the
BEEFMASTER Pay Weight
a publication dedicated to serving commercial cattlemen and produced by Beefmaster Breeders United SPRING 2017
Vol. 3, No. 1
Section 1
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Vaccine Programs and Herd Health Considerations By Chase A. Runyan, Ph.D., P.A.S. - Angelo State University The biology of beef cattle health systems and immunology can be daunting and seem ultra-complex. The highly competitive nature of commercialized vaccines and other herd health products can even further infuriate, intimidate and confuse producers, leading some to question the actual importance of a herd health program. If these issues aren’t worrisome enough, recent research suggests that a strong genetic aspect is involved in immune function and vaccine responses as well. And so what should we make of this? How does someone “un-muddy the water”? Perhaps the easiest way to navigate the cattle health landscape is to focus on production goals and work backwards, identifying potential exposure to a health risk and responding accord-
ingly. For a cow/calf operator, commercial or seedstock, fertility is always of paramount importance and so a strong pre-breeding vaccine program that addresses reproductive pathogens is undeniably important. The value of a good breed up at pregnancy check is well worth the time, effort, energy, and cost of running every cow through the chute one more time. Remember the bull battery at pre-breeding time as well. Although they can be a hassle, annual vaccine boosters and breeding soundness exams for herd sires and clean-up bulls are a wise investment to stay ahead in reproductive efficiency. Young calves are especially susceptible to spore forming clostridia bacteria because of the naïve status of their immune cell repertoire. As such, being aggressive with a “blackleg” or “8-way”
vaccine on nursing calves minimizes this risk and helps to reduce calf mortality rates. As for pen fed cattle scenarios (feedyard operators, backgrounders, bull development programs) a respiratory vaccine regimen is critical to solicit anamnestic immune responses at times of stress and increased antigen exposure due to volatile weather patterns, dusty pen conditions, comingling, handling, and general pen-mate interaction. The effect of respira-
tory morbidity has been well documented to reduce appetite, depress daily feed intake, and thereby reduce gain and feed efficiency in all classes of cattle. To further illustrate the impact of bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD), many times illness is present at the subclinical level and persists undetected from our standard “pull & treat” methods of antibiotic therapy. Without the aid of feed intake continued on page 4
Beefmaster Introduces Calving Ease EPDs By Lance Bauer, Beefmaster Breeders United Requested in-home March 1- 10, 2017
In February 2017, Beefmaster Breeders United introduced Calving Ease Direct (CED) and Calving Ease Maternal (CEM) Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) in their spring 2017 genetic evaluation. These new Beefmaster EPDs were approved by the BBU Board of Directors so that Beefmaster breeders and commercial cattlemen would have yet another great genetic selection tool when making breeding decisions.
So what are CED and CEM EPDs? And what do they mean? Let me explain. A problem that many producers are concerned with is a cow’s ability to have a calf with no difficulty and no needed assistance. This can be especially important to producers who do not get to see their cattle on a daily basis and may have heifers calving without anyone watching. There are different factors that can cause dystocia, or a difficult birth, including the birth
weight of the calf, the pelvic area of the cow or heifer, and whether or not the calf is presented normally at birth. Many times only one of these factors is used to try to prevent dystocia, and that is birth weight, either by looking at the animals individual birth weight or at birth weight EPDs. Single trait selecting for birth weight can lead to other issues such as slower growing and smaller animals, as well as decreasing the pelvic size continued on page 18
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The Beefmaster Pay Weight
Letter From The Editor
maximum pay weights. These are just a couple of examples of how Beefmasters are improving the profitability of ranchers everywhere.
By Bill Pendergrass Spring has sprung across much of cow country. Abundant new life is everywhere, reminding us of how bountiful God’s creation truly is. Many cattlemen are in the midst of calving season, which will quickly turn into breeding season. Consequently, sourcing bulls and replacement females are probably on your mind. This issue of The Beefmaster Pay Weight is loaded with information on where to find the best performance genetics in the Beefmaster breed. This issue also has several easy to understand informative articles that will
keep you updated of what is going on in the Beefmaster breed and the beef industry in general. As the beef industry begins to focus on efficiency, more and more ranchers are realizing that Beefmasters are earning high praise for the balance of traits that encompass profitability. The combination of Beefmaster founding principles and modern selection technologies is yielding truly exciting results for the users of Beefmaster genetics. Beefmasters are on the move and we are earning your genetics business, herd by herd and region by region. Leveraging the maternal heterosis and performance inherent in our breed, then adding genomics and powerful GrowSafe Systems data that track feed
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intake and residual feed intake (RFI), Beefmasters are emerging as a force in the cow efficiency arena. Beefmasters are forage efficient, feed efficient and more ranchers are making the switch to tap into the benefits of crossbreeding with Beefmasters due to this efficiency. I want to applaud the Beefmaster Breeders United membership for being the first American breed to implement selection indices in their genetic evaluations. The Maternal Index ($M) is designed to help identify superior replacement female genetics. The Terminal Index ($T) identifies superior growth and carcass merit genetics for the retained ownership feeder or rancher who sells his calf crop at weaning and wants
If you have any questions or comments please contact me at bpendergrass@ beefmasters.org or 210-7323132. Enjoy!
Bill Pendergrass
BBU Executive Vice President 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: Bill Pendergrass Managing Editor: Jeralyn Novak Contributing Writers: Lance Bauer, Dr. Gordon Carstens, John Genho, Jeralyn Novak, Bill Pendergrass, Dr. Chase A. Runyan, Dr. Morgan Russell, Burt Rutherford Advertising Coordinators: Carey Brown, Lance Bauer, Bill Pendergrass, Jeralyn Novak Graphic Designer: Jeralyn Novak
Bill Pendergrass: Executive Vice President Collin Osbourn: Chief Operating Officer Lance Bauer: Field Representative 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. Š 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 monitoring systems to alert us when irregular feed intake patterns emerge or constant body temperature monitoring technologies that identify an animal with a high fever, the single most effective method of mitigating risk of BRD incidence is to vaccinate cattle to be immunized and combat this disease. The first step of developing a vaccine protocol is to establish a strong relationship with a veterinarian. A strong vet/client relationship is important so that your vet is aware of your livestock enterprise, knows your production objectives, and can make the most effective
recommendations to help. By now we have all been made aware of the veterinarian feed directive (VFD) that requires prescriptions for feed grade antimicrobials, and so there is no better time than the present to establish this important relationship with a trusted veterinarian. Once a vaccine plan has been established, it is important that it be followed and its effectiveness monitored periodically. Other points to consider in order to maximize the return on investments in vaccine protocols is to maintain cattle at body condition scores (BCS) of 5 or better. Cattle on a positive plane of nutrition are able to respond
to a vaccines mode of action and therefore be more likely to develop antibody titers more effectively. It has also been documented that cattle under the stress of a heavy internal parasite load give up some vaccine efficacy, and so implementing a deworming program ahead of vaccine administration can also improve vaccine results. Cattle temperament is also something to consider when applying vaccine programs. Cattle that are more excitable tend to not respond as favorably to a vaccine program as those cattle that are identified as calmer and more “user friendly�. Increase selection for more docile replacements or more intense culling of
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easily excited cattle combined with low stress cattle handling techniques can improve vaccine response. Vaccines are meant to reduce the risk of disease in a herd, but are not guaranteed to eliminate the risk of disease in a herd. Consider the flu vaccine in humans; some individuals in the population will still succumb to the flu virus even after a flu shot, but the risk of a wide spread flu epidemic is limited because a large portion of the individuals in the population will be vaccinated and immunized. In terms of using cattle vaccines, we are conceding that 100% disease prevention is impossible, but we are confident that a vaccinated population of cattle will reduce the number of animals that are at risk of disease morbidity, or worse yet, disease mortality. A final thought to leave with is Vaccination ≠Immunization! The responsibility of animal handling and vaccine handling procedures falls on us to ensure vaccination efficacy. Keeping vaccines cool and out of direct sunlight (even chute side) is critically important as is following vaccine dosage directions as well as adhering to all product label instructions. We encourage those responsible for any herd health protocol to become certified in beef quality assurance (BQA) through an extension program or available online trainings. The minimal amount of time that is spent reviewing cattle and vaccine handling guidelines will potentially save a considerable amount of headache, heartache, or financial devastation in severe disease cases.
Dr. Chase A. Runyan Angelo State University
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What’s the future of beef cattle genomics? - Genomics technology is advancing rapidly. By Burt Rutherford - reprinted with permission from Beef Magazine Remember 10 years ago? How you made your bull selection and breeding decisions in 2007 and before? You may have heard of DNA testing and the promise it held for the beef business, but most likely you paged through the sale catalogs looking at the pictures and taking in the EPD and individual performance data for the bulls that caught your eye.
the point that it’s now widely used in breeding decisions. And not just for seedstock producers, but for cow-calf ranchers as well. “The question is, where do we go next with this technology?” One angle is to add value to breeding decisions, Hayes told Angus breeders. “The second is starting to use genomics as a management tool.”
