Land and Livestock Post

October October2017 2017——Issue Issue22

Bully for the herd To apply or not to apply?

Picking the best sire around XXXXXXXXXXXXXX PAGE 16 PAGE 12

PRSRT STD PRSRT STD US POSTAGE US POSTAGE PAID PAID BRYAN, TX BRYAN, TX 77802 77802 PERMIT # PERMIT # 23 23

AJAMES SHADYTHOMPSON DEAL

JAMES THOMPSON BULKING UP

PAGE 3 6

PAGE 17 3

JAMES THE RETUN THOMPSON OF THE EVIL WEEVIL

JAMES THOMPSON MAKING THE GRADE

PAGE 3 10

PAGE 28 3

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$ *$0 Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 60 months on purchases of select new Kubota L3301 / L3901 / L4701/ MX5200 equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Example: 60 monthly payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed. Offer expires 10/31/17. See us or go to www.KubotaUSA.com for more information.**Customer instant rebates of $500 are available on qualifying cash or standard rate finance purchases of new Kubota L2501 / L3301 / L3901 / L4701 equipment from participating dealers’ stock inventory. Rebate is not available with 0% A.P.R. or other promotional financing. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 10/31/17. See us or go to www.KubotaUSA.com for more information.***Customer instant rebates of $1,000 are available on purchases of new Kubota L3301 / L3901 / L4701/ MX5200 equipment with two new qualifying implements from participating dealers’ stock. 1st implement $700, 2nd implement $300.

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October 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News From the General Manager

I

recently got fitted for a tuxedo. My brother is getting married, and I was selected as a groomsman. The wedding is only a few weeks away. I tried to explain to the person measuring me that since I’d started working out, the tux probably would hang off me by the time of the wedding. He seemed to think that was funny, and I don’t think he made any notes to the tailor in my order.

My brother was a groomsman in my wedding. Although his tuxedo looked like it fit him fine, no one ever told him that you are not supposed to lock your knees during the ceremony. He didn’t pass out, but he turned pretty green, which was fine because I think one of our

colors was green.

I myself am an old pro when it comes to groomsman-ing. I’ve been fortunate enough to stand in several of my friends’ weddings, and so far all those people still are married.

I’m probably good luck too, so my brother JESSE WRIGHT made a good choice when he picked me to be a part of the ceremony. Now, he picked my kids to be in it, too: my son as the ring bearer, and my daughter as the flower girl. That maybe was not a great choice. I already know that train is going to wreck, and it

hasn’t even left the station yet.

I can’t even get them from the car into the house without them breaking something, running in the opposite direction, or somehow, inconceivably, getting jelly on something or someone. But, there may be one or two cute pictures that we get out of it.

When it comes to making the choice for your herd sire, it’s an important decision as well. In our cover story we look at factors to consider when making that choice.

In this issue we also have news and information from around the ag industry as well as information on upcoming sales and events. Hope you enjoy it, and thanks for reading. ’Til next time,

z For more information about content or advertising, contact Jesse Wright at jesse.wright@theeagle. com.

Circle Land and Cattle Co., Ltd.

Proud Members of

Bobcat Bottoms Ranch • Persimmon Creek Ranch • Camp Cooley Ranch Spring Valley Ranch • Windy Hill Ranch • Vista Ridge Ranch

Located just off Hwy. 6 and OSR 1415 East OSR • Bryan • (979) 776-5760 • Steve: (979) 450-0819

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October 2017 — Issue 2

www.circlexbrangus.com 3

News

10 tips for a successful weaning and preconditioning

By RoBeRt Wells The Samuel RobeRTS Noble FouNdaTioN

For those producers who have a defined spring calving season, weaning the calf crop is just around the corner.

There is a sizable amount of data and literature that demonstrates preconditioning calves will return a greater profit to the ranch than stripping and selling a bawling calf.

Feedlot buyers are becoming more selective and are rewarding cattle producers with proper vaccination and preconditioning programs (or discounting those who don’t).

The following tips are designed to help producers be more successful during the preconditioning phase of calf development.

Plan early

This is especially warranted if you will need additional, off-farm help. Contact the people you will work with, including your veterinarian, early so you can pick the date you prefer to work calves.

Additionally, some vaccines or medicine may become in shorter supply locally if you wait until closer to the time you and your neighbors start to wean calves.

Stockpile forages in the weaning trap/ pasture

This will ensure you have

adequate quantity and quality of standing grass for the newly weaned calves to eat and bed in during the preconditioning phase.

You will most likely have to start this process in August, but it’s not too late to allow the forages a chance to recover and grow now.

This will also reduce the amount of dust the calves could inhale compared to a dry lot situation.

Devolop a marketing plan

Know your marketing strategy by the time you get ready to wean the calves.

Identify a branded program that you can affiliate with, such as the Integrity Beef Alliance (www.integritybeef.org), to help differentiate your calves from others being sold at the same time of year.

If not affiliated with a thirdparty calf program, you will want to make sure there are other value-added calves being sold on the same day and market as your calves.

Buyers need to be able to put together large gooseneck trailer and semitruck loads of same sex and similar type and weight calves.

If you deliver 50 head of mixed calves to the local market and are the only one who has value-added calves on that day, don’t expect

to receive a premium for them.

There is simply not enough to make a load for the buyer, and the calves will get mixed with other calves that have not received additional management.

Remember that when the height of the fall weaning season is in full swing, markets typically will have a price drop when a large supply of calves move to market.

Unless you see outside influences on prices, try not to get too wrapped up in the market decline at this time.

Typically, prices will recover after the supply dwindles somewhat later in the fall/early winter.

Preconditioning helps move your marketing to a better time of year with fewer calves going to market.

Consider risk protection of the calf crop

It may not be too late to consider some sort of financial risk protection for the calf crop. Visit with a financial adviser who is familiar with agricultural commodity markets or an agricultural economist to help make the decision of what, how and when to purchase risk protection.

