the
BEEFMASTER Pay Weight
a publication dedicated to serving commercial cattlemen and produced by Beefmaster Breeders United FALL 2017
Vol. 3, No. 2
Section 1
www.beefmasters.org
Proper bull selection can increase return on investment By Dr. Robert Wells, Noble Research Institute
The past few years have seen a dramatic downturn in calf prices from historic highs to the lowest prices in four or five years. Unfortunately, some input prices are slow to come down while other inputs still remain high; thus causing a strain on budgets. This has greatly reduced the net profit of most cattle raisers. There is a desire and justifiable need by producers to reduce costs proportionally with the reduced calf prices to remain economically viable in the next few years until prices improve again. One area some producers have considered cutting back on is the amount spent for replacement bulls. This can translate to using a bull
of reduced quality. Prices for bulls have moderated along with the calf market, but some producers are extremely hesitant to pay for quality bulls. Rather, they opt for lower priced and lower quality bulls. However during times like now, bull quality is not an area that should be shorted. Bull selection will impact profit for many years to come in the form of the following potential adverse impacts: heavier birth weights, lower weaning weights, lower carcass quality or less desirable heifers to be kept for replacements. Beef producers who continue to produce quality calves with desirable genetics and value-added traits will have the greatest likelihood
of remaining profitable during the low of the cattle cycle. Those who do not will likely be in the red and will be “paying to stay in the business� for the next few years.
two scenarios. Scenario 1: use an average quality bull that cost $2,750 to purchase. Scenario 2: purchase a high quality bull in the top 20 percent for weaning weight expected progeny difference (EPD) that So the question becomes, cost $3,500 to purchase. how can one justify spendBoth bulls will remain in ing more on a quality bull the breeding herd for four in difficult economic times? years and breed 25 For the rest of the article, we will use the following continued on page 4
Beefmasters Excel in Feed Efficiency Study By Bill Pendergrass, Beefmaster Breeders United Requested in-home September 9 - 16, 2017
The United States Desexes in this study and they Beefmasters. partment of Agriculture were below the mark set by continued on page 18 (USDA) Agricultural ReRank Breed Steers ADG, DMI Rank Breed Heifers ADG,DMI search Service (ARS) con1 Limousin 0.206 1 South Devon 0.203 ducted a feed efficiency 2 Beefmaster 0.203 2 Beefmaster 0.096 3 Chiangus 0.13 3 Hereford 0.094 evaluation at the U.S. Meat 3 Maine Anjou 0.13 4 Maine Anjou 0.031 Animal Research Center 4 Santa Gertrudis 0.119 5 Charolais 0.03 (USMARC) in Clay Cen5 Gelbvieh 0.107 6 Shorthorn 0.025 ter, Neb., on 18 beef cattle 6 Brahman 0.1 7 Limousin 0.017 7 Herefird 0.099 8 Santa Gertrudis 0.012 breeds. The feed efficien8 Braunvieh 0.073 9 Chiangus 0.008 cy test results ranked the 9 Charolais 0.07 10 Salers 0.002 Beefmaster breed second 9 Salers 0.07 11 Angus 0 for Average Daily Gain 9 Shorthorn 0.07 12 Simmental -0.004 10 Tarentaise 0.05 12 Red Angus -0.004 (ADG) and Dry Matter In11 Simmental 0.027 13 Brahman -0.023 take (DMI) in both steers 12 Angus 0 14 Gelvieh -0.027 and heifers. Only one other 13 Brangus -0.002 15 Brangus -0.049 breed ranked in the top five 14 Red Angus -0.014 16 Braunvieh -0.078 15 South Devon -0.041 17 Tarentaise -0.081 in ADG and DMI for both
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The Beefmaster Pay Weight
Letter From The Editor By Jeralyn Novak The Beefmaster breed is about as versatile as it comes in relation to other beef breeds available to you as a cowman. Throughout my time at Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) I have traveled across the United States capturing photos and interviewing cattlemen about their Beefmaster cattle. From all of my travels the one thing that each visit has in common is, Beefmasters adapt to their environment and thrive within that environment. When Tom Lasater developed the Beefmaster breed in the 1930s, he knew exactly what he was doing.
He knew that developing a breed based on economic principles would stand the test of time. When other breeds come and go based on popularity, color and breed type, the Beefmaster would remain and excel in economics. His purpose was to develop cattle that were more productive and would make money during economically hard times in the harsh environment of South Texas. The Beefmaster breed was developed on what has become known as the Six Essentials - Weight, Conformation, Milk Production, Fertility, Hardiness and Disposition. These essentials became the economic strength of Beefmasters and have made them favorites with those
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who depend on cattle for a living. Beefmasters are the only beef breed specifically developed to excel in these important economic traits.
high quality Beefmaster cattle and I encourage you to visit our advertisers’ index on page 48, to discover a Beefmaster breeder in your state or area. BBU members These economic traits stand and breeders are dedicated to the test of time and cattlemen producing Beefmaster cattle today still recognize the that offer proven maternal Beefmaster breed’s ability to traits, proven efficiency and produce extremely fertile, proven heterosis. functional and docile females that the beef industry needs If you have any questions to rebuild America’s cow or comments contact me at herds, while also producing jnovak@beefmasters.org or profitable and efficient feeder 210-732-3132. Enjoy! calves that deliver results in today’s marketplace. Throughout this publication you will read articles that highlight specific cattle industry topics and discuss how Beefmasters fit into these topics. The breeder advertisers throughout this publication are dedicated to producing
Jeralyn Novak
BBU Communications Coordinator Managing Editor, The Beefmaster Pay Weight
Beefmaster Breeders United
The Beefmaster Pay Weight is a publication produced by Beefmaster Breeders United and dedicated to serving commercial cattlemen. The Beefmaster Pay Weight Team
Beefmaster Breeders United Staff Members
Editor in Chief: Bill Pendergrass Managing Editor: Jeralyn Novak Contributing Writers: Lance W. Bauer, Gilda V. Bryant, Feedstuffs, Noble Research Institute, Jeralyn Novak, Bill Pendergrass, Dr. Morgan Russell, Adam Russell, Dr. J R Tait, UGA Extension, Dr. Robert Wells Advertising Coordinators: Carey Brown, Lance Bauer, Bill Pendergrass, Jeralyn Novak Graphic Designer: Jeralyn Novak
Bill Pendergrass: Executive Vice President Collin Osbourn: Chief Financial Officer Lance Bauer: Field Representative and Commercial Marketing Director Sarah Davis: Membership Coordinator, Member Services & Transfers Brandi Feller: Member Service Data Entry Donna Henderson: Office Manager Jeralyn Novak: Communications Coordinator
For advertisement sales: Contact Lance Bauer at 210-464-1309 or Carey Brown with Livestock Advertising Network at 859-278-0899 Contact BBU: 118 W. Bandera Road, Boerne, TX 78006 - (210) 732-3132 - info@beefmasters.org Beefmaster Breeders United reserves the right to refuse advertising in any publications. © 2017 Beefmaster Breeders United. All rights reserved. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or part, without prior written consent of Beefmaster Breeders United.
Advertise or subscribe e Beefmaster Pay Weight 210-732-3132 jnovak@beefmasters.org beefmasters.org/commercial/beefmaster-pay-weight.php
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continued from page 1 cows per year, totaling 100 calves. The annual cost for each bull on a cow basis is $35.60 and $43.10 for Scenario 1 and Scenario 2, respectively. Annual bull cost consists of all ownership costs, including pasture, feed/mineral, veterinary
and depreciation expenses. Therefore, Scenario 2 bull only costs $7.50 per cow more annually to purchase and own compared to the lower quality bull in Scenario 1. This means that bull’s calves only have to bring $7.50 to breakeven and pay for the better quality bull.
Tom Lasater closed his herd to outside genetics in 1937 , thus marking the genesis of the world’s most functional and productive beef breed—Beefmasters.
What makes Beefmasters unique?
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• Developed for economics using the Six Essentials ™
• Maximum retained heterosis • heat tolerant and insect resistant • Legendary hardiness and mothering ability • Balancing optimum gains, reproductive efficiency and Beef Chain profitability . • Über efficient grazers • Easy-going, intelligent cattle
EPD
4519
CED
4.2
BW
0
WW
38
5%
YW
60
10%
MILK
10
25%
TMAT
29
10%
MCE
3.9
10%
SC
1.7
1%
REA
.62
5%
IMF
.3
$T
$107
$M
$36
Now, let’s take a look at the revenue side of the equation. All calves will be weaned at the same time in early October. Calves from Scenario 1 bull will wean at 535 pounds, valued at $1.35 pound or $722 per head. Scenario 2 bull will sire calves with heavier weaning weights at 600 pounds valued at $1.32 per pound or $789 per head. This is an increase in total value of $67 per calf for the heavier calves from the better bull. The better bull from Scenario 2 will wean a calf that has a positive net difference of about $59 more per calf ($67 minus $7.50) or a total of $1,475 more
Years
1937
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for the 25 head of calves sired by this bull annually. The total additional purchase cost of the better bull can be easily be made up in the first calving season. As calf prices decline and total ranch profit diminishes, producers must look to increase profits by purchasing inputs that provide a profitable return to the ranch. The above example demonstrates how reducing input costs by decreasing the quality of genetics likely does not result in increased profits.
Dr. Robert Wells Livestock Consultant Noble Research Institute
2017
RANK 25%
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56
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Trich & fertility-tested • Gain & carcass data • Breed-leading EPDs Tough, athletic & ready • Free delivery available Choice groups of registered females available at the sale! Bull Sale Headquarters: Rodeway Inn—325.944.2578
Lorenzo Lasater San Angelo, Texas 325.656.9126 lorenzo@isabeefmasters.com www.isabeefmasters.com
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Proper winter supplemental feeding can optimize future breeding By Adam Russell, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Getting or keeping cows in proper body condition throughout the winter can optimize pregnancy rates the following season, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Dr. Jason Banta, beef cattle specialist, Overton, said cows with proper body condition scores at calving are more likely to breed back and produce healthy calves in the future. Proper nutrition and supplementation are two keys to keeping cows in good shape.
Supplemental feeding during winter months is critical to ensure cows are in optimal condition for pregnancy, calving and future breeding. Banta said 2-and 3-year-old
cows should have a body condition score of 6 or better at calving. Cows 4-years-old and older should be in a body condition score of 5 or greater at calving. Cows with a body condition score of 5 should display abundant muscle tissue. Ribs are noticeable but overall fat cover is lacking. Hooks and pins are less obvious and hips and backbone are slightly rounded versus a sharp appearance, according to the AgriLife Extension overviews.
A body condition score of 6 represents cows that are ideal at calving. Ribs are covered completely with fat and beginning to cover the rump, and muscle tissue is at its greatest.
