the Register, October 2024

ASA Spotlight

Success with Simmental

by Lilly Platts

The Rydeen family has been in the Simmental business since the 1970s, adapting as the breed and industry have changed. With the fourth generation now involved, the Rydeen family continues breeding high-quality SimGenetics seedstock in northwest Minnesota.

18 Fall Focus Tours Showcase Industry Hub

by Lilly Platts

SimGenetics breeders, the ASA Board of Trustees, staff, and beef industry professionals gathered in Amarillo, Texas, for Fall Focus 2024 to learn about feeding, processing, and evaluating beef, as well as larger industry issues.

22 Utilizing DNA Testing and Genomics to Select Replacement Females

by Lane Giess, ASA Geneticist

DNA testing options for your commercial customers.

26 Balancing Phenotype and Genomics

by Ryan Boldt, IGS Lead Geneticist

The importance of tracking and submitting phenotypes and genomic data.

The entire website has a new look highlighting cattle sales, industry events, ASA’s programs, marketing opportunities, and breeders’ resources. simmental.org makes it easy for you.

Breeders’ resources include information on:

© SimGenetics

© Simple trait selection

© Genetic improvement tools

© Frequently asked questions

(Issn: 0899–3572)is

theSTANLEY MARTINS FARMS

published by

ASA Publication, Inc.

One Genetics Way, Bozeman, Montana 59718 USA 406-587-2778  fax: 406-587-9301 www.simmental.org  email: register@simmgene.com Canada Publications Agreement Number: 1875183

ASA Publication, Inc., Board of Trustees

Victor Guerra, Chairman  Chad Cook, Vice Chairman

Scott Trennepohl  Chris Ivie  Ryan Thorson

Wade Shafer, PhD, Executive Secretary-Treasurer

CEO Business Manager

Wade Shafer, PhD Chip Kemp

• We sell bulls every month of the year.

• We export. Because of you, our herd has grown in QUALITY and QUANTITY. With the herd growing to well over 500 head your opportunity for quality Fleckvieh has never been greater! Many thanks to

141 Hwy 18 • Postville, IA 52162 563-419-2444 (c) • 563-864-7305 (h) stanmartins1234@gmail.com www.stanleymartinsfarms.com

ASA Board of Trustees

Executive Committee

Managing Editor Advertising/Editorial Coordinator

Lilly Platts Rebecca Price

Sales Manager Media/Website Administrator

Nancy Chesterfield Kathy Shafer

Design/Production

Joel Coleman

Gretchen Jensen

Jenna Wacker

American Simmental Association

One Genetics Way, Bozeman, Montana 59718 USA 406-587-4531  fax: 406-587-9301 www.simmental.org  email: simmental@simmgene.com

• 90% of our bulls sell from $4,000-6,000.

Chris Ivie, Chairman  Victor Guerra, Vice Chairman  Scott Trennepohl, Treasurer

Chad Cook  Ryan Thorson  Wade Shafer, PhD, Executive Vice President

North Central Region

Loren Trauernicht (2025) 901 E Pine Rd Wymore, NE 68466  402.230.0812 mtrauernicht@diodecom.net

Matt Aggen (2026) 27133 146th St Harmony, MN 55939  701.866.3544 mattaggen@hotmail.com

Troy Marple (2026) 9450 Michaels Rd Westmoreland, KS 66549  785.250.0522 troy.j.marple@gmail.com

Tim Clark (2027) 1999 18th St NW Turtle Lake, ND 58575  701.799.7752 Tim.Clark@hubbardfeeds.com

Eastern Region

Doug Parke (2024) 153 Bourbon Hills Dr Paris, KY 40361  859.421.6100 office@dpsalesllc.com

Brandi Karisch (2026) 648 Polly Bell Rd Starkville, MS 39759  225.717.3324 mbkcattle@gmail.com

Scott Trennepohl (2026) 6591 W 625 N Middletown, IN 47356  765.620.1700 sttrennepohl@yahoo.com

Chris Ivie (2027) PO Box 264 Summertown, TN 38483  931.215.0316 iviejc@usit.net

Mark Smith (2027) 304 Moeller Rd Picayune, MS 39466  601.798.3399 smith5785@bellsouth.net

Western Region

Maureen Mai (2025) 427 Peaceful Way Bonners Ferry, ID 83805  208.660.2726 rymocattle@gmail.com

Ryan Thorson (2025) 1725 Road 261 Glendive, MT 59330  406.694.3722 ryanthorson7@gmail.com

Quin LaFollette (2026) 1476 Hwy 14A Powell, WY 82435  307.899.3553 Quin@Blacksummitcattle.com

Chad Cook (2027) PO Box 174 Walsh, CO 81090  719.529.0564 bridlebitsimm@gmail.com

South Central Region

Joseph Hensgens (2025) 136 Deer Park Ln Rayne, LA 70578  985.992.9119 joehensgens@yahoo.com

Greg Burden (2026) 890 VZ CR 2205 Canton, TX 75103  405.780.0372 greg.gbcattle@gmail.com

Victor Guerra (2027) PO Box 92 Linn, TX 78563  956.607.5515 vgg03@aol.com

Greg Walthall (2027) 1051 NE 500 Rd Windsor, MO 65360  660.525.9921 gregwalthall@gmail.com

FROM THE HEADQUARTERS

by Chip Kemp, director, ASA & IGS Commercial and Industry Operations

I have sympathy for so many in the industry who might confuse the world “Simmental” with the word “disruption.” Maybe one is just a misspelling of the other. You and your predecessors have always been viewed that way. From the adoption in the very initial stages of open AI, an open herdbook, no color restrictions, to the honest embrace of responsible crossbreeding — the ASA has brought a wrecking ball to stale thinking in the beef business. A fast-forward through the decades blurs together the likes of Boeing Aircraft, Herd Handler, the industry’s first sire summary, Cornell University, BOLT, and International Genetic Solutions. The people involved were even more remarkable and varied.

That is what Simmental is. That is what Simmental does best. Simmental charts a course for measurable improvement for the individual rancher and the industry. Without that purpose we lose our direction and become merely lukewarm.

I, along with my colleagues, take great pride in the fact that we work for such a unique population of folks. It is at the core of how we see our duty to you and your family. You never settle. So, neither will we.

Lest we forget… I was reminded of this at a recent state association meeting. A huge crowd of Simmental and SimAngus enthusiasts gathered at a Missouri Simmental Association meeting back in mid-August. After numerous individual recognitions and Association business, I was able to join their leadership team to make an exciting announcement. But the announcement first reflected on one of those serious moments of change. Of courage.

In 1992, Columbia, Missouri, played host to the inflection point of the modern Simmental business. FOCUS 2000. If you don’t know that history, you should. But suffice it to say, December 11, 1992, is likely only bested by November 7, 1968, in American Simmental lore. And, frankly, FOCUS 2000 reverberates through the global beef industry to this day.

That reminder set the tone for the meeting announcement — that Columbia, Missouri, will host the 2025 Fall Focus. The attendees in the room were obviously excited and enthusiastic to once again host such a meaningful event. It generated many postmeeting reflections, remembrances, and next step conversations.

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation Required by 39 USC 3685

1. Publication title: the Register 2. Publication number: 0899-3572 3. Filing date: Sept. 6, 2024

4. Issue frequency: 9 times annually 5. Number of issues published annually: 9

6. Annual subscription price: $50.00 US, $150.00 International

7. Complete mailing address of office of publication: One Genetics Way, Bozeman, MT 59718

8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: One Genetics Way, Bozeman, MT 59718

9. Full names and complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor and managing editor: Publisher: Wade Shafer, One Genetics Way, Bozeman, MT 59718 Managing Editor: Lilly Platts, One Genetics Way, Bozeman, MT 59718

10. Owner: American Simmental Association (a non-profit organization), One Genetics Way, Bozeman, MT 59718

That one short portion of one short meeting is the whole point. Sometimes we sow. Sometimes we reap. We can always benefit. Our job is to joyfully embrace each of those three roles when it is our time. You and I are blessed to be part of the modern Simmental business because of the determination, collaboration, and sacrifice of those who came before. It is our duty then to not grow complacent. It would be easy to do so. Your cattle and your business approach are much in demand. And that is a testament to what you do. However, if we find ourselves reveling in that spotlight too long as opposed to continuing to hone our craft and to change our industry for the better, then others will take our mantle from us. Many are eager to displace you. That only happens if you let them.

11. Known bondholders, mortgages and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None

12. Tax Status: Has not changed during preceding 12 months 13. Publication name: the Register

14. Issue date for circulation data below: September 2024

15. Extent and nature Average no. of copies No.

of circulation

a. Total number of copies (net press run):

b. Paid and/or requested circulation:

1) Paid/requested outside-county mail subscriptions stated on Form 3541. (include advertisers’ prior and exchange copies):

2) Paid in-county subscriptions stated on Form 3541 (include advertisers’ proof copies and exchange copies):

3) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales and other non-USPS paid distribution:

4) Other classes mailed through the USPS

c. Total paid and/or requested circulation: [sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4)]

d. Free distribution by mail (samples, complimentary and other free):

1) Outside-county as stated on Form 3541

2) In-county as stated on Form 3541

3) Other classes mailed through the USPS

4) Free distribution outside the mail (carriers or other means)

e. Total free distribution [sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)]:

f. Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e):

g. Copies not distributed:

h. Total (sum of 15f and g):

i. Percent Paid and/or requested circulation (15c / 15f x 100):

17. Publication of statement of ownership required: Will be printed in the October 2024 issue of this publication.

I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.

Lilly Platts, Managing Editor Dated: September 6, 2024

Positive and beneficial disruption. That is our legacy. That is our duty. .

Gold Sponsors

National Cattlemen's Beef Association and National Corn Growers Association Neogen

Silver Sponsors

TRUSTEE VIEWPOINT

by Tim Clark, North Central Region

I am just beginning my second term as a trustee for the North Central Region. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve our region and entire Association on this board. If anyone read my last Viewpoint from 2022, I said that everything is all good. I have the same feelings as we complete 2024. It’s all good. But we will have a notable change coming in 2025, as Dr. Wade Shafer has announced his retirement. While this change wasn’t one we expected, we understand his wishes to move forward in life. We do hope he continues to provide his expertise and knowledge for years to come.

Gateway Simmental Generation 6 Marketing Gibbs Farms Heishman Cattle Company

McDonald Farms Select Sires® Inc

TNT Simmental Ranch

Bronze Sponsors

Mark Barnell Land and Cattle Company Nebraska

I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what Dr. Shafer has accomplished, and his leadership while at the helm with the American Simmental Association since 2013. What makes someone a great leader? A great leader needs to have vision, be able to understand where one’s status is today, what changes are needed, and where one needs to be in the future. Dr. Shafer has taken the American Simmental Association to heights not dreamed of over a decade ago. His vision of collaboration with other breeds and including those in our genetic evaluation has been nothing but amazing and beneficial for all. International Genetic Solutions is now the largest cattle genetic evaluation in the world. Dr. Shafer stays true and focused on our founding mission to serve the entire beef industry.

What is your why? A great leader identifies and hires qualified individuals who are dedicated to the cause and understand the overall vision and future of the business. Dr. Shafer has brought together a staff that is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the Simmental breed and the overall beef industry. Our staff is the envy of all the other breed associations. They are dedicated and all in on moving this breed forward. A great leader retains staff and personnel to meet expectations, goals, and overall stability. If we look at the tenure of Dr. Shafer’s time at the ASA, many employees have been employed for a long time. A large number of retired staff are still involved and provide knowledge and assistance when needed.

Lastly, a great leader understands the fiscal responsibility of running a business. ASA has had 12 years of continuous profit, which has taken the ASA to new levels of financial security as an association.

Dr. Shafer has also led a number of positive changes and innovative programs for the Association during his time as EVP, from incorporating profit indexes to the genetic evaluation to adding additional EPD, with many others under construction. Adding innovative programs like the Cow Herd Roundup, Calf Crop Genomics, and Carcass Expansion Program. In each case, more data, genomics, and science are provided to the genetic evaluation, which in Dr. Shafer’s words is the lifeblood of the Association.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Dr. Shafer for his leadership and guidance to this breed, and for taking it to its current level of popularity and acceptance throughout the whole industry. His retirement won’t be goodbye, but simply till we meet again! .

Success SIMMENTAL with

by Lilly Platts

The Rydeen family has been in the Simmental business since the 1970s, adapting as the breed and industry have changed. With the fourth generation now involved, the Rydeen family continues breeding high-quality SimGenetics seedstock in northwest Minnesota.

Paul Rydeen grew up on the family dairy. Other livestock, like beef cattle, were always present at the farm, and were brought to the forefront in the late 1960s when the family decided to transition out of the dairy business. As Continental breeds like Simmental were brought into the US, Paul’s father, Reuben, tried breeding his commercial cows to several new breeds.

In the mid 1970s, Paul attended a Curtis Breeders Service Artificial Insemination (AI) training, and with the Simmental gaining popularity, decided to try AI’ing a group of their cows to the new breed. “We thought Simmental would handle our tough winters well, with the added growth,” Paul recalls.