BEEFMASTER GENOMICS “The last 10 years, really, have been a very exciting time to work in genetics,” says Ben Hayes, a worldrenown geneticist with the University of Queensland in Australia. Speaking at the recent convention of the American Angus Association, Hayes says that genetic and genomic technology has progressed to
+
To illustrate how genomics can be used to add value to breeding decisions, Hayes detailed an experiment in Australia to determine if it’s possible to select cattle for heat tolerance. This is of particular concern in Northern Australia, where heat events are common. It’s also a concern in many
parts of the South and Southwestern U.S. Using Holstein heifers, Hayes and his team combined production data from the Holstein database with weather data generated by the Australian government. Combining these two large data sets, they came up with genomic breeding values for heat tolerance. Using those data, they screened 400 heifers from random farms and then selected 24 heifers that had the best prediction for heat tolerance and 24 that showed to be the least heat tolerant. These heifers were exposed to a mild heat event for a day. “It turns out the genomic breeding values really did pull apart the two groups quite well,” he says. In addition, Hayes says breeders can use genomic data to make genomic mating plans that avoid inbreeding. He says that’s important because of the declines in fertility and
production that closelyrelated animals can suffer from. As well, it can help avoid recessive genetic defects, some of which are lethal. Looking even further down the road, Hayes told Angus breeders that the cost of genomic screening will continue to come down, meaning that genomic data can be used to make management decisions. He used feedlot prescreening as an example. The idea of genomically screening feeder cattle for various economically important feedyard traits has been around about as long as genomic tests have been available. But cost has been the hurdle. It’s now coming down to a point where it’s almost practical to do, he says. But genomically testing feeder cattle only gives you a handle on profitability from the animal’s own genome. continued on page 9
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continued from page 6 “And every animal actually carries tens of millions, hundreds of millions if not a billion other genomes. And those are the microbes in the rumen. And they also contribute to feed efficiency and possibly to disease resistance as well.” Just a few years ago, there was no possibility of getting a handle on the rumen microbiome, he says. But recent developments in sequencing technology developed in human medicine can be transferred to livestock. “It’s now at a point where you can take a handful of rumen contents, extract the DNA out of those rumen contents and profile the rumen of the animals,” he says. This is an idea that needs a lot of research, but initial trials on a small scale look
promising. Hayes and his team ran a small study on 28 dairy heifers where they measured feed efficiency and also profiled the rumen microbiome. “From the rumen microbiome, we were able to predict feed efficiency with an accuracy of 0.49,” he says. “It means we’re getting a fairly good prediction. Certainly not perfect but good, just from the composition of those bugs.” The feed efficiency genomic breeding value established for dairy cattle is 0.33. “But when you combine them together, at least in this small study, we got an increase in how accurately we could predict feed efficiency,” he says.
useful for management of these animals,” he told Angus breeders. “That’s just starting to happen. The price point needs to come down a little bit to make it a reasonable goer, but certainly the technology is nearly there.”
Burt Rutherford Senior Editor, BEEF magazine
“We’re just starting to shift into a space, I think, where the genomic information is going to be
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In the summer of 2016, Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) introduced their first genomic-enhanced EPDs. This is a project that was envisioned by the Beefmaster Educational Endowment Foundation (B.E.E.F.) in 2009 and many Beefmaster breeders worked hard to ensure that the Beefmaster breed achieved the goal of GE-EPDs. To enhance Beefmaster GE-EPDs, BBU requires that all A.I. sires and embryo donor dams must have a DNA sample on file with BBU through a BBU approved genomic services vendors. All A.I. sires and embryo donor dams must have a minimum 50K HD genotype on file with BBU. All A.I. sires and embryo donor dams must be parent verified using DNA SNPs before progeny can be registered.
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It’s time to capture direct, maternal heterosis By Virginia Tech News Staff Longevity, rebreeding and calf survivability are gaining importance as the nation’s cow herd becomes more straightbred. Animal scientists say that is because commercial cow-calf producers have forgotten or ignored hybrid vigor (heterosis). A crossbreeding program can increase lifetime production by more than 20 percent if you design it to capture both direct (individual) heterosis in crossbred calves and maternal heterosis in crossbred cows. Scott Greiner, Ph.D., an Extension animal scientist at Virginia Tech, explained that the advantage of the crossbred calf is two-fold: an increase in calf livability coupled with an increased growth rate relative to its
straightbred parents.
calves, and yearling weights are 4 percent greater. Roy To illustrate the first point, Burris, Ph.D., an Extension Cathy Bandyk, Ph.D., an anbeef specialist for the Uniimal scientist at Quality Liqversity of Kentucky, noted uid Feeds, Dodgeville, Wis., that two-breed–cross calves cited an in-depth multibreed weigh about 30 pounds more analysis done at the U.S. at weaning than straightbred Meat Animal Research Cencalves, and calves averaged ter (USMARC) in the 1970s. about 80 pounds heavier at It showed crossbred calves weaning when they were out exhibited less death loss and of a two-breed–cross cow better gains – and, therefore, and a third breed of bull. more pounds of weaned calf – compared to purebred aniHistorical data also show mals. consistent performance advantages for crossbred feeder “Death loss among the calves and finished cattle, crossbred calves was just 5.2 Bandyk added. Again referpercent, compared to 14.2 ring to USMARC research, percent for the purebred she said the calves of Britcalves,” she said. ish-based cows and ContiResearch has shown wean- nental or Bos indicus sires had significantly reduced ing weights for crossbred rates of bovine respiratory calves are 5 percent greater disease (BRD). than those for straightbred
Frank Padilla, director of member and commercial relations for the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF), has witnessed that better health in the feedyard and said, “That’s why feedyards like buying calves that will have good hybrid vigor. Crossbred steers can show a $45 per head advantage over straightbred steers.” Commercial cow-calf producers realize even more benefits from crossbreeding when they use crossbred cows because maternal heterosis results in improved cow fertility, calf livability, calf weaning weight and cow longevity. Those cumulative effects increase productivity tremendously, said Bob continued on page 11
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continued from page 10 Hough, Ph.D., executive vice president for NALF. “Maternal heterosis is expressed in the crossbred female’s progeny, such as their heavier weaning weights due to her increased maternal production,” he explained.
Padilla said the benefits of crossbreeding have proved themselves many times over in university research, at USMARC and on ranches across the country.
“Crossbred females are 30 percent more productive over their lifetimes,” he stated. “Some models show Padilla pointed to research a planned crossbreeding program can add more than that showed crossbred fe$500 over the life of a crossmales to be 8 percent more bred cow. That’s about $50 efficient than purebreds, to live 38 percent longer and to per year.” have 25 percent more lifeThat looks even better time production in pounds when you consider, as Monof calf weaned. In addition, tana State University research first-calf crossbred heifers has shown, that the average have shown a 7 percent adcrossbred dam remains in vantage in conception rates compared to their straightbred herdmates. Hybrid vigor also gives crossbred cows stronger immune systems; hence, they develop better immunity after vaccination. They then impart better colostrum to their calves, keeping them healthier during their early days. Bandyk said USMARC researchers found that crossbred calves from straightbred cows weighed 8.5 percent more than straightbred calves, crossbred cows bred back to parental breed bulls weaned 14.8 percent more pounds of calf, and crossbred calves from crossbred cows were 23.3 percent heavier at weaning. “F₁ crossbred cows weaned calves that were 38 pounds heavier than similar straightbred cows, even though crossbreeding had virtually no effect on birth weights,” she noted, referring to data from Texas A&M University. “No price premium for a certain breed can help overall returns unless it is large enough to overcome the reduction in total pounds weaned or sold.”
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the herd about two years lon- summarized the matter this ger. way: “It is time for many producers to design long-term, USMARC studies illussimplistic plans that capture trate that using crossbred maternal heterosis. I would cows reduces the breakevnot want to manage cattle en costs of production by in any environment without about 10 percent. And the that incredible value.” opportunity costs of ignoring heterosis are cumulative because small losses add up to a substantial drop in lifetime productivity. David Daley, Ph.D., is an associate dean in the California State University-Chico College of Agriculture, where he directs the school’s beef program. He also manages his own herd of several hundred commercial cows. He
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Improving efficiency of feed utilization in beef cattle By Gordon Carstens, Ph.D., Professor of Animal Nutrition – Texas A&M University Introduction Since about two-thirds of the cost of producing beef is due to the expense of feed inputs, strategies that improve efficiency of feed utilization will substantially increase the economic viability of beef production systems. In fact, it has been estimated that the U.S. beef industry could save $1 billion annually by reducing residual feed intake (RFI) by 10%. Furthermore, as improvements in feed efficiency will also reduce nutrient excretions and GHG
emissions, discovery and adoption of technologies to enhance genetic merit for feed efficiency is arguably one of the most cost-effective strategies available to meet future demands for animal protein in a sustainable manner. The introduction of carcass value-based marketing programs in the 1990’s created market signals in the form of premiums and discounts for specified carcass weight, and yield and quality grade targets. As a result, producers
became more aware of the huge variation that exists in carcass quality and carcass weight within beef cattle populations, and how breeding programs and management practices impact the revenue side of the beef profit equation. There is less awareness of the magnitude of animalto-animal variation in feed efficiency, and how differences in feed efficiency impact the cost side of beef profitability, which is not surprising due to the difficulty and cost of
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collecting feed intake data on individual animals. To illustrate the impact of between-animal variation in feed efficiency on profitability of feedlot cattle, data are presented below from a research trial involving 84 Brangus steers. The steers used in this trial were all sourced from the Circle X Land and Cattle Company that were managed in a similar manner from conception to harvest. At weaning, the steers were shipped to the TAMU research center, and placed in pens equipped with electronic feed bunks (GrowSafe System) to measure feed intake while fed a typical high-grain feedlot diet. Daily feed intake data and serial body weights were measured, and feed efficiency calculated as Feed:Gain ratio (F:G) and as residual feed intake (RFI), which is calculated as actual dry matter intake (DMI) minus expected DMI based on each animal’s ADG midtest body weight (BW). At the end of the trial, steers were slaughtered, and carcass data collected to determine yield and quality grades. Profit for each individual steer was calculated as carcass income (hot carcass weight x grid-based carcass value) minus costs of (i) feeder calf, (ii) feed, (iii) yardage, (iv) processing and transportation and (v) interest costs of feed and feeder calf. Background on residual feed intake
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Feed efficiency has typically been measured in beef cattle using Feed:Gain ratio, which is a gross continued on page 15
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continued from page 14
