the industry? It made no more sense than the short, tiny-framed cattle of the ’50s and early ’60s. The livestock show scene has always been a moral dilemma of sorts for me. I really love the whole scene. It has a unique feel all its own. The smell of fresh shavings, the sounds of blowers and the sight of a magnificent, pristine, perfectly fit and coifed champion juxtaposed in front of the Continued page 23 22
IRONS IN THE FIRE Continued from page 22
latest year’s National Western Stock Show sign is unparalleled in its magnificence. All of the pageantry and expense on a logical and practical level seem quite ridiculous. It’s more of a fantasy than real life. After all, form should follow function – not the other way around. I’ve kind of reconciled the conundrum in my mind. I think the show ring actually does serve a useful purpose. For one thing, it exposes much of the general public to at least some form of modern animal agriculture. And, for the most part, the participants are on their best behavior. Participants in livestock shows are agriculture’s ambassadors to the world. There’s no question that showing livestock can offer a pile of life lessons to kids. It also helps us find our boundaries, both in terms of what is practical and what is popular. Perhaps one of the most useful lessons we can learn from it is that popularity doesn’t always equate to practicality and, inversely, practicality and common sense quite often will never lead to popularity. And, there’s nothing wrong with that. PT
BROWN RANCHES j
J
We have a great herd of Red Angus and Hereford cows that we breed to Akaushi bulls to produce superb quality F1 Akaushi heifers. The Red Angus F1’s are solid red and mostly polled. The Hereford F1’s are red white-faced cattle and all have been de-horned. These cattle are a cowman’s kind and will be productive for many years. They're moderately framed with great maternal characteristics and mothering/milking ability! They will produce tremendous “A4-eligible” ¾-blood females and feeder steers with yield and quality grades to compete with the top F1 Akaushi genetics in the breed.
Call us and stop by the ranch anytime!
Brown Ranches
2050 Brown Ranch Lane ∙ Beeville, TX 78102
Austin Brown III 361-597-0373 aebrown70@gmail.com
Austin Brown II 361-597-0377 firebrand1924@gmail.com
www.brownranchgroup.com
One is requesting that every animal be parentage verified via DNA testing. That’s a big deal. You started a database from scratch when many others had to retrofit theirs. Next, you applied science first and because you first applied science, you can verify that what you are selling is what your customers are getting. Not only that, but you have set the correct path for genetic improvement. Genetics are the foundation for any efficient system.
Premium products tend to follow a pattern that enables them to become premium. They do things differently and they do them early on, before anyone else. Your product is a premium and because it’s a premium, it’s not for everyone. You need to recognize the strengths and advantages of your product and service so that
1924
Producers of Red Angus and Hereford x Akaushi F1’s
UNTANGLING THE HELIX Continued from page 20
Your Product is a Premium – You Sell Value, Not Price
S ince
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you can promote them to the correct audience. You must find your audience. Believe and continue to practice the art of differentiation. Your product is a premium, and as a result, it’s not cheap, nor should it be. You add value through the use of technology. Therefore, you sell value, not price. I am very excited about 2018 because this will mark another year of change for me, for our business and for our customers. It will be the year where we implement additional tools that simplify and speed up decision making for our customers so that they stay in their zone of genius. PT Editor’s note: Elisa Marques, Ph.D., is an award-winning geneticist and business development specialist, whose career has spanned research and development, marketing and business development. She is the founder of AgFRONT, www. agfront.com, a digital marketing and management consulting company that focuses on technology transfer within the agribusiness industry with the ultimate goal of helping producers become more efficient and productive.
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www.akaushi.com • Winter 2018
Akaushi
Versus the Term
Wagyu
BY BUBBA BAIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I would like to offer some ideas and opinions on the definitions of Akaushi and Wagyu. Hopefully this will help clarify these two terms. By defining this subject properly, I hope it will have a positive and lasting effect on all of the Japanese beef breeds and their future success.
