JULY/AUGUST 2020
CCA L ore
Guide Gi G Guide de de 2019 2020
Bull selection and management split roll would lead to tax increase committed young cattlemen burn associations helping cut down on hazards July • August 2020 California Cattleman 1
e s e h t t a s u . . n . i s o J ing sale m o c p u LITTLE AMERICA HOTEL • CHEYENNE, WYOMING ALSO FEATURING A LARGE OFFERING OF LAMBS! CONSIGNMENT DEADLINE: JULY 30
HAYTHORN RANCH HEADQUARTERS • OGALLALA, NEBRASKA CONSIGNMENT DEADLINE: AUGUST 27
HONORED TO BE RECOGNIZED AS THE NATIONAL BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE MARKETER OF THE YEAR! 22020 California Cattleman July • August 2020
4 Generations of the Borror Family
Bill Borror pictured 1983 with computerized records.
46th Annual
Continuously… ✓ Collecting All Real World Data ✓ Evaluating Structure & Phenotype ✓ Emphasizing Maternal Strength
…Since 1943
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 1 pm • Tehama Angus Ranch, Gerber, CA
Stout, solid structured Angus bulls designed to build a cow herd!
Let the Tehama Angus Ranch program work for you. Call or email today to request your catalog!
TEHAMA ANGUS Ranch 23820 Tehama Ave., Gerber, CA 96035
tehamaranch@gmail.com • www.tehamaangus.com
Ranch (530) 385-1570 Bryce Borror (530) 526-9404 Videos of sale bulls available on our website
“DRIVEN BY PERFORMANCE SINCE 1943” July • August 2020 California Cattleman 3
CALIFORNIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION ______________ Since 1917
1221 H Street Sacramento CA 95814 (916) 444-0845
Problematic Public Policy from CCA President Mark Lacey
I hope this message finds my fellow ranchers healthy and that the pandemic we are all navigating through has impacted you as little as possible. While the coronovirus debacle was not something any of us saw coming, as ranchers it is our job to constantly be on the lookout for potential issues facing our way of life. Our job at CCA is to keep you abreast of those challenges and opportunities. Currently, there is a dark cloud on the horizon in California created by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) of which the deadline for full implementation is nearing in the next couple of years. SGMA is the type of public policy that is problematic on several levels, and for various reasons. First, it changed about 150 years worth of California water law regarding groundwater use. Second, it was rammed through the legislature with little opportunity to engage lawmakers about the significance of changing 150 years of precedent, and what the impacts would be. Finally, because even though the law is statewide it is enforced based on the estimated impairment of the particular groundwater basin, and because there has been delayed implementation so that groundwater sustainability agencies/plans (GSAs/GSPs) could be developed the cumulative effects of SGMA have not yet been felt. However, that day has arrived since high and medium priority basins in critical overdraft have plans due this year, and the rest of the 43 high priority and 143 medium priority basins plans are due in 2022. So, now that plans are being completed, and compliance is coming more into focus the dramatic negative effects on agriculture is becoming apparent. For livestock producers those impacts vary depending on whether they pump water for irrigation on pasture/ crops, and what their local groundwater basin’s designation is, but farming (especially in the Central Valley) is where the lion share of the
impacts will be felt initially. Original estimates had 400,000 acres of farmland being fallowed in the Central Valley. The newer estimates have increased that number to 750,000 to 1,000,000 acres. This will be devastating for food production, jobs and economic contributions to the state. There will also eventually be repercussions for animal agriculture if producers are in high/medium priority basins and it limits their ability to pump water to raise pasture or hay. In addition, the cropping patterns in the Central Valley have changed significantly from the days when there was high percentage of the cultivated acres from the Grapevine all the way to Highway 152 that raised cotton and alfalfa. Now many of those acres have moved to permanent crops, however almond hulls are used extensively by dairies, and to a lesser extent by the feedlots that remain, but this could put more pressure on the hay market. Now, it goes without saying that we don’t want to see a net loss of farmable acres in California for all the obvious reasons. However, during the almond planting boom acres on both sides of the valley that use to be native grass have transitioned to almonds. If any of these acres fall within high priority basins, and that prohibits irrigation what will happen to those acres? Will that land be rehabilitated to native grass or will it become a dust bowl, houses, or will the state start picking it off for parks, solar farms or Department of Fish and Wildlife sanctuaries? Of course as far as I’m concerned, and because it would benefit cattle producers I would like to make sure it back to native pasture. I do believe that there is a real threat that the latter three options are a real possibility. We need to be looking forward and figure out a way to keep those acres in agriculture production whether it be farming, or native grazing land. Put your thinking caps on. In the meantime, please stay healthy and safe.
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 (Publication #8-3600) 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. Periodical postage paid at Jefferson, Mo. 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
4 California Cattleman July • August 2020
ON THE COVER
JULY • AUGUST 2020
Volume 103, Issue 7 ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVES CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN Keeping our heads in the game BUNKHOUSE Standing united
8 14
YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK 16 License to drive: Are you using the right one? VET VIEWS Keeping bulls in good condition
26
PUBLIC LANDS PLC busy inspite of challenges
34
BEEF AT HOME AND ABROAD Beef big on menus worldwide PROGRESSIVE PRODUCER Bull longevity: What can we do?
36
CHECKING IN ON YOUR BEEF CHECKOFF Progress in the face of adversity
50
NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE NCBA making waves amid COVID-19 crisis
60
CALIFORNIA CATTLE COUNCIL Council lays out plan for your investment
64
RANGELAND TRUST TALK Stewardship on V6 Ranch
68
CHIMES CCW names new beef ambassadors
80
CERTIFICATES OF ACHIEVEMENT CCA recognizes future industry leaders
SPECIAL FEATURES
Pay attention to the bulls in the pasture How Split Roll initiative could hit you Study: grass-fed versus grain-fed Red Angus releases new selection tools Committed students learn during pandemic Bull survey results are in Prescribed burn associations Getting the most out of your mineral Understaning how the Checkoff is composed
READER SERVICE
42
100
22 30 46 54 72 84 88 92 98
Buyer’s Guide 102 Wedding Bells and New Arrivals 107 Obituaries 108 Advertisers Index 110
The cover of this year’s Bull Buyer’s Guide features a photograph taken by CCA member Kathy DeForest, Adin. Throughout this issue you will see advertisements from reputable purebred beef producers who can provide genetics that will propel your cowherd into the future. As you consider adding to your bull battery this fall, outstanding breeders from across the state can supply you with the traits you are seeking.
AS CALIFORNIA SEEDSTOCK PRODUCERS GEAR UP FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BULL SALE SEASON, WE WANT TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED YEAR INDIVIDUAL SITUATIONS UP AND DOWN THE STATE REMAIN FLUID AND CAN CHANGE AT ANY MOMENT. PLEASE STAY TUNED TO SOCIAL MEDIA AND INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS AS THESE SITUATIONS EVOLVE SO YOU CAN MAKE THE MOST OF THIS SALE SEASON AND YOUR PURCHASING DECISIONS.
UPCOMING CCA & CCW EVENTS Dec. 2-4
104th CCA & CCW Convention The Peppermill Resort & Casino, Reno, Nev.
Does your local cattlemen’s association or cattlewomen’s unit have an upcoming event they would like to share with other beef and ranching enthusiasts? Please contact the CCA office to have your events listed in this publication! July • August 2020 California Cattleman 5
Silveira Bros.
PARTNERS FOR PERFORMANCE BULL SALE Wednesday, September 2, 2020
at the ranch - FIREBAUGH, CA // steak lunch 11:30AM PDT // sale starts 1pm PDT
[ Featuring 120 powerful angus bulls + 10 Red Angus Bulls ]
sale catalogs sent by request only - - w w w . s i l v e i r a b r o s . c o m SILveiras BLACK MAGIC 9019
SILveiras PASSAGE 9047
SIRE: BYERGO BLACK MAGIC 3348 // MGS: WR JOURNEY-1X74
CED +8 35%
BEPD +2.1
WW +85 1%
YW +153 1%
DOC +30 4%
MILK +34 5%
CEM +11 25%
MARB +1.12 5% REA +.92 10% $M +46
$W +92 1% $F +111 3% $G +77 3% $B +188 1% $C +308 1%
$W +72 15% $F +111 3% $G +81 2% $B +192 1% $C +295 2%
SILveiras ACHIEVEMENT 9232
BEPD +.3 30%
WW +78 4%
YW +138 3%
DOC +19
SIRE: SILVEIRAS PASSAGE 7305 // MGS: A A R TEN X 7008 S A
CED +7
BEPD +1.2
WW +74 1%
YW +140 1%
DOC +1
MILK +24 5%
CEM +7
TOLEDO BROKEN BOW 315 9094
SIRE: POSS ACHIEVEMENT // MGS: DL SONIC 444
CED +15 2%
SILveiras CONFIDENCE 9001
MARB +.91 15% REA +1.26 1% $M +64
MILK +23
CEM +16 1%
YW I+123 15%
DOC I+18
BEPD -.7 15%
WW +65 25%
YW +117 20%
DOC +28 10%
MILK I+24
CEM I+14 4%
MILK +28 30%
CEM +9
TRI T BROKEN BOW 617 9096 MARB +.59
REA +1.00 5% $M +41
$W +79 10% $F +97 15% $G +59 20% $B +156 15% $C +265 15%
$W +71 15% $F +97 15% $G +53 30% $B +150 20% $C +236 35%
REA +.86 15% $M +70 25% $W +82 4% $F +76
SIRE: KM BROKEN BOW 002 // MGS: STYLES UPGRADE J59
CED +9 30%
BEPD +0 25%
WW +65 25%
YW +121 15%
DOC +22 30%
MILK +30 20%
CEM +14 4%
SIRE: KM BROKEN BOW 002 // MGS: CONNEALY UNITED 1116
CED +11 15%
BEPD +.1 25%
WW +69 15%
YW +121 15%
DOC +20 35%
SILveiras NEXUS 9395
SIRE: POLLARD NEUROLOGY 6512 // MGS: BALDRIDGE WAYLON W34
WW I+70 15%
CED +7
MARB +.55
MARB I+1.11 5% REA I+.95 10% $M +47
BEPD I+.4 30%
SIRE: CONNEALY CONFIDENCE PLUS // MGS: 3F EPIC 4631
REA +1.12 2% $M +82 4% $W +79 10% $F +108 4% $G +50 35% $B +158 15% $C +287 4%
MARB +.82 20% REA +.70 30% $M +63
SILveiras NEUROLOGY 9070
CED I+13 10%
MARB +.49
$W +72 15% $F +100 10% $G +82 2% $B +182 2% $C +283 4%
MARB 0.31 YG 0.01 11% CW +32 12% REA 0.31 6%
SIRE: SILVEIRAS MISSION NEXUS 1378 // MGS: TWG TOMMY JACK 166A
CED 13
6 California Cattleman July • August 2020
BW -1.2
WW 69 9%
YW 114 7%
MILK 22
CEM 8 34%
FAT 0.01 15%
videos
available
m id au g u st
MILK +30 20%
CEM +8
$G +55 25% $B +131 $C +240 4%
FMG
TRI T BROKEN BOW 627 9095
SILveiras PASSAGE 9048
SIRE: KM BROKEN BOW 002 // MGS: V A R GENERATION 2100
CED +2
BEPD +2.1
WW +72 10%
YW +132 10%
DOC +12
MILK +21
CEM +5
SILveiras DUALLY 9239
MARB +.62
MARB +.62
REA +.76 20% $M +48
REA +1.04 3% $M +53
$W +68 20% $F +102 10% $G +54 30% $B +155 15% $C +249 25%
$W +70 20% $F +103 10% $G +59 20% $B +162 10% $C +263 15%
SIRE: SILVEIRAS PASSAGE 7305 // MGS: A A R TEN X 7008 S A
CED +13 10%
BEPD +.4 30%
WW +62 30%
YW +116 25%
DOC +14
MILK +30 20%
CEM +13 10%
MARB +.90 10% REA +.22
SIRE: DL DUALLY // MGS: CONNEALY CONSENSUS 7229
CED +11 15%
BEPD +1.2
WW +78 4%
YW +142 2%
DOC +27 10%
MILK +21
CEM +11 25%
$M +66 35% $W +74 15% $F +106 5% $G +56 25% $B +162 10% $C +276 10%
O U R M I S S I O N is to produce multi-trait performance Black and Red Angus
bulls for the commercial producer. We produce quality Angus bulls that can be used on heifers and cows, excel in weaning and yearling performance and transmit superior carcass traits and conversion. We emphasize CALVING EASE genetics by utilizing artificial insemination and extensive embryo transfer to the nation’s most highly-proven sires and from our highly-proven donor cows.
You are always welcome to stop by to talk cattle and view our cowherd!
Silveira Bros.
PARTNERS FOR PERFORMANCE FEMALE SALE SATURday, OCTOBER 10, 2020
at the ranch - FIREBAUGH, CA // REFRESHMENTS 1PM PDT // sale starts 3pm PDT
[ Selling 75 Lots of Bred Cows, Bred Heifers, Pairs + Show prospects ] bid online with --
w w w. m 3 cat t l em a r k eting.com m 3 cat t l em a r k et i ng@gmail.com (9 1 6 ) 803-3113
WE PROUDLY USE + RECOMMEND:
contact
M3 Marketing, MATT MACFARLANE
RICK BLANCHARD // 559/217-1502 GARRETT BLANCHARD // 559/978-2778 • MATT LEO // 209/587-5838 KELSEY TRAINI // 760/877-8135 • CAROLE SILVEIRA // 559/240-6004 GUEST BREEDER, TRI-T FARM/TOLEDO RANCHES - JOHN TOLEDO // 559/972-8991
CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN KEEP YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME: CALM AND STEADY MINDS WILL HELP PRODUCERS PREVAIL by CCA First Vice President Tony Toso Those of you who know me, know that I love a great sports story. I am especially drawn to those that show successful results when wills are tested under pressure to perform in tough situations. Two of my favorite stories are about two quarterbacks that influenced me in my younger years. The first is about Ken Stabler. “Snake,” as they called him played quarterback for the Oakland Raiders in the 1970s. Stabler and John Madden, his head coach with the Raiders, were opposites when it came to being calm under pressure. In reading some of Madden’s comments about Stabler when he passed back in 2015, Madden spoke of the Raiders first super bowl victory over the Minnesota Vikings in 1977. “In the Super Bowl against Minnesota, the first couple of drives we got stopped and had to kick field goals. I was all upset about not being able to finish and score. Kenny put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘Don’t worry about that, John, there’s plenty more where that came from.’ I thought, when he said that, he’s right. That’s what he gave to the team. He would throw a bad pass and it didn’t bother him. He would forget it and go on to the next play. He didn’t let things affect him. He was always positive.” The second story is about Joe Montana pointing out comedian John Candy to offensive tackle Harris Barton in Super Bowl XXIII in 1989. With less than a minute to go, they are behind 16-13 against the Cincinnati Bengals. During their 92-yard drive to secure a fourth Super Bowl victory, the team is standing in the huddle during a TV timeout, and Montana, in his typical loose and unfazed fashion points out Candy to an unnerved Barton. His calm settles Barton and the rest of the Forty-Niner offense and the rest is super bowl history.
