March 2015 California Cattleman

March 2015

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March 2015 California Cattleman 3

CALIFORNIA

CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

OFFICERS PRESIDENT

Billy Flournoy, Likely FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

David Daley, Ph.D., Oroville SECOND VICE PRESIDENTS

Mark Lacey, Independence Jack Lavers, Glennville Rich Ross, Lincoln TREASURER Rob von der Lieth, Copperopolis

STAFF

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Billy Gatlin

VICE PRESIDENT GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Justin Oldfield

DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Kirk Wilbur

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Lisa Pherigo

MANAGING MAGAZINE EDITOR

Stevie Ipsen

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Malorie Bankhead

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Katie Almand

PUBLICATION SERVICES OFFICE & CIRCULATION

Office: (916) 444-0845 Fax: (916) 444-2194

Stevie Ipsen stevie@calcattlemen.org ADVERTISING SALES/FIELD SERVICES

Matt Macfarlane (916) 803-3113 mmacfarlane@wildblue.net BILLING SERVICES

Lisa Pherigo lisa@calcattlemen.org

4 California Cattleman March 2015

More Common Than Different

by CCA Treasurer Rob von der Lieth

I sat down to compose my first officer column after shoeing a horse in the barn. During my escape time in the barn under a horse I had time to contemplate my thoughts. The decision to accept the nomination to serve as treasurer for the California Cattlemen’s Association was a decision reached through discussion with my wife Joyce who provides me with support and understanding.

I am excited to commit myself and look forward to serving with a tremendous team of officers. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my immediate predecessor whom I know well and am honored to follow in the footsteps of: Jack Hanson, Susanville, and past CCA treasurers Gordon Rasmussen, Pleasanton and Myron Openshaw, Oroville.

As a youth I had two passions: athletics and agriculture. I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in Economics. There, I was fortunate to pursue my first passion as a member of the 1975 Pac-8 Championship Football Team which had the number one offense in the nation.

Upon graduation, I worked as a graduate assistant coach for two years in order to explore a possible career. During that time I learned about “TEAM” and “KRA”. “TEAM” is the acronym for Together Everyone Achieves More and “KRA” is an abbreviation for Key Result Areas. These concepts, though learned through sports, are relevant to our association and our industry and can be employed to achieve positive results.

Subsequently, I elected to pursue my other passion: ranching. However, I found it difficult to enter an industry without practical experience.

I persevered and secured employment for two years as a cowboy on a remote ranch in Nevada and a large-scale ranch in Montana.

After acquiring the necessary practical experience, I was hired as a loan officer and appraiser for the Federal Land Bank of Alturas.

Since 1984 I have been employed by TriState Livestock Credit Corporation as a vice president/field representative. The company was formed in 1931 to provide financing for sheep and cattle producers in three states. Currently, the portfolio has customers in nine western states. I am a hands-on, old school lender who conducts

business with a laptop computer at the ranch.

As a person who believes we each need to constantly challenge ourselves mentally and physically to expand our knowledge, in 2011 I received a certificate in Advanced Ranch Management from the King Ranch Institute For Ranch Management, which is offered through Texas A&M University.

Joyce and I live in the Salt Springs Valley, nine miles north from Copperopolis. We are actively engaged as producers who run a winter stocker operation in California and a summer stocker operation in Wyoming. We are passionate about our traditional California style bridle horses, our extensive western library and enjoy competing in ranch rodeos.

I have been active in CCA, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, California Beef Council and Oakdale Cowboy Museum. I have been the chairman of the Tax and Credit Committee for CCA for two years. I was the National Beef Council Federation Board Representative for California at the recent Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio. I have been a member of the California Beef Council for four terms and was chairman in 2009. I was a director of the Oakdale Cowboy Museum for two terms. Recently, I was appointed to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and look forward to serving on the 100-member board of beef, dairy and veal producers, as well as importers of beef and beef products. Through these organizations I’ve had the opportunity to meet ranchers from various regions, gain exposure to all segments of the industry and stay abreast of issues.

Although my roots didn’t start on a ranch, I have always been very passionate about the livestock industry. I am committed as treasurer to maintain and produce positive financial results and address the myriad of issues which confront the livestock industry.

Like many of you, I live and breath the cattle business. With that in common, if I have yet to meet you, I hope to have that pleasure in the near future.

SERVING CALIFORNIA BEEF PRODUCERS SINCE 1917 Bolded names and businesses in editorial represent only current members of the California Cattlmen’s Association or California CattleWomen, Inc. For questions about your membership status, contact the CCA office at (916) 444-0845.

The California Cattleman is published monthly except July/August is combined by the California Cattlemen’s Association, 1221 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, for $20/year, or as part of the annual membership dues. All material and photos within may not be reproduced without permission from publisher.

National Advertising Group: The Cattle Connection/The Powell Group, 4162-B Carmichael Ct, Montgomery, AL 36106, (334) 271-6100.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: California Cattleman, 1221 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

ON THE COVER

MARCH 2015

Volume 98, Issue 3 ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVES CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN

4

BUNKHOUSE Who is on the executive board and what do they do?

6

YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK 10 State reviewing trich program requirements BEEF AT HOME AND ABROAD Examining top export markets

18

PROGESSIVE PRODUCER 24 Producers take advantage of educational opportunity COUNCIL COMMUNICATOR Distribution of checkoff funds

28

VET VIEWS Keeping your cows in the herd longer

32

CHIMES 36 California CattleWoman heads ANCW FUTURE FOCUS 50 Young Cattlemen spotlight features Fresno State grad

SPECIAL FEATURES

EPDs in the Wagyu breed California well represented in San Antonio Angus news you can use Foothill abortion puzzle is piecing together A.I. corporations make strides for producers

READER SERVICES

12 14 20 38 44

Cattlemen’s Report 52 Buyers’ Guide 54 Obituaries 60 Advertisers Index 62

This month’s cover photo features the team at Visalia and Templeton Livestock Market who, in longstanding tradition, work around the clock to help producers in the Central Valley and on the Central Coast market their livestock for top dollar.

Pictured at Visalia Livestock are (L to R) Mike Raised in San Luis Oviatt, Sam Avila, Sharyn Lockett, Beth Baxley Obispo County, Col. and Col. Randy Baxley.

Randy Baxley (pictured at right) graduated from the Missouri School of Auctioneering in 1993 and has been serving California beef producers since that time. Despite the closure of the Templeton Livestock Yard (TLM) late in 2014, Baxley, with his team by his side, has shown an unwaivering committment to Central Coast ranchers by providing a receiving yard in Templeton and Buellton to serve area cattlemen and women.

Baxley owned and operated the Visalia and Templeton yards since 1994 and 2001, respectively. He has also been involved in Internet cattle sales since 2001, working as both an auctioneer and representative.

Together with his partners Bill Freeman, Chris Nelson and Pete Holman, RoundupCattle.com has been off and running since 2011, holding sales five days a week on www.roundupcattle.com, with live Internet auctions held monthly.

Along with his wife Beth and children Bailey and Taylor, Baxley stays busy with all facets of the livestock marketing business. The Baxleys are dedicated to customer service and pride themselves on being able to cover a complete gamet of services to both livestock buyers and sellers.

Backed by an experienced and dependable staff, customers are offered a variety of marketing options from the weekly sale barn events to special periodic bred cow and pair sales and an annual bull sale. Coupled with Internet video marketing, order buying, processing faclities and a full spectrum of value-added programs to help increase the value of your cattle.

With sales Wednesday in Visalia and five days a week via the Internet, be sure to give these marketing experts a try. You won’t be disappointed. For a full schedule of upcoming special sales, visit www.visalialivestock. com.

If you ever need assistance marketing your livestock, don’t hesitate to contact Randy Baxley at (559) 9069760 or Sam Avila at (599) 799-3854, to see what the folks at Visalia and Templeton Sam Avila and Col. Randy Baxley take bids at Livestock Market can do for you.

Visalia Livestock Market.

Visalia Livestock Market 733 North Ben Maddox Way Vasalia, CA • (559) 625-9615

Templeton Receiving Yard 4350 Ramada Drive Templeton, CA • (805) 434-8334

Buellton Receiving Yard Hwy 101, Buellton •(805) 835-8900

Pictured are the Baxley Family: Randy, Bailey, Taylor and Beth.

March 2015 California Cattleman 5

BUNKHOUSE CCA Executive Committee Tackles Tough Issues

by CCA Executive Vice President Billy Gatlin Recently, the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) Executive Committee met in Sacramento to tackle two critical issues that could have major impacts on California ranchers. The 24-member executive committee spent two days discussing proposed regulations on antibiotics and the Grazing Regulatory Action Project (GRAP). The purpose of the meeting was for CCA staff to provide the committee an update on the most recent developments and devise a strategy on how CCA staff should advocate on behalf of our members.

The Executive Committee heard directly from California’s State Veterinarian Annette Whiteford, DVM, on the challenges and opportunities the industry will be presented with moving forward on the use of antibiotics in livestock production. She discussed the issue of antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans and the volumes of peer-reviewed research demonstrating that the transmission of antimicrobial resistance occurs between both humans and animals.

This is an issue of concern for Governor Brown, and he has tasked the California Department of Food and Agriculture to work with the state legislature to develop policy that will further reduce the relevancy of resistant antimicrobial bacteria as a result of treating humans and animals with antibiotics.

6 California Cattleman March 2015

In response to the Governor’s directive in January, Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) introduced Senate Bill 27 to specifically address antibiotic use in livestock production. Currently, the bill proposes to: 1) require a prescription for medically important antibiotics for all antibiotics, including penicillin and tetracycline that are commonly sold over the counter; 2) develop a tracking system to collect data on what antibiotics are being sold, how much they are being used and what diseases they are being used to treat and 3) develop a stewardship program that can be enforced to ensure that antibiotics are being administered responsibly and judiciously.

The Executive Committee made it clear that the most important goal is to maintain access to antibiotics commonly used to treat sick animals or prevent disease transmission in livestock while ensuring these drugs are not required to be administered by a veterinarian or a veterinarian be required to examine every animal before a prescription is issued. In addition to maintaining access to antibiotics, CCA will also vigorously oppose any effort to require ranchers to collect and submit on farm data to a state regulatory agency.

The Executive Committee also had the opportunity to meet directly with senior staff from the State Water Resources Control Board and Lahontan Regional Water Quality

BILLY GATLIN Control Board to discuss CCA’s staunch opposition to GRAP. For those who have not heard, GRAP has been established to determine if a statewide regulatory mechanism to address water quality impairments associated with livestock grazing is necessary. There has been no other single issue your staff has worked on longer and harder in the most recent months than opposing GRAP. Virtually every edition of this publication, the CCA Hot Irons Newsletter and the weekly Legislative Bulletin has devoted an extensive overview to communicate what CCA is doing on GRAP. CCA officers and staff met early on with senior level staff and members of the SWRCB to voice our concern and opposition for the ambiguous and unnecessary program that was being rolled out by SWRCB staff. Not only did CCA attend ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 and speak at every public listening session that has been held thus far, but also worked closely with our Executive Committee, local associations and any and all CCA members with interest in the topic to turnout and voice their opposition.

Moving forward, CCA will work collaboratively with the University of California to begin pulling apart “why” GRAP is necessary (according to the SWRCB) by reviewing the data, or lack thereof, of the 122 waterbodies identified across the state as being impaired by grazing. Sound science and years of research evaluating common best management practices used by ranchers to prevent water quality impairments not only speaks to the fact that ranchers generally do not impair water quality, but also are vitally important to maintain healthy watersheds throughout California.

CCA will not shy away from any avenue to confront GRAP and ultimately work to prevent this issue from impacting your private property rights or bottom line.

The Executive Committee represents every region and every segment of the beef business in California. The diversity of the group and their vast knowledge and experience provided for a robust discussion and a well thought out strategy for CCA staff to execute over the coming months.

There is little doubt that our strategy will need to be refined over the coming months to address new developments on both fronts. The Executive Committee will remain actively engaged in directing CCA staff and ensuring memberdeveloped polices are the foundation for CCA’s approach to the issues we address as an association.

If you have any questions, ideas or concerns with either of these issues or any other issue impacting ranchers,I strongly encourage you contact the Zone Director for your region or other members of CCA’s Executive Committee. CCA staff will continue to be here to answer your questions and work on your behalf, but it’s important for members of the Executive Committee to hear directly from you.

They are your representatives within CCA on these important issues. If you do not know your Zone Director, please contact the CCA office at (916) 4440845 and we will be happy to make sure you get in contact with the right person.

8 California Cattleman March 2015

CCA Board of Directors Zones Zone 1 - Yellow

Siskiyou Modoc Lassen Fall River-Big Valley

1 2

Zone 3 - Light Blue Shasta-Trinity Plumas-Sierra Tehama Butte Glenn-Colusa Yuba-Sutter Tahoe (Placer-Nevada) Yolo

3

Zone 2 - Peach

Humboldt-Del Norte Mendocino-Lake Sonoma-Marin Napa-Solano

Zone 5 - Green

Amador-El Dorado-Sacramento Calaveras San Joaquin-Stanislaus

Tuolumne

Zone 7 - Tan

5 4

Zone 4 - Pink

San Mateo-San Francisco Santa Cruz Santa Clara Contra Costa-Alameda

Monterey San Benito San Luis Obispo

Zone 6 - Purple Merced-Mariposa Madera Fresno-Kings

Zone 8 - Turquoise Santa Barbara Tulare Kern Inyo-Mono-Alpine High Desert

Zone 9 - Orange Southern California San Diego-Imperial Ventura

6 8

7

9 Zone Directors Billy Flournoy, President

Jay Schneider, Zone Director 5

athena1@citlink.net • (530) 640-4717

cowboyjay@gmail.com • (916) 837-4686

Dave Daley, First Vice President

ddaley@csuchico.edu • (530) 521-3826

Vacant, Zone Director 6 Dale Evenson, Zone Director 7

Rich Ross, Second Vice President

richross@calcounsel.com • (916) 716-1907

osuzeq2@yahoo.com • (805) 712-2589

Jack Lavers, Second Vice President

Justin Greer, Zone Director 8

Mark Lacey, Second Vice President

Mike Williams, Zone Director 9

Rob von der Leith, Treasurer

Trevor Freitas, Feeder Council Member

jackjlavers@gmail.com •(661) 301-8966 mjlacey@wildblue.net • (760) 784-1309 rvdlieth@aol.com • (916) 769-1153

Bill Brandenberg, Feeder Council Chairman bill@melolandcattle.com • (760) 996-1032

jgreer@gandgranches.com • (559) 289-0040 mbw61@aol.com • (805) 823-4245 trevfr8as@msn.com •(559) 805-5431

Jesse Larios , Feeder Council Member

lariosjess1@gmail.com •(760) 455-3888

Mike Smith, Feeder Council Vice Chair

Myron Openshaw , At Large Apointee

Buck Parks, Zone Director 1

Mark Nelson, At Large Apointee

Hugo Klopper, Zone Director 2

Rob Frost, At Large Apointee

Wally Roney, Zone Director 3

Darrel Sweet, At Large Apointee

Mike Bettencourt, Zone Director 4

Willy Hagge, At Large Apointee

msmith@harrisranch.com • (559) 301-0076 buckparks@yahoo.com • (530) 640-0715 hugoklopper@frontier.com • (707) 498-7810 bjr@billieweb.com •(530) 519-3608 mbteamroper@aol.com • (209) 499-0794

openshaw4@gmail.com •(530) 521-0099 kmarknelson@gmail.com •(916) 849-5558 rbmaf@juno.com •(805) 377-2231 dsweet@cattlemen.net • (209) 601-4074 wandnhagge@frontiernet.net • (530) 640-1023

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March 2015 California Cattleman 9

YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK

ENGAGED IN THE TRICH CONVERSATION

CDFA PROPOSES AMENDMENTS TO REGULATIONS

by CCA Vice President of Government Relations Justin Oldfield The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) is preparing to release a formal draft of proposed amendments to the statewide cattle trichomonosis control program at the request of CCA based on policy adopted by the membership at the most recent Annual Convention in Sparks, Nev. California’s trichomonosis control program is widely supported by cattle producers and provides both voluntary and mandatory requirements to prevent the spread of trichomonosis in the state’s breeding herd.

The current control program requires all out-of-state bulls older than 18 months of age to be accompanied by a negative trichomonosis test upon entry into California and all bulls older than 18 months of age sold at a public livestock auction market to likewise be accompanied by a negative trichomonosis test, unless being sold for slaughter to an approved buyer.

In conjunction with CCA’s policy, CDFA is proposing to strengthen the intrastate sale requirement by now requiring any bull over 18 months of age sold for breeding, even those sold by private treaty, to be accompanied by a negative trichomonosis test. While all the details have yet to be worked out, CCA expects that a negative trichomonosis test must be presented to a brand inspector as a condition of change in ownership.

Although yearly trichomonosis testing of bulls will remain voluntary, a new mandatory identification program will now be required for all bulls undergoing a trichomonosis test by a veterinarian in California. At the time of the test, the veterinarian will apply a color-coded feedlot tag to the bull to visually demonstrate the bull has received a trichomonosis test. Each year will be coded a different color so producers can easily determine the last time a bull was tested.

CCA policy also encourages CDFA to coordinate yearly colors with those used by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Nevada Department of Agriculture to maintain a level of consistency for commuter herds.

It will remain mandatory for all approved veterinarians conducting the test to report both positive and negative test results to CDFA. Herds found to have a positive bull will continue to be quarantined until both herd mate bulls and those of their “fence line neighbors” have been cleared with a negative test result. Positive bulls must remain quarantined by CDFA until moved to slaughter. The proposed amendments will also eliminate the use of a culture test by a veterinarian and only allow for a DNA detection or amplification-based trichomonosis test to improve accuracy.