Paul married Lois in 1985, purchasing the family farm. The couple set out to grow and improve the business, focusing on a seedstock herd. As they developed a breeding plan and refined their cow herd, they adapted to changes within the breed and industry, transitioning to polled genetics and solid black and red cattle.

They have continued building and growing their cow herd, supplying SimGenetics bulls to commercial and seedstock programs throughout the country. Paul and Lois raised their son, Justis, and daughter, Claire (Chad Patel), on the farm, and both continue to play important roles, from helping make breeding decisions to making sure sale day runs smoothly.

The Rydeen family has called northwest Minnesota home since 1897. Edward started with 160 acres, which expanded as Reuben became a partner in the farm. Clearbrook, located 85 miles east of Grand Forks, North Dakota, has a varied climate. The yearly rainfall averages at 26 inches, and winter can be extremely long and cold. Despite the harsh winters, the area is extremely productive, both for grazing and farming. The Rydeen family farms between 1,200 and 1,500 acres of cropland each year, growing corn, cereal rye grain, and soybeans, much of which is used as feed for the cow herd.

Performance in the Pasture and on the Rail

The Rydeen family has maintained the same goal over the last five decades — to produce cattle that balance convenience traits with performance. As seedstock breeders, they have always focused on the end product. “We have really invested in and are committed to as high of carcass quality as we can possibly produce in our cattle,” Paul shares.

Rydeen Farms is located in northwest Minnesota, where the family settled in 1897. They focus on both red and black Simmental genetics.

Genomic technology has greatly improved their ability to predict carcass quality. Paul remembers when the only way to measure carcass traits was through actual carcass data, which was difficult to obtain. He is excited that the next generation of producers will have a leg up. “In every decision we make, we are looking at how genomics will affect the outcome,” Paul says. “That’s the most exciting thing I see is how genomics can move our herd. You really can go in any direction you want.”

“In every decision we make, we are looking at how genomics will affect the outcome.”

Obtaining actual carcass data is still important, even with cutting-edge genomic data. This year, Rydeen Farms sent 65 steers to be fed out, and will be receiving scores and measurements on each. This data will be tied back to their breeding decisions, and each female. “We’re preaching carcass quality, but if we can’t prove it with our own steers it’s harder to tell our customers exactly what they will get,” Paul explains. “We want to see what our genetics are doing.”

The Rydeen family has also adapted as EPD technology has improved, recalling the days when the genetic evaluation was only run a few times per year. Today, they take advantage of the International Genetic Solutions database, which updates weekly and also incorporates genomic data.

Justis adds that all of this science and data is balanced with phenotype. “We want to keep an eye out for foot and udder quality, docility, and other attributes that may be tougher to measure, but you can see if you’re looking at them every day,” he says.

To meet the demand for performance and accelerate genetic progress, Rydeen Farms will flush standout heifers, often taking advantage of improved genetics years before they would traditionally be able to. ET work has been an important part of moving the cow herd forward; last year, they transferred a record of 130 embryos. In a normal year, they will do around 75.

(Continued on page 14)

Simmental genetics have been the focus at Rydeen Farm for decades. Paul has always enjoyed collecting and analyzing data on the cow herd.

Success Simmental

Considering the Customer

The Rydeen family has been hosting their own sale for 27 years, and during this time, has forged important relationships with many longtime customers. “They’re such interesting people,” Lois shares. “Even our auctioneer has said that we have the best crowd at our sale.” (Continued

Their customers live throughout the country, with the largest concentration residing in Minnesota, North Dakota, and the surrounding states. Many are commercial producers, with herds ranging in size from under 20 to over 2,000. Recently, more fellow seedstock producers have been seeking out Rydeen genetics, which the family is very proud of.

Rydeen Farms’

customers are savvy, informed breeders.

“They are watching EPD, and have shared that they are working.”

Above: Justis worked in mechanical engineering before moving home to the family farm.

Left: Paul and Lois Rydeen talk data chute-side.

Throughout their time in the seedstock business, customer service has remained a priority. “If there is ever a problem, we fix it, no matter what,” Paul says. “We don’t mess around.”

With such a wide range of customers, Rydeen Farms aims to make sure each bull offers convenience traits and performance. “We want as much spread as we can have,” Paul explains. “If we can have a negative birth weight and a top percentile for weaning and yearling weight, we try to.”

Rydeen Farms’ customers are savvy, informed breeders. “They know our cattle really well,” Paul shares. “They are watching EPD, and have shared that they are working.”

The Rydeen family has noted that customers spend a lot of time studying the sale catalog each year, preparing for the sale and weighing their potential breeding decisions. “They’ll even point out if there’s a mistake,” Lois laughs.

Rydeen Farms is a member of Allied Genetic Resources, which offers third-party verification of economically relevant measures. Rydeen bulls are often marked with the Accredited Calving Ease (ACE), Accredited Terminal Mate (ATM), and Accredited Genomic Plus (G+) logos. In addition to EPD and genomic data, these measures tell the customer that a bull will help meet their desired goals.

Moving Forward

“We’re excited to be at this point, and where the future is going,” Paul shares. “We’re excited to be with a breed of cattle that we enjoy, that also has so much demand.”

Lois, who worked in healthcare for many years, sees many parallels between her work in medicine and on the ranch. “I think genomics are just so interesting,” she shares. “When I left my position almost ten years ago, we were working really hard with genomics, and using them

for more precise medical care and prescriptions. So that’s hand-in-glove with what we’re doing with the cattle.”

Justis graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in mechanical engineering, and worked in the field before returning to the ranch in 2020. He has since taken on more roles at the ranch, and enjoys looking into the future. “What’s fun is looking at animals in the pasture, and thinking about what you can do for the next generation. It’s fun to see the whole process,” he says.

Paul is grounded by his family’s history in agriculture. “A lot of businesses don’t last 100 years, and ours has been here since 1897, almost 130 years,” he reflects. “That’s really something. We’ve had natural disasters, and generations before us have certainly had hard times, but we’ve weathered a lot of storms, and also tough times in the cattle business.”

The Rydeen family has endured the ups and downs of the cattle business and the Simmental breed. Paul credits the ASA leadership with getting the breed to its current, competitive place in the industry. “I think that’s why we are where we are today, is because of people like Dr. Wade Shafer, and Jerry Lipsey making sure we were on track and focusing on where the industry wants us to be,” Paul concludes. .

Paul, Lois (holding Inga), Claire and Chad Patel, and Justis.

Mark Your Calendars for 2024-2025 Major PTP Open Shows

Visit event websites for show schedules.

American Royal October 2024 www.americanroyal.com

North American International Livestock Exposition

November 2024 www.livestockexpo.org

Cattlemen’s Congress

January 2025

www.cattlemenscongress.com

National Western Stock Show

January 2025

www.nationalwestern.com

This is the National SimGenetics Show for 2024-2025

Fort Worth Stock Show

January 2025 www.fwssr.com

Dixie National Livestock Show

February 2025

www.dixienational.org

The American Simmental Association is proud to sanction high-quality Purebred Simmental, Fullblood Simmental, Percentage Simmental, and Simbrah Progress Through Performance (PTP) shows throughout the country. The PTP program is designed to promote multi-level progress within the SimGenetics industry. PTP shows effectively combine the assessment of statistical data, such as EPD and actual measurements, with traditional phenotype evaluation.

PTP Judges

PTP approved judges have been deemed as respectable and knowledgeable cattle evaluators by the ASA Board of Trustees Activities & Events (A&E) Committee. View the PTP approved judges list at: www.simmental.org.

Only the Major PTP Shows involved in the National Show rotation are eligible for ASA PTP RING OF CHAMPIONS 2024-2025.

Shows include: 2024American Royal

2024North American International Livestock Exposition

2025Cattlemen’s Congress

2025National Western Stock Show

2025Fort Worth Stock Show

2025 Dixie National Livestock Show

Award Divisions

u Purebred Simmental Female and Bull of the Year

u Percentage Simmental Female and Bull of the Year

u Simbrah Female and Bull of the Year

u Percentage Simbrah Female and Bull of the Year

u Fullblood Simmental Female and Bull of the Year

If fewer than four animals earn points at multiple events, no winners will be recognized. If fewer than three shows recognize a breed division, that division will be excluded.

Qualifications

u Exhibitors must be active members in good standing with the American Simmental Association

u Animals and their exhibitors must abide by the rules of the show(s) in which they participate

u All ASA Ring of Champions award winners must at a minimum complete an ultra-low density DNA test before awards are given

Additional information

PTP Coordinator

Chance Ujazdowski

920-740-7536

chanceu@simmgene.com

Fall Focus Tours

by Lilly Platts

Over one-third of US beef is finished in the Texas Panhandle, making it a fitting destination for ASA’s 2024 Fall Focus event. SimGenetics breeders, the ASA Board of Trustees, staff, and beef industry professionals gathered in Amarillo to learn about feeding, processing, and evaluating beef, as well as larger industry issues.

Friday, August 23, kicked off with a visit to the West Texas A&M University research feedlot. Dr. John Richeson, professor of Animal Science, and Dr. Kendall Samuelson, associate professor of Animal Science, shared about the feedlot setup, the various research projects that take place at the facility, challenges facing producers in the region, and nutrition.

The primary goal of the research feedlot is to replicate the standard process of large facilities for research and teaching. Currently, the facility is primarily filled with cattle that are close to being finished, and newly received high-risk cattle. One area of research Richeson and Samuelson discussed is improving the nutrition and environment for high-risk cattle entering the feedlot. High-risk cattle may be small or weaned early, not preconditioned, stressed, or facing any number of factors making them more susceptible to disease in the feedlot.

Samuelson’s primary focus is on beef cattle nutrition, and she shared about the most common feedstuffs available in the Panhandle region, the feed rations she is seeing success with, and other factors that affect cost and efficiency in the feedlot.

mistake, emphasizing the importance of educating meat cutters on proper methods. He also shared various ultrasound images using different technologies, and explained the methods for identifying and measuring carcass traits. Richeson and Samuelson rejoined the group, along with Brandon Ford, associate director of Cattle Procurement at Tyson, for a panel discussion, answering the group’s questions about beef finishing and processing.

The group got back in the vans to head to the West Texas A&M campus, just a few miles up the road from the feedlot. Dr. Tommy Perkins, associate professor of Animal Science, presented about ultrasound technology, grading, the discrepancies between ultrasound and actual carcass data, and other factors that can affect the data producers receive on their finished product. One example focused on the importance of measuring ribeye area in the correct location and how easy it can be to make a

Dr. John Richeson answering attendee questions.

Below: The pens at the West Texas A&M research feedlot hold a small number of animals, allowing researchers and students to experiment with various feed rations.

Top to bottom: Dr. Tommy Perkins sharing about ultrasound technology, grading, and how to best capture carcass data.

Dr. Trent Schwartz giving a tour of the Caviness Meat Science and Innovation Center.

Dr. Ty Lawrence presenting about the factors affecting beef flavor.

tours

After lunch, the group split up to tour the Caviness Meat Science and Innovation Center, and the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum. Dr. Trent Schwartz, assistant professor of Animal Science, led the group through the university’s newly constructed, state-of-the-art meat processing facility. From well-thought-out cattle handling pens, to a space for students to experiment with meat curing methods, the facility gives students the opportunity to learn about each aspect of harvesting and processing meat. The final room is a retail space, where the public can purchase packaged products. The Panhandle Plains Historical Museum took visitors through the history of the area, from artifacts to art.

The tour ended with a beef tasting/sensory panel led by Dr. Ty Lawrence, professor of Animal Science and director of the Beef Carcass Research Center. After explaining the factors that affect beef texture, flavor, and tenderness, Lawrence and graduate students handed out a group of prepared beef samples. After everyone tasted each sample, individual votes were collected on the quality of the beef, ranging from worst to best. After votes were collected, Lawrence revealed the cut of beef, and how it was prepared. From properly cooked tenderloin to microwaved strip steak, the samples demonstrated that the method and doneness of meat is paramount; even the best cut of meat can be ruined if not prepared correctly.

(Continued on page 20)

Fall Focus Tours Showcase Industry Hub

(Continued from page 19)

The day ended with an evening at Hodgetown Stadium, for dinner and a baseball game where the Amarillo Sod Poodles played the Corpus Christi Hooks. After a long game it looked like the Hooks had the win, but the Sod Poodles rallied at the bottom of the ninth to claim victory. Friday was filled with opportunities for attendees to learn about every aspect of getting finished beef onto consumers’ plates, from feed rations to preparing the final product. Please stay tuned for the November Register, and Late Fall SimTalk, which will cover the educational presentations held the following day at Fall Focus 2024. .

A group of attendees visited the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

Replacement Females

by Lane Giess, ASA Geneticist

Have your commercial customers asked you about utilizing DNA testing and genomics to help in the selection of replacement females? What are their options and how do they compare in terms of offerings and cost?