8 California Cattleman July • August 2020
Great stories, but what does this have to do with the cattle business? Well, here is how I see it having something to do with the cattle business. These two guys, Montana and Stabler, kept their cool amid intense pressure and overcame tough odds to win when all the it mattered the TONY TOSO most. How did they do it? Well there is the obvious that they were gifted athletes, and they were guys with, “one of those personalities,” that remained poised in any situation. But what else was it? What did they possess? Well, like we said, they had talent to play, but we have talent to produce the best beef in the world. They had a passion for the game and we have that same passion for what we do. They were prepared. Wait, what? They studied and they looked for ways to beat the other team. They looked for advantages, they looked for tendencies, they “knew” their opponent. The producer segment of the beef industry has been through some tough times in the last 12 months. Black Swan events like the Tyson fire in Kansas and the whole COVID-19 thing has been a nightmare for fellow producers. There are many issues related to the dilemmas we have experienced, but none more than the packer/producer feud. It’s Hatfields and McCoys kinda stuff. For more than 100 years now, the tenuous relationship cattle producers have had with the packing and retail sectors of the beef business ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
CA McKINNEY RANCH 513 PLM 72 Steer Calves 675 06/01/20 06/15/20 $116.00 $142.50 CA LASGOITY 5032 SLA 278 Steers 865 05/13/20 5032 SLA CA LASGOITY 278 Steers 865 05/13/20 05/16/20 05/16/20 $116.00 CA 514 PLM McKINNEY RANCH 75 Heifer Calves 650 06/01/20 06/15/20 $130.00 CA 5033 SLA 718 Heifers 755 05/25/20 5033 SLA CA LASGOITY LASGOITY 718 Heifers 755 05/25/20 05/28/20 05/28/20 $136.00 $136.00 CA 515 SLA ORTIZ BROS. 120/110 Steer Calves/Heife 690/650 06/01/20 06/04/20 $146.75 $134.75 CA 5034 SLA 280 Heifers 825 05/23/20 5034 SLA CA LASGOITY LASGOITY 280 Heifers 825 05/23/20 05/26/20 05/26/20 $141.00 $141.00 CA ROLLERI RANCH 516 SLA 70 Steer Calves 720 05/30/20 05/29/20 06/07/20 $132.00 $128.50 CA 5035 SLA BETTIS & LASGOITY 717 Heifers 815 05/26/20 CA 5035 SLA BETTIS & LASGOITY 717 Heifers 815 05/26/20 05/29/20 $132.00 CA 517 SLA ROLLERI RANCH 75 Heifer Calves 650 05/30/20 06/07/20 $126.50 CA CA 5036 SLA BETTIS & LASGOITY 420 Heifers 825 05/22/20 05/26/20 $130.00 5036 SLA BETTIS & LASGOITY 420 Heifers 825 05/22/20 05/26/20 $130.00 CA BRAZIL RANCHES 518 68 Steer Calves 740 06/10/20 05/29/20 06/24/20 $124.00 $136.00 CA LASGOITY 5037 SLA 240 Heifers 850 05/27/20 5037 SLA SLA CA LASGOITY 240 Heifers 850 05/27/20 05/29/20 $124.00 CA 519 SLA BRAZIL RANCHES 72 Heifer Calves 700 06/10/20 06/24/20 $124.50 CA LASGOITY 5038 SLA 184 Heifers 770 05/27/20 5038 SLA CA LASGOITY 184 Heifers 770 05/27/20 05/29/20 05/29/20 $127.00 $127.00 CA 520 CLM CONLIN & GOOKIN 130 Steer Calves 760 06/01/20 06/04/20 $138.00 CA JOHN 5039 SLA 1140 Steers 925 05/18/20 5039 SLA CA JOHN ERB ERB 1140 Steers 925 05/18/20 05/28/20 05/28/20 $111.00 $111.00 CA A 520 CLM TISCORNIA RANCH 136 Steer Calves 740 06/02/20 06/08/20 $131.50 CA ROY 5040 SLA 510 Steers 900 05/10/20 5040 SLA CA ROY & & DANA DANA RICHARDS RICHARDS 510 Steers 900 05/10/20 05/25/20 05/25/20 $114.25 $114.25 CA B 520 CLM TISCORNIA RANCH 72 Heifer Calves 690 06/02/20 06/08/20 $120.50 CA 5042 SLA Steers 925 05/08/20 5042 SLA CA ROY ROY W. W. & & BREANNE BREANNE RICHAR RICHAR 300 300 Steers 925 05/08/20 05/20/20 05/20/20 $115.00 $115.00 CA 521 PLM SETTRINI RANCH 62 Steer Calves 780 06/01/20 06/03/20 $124.00 CA 5043 SLA Steers 925 05/08/20 5043 SLA CA ROY ROY W. W. & & BREANNE BREANNE RICHAR RICHAR 300 300 Steers 925 05/08/20 05/20/20 05/20/20 $114.00 $114.00 CA 522 PLM SETTRINI RANCH 64 Heifer Calves 755 06/01/20 06/03/20 $116.50 CA 5044 SLA ROY W. & BREANNE RICHAR 310 Steers 900 05/08/20 05/20/20 $113.75 CA 5044 SLA ROY W. & BREANNE RICHAR 310 Steers 900 05/08/20 05/20/20 $113.75 WESTERN VIDEO MARKET PRICE REPORT May 7, 2020 Partial Report$120.00 CA 523 TSM LARRY HOMEN 125 Steer Calves 800 06/05/20 06/06/20 CA CA A 5044 TSM EL DORADO 1500 Steers 875 05/15/20 05/28/20 $113.00 A 5044 TSM EL DORADO 1500 Steers 875 05/15/20 05/28/20 $113.00 524 HOMEN 130 COUNT Heifer Calves 750 06/05/20 06/06/20 PRICE $112.00 LOT BB TSM REPCA CONSIGNOR HEAD WT SHIP DATE05/28/20 CA CA LARRY 5044 TSM EL 500 Steers 925 05/15/20 $111.75 5044 TSM EL DORADO DORADO 500 Steers 925 05/15/20 05/28/20 $111.75 525 LIVESTOCK INC. 175 220 Steers 665 06/01/20 05/11/20 06/15/20 $151.00 $140.00 CA CA GILLILAND 5045 SLA BROOKS INC. Steers 810 05/11/20 5045 SLA SLA CA BROOKS LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK INC. 175 Steers 810 05/11/20 05/11/20 $151.00 526 RANCH 200 Steers 750 06/01/20 05/16/20 06/15/20 $144.00 $128.50 OR OR ROBBEN 5046 SLA TIM 238 Steers 850 05/09/20 5046 SLA SLA CA TIM O'CONNOR O'CONNOR 238 Steers 850 05/09/20 05/16/20 $144.00 CA 527 SLA ROBBEN RANCH 80 Heifers 625 06/01/20 06/15/20 $0.00 $1,299/hd. CA SCHENE 5047 SLA 110 Steers 890 05/08/20 5047 SLA CA SCHENE ENTERPRISES ENTERPRISES 110 Steers 890 05/08/20 05/13/20 05/13/20 $146.00 $146.00 CA 528 SLA ROBBEN RANCH 138 Heifers 745 06/01/20 06/15/20 $116.50 CA 5048 SLA 110 Steers 875 05/15/20 5048 SLA CA AIROLA AIROLA CATTLE CATTLE CO. CO. 110 Steers 875 05/15/20 05/25/20 05/25/20 $142.00 $142.00 529 RANCH 68 Weaned Steers 715 05/30/20 05/14/20 06/08/20 $138.00 $140.00$1,352/hd. CA CA CAMATTA 5049 SLA DOUG PARKER 145 Steers 980 05/09/20 5049 TSM SLA CA DOUG & & JUDY JUDY PARKER 145 Steers 980 05/09/20 05/14/20 $138.00 CA 530 SLA RJF RANCHRICHARD & PA 70 Weaned Steers 750 06/15/20 06/18/20 $138.00 CA 5050 SLA 10CATTLE CO. 150 Steers 875 05/09/20 05/16/20 $141.00 CA 5050 SLA 10- CATTLE CO. 150 Steers 875 05/09/20 05/16/20 $141.00 531 RANCHRICHARD & PA 208 66/16 Steers Weaned Heifers/ 875 650/685 05/15/20 06/15/20 06/01/20 06/18/20 $138.50 $128.00 $128.00 CA CA RJF 5051 SLA HARLAN LIVESTOCK 5051 SLA SLA CA HARLAN LIVESTOCK 208 Steers 875 05/15/20 06/01/20 $138.50 532 SLA CA JP RANCHES 132 Weaned Steers 730 06/09/20 06/11/20 $134.50 Page 11 Page 533 SLA CA WHITTLE RANCH, INC. 200 Weaned Steers 735 06/10/20 06/15/20 $148.00 534 SLA CA WHITTLE RANCH, INC. 68 Weaned Steers 735 06/10/20 06/15/20 $145.00 VIDEO MARKET - May 28, 2020 06/10/20 Partial Report 534 A CLM CA WESTERN BURNETT FAMILY 64 - PRICE Weaned REPORT Steers 740 06/04/20 $133.50 LOT REPNV BIG CONSIGNOR HEAD COUNT WT SHIP DATE06/05/20 PRICE 535 SLA MEADOW RANCH 33/47 Steers/Heifers 750/750 06/01/20 $132.50 $117.50 536 SLA CA HEARN LIVESTOCK 104 Steers 900 06/01/20 06/10/20 $117.00 537 SLA CA GILLILAND LIVESTOCK INC. 190 Steers 785 06/01/20 06/15/20 $158.00 538 SLA CA ROBBEN RANCH 331 Weaned Steers 750 06/01/20 06/15/20 $160.00 539 SLA CA ROBBEN RANCH 120 Weaned Steers 850 06/01/20 06/15/20 $149.50 539 A SLA CA HOURET CATTLE CO 115 Steers 825 05/30/20 06/06/20 $149.00 540 SLA CA SCHENE ENTERPRISES 120 Steers 810 05/30/20 06/06/20 $156.00 $1,264/hd. 541 SLA CA SCHENE ENTERPRISES 110 Steers 910 05/30/20 06/06/20 $147.00 $1,338/hd. 542 SLA OR TOM & TERRY BENGARD 174 Steers 850 06/08/20 06/14/20 $151.00 544 SLA OR FLYNN & CO 65 Steers 890 05/29/20 05/31/20 $144.00 The highlighted results above were achieved with calves sired exclusively or primarily by Byrd Cattle BCC IS YOUR 544 A SLA OR DOUBLE BAR INC 325 Steers 900 06/15/20 06/30/20 $133.00 Company bulls. We are honored when BCC customers top the market – in terms of total gross dollars WEST COAST 545 SLA CA O'KEEFFE RANCH 185 Steers 785 06/01/20 06/05/20 $144.00 returned nothing usually comes close. SOURCE FOR 546 SLA CA CAHILL RANCH 180 Steers 765 06/01/20 06/05/20 $134.00 Just like does CA for all customers from BCC, Dan spends on the06/15/20 phone – $140.00RFI-TESTED 547 he TSM KEVIN KESTERwho buy bulls primarily 50/5 Steers/Heifers 860/850hours 06/08/20 $125.00 and days onTSM the CA roadPINE – promoting these cattle to170 our vastSteers network of feeders, marketing cooperatives BULLS 548 FLAT CATTLE CO 850 06/01/20 06/10/20 $128.00 and other breeders from coast to coast and border to border who are willing to pay a substantial 548 A SLA CA GILLILAND LIVESTOCK INC. 60 Steers 825 06/01/20 06/15/20 $122.00 2020 IS THE premium for cattle with BCC-blood behind them. TH 549 SLA CA DAVID & BECKY GIBB 65 Heifers 725 06/01/20 06/08/20 $131.00 14 YEAR WE If you want to maximize your profit, buy your bulls from BCC and we’ll help merchandise your calves HAVE COLLECTED 549 A SLA CA HOURET CATTLE CO 125 Heifers 750 05/30/20 06/06/20 $128.00 for top $$. We work tirelessly with reps for video, Internet and auction market sales, and continue to INDIVIDUAL FEED CA 550 SLA ROBBEN RANCH 134 Weaned Heifers 760 06/01/20 06/15/20 $139.00 place a significant portion of our loyal customers’ calves.Page 1 EFFICIENCY DATA ON EVERY BULL At BCC, you don’t just buy a bull, you buy a part of our program and the added value and buyer
WHY SETTLE FOR AVERAGE? BUY BCC BULLS AND RISE TO THE TOP WITH OUR MARKETING ASSISTANCE
confidence we have worked hard to establish for over 30 years.
Byrd Cattle Company Angus bull sale Friday, September 4 • 3:30 p.m. • los molinos, ca
20th Annual
CALL 530-736-8470 OR EMAIL BYRDCATTLECO@HOTMAIL.COM TO BE ADDED TO THE MAILING LIST TODAY!
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POST OFFICE BOX 713 • RED BLUFF, CALIFORNIA 96080 July • August 2020 California Cattleman 9
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 have been well documented and everyone has their opinion. If you do your homework, you will find many reasons why cattle producers distrust the packing segment and many times the distrust is well deserved. The COVID-19 crisis has only exacerbated these frustrations, and patience is wearing thin. Producers want and deserve answers, and you should know that CCA has been working hard to support investigations into the packing segment and to promote and support market-based solutions as to how we price live cattle which ultimately finds its way back to our ranches. I don’t blame anyone for being frustrated, but today my message is one of calm, patience and perseverance. I did not say to not have a sense of urgency. What I am saying, is clear headed preparation is our friend. We have new technology and opportunities now to analyze how the packing segment works. We should be well researched and have a vision or goal of what success looks like. I am concerned with looking to government mandates for what should be market-based solutions. I am not convinced that regulatory intervention to mandate how we find price discovery is a good idea in the long term. Government’s role should be more of a referee as opposed to the notion that “they” can somehow legislate prosperity. We have a Packers and Stockyard’s Act full of
regulation based upon the original sins of collusion and antitrust. I would argue that the time may well be right to pursue holding the USDA accountable for enforcement of existing P&S law. Furthermore, we should be reviewing price reporting and taking a hard look at confidentiality loopholes to reporting, in conjunction with finding ways to set a negotiable/reportable base price on all fed cattle, with the ability to add quality incentives to pricing so we don’t compromise thirty years of genetic progress producing value added, higher quality beef. It’s hard enough to beat price fixing, and we should be very careful about possibly creating an even deeper “commodity” pricing environment with mandates that could hurt the very producers that we are trying to help, by limiting their marketing and negotiating options. My point is, when bad times come and go, as they always do, I believe it is better to be prepared by doing our homework and understanding our circumstances, rather than letting our emotions guide our policy decisions that may come back to haunt us in the future. I’m not saying we should never push for added regulation, but it should be developed judiciously and with clear thought and less emotion. When times got tough, Stabler and Montana won super bowls keeping their poise and doing their opposition research. We should think long and hard about that as we work our way through these trying times.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2020 CCA SCHOLARSHIPS ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 1, 2020!
In 2019, CCA awarded almost $50,000 in scholarships to students studying agriculture. CCA Allied Industry Scholarship • CCA Feeder Council Scholarship • Tom Grimmius Memorial Scholarship • Hank Stone Memorial California Beef Cattle Improvement Association Scholarship • Livestock Memorial Research Fund Scholarship
Learn more about the 2020 requirements for applying & download the CCA Scholarship application at calcattlemen.org/scholarship.
10 California Cattleman July • August 2020
GL
IT’S A PROGRAM.
PERFORMANCE HEREFORD GENETICS
S ELLING 55 B ULLS & 20 S ELECT F EMALES
AT T HE R ANCH I N
BOTH HORNED AND POLLED
S EPTEMBER 8, 2020 • M INDEN , NV CED BW WW YW M Marb REA $BMI $CHB
+12.3 +0.6 +65 +107 +32 +0.24 +0.53 +$396 +$121 GENOA
CED BW WW YW M Marb REA $BMI $CHB
+7.4 +1.7 +63 +100 +35 +0.37 +0.60 +$432 +$126
d lle Po 6964 LEADER 19015 • 44011950
d ne or H GENOA 6011 BELL AIR 19073 • 44011928
CED BW WW YW M Marb REA $BMI $CHB
+9.6 +2.3 +59 +99 +24 +0.25 +0.40 +$388 +$112
CED BW WW YW M Marb REA $BMI $CHB
+0.8 +6.3 +72 +110 +31 -0.05 +0.94 +$281 +$144
d lle Po GENOA 6964 LEADER 19035 • 44011937
CED BW WW YW M Marb REA $BMI $CHB
+9.9 +2.4 +63 +104 +25 +0.15 +0.64 +$405 +$123
d lle Po GENOA 6964 LEADER 19078 • 44011909
d ne or H GENOA 2296 SENSATION 19074 • 44011828
CED BW WW YW M Marb REA $BMI $CHB
+9.4 +1.8 +57 +94 +31 +0.28 +0.74 +$392 +$132
d ne or H GENOA 5044C ADVANCE 19131 • 44011845
LET US HELP YOUR TRIP TO NV! ALL SALE BULLS DELIVERED WITHIN 500 MILES • BUYERS WANTING THEIR BULLS TO STAY AT GL CAN DO SO FOR 60 DAYS AT NO CHARGE BUYERS WILL BE REIMBURSED FOR THEIR NIGHT’S STAY AT THE CARSON VALLEY INN - SPECIAL RATES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.
View and bid live on
T UESDAY , S EPTEMBER 8, 2020 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 12:00 PM - BULLS ON DISPLAY/BUFFET LUNCH 2:30 PM • LIVE AUCTION VIDEO SALE 5:00 PM • A PRIME RIB DINNER AND MUSIC BY DAVID JOHN AND THE COMSTOCK COWBOYS
F OR
M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , G O T O
WWW. G ENOAL IVESTOCK. COM O R F I N D U S O N FAC E B O O K !
GLL G
ENOA IVESTOCK
640 Genoa Lane • Minden, NV 89423 Office 775-782-3336 • Bob Coker 916-539-1987 Chris Beck 618-367-5397 info@genoalivestock.com
July August 2020 in California EPD • *Trait is measured the Top 25% or better ofCattleman the breed as of 6/25. 11
2020 CCA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Mark Lacey
Zone Director 5 Bob Brennan
First Vice President Tony Toso
Zone Director 6 VACANT Zone Director 7 Claude Loftus
mjlacey1@icloud.com • (760) 784-1309
bsbrennan@mlode.com • (209) 661-6419
cottoncrk@aol.com • (209)988-4468
Second Vice President Steve Arnold
claudeloftus@yahoo.com • (805) 441-1231
pozovalley@aol.com • (805) 235-7840
Zone Director 8 John Hammon
Second Vice President Greg Kuck
hamdawg66@gmail.com • (559) 623-1538
gregkuck54@gmail.com • (530) 905-2076
Zone Director 9 Bud Sloan
Second Vice President John Hammon
hamdawg66@gmail.com • (559) 623-1538
Asloan5119@aol.com • (805) 340-0693
Treasurer Rob von der Lieth
Feeder Council Member Paul Cameron
Feeder Council Chairman Trevor Freitas
Feeder Council Member VACANT At Large Appointee Myron Openshaw
rvdlieth@aol.com • (916) 769-1153
paul@mesquitecattle.com •(760) 427-6908
trevor@mendescalfranch.com • (559) 805-5431
Feeder Council Vice Chair Jesse Larios lariosjess1@gmail.com • (760) 455-3888 Zone Director 1 Ramsey Wood
openshaw4@gmail.com •(530) 521-0099
At Large Appointee Mark Nelson
kmarknelson@gmail.com •(916) 849-5558
ramseywood83@gmail.com • (530) 680-8985
Zone Director 2 Hugo Klopper
At Large Appointee Rob Frost
hugoklopper@frontier.com • (707) 498-7810
rbmaf@juno.com •(805) 377-2231
Zone Director 3 Wally Roney
At Large Appointee Darrel Sweet
bjr@billieweb.com •(530) 519-3608
dsweet@cattlemen.net • (209) 601-4074
Zone Director 4 Mike Bettencourt
At Large Appointee Lawrence Dwight
mbteamroper@aol.com • (209) 499-0794
ox_bar@hotmail.com • (707) 845-4400
CCA committee leadership POLICY COMMITTEES AG & FOOD POLICY Chair: Ramsey Wood Vice Chair: Rick Roberti
CATTLE HEALTH & WELL BEING Chair: Tom Talbot, DVM Vice Chair: A.E. “Bud” Sloan, DVM
CATTLE MARKETING Chair: Holly Foster Vice Chair: Sam Avila
FEDERAL LANDS
Chair: Mike Byrne Vice Chair: Eric Hafenfeld
PROPERTY RIGHTS & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
1
Chair: Clayton Koopmann Vice Chair: Seth Scribner
3
2
TAX & CREDIT Chair: Jack Lavers Vice Chair: Jill Heely
For more information about CCA’s Executive Board or committees, please contact the CCA office at (916) 444-0845.
5 4
6
CCA affiliate leadership
8
7
ALLIED INDUSTRY COUNCIL Chair: Megan Huber Vice Chair: Natalie Koopmann Secretary: Lauren Thomas
9
CALIFORNIA BEEF CATTLE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Zone 1
Siskiyou Modoc Lassen Fall River-Big Valley
Zone 2
Humboldt-Del Norte Mendocino Sonoma-Marin Napa-Solano
Zone 3
Shasta-Trinity Plumas-Sierra Tehama Butte Glenn-Colusa Yuba-Sutter Tahoe (Placer-Nevada) Yolo
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Contra Costa-Alameda Santa Clara
San Benito Monterey San Luis Obispo
Amador-El Dorado-Sacramento Calaveras San Joaquin-Stanislaus Tuolumne
Inyo-Mono-Alpine Tulare Kern
12 California Cattleman July • August 2020
Merced-Mariposa Madera Fresno-Kings
Santa Barbara Ventura Los Angeles San Diego-Imperial
President: Ryan Nelson Vice President: Daniel O’Connell Secretary: Marissa Fisher
CALIFORNIA CATTLEWOMEN, INC. President: Callie Martinez 1st Vice President: Debbie Hay 2nd Vice President – 1 year: Julie Barnett 2nd Vice President – 2 year: Cheryl Beckwith 2nd Vice President – 3 year: Jill Bright Secretary: Tara Porterfield Treasurer: Heidy Carver
CCA BENEFITS & PRIORITIES The California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) prides itself on being the only organization in the state exclusively dedicated to protecting and preserving the legacy of ranching families in California. Everyday CCA is working on behalf of its members and below are few examples of what ranchers can gain from a CCA membership.
CCA GIVES YOU A VOICE FROM COAST TO COAST
CCA PRESERVES AND PROTECTS PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS
Being a CCA member gives you a voice in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. by developing and monitoring legislation to benefit California’s ranchers.