10 California Cattleman March 2015

The proposed amendments will also offer new conditions for buyers seeking to purchase bulls solely for slaughter at a public livestock auction yard. Buyers purchasing bulls older than 18 months of age solely for slaughter will be allowed to do so without a trichomonosis test but must first sign a slaughter channel agreement that will be kept at the public livestock auction facility for inspection at the request of CDFA staff. The agreement bulls over 18 months of age purchased without a trichomonosis test can be purchased solely for slaughter, must never be allowed to comingle with intact female cattle and require the buyer to identify the location the bull will be kept and slaughtered.

With his or her signature, a buyer will also recognize that a violation of the agreement could result in severe fines or further prosecution from the District Attorney for bulls purchased at a public livestock auction market for breeding; CDFA will still require a current negative trichomonosis test be made available prior to the bull leaving the facility.

CDFA also plans to bring consistency to the regulations by clarifying that bulls sold solely for exhibition purposes can be sold without a trichomonosis test both interstate, which is current law, and now intrastate as well. Similar to slaughter bulls, these bulls must remain confined at the exhibition site and never be allowed to comingle with intact female cattle.

For more information on the proposed changes or the current California trichomonosis control program, please do not hesitate to contact Justin Oldfield in the CCA office at (916) 444-0845 or at justin@calcattlemen.org.

Industry, Health Professionals fight misleading dietary guidelines On Feb. 19, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture released the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s report. This report is a recommendation to the Secretaries as they develop the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans that will be released later this year.

Unfortunately, the report is inconsistent, and if adopted, will lead to conflicting dietary advice. On one hand, the Committee has endorsed the Mediterranean style diet, which has higher red meat levels than currently consumed in the U.S.; and on the other hand, they have left lean meat out of what they consider to be a healthy dietary pattern.

Shalene McNeill, Ph.D., Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist with NCBA said the recommendation that a healthy dietary pattern should be lower in red meat is not consistent with scientific evidence and would be unsound dietary advice.

“Lean meat is red meat. Today’s beef supply is leaner than ever before with more than 30 cuts of beef recognized as lean by government standards,” said McNeill. “The protein foods category, which includes meat, is the only category currently consumed within the current guidelines, and it is misleading to conclude that a healthy dietary pattern should be lower in red meat.”

According to the report, “dietary patterns with positive health benefits are described as high in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, seafood, legumes, and nuts; moderate in low- and non-fat dairy products; lower in red and processed meat; and low in sugar-sweetened foods and beverages and refined grains.”

Unfortunately, the statement disregards the positive role of lean meat.

Lean beef is one of the most nutrient rich foods, providing high levels of essential nutrients such as zinc, iron and protein, as opposed to empty calories.

Dr. Richard Thorpe, Texas medical doctor and cattle producer, said the key to a healthy lifestyle is building a balanced diet around the healthy foods you enjoy eating, coupled with physical activity.

“It is absurd for the Advisory Committee to suggest that Americans should eat less red meat and focus so heavily on plant-based diets,” said Thorpe. “The American diet is already 70 percent plant based and to further emphasize plant-based diets will continue to have unintended consequences. The Advisory Committee got it wrong in the ‘80s advising a diet high in carbs, and look

at what that got us – an obesity problem.

My colleagues and I commonly encourage people to include lean beef more often for their health, not less.”

Thorpe added, “We are disappointed the Advisory Committee would go outside the purview and expertise of nutrition/health research to bring in topics such as sustainability. We urge the Secretaries to reject the Advisory Committee’s recommendations on topics outside of diet and health.”

Lean meat plays an important role in the American diet and science shows

it needs to be recognized as part of a healthy dietary pattern just as it was in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

On behalf of U.S. cattle producers that work each and every day to provide a nutritious and healthful beef product for consumers, we encourage Secretaries Burwell and Vilsack to reject the Advisory Committee’s recommendation that healthy American diets should be lower in red meat. The process was incomplete with flawed conclusions specific to health benefits of red meat’s role in the American diet.

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March 2015 California Cattleman 11

EPDs in a Breed With Growing Demand from the American Wagyu Association Making genetic improvement in Wagyu cattle depends on selection of superior animals and then mating males and females to optimize the best characteristics of both parents. As most beef producers know, the best way to select animals is to use expected progeny differences (EPDs).

These estimates of genetic potential are measured in the same units as the trait, such as weaning weight, which is measured in pounds. EPDs are plus (+) and minus (-) values that are measured around an arbitrary base. Therefore, the absolute value of a particular EPD is not very useful. EPDs are used for comparing two or more animals of the same breed. Briefly, the difference in the EPDs of two sires is the expected difference in the progeny average of those two sires assuming that the females are on average the same for both sires.

Accuracy of EPDs is measured on a scale from 0 to 1 or 0 to 100. Higher accuracy is achieved not only with observed post-birth performance data but with more recorded progeny and larger contemporary groups. Higher accuracy means that the estimate of the EPD will change less (standard error is smaller) when new information is added compared to lower accuracy (less than 50 percent).

EPDs are very valuable, but require actual measurements of animals before they can be computed. Producers need to measure as many traits as possible, record those measurements and report them to their respective breed association so that an EPD analysis can be conducted. Traits like birth weight, calving ease, gestation length, weaning weight, milk, yearling weight, scrotal measure, final weight and mature cow weight are some important live animal traits. Important carcass traits are carcass weight, rib eye area, marbling (intramuscular fat percentage), external fat thickness and yield.

BREEDPLAN software was developed in Australia and although the technology is universally used around the globe, much of the reference material is quoted in METRIC and the breeding values are referred to as EBV (Estimate Breeding Value). In the United States, the breeding value is referred to as EPD (and the traits are measured in IMPERIAL (except scrotal circumference ~ cm) therefore, an EPD is typically 50 percent of the EBV value. Australian Wagyu Association utilizes BREEDPLAN as a genetic evaluation tool. Members

12 California Cattleman March 2015

whom participate not only recieve individual herd reports but a detailed sire summary is generated as well.

It is important to keep in mind that the genetic base for the Wagyu breed is identical in both the U.S. and Australian populations. Many of the reference sires have had objective data collected (themselves and/or progeny) and were analyzed in BREEDPLAN. Therefore, the EBV results may be considered in your selection decision here in the United States.

One of the most common questions asked by breeders with a relatively small herd is,“what size herd do you need to obtain effective results from BREEDPLAN?” This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on a number of factors; however, the following document briefly outlines how BREEDPLAN works and what breeders with small herds can do to maximise their results from BREEDPLAN. Although the BREEDPLAN analysis is a very complex analytical model, the basic mechanism by which it works is to directly compare the performance of an animal with the performance of other “similar” animals within the same contemporary group.

BREEDPLAN then uses “genetic linkage” to compare the animals in different contemporary groups both within the individual herd and across the entire breed. Calves will be analysed in the same contemporary group if they: • were bred in the same herd • are of the same sex • are of the same birth number (twins not equal to singles) • are of the same birth status (ET versus AI/natural) • were born in the same calving year • were born within 45 days of each other • have been weighed on the same day • have been run under the same conditions Therefore, small herds must try and ensure there are at least two animals that meet the above criteria to ensure the performance records for their animals are effective and they obtain effective results from BREEDPLAN. Where there is only one animal represented in a contemporary group, there are no other “similar” animals to which it can be directly compared and thus the performance submitted for it will not be used in the BREEDPLAN analysis.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the American Wagyu Association office at (208) 262-8100.

W

GENET

I

CS

YU G A

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13

Sizzling San Antonio

Californians Head to South to Discuss Hot topics from the staff of the California Cattlemen’s Association

T

he first week of February was a busy one for members, officers and staff of the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) as they stepped away from their ranches and offices to take part in the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show.

With perhaps its strongest showing ever, California had an impressive representation of more than 200 attendees. In addition to strong numbers, the participation was impressive as California ranchers, educators, lobbyists and communicators played integral roles in the convention’s meetings.

The meetings kicked off on Tuesday, Feb. 3, with a full day of Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) coordinator’s meetings, which were attended

by CCA staffer Malorie Bankhead. Bankhead also facilitated a social media workshop for members of the American National CattleWomen, Inc. Wednesday was another day of nothing but business as CCA staff attended NCBA affiliate membership and communications meetings.

The convention was officially underway by Friday, Feb. 5, as CCA members and past officers Darrel Sweet, Livermore and Darrell Wood, Vina, facilitated a session of Zoetis’ Cattlemen’s College focused on the benefits and drawback of raising grass-fed beef and traditionally-raised beef.

In another session of Cattlemen’s College later in the day, CCA First Vice President Dave Daley, Ph.D., Oroville, spoke to a standing-roomonly crowd about the ongoing concerns surrounding animal welfare and how ranchers can proactively engage in that issue.

California ranchers can be proud of the job that their fellow cattlemen did sharing their challenges and advice to other ranchers on a national level.

Education was just one valuable aspect of the national convention.

Another key component is that of policy development. In this regard, CCA staff and officers continued to offer valuable insight and leadership.

Tim Koopmann, Sunol, took a seat as vice chair of the Property Rights and Environmental Managment Committee and Kevin Kester, Parkfield, was elected to the position of chairman for NCBA’s Policy Committee.

Not only are present and past CCA officers doing an admirable job, California CattleWomen, Inc. (CCW), members are also making names for themselves. CCA and CCW members alike attended a reception on Thursday, Feb. 4 to honor past CCW President Melanie Fowle, Etna, as she was installed as the first ANCW President from the Golden State in nearly 30 years. For more about his exciting news, see the article on page 36.

Major topics that CCA engaged on and offered valuable input during policy meetings include antibiotics use in livestock, national checkoff program increase, national dietary guidelines and slaughter facility issues impacting feedyards in the Southwest U.S. As issues that are immediately

14 California Cattleman March 2015

Tim Koopmann was recognized at the Best of Beef Breakfast for his NCBA recruiting efforts.

John Maas, DVM and wife Cathy represented CCA and John lent valuable advice on BQA topics.

CCA’s Malorie Bankhead and Iowa’s Doug Bear present a BQA workshop for Texas FFA members.

CCA members Darrell Wood and Darrel Sweet share views on grass-fed and grain-fed beef.

Dave Daley, Ph.D., captivated Cattlemen’s College attendees.

Kevin Kester was joined by daughters Kayleen Abate (left) and Kara Kester (right).

Gabriella DeSimone with grandparents, CCA President Billy Flounoy and wife Athena, all of Likely.

impacting Californians, CCA staff and officers were able to demonstrate leadership and provide advice that will help NCBA members drive policy on both the antibiotics and slaughter topics. Watch for information about all of these issues in upcoming CCA publications.

“After months of work and travel to help find solutions for Southwest feeders plagued by the closure of the National Beef faclity in Brawley, I feel we have adequately shared our concerns with cattlemen and women nation wide,” said CCA Vice President of Government Relations Justin Oldfield. “Attending national meetings and sharing how our issues impact ranchers everywhere has helped garner support for our guys, and I am confident this will help us reach some sort of solution in the future.”

As exciting as it is to have ranchers in other parts of the country hear California’s concerns and learn from our experiences, perhaps something more exciting is seeing our own recognized for their committment to the future of beef production.

One of the main events of the convention was the Best of Beef Breakfast on Friday, Feb. 5. At the breakfast, several Californians were recognized. As a whole, CCA was recognized as one of top state affiliates for recruiting members to the national association. Specifically, Immediate Past CCA President Tim Koopmann was recognized as the Top Hand Runner-up for recruiting the most NCBA members in 2014, behind Regina Rose of Kentucky. Koopmann was also recognized as top Recruiter for Revenue with a total of $11,150 brought into NCBA in 2014.

Also recognized during the breakfast was Region VI Enviromental Stewartship Award Winner Guido Frosini of Conlan Ranches and True Grass Farms, Valley Ford. Frosini was nominated by CCA. As one of the most prestigious awards given at the convention, Brackett Ranches, with operations in Williams and in Idaho, was recognized as the 2015 BQA Cow-Calf Award winner. The Brackett family was nominated by CCA. More information is available on page 16.

“As the newest president of CCA, attending the NCBA Convention was inspiring to me. I am proud that we had so many members to take part and that our staff and officers could share just how hard we are fighting to keep California ranchers in business, “ Flournoy said. “To have award winners and see some of our past leadership filling roles in NCBA leadership, not just makes me proud, it should make every single CCA member proud as well.”

In other events at the convention, CCA and this publication was represented at an annual meeting of the Livestock Publications Council and CCA was represened at the first roundtable discussion of the NCBA Young Beef Leaders (YBL). CCA’s Malorie Bankhead, Sacramento; Chico Young Cattlemen’s Association President Gabriella DeSimone took part in discussions and represented Region VI issues and ideas.

The YBL program, which involves state and breed affiliates from across the country, aims to give young people 21 to 35 years old opportunities for education and increased involvement in local, regional and national industry efforts.

Bankhead also helped present a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program training to Texas FFA members and beef producers in attendance.

Cattle industry partners were able to let their hair down and relax following a long week of discussions at an event with national music sensations Riders in the Sky, Baxter Black and the ever-popular Jeff Foxworthy.

Californian’s who attended surely won’t forget the conversations had, the leadership skills learned or the motivation they felt for their way of life during the annual meeting. But those who didn’t attend, will get the chance of a lifetime to represent their way of life on home turf as the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention sails to San Diego! CCA will publish more information in the near future about this special event, so keep your eyes peeled and mark your calendars for Jan. 27 through Jan. 30, 2016!

March 2015 California Cattleman 15

BRACKET RANCHES HONORED AS 2015 BQA AWARD WINNER Brackett Ranches was recognized as the 2015 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Cow-Calf Award Winner at the Best of Beef Breakfast during the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas, on Feb. 6.

The operation runs about 1,500 cows and 2,500 yearlings on private and federal lands in California and Idaho, along with raising a variety of crops for feed and grazing. For Ira and Kim Brackett, BQA and ranching is a family affair. They strive to teach their four children proper BQA techniques and provide them with every opportunity to expand their own knowledge.

The Bracketts believe that, as producers, they have an obligation to beef consumers to properly care for their animals and demonstrate exactly how that is done through the BQA program. By involving their children in the operation, Ira and Kim are preparing them to be advocates for the beef industry and to share their stories of how they care for their animals.

Additionally, Kim and Ira Brackett encourage and require all of their employees, just like their family, to become BQA certified.

Dan Kniffen, DVM, ice chair of the BQA Advisory Board praised Brackett Ranches saying, “The Bracketts have demonstrated the BQA leadership skills necessary to improve the cattle they raise and market superior quality beef.”

The Brackett family is committed to improving working facilities to create a low stress, more cattle friendly environment.

In an effort to reduce stress during processing, the Bracketts invested in facility improvements that included a sweep tub, a redesigned alley and a hydraulic chute. Their corrals were also re-constructed to allow cattle to move and flow with ease through the facilities. Their improvements have made traditionally highstress processing more efficient and cattle friendly.

“We have incorporated these improvements because we feel that we have a moral and ethical responsibility when working with

cattle,” says Kim Brackett.

In her role as Idaho BQA Advisory Board Chair, Kim organized meetings between Idaho BQA coordinators and veterinarians. These meetings have been successful in building stronger communication and collaboration between the BQA program and local veterinarians.

The Bracketts implement these ideas on their own operation by building a strong working relationship with their veterinarian. Developing a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) is a key component of BQA guidelines, and the implementation of this practice has been essential to the success of Brackett Ranches. The working relationship the Bracketts maintain with their veterinarian led to the development of a preconditioning program that has resulted in decreased respiratory treatment in homegrown calves and a quarantine period for all new stocker calves.

Even with significant achievements made possible by the improvements of the Brackett family operation, they remain dedicated to continuous improvement. It was this commitment

that earned them the 2015 National BQA Cow-Calf Award.

“Our cattle handling skills are continuously evolving as we look into different ways of making our facilities more user friendly for both our cattle and our cowboys,” said Ira Brackett.

Their ultimate goal is to have facilities where cattle flow with as little stress (slipping, bawling, etc.) as possible, Ira said.

Kim and Ira recognize that BQA doesn’t end with just the practices at the ranch. It is a part of day-today discussions that they have with other producers to ensure consumers are receiving high quality, safe beef products, too.

“A BQA Award winner should serve as a model and spokesperson for our industry,” says Tim Koopmann, California Cattlemen’s Association Immediate Past President. “Kim and Ira’s strong commitment to teach their four children and their employees the importance of managing cattle at the highest level of responsibility speaks great volumes and is just one example of why they deserve this award.”

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16 California Cattleman March 2015

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BW WW YW Milk Marb RE $B +.8 +53 +103 +33 +1.39 +.51 +119.22

Sire: GAR-EGL Protege Dam’s Sire: Woodhill Foresight

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March 2015 California Cattleman 17

BEEF AT HOME AND ABROAD TOP BEEF EXPORTING COUNTRIES COMBINED FOR RECORD VOLUME, VALUE IN 2014 from the staff of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, Denver, Colo.

The world’s top 11 beef/beef variety meat exporters, production growth and robust domestic demand. which include Australia, India, Brazil, the United States, Brazil exports about 18 to 20 percent of its beef New Zealand, the European Union, Canada, Paraguay, production, with main markets being Hong Kong, Russia, Uruguay, Argentina and Mexico, shipped a record 7.7 Venezuela, Egypt, Iran, Chile and the EU. Brazil saw record million metric tons (mt) in 2014. This was a 10 percent cattle prices last fall, an indicator of relatively tight supplies. increase from the previous year, even though global beef This situation has continued, with only a modest increase in production was relatively flat. Export value ($36.6 billion) production expected this year. increased even more dramatically, up an estimated 18 India: Although final data is not yet published, exports percent from a year ago and doubling in just the past five likely reached around 1.49 million mt, up 15 percent, with years. value of about $4.9 billion. India’s exports are largely The United States was the world’s second-largest beef derived from its dairy industry, where beef from male exporter on a value basis, trailing only Australia’s record water buffalo and cull females is processed for domestic $7.5 billion, as its drought-induced high production levels consumption and export. India’s exports have doubled translated to record export volume and value. U.S. market since 2010, and are mainly bound for Vietnam. But India share of global exports has held relatively steady on a value also exports to the Middle East and some other Southeast basis at 19 percent.