Being able to identify replacement heifers with greater precision should be a top priority of commercial cattle producers. There are many economically relevant traits that simply can’t be observed with your eye, and even heifers that are sired by your best bull may inherit some poor genetics. Traits such as mature cow size, longevity, fertility, growth, and terminal merit are all traits that are greatly influenced by an animal’s genetics, and in an industry with thin margins, developing heifers with poor genetics for these traits can have lasting financial repercussions. However, for many years, genetic improvement for commercial herds was generally limited to selecting a superior bull from a seedstock provider and hoping that the progeny he sired were more genetically advanced than the average of your cow herd. We’ve seen over the years that genetic progress in the beef business is slow, especially if the genetically superior bull you purchased turned out to be a “dud.” Improvements in statistical methods, computing power, and integration of genomic information from DNA has greatly improved the precision of genetic evaluations so that when you do make a bull buying decision you can have greater confidence that bull will produce as expected.

The utility of genomic testing is a complete gamechanger to the beef business because of the vast amount of information it provides on an animal before they ever have progeny, and is the reason why no commercial producer should be buying yearling bulls unless they are genotyped. Over the past decade, genomic technology has been improved and leveraged to greatly benefit the seedstock industry, but these products have even started to bleed over into the commercial sector. So, the original question was “how can I utilize DNA testing to better select replacement females?” The first answer is to buy genetically superior, genomically enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPD) bulls. But that answer lacks the precision we mentioned earlier, so the second answer is to also incorporate commercial DNA testing and genetic evaluation into your breeding program. Yes, there are numerous commercially available products that provide opportunities for genomic improvement in commercial cow herds. This article will focus on three prominent commercial genetic evaluation programs: the

Zoetis INHERIT Select, the Neogen IGENITY Beef, and the American Simmental Association (ASA) Cow Herd DNA Roundup (CHR) and Calf Crop Genomics (CCG) programs. Each program is slightly different, but can drastically improve your understanding of genetic merit among your cow herd and replacement females and allow you to be more informed in your selection and breeding decisions, better benchmark your herd’s genetic strengths and weaknesses, and identify your effective sires through parentage discovery.

Before we get into each of the products, let’s first address the big question: how can genomic testing typically catered for seedstock production be used in commercial herds? The answer is relatively simple. Genomic testing uses a system of identifying high-impact genes for economically relevant traits and variations in the genetic code at those genes, allowing scientists to determine if a specific gene variation is shown to have greater performance than an alternate variation. We call these additive effects, and when you combine all of the high-impact genes for a single economically relevant trait you can start to paint a picture for how an animal’s DNA makeup will translate to their actual performance. All of these genomic tests are backed by millions of data points on straightbred and crossbred animals, so that the genes involved in these DNA products are known locations across breeds. This means that regardless of the breed composition of your cow herd, you can have accurate and reliable multi-breed genetic insights.

The Zoetis INHERIT Select and the Neogen IGENITY Beef products are perhaps the two most similar, as both products are based in providing molecular breeding values and percentile ranks based on an individual animal’s genomic makeup. Both products are easy and simple to use and only require a commercial operator to collect a DNA sample on their animals and send it to the respective lab where results will be processed in a few short weeks. Users will receive a report outlining the relative breeding value, and percentile rank for a number of economically relevant traits on each animal tested. The Neogen IGENITY Beef product costs $30.00 each, and includes 17 maternal, performance, and carcass traits, and also verifies parentage. The IGENITY Beef dashboard

where results are displayed allow you to develop your own custom indexes from those traits provided so you can effectively identify females that have balanced trait superiority. The Zoetis INHERIT product promotes various discounted prices with pricing for heifers as low as $14 per test and as low as $29 per test for cows. The Zoetis INHERIT product includes GE-EPD on 20 traits that are updated weekly, including growth, feed to gain, mature cow weight, carcass traits, and cow fertility. Both tests also include the option for add-on tests that could identify homozygosity for polled and coat color.

Of course, there are trade-offs between these products and it is also worth mentioning that commercial cattle genomic testing is still in its relative infancy compared to the seedstock industry. A commercial genomic test like those provided by Neogen and Zoetis undoubtedly provides greater granularity for identifying genetic merit compared to using your eye, but like any genetic prediction, there is still some level of prediction error, and test results may not be wholly indicative of an animal’s true genetic merit. If you want to gain greater accuracy and more precise genetic predictions, it is worth considering collecting and leveraging phenotypic and pedigree data into a genetic evaluation that uses genomic information in tandem with actual data. This is where the ASA Cow Herd DNA Roundup and Calf Crop Genomics programs can provide solutions for commercial operators who collect phenotypic data such as birth weights, weaning weights, or even individual carcass data.

The Cow Herd DNA Roundup and Calf Crop Genomics programs allow commercial operators to pair those information sources with low-cost genotyping in a multi-breed genetic evaluation that can provide additional accuracy and predictive power. These programs encourage users to enroll their entire cow herd or calf crop in the ASA Total Herd Enrollment (THE) commercial option, which costs $7.50 per cow, or a flat fee of $500 (regardless of herd size) if you only want GE-EPD returned on females. The DNA test costs $25 dollars (if you test >90% of herd

size) with opportunities to receive credits back if you report data such as weaning and yearling weight, mature cow weight, and body condition score. In return you will receive GE-EPD on 16 economically relevant traits and two selection indexes, along with percentile ranks and prediction accuracies. In these programs you are using the same tools as your seedstock provider to make decisions. Naturally, both programs also come with trade-offs as they are the most data-intensive and demanding of the programs discussed in this article. Users must have sire awareness for this program to be successful, and parentage of females through DNA is a top priority.

Ultimately, the beef business is evolving, and precision tools such as genomic testing to identify genetically superior animals in commercial cow herds are becoming more widely available and incredibly powerful in the information they provide. This article is meant to serve as an introduction to which tools are available to you and provide a fair comparison of each. For additional information visit each of the respective providers’ websites, and if you have further questions, contact lgiess@simmgene.com. .

DNA testing technology has revolutionized animal selection, and with tools like tissue sampling units, completing the process is easier than ever.

TJSC H-Town 131L

$API: 109

$TI: 70

STCC Tecumseh 058J x TJSC Diamond 312H

ASA# 4274275 • Black • Polled

2024 NWSS Champion Bull by STCC Tecumseh

$API: 93 $TI: 70

Trust Fund 212K

SJF SMJ Payroll 7245J

W/C Bankroll 811D x Profit

ASA# 3992818 • Red • Polled

Exciting combination of look, power, pedigree!

WHF/JS/CCS Woodford J001

EGL Firesteel 103F x WHF Summer 365C

ASA# 4068398 • Homo Black • Homo Polled

3/4 Simmental. NEW and exciting calving ease and outcross pedigree with outstanding phenotype out of fantastic donor Summer 365C!

$API: 181 $TI: 106

LCDR Affirmed 212H

EGL Firesteel 103F x WS Miss Sugar C4

ASA# 3812282 • Homo Black • Homo Polled

Use him to make those next generation Purebreds. Excellent foot shape and depth of heel.

ASA# 4147173 • Black • Polled

W/C Bankroll 811D x Hara`s Kim Kardashian 1C

Exciting, NEW, 3/4 Bankroll x Broker x Harietta for elite type!

$API: 125 $TI: 74

Only One 905K

SFI Platinum F5Y x TLLC One Eyed

ASA# 4132878

Revelation 2K

ASA# 4153090 • Black • Polled

TL Revenant 35 x CSCX Bandwagon 513A

$200,000 exciting outcross to improve all!

WHF/JS/CCS Double Up G365

W/C Double Down x WHF Summer 365C

ASA# 3658592

Double Up is

Bet on Red x WLE Big Deal

Walsh Against The Odds

ASA# 4256400 • Red • Homo Polled

ATO has foot size, excellent design & body dimension! His dam was a popular champion for Walsh, WI.

$API: 135 $TI: 83

$API: 118 $TI: 80

LLSF High Profile J903

W/C Executive Order 8543B x PSCS Alley’s Lady 902G ET ASA# 4062764 • Hetero Black • Homo Polled Outstanding balance and look! 2023 MO State Fair Champion!

LLSF Vantage Point F398

CCR Anchor x Uprising x Quantum Leap’s Dam ASA# 3492381 • Hetero Black • Homo Polled 3/4 Lead-off Bull in the 2019 NWSS Percentage Champion for Lee.

SAS Black Majic L334

SRH Hannibal x Silver Lake Gold Digger

ASA# 4265277 • Hetero Black • Homo Polled

$55,000 high-seller at Springer Simmentals 2024. Add mass & outcross pedigree.

Felt Perseverance 302F

W/C Executive Order 8543B x Rubys Rhythm Z231

ASA# 3493800 • Hetero Black • Homo Polled Perseverance is a new, exciting baldy Executive Order son with tremendous maternal genetics behind him. The first dozen calves out of him have been born light and easily out of first calf heifers.

$API: 108 $TI: 72

TJSC Coping with Destiny 9K

WLE Copacetic E02 x TJSC Diamonds Destiny 134C

ASA# 4103854 • Black • Polled

2023-2024 dominante Grand Champion!

$API: 141 $TI: 83

$API: 200 $TI: 112

CLRS Guardian 317G

Hook`s Beacon 56B x CLRS Always Xcellent

ASA# 3563436 • Homo Black • Homo Polled Guardian was the $85,000 selection in the 2020 “Bred For Balance” Sale. He’s the breed’s #1 $API Purebred and #2 Marbling Purebred!

Rocking P Private Stock H010

WLE Copacetic E02 x Rubys Wide Open 909W

ASA# 3775641 • Homo Black • Homo Polled

Private Stock was the 2022 Fort Worth Champion Bull and the 2021 NAILE Champion Bull.

$API:

KJK1 38 Special 801J

Hetero

Hetero

$API: 109

SO Remnant 418J SO Remedy 7F x STCC Ms Persistant 7161

ASA# 4035943• Black • Polled Great Remedy son who was Reserve Champ at NAILE & Cattlemen’s Congress!

$API: 134 $TI: 88

W/C Express Lane 29G

Rubys Turnpike 771E x Hooks Shear Force 38K

ASA# 3644933 • Homo Black • Homo Polled

Complete Turnpike son at Western Cattle Source, NE!

Bar CK Red Empire 9153G

IPhenotype

by Ryan Boldt, IGS Lead Geneticist

With advancements in genomic technology, do I still need to turn in birth weight, weaning weight, and yearling weight data, and other phenotypes on my herd?

n the age of genomic testing and genomically enhanced EPD, do we really need to collect phenotypes? This is a question that is asked of me from time to time, and it is a good one. For those who are wanting a summary, the answer is yes. The collection of phenotypic information is still necessary and arguably more necessary than prior to the incorporation of genomics into single-step genetic evaluations.

To show an example in terms of EPD prediction and impact of genomics, some statistics were pulled from the IGS database to compare the average accuracy based on the amount of information included in the genetic evaluation. For this analysis weaning weight (WW) will be used as the example trait. The following table displays the effect on the WW EPD accuracy of non-parent animals with various combinations of data available to the evaluation:

Data Available Average WW on Non-Parent Animal EPD Accuracy

This illustrates that as data is added to the prediction of non-parent animals, the accuracy of the EPD increases. However, the question becomes that, without a phenotype, an animal with genomics has a higher accuracy than an animal with only a phenotype recorded. This tradeoff is largely the reason for the misunderstanding that the genetic evaluation is at a point where phenotypes are not required. However, previous studies have shown that if we do not continue to supply the evaluation with both genomic and phenotypic information, the accuracy of the genomic portion of the EPD calculation quickly diminishes.

The ability of genomic data to predict and improve EPD accuracy is dependent on the amount of the variation that can be explained by the markers included in the model.

In terms of genetic prediction, the types of variation that are most important are phenotypic and genetic variation. Phenotypic variation is the amount of variation that is seen in the measurements that are collected on animals or the total amount of variation. This variation is influenced by not only the genetics of the animal, but also the environment that the animal experiences. When it comes to genetic prediction and genetic improvement, the amount of variation that can be explained due to differences in genetics that can be inherited is known as additive genetic variation. The important distinction here is that we want to focus on the genetics that can be inherited from one generation to the next. In terms of genomics being the only source of data used for genetic prediction, then the

genotype would be required to account for 100% of the genetic variance of the trait. While genotypes can account for a certain portion of the variation in each trait, the ability of genotype information to account for all genetic variation has not been achieved in any trait. Also, the amount of variation that the genotype can account for does improve over time as more animals have both genotypes and phenotypes included in the evaluation. There are situations where the ability to get genetic predictions for a trait is solely through genomic data. These situations are when collection of phenotypes is extremely cost prohibitive. Therefore, the only tangible way to be able to create predictions is through collection of the phenotypes on a subset of animals with genomic

data and identify what genomic markers are most influential and their effect. Then this can be applied to a larger group of animals.