CCA is committed to protecting the private property rights enshrined in state and federal constitutions. CCA policy seeks to ensure that there is “no net loss of privatelyowned lands or water rights.”
CCA PROTECTS THE
CCA INVESTS IN THE FUTURE OF ANIMAL HEALTH & RESEARCH
38 MILLION
ACRES OF RANGELAND IN CALIFORNIA FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS Through the work of CCA members, private and public rangelands are protected and preserved to keep ranchers and the ranching way of life viable in California.
CCA protects the health of California’s cattle herd by supporting research and monitoring animal health threats.
CCA KEEPS MEMBERS INFORMED DAILY
CCA HOSTS PRODUCER EDUCATION SEMINARS
Through weekly email updates, a monthly newsletter, and a monthly magazine, CCA makes it a priority to keep members informed of all industry issues.
CCA holds programs such as Beef Quality Assurance trainings and Cattlemen’s College seminars to enhance producer education opportunities on raising high quality beef cattle and increasing profits.
CCA WORKS TO LOWER TAXES CCA works to reduce the burden of taxation, including working to permanently eliminate the estate tax. Recently, CCA successfully defeated efforts in the State Capitol to bring a ballot initiative to voters that would have reinstated a California estate tax.
CCA SUPPORTS STUDENTS IN AGRICULTURE The Association provides scholarships to help prepare the next generation of California ranchers.
$50,000
in Nearly scholarships were awarded to students studying agriculture in 2019.
CCA PROVIDES MEMBER ONLY COST-SAVINGS BENEFITS • Insurance packages • Selenium boluses from Pacific Trace Minerals • Anaplasmosis vaccine • Registration at the CCA & CCW Annual Convention Tradeshow and the CCA & CCW Midyear Meeting
To keep up with what CCA is working on visit calcattlemen.org, follow us on social media or call the office at (916)444-0845. July • August 2020 California Cattleman 13
BUNKHOUSE RALLYING TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF ALL by CCA Executive Vice President Billy Gatlin “We’re in this together” and “stronger together” have been common rallying cries in our nation’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. We’ve seen corporate America, all levels of government, everyday Americans and the recent campaign by the California Cattle Council all use variations of these rallying statements. “We’re in this together” is a message of reassurance that you are not alone. We are not alone. None of us are alone. Everyone has been impacted by COVID-19. “We’re in this together” serves to remind us that others around us are coping with the same fallout as we are individually. While each person’s circumstances is unique, we have collectively been impacted. Not only does “we’re in this together” reassure us we’re not alone, it also allows us to give and receive empathy because we know with great certainty that others have been impacted just as we have. As a result, we trust, at some level, that others actually do know and understand how we are feeling or could be feeling because they share similar experiences. Now we are not only reassured that we are not alone but are reassured that others can empathize with us. There’s great comfort and security in that. “Stronger together” serves to remind us that now is the time for us to pull together as we work towards common goals of weathering the pandemic and ultimately defeating COVID-19. Our individual efforts, when combined with everyone else’s efforts, make victory possible. Individually we could not be successful. “Stronger together” also serves as a reminder that defeat is certain if we are divided. If we drive division and create an “us vs. them mentality” or take an “every man for himself ” approach, defeat is certain. Division amongst us will not only weaken the collective group but will ultimately hurt all of us as individuals. “Stronger together” is a call to action and a reminder that, regardless of the challenges of overcoming internal conflict and pulling together, it’s better than the alternative of collective defeat. As I think about these rallying cries in our nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it brings to mind the similarities with our industry’s response to the volatility in our live cattle markets. “We’re in this 14 California Cattleman July • August 2020
together” and “stronger together” are the exact rallying cries we need for our industry. It’s true that “we’re in this together.” There’s not a single rancher in California that’s not impacted BILLY GATLIN by the volatility and uncertainty of our live cattle markets. Every one of CCA’s member’s, including cow-calf producer, stocker, feeder, organic, grass-finished and every other segment of our diverse ranching family has been impacted by the volatility of the cattle markets. We are, quite literally, in this together. We are all-too-familiar with the pain, stress, frustration, anger, etc. that stem from the volatility in the marketplace. We should find reassurance that each of us are struggling through this together. You are not alone. We are not alone. Let’s find reassurance in our collective struggle and use that to motivate and drive us toward a solution that works for all of us. Let’s be reminded that we can each empathize with one another because we are all being impacted. Let that empathy guide our discussions so that we can not only be open and honest with each other, but more than anything, trust each other. Trust will be critical if we are to be committed to being “stronger together.” I can assure you that if we are divided within in our ranching family our problems with the live cattle markets will never be solved. There’s not one person or one segment or one organization that can solve this problem. “Stronger together” is not only a call to action but a reminder that we must stick together and work together to resolve differences and find common ground. Otherwise we will fail to correct the problems in our cattle markets that are impacting every California rancher. Let’s all remember we’re in this together and we are stronger together.
Join Sale Day • Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020!
Performance Plus Bull Sale AT THE RANCH, EAST OF MADERA
Selling Bulls Out of These Leading Sires:
SAV RAINDANCE 6848 • VAR LEGEND 5019 • KG SOLUTION 5041 SAV PLATINUM • PVF INSIGHT • MOGCK BULLSEYE • VAR GENERATION SAV PLATINUM 0010 • SAV RESOURCE 1441 • VAR RANGER 3008 SAV RESOURCE • SAV UNIVERSAL • VAR RANGER • CONNEALY BLACK GRANITE SELLING 75+ OUTSTANDING ANGUS BULLS OF THIS KIND AND QUALITY...
DOB: 12/25/2018 ID: 8394
DOB: 1/25/2019 ID: 9277
DOB: 1/2/2019 ID: 9206
S A V Raindance 6848 X Bon View New Design 878 Sitz TR Top Game 316B X S A V Bismarck 5682 BW WW YW MK RE MB $B $C +2.1 +67 +123 +24 +.87 +.58 +149 +249
BW WW YW MK RE MB $B $C +0.8 +66 +119 +32 +.69 +.79 +138 +257
DOB: 1/13/2019 ID: 9256
DOB: 2/22/2019 ID: 9335
DOB: 1/27/2019 ID: 9282
Algoma Blackhawk 625B X Sitz TR Top Game 316B BW WW YW MK RE MB $B +4.0 +80 +152 +30 +.97 +.43 +160
$C +253
V A R Legend 5019 X S A V Real Tank 4736
BW WW YW MK RE MB $B $C +0.7 +54 +102 +26 +.59 +.76 +144 +265
S A V Real Tank 4736 X S A V Harvestor 0338
BW WW YW MK RE MB $B $C +2.9 +74 +125 +34 +. 95 +.50 +134 +225
S A V Resource 1441 X GDAR Game Day 449
BW WW YW MK RE MB $B $C +4.1 +75 +128 +23 +.96 +.08 +137 +241
O’NEAL RANCH BULLS OFFER THE COMPLETE PACKAGE GROWTH • PERFORMANCE • ADAPTABILITY • CARCASS
ALL SALE BULLS ARE: Anaplas Vaccinated Trich & Semen Tested First Breeding Season HD 50k Tested Guaranteed Tested PI Negative for BVD Take advantage of our bull pick-up rebate!
Can’t attend in person? Place your bid online!
O’NEAL RANCH RANCH Since 1878
Gary & Betsy Cardoza PO Box 40 • O’Neals, CA 93645 (559) 999-9510
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 15
YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK
KEEPING THE LAW ON YOUR SIDE
CLARIFYING AG HAULING WITH A CLASS C LICENSE by CCA Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur Over the past nine months, misstatements from CHP officers in the Northstate have resulted in dozens of worried calls and emails to the CCA office from members concerned that they need a Class A driver’s license for routine livestock hauling. In one instance, an officer speaking to cattlemen in Tehama County oversimplified the law, stating that any trailer (or other towed vehicle) with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross vehicle weight (GVW) of more than 10,000 pounds requires a Class A driver’s license. (While this is generally an accurate statement of the law, it omits a significant exception for agricultural hauling discussed in this article.) In multiple other instances, CHP officers in Plumas County have pulled over cattlemen hauling trailers with a GVWR in excess of 10,000 pounds and issued warnings for driving without a Class A license. To CCA’s knowledge, none of these individuals has been issued a formal citation by CHP. Frustratingly, these incidents reflect a failure by CHP to acknowledge an exception in the California Vehicle Code for those hauling agricultural products, and this issue seems to rear its head every couple of years. The intent of this article is to clarify for California cattlemen (and other agricultural producers) what licensing laws apply to the hauling of agricultural products. By arming yourself with this information, you can ensure that you are in compliance with California law and understand how to respond should a CHP officer erroneously cite you for a licensing violation. Do You Need a Class A or Class C license? California Vehicle Code section 12804.9(b)(3)(G) provides that Class C includes: “A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating or a gross vehicle weight rating…of 26,000 pounds or less, if all of the following conditions are met:
16 California Cattleman July • August 2020
(i) Is operated by a farmer, an employee of a farmer, or an instructor credentialed in agriculture as part of an instructional program in agriculture at the high school, community college, or university level. (ii) Is used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations. (iii)Is not used in the capacity of a for-hire carrier or for compensation.” In short, if your truck/trailer combination (1) is no more than 26,000 pounds, (2) is operated by you or an employee, (3) is used exclusively for agricultural operations and (4) is not used in a for-hire capacity, then a standard Class C license suffices! If, on the other hand, your truck/trailer combination exceeds 26,000 pounds, is used for recreational purposes or other non-agricultural operations or you are engaged in the business of hauling others’ livestock for hire, you likely require a Class A license. How CHP Gets it Wrong While Vehicle Code section 12804.9(b)(3)(G) sounds pretty straightforward, there are numerous ways in which CHP has misinterpreted the statute in recent years. One possibility, of course, is that some CHP officers may simply not be sufficiently well-versed in the Vehicle Code and may not be aware of the Class C licensing provisions relating to agricultural hauling. It is for this reason that CCA has long recommended that members keep the language of the statute in their glove compartment (by saving CCA’s transportation fact sheet or even this article). CCA is aware of instances in which ranchers hauling livestock have been pulled over because the statute only refers to “farmers,” not ranchers. Fortunately, this reading of the statute has no merit. What is now section 12804.9(b) (3)(G) was codified by Assembly Bill 2487 in 1996. AB 2487 ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
RANCHING TAKES GOOD PARTNERS. PARTNER WITH WSR.
Over the past eight years, WSR Insurance Services (WSR) has helped hundreds of CCA members with their Pasture, Range, Forage insurance needs. Last year, CCA expanded its partnership with WSR. In 2020, WSR will continue to partner with CCA to assist members with all their insurance needs. WSR’s commitment to their customers and the cattle industry makes this partnership a win-win for CCA members. Contact WSR now to see what opportunities may exist for you! For more information on the partnership contact WSR’s:
CCA members can benefit from WSR’s competitive pricing and best in the industry customer service. Give WSR a call today and find our what insurance packages may suit your needs at the best price!
From the changing seasons to labor force to government regulations, WSR understands the unique challenges ranchers face and works to provide the best coverage for you and your business.
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Kevin Hoppin, CIC kevinh@wsrins.com (530) 662-9181
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 17
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 was sponsored by CCA, and the committee analyses for the bill state that it was “intended to allow cattle ranching businesses to have drivers with Class C licenses tow livestock trailers behind pickup trucks.” It is clear, then, that a rancher can haul livestock with a Class C license. On occasion, CHP officers have had the exact opposite interpretation of the statute, stopping vehicles hauling crops because they believe that the licensing provisions only apply to those engaged in animal husbandry. This argument is, again, without merit. Not only does the statute refer broadly to “farmers,” but CHP’s own bulletins issued in 2011 and 2019 clarify that “farmers or ranchers” may haul truck/trailer combinations not in excess of 26,000 pounds when engaged in agricultural operations. (To be clear, the Class C allowance isn’t merely for crops or livestock: ag equipment and other supplies can be hauled under a Class C license, as well, so long as the truck/trailer combination is no more than 26,000 pounds, is operated by a farmer/employee, is used exclusively for agricultural operations and is driven in a not-for-hire capacity.) The latest misinterpret of the statute regards the third requirement of the law: that the vehicle combination “is not used in the capacity of a for-hire carrier or for compensation.” Some CHP officers have interpreted hauling cattle for one’s own commercial ranching business to be “for compensation,” since one is hauling cattle for the purpose of ultimately reaping a profit from those cattle. However, caselaw and the legislative history of AB 2487 clarify that a rancher hauling their own livestock is not considered to be doing so “for compensation.” Indeed, CHP’s own 2011 All Commands bulletin recognized this, stating that “a farmer
transporting their own goods to market is not considered a carrier for hire or for compensation.” In recent months—spurred by a string of ranchers and farmers being wrongfully stopped in Plumas County—Paul Roen, Calpine, and UC Cooperative Extension’s Tracy Schohr, Gridley, have sought to put these misinterpretations to rest. The two held a meeting with ranchers and CHP officials in Quincy in early June to discuss the meaning of section 12804.9(b)(3)(G), and subsequently engaged CCA and other trade groups in the discussion. As a result of those conversations, CHP appears to recognize the broad allowance for ranchers to haul their livestock with a Class C license, and CCA expects that CHP bulletins and policy manual revisions may be forthcoming, finally settling the issue once again. What to do if You are Cited As mentioned above, CCA is unaware of any recent instances in which ranchers have been given a citation for hauling without a Class A license. If you are pulled over, however, it may be worth directing the officer to Vehicle Code section 12804.9(b)(3)(G) (again, CCA advises keeping a copy of the statute in the glove compartment). Of course, that doesn’t guarantee that the officer will interpret the statute properly. Should you be given a warning or a citation, call the CCA office and let us know the details of the stop, including the officer’s name. Given the caselaw, legislative history and CHP’s own past bulletins recognizing a rancher’s right to haul their own livestock with a Class C license, we should be able to clear up the confusion without it escalating. Finally, in the worst-case scenario, challenge the citation in traffic court; the law is well on your side!
COMMON SENSE
C
attle breeding is really not that difficult if you just use some good, old common sense. It has been proven over time that the functional ability of livestock is tied very closely to how they are designed from a phenotypic stand point. In our herds, the cattle must have an adequate amount of body depth or volume, an adequate degree of muscle, and they must be structurally sound. If they don’t meet these basic criteria, they are culled regardless of how good they are in terms of their EPD or genomic profile.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
We would like to extend a special thank you to all of the buyers and bidders in our annual Internet-based Private Treaty Bull Sale as well as the other ranches and individuals who have supported our program during the past year.
FRESNO STATE AGRICULTURAL FOUNDATION 18 California Cattleman July • August 2020
We also place emphasis on the basic traits of eyes, udder, feet and disposition. These traits are described by many as “convenience traits” and again if our cattle are not problem free in these areas, we limit their genetic influence in our herds. Our opinion is that the most profitable beef cattle in any production system are those that can function with very little need for additional labor or supplemental feeding. Our ultimate goal is to create a small framed, low maintenance cow that can wean a big stout calf and do it without any other inputs from us. That goal is the same in both our Charolais and Angus herds.
2019-2020 STUDENT ASSISTANTS Trevor Autry Jon Buttrey Michaela Clark Harrison Conlan Justin Davis
Kaitlyn DeMott Meagan Dewar Blake Gobeli Ross May Brenda Peterson
Steven Pozzi Jaimee Rocha Brady Schmidt Heather Welcher
RANDY PERRY (559) 278-4793 ELLIOT ELKINS – COMMERCIAL CATTLE – 559.430.6210 WWW.FRESNOSTATE.EDU/JCAST/BEEF
THD ©
CLM REPRESENTATIVES Jake Parnell .................916-662-1298 George Gookin .........209-482-1648 Rex Whittle.................209-996-6994
UPCOMING SPECIALS AT GALT
CLM SPECIAL FEEDER SALES WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 12 P.M. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 12 P.M.
Mark Fischer ..............209-768-6522 Kris Gudel ................... 916-208-7258 Steve Bianchi ............707-484-3903 Joe Gates ....................707-694-3063 Jason Dailey ...............916-439-7761
CLM ANNUAL BRED COW & PAIR SALE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 12 P.M. VISIT WWW.CLMGALT.COM FOR SALE DETAILS
Brett Friend ..................510-685-4870 WEDNESDAY WEEKLY SCHEDULE Butcher Cows ................................... 8:30 a.m. Cow-Calf Pairs/Bred Cows ..... 11:30 a.m. Feeder Cattle ........................................ 12 p.m.
CLM ANNUAL REPLACMENT FEMALE SALE & WORLD OF BULLS SALE
BOTH HELD ON THE SAME DAY THIS YEAR
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
AUCTION MARKET Address 12495 Stockton Blvd., Galt, CA Office........................................209-745-1515 Fax ............................................ 209-745-1582 Website/Market Report ..www.clmgalt.com Web Broadcast ......www.lmaauctions.com
FEMALES AT 9 A.M. • BULLS AT 12 P.M.
CALL TO CONSIGN TO THESE UPCOMING WESTERN VIDEO MARKET SALES August 17-18 •September 15 July • August 2020 California Cattleman 19
SELLING 180 BULLS SAT., SEPTEMBER 5 EZ Angus’ Tejas Ranch • Farmington, CA Lunch: 11:30 a.m. • Sale: 12:30 p.m. Join us at the Tejas Ranch located at 22950 Milton Road, 11 miles west of Farmington, CA. We will be selling 180 performance-tested bulls with complete DNA evaluation. Bulls are vaccinated for anaplas and tested PI-negative for BVD. We offer FREE DELIVERY to California and surrouding states. Every bull selling is backed by the EZ Angus Breeding Guarantee!
ANGUS RANCH
.
EZAR PAYWEIGHT PLUS 9150
EZAR ENHANCE 9118
SIRE: Basin Payweight Plus 6048 MGS: V A R Discovery 2240
SIRE: SydGen Enhance MGS: Basin Payweight 1682
Breed-leading growth figures and out of a flush sister to the $90,000 EZAR Gold Rush 6001.