Asian countries where there is demand for affordable U.S. volume share has dropped from a recent high of protein and halal products. The meat is often used as a 20 percent in 2011 to 15 percent in 2014, as volume growth processing ingredient or for wet cooking methods. U.S. from Australia, South America and India has outpaced that beef does not compete directly with Indian buffalo meat. of the United States. Below are statistics about each of United States: Exports set a new value record of $7.13 beef export leaders. billion, up 16 percent from last year’s record – an increase Australia: Exports reached 1.49 million mt, up 16 of about $1 billion. Volume was nearly 1.2 million mt, up 2 percent from the previous record set in 2013 as the severe percent from 2013 but still shy of the 2011 record. Growth drought spanned two years, and producers continued to was led by key Asian markets including Japan, Hong Kong, send cattle to market. Exports accounted for 74 percent of Korea and Taiwan. production.

The strength in international demand for high-quality The Aussie cattle herd is now estimated at 26.8 million U.S. beef was showcased in 2014, as customers paid head, a two-decade low. With rains across important record prices while still purchasing larger volumes. This production regions late in 2014 and into 2015, cattle prices is especially noteworthy, because U.S. cattle prices were are now at record levels in Australian dollars and the significantly higher than prices in Australia and all other highest since 2011-2012 in U.S. dollars. Meat and Livestock major beef-exporting countries. Exports continue to Australia expects 2015 production to drop by 14 percent to generate strong returns for producers, as beef export value 2.19 million mt, with a 20 percent decrease in exports. per head of fed slaughter averaged a record $300.36 in Last year the U.S. was by far Australia’s largest growth 2014, up $55.40 from the previous year. market and the top destination for Australian beef. This increase was directly correlated with FIGURE 1. TOP BEEF AND VARIETY MEAT EXPORTERS record-high U.S. prices for 90 chemical lean, the lean beef used to produce hamburgers for foodservice.

As U.S. cow slaughter declines, we became more reliant on imported lean product to meet our demand for hamburger.

Australia is our largest competitor in the Asian markets, and USMEF international staff report that offer prices have already jumped early in 2015. But Australia continues to benefit from the weaker Australian dollar, which is down about 15 percent from a year ago against the U.S. dollar (averaging about 78 cents).

Brazil: Exports totaled 1.476 million mt, up 3.5 percent from 2013 and the largest volume since their exports peaked in 2007.

Value was a record $6.866 billion, up 8 percent from 2013, and reflecting relatively limited 18 California Cattleman March 2015

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March 2015 California Cattleman 19

By Larry Corah, consultant for Certified Angus Beef, LLC The War on Fat was declared in the 1980s – against to suggest oleic acid supplements which have been studied marbling and external fat alike, because consumers were extensively and have been shown to decrease low-density being told to simply watch their daily consumption of fat lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol). grams. Beef producers responded by focusing on red meat Even though marbling has a good fatty acid profile, yield.

Smith says the external or outside fat around a steak is not Today we process beef and serve steaks in a totally as healthy (See Figure 1). But that’s not such a concern with different way. Whatever external fat cover that once came today’s style of fabrication at beef processing plants. with a steak is gone now, and most steaks are sold at retail Moreover, Smith concludes, the kind of fat in marbling or on the dinner plate denuded of fat. brings added value to beef carcasses because quality That course correction within the beef industry started grade is improved. And since this is a fairly heritable trait, in the late 1990s, but it would take another decade to reach producers can easily select for a “healthier” fatty acid diet and health advisers, and begin affecting consumer profile. demand.

FIGURE 1. LOCATION OF LIPIDS IN MEAT Two recent books started to change how the world views dietary fat. In 2007, science writer Gary Taubes’ “Good Calories, Bad Calories” suggested carbohydrates cause obesity, not dietary fat.

In 2014, investigative journalist Nina Teicholz authored “The Big Fat Surprise: Why Butter, Meat and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet.” She walks us through the history of how and why fat got its bad rap, again concluding foods rich in carbohydrates are the cause of problems. She stresses, “Meat is a health food.”

Yet we still see daily limits on dietary fat, as though all fat is the same. What is the truth? Well, the answer and what you did not know about fat grams is best addressed

by Stephen Smith, Ph.D., Texas A&M University meat biologist, who has spent most of his career studying the subject.

Smith starts by emphasizing that there is good fat and bad fat, so we need to start looking at specific fatty acid profiles. He points out the kind of fat in marbling is a primary influence of beef flavor. But most important, marbling is a “soft” fat with a low melting point because it contains so much oleic acid. That’s a healthy fatty acid, good for us, and especially found in beef from grain-fed cattle.

His research revealing certain beef cuts, like brisket, Source: Presentation entitled “Producing High-Quality Angus Beef ” by are especially high in oleic acid, led to stories in the press Stephen B. Smith and David K. Lunt, Texas A&M University. that brisket is a “health food.” Smith even goes so far as 20 California Cattleman March 2015

CASINO SPEED K 130 • # 17833061

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Sire: Connealy Right Answer 746 • MGS: Sitz Upward 307R Owned with Ward Ranches, Gardnerville, Nevada

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2800 Half Rd • Denair, CA 95316 • (209) 632-6015 March 2015 California Cattleman 21

CULTIVATING THE FUTURE

Angus launches a new initiative to engage future cattle producers from the American Angus Association Cattle ranching is a risky business.

Whether the operation is inherited or pieced together over time, there is a lot at stake for cattlemen to produce more pounds of quality beef for consumers. Today’s beef producers will require a different skill set than those of previous generations.

To meet the needs of future cattle producers, the American Angus Association (AAA), based in Saint Joseph, Mo., has launched a new program called Future Angus Stockmen — an effort to impact the next generation through learning opportunities, while building a bond with the Angus breed and its memberdriven organization.

“Our goal with the Future Angus Stockmen initiative is to give young producers, who want to play a role in beef production, the jumpstart they need to be successful in the business,” says Ginette Kurtz, AAA Director of Commercial Programs. “Strong skills in communications, marketing, data analysis and business planning are critical in our industry’s challenge to produce quality beef.”

Future Angus Stockmen is aimed toward college-age or recent graduates who want to raise high quality Angus-based commercial cattle. The program will offer

22 California Cattleman March 2015

educational opportunities that teach participants how to thrive in the cattle industry, social networking to connect them with fellow producers, and leadership development to instill an entrepreneurial spirit and drive to improve their businesses.

Participants will learn how to use proven information such as expected progeny differences (EPDs) and dollar-value indexes ($Values), while incorporating DNA technology to make data-driven decisions. In partnership with Zoetis, the AAA will offer those enrolled in the program a special, reduced rate for GeneMax® Advantage™ and GeneMax Focus™ tests.

“The connections, confidence and communication skills that can be gained from this program will be priceless to any young enthusiastic producer,” Kurtz says.

Additional program benefits include complimentary enrollment in either AngusSource® or AngusSource Genetic — AAA’s marketing program for Angus-sired feeder calves and replacement females.

Future Angus Stockmen participants will also learn the importance of recordkeeping as a precursor to any successful operation by using either the Beef Record

Service (BRS) or MaternalPlus® at a reduced cost for submitting data.

Thanks to generous funds provided by animal identification corporation Allflex, USA and Destron Fearing, young people who enroll in the program will also have the chance to apply for scholarships if they are or will be enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university while majoring in agriculture. Scholarship winners will be announced at the 2015 National Angus Convention & Trade Show, Nov. 3-5, 2015, in Overland Park, Kan. The Future Angus Stockmen program officially launches March 1, and more information will be posted online at www.angus.org as it develops.

Upcoming plans include an application-based gathering of young cattle producers hosted in the summer of 2016 at the American Angus Association headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo. The event will be a culmination of learning and leadership experiences to solidify their agriculture commitment.

“This program is a must for any young producer who dreams of raising high-percentage Angus based cattle in the future and seeks to further their education to fulfill that dream,” Kurtz says.

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March 2015 California Cattleman 23

PROGRESSIVE PRODUCER Taking Advantage of Educational Opportunity

symposium attracts producers, students and educators from the Food Animal and Reproduction Medicine Club, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine The 4th Annual Beef Improvement Symposium held by the Food Animal and Reproduction Medicine (FARM) Club at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine took place on Jan. 10. The day-long event provided ranchers and beef industry experts a full day of cattle related seminars. The symposium reached out to the ranching, veterinary and student communities, and included a high-demand necropsy demonstration and a new neonatal cal care wet lab.

Nancy Martin, DVM, kickedoff the talks with a presentation focusing on the importance of prioritized fertility management and useful genetic traits of heifers during drought conditions.

Other talks included Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., a UC Davis professor and air quality specialist, discussed the importance of shading vegetation as a strategy to mitigate heat stress on beef cattle.

Combating heat stress leads to better cattle health and feedlot behaviors, which lead to improvement in the well-being of the animals and increased financial returns for ranchers. Mitloehner also touched on the misconception that livestock contribute 18 percent of current greenhouse gas emissions, as stated in the United Nations Food and

UC Davis Veterinary School Dean Michael Lairmore welcomed attendees to the event.

24 California Cattleman March 2015

Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) report released in 2006.

Mitloehner is currently the chair for a partnership between global livestock industries and the UNFAO, which are working together to develop better methodologies identifying and addressing the impact of livestock on the environment.

The FARM Club was excited to introduce Tom Noffsinger, DVM, a veterinarian and livestock handling consultant, who gave presentations on low stress cattle handling and cattle-caregiver relationships.

Noffsinger shared videos showing the efficiency of moving cattle primarily utilizing eye contact, body postures and specific movements. These methods are similar to those used by herding dogs which use a non-random back-andforth motion to get cattle moving and a pressure release when a cow moves in the desired direction.

According to Noffsinger, movements appeal to the natural behavior and instinct of cattle, and when utilized properly, can improve communication between cattle and ranchers.

Victoria Yang, student at the UC Davis Veterinary School and FARM Club publicist, interviewed Noffsinger following his presentation. An excerpt from the interview follows on page 26.

Following Noffsinger’s presentation were talks by several UC Davis professionals and other animal health specialists, Birgit Pushner, DVM. Ph.D.; Matthew Cuneo, DVM; and Anita Varga, DVM. Pushner, a professor and diplomat of the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology, presented two recent cattle toxicology cases addressing Monensin and nitrate poisoning. She also discussed other factors that could lead to sudden death in beef cattle and what action ranchers should take if they suspect a toxicosis case.

Cuneo, a livestock reproduction and herd health specialist, kickedoff the afternoon with a lecture concerning the importance of biosecurity on beef operations. He talked about the importance of developing biosecurity plans, and the ways that diseases may be introduced into healthy herds.

Varga, a Diplomat of the American by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, later spoke about marketing and the use of story-telling in social media.

She described the importance that social media and media trends have on consumer perception and the usefulness of social media as a tool for producers.

Varga said social media is

Nancy Martin, DVM, and UC Davis professor and researcher Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., were among the first to speak to the broad group of students, beef producers and animal health practitioners.

an excellent tool that allows producers to educate consumers on agriculture advocacy issues, or as a tool that promotes businesses, shares insights and addresses concerns.

Catalina Cabrera, DVM, a livestock reproduction specialist, introduced methods to improve beef cattle reproduction performance. She discussed the implementation of estrous synchronization, timed-artificial insemination programs and strategies to select and cull animals.

The evening ended with Bret McNabb, chief of the UC Davis Livestock Herd Health and Reproduction Service, who presented the genetic basis for sire selection. His discussion included several points addressing the subject of semen selection, genetic diseases and expected progeny differences (EPD) values in sales catalogs.

Understanding and correctly utilizing EPD values can assist ranchers in maximizing desired offspring traits, but these values can only be directly compared

between animals of the same breed, and the values are adjusted based upon several factors.

Overall, the 4th Annual Beef Improvement Symposium was a great success. Producers, ranchers, veterinarians and students were able to join together to learn about a wide variety of cattle related topics.

The FARM Club officers worked extremely hard to put together the event, and are thankful CCA members Jack Cowley and Barbara Cowley, Montague with Tom Talbot, DVM, Bishop. for all the sponsors and volunteers who made this day possible. We look forward to our 5th Annual Beef Improvement Symposium, and hope to see everyone there next year.

Attendees had the opportunity to receive Beef Quality Assurance certification/recertification from the California Cattlemen’s Association at the symposium.

Updates and more information regarding next year’s symposium will be available on the FARM Club at UC Davis School and Veterinary Joseph Catania, DVM, Alturas, and Al Burtis, with MultiMin, USA, Modesto, attend the event.

Medicine website and Facebook page.

Announcing

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March 2015 California Cattleman 25

EXPERT OPINION NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED VETERINARIAN WEIGHS IN ON ANIMAL HANDLING At the recent Beef Improvement Symposium at UC Davis on Jan. 10, veterinary student Victoria Yang sat down with Tom Noffsinger, DVM, a nationally-recognized animal handling expert and Nebraska feedyard veterinarian to learn more about his views on the importance of low-stress animal handling in communicating with both livestock and with the public. Below are her questions and his responses.

Q: For ranchers and future ranchers, who would like to adapt the low-stress handling techniques and build a trusting relationship with their cattle, what are a few things theycan do to begin the process?

Noffsinger: Start with moving a single animal and practice approaching it. It takes very short time if it is done right, say in 10 seconds. You move along the side of the animal and stop to give it space when the animal starts moving.

Animals have a very short attention span, so practice 10 minutes at a time. Cattle learn quickly to respond to proper stimulus and release.

Q: Have you noticed a significant increase in people accepting and adapting this low-stress handling technique since you started promoting it?

Noffsinger: I started about 15 years ago. It has been a long project, but we are seeing more and more progress especially in the past few years. Some people are very resistant to change, but often times, people with the strongest mind who eventually accept these techniques are the ones who become very skilled. The key is to be respectful to people, and to be patient. Never give up.

True, the project is slow coming but there are some very good cattle producers who understand the importance and impact of a successful and trusting relationship between caregivers and the animals. Right now, I have two large operations that are dedicated enough that they hire trainers whose sole job is to train and acclimate the animals. It is truly our responsibility to care for the cattle’s wellbeing, which is just as important as production efficiency, food safety and food quality. It is a big responsibility to ensure that animals get the best care and treatment they deserve.

part of the marketing plan and a part of your brand. We represent these animals. One of the biggest areas of future improvement is to continue working with marketing and education outreach, so that consumers and the general public are aware of the importance and impact of lowstress handling.

Q: Why is it crucial to build a positive and trusting relationship between the caregiver and the animal?

Noffsinger: A positive and trusting relationship is important. It is crucial to deliver communication to cattle in a positive and confident manner. If your cattle trust you, they will show signs of illness when they feel sick, they will ask for your guidance and will seek comfort from you.

A trusting relationship, and low stress handling go hand in hand. Successful handling is effective and efficient. It enhances vaccination and antibiotic response, as well as having a positive impact on the health, meat quality and safety for both the animals and caregivers.

Q: As veterinary students, what are things we can do right now to help with our career in the future?

Noffsinger: Get out there to the real world. Spare some moments and look for internships, experiences and opportunities outside of school. Find a positive mentor.

Learn how to learn and learn critical thinking skills.

Q: What can producers do to connect with consumers? What can we do to promote lowstress handling and educate the public about animal welfare?

Noffsinger: What’s very exciting in the last 10 years is the increased harmony between animals, their caregivers and the community. We need to have a more integrated communication between the agriculture industry and the public.

Effective stockmanship is something we should be very proud of. It is something that should be 26 California Cattleman March 2015

Tom Noffsinger, DVM, a Nebraska feedyard veterinarian takes questions from the audience during the 4th annual Beef Improvement Symposium in January at UC Davis.

Extended-Release Injectable Parasiticide 5% Sterile Solution NADA 141-327, Approved by FDA for subcutaneous injection For the Treatment and Control of Internal and External Parasites of Cattle on Pasture with Persistent Effectiveness CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

INDICATIONS FOR USE LONGRANGE, when administered at the recommended dose volume of 1 mL per 110 lb (50 kg) body weight, is effective in the treatment and control of 20 species and stages of internal and external parasites of cattle: Gastrointestinal Roundworms Lungworms Dictyocaulus viviparus Bunostomum phlebotomum – Adults and L4 – Adults Cooperia oncophora – Adults and L

THE WEIGHT GAIN IS REAL. Go ahead, blink.

4

Cooperia punctata – Adults and L4 Cooperia surnabada – Adults and L4 Haemonchus placei – Adults Oesophagostomum radiatum – Adults Ostertagia lyrata – Adults Ostertagia ostertagi – Adults, L4, and inhibited L4 Trichostrongylus axei – Adults and L4 Trichostrongylus colubriformis – Adults Parasites Gastrointestinal Roundworms Bunostomum phlebotomum Cooperia oncophora Cooperia punctata Haemonchus placei Oesophagostomum radiatum Ostertagia lyrata Ostertagia ostertagi Trichostrongylus axei Lungworms Dictyocaulus viviparus

Grubs Hypoderma bovis

Mites Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis

Durations of Persistent Effectiveness 150 days 100 days 100 days 120 days 120 days 120 days 120 days 100 days

A deworming with LONGRANGE® (eprinomectin) can help keep parasites from eating into your profits.

are probably already reinfected with parasites.

That’s because conventional dewormers only last 14 to 42 days and SAFE-GUARD has no persistent effect. Only LONGRANGE delivers up to 150 days of parasite control in a single treatment.1,2

If you used a conventional dewormer like When you look at the benefits of season-long CYDECTIN® (moxidectin), SAFE-GUARD® parasite control with LONGRANGE – you’ll (fenbendazole) or in combination, your cattle see you have a lot to gain.