Inclusion of genomic information into EPD calculations does improve EPD accuracy, especially on young, non-parent animals. The inclusion of both phenotype and genotype information on animals leads to the maximum accuracy at a young age to make selection decisions. On a larger scale, the more animals that have the maximum amount of information the more accurate predictions will be for all animals included in a genetic evaluation. .

JBS Touts $150M in Sustainability Investments

Amid continuing congressional pressure on the matter, JBS unveiled a sustainability report touting its accomplishments.

In the report, JBS stated it has invested “more than $150 million” across its global facilities to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, and since 2019, “intensity” of emissions is down by 17%.

Specifically, the report detailed transparency/traceability in Brazil’s livestock supply chain, climate-smart facility upgrades in the UK, and methane-to-renewable-energy conversion initiatives in Australia and the United States.

“As we tackle the many sustainability topics that need our attention, taking a systems approach is key,” said Jason Weller, JBS Chief Sustainability Officer, in the report. “This encourages and allows for innovation, collaboration, prioritization, and investment — all of which are essential to making meaningful progress.”

The report included details about JBS’ overall business: As of Q4 2023, the processor’s revenue was $73 billion; JBS is the number one processor of poultry and beef in the world, and number two in pork; 50% of its business is concentrated in the US, with 27% in Brazil, 9% in Australia and New Zealand, 7% in Europe, 4% in Canada, and 3% in Mexico; and it is also number one in prepared foods in Australia and the UK.

Tyson Settles with One Farmer in Missouri Plant Closure Lawsuit

Lawyers for Tyson Foods told a federal court the company reached an agreement with one farmer to settle a lawsuit that alleged the poultry giant engaged in anti-competitive behavior when it closed its facility in Dexter, Missouri.

The case originated in a state court but was moved up to a federal court last month. In a filing in August, lawyers from Tyson revealed that the two sides agreed to a settlement at the end of July. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Forty-five broiler growers who contracted with Tyson to raise chickens for the processor filed the class-action lawsuit in the county’s circuit court in June, contending Tyson failed to live up to its commitment to sell its Dexter facility to a competing meatpacker and instead sold it to an egg producer.

Last week, Grandview Poultry, which was the lead plaintiff in the case, filed a notice to voluntarily dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice, meaning the case is permanently closed. However, Tyson still has an ongoing class-action lawsuit with the rest of the farmers.

Beyond Meat Paying One Third of Bills Late

Data from Creditsafe show that Beyond Meat is struggling to pay its bills, with 36% of payments 91 days late or more so far in 2024, according to an article by Food Dive. In July, 32.8% of bills were one to 30 days late, and another 13.2% were 31 to 60 days late, the data show.

“When a company has an erratic pattern of paying bills on time, it’s usually an indication of larger financial issues at play,” wrote Ragina Bhalla, head of brand and spokesperson at Creditsafe, in an email to Food Dive. “What really stood out was how unstable the company’s payment behaviors have been over the last 12 months.”

The article noted that Beyond Meat had made late payments of 91 days or more that leapt from 9.7% of bills in October 2023 to 42.3% in November and 69.7% in December; and that the firm reported its ninth straight quarter of falling revenue, year-overyear, for the second quarter of 2024. Yet, “CEO Ethan Brown assured investors on its August 7 conference call that the company was making progress on streamlining its manufacturing and holding down costs,” Food Dive noted.

Beyond Meat did not respond to the publication’s request for further comment. .

Beef Exports Face Continued Headwinds

Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension

For the first half of the year, beef exports decreased 4.5% year-over-year. This follows a 14.3% year-over-year decrease in 2023, down from record beef exports in 2022. Beef exports continue to follow current market conditions of declining beef production and higher domestic beef prices. These, combined with a generally strong dollar, have pressured beef exports lower, as expected.

Beef exports in the January–June period were down in most major beef export destinations, but by varying degrees. The top three beef export markets, Japan, South Korea, and China/Hong Kong were down by 1.8%, 13.4%, and 11% year-over-year, respectively. These along with Taiwan, down 8.3% from last year, account for 73.9% of total beef exports in the first half of 2024.

Number four Mexico is an exception, with US beef exports to Mexico up 14.7% year-over-year. This follows a 12.2% yearover-year increase in 2023. Mexico currently accounts for 11.2% of total beef exports. The growth in beef exports to Mexico follows a significant decline from 2020 through 2022. In 2019, Mexico was the number three beef export market with a 14% share of total US beef exports. Beef exports to Mexico have been helped since 2020 by increasing the strength of the Mexican peso to the US dollar. However, since the beginning of August, the peso has weakened against the dollar to the lowest level in more than 18 months, which could temper beef exports to Mexico in the last half of the year. Canada is the number five market for beef exports, down 2.1% year-over-year for the first six months of 2024, and accounting for 8.7% of total beef exports.

Canada and Mexico are also major sources of beef imports. Canada is the largest source, accounting for 22.9% of beef imports. Mexico is the number four beef import source, accounting for 12.8% of beef imports from January to June. This bilateral trade highlights the fact that beef trade flows consist of many different products that move into distinct markets in each country. This is true for all beef exports, with each destination representing demands for specific products. The beef industry produces a vast array of different beef products of differing qualities. Both beef exports and imports enhance the value of US beef production by improving the balance of supply and demand for various beef products in US and international markets.

Canada Adds US Cattle Import Restrictions to Fight HPAI

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) expanded current restrictions on US cattle brought into the country in light of the ongoing cases of H5N1 infections in dairy cows south of the border.

The agency this week imposed rules requiring new certifications for US cattle entering Canada after a stay of fewer than 60 days, including an export certification statement signed by a veterinarian that the cattle has tested negative for influenza A virus. The certification covers cattle entering Canada after spending seven days in the United States in addition to confirming that the cattle have not been on a farm where other animals or birds that have tested positive for exposure to highly pathogenic avian

influenza (HPAI), CFIA added. Imported US cattle also must be physically fit for transport and loaded onto clean vehicles or containers under the expanded rules.

Canadian officials implemented import measures for cattle this spring after a series of H5N1 outbreaks among US dairy cattle that so far has spread to 13 states that have reported a total of 192 confirmed cases since outbreaks were first reported in March, according to USDA. No cases of H5N1 infections have been confirmed in dairy cattle in Canada so far, according to CFIA.

China’s Economic Woes Weighing on Pork, Beef Demand

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) forecasts a decline in pork consumption in 2025 in China and a slowing of growth in beef consumption, as lingering weakness in the world’s secondlargest economy takes its toll.

In a new Global Agricultural Information Network report, FAS’s China staff expects the economy “will continue to face headwinds” next year. The document noted “numerous media reports about high unemployment rates, restaurant closures in smaller cities, and a decline in restaurant spend per person.”

FAS forecasts beef consumption to grow in 2025 “but at a slower rate from previous years. Beef consumption has room to grow as per capita consumption remains much lower than major beef-consuming countries and as consumers have been increasingly exposed to beef on menus and in retail stores. (USDA’s China bureau) expects economic headwinds to remain in 2025, which puts pressure on the hotel, restaurant, and catering industries as well as on retail operations that market beef.”

China’s pork and beef production are both expected to decline. That production gap gives some support for beef imports of some cuts, but pork imports will be flat “because of weak consumer demand in the sluggish economy,” FAS said.

“In addition, industry sources report imported pork has not been moving as quickly through the market as before and traders appear to have adequate inventories,” according to the report.

Changing diets of Chinese consumers have seen pork as a share of total meat consumption decline from 75% in 2014 to an FAS forecast of 68% next year.

“Chinese consumers have started to adapt to a healthier diet in recent years. Pork remains a staple meat, but consumers are increasingly exposed to other animal protein sources such as beef, poultry, and seafood — many of which are perceived as healthier,” the report said. “Over the last 14 years, total meat consumption in China has grown by almost 20% owing to population changes, protein availability, increased purchasing power, improvements in the cold chain, and shifts in consumer preferences that include some shifts away from staple grain consumption. However, pork’s share of China’s meat consumption has declined.” .

2024 Creep Grazing Options

by Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension

As opposed to creep feeding a traditional grain-based diet, creep grazing has potential to be a more cost-effective solution. There are many ways to adapt this system to each individual situation, but the bottom line is that it must be profitable.

Most forages can be used for successful creep grazing as long as they are high in nutrient quality and readily available. Time of year will affect which forage is used for creep grazing. During the cool-season months, annual grasses like rye, oats, wheat, or ryegrass will be used. During the warm-season months, most producers will use legumes, Bermuda grass, pearl millet, or sorghum-sudan grass. With the potential of high-nitrate millet or sorghum-sudan grass due to heat stress and spotty rainfall during the Oklahoma summer of 2024, calves are a safer bet to utilize those standing forages than cows. If you have done a forage analysis on millet or sorghum-sudan, you have likely seen the following information regarding the safest way to utilize these forages based on nitrate levels.

Generalized interpretation for Nitrate test (ppm-dry matter basis):

• 0–3,000 = generally safe for all cattle.

• 3,000–5,000 = generally safe for non-pregnant cattle. Low risk of reduced breeding performance and early term abortion.

• 5,000–10,000 = some risk for cattle. May cause mid- to lateterm abortions and weak newborn calves. May decrease growth and milk production.

• 10,000 = potentially toxic for all cattle. Can cause abortions, acute toxicity symptoms, and death.

Similar to grain creep feeds, the added weight gain from creep grazing depends on pasture quality. Regardless of forage quality, if forage quantity is a problem, creep grazing should have a positive effect on calf performance. Daily gains tend to be less than the full-fed-energy creep systems, but are usually increased by 10 to 20 percent with creep grazing. This underscores the effects that pasture quality and quantity exert on gains of creep-grazed calves.

Creep grazing has a few other indirect benefits. One is that calves do not get as fat as when they are fed a grain-based creep feed and may not receive price discounts often applied to calves fed an unlimited high-energy creep feed. Replacement heifers may get too fat if fed a grain-based creep feed, and have reduced milk production. This problem is less likely to occur when using forage as a creep feed.

Remember, most experiments that track cow weight change and calf milk intake show that calves consume all the milk available whether they are creep fed or not. Creep feeding simply does not change or improve cow weights or body condition. Calves prefer milk first, palatable creep feed second, then forage. Accordingly, the primary benefit of creep grazing is cost-effectively putting pay weight on calves.

Grazing Forage Brassicas

by Mike Trammell, Oklahoma State University

Extension

Forage brassicas have been used in the US for more than 100 years. The biggest factor affecting the popularity for brassicas as forages in the US may be their suitability as cover crops as well. Many producers are attracted to the idea of improving their soil health while also feeding their livestock. This has led to an increase in brassica seed availability and new varieties. Brassica crops were developed by selective breeding and crossbreeding of a few species into many forms designed for different uses as forages, vegetables, oilseeds, and cover crops. In the US, turnips, rape, and kale are old standby forages. Newer additions to this group include swedes (rutabagas), forage collards, mustards, radishes, and a few interspecies hybrids selected for various traits like the production of high levels of secondary compounds to combat soil pests in crop rotations as cover crops. However, if the primary reason for growing them is for grazing, be sure the variety purchased was developed for that purpose.

The strength of brassicas as a forage crop is their cold tolerance, allowing them to provide high-quality pasture well into the fall and winter when most other forages are dry and brown. Little new growth will occur after temperatures fall below freezing at night, but existing forage remains and holds its nutritional value very well. Brassica’s extremely high moisture content makes preservation as a hay crop impractical. Brassicas that form big bulbs, such as turnips, swedes, and radishes, can be grazed but are less suitable for multiple grazing than varieties that do not elevate their crowns on top of bulbs. However, there are turnip and radish varieties selected for grazing that have an increased proportion of top growth relative to the bulb and livestock readily learn to dig up brassica forage bulbs. Another strong point is a fast growth rate that, under good growing conditions, can provide emergency forage in as little as 45 days. Forage brassica yields are quite variable, ranging from two to five tons of dry matter per acre depending on species, variety, and environmental conditions.

Nutritionally, forage brassicas behave like a high-moisture concentrate feed. Crude protein is typically sufficient to meet the needs of livestock on pasture. Brassicas are naturally low in fiber compared to grass and legume pasture. Brassica neutral detergent fiber (NDF) can range from 11–44% and has NDF digestibility up to 70%. Brassicas that form stems (rape and kales) will be at the higher end of the range, and leafy brassicas like turnips and radish will be at the lower end. Due to their high nutritive value, brassicas can produce excellent animal performance but require adjustments to grazing management. Animals should be introduced to brassica-based pastures slowly to allow the rumen time to adapt and should never be grazed on pure brassica pastures. Effective fiber can be provided by planting brassicas in mixtures with small grains (oats, cereal rye, triticale, or wheat) or other forages, supplementing pastures with hay, or providing access to a separate grass pasture. A good rule of thumb is to limit brassicas to no more than 70% of the diet.