maintenance and growth energy requirements. RFI is measure of efficiency calculated as the difference that does not attempt between an animal’s actual to differentiate between DMI and its expected DMI feed needed to support based on its ADG and BW. maintenance and growth Feed-efficient animals are energy requirements. While previous studies have shown those that eat less feed then expected based on their size that F:G ratio is moderately and level of production and heritable, F:G is strongly so will have a negative RFI. correlated with growth rate in an inverse manner—faster Unlike F:G ratio, which is highly influenced by growth growing cattle will have a and maturity patterns, RFI lower and more favorable is minimally related to the F:G ratio. Consequently, animal’s body size or level of F:G ratio has limited utility production. This illustrated in selection programs as in the accompanying scatter favorable selection for F:G graph where RFI is plotted will lead to increases in cow mature size and consequently against ADG for all 84 steers used in the trial. Numerous increases in the cost of feed studies have documented needed to support the cow that RFI is moderately herd. heritable in beef cattle. Residual feed intake To further illustrate how (RFI) is an alternative feed efficiency trait that measures RFI is derived, the results of 2 steers (#256 and #5) between-animal variation with divergent RFI were in feed intake beyond compared. Because these 2 that needed to support
steers had similar initial BW and ADG during the trial, their expected DMI (22.3 vs 22.0 lb per day) were also similar. However, steer #256 actually consumed less DMI
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1.5 lb per day less feed than expected, while steer #5 was less efficient because it consumed 2.3 lb per day more feed than expected. Even though carcass income was slightly lower for steer #256 ($2,147) compared to steer #5 ($2,180), profit was higher for steer #256 ($312) then for steer #5 ($234) due to its lower DMI. Trial results
(20.8 vs 24.3 lb per day) during the trial then steer #5, and so RFI was negative
Despite the fact that all 84 steers were from the same ranch and were managed in a similar manner, there was considerable between-animal variation in profitability. Profit per head averaged $243 (Trial conducted in 2014), and ranged from -$16 to $494. To illustrate the impact of differences in RFI on profitability, steers were ranked by RFI and the most efficient steers
for steer #256 (20.8 – 22.3 = -1.5 lb/day), and positive for steer #5 (24.3 – 22.0 = +2.3 lb/d). Thus, steer #256 was continued on page 16 more efficient as it consumed
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continued from page 15
As carcass income was not different between steers with (average RFI = -1.71 lb per day) compared with the least divergent RFI, the low-RFI efficient steers (average RFI = steers generated on average 2.03 lb per day). As shown in $147 more profit than the steers with high RFI. the table, BW at the start of the trial and ADG were not Finally, it is important to affected by RFI classification. point out that differences Likewise, hot carcass weights in profit among steers were were similar for steers with impacted by variation in low and high RFI. However, performance and carcass the steers with low RFI quality as well as variation consumed 16% less feed and in feed efficiency. This is had an 18% lower F:G ratio illustrated in the figure compared to steers with high that plots each steer’s RFI RFI. against its ADG according Table. Performance, carcass and profitability traits for Brangus steers (n = 84) with divergent phenotypes for residual feed intake (RFI) Low RFI High RFI High vs Low Item (Efficient) (Inefficient) RFI, % Performance traits: Initial body weight, lb 619 622 Similar ADG, lb/day 3.35 3.33 Similar Dry matter intake, lb/day 19.4 23.1* 19% Feed:Gain ratio 5.91 7.19* 22% Residual feed intake, lb/day -1.7 2.0* 3.7 lb/day Carcass traits: Hot carcass weight, lb 866 892 Similar Yield grade 3.5 4.6* 29% Quality grade Low Choice Avg Choice* -Shear force, lb 5.4 4.7 -Profit traits: Feed cost, $/hd 637 800* +$163 per hd Carcass income, $/hd 2078 2094 +$16 per hd Net revenue, $/hd 302 155* -$147 per hd *Difference between low- and high-RFI steers was significantly different (P < 0.05).
In support of previous research findings that have shown RFI to be weakly associated with carcass fatness in a positive manner (low RFI animals tend to be leaner), the low RFI steers in this trial had significantly lower YG and lower QG compared to steers with high RFI. However, no difference in carcass income (hot carcass weight x carcass grid price) due to RFI classification was detected. The influence of RFI on carcass quality was also evaluated by measuring the shear force of loin steaks. All steers produced carcasses that were rated as either “very tender” or “tender”, and RFI classification was not associated with tenderness. These results illustrate that RFI is minimally associated with carcass quality traits in beef cattle. Compared to steers with high RFI, feed costs during the entire trial were 20% less for steers with low RFI.
to how they ranked by profit or net revenue—the most profitable steers are denoted by blue diamonds, with the least profitable steers denoted by green triangles. The horizontal line in this figure represents the average RFI for the trial (0.0 lb per day), while the vertical line represents the average daily gain for the trial. The steers that made the most profit (blue diamonds) were those that had either above average gains (right half of the
figure), above average RFI (lower half of the figure), or both (Lower-right quadrant of the figure). Conversely, those steers that generated the least profit (green triangles) had either below average gains, below average RFI or both (Upper-left quadrant). These results demonstrate that between-animal variation in performance, feed efficiency and carcassquality all contribute to profitability of feedlot steers, and demonstrate the value of selecting terminal sires that have above-average genetic potential for growth, feed efficiency and carcass quality to favorably improve profitability of market progeny.
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RING OF FIRE Bonfire X EMS Color Me Sugar
EPDs: BW +2.1 • WW +36 • YW +62 • Milk +9 • TM +27 • $T 105.42 Dr. Gordon Carstens Department of Animal Science Texas A&M University
We would like to invite you to the
Clark Jones & Cottage Farms
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SOUTHERN TRADITION XVII SALE June 24, 2017 Savannah, TN 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
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18
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
continued from page 1 in heifers and cows which leads to dystocia problems even when low birth weight bulls are used as sires. One way to keep from this single trait selection is to use calving ease EPDs. There are two different calving ease EPDs that are used, CED and CEM. These EPDs take into account the various different reasons for dystocia and can help select bulls that will produce calves with few issues of dystocia, as well as select bulls who will produce heifers that should have less issues with dystocia. The calving ease EPDs take into account the birth weight, as well as the calving ease score that producers assign to heifers and cows at calving. The calving ease scores range from 1 to 11 with the scores of 1 thru
5 being associated with the presentation and ease of calving a live calf. In this scoring system a 1 is a natural unassisted birth, 2 the cow requires some assistance, 3 a mechanical device is used to pull the calf, 4 a cesarean section is performed, and 5 the calf is presented abnormally. These scores should be recorded at calving in order to make better predictions for the calving ease EPDs. Scores 1 thru 5 are the scores that are used to calculate the calving ease EPDs, scores 6-11 are excluded from the calculation since they deal with dead calves, aborted calves, cases where the cow died or the calf is a product of an ET program. The calving ease EPDs are done on the basis of a heifer calving at two years of age, since most calving issues tend to happen in
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these younger heifers.
has a CEM of +8 then it is expected that 3% more of the The CED EPD is based heifers produced by bull D on the calving ease score and will have calves unassisted, birth weight and can be used at two years of age, than bull to evaluate how a sire will C. Again, when selecting impact calving ease in heifers using CEM it is beneficial to calving at two years of age. use the bull with the higher For example, if bull A has value in order to produce a CED of +8 and bull B has more heifers that will calve a CED of +6 then it would unassisted at the age of two. be expected that bull A will The difference between produce 2% more unassisted daughters of different bulls births than bull B. It is will decrease over time as the beneficial to select bulls with cows mature and have more a higher CED to help ensure calves. more unassisted births. When mated to mature In the past focusing solely cows the difference between on birth weight was a way to bull A and bull B would be pick bulls that would present expected to be less than the less calving issues, but now 2% calculated. with calving ease EPDs the weight of the birth weight The CEM EPD is used and calving ease score are to evaluate how a sireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more properly balanced to heifer offspring will calve include other factors that at two years of age without impact dystocia. Since both difficulty. If bull C has a CEM of +5 and bull D continued on page 19
Rancho Tres Hijos
Raising Quality Beefmasters in the Brush of South Texas www.3Hijos.com 713.898.8044
Our Beefmaster cattle are pasture raised in the toughest of conditions to adapt and thrive in any environment. Many years of using proven Beefmaster genetics and modern tools, including ultrasound and Whole Herd Reporting, allow us to deliver excellent performance in our bulls and replacement heifers. Come visit us and see our cattle at our ranch.
continued from page 18 birth weight and calving ease score are used in the calculation, it is important that breeders submit both birth weight and calving ease score. When looking at these calving ease EPDs it is important to remember that birth weight is already factored into the EPD, so looking at birth weight again will place added emphasis
on birth weight and take away some of the value of the calving ease score. When selecting bulls using calving ease scores it is important to remember that higher calving ease scores are more desirable than lower calving ease scores. This is unlike when selecting bulls using just birth weights, where lower birth weights are more desirable than higher
19
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
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birth weights. Both of these EPDs are very useful to the producer breeding heifers. The CED is useful in selecting a bull that should be able to be used on heifers without causing many calving issues. The CEM is useful in selecting bulls to produce heifers that will be retained for breeding purposes.
Lance Bauer BBU Field Representative
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 VALUE
BW
WW
YW
Milk
TM
72
775
1,105
-
-
SC
Herd Bulls Also Include: Exodus - a CHRK Genesis son BW
WW
YW
Milk
TM
SC
REA
IMF
FAT
VALUE
61
740
870
-
-
36.00
10.17
2.01
0.12
$T
$M
REA
IMF
FAT
$T
$M
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
Percentile
15
40
50
75
-
35
30
10
80
45
35
EPD
-4.0
36
62
4
22
1.2
0.08
0.1
0.0
107.40
27.76
Percentile
5
15
15
95
-
5
60
20
95
15
20
Dedicated to Producing Quality Cattle with Outstanding Genetics! California’s Source for Performance Beefmasters
Evangelo Beefmasters
John D. Evangelo 8124 17th Ave. Lemoore, CA 93245 Home (559) 924-2904 Cell (559) 333-3943
Bulls & Females Available
T
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
Red Angus X Beefmaster Replacement Females Grand Champion Pen of Females 2013 & 2014 San Antonio All Breeds Sale
Moore, Texas Owner: Don & Gwen Mullins Lane Roberson 210-846-6747 robersonj7bar@gmail.com
T BERACHIAH BEEFMASTERS
Psencik Beefmasters Tony and Karen Psencik
9366 Hildebrandt, San Antonio, TX 78222 210-825-6240 tpsencik@suncoast-pt.com
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
Heritage Cattle Company E6 Commercial Beefmaster Females Beefmaster Bulls for the Commercial Cattleman
405-650-0675
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20
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
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Predicting Performance using Single-Step Genomics By John Genho, Livestock Genetics Over the past several years, genomic tests have become more available to breeders for genetic improvement. These have come in several different forms and have been used in different ways. The following is a review of these forms and methods.
prediction equations that could be applied to other animals. The idea was that a very limited number of animals could be tested and then the results of this could be applied to a larger population. The double-step methods of breed associations and the commercial panels of genotyping companies relied on this idea. However, we soon realized that once we left the initial population that we studied, the predictions were not very accurate. In addition, breeders began to see that they could simply turn in a DNA test in place of actually gathering phenotypes and performance data on their animals. Long term DNA tests cannot and should not take the place of good phenotypes but instead should enhance the phenotypes that are collected.