Procure feed and quality hay

Give yourself time to buy and the feed dealer time to deliver the feed and hay that will be needed for the preconditioning phase of calf development. Plan to feed the highest quality hay to the

calves you have while you have them caught up during the bawling-out period.

They will not be very interested in spending a lot of time eating, so what they do eat needs to be as nutritious as possible. Planning ahead also allows you time to shop for the best feed deals and best quality hay available in your area.

Check supplies

Make sure vaccines, even if recently purchased, are not expired. Check the function of vaccine guns — easy to use, no blow-by of product, clean and in good repair.

Check the squeeze chute, gates and fences to ensure they are

See TIPS, Page 5

Rio Colonel CE

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BK

TSI

Stonewall

“Mr. Consistent” Stonewall is perhaps the most consistent bull in Brangus today.

Contact AMS for semen.

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1

Scott Milligan - Manager 39606 FM 1736 West • Hempstead, TX 77445

806.683.6435

scottm@rioranchtx.com Raul Montez • 832.331.6800

October 2017 — Issue 2

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News Agricultural leasing workshop set Oct. 19 in San Angelo

By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

SAN ANGELO — The final program in the 2017 series of Rancher Leasing Workshops covering grazing, hunting and livestock leases is scheduled Oct. 19 in San Angelo by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

The workshop addresses the legal risks associated with agricultural leases, said Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist in Amarillo.

The goal is to educate landowners and producers on the importance of utilizing written leases as a risk management tool.

The workshop will be from 8:30

Tips, from Page 4 ready for cattle working day.

Do you have extra pins for ear taggers and enough transfer and injection needles?

It is always a good idea to have extra supplies (ear tags and studs, vaccines, needles, syringes, anthelmintics, rope, parts for squeeze chute, etc.) on hand to prevent the need to make an unscheduled trip to town on working day.

Move herd closer to facilities in advance

This will reduce the stress of hauling or driving cattle over far distances on weaning day.

This affords you to have more time actually to process the cattle.

Working calves through the chute in a slower, more deliberate fashion will create a less stressful environment for the calves and workers.

Start and finish as early in the day as possile

During September and Octo-

a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tom Green 4-H Center, 3168 N. U.S. 67. The free program is funded by the Southern Extension Risk Management Education Center.

Lunch will be provided by Ag Workers Insurance. Participants will need to RSVP to Kim Garcia at 806-677-5626 or kim.garcia@ ag.tamu.edu.

Joining Lashmet on the program will be Bill Thompson, AgriLife Extension economist in San Angelo.

“We will discuss the potential legal implications of failing to have a sufficient written lease and the potential legal issues and litigation that the development of written leases can help avoid,” she said. “The workshops

will also familiarize participants with key terms and provisions that should be considered in lease negotiations.”

Participants will receive a leasing handbook that covers legal issues, designing lease payment structures and calculating payments, and landowner liability.

The book also will provide checklists and sample lease forms for negotiating lease agreements.

Lashmet said this will be the final workshop offered this year, adding the three previous events in Lubbock, College Station and Pearsall have far exceeded expectations on attendance and audience satisfaction.

Some audience reviews so far include:

ber, the days still can get pretty warm. It is never a good idea to extend calf working into the heat of the day, especially if there is a high probability of temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

finding others in your area who also need trucking and share a truck.

The cost of commercial transportation easily can be overcome when considering your time, wear and tear on your equipment, potential for breakdowns (trailer tire flats and blowouts are common occurrences), and shrink of calves from hauling in less-than-adequate equipment.

There are numerous other considerations you should think about prior to and during weaning to ensure a successful weaning season.

The above tips are some of the more common issues I typically see with producers on an annual basis.

Remember the old adage: Prior planning prevents poor performance.

Fence line wean the calves

If possible, fence line weaning is one of the lowest stress methods.

Alternatively, or in addition to the fence line weaning, the use of nose flaps prior to the physical weaning process can reduce calf and cow stress as the calf will be weaned off the need/desire for milk. Nose flaps also help reduce the calf’s emotional dependence on the cow.

Plan and schedule transportation of the calves to market

TIFFANY DOWELL LASHMET “Excellent program. Met my needs for life. A morning well spent.”

“Great resource and service to the people of Texas.”

“I was so impressed with the professionalism and knowledge I witnessed today.

“I am interested in any class she teaches.

“I am a new landowner and a non-traditional landowner, so I need to learn from wise people in many fields.”

“Very informative!! My husband talked me into coming since this is really his interest on a little retirement place we own and I’m so glad I came.

“I thought I would want to slip out and go shopping but you hooked me in and I’m so glad I stayed. Very nicely done.”

Using an air-ride semitruck is less stressful on the calves than a bumper pull or gooseneck trailer, especially if your trailer is equipped with a spring suspension.

If you don’t have enough calves for a semitruck load, consider

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October 2017 — Issue 2

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News

Photo courtesy of CASNR News Center A new shade system, installed at the Beef Center at Texas Tech University, can reduce temperatures on the pen floors by as much as 20-30 degrees.

New shade system at Texas Tech Beef Center keeps cattle comfortable and healthy

By EMILY WADE Special to The Post

An innovative, new animal welfare product recently installed at the Texas Tech University Beef Center is providing researchers a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact that shade can have on animal health and wellness.

The shade system was developed and sold by NetPro, an Australian company that focuses on animal welfare products and solutions for livestock producers.

After learning about the NetPro system, faculty and staff in the department of animal and food sciences recognized its potential benefits and was excited to install one for the cattle at the Beef Center.

Nathan Reeves, director of the Beef Center, helped oversee the installation process. He said he already has seen the positive effects it has on the cattle, noting the system can reduce temperatures on the pen floors by as much as 20-30 degrees.