Double L
Hay should be tested for nutritional quality, which will give producers the necessary information to help determine supplementation requirements, Banta said. Any supplementation plan should be based on three primary criteria – the nutrient requirements of the animal, the quality of available hay or roughage, and the current condition of the cows. Winter supplementation will depend greatly on what stage of production the cow is in, Banta said. Lactating cows require different amounts of supplementation than dry cows, those pregnant but not nursing a calf. “When evaluating pasture
or hay, consider the nutrient requirements of the cow,” Banta said. For example, to maintain its body condition, a lactating cow would require hay that is about 11.5 percent protein and 62-63 percent total digestible nutrients, or TDN. A dry cow in late gestation would need about 8 percent protein and 55 percent TDN. Producers should select supplements based on the cost per unit of nutrient needed, Banta said. Cubes are a common supplement used by many producers. If both energy and protein supplementation are needed, a 20 percent cube would likely be most cost effective, he said. continued on page 9
Selling
EIGHT BULLS at BEEF ON FORAGE October 21, 2017 Brenham, Texas
Double L has Produced:
Pictured at 8 years old
The PROVEN Bull Producer TANK - Record setting $42,500 bull at Beef on Forage Sale
Sired by Double L Owned by Ensor & Miller Beefmasters
Eight 2016 Beef On Forage Sons averaged over $6,800 each C941847 • 2/13/2007 GE-EPDs: CE: 1.7, BW 0.7, WW 53, YW 85, TM 28, MCE: 1.5, SC 1.2, REA 0.70, $T 144.25, $M 28.31
Double L Semen For Sale Co-Owned by:
Larry Lairmore
903/278-7623 • Foreman, Arkansas • lairmore72@yahoo.com
www.beefmasters.org continued from page 7 However, if only a protein supplement is needed, then a 40 percent cube is more cost effective. Banta said producers should start slow and build up with supplements, such as concentrates and grains, because cows are designed to consume grasses. It’s also important to feed them supplements consistently each day to avoid digestive problems such as acidosis, which can lead to founder, foot abscesses, damage to the rumen lining damage, or death. He recommends starting with no more than 2 pounds of
supplement per cow per day and slowly building up from there. Banta said producers should watch manure patties to monitor cows’ protein intake. “If patties look like they are stacking up and are firm, that tells us we need more protein supplement,” Banta said. A 40 percent cube is a good concentrated supplement source of protein, he said. Generally speaking, if cows are in good condition then 1-1.5 pounds of a 40 percent
cube or something similar is a good place to start for dry cows; 2-3 pounds per day would likely be needed
for wet cows, Banta said. If cows also need energy, then something like a 20 percent cube could be a good option. With average quality hay, a common feeding rate for dry cows would be about 2-3 pounds per day per cow or 4-6 pounds for wet cows.
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Dr. Jason Banta
Associate Professor & Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Texas AgriLife Extension Service
“Feeding amounts really depend on hay quality and other factors, so for more information I recommend visiting with a nutritionist or an AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist,” Banta said. Contact: Dr. Jason Banta, 903-834-6191, jpbanta@ ag.tamu.edu
BEEFMASTER CAPS & CUPS FOR SALE! To order a cap call Jeralyn at 210-732-3132 to pay with a credit card over the phone or email jnovak@beefmasters.org. Caps are $20 each plus shipping. We are also selling Beefmaster Breeders United RTIC 30 Oz Stainless Steel Tumbler cups for $30 each plus shipping.
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You’re Invited to the
Red River Cattlemen’s Field Day Where: Latimer Cattle Co., 11863 COUNTY ROAD 3900, Athens, Texas
When: September 30, 2017 - View Cattle @ 9:00 am Featuring: Isa Cattle Company’s Lorenzo Lasater For more info Larry Latimer 903-477-6138 or Robert Scott 469-712-019
Red River Performance Group Southeast Oklahoma
North Central Oklahoma
Aebischer Beefmasters Kent Aebischer 580-212-6924 Kentaebischer1969@ymail.com
Pickle Baby Beefmasters Chris, TY and Melinda Vann 405-880-7796 cvann405@yahoo.com
Diamond T Ranch James Thrasher 580-212-0337 Jamest@pine-net.com
South Central Oklahoma
Northeast Oklahoma Buster Beefmasters Larry Buster 918-693-4048 Larryoologah@aol.com Powell Beefmasters Bill Powell 918-331-6757 Matthewsshooter68@yahoo.com Bruce Ranch Bill and Angie Bruce 918-331-7782 william539@sbcglobal.net
Johnson Ranches J. Brad and J.Paul Johnson 580/220-9018 Southwest Missouri Wilson Farms Garrett Wilson and Family 417-775-5775 Garrett.wilson18@yahoo.com Bryant Beefmasters TJ Bryant and Family 417-399-4626 Bryanttj1@gmail.com Buttram Beefmasters Garrett Wilson and John Buttram 417-669-2450 Garrett.wilson18@yahoo.com
East Texas Latimer Cattle Company Larry Latimer and Family 903-477-6138 larrylatimer12@gmail.com North East Texas True Vine Beefmasters Jimmy Thomas and Family 469-223-8702 truevinebeefmasters@gmail.com Genesis Beefmasters Robert Scott and Family 469-712-0192 rscott1549@gmail.com Louisiana Rocking D Beefmasters Michael Deville 337/351-2938 rockingdbeefmaster@yahoo.com
t Come ou to our y! Field Da
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National coalition launches pilot research project to improve sustainability in US beef industry By Noble Research Institute Environmental, social and economic sustainability is a long-held objective of the United States beef industry and the focus of a new, national research project. McDonald’s USA, Tyson Foods, Noble Research Institute, Beef Marketing Group (BMG) and Golden State Foods announced the twoyear pilot research project that will seek methods to improve sustainability across the entire beef value chain, test metrics established by the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) and explore scalable solutions that could be applicable to beef production across the country. The Noble Research Institute, the largest, independent agricultural research organization in the United States, will coordinate and provide project management services for the overall project. “Our efforts will examine every step of beef production from the ranch to the consumer’s plate,” said Billy Cook, Ph.D., director of the Noble Research Institute Agricultural Division. “For generations, agricultural producers have found ways to increase production through more efficient practices and responsible land stewardship. This project translates this approach of continuous improvement into a real-world, systems-wide application that holds the potential to someday benefit producers and customers around the globe.” “McDonald’s is synonymous with burgers, which is why we believe we have a responsibility to help evolve our industry to produce beef in
a more sustainable way,” said Rickette Collins, McDonald’s senior director of global supply chain. “We see this program as another step forward on the journey toward a more sustainable beef supply and, through collaboration, will help develop a more sustainable and efficient beef supply chain that benefits the environment, producers and, ultimately, our customers.” Each of the five organizations involved in the project
represent a different step in the beef production chain. Ranchers who are a part of the Noble Research Institute’s Integrity Beef Alliance will raise the cattle for the project. The Integrity Beef program emphasizes progressive management methods, ranch stewardship and humane care of all livestock. BMG will feed the cattle in one of their feedyards in Kansas. BMG, which has been at the forefront of the
sustainability effort, is a cooperative that works with local farmers, cow-calf producers, stocker operators and auction markets to maximize efficiency not only in their feedyard but across the entire value chain. “Each of our collaborating organizations actively seeks new methods and innovations that ultimately lead to increased sustainability,” continued on page 15
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Not Your Granddaddy’s Beefmaster Bulls!
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Catalog & Video Available Online @ sebba.com by September 15
Arcadia Florida Stockyard 2719 NE Earnest St., Arcadia, FL 34266 • (863) 494-1808
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 1:00 PM
SELLING 100 PERFORMANCE TESTED BULLS Red and black sets of Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 bulls. Largest offering of black Beefmaster bulls to sell this year.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Bulls ready to view Wednesday thru Friday Noon, September 27-29 at Arcadia Stockyards THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 6-7 pm: Supper at Arcadia Stockyard FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 - SALE 1 PM
BULL TEST Brian Melloan, Manager 270/282-5102 melloanb@hotmail.com
SELLING 60 BEEFMASTER CROSS HEIFERS Bred to low birthweight registered Angus bulls.
HOTELS
Arcadia Stockyard Carl McKettrick, Manager 2719 NE Earnest St. Arcadia, FL 34266 863/494-1808 or 863/494-3737 Fax: 863/494-5933 carl@arcadiastockyard.com
Holiday Inn Express (863) 494-5900 2709 SE Hwy. 70, Arcadia, FL Best Western Heritage Inn & Suites (863) 773-2378 2727 US Hwy. 70 N, Wachula, FL (10 miles from sale site)
SEBBA President: Tony Moore Auctioneer: Gerald Bowie
SaleS & Service
Sale Manager – Mike Green 979/229-6563 Fax 706/675-1797 threeg1990@yahoo.com Find us on Facebook @ 3G Sales & Service
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continued from page 11
this pilot project, which complements Tyson Foods’ ongoing commitment to operate sustainably,” said Leigh Ann Johnston, Tyson Foods director of sustainability. “We’re continually exploring new ways to be more efficient in every corner of our business, including energy and water conservation, and recycling.”
said John Butler, BMG chief executive officer. “Imagine what will happen when you bring all five organizations together to examine the entire process. The possibilities of additional knowledge, improved efficiencies and new ideas are almost limitless.” BMG will send the cattle to Tyson Foods for harvesting. Some of the meat will then go to Golden State Foods, which supplies McDonald’s with some of the 100 percent beef patties served at its restaurants.
“For generations, people have loved the McDonald’s 100 percent pure beef hamburger,” said Wayne Morgan, Ph.D., Golden State Foods corporate vice president and Protein Products Group president. “Through this research, consumers will now
“We’re pleased to be part of
DOMINANT TRAITS FOR GROWTH & POWER
CF Oasis Lowell, Rick, Scott, Abe, Owen & Derrick Stonecipher 971 Old Bells Rd., Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 664-7400 Cottage Farm Genetics (731) 616-7702 Rick’s Mobile ricks@praxiscompanies.com
Top 1% EPD for WW, YW & SC, with an EPD accuracy of .9, which is unheard of for a dam. “Big Spread” genetics very small BW EPD with huge WW & YW EPD. -1 BW EPD stacked against top 1% WW & 1% YW EPD.
be able to understand the entire value chain connected to helping McDonald’s create that delicious hamburger. Consumers will also see that all of McDonald’s partners are dedicated to providing that quality hamburger in the most sustainable manner possible so that families can continue enjoying them for many years to come.”
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duction, processing and distribution.
“Consumers asked the agriculture and food production sectors to be more sustainable, and we have responded,” said Bill Buckner, president and CEO of the Noble Research Institute. “This research project is a reflection of our dedication to the agriculture industry and its The project’s participating current consumers as well as companies, cooperative and those who we hope to serve research institution are mem- in the future.” bers of the USRSB, a national coalition of public and private organizations focused on leading the effort to improve the sustainability of beef pro-
D& D BEEFMASTERS Dwight & Dianna Raburn Athens, Alabama 256.777.8568
dr20975@charter.net
14 Straight L Bar Bred Performance Bulls Sell September 29, 2017 @ SEBBA Investment Bull Sale, Arcadia, FL
High Lonesome bulls stem from proven, time tested Foundation genetics Bred to produce fertile, productive females and premium earning feeder steers High Lonesome sale bulls average Top 20% for $T and top 35% for $M
Jim Deal 615-308-8128 j.deal@comcast.net Adam Deal 615-260-8056 adam@nashvillecattleco.com
Shelbyville, Tennessee
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Maternal Power
These beautiful ladies are part of our proven donor program. If you’re looking to build a superior Beefmaster program, start right here at Windy Hills. We have more quality and depth
WH 751 (C962016)
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WH 8440 (C982445)
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CHANNAROCK FARM Rockfield, Kentucky Selling 75 Beefmaster influenced females bred to calving ease purebred Angus bulls at the
SEBBA INVESTMENT BEEFMASTER BULL AND COMMERCIAL FEMALE SALE on Friday, September 29th in Arcadia, Florida!