CED 7
BW 2.4
WW 102
YW Milk 187 34
CW 88
MA .98
RE .86
$M 59
$B 202
$C 321
Calving-ease specialist with tremendous muscle ranking in the top 1% for $Wean, $Beef and $Combined. CED 12
SALE BOOK AND BULL VIDEO LINKS WWW.EZANGUSRANCH.COM FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR SALE DETAILS THD ©
Tim & Marilyn Callison ........................................................ Owners Chad Davis ............................................................559 333-0362 Travis Coy .............................................................559 392-8772 Justin Schmidt ......................................................209 585-6533 Website ......................................................www.ezangusranch.com 20 California Cattleman July • August 2020
BW 0.7
WW 84
YW Milk 160 33
CW 81
MA .57
RE .96
$M 69
$B $C 189 314
LIVE INTERNET BROADCAST ON SUPERIOR PRODUCTIONS www.Superior Livestock.com
SALE MANAGEMENT
John Dickinson ............... 916 806-1919 Jake Parnell ................... 916 662-1298
EZAR PAYWEIGHT 9181
SIRE: Basin Payweight 1682 MGS: Plattemere Weigh Up K360 CED 9
BW WW -0.4 73
YW Milk 133 30
CW 63
MA .81
RE .56
$M 65
$B 166
$C 280
CED 10
EZAR GOLD RUSH 9029
BW WW -0.2 64
YW Milk 117 22
CW 47
MA .82
RE .65
$M 68
$B 162
$C 278
EZAR POWER PLAY 9321 BW WW WW YW YW Milk Milk BW 2.3 82 69 143 123 28 36 1.5
CW MA MA CW 50 1.04 .84 64
RE RE .61 .89
YW Milk 131 30
CW MA 67 1.13
RE .94
$M 58
$B 190
$C 304
$M $B $B $C $C $M $74 47 $143 173 $259 271
CED 12
BW WW -1.1 65
YW Milk 112 31
CW MA 57 1.27
RE .48
$M 59
$B 169
SIRE: EXAR Monumental 6056B MGS: V A R Generation 2100 CED 12
BW WW 0.0 83
YW Milk 151 23
CW 78
MA .95
RE .72
$M 61
$B 185
$C 301
EZAR GOLD RUSH 9173
SIRE: EXAR Monumental 6056B MGS: Sitz Upward 307R
SIRE: V A R Power Play 7018 MGS: Summitcrest Complete 1P55 CED CED 10 9
BW WW 0.3 68
EZAR MONUMENTAL 9096
SIRE: EZAR Gold Rush 6001 MGS: WR Journey-1X74 CED 13
EZAR MONUMENTAL 9291
EZAR BIG STEP 9209
SIRE: G A R Big Step K715 MGS: V A R Generation 2100
SIRE: EZAR Gold Rush 6001 MGS: EXAR Denver 2002B $C 278
EZAR BIG STEP 9262
CED 7
BW WW 1.7 77
YW Milk 124 17
CW 52
MA .92
RE .83
$M 66
$B 170
$C 286
EZAR PAYWEIGHT PLUS 9240
SIRE: G A R Big Step K715 MGS: Plattemere Weigh Up K360
SIRE: Basin Payweight Plus 6048 MGS: WR Journey-1X74 1P55
CED 13
CED 4
BW WW 2.9 80
YW Milk 141 25
CW 63
MA .84
RE .75
$M 62
$B 175
$C 289
BW WW 1.9 81
YW Milk 142 34
CW 74
MA .80
RE $M 1.05 56
$B 185
$C 296
THESE BULLS FEATURE BREED-LEADING GENETICS THE PORTION OF THIS YEAR’S OFFERING RANKING IN THE ELITE 25% OF THE ANGUS BREED INCLUDE: • 57% for Calving-Ease Maternal • 37% for Ribeye EPD • 49% for Calving-Ease Direct • 41% for Docility EPD • 84% for Wean Value ($W) • 75% for Weaning Weight EPD • 64% for Carcass Wt. EPD • 96% for Beef Value ($B) • 75% for Yearling Weight EPD • 77% for Marbling EPD • 82% for Combined Value ($C) • 60% for Residual Avg. Daily Gain
ANNUAL ANGUS FEMALE SALE MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 PORTERVILLE, CA
BRUNCH 10 A.M. • SALE 11 A.M.
ANGUS
RANCH
21984 Avenue 160
Porterville, CA 93257
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 21
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE BULLS IN THE PASTURE by Bruce Derksen for the California Cattleman
F
oundations are an essential part of any physical or intellectual construct—but eventually work must progress to the next layer of construction. Critical effort forms the foundation for breeding bulls to be successful in what they do. Timely breeding soundness exams (BSE’s) to confirm condition and outer features like feet and leg structure, teeth and eyes, along with a reproductive examination of scrotal circumference and testicle size should be completed. Semen tests to ensure acceptable numbers of capable sperm should be combined with vaccinations and parasitic controls to match environmental and disease challenges. But once this foundation is supported from all different directions and angles, bulls must be deposited at the breeding pasture to begin their actual work. Even if they are ‘out of sight, out of mind’, they should never be forgotten.
Watch Both Genders
Ken Olson, Animal Science Department Professor and Extension Beef Cattle Specialist at South Dakota State University says while it is vital to check the cows and calves in the breeding pastures, it is critical to keep an eye on the bull battery. “The bulls are probably the most important part of the herd. It doesn’t matter how many there are, or how large the female herd is, the bulls are there to do a job and deliver an end result. You can’t afford to come up with zeros.” He says the monitoring process for obvious injuries or illness should mirror cow observation with 22 California Cattleman July • August 2020
an additional focus on reproductive issues such as a broken penis or swelling of the scrotum. He encourages producers to look into their eyes and faces for an overview of health and if a sudden loss of condition is noticed, there is a problem. Olsen points out bulls must be athletic and consistently able to travel well over long distances. “Because of their weight and all the pressure on their legs, structure can become an issue. They’ve got to travel well to be able to breed cows.”
Keep Track of Body Condition
Megan Van Emon, Montana State University Extension Beef Cattle Specialist emphasizes it is critical for cow/calf producers to monitor the body condition of their bulls during the entire breeding season and not just at the beginning or end. “For older bulls, you want them to be similar to the cows. At maintenance levels of body scores 5 or 6 and able to maintain their weight. They are the marathon runners, able to recognize when to do their job and when to go graze.” She says proper body condition is also important to maintain sperm cycles as the animals progress through breeding their allotment of cows. Pastures might be large with widely spaced water sources, so animals must be able to travel long distances and still have interest in breeding when the proper opportunity arises. She adds it can be tricky if producers are using several yearling bulls as they may look exceptional at the breeder’s sale but often are overly fleshy. When acclimated to a high energy-based diet, they might suddenly be asked to survive and maintain their weight on drier and thinner environments offering lower energy
food sources. Body condition can be lost quickly.
Monitor Social Status
Olson believes social status is critical in multi-sire breeding pastures as each animal is equipped with a different personality. He emphasizes they should never be saying hello in the breeding pasture but should be introduced much earlier. They will establish a pecking order, and this should be out their systems before the breeding season begins. “Watch them to see who is paying attention to the cows in heat. They all have different libidos.” He says be wary of the bull who doesn’t seem to care and if it happens repeatedly, there is a problem. “Or if they are fighters rather than lovers, that’s not desirable. Dominant sires that spend all their time fighting will leave too many cows open.” He adds checking the cattle should never just be driving past to look for lameness. “It takes time. You have to stay out there and really watch. It’s almost like checking heat during artificial insemination. It’s time well spent.” Van Emon agrees and adds groups of older dominant bulls can push subordinates away from cows in standing heat even though they may have surpassed their own breeding capacity. She admits it can be a balancing act when purchasing sires as disposition plays a large role in animal and human interaction. “They are still social creatures and will establish a dominance structure. Sometimes a very docile bull can get pushed into the subordinate role. One that eats your lunch every time you walk into a pen is a danger, but you probably don’t want the biggest baby either.” She says much can be learned by watching the cows. When they are riding at the beginning of the breeding season indicating estrus and standing heat, and after that first cycle all those cows are still riding, it can be a good indicator a bull might not be fertile, especially a dominant one. If he is keeping other bulls away and not allowing them to breed, it’s a huge red flag. “In some larger operations turning out 20 sires and 4 out of the 5 most dominant are infertile, there goes a lot of your calf crop.”
Think About a Plan B
Both agree it is essential to have options if and when things go wrong. “I don’t think a lot of people think about a Plan B,” said Olson. “Sometimes if only using yearling bulls, people could implement a rotation. Turn out only half of them for a period of time and then pull them and rotate in some fresh ones. Yearlings draw down their sperm reserves quickly.” Van Emon says if a problem is noticed early
“The bulls are probably the most important part of the herd. It doesn’t matter how many there are, or how large the female herd is, the bulls are there to do a job and deliver an end result.” — Ken Olsen
Animal Science Professor, South Dakota State University
enough, a pregnancy check between 30 and 35 days can determine a percentage of pregnant females. Then, an estrus synchronization and artificial insemination might be an option. Most reputable seedstock breeders guarantee their stock especially in case of injury and might be able to offer a replacement, although late in the season, quality of available sires could come into play. A neighbor’s bull dedicated to a different calving season might be leased. She encourages producers to pay attention to their bulls year-round and not just before the breeding season. “When we see a cow not breeding, we look at her and wonder what happened. But if there are a lot of cows not breeding, maybe we need to look at the bulls and see if there is an issue there.” Olson says it is one thing to have sick calves or offspring with low weaning weights because the owner is still selling something. If cows don’t get pregnant, they need to be culled and it won’t add up to the same value as the future string of calves they were meant to produce. “You can’t afford to ignore the inadequate bulls. That will quickly lead to cow/calf producers setting themselves up for financial ruin.” The sweat and effort put into the solid foundation of preparing herd sires for breeding should never be wasted. It’s vital to keep a close eye on all genders occupying the pastures to ensure the breeding process structure doesn’t collapse. July • August 2020 California Cattleman 23
Sunday, September 6 Selling 80 Spring and Fall Yearling angus Bulls Five Star Land & Livestock • Wilton, CA • 1 P.M.
SALE MANAGEMENT
John Dickinson ...................916-806-1919 Jake Parnell ....................... 916-662-1298 Luke Parnell ...................... 805-431-1267
Heritage Bulls are designed with the commercial bull buyer in mind. We select for balanced traits of calving-ease with rapid growth to weaning and optimum carcass merit, but we do this without sacrificing the convenience traits of structural soundness, docility, and maternal strength. Our genetics are validated through DNA testing and our commitment to performance has produced top bulls that have gone on to make an impact in both commercial and seedstock herds alike.
FIVE STAR 5005 ACCLAIM 9014
FIVE STAR 7024 ACCLAIM 9022
4-1-2019
4-25-2019
Jindra Acclaim X Baldridge Waylon W34
CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +3 +1.8 +64 +122 +26 +.76 +.62 +47 +175 +274
FIVE STAR 7020 ACCLAIM 9016 Jindra Acclaim X Connealy Guinness
CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +6 +1.5 +76 +138 +29 +.88 +.47 +48 +175 +275
Bar R Jet Black 5063 Jindra Acclaim SydGen Enhance Basin Payweight 1682 LD Capitalist 316 GAR Ashland
4-3-2019 MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +30 +.86 +.56 +48 +171 +271
BULL VIDEOS AVAILABLE IN AUGUST www.ParnellDickinson.com
SALE BOOK REQUESTS: TEXT 916-806-1919
5-7-2019 CED BW WW YW +4 +1.7 +55 +98
MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +32 +.60 +.42 +56 +147 +247
SONS OF THESE BREED LEADERS & MORE SELL • • • • • •
CED BW WW YW +5 +1.8 +64 +118
FIVE STAR 1015 PAYWT 9024
Five Star 4018 Paywt 6013 X S A V Net Worth 4200
Jindra Acclaim X Basin Payweight 1682
BAR R JET BLACK 5063 We will also be offering 6 flush brothers to BAR R JET BLACK 5063, the calving-ease and growth standout featured at ORIgen that is also their leading semen sales bull this past year.
24 California Cattleman July • August 2020
• • • • • •
Stevenson Statement 70750 Connealy Black Granite EXAR Monumental 6056B VAR Diversity 5042 VAR Discovery 5122 Baldridge Colonel C251
WATCH FOR THESE STANDOUTS SELLING THE DAY BEFORE LABOR DAY ... BAR R 0022 SOLDIER 9008
SCC Soldier 6010 X Rito 6EM3 of 4L1 Emblazon
BAR R 1024M JET BLACK 9014 Bar R Jet Black 5063 X S A V Bismarck 5682
2-3-2019
1-18-2019 CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +6 +1.9 +74 +129 +20 +.64 +.97 +53 +158 +258
BAR R 3065 COLONEL 9010
Baldridge Colonel C251 X Rito 6EM3 of 4L1 Emblazon
3-7-2019
CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +9 +1.7 +69 +122 +26 +.49 +.89 +59 +154 +259
BAR R SURE FIRE 9016
Wilks Sure Fire J6151 X Rito 6EM3 of 4L1 Emblazon
2-6-2019
1-21-2019 CED BW WW YW +5 -0.2 +67 +121
MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +27 +.61 +1.13 +49 +136 +225
J V LEGACY 908
V A R Discovery 5122 X Monarch Complete 1033
CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +10 +1.5 +70 +133 +41 +1.01 +.71 +45 +169 +264
NEW FOR
2020
CED BW WW
YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +3 +3.8 +93 +159 +34 +1.03 +.92 +56 +188 +300
BAR R STATEMENT 9020
Stevenson Statement 70750 X S A V First Class 0207
2-28-2019
CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +13 +1.1 +69 +123 +32 +1.33 +.53 +54 +162 +264
J V DIVERSITY 901
V A R Diversity 5042 X Sitz Upward 307R
6-5-2019
6-17-2019
BAR R JET BLACK 9029
Bar R Jet Black 5063 X 2 Bar Ranch Hand 4710
CED BW WW
YW +9 +2.2 +60 +101
MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +27 +.52 +.66 +58 +157 +262
J V DIVERSITY 905
V A R Diversity 5042 X V A R Discovery 2240
6-11-2019
CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +7 +1.1 +52 +100 +35 +1.03 +1.08 +61 +164 +274
CED BW WW
YW +6 +0.6 +62 +119
MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +39 +.99 +.93 +72 +167 +289
THIS YEAR’S SALE WILL FEATURE 12 FALL-BORN, YEARLING HEIFERS THESE FEMALES ARE REGISTERED AND READY TO BREED SIRED BY: LD Capitalist 316 • Sydgen Enhance • GAR Ashland Stevenson Statement 70750 • Jindra Stonewall
5II I
I
I
BAR R ANGUS
FIVE STAR LAND & LIVESTOCK
J/V ANGUS
12211 Pear Lane, Wilton, CA 95693
Home 530-795-2161 Cell 530-304-2811 jvangus@att.net 844 Walnut • Winters, CA 95694
CRAIG & J.J. REINHARDT
Mark & Abbie Nelson & Family
916-712-3696 • 916-803-2685
Abbie: 916-804-4990, abbiernelson@gmail.com Ryan, Hailey, Jhett, Cort, Nash & Indy: 916-804-6861 Hilario Gomez, Ranch Operations: 916-804-8136
jj@barrangus.com 6925 Bisbee Dr., Sloughhouse, CA 95683
BILL & MARIE TRAYLOR
THD ©
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 25
VET VIEWS
THE BREEDING BULL
YOUR HERD’S ULTIMATE ATHLETE from Purina Mills Animal Nutrition LeBron James. Tom Brady. Usain Bolt. These names bring with them a certain performance standard. Each season, fans expect these athletes to be in top form, to perform and to achieve results no one else is capable of. You expect the same of your breeding bulls each season, but are you treating them like the athletes that they are? Bulls need to remain sound and active for the duration of breeding season. One way you can help prepare them as athletes is by conditioning them. If bulls are too thin at the start of breeding season they might not hold condition and perform. At the same time, too much condition could be detrimental. Excess weight can affect structure, soundness and the bull’s ability to remain in active form. Gradually condition bulls The ultimate goal should be to achieve ideal bull condition and start far enough in advance so it’s not a sprint to attain it. It’s ideal to have a body condition score (BCS) of 6 going into breeding but it should be achieved gradually. A single point change in BCS equals 80 to 100 pounds of weight. That means for a bull to go from a BCS 5 to a BCS 6, it would require gaining 100 pounds. To achieve that score increase takes time and monitoring. Start monitoring bulls four to five months before breeding season.
26 California Cattleman July • August 2020
Early monitoring allows for gradual changes to be made over time, versus trying to make drastic weight changes quickly. Allowing a bull to gain 1 pound per day over 100 days, as opposed to pushing him to gain 3 pounds per day over 30 days, will be much more conducive to the longevity and performance of the bull. An early start to bull preparation also helps ensure bulls have high-quality semen going into breeding. Sperm production takes 60 days and is impacted by the nutrition a bull receives pre-breeding season. Balancing BCS with nutrition Yearling bulls and bulls up to 2 or 3 years of age are still growing and need a diet that meets those requirements. Young bull requirements differ from what more mature bulls need to gain or maintain condition and the two groups should be developed and fed in separate facilities if possible. If you have multiple bulls in a group, ensure they have ample bunk space or free-choice supplementation to help reduce displays of dominance at the feed bunk. Supplements with intake control properties encourage snack eating, causing bulls to eat smaller meals more consistently throughout the day versus aggressively trying to consume all their feed in one meal. ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
ERVICES • SU • S PP N
TRUST T• OR
SIRE SELE CTI O
your herd
SUCCES S
the brand
We have the fuel you need to star t your ar tificial insemination engine and keep you on the road to success! Contact All West/Select Sires today to schedule your fall breeding project!
P.O. Box 1803 • Turlock, CA 95381 209-667-8378 contact@allwestselectsires.com
P.O. Box 507 • Burlington, WA 98233 360-757-6093 www.allwestselectsires.com
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 27
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26
Think of bull development as a marathon rather than a sprint. The goal is to optimize gain and maintain the structural and breeding soundness of a bull for as many years as possible. Prepare bulls now for an all-star breeding season later. Prepare them for greatness.
Supplements can also help keep bulls in prime condition by maintaining or improving BCS and can help balance any nutritional deficiencies of forages. Developing bulls on the range or in a pasture situation where they can exercise can be advantageous. Exercise and reducing the energy fed in the diet can also help over-conditioned bulls get closer to BCS 6. Quality mineral nutrition is also essential because minerals support the development of a growing bull’s structure and feet. Minerals can “Breeding support health and sperm quality as well. Consider using a highly available trace mineral source so that bulls get the most benefit from the minerals consumed.
with the commercial cattleman in mind”
selling sons of these herdsires off the ranch in 2020
Monitor during and after cattle breeding season Once bulls are turned out with cows for the breeding season, continue monitoring their body condition. If bulls fall below a BCS 4, replace those bulls to ensure your cows are getting bred. At the end of breeding season, bulls will need some extra attention again. Bulls often end the breeding season in a BCS 4 or 5. At that point, younger bulls that are still growing will need more than a maintenance diet to regain condition and allow for growth. Purchasing bulls is a significant initial investment, but trying to cut corners during bull development won’t do your herd any favors. To maximize your investment and use a bull to his full potential, continue developing him with a highquality nutrition and animal health program.