“At first I was skeptical,” Reeves said. “Change is a really hard thing for people to get ahold of, but I think being open-minded and adaptable and looking at the change that has happened with these cattle on their overall well-being, has been incredible.”

Reeves said optimal animal welfare is a top prior-

6

ity for Texas Tech, and the shade system has made a drastic difference to the research program.

At the Beef Center, there are currently 13 pens where the shade system services cattle. The NetPro system is composed of 39-foot by 56-foot shade cloths suspended in the air by cables in a checkerboard pattern.

The cloth can block up to 70 percent of ultraviolet rays for the cattle, which reduces heat stress.

The system can handle the harsh weather that can occur in West Texas. It can withstand wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour.

The unique checkerboard pattern allows the sun to reach the pen floor to dry mud after a big thunderstorm.

Since the system generally is targeted for late spring to mid-summer, when it is generally the hottest, it can be rolled up in the fall and stored to protect it from snow and ice.

Reeves acknowledged there was a large initial cost associated with installing a structure of this size, but based on the production benefits he has seen, it can be a great asset in ensuring the well being and comfort of the cattle.

Installation of the Net Pro system was performed by collaborators from Texas Tech, NetPro and McCalihane, Arizona-based JBS 5 Cattle Feeders.

October 2017 — Issue 2

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SELLING 150 REGISTERED BULLS Friday, November 10, 2017 • NooN

254-749-4560 • 254-749-2240

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October 2017 — Issue 2

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News LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Buffalo

Jordan

Results of the Buffalo Livestock Commission’s Sept. 23 sale.

Head: 1,957 Steers: 150-200 lbs., $145$210; 200-300 lbs., $140-$215; 300-400 lbs., $135-$212; 400-500 lbs., $130-$205; 500-600 lbs., $120-$165; 600-700 lbs., $115$155; 700-800 lbs., $110-$140 Heifers: 150-200 lbs., $130$200; 200-300 lbs., $130-$190; 300-400 lbs., $130-$180; 400500 lbs., $130-$205; 500600 lbs., $120-$165; 600700 lbs.,$115-$155; 700800 lbs.,$110-$140 Slaughter bulls: $65-$85 Slaughter cows: $40-$62 Bred cows: $950-$1,700 Cow/calf pairs: N/A

Results of the Jordan Cattle Auction’s Sept. 28 sale.

Head: 5,115 Steers: Under 200 lbs., $190$250; 200-300 lbs., $180-$220; 300-400 lbs., $180-$2206; 400500 lbs., $165-$192; 500-600 lbs., $150-$178; 600-700 lbs., $135$151; 700-800 lbs., $130-$145 Heifers: Under 200 lbs., $150$210; 200-300 lbs., $150-$170; 300-400 lbs., $140-$165; 400-500 lbs.,$135-$182; 500-600 lbs.,$125$186; 600-700 lbs.,$120-$164; 700800 lbs., $115-$135 Slaughter bulls: $69-$81 Slaughter cows: $45-$65 Bred cows: $740-$1,950 Cow/calf pairs: $1,150-$2,350

Groesbeck

Results of the Navasot a L i v e s t o c k C o m m i s s i o n ’s Sept. 23 sale.

Head: 1,505 Steers: 150-300 lbs., $115$225; 300-400 lbs., $115-$200; 400-500 lbs., $115-$190; 500600 lbs., $110-$169; 600-700 lbs., $110-$146 Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $115$210; 300-400 lbs., $115-$190; 400-500 lbs., $115-$165; 500600 lbs., $110-$160; 600-700 lbs., $105-$137 Slaughter bulls: $55-$70 Slaughter cows: $35-$60 Bred cows: $700-$1,375 Cow/calf pairs: $1,050-$1,300

Results of the Groesbeck Auction and Livestock Company’s Sept. 28 sale.

Head: 774 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $160$215; 400-500 lbs., $140-$212; 500-600 lbs., $130-$170; 600700 lbs., $125-$155; 800-900 lbs., N/A Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $145$185; 400-500 lbs., $135-$168; 500-600 lbs., $125-$145; 600700 lbs., $118-$140; 800-900 lbs., N/A Slaughter bulls: $63-$74 Slaughter cows: $52-$666 Bred cows: $800-$1,400 Cow/calf pairs: $1,100-$1,600

8

Navasota

— Special to The Post

October 2017 — Issue 2

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October 2017 — Issue 2

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News Pecan weevils’ range growing warns AgriLife Extension expert

By Steve ByrnS Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Homeowners and pecan orchard operators are urged to watch for pecan weevils that can severely damage a crop right up to harvest, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service integrated pest management specialist in College Station.

“This is not a new pest, but what is new is that it’s being sighted in areas where it’s never been found,” said Bill Ree. “It’s a serious pest, ranking right up there with the ubiquitous casebearer that hits developing pecans early in the season practically statewide. Pecan weevils hit late in the season when the nuts are ready to be harvested.

“What’s troubling is we are seeing a considerable geographic

10

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Bill Ree

Pecan weevils are on the move, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert said. detailed knowledge of its distribution is known only within pecan populations, Ree said.

“Individual producers must manage this pest if they find it in their orchards as I have seen an instance where no management was applied for several years and upwards of 95 percent of the pecans had pecan weevil

See WEEVILS, Page 12

ANGUS Bulls for Sale! movement in a pest that was once fairly isolated. We are confident this migration is human-assisted.”

Pecan weevil, Curculio caryae, is a native to North America, and has been collected from all the native hickory species, though

Todd Mission Ranch • 9977 CR 302 Plantersville TX John Straitz • Cell 713.256.7186 • TMRANGUS@gmail.com

October 2017 — Issue 2

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October 2017 — Issue 2

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News Market, from Page 13 damage,� Ree said. “Unfortunately, management of pecan weevil requires at least two lateseason insecticide applications, which also kill beneficial insects, thus indirectly causing problems with secondary pests.�

In pecan producing states, Ree said, there is a potential for spreading the pest from infested to uninfested regions.