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any people have been successful in defining Wagyu as a breed. I see it differently. I believe the true definition of Wagyu refers to an origin, not a single breed. Akaushi is a separate and distinct breed from the other Japanese cattle. There are no similarities, genetically or phenotypically, between Akaushi and the other Japanese cattle breeds. Based on my research, the Akaushi breed started with the South Korean breed known as Hanwoo. Around 1870, the Devon breed was infused into the Hanwoo cattle, and in roughly 1910, the Simmental breed was incorporated into the breed as well. Around 1910, the breed was closed to any other outside genetics and the Akaushi breed was formed. To this day, Akaushi remains the same – a closed herd for more than 100 years. First, let’s define the word breed, which means a stock of animals or plants within a species having distinctive genetics and appearance, typically having been developed by deliberate selection. Now, let’s define Wagyu, which is any of several breeds of cattle, the most desired of which is genetically predisposed to intense marbling and to producing a high percentage of oleaginous unsaturated fat. Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
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Mitsuru Minezawa, a prominent Japanese animal science researcher and academic, offers his own definition of the term Wagyu. “The word Wagyu is an anglicization of the Japanese language ‘wa-gyu,’ which simply means our [Japanese-produced] beef cattle. It does not describe any single breed.” Minezawa defines contemporary Japanese Wagyu as being comprised of four distinct breeds, in addition to two indigenous Japanese cattle breeds (Mishima and Kuchinoshima), both of which survive only in non-commercial, trace populations. The four distinct breeds are Kryoshi (Kuroushi, Kuroge Washu), Akaushi (Akage Washu), Japanese Polled (Mukaku Washu) and Japanese Shorthorn (Nihon Tankaku Washu). With this definition, there is even more clarity that the term Wagyu is an origin, not a breed. It is my hope that the following quotes, statements and definitions will help provide additional clarity. The American Wagyu Association defines Wagyu as “a Japanese beef cattle breed derived from native Asian cattle. Wagyu refers to all Japanese beef cattle, where ‘wa’ means Japanese and ‘gyu’ means cow.” Six Buck Ranch raises both Red and Black Wagyu cattle in Roberts, Mont.
We must continue to differentiate the Akaushi breed from other Japanese cattle breeds.
According to them, “In Japan, cattle breeds are divided into two kinds. The first is dairy cattle, which are Holsteins and Jerseys, and the second is referred to as Wagyu. There are four breeds of Wagyu cattle – Akaushi, Kryoshi, Japanese Polled and Japanese Shorthorn. All of our Red Wagyu are 99.2 percent purebred, and since they are a ‘different type’ of Wagyu, they will produce a certain amount of heterosis when bred back to Black Wagyu.” Located in Golden, N.M., Lone Mountain Cattle Company explains that “Wagyu is a breed of Japanese cattle.” Chisholm Cattle Company, Wimberley, Texas, offers its own take on the term. “Wagyu – the breed that made Kobe famous – is the generic name for Japanese cattle.” In an ad for its cattle, Chisholm Cattle Company said, “Wagyu calves for sale – 100 percent Fullblood. They were sired by JC Rueshaw 65, who is the first black, fullblood son of foundation bull and Japanese National Champion Rueshaw (Akaushi). With this infusion of Kumamoto Red genetics, these black calves have it all. Red bulls can be used to breed for red or black progeny. JC Rueshaw 65 FB14154 Fullblood Black bull (Red influenced). Number 65’s pedigree combines the exceptional production and maternal traits of the Kumamoto Red strain with the Tamija strain. He will add welcome hybrid vigor to Red and Black Wagyu herds.” V-V Wagyu raises Red Wagyu cattle in Paradise, Texas. “We say ‘Red Wagyu/ Akaushi’ because they are the same cattle. The only difference is the name.” Chris Brant of Reserve Cattle Company Wagyu in Garden City, Mo., says, “Wagyu means Japanese cattle. Believe it or not, some breeders and former board members are unaware Wagyu is not a breed, and believe Reds and Blacks are related. Red is a breed; Black is a breed. That’s a fact and it will not change. A
Red crossed with a Black is an F1. The longer we try to appease people, the worse this problem gets. No matter how much crossbreeders want a Red/Black cross to be a fullblood, it is not a fullblood.” Are you confused yet? The term Wagyu has confused and is still confusing a lot of people. Lumping all Japanese cattle into one group doesn’t help matters. There are no genetic or phenotypic similarities whatsoever between the four Japanese beef breeds. Hypothetically you can call them what you want, but are you being honest and truthful with potential buyers? It’s like putting Hereford and Angus into one breed/association because they are both English breeds. To me that doesn’t make sense. We must continue to differentiate the Akaushi breed from other Japanese cattle breeds. Akaushi must be properly defined as to its origin and genetic makeup and how it sets itself apart from other Japanese cattle breeds.