Forage brassicas do best on productive, fertile, well-drained soils and do not tolerate waterlogging. They are responsive to nitrogen (N) fertilizer up to 100 pounds per acre, which should be applied in split applications before planting and about three

(Continued on page 34)

BEEF BUSINESS

(Continued from page 32)

weeks post-planting. Phosphorus and potassium should be applied according to a soil test. Seeding rates are two to four pounds per acre for turnips, four to five pounds per acre for swedes, five to six pounds per acre for rape and kale, and four to 20 pounds per acre for radish.

Although infrequent, brassica crops can cause animal health disorders if grazing is managed improperly. Most brassica-related disorders in cattle tend to occur during the first two weeks of grazing while adjusting to the forage. The primary potential disorders are polioencephalomalacia or PEM, hemolytic anemia (mainly with kale), nitrate poisoning, and pulmonary emphysema. In general, potential problems can be minimized by feeding brassicas as no more than 70% of the dietary dry matter intake, introducing animals to brassica pasture slowly, never turning hungry animals onto a brassica pasture, providing a trace mineral supplement that includes iodine, not grazing immature rape (safe maturity is indicated by a reddish/bronze tint to leaves), and avoiding excessive N and sulfur fertility.

Is it Time to Wean?

by Mark Johnson, Bovine Veterinarian

As of August 1, 2024, the Mesonet Oklahoma Drought indicates over 69% of Oklahoma is abnormally dry. Of that percentage over 25% of our state is rated in moderate to severe drought. One potential management solution to dwindling forage resources in cow-calf operations is weaning calves.

The average age of beef calves weaned in the US is a little over seven months of age. While calves can be weaned as early as 60 days of age, this comes with quite a bit of added management. Simply weaning calves one to two months early is a cost effective management strategy that saves body condition score (BCS) and allows thinner cows (falling below BCS of 4) to more easily recapture flesh before having their next calf. When the nutritional demands of lactation are removed by weaning there is significant reduction (15–20%) in the dietary energy needed by cows. Saving BCS on cows now comes with the potential benefit of improved cow productivity in the years that follow. Weaning earlier than normal is most beneficial in years when pasture forage is inadequate to support herd nutritional requirements. From the standpoint of range management, it reduces the risk of overgrazing and accordingly adds to the long-term health of the grazing system.

If you plan to wean earlier than normal to alleviate stress on cows and pastures, keep the following management practices in mind:

• The first two weeks post weaning are a critical time for calves to overcome weaning stress, maintain health, and become nutritionally independent by learning to consume feed.

• Lower the risk of health problems and promote calf growth by giving proper vaccinations prior to weaning. Castrate and dehorn calves when giving pre-weaning vaccinations. This permits calves to deal with the stress of these management practices while still nursing.

• Get calves accustomed to a feed bunk and water trough as quickly as possible (if not prior to weaning). Creep feeding calves for a few weeks prior to weaning will ease the transition and get calves accustomed to concentrate feed. Maintain access to good quality, clean water at all times.

• Fence line wean if possible. This eliminates stress by permitting calves to remain in the same pasture where they are familiar with feed, water, shade, etc.

• The feed ration is critical because feed intake is initially low after weaning. It needs to be highly palatable, nutrient dense, dust free, and include a complete vitamin and mineral supplement.

• After calves are over the stress of weaning they should begin to consume approximately 3% of their body weight in high-quality feed each day. Feed intake variation or depressed appetite can indicate health problems.

• Shade is important if weaning during summer heat. .

COW SENSE

Ten questions designed to test your beef industry knowledge:

1. Define “shrinkage.”

2. What is the approximate percentage of the world’s beef cattle population contained in the US?

3. At what level of Simmental breeding is a bull considered a purebred?

4. With regard to per capita beef consumption, what would you expect as a population becomes more affluent with more disposable income?

5. In general, how many pounds of feed are needed to produce a pound of gain for a beef animal?

6. What is the term that describes the fluid part of unclotted blood?

7. Animals that have backbones and are symmetrical on both sides are known by what general classification?

8. What is the major influencing factor on cattle disposition?

9. Proteins are composed of nitrogenous compounds known by what common name?

10. Approximately what percentage of US land is unsuitable for cultivated crops? .

Answers:

1. Weight loss at shipping or handling; 2. Ten percent; 3. 15/16ths; 4. Beef consumption increases; 5. Six to seven pounds; 6. Plasma; 7. Vertebrates; 8. How they are handled; 9. Amino acids; 10. 45%.

CUTTING EDGE

Embryo Surrogacy: The Next Dairy Niche?

by Maureen Hanson, Bovine Veterinarian

From composted manure and beef-cross calves to methanepowered electricity and renewable natural gas, dairies continue to explore paths to garner bonus revenue beyond the traditional cash crop of milk.

The latest idea may be another collaboration between dairy producers and their beef cattle brethren: embryo surrogacy. Or stated another way, renting out uteruses.

“Right now, there are so many more embryos sitting in tanks than sitting in cows,” declared show stock photographer J. Brad Hook of Humeston, Iowa, host of the “Genuine JBH” podcast. Hook lamented that in the beef cattle show stock world, breeders have made remarkable strides in genetic analysis and mating that consistently produce excellent offspring. But what has not kept up with the breakneck pace of genetic progress and embryo development are the recipients in which to put them.

Hook explained that the supply of embryos has far outstripped the availability of beef recipient animals, especially in today’s high-dollar-value beef industry. “Recip” cows currently are extremely expensive to purchase. Custom beef recipient herds are largely booked, and also have increased their prices considerably due to the value of the animals. Today, the average take-home cost of an embryo born to a beef recipient is $4,000–$5,000 per calf, not even counting the price of the embryos.

Enter the humble dairy cow. She has to have a calf every year anyway, and in many cases, she may not be a chosen dam to create a replacement heifer for the dairy. So why not put a beef embryo in her, with a guaranteed price over market value for the calf?

That’s exactly what Lynchburg, Ohio, club calf breeder Jake Osborn is doing. Osborn and his son, Wyatt, are partnering with an 800-cow Ohio dairy to bring to life the overflowing supply of embryos that are sitting in their tanks and others’ across the country. Last year they started with nine embryos that resulted in six live births. But next year Osborn Show Cattle plans to produce about 150 calves via surrogate dairy dams.

“The appealing part about this situation is that the dairy is able to sync up a large number of recips at the same time,” noted Osborn. “You can get a whole string of calves from the same mating, born within just a few days of each other.”

Osborn said the attention to breeding details and readiness of dairy dams also results in considerably higher conception rates at the dairy. “At my place, a 20–30% conception rate on embryos was pretty common, which is not really conducive to making money,” he shared. “Currently, we’re running 55–70% conception in the dairy cows, which is way better on IVF embryos than I’ll ever do at my house.”

And the calves themselves? Hook attested that when he viewed Osborn’s spring sale calf line-up this year, he couldn’t tell them apart from the dam-reared calves in terms of growth and conformation. Osborn noted that the quality of the calves was due largely to the efforts of an excellent caretaker at the dairy. Ultimately, he worked out an arrangement to pay her a bonus on the embryo calves based on their sale price.

Another benefit was the disposition of those show calves. Purchasing families were delighted to take home animals that were broke to lead and tame and ready to go. “You can buy one for your ten-year-old and not have to worry about them getting hurt,” shared Osborn. “They’re a lot different than a calf that has been at the side of a normal recip cow.”

For the dairy, the value lies in the premium price they are paid for the calves, which Osborn said is above the healthy $800–900per-head price they are currently receiving for their own beef-cross calves. The dairy owns the embryo calves until weaning at 60–90 days, then sells them back to the embryo contractor.

In further collaboration with the dairy, Osborn also plans to put embryos into cows identified on the cull list. After dry-off at the dairy, they will be sold at a premium price over cull value and raise their embryo calf, plus a couple more grafted onto them.

Looking forward, Hook and Osborn noted even more related business opportunities, such as custom raisers who would take the embryo calves at birth and rear them specifically into show cattle. The ability of dairy cows to calve out beef embryos also may be an avenue for purebred beef breeders to create more offspring. Plus, it could help rebuild the commercial beef cattle herd in the US, which is currently at its smallest size in more than 70 years.

“Not everyone is going to be good at this,” Osborn stated. “It really takes a special dairy — someone who knows a lot about nutrition and management, and really cares about calves.”

Birdshot in Beef: The Hidden Defect

Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension Birdshot or shotgun shell pellets have been found and reported in the beef supply since the first National Beef Quality Audit in the early 1990s, and the incidence of this foreign material in the beef we produce is not subsiding. In fact, the opposite may be true.

According to the 2022 National Beef Quality Audit, birdshot is a problem, with 100% of packing plants reporting buckshot/birdshot in beef from market cows and bulls. There are roughly 28 categories of items that are documented each year as foreign material in beef carcasses. Most of those items are found once to 15 times each on an annual basis and consist of large and easily identifiable objects. Birdshot, however, is found around 105 times a year and well over two times the rate of any other foreign object.

For context, if a ground beef processor makes five million ground beef patties each day, a defect rate of 1% would lead to 50,000 patties of wasted beef. A defect rate of 0.1% is 5,000 patties. A single incidence of birdshot found in the processing lines cost $10,000 in lost product and downtime. Why so much? If a pellet made it through the grinder, one pellet may have been sheared into numerous pieces that are barely detectable.

Bottom line: hunters are not causing this problem; there are some out there handling their cattle with shotguns. This is not only poor animal handling, but also inhumane. Buckshot will not bounce off cattle and somehow go away. No matter how stupid or waspy cows and bulls might act, they should not be shot at whether intentionally or by accident.

(Continued on page 38)

CUTTING EDGE

(Continued from page 36)

We need everyone on board to get the message out in producer meetings, educational programming, and word of mouth. If we focus on promoting the Right Way mentality of Beef Quality Assurance, we can make a difference. Ultimately, birdshot, needles, darts, and other foreign objects in beef are a food safety issue. Any abuse of animals is not acceptable, and shotguns are not a cattle handling tool. This needs to stop!

FSIS to Monitor Beef for H5N1

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced it will begin monitoring beef samples for H5N1.

Starting Sept. 16, FSIS workers will add “H5N1 influenza A” monitoring to its existing surveillance of pathogens and chemical contaminants in dairy cow slaughter. “FSIS will leverage its existing National Residue Program (NRP) and conduct H5N1 sampling in the muscle samples of dairy cow carcasses already collected for this program,” the agency’s announcement stated.

FSIS lab personnel will test the samples, and there will be no additional holding time required for carcasses. If a carcass tests positive, FSIS will work with processors to ensure the carcass does not enter the food supply. The new monitoring initiative builds upon previous FSIS testing in May of ground beef, beef muscle, and cooked ground beef.

JBS Sees US Cattle Availability Increasing

JBS expects 2025 to continue to be a challenging year for the US beef industry, with cattle availability increasing to higher levels in 2026, according to JBS USA chief executive officer (CEO), Wesley Batista Filho, in conference calls with analysts.

“We are pretty optimistic about the beginning of (cattle) retention in the US. We see cow slaughtering coming down by 15% year-over-year. We think that is a huge sign of retention starting,” he said. “The moment that is very important for us to watch out for is going to be this fall, and we’re going to see what happens.”

Batista Filho said 2025 should be similar to 2024 for the US beef industry, with cattle availability improving from 2026. He said JBS Beef North America will continue to capture gains from improvements in industrial processes, which should contribute to increasing the unit’s margins in the future. In the second quarter of 2024, JBS USA’s beef margins were pressured by low cattle availability, as cattle prices in the country increased 5% yearover-year, according to the company’s earnings report, citing data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Therefore, as cattle prices represent around 85% of the cost of the goods sold and the beef selling price remained stable in the annual comparison, profitability came under pressure in the period,” JBS said in the earnings report.

On Tuesday, JBS SA reported a net profit of BRL 1.7 billion (USD $311.5 million) in the second quarter of 2024 and a record quarterly net revenue of BRL 100.6 billion (USD $18.4 billion), mainly supported by the poultry and pork units’ performance. Around 75% of the group’s EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation of amortization) in the second quarter came from JBS’s poultry and pork operations, primarily Pilgrim’s, Seara, and JBS USA Pork. JBS’s Brazilian and Australian beef units also delivered strong performances.

Study Explores Nutritional Impact of Beef

Scientists at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln aim to shed light on the effects of beef consumption on brain function. Their new study will follow more than 200 college students through a 12-week dietary intervention that varies beef intake. The research will employ advanced brain imaging and nutrient biomarker analysis to assess how different levels of beef consumption influence brain health.

“Nutrition is fundamental to our overall health, and the brain is no exception,” said Dr. Aron Barbey, director of the UNL Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior. “Given the prominence of beef in the American diet, understanding its potential impact on the brain is essential.”

The study — supported by the Nebraska Beef Council, the Texas Beef Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff — is set to begin this fall. .

BULLETINS

Hydrops Update: TraitTrac and a Recommended Marketing Statement

ASA has been investigating a developing genetic condition that causes Hydrops pregnancies in a certain line of Simmental genetics. Here are some updates in relation to this research and ASA’s actions/suggestions:

Hydrops has been added to Herdbook’s TraitTrac with WS All Aboard B80 listed as a documented carrier. At this time there are no genetic holds placed on his descendants as there is not a DNA test available yet. Once there is a test, then Hydrops will follow the same policy as other genetic conditions.