In Texas, 130 of the state’s 254 counties have recorded outbreaks. The most recent being in Hays and Comal counties with a suspected case in Lynn County. “It is unclear if these new detections were the result of manassisted movement or not,� Ree said. “But the verified infestations should be a wake-up call for the Texas pecan industry because the detections show for the first time that the Guadalupe River Watershed is now at risk from being slowly but surely contiguously infested. “If one looks at a topographical map of the area it’s apparent there are no natural barriers to prevent further spread because these newly infested areas are adjacent to streams lined with wild, native and improved pecans that flow all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. “I hear all too often of new detections in New Mexico and fear for its potential spread even farther west. That potential westward movement into the states of New Mexico, Arizona and California would be a very large industry problem.�

Ree suggests one method to help prevent the westward spread is through an expanded multi-state quarantine. He said Texas has a pecan weevil quarantine for all counties except the five most western.

The Texas quarantine includes all in-shell pecans as well as cracked pecans and any pecan shipment containing shell pieces. Anyone in Texas in the quarantined area selling or shipping pecans to New Mexico, Arizona or California must meet the quarantine treatment requirements.

Ree said quarantines are ef-

12

Photo courtesy of K-State Research and Extension

This year, I’ve seen green nuts caused by both summer drought and pecan weevil. The green nuts caused by drought are typically 1/2 normal size and contain only a wafer of kernel. Pecan weevil infested nuts are normal sized but have no kernel inside (consumed by weevil larvae).

Pecan weevil damaged pecan are easily recognized by a round exit hole created by the larva . fective on the commercial side, because most growers are aware of the problem and its potential consequences to the industry, but most homeowners are not.

He recalled a pecan weevil outbreak in the early 1970s in Otero County, New Mexico, which took several years to control. “Although the infestation was eventually eradicated, the source of this infestation was unclear, however, one of the residents in the infested area recalled having a grocery sack of ‘bad pecans’ that were collected from the native range of the pecan weevil and were later disposed of in his backyard.�

Ree said eastern New Mexico and West Texas infestations most likely are the result of human assisted movement. He said these pop-up infestations are costly for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to try to eradicate, which often takes years, and are a problem for the industry as a whole. “I don’t have a solution to this problem, but one way I try to address this issue is that I talk about the pecan weevil at all the AgriLife Extension meetings I’m a part of, regardless of whether the county has weevils or not,� he said. “I really feel communication with not only producers, but also with the general public, is important in getting the word out of the seriousness of this growing problem. “Better communication about this important issue from all those involved with the pecan industry to the general public will be a step in the right direction.�

TE IVA PR EATY TR

PR I TRE VATE ATY

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CroCkett, texas

ThE EnTIRE hERd of REgIsTEREd Angus Cows Is foR sAlE PRIVATE TREATY

• 60 – YEarling hEifErs • 75 – 18 to 30 month old Bulls • 75 – YEarling Bulls • 60 – 3 to 9 YEar old fall BrEd CoWs • 70 – 3 to 9 YEar old spring BrEd CoWs • 15 – 3 to 9 YEar old 3-in-1 • 15 – 3 to 9 YEar old spring pairs • 34 Coming 2 YEar old opEn and BrEd hEifErs • 40 – 3 to 9 YEar old fall and spring BrEd CommErCial CoWs

Cows are bred to Quaker Hill Ra a e 0A36, AAR Te X 7008, SAV Thu derbird 9061, Hoover Da , LD E blazzo 999 a d asture ex osed to our So s of Te X, Sitz U ward, Thu derbird, SAV Resource, Co eally I ressio a d Fi al A swer

CowS repreSent the beSt bloodlineS in the AnguS breed also sElling: 12 – 4 YEar old hErd Bulls

by Te x, Thu derbird, U ward, Co eally Co se sus

t s s a c a c f a f m c as a ma s s 60 y a s f .

WILL SELL In SmALL OR LARgE gROUpS TO FIT YOUR nEEDS E e C k: 713-819-5011 • 936-544-9013 • 888-252-7501 e-m il: ec k4601@ .c � • Web e: www.c k .c

October 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Report outlines changes in Texas landowner changes

By Paul SchattenBerg Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

SAN ANTONIO — Fragmentation of rural working lands, an increasing population and changes in landowner age, residency, land-use preferences and other factors are addressed in the new Texas Landowner Changes and Trends report.

“The goal of this report is to describe the state’s growing population and the data relating to rural lands,” said Roel Lopez, director of the Natural Resources Institute, part of the Texas A&M University System. “Using several datasets, we have also evaluated a number of demographics among landowners of privately owned rural working lands.”

The report addressed landowner age, intergenerational land transfer, operator gender, landowner residency and more from 1997 to 2012. It can be found on the Texas Land Trends website, txlandtrends. org, an interactive website and database detailing current land use trends within

Texas A&M AgriLife photo

Understanding changing trends can help toward making important planning and development decisions. the state. It can also be found on the institute’s website at bit.ly/2xb3s3q.

Lopez said the state’s dramatic loss and fragmentation of privately owned farms, ranches and forests, known as working lands, affects the state’s rural economies and can have a serious impact on natural resources and food security.

He noted benefits derived from Texas’ working lands, such as clean air and water, natural habitat, a functioning ecosystem and recreational opportunities, are affected by a shrinking open-space landmass.