Akaushi deserves its rightful place among the other recognized beef breeds in the industry. Using language like “Red Wagyu,” “Red-hided Wagyu,” “Kumamoto Reds,” “Japanese Brown” and “Red-Black Wagyu crosses” does not further our cause; it just confuses people more. If these words continue to be used to identify the Akaushi breed, the beef industry will never totally accept or respect Akaushi as a breed. Akaushi deserves its rightful place among the other recognized beef breeds in the industry. To accomplish this we need to continue telling our story correctly – we are Akaushi, fullblood descendants originating from the Emperor’s herd in Japan. We respect and wish all breeds and breed associations well, but the American Akaushi Association is here to protect the integrity of Akaushi genetics, the Akaushi breed registry and your investment as an Akaushi breeder! PT 25
www.akaushi.com • Winter 2018
The 10
COMMANDMENTS of a
SUCCESSFUL SEEDSTOCK PRODUCER BY JESSIE TOPP-BECKER, MANAGING EDITOR
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ning the business, Donnell Brown has had a front-row seat to witness and experience the ups and downs of cattle production, and he understands what it takes to be a successful seedstock producer. During the recent American Akaushi Association Annual Convention, Brown shared his 10 commandments of a successful seedstock producer. Before a producer can seek success, Brown said there is one important question that must be answered – “What are your goals relative to your cattle business?” Once that question is answered, producers can work toward building a successful business. Regardless of a ranch’s specific goals, Brown’s 10 commandments can help producers achieve the level of success they seek. For the R.A. Brown Ranch, the primary goal has always been to produce cattle that meet the needs of commercial cattle producers, which is why Brown’s first commandment is thou shall always put the commercial customer first. While this likely comes as a surprise to many seedstock producers, it shouldn’t. The whole purpose of seedstock production, according to Brown, is “to produce bulls for commercial cattlemen that will help them raise better calves that make them more money.” The primary focus for every seedstock business should be
hen it comes to successful seedstock production, it is no secret that becoming successful doesn’t happen overnight. It’s an arduous process that requires hard work, dedication, a willingness to change and adapt, as well as a commitment to excellence. Since 1895, the R.A. Brown Ranch has strived to build its own successful seedstock business. Over the years, the Brown family built its herd to consist of more than 1,800 Angus, Red Angus, SimAngus and Hotlander (a four-breed composite developed on their ranch) cattle. The family ranching business hosted its first annual production sale in 1974 and now hosts two production sales each year. Today, the fifthgeneration of the Brown family has taken the reigns, and the ranch is now owned and operated by Donnell and Kelli Brown. Growing up on the ranch, and now run-
Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
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to produce what the commercial cattleman wants. This is vitally important as more than 90 percent of all seedstock bulls are used by commercial cattlemen. Keeping commercial customers No. 1 has been the key to success at the R.A. Brown Ranch. “For 123 years, our family has been committed to raising better bulls for the commercial business, and that’s been the success to our business,” Brown said. During their two annual production sales, the Brown Ranch sells more than 800 breeding bulls. Producing bulls that align with their customers’ needs has helped propel their seedstock business toward success. Thou shall not select cattle on looks alone is the second commandment of a successful seedstock producer. Producers should strive to raise eye-appealing cattle, but breeding decisions should be based on much more than just phenotype. “Why not use all available technology to make the most important decisions that we have for the future of our business?” Brown asked. Depending on the breed, producers may have to sort through 9-23 different expected progeny differences (EPDs) and indexes for each animal. That’s a tremendous amount of information to sift through when trying to select cattle to purchase or offer for sale. Brown’s advice – “I believe in selecting for all economically relevant traits, simultaneously.” In Brown’s opinion, the five most economically relevant traits are calving ease, growth, fertility/maternal, carcass and efficiency. The use of selection indexes aids producers in selecting for multiple traits at one time. Brown encouraged Akaushi breeders to utilize them. Along with using EPDs to select cattle, Brown encouraged convention attendees to select breeding stock as they would (or should have) select their spouse. Selecting a spouse and breeding stock are two very important decisions that have longterm impacts. “If you want to be successful in seedstock production, you need to get serious about selecting your seedstock, the ones you’re going to multiply,” he said. “Not much happens fast in the cattle business. It’s a long process,” Brown said, while