Churchill Mark Dom 6448D Sire: LJS MARK DOMINO 1321 MGS: CL 1 DOMINO 955W
CED 3.6
BW 2.4
WW 50
YW 88
RE MB 0.62 0.24
$CHB 118
MH 9126J Domino 382 SIRE: CL 1 DOMINO 9126J 1ET MGS: MH DAKOTA 0230 CED BW 13.4 0.0
WW 57
YW RE MB 100 0.17 0.25
$CHB 85
MCR Trust Harland 364 SIRE: NJW 73S M326 TRUST 100W ET MGS: CJH HARLAND 408 CED 6.3
BW 2.8
WW 65
YW RE MB 102 0.36 0.16
$CHB 120
HUFFORD FAMILY
79337 SOTO LN. • FORT ROCK, OR 541-576-2431 KEN 541-403-1044 • JESSE 541-810-2460 www.huffordsherefords.com• ijhufford@yahoo.com
28 California Cattleman July • August 2020
3L
Private Treaty Bulls available at the Ranch
SONOMA MOUNTAIN HEREFORDS Bulls Available Private Treaty Year Round
Horned and Polled Hereford Bulls
Raised in the mountains and ready to go to work for you! Long yearlings and 2-year-olds available
8154
9020
8172
9022
8207B
9011
Come by and take a look at this year’s offering! For more information or to request performance data on the bulls, contact: Jim, Marcia and Jamie Mickelson (707) 481-3440 (707) 396-7365 JMMick@sonic.net Bobby and Heidi Mickelson (707) 396-7364 P.O. Box 2689 Petaluma, CA 94953 sonomamountainherefords.com July • August 2020 California Cattleman 29
TAXES COULD TAKE BIG HIKE NOVEMBER SPLIT ROLL INITIATIVE POSES THREATS TO AGRICULTURE A major tax threat to California’s ranches has officially qualified for the November statewide ballot. Voters will decide the fate of a massive $12.5-billion property tax hike that will be the largest in the state’s history. The California Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors has voted to officially oppose this measure, helping lead a large bipartisan coalition of agriculture, business, taxpayer, veterans and social justice organizations. Despite claims that farmers and ranchers will be protected, the truth is any so-called “protections” in the measure are woefully insufficient to protect improvements on our land – like dairies, barns and feedlots – from higher property taxes. Nearly everything that a rancher needs to move product from farm to table will see higher property taxes. Under Proposition 13, passed in 1978, residential and business property taxes are calculated based on 1 percent of their purchase price, and annual increases in property taxes are capped at 2 percent, which limits increases in property taxes, especially when property values rise quickly. The proposed tax, frequently referred to as “split roll,” removes commercial and industrial property from Proposition 13’s protections. These properties would then be reassessed at current market value at least every three years. No matter what the measure’s supporters tell you, this tax hike destroys long-standing Proposition 13 protections for ranchers and farmers. That means higher property taxes when our industry is already dealing with a once-in-ageneration economic crisis. This measure will trigger reassessment at least every three years at market value specifically for agriculturerelated improvements, including barns, dairies, feedlots, processing plants, solar panels, methane digesters, wineries and even mature fruit and nut trees and vineyards. Although the measure excludes all land used for producing commercial agricultural commodities, it fails to protect many of the facilities on which ranchers rely. The measure’s proponents even admitted in their own words that “Commercial or industrial structures on agricultural land would be taxed at market value.” This proposition will erode one of the few guarantees that ranchers have left: stable property taxes. Since 1978, Proposition 13 has provided certainty to ranchers and farmers that they will be able to afford their property tax bills in the future and even pass their property onto future generations. That certainty will be destroyed unless we defeat this flawed proposition in November. These are challenging times for the entire agriculture industry. The prospect of a large property tax increase could not come at a worse time. It will continue to 30 California Cattleman July • August 2020
erode California’s competitiveness with other states and countries. In recent years, we have seen costs rise in nearly every aspect of businesses – from labor and water to regulatory compliance. This property tax hike even conflicts with mandates passed by the state. For example, a ranch that invests in a methane digester to comply with state air regulations will be forced to pay higher property taxes as that investment is reassessed every three years. It even eliminates an incentive for ranches that invest in solar panels and battery storage. Under the measure, solar panels and battery storage will be added to the property’s value, reassessed at least every three years and taxed accordingly—something many ranches likely did not expect to happen when making these costsaving investments. If that wasn’t enough, the prospect of higher property taxes on commercial and industrial properties will incentivize local governments to rezone land away from agricultural use. This change is one of the most significant threats to ranchers as we head into the November election. Please join the California Cattlemen’s Association and add your name to the bipartisan coalition working to Save Proposition 13 and Stop Higher Property Taxes. You can go to the following link to sign up. https://stophigherpropertytaxes.org/join-the-coalition/ Remember to vote NO on the $12.5 billion-a-year property tax hike this November. Split Roll Initiative threats to agriculture at a glance: • Creates a major incentive for local government to rezone property away from agricultural use as well as limit agricultural use of property zoned for other uses. • Requires improvements and fixtures on agricultural land to be reassessed annually at fair market value (for example: barns, dairies, feedlots, methane digesters, processing plants, wineries, etc.) • Any buildings, facilities, mature fruit trees or mature vineyards with a cumulative value of more than $3 million statewide, will be subject to the reassessment. This cumulative value limit also applies to any partowner of a farm or ranch so a 1 percent owner with a large commercial property portfolio can cause a $50,000 property to be reassessed. • Eliminates property tax exclusion for solar panels and battery storage on agricultural properties—including for existing systems.
THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 9
Lunch 11:30 a.m. Sale 1 p.m. • Colusa Fairgrounds EPDs and $Values in Red Denote Top 25% or Better
Baldridge Colonel C251 x A A R Ten X 7008 S A DOB 2-28-2019
BLACK GOLD BULLS
ARE AFFORDABLE Less Than $3,400
37%
$3,500 - $4,600
27%
$4.700 - $5.900
21%
Over $6,000
15%
BULL SELL SIRED BY: • Baldridge Colonel C251 • S S Niagara Z29 • K C F Bennett Fortress • G A R Sunbeam • TEX Playbook 5437 • Werner Flat Top 4136 • SydGen Enhance • KM Broken Bow 002 • Connealy Legendary 644L • D R Benito C194 • Diablo Deluxe 1104 • D R Judgement • EXAR Monumental 6056B • Baldridge 38 Special • BUBS Southern Charm AA31 • Spring Cove Reno 4021 • Jindra Acclaim • G A R Drive • V D A R Hero 7072 • Connealy Capitalist 028 • VDAR Wulffs Cedar Butte 542 • V D A R Sonny Boy 1194
LIVE BROADCAST
2019 BULL SALE PRICES
85% of the bulls brought less than $5,900 in 2019
530-693-1634
Non-Parent Bull Avg.
CED
8
35%
6
BW
.7
35%
1.3
WW
67
15%
56
YW
118
20%
99
DOC
19
40%
17
CEM
10
35%
9
Milk
27
35%
25
Marb
.78
20%
.55
RE
.73
25%
.56
$W
72
15%
56
$F
89
25%
80
$G
63
15%
46
$B
152
15%
128
$C
255
15%
224
Tom & Rocky Donati • Oroville, CA donatiranch.com
O’CONNELL RANCH
Dan & Barbara O’Connell • Colusa, CA
AAA *19559524
Tattoo G016
$M +56 $W +62 $F +104 $G +50 $B +154 CED BW WW YW MILK CW MARB RE $C +12 -1.5 +60 +117 +24 +57 +.51 +.67 +256
Connealy Legendary 644L x Baldridge Atlas A266
DOB 2-24-2019
AAA *19556589
Tattoo G014
$M +58 $W +79 $F +91 $G +73 $B +163 CED BW WW YW MILK CW MARB RE $C +9 +1.7 +78 +131 +24 +57 +.95 +.95 +269
MATT MACFARLANE MARKETING
WULFF BROS. LIVESTOCK
SALE MANAGER
530-632-4491 oconnellranch.com
$M +64 $W +67 $F +59 $G +65 $B +123 CED BW WW YW MILK CW MARB RE $C +6 -.5 +65 +112 +20 +31 +.96 +.44 +224
DOB 2-24-2019
All Black Gold Black Gold Bull Avg. % Ranking
DONATI RANCH
Tattoo G022
Diablo Deluxe 1104 x Connealy Black Granite
BLACK GOLD VS. BREED AVG. EPD or $Value
AAA *19556027
916-417-4199 wulffbrotherslivestock.com
AUCTIONEER Rick Machado, 805-501-3210
Carl & Heidi Wulff • Cheney, WA
Matt Macfarlane • 916-803-3113 m3cattlemarketing@gmail.com www.m3cattlemarketing.com THD ©
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 31
October 3 Turlock, CA
12:30 P.M. FOLLOWING FALL FEMALE SALE
FEMALE SALE AT 10 A.M. FEATURES 500 TOP QUALITY PAIRS & BRED FEMALES!
AN ALWAYS HIGH QUALITY GROUP OF POWERFUL BULLS FROM THE WEST'S LEADING BREEDERS, INCLUDING THESE EARLY CONSIGNORS: AURELIA CHAROLAIS AZEVEDO LIVESTOCK BIANCHI RANCHES CARDEY RANCHES CIRCLE AK ANGUS DIAMOND S ANGUS
EV SHOW CATTLE FLINT HILL CORP. FOUTS ANGUS FURTADO ANGUS HAVE ANGUS HELMS RANCH
JIM NYHOLT J&J CATTLE COMPANY L&N ANGUS MADSEN RANCH RAW CATTLE ROCKING PH RANCH
ROCKING RC RANCH SCHMIDT CATTLE CO. SUNBRIGHT ANGUS TARA FARMS TUMBLEWEED RANCH WEST WIND ANGUS
ANGUS • CHAROLAIS • SIMANGUS HEREFORD • RED ANGUS • BALANCER ULTRABLACK • BRANGUS • AND MORE!
ALL BULLS GRADED BY AGE WITH ONE SUPREME CHAMPION
CONTACT THE TEAM AT TLAY TODAY TO REQUEST A SALE CATALOG! 32 California Cattleman July • August 2020
THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA LIVESTOCK MARKETING CENTER
14TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA CATTLE PRODUCERS FALL CALVING FEMALE SALE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 • 10 A.M.
30 FANCY ANGUS FALL CALVING BRED HEIFERS FROM DAL PORTO LIVESTOCK. FOOTHILL AND ANAPLAZ EXPOSED.
50 BLACK AND BLACK/WHITE-FACED TOP QUALITY 2ND-4TH CALVING FEMALES FROM PENNINGTON RANCH.
30 FANCY ANGUS FALL CALVING BRED HEIFERS FROM JOHN GINOCHIO. FOOTHILL AND ANAPLAZ EXPOSED.
35 EXCELLENT QUALITY BLACK AND BLACK/WHITE-FACED 4-7 YEAR OLD FALL CALVING COWS FROM HAYDN-MYER RANCH. FOOTHILL AND ANAPLAS EXPOSED.
20 FANCY ANGUS FALL CALVING BRED HEIFERS FROM LAWRENCE GINOCHIO. FOOTHILL AND ANAPLAZ EXPOSED.
35 TOP QUALITY ANGUS AND BLACK/WHITE-FACED 4-6 YEAR OLD FOOTHILL-EXPOSED FALL CALVING COWS FROM HOURET CATTLE CO.
200 ANGUS AND SIMANGUS 1ST TO 4TH CALVING FEMALES FROM RON GILLILAND. FOOTHILL AND ANAPLAZ EXPOSED. 40 ANGUS - BLACK AND BLACK BALDY - TOP QUALITY FALL BRED HEIFERS FROM IRONHOUSE.
CALL US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CONSIGNING CATTLE TO UPCOMING WESTERN VIDEO MARKET SALES! JOIN US AUG. 17 & 18 CHEYENNE, SEPT. 15 IN OGALLALA, NEB; OCT. 22 IN COTTONWOOD!
A LS O J O I N U S F O R S P E C I A L S U M M E R F E E D E R S A L E S JULY 21 • AUGUST 4 • AUGUST 18 • SEPTEMBER 8 • SEPTEMBER 22
SAVE THE DATE • OCTOBER 3
FALL CALVING FEMALE SALE & CALIFORNIA BREEDERS BULL SALE FROM THE SIERRAS TO THE SEA, OUR TEAM IS ALWAYS HERE TO ASSIST YOU IN MEETING YOUR BUYING AND SELLING NEEDS! TLAY REPRESENTATIVES
MAX OLVERA...................................... 209 277-2063 STEVE FARIA ...................................... 209 988-7180 EDDIE NUNES..................................... 209 604-6848 CHUCK COZZI .................................... 209 652-4479 BUD COZZI .......................................... 209 652-4480 JOHN LUIZ ........................................... 209 480-5101 BRANDON BABA............................... 209 480-1267 JAKE BETTENCOURT ....................... 209 262-4019 TIM SISIL ............................................ 209 631-6054 TRAVIS JOHNSON ............................ 209 996-8645
TURLOCK LIVESTOCK AUCTION YARD OFFICE:
209 634-4326 • 209 667-0811 10430 Lander Ave., Turlock, CA P.O. Box 3030, Turlock, CA 95381 www.turlocklivestock.com
PUBLIC LANDS PANDEMICS, POLICY AND PUBLIC LANDS RANCHING WORK BEING DONE BY PLC IN WASHINGTON, D.C. by Public Lands Council Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover The first few months of each year are typically filled with blooming cherry blossom trees, public lands ranchers traveling to Washington, D.C., for annual legislative conferences, and federal appropriations negotiations on the Hill. However, this year has proven to be anything but typical. Legislative visits were replaced with the infamous “Zoom meetings” and annual appropriations discussions were paused as Congress turned to provide relief through disaster aid packages. I have no doubt the pandemic challenged each of us differently. COVID-19 fundamentally changed our daily lives and the way we do business. I do not discount these impacts, but from where I sit, the pandemic brought at least one silver lining. Through COVID-19 response, the American public has been confronted with the realities of their food supply. People in urban centers have been required to think about the work ranchers do each day to deliver food to grocery shelves. As American attention returns to more “normal” issues, they will continue to think about how their food gets from the range to the plate. For the first time in a long time, public lands ranchers have the attention of both Congress and the American public. We are helping agencies capitalize on this attention to enact reforms. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hard at work on new grazing regulations to bring grazing regulations into the 21st century and fix issues that arose during Bruce Babbitt’s Range Reform. These changes are a long time in the making, and will provide a welcome improvement for ranchers and for the landscape. Additionally, the Public Lands Council (PLC) has worked with the White House Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ) during the process to craft and finalize improvements in the way agencies conduct National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis. NEPA underpins everything we do on public lands, from issuance of grazing permits to range
34 California Cattleman July • August 2020
improvements, so ranchers and land managers are often at the mercy of an unnecessarily inefficient and expensive NEPA process. CEQ proposed changes that will make NEPA simpler, faster and more defensible – all things that are good for public lands ranchers who have faced NEPA delays and legal challenges as a result of outdated rules. The Trump Administration is working toward improving the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Our team worked with the Department of the Interior and Secretary Bernhardt to emphasize how the law so often is used as a punitive tool to exclude land uses rather than as a positive tool to improve habitat for imperiled species. As the Administration seeks to finalize these rules before the winter, we will be there to support them and provide ranchers’ perspective. After all, ranchers are the original stewards of healthy landscapes and the many species that rely on them. While the Administration has been working full-speed ahead to finalize a slew of important regulatory items in 2020, Congress was originally focused on relief for COVID-19. After implementation of tools provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the legislative body returned to some of the more routine legislative priorities. Unfortunately, it is an election year. This means one third of the legislators in the Senate and all of the members of the House of Representatives are juggling legislative priorities and heated campaigns in their home states. This adds complexity to our lobbying efforts, as politics are driving a significant portion of the legislative agenda. You need to look no further than the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act in June, which created $17 billion in new mandatory spending and gave agencies virtually unlimited authority to buy more federal land. The bill changed the way the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was funded, and insodoing removed Congressional oversight from the agencies’ land acquisition process. Under this authority, federal agencies will have a minimum of $360 million per year, forever, to buy additional land, with little oversight from Congress. In the same breath, the bill also provided a multi-billion-dollar bailout for federal agencies who have fallen behind in maintaining the lands and waters they already own. It’s evidence that bad policy is sometimes allowed to proceed for the sake of a political win. Public lands ranchers and our federal partners opposed the bill, and will continue to oppose land acquisitions that hurt ranchers, rural counties and local communities. In representing you, we are committed to ensuring that bad ideas are not enacted without a fight, and good ideas are not discarded for political convenience. As always, please do not hesitate to contact our team with any questions or concerns.
r e v i l e D s ll u B y e Mid Vall
THE COMPLETE PACKAGE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 The 2020 offering from Schafers and Amadors features a large group of bulls that excel for $Combined Value Index with the added value of Certified Angus Beef and Top Dollar Angus premiums. If you sell your calves by the pound, these bulls are the complete package with top ranking $Value Indexes.