Cattle, Semen and Embryos for Sale Private Treaty Call Brian Melloan (270) 282-5102 or Mike Green (979) 229-6563
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JONES BEEFMASTERS
Where Quality is a POWERFUL Thing
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FIND A BREEDER Did you know there is map that you can use to locate Beefmasters breeders in your area? Step 1: Go to beefmasters.org/commercial/find-breeder.php
Step 2: Type in your zip code Voilà, a list of Beefmaster breeders in
1420
CJ’s Love Maker Sire: CF Dr. Love Dam: CJ’s Diamond Reflection C1052229 DOB 10/1/2014 Ranks in Top 1% for all Growth Traits 1.24 REA • 3.49 IMF WW 38.94, YW 66.30, Milk 8, $T 111.10, $M 21.46 CJ’s Diamond Of Soul (granddam of 1420) C917094 • DOB 1/20/2005 Ranks in Top 1% for WW, YW, $T and $M WW 49.19, YW 69.02, Milk 17, $T 122.48, $M 51.11
PRIVATE TREATY BULLS FOR SALE
Jones Beefmasters – Clark Jones PO Box 1060 • Savannah, TN 731/926-1721 • jonesbeefmasters.com Ranch Manager - Justin Williams 731/926-6459 Herd Consultant - Bruce Robbins 210/861-5136 • robbinscattle@att.net
your area magically appears! Go check it out!
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continued from page 1 Details about the evaluation: The 18 breed USMARC study evaluated 5,606 head of cattle (composed of finishing steers and growing replacement heifers) for DMI, ADG and Post Weaning Gain (PWG). DMI and ADG data were recorded over 62 to 148 day periods for both steers and heifers. PWG was calculated by dividing gain from weaning to yearling weights by the number of days between the weights. Individual animal feed intake data was measured daily as a key component of the evaluation. All animals used were from the USMARC germplasm evaluation project. continued on page 19
Colvin Beefmasters Building From The Best
Nueces Fusion x Xcited Lady
Simply Knockout Knockout x Simply Synsational
Dream Baby Panhandle Dream x WB 21/4
Dr. Jim and Pam Colvin Colvin Beefmasters 1555 Still Meadow
Seguin, TX 78155
Home: 830-372-2624 Cell: 830-401-1647 ckkcolvin@yahoo.com
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continued from page 18
always been finding a cost Using the Angus breed as a effective way to measure feed efficiency in individual base of zero (0), the other breeds were compared back animals. to the Angus as a baseline Over the past decade for both steers and heifers, new technologies, such as where they were evaluated GrowSafe Systems LLC, for efficiency using ADG have emerged as a means to and PWG during feed collect detailed individual intake data collection. animal feed intake data, Beefmasters ranked second from which individual for ADG in both steers and animal feed conversions heifers. can be extracted. With
Feed Efficiency Adds Value
the inclusion of this Feed efficiency is important powerful new individual for all sectors of the intake and conversion industry. Cattlemen have data, researchers are now known this for a long conducting exciting new time. The challenge has feed efficiency evaluations
Arrowhead Ranch Siddons Beefmasters Ranch Located in Tilden, Texas
BOB & BONNIE SIDDONS 512/261-5327 Home 361/274-3700 Ranch 512/217-3400 Mobile
M
BBU Env
ironmen tal Award Winner 2005 Winners o Perform f the McAllen a Test - th nce Award Gain ree years in a row
Walking M Cattle Co. Brien A. Moules 24561 N Dustin Road Acamp, CA 95220 209-712-6023 walkingmcattle@live.com
which are identifying more efficient animals. When one considers the impact of adding the power of genomics to the equation, the prospects of making rapid genetic improvements in the area of feed efficiency is exciting. Feed Efficiency Impacts Cow-Calf Sector Improved feed efficiency relates directly to the cowcalf operator. Annual cow maintenance costs are the largest expense in all cowcalf programs. Replacing large appetite and high maintenance cows with more feed efficient females impacts the bottom line by reducing annual cow costs. In operations where supplemental feeding is required for the cow herd, more feed efficient cows post cost savings to the bottom line. While current research is focused on measuring feed efficiency, science is also unraveling the relationship
19
between efficiency on feed vs. efficiency on pasture. Some limited research has shown that the same cattle that are efficient on feed will also be more efficient on forage. That remains to be proven in large scale projects, but scientists are working to solve the pasture efficiency question. Some efficiency researchers hypothesize that specific efficiency traits, such as Residual Feed Intake (RFI), is a maternal trait. If that is correct, the way ranchers make mating decisions in the future could be greatly impacted because selecting for feed efficiency would become as common as using birth weight EPDs. Feed Efficiency in the Feedyard The impact of feed efficiency on cattle feeders is obvious. Identifying genetics that gain more while eating less feed is a recipe for profitability. continued on page 20
BERACHIAH BEEFMASTERS Breeding Polled Beefmasters since 1982 Lawrence and Connie Shuey Dale and Karen Shuey Cassville, MO 65625 417/826-5881 417/773-0151 berachiah@centurylink.net
BROKEN b BEEFMASTERS Raising Beefmasters Since 1980
JUDITH BRENNEN & GREGG BOOTH 13834 NATHAN RIDGE LN, CYPRESS, TX 77429 832-483-7778 GBOOTH@SOUTHTRUST.COM
BUCKNER POLLED BEEFMASTERS
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Charles B. Albright 713-819-5449 chuckb1@swbell.net Lavaca County, Texas
20
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
continued from page 19 Over the past 10 years, the beef industry has focused almost exclusively on Quality Grade in our finished cattle. The push to improve marbling to earn the carcass premiums that come with it, coupled with relatively inexpensive corn, has distracted many cattle feeders away
from the importance of feed conversion to total profitability. Do you remember when the ethanol subsidies pushed corn to record prices? That was the last time the industry was vocal about the need for more feed
efficient cattle.
www.beefmasters.org
attention as the beef industry begins to seek Cattle with better feed out efficiency genetics to conversions have fewer bridge the gap to optimal, days on feed and lower cost effective production cost of gain, resulting in practices. Beefmasters serious cost savings for have been long regarded their owners. These feed as a versatile maternal efficiency upgrades come with even more value in the breed, but this feed efficiency study points out case of Beefmasters when you factor in advantages for that Beefmasters bring dressing percentage, which significant value drivers to lead to more the cattle feeder as well. pounds to This study, buoyed by add to your individual animal feed grid pricing intake technology, points worksheet. out major feed efficiency It takes a differences between breeds. historically For years Beefmasters have large Choice/ been recognized as solid Select spread feedyard performers with to override superior health, lower cost the value of gain and superior feed adding conversion combination rates. Feed of cattle efficiency, that convert coupled on feed in with higher the mid 5:1 yielding and range, post improved over 3.5 dressing ADG, dress percentages, in the 64%-65% range and adds a new hang up predominantly layer of Yield Grade 2 carcasses. added value Beefmaster steers are over the top doing just that in feedyards of today’s across the country, while grid pricing still Quality Grading at mechanisms. acceptable levels.
Crossbreeding with Beefmasters
Beefmasters are gaining
continued on page 21
CaseyBeefmasters.com Since 1948 Albany, Texas Watt:325-668-1373
Muscled - High IMF “Six Essentials” Cattle Our CUSTOMERS All Over the United States ARE The Seventh Essential
Efficiency doesn’t stop at the feed bunk. Beefmasters add efficiency through a powerful heterosis kick that will improve fertility, longevity, health, improved pay weights and overall profitability. Thanks to the strong Bos indicus base, Beefmasters are truly unique among composite breeds. According to geneticists, Beefmasters post 63% retained heterosis which is a great advantage on the maternal side. Beefmaster bulls used on high percentage Angus cows yield results that keep the cowman in business
New Cut Farms Beefmaster 15368 Sod Road Athens, AL 35611
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The Beefmaster Pay Weight
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continued from page 20 and the feedyard happy. This popular cross anchors the maternal equation with progeny being 75% British and 25% ear. Enough Bos indicus to ramp up maternal heterosis, while maintaining market and carcass acceptability of the Angus/Hereford/ Shorthorn influence. Being predominantly black-hided and showing very little ear or navel, calves of this cross consistently earn branded premiums that other black-hided calves earn. The biggest difference is the extra pounds of pay weight and replacement females that stay in the herd significantly longer than straight Bos taurus cows. All of this thanks to heterosis. Adaptability The versatility and adaptability of Beefmasters is eye opening. Many breeds talk about how adaptable they are, but Beefmasters prove it. Two of the largest markets for Beefmaster bulls are the high desert of the Northwest region and the Gulf Coast region, which stretches from Mexico all the way to Florida and
the Atlantic coastline. Ranchers in these wildly different environments use Beefmasters to anchor the maternal needs for their commercial operations. In the high desert ranchers are able to utilize more
country simply because hardier Beefmaster cross cows will travel farther to water sources than high percentage British cows. The willingness to cover more country, utilizing native pasture and thrive in higher elevations creates efficiency and provides great value to ranchers.
E6 Commercial Beefmaster Females Beefmaster Bulls for the Commercial Cattleman Chris Kauffman 501-279-8505 ckauffman@stephensgroup.com
225-921-7449 225-324-2392 MMORAN@BELLSOUTH.NET
na ouisia L e h for t an! sters i Cattlem a m f e p ip Be ississ and M
directly into some of the beef industry’s best known branded beef programs. Beefmaster sired steers have earned a reputation for meeting the carcass specifications for these demanding programs and being the most profitable cattle in those supply chains.
For cattlemen facing the challenges of fescue country, Brahman influenced genetics have been documented to handle the effects of fescue Beefmaster toxicity better than any bull users other genetic combination. in these two The efficiency advantage very different environments Beefmaster offers farmers tend to be large scale in the fescue belt is commercial herds. The impressive. Combining the feeder calves produced breed complementarity from these large herds go crossbreeding effect of Beefmaster with the predominantly Angus herds of this region yields great value, all thanks to the proven attributes of heterosis. A Systems Approach to Efficiency
Gulf Coast conditions provide a totally different set of challenges for ranchers. Hot, very humid conditions with lots of low quality forage, coupled
Heritage Cattle Company
Fred and Mary Moran 1528 HWy 10 GreensburG, La 70441
with unprecedented insect and parasite loads makes ranching in this region very challenging. The challenges of maintaining body condition scores and getting cows bred back make Beefmasters a great choice in this region. The bonus of heavier calf pay weights due to Beefmaster performance is also a nice upgrade.
21
The key to profitability is identifying the genetics and management scenarios that fit the marketing program or supply chain that your calves will eventually wind up in. continued on page 22
R
l e c o. t t a c nd & a l R J er g d i e r . jo h n t 79772 o s, t x c e p , 60 b ox 1 7 -3091 8 4 4 432
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22
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
continued from page 21 In other words streamlining your product to fit the system. There are some basic steps every cattleman can take to increase efficiency. The industry has known about these tools for some time, but have not correctly capitalized on them. Crossbreeding is the simplest way to implement efficiency and will yield the greatest return for commercial cattlemen. The benefits of direct and maternal heterosis have been documented time and time again. Implementing an organized, controlled crossbreeding program will make your entire operation more efficient. Including Beefmasters as a key ingredient will allow you to squeeze more profit out of your program.