Initially, our collective thought was that we could find certain genes that coded for certain traits and select for the positive forms of those genes. A lot of research time and money was spent searching for these genes. This resulted in a few markers for tenderness and a single marker for marbling. The GeneStar markers are an example of this. However, as we looked at the impact that these genes had on these relatively easy traits, and the cost that went into searching for them, we soon realized that this model was not going Today, the industry to be used long term. in general has arrived at the idea that a single-step Following this realization, model is the best method a new idea developed. We for genomic prediction. The would look at a very high basic idea is that the values number of markers spread of genomic markers are evenly throughout the determined at the same time genome and determine that the EPDs are calculated how these markers were to prevent any problems associated with certain traits. between populations or This would result in a set of double counting of effects.
Arrowhead Ranch Siddons Beefmasters Ranch Located in Tilden, Texas
BOB & BONNIE SIDDONS 512/261-5327 Home 361/274-3700 Ranch 512/217-3400 Mobile
ironmen tal Award Winner 2005 Winners o Perform f the McAllen a Test - th nce Award Gain ree years in a row
C
WALKER BEEFMASTERS
7705 N. CR 25
Ray Walker Big Spring, Texas 79720
432/399-4338
Performing under West Texas Conditions GOOGLE Hennegin’s Beefmasters
Hennegin’s Beefmasters OHOA Member
J
J
David & Beverly Staggs
5155 Hwy 13 Searcy, AR 72143 HOME: (501) 268-6222 or WORK: (501) 268-3232 www.newcanaanbeefmaster.com David Cell: 501-278-1700 dlblstaggs@gmail.com
of switching their evaluation to the BOLT platform.
These two models each possess pros and cons. GBLUP is easier to implement with a limited number of genotyped animals and fits nicely with our traditional genetic evaluation software. However, as the number There are two singleof genotyped animals step models that are used goes up, it becomes more currently. The first is GBLUP, difficult to run. Also, the which is the model that basic form of GBLUP BBU uses. The idea behind assumes all markers have this model is that we use the same effect on each trait, genomic tests to help firm a simplifying assumption up the relationships between we know is not true. The animals. The American model which BOLT uses Angus Association is in the on the other hand is more process of switching to this difficult to work into existing model for their EPDs. The evaluations. However, once second single-step model BOLT is implemented, it is the super hybrid model. handles a high number of Since the BOLT platform genotyped animals more is built on this model, I’ll easily. In addition, it does simply refer to this model not assume each marker has as BOLT going forward. The the same effect on each trait. idea behind this model is that While these comparisons we run successive attempts hold true in general, the to simultaneously estimate American Angus Association the EPDs and genomic values and University of Georgia until an acceptable version are developing GBLUP is reached. International to overcome some of the Genetic Solutions (the negatives, making GBLUP a group which runs genetic viable option going forward. evaluations for Simmental, continued on page 21 Red Angus, and many other associations) is in the process
R
BBU Env
C
In the near future, all breed associations running genomic EPDs in the United States will be switching to single-step models. Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) was one of the first associations to run EPDs based on a single-step model, with the change coming two years ago.
HOME OF RED POLLED BREEDING STOCK 660-927-3682 EMail: rjhenegn@outlook.com
21244 STATE HWY 148 Maryville, MO 64468
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continued from page 20
For this test, all scan records for these bulls were removed. An additional The EPDs were then run consideration when with genomic tests included comparing the models is how and without genomic tests many markers are included included. The correlation in genomic prediction. Many between these EPDs and of the current genotypes for the actual scan records were all associations have been then measured (displayed done at 50K densities. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re as r in the figure). When just getting into ultrahigh genomic tests were used, density genotypes in the the correlation between the industry. At these lower EPDs and the scan records densities, the models will jumped from 40% to 45%. likely pick very similar Similar results can be found animals making the model for different traits and breeds. decision less relevant. The bottom line is that BBU is currently using GBLUP works in the BBU the GBLUP model, which dataset. We are better able to has proven to be an effective predict performance when model. Figure 1 shows breeders send in a DNA a portion of the 2015 sample, than when breeders born bulls that were both do not. Going forward we genotyped and ultrasounded. can continue to evaluate
21
further models, but for the time being the genomic model is working.
all of these depend on the continued collection and reporting of performance data. Without phenotypes, all The majority of the of this is just sounding brass problems with all models are and tinkling cymbals. The the imbalance between the EPDs must be built on sound number of animals registered data being collected and and the number of animals reported to the association. with DNA tests. Looking DNA tests do not remove the further into the future, the need to collect phenotypes. absolute best situation is Instead, they put the going to be when all animals phenotypes that you collect that are registered are also to better use in building genotyped. For the time selection tools. being this is cost prohibitive, but down the road it is likely to become more affordable. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve reviewed several models in this article and weighed out the costs and benefits to them. While there are many exciting options open to associations,
John Genho Founder and Head Geneticist Livestock Genetics
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BUCKNER POLLED BEEFMASTERS
POLLED IS BEAUTIFUL Polled by Intent, Not by Accident Polled Individuals For Sale.
The Product of 5 Generations of Planned Polled Genetics. Thornton, Texas (254) 747-2199 www.bucknerpolledbeefmasters.info
NE
Charles B. Albright 713-819-5449 chuckb1@swbell.net Lavaca County, Texas
Lowery Beefmasters 5563 County Road 638, Sweeny, Texas 77480 lowery.beefmasters@centurylink.net Barney & Margie CFH 12554
h: 979-345-3585 c: 979-299-9949
22
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
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Who Started that Fire? Embracing a Fire Culture By Morgan Russell, Ph.D., Range Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Fire is fire. That said, I can tell you fire is the answer, but the problem is in the questions. Is it a wildfire or prescribed burn? The biggest question for range managers, is how does fire (planned or unplanned) fit into your ranch plan? Fire is a naturally occurring process that is not centered on if, but when it will happen on rangeland. As rangeland managers we have the choice as to the type of fire that occurs in our pastures. Waiting for a wildfire is neither a good offense nor a good defense, similar to the old Marine philosophy, which mountain do you want to die on? It boils simply down to proactive vs. reactive attitudes and perspectives. As wildfire season gears ups, a question on every rancher’s mind should be are we ready for the start of the next drought/wildfire season? Stocking densities haven’t recovered from the last drought, and fuel loads across Texas and parts of the southwest are high due to above-average rainfall. Producers should be feeling
antsy about the (wildfire) fuel-loading problem that is in their pastures.
Active fire suppression has been recognized as a key disruptive force in rangeland ecosystem I don’t want to integrity throughout North oversimplify the decision American rangelands and of planning prescribed the world. Before European fires, or being a victim to settlement and their wildfire, but wildfires burn introduction of domestic out at prescribed fires. Try livestock grazing practices, the Bastrop Complex Fire native plant communities in 2011 on for size, when were maintained by periodic wildfire severity and effects fires and the grazing patterns at Bastrop State Park were of native wildlife. Early greatly minimized from Native Americans observed a previously conducted that buffalo consumed prescribed burn in 2010. mostly grass and preferred The presence of fire on a areas dominated by grass. landscape determines its They also realized that fire future. Nature benefits from was needed to maintain either type of fire, but we open prairies. Fire was an suffer as producers from important tool to manipulate the damage done by fires the vegetation with the we do not plan for. The purpose of improving planning for either type of habitat. Numerous written fire, ultimately determines a accounts support the use producer’s future. of fire by Native American Most producers are Indians. “In the spring the hesitant to adopt prescribed Indians throughout the buffalo burning, because of the country burned off the old misconception their grass in places where they grazing operation suffers. had not used a fire drive in However, fire and grazing the previous autumn. Until are natural and symbiotic the new grass attracted the processes in maintaining buffalo herds…” Amos Parker productive grassland and also reported in 1834, “that savannah plant communities. prairies are all burnt over
Double L
twice a year - in mid-summer, and about the first of winter”.