“Understanding the state’s changing population and land management needs can help toward making important plan-

See TRENDS, Page 30

OCTOBER Oct. 18 Thomas Charolais, Inc. 16th Annual Fall Bull Sale, Raymondville, TX Oct. 18 Texas Hereford Assn. Bull Sale, Buffalo, TX Oct. 20 Independent Cattlemen’s Association All Breed Bull & Female Sale, Gonzales, TX Oct. 20 W4 Ranch Hereford Bull Sale, Morgan, TX Oct. 21 Beef on Forage Beefmaster Bull Sale Brenham, TX Oct. 21 Jordan Cattle Auction October Replacement Female Sale, San Saba, TX Oct. 21 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Annual Brangus Production Sale, Poteet, TX Oct. 21 Northeast Texas Hereford Assoc. Fall Harvest Sale, Mt. Pleasant, TX Oct. 21 Myers Circle Farms Charolais Production Sale and All Breed Bull Sale, Navasota, TX Oct. 21 Top Notch Genetics Angus Sale, Wheeler, TX Oct. 26 Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering, San Saba, TX Oct. 27 Rutherford Ranches Angus Female Sale, Buda, TX Oct. 27 Spur Ranch Fall Angus Bull Sale, Vinita, OK Oct. 28 44 Farms Fall Angus Sale, Cameron, TX Oct. 28 Oak Creek Farms Forage Tested Brangus Bull Sale, Chappell Hill, TX Oct. 28 7P Ranch Simmental Sale, Tyler, TX Oct. 28 South Texas Hereford Assn. Sale, Beeville, TX Oct. 28 Cattleman’s Brenham Livestock Auction Special Replacement Female Sale, Brenham, TX

NOVEMBER Nov. 2 Jordan Cattle Auction Stocker-Feeder & Premium Weaned Sale, San Saba, TX Nov. 2 Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering Wright Charolais, San Saba, TX Nov. 2 Cowmaker Angus and Charolais Bull Sale, Groesbeck, TX Nov. 4-6 Nat’l Angus Convention & Trade Show, Fort Worth, TX Nov. 8 Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering Barber Ranch Herefords/ Express Angus, San Saba, TX Nov. 8 Barber Ranch Hereford Bull Sale, San Saba, TX Nov. 10 Double Creek Angus Bull Sale, Meridian, TX Nov. 11 Briggs Ranch/Tri-Star Santa Gertrudis Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Bloomington, TX Nov. 11 Iron Lake Hereford Production Sale, Athens, TX Nov. 11 Lone Star Angus Bull and Commercial Female Sale, Gainesville, TX Nov. 16 Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering, San Saba, TX Nov. 17 Double Creek Farms Bull and Female Production Sale, Meridian, TX Nov. 18 Collier Farms Beefmaster Performance Bull Sale, Brenham, TX Nov. 18 Cox Ranch Angus Sale, Peaster, TX Nov. 18 South Texas Heritage Santa Gertrudis Sale, Robstown, TX Nov. 18 Genetrust at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch Brangus Sale, Jacksonville, TX Nov. 18 BT Hereford Bull Sale, Navasota, TX

Do you have a sale or event you’d like listed? Call Jesse Wright (979) 731-4721 or email jesse.wright@theeagle.com

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October 2017 — Issue 2

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October 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

PROVEN MATERNAL

PROVEN EFFICIENCY

PROVEN HETEROSIS

beefmasters.org

BEEFMASTER

Beefmaster ranked second, for both steers and heifers, in an

18-breed feed efficiency test

conducted by the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center.

Steers ADG,DMI = 0.203

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October 2017 — Issue 2

Heifers ADG,DMI = 0.096

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News

Prime choice

How to pick the best sire for your herd

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post

G

enetics as tools for animal selection were discussed in the previous issue of Land and Livestock Post. Hopefully EPDs and genomic testing were explained in a manner easily understood by those untrained in genetics.

In this article, we are focusing on selection of sire type which is a prerequisite for comparing animal genetics.

The reference, used to write this article, is “Texas Adapted Genetic Strategies for Beef Cattle VII” prepared by Stephen Hammack, professor and Extension beef cattle specialist emeritus with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

The publication is found at www. agrilifebookstore.org/Sire-Typesfor-Commercial-Herds-p/ean-004. htm. It is also found in most books of proceedings of the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course.

The basics

Sire selection is an important task because it has long-lasting impacts on the future cow herd, especially if you keep replacement heifers. A bull contributes a total of 87.5 percent of the genes to his third calf crop which is his great granddaughters.

Because of the significance of genetic contributions, use a systemic procedure in herd sire selection.

First determine a sire type. Types are groupings of breeds according to their adaptability and key physical

16

Photos by Robert Fears

Hereford sires, above, often are bred to Brahman cows to produce F1 replacements. On the cover: Charolais is a popular Continental herd sire.

characteristics. Table 1 contains a listing of sire types and their associated breeds.

The challenge is to determine the breed types of cattle that best fit production conditions and markets

to avoid reduced performance and income drops. Traditional cow-calf producers marketing at weaning should heed the preferences of their marketing systems while emphasizing biological and economic efficien-

October 2017 — Issue 2

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cy in calves until weaning.

To increase revenue, document genetic merit and market it to the buyer or, better yet, retain owner-

See SIRE, Page 20

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News Winter forages can reduce costs and boost cow/calf weight gains

By AdAm Russell Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Vanessa Corriher-Olson

A cow grazes annual ryegrass in East Texas. on the region, annual rainfall, soil type, production needs and when the forage needs to be available for the herd.

Annual rainfall and soil type in

OVERTON — Planting successful winter forage pastures can reduce supplemental feed costs and boost cow/calf weight gains, said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.

Vanessa Corriher-Olson, AgriLife Extension forage specialist, and Jason Banta, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, both in Overton, said following recommended practices regarding winter pastures can improve producers’ bottom line.

Corriher-Olson said producers have several winter forage options for grazing, including annual ryegrasses and small grains, such as oats, wheat and rye. Producers should choose the plant species and variety based

each specific Texas region will be a major factor in deciding which forage will successfully meet grazing needs, she said. For example, annual ryegrasses are historically more popular east of Interstate 35 due to rainfall

See FORAGE, Page 19

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October 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Forage, from Page 17 and because varieties are well adapted to a variety of soil types.

Soil tests and preparing the soil for specific varieties are critical, she said. Drainage, whether the site drains well or collects water, also will impact production success.