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SILVER STATE BEEFMASTERS Since 1970
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The Beefmaster Pay Weight
www.beefmasters.org
The Differences Between $T and $M, Beefmaster Indices By Lance W. Bauer, Beefmaster Breeders United In July of 2016 Beefmaster Breeders United released two new indices to aid in cattle selection. These two indices are $M and $T, and are very different in their intended use. $M is a maternal index that balances the weaning weight of the calf with cow efficiency and should be used when keeping daughters of a bull. In order to calculate these indices, appropriate weighting is placed on the EPDs that best represent economically relevent traits. $T is a terminal index that focuses on high growth animals that are sold at weaning or ownership is retained through the feeding process. $M and $T are very useful in simplifying the process of using EPDs as a selection tool, since the individual EPDs are weighted in the calculation of the index. Once a breeder identifies the goals for the operation, choosing an animal is simplified using these tools. These two indices will help to eliminate single trait selection and place more emphasis on economically relevant traits. When using either index, it is very similar
to using individual EPDs, in that when comparing two animals the difference in the EPD numbers is how different the progeny are expected to perform. The only difference between an index and the individual EPD is that with the index an expected difference in dollar value is observed, while with an individual EPD a difference in weight or the physical measurement is observed. $M is the maternal index that is designed to balance weaning weight per cow exposed with cow maintenance and fertility. This is an index that is unique to the Beefmaster breed and places a maternal value on Beefmaster females. Dr. Matt Spangler, from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, describes $M as the profit per cow exposed, due to calf weaning weight and accounting for cow maintenance. $M is used when evaluating a bull’s
daughters, and it evaluates the WW, YW, Milk and SC EPDs. The $M index can have more values added to it as more fertility and cow efficiency type EPDs are calculated for the breed. $M can be a deceiving number since the differences in bulls tend to be smaller than the differences that can be found when looking at $T. The key to $M is that the value difference is seen in each of the bull’s female progeny for as long as she is in the herd. If a bull is producing keeper heifers consistently, that produce for a long time, then the value of that bull is continually increasing.
For example, if a producer is looking to use a bull that will produce quality females that will wean a good calf every year and is choosing between Bull A and Bull B, $M is a good tool. If Bull A has a $M of $25 and Bull B has a $M of $15, then it would be expected that each of Bull A’s daughters would return approximately $10 more per head, per year. This may seem to be a small amount, but if we assume that both bulls are with 20 cows and 10 heifers are retained each year, then after a year there is a $100 advantage for Bull A. If both bulls are used for four years with the same results continued on page 24
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Texoma Beefmaster Performance Sale March 17, 2018 - McAlester , OK
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FMC 4302 - C1052359
Owned by John & Sue Pierson and George Vinson CED
BW
WW
YW
Milk
TM
CEM
Fat
IMF
REA
SC
$T
$M
VALUE
-
73
754
1137
-
-
-
0.25
3.03
14.96
35.00
-
-
EPD
6.3
-1.3
38
63
9
28
3.4
-0.02
0.2
1.41
0.9
112.18
29.28
ACC
.38
.64
.56
.55
.20
-
.23
.50
.58
.52
.52
-
-
Semen available to commercial producers $15 per unit for 100+
24
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
continued from page 23
historical pricing for Quality Grade, the Choice/Select on keeping heifers then, there spread and Yield Grade is a $400 advantage to Bull (discounts for higher yield A. Now assume that each of grades). While $T is designed the heifers that is kept stays for retaining ownership in the herd for 10 calves, then through the feedyard, it can there is a $4,000 advantage also be useful when selecting to Bull A. This is a value to use a bull as a terminal that could be increased by using reproductive techniques, such as artificial insemination or embryo transfer, to produce even more females from a valuable bull. There is addtional benefit to $M when heifers out of Bull A’s daughters get put into production as well.
well in a feedyard, and is choosing between Bull X and Bull Y, $T would be a very informative tool to use. If Bull X has a $T of $100 and Bull Y has a $T of $60, it would be expected that Bull X’s steers would be $40 more valuable per head, on
$T is the terminal index and includes growth and carcass EPDs. This index was designed for the cattleman that retains ownership through the feedyard, it helps select for fast growing, high performing steers. The traits included in $T include: WW, YW, REA, and IMF EPDs, these traits have been balanced to select for steers that will do well when priced on the grid. It makes these estimates by taking these traits into account, as well as
average. In this situation if both bulls are used on 20 cows and you produce 10 steers, then after one year Bull X is worth $400 more. If both of these bulls are used for four years in the herd with the same results, then Bull X becomes worth $1,600 more. This value could be even more beneficial if artificial insemination was used and more steer calves from Bull X were produced each year.
sire because of the type of animal it is geared to select for. When using this index, a good representation is given of how a bull’s steer progeny should perform against the average of the Beefmaster breed or another bull in the breed. When selecting and using $T it is important to take into account the number of steers that will be marketed out of the bull. For example, if a producer is selecting for a bull to produce steers that will do
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in selecting animals to breed and both serve different purposes. $M focuses on the maternal traits and is unique to the Beefmaster breed. It highlights the maternal efficiency of the breed and can be used when retaining heifers is the goal of the producer. $T is the terminal index that focuses on high performing animals and is very useful to the producer that is retaining ownership through the feedyard. These two indices are very valuable in that they help reduce single trait selection and place appropriate weight on economically relevant traits that are represented by EPDs. The value of these differences may not look like much of a difference, but because of the number of calves and years that the individual is used in the herd, there is much more than the apparent value.
Lance W. Bauer
Field Representative and Commercial Marketing Director Beefmaster Breeders United
$M and $T are useful tools
Ty Agee Beefmasters Bulls offered for sale at:
Beef on Forage Performance Bull Sale October 21, 2017 in Brenham, TX Texoma Beefmaster Sale March 17, 2018 in McAlester, OK
Selling Purebred and Commercial Beefmaster Cattle
Ty Agee Memphis, Tennessee 901.486.7000
BEEFMASTER Pay Weight The Beefmaster Pay Weight
www.beefmasters.org
the
25
a publication dedicated to serving commercial cattlemen and produced by Beefmaster Breeders United FALL 2017
Vol. 3, No. 2
Section 2
www.beefmasters.org
Genomic Testing for Commercial Producers with Beefmaster genetics – What the Future Holds‌ By Dr. J R Tait, Neogen GeneSeek Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) producers invest a lot of time and money into record keeping, collecting data, genotyping, and calculation of genomic enhanced expected progeny
differences (GE-EPDs) to improve their herds and offer better Beefmaster bulls to commercial bull buyers. Commercial cattle producers who use Beefmaster genetics benefit from this by buying
better bulls each year. Can they use genomic tools to select the more productive replacement heifers for their own cowherd? Absolutely! Beefmaster Breeders United and Neogen GeneSeek in Lincoln, Neb., are developing genomic profiles that will empower ranchers to select the best replacement heifers within commercial Beefmaster herds. This new test, Igenity
Tank 376
Beefmaster, will help producers use DNA predictions to rank heifers and make selection decisions based on genetic needs for their production goals. Development of the Igenity Beefmaster predictions are based on the hard work that Beefmaster breeders have done for decades to collect phenotypes and compare those data with the outcome of genetic tests. These results are reported through Igenity Beefmaster as molecular continued on page 26
SONS FOR SALE AT BEEF ON FORAGE & TEXOMA BEEFMASTER BULL SALES
C1031779
Record Setting Bull 2014 BEEF ON FORAGE SALE TOP 1% WW, YW, SC, REA, $T
Miller Rocking M
Larry & Janet Miller 512.303.1216 ldmiller57@yahoo.com
EPD
CED
BW
WW
YW
MILK
TM
0.4
1.5
53
7
33
1
86 1
% EPD %
5
CEM
SC
REA
IMF
$T
$M
1.4
1.4
0.72
-0.1
145.97
33.44
1
1
1
5
Ensor Beefmasters Derick & Ashley Ensor 979.575.4092 derickensor@gmail.com
26
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
continued from page 25 breeding values (MBVs) for the same traits that are represented in the Beefmaster
Neogen can convert them to a common “currency”. This set of genotypes will be used to develop Igenity Beefmaster
specific prediction equations for the same EPD traits that BBU reports. This allows the Igenity Beefmaster profile to create a MBV for new commercial animals by just sampling their DNA (tissue sample, blood, or hair follicles) and performing the genomic
www.beefmasters.org
test to calculate the MBV from those prediction equations, no pedigree or EPD genetic evaluation required like the GEEPD process used by BBU breeders. What is the process? When a producer decides to perform Igenity Beefmaster testing, they will contact BBU to order tissue sampling supplies. Samples are collected with animal identification and candidate sire and dam information, if parentage determination is desired. continued on page 27
EPDs. In addition, the system is simplified by also scaling the MBVs on a simple 1 to 10 basis (Figure 1). These scores tend to be easier for commercial producers to wrap their heads around and can be helpful in that regard. While seedstock producers intensely evaluate EPDs and pedigrees, commercial producers often prefer to look at groups of cattle and use data to sort them at a glance into rankings of high and low genetic potential for maternal, performance, or carcass qualities. Trend to breed-specific DNA profiles As technology for genotyping cattle becomes more available and affordable, many breeds are following the Beefmaster example to create tests that are customized for seedstock and commercial cattle in their marketplace. Working as a team, BBU staff, thirdparty genetic evaluation service providers, and Neogen will use genotypes and phenotypes in the Beefmaster library of data to its full potential. While the historical genotype panels were collected through the years on a variety of technology platforms,
Welcome to the cutting edge Our new GGP lineup delivers amazing power to genomically enhance your EPDs. Today, you can plan, select and manage young seedstock with the prediction accuracy of older bulls siring several calf crops. You can save years on your herd goals – for less than it costs to fill up with gas. We not only make DNA testing easy. We make it profitable. From fast sampling of calf DNA to quick turn-around with new products that work in powerful synergy. There are exciting new ways to put genomics to work. And we would love to be your partner as you brand your legacy in the 21st Century cattle industry.
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The Beefmaster Pay Weight
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continued from page 26
sure cows get bred if a single bull were to go bad during The samples will be sent to the breeding season. But BBU, where the information how do you know which bull will be checked, a submission did the most work for you? to the Neogen system will Igenity Beefmaster will use be created, and the samples standard parentage markers and order information will for animals with Bos taurus be sent for the genotyping and Bos indicus backgrounds and result creation. Within so genetic tests on profiled about 14 days of sample calves can be compared to receipt, Neogen will genetic data from sires on the have extracted the DNA, ranch. performed the genomic testing, performed quality If a Beefmaster bull was control, and calculated the already parent verified in Igenity Beefmaster profile the BBU database or has for reporting back to BBU genomically enhanced and the producer. The data EPDs, the parentage SNPs will then be available so the are already available for producer can begin to make parentage testing on his selection and marketing calves. If a bull hasn’t had decisions. those tests himself, he will need a sample collected as Parentage testing well. A simple BBU parentage Getting cows bred is the only test on each of those sires is way to create value in the an affordable way to get the future. Sometimes adding full bull battery in the system another bull to the breeding for parentage analysis. This pasture is insurance to make will give producers a method
of assessing productivity of their bulls, see which are siring the best calves and heifers and evaluate their breeding program.