explaining his third commandment: thou shall remember that beef production is a long-term venture. Building a successful seedstock business, or any business for that matter, takes years. For starters, it requires developing a customer base and offering high-quality cattle on a consistent basis. Being involved in this business is not for the faint of heart. “About the only thing short-term that you can achieve in the cattle business, is failure,” he said. “People want to take shortcuts, but those tend to produce more failures than successes.” Genetics are everlasting, which is another reason Brown stressed the importance of EPDs – “focus on facts, not fiction.” In breeding shows, extra emphasis is placed on making sure every hair is in place, hooves are trimmed and cattle have just the right amount of fat, but “those are temporary things we do to make one look better,” Brown said. “Genetics are long term.” When it comes to seedstock production, it’s important that producers don’t play the role of bystanders who simply sit on the Continued page 28
WELCOME TO
THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE WEST Set on 30,000 private acres in Wyoming’s Platte River Valley, the award-winning luxury resorts of Brush Creek Ranch present guests with the grandeur of the American West. “We proudly present an excellent set of full blood seed stock and F2 females. The Akaushi brand sets the standard for our vision of sustainable ranching and is unveiled in pasture-to-plate offerings to our esteemed guests.” —Ron Hawkins, Ranch Manager of Brush Creek Ranches
S A R ATOG A , W Y | B R U S H C R E E K R A N C H . CO M
For more info about our Akaushi Cattle Program Contact: Ronald.hawkins@brushcreekranch.com | 307.327.5284
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www.akaushi.com • Winter 2018
TEN COMMANDMENTS Continued from page 27
fence and watch as things happen. Many valuable lessons can be learned by sitting on the fence, but producers make the greatest difference when they get off the fence and get to work. The fifth commandment encourages producers to work hard to help their customers – thou shall work hard (six days a week) to provide genetics and customer service to improve the profitability and sustainability of your commercial customers. Following this commandment will aid producers in building a strong foundation of loyal customers who return, year after year. Brown reminds producers that not all short-term profitability is sustainable, which is why producers should strive to improve both aspects of their customers’ businesses – profitability and sustainability. Brown provided some words of caution in the pursuit of reaching their own goals – “Don’t let what you want cause you to use bad judgement.”
1/4 Vertical, 4 color Prime Time Bar 73 Ranch Winter 2018
Bar 73 Ranch Registered Akaushi Cattle Percentage Blood and Purebred
Join us for Ranch Day June 16 at Bar 73 Ranch southeast of Canyon, Texas
Joe Beltz
Canyon, Texas (806) 683-7329 cowhand@me.com
Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
Donnell Brown (right) and Austin Brown III (left) participate in a panel discussion after Donnell’s presentation at the AAA Annual Convention.
Thou shall use DNA to know thy father and mother is Brown’s fifth commandment. Sound science and technology should be utilized in a seedstock business “to best identify and multiply the superior genetics,” he said. Referring to his first commandment – keeping the commercial customer first – Brown explained that he considers superior genetics to be those that best fit the needs of the commercial customer. DNA testing is one example of an affordable technology producers can use to identify and multiply superior cattle. Every calf born on the Brown ranch undergoes a DNA test. “We do a DNA test because we believe it is vitally important to know the facts,” Brown said. Even with a low-density DNA test, producers have access to a plethora of valuable information. Artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer are additional examples of affordable technology producers can use to “multiply the most superior cattle,” while also focusing on facts. AI has been used on the R.A. Brown Ranch since 1969. Today, every cow on the R.A. Brown Ranch is bred using either AI or embryo transfer at least one time, “because we believe they are a great tool to mass multiply the most superior genetics,” Brown explained.