Use LONGRANGE on your cow/calf operation and see the difference for yourself.

40 LBS

150 days

As much as

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION LONGRANGE® (eprinomectin) should be given only by subcutaneous injection in front of the shoulder at the recommended dosage level of 1 mg eprinomectin per kg body weight (1 mL per 110 lb body weight).

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Withdrawal Periods and Residue Warnings Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 48 days of the last treatment.

This drug product is not approved for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. Use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows.

A withdrawal period has not been established for pre-ruminating calves.

Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.

Animal Safety Warnings and Precautions The product is likely to cause tissue damage at the site of injection, including possible granulomas and necrosis. These reactions have disappeared without treatment. Local tissue reaction may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter.

Observe cattle for injection site reactions. If injection site reactions are suspected, consult your veterinarian. This product is not for intravenous or intramuscular use.

Protect product from light. LONGRANGE® (eprinomectin) has been developed specifically for use in cattle only. This product should not be used in other animal species.

When to Treat Cattle with Grubs LONGRANGE effectively controls all stages of cattle grubs. However, proper timing of treatment is important. For the most effective results, cattle should be treated as soon as possible after the end of the heel fly (warble fly) season.

Environmental Hazards Not for use in cattle managed in feedlots or under intensive rotational grazing because the environmental impact has not been evaluated for these scenarios.

Other Warnings: Underdosing and/or subtherapeutic concentrations of extendedrelease anthelmintic products may encourage the development of parasite resistance. It is recommended that parasite resistance be monitored following the use of any anthelmintic with the use of a fecal egg count reduction test program.

TARGET ANIMAL SAFETY Clinical studies have demonstrated the wide margin of safety of LONGRANGE® (eprinomectin). Overdosing at 3 to 5 times the recommended dose resulted in a statistically significant reduction in average weight gain when compared to the group tested at label dose. Treatment-related lesions observed in most cattle administered the product included swelling, hyperemia, or necrosis in the subcutaneous tissue of the skin. The administration of LONGRANGE at 3 times the recommended therapeutic dose had no adverse reproductive effects on beef cows at all stages of breeding or pregnancy or on their calves.

Not for use in bulls, as reproductive safety testing has not been conducted in males intended for breeding or actively breeding. Not for use in calves less than 3 months of age because safety testing has not been conducted in calves less than 3 months of age.

STORAGE Store at 77° F (25° C) with excursions between 59° and 86° F (15° and 30° C).

Protect from light.

Made in Canada.

Manufactured for Merial Limited, Duluth, GA, USA. ®LONGRANGE and the Cattle Head Logo are registered trademarks of Merial. ©2013 Merial. All rights reserved.

1050-2889-02, Rev. 05/2012

Over calves treated with CYDECTIN + SAFE-GUARD.

*Results varied between 13 and 40 lbs. for heifers and steers, respectively, over 104 days.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not treat within 48 days of slaughter. Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows, or in veal calves. Postinjection site damage (e.g., granulomas, necrosis) can occur.

These reactions have disappeared without treatment.

®JOHN DEERE is a registered trademark, and ™GATOR is a trademark, of Deere & Company. Deere & Company neither sponsors nor endorses this promotion. ®LONGRANGE and the Cattle Head Logo are registered trademarks of Merial.

All other marks are the property of their respective owners. ©2014 Merial Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. RUMIELR1455-A (08/14)

*3

1

Available in 500 mL, 250 mL and 50 mL bottles.

Administer subcutaneously at 1 mL/110 lbs.

Dependent upon parasite species, as referenced in FOI summary and LONGRANGE product label.

LONGRANGE product label.

3 Data on file at Merial.

2

March 2015 California Cattleman 27

COUNCIL COMMUNICATOR Checking In On Your Beef Checkoff

THE STRATEGY BEHIND YOUR CHECKOFF-FUNDED PROGRAMS from the California Beef Council As March arrives, many California ranchers are relieved by the ample rainfall that has come to their areas.

But for other areas, the snow and rain, while better than in 2014, has not been what is needed for the upcoming year. Though that is grim news for some of our state’s cattlemen and women, we have some good news to share about how your Checkoff dollars are being put to good use.

The California Beef Council (CBC) is nearly a quarter of the way through its year, with a number of campaigns, events, partnerships and other efforts to promote beef and enhance demand in California well underway. But we thought it would be helpful to take a step back and share with you what is planned for this year in terms of beef promotion and education, and just how those decisions are made.

A STRATEGIC APPROACH

For the CBC, being strategic about where your checkoff dollars are invested so that we implement the most effective and impactful programs possible continues to be a high priority. Each year, as the CBC team brings forward program proposals for its producer-led board of directors to consider, a focus is placed on the target audiences that are most crucial to engage, as well as the most effective tactics for reaching these audiences.

As you’ve probably read or heard before, when it comes to consumers and their preferences, we at the CBC (like many other beef councils throughout the country, no doubt) spend a lot of time talking about the Millennial generation—that enigmatic group of people born between roughly 1980 and 2000.

The reason why the Millennial generation is an important one for us (and the beef industry as a whole) is multi-faceted. First off, at nearly 80 million strong, this generation is larger than the Boomers and makes up about a quarter of all Americans, and a third of all adults.

What’s more, many in this generation are at that point when attitudes and behaviors that will influence purchasing decisions for decades to come are being formed, and the peak earning years are on the horizon. Forecasts indicate that this generation of consumers will outspend Baby Boomers by 2017, as household size and food spending decline among older generations. By 2020, Millennial spending is expected to reach $1.4 trillion a year.

When exploring what programs to bring forward for the CBC board to review, the CBC staff considers the Millennial characteristics and behaviors that have the biggest influence on beef consumption (or food purchasing in general). One is a need for convenience.

According to research, those in the Millennial generation are often looking for last-minute, convenient and easy-to28 California Cattleman March 2015

prepare meals. Because of this factor, chicken tends to get picked up over beef.

As a case in point, when asked about preferences in making a last-minute dinner

decision, respondents to an online survey conducted by the checkofffunded Market Research Team said that they strongly prefer chicken over beef, to the tune of 53 percent. Only 13 percent of the respondents in this survey said that they prefer beef over chicken for the convenience factor alone.

What’s more, many Millennials are less knowledgeable about preparing beef, and have had disappointing outcomes in the past. The need to give them more confidence in beef preparation is key to growing beef consumption among this audience, especially when you consider that 75 percent of Millennials would like information about steaks and how to prepare them, and 55 percent would like more information on preparing and serving beef to children.

Information about the health and nutritional aspects of beef is also important to this generation, and is yet another area where the perceived health benefits of chicken or poultry outpace beef. Helping the Millennial consumer understand just how nutrient-dense our product is continues to be an important program area for the CBC.

A DIGITAL SHIFT

For years, the CBC has been shifting its communication methods to be more in line with the preferences of our target audience. Though we all hold a place in our hearts for those nostalgic “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” television ads, gone are the days when that particular medium is the most effective for reaching the audiences we need to engage. In short, it’s a high price to pay without a lot of impact.

It’s no secret that Millennials spend a significant amount of their time online and on their mobile devices.

But if you consider that a lot of that time spent is actually food-related activity (with over 5.5 million food-related online searches EVERY DAY), then boy do we have an opportunity at our fingertips.

Today, the CBC places a focus on incorporating digital and online communications with most of its consumer-focused activities. As just one example, our retail partnerships continue to provide in-store cost savings and promotions, but we also incorporate more digital outreach to store shoppers, launch extensive social media campaigns in line with these partnerships, and sometimes involve other promotional partners, like Crock-Pot®, to ultimately engage more consumers, and get them into the stores to buy beef.

Our digital and online campaigns work in concert with our targeted broadcast radio. Broadcast radio not only still ranks highest in reach of 25 to 54-year-olds, but it dominates among 18 to 34-year-olds—those older Millennials—as well. The local and personal aspect of targeted radio makes it a great compliment to our digital and online outreach, particularly as part of a retail promotional campaign.

Efforts are also underway to better engage with consumers on their smart phones and mobile devices. With the success of the “BEEFlexible” foodservice app that was launched in 2013, the CBC is creating a similar tool that is geared more toward the general consumer.

The BEEFlexible app is a tremendous tool for giving those in the foodservice industry all the information they need at their finger tips – from information on different cuts to details about the production process and hot-button issues like antibiotic use.

But we think the consumer audience, particularly the Millennials, will benefit from and find use in an app they can access when looking for recipes, grocery shopping, and even engaging in our promotions.

and impactful promotion programs that help move beef pounds throughout the state, focusing on broader programs that can reach more consumers and potentially have a larger impact on beef sales.

• Provide meaningful education opportunities for foodservice professionals, ensuring they have the latest knowledge and insight about beef production, tips for beef preparation and dishes, and nutritional data.

• Continue engaging and educating health and nutrition influencers throughout the state, with the goal of arming them with the latest research and knowledge to help them better inform their clients and patients about beef in a healthy diet.

• Redesign the CBC website (www.calbeef.org) to be more in-line with consumer preferences, as well as provide more useful tools and resources for our producers.

•Provide meaningful educational opportunities for beef and dairy producers through stockmanship clinics and trainings, and partnering with the CCA and others on BQA training opportunities..

As always, for more information from CBC on producer communications, feel free to contact Jill Scofield at (916) 925-BEEF (2333) or by e-mail at Jill@calbeef.org.

Pepper Apricot

PROGRAMS ON THE HORIZON

With all of the aforementioned factors under consideration, the CBC team brings its program ideas to the board of directors – made up of 42 producers representing every segment of California’s beef industry – for review and approval every December. The board considers each program, provides insight, and offers suggestions before approving. The end result is a robust set of programs benefiting from both the producer perspective and the staff insight and expertise.

For this coming year, the set of goals that have been established is lofty, but exciting. Take a look at the following list of just a few things that are happening this year, and stay tuned for how these exciting programs are taking shape as the year continues.

• Create and launch a consumer-focused mobile application that will provide information and tips on all things beef, as well as help consumers identify beef-related retail partnerships and promotions in their area.

• Continue upgrades of the popular “BEEFlexible” mobile app that provides those in the foodservice sector with valuable beef information at their fingertips.

Corned Beef

Total Recipe Time: 2-3/4 to 3-3/4 hours Makes 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 boneless Corned Beef Brisket (2-1/2 to 3-1/2 pounds)

GLAZE:

1/4 cup apricot preserves 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Place corned beef brisket in Dutch oven; add water to cover. Bring just to a simmer; do not boil. Cover tightly and simmer 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours or until fork-tender.

2. Combine glaze ingredients in 1-cup glass measure. Microwave on HIGH 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once.

3. Remove brisket from water; trim fat. Place on rack in broiler pan so surface of beef is 3 to 4 inches from heat. Brush top of brisket with glaze; broil 2 to 3 minutes or until glazed. Carve diagonally across the grain.

• Partner with retailers for far-reaching March 2015 California Cattleman 29

State and National Scholarships Available to Angus Youth The American Angus Association® (AAA) and California Angus Association (CAA) strive to provide students with 2015 CALIFORNIA ANGUS ASSOCIATION opportunities to benefit themselves and the future of the cattle business.

PRESIDENT Through scholarship programs hosted by the Angus Brad Worthington, Modesto.....................(209) 613-0723 Foundation and the American Angus Auxiliary, Angus youth PRESIDENT passionate about the beef industry are provided financial support Vice President Susan Perry........................(559) 287-0653 to further their education. Similarly, CAA recognizes students each year by awarding the annual CAA Merit Scholaship and Bob SECRETARY and Pat Dean California Angus Scholarship. Current high school J.J. Reinhardt, Sloughhouse.......................(916) 712-3696 seniors and college students should take note of the deadlines and details for each scholarship program listed below.

TREASURER The deadline for California Angus Scholarships is the last are Betsy Cardoza, O’Neals..............................(559) 822-2386 week in April and scholarship and forms and other information DIRECTORS available at www.californiaangus.com. Recipients will be notified at the annual California Angus Field Day in May. 2013-2015 2014-2016 2015-2017 The Angus Foundation offers general scholarships to students Amanda Schnoor Brad Worthington Darrell Hansen pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in higher education.

Carole Silveira Jamie Traynham Matt Avila Eligible Angus youth meeting the qualifications for the Angus Jeanene Dal Porto Susan Perry Rick Schultz Foundation’s 2015 Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship Hadley Pitts Susan Levisay Justin Schmidt Programs will be considered by the Angus Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee. As in past years, other specific and special criteria scholarships administered by the Angus Foundation will also be available. Scholarship recipients will be JUNIOR ADVISORS recognized during the 2015 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Amanda Leo, Snelling..... (209) 563-6931 in Tulsa, Okla.

Casey Gudel, Wilton........ (530) 514-2562 The Allied Angus Breeders Scholarship, also through the Angus Foundation, will provide $1,000 to three students who AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION use Angus genetics in their seedstock or commercial operation.

NATIONAL DIRECTOR Applicants must be enrolled in a junior college, four-year college David Dal Porto............... (925) 634-0933 or university fall 2015. They can be an entering freshman or a continuing student in any undergraduate program.

Applications for all Angus Foundation scholarships must be postmarked by May 1 and mailed to Milford Jenkins, American Angus Association, 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506.

Applications are available online at www.angusfoundation.org. For P.O. BOX 40, O’NEALS, CA more information, contact Jenkins, Angus Foundation president, WWW.CALIFORNIAANGUS.COM at 816-383-5100 or mjenkins@angusfoundation.org.

The American Angus Auxiliary awards scholarships to the top five male and top five female applicants selected from finalists chosen in the applicant’s home state. Each state auxiliary is eligible to submit one male and one female application to the national contest. The winners will be announced during A reliable business partner is the 2015 NJAS closing ceremonies. In addition, Terry Cotton, difficult to come by. At the the five finalists for the Miss American Angus Regional Manager American Angus Association®, contest are selected from the top national female 3201 Frederick Avenue a team of skilled Regional applicants.

St. Joseph, MO 64506 Managers can guide your The application for American Angus 816.390.3227 operation toward success.

Auxiliary Scholarships is now available online. tcotton@angusjournal.com Interested junior Angus members, who are high Contact Terry Cotton to Arizona school seniors, may download the application, California access directions and general information at www. locate Angus genetics, select marketing options tailored Nevada angusauxiliary.com/scholarships/index.html.

Utah to your needs, and to access Applications from the state contact must be Association programs and postmarked by May 1. For specific state and local services. Put the business Auxiliary scholarship deadlines and information, breed to work for you. visit the Auxiliary website, or contact your state or regional Angus Auxiliary. Additional questions To subscribe to the Angus Journal, call about the American Angus Auxiliary scholarships 816.383.5200. Watch The Angus Report on can be directed to Lynne Hinrichsen, American RFD-TV Monday mornings at 7:30 CST. 3201 Frederick Ave. • St. Joseph, MO 64506 Angus Auxiliary president, at rlangus@bluevalley.

816.383.5100 • www.ANGUS.org © 2013-2014 American Angus Association net.

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS.

30 California Cattleman March 2015

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March 2015 California Cattleman 31

VET VIEWS KEEP YOUR COWS WORKING FOR YOU ensuring your mama cows will perform past their prime

by Anita Varga, DVM, MS, DACVIM-LA, Gold Coast Veterinary Service and Consulting, Esparto Longevity of your cows is a trait that has a great economic impact on the profitability of your beef operation. Increased costs are associated with early removal of a cow from the herd and for the purchase or development of replacement heifers.

What is longevity?

Longevity is the time, in years, from the first calving cycle until the removal of the cow from the herd by either death or culling. Within this time period it is detrimental that the cow not only survives within the herd but that she is also a productive member of it.

A cow needs to produce approximately five calves to return profit to the cattle operation. This depends on the initial investments in the heifer’s purchase price or the costs of raising your own replacement heifers, future returns measured in calf sales, future costs, such as feed and treatments, as well as the salvage value of the cull cow.

What factors influence the longevity of a cow?

Longevity is affected by multiple traits. Characteristics that play an influence on the longevity of a cow are reproductive performance, such as age of first calving and calving ease, as well as milk production. It is also influenced by the ability of the cow to be resistant to disease and adverse weather conditions, such as age of first conception, calving ease and many more.

Differences in longevity due to the breed of the cow occur and replacement rates differ by breeds.

Research has shown that, for instance, cross breeding to Brahman cattle has increased longevity of cows in the Southern region of the United States.

One of the major 32 California Cattleman March 2015

factors for longevity within a breed is adapting the mature cow size and milk production to the environment the cow is in. The longevity of crossbred cows is in general greater than that of purebred cows.

What are reasons for cattle being removed from the herd?

Based on the 2007-08 survey by the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), the most common reason for removal from the herd was associated with the reproductive status of the cow. The largest percentage (33 percent) of cows were culled because they did not become pregnant within the breeding season or aborted the calf. Of all culled cows, 15.6 percent were removed from the herd before 5 years of age and 31.8 percent between 5-9 years of age.

Other reasons mentioned by the NAHMS survey for culling a cow were physical unsoundness, bad eyes, udder problems or producing a small and non-thriving calf. In California the drought years have certainly contributed to the numbers of cull cows due to decreased water resources and decreased feed availability.

Why is it important to have a management system in place to detect cull cows?

At one point the cow will be unable to remain a productive member of the herd due to reproductive difficulties or other reasons such as bad teeth and inability to ingest enough food for herself and her calf. Removal of these animals is important, since cull cows, unlike an animal that just dies on the ranch, have a salvage value.

You will still get some financial return, and it will be greater if the cow is still in adequate shape and condition.

This management practice promotes proper animal care and pushing the cow to have one more calf or go through one more breeding season might not be of best interest for either of you.