Corriher-Olson said producers should plant seeds at recommended depths. Annual ryegrass should not be planted deeper than half an inch. Small grains should be planted at least an inch deep.

“Seed depth is critical for germination and, ultimately, success,” she said.

Proper fertilization will impact production greatly, she said. Nitrogen is important for small grain and ryegrass production.

Potassium and phosphorous are important for all forages.

“So be sure to follow soil test recommendations,” she said.

Timing requirements are also

an important consideration for producers, she said.

“Even though we call them winter forages and there will be some growth in fall and early winter, the majority of growth will be in the spring, February to April for small grains and February to May for ryegrasses,” she said. “For example, annual ryegrasses provide some production in the fall and early winter, but the months of February through May are when there is a major boost in production.”

Banta said winter forages are a cost-effective way to provide grazing and add pounds to fallborn calves.

“For example, if we figure ryegrass is $15-$18 an acre in seed cost and we budget $90 per acre in fertilizer then our cost per ton of forage produced would be about $25-$55,” he said. “Costs will vary depending on forage yield and fertilizer need, but that’s

See WINTER, Page 23

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October 2017 — Issue 2

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News Sire, from Page 16 ship through finishing and market on value-based carcass grades. Otherwise, performance of market calves beyond weaning and their eventual carcass merit are of no economic importance to these traditional producers and should not influence decisions on sire selection.

Climate is one of the first things to consider when choosing a sire type because it can have a great effect on production. For hot, humid climates, cattle types that originated in or created for those conditions, are adapted best. Cattle native to more temperate regions fit better in cooler climates. Choice of compatible types also depends on forage characteristics as listed in Table 2.

Calves from the selected sire should match the management style executed on the ranch. When selling at weaning, the paramount factors in type choices are production efficiency and calf value at that production stage. For retained ownership, efficiency and returns directly are influenced by post-weaning performance and carcass merit.

Consider present and future market conditions. You want to choose the type of sire that will produce calves that the market wants.

The employed breeding system is a crucial factor in sire type selection. There are two kinds of breeding

systems – continuous and terminal. A continuous system produces replacements for breeding. In these systems, use types and breeds that are similar, medium sized and moderate in milk production. Females are not retained in terminal systems, therefore dissimilar sires and maternal types can be used.

The choices Most cattle are categorized by genetic classification as Bos taurus (non-humped) or Bos indicus (humped, also called Zebu) and by breed averages for body size (weight), milking potential and body composition. Previously, it was relatively easy to group the major breeds based on differences in these characteristics. Now, however, body size and milking potential are more similar among many of the major breeds. Even so, traditional functional types are still a logical starting point for designing an adapted breeding program.

Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle were crossed to create in-between (intermediate) types, the American breeds (Table 1). Later, some of the Continental and British breeds were combined to create intermediates to those types. Some American breeds are crossed with British or Continental cattle to decrease percentage of Bos indicus. These combinations

commonly found in Texas are listed in Table 3 with their registry associations.

Producers should examine breed percentages in the intermediate type of cattle and their characteristics to decide which breed offers the best herd sire for their herd. Those who market at weaning are often subject

Table 1. Cattle Types and Their Associated Breeds1 Cattle Types Most Common Breeds in Texas British Beef Angus Hereford Red Angus Shorthorn Continental Beef Charolais Chianina Limousin Maine-Anjou Continental Dual Purpose Braunvieh Gelbvieh Salers Simmental Dairy Holstein Jersey Bos indicus Brahman American2 Beefmaster Braford Brangus Red Brangus Santa Gertrudis Simbrah Specialty Breeds varying widely in characteristics, so they cannot be placed logically in any of the above groups.

1 Texas Adapted Genetic Strategies for Beef Cattle VII: Sire Types for Commercial Herds, Stephen Hammack, PhD, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 2 Part Brahman

See HERD, Page 21

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News Table 3. Crossbred Cattle and their Associated Registry Associations1 Combinations Registry Association Breed Continental and British Beef Builder Braunvieh ChiAngus Chianina Balancer Gelbvieh LimFlex Limousin MainTainer Maine Anjou Optimizer Salers SimAngus Simmental Angus Plus Red Angus American or Bos indicus and Advancer Beefmaster Continental or British UltraBlack Brangus UltraRed Brangus Southern Balancer Gelvieh SimAngus HT Simmental 1 Texas Adapted Genetic Strategies for Beef Cattle VII: Sire Types for Commercial Herds, Stephen Hammack, PhD, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Herd, from Page 20 to biases and visual perceptions that may reduce prices unjustifiably, especially for new or unusual breeds and their crosses.

In Texas, producers can avoid or minimize price discounts, while maximizing production efficiency in their environments, by producing medium-frame calves. A recommended guideline is that calves contain at least ½ British, no more than ½ Continental and no more than ¼ Bos indicus. For high-quality markets, use bigger percentages of British breeds that have a high degree of marbling.

Prices differ somewhat even within these ranges. These

differences change over time and are usually smaller and shorter term than for cattle outside the ranges.

Some breed combinations not generally preferred as stocker-feeders may work well for replacement females. In Texas and much of the southern United States, part Bos indicus cows have advantages too important to ignore, including longevity, calving ease, maximum hybrid vigor and climatic and forage adaptability. Also, bulls with some Bos indicus genetics are better adapted to tropical or subtropical environments.

Most applicable sires Pure British cows bred to

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the same sire breed produce straight-bred calves which lack hybrid vigor. Primary cautions for British cows are to avoid low calving ease, high birth weight sires and don’t produce straight-bred calves that are price discounted in your area.

To produce progeny such as Angus-Hereford (black baldies), cross two British breeds. If you save heifers and want to add limited amounts of Continental genetics in the cow herd, use Continental-British intermediate sires. Continental sires can improve USDA Yield Grade and, in some cases, weight gain.