MODESTO, CA SALE: 1 P.M. SALE BULLS ON DISPLAY PRIOR TO THE LIVE INTERNET BROADCAST
2020 MID VALLEY BULLS ARE BACKED BY: PI-Negative Test for BVD • Genomic Enhanced EPDs DNA Sire Identified • Top Dollar Angus Seedstock Partnership • First Breeding Season Guarantee THE SALE FEATURES BELOW SHOW EPDS IN RED FOR THOSE RANKING IN THE TOP 10% OR BETTER, WITH MANY $VALUE RANKINGS IN THE ELITE TOP 1% TO 3% FOR NON-PARENT ANGUS BULLS ... CED +9 BW +1.7 WW +68 YW +127 MILK +38 CW +71
SCHAFER PLAYBOOK 1906
DOB 3-22-2019 AAA +*19566212 Sire: TEX Playbook 5437 • Dam’s Sire: Plattemere Weigh Up K360 CED +13 BW -.4 WW +57 YW +114 MILK +25 CW +45
DOB 3-19-2019 AAA *19567363 Sire: MGR Treasure • Dam’s Sire: G A R Momentum
MARB +.96 RE +1.00 $W +71 $F +90 $B +163 $C +275
AMADOR COLONEL 2110 9332 DOB 3-3-2019 AAA +*19737374 Sire: Baldridge Colonel C251 • Dam’s Sire: TC Rito 416
CED +4 BW +2.2 WW +75 YW +132 MILK +27 CW +63
MARB +1.45 RE +.68 $W +60 $F +85 $B +175 $C +291
SCHAFER TREASURE 1903 80 FALL AND SPRING YEARLINGS SELL BY THESE SIRES AND MORE
CED +4 BW +3.0 WW +76 YW +133 MILK +23 CW +58
MARB +.65 RE +.49 $W +84 $F +122 $B +172 $C +305
MARB +1.32 RE +.67 $W +80 $F +105 $B +189 $C +313
AMADOR ENHANCE 6259 9377 DOB 3-24-2019 AAA *19737361 Sire: SydGen Enhance • Dam’s Sire: Deer Valley All In
• Baldridge Colonel C251 • KM Broken Bow 002 • Sydgen Enhance
• Jindra Acclaim • G A R Quanah 687L • Deer Valley Patriot 3222
• TEX Playbook 5437 • Deer Valley Growth Fund • S S Niagara Z29
CALL TO BE ADDED TO THE MAILING LIST SEEDSTOCK PARTNER
AMADOR ANGUS Greg and Louise Schafer
6986 County Road 6, Orland, CA 95963 Cell 209-988-6599 • Home 530-865-3706
Ed, Carlene, Joshua & Jessica Amador
Ed (209) 595-3056 • Josh (209) 499-9182 • Ranch (209) 538-4597 • AmadorFarms@msn.com 5136 Laird Road • Modesto, California 95358
FOLLOW MID VALLEY BULL SALE ON FACEBOOK FOR BULL VIDEOS AND THE 2020 SALE BOOK LINK
THD ©
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 35
BEEF AT HOME AND ABROAD RED MEAT EXPORTS WEATHER PRODUCTION CHALLENGES, ECONOMIC HEADWINDS from the U.S. Meat Export Federation on their menus.” While spring presented many COVID-19 related interruptions, April beef exports were down 6 production and declining purchasing percent from a year ago to 98,613 power of some key trading partners, metric tons (mt), with value falling the numbers for April are in as of 11 percent to $600.9 million. But press time and show that it was a exports achieved outstanding growth solid month for U.S. beef, according in Japan, where U.S. beef is benefiting to data released by USDA and from reduced tariffs under the U.S.compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Japan Trade Agreement, and trended Federation (USMEF). Beef exports higher to China following late-March were below last April’s large totals but implementation of the U.S.-China still topped $600 million in value. Phase One Economic and Trade “Considering all the challenges Agreement. For January through the U.S. red meat industry faced April, beef exports totaled 433,316 in April, export results were mt, up 5 percent from a year ago, encouraging,” said USMEF President valued at $2.66 billion (up 3 percent). and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Exporters With lower April slaughter lost several days of slaughter and numbers, beef export value per processing due to COVID-19, and head of fed slaughter climbed to a shipments to Mexico and some other record $363.35, up 19 percent from Latin American markets declined April 2019. For the first four months due to slumping currencies and of the year, per-head export value the imposition of stay-at-home increased 5 percent to $326.47. April orders. But despite these significant beef exports accounted for 15.9 headwinds, global demand for U.S. percent of total production and 13.5 beef and pork remained strong.” percent for beef muscle cuts, up While May export results will from 13.5 percent and 11.1 percent, likely reflect similar obstacles, respectively, a year ago. Through Halstrom noted that red meat April, exports accounted for 14.4 production continues to recover, setting the stage for a strong second half of 2020. “International customers are relieved to see U.S. production rebounding, solidifying our position as a reliable supplier,” he said. “This helps address a major concern for buyers, as COVID-19 has disrupted meat production in many countries – not just the United States. Demand remains robust for U.S. red meat, especially at retail, but USMEF is actively working with our foodservice customers across the globe to help ensure a strong recovery for the restaurant, catering and hospitality sectors. Many are adjusting to an entirely new business climate, and the U.S. industry assisting them in this process can help ensure that U.S. pork, beef and lamb will be featured 36 California Cattleman July • August 2020
percent of total beef production and 11.9 percent for muscle cuts, up from 13.8 percent and 11.2 percent, respectively, last year. U.S. beef capitalizing on market access gains in Japan April beef exports to leading market Japan totaled 31,280 mt, up 30 percent from a year ago, while value was the highest since August 2018 at $196.4 million (up 25 percent). Through April, exports to Japan established a record pace at 114,152 mt (up 16 percent from a year ago) valued at $719.8 million (up 13 percent). Although beef exports to South Korea cooled in April, 2020 shipments remained ahead of last year’s record pace. April exports totaled 19,411 mt, down 14 percent from a year ago, valued at $133.9 million (down 19 percent). But through April, exports to Korea were still up 6 percent from a year ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
70 PERFORMANCE-TESTED, ANGUS BULLS
SELL SAT., SEPTEMBER 12 • CLM, GALT, CA ARELLANO BRAVO
Fall Yearlings
&
Diablo Valley Angus
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 CATTLEMEN’S LIVESTOCK MARKET Galt, California, 12:30 p.m.
BRAVO 316 CAPITALIST 9052
LD Capitalist 316 x Connealy Right Answer 746 CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +10 +.8 +66 +117 +29 +.45 +.48 +49 +134 +223
BRAVO 316 CAPITALIST 9041
LD Capitalist 316 x Connealy Black Granite CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +11 +.2 +63 +109 +26 +.53 +.45 +62 +135 +237
DIABLO VALLEY
Fall Yearlings
DIABLO MEGA HIT 9110
Jindra Megahit x V A R Discovery 2240 CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +9 +.1 87 +165 +17 +.91 +.73 +24 +197 +280
DIABLO CAPITALIST 316 9105
LD Capitalist 316 x Quaker Hill Rampage 0A36 CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +12 -.6 +70 +110 +29 +.74 +.75 +60 +143 +245
Cuest - s
OFFERING A POWERFUL SET OF SPRING YEARLINGS
Dixie Valley Angus Montague, CA
Lee Nobmann, Owner Morgon Patrick, Managing Partner, 530-526-5920
BRAVO 316 CAPITALIST 9032
LD Capitalist 316 x Baldridge Breakthrough A091 CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +6 +.8 +62 +107 +30 +.63 +.52 +53 +139 +233
SALE MANAGED BY
John Dickinson 916-806-1919 Jake Parnell 916-662-1298 www.parnelldickinson.com Catalog Requests: Text 916-806-1919
Adhemar Arellano: 916-996-9855 10365 Gilliam Drive, Elk Grove, CA
DIABLO CUT ABOVE 9116
High Point Werner Cut Above x Quaker Hill Rampage 0A36 CED BW WW YW MILK MARB RE $M $B $C +16 -1.8 +67 +130 +30 +.94 +1.12 +50 +175 +277
Diablo Valley Angus
Dennis Lopez: 209-814-2440 10000 Armstrong Rd., Byron, CA
THD ©
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 37
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 ago at 83,345 mt, valued at $598.7 million (up 4 percent). Korea eased social distancing and stay-athome requirements in May, leading to a significant increase in domestic travel and foodservice demand through its early May holidays. After a down year in 2019, demand for U.S. beef has rebounded in Canada. April exports were up 38 percent from a year ago at 10,850 mt, with value up 35 percent to $74.7 million. Through April, exports to Canada increased 25 percent in volume (35,399 mt) and 24 percent in value ($241.1 million). Canada faced production challenges similar to the U.S., with sharply reduced slaughter volumes in April and May. Other January-April highlights for U.S. beef April exports to Taiwan were steady with last year at 5,093 mt, valued at $47.5 million. Through April, shipments to Taiwan were 12 percent ahead of last year’s record pace at 20,868 mt, valued at $183.1 million (up 11 percent). Taiwan is an especially strong destination for chilled U.S. beef, with the United States capturing 74 percent of the chilled beef market. Taiwan’s imports of chilled U.S. beef have jumped by 25 percent year-over-year, bolstered by strong retail demand. Beef exports to China were by far the largest of the year in April at 1,321 mt, up 82 percent from a year ago, valued at $11.4 million (up 128 percent), reflecting market access improvements implemented in late March that expanded the range of U.S. cattle, beef products and processing plants eligible for China. Through April, exports to China were up 34 percent from a year ago at 3,179 mt, valued at $25.4 million (up 41 percent). Although inventories of imported grassfed beef are abundant in China, there is strong demand for U.S. grain-fed beef. Exports to Mexico dipped sharply in April due to COVID-19 related restrictions on businesses and consumers and the slumping Mexican peso. Through April, exports to Mexico were 9 percent below last year’s pace at 70,048 mt, valued at $331.4 million (down 11 percent). But Mexico remained the largest volume destination for beef variety meat exports, with shipments up 11 percent from a year ago at 32,872 mt, valued at $81.7 million (up 3 perent). Africa continues to emerge as growth region for U.S. beef variety meat. Through April, variety meat exports more than doubled from a year ago in both volume (10,091 mt, up 131 percent) and value ($7.6 million, up 122 percent), with South Africa, Gabon and Angola as the leading destinations. 38 California Cattleman July • August 2020
Elite Hereford Genetics Raised in the High Country
Bulls like these available Private Treaty in 2020! Call today for best selection!
TKD 532 DOMINO 909
TKD 532 DOMINO 910
BW WW YW REA MARB CHB 4.6 63 94 .60 .06 109
BW WW YW REA MARB CHB 3.6 60 91 .58 .24 112
SIRE: H5 177 DOMINO 532 MGS: CHURCHILL RODEO 9218W
SIRE: H5 177 DOMINO 532 MGS: H5 001 DOMINO 703
Maternal • Docility • Growth • Carcass
Bulls and Females Available at the Ranch Call Any Time!
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BW
Western stockman’s market has you covered we are now an nhtc approved marketing location
THD ©
Upcoming Specials
Special Bred Cow Sale Monday, July 13 • 12 noon
700 FANCY, 3-YEAR-OLD, BLACK FALL-CALVING COWS BRED TO HIGH-POWERED ANGUS BULLS Good Disposition Cows Running in Carrizo Plains in Hot, Dry, Big Country
summer feeder sales
Every Monday in July
Featuring Large Runs Calves and Yearlings from Local and West Coast Reputable Ranches
55th famoso all-breed bull & Female sale TOP BULLS & FEMALES FROM THOUGHOUT THE WEST SELL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 Featuring 500 3- and 4-Year-Old Angus Cows Bred to High-Powered Angus Bulls BULL SALE ENTRY DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 15
Your Southwest Livestock Market Leader Western stockman’s market 31911 Highway 46, mcfarland, california
661-399 661399--2981 • www.westernstockmansmarket.com DWIGHT MEBANE ....... 661 979979-9892 Frank Machado ..... 805 839839-8166 JUSTIN MEBANE ......... 661 979979-9894 Bennet mebane....... mebane....... 661 201 201--8169 July • August 2020 California Cattleman 39
MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH AND AMERICAN HEREFORD ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCE FIVE-YEAR EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada) announces its five-year partnership with the American Hereford Association (AHA) to educate members and cattle producers on the importance of animal health programs in maximizing cattle’s genetic potential. Through the partnership, Merck Animal Health will lead educational sessions at the AHA’s Annual Membership Meeting and Conference, as well as at the association’s inperson and online educational opportunities. “Merck Animal Health is proud to partner with the American Hereford Association to deliver the latest information on building animal health programs and protocols that help improve cattle wellbeing and performance,” says Kevin Mobley, executive director of cattle sales and marketing for Merck Animal Health. “The AHA has a strong history and even brighter future as it continues to serve and educate its growing membership, including its younger members and future leaders of the industry.” The new partnership will support the value of developing strong genetic and animal health programs. “It’s great to have Merck Animal Health work with our team,” says Jack Ward, AHA executive vice president. “Animal care and health are critical to the success of our producers’ operations, and we look forward to Merck Animal Health’s contributions in this educational effort.” Submit photos and support the Hereford Youth
40 California Cattleman July • August 2020
Foundation. To help kick off the new partnership, cattle producers are encouraged to share a photo showing them using a Merck Animal Health product with their own cattle. For every photo submitted to the AHA, Merck Animal Health will donate $100 (up to $15,000 total) to support the Hereford Youth Foundation of America. The foundation is dedicated to scholarship, leadership and educational support of youth in the business of raising Hereford cattle. “We encourage our adult and youth members, as well as commercial cattle producers to submit photos showing how you implement your animal health protocols using Merck Animal Health products,” says Ward. “Not only do health programs add value to cattle, the photos you share will generate funds for our educational, leadership and research efforts of the Hereford Youth Foundation of America.” Submit photos via Facebook Messenger to the AHA and use #HerefordStrong in the message. Photos must be submitted by Sept. 15, 2020. By providing a photo, the participant grants Merck Animal Health and the AHA the permission to use the photo for purposes of advertising, publicity, trade, display, exhibition and any other commercial or other business purpose. Merck Animal Health offers trusted, innovative products and programs to help keep cattle healthy and productive.
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 41
PROGRESSIVE PRODUCER
LONG LASTING BREEDING DECISIONS
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE HERD BULL LONGEVITY? by Bret McNabb, DVM, MPVM, DACT, DABVP, Assistant Professor of Clinical Livestock Reproduction Large Animal Clinic Director, UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital The purchase of a new bull is often a significant investment that we want to ensure lasts. Early removal from the herd can lead to unexpected, increased costs and inadvertently lead to breeding choices that are less than ideal. Bulls are critical to the reproductive success of the herd, but also serve as the quickest means by which to improve the genetic composition of the herd. As such, the question of longevity of the herd often arises as a topic of conversation. “How can I get more longevity of out my bulls?” is how many conversations start. Recently I have started doing something that my students are all too familiar with, and are not fond of…I answer the question with a question. “What do you mean by longevity?” The blank stare I generally receive gets right to the point: there is no straight answer. Longevity simply refers to the ability of a bull to remain a healthy and productive member of the herd for as long as possible, or as long as we choose. Longevity allows us to change or cull a bull from the herd on our terms, not his, thus strengthening our ability to appropriately implement genetic change. We can enhance longevity in the herd through appropriate bull selection, proper health maintenance and realistic expectations for bull performance. Bull Selection Selecting a bull with no pre-existing health or lameness issues should be a priority. While younger bulls are more likely to be healthy and sound that is by no means a guarantee, nor is fertility and libido guaranteed in middleaged or older bulls. To reduce the chances of venereal diseases like Trichomonosis and Vibro, virgin bulls that are also deemed to be a Satisfactory Potential Breeder by a veterinarian are the optimal population from which to choose. Beyond this, selection of a new bull will depend on many factors, but almost always includes the genetic potential of the bull. Depending on your own breeding goals, the desired genetic change a new bull will bring will vary. Using quantitative information like Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) and genomic profiling is a great method
42 California Cattleman July • August 2020
for comparing bulls to each other, and selecting bulls based on specific criteria (birth weight, carcass traits, production indexes, etc.). There is no bull longevity EPD, and as you can imagine it is a multifactorial issue. Selection across multiple traits is important to consider, and each trait’s importance will differ from one herd to the next. While some breed associations report a stayability EPD, this calculation describes the potential for a bull’s daughters to be productive members of the future herd, not the bull himself. Health Maintenance Maintaining a healthy bull relies on appropriate preventive measures and a timely response to illness and injuries. Working with your veterinarian, all bulls in the herd should undergo a breeding soundness examination every year, ideally 30-60 days prior to the breeding season. This will allow adequate time for finding replacement bulls, if necessary, as well as a mature response to vaccinations given at that time. The breeding soundness exam is more than just a “semen check”; it is a comprehensive assessment of the bull’s ability to be a satisfactory breeder for the herd. Bulls intended to breed cows or heifers on pasture must not only be fertile, but also healthy and able to see, walk and mount cows in heat. This pre-breeding period is the optimal time to vaccinate your bulls and institute good preventive health measures. In general, you can vaccinate your bulls using the same vaccination plan as your mature cows. Annually boosting their vaccines is required, and accomplishing this ahead of breeding allows their immune system to adequately respond and be prepared for potential disease exposure. They will need protection from the respiratory/reproductive viruses (IBR/BVD/BRSV/PI3), leptospirosis and clostridial diseases (tetanus, blackleg, redwater, etc.). In terms of venereal diseases, Campylobacter fetus venerealis (“Vibrio”) is essential for all beef bulls, as it is a common bacterial ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 44
1:00 PM
SEPT. 16, 2020
WEDNESDAY GONSALVES RANCH BULL DEVELOPMENT CENTER, MODESTO, CALIFORNIA
100 BULLS + 40 FEMALES SELL! 50 18-Month & Yearling Angus Bulls 50 18-Month & Yearling SimAngus™ Bulls
40 Fall Open Commercial Females
Angus Bulls sired by Baldridge Bronc, Basin Bonus 4345 & GAR Proactive SimAngus Bulls sired by CCR Boulder, Hooks Bounty & CCR Pay Dirt
WHY CATTLEMEN BUY BULLS EYE BREEDERS GENETIC PACKED BULLS...
• Performance • Power • Calving Ease • Fertility • Dispostion • Higher Profits
Full sale offering will be online soon at www.ebersale.com!
• A cow herd with excellent udder quality • Add pounds for your calf crop • Bulls that hold up in the breeding season • CUSTOMER SERVICE
Joey & Kristy 209-765-1142 Mike & Stacy 209-531-4893 Joe & Debbie 209-523-5826 7243 Maze Blvd., Modesto, CA
Steve & Jean Obad 209-383-4373 or Cell 209-777-1551 1232 W Tahoe St, Merced, CA
Sale Management:
Roger & Andy Flood 530-534-7211 Office 507-532-6694 636 Flag Creek Rd, Oroville, CA Val Cell 612-805-7405 View sale offering at Greg Mauchley & Sons 435-830-7233 www.ebersale.com 11375 N. 10800 W, Bothwell, UT July • August 2020 California Cattleman 43
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42 cause of infertility. Vaccinating cows for trichomonosis will help increase pregnancy rates in an infected herd, but there is limited evidence for their benefits in bulls. Vaccines should not be relied upon to prevent the introduction of trichomonosis and are not required for every herd. Timely detection and treatment of illness or lameness, especially during the breeding season, will give the bull the best chance of recovery and reproductive performance. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs should be used properly and in conjunction with your veterinarian’s recommendations. There is no evidence that the appropriate use of these drugs on a short term basis interferes with fertility, so there is no reason to delay therapy on a breeding bull. During and immediately after the breeding season is the time to evaluate bulls for any health related issues, including breeding-related injuries. Penile and preputial injuries, penile hematomas (“broken penis”), lameness or other systemic disease left untreated could be a career-ending problem. While early detection and treatment will give him the best chance of recovery, the severity or extent of some injuries may eliminate him from future breeding seasons. In any case, making the determination to treat or replace bull should be done quickly to allow plenty of time before the next breeding season. Bulls can be expected to lose 1-2 body condition scores during the breeding season, so in their “time off ” the bulls
THE PUREBRED BREEDERS’ CONNECTION TO THE COMMERCIAL CATTLE INDUSTRY.
Eric Duarte
should be properly managed to allow a return of body condition and maintain health. Maintenance energy, protein and mineral requirements for feeding should be met, and the bulls should be kept separate from other bulls of unknown vaccination, trichomonas and health status to ensure the health of your herd. Managing Expectations Even the most genetically superior, fertile bull may not be the bull that establishes the most pregnancies. The social hierarchy of the bull herd will dictate which bull is actually breeding the cows. When a new bull enters a herd, the entire dynamic of the bulls is challenged, and may re-establish dominance in the existing bulls. The more dominant bulls are typically the older bulls, and will tend to breed more cows than the younger, less dominant bulls. Thus, the potential genetic improvement that comes with a new bull may not be realized if he is competing for cows. Bull longevity does not mean you have to keep the bull for his entire life expectancy, but rather gives you more control over voluntary culling within the herd. Reducing the chance of inbreeding, changing calf characteristics and introducing genetic diversity are all appropriate reasons for replacing herd bulls when it is the right time for you. Involuntary culling, as occurs when a bull is severely injured, sick or dies unexpectedly, reduces our ability to effectively manage the herd’s reproduction. Extending a bull’s lifespan will always be in your best interest and will give you more control over your herd’s future.