27
dead reckoning.
With Igenity Beefmaster producers will be able to evaluate which cows and heifers fit in a production Selection Considerations or marketing plan. The genetic profiling can be For several traits there done with samples collected are optimums for each at birth, branding time, environment, ranch preconditioning, or weaning. resources, and management The rule of thumb is, the style. Historically, sooner you know, the better. beef specialists have With DNA test results in recommended knowing hand, selection decisions can the EPD profile of the bulls be made and replacements used in a herd and tracking and feeder heifers can be the daughters of those bulls managed differently. These to know if extreme levels keep/cull decisions can be of certain EPDs (like milk, very important for longgrowth, or muscling) lead term economic opportunity. to cows that leave the herd Knowing the genetic too quickly. Today you can potential for traits allows use DNA tests to avoid a producer to make more many of these problems. informed decisions about the Heifers can be retained based production and marketing on accurate predictions, options available to them. replacing traditional means of collecting records for years continued on page 28 and trying to navigate by
Gattis Cattle Company, LLC OUTSTANDING EYE APPEAL & EXTRAORDINARY EPDS
CF 320/4 C1045835 $25 / STRAW WITH AI CERTIFICATE
GattisCattle.com
CED
BW
WW
YW
Milk
TM
MCE
Fat
IMF
REA
SC
$T
$M
VALUE
-
80
862
1152
-
-
-
0.16
2.19
12.99
35.00
77.69
23.95
EPD ACC
3.3 .37
0.0 .55
30 .55
45 .54
7 .21
22 -
3.2 .24
-0.03 .52
0.1 .59
0.13 .54
0.6 .39
Dan Gattis
1850 County Road 105, Hutto, TX 7863
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BEEFMASTER GENOMICS
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The Beefmaster Pay Weight
continued from page 27
producers to sort their heifers into “momma-cow” heifers or “feedlot” heifers based on their genetic potential for traits appropriate for each of those objectives. Bulls with strong maternal profiles or terminal characteristics can be mated with heifers dedicated either to raising strong cow families or creating highly productive feeder cattle.
The good news is, commercial cattle producers can use the same genomic technologies in their cow herd that they benefit from when they purchase a Beefmaster sire with GE-EPDs. Characterizing the genetic potential of Beefmaster cattle with their combination of Bos indicus and Bos taurus background is important for the production Should steers be sold at environments where weaning or should the Beefmaster cows thrive. producer consider retained ownership to capture the value of the genetic improvements they have made? Knowing the genetic potential of the heifers can lead a producer in a sound direction on the Based on the same selection management and marketing indexes BBU has created for of the heifers’ steer mates, seedstock breeders, it will as well. Alternatively, be possible for commercial
documenting the genetic potential of steers at sale time may be an opportunity to differentiate your herd from the rest of the feeder calf market, creating value for your operation.
www.beefmasters.org
with Neogen to make the Igenity Beefmaster profiles available for all of these same traits as a tool for selection that fits the way producers manage and market their cattle.
A partnership that works With a good view of the cow herd’s DNA profile, BBU experts and breeders can recommend specific bulls to match the gains needed in the cow herd. Members of BBU are working hard every day: identifying calves at birth; recording birth dates; recording individual weights at birth, weaning, and beyond; and collecting ultrasound body composition data to make genetic progress on all of these traits. Beefmaster Breeders United is committed to helping commercial producers make better use of their investments in Beefmaster genetics by collaborating
Dr. J R Tait
Director of Genetics Product Development Neogen GeneSeek
beefmasters.org
Producing Foundation Beefmasters for South Louisiana You’re Invited to the
Louisiana BBA Cowboy Classic Sale
Saturday November 4, 2017 11:00am Burton Coliseum Arena Lake Charles, La.
L-Habanero
I - O - C Beefmasters Dwight & Julie Bertrand Elton, Louisiana 337-368-9112 ioccattle@hotmail.com
Rocking D Beefmasters Michael James Deville Opelousas, Louisiana 337-351-2938 rockingdbeefmaster@yahoo.com
Pine Tree Acres M. Gene Haymon Leesville, Louisiana 337-238-3788 genehaymon@gmail.com
Replacement Females & Bulls Available
29
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
www.beefmasters.org
Performance Tested Black & Red Beefmaster Bulls & Females FOR SALE McKenzie’s Beefmasters Kendall & Vivian McKenzie 57426 Hilltop Church Road Angie, LA 70426 985-848-5468 985-335-7123 5M Beefmasters Geary & Ann McKenzie 54081 Hwy 62 Franklinton, LA 70438 985-848-5800 985-515-2306
Triple Threat BW
WW
YW
Milk
TM
SC
VALUE
72
775
1,105
-
-
EPD
-4.0
36
62
4
22
1.2
Percentile
5
15
15
95
-
5
Herd Bulls Also Include: Exodus - a CHRK Genesis son BW
WW
YW
Milk
TM
SC
REA
IMF
FAT
61
740
870
-
-
36.00
10.17
2.01
0.12
$T
$M
REA
IMF
FAT
$T
$M
VALUE
39.00 16.40
2.66
0.21
-
-
EPD
-1.2
26
44
7
20
0.5
0.41
0.2
-0.02
77.20
20.03
0.08
0.1
0.0
107.40
27.76
Percentile
15
40
50
75
-
35
30
10
80
45
35
60
20
95
15
20
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CJ’s Lead On - CF Adrenaline X CJ’s Diamond of Soul (509) BW
WW
YW
Milk
TM
SC
REA
IMF
FAT
$T
$M
VALUE
62
800
1,307
-
-
39.00
14.59
3.34
0.31
-
-
EPD
-0.1
47
73
12
35
1.1
0.34
0.4
-0.01
130.80
37.82
Percentile
30
5
5
15
-
10
40
5
95
5
5
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beefmasters.org/commercial/beefmaster-pay-weight.php
Come to LouIsiana for Your Next Beefmaster! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2017 @ 11:00AM
Louisiana BBA Cowboy Classic Sale Burton Coliseum Arena in Lake Charles
BULLS & FEMALES SELL!
for additional bulls & females contact these Beefmaster breeders! LOUISIANA BEEFMASTER BREEDERS ASSOCIATION President: Dwight Bertrand 337-368-9112 Elton, La.
Vice-President: Raymond Fulco 318-933-8626 Keatchie, La.
Sales Chair: Kendall McKenzie 985-848-5468 Angie, La.
30
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
www.beefmasters.org
McManusBeefmasters.com Lake Charles, Louisiana 337/526-5717
r o i r r a W m a Dre
Rock Star
Bulls selling at these upcoming sales:
LBBA Cowboy Classic - November 4, 2017 - Lake Charles, La. Collier Farms Bull Sale - November 18, 2017 - Brenham, Texas
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
www.beefmasters.org
31
Injectable Trace Minerals Boost Immunity By Gilda V. Bryant
In spite of good animal husbandry practices, stocker or feedlot calves can become ill with a variety of diseases. Sick animals lose weight with subsequent poor weight gain, plus they tend to be more susceptible to ailments as they grow older. Many times, all attempts to treat these animals fail, and calves die.
The most common causes of illnesses seen in cattle are various viruses, including the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV-1), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and the parainfluenza 3 virus (PI3V). Throw in varieties of bacteria such as Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica, and infected Bovine Respiratory Disease animals can have a high rate (BRD) has a tremendous ecoof illness and death. nomic impact on the cattle industry both in the United Newly received and highStates and abroad. The USDA ly stressed young calves are Animal and Plant Health most often at-risk, especially Inspection Services (APHIS), if they have had incomplete reports that BRD occurs in immunizations or no im16.2 percent of cattle in U.S. munizations at all. Animals feedlots. These daunting that have had marginal nufigures include cattle that trition with poor mineral receive vaccines along with supplementation tend to have protection from various lev- more health problems. They els of biosecurity. are exposed to stressors that impair immune functions,
such as weaning, comingling with calves of different infectious levels and spending as much as 30 hours on a truck without food and water. Once unloaded, they must quickly adapt to a new environment. Stressed calves often display decreased appetite, resulting in nutrient deficiencies, which further impair immune function.
(ITM) accompany vaccines, calves display earlier and stronger immune responses.
Research has shown that trace minerals, such as copper, zinc, manganese and selenium, play a vital role in immune function in young animals. For example, when injectable trace minerals
In a recent University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine study, 30 normal male Holstein calves continued on page 32
D E K O O R C Y Butch & Mary Ann Casey CASE Harahan, LA C R BA 504.908.7788 gspbutch@bellsouth.net FARM CBC DU KE Semen Av
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BW
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continued from page 31
lar immune response to BVDV. ITM also induced received an MLV (modifaster and higher immune fied-live virus) vaccines with response to Pasteurella BHV1, BVDV1, BRSV, and multocida and the rate of PI3V and an attenuated-live increase in antibody titer bacterin. These three-month This study indicates that ITM to Mannheimia haemolytold calves were divided into supplements lead to positive ica was higher in the ITM two groups. The control responses to vaccination. group compared to the group received a subcutaThe ITM group had a higher control group. neous (Sub-Q) injection of response to BVDV, BHV-1, sterile saline, while the ITM and BRSV. Giving ITM con- Calves receiving ITM had group received a Sub-Q incurrently with MLV vaccine elevated concentrations of jection containing trace min- resulted in higher levels of selenium, manganese, and erals, copper, zinc, mangaantibodies to BVDV than the copper in the liver on days nese and selenium. control group. Seven days 21 and 56, while the conafter the initial vaccination, trol group had a dramatThree weeks after receiving the ITM group had a higher ic drop in selenium and vaccinations, researchers response to BRSV than the copper. gave calves a booster of the control group. Additionally, same vaccine and another continued on page 33 calves that received ITM had injection of ITM or sterile saa stronger and earlier cellu-
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line, depending on the group. After running extensive tests on blood and liver biopsy samples, researchers analyzed the results.
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continued from page 32 Researchers at Cornell University conducted a similar study of 790 Holstein heifer calves. They were not deficient in trace minerals and had received passive immunity from their mothers. Within 12 hours after birth, researchers fed them raw colostrum and then pasteurized milk twice a day. Researchers injected ITMs on days three and 30 after birth. The data from this study suggests that ITM supplements increased immunity and antioxidant status in these calves. Ani-
mals that received trace mineral treatment had a reduced incidence of scours, ear infections and pneumonia compared to the control group. Injectable trace mineral studies are ongoing to determine the complete effects of this supplementation on immune response. What does this research mean for beef cattle producers? These studies may influence management decisions, such as treating calves with injectable trace minerals when giving vaccinations to increase their
Hargis Ranch
immune response. If animals avoid serious infections, they are likely to stay healthy, with a higher average daily gain. That means less antibiotic use and treatment expense, saving the rancher or feedlot
producer precious time and money because he is not treating sick calves. When following dosage instructions, the producer continued on page 34
Wallace Steers Ready For Harvest
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Foundation Breeding Chris & Jessica Hargis
5710 E. 2030 Road, Waurika, OK 73573 Chris: 580.313.1356 hargisranch@yahoo.com
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Bulls & Females For Sale Private Treaty or at these sales
Beef On Forage Performance Bull Sale October 21, 2017 Brenham, Texas Texoma Beefmaster Sale March 17, 2018 McAlester, Okla.