American sires add a touch of ear for either stocker-feeder marketing or some

October 2017 — Issue 2

replacement female buyers.

Breeding American-British intermediate sires with British females create even less ear.

Although not recommended on heifers, Brahman sires bred with British cows (or vice versa) produce the highly regarded Brahman F1 female. To fully capture their market potential, develop Brahman F1 females at least to breeding age.

For commercial production, the most logical use of straight Bos indicus is to produce F1 replacements.

For this purpose, either Hereford or Angus sires are most often used on Bos indicus cows.

Do not use Bos indicus or American sires on straight

Bos indicus commercial cows because the calves will receive significantly market discounts due to too much ear. You might use Bos indicus sires to create straight-bred commercial Bos indicus females for use in production of F1 females; however, the price of straight-bred bos indicus steers will sell at severely discounted prices.

For first-calf heifers, the most applicable sires are documented individuals of known calving ease, which is most influenced by birth weight. Such sires are commonly found in smaller individuals from British, small dairy, dual-purpose and

See GENETICS, Page 23

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News

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Beefmaster is an example of an American breed of cattle.

Genetics, from Page 21 some specialty breeds.

Do not reduce birth weight to extremes below what’s needed for calving ease because it may unnecessarily reduce sale weight and, with some easy-calving breeds, market price. Characteristics to avoid when choosing a commercial beef sire are

Winter, from Page 19 considerably cheaper than hay and most other winter feeding programs.

“If done right, winter forages can eliminate the need for supplemental feeding and provide good protein and energy to cow/calf pairs during critical periods,” he said.

Banta said the decision of how many planted acres producers should provide per cow or cow/ calf pair depends on timing.

A good guideline to follow is to plant approximately 1 acre for every two to three spring calving cows and 1 acre for each cow/calf pair when calving in the fall, he said.

Banta said calving schedules

Photo by Robert Fears

listed in Table 4.

Time taken to select herd sires using a systematic approach can pay dividends.

After all, herd sires determine the future of your ranch.

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z The author wishes to express his gratitude to Joe Paschal, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, for his review of the article and recommended changes.

are a critical consideration for utilizing planted forages effectively.

Fall calving pairs can graze full-time if the forage allows, he said. If cows are in the last trimester before calving, producers should limit cows’ access to winter pasture.

“You’ll want to limit grazing for those cows to two hours a day,” he said.

“The reason we want to limit grazing is because there is so much protein and energy in the forages that we could see increased birth weights and potential calving problems.”

For more information about winter forages, including ryegrasses, go to: foragefax.tamu. edu.

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October 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Brangus Bull Sale set Oct. 27-28 tenderness. All three traits found in one animal is rare because of the input needed to increase marbling. Oak Creek, going on 14 years of DNA testing, has identified bulls in the top 40% percent for all three of these traits.

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For more information, call John or Carolyn Kopycinski at Oak Creek Farms at 979-836-6832 or email info@oakcreekfarms. com.

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Oak Creek Farms in Chappell Hill will celebrate its 50th anniversary in the Brangus breed at its Annual Forage Developed Registered Brangus Bull Sale on Oct. 28. The sale will be held at the rach sale facility. Since 1967 Oak Creek Brangus Bulls have been developed on the ranch and are traditional 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus.

Tommy Perkins, executive director of the International Brangus Association will be a guest speaker at Oak Creek’s Seminar on Oct. 27. Pre-Sale activities begin at 2 pm with the viewing of bulls, followed at 6:00 pm by the seminar and a Ribeye Steak Dinner sponsored by Zoetis.

Kevin Milliner of Zoetis will speak on DNA testing and identifying heritable traits in cattle for feed efficiency, marbling and

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October 2017 — Issue 2

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News A new international beef initiative is underway by the Texas A&M University department of animal science, emphasizing research and educational activities related to cattle adapted to subtropical and tropical climates.

Cliff Lamb, department head, said two new faculty positions have been created to lead this effort.

The initiative includes establishing a steering committee of state, national and international stakeholders, funding agency representatives and Texas A&M faculty. Partnerships with stakeholders include Texas A&M AgriLife agencies, departments, industry partners, commodity groups, private organizations, breed associations, and federal, state and local government.

“We want to continue to help Texas beef cattle producers be at the forefront and help give them the competitive edge,” Lamb said.

“With the state having endured the worst drought ever in 2011 and having gone through several periods of drought over the previ-

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International beef initiative launched

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ous decades, f in d i n g new breakthroughs in breeding, genetics, nutrition and other areas can only make Texas beef cattle p r o d u c e r s CLIFF LAMB better with regards to adaptability and becoming more profitable.

“We look forward to entering new partnerships with industry and breed associations to move this effort forward.”

One of the two new faculty positions has been filled by Reinaldo Cooke, who joined the faculty Sept. 1. Cooke has been an associate professor at the Oregon State University — Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center. He has served as beef specialist and state coordinator for the Beef Quality Assurance program, plus has developed re-

search projects with national and international relevance. Cooke will be based in College Station.

The second faculty position as part of the initiative soon will be filled, Lamb said. With projections of 9 billion people in the world by 2050, there will be challenges to produce enough protein to feed the world, Lamb said. The new international initiative will assist in this area.

The international initiative is part of a broader excellence of teaching, research and Extension activities led by the animal science department, he noted. Focus areas will include establishing an academy for beef cattle production; development of enhanced curriculum for undergraduate and graduate students; state, national and international education programs for beef cattle producers; and multidisciplinary approaches to external sources of funding.

For more about the department, go to animalscience.tamu. edu/ .

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October 2017 — Issue 2

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News

Measure up

Critical appraisal of cows is due this fall

By Dr. MereDyth Jones Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

Fall on most beef operations means pregnancy-checking cows and weaning calves. Because winter is coming, this is a very strategic time of year to evaluate critically all cows for suitability to keep through the winter.