How long can a cow be profitable for the herd?

The biggest impact on the profitability of a beef cattle operation is the reproductive performance of the cow.

Simply put, if the cow cannot produce a calf every year, she is not profitable. The longer she stays within the cattle operation as a profitable asset, the lower the cost, therefore reducing expenses for buying replacement heifers or raising heifers.

Studies have suggested that if a cow stays in the commercial beef herd until she is 8 to 11 years of age, she has reached the point of her maximum economic return.

Reproductive performance will consistently decrease once the cow reaches 10 years of age.

What reproductive strategies can I employ to increase profitability in my herd?

One study has shown that when heifers calved out before 24 months of age, they had an increased lifetime productivity when compared to heifers that calved out after 24 months of age. Calving after 24 months of age has been associated with calving late or not calving at all the following year.

In general, heifers that lose a calf or become pregnant late do not have enough time to rebreed in the next breeding season and therefore lose their profitability.

Simple speaking, profitability relies on early calving heifers, a short post-partum period and getting heifers bred back early.

Practically speaking, more than 50 percent of the herd should get pregnant within the first 21 days of breeding, and almost all cattle should get pregnant in the first two cycles. A controlled breeding season of approximately 60 to 65 days should be in place with the goal in mind to achieve an overall pregnancy rate of 95 percent. In 65 days they have three chances to get pregnant.

Achieving this goal requires that all aspects of the heifer management are included in the management practices, such as the heifer pre-breeding exam that includes weight assessment, reproductive score and pelvic measurements. The heifers should be in good body ..CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

March 2015 California Cattleman 33

...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 condition, and in general, the target weight at breeding should be 60 to 65 percent of the mature cow weight.

As a general rule, any cow losing one calf in her lifetime is most likely unable to recover economically for the beef operation to pay for the lost revenue of that calf.

One unpublished study has shown that it takes five calves to pay for the development cost and annual maintenance of replacement heifers. Other authors have suggested that three to five calves will be enough to cover those costs, but all of these numbers are influenced by beef market and can fluctuate during the lifetime of a cow.

One important aspect is the body condition of the cow. Keep the cow in a good body condition, otherwise she might not be able to breed back in time.

Since the post-partum anestrous (the time period she does not cycle and cannot breed back) is approximately 50 to 60 days (herd average). If the cows are not in a good body condition (at least BCS of 5), the post-partum anestrous will be longer than that. In first-calf heifers the post-partum anestrous period is 80 to 100 days, on average.

Some might be shorter (62 to 82 days), but remember a good body condition shortens while a bad body condition will lengthen this time period.

If the heifer was already thin pre-birthing, you will not be able to put the adequate weight back on her in a short period of time, and your post-partum anestrous can exceed 100 days. Breeding heifers earlier than cows will let cows and first-calf heifers cycle together after calving.

This is just a short summary of some examples of reproductive management strategies, but certainly more options are available. Ask your veterinarian for more information or to evaluate your current breeding program.

What other aspects of cattle management should be considered when striving for cows with longevity?

Mineral supplementation and adequate nutrition are as important as reproductive

34 California Cattleman March 2015

management strategies. Appropriate mineral levels and nutrition are essential for the growth of the heifer and fetal development of the calf for reproductive performance and other body systems such as bone and muscle development.

If your herd is on a low level of minerals, the productivity of the herd is affected long before you will see clinical signs of the mineral deficiency. Some production markers are already influenced before you see obvious clinical signs, such as a greater incidence of diseases due to malfunction of the immune system.

Keeping your cows and first-calf heifers at a good body condition score not only will help you to decrease the anestrous period – it will also keep your herd more resilient to adverse weather conditions and diseases. Furthermore, it is important to vaccinate your cows and heifers to prevent disease and abortions on a yearly basis.

Disease prevention is no place to be frugal within your beef herd when it comes to herd management.

It might seem tedious, but keeping good records on the reproductive performance of your cows and heifers cannot be forgotten.

These records should include good identification tracking methods of the animals. Furthermore, establish cow removal records. These data will be helpful for the establishment of good reproductive and herd health management and will help to improve cow longevity.

Merck Animal Health and DVAuction Introduce Cattle Market Central™ Merck Animal Health and DVAuction, Inc., announced the most accurate and timely feeder cattle prices in real-time from one website. Cattle Market Central™ (CMC), an extension of the familiar Beef Market Central™, provides feeder cattle class and weight offerings, as well as prices updated automatically throughout the day from more than 45 auction markets.

Cattle producers can test CMC with a free, four-week complimentary trial from Merck Animal Health.

Interested producers can simply visit cattlemarketcentral.com to sign up. Qualified Merck Animal Health customers will be offered continued CMC access after the trial or cattle producers can subscribe to the service.

“This site was developed with extensive input from cattle producers and designed to help address their critical real-time needs in this digital age,” said Jim Miles, Merck Animal Health Senior Marketing Director.

“We’ve had 275 producers test the site to ensure that it provides what cattlemen want, and we’ve gotten excellent feedback about its ease of use and value.”

Among the innovations CMC offers is a Real-Time Index (RTI) that emulates the CME feeder-cattle index. “As cattle sell across the country, the RTI lets you compare against similar cattle sold the previous day,” said Corbitt Wall, cattle analyst for DVAuction. “Based on 650- to 850-pound steers from Regions 1 and 2, the RTI is a moving, seven-day price and weight average that’s updated instantly.” In comparison, the CME feeder-calf index comes out every 24 hours and doesn’t adjust during the day.

The website’s dashboard features the RTI, as well as a list of auction markets participating that day.

“Producers can access and participate in live auctions with one click, including viewing video of the actual cattle on-site,” added Dusty Markham, sales director for DVAuction.

Among its many highlights, CMC lets subscribers create and save custom sales reports – selecting for region, auction market, cattle class, weight range and more. An alert option lets producers key in specific parameters, and it will send them a text or email message when such cattle are available.

The quick report option gives instant, real-time access to basic market information in just a few clicks. “For

example, you can get a report on 700to 800-pound steers sold in the past 72 hours in Region 2,” Markham noted.

The market report option provides detailed reports on cattle sales from the past 30 days for specific markets.

CMC also provides industry headlines and news summaries to keep producers well informed. CMC is accessible through PC platforms. For more information, contact your Merck Animal Health representative or go to

cattlemarketcentral.com.

Cattle Market Central™ (CMC), an extension of the familiar Beef Market Central™, provides feeder cattle class and weight offerings, as well as prices updated automatically throughout the day from more than 45 auction markets. Cattle producers can test CMC with a free, four-week complimentary trial from Merck Animal Health.

Interested producers can simply visit cattlemarketcentral.com to sign up.

March 2015 California Cattleman 35

CHIMES California CattleWomen Shine in San Antonio ancw names california president & award winner From the American National CattleWomen, Inc. For the first time in four decades, a Californian has taken the helm as president of the American National CattleWomen (ANCW), based in Centennial, Colo. Melanie Fowle, Etna, a lifelong educator and beef industry and agriculture advocate has been was elected the 64th president of the ANCW during the organization’s 2015 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas. ANCW is an alliance for women who support and promote the beef industry.

Fowle and her husband Kenneth are California cattle ranchers from Siskiyou County in the who raise registered Angus and Hereford cattle with a focus on range bulls.

Passionate about the beef industry, Fowle has spent countless hours volunteering for the betterment of the beef industry.

She has served as President of American Hereford Women, Siskiyou County CattleWomen and California CattleWomen.

They run the farm with their son, Jeff, daughter-in-law Erin and grandson Kyle.

“We look forward to working with Melanie in her new role as ANCW President,” said NCBA President Phillip Ellis. “The ANCW and NCBA partnership has resulted in many positive outcomes for the beef industry.”

Fowle said “I’m a team player and view leadership as questioning, listening and gently guiding the team to a decision that mirrors the needs of the membership.”

ANCW’s 2015 Executive Committee consists of other Californians including current California CattleWomen President Sheila Bowen, Glennville, who will serve as the recording secretary for ANCW and Immediate Past President of CCW Tammie McElroy, now of Marana, Ariz., who will serve ANCW as the Region VI Director.

In addition to this exciting leadership news, another past CCW President, Judy Ahmann, Napa, was named the 2014 Outstanding CattleWoman of the Year by the ANCW at the

36 California Cattleman March 2015

convention in San Antonio. The CattleWoman of the Year Award is sponsored by Purina.

Ahmann has served many important roles throughout her tenure as a CattleWoman. In addition to serving as CCW president in 2007-2008, she has also been an ANCW Region Director, ANCW Board of Directors member and serrved on numerous national, state and local committees. She has been a member for over 40 years. She’s attended more than 10 summer conferences and 20-plus annual conventions.

Her impact on beef education is significant. She helped to bring the beef lessons regarding Earth day which were started in her local Napa-Solano Cattlewomen group to the state and national level as a platform that could be taken forward on a larger scale. She truly believes in the necessity to help agvocate about the positive role ranchers play in the environment.

The strong relationships Ahmann has built with CattleWomen across the country are remarkable. Tammi Didlot, ANCW past president said, “Judy is a remarkable person with a wonderful work ethic. Her co-workers (committee) are always happy to have worked with Judy.”

Tammie McElroy ANCW Region Director and California CattleWoman agreed, stating, “Judy’s dedication and devotion to agriculture helped to make many friends throughout the United States in the beef industry.”

Fowle added, “One of the attributes I most admire about Judy is her ability to sit at the table with a variety of government agencies and to reach a compromise that is acceptable to both the ranch and the government.”

Ahmann and her husband are first generation ranchers in California and Oregon and are hoping their children and grandchildren will carry on the tradition.

Congratulations to these California CattleWomen on their well-deserved accomplishments!

California CattleWomen, Inc. members gather at the ANCW induction ceremony to congratulate Melanie Fowle on her new role as 2015 ANCW President.

THe Puzzle-Solving Process The foothill abortion journey coming full circle

by Glenn A. Nader, Ph.D., University of California Cooperative Extension; Mike N. Oliver, Ph.D., University of California Cooperative Extension; Julie A. Finzel, University of California Cooperative Extension; Myra T. Blanchard, Ph.D., University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine; and Jeff L. Stott, Ph.D., University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine

F

Reprinted from the Oct. - Dec. 2014 issue of California Agriculture, a University of California, Davis, publication.

oothill abortion, also known as epizootic bovine abortion (EBA), has been a long-standing problem for California beef cattle producers. It is a major source of economic loss for California cow and calf producers, and in the 1990s it was estimated that 5 to 10 percent (45,000 to 90,000 calves) of the California beef calf crop may be lost each year.

UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) farm advisors, specialists and UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) faculty have worked on this disease for nearly 50 years. This long research process finally moved forward in 2005, when the causative agent was identified.

The Pajaroello (pa-ha-WAY-lo) tick, Ornithodoros coriaceus, is responsible for transmitting the causative agent (a deltaproteobacterium) when it feeds on a pregnant cow. The Pajaroello is a soft-bodied tick that resides in dirt or litter under trees and bushes, locations where deer and cattle typically bed down. The Pajaroello does not embed itself in animal flesh, but rather it feeds rapidly (for as little as 20 minutes) and then drops back onto the ground. It can survive for years in a dormant state, without taking a blood meal.

If a cow or heifer is bitten by a tick when 2 to 6 months pregnant, the calf may abort or be born weak.

Heifers and cows that have not previously grazed in tickinfested pastures are most susceptible. Once bitten, cows appear to gain some degree of immunity, but ranchers have observed that immunity can be lost if cattle go for a year or more without tick bites, which serve as an immunity booster.

Early UC efforts focused on identifying the vector of the disease. First, mosquitoes were suspected. They were eliminated as a possibility when cattle elevated off the ground (in an area where the disease commonly occurred) carried their calves to term. Additional experiments also eliminated the Leptoconops gnat as a possible vector.

It was initially thought that the Pajaroello tick did not live in the most northern areas of California, where EBA occurred. When ticks were subsequently trapped on a northern Lassen County ranch that had experienced abortions, it was confirmed as a potential vector. Ticks were collected and placed to feed on susceptible heifers (on the UC Davis campus), and abortions occurred, confirming the Pajaroello as the vector of the disease.

The next step was to determine the causative agent being transmitted by the bite of the tick. This was difficult because the tick harbors numerous potential causative agents. In the late 1960s and through the 1970s, chlamydia 38 California Cattleman March 2015

was considered as a possible causative agent. During this period, a field trial was conducted with cooperator cattle in Lassen County in which susceptible heifers were fed tetracycline crumbles, and the data suggested there might be some protection from the antibiotics. Numerous chlamydia vaccines were prepared and given to susceptible heifers, but this effort was ultimately abandoned when heifers continued to abort following vaccination.

In the 1970s and early 1980s, viruses were considered as possible causative agents. A large research effort was initiated, with over 80 viruses isolated from the tick. After exhaustive work, research on causative agents moved from viruses to spirochete-like organisms; a Borrelia species was suggested to be a potential cause of EBA, but further experimental studies essentially eliminated spirochetes and Borrelia species as potential causative agents.

With no definitive causal agent of EBA identified, the California Cattlemen’s Association gave UCCE a grant from its Livestock Memorial Research Fund to develop educational outreach through a video on how to manage cattle to minimize the impact of the disease. Farm advisors and specialists with knowledge of the tick’s feeding habitats and how the abortions developed in cattle used case studies with ranchers to develop management options that ranchers could use to lessen the impact of the disease on their business.

Successful practices included preexposing sexually mature heifers to known tick areas prior to breeding, avoiding tick areas during the critical 2 to 6 months of pregnancy and shifting from spring to fall calving in the most northern regions of the state.

SVM researchers and the California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) laboratory system, using a large number of aborted calves, were able to develop methods to identify foothill abortion in aborted calves.

This knowledge was extended to practicing veterinarians working with ranches throughout the state.

In 2002, a SVM laboratory developed a reliable challenge system for experimental transmission of EBA that was used to establish that the causative agent was antibiotic susceptible. This report was quickly followed with a positive identification of the agent causing foothill abortion, a bacteria belonging to a very unusual group of slime bacteria; then referred to simply as the agent of EBA, the bacterial pathogen has now been unofficially named Pajaroellobacter abortibovis.

Other breakthroughs followed quickly. The cultivation of the bacteria in immunodeficient mice gave new life to research efforts. A vaccine development phase was

initiated with over $200,000 from the California Cattlemen Association’s Livestock Memorial Research Fund and financial support from SVM and their collaborators at the University of Nevada, Reno.

In 2009, a small group of heifers were protected against experimental infection after they were immunized several weeks prior to breeding with a candidate vaccine that was both live and infectious. The success of a second and larger trial in 2010 prompted SVM researchers to pursue product licensing with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Center for Veterinary Biologics.

Vaccine efficacy experiments were conducted in accordance with USDA regulations. University-owned heifers were immunized before breeding and then administered an artificial challenge with virulent bacteria at the peak of fetal susceptibility (100 days gestation).

Vaccine field trials that combined USDA-required field safety trials with field efficacy were then initiated at the UC Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center on UC Davis Department of Animal Science heifers, on heifers at University of Nevada, Reno, and on producer-owned beef herds in California and Nevada. Over 1,600 heifers were enrolled in these trials in 2011 and 2012. Additional funding for such a massive effort was provided to the SVM by UC’s Office of the President via a UC Proof of Concept Discovery Grant (grant ID no. 212263).

Although the results of these studies are currently being assembled, preliminary assessment of the experimental vaccine indicates excellent protection against foothill abortion has been successfully demonstrated.

All the successes realized to date were a result of SVM collaborations across the UC spectrum with CAHFS’s diagnostic laboratory at UC Davis, the UC Davis Department of Animal Science, UCCE, the Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center, and also with researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Historically, specialty vaccines created for use only in California were licensed through the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). Currently, CDFA does not process new specialty vaccines, requiring researchers to work with the USDA to get the foothill abortion vaccine licensed. USDA requirements are more stringent than CDFA’s requirements, as food animal vaccines must comply with the federal Virus-Serum-Toxin Act requirements. SVM and USDA are charting new territory as they work to certify the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

The developers of the vaccine at SVM are in the process of establishing a USDA-required vaccine seed, determining if production can be scaled up to a commercial level and identifying viable options for commercial production of the vaccine.

As the commercialization efforts proceed, researchers are fine-tuning the vaccination regime to address concerns over the prolonged persistence of the vaccine bacteria and the potential impact on embryonic mortality in animals bred within weeks following vaccination.

These studies are being conducted using a combination of UC and private producer replacement heifers. The vaccine dose is being adjusted downward, and the time from vaccination to breeding is being extended. The vaccine cannot be administered to pregnant cattle. Skin reactions following vaccination suggest that the live

bacterial pathogen can persist for up to 2 months. On the positive side, this bacterial persistence induces a solid immunity that likely lasts through the next breeding cycle and possibly beyond. Studies are under way to begin to address length of immunity.

The fact that Suckow © the vaccine is live and infectious poses several unique challenges. For example, the cryopreserved bacteria must be transported and stored in liquid nitrogen, and the cost of purchasing the vaccine could also be high because of the cost of manufacturing — the live vaccine must be cultured in an immunodeficient mouse.

The California Cattlemen’s Association is working to develop a regional distribution system for the vaccine, which could become available within a couple of years.

Work is being conducted to develop a recombinant vaccine through genomic research. In a recombinant vaccine, the genomic sequence of candidate bacterial genes must first be established.

Next, the genes must be expressed as protein and then combined with adjuvant(s) to construct candidate vaccines.

A recombinant vaccine would be far less sensitive to temperature and would not require immunodeficient mice in the manufacturing process, thereby making the finished product much more cost effective and practical for onranch use.

Subsequent findings by the SVM researchers have also improved the diagnostic procedures for identifying foothill abortions at the CAHFS diagnostic laboratory at UC Davis and have provided additional important information for UCCE to extend to ranchers to confirm abortions caused by the disease.