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In addition to selecting cattle for specific traits, Brown’s sixth commandment focuses on testing and measuring cattle – thou shall test cattle for all economically relevant traits, while developing them for longevity. As Akaushi breeders grow and develop cattle, Brown encouraged them to test and measure cattle for all economically relevant traits. All cattle on the R.A. Brown Ranch are measured for calving ease, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, hip height, ribeye, back fat, feed efficiency, average daily gain, heifer pregnancy, stayability and a long list of other traits, including feet, teat and udder scores that don’t have EPDs to aid in selection yet. “We measure a gazillion things, it seems like,” Brown said. However, measuring for economically relevant traits aids the Brown family in developing cattle for longevity, which is important to their customers. Thou shall not mess up another man’s cow herd is commandment number seven. Selling cattle is a big responsibility and something that should be taken very seriously. Producers invest their lives building their cow herds, so it’s important to keep that in mind when selling cows and bulls. “You better make sure the cattle you sell as breeding stock are right,” Brown said. “And not just right for carcass merit, not just right for growth, but that they make good mommas.” Commandment number eight – thou shall produce what the customer wants to buy instead of just trying to sell what you want to produce. This is the bottom line of seedstock production. When Brown returned to the ranch after college, they were raising seven breeds of cattle on their ranches in Texas and Colorado. Over time, he said, that was narrowed to three, “because we’ve found it’s a whole lot easier to sell what the customer wants to buy than to try and sell simply what you want to produce.” Trust plays a significant role in making a sale, so it’s important to continually work to earn, and maintain, customers’ trust. Following the ninth commandment, thou shall do and say all things with
honesty and integrity, will help producers do just that. In the seedstock business, one of the best ways to adhere to this commandment is by submitting true, accurate, complete, timely and honest data in proper contemporary groups. Unfortunately, Brown explained, not everyone understands the definition of proper contemporary groups. “When I say proper contemporary groups, I’m saying give every calf in a contemporary group equal opportunity to express their genetic differences.” That means a calf that is raised in the pasture does not belong in the same contemporary group as a calf that receives extra feed because it is exhibited at shows during the summer. The two do not have equal opportunity to express their genetics. EPDs do not measure environmental factors, which is why it is so important that producers submit accurate data. Being surrounded by honest people of high integrity is another way to help adhere to the ninth commandment. When
1/4 Vertical, 4 color Prime Time Landair Winter 2018
Continued page 30
air,xasInc. Land Beeville, Te
ONING LE PRECONDITI CUSTOM CATT Development Programs ifer
Bull and He rs calves and for s for stocker/feede ed growing ration bas geent. Corn sila pm elo dev f cal heifer rd! seedstock bull and nout of the feedya cker cattle for tur /or special sales! and • Prepare your sto ng edi bre for lacement heifers an or • Prepare your rep commercial cattlem dstock bulls for the see r you e par • Pre g! e rin for the special sal sales at the ranch! ALL! • Private treaty needs – BIG or SM grams to fit your uest! • Tailor-made pro testing upon req ed) ect Inf tly ten PI (Persis U! • We now offer at – FOR YO
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Photo courtesy of Ross Hecox, Western Horseman
Brown Ranches has been in operation in South Texas since 1924. Five generations of the Austin Brown family have worked very hard to be the best stewards of the land and livestock that have been so graciously entrusted to us.
Landair, Inc.
2050 Brown Ranch Lane ● Beeville, Texas Austin Brown III: 361-597-0373 (cell) Ranch Office: 361-358-1093 aebrown70@gmail.com Proud supporters of the Beef Checkoff and Texas Beef Council.
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www.brownranchgroup.com
www.akaushi.com • Winter 2018
TEN COMMANDMENTS Continued from page 29
preparing for their annual bull sales, Brown works with 40 different cooperating producers who have similar values. He makes their ranch values very clear to each of the groups and lets them know in advance that if they don’t want to adhere to the same values, they are welcome to work with someone else. “Working together with other people of integrity and honesty, and holding people accountable to do the right thing, that’s good stuff,” he said. Brown’s final commandment of a successful seedstock producer – thou shall embrace crossbreeding and strive to be the common denominator. He said he fully expected to get some interesting looks from Akaushi breeders in response to the tenth commandment. “For some seedstock breeders, this is a challenging concept. And it’s a challenging concept because, if we’re going to sell purebred Akaushi, then why do we need to crossbreed?” he asked. As a breed that is growing in popularity,
Will-Acres Farm WE RAISE AKAUSHI/RED ANGUS CROSS CATTLE AND SELL FARM-TO-FAMILY CUSTOM BEEF
STEVE & TANYA WILLIAMS 21221 FINCH DRIVE, NEOSHO, MO 64850 (417) 529-8316 • WILL-ACRES@HOTMAIL.COM
Brown said it is obvious that there are not enough purebred Akaushi in the United States and around the world. The best way to allow more people to enjoy the successes of the breed, in Brown’s opinion, is to “embrace crossbreeding and strive to be the common denominator, the one who everyone wants to breed to, because you have traits that the other breeds don’t have.” Brown is confident that Akaushi can have a significant impact on the beef industry. “I want you to strive to be the breed that everyone wants to have in their planned crossbreeding program,” he challenged breeders.