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Direc t or of He rd Improv em ent. With more Angus influenced cattle qualifying for the Certified Angus Beef ® brand than ever before, it’s clear that the Angus bull has become America’s bull. He sires calving ease, growth and superior marbling. He works well in any environment, and on any cow, regardless of breed. Make sure that America’s bull serves as your director of herd improvement. Angus. America’s breed. Go to www.Angus.org/businessbreed or call 816.383.5100 to learn more.
Jake Pickering
Regional Manager 530.415.5484 jpickering@angus.org
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 45
ASSESSING IMPACTS OF MULTIPLE GRASS-FED AND GRAIN-FED BEEF SYSTEMS by Sarah Klopatek, Ph.D. Candidate and James Oltjen, PhD. Animal Science Department, University of California, Davis Today’s consumers have become increasingly concerned regarding food animal production in relation to human health and environmental impacts. Among many consumers grass-fed beef is regarded as the “healthier” and more “environmental friendly” beef option as compared to conventional (grain-fed) beef production. Whether these assertions are accurate or not, there is now an increase in demand for grass-fed beef, causing producers to speculate if incorporating grass-fed/grass-finished beef into their production system would be economically advantageous. Although previous research has compared grass-fed and grain-fed beef production systems, no empirical research has been performed to address both consumer and producer concerns on a whole system basis. Therefore, we compared animal performance, meat quality, economic outcomes and environmental footprints of four varying beef production systems in northern California. PROJECT DESIGN Steers from the Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center were fence-line weaned for 45 days (weaned at 650 pounds), and then placed on irrigated pasture in Maxwell. While stocked on irrigated pasture from July to November they gained an average 1.5 pounds a day. Then steers were put on the four grass-fed and grain-fed treatments including: 1) steers finished in a feedyard for 132 days and harvested at 18 months (CON), the remaining steers returned to Brown’s Valley foothill rangeland until the following June; 2) one group was harvested at 20 months of age (GF20);
46 California Cattleman July • August 2020
3) another group were finished in a feedyard for 45-day grain finish (GR45); and 4) the final group were returned to irrigated pasture through the summer in Davis before harvest at 25 months (GF25). Each treatment included 13 to 22 Angus or Angus-Cross steers for a total of 68 steers. We specifically chose these grass-fed and grain-fed treatments as they corresponded with current California grass-fed and conventional beef production practices. Cattle in grass-fed systems typically require more time to finish, with many producers harvesting their cattle at more than two years of age. We represented this production system in the GF25 treatment with cattle grazing two seasons on irrigated pasture and one season on foothill rangeland. Although harvesting at over 24 months of age is common, with inconsistent rainfall and increasing difficulties to maintain leases there are times when grass-fed cattle producers may need to harvest their cattle earlier. Therefore, we designed a treatment that harvested cattle with one less grazing season on irrigated pasture, the GF20 treatment. Finally, our last treatment, GR45, represented producers who grazed their cattle for an extended period of time (20 months or more), then finished their cattle on a higher concentrate ration for 30 to 60 days to improve product quality. Beef from this type of system is increasingly being produced and sold at farmers markets across California. A diagram of when and where the cattle were grazed and when they were harvested can be seen below. ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 48
29th Annual
& DAL PORTO LIVESTOCK Bull Sale
RANCHO CASINO
Thursday, September 17 • Denair, CA
Selling 140 Angus Bulls & 20 Hereford Bulls from Hoffman Herefords INCLUDING THESE ANGUS BREED LEADERS... Casino Bomber N33
Owned with Vermillion Ranch, Billings MT KM Broken Bow 002 X DPL Upward L70 CED BW WW
YW
+15 -2.2 +73 +122
DOC CW MARB RE +21
+54
+.74
$M
$W
$B
+.66 62
76
153 260
DPL Developer T18
CONNEALY ROCK 277P
Owned with Knox Brothers, Tennyson TX KM Broken Bow 002 X DPL Daybreak K82
Owned with Genex Cooperative KCF Bennett The Rock A473 X Connealy Consensus 7229
CED BW WW
$C
+7
YW
-0.2 +69 +120
DOC CW MARB RE +32
+45
+.66
$M
$W
$B
+.63 65
71
133 238
$C
CED BW WW +7
YW
+2.8 +81 +158
DOC CW MARB RE +32
+70
+.93
$M
$W
$B
+.64 67
79
178 298
WATCH FOR THESE 2020 HIGH-PERFORMING STANDOUTS..
Casino Bomber S169
Casino Bomber S161
Reg No: 19698969 Sire: Casino Bomber N33 • MGS: Musgrave Big Sky
Reg No: 19696653 Sire: Casino Bomber N33 • MGS: Connealy Black Granite CED BW WW
YW
+13 +0.8 +100 +157
DOC CW MARB RE +24
+70
+.31
$M
$W
$B
+.83 70
93
141 253
$C
Reg No: 19650833 Sire: Connealy Rock 277P • MGS: Carter’s Omaha
DOC CW MARB RE $M +59
+.85 +.44 80
$W
$B
97
155 281
$C
Reg No: 19678587 Sire: DPL Developer T18 • MGS: DPL Upward L70
CED
BW WW
YW
DOC
CW MARB RE $M $W
$B
+14
+0.9 +72 +139
+26
+72
172 274
71
YW
+17 -2.3 +76 +123 +21
DPL Developer X208
DPL Rock X42
+.62 +.90 51
CED BW WW
$C
CED BW WW
YW
DOC CW MARB RE
+6 +0.8 +80 +133 +31
+65
$M $W
+.45 +.77 69
86
$B
$C
102
264
Save the date for our open house at Obannion Feedlot in Dos Palos Friday, August 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. Dinner served at 7 p.m. Join us to preview our sale bulls and discuss you bull needs. Contact Dave Medeiros at (209) 765 0508 to be added to our catalog mailing list!
David & Jeanene Dal Porto
5031 Jersey Island Rd • Oakley, CA 94561 (925) 634-0933 • mobile: 925-250-5304 www.dalportolivestock.com
David & Carol Medeiros
2800 Hall Rd • Denair, CA 95316 • (209) 632-6015 David mobile: 209 765 0508 • Matt Angell (559) 217-9064 July • August 2020 California Cattleman 47 www.ranchocasinoangus.com
$C
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46
RESULTS
ANIMAL PERFORMANCE Treatment significantly affected animal performance. After being stocked on irrigated pasture from July to November, the grass-fed treatments were moved to Browns Valley annual rangeland, where steers gained on average 1.4 pounds a day from late November to mid-June. However, with continuous cloudiness and lack of rain, cattle were unable to maintain weight and lost 40 pounds between the months of December through March. Once the rains hit and the cloud cover waned, the grass-fed steers rebounded and gained close to 4 pounds a day. While in the feedyard, CON cattle gained on average 4.4 pounds a day and GR45 gained an average of 3.8 pounds a day. Animal harvest weights (Table 1, shown below) were greatest for the CON cattle (1,377 pounds), followed by GF25 (1,250 pounds), GF45 (1,220 pounds) and finally with GF20 finishing at the lowest weight (1,050 pounds). CARCASS QUALITY Hot carcass weight followed the same pattern as final body weight with CON having the heaviest carcass weight of 754 pounds, 151 to 312 pounds heavier than all other treatments (Table 1). One of the most interesting aspects of the trial was the substantial differences in dressing percentage. For the CON treatment dressing percentage was 61.8 percent followed by the GR45 (57.5 percent), then GF25 (53.4 percent) and GF20 lowest (50.3 percent). In addition to dressing percentage, there were significant differences in quality grade. As expected CON cattle finished with over 86 percent choice and all grass-fed treatments finished with lower quality
grades than CON cattle. However, when comparing quality grade between GR45 and GF25, quality grades were similar, suggesting that feeding grain for 45 days results in carcasses comparable to cattle finished on pasture for an additional five months. In terms of ribeye area, CON was significantly larger compared to all other treatments. When evaluating ribeye shape, both grass-fed treatments were significantly more oblong (wider length to width ratio) when compared to grain finish steers. This was the first study to demonstrate that not only was there a difference in ribeye size between conventional and grass-fed cattle, but there was also a difference in ribeye shape, which may impact consumer buying decisions.
TENDERNESS AND PALATABILITY To determine treatment effect on palatability, a blindtaste panel study was performed with over 100 beef-eating consumers that sampled strip loins from each of the grassfed and grain-fed treatments. After tasting the beef product, based on a 9-point hedonic scale (with 1= dislike and 9=like extremely) consumers rated overall acceptability of CON steaks over the grass-fed treatments with a score of 6.45 compared to 5.51 for the 100 percent grass-fed treatments. Among other attributes, consumers found the conventional beef was more tender, juicy and preferable in flavor for at least one or both of the grass-fed treatments. Interestingly no difference in acceptability was found between the GR45 compared to the CON. Although consumers found the grass-fed treatments to be less tender, when tenderness was evaluated using the Warner-Bratzler shear force test (with 1= extremely tender and 10=extremely not tender), no difference in mechanical tenderness was observed, averaging around 3.2. This difference in tenderness observation by consumers may have been due to a perceived difference in fat content or flavor.
TABLE 1.
EFFECT OF TREATMENT ON ANIMAL PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS QUALITY TREATMENT
CON
GF30
GF45
GF25
AGE OF HARVEST (MONTHS)
18
20
21.5
26
INITIAL BODY WEIGHT, POUNDS
623
623
631
623
FINAL LIVE WEIGHT, POUNDS
1378
1052
1212
1254
SHRUNK FINAL WEIGHT, POUNDS
1322
1009
1163
1203
AVERAGE TOTAL GAIN, POUNDS
755
429
581
631
HOT CARCASS WEIGHT, POUNDS
818
506
667
642
DRESSING PERCENT*, %
61.8
50.2
57.5
53.4
YIELD GRADE
2.86
1.45
2.78
2.14
STANDARD %
0%
59%
0%
13%
SELECT %
14%
41%
85%
81%
CHOICE %
86%
0%
15%
6%
ITEM:
QUALITY GRADE
48 California Cattleman July • August 2020
COSTS AND BREAKEVENS Costs of production were determined using University of California Ag and Natural Resources (UCANR) cost studies and actual UC Davis input costs. Calf purchase price was based on Shasta Livestock Auction 2018 June/July values (Table 2 seen on adjacent page). When marketing and harvesting costs were not considered conventional cattle were slightly more expensive to produce than the GF20 cattle but still cheaper to produce than the other treatments. When harvesting and marketing costs were including, cost per head went up substantially for all the treatments with GF26 and GF45 being similar in cost followed by GF20. However, when breakeven (BE) was determined (carcass weight basis) there was a dramatic shift in rank of production costs. All grass-fed treatments BE were almost twice as high as conventional cattle. Grass-fed
TABLE 2.
TABLE 3.
INDEX OF GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL RELATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL BEEF PRODUCTION TREATMENT
INDEX
CON
1.00
CF20
1.51
CR45
1.07
CF25
1.59
20M with the smallest carcasses resulted in the highest BE/ pounds followed by grass-fed 26 M, then the grass-fed with the 45-day grain finish.
GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL Many consumers and policy makers focus on beef greenhouse gas footprints. However, there has been limited research analyzing greenhouse gas footprints of varying California grass-fed and grain-fed systems. In order to determine each beef systems greenhouse gas footprint, greenhouses gases (specifically carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) were computed and evaluated on a carbon equivalence known as Global Warming Potential (GWP). We assumed that the grazed lands were in steady state and that there was no new carbon sequestration. In order to compare GWPs we indexed all treatments
CONVENTIONALLY RAISED GRAIN FINISHED 45 DAYS
to the CON cattle on a carcass weight basis, with CON having an index value of one. If the beef system index was less than one, then the GWP was less than the CON treatment. If the value was over one, then the system GWP was greater compared to CON. As can be seen in Table 3 all systems had a GWP greater than CON. However, when cattle were placed on grain for 45 their GWP went down significantly compared to GF20 and become very close to the CON GWP. This decrease in GWP was due to multiple factors including increased rate of gain, increased dressing percentage and decreased days on feed. Both GF20 and GR25 were at least 50 percent higher in GWP compared to CON. There higher GWP values were principally due to the increased days on feed, the effect of feed on the rumen and methane production and less meat produced. CONCLUSIONS Overall, grass-fed and grain-fed systems resulted in significant differences in animal performance, carcass quality, breakevens and global warming potential. By analyzing cattle production using a whole systems approach we were able to address many consumer and rancher questions. However, as researchers there are still more producer and consumer questions that we would like to address. Our next step will be to address human and animal nutrition questions, including what is the difference in nutrient profiles between the grass-fed and grain-fed beef treatments and if the fatty profiles of the diet relate to the fatty acid profiles in the beef. Also, if a producer wants to include grass-finishing on a ranch, will fewer cows or additional land be needed? We would like to thank California ranchers and the James Beard Foundation for making this research possible.
GRASS FED 20 MONTHS
GRASS FED 25 MONTHS
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 49
CHECKING IN ON YOUR BEEF CHECKOFF a look at where we are now
progress made despite challenges in the marketplace by California Beef Council Director of Producer Relations Jill Scofield The spring of 2020 was certainly a wild ride for every sector of the economy, and the beef industry was no exception. Even though business continued in the essential ranching and agriculture sectors, many had to change operational policies to maintain a safe environment amid the pandemic. As we move forward, one can’t help but wonder we go from here. Which of the historic shifts that have been made in our world and industry in the last few months will continue to be part of our “new normal”? We might not have the answer to that right now, but one thing does seem clear is that the widespread beef supply and distribution challenges that occurred early on are evening out. With some of the restrictions put in place due to COVID-19 being eased in many parts of the country, and with the popular summer grilling months upon us, our expectation is that we’ll continue to see consumer demand for beef remain strong. And an upcoming California Beef Council (CBC) campaign will tap into the summer grilling season while uniting consumers and the farmers and ranchers who worked to keep food on our tables during a difficult time. But before we get into that, let’s take a look at where we are (as of early June) in terms of the retail and foodservice sectors. At the retail level retail, purchase limits remained in place for many popular cuts through May. Prices stayed mostly stable week-over-week but remained up
50 California Cattleman July • August 2020
significantly compared with a year ago. Despite the supply pressure, dollar sales grew 18.7 percent the week of May 31 versus year ago and volume grew 2.8 percent. Beef easily had the highest absolute dollar gains at more than $97 million. Meat department sales boasted double-digit growth for 12 weeks running, and year-to-date through May 31 were up 24.4 percent. This reflects an additional $6 billion sold versus the same time in 2019. Year-to-date volume sales through May 24 were up 16.7 percent over the same period in 2019, reflecting an additional 1.2 billion pounds of meat and poultry sold versus the same time in 2019. While demand at the retail level saw all-time highs, the story in the foodservice sector was the opposite. The restaurant industry lost three decades’ worth of employees in just six weeks as states closed dining rooms and restaurants closed their doors and laid off workers. The global pandemic and state closures of dine-in service cost the restaurant industry 5.9 million jobs, wiping out three decades’ worth of employees in just over six weeks, according to federal data released in May. The industry lost 5.5 million jobs in April, and newly revised numbers from March show restaurants lost 500,000 employees, the vast majority of them during the last two weeks of the month. But there was also some positive news for foodservice – the restaurant industry brought back 1.37 million workers in May as consumers began eating out again and operators rehired workers furloughed in March and April. Yet the industry remains ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 52
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 51
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50 far below employment levels from before the coronavirus pandemic, suggesting that it could be years before the number of workers lost over that six-week period are fully regained. Despite the increase in restaurant workers in May, total restaurant industry employees is still 37 percent below February levels, or about 4.4 million workers. And how are consumers reacting to all of the recent supply challenges? A May survey conducted with 1,000 U.S. consumers found that grocery shoppers say that while they are slightly more concerned about food shortages, they are still relatively confident in the safety of the food supply and are purchasing about the same amount of meat as they did pre-COVID pandemic. When asked about their top concerns about food shopping, survey respondents ranked the health of grocery store employees (30 percent), running out of staple, nonfood items (29 percent) and the health of other shoppers (28 percent) as the top worries. Additionally, 21 percent of consumers said they are concerned about running out of meat, as well as fresh food (19 percent) and healthy food (16 percent). California Efforts Underway: Beef Directory and Summer Campaign Here in California, as we move forward from the disruptive spring of 2020 and look ahead to how to best serve and engage with consumers in this new era, the CBC has a few plans underway. First up is the “United We Steak” campaign, slated to launch in late June in advance of the 4th of July holiday. This campaign ties into a national campaign roll out that was originally supposed to launch prior to Memorial Day, but has been delayed a couple of times due to the pandemic and the civil unrest facing the country in early June. As the campaign launches, it is the CBC team’s hope that United We Steak will not only inspire consumers to incorporate beef recipes when they’re planning their summer grilling, but also put the men and women who worked to keep beef on consumers’ tables front and center through a variety of elements. These will include a landing page featuring several California producer profiles, and a United We Steak video featuring leaders from California’s beef industry and retail and foodservice industries. What’s more, the campaign will offer cash-back rebates 52 California Cattleman July • August 2020
on beef products during a time of pandemic recovery when many consumers will still be struggling financially. Another effort currently underway is a California Beef Directory, a portal that will be housed on the CBC website and will connect local buyers with beef producers in their area who sell direct to consumers. The creation of such a directory partly comes from a response to the COVID-19 pandemic ushering in a renewed interest in food security, and in buying local. The California Beef Directory will not only help shoppers navigate the buying process and connect to area ranchers or meat suppliers, but will provide information about different cuts of beef and what to look for when purchasing beef through any channel – whether that be a traditional retailer, or a local rancher. Information about how beef is raised will also be available, providing reassurance that no matter where they purchase their beef, consumers can be confident in knowing it is a safe, wholesome source of nutrients. Any California beef producer who sells beef directly to consumers who is interested in being listed on the directory can do so by contacting Jill Scofield at jill@ calbeef.org. Once it is populated with a number of producer submissions, the CBC will publicly launch the directory. And even after it is launched, additional producers will still be able to submit their information for listing. As we work toward these efforts to remind consumers that now, more than ever, beef is what’s for dinner, we do so with a lot of hope that we are past the worst of this crisis. We know we have a long way to go toward recovery, but the CBC team remains both committed and honored to work on your behalf in these challenging times. .
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RAAA TO UPDATE SELECTION INDEXES by Ryan Boldt, Director of Breed Improvement, Red Angus Association of America Economic selection indexes are valuable tools for making bull selection decisions. Currently the RAAA publishes 16 different genetic predictions on each animal. Looking at this list and trying to identify which combination of expected progeny differences (EPDs) will result in the most profitable outcome for any commercial cattle operation is extremely challenging. This is the reason that indexes are valuable tools. They combine multiple EPDs in a balanced manner, considering their contribution to overall profitability for commercial operations. This allows for a single number to summarize which animals have genetic predictions that will be the most profitable. EPDs will always be available for a more detailed description of the genetics of the animal, but the index provides a simple and quick way to identify animals with highly profitable combinations of traits.