Figure 1. Cows and calves grazing in a recently burned patch (center) due to an increase in quality and palatability compared to unburned areas (foreground and background) that have vegetation that is rank, of low-quality and not as palatable. Early European ranchers had very little experience in semi-arid grasslands, and consequently, did not anticipate the adverse effects of overgrazing and fire suppression on rangeland continued on page 23
Selling
SIX BULLS
at Texoma Bull Sale March 18, 2017 McAlester, OK
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: BW 0.4, WW 47, YW 79, TM 25, SC 1.0, REA 0.71, $T 134.90, $M 23.27
Double L Semen For Sale Co-Owned by:
Larry Lairmore
903/278-7623 • Foreman, Arkansas • lairmore72@yahoo.com
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continued from page 22 structure and function. These management changes slowly transitioned native plant communities from savanna-grasslands to dense
reductions in annual grasses and weedy forbs, which are predominantly non-native and non-preferred species. Fire causes an immediate reduction of standing dead material and litter, which
23
VAUGHN Not Every Pound Has Equal Value We continuously strive to maximize the value of every pound of beef our customers sell.
woodland communities. Since then, rangeland managers have spent more than 60 years seeking methods to reduce woody plant species in an effort to reverse the downward trend in herbaceous plant productivity and species diversity. After almost a century of official and successful anti-fire campaigns, the benefits of conducting prescribed burns are gaining both scientific and cultural attention as a sound range management tool. Fireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ecological effects are numerous and complex. Fire can manipulate nutrient dynamics, soils, vegetation, grazing patterns, and grazing behavior of animals. Primary factors affecting plant community response are timing, frequency, and intensity of fire relative to the biology and origin of the flora and fauna examined. Generally speaking, with average precipitation, native perennial grass productivity typically increases with average growing conditions following a low-intensity fire. Neutral responses in total productivity occur when increases in native perennial grasses are offset by
presents a loss in forage in the short-term. However, with average annual precipitation, the reduction in litter can alter light and moisture relations at the soil surface, promoting increased herbaceous productivity and discouraging the establishment of non-native species. Reduction of standing dead material and litter, as well as improved forage quality of new plant growth, attracts grazing animals to recently burned sites. Response to fire can be species-specific, allowing targeted control of undesirable and woody species, such as pricklypear cactus, eastern red cedar, and blueberry juniper. Prescribed fire has been shown to be the most efficient and economical method for controlling invasive, nonsprouting native juniper. Intense and frequent fire can result in a direct reduction in canopy cover of woody plants by killing, injuring, or reducing trees to smaller size classes. Following fire, browsing animals may further inhibit recovery of continued on page 29
Utilizing Vaughn Beefmaster and Beefmaster Advancer genetics, our customers are seeing optimal growth, fewer days on feed, and higher quality grades. Contact us to see how our next generation of VFF genetics can help increase your bottom line.
Jason Bates General Manager 417-616-9000
Davin and Gail Vaughn Mount Vernon, MO www.vaughnfamilyfarms.com
24
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
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CAIN CATTLE 2017
BULL SALE • SAT., OCT. 14
1 PM • PICKENS, MS RANCH | 1479 STOCKYARD RD ANGUS • ULTRABLACK • BRANGUS SONS of MC Resolute & MC ONStar sell!
MC Resolute 924z25
MC ONSTAR 924W4
MC RESOLUTE 129X2 (R10177546) X RBM MS JETHRO 924U2 (R10123853)
RBM MS JETHRO 924U2 (R10123853) X MISS NMSU 924 (R734082)
CED
BW
WW
YW
MILK
TM
CEM
SC
REA
IMF
FAT
EPD
2.2
3.2
43
78
9
31
3.5
1.27
0.66
0.12
-0.019
EPD
% RANK
85%
90%
5%
10%
55%
10%
80%
5%
10%
20%
95%
2.6
3.0
28
47
-6
8
5.2
0.93
% RANK
75%
90%
35%
45%
95%
95%
10%
15%
CED
BW
WW
YW
MILK
TM
CEM
SC
REA
IMF
FAT
0.45
0.09
-0.010
35%
25%
95%
$T
$M
BEEFMASTER BULLS SELL • OCT 21, 2017 BEEF ON FORAGE BULL SALE BRENHAM, TX
Beefmaster HERD Sires Semen Available
Summit 5306 | C1066252 |
Relentless | C1034368
Summit@caincattle.com
J & K 1001 (C993059) X MEACHAM 0714 (C995332) BWT
WWT
YWT
MAT
TOTMAT
SC
REA
CF DREAM CATCHER (C977250) X PIPPA (C994456)
IMF
FAT
$T
$M
EPD
-1.2
32
57
10
26
0.8
1.25
0.2
-0.02
100.9 25.12
% RANK
15%
15%
10%
35%
15%
9%
1%
7%
95%
10%
10%
BWT
WWT
YWT
MAT
TOTMAT
SC
REA
IMF
FAT
EPD
2.5
39
66
10
29
0.9
0.22
0.0
-0.03
% RANK
95%
5%
4%
35%
5%
5%
50%
55%
55%
112.1 25.06 5%
10%
PA PA
Beef is our Business Dr. Robert Williams | General Manager
816.519.1179
rwilliams@caincattle.com
P.O. Box 3269 Gulfport, MS 39505
CG Total 3094 | C1044460 WPR’S THE TOTAL PACKAGE (C954388) X PIERSON 2580 (C998887) BWT
WWT
YWT
MAT
TOTMAT
SC
REA
IMF
FAT
EPD
-3.4
40
72
11
30
1.2
0.10
0.0
-0.03
% RANK
1%
4%
2%
20%
5%
2%
60%
55%
55%
$T
$M
123.4 32.84 2%
3%
Owners: Ted, Julie, Logan & Evan Cain www.caincattle.com
f
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 SPRING 2017
Vol. 3, No. 1
Section 2
www.beefmasters.org
Not Your Grandpa’s Beefmasters By Jeralyn Novak, Beefmaster Breeders United If you are a commercial cattleman, you simply cannot afford NOT to be crossbreeding. The benefits of a crossbred cow to any commercial herd are undeniable and highly documented. Beefmasters are the most important part to any crossbreeding program because of the powerful impact they have on maternal efficiency. If your cowherd is predominantly Angus, Brangus or any other breed, using Beefmaster bulls on those cows will create superior crossbred females to capitalize on maternal heterosis. Even though the Beefmaster breed was developed for the brush country of South Texas, this breed of cattle excels in all climates and is efficient in numerous environmental conditions. This hardy breed has rapidly expanded into
the Midwest and Central regions of the United States, and Beefmasters are found on ranches as far west as California and as far north as Wisconsin. Beefmasters excel in maternal efficiency no matter the climate! As we all know, cattle ranches located in Missouri, Oklahoma and several other states in the central region are highly concentrated with blackhided cattle. Commercial cattlemen in these areas that are demanding more performance from their cattle. Thankfully, their demand for increased performance has been met through crossbreeding with Beefmasters. Numerous cattlemen in Oklahoma and Missouri say that crossbreeding with Beefmasters adds maternal efficiency to their replacement females and
increases tolerance to the toxic fescue grass found in the region. One of these Missouri cattlemen is Roger Gurley.
bull, I don’t care what you put him on, you’re just going to help your herd. There is no down side to using a Beefmaster.”
“I’ve used about every breed of cattle there is: Simbrah, Santa Gertrudis, Beefmaster, Red Angus, Gelbvieh and Simmental. No breed has it all cornered. There are good Simmental and good Angus, but I feel like you can’t overdue one breed and with a Beefmaster
Roger is not the only one that loves using Beefmasters on his commercial cowherd. Throughout Missouri and the United States, several cattlemen and women use Beefmasters on their commercial herds for the heterosis advantage. Feed continued on page 26
www.cherryglenbeefmasters.com BREEDING FOR QUALITY & PERFORMANCE
SINCE 1989
9 BULLS SELLING
Texoma Beefmaster Performance Sale March 18, 2017 - McAlester , OK
contact John Pierson For bulls available private treaty 707.718.4199
CG3415 - C1054012
He sells March 18th at Texoma Beefmaster Bull Sale BW
WW
YW
Milk
TM
SC
REA
IMF
FAT
$T
$M
VALUE
66
836
1,278
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
EPD
-2.8
44
76
12
34
1.4
0.36
-0.1
-0.04
128.90
38.29
ACC
.49
.48
.40
.17
-
.29
.33
.33
.31
-
-
26
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
continued from page 25 efficiency, as well as heat tolerance, docility and increased weaning weights are some of the reasons
why they started using Beefmasters and why they continue to use Beefmasters in their crossbreeding programs. Missouri Cattleman Dusty Kalberloh says he started using the Beefmaster cattle because of the heat tolerance. “I needed a slick hide cow because I don’t have much shade in my pasture,” says Kalberloh.
www.beefmasters.org
they put more weight on calves which is important because we sell everything through the cattle market,” says Kalberloh.
in his crossbreeding program “My Beefmasters are for similar reasons to Dusty, not as large framed as the however he also demands Charolais were and I can run calving ease from his cows. a few more head on the same acres,” says Stinnett. “I use Beefmaster cattle because I wanted an animal Gurley, Kalberloh and that was easier to calve. They Stinnett all reside in a region have eye appeal, are easy where the fescue grass has calving and have more heat a large amount of toxic tolerance,” says Stinnett. endophyte. This endophyte increases the blood Before incorporating temperature of cattle that Beefmaster cattle into his consume the fescue grass. commercial cattle herd, According to these cattlemen, Richard used Charolais cattle they notice that the blackand since he has switched hided cattle in their area visit to Beefmaster cattle, he the ponds and shade more has noticed that his cattle often when they eat the toxic produce a more moderate fescue grass. However, these frame and easier keeping Richard Stinnett of Lowry cattlemen have also offspring. City, Mo., uses Beefmasters continued on page 27
N Z E E R L F
F
BEEFMASTERS
He started using Beefmaster cattle for the heat tolerance, but gained more than just heat tolerant calves. His cattle gained weight.