Female progeny who are descendants of or are directly sired by WS All Aboard B80 (ASA# 2852207) are at risk for carrying a genetic abnormality called Hydrops. Daughters may develop a serious condition during late gestation that results in excess fluid in the fetal membrane, which typically causes the loss of the calf and occasionally the dam. There is no current test at this time to identify animals carrying this mutation. Research is ongoing regarding the transmission of the abnormality, and to develop a genetic test. Helping our producers navigate this issue is of the utmost importance to us. Therefore, given that there is neither a full understanding of this condition nor a test, careful consideration should be given regarding the question of whether to breed WS All Aboard B80 descendant females until more information is available to breeders.

For questions regarding established WS All Aboard B80 genetics, Hydrops symptoms, reporting an active case, or additional information, please visit the Hydrops Information Center at www.simmental.org or reach out to Jackie Atkins at jatkins@simmgene.com.

(Continued on page 40)

To learm more about the CMP visit www.simmental.org, then click Carcass Merit Program under the Commercial tab.

Questions, contact cmp@simmgene.com for more information regarding this program.

Bar CK Nexus 2020K ASA# 4191970 CMP Class of 2024

The American Simmental Association Carcass Merit Program (CMP) is the beef industry’s most demanding and informative young sire test. The program is a hallmark of ASA breed improvement for economically relevant carcass traits. Commercial producers play an integral part in this project.

Participants receive:

u $200 for each AI-sired calf with carcass information

u Free semen on top young herdsires

u Free ASA Genetic Evaluation on your cow herd

u Free genotyping on terminal progeny

u Keep any or all replacement females

Become a Carcass Merit Program test herd today

*The CMP is a structured young sire progeny test. Participating cooperator herds will random sample their cow herd with CMP semen, and the resulting male (or female) progeny will be harvested with individual carcass data gathered. ASA Staff will work with cooperator herds to provide bulls that fit the general criteria of your management program; however, only bulls nominated into the CMP program may be used. Producers are encouraged to be somewhat proficient in Microsoft Excel for accurate and consistent record-keeping.

BULLETINS

(Continued from page 38)

DNA Updates

DNA Research Fee Application

DNA research fees are $1/minute and may apply to parentage rechecks, misidentified samples, or other scenarios involving unusual increase in staff time. Each case is unique, so estimating the final charge is difficult. If there are a significant number of animals not qualifying to a parent(s), please reach out to the DNA Department to discuss a rough estimate of time and cost.

Testing Timeline

Allow 4–5 weeks. Please communicate any deadlines you may be working with to the ASA DNA staff. Expedited and tracked shipping is always recommended when ordering kits and shipping samples to Neogen.

$30 DNA Research Fee

Sample packages sent to the ASA office (with or without paperwork), instead of the lab, will incur a $30 research fee. With the exception of research projects (CHR, CCG, CXP), all samples are to be sent directly to the lab with ASA paperwork.

TSU/Applicator Price Increase

Due to rising costs from the TSU manufacturer AllFlex™, ASA has increased the price of TSU sampling kits to $22 per box. Each box will still include ten individual tissue sampling units. The cost of TSU applicators has also been increased to $90 each.

Semen Sample Fee

There is a $7.20 processing fee for all semen straws and/or semen samples submitted to Neogen for DNA testing.

Check-Off Bonus Program Reminder

While the July 15 deadline to submit all state association program requests seems far away, it’s a good time for state associations to familiarize themselves with the check-off bonus program. Aside from the quarterly check-off money states can receive, state associations are also eligible for additional money in the form of yearly bonus checks if certain activities are completed throughout the year. Examples include hosting a field day with ASA representation and participating in the cost share program. To learn about the check-off bonus program, visit simmental.org and contact Callie Cooley at stateassoc@simmgene.com with any questions.

2024 Year-Letter is M

In accordance with the Beef Improvement Federation guidelines, the year-letter animal identification for 2024 is M, and will be followed by N in 2025, and P in 2026. The letter L was the year-letter designated during 2023. Per the BIF guidelines, the following letters are not used: I, O, Q, and V.

Digital Certificates Available

ASA now offers members the option to download official digital certificates for registered animals. ASA no longer scans and emails or faxes copies of printed certificates, and is encouraging shows, sales, and other events to utilize digital certificates. Digital certificates are the easiest, most reliable way to obtain an official record quickly. To download a digital certificate, search for your registered animal on Herdbook. If you are logged in and the animal is registered in good standing, there will be a button to download a digital certificate. Only the current owner of an animal can access the digital certificate. Please contact the registrations department at simmental@simmgene.com with questions.

DNA Research Programs Continue

The Calf Crop Genomic (CCG) testing project and Cow Herd DNA Roundup (CHR) continue to accept new submissions. The CCG offers a 50% off GGP-100K genomic test including parentage ($25 compared to $50 equivalent test) to participating breeders who test their entire calf crop group.

The CHR program also continues to accept new herds. The project tests females at $25 per sample for a GGP100K genomic test. Members must test 90% of their calving-age cows to qualify for the reduced price. When members submit mature cow body weights and body condition scores or hip heights on 90% of their calving-age cows, they will receive a $5 credit to their account for each reported cow. Cows must be 18 months of age or older when mature cow measurements are taken to qualify for the $5 credit. The $5 credit will only be applied once in an animal’s life. For example, if a member received a credit for the phenotypes in 2018 for that cow, they cannot receive another credit for the same cow with a new weight and BCS in 2019.

Additional requirements apply for both programs. Please visit simmental.org, and email researchdna@simmgene.com for full program requirements and more information.

Office Holiday Schedule

Thursday, November 28 & Friday, November 29

Thanksgiving Wednesday, December 25, Thursday, December 26, & Friday, December 27

Christmas .

State Marketplace

Colorado

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Cow Camp Ranch

Kent, Mark and Nolan Brunner 3553 Upland Rd. • Lost Springs, KS

785-466-6475 Kent 785-466-1129 Nolan 785-258-0173 Mark nolan@cowcampbeef.com

Clay & Marianne Lassle

Sarah & Ryan Thorson 42 Road 245 Glendive, Montana Clay: 406.486.5584 Ryan: 406.694.3722 lrsbeef@midrivers.com

Prickly Pear Simmental Ranch

Birthplace of the first Polled Black Simmental Bull Made in Montana Sale • February 10, 2025

Troy Wheeler, Cattle Manager: 406-949-1754 Gary Burnham: 406-439-2360 2515 Canyon Ferry Road • Helena, MT 59602 ASA No. 174 E-mail: ppsranch@gmail.com

Verlouis Forster Family 74096 Road 434 Smithfield, NE 68976-1039 Ph 308-472-5036 Verlouis 308-991-2208 Alan Cell Email: alan_forster@hotmail.com

&

20604 US Hwy 30 • Arlington, NE 68002 volkjk@aol.com • www.jandcsimmentals.com

State Marketplace

(Continued from page 00)

North American Fullblood Breeders

BRINK FLECKVIEH

23098 Gunder Rd • Elkader, IA 52043

Jerry: 563-245-2048 • Preston: 563-880-2075 jbrink@alpinecom.net

Visit our website: www.brinkgenetics.com

JENSEN SIMMENTALS

Steven A. Jensen • 913-636-2540 40532 John Brown Highway Osawatomie, KS 66064 jensensimmentals@gmail.com

In our 6th decade breeding Simmental cattle.

www.jensensimmentals.com

North Carolina

REGISTERED SIMMENTAL F-1 REPLACEMENTS

REGISTERED BRAHMANS

MYRA NEAL MORRISON

8800 Row-Cab Line Rd. • Rockwell, NC 28138 704-279-3128 • 704-202-6171 Cell

E-mail: myram@morrisonfarm.com www.morrisonfarm.com

North Dakota

Quandt Cattle Company

Jason Quandt 701-710-0080

Gabe Quandt 701-408-9154 Oakes, ND

13th Annual Bull Sale February 18, 2025

Farms Simmentals 40th Annual “Carrying On” The Genetic Explosion Bull Sale! Friday, February 14, 2025 • At The Ranch, Lehr, ND

and Cathy Schlenker Family 7649 49th Street SE Montpelier, ND 58742 701-489-3583 (home) 701-320-2171 (cell) www.wilkinsonfarmssimmentals.com

Scott Riddle

Fred Schuetze 817-894-0563

2649 Pear Orchard Road Granbury, Texas 76048 Website: simmentalsoftexas.com • Email: sotsimmentals@yahoo.com

5065 125th Ave. NE • Dahlen, ND 58224 tellings@polarcomm.com • www.ellingsonsimmentals.com Terry Ellingson & Family Annual Production Sale, January 24, 2025 Phone: 701-384-6225 Cell: 701-741-3045

Claye and Michelle Kaelberer and Family 4215 County Road 85 • New Salem, ND 58563 701-220-3124 (cell) • 701-843-8342 (home) Edge of the West Bull and Female Production Sale each February

& Erika Kenner www.kennersimmental.com

Fleckvieh & Fleckvieh-Based Simmentals

Oklahoma

Willis Simmentals Willis Simmentals

5759 Enville Road Marietta OK 73448 willissimmentals@arbuckleonline.com Quality Simmental Breeding Cattle

Bobby 580-276-2781 (ph. & fax)

10 miles east on Hwy. 32, 1/4 mile north on Enville Road. Jon 580-795-4601

South Dakota

Benda Simmentals

Jim and Jay Benda

26106 366th Ave. Kimball, SD 57355

605-778-6703

Jim: 605-730-6703 (Cell) Jay: 605-730-0215 (Cell) bendaranch@midstatesd.net

Black and Red Breeding Stock

Harley – 605-680-0845 Dawn – 605-680-4224

Kari – 605-680-4386 Home – 605-894-4464

Simmental Cattle – Club Calves

Harley, Dawn and Kari Cable 2344 Rocky Road • Pukwana, SD hdcable@midstatesd.net

H Dunsmore

3C Christensen Ranch

John Christensen, Cam & Tyler Fagerhaug 37273 216th Street • Wessington, SD 57381 605-458-2218 home • 605-458-2231 fax 605-350-1278 cell 458-350-2018 Cam

Annual Production Sale March 21, 2025 • Wessington, SD

NLC Simmental Ranch

Rick & Nalani L. Christensen Dunsmore & NaLea, Chase & Swayzee 21830 372nd Ave • Wessington, SD 57381 605-458-2425 • 605-354-7523 cell 605-350-5216 cell

Clay Ekstrum 605-778-6185 (H) 605-730-1511 (C) John Ekstrum 605-778-6414 South Dakota’s

for Outcross Performance Simmentals! – Specializing in

to Find Red Breeding

– 36220 257th St., Kimball, SD 57355 clayekstrum@midstatesd.net • ekstrumsimmentals.com

Hart 605-216-6469 10904 387th Avenue • Frederick, SD 57441 4hooves@nvc.net • www.hartsimmentals.com

Steve & Elaine Reimer & Family 25657 345th Avenue Chamberlain, SD 57325 Phone: 605-234-6111 Email: rrcattle@midstatesd.net