Keeping cows with problems costs you money every single day and there is more to consider than just “pregnant” or “open” as they go through the chute.

A thorough evaluation beyond the pregnancy check should take place for each cow.

Feet

The best time to look at feet may be as cattle are being driven up to the pens.

Once they are in the alleyway or chute, it can be hard to look at the feet effectively.

Lameness at a walk is, of course, a cause for further examination, but a closer look at the feet of sound cows also should occur. Conditions such as corkscrew claw and overgrown toes can cripple a cow over time. Both may be improved with trimming, but trimming cows with corkscrew claw is only generally a short-term fix. If this condition is noticed at pregnancy check, she can be trimmed up and raise the calf, but she should be culled before the condition reoccurs the following year.

I also do not recommend keeping replacement heifers and bulls from cows (or bulls) affected with corkscrew claw.

Eyes

Cancer eye is a condition which primarily affects white-faced cattle, but can happen in any breed. When I pregnancy check cows for my clients, I make a point as I wait chuteside for the next animal to

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V et’s Voice watch her eyes as she comes in. Depending on the location of the cancer, it can progress rapidly so even small lesions should not be ignored. The most common locations for cancers to pop up are the inner corner of the eye, the lower eyelid margin, and the outer portion of the eyeball itself. Those in the inner corner and lower lid are the ones mostly likely to be aggressive locally and spread to the lymph nodes and other structures.

Spotted early, these can be surgically debulked to buy time to let a pregnant cow to calve out and raise the calf.

Udder

We have all seen that cow with teats that are abnormally shaped or abnormally large, enough to prevent a calf from nursing well. Sometimes this occurs in one quarter, leaving three functional teats, but even that still limits the growth potential of the calf. In cows with more affected quarters, the reduction in calf growth and vigor can be significant.

If the calf is not adequately able to nurse the first milk or colostrum at birth, he will be predisposed to serious infections in calfhood and, as research has shown, failure to take in adequate colostrum can affect performance throughout calfhood and into the feedlot.

See CONDITION, Page 29

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

Conditions such as corkscrew claw and overgrown toes can cripple a cow over time.

October 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Condition, from Page 28

Body Condition Score

Beef cows should calve at a body condition score of 5-6/9.

Overfat cows and overthin cows are both at risk of having problems around the time of calving if their conditions are not improved.

Overfat cows may have trouble calving due to fat deposition in the pelvis and poor milking due to fat in the udder.

Thin cows may have trouble calving due to weakness, won’t milk well due to energy deficiency, and will not breed back as quickly as an appropriatelyconditioned cow.

Being fat or thin isn’t necessarily a reason to cull at pregnancy check in the absence of other problems, but it is a clue that maybe that cow and others like her should be housed and fed separately to better prepare them for calving.

Teeth

Particularly for thin cows and cows for which no age records have been kept, examining the teeth is important. A cow with worn or missing incisors is less able to grasp and use forage and will deteriorate through the winter in late pregnancy.

If these cows are pregnant and kept, they should be separated for feeding of high-quality, highly digestible feeds to get them through.

Temperament

I strongly encourage my clients to make notes in their records when cows are particularly anxious or aggressive when being worked through facilities. A couple of weeks ago, I was working cattle for a client and one cow became highly agitated back in the holding pen and injured herself before she ever made it into the alleyway to come to the chute. In discussing her attitude with the client, he indicated that this cow, “has

Photos courtesy of Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

Right: We have all seen that cow with teats that are abnormally shaped or abnormally large, enough to prevent a calf from nursing well.

Far right: A cow with worn or missing incisors is less able to grasp and use forage and will deteriorate through the winter in late pregnancy. been like this her whole life.”

These kind of cows are just not worth it. At some point, they are going to injure someone or they are going to injure themselves critically such that all their value is lost. Identify these cows early in their life — preferably as heifers — and get them out of the herd. No cow is worth getting a person injured over.

For many of these things, the condition still will allow a pregnant cow to carry the calf and then raise it, providing a much better return on investment than culling the cow at pregnancy check time. What happens all too often, however, is that folks forget to sell the cow the next year and hang onto her too long, resulting in more grazing costs and reduced salvage value as the disease has progressed.

It is critically important that records be carried over so that cows pegged for future culling are properly identified at calf weaning.

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News Trends, from Page 13 ning and development decisions as well as in determining those policies that will affect these working lands and natural resources for generations to come,” he said.

He said privately owned farms, ranches and forests in Texas increasingly are threatened by suburbanization, rural development and land fragmentation driven by rapid population growth.

“Demographic projections show most of the increase in population growth will be in the central, southern and eastern part of the state, and the state’s population will likely double by 2050,” Lopez said. “This will put serious stress on our working lands and natural resources.”

Lopez said another problematic trend is the aging of the average rural landowner. From 1997 to 2012, the average landowner age has increased from 56 to 60.

“In 2012, the average age of women landowner/operators was 63,” he said. “And while men still constituted 85 percent of operators in 2012, the number of women since 1997 has been steadily increasing.”

Lopez said the report also shows from 1997 to 2012 the number of absentee landowners remained consistent while there was a gain of about 40,000 new resident landowners — those who own and reside on the land

— during the same period.

“Land transfers from one generation to the next, rising land values and expanding urban centers have all contributed to an overall increase in the number of operators, especially the number of new operators near urban centers,” he said.

Other data from the report shows as of 2012 there were 65,547 Texas operators who had less than 10 years experience in their current operation, with 42 percent of all rural landowners depending on their operation as their primary occupation. The top three reasons identified for owning land were family recreation, hunting and wildlife enjoyment.

“Data from this report and from Texas Land Trends provides public and private decision-makers with information needed to plan for the conservation of Texas farms, ranches and forests,” Lopez said. “They are a critically important data source for policy makers, conservation organizations, and state and federal agencies for understanding the changing landscape of our working lands and the people who own them.”

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October 2017 — Issue 2

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