We would like to say “Thank You” to our valued customers over the years!
Wallace Beefmasters Barry & Joy Wallace • Tom, Kyle & Kallie Wallace 3081 Hwy 575 • Magnolia, MS 39652
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33
34
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
continued from page 33 have received adequate trace minerals. Healthy animals have better carcass quality, which adds more money to the bottom line. Reproductive performance increases, as well, which is especially important to rebuilding America’s herds. Injectable trace minerals are another valuable tool beef producers can use to protect
www.beefmasters.org
their animals.
Gilda V. Bryant
Bryant is a freelance writer specializing in agricluture and livestock. She is based out of Amarillo, Texas.
Lone Star Beefmaster Breeders Association
FALL SALE ual n n A t 1s
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Sale
Only The Best Will Sell 50 Cows & 20 Bulls.
Steak Dinner Friday night after the judging.
December 2nd Saturday • 11 a.m.
Come kick back and relax at the 2017 Beefmaster Breeders United Convention!
October 26 - 28, 2017 Galveston, Texas
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center
HOPKINS COUNTY CIVIC CENTER From I-30, go north on Hwy. 19 and right on Houston St.
Paul & Rhonda Wallen
Lockwood, Mo. 417-808-0296 wallenprairieranch@yahoo.com www.wallenprairieranch.com
Join us on Facebook: Paul-Rhonda Wallen
Viewing all day Friday Dec 1 with judging at 3pm by 5 man panel.
For additional information or a sale catalog contact the sale manager or visit us online at anthonymihalski.com
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“Serving all of your bulk commodity needs” Doug Husfeld 830.998.2023 doug@tallgrass.us LONE STAR BBA: Robert Williams – President – 817-946-4431 Randy Cook – Treasurer 214-507-2889 Debbie Cheatham – Secretary – 972-979-8556 Jerry Davis – Sale Chairman – 214-802-4913 Kelly Cup – Director – 903-453-5735 Chris Fannin – Director – 903-456-1556 William Hall – 817-374-3090 Garth LaGrone – 903-692-2008 Lynette Williams – 817-929-0144
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35
The Role of Bud Banks in a Grazed World By Morgan Russell, PhD, Range Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Mixed-grass prairies of the southern Great Plains evolved following frequent disturbances such as drought, recurrent fire, and extensive grazing. As a result of reoccurring disturbances, native grasses have adapted their reproductive mechanisms to withstand frequent disturbance. For example, native perennial grasses that dominate grasslands reproduce primarily through vegetative reproduction. Vegetative reproduction is the primary driver of aboveground production and growth, producing more than 99% of new tiller growth. For example, >99% of aboveground stems in undisturbed mixed-grass prairie are recruited from buds while <1% are recruited
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from seeds. Even in grazed or disturbed sites in mixedgrass prairie, belowground buds make a significantly larger contribution to plant recruitment than seeds. Few grass seeds persist in the soil more than 5 years, with the seeds of some species living less than 1 year. Although a plant population’s long-term adaptation potential relies upon sexual reproduction via seed to enable shifts in genetic diversity to occur, short-term resiliency of grassland structure and function, including factors such as biomass and community composition, is mediated by the bud bank. Therefore, the belowground bud bank is the ultimate source of recruitment for new tillers. Through tiller recruitment from a bud bank,
These vegetative buds are well-protected against fire,
Figure 1. Vegetative basal buds belonging to blue grama, a dominant native perennial grass of the Great Plains.
grazing, and drought as a result of their evolutionary history and growth forms. Since vegetative reproduction is the primary driver of aboveground growth, characterizing bud response following fire can improve the timing of recommended prescribed burns and grassland assessment for post-fire grazing following wildfire. continued on page 36
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continued from page 35 Native perennial grasses reproduce 99% of new tiller growth through wellprotected and densely structured axillary buds, which is an example of reproductive mechanisms. Since vegetative buds are the primary driver of aboveground growth, bud response to differing seasons and fire return intervals, as well as season of grazing, may reveal strategies to
enhance bud dynamics. The timing of fire and grazing takes dormant buds of native perennial grasses and transitions them into active buds. Belowground bud characteristics differed among species, where warmseason grasses produced the most buds (6 ± 4 buds tiller-1), and cool-season grasses contained the least amount of buds (3 ± 3). Fire treatments did not result in
immediate, direct mortality of buds belonging to any native perennial grasses. However, fire treatments enhanced bud activity and reduced dormancy of bud banks. Season of fire, fire return interval, and grazing season directly manipulated bud activity, dormancy, and mortality for native perennial grasses throughout two or more growing and dormant seasons following fire and grazing.
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Figure 2. Vegetative lateral buds belonging to vine mesquite, a warm-season grass found in the Southern Great Plains.
continued on page 37
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continued from page 36 In a different study, understanding the dynamics of bud banks and their contribution to community regeneration in response to different grazing regimes is essential for implementing an effective grassland management. Since grazing exclusion has a suppressing effect on vegetative regeneration from the bud bank when ramets come from rhizomes, appropriate grazing is necessary for community regeneration in the grassland. Other research findings (Qian J et al., 2014) indicate that to restore pastures to dominant native perennial grass vegetation, short-term rather than longterm enclosures are needed. Effective us of prescribed burning and grazing can be used to manipulate bud bank
dynamics as a management tool and belowground bud dynamics can also be used to improve post-fire management strategies in wildfire situations. Bud bank knowledge can equip Morgan L. Russell, Ph.D. producers and land managers with improved decisionDepartment of Ecosystem Science and Management making skills in post-fire management decisions. Assistant Professor and Extension For producers who have Range Specialist experienced wildfires, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension understanding short-and Service - San Angelo, Texas long-term fire effects on bud banks can sustain ranch and grass productivity by making improved grazing management choices postfire.
FIND A BREEDER Did you know there is map that you can use to locate Beefmasters breeders in your area? Step 1: Go to beefmasters.org/commercial/find-breeder.php
Step 2: Type in your zip code VoilĂ , a list of Beefmaster breeders in your area magically appears! Go check it out!
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San Pedro Ranch Producing functionally efficient, fertile, low input Beefmaster cattle with good dispositions, who thrive in harsh environments. All cattle are raised on grass, not feed! All cattle are enrolled in Whole Herd Reporting, genotyped, DNA tested, parent verified, and scanned for carcass data Selling replacements, bred/open cows, and bulls
Come see our bulls at the upcoming 56th Isa Beefmaster Bull Sale on October 7, 2017!
www.sanpedroranch.com Fitzsimons & Howard Families @sanpedroranch
37
Dr. Chase Currie PO Box 349 Carrizo Springs, TX 78834 (832) 228-2752 Chase@sanpedroranch.com
Hands On Ranch Raised Efficient Productive Uniform
Collier Farms Performance Bull Sale - Nov. 18 - Brenham, Texas Live Oak BBA Bull Sale - January 6, 2018 - Three Rivers, Texas
Private Treaty cattle available at the ranch Registered Beefmaster Cattle - Frozen Embryos & Semen 2016 Ranch Bred AQHA Colts
V7 Beefmasters Melvin & Marilyn Scherer 1495 Moritz Road Meyersville, TX 77974 melvinscherer@yahoo.com
7C Anderson Cattle Co. Steve & Michelle Anderson PO Box 2549 Victoria, TX 77902 andersstev@aol.com 361-877-2577
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39
Numbers Don’t Lie: The Epley Philosophy By Jeralyn Novak, Beefmaster Breeders United Raising cattle is not for the faint of heart, and this is especially true in the harsh brush country of South Texas. There are years of extreme heat and drought, so only the toughest cattle and the toughest people can survive. Rancho Tres Hijos is tucked deep in the brush just outside of Tilden, Texas and this ranch has not only survived in years of extreme drought but has thrived under the ownership of Arthur “Bub” and Nancy Epley.
breeding solid, performancebased cattle, while also being large contributors to the Beefmaster breed and Beefmaster Educational
The Epleys have been raising Beefmaster cattle on Rancho Tres Hijos since 1996. Over the past twenty years of being Endowment Foundation in the Beefmaster business, (B.E.E.F.). the Epleys have become well known for their dedication to Bub Epley grew up in
LOW-PROTEIN FORAGE?
Magnolia, Ark., and he currently resides in Houston, Texas with his wife Nancy. When the couple is not in Houston with their
grandchildren, they are found at the ranch with their cattle. After purchasing the ranch in 1995, the Epleys
soon enlisted help from their close friend Jim Wells to get started in the cattle business. “Jim suggested that we purchase Beefmasters, so we bought our first heifers from Fred Brauchle, one of the legends in the Beefmaster breed,” says Bub Epley. During their first three years in the cattle business the Epleys were able to pick out the best heifers from Fred Brauchle’s herd. These cattle became the foundation of the Rancho Tres Hijos herd over twenty years ago and today the ranch is home to 100 Beefmaster cows spread out over 3,000 acres. Since those early days of purchasing heifers until today, continued on page 41
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continued from page 39
the cattle.”
the Epleys have admired the numerous traits that Beefmaster cattle offer. However, the most important trait to Bub and Nancy is the docility and gentle nature of the cattle.