Livestock Services

NEW MEMBERS

CALI FORNIA

Bianchi Ranches

6810 Canada Rd

Gilroy, CA 95020

Elizabeth Vietheer PO Box 217 Wiltons, CA 95693

Kolker Ranch

39559 Hwy 395 Davis Creek, CA 96108

COLORADO

Lindsey Temple 41150 County Road G Del Norte, CO 81132

DELAWARE

River House Farms Felton LLC 617 Fork Landing Road Felton, DE 19943

GEORGIA

Powell Farms

198 Thelma Rd SW Calhoun, GA 30701

Fletcher Cattle Company 166 J R Wynn Rd Chula, GA 31733

Broken B Farms 3379 Lynn Williams Rd Donaldsonville, GA 39845

IDAHO

Flying P Livestock LLC PO Box 224 Hagerman, ID 83332

ILLINOIS

Renoud Cattle 130 E US Hwy 34 Mendota, IL 61342

Garrett Doyle 2150 Carr Rd Prairie Du Rocher, IL 62277

Klingele Cattle 506 E 2050th St Liberty, IL 62347

777 Minus 1765 E 2100 N Rd Findlay, IL 62534

INDIANA

Needler Cattle Company

8767 Union Chapel Rd Laconia, IN 47135

Samuel Carlson 8000 W 800 S Westpoint, IN 47992

IOWA

163 Cattle PO Box 97 Altoona, IA 50009

Kyle Kehrli 2795 280th St Winthrop, IA 50682

Jon Mohr

25476 Ivy Ave Carroll, IA 51401

Knop Cattle Co 2691 Market Ave Ida Grove, IA 51445

K2J Show Cattle 16692 Hardscrabble Rd Monticello, IA 52310

Frauenholtz Land and Cattle LLC 1171 130th St West Liberty, IA 52776

KANSAS

Sydnee Shive 24015 W 101st N Mount Hope, KS 67108

KENTUCKY

Matthew Newman 1392 South Bluegrass Rd Brooksville, KY 41004

Chase Lykins 4054 Hebron Rd Maysville, KY 41056

Mason Farms 135 Mason Rd Sturgis, KY 42459

MARYLAND

Iron Valley Farm 1213 Woodland Circle New Windsor, MD 21776

MICHIGAN

Hall Cattle Company 3469 W Clarksville Road Lake Odessa, MI 48849

MINNESOTA

Justin Thomforde 407 Goodhue Ct Goodhue, MN 55027

Samuel Gochnauer 17431 520th St Kenyon, MN 55946

Rose Acres Cattle 37770 Highway 109 Winnebago, MN 56098

MISSISSIPPI

Boone Cattle Company 12953 Hwy 501 Forest, MS 39074

MISSOURI

Daniel Smith 18478 Hwy FF Aurora, MO 65605

NEBRASKA

Jake Vogt 1217 West Linden Ave Fremont, NE 68025

Tom Stevenson 2446 260th St Albion, NE 68620

Keiser Cattle 41381 Rd 767 Gothenburg, NE 69138

NEW YORK

Palmer Land and Livestock 911 Urf Rd Cowlesville, NY 14037

OHIO

Country Tyme Acres 6442 Twp Hwy 79 Wharton, OH 43359

5-H Farms 741 Bellus Rd Hinckley, OH 44233

OKLAHOMA

Dwayne Leatherwood 40042 Morris Crk Rd Howe, OK 74940

OREGON

KC Cattle Co 82531 Barbre Rd Dexter, OR 97431

Three Sisters Cattle Company 14101 SW Powell Butte Hwy Powell Butte, OR 97753

SOUTH DAKOTA

Michael R Brual Jr 525 10th St SE Watertown, SD 57201

TENNESSEE

Wright Way Farm 904 Shelbyville Hwy Fayetteville, TN 37334

TEXAS

Southern Ranches 966 FM 876

Waxahachie, TX 75167

Sandy Travis 297 Private Road 4318 Thorndale, TX 76577

Davis Ranches 12500 Hwy 279 Brownwood, TX 76801

DCS Angus Ranch LLC 5705 CR 316 Snyder, TX 79549

UTAH

Braxton Rose 2244 W 5000 S Spanish Fork, UT 84660

VIRGINIA

W&B Ranch

1830 Senseny Rd Berryville, VA 22611

Gordon McIntire

9079 John Mosby Hwy Boyce, VA 22620

WASHINGTON

Rick Boyer 887 South Bank Rd Oakville, WA 98568

WISCONSIN

Addy N5442 County Road ZZ Plymouth, WI 53073

Mitch Weir 1854 Rusco Dr West Bend, WI 53095 .

ASA FEE SCHEDULE

Genomic Tests: *GGP-100K

GGP-uLD

*Add-on tests

DNA Services (Contact ASA For Testing Kits)

Genetic Conditions Panel.

(Must run with GGP-100K)

Arthogryposis Multiplex (AM)

Neuropathic Hydrocephalus (NH)

Developmental Duplication (DD)

Tibial Hemimelia (TH)

Pulmonary Hypoplasia with Anasarca (PHA)

Osteopetrosis (OS)

Coat Color.

Red Charlie.

Horned/Polled.

PMel (Diluter).

Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH). . $29 $16

BVD PI.

Semen Sample Processing Fee.

Contractural Arachnodactyly (CA)

(Individual defect tests can be ordered for $29.)

**Research Fee charged at $1.00/min – Includes but is not limited to: DNA re-checks to more than 2 additional parents, multi-sire pastures, excess time spent to confirm parentage, mis-identified samples, and samples arriving at lab without proper ASA paperwork.

***Prices are subject to change

THE Enrollment

Spring 2024 THE Enrollment — (dams calve January 1–June 30) —

Early enrollment open October 15 through December 15, 2023

Late enrollment available until February 15, 2024.

Fall 2024 THE Enrollment — (dams calve July 1–December 31) —

Early enrollment open April 15 through June 15, 2024.

Late enrollment available until August 15, 2024.

A re-enrollment fee of $35.00 applies to any dam that is removed from inventory and re-enters the herd at a later date.

A member who has dropped out of THE and wishes to return, may do so for the next enrollment season. Re-enrollment fee is $35 per animal (maximum of $350) plus enrollment fees. Non-THE registration fees will apply to the calendar year when a member did not participate in THE.

First Time Membership Fee: Adult First Time Membership Fee*.

(Includes: $50 set-up fee and $110 AMF)

Junior First Time Membership Fee*.

Prefix Registration.

*After January 1: $105 for Adults and $40 for Juniors

Annual Membership Fee (AMF)*:

Maternal Trait Genetic Trends

Purebred Simmental in past 20 years

Simmental genetics bring calving ease, early growth, and cow longevity while keeping feed costs at a minimum.

Source: USDA MARC

$All Purpose Index ($API)

predicts cow herd profitability using valuable traits like cow longevity (STAY) and calving ease while keeping pressure on terminal traits.

Compare the profit potential of two Simmental bulls using $API

Breeding 25 females/year Used for 5 years

Just like an EPD, compare two bulls to see the expected difference in profit. Bull B is likely to result in direct revenue and expense savings of an additional $7,500 over the course of five years. Plug in your numbers for , , and to compare your potential earnings. Bull A’s $API = $120 and Bull B’s $API = $180

Terminal Trait Genetic Trends

Purebred Simmental in past 20 years

$Terminal

Index ($TI)

predicts profitability when all calves are harvested.

Simmental rank compared to other Continental breeds Marbling First

Source: USDA MARC

Simmental cattle bring marbling and growth without too much fat. Simmental genetics perfectly complement British strengths and weaknesses for an ideal carcass.

Did You Know?

u According to the National Association of Animal Breeders, Simmental ranks second for semen sales compared to all other beef breeds, and in recent years, the percentage of semen sold in the US from Simmental bulls has grown by 35%.

u $API increased 27% and $TI increased 26% in the last 20 years. This translates to an average increased profit of $3,375 per bull when used to sire replacement heifers and harvesting remaining calves or $2,000 when all calves are harvested.

DATE BOOK

OCTOBER

4 Mississippi State Elite Heifer and Bull Sale — Jackson, MS

5 Horstman Cattle Company’s Factory Direct Sale — West Lafayette, IN

5 Lucas Cattle Company’s Fall Bull Sale — Cross Timbers, MO

11 Red River Farms’ Ladies of the Lone Star Annual Production Sale — Grand Saline, TX

12 The Black Label Sale — Grandview, TX

12 Little Creek Cattle’s Magnolia Classic — Starkville, MS

12 Madluke Cattle Company’s Sale — Arcadia, IN

12 New Day Genetics’ Fall Bull Sale — Salem, MO

12 Trinity Farms’ Fall Female Sale — Ellensburg, WA

19 Ferguson Show Cattle’s Annual Rare Vintage Production Sale — Jefferson, OH

19 Fred Smith Company’s Extra Effort Sale — Clayton, NC

19 MN Beef Expo All Breeds Sale — Minneapolis, MN

19 New Direction Sale — Seward, NE (pg. 45)

25 30th Annual Hokie Harvest Sale — Blacksburg, VA

26 7P Ranch’s 49th Annual Production Sale — Winona, TX (pg. 5)

26 The Blue Ridge Classic, Fall Edition — Edinburg, VA

26 Clear Choice Female Sale — Milan, IN (pgs. 9, 44)

26 PSA’s Fall Classic Sale — Waynesburg, PA (pg. 29)

26 Red Hill Farms’ Bulls and Females of Fall Sale X — Lafayette, TN

NOVEMBER

2 28th Annual Southern Showcase Sale — Rome, GA

2 Cason’s Pride & Joy Elite Female Sale — Russell, IA (BC, pg. 44)

2 Irvine Ranch’s 20th Annual Production Sale — Manhattan, KS

2 Missouri Simmental Association’s “Fall Harvest” Sale — Springfield, MO

3 Triangle J Ranch’s Female Sale — Miller, NE (pg. 45)

9 Gibbs Farms’ 19th Annual Bull & Replacement Female Sale — Ranburne, AL

13 Prickly Pear Simmental Ranch’s Female Sale — Helena, MT (pg. 11)

15–17 Boyle Ranch’s Red, White and Beautiful Fleckvieh Female Sale — www.auctions.boyleranchfleckvieh.com (pg. 27)

16 Lazy C Diamond Ranch’s Fall Sale — Kintyre, ND

16 Next Step Cattle Co.’s Annual Sale — Livingston, AL

16 The Select Sale — Louisville, KY

16 Strickland Cattle and Guest Simmental, SimAngus and Angus Bull and Female Sale — Glennville, GA

18 Bichler Simmentals’ 20th Annual Production Sale — Linton, ND

22 The Event Vol. X — Pleasant Dale, NE

23 Great Lakes Beef Connection Female Sale — Clare, MI

23 Stanley Martins Farms’ Fleckvieh Female Sale — Decorah, IA (pg. 6)

23 Yardley Cattle Company’s Focus on the Female Sale — Beaver, UT

30 Clear Springs Cattle Company’s Mature Cowherd and Red Dispersal — Starbuck, MN

30 Trennepohl Farms’ Right By Design Sale — Middletown, IN (pg. 7)

DECEMBER

7 Hoosier Beef Congress Sale — Indianapolis, IN

7 Jewels of the Northland Sale — Clara City, MN

7 T-Heart Ranch and L-Cross Ranch High Altitude Female Sale — La Garita, CO

7 Western Choice Simmental Sale — Billings, MT

13 JS Simmentals’ “Midwest Made” Female Sale — Prairie City, IA

14 NDSA’s Classic Sale — Mandan, ND

14 North Alabama Bull Evaluation Sale — Cullman, AL

15 Trauernicht Simmentals’ Nebraska Platinum Standard Sale — Beatrice, NE

20 The Grand Event Vol. 5 at Buck Creek Ranch — Yale, OK

21 Griswold Cattle Company’s “The Classic” Sale — Stillwater, OK

JANUARY 2025

10 Diamond Bar S’s Annual Bull Sale — Great Falls, MT (pg. 45)

18 Cow Camp Ranch’s Annual Spring Bull Sale — Lost Springs, KS (pg. 44)

21 Cattle Connect at Franzen Simmentals — Leigh, NE

24 Double J Farms’ 51st Annual Bull and Female Sale — Garretson, SD (pg. 47)

24 Ellingson Simmentals’ Annual Production Sale — Dahlen, ND (pg. 46)

25 J&C Simmentals’ Annual Bull Sale — Arlington, NE (pg. 45)

26 Triangle J Ranch’s Bull Sale — Miller, NE (pg. 45)

27 APEX Cattle’s Annual “Heterosis Headquarters” Bull, Bred Heifer and Fall Pair Sale — Dannebrog, NE

FEBRUARY 2025

1 43rd Annual Klain Simmental Production Sale — Ruso, ND

1 Springer Simmental’s Sale of Value Based Genetics — Decorah, IA

3 44th Annual Gateway “Breeding Value” Bull Sale — Lewistown, MT

4 Koepplin’s Black Simmental’s 37th Annual Bull Sale — Mandan, ND

4 Little Bitterroot Ranch and Laird Simmental’s Joint Sale — Ramsay, MT

5 Begger’s Diamond V Big Sky Genetic Source Bull Sale — Wibaux, MT (pg. 45)

6 Stavick Simmental’s Annual Sale — Veblen, SD (pg. 47)

7 Kunkel Simmentals’ Annual Production Sale — New Salem, ND

7 Silver Dollar Simmentals’ 1st Annual Production Sale — Rubgy, ND

8 Dixie National Simmental Sale — Jackson, MS

8 Kenner Simmentals’ 29th Annual Production Sale — Leeds, ND

8 Rydeen Farms 27th Annual “Vision” Sale — Clearbrook, MN

10 Dakota Power Bull and Female Sale — Hannaford, ND

10 Nelson Livestock Company’s Annual Sale — Wibaux, MT

10 Prickly Pear Simmental Ranch’s Bull Sale — Helena, MT (pg. 45)

11 Edge of the West Production Sale — Mandan, ND (pg. 46)

11 Werning Cattle Company’s 44th Annual Production Sale — Emery, SD

12 Jackpot Cattle Co.’s Annual Private Treaty Bull and Heifer Sale — Miller, SD

12 Traxinger Simmental’s Annual Bull Sale — Hougton, SD

13 Lassle Ranch Simmentals’ 32nd Annual Bull Sale — Glendive, MT

14 10th Annual MODOC Bull Sale — Alturas, CA

14 Bred For Balance — Starbuck, MN

14 TNT Simmentals’ 40th Annual “Carrying On” the Explosive Difference Sale — Lehr, ND (pg. 46)

15 Flittie Simmental/Schnabel Ranch Simmentals/Lazy J Bar Ranch’s Joint Production Sale — Aberdeen, SD (pg. 47)

15 Rhodes Angus Open House Bull Sale — Carlinville, IL

16 K-LER Cattle’s Annual Production Sale — Saint Charles, MN (pg. 44)

16 Trauernicht Simmentals’ Nebraska Platinum Standard Bull Sale — Beatrice, NE

17 Bulls of the Big Sky — Billings, MT (pg. 45)

18 Quandt Brothers’ 13th Annual Production Sale — Oakes, ND (pg. 46)

19 Hart Simmentals’ 50th Annual Power Bull Sale — Frederick, SD

20 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale — Springfield, IL

21 Dakota Xpress Annual Bull and Female Sale — Mandan, ND (pg. 46)

21 Multi-Breed Simmental Sale — Springfield, IL

21 R & R Cattle Company’s Annual Production Sale — Chamberlain, SD

21 Sandy Acres Simmental’s Bull Sale — Creighton, NE (pg. 45) 22–3/1 Hofmann Simmental Farms’ “Buy Your Way” Bull Sale — Clay Center, KS