Manage Risk
While Brown’s 10 commandments will help seedstock producers be successful, managing risk is also vitally important for any business’s success. To manage risk in a seedstock business, Brown suggested that producers “identify and measure the genetics you have, and multiply your known quantities.” Multiplying proven sires is one way Brown manages risk on his ranch. “When you come to our sale, you see a lot of bulls from the same sire because we take those proven sires and we mass multiply and get a lot of them from each proven sire that meets our goals,” he explained. Another way to manage risk is to spread risk on things producers don’t know as much about, such as donor females. “I use a lot of young donors because I’m never going to prove a female to the accuracy that I will a sire; she just biologically can’t have that many offspring,” Brown said. “It doesn’t take away from the value of the female; it just means I know less about her than I do a bull that’s had 1,000 progeny.”
Don’t Be Left Behind
Change isn’t always easy or comfortable. But, “change is the law of life,” John F. Kennedy once said. “And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” The same could be said for seedstock producers. No one can force producers to change a single thing about how they run Continued page 32
Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
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Akaushi 2017 Convention
HIGHLIGHTS
The American Akaushi Association hosted their sixth annual convention at the Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Texas this past October. The three-day event included a golf tournament; trade show; producer meetings; educational, informative and inspirational speakers; great food; and socializing with other Akaushi breeders. Attendance of more than 220 made this the largest AAA convention to date. Highlights included a presentation from Donnell Brown on “The 10 Commandments of Successful Seedstock Production” (see page 26) as well as presentations from industry experts Colin Woodall, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association senior vice president of government affairs; Dusty Abney, Ph.D., Cargill cattle nutritionist; Bill McCoy, cattle sales associate with Capitol Land & Livestock; Bob Kropp, Ph.D., The American Akaushi Association 2017 LegGeorge Chiga Endowed Professor Emeritus at Oklahoma acy Award was given to Broken Winds Cattle State University; and Bill Fielding, chief executive officer of Company and Comanche Cattle Company at HeartBrand® Beef. the AAA annual meeting. Pictured, left to right, are Janie Bain, AAA executive assistant, Kristy In addition to excellent speakers, the well-attended trade Wilson, Joe Beltz, Kristina Beltz, Ron Kershen, show attracted a great deal of attention from attendees. Misty Guy and Sykora Guy. The Taste of Akaushi dinner on night one and the banquet on night two not only showcased Akaushi beef, but provided a time and place for Akaushi breeders to interact and RIGHT: Kika and John Carter after giving the learn from one another. PT LEFT: Executive Director Bubba Bain presents a certificate of Lifetime Membership in the American Akaushi Association to Kristy Wilson, Sykora Guy and Misty Guy of Chickadee Cattle Company, LLC. BELOW LEFT: Executive Director Bubba Bain presents a certificate of recognition to Amanda Dyer of Rancho Espuela for producing the first heterozygous polled, purebred Akaushi.
keynote address at the Annual Convention evening banquet. The Carters shared their experiences of ranching in Brazil and how they came to form Alianca da Terra, a Brazilian landownerbased conservation organization.
An auction at the AAA convention raised more than $21,400 for research benefiting the Akaushi breed and breeders. Bubba Bain (far left) reads an item description while Ernie Gill (second from left) waits to begin the auction. Assisting with the auction are Addie Brown (center, holding item) and Dusty Abney, Ph.D. (far right, taking bids).