Researchers are now actively pursuing validation of a diagnostic assay that may allow ranchers in the future to identify cows that have been exposed to the tick. Such an assay could be used to establish susceptibility of naïve replacement heifers to foothill abortion or confirm whether the disease is present on a ranch. Decades of hard work by UC researchers and educators all across the system have allowed the pieces of this difficult disease puzzle to come together in assisting California’s cattle ranchers.

EDITOR’S NOTE: With the end to the search for foothill abortion vaccine upon us, CCA reminds that all members are welcome to inquire about utilizing the the trial vaccine.

For more information, please contact Billy Gatlin at (916) 444-0845 or by e-mail at billy@calcattlemen.org.

March 2015 California Cattleman 39

Five Star Land and Livestock’s Mark & Abbie Nelson, Wilton attended all of the week’s events.

Col. Max Olvera and Col. Jake Parnell during the Western Video Market Sale on Jan. 29.

Col. Trent Stewart sold the sale alongside Matt Macfarlane, who read pedigrees.

Pictured at the sponsor reception are (L to R) Andrew Hospenthal, Valley Springs; Zoetis’ Geoff Gates, Clovis; Merck’s Anthony Lucich, Clovis; and VSI’s Jim Lockett, Ivanhoe.

Bull Consignor Frank Ward, Orland with Bull & Gelding Sale Manager Adam Owens, Red Bluff.

Addison Macfarlane, Cottonwood, thrilled after selling her Hereford bull for $10,000.

2015 Consignor of the Year went to Morrell Ranches, Willows. Pictured are Bailey, Carrie and Barry Morrell.

40 California Cattleman March 2015

Bull Sale Consignors Steve and Clayton Lambert of Lambert Ranches, Oroville.

Cargill’s Bryan McMurry sharing insight on horse nutrition.

Zoetis’ Larry Gran spoke about the value of genetic evaluation.

Elanco Animal Health Representatives Water for Life’s Kyle Marino Janel Fisher and Dennis Hermesch, addresses the crowd at the bull sale.

DVM, in the trade show.

Becky and Terril Ostrum watching horses work in the Pauline DavisPavilion.

CCA members Buck and CCA’s YCC officers Grace Tobias Matilyn Parks talk with CCA and Juliet Conant in the CCA President Billy Flournoy. booth in the trade show.

Bull, Gelding, Mule, Stock Dog & Replacement Heifer Results RED BLUFF BULL SALE RED BLUFF GELDING SALE

Champion Angus - Lax Catttle Company

124 Angus....................... $6,896 7 Balancer....................... $7,321 2 Brangus........................ $7,125 22 Charolais.................... $4,909 30 Hereford.................... $6,408 1 LimFlex....................... $5,000 1 Maine Anjou............... $7,500 1 Mainetainer................. $3,750 12 Polled Hereford....... $6,408 16 Red Angus................. $6,531 3 Shorthorn.................... $4,583 12 SimAngus.................. $7,520 5 Simmental................... $7,650 236 Total Bulls............... $6,592

Stockhorse Champio– Michelle Hoekenga Ranch Cutting Champion - David Wayne Miller Snaffle Bit Champion - Tom & Carmen Buckingham Champion Head Horse - Michelle Hoekenga Champion Heel Horse - Tom & Carmen Buckingham Craig Owen’s Ideal Ranch Horse - Trisha Auman 70 Geldings.................... $9,328 3 Mules............................ $4,783

RED BLUFF STOCK DOG SALE

Res. Champion Angus - Scott LeQuier

High Selling Dog from Jaime Gonsalez.............. $13,500 16 Dogs.......................... $5,218

RED BLUFF STAFF

Adam Owens, Sale Manager Marianne Brownfield, Bull & Dog Secretary Trish Suther, Gelding Secretary

BULL, GELDING & STOCK DOG AUCTIONEERS

Col. Rick Machado Col. Justin Holmburg Col. Trent Stewart Col. Max Olvera

2015 HALTER CHAMPIONS BY BREED Angus Champion – Lot 103 - Lax Cattle Company, Arbuckle Reserve – Lot 104 - Scott LeQuieu, Culver, Ore. Charolais Champion – Lot 222 – Rafter DN Charolais – Powell Butte, Ore. Reserve - Lot 203 – Bianchi Ranches, Gilroy Hereford Champion – Lot 262 – Sierra Ranches, Modesto

Reserve – Lot 242 – England Ranch, Prineville, Ore. Polled Hereford Champion – Lot 295 – Macfarlane Livestock, Cottonwood Reserve – Lot 293 – Lambert Ranch, Oroville Simmental Champion – Lot 262 – Hinton Ranch, Montague Reserve – Lot 263 – Hinton Ranch, Montague

Champion Hereford - Sierra Ranches

Red Angus Champion – Lot 227 – Owings Cattle, Powell Butte, Ore. Reserve – Lot 226 – Owings Cattle, Powell Butte, Ore.

Champion Polled Hereford - Macfarlane Livestock Shorthorn Champion – Lot 336 – Cardey Ranches, Turlock Reserve – Lot 337 – Trident Farms, Sloughhouse

Mainetainer Champion – Lot 281 – Macfarlane Cattle Co., McArthur Brangus Champion – Lot 191 – Wyman Creek Cattle Co., Palermo Balancer Champion – Lot 180 – Cardey Ranches, Turlock

Calving Ease Champion - Bianchi Ranches

Charolais Champion - Rafter DN Charolais

SimAngus Champion – Lot 257 – Teixeira Cattle Co, Pismo Beach Reserve – Lot 341 – Eberhardt Livestock, Wheatland All Other Breeds Champion – Lot 227 - Owings Cattle, Powell Butte, Ore. Reserve – Lot 257 – Teixeira Cattle Co, Pismo Beach

2015 RANGE-READY CHAMPIONS BY BREED Angus Champion – Lot 131 – Spencer Cattle Co., Rancho Murieta Reserve – Lot 160 - Wulff Bros. Livestock, Woodland Hereford Champion – Lot 268 - Y Cross Herefords, Bonanza, Ore. Reserve – Lot 270 – Y Cross Herefords, Bonanza, Ore. Champion Shorthorn - Cardey Ranches

Champion SimAngus - Teixeira Cattle Co.

Charolais Champion – Lot 221 – Rafter DN Charolais, Powell Butte, Ore. Reserve – Lot 205- Broken Box Ranch, Williams SimAngus Champion - Lot 351 – Little Shasta Ranch, Montague Reserve – Lot 352 – Little Shasta Ranch, Montague Red Angus Champion – Lot 312 – CB Ranch, Gerber.

Balancer ® Champion – Lot 180 – Cardey Ranches, Turlock Reserve – Lot 186 – The Bull Mart, Myrtle Point, Ore.

Champion Red Angus and AOB - Owings Cattle

Champion Simmental - Hinton Ranch

2015 SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS Calving Ease Champion – Lot 0309 – Bianchi Ranches, Gilroy Jack Owens Ideal Range Bull – Lot 251 – High Desert Cattle Co., Canyon City, Ore. 2 013 Outstanding Consignor Award - Morrell Ranches

Champion Maintainer - Macfarlane Cattle Co.

Champion Maine Anjou - Brocco Show Cattle

March 2015 California Cattleman 41

CHARRON RANCH

Thank You to our 2015 Red Bluff bull buyers for their support:

brought to you from

HEARST RANCH HARVY HOLM LIVESTOCK SHANNON BROS. CATTLE ALSTON FARMS TORY POMI CRAIG SHARP STAN AND LELA HOLLAND

Thank you Guidici Ranch for your purchase!

CHARRON RANCH PAICINES, CA • DANNY CHAVES, MANAGER RANCH: (831) 388-4791 • CELL: (831) 801-8809

TRIDENT FARMS

Thank you to Dalton Straus of Straus Ranch Central Point, OR, for his purchase of the Reserve Champion Shorthorn halter bull at the 2015 Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale.

Join us Oct. 17 for the 2015 Next Generation Bull sale in Kenwood!

Oroville, CA • LambertRanch.com

Reserve Champion Angus & 2 nd Overall high seller!

Thanks to Larry Imbach and Keith Pearce for Your purchase!

T/F BJ POWER PACK (AKA: WAYLON)

TRIDENT FARMS

BOB AND CINDY PETTITT SLOUGHHOUSE, CA 95683 916-681-2508

42 California Cattleman March 2015

A ls oThank you amd congratulations to the

Red Bluff Bull Sale Committee on another outstanding event!

The LeQUieu Family

Scoot, Candy and Shayne LeQieu 5845 SW King Lane, Culver, OR 97734 • 661-903-0184

2 Champions from Cardey Ranches!

2015 Champion Balancer Bull

Thank you to Yamsi Ranch, Chiloquin, OR and Alan Shufelberger, Redding, CA, as well as all of our 2015 bull buyers in Red Bluff and Klamath Falls!

Watch for the best we have to offer at the 2016 Red Bluff Bull Sale and other elite consignment sales throughout the West!

2015 Champion Shorthorn Bull

CARDEY RANCHES

Don & Diana Cardey • Turlock, CA (209) 634-5491 • (209) 634-1857

Champion SimAngus and Reserve AOB Thank you to Don Siegalkoff, Herald, CA for your purchase!

Contact us about our annual production sales or to get on our mailing list!

Also now offering females for sale for the first time.

Contact us to learn more.

TEX BUILT RIGHT 3807

SIRE: SVF/NJC BUILT RIGHT N48 • MGS: SAV Bismarck 5682

JOHN TEIXEIRA (805) 448-3859 ALLAN TEIXEIRA (805) 310-3353 TOM HILL (541) 990-5479

WWW.TEIXEIRACATTLECO.COM • CATTLE@THOUSANDHILLSRANCH.COM March 2015 California Cattleman 43

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Royal Stockman x Boyd On Target.

Connealy Dublin x EGL Target BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +2.7 +77 +140 +20 +.64 +.51 +136.08 +.6 +67 +107 +21 +.76 +.20 +123.08 Adds awesome shape with good foot Great feet & legs with rib-shape and flexible pedigree. and performance.

Koupals B&B Titan 3013

CC&7 x Gridiron Koupals Extra 0011 x Koupals Marathon BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +.1 +51 +96 +29 +.75 +1.11 +106.09 +1.0 +69 +119 +24 +.36 +.65 +98.28 Fantastic calving-ease prospect with outcross Extremely popular country-wide. pedigree to Upward and Final Answer! Ultra sound

Duff Hobart 8302

New Edition x Dixie Erica 001 BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +.1 +57 +97 +25 -.13 +.47 +47.09 Progeny are “all-purpose” winners!

and good footed with extra muscle shape and depth!

Sire: Rodman x F.D. son BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B -2.0 +62 +96 +28 +.17 +.51 +85.10 Extreme calving ease and vigor!

EPDs as of 1/9/15

44 California Cattleman March 2015

SS Incentive 9J17

Objective x Basin Franchise BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +1.7 +58 +110 +31 +.40 +1.27 +100.52 Incentive is the thickest Obj. son to date with unmatched EPDs! EXTREMELY DOCILE!

Schiefelbein HD 1241

Sire: Upward x In Focus BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B -1.2 +52 +101 +27 +.75 +.24 +112.20 Extreme calving ease with length!

Semen available on today’s hottest sires — call for a free directory or view online!

MO (866) 356-4565 WI (800) 774-0437 cattlevisions.com

Koupals B&B Identity

Soo Line Motive 9016

Sitz Upward x GAR Exaltation

BW +1.9

WW +67

YW MILK Marb +126 +34 +.47

RE +.98

Silveiras S Sis GQ 2353

HF Kodiak 5R x Rainmaker

$B +131.02

BW +.4

WW +53

YW +93

MILK Marb +27 +.57

Silveiras Style x BC Lookout

RE $B +.62 +85.40

BW +2.9

WW +44

YW +79

MILK Marb +17 +.59

RE +.13

$B +71.89

Extra complete Upward son with carcass.!

Canada’s finest genetics!

GQ is extra deep bodied, cool-profiled and super sound with excellent hair! Many-time Champion out of an awesome Champion Cow!

Silveiras Style 9303

SAV Best Interest 0136

Wright SCC Bootlegger 0522

BW +3.0

Gambles Hot Rod x E161 WW YW MILK Marb RE +44 +82 +22 +.49 +.35

$B +75.16

BW +4.4

WW +73

Bismarck x Net Worth YW MILK Marb +131 +31 +.80

RE +.36

$B +119.50

BW +3.8

SAV Brilliance x OSU Currency

WW +60

YW MILK Marb +105 +29 +.07

RE +.44

$B +70.93

His first progeny are dominating the show ring just like he and his siblings did!

His progeny were featured at Soo Line’s dispersal!

Bootlegger is a multiple-time champion who combines excellent disposition with impeccable design, structure, and muscle shape.

PCC Witten 111A

Silveiras Watchout 0514

Vin-Mar O'Reilly Factor

Dameron First Impression x JL Evening Tinge donor BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B I+3.1 I+51 I+86 +30 +.08 I+.10 +45.37

BW +1.5

BC Lookout x Style’s full sister WW YW MILK Marb RE +49 +90 +15 +.49 +.15

$B +73.63

BW +.8

SAV Final Answer x 216 son WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +62 +120 +23 +.23 +.46 +86.58

Watchout tremendously combines two of the breed’s Super calving ease and performance with a great look!

Witten is a visually striking herd sire boasting the power, most popular bloodlines! Watchout’s full sister dominated Progeny are must see’s at Bush’s, Vin-Mar’s and Jac's Ranch! dimension and profile we’ve come to adore out of the the show ring this year and Watchout himself performed Canadian Tinge donor! wonderfully in his division. A notch bigger scaled than his sire with the same rib shape and quality!

EPDs as of 1/9/15

March 2015 California Cattleman 45

Genex Launches PregCheck™ Fertility Ranking Beef sire fertility data has always been high on the wish list of Genex members, customers and sales representatives, yet has proven highly elusive. That is, until now. Genex is pleased to launch PregCheck, the first sire fertility evaluation in the beef industry.

The historical method to evaluate semen fertility was for a trained veterinarian or lab technician to check semen with a microscope for percent live sperm cells, motility and morphology. In fact, every collection of semen produced

by Genex is evaluated multiple times in the lab before it’s approved for use in the marketplace. Lab analysis is very effective in ensuring semen has been properly processed, frozen and handled. However, lab analysis of bull semen only tells part of the story. The semen of two different bulls may look very similar under the microscope, yet perform very differently when used in cows. A far better method is to let the cows tell us which bull’s semen is most fertile, and that’s what PregCheck does.

The dairy industry has had sire conception rate evaluations for decades. Routine pregnancy checks, standard farm management software, high artificial insemination (A.I.) use and lack of natural service sires allows modern dairies to capture large amounts of highly accurate breeding data that’s difficult to obtain from beef ranches. Recently Genex has worked with several large dairies to generate PregCheck rankings for beef sires. Beef semen is used on the dairy, a veterinarian pregnancy tests cows at 30 to 40 days post-breeding and reconfirms at 60 to 80 days.

Pregnancy results are entered in the farm’s computer software and ultimately this data becomes part of the Genex fertility evaluation run approximately every 90 days.

The evaluation model is the same model used for so many years for dairy sires, except set to a beef base, meaning beef sires are compared against other beef sires.

Many variables are statistically accounted for in the model, these include: technician, herd effect, age of cow, milk production levels, number of previous breedings and many others. This highly sophisticated genetic evaluation model, along with accurate on-farm data, results in PregCheck data that is extremely sound and reliable. It should be noted that PregCheck is not an EPD, but can be read and utilized similarly to an EPD or a performance ratio.

In some herds, focusing heavily on maximizing the number of early born, A.I. sired calves is imperative.

Using high ranking PregCheck sires from Genex will help do so, versus using unproven young sires or unknown sires from other sources. Using proven, high ranking PregCheck sires from Genex is a great way to stack the deck in your favor!

For most situations, PregCheck will become a part of the A.I. sire selection criteria, but should not be the only

46 California Cattleman March 2015

criteria. Using PregCheck proven sires will allow the ranch to achieve more pregnancies to A.I., thus reducing labor at calving by tightening the calving window, weaning older heavier calves and making genetic progress at a more rapid rate. Like A.I. sires with proven EPDs for calving ease or growth traits, a sire with a PregCheck ranking will help reduce risk versus the unknown.

PregCheck is an evaluation of the bull’s frozen semen conception rates, not natural service capabilities of his sons or fertility level of his daughters.

While one goal is certainly to find the extremely high fertility bulls, PregCheck arguably offers greater value as a culling tool. Genex has already removed bulls from the lineup due to poor PregCheck evaluations and will continue to do so as data is available on more bulls. While this decision has sent some genetically solid bulls back to the breeding pasture, rest assured that Genex is committed to providing the most fertile semen in the industry.

This dedication to high fertility allows Genex members, customers and sales representatives to use Genex beef sires with a greater confidence, knowing these bulls have not only met the traditional laboratory evaluation but also passed the test on the farm/ranch.

Check out the PregCheck rankings throughout this year’s Beef Genetic Management Guide, and watch for more data throughout the year on the Genex website

Since 1955

RANGE-RAISED BULLS READY TO WORK FOR YOU!

120 Yearling Bulls

Available Spring 2015 via private treaty Bred females and pairs also for sale

CREATING PROFITS THROUGH PREGNANCIES 1AN01242 PA

FULL POWER 1208

Reg. No. 16981588 (ANGUS)

1SM00126 MCM

PregCheCk

TOP GRADE 018X

Reg. No. 2540315 (SIMMENTAL)

101

™

82% Reliability

PA Power Tool 9108 x G A R New Design 5050

His combination of proven calving ease, solid growth and elite MARB and REA is unmatched in the Angus database. Throw in DOC well above the top 1% rank, a striking phenotype and proven PregCheck fertility ranking, and you’ve got the makings of a breed leader.