• Performance testing for over 35 years • Producing thick, heavy muscled, easy fleshing cattle with breed leading EPDs and carcass traits • No nonsense, grass based genetics • 30 year consignor to the Beef “On” Forage Bull Test and Sale • Performance bulls for sale private treaty • Keeping the “BEEF” in Beefmasters
“Our Beefmaster sired calves are always 50 to 75 pounds heavier than our Balancer based calves. We have stuck with using Beefmaster bulls,
Frenzel Beefmasters 7163 FM 3117 Temple, Texas 76501
www.frenzelbeefmasters.com Call Gary Frenzel at 254-721-2214 Email : gary@frenzelbeefmasters.com
www.beefmasters.org
continued from page 26
“If you talk about durability from a noticed that ever since they motherhood stand point, started crossbreeding with a lot of cattlemen in this Beefmaster bulls, their cattle area have converted over spend more time grazing the to crossbreeding with fescue grass and less time in Beefmasters because of the shade. Research shows durability. Beefmaster cows that Bos indicus or Brahmanlast a long time in a tough influenced cattle, such as environment and still raise Beefmaster, are more tolerant you a good calf. I think it of the toxic fescue grass when goes back to the point that compared to Bos taurus these cows make really great breeds. moms,” says Moore. Skylar Moore co-owns Moore goes on to say and operates Joplin Regional that not only do Beefmaster Stockyards in Carthage, influence cattle make Mo., and markets cattle for a excellent cows, but they living. Over the years he has perform in the feedlot and seen more and more of his on the rail against the blackcustomers buy Beefmaster hided cattle he raises and and Beefmaster cross cattle buys. because of their impressive feed conversion rates, “Beefmaster cattle will excellent performance on grade about 80% choice. They the rail and the outstanding will grade right along with durability of Beefmaster the other breeds.” cows. Not only does Moore enjoy Beefmaster cattle,
he also has noticed the significant progress the breed has made over the past ten years. According to Moore, “ten or twelve years ago if you heard the word Beefmaster you thought tall, lanky and hard to put weight on them. The Beefmasters you see now are way more moderate type and the breeders have bred a lot more genetics into the breed. So in terms of feed
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
conversion and how they feed, I have seen a major difference in the Beefmasters today than the ones fifteen years ago.” That’s right, you heard it. The Beefmasters you see today are not your grandpa’s Beefmasters. The unquestioned longevity, fertility and docility of Beefmaster cattle teamed with generations of range continued on page 28
DOMINATE YOUR HERD WITHDOMINATOR
Semen For Sale $35/straw
includes certificate
Private treaty bulls and heifers available year round!
C1060457
20 Straw Minimum
#1 Ranked Bull Beef on Forage Sale 2016
27
#2nd Highest Selling Bull Beef on Forage Sale 2016
BW: 0.3 WW: 34 YW: 64 Milk: 7 TM: 24 SC: 1.0 REA: 0.38 IMF: -0.1 FAT: -0.03 $T: 108.80 $M: 19.16 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
28
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
continued from page 27 proven hardiness make them a solid economic choice for any cattleman. Beefmaster cattle are not only a great crossbreeding tool for the commercial cattlemen, but they are an all-around a great breed of cattle for any cowman. Cattle producers
throughout the country are proud Beefmaster breeders and it is the mission of all Beefmaster breeders to strive for breed improvement and
provide the best cow to the beef industry. Craig Johnson is just one of many Missouri based Beefmaster breeders who are dedicated to providing solid Beefmaster genetics to you and your neighbors. Johnson manages St. Clair Beefmasters outside of
El Dorado Springs, Mo., where they have close to over 200 head of purebred and registered Beefmaster bulls and cows. They
supply Beefmaster cattle to commercial cattlemen throughout Missouri. “The demand for Beefmasters has really increased since the drought in 2012. A lot of my customers were having problems with their commercial bulls and commercial cows weren’t breeding back and were having eye problems, from the drought and standing in ponds. So they wanted to cross a Beefmaster bull or Beefmaster cow with their commercial herd to get more heterosis and more hybrid vigor, and just have a healthier calf,” says Johnson. Commercial cattlemen and women across the United States find that adding the extra maternal heterosis that Beefmaster bulls offer to their commercial females is an added benefit because the female calves they
www.beefmasters.org
produce have the needed maternal traits for superior replacement females, while the bull calves have the extra weight needed to be competitive in the current marketplace. For more information and a look inside how the Beefmaster breed offers proven heterosis, check them out online at beefmasters.org.
Jeralyn Novak BBU Communications Coordinator
Producing Foundation Beefmasters for South Louisiana You’re Invited to these upcoming LOUISIANA SALES! April 1, 2017 Louisiana BBA Rose Capital Classic Sale Shreveport, La. November 4, 2017 Louisiana BBA Cowboy Classic Sale Lake Charles, La. 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
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
www.beefmasters.org
continued from page 23 woody plant species due to increased accessibility and palatability.
element that goes handin-hand with a properly planned, timed, and executed prescribed burn.
As an evolutionary process, fire cannot be substituted with any other management option and the combination of grazing and fire epitomizes the most natural symbiotic relationship on rangelands.
Prescribed fire in Texas faces an uncertain future. Historic use of prescribed fire by ranchers has never been widespread; however, with the rapid increase in population and increased â&#x20AC;&#x153;urbanizationâ&#x20AC;? of rangeland,
Figure 2. Redberry and blueberry juniper burning during a summer prescribed burn.
Keep in mind that prescribed burning is not a one-time, cure-all, silver-bullet treatment, but a routine program that must be maintained. Fire
air quality concerns, county officials quick to implement burn bans, new landowners who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand the ranching culture and lack the experience and background to appreciate the value of fire, etc., the implementation of fire will be even more difficult in the future.
Burn Association in Texas have successfully burned approximately 1-million acres of rangeland. So, join a prescribed burn association, participate on other burns, and attend certified prescribed burn schools. It is my hope that this article will spark a better understanding for the problems facing the continued use of prescribed fire, fan a greater appreciation for the future role fire should play in your region, and re-ignite the fire culture that manipulated such a basic, natural tool to historically make our rangelands so profitable and sustainable.
Morgan L. Russell, Ph.D. Department of Ecosystem Science and Management Assistant Professor and Extension Range Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service - San Angelo, Texas
Hargis Ranch Three Generations of Quality
Foundation Breeding Chris & Jessica Hargis
5710 E. 2030 Road, Waurika, OK 73573 Chris: 580.313.1356 hargisranch@yahoo.com
www.HargisRanch.com
Bulls & Females For Sale frequency is the key to success. Native rangeland vegetation is adapted to periodic burning. However, fires can be destructive if proper management is not followed before and after the prescribed burn. Livestock and wildlife are easily attracted to recently burned areas and can overgraze the burned area if given the opportunity. Rangeland recovery following a prescribed burn is a key
Figure 3. A summer prescribed burn off of a secure line in West Texas benefits palatability, quality, and diversity of native perennial grasses.
However, these potential problems should not lessen our enthusiasm for prescribed fire. In fact, now is the time to become bold and innovative in the use of prescribed fire, but to also be prudent. Members of the Edwards Plateau Prescribed
Private Treaty or at these sales
Texoma Beefmaster Sale March 18, 2017 McAlester, Okla. Beef On Forage Performance Bull Sale October 21, 2017 Brenham, Texas
Lasater 4248
29
Foundation 712
30
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
www.beefmasters.org
Commodity Price Stabilization Expected in 2017 By National Cattlemen’s Beef Association After a volatile year, stability is returning to global commodity markets, at least for the time being, said CattleFax CEO Randy Blach during the popular CattleFax Outlook Session at the 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show.
Blach said that in the nearterm, capacity is going to continue to be a significant issue for packing companies in both the beef and pork sectors. A shortage of available labor and an increase in protein production in beef, pork and poultry will continue to keep the packing sector “After the ag market in the driver’s seat during the shocks of the past year and year ahead. an approximate correction of 50 percent in all commodity “With limited processing markets, prices are begincapacity, the leverage shift in ning to stabilize,” said Blach. the marketplace will contin“That doesn’t mean that we’re ue toward the packing, retail past this, or that prices have and foodservice segments for bottomed, but on a global the time being,” said Blach. basis, we’re not likely to see as much volatility during the During 2017 and beyond, year ahead.” margins are likely to tighten for cow-calf producers with He said the industry is more stability but also an excontinuing to become more pectation for lower highs and current in its marketings and lower lows. CattleFax analysts cattle feeders are seeing a renoted that the cow-calf sector turn to profitability, the first will shift focus to finding efstep in helping to stabilize ficiencies, reducing cow costs prices for cow-calf and stockand improving productivity er operations. to remain profitable. Analysts estimated 2017 price expec-
tations for 550 pound steers at $150 per hundredweight (cwt.) with a range of $130170/cwt. while 750 pound steers will average $130/cwt. with a range from $120-140 during the year ahead. Blach reported that the historical cattle cycle remains intact, although the price break experienced in 2016 was the fastest and deepest of any in recent history. “Even with the rapid growth in the U.S. cow herd, numbers are expected to continue higher for the next twoto-three years,” said CattleFax Senior Analyst Kevin Good. “Absolute price lows likely will not be realized until that period of increasing cow herd numbers is behind us.” Good echoed the expectation for prices to stabilize during 2017, making price and production risk management an easier task for producers. He said fed steer pric-
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es will average $110/cwt. with a range of $98-$124/cwt. and the composite Choice cutout will trade from $168 to $204/cwt. with a 2017 average price of $185/cwt. for the year. Grain prices have also stabilized and corn is projected to trade from $2.90-$3.95 per bushel with an average of $3.45 per bushel. Meteorologist Art Douglas, professor emeritus at Creighton University, said the signs of a return to El Nino conditions are already becoming apparent in the Pacific Ocean, which bodes well for portions of the country. “The upcoming spring forecast calls for improved moisture from Texas to Minnesota and this will be an ideal setup for spring wheat. The drought in the Southeast will be retracting in the spring while a drier spring weather pattern is forecast for the northern continued on page 32
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The Beefmaster Pay Weight
continued from page 30
with developing El Nino events.
established in the plains. The Northwest is expected Rockies. Persistent high presto have a warmer- and drisure ridging will keep the “Midwest summer temer-than-normal summer due western third of the country peratures will be near to to persistent high pressure warmer than normal in the slightly below normal. A perridging.” spring and the dry areas of sistent trough of low pressure the far Southeast will also is forecast to persist through - The National Cattlemen’s be warmer than normal,” the Mississippi Valley Beef Association (NCBA) said Douglas. “Temperatures through the summer and this works to advance the ecowill be cooler than normal will favor cooler than normal nomic, political and social through the Corn Belt in the temperatures in the plains interests of the U.S. cattle spring and with wet weathand above normal precipita- business and to be an advoer forecast for the western tion from the Gulf Coast to cate for the cattle industry’s Corn Belt, there could be the mid-Mississippi Valley policy positions and economproblems with field work and and Ohio Valley as well as ic interests. spring planting.” the Southeast,” said Douglas. “The summer monsoon in He said the upcoming the Southwest is likely to be summer is expected to follow weak as the monsoon high the typical pattern observed pressure struggles to become
www.beefmasters.org
BEEFMASTER CAPS & CUPS FOR SALE! We have several different styles of caps for sale that have our new logo on them! Cap options are in photos below. If you would like to order a cap please call Jeralyn at 210-732-3132 to pay with a credit card over the phone. Or mail $26.80 ($20/cap and $6.80 for shipping) check payment made out to Beefmaster Breeders United to Attn: Jeralyn Novak, 118 W. Bandera Road, Boerne, TX 78006. Please put in the check memo section: Beefmaster Cap. Please indicate which caps and what quantities you want to purchase. Email jnovak@beefmasters.org to order. We are also selling Beefmaster Breeders United RTIC 30 Oz Stainless Steel Tumbler cups for $30 each plus shipping.