Make plans to attend the 2018 Convention in San Marcos, Texas! 31
www.akaushi.com • Winter 2018
Member News
NEW MEMBERS
Layssard Honored as Rancher of the Year
F
or his efforts in grazing management, active brush control, community involvement and other innovative practices, the Jim Wells County Soil and Water Conservation District recently recognized James W. Layssard as its 2017 Rancher of the Year. Layssard and his wife, Jane, operate their ranch on approximately 130 acres near Alice, Texas, with an eight-pasture rotational grazing system and an annual forage production field for their beef cattle operation. He uses one pasture primarily for forage sorghum production, leaving the remaining eight pastures for his grazing rotation. He recently added a certified Akaushi bull to his herd. Layssard also has an active wildlife and recreation program – he trains hunting dogs for dove and quail season. He recently expanded a low-lying area and pumps water to it to provide a small fishing pond where he raises catfish. The Layssards also have a fenced garden and use a rainwater catchment system to provide most of the water for the garden. Recently, he built a nice pen and small shed for his backyard poultry. PT
BOLZ RANCH
RETAIL MEAT FOR SALE
B
TIMOTHY BOLZ | BOLZ RANCH 4990 SW 21ST, TOPEKA, KS 66604 | 785-231-7339 DOCBOLZ@GMAIL.COM | AKAUSHIKANSAS.COM
Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
New Members James Stephenson, Medicine Valley Ranch, Highmore, S.D. Shamus Donahoe, Houston, Texas Rich and Kim Oller, Oller-Nothin Ranch, Lubbock, Texas Dwayne and Tammie Cypriano, Hawaii Lowline Cattle Co. LLC, Honokaa, Hawaii John, Rita and Chris Dutton, Dutton Cattle Company, Bannock, Ohio Susan and Tim Stallings, Gustine, Texas Paul Lockett, Ko Hamn Ranch, Hempstead, Texas
their businesses. Producers can continue to run their businesses the same way their fathers and grandfathers did. However, while those producers stay stagnant, others are thinking about the future and making progressive changes to their businesses by choosing to utilize all of the available technology and putting their commercial customers first. “No one has to change a single thing they’re doing, but here’s the reality – they will have to compete with those who do,” Brown said. Regardless of whether a producer raises 25 or 1,000 head of cattle, Brown encouraged Akaushi breeders to be the very best at what they do. Each ranch is unique, but following Brown’s 10 commandments of a successful seedstock producer will benefit cattle producers of all sizes in their quests for success. PT
We will be selling 10, 2- and 3-year-old fullblood bulls and 10-20 crossbred heifers and cows set to calve in March.
B
Matt Robinson, Robinson Ranch, The Woodlands, Texas Broken Winds Cattle Company, Bar 73 Ranch, Canyon, Texas
TEN COMMANDMENTS Continued from page 30
AKAUSHI CATTLE
RAISED ON GRASS AND FINISHED ON OUR GRAIN.
New Lifetime Members
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AMERICAN AKAUSHI ASSOCIATION
Looking for a headstart into an Akaushi Purebred Operation?
7th Annual Convention
SAVE THE DATE! OCTOBER 26-28, 2018
Make plans to join your fellow Akaushi breeders for the 2018 American Akaushi Association Annual Convention in San Marcos, Texas, this fall. New to the convention this year is a halterbroke cattle display. Members can exhibit their halter-broke cattle at the convention site. Cattle can be male or female, as well as fullblood, purebred or percentage Akaushi. Contact AAA Executive Director Bubba Bain for more information. More information, including a schedule and registration information, will arrive in future issues of Prime Time, but mark your calendars and save the date.
• Selling 7 black and 6 red half blood Akaushi heifers coming with 3/4 light birthweight Akaushi calves. • A.I.’d to Bubba Brown AF13831 & B0066MAF320 Akaushi bulls and cleaned up with Heartbrand H0518E son AF44960. • BW 68 • Due to start calving April 1. • Located in Hugo, Colorado • Videos available
Headquarters Hotel
(512) 392-6450 Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center & Spa 1001 E. McCarty Ln., San Marcos, Texas 78666
AD INDEX American Akaushi Association................... 34 Bar 73 Ranch.................. 28 Big Bend Trailers............. 15 Bolz Ranch LP................. 32 Bovina Feeders Inc........... 3 Bovine Elite LLC................ 5 Brown Ranches............... 23 Brush Creek Ranch......... 27 Callicrate Banders........... 12 Comanche Cattle Company...................... 14 Cross Winds Ranch........ 16 Dove Creek Wagyu Cattle Company........... 11
• Selling 35 half blood Akaushi steer calves and 10 half blood Akaushi heifer calves • Gaining 2.27 lbs. per day on high roughage ration • Located in Burlington, Colorado
Elgin Breeding Service Inc................... 19 HeartBrand Cattle............. 2 Jeffries Land & Cattle...... 21 JMK Cattle......................... 9 Landair Inc....................... 29 Legendary Akaushi Genetics LLC.................. 7 Mellott Ranch.................. 33 OvaGenix......................... 18 Victory Beef LLC.............. 13 Will-Acres Farm............... 30 Ztags/Temple Tag............ 17
For more information contact
Mike Mellott at 719-740-0403
MELLOTT RANCH Hugo, Colorado 80821 • phmellott@esrta.com
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www.akaushi.com • Winter 2018
Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018
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