The gentle nature of the cattle in the pasture and in the chute made it an easy decision to start utilizing artificial insemination (AI) in breeding practices at the ranch. The Epleys have been using AI on their heifers and “They are very gentle and cows since 1998. They AI docile and easy to handle. about 85-90% of their cows They aren’t dangerous and and then turn the cows out that has made it very nice for with one of their four clean my family to enjoy,” says Bub. up bulls. “We also love the growth of “We think AI is the least expensive way to bring diversity and improve the quality of your herd,” says Bub. “We have been able to significantly alter and improve our EPDs through utilizing AI.” The Epleys are always focused on success and implementing herd management practices that ensure
profitable and productionoriented cows. The first step to that success is artificial insemination and the second step to success is collecting weights. Birth weights and weaning weights have been collected at Rancho Tres Hijos since the Epleys started in the cattle business. “After a few years of hauling cattle to be weighed, we invested in a scale because it became a pain to haul the cattle every time we needed weights measured. I encourage everyone to purchase a cattle scale,” says Epley. The use of AI and the collection of weights has enabled Rancho Tres Hijos to be a top performance Beefmaster breeder. According to Executive Vice President Bill Pendergrass, the Epleys have some of the strongest EPDs in the breed. These strong and accurate EPDs can be attributed to the Epleys’ dedication to collecting weights on all their cattle, as well as collecting ultrasound data. The third step in the Epley success
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began almost ten years ago when they began using ultrasound technology to measure ribeye area, rump fat, rib fat and percentage of intramuscular fat (marbling). “Ultrasound confirms what your eyes see,” says Epley. Epley uses ultrasound data along with EPD data to determine the performance of the cattle and decide which cattle to sell. The data not only helps with breeding decisions, but it also makes the cattle more marketable when selling to commercial cattlemen or other Beefmaster breeders. “It is a great tool when deciding which animals to sell and which animals to keep for breeding.” Mr. Epley is a firm believer that the more ultrasound measurements and more EPD data we have as a breed makes our cattle more marketable. “Hard data is hard to argue against,” says Epley. continued on page 43
DOMINATE YOUR HERD WITHDOMINATOR
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C1060457 #1 Ranked Bull Beef on Forage Sale 2016 #2nd Highest Selling Bull Beef on Forage Sale 2016 CED: 4.5 BW: 0 WW: 37 YW: 68 Milk: 8 TM: 26 CEM: 4 SC: 1.1 REA: .38 IMF: -0.1 FAT: -0.03 $T: 114.76 $M: 23.68 co-owned by: St. Clair Beefmasters Craig & Karen Johnson 417-876-7285 craigjohnson12@hotmail.com Double D Ranch Jerry & Barbara Davis 918-231-7009 swrr01@gmail.com
Longest herd collecting feed efficiency data and feed intake data in the Beefmaster breed. Multi-trait selection for balance, meeting the demands of commercial and registered cattlemen. All sires being used rank in the top 20% of the breed for Weaning Weight, Yearling Weight, Scrotal Circumference, $T and $M Intake data averages on over 120 bulls tested sired by our herd sires: ADG 3.58 FCR 6.72 / 1 RFI -0.3 (silage based ration)
MAVERICK
NEW DESIGN
RYDIN DIRTY
ADG 4.66 FCR 5.51 / 1 RFI -1.13
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continued from page 41 The combination of artificial insemination, ultrasound data and weight collection has allowed the Epleys to develop an outstanding operation that is performance based, numbers
based and quality based. This performance data that is collected on the Epley ranch is an important tool when it
comes time to make culling decisions. The fourth step in the Epley success story is harsh culling practices. “I cull 50% of my bulls and 10% of my heifers every year. We cull at weaning time and we cull at yearling time,” says
Epley. Every year the Epleys, along with the guidance of retired Beefmaster Breeders United
(BBU) field representative John Newborn, cull their cattle and they attribute a lot of their success to their harsh culling practices. “We cull pretty hard to ensure we raise the best genetics.” This combination of harsh culling, collecting weights, ultrasound scanning and utilizing artificial insemination has put Rancho Tres Hijos’ cattle at the top of the breed. While the cattle are at the top of the breed, the Epleys are also at the top with their involvement in the association. Bub Epley has served in various volunteer
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43
roles within BBU and is currently on the South Texas Beefmaster Breeders Association board of directors. Previous positions include Live Oak Beefmaster Breeders Association board member, BBU board member, chairman of the international committee for three years and a member of several other committees. The list is long for Epley involvement. “Getting involved in BBU helps us learn and provides great opportunity to become friends with other Beefmaster breeders,” says Epley. “It is fun to get involved”.
Jeralyn Novak Communications Coord. Beefmaster Breeders United
BMW Beefmasters Billy and Marie Welkener
Kenedy and Pawnee, Texas • 361-362-4224 • mbwelkener@gmail.com consigning Beefmaster cattle in the following sales:
Live Oak BBA Fall Sale - Gonzales, Texas - September 30, 2017 South Texas BBA Buccaneer Classic - Robstown, Texas - October 14, 2017 Carrs and Others Beefmaster Sale - Floresville, Texas - October 21, 2017 Live Oak BBA Bull Sale - Three Rivers, Texas - January 5, 2018
44
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WPR’S THE TOTAL PACKAGE (C954388) X PIERSON 2580 (C998887) CED
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TOTMAT
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EPD
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J & K 1001 (C993059) X MEACHAM 0714 (C995332)
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CED
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IMF
FAT
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6.2
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33
58
10
26
3.7
0.9
1.26
0.2
-0.02
% RANK
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15%
15%
5%
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5%
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102.30 26.68 10%
10%
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BW
WW
YW
MILK
TOTMAT
MCE
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REA
IMF
FAT
EPD
0.2
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8
28
3.5
0.7
0.16
0.1
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25%
10%
55%
20%
55%
10% 75%
$T
$M
102.40 25.51 10%
BULL SALE • SAT., OCT. 14, 2017
1 PM • PICKENS, MS RANCH | 1479 STOCKYARD RD ANGUS • ULTRABLACK • BRANGUS BEEFMASTER BULLS SELL • SAT., OCT 21, 2017
BEEF ON FORAGE BULL SALE, BRENHAM, TX
661 C RobertPANTONE Williams, Ph. D. | General Manager Owners: Ted, Julie, Logan & Evan Cain PANTONE 7497 C 816.519.1179 www.caincattle.com rwilliams@caincattle.com
10%
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Drought-Related Cattle Feeding Problems
By The University of Georgia Extension - Reviewed by Carole H. Knight, County Extension ANR Agent – Bulloch County Drought does not develop overnight but progressively over time. Proper management during a drought period can make or break a producer’s ability to stay in the cattle business. One main concern during a drought period is feeding and nutrition of the cow herd. Several problems could arise due to drought conditions. A good producer should stay alert for warning signs and avoid potentially damaging situations. Nitrate Toxicity. Hay cut under moisture stress conditions, especially grain type hays such as wheat and corn, may contain high levels of nitrates. Signs of nitrate poisoning include rapid heartbeat, tremors, weakness, anxiety and frequent urination. However, adverse effects may not be apparent until animals have been eating nitrate-containing forages for days or even weeks. Treatment of nitrate toxicity includes an IV infusion of methylene blue by your veterinarian. The best option is to avoid toxicity problems by testing hay for nitrates before feeding.
Salt Toxicity. Salt toxicity can result when excessive quantities of salt are ingested and the intake of clean, fresh water is limited. Water intake for cattle during the hot summer months increases by 5 to 6 gallons per day. The use of salt to limit feed supplement intake may increase water intake 50 to 75 percent. Therefore, provide a clean, fresh, adequate water supply to avoid a salt toxicity problem. Signs of acute toxicity include excessive salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, circling, blindness, seizures and aggressive behavior. There is no specific treatment. Non-protein Nitrogen (Ammonia) Toxicity. Non-protein nitrogen is usually fed to cattle through ammoniated meals and straw, range blocks or cubes, or by lick tank systems combined with molasses. Ammonia poisoning is the effect of changing to urea or another non-protein nitrogen source in the diet when only natural protein was previously fed. Diets low in energy and high in fiber are more commonly associated with ammonia
toxicity. Highly palatable supplements may lead to the consumption of lethal amounts of non- protein nitrogen. Symptoms of ammonia toxicity include head tremors, twitching, circling, blindness, licking of the flank and depression. If caught during the early stages, the treatment is an oral dose of acetic acid (vinegar). To minimize the risk of ammonia toxicity follow these simple guidelines: • Do not offer cattle more than a one day’s feeding. Provide adequate trough space. • Provide adequate high-quality roughage.
ing drought-stunted plants such as sorghum, sorghum hybrids and sudan grass. Symptoms include rapid respiration, salivation, spasms and staggering. If diagnosed early enough, treatment is an option. Be careful; prussic acid poisoning symptoms are very similar to nitrate toxicity, but the treatments are very different. If possible, do not allow grazing on pasture grasses (sudan grass and sorghum-sudan hybrids) until they are 15-18 inches tall to reduce risk of poisoning. Sorghums should be several feet tall. If the forage is being cut for hay, allow it to sun- cure thoroughly for three to five days, bleaching out any green color to reduce prussic acid problems.
Poisonous Plants. Cattle grazing short pastures are • Gradually introduce more likely to consume poanimals to high palattentially poisonous plants. ability feeds. Many poisonous plants are • Add a limiting factor to unpalatable but may be confeeds, such as salt or di- sumed when the quantity calcium phosphate. of grass is in short supply. Poisonous plants can cause a Prussic Acid (Cyanide) range of symptoms when inPoisoning. Prussic acid or gested including death, cyanide poisoning can also be a problem when grazcontinued on page 47
SCHNEIDER 0481 - THE CARCASS KING BLACK, RED, AND POLLED BULLS FOR SALE! ALL WITH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS DATA EPD ACC
CED BW WW YW Mlk TM CEM SC REA IMF Fat 6.7 -2.1 38 65 5 24 2.7 0.6 .93 .6 .00 .41 .86 .83 .77 .30 .26 .66 .71 .77 .70 $T = $120.26 $M = $22.78 Percentile Rankings: BW 3%, WW 5%, YW 5%, SC 20%, REA 1%, IMF 1%, $T 3%, $M 10%
Progeny available at the CSBBA, OHOA and LSBBA sales in 2017 and 2018, AS WELL AS PRIVATE TREATY! Hood’s Hidden Hollow Tom & Deidra Hood Tahlequah, OK 918.456.1199 918.316.6710 hhh89@lrec.org
HOOD
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Diamond Hollow Dr. Wes & Carlinda Hood Siloam Springs, AR 479.228.8264 479.228.0977 hooddvm@gmail.com
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FALL 2017 - SPRING 2018 BEEFMASTER SALES & EVENT CALENDAR Upcoming Sales
September 16, 2017 September 29, 2017 September 30, 2017 October 07, 2017 October 07, 2017 October 14, 2017 October 14, 2017 October 21, 2017 October 21, 2017 November 04, 2017 November 04, 2017 November 11, 2017 November 18, 2017 December 02, 2017 January 06, 2018 March 02, 2018 March 03, 2018 March 17, 2018 March 24, 2018 April 07, 2018 April 14, 2018 May 05, 2018 May 05, 2018 May 12, 2018 May 19, 2018
Arkansas BBA Fall Sale, Damascus, AR SEBBA Investment Bull Sale, Arcadia, FL Live Oak BBA Perfect Pair Futurity and Fall Sale @ JB Wells Park Showbarn, Gonzales, TX J&T Farms 3rd Production Sale, Savannah, TN Isa Beefmasters 56th Performance Tested Bull Sale, San Angelo, TX South Texas BBA Buccaneer Classic Sale, Robstown, TX OHOA Fall Roundup Sale, Sycamore Springs Ranch, Locust Grove, OK Carr & Others Fall Sale, Floresville, TX Beef on Forage Performance Bull Sale, Brenham, TX Louisiana BBA Cowboy Classic Sale, Lake Charles, LA Zipperer Beefmasters Bull & Replacement Heifer Sale, Clewiston, FL Stephen F Austin Purple Premium Sale, Nacogdoches, TX Collier Farms Performance Bull Sale, Brenham, TX Lone Star BBA Fall Sale, Sulphur Springs, TX Live Oak BBA Bull Sale, Three Rivers, TX Houston Magic XVIII, Houston, TX Beefmaster Promotion Group International Beefmaster Gala Sale, Houston, TX Texoma Beefmaster Sale, McAlester, OK Emmons Ranch Bull Sale, Groesbeck, TX Louisiana BBA Rose Capital Classic, Shreveport, LA Collier Farms Advantage Sale, Giddings, Texas Live Oak BBA Pick of the Pen Offering Spring Sale, Three Rivers, TX Southern Alliance Marketing Group Sale, Cullman, AL Heart of Central States Sale, Locust Grove, OK Emmons Ranch Production Sale, Fairfield, TX
Upcoming Events
September 23, 2017 September 30, 2017 October 13, 2017 October 20, 2017 October 26 - 28, 2017 November 02, 2017 November 04, 2017
OHOA, CSBBA and Ark. Beefmaster Field Day @ Roger Holden’s Farm, Conway, MO Red River Cattlemen’s Field Day at Latimer Cattle Co., Athens, TX Heart of Texas Open Beefmaster Show, Waco, TX State Fair of Texas Open Beefmaster Show, Dallas, TX BBU Annual Convention at Moody Gardens, Galveston, TX South Texas Beefmaster Field Day, Dr. Restrepo’s Ranch in McAllen, TX State Fair of Louisiana Open Beefmaster Show, Shreveport, LA
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Hardware Disease. Hay harvested from vacant lots, roadchronic illness, debilitation, sides and fields not commonweight loss, abortions, birth ly used for hay may contain defects and others. Producnails, wire or foreign objects. ers should get to know the These items can pierce the poisonous plants common rumen wall and cause hardto their area and watch for ware disease. Signs of hardchanges in their cattle. Refer ware disease are shallow and to Poisonous Plants of the rapid respiration. Initially, the Southeastern United States at cow exhibits an arched back; www.aces.edu for plant idenan anxious expression; a retification and specific toxicity luctance to move; and diagnosis. an uneasy, careful Rumen Impaction. Rumen gait. Forced sudden impaction may occur when movements as well as cattle receive inadequate pro- defecating, urinating, tein (less than 7 to 8 percent lying down, getting up CP in the total diet) and too and stepping over barmuch low-quality high-fiber riers may be accompaforage such as drought afnied by groaning. Treatment fected pasture or forage sub- is available. Close observation stitutes such as peanut hulls, of feeds and hays and the use straws or gin trash. A lack of magnets in feed mixing of adequate water can also equipment can help reduce contribute to compaction. the risk of cattle eating probComplete anorexia, scant fe- lem materials. ces, moderate distention of Drought conditions not only the abdomen, weight loss and cause undue stress on the weakness are usually the iniproducer, but they also add tial signs. The heart rate may a list of other problems that be increased, and mild deneed to be watched for. By hydration is common. Treatusing good management ment is an option, but it is techniques and caution, these best to test the quality of forproblems can be avoided. ages fed, provide an adequate supplement when needed, and offer a good water source to avoid potential problems. continued from page 45
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Genetic marker sought for feed efficiency in cattle Article originally published by Feedstuffs Researchers with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are working to identify genetic markers that can help cattle producers find the best bang for their buck when choosing breeds and budgeting for feed. Kelly Bryant, director of the Division of Agriculture’s Southeast Research & Extension Center (SEREC), and several members of his research team and staff from Beefmaster Breeders United are monitoring offspring from the SEREC herd of Beefmaster heritage lines in an effort to determine if feed conversion efficiency is an inheritable trait.