33
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
www.beefmasters.org
Opening New Markets with the International Beefmaster Federation By Bill Pendergrass, Beefmaster Breeders United What an exciting time to be in the Beefmaster business! Demand for Beefmasters is at an alltime high and new markets are opening to all of us across the world. In the past year, there have been exciting developments that are impacting Beefmaster breeders everywhere and I am proud to say that South Africa is playing a key role in these exciting happenings. In March of 2016, Beefmaster leaders from the United States, South Africa, Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Italy and Thailand gathered in Houston, Texas to discuss the need to form an international organization to improve the Beefmaster breed, open new markets and create better Beefmasters, ultimately leading to better markets for Beefmaster breeders everywhere. The International Beefmaster Federation (IBF) was formed as a result of this meeting and Lorenzo Lasater, grandson of the legendary Beefmaster founder Tom Lasater, was elected as president of IBF. The first order of business for IBF was to form a technical committee to determine the breed improvement and genetic evaluation capabilities for each nation. I am personally excited that Connie van Vuuren of South Africa serves on this important committee and I am confident that as this group moves forward other member registries will come to understand how advanced and sophisticated the South African beef industry is and how Beefmasters are truly a dominant breed in South
Africa. Once the capabilities of each organization are established, the technical committee will investigate how to assist Beefmaster breeders in other nations in breed improvement strategies and this will offer educational and marketing opportunities for Beefmaster breeders everywhere.
such as genetic evaluations. Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU), Beefmaster Cattle Breeders Society of South Africa (BCBSSA) and Asociación Mexicana de Criadores de Ganado Beefmaster (Mexico) all use variations of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) and prepare the most sophisticated genetic evaluations
Obviously, there are major differences between IBF groups, especially in terms of complex issues
continued on page 34
MC
A L E S T E
R
** L Bar 5502
5/34 Simon Creek Lasater 1488 J & K 1001 5-75 Casey J & K Cattle Co. 317 Simon Creek
679 Simon Creek Multiple Sire
Lasater 3265 Lasater 6735 95 LH Kent Mindemann 150 Kent Mindemann 546 Kent Mindemann 238 Kent Mindemann
C1052714 - EPDs (Percentile Ranking)
BW: 1.0 (60%) WW: 44 (5%) YW: 70 (5%) M: 11 (15%) TM: 32 (5%) SC: 1.2 (5%) REA: 1.28 (1%) IMF: 0.1 (15%) Fat: -0.03 (30%)
BEEFMASTER GENOMICS
$T: 121.81 (5%) $M: 33.30 (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 Top 1% REA
Top 5% $M
Top 5% $T
Exciting balance of Maternal and Carcass
Outstanding Eye Appeal and Functionality
Embryo Donor Dams CHRK Black Ruby - C997607
Paxico, Kansas 785-213-1753
BW -0.1 (35%) WW 55 (1%) YW 91 (1%) M 9 (40%) TM 36 (1%) SC 1.4 (1%) REA 0.71 (5%) IMF 0.2 (5%) Fat -0.02 (85%) $T 159.25 (1%) $M 37.21 (5%) Sire: Black Bayou Dam: CHRK Miss Reba
CJ’s Marquise Diamond - C1032076
BW -0.1 (35%) WW 43 (5%) YW 69 (5%) M 11 (15%) TM 33 (5%) SC 1.2 (5%) REA 0.32 (35%) IMF 0.0 (40%) Fat -0.05 (1%) $T 116.83 (5%) $M 35.51 (5%) Sire: CF Dream Catcher Dam: CJ’s Diamond of Soul
VFF California - C1057517
BW -1.7 (5%) WW 50 (1%) YW 88 (1%) M 10 (25%) TM 35 (1%) SC 1.3 (1%) REA 0.08 (65%) IMF 0.5 (1%) $T 157.56 (1%) $M 33.55 (5%) Sire: WPR’s The Total Package Dam: Miss CJ 860
WPR’S 1393 - C1040453
BW -0.7 (20%) WW 54 (1%) YW 94 (1%) M 12 (5%) TM 39 (1%) SC 1.6 (1%) REA 0.49 (10%) IMF -0.1 (75%) Fat -0.03 (30%) $T 159.35 (1%) $M 38.60 (1%)
Sire: WPR’s The Total Package
Dam: WPR’s 0914
+
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
continued from page 33 of the group. The IBF technical committee is investigating the degree
BONFIRE x MISS SUGARBELLE 2016 San Antonio Livestock Show Grand Champion Bull 2015 National Champion Bull 2015 Show Bull of the Year 2015 Grand Champion Bull – Houston Livestock Show 2015 Grand Champion Bull – Beefmaster U 2015 Grand Champion Bull – West Texas Fair 2015 Grand Champion Bull – HOT Fair 2015 Grand Champion Bull – State Fair of Texas 2015 Grand Champion Bull – State Fair of Louisiana
U
U
34
semen $100/Unit
BUy 10, Get 12
A
Owners:
Tylan & Kim Shelton David & Sara Faulkner David Weir David & Glynda Clark Layne & Linda Van Winkle
AndersOn BeefmAsters steven & Lyn AndersOn
(806) 678-2238 • Amarillo, Texas
www.beefmasters.org
this project will benefit both registries and evaluations.
BBU computed our first genomics based genetic evaluation in June 2016, with of connectivity across over 600 HD genotypes. IBF registries and system In less than a year, the capabilities to determine how BBU spring 2017 genetic to best assist each registry evaluation will include over in breed improvement 2,100 genotypes. In the very and ultimately genetic near future BBU will unveil evaluations. a new Beefmaster specific BBU and BCBSSA are commercial chip that will the most advanced systems allow ranchers to determine and both registries are parentage and compute using DNA or genomics molecular breeding values to improve their genetic for commercial females. evaluations. In August 2016, I have no doubt that Stud BBU member Gary Frenzel Book will guide BCBSSA and I met with BCBSSA down a similar path. At and Stud Book officials in its core, genomics allows South Africa to discuss a us to identify superior genotype sharing project performance genetics at an that could conceivably help earlier age with a greater both groups. The BBU Board degree of accuracy, which of Directors has approved leads to more rapid genetic sharing BBU genotypes with improvement and then onto Stud Book and in the near more profit. BBU is excited to future both groups will be be working with South Africa collaborating on how to use on this genotype sharing this valuable data for the project and look forward improvement of Beefmaster to advancing Beefmasters genetics in both nations, and everywhere. eventually around the world. On a closing note, 2017 This important project will marks a milestone in the gain insight into both systems Beefmaster breed. This will and the economic drivers be the 80th anniversary of that each nation has built the year from which Tom their beef industry around. Lasater closed his herd to The United States puts great outside genetics (according selection pressure on carcass to Lorenzo Lasater). An quality or marbling. As a amazing amount of progress result there is vast amount and history has transpired ultrasound carcass data that since then. I think we could BBU uses to compute EPDs. all agree that Tom Lasater While BCBSSA doesn’t would be pleased with how collect or compute similar Beefmasters has continued carcass type measurements, to improve and make a Stud Book collects several significant impact for profitfertility type measurements minded cattlemen all over and calculations that are the world. powerful tools. When BBU While this 80th anniversary and BCBSSA combine is not an official designation forces and share genotypes, by BBU, recognition of the what will happen? This achievements of the Lasater project is complex, pedigree families will be top of mind connectivity and several for Beefmaster breeders other challenging areas will everywhere. BBU’s annual determine how useful the convention is coming up data is. Rest assured that as fast as genomics is advancing, continued on page 37
www.beefmasters.org
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
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Did You Know? Beefmaster Edition.
s i th g n i k Roc
y r t n u Co 18X (C997656) ranks in the top 5% of the breed for the following traits:
WW, YW, IMF, REA, SC, $T, $M EPD
BW
WW
YW
MAT
TMAT
REA
MARB
FAT
SC
.51
46.88
73.86 11.13
34.57
0.29
0.19
0.00
0.93
EPD Percentiles Based on Fall 2016 EPDs
Semen for sale – $35/straw Skelton Farms James & Mary Ann Skelton Springdale, AR 479-751-0095 maskelton@yahoo.com Beefmasters
The Best of Both Worlds
Beefmaster History The origins of the Beefmaster breed began in the South Texas town of Falfurrias. In 1931, Tom Lasater began using a crossbreeding program of Brahman, Hereford and Shorthorn cattle. Lasater crossed the Brahman-Hereford cattle with the Brahman-Shorthorn cattle and received outstanding results. His satisfaction with the performance of the three-way cross cattle led to the closing of his herd to outside genetics in 1937. Once Lasater closed his herd and began mating the three-way cross cattle together, he called the resulting offspring “Beefmaster”. In 1954, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recognized Beefmaster as an official breed, making it the first recognized American composite breed of beef cattle (breed composed of multiple breeds). In 1961, the Beefmaster Breeders Universal organization was founded and is known today at Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU). As of 2015, BBU is the fifth largest beef cattle breed registry in the United States, with over 2,500 members. Beefmaster: The Six Essentials Tom Lasater’s goal was to develop cattle that would be more profitable in the South Texas environment than other popular breeds at the time. His selection criteria was strictly based on traits of economic relevance. These traits, known as the Six Essentials, are the foundation for selection and early development of the Beefmaster breed. The Six Essentials include: Fertility, Disposition, Weight, Milk Production, Hardiness and Conformation. Adhering to the Six Essentials allowed Lasater to produce a line of cattle specifically designed to be profitable: docile females that would breed to calve annually, produce enough milk to raise a high-quality calf to weaning and do so in any environment. Beefmaster cattle are still known for these traits, thanks to continued adherence to the Six Essentials by today’s breeders. Commercial cattlemen appreciate Beefmaster cattle for their ability to be profitable in commercial situations, just as Tom Lasater selected them to be. International Availability Beefmaster breeders in the U.S., are very active in the international market. The BBU International Committee is dedicated to providing Beefmaster genetics to progressive cattlemen across the world. Supported by United States Livestock Genetics Export (USLGE), BBU is aggressively building marketing programs that make sourcing U.S. Beefmasters internationally possible. Dedicated to educating cattlemen and improving beef production across the world, the BBU International Committee hosts cattlemen from several countries each year for educational programs. The Go International Team (GIT) is composed of Beefmaster breeders who are dedicated to conducting international oriented cattle business. The BBU Genetics Combine is a cooperative effort of GIT members who make performance oriented Beefmaster semen available in volume to international customers. In addition to semen, GIT members also have frozen embryos available for discriminating cattlemen who wish to directly inject full blood U.S. Beefmasters into their herds. BBU stands ready to assist cattlemen and women from all over the world in the search for serious genetics designed to be profitable, no matter what region or climate. Beefmasters are the best of both worlds!