1AN01117 CONNEALY

THUNDER

PregCheCk

™

107

91% Reliability

MR NLC Upgrade U8676 x MCM Marbler 307N

The complete package – Top Grade combines calving ease with an excellent API Index as well as eye appeal. He has surfaced as one of the top ranking fertility sires in the Genex PregCheck database!

Reg. No. 15148659 (ANGUS)

Genex is first in the industry to introduce a beef sire fertility ranking model and data collection process.

PregCheck is an evaluation of an individual sire’s frozen semen conception rate. For a complete listing of PregCheck results, visit http://tiny.cc/rsw5tx PregCheCk PregCheCk

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL GENEX REPRESENTATIVE.

™

102

™

Ashley Cockrell – Cedarville, CA – 530.640.5101 Becky Judge – San Luis Obispo, CA – 805.550.9391 Geoff Bitle – Artois, CA – 530.682.5817 Bill Traylor – Winters, CA – 530.304.2811 Bryan Welly – Davis, CA – 760.518.6399

92% Reliability

S Alliance 3313 x S Eclipse 169

A double digit calving ease sire for use on heifers, and highly positive on important traits of CEM and DOC. One of the highest ranking fertility sires in the PregCheck database. Look to Thunder to make extra Profit through Pregnancies.

C

:

Below Average

P

ABOVE Average

104 103 heCk 2 how to use reg ng a value of 100 10 1 10 base system, meani A PregCheck is set to a 100 lent to a one s 100 difference is then equiva nt poi has 99 is average. Every one A le, if Sire ception rate. For examp percent difference in con 98 of 100, Sire A is k hec gC Pre a has B Sire B. Sire a PregCheck of 102 and n 97 tha e rat tion cep cent higher in con predicted to be two per 96

March 2015 California Cattleman 47 ©2015 CRI

A-09073-15

Select Sires Celebrates Golden Anniversary Industry-innovating corporation looks to next 50 years from Select Sires, Inc. Select Sires Inc. was formed 50 years ago when four farmer-owned cooperatives joined forces to offer a wider variety of genetic options to their members and improve efficiencies. Since then, Select Sires has grown into the largest artificial insemination (A.I.) organization in North America that provides industry-leading products, services and programs to beef and dairy producers around the world.

“Select Sires’ success is the result of 50 years of cooperation, farmerdirected leadership and a passionate group of employees who love the cattle breeding business,” says David Thorbahn, Select Sires President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited to celebrate the rich history of Select Sires this year!”

In 1965, Central Ohio Breeding Association, Kentucky Artificial Breeding Association, Northern Illinois Breeding Cooperative and Southern Illinois Breeding Association formally incorporated Select Sires and consolidated their production facilities in Columbus, Ohio. Four years earlier they had met and established a semen exchange program to benefit their customer-owners.

Today, Select Sires consists of nine cooperatives that serve the United States. As the cooperative grew so did the foundation, and in 1972, Select Sires began constructing the current facilities 48 California Cattleman March 2015

outside of Plain City, Ohio, northwest of Columbus. It is now the world’s largest bull housing facility.

International demand for U.S. genetics has grown and now Select Sires markets semen worldwide to more than 95 countries. In 2000, Select Sires purchased half of World Wide Sires which now sells semen in Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

That same year, Select Sires Canada was established to market semen in eastern Canada and in 2014, after the purchase of GenerVations Inc., Select Sires GenerVations Inc. was formed and now serves dairy and beef producers across all of Canada. Select Sires de Brasil was founded in 2011 as a wholly-owned subsidiary in Brazil and distributors in Latin America have been established over the years.

Select Sires has consistently developed and provided highquality programs and services for its customer-owners over the past 50

years. Select’s gold-standard progeny test program, the Program for Genetic Advancement™ (PGA™) involves more than 2,500 cooperator herds across the country.

Select Mating Service™ (SMS™) and StrataGEN® are two of the best inbreeding solutions and SMS has helped dairy producers throughout the world improve the type in their herds.

One of Select’s oldest programs, SMS, has grown to annually provide more than 2 million new cows and heifers added to the program.

The Program for Fertility Advancement™ (PFA™) field tests new semen processing technologies and is the only research network of its kind. Select Reproductive Solutions™ (SRS™) specialists and technicians are highly trained to provide a variety of reproductive services including herd management systems and technologies like CowManager®.

Why Aren’t you Using Artificial Insemination?

Getting the most out of your reproduction program is vital in today’s cattle industry. Recently developed breeding systems for cows and heifers are more reliable, more productive and more profitable than ever before. Using an AI system reduces costs, saves labor and adds value to both your breeding animals and the calves you produce, generating rewards that mean greater profit potential.

Get a high percentage of pregnancies in the 1st week of the breeding season resulting in: lncreased Pregnancy Rates: By increasing the potential number of heats during the breeding season and inducing a fertile estrus in many anestrous cows which results in more days postpartum when the next breeding season begins. lncreased Weaning Weights: Earlier-bom calves are heavier at weaning time. lncreased Uniformity of your Calf Crop: Groups of same age, same weight and same color calves are worth more!

More Predictable Performance: Using Proven A.I. Genetics allows you to utilize sires that have Proven Performance. lncreased Cow Productivity: Heifers that are bom early in the calving season are more likely to conceive early in their first breeding season and subsequent breeding seasons, wean heavier calves and are more profitable during their lifetime than their later-born contemporaries.

ALL WEST / SELECT SIRES For all your A.I. needs, A.I Schools, liquid nitrogen, heat synchronization programs, Paste Plus microbials or a free Beef Sire Directory call 1-800-426-2697

Estimated Added Value on a 100 cow herd (90 cows pregnant)

Age Advantage: $5054.40

postpartum days are shortened per cow by 13 days when compared to natural breeding. 13 days x 90 cows = 1170 calf days, calves gain 2.7 lbs. per day, 1170 calf days x 2.7 lbs. = 3159 extra lbs @ $2.00/lb = $6318.40

Genetic Advantage: $1320.00

A.I. sired calves can add 15 lbs. over average weaning weight. 55 calves x 15 lbs. = 825 lbs. x $2.00/lb. = $1650.00

Total A.I Advantage: $7968.40 ($6318.40 + $1650.00)

Total PROFIT per 100 cows $593.40

A.I Advantage ($7968.40) - Total Breeding Cost ($7375.00) = $593.40

PROFIT per Calf (90) $6.59 per calf P.O. Box 507 • Burlington, WA 98233 1-800-426-2697 • Fax: 360-757-7808 In California: P.O. Box 1803 • Turlock, CA 95381 1-800-278-8254 • Fax: 209-667-8379 contact@allwestselectsires.com www.allwestselectsires.com

COWBOY COMEDY

“There. This Scarf is for you.

I heard dad say you’re going in the freezer..."

March 2015 California Cattleman 49

FUTURE FOCUS Up and Coming

ambitious young beef enthusiast ready take on world

By California Young Cattlemen’s Committee Publicity Chair Juliet Conant With so many high school and college agriculture students being enthusiastic about the beef industry, this year’s Young Cattlemen’s Committee (YCC) officer team thought it would be interesting forCalifornia Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) members to see how promising the future of agriculture is. Additionally, YCC members may be interested in learning more about students like themselves. We thought using this column to occasionally highlight some of these ambitious members who are building steam in preparation to find their place in the broad world of beef production would be beneficial.

This month’s spotlight is Kelsey Scheckla, who recently graduated from California State University, Fresno, with her bachelors of science degree in Animal Science and an emphasis in Livestock Business Management.

Scheckla’s family originally emigrated from Switzerland and purchased acreage to begin their ranch in the Sierra Valley during the late 1800s. The Ramelli Ranch, Portola, was first established as a dairy operation, and it was not until the 1940s that the operation was transitioned into the beef herd that it is today. Scheckla says that she has very fond memories of riding in the feed truck with her granddad and following the herd on her horse.

She admits that as a child she did not fully recognize the day-to-day struggles of ranch life and that it took some growing up and maturing for her to see and appreciate the sacrifices that were made, as well as 50 California Cattleman March 2015

the business sense that it takes to run a successful operation.

While working along side her uncle, Greg Ramelli, Scheckla learned a tremendous amount about livestock and preferred methods of livestock handling, as well as marketing strategies.

These experiences are what makes her proud to be a fifth generation rancher and fortified her decision to make her career in the industry.

Once she started her college career, Scheckla made what she credits to be her best decision, by joining the California Young Cattlemen’s Committee (YCC) and becoming an intern at the Fresno State beef unit.

Scheckla’s mentor and advisor, Randy Perry, Ph.D, Prather, used the Young Cattlemen’s Association (YCA) to emphasize the importance of staying up-to-date on the day-to-day issues within the industry.

Scheckla says her involvement in YCA and YCC is something that she will cherish forever because of the connections, friendships and memories gained while attending her local chapter dinners, helping put on functions and attending the California Cattlemen’s Association and California CattleWomen, Inc., annual conventions. She says at those events she learned tremendous amounts of information from representatives of different segments of the industry, which were brought in to speak at the different functions available to her as a student through YCC. Scheckla says she also benefited from CCA

KELSEY SCHECKLA scholarships, which helped pay for her college education and enabled her to graduate.

Scheckla says she could not be more excited for the different opportunities available to her in the future. Her lifelong dream is to preserve the legacy her family has worked so hard to build up.

She would also like to build up and run her own herd of commercial cowcalf pairs and says that she cannot see herself in any other field. Scheckla is a firm believer of the qualities and work ethic that comes to those of whom are raised in the ranching environment.

She says that these are morals she would like to instill in her future family some day; a family that would hopefully continue to pass this legacy onto their children for many more generations to come.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 1221 H Street Sacramento, CA 95814 916-444-0845 (Office) · 916-444-2194 (Fax) www.calcattlemen.org NAME(S):

RANCH/BUSINESS NAME:

ADDRESS: CITY:

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Step 1: CCA Membership PRODUCER MEMBERSHIP

FOR CATTLE OWNERS AND THOSE SEEKING A VOTING MEMBERSHIP LEVEL

Cattle Numbers 2500 & Over 1600-2499 1000-1599 800-999 500-799 300-499 100-299 0-99 



Dues $1,690 $1,220 $930 $695 $590 $440 $310 $230

Calves under 6 months of age are not counted.

Stockers pay at ½ the total number of stockers owned each year or minimum dues, whichever is greater.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

PRODUCTION BUT DO NOT OWN CATTLE NON-VOTING MEMBERSHIP LEVEL

Statewide Allied/Feeder Associate $220

REGULAR MEMBERSHIP Cattle Numbers 1501 & Over 1001-1500 501-1000 251-500 101-250 0-100

Dues $750 + Fair Share $550 + Fair Share $400 + Fair Share $300 $200 $100

FAIR SHARE: ______@ 25¢/cow calf unit ______@ 12.5¢/feeder or stocker ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP: $100 (ASSOCIATES CANNOT OWN CATTLE)

$10.00 $10.00 $10.00 $25.00 $15.00 $20.00 $20.00 $25.00

Humboldt-Del Norte Inyo-Mono-Alpine Kern County Lassen County Madera County Mendocino County Merced-Mariposa Modoc County

Young Cattlemen’s Committee

$ 25



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Applicant’s Birth Date:_______________

$150



(Available to non-producers that own land on which cattle could or are run.)

CCA Supporting Member

$100

(Available to non-producers who support the industry.)

Must own fewer than 100 head of cattle.

Must be 25 years of age or younger or a full-time student

- OR -

if over 25 years of age Applicant’s expected date of Graduation:

Step 3: Total Payment

CALIFORNIA BEEF CATTLE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

MEMBERSHIP CBCIA is an affiliate of CCA and is a producer driven organization that fosters beef cattle improvement and economical production based on information and education.

CCA

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Payment Options:

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Local (All) $ TOTAL

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LOCAL ASSOCIATON MEMBERSHIP: (Circle up to four below) Amador-El Dorado-Sac Butte Calaveras Contra Costa -Alameda Fall River-Big Valley Fresno-Kings Glenn-Colusa High Desert

NON-VOTING MEMBERSHIP

(includes Feeder Council Associate, Allied Industry membership and second membership.

Second membership does not include Allied Industry voting rights.)

Step 2: Other Optional Dues NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION

YOUNG CATTLEMEN MEMBERSHIP

FOR THOSE WHO SUPPORT CALIFORNIA CATTLE

$15.00 $25.00 NA $7.00 $25.00 $15.00 $20.00 $25.00

Monterey County $10.00 Napa-Solano $5.00 Plumas-Sierra $10.00 San Benito $20.00 San Diego-Imperial $10.00 San Joaquin-Stanislaus $5.00 San Luis Obispo $20.00 Santa Barbara $10.00

Signature ________________________________ Santa Clara Shasta County Siskiyou County Sonoma-Marin Tahoe Tehama County Tulare County Tuolumne County

NA $20.00 $10.00 $5.00 $15.00 $10.00 $5.00 $10.00

Ventura County Yolo County

$35.00 $25.00

Cattlemen’s Report

BAR SIX CHAROLAIS AND BAR 9 ANGUS “Cowman’s Kind” Bull and Horse Sale Madras, Ore. • Jan. 24, 2015

Col. Dennis Metzger 62 Charolais bulls . ........................................ $4,979 37 Angus bulls ............................................... $4,155 10 SimAngus bulls......................................... $5,300 KLAMATH BULL & HORSE SALE Klamath Falls, Ore. • Feb. 7, 2015 Col. Eric Duarte

Ward Ranches’ Gary Ward, Gardnerville, with local cattleman Charlie Hone at the 9th annual ‘Meat and Guts ‘Bulls Sale on Feb. 15.

35 Angus bulls................................................ $5,724 5 Hereford bulls............................................. $5,700 5 Charolais bulls............................................. $4,450 10 AOB bulls.................................................. $4,575 5 Horses........................................................... $6,090 CAMAS PRAIRIE AND CROUTHAMEL CATTLE CO. “Performance Plus” Bull Sale Lewiston, Idaho • Feb. 12, 2015 Sale Managed by Parnell Dickinson, Inc. Col. Rick Machado and Col. C.D. “Butch” Booker 88 Fall Angus bulls ....................................... $4,798 76 Spring Angus bulls.................................... $4,553 5 SimAngus bulls .......................................... $3,913 15 Red Angus bulls ....................................... $3,337 THOMAS ANGUS RANCH PENDLETON BULL SALE Pendelton, Ore. • Feb. 13, 2015

Col. Eric Duarte with Rancho Casino’s Carol and Dave Medeiros, Denair.

Sale Managed byCotton & Associates Col. Trent Stewart and Col. Rick Machado 109 Fall Yearling Angus Bulls...................... $5,957 WARD RANCHES “Meat & Guts” Performance Genetics Bull Sale Gardnerville, Nev. • Feb. 15, 2015 Col. Eric Duarte 28 Angus bulls................................................ $5,175 26 Optimizer bulls......................................... $4,477 TEIXEIRA CATTLE CO. “Performance Plus” Bull Sale Terrebonne, Ore. • February 16, 2015 Sale Managed by Cotton & Associates Col. Trent Stewart

Oregon cattlemen mingle with American Angus Association’s Terry Cotton before the 14th annual Teixeira Cattle Co., ‘Performance Plus” Bull sale.

52 California Cattleman March 2015

99 Angus bulls ............................................... $6,466 14 registered females .................................... $3,607 18 commercial females . ............................... $2,722

V-A-L CHAROLAIS “Just Quality” Bull Sale with Romans Angus & Brangus and Anthony Angus Nyssa, Ore. • February 17, 2015 Col. Trent Stewart 105 Charolais bulls......................................... $5,578 19 Anthony Angus bulls............................... $3,900 KESSLER ANGUS BULL SALE Milton-Freewater, Ore. • Feb. 17, 2015 Col. C.D. “Butch” Booker 145 Angus Bulls averaged . .......................... $5,853 SHAW CATTLE CO. PRODUCTION SALE Caldwell, Idaho • Feb. 18, 2015

Col Trent Stewart and Sam Shaw at the Shaw Cattle Co. Production Sale on Feb. 18 in Caldwell, Idaho.

Col. Trent Stewart and Col. C.D. “Butch” Booker 101 Hereford bulls......................................... $6,894 259 Angus bulls.............................................. $6,427 57 Red Angus bulls........................................ $4,333 416 bulls averaged.......................................... $6,257 BUCHANAN ANGUS RANCH 23th annual Bull Sale Klamath Falls, Ore. • Feb. 22, 2015 Col. C.D. “Butch” Booker 63 Angus bulls averaged................................ $7,353

SELENIUM BOLUSES

from Pacific Trace Minerals Se 365 Selenium Bolus for nutritional supplementation of beef cattle.

• treat once a year • for beef cattle over 3 months of age.

Pictured at the V-A-L Charolais “Just Quality” Bull Sale on Feb. 17, are (L to R): Harlen Garner, Addison Morrison, Casey Anthony, Cody Anthony, and Ed Anthony.

The CSU, Chico Young Cattlemen’s Association invites you to attend

5K run/walk

April 25, 2015 | 10 a.m.

California State University, Chico Farm

...Promoting beef and good health...

Register online at www.active.com, in person at Fleet Feet in Chico or by emailing beefinitupchico@gmail.com Regular Registration:

FOR SALE & USE IN CALIFORNIA ONLY

— ORGANICALLY LISTED— CCA MEMBER: $240/BOX CCA NON-MEMBERS: $288/BOX OF 60 cmaas@pacifictraceminerals.com www.pacifictraceminerals.com SHIPPING ADDITIONAL

ORDER FROM OR PICKUP AT:

California Cattlemen’s Association 1221 H Street Sacramento, CA • (916) 444-0845

$25/racer $35/racer with lunch

YCC Registration:

$15/racer with lunch

Teams of 4-6:

$20/racer $25/racer with lunch Register before April 11, and receive a free event T-shirt!