If specific genetic markers tied to that higher efficiency can be identified and isolated and are found to be inheritable, growers could potentially improve the conversion efficiency of entire herds over time by introducing Beefmaster genetics into their breeding operations.
“The Grow Safe systems track animal feed intake and weight gain, allowing us to measure feed conversion efficiency for each animal,” Bryant said. “With this information, we hope to determine if feed efficiency is inheritable.”
cows and use the cattle for commercial crossbreeding.
Bryant said cows in the herd maintained at SEREC typically calve in September or October. Females are typically bred no earlier than 15 months of age, calve when Bryant said the research they are about two years old project, which is expected to and generally calve once a On Aug. 5, Bryant and his last at least three to five years, year after that. research staff took possession is being funded, in part, by of 31 heifers that had spent Beefmaster Breeders United, the previous 60 days at a a trade association of cattle Grow Safe facility in Texas. producers who both maintain purebred Beefmaster
“From the time they’re weaned until the time they’re either ready for slaughter or ready to deliver a calf, they’re in a growth stage,” Bryant said. “It’s all done through either grass or grain. Some can just gain more weight on less feed than others. It makes it cheaper. Gain is what we’re after, and if we can do it on less feed, then we’ve got less money in them.”
10 Tips for a Successful Weaning and Preconditioning Season By Dr. Robert Wells, Noble Research Institute 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 back 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.
shorter supply locally if you wait until closer to the time you and your neighbors start to wean calves.
STOCKPILE FORAGES IN PLAN EARLY. THE WEANING TRAP/ This is especially warranted PASTURE. if you will need additional, This will ensure you have off-farm help. Contact the adequate quantity and qualpeople you will work with, ity of standing grass for the including your veterinarian, newly weaned calves to eat early so you can pick the date and bed in during the preyou prefer to work calves. conditioning phase. You will Additionally, some vaccines most likely have to start this or medicine may become in 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. DEVELOP 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 continued on page 49
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CONSIDER RISK PROTECTION OF THE (www.integritybeef.org), CALF CROP. to help differentiate your It may not be too late to concalves from others being sider some sort of financial sold at the same time of risk protection for the calf year. If not affiliated with a crop. Visit with a financial third-party calf program, you adviser who is familiar with will want to make sure there agricultural are other value-added calves commodity being sold on the same day markets or an and market as your calves. agricultural Buyers need to be able to economist put together large gooseneck to help make trailer and semitruck loads the decision of same sex and similar type of what, how and weight calves. If you and when to deliver 50 head of mixed purchase risk calves to the local market protection. and are the only one who has value-added calves on that PROCURE FEED AND day, don’t expect to receive a QUALITY HAY. premium for them. There is Give yourself time to buy simply not enough to make and the feed dealer time to a load for the buyer, and the deliver the feed and hay that calves will get mixed with will be needed for the preother calves that have not conditioning phase of calf received additional manage- development. Plan to feed ment. Remember that when the highest quality hay to the the height of the fall weaning calves you have while you season is in full swing, marhave them caught up during kets typically will have a price the bawling-out period. They drop when a large supply of will not be very interested in calves move to market. Unspending a lot of time eating, less you see outside influenc- so what they do eat needs to es on prices, try not to get too be as nutritious as possible. wrapped up in the market Planning ahead also allows decline at this time. Typically, you time to shop for the best continued from page 48
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.
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
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,
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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. parts for squeeze chute, etc.) Using an air-ride semitruck on hand to prevent the need is less stressful on the calves to make an unscheduled trip than a bumper pull or gooseto town on working day. neck trailer, especially if your trailer is equipped with MOVE HERD CLOSER TO a spring suspension. If you FACILITIES IN don’t have enough calves for ADVANCE. a semitruck load, consider This will reduce the stress finding others in your area of hauling or driving cattle who also need trucking and over far distances on weaning share a truck. The cost of day. This affords you to have commercial transportation more time to actually process can easily be overcome when the cattle. Working calves considering your time, wear through the chute in a slower, and tear on your equipment, more deliberate fashion will potential for breakdowns create a less stressful envi(trailer tire flats and blowouts ronment for the calves and are common occurrences), workers. and shrink of calves from hauling in less-than-adequate equipment.
START AND FINISH AS EARLY IN THE DAY AS POSSIBLE. During September and October, the days can still 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.
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.
Dr. Robert Wells Livestock Consultant Noble Research Institute
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Advertisersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Index Breeder Advertisers
Alabama D&D Beefmasters....................................................................15 JAM Beefmaster........................................................................34 New Cut Farms Beefmaster.....................................................20 Arkansas Heritage Cattle Company........................................................21 Larry Lairmore..........................................................................7 California Cherry Glen Beefmasters........................................................23 Evangelo Beefmasters.............................................................20 Walking M Cattle Co................................................................19 Florida SEBBA Investment Bull Sale....................................................14 Kansas Next Gen Cattle Company.......................................Back Cover Kentucky Channarock Farm...................................................................16 Louisiana Casey Crooked Bar C Farm......................................................31 Fred and Mary Moran..............................................................21 I-O-C Beefmasters, Rocking D & Pine Tree.............................28 Kendall McKenzie & Geary McKenzie...................................29 Louisiana BBA..........................................................................29 SM Beefmaster..........................................................................30 Missouri Berachiah Beefmasters............................................................19 St. Clair Beefmasters / Double D Ranch...................................41 Wallen Prairie Ranch...............................................................34 Mississippi Cain Cattle Co..........................................................................44 Wallace Beefmasters................................................................33 Windy Hills Beefmasters.........................................................16 Nevada Silver State Beefmasters...........................................................22 Oklahoma Dance Creek Beefmasters......................................................20 Hargis Ranch............................................................................33 Hood Beefmasters...................................................................45 Kreger Ranch...........................................................................47 Oklahoma Beefmasters...........................................................46 Ozark & Heart of America BMG.............................................40
Tennessee Cottage Farms..........................................................................15 High Lonesome Ranch............................................................15 Jones Beefmasters....................................................................17 Ty Agee Beefmasters................................................................24 Texas Beef on Forage....................................................................3 & 51 Arrowhead Ranch....................................................................19 B M W Beefmasters...................................................................43 Blau Beefmasters......................................................................32 Broken B Ranch........................................................................19 Buckner Polled Beefmasters...................................................19 Buena Suerte Ranch.................................................................19 Casey Beefmasters...................................................................20 Collier Farms....................................................................12 & 13 Colvin Beefmasters..................................................................18 Emmons Ranch........................................................................22 Flying B Ranches......................................................................36 Frenzel Beefmasters.................................................................32 Gattis Cattle Company.............................................................27 Golden Meadows Ranch..........................................................11 Isa Cattle Co. Beefmasters.........................................................4 J R Land and Cattle Co. ...........................................................21 Larry Miller & Derick Ensor....................................................25 Lyssy Beefmasters....................................................................42 Rancho Dos Vidas....................................................................21 San Gabriel Beefmasters..........................................................34 San Pedro Ranch......................................................................37 Swinging B Ranch......................................................................5 V7 Beefmasters / 7C Anderson Cattle......................................38 Lonestar BBA...........................................................................34 Red River Performance Group................................................10 Utah Evans Beefmasters...................................................................36
Industry Advertisers
Ag America Lending..................................................................9 Bush Hog...................................................................................35 Elgin Breeding Service...............................................................8 John Deere...................................................................................6 Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association................................47 Neogen GeneSeek....................................................................26 Ragland Mills...........................................................................39 Tallgrass Commodities...........................................................34
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MC
A L E S T E
R
** L Bar 5502
5/34 Simon Creek
J & K 1001 J & K Cattle Co.
Lasater 1488
5-75 Casey
317 Simon Creek
679 Simon Creek
Lasater 3265
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Multiple Sire Lasater 6735 150 Kent Mindemann
546 Kent Mindemann
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C1052714 - EPDs (Percentile Ranking)
BEEFMASTER GENOMICS
+
CED: 1.7 (65%) BW: 0.8 (55%) WW: 44 (5%) YW: 69 (5%) M: 10 (25%) TM: 32 (5%) CEM: 2.8 (70%) SC: 1.2 (1%) REA: 1.28 (1%) IMF: 0.1 (15%) Fat: -0.03 (30%) $T: 120.15 (5%) $M: 34.85 (5%) Sired by the #1 REA sire whose sons have set performance and sales records for the past two years. High selling bull at the 2016 Texoma Bull Sale
$100 Straw
Top 1% REA Top 5% $M
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