www.beefmasters.org
continued from page 34 in October in Galveston, Texas and plans are being made to have an IBF meeting in conjunction with the convention. With this in mind, BBU will structure some of our educational workshops at convention to include content valuable for international guests and include a session where Beefmaster breeders from outside the United States can give feedback about the role of Beefmasters in their nation and how we can better position the breed to improve
the beef industry in those nations. We extend a warm invitation to Beefmaster enthusiasts from everywhere to attend our convention this October.
Bill Pendergrass
BBU Executive Vice President
1521 Madison 320 Marquand, MO 63655 T: (573) 783 8168 E: gailmouser@gmail.com Private treaty sales available year round!
Raising and promoting sound, efficient, quality cattle.
New Cut Farms Beefmaster 256.434.0178
cwchristopher77@gmail.com
Cliff & Pam Christopher
Sierra’s Love
Billy & Laura J. Richerzhagen Falkville, Alabama 256.990.5615 billyal2@aol.com “We don’t sell what we don’t love”
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 2 43
Paul & Rhonda Wallen
Lockwood, Mo. 417-808-0296 wallenprairieranch@yahoo.com www.wallenprairieranch.com
Join us on Facebook: Paul-Rhonda Wallen WPR’S CHICK MAGNET
PW
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Central stateS
Beefmaster Breeders Association PRESENTS
:
The Heart of Oklahoma Beefmaster Sale
Saturday
May 13, 2017 Locust Grove, Oklahoma
Gail & Ronnie Mouser GandRbeefmaster.com
15368 Sod Road Athens, AL 35611
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
WHERE POWER & PERFORMANCE COMES TOGETHER WITH QUALITY & EYE APPEAL
Sycamore Springs Ranch www.sycamorespringsranch.net
5-1/2 miles south of Locust Grove, Oklahoma on Hwy. 82
APPROX. 70 LOTS Elite Females Select Breeding Age Bulls Also watch for our
Performance
Tested Bull Sale November 4, 2017 Joplin, Missouri For catalogs and additional information: WWW.CSBBA.ORG SALE MANAGER: TOM HOOD (918) 456-1199 • Email: hhh89@lrec.org
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The Beefmaster Pay Weight
www.beefmasters.org
PerfoRmancE BeEFMAsteR GENeTiCS f rom t he FOuN ding fa M I Ly
56th BEeFMAstEr bulL SAlE October 7, 2017 san ANgeLo, TExaS 140 BeEFMAsteR bulLS Range developed • Performance and Trich tested • Free delivery available
Private TrEAty BulLs aVAilabLe MARch 2017 Lorenzo Lasater
www.isabeefmasters.com
325.656.9126 lorenzo@isabeefmasters.com
FEmales, SemEn & eMBRyOs available year-round
A Cowman’s Best Friend at Calving Time!
ONE PERSON can SAFELY and EASILY process calves without concern of the protective mother cow!
Now available with digital scale!
Easy and Safe Catching!
Fits ATV’s and UTV’s!
Bar 4 Ranch, TX - ”We love our Calf Catcher! No people or animals have been hurt. The cows are more calm because they can see & smell the calves going to the pairs pasture. It is really a one-man job now!”
Michael Hornecker, WY - “I wish I had found out about the Safety Zone Calf Catchers years ago. No more rushing to get a calf doctored or tagged before the cow gets on the fight. I work by myself and this has made my job a lot safer.” Cody Lee, MT - “After all was said and done we have concluded that it was the best use of money that we have made in the last twenty years. It was a huge time saver and labor savor and just simply made calving a much easier task. This is a very well made piece of equipment and it handled all of my concerns with rough terrain and ditches with flying colors.” Deanna Schlereth, KS - “We should have invested in a calf catcher years ago. My husband wouldn’t have been knocked down all those times, he would have been protected from that. It was the best thing we ever did. My son uses it now and he likes it too. Thank you!”
Safe Release!
Moving Pairs is Easy!
Designed for Processing Safety... - Enables quick and safe calf catching! - Convenient, step in access of producer! - Holder secures calf for easy processing! - User-friendly inside release of calf to cow! - Move calves easier with cow following! - Less cow stress, mother can see and smell calf! - Reduces danger while working new calves! - Quick Mount/Dismount on both ATV & UTVs!
Watch action video at SafetyZoneCalfCatchers.com For local dealers or to order, call 877-505-0914 today!
The Beefmaster Pay Weight
www.beefmasters.org
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2017 Beefmaster Sale Calendar
March 10, 2017 - Houston Magic XVIII, Houston, TX March 10, 2017 - South Texas BBA Houston Futurity Sale, Houston, TX March 11, 2017 - Beefmaster Promotion Group International Beefmaster Gala Sale, Houston, TX March 11, 2017 - Genetic Development Center Best of The Test Sale, Navasota, TX March 18, 2017 - Southeastern BBA Dixie National Sale, Tunica, MS March 18, 2017 - Texoma Beefmaster Sale, McAlester, OK March 30, 2017 - CB Supreme Haltered Online Sale April 01, 2017 - Louisiana BBA Rose Capital Classic Sale, Shreveport, LA April 08, 2017 - Collier Farms Advantage Sale, Giddings, TX April 08, 2017 - Ozark & Heart of America Spring Sale, Springfield, MO April 15, 2017 - East Texas/Louisiana Beefmaster Marketing Group Sale, Crockett, TX April 22, 2017 - Springtime in Texas Sale, Brenham, TX April 23, 2017 - National E6 Sale, Columbus, TX April 29, 2017 - Live Oak Beefmaster Breeders Assoc. Spring Sale, Live Oak County Fairgrounds, Three Rivers, TX May 06, 2017 - Southern Alliance Beefmaster Marketing Group Sale, Cullman, AL May 13, 2017 - Central States BBA Heart of Central States Sale, Locust Grove, OK May 20, 2017 - Swinging B, T5 & McManus Production Sale, Tenroc Ranch, Salado, TX May 27, 2017 - Sweet Home Alabama Sale, Cullman, AL June 24, 2017 - Jones Farm & Cottage Farms Southern Tradition XVII Beefmaster Production Sale, Savannah, TN August 26, 2017- Southeastern BBA Convention Sale, Tunica, MS September 09, 2017 - Dale Lasater Ranch Foundation Beefmaster Sale, Matheson, CO September 09, 2017 - Beefmaster Network Sale, Franklin, TN September 29, 2017 - SEBBA Investment Bull Sale, Arcadia, FL October 07, 2017 - J&T Farms 3rd Production Sale, Savannah, TN October 07, 2017 - Isa Beefmasters 56th Performance Tested Bull Sale, San Angelo, TX October 14, 2017 - South Texas BBA Buccaneer Classic Sale, Robstown, TX October 21, 2017 - Carr & Others Fall Sale, Floresville, TX October 21, 2017 - Beef on Forage Performance Bull Sale, Brenham, TX November 04, 2017 - Louisiana BBA Cowboy Classic Sale, Lake Charles, LA November 04, 2017 - Central States BBA Performance Tested Bull Sale, Joplin, MO November 14, 2017 - Zipperer Beefmasters Bull & Replacement Heifer Sale, Clewiston, FL *sale catalogs posted online a few weeks before sale date at www.beefmasters.org/purebred/calendar.php*
BEEFMASTER Cattle Sale Saturday, April 15 – 12 Noon
Crockett, Texas – Porth Agricultural Arena 1100 Edmiston Dr. (off of East Loop 304), Crockett, TX 75835
Selling herd bulls, herd bull prospects, 3-N-1s, pairs, bred cows and heifers & open heifers: screened to meet East Texas/Louisiana’s high standards for quality and condition. For more info and to request a sale catalog, contact sale manager Anthony Mihalski 210-648-5475 or 210-415-0888. East Texas/Louisiana Beefmaster Marketing Group - 37th Annual Sale Join us for a fun weekend!
etlmbg.com
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The Beefmaster Pay Weight
www.beefmasters.org
BW: 1.18 WW: 24.18 YW: 47.85 Milk: 8.99 TM: 21.08 Fat: -0.01 IMF: -0.06 REA: -0.24 SC: 0.42 $T: $81.55 $M: $10.91
TOP 10%: WW, YW, SC, $T
TOP 25%: $M
POLLED, RED & GOOD
Alvaro Restrepo (956) 330-2654
McAllen, Texas (956) 467-3050
www.polledbeefmaster.com
yo u r s o u r c e f o r p e r f o r m a n c e B e e f m a s te r s i n t h e R i o G r a n d e Va l l ey