26 C Diamond Simmentals’ Annual Production Sale — Dawson, ND

26 Hill’s Ranch Production Sale — Stanford, MT

MARCH 2025

1 Cason’s Pride and Joy Bull Sale — Russell, IA (pg. 44)

1 Gibbs Farms’ Spring Sale — Ranburne, AL

1 Trinity Farms’ Generations of Excellence Sale — Ellensburg, WA

2 Illini Elite Spring Bull and Female Sale — Shelbyville, IL

3 S/M Fleckvieh Cattle’s Private Treaty Bull Sale — Garretson, SD

4 Doll Simmental Ranch’s 45th Annual Production Sale — Mandan, ND

5 Klein Ranch’s Heart of the Herd Sale — Atwood, KS

6 21st Annual Cattleman’s Kind Bull Sale — San Saba, TX

6 Keller Broken Heart Ranch Annual Production Sale — Mandan, ND (pg. 46)

7 Eichacker Simmentals’ Annual Bull Sale — Salem, SD (pg. 47)

8 Carcass Performance Partners Bull and Female Sale — Lucedale, MS

8 Yardley Cattle Company’s Annual Bull Sale — Beaver, UT

15 CO Select Bull Sale — Fort Collins, CO

15 MCA/MSU Bull Evaluation Sale — Remus, MI

15 OSA’s Eastern Spring Classic Sale — Columbus, OH

15 Red Hill Farms’ “More Than a Bull XX” Bull Sale — Lafayette, TN

17 Bridle Bit Simmentals All Terrain Bull Sale — Walsh, CO (pg. 44)

21 3C Christensen Ranch and NLC Simmental Ranch 54th Annual Production Sale — Wessington, SD (pg. 47)

21 Black Summit Break Out Bull Sale — Powell, WY

22 Lechleiter 35th Annual Bull Sale — Loma, CO

22 T Heart Ranch High Altitude Bull Sale — La Garita, CO (pg. 44)

26 Diamond H Ranch’s Annual Production Sale — Victoria, KS (pg. 44)

29 2nd Annual Blue Ridge Classic Spring Sale — Edinburg, VA

APRIL 2025

1 Henry’s Fork Cattle Company’s Private Treaty Bulls for Sale — Rexburg, ID

5 Big Country Genetics Bull Sale — Cody, WY

5 McDonald Farms’ Annual “Pick of the Pen” Bull Sale — Blacksburg, VA

5 Belles and Bulls of the Bluegrass — Lexington, KY

5 The Gathering at Shoal Creek — Excelsior Springs, MO

19 RS&T Simmentals’ Performance and Pounds Bull Sale — Butler, MO

25 Crosshair Simmental’s Production Sale — Napoleon, ND

26 Classic Farms’ 6th Annual Spring Fever Sale — Weston, WV

26 Cow Camp Ranch’s Spring Turn-Out Sale — Lost Springs, KS (pg. 44)

MAY 2025

3 Stars and Stripes Sale — Hummelstown, PA

17 Mississippi/Alabama Simmental Sale — Cullman, AL

18 Red Hill Farms’ Maternal Monday Online Sale — www.redhillfarms.net

JULY 2025

6–12

AJSA National Classic — Madison, WI

OCTOBER 2025

13 Burlap and Barbed Wire Female Sale — Clay Center, KS .

RATES & POLICIES

Serving as American Simmental Association’s (ASA) official publication, the Register is mailed nine times annually, has a circulation of 5,500+, and is focused primarily on ASA’s paid membership.

the Register is an 81/8 x 107/8 inch glossy, full-color publication that provides a direct and consistent line of communication to the ASA membership.

Ad Sales Staff

Nancy Chesterfield

406-587-2778

nchesterfield@simmgene.com

Rebecca Price

406-587-2778

rprice@simmgene.com

Subscriptions

Space and four-color rates for the Register:

the Register Deadlines for Publication:

Sire Source 2025 Feb 19 Feb 21

5 April 17 April ’25 Feb 21 Feb 26 March 7 April 17

May/June ’25 March 28 April 3 April 11 May 19

July/August ’25 May 21 May 28 June 6 July 15 September ’25 July 31 Aug 6 Aug 14 Sept 22

A non-refundable fee of $50.00 will be assessed if a client does not meet deadlines or if the client commits to advertising and cancels after the deadline or if the ad must be dropped to ensure on time publication.

Advertising materials (including photos) must be in the Register office by the dates listed above. the Register, which mails by periodicals rate, assumes no responsibility for actual receipt date.

Design Charges

Advertising rates are for camera-ready ads only. Additional design charges will apply to any ad that is designed by ASA Publication, Inc.

Layouts & Proofs

Every effort will be made to provide proofs on all ads — if all ad material arrive in the Register office prior to the deadline and a correct email address or fax number is provided.

Advertising Content

the Register and its staff assume no responsibility or obligation to verify the accuracy and truthfulness of advertising copy submitted to the Register. However, the Register reserves the right to reject any advertising copy or photo which the Register deems unsuitable for publication for any reason, including copy

or photographs which are false or misleading. the Register assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of submitted print ready ads. Advertisers shall indemnify and hold harmless the Register for any claims concerning advertising content as submitted. Advertising containing pedigrees or statements regarding performance must conform to records kept by the American Simmental Association. Copy deviating from official records may be changed as necessary without advertiser consent.

Editorial Policy

Opinions expressed are the writers’ and not necessarily those of the Register. Photographs are welcome, but no responsibility is assumed for material while in transit or while in the office.

Terms

All accounts are due and payable when invoiced. Interest charges of 1.5 percent per month (18 percent APR) will be added to accounts 30 days past due. If an account becomes 60 days delinquent, all ASA Publication, Inc. work may be suspended until full payment is made. After review by the ASA Executive Committee, ASA privileges may be denied to those with accounts over 90 days delinquent.

ADVERTISER INDEX

3C Christensen Ranch.

7P Ranch.

ABS® Global Inc..

All Purpose Index ($API).

Allied Genetic Resources.

47

5

1, 47

41, 53

5

America’s Cow More Means More. . . 53

American Brahman Breeders Association.

American Live Stock Inc..

American Royal.

American Simmental Association. .

5

48

16, 17

IFC, 4, 5, 10, 16, 17, 21, 28, 33, 37, 39, 41, 42, 43, 48, 49, 53, 59

ASA Performance Advocate.

ASA Publication, Inc.. .

Balance the Scales.

Begger’s Diamond V.

Benda Simmentals.

Beshears Simmentals.

Bessler Inc, James F.

Boyd Beef Cattle.

Boyle Ranch.

Bridle Bit Simmentals.

Brink Fleckvieh.

Brush Country Bulls.

Bulls of the Big Sky.

Business Card Ads.

C Diamond Simmentals.

Cable Ranch.

Calf Crop Genomics (CCG).

Carcass Merit Program (CMP).

Cason’s Pride & Joy Simmentals.

Cattle Max Software.

Cattle Visions. .

Cattlemen’s Congress.

CattleScales.com.

Check Us Out Online.

Classic Sales.

45

20, 35, 51, 57

42, 43

45

47

9

48

3

27

44

46

47

45

51

46

47

37, 59

39, 46, 48

44, BC

IFC

24, 25, 48, 60, IBC

16, 17

2

4

29

Clear Springs Cattle Company. . . . . . 28

Clear Water Simmentals.

Colorado Simmental Breeders.

Cow Camp Ranch.

Customer Service.

Dakota Xpress.

Diamond Bar S.

Diamond H Ranch.

Dickinson Simmental and Angus Ranch.

Digital Promotion Is Crucial to Your Business.

Dillow, Ashton.

3

Dixie National Livestock Show. . . 16, 17

Dixson Farms, Inc..

Double J Farms.

DP Sales Management, LLC.

DVAuction. .

9, 44

44

44

49

46

45

. 44

44

21

. 44

47

. 9

5, 9, 29

Eberspacher Enterprises Inc.. . . . 11, BC

eBlasts.

Eichacker Simmentals. .

Ekstrum Simmentals.

Ellingson Simmentals.

Fall Focus.

Ferguson Show Cattle.

Filegonia Cattle Company.

Flittie Simmental. .

Forster Farms.

Fort Worth Stock Show.

Gateway Simmental.

gender SELECTED™.

Generation 5 Marketing.

Gibbs Farms.

Grow the Connection. .

Haley Farms. .

Hammerhead Cattle Co..

Hanel’s Black Simmentals.

Harker Simmentals.

35

. 47

47

. 46

10

. 46

. . 47

. 47

45

16, 17

10

3

10

10

. . 57

46

3

. 3

44

Harl, Tracy Auction Company. . . . . . 48

Hart Simmentals. .

Harwood, Quinton.

Heishman Cattle Company. .

Little Bitterroot River Simmental. . . . 45

Little Creek Cattle. . . . .

LiveAuctions.TV.

LiveAuctions.TV2.0.

Livestock Services.

Loomis Simmentals.

Lucas Cattle Company. .

Lucky Penny Cattle Company.

Mark Barnell Land and Cattle.

Martin Farms.

Maternal Traits.

Maternally Inspired.

McDonald Farms.

Miller Simmentals.

Minnesota Simmental Breeders. .

Missing Rail Simmentals. .

Missouri Simmental Breeders. .

Montana Simmental Breeders. .

Monte Christo Ranch & Investments.

Morrison, Myra Neal.

46

11

BC

48

44

45, 54

9

10

47

53

BC

10

45

44

46

45

45

47

46

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). . . . . . . . 10

National Corn Growers Association.

10

National Western Stock Show. . . 16, 17

Neal Brothers.

47

7

10

Hofmann Simmental Farms. . . . . . . . 44

Hope, Maverick.

If Beef Is Your Business.

Illinois Simmental Breeders. .

Indiana Simmental Breeders. .

International Genetic Solutions (IGS).

Iowa Simmental Breeders. .

J & C Simmentals.

Jacobs, Roger, Auctioneer. .

Jensen Simmentals.

Jesse Hoblyn Livestock.

Jones, Brandon and Kathy.

JS Simmentals.

K-LER Cattle. .

Kaelberer Simmentals. .

7

39

44

44

31

44

45

. 48

44, 46

3

3

3

. 44

. 46

Kansas Simmental Breeders. . . . . . . . 44

Keller Broken Heart Ranch. . . . . . . . . 46

Kenner Simmentals. . .

Kulp Genetics.

R&R Cattle Company.

Reserve Your Space.

. . . 46

. 46

Lassle Ranch Simmentals. . . . . . . . . . 45

9

Nebraska Simmental Breeders. . . . . . 45 Neogen®

NLC Simmental Ranch. . .

North American Fullblood Breeders.

North American International Livestock Exposition.

North Carolina Simmental Breeders.

North Dakota Simmental Breeders.

Oak Meadow Farms.

Ohio Simmental Breeders. . . .

10

47

46

16, 17

46

46

44

46

Oklahoma Simmental Breeders. . . . . 47

ORIgen.

Pennsylvania Simmental Association.

Pereira, Lawrence.

Powerline Genetics.

Prairie View Farms.

48

29

10

45

3

Prickly Pear Simmental Ranch. . . 11, 45 Profit Predictor.

Total Herd Enrollment (THE).

16, 17 PTP Ring of Champions.

Quandt Cattle Company.

17

.

Simmental and SimAngus™ Seedstock Producers

Extensive AI and ET program

Elite Genetics of a growing herd of 100+ cows

100K DNA tested

Utilizes ASA’s Total Herd Enrollment (THE) and Calf Crop Genomics (CCG) programs

Strict vaccination and biosecurity program

Strategic investments in elite genetics built this program for north country and regional stand-alone cattle.

Herdsires

CKCC Backcountry 1623J

OMF Epic E27 x TENA Jules 914G

Follow Roller Ranch on Facebook or our website www.rollerranch.com for updates on:

KCC1 Counterstrike 2700K

KCC1 Countertime 872H x KCC1 Gwen 9073G

v

Donor Dams