If you are a rancher, business or individual interested in sponsoring this event, please contact the event leadership team at beefinitupchico@gmail.com Beefin’ It Up 5K, Chico

Email beefinitupchico@gmail.com with questions

March 2015 California Cattleman 53

California Cattlemen’s Association

BUYERS’ GUIDE Services for all your on-the-ranch needs

Join us for our 2015 sale September 19, 2015!

Ranch-raised Angus cattle with industry-leading genetics!

CALL US FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PRIVATE TREATY CATTLE OR OUR ANNUAL BULL SALE! PAICINES, CA DANNY CHAVES, MANAGER

RANCH: (831) 388-4791 • DANNY’S CELL: (831) 801-8809

THANK YOU TO OUR 2014 BULL BUYERS!

2006 CBCIA Seedstock Producer of the Year

Thank you to our 2014 Buyers!

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 2015 54 California Cattleman March 2015

THURSDAY, SEPT. 17, 2015

LOOK FOR US AT LEADING SALES IN 2015.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2014 “COMMITMENT TO PERFORMANCE” BULL BUYERS!

Call us for infor mation about pr ivate tr eaty cattle or our 2015 bull sale!

O’Connell Consensus 2705

JUNIOR HERDSIRES O’Connell Consensus 2705 SIRE: Connealy Consensus 7229 MGS: HARB Pendleton 765 J H

JOIN US AT THE MID-VALLEY BULL SALE THE THIRD SATURDAY IN SEPTEMBER!

VDAR Really Windy 7261 SIRE: VDAR Really Windy 4189 MGS: Sinclair Telecast 01S3

FCR Final Answer 0103 SIRE: SAV Final Answer 0035 MGS: N Bar Prime Time D806

+1.5 +56

President’s Day 2015

+95 +31 +.94 +.71 +105.36

We invite you to the 5th Annual MidValley Bull Sale Sept. 19, 2015 in Galt!

THANK YOU TO OUR BUYERS AT THE 2014

March 2015 California Cattleman 55

GELBVIEH Thank you to our loyal buyers for helping make our 40th anniversary sale a success!

WOODLAND, CA • (916) 417-4199

h

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 2015

CWULFF@LSCE.COM WWW.WULFFBROTHERSLIVESTOCK.COM

The Best of Both Worlds

Phone 707.448.9208

THANK YOU TO OUR 2014 BULL CUSTOMERS!

Brangus • angus • Ultrablacks

THE DOIRON FAMILY Daniel & Pamela Doiron 805-245-0434 Cell doiron@spanishranch.net www.spanishranch.net

THD ©

Gerber, CA

2015 RED BLUFF BULL SALE

Progressive Genetics for over 36 years Registered Angus Cattle Call to see what we have to offer you!

H

Scott & Shaleen Hogan

R (530) 200-1467 • (530) 227-8882 56 California Cattleman March 2015

Bulls and females available private treaty at the ranch!

(707) 481-3440 • Boby Mickelson, Herdman, (707) 396-7364

THANK YOU TO OUR CALIFORNIA BULLFEST CUSTOMERS!

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR 2014 BUYERS!

JOIN US OCTOBER 17, 2015 IN KENWOOD

Mark your calendars for Oct. 17 for our 2015 sale in Kenwood!

(707) 481-3440 • Bobby Mickelson, Herdman, (707) 396-7364

Pitchfork Cattle Co.

HEREFORD BULLS NOW AVAILABLE!

Dave Goss PO Box 13 Vinton, CA 96135 530-993-4636

LITTLE SHASTA RANCH

Genetics That Get Results!

2014 National Western Champion Bull

3L

“Breeding with the Commercial Cattleman in Mind”

79337 Soto Lane Fort Rock, OR 97735 Ken 541.403.1044 | Jesse 541.810.2460 ijhufford@yahoo.com | www.huffordherefords.com

Owned with Yardley Cattle Co. Beaver, Utah

ZEIS REAL STEEL

Call anytime to see what we can offer you!

Stan Sears 5322 Freeman Rd. Montague, CA 96064 (530) 842-3950

March 2015 California Cattleman 57

AUCTION YARDS

Thank You To All Who Supported Our 2014 Production Sale

REAL ESTATE

“Specializing in farm and ranch properties” K. MARK NELSON

RYAN NELSON

BRE# 00346894 BRE# 01883050 (916) 849-5558 (916) 804-6861 kmarknelson@gmail.com ryan.nelson85@gmail.com

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Red Angus Located in the heart of the Northwest

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Jack Vollstedt 818-535-4034

Cattleman's Classic, October 18, 2014

www.vfredangus.com

58 California Cattleman March 2015

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Contact Matt Macfarlane to reserve your space today at (916) 803-3113.

March 2015 California Cattleman 59

IN MEMORY Norman D. Taylor

Norman Donald Taylor, of Hat Creek was born March 19, 1931 in Redding to Herman and Nelda Taylor.

He spent most of his life in the rural parts of Shasta County in Northern California. He passed away Nov. 21, 2014.

Taylor graduated from Fall River High School in 1949. He was stationed aboard the USS Philippine Sea Aircraft Carrier in the Korean War Theatre in the U.S. Navy.

He married Ellen Elisabeth (Betty) Wilcox on Aug. 22, 1954. He spent the next 60 years with his true love and friend. He started working on ranches at the age of 10 and later went to work for Crum Meat Company and became a part owner. In 1971 he and Betty moved to the Wilcox Ranch in Hat Creek.

He was involved in many organizations including member and director of the California Cattlemen’s Association and California Farm Bureau; president of the Fall River Big Valley Cattlemen’s Association; president of the Shasta County Farm Bureau; one of the first Commissioners of the Hat Creek Volunteer Fire Department; and chair of the Shasta County Soil Conservation Service Committee (ASCS).

Taylor was a devoted supporter of the Intermountain Fair and Pete Lakey Fund. He was highly involved in the Jr. Livestock Sale, as weigh master of hogs and sheep,

and helped put on the Summer Jr. Sale dinner.

He was on the first Jr. Livestock Sale Committee at the Intermountain Fair and continued to be involved for more than 35 years. For many years he could be counted on to haul livestock to the Cow Palace and chaperoned the kids so they could see the city.

Taylor was proud to be the recipient of the Fall River Big Valley Cattlemen’s Association Cattleman of the Year award in 2007, he was named Fall River High School Grand Alumni at the 2011 Football Homecoming and was a Honorary Chapter Farmer of the McArthur FFA. Taylor loved to BBQ. He spent many years barbecuing for his family and friends, and operated the Wilcox Ranch Tri-Tip Booth at the Intermountain Fair.

In 1947, while attending Fall River High School, he played in the very First Block F Tournament and continued to attend the games each year. Taylor was an avid High School and College Sports fan. He attended his grandchildren, nieces’ and

60 California Cattleman March 2015

Coronado, California

nephews’ sports games in Missouri, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Even after his family no longer competed he continued to support the local area teams wherever the teams played.

He is survived by his wife Betty, their five children Richard (Patti), Robert (Debbie), Ralph (Tina), Rodd (Tami), Ruth (Wes); in-laws Rita Taylor, Marie Beck, David Wilcox (Jean), Cordelia Saltzman; Grandchildren Christina Taylor, Jennifer Taylor, Craig Taylor (Melissa), Lindsey Whitehead (Chuck), Leslie Taylor, Krysteen Bonjour (Jason), Rhian Taylor, Matthew Taylor, Wesley Woolery, Taylor Woolery, Branden Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, great grandchildren Brett and Azekiel, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Herman, mother Nelda, and brother Jack.

A celebration of life was held Nov. 26 in McArthur. Those wishing to donate in his honor may give to the Pete Lakey Fund, P.O. Box 53, Fall River Mills, CA 96028 or the BurneyFall River Education Foundation, PO Box 625, McArthur CA 96056, or your other favorite youth organization.

May 21 & 22

Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa 2000 Second Street Coronado, CA 92118

James Albert Danekas

James (Jim) A. Danekas was born in Watertown, S.D., in 1947 to Walter and Valois Danekas.

He grew up in the farming community of Raymond, S.D., where he attended both grade school and high school. Danekas graduated from Raymond High School as salutatorian in 1965. He was the oldest of five children with one brother and three sisters.

Through his years in Raymond he was very active on his family’s farm, Blue Top Angus Farm. There he assisted with the family’s Angus cattle and various crops that they grew. This background helped develop a strong passion for agriculture in his heart.

Danekas left his hometown of Raymond to move to Brookings, S.D., to attend South Dakota State University. There he was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity and put his passion for cattle and the agricultural industry to use as manager of the Little International Livestock show hosted

by SDSU. Upon graduation in 1969, he enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed in Alaska. He was discharged in 1972 and soon after accepted the title of manager of the Western States Angus Association which took him to California.

This position helped him learn the ways of a livestock sales manager and auction ringman which would be invaluable as he later started his own entity, James Danekas and Associates.

Not long after moving to California he met his bride, Sherry Houseworth through a cattle industry event. The two were married July 29, 1978 and soon after they started their family having two daughters, Danielle and Mercedes.

Working together, Jim and Sherry made James Danekas and Associates grow beyond just a sales management team with the incorporation of a publication division that grew by the year. They published the California Cattleman magazine and the Angus, the Magazine. They later started the publication Western Cowman. Over

the years Danekas traveled all over the country, especially the western states, managing purebred cattle auctions and representing the publications at numerous events. The addition of yet another publication resulted in three which are currently produced to this day; the Western Cowman, Angus Icon and Wagyu World. Jim worked with his wife Sherry in the family business and in the last four years was joined by his youngest daughter, Mercedes.

The Danekas family also raised purebred Angus cattle. These animals were exhibited and sold all over the country with much success. As an Angus breeder himself growing up, Danekas has been involved in the cattle industry for over 50 years which led to some very strong ties especially in the Angus community all over the United States. He was a member of the National Western Club, on the Livestock Publications Council Board, a longtime member and director of the Western States Angus Association, a lifetime member of the American Angus Association, along with involvement on many numerous boards and associations, all in which were associated with the cattle industry.

Throughout his life, Danekas struggled with a heart condition with which he was born with and later resulted in his passing on Feb. 9, 2015 at Sacramento Sutter Memorial Hospital

after complications due to a heart surgery.

He was surrounded by his wife, daughters, sister and brother-in-law and close friends. In the last few years Jim enjoyed watching his favorite baseball team, the San Francisco Giants, drinking pina coladas, working nonstop and watching his Angus cows graze the pastures on his ranch in Wilton. He will forever be remembered as a legend in the cattle industry, an honest friend, hard worker and a loving and devoted husband and father.

Survivors include his wife Sherry Danekas of Wilton, daughters, Danielle Danekas of Sacramento and Mercedes (Matt) Danekas-Lohse of Wilton, his mother, Valois “Frenchy” Danekas of Clark, S.D.; siblings, Gene (Phyllis) Danekas of Greenville, S.C.; Janet Koelsch of Mendota Heights, Minn.; Judy (Jeff) Callaway of Rapid City, S.D.; and Ruth (Gary) Leis of Irving, Texas; nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death was his father, Walt Danekas.

Danekas was laid to rest in Raymond, SD at the Prairie Valley Cemetery following funeral services held at the Furness Funeral Home in Clark, S.D., on Feb. 20, 2015.

The Danekas family is planning a celebration of life for Jim in California in April.

New Arrivals Jack Lewis Tim and Stephanie Lewis of Herald welcomed a baby boy, Jack Anthony Lewis on Feb. 7. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 20 and one-half inches long. Jack’s grandpa is the late John Lewis of Elk Grove.

His grandma is Carolyn Lewis of Elk Grove. Maternal grandparents are Bill and Dawn Draves of Bishop.

Cord Nelson Cord Charlie Nelson arrived on Feb. 21, 2015, and was eagerly welcomed by parents Ryan and Hailey Nelson, Herald, and big brother, Jhett. Cord weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 and one-half inches long. Grandparents are Mark and Abbie Nelson, Wilton and Kelly and Diane Upton, Gridley.

March 2015 California Cattleman 61

Advertisers’ Index All West/Select Sires.................................................................................. 49 Allen Skinner Transportation ����������������������������������������������������������������� 59 Amador Angus.......................................................................................... 54 American Angus Association ���������������������������������������������������������������� 30 American Hereford Association ������������������������������������������������������������� 56 Andrieni and Company............................................................................ 35 Apache Polled Herefords.......................................................................... 56 Bar R Angus............................................................................................... 54 BMW Angus.............................................................................................. 54 Broken Arrow Angus................................................................................ 54 Broken Box Ranch..................................................................................... 58 Buchanan Angus........................................................................................ 54 Byrd Cattle Co......................................................................................54, 64 California Custom..................................................................................... 59 California State University, Chico ����������������������������������������������������53, 57 California Wagyu Breeders...................................................................... 58 Cardey Ranches......................................................................................... 43 Cattle Visions.......................................................................................44, 45 Charron Ranch....................................................................................42, 54 Cherry Glen Beefmasters......................................................................... 56 Conlain Ranches California..................................................................... 58 Conlin Fence Company............................................................................ 58 Conlin Supply Company, Inc. ����������������������������������������������������������������� 31 Corsair Angus Ranch................................................................................ 54 Dal Porto Livestock.............................................................................21, 55 Diamond Back Ranch............................................................................... 58 Donati Ranch............................................................................................. 54 Dow Ranches............................................................................................. 13 Edwards, Lien and Toso, Inc.................................................................... 58 Escalon Livestock Market......................................................................... 19 Five Star Land and Livestock................................................................... 55 Five Star Land Company.......................................................................... 58 Freitas Rangeland Improvements ����������������������������������������������������������� 49 Fresno State Agricultural Foundation ��������������������������������������������������� 57 Furtado Angus........................................................................................... 55 Furtado Livestock Enterprises ���������������������������������������������������������������� 59 Genex Cooperative, Inc............................................................................ 47 Genoa Livestock........................................................................................ 57 Gonsalves Ranch....................................................................................... 55 Harris Ranch.............................................................................................. 37 HAVE Angus.............................................................................................. 55 Hayes Ranch............................................................................................... 25 Hogan Ranch............................................................................................. 56 Hone Ranch................................................................................................ 56 Hudson Pines Ranch................................................................................. 25

62 California Cattleman March 2015

Huffords Herefords................................................................................... 57 J/V Angus................................................................................................... 55 Kerndt Livestock Products....................................................................... 59 Lambert Ranch....................................................................................42, 57 LeQueiu Angus.......................................................................................... 42 Little Shasta Ranch.................................................................................... 57 McPhee Red Angus................................................................................... 58 Merial Animal Health............................................................................... 27 MultiMin, USA.......................................................................................... 33 Noahs Angus Ranch............................................................................46, 55 O’Connell Ranch....................................................................................... 55 O’Neal Ranch............................................................................................. 23 ORIgen.......................................................................................................59 Orive Cattle Company.............................................................................. 57 Pacific Trace Minerals.........................................................................53, 58 Pitchfork Cattle Co.................................................................................... 57 Rancho Casino........................................................................................... 21 Ray-Mar Ranches................................................................................17, 55 Ritchie Industries...................................................................................... 11 Romans Ranches Charolais........................................................................ 7 Sammis Ranch........................................................................................... 55 San Juan Ranch.......................................................................................... 56 Scales Northwest........................................................................................ 34 Schafer Ranch............................................................................................ 55 Schohr Ranch............................................................................................. 57 Sierra Ranches............................................................................................ 57 Silveira Bros............................................................................................ 3, 56 Silveus Insurance Agency........................................................................... 7 Sonoma Mountain Herefords ����������������������������������������������������������������� 57 Southwest Fence & Supply, Inc. �������������������������������������������������������������� 59 Spanish Ranch............................................................................................ 56 Tehama Angus Ranch........................................................................... 9, 56 Teixeira Cattle Co..........................................................................43, 55, 63 Trident Farms............................................................................................. 42 Tulare County Stockyard.......................................................................... 58 Tumbleweed Ranch................................................................................... 56 Universal Semen Sales, Inc....................................................................... 59 Veterinary Service, Inc.............................................................................. 58 VF Red Angus............................................................................................ 58 Vintage Angus Ranch............................................................................... 56 Visalia and Templeton Livestock Market �������������������������������������������� 1, 5 Western Fence & Construction, Inc. ������������������������������������������������������ 58 Western Video Market ............................................................................... 2 Wulff Bros. Livestock................................................................................ 56

Thank You...

TO OUR LOYAL BUYERS AND SUPPORTERS WHO HELPED MAKE OUR 14TH ANNUAL PERFORMANCE PLUS BULL SALE A HUGE SUCCESS! WE LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING YOU BACK NEXT YEAR AND PROMISE YOU WILL BE PLEASED WITH YOUR PURCHASE!

CONGRATULATIONS TO SPRING GROVE RANCH, LYNCHBURG, VA ON YOUR LOT

1

PURCHASE!

also a special thank you to

the stafford family of prineville oregon for your continued support !

Save the Date...

Oct. 9, 2015 Pismo Beach, Calif., for the one-of-a-kind

Sale by the Sea!

JOHN TEIXEIRA (805) 448-3859 ALLAN TEIXEIRA (805) 310-3353 TOM HILL (541) 990-5479

WWW.TEIXEIRACATTLECO.COM CATTLE@THOUSANDHILLSRANCH.COM

NOW OFFERING FEMALES FOR THE FIRST TIME! CALL US FOR MORE INFO.

March 2015 California Cattleman 63

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BYRD CATTLE COMPANY, LLC P.O. Box 713 • Red Bluff, CA 96080

Dan 530-736-8470 • Ty 530-200-4054 THD ©

byrdcattleco@hotmail.com • www.byrdcattleco.com

64 California Cattleman March 2015