Index Refresher
RAAA publishes two selection indexes. The first index is HerdBuilder which would be classified as an all-purpose index. The reason this index is all-purpose is that it is designed to economically weigh traits that influence all segments of the beef supply chain. Currently, data points used to calculate the HerdBuilder index include cow performance, calf performance pre-weaning and through the feedlot, as well as traits that influence carcass grading. EPDs for these traits have varying levels of influence over the resulting index based on their contribution to overall profitability. The second index the RAAA provides is the terminal index GridMaster. The traits included in the GridMaster index are growth and efficiency in the feedlot and traits
54 California Cattleman July • August 2020
that influence carcass grading. The goal of this index is to identify post-weaning differences in financial performance.
Updates
These indexes have been used by RAAA since 2014 to help with summarizing the genetic merit of Red Angus seedstock animals. However, there has been a need to update these indexes to better reflect current market dynamics and improve their value in making more profitable genetic selection decisions. One aspect that is important to all selection indexes is identifying the prices and costs of different factors to be used in the economic models. For RAAA’s soon-to-beupdated indexes, sources of these prices include CattleFax and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The advantage to using these sources of information is that they allow for the use of national average prices which are known to be reliable. For the updated indexes, five-year rolling averages will be used. These prices will be updated every year to help respond to more current market demands of seedstock animals. With the updated modeling approach, we will be able to better reflect the current market situations than in the previous selection indexes to make them more accurate.
Law of Diminishing Returns
For some traits there is a law of diminishing returns. This means that across the spectrum of EPDs there are different economic values associated with different ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 56
We have got it ALL for you at McPhee Red Angus! ALL the calving ease you will need! ALL the growth you will need! ALL the carcass quality needed for added premiums! ALL born and bred on our family ranch! ALL in one genetic packed package! We at McPhee Red Angus are passionate and proud of raising cattle. We have worked hard at selecting cattle that will thrive in the harshest of environments. The McPhee cow herd has been bred and selected inherently for calving ease, fertility, soundness, growth and carcass performance. Our cows work for us, to make bulls that work for you!
BULL AND FEMALE SALE SEPTEMBER 26, 2020 Females sell at 10:30 • Lunch at Noon Bulls Sell At 1:00 pm SELLING
• BULLS •
Spring and Fall Yearling
• FEMALES •
Open Yearling Heifers and Spring Bred Heifers
This set of bulls and heifers spent the winter on only mom in the Sierra foothills. They were weaned off in May, and both sets were turned out to irrigated pasture here on the home ranch with the bulls being added a 80% roughage TMR. At first weight check, bulls are off to a great start averaging 3.71lbs ADG.
Nellie, Mike, Mary, Rita & Families • 14298 N. Atkins Rd • Lodi, CA 95240
Nellie (209) 727-3335 • Rita (209) 607-9719 info@mcpheeredangus.com
As Good As The Best Better July Than Rest • AugustThe 2020 California Cattleman
55
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54 parts of the EPD distribution. As an example, improving calving ease is very important up to a point, but experience and evidence shows that once calving difficulties reach a low level there is less benefit to further increasing calving ease. Within the selection index construct, we can model these types of diminishing returns using non-linear approaches. The goal behind using this type of modeling approach is that it allows the index to better reflect the results in the real world, where value does not always increase in a straight line. Within the updated indexes there are several EPDs that will have non-linear coefficients associated with the trait.
Discounted Genetic Expressions
Another advantage to the modeling strategy used in the updated selection indexes is the use of Discounted Genetic Expressions (DGE). A DGE is a way to weight information based on the number of times that trait will be exhibited in a bull’s progeny and descendants. Additionally, this helps to identify the differences in value for a trait that is expressed multiple times later in life or once earlier in life. This approach allows for a more appropriate weighting of traits based on when and how often they are expressed. It also accounts for the role that the Red Angus breed often has in developing maternal crosses as well as straight-bred maternal cows, resulting in more expression of maternal traits.
Better Genetic Descriptions
VISALIA LIVESTOCK MARKET
CATTLEMEN’S SELECT BULL & FEMALE SALE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 12 noon complimentary BBQ lunch 1 p.m. sale of females, followed by sale of bulls Bull buyers have an opportunity to win a custom-tooled cactus saddle at the conclusion of the sale, donated by Zoetis
100 top quality, hand-selected, long-yearling and coming 2-year-olds sell from these reputable producers... 60 angus 20 red angus • Furtado Angus • Azevedo Livestock • Eagle Grip Cattle Co. • Potter’s Emmett Valley • Garone Ranches • Rhoades Ranch • Manzanillo Catlle • Ficken Angus Ranch
• Ludvigson Stock Farm
15 herefords
• Mrnak Herefords West • P.W. Gillibrand Cattle Co.
5 simangus No. 7 Simmentals
PLUS A SELECT GROUP OF FEMALES SELL AT 1 p.m.
Top quality open yearling heifers ready to breed Fancy, young later fall/winter calvers • fall cow-calf pairs
With some of these fundamental changes coming in modeling of the indexes, it should be expected that some re-ranking of the animals will occur. This re-ranking may be caused by improved modeling approaches or changes in economic values for the traits that have occurred over time. The goal of this project is to provide a tool that allows commercial cattlemen to make economically balanced decisions for genetic improvement, plus have tools that better describe the results of those decisions in the real world. Currently, the new RAAA indexes are still in the development stages, but the goal is to have the updated indexes available this calendar year. As we approach the implementation of these indexes, additional educational opportunities will be available through eNews and other media formats. 56 California Cattleman July • August 2020
733 North Ben Maddox Way | Visalia, CA 93292 (559) 625-9615 | www.visalialivestock.com Randy Baxley (559) 906-9760 James Grantham (805) 610-0641 • Blaine Ketscher (559) 905-1945
_ e Sale TBull & Temal
raynham ranches SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4TH • 1 P.M AT THE RANCH FORT
KLAMATH, OREGON
Bulls and Females Like These Sell the 1st Sunday in October in a ONE-DAY SPREE
70 BULLS • 40 FEMALES
Angus • Si m ment a l • Si m mAngus A ngus • H He e r eford Bulls • Bred Females • Cow-Calf Pairs Show Heifers • Genetic Opportunities BID LIVE ONLINE:
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BRAD & BUCKLEY COX EAGLE POINT, OR • FORT KLAMATH, OR BRAD 541-840-5797 BUCKLEY 541-840-8788 SALE BOOK REQUESTS: iinfo@traynhamranch.com nfo@traynhamranch.com
SALE DETAILS: www.traynhamranch.com THE HUFFORD FAMILY IS TAKING THIS YEAR OFF, BUT WE LOOK FORWARD TO THEM BEING BACK IN 2021. THD © July • August 2020 California Cattleman 57
WELCOMING THE PARADIGM SHIFT by Maeley Herring for Certified Angus Beef
Alexander Graham Bell never imagined the smart phone most Americans carry today. Even those with a touchscreen didn’t dream of such wonders a generation ago, and attitudes still vary. From bag phones to flip phones that can text to the latest phones with an app for everything, each person choses their level. Innovation presents the option to accept or turn down, said Bill Rishel, longtime Nebraska Angus producer, at the recent online 52nd Annual Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Symposium. He challenged listeners to see change as an opportunity for progress. “I want to stimulate a new way of thinking about the future,” he began.
APPRECIATING THE PAST
That should begin with looking back to recognize “paradigm shifts” when new ideas suddenly supplant accepted or traditional ways. “The paradigm shifts over the past 50 years certainly improved our industry and got us to where we are today,” Rishel said by way of introducing seven factors that helped everyone from the ranch to the beef consumer. Performance record systems. Significance often overlooked because of their widespread use today, Rishel said the data collection led to in-herd records, breed association databases and national research organizations. Artificial insemination. Used since the 1950s by a few registered bull owners, this innovation didn’t show what it could do until the early 1970s. When its use was opened to all in the early 1970s, “We witnessed greater opportunity for genetic improvement and long-term sustainability.” Boxed beef fabrication lowered delivery costs, ensured product safety and increased demand for beef. Branded beef programs debuted in 1978 with live and carcass specifications to enhance consistency, Rishel said. “Standing behind the product was a pretty new concept to our industry and the consuming public. It even helped reverse the serious decline in beef demand.” The Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 provided structure and requirements for the Beef Checkoff Program that works to benefit producers and consumers, he said. 58 California Cattleman July • August 2020
Expected progeny differences (EPDs) allowed anyone to rank individual animals on their genetics, regardless of environmental differences, Rishel said. EPD methodology led to the use of ultrasound technology in gathering carcass data for sire evaluation. Genomic-enhanced EPDs (GE EPDs) take in DNA studies and other sources to find economic merit in more cattle and in traits that are hard to measure. “The speed of development and adaptation of genomics has been revolutionary,” he said. The seven innovations offered progress in genetics, efficiency and profitability at each level. They also provide a “paradigm shift philosophy” for future management decisions. “Perhaps we can apply some of that thinking to our business and industry as we charge forward into the next two decades,” Rishel said. “The central idea to these dynamic changes is the desire to improve genetics and improve our enterprises.”
LOOKING FORWARD
Research proves the industry is continually improving beef production. “I believe we are just scratching the surface,” Rishel said. “I have no doubt genomics are destined to play a much larger role,” such as selection for strong immune systems, feed efficiency and carcass merit. Beef quality is a key focus, Rishel said, but that must expand to other consumer connections. “Producers are making strides in sustainability,” he said. Cattle graze land unsuitable for crops and “upcycle” forage into that nutritious source of protein that is beef. Document conservation efforts that link livestock, wildlife, water and forage management, Rishel suggested. “We have a great story to tell,” he said. “Many of our consumers, even the ones who really love beef, want to know that we are doing the right things for the environment and sustainability of our natural resources.” If we were to look back on the industry in 20 years, what would be our biggest accomplishment? “I hope the greatest paradigm shift would be our ability to accept change,” Rishel said.
Sep. 24, 2020 • 1 p.m. SELLING: 190 Angus & SimAngusTM Bulls 25 Replacement Heifers
Yo
Photo by Stevie Ipsen
u’re
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SAV Raindance 6848 TJ Franchise Bruin Envy 7248 SAV Resource 1441 LD Capitalist 316 Koupal Kozi 418
We know that herdsire selection is one of the MOST IMPORTANT CHOICES ranchers make. We get that & it is why we offer: • Customer Service Customized to You • Unique Beef Solutions Toolbox (to make your selection process easier) • First-Year Breeding Guarantee • Free Bull Drawing
Circle the Bases D384. Former High Seller. His progeny posted our heaviest weaning weights this spring and his daughters dominate our replacement pen. Selling 17 sons this fall. Bruin Fellow 8224. 2019 co-top selling bull to Roberti Ranch and Jon and Debbie Questo.
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Bruin Ranch
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SimAngusTM Seedstock • Tim & Jill Curran (209) 765-1815 • (209) 765-0450 Email: circleranch@volcano.net • www.CircleRanch.net
Angus Seedstock • Lloyd Harvego, owner Joe Fischer, cow herd partner • (530) 392-0154 www.BruinRanch.com
RANGELAND RAISED • Environmental Adaptability • Maternal
Efficiency • LONGEVITY • Heterosis
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 59
NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE GETTING THINGS DONE DESPITE COVID-19 CRISIS by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Marty Smith Over the past few months, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Assocaition (NCBA), like the rest of the world, has been very focused on the coronavirus pandemic and the personal and economic devastation it left at its wake. Until a vaccine or an effective treatment is developed, we will all continue to focus on the virus — and on rebuilding our economy. But as our states and businesses continue to reopen and we all develop a “new normal” in the way we live our lives and run our operations, it’s a good time to step back and look at some of the policy work that NCBA has done and some issues not directly related to COVID-19. In mid-June, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) held its Draft Advisory Report Meeting to review the DGAC draft conclusion statements posted online and discuss the Committee’s overall deliberations and decisions regarding their draft advisory report. This was one of the final important steps in a two and a half year process that NCBA has been involved in since day one. Throughout this process, NCBA has provided extensive written and oral commentary through both the Center for Public Policy and the Beef Checkoff. NCBA, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, submitted 21 sets of unique comments, providing over 100 research studies that comprehensively review the scientific evidence supporting the critical role beef plays in a healthy diet at every life stage. Stay tuned for your opportunity to make your voice heard: on July 15, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services are expected to post their final report online and open up a 30-day public comment period. Following release of the report, NCBA will be calling on our affiliates and members to submit comments based on the findings in the final DGAC report. Also, in mid-June, NCBA led the fight to make sure that the voice of cattle producers was heard in the Capitol Hill debate over the so-called “Great American Outdoors Act.” We think a more appropriate name for the legislation would be the
60 California Cattleman July • August 2020
“Great American Land Grab Act,” since a federal land grab is exactly what it will promote. Whatever you call the bill, it would permanently remove Congressional oversight of funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund MARTY SMITH (LWCF) by making the fund mandatory spending at a level of $900 million per year. It’s beyond me why any Member of Congress would voluntarily surrender his or her ability to exercise oversight into how the Executive Branch spends billions of taxpayer dollars, but the bottom line is this legislation would reduce federal accountability when it comes to Washington buying up more and more private lands. The U.S. Senate approved the bill on June 17, but NCBA is going to continue to lead the fight against this ill-advised legislation every step of the way. NCBA has continued to work with U.S. trade negotiators in support of a bilateral trade deal with the United Kingdom that will improve access for American beef producers. Britain is still working its way through the Brexit process with the European Union but the goal remains to have a U.S.-U.K. deal that includes agriculture by the end of this year. NCBA, joining other regulated industries, recently filed motions to intervene in California, South Carolina, and Colorado litigation on the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. The Trump Administration’s rewrite of the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) definition provides much-needed clarity for agricultural producers and maintains important agricultural exemptions. The 2015 WOTUS Rule represented a massive overreach by the Federal government, unnecessarily ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 62
Thomas Southside 9434
CED +1 BW +4.5 WW +85 YW +148 Milk +37 MRB +.60 RE +.92 $B +172 $C +310
Thomas Navigator 9378
CED +7 BW +2.0 WW +84 YW +161 Milk +28 MRB +.75 RE +.86 $B +177 $C +282
Thomas Acclaim 9360
CED +8 BW +1.3 WW +70 YW +128 Milk +31 MRB +.88 RE +.87 $B +178 $C +284
19715532 Sire: KCF Bennett Southside Dam’s Sire: Summitcrest Complete 1P55 $Profit $23,943; $Ranch 31.09
Thomas Angus Ranch
19707979 Sire: Thomas Navigator 5771 Dam’s Sire: Mytty In Focus $Profit $18,346; $Ranch $25.81
California Bull Sale
9.15.2020
1 p.m. • Galt, California 42734 Old Trail Rd. • Baker City, OR 97814 Rob & Lori Thomas - Office: (541) 524-9322 Rob’s Cell: (541) 403-0562 • Lori’s Cell: (541) 403-0561 Cole Owens, Marketing Specialist & Cooperative Manager: (918) 418-7349 www.thomasangusranch.com thomasangus@thomasangusranch.com
&
517.546.6374 www.cotton-associates.com
19714425 Sire: Jindra Acclaim Dam’s Sire: Plattemere Weigh Up K360
$Profit $24,852; $Ranch $38.10
Also be with us in Baker City, Oregon Thursday, October 17 - Bull Sale
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 61
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 60 burdening livestock producers. NCBA will continue working to defend the Trump Administration’s deregulatory agenda, including the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. In June NCBA Chief Veterinarian Kathy Simmons, DVM, was named to a Task Force on Gene Editing in Animal Agriculture led by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). Recognizing the potential for gene editing to increase food security and safety, the 11-person panel is comprised of scientists and industry leaders who will map out recommendations for regulating this emerging genomic technology in animal agriculture with appropriate safeguards and procedures. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler also recently announced the appointment of 33 members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC). Established in 2008, the FRRCC provides independent policy advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities. NCBA was very pleased with the strong representation of the beef cattle industry. Tom McDonald of Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, has a long history and deep expertise in environmental and agricultural issues. Tom will provide resolute leadership to the committee as its new Chairman. Farmers and ranchers now have a seat at the table with our federal regulators thanks to President Trump and Administrator Wheeler. Of course, we all understand that the coronavirus hasn’t gone away and that our economy and our industry still face a long road back to recovery. NCBA will continue to fight on that front. We’ll continue to build support for the PASTURE Act, which will provide grazing flexibility to cattle producers during the pandemic. We’ll push for additional and bettertargeted relief under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), and our Working Group on cattle markets will continue working to improve price discovery and reduce the market volatility we saw after the onslaught of the virus and after events like last year’s fire in Holcomb, Kan.. We’re a producer-led organization, and like all cattle producers, we’re used to doing more than one thing at a time. And with your ongoing support, that’s exactly what we’re going to continue to do.
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62 California Cattleman July • August 2020
Borges Angus Ranch JOE & PATRICIA BORGES
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TWO GREAT SALES IN OCTOBER: 12th Annual
2nd Annual
TopLine Angus Bull Sale
California Stabilizer Bull Sale
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020
Tulare County Stockyard · Dinuba, CA
101 Livestock · Aromas, CA
125 Rising 18-month-old Stabilizer Bulls
200 Spring Yearling Angus Bulls
+ 70 Leachman Angus x Hereford Yrlg. Heifers CONTACT:
Jim Warren, 101 Livestock (831) 320-3698 • Jon Dolieslager, Tulare County Stockyard (559) 358-1070 Tony Rossman, Leachman Cattle of Colorado (507) 259-2174 Zech Browning, TopLine (406) 946-2699 • Todd Stegall, TopLine (530) 713-8755 Lee Leachman, Managing Partner Jerrod Watson, Bull Customer Service (303) 827-1156 2056 West County Road 70 • Fort Collins, CO (970) 568-3983 • www.leachman.com July • August 2020 California Cattleman 63
CATTLE COUNCIL CATTLE COUNCIL ROLLS OUT PLAN FOR EFFECTIVELY UTILIZING ASSESSMENT FUNDS by California Cattle Council Executive Director Justin Oldfield The success of any organization is predicated on clearly defining short and long-term goals and implementing a plan that will effectively achieve these objectives. The California Cattle Council’s (Council) first priority was to develop and adopt a strategic plan. A strategic plan defines an organization’s values, mission, purpose and vision and facilitates the adoption of strategic priorities that can be tracked and measured to determine an organization’s success. In May, the Council formerly approved a strategic plan that producers can be proud of. You’ve heard me speak about the plan in past articles and significant effort and care was taken to ensure the Council’s strategic plan embodies the reason why an overwhelmingly majority of producers in California voted to form the Council. With this plan in place, the Council is equipped to pursue the industry’s work on your behalf. The plan was driven by producers and not staff. All cattle producers interested in contributing to the strategic plan had the opportunity to complete an online survey that was hosted on the Internet for several months and publicized widely in industry publications. The Council also formed a strategic planning team that was comprised of board members and industry leaders to develop the foundation of the plan. This work took several months to complete but it was critical to ensure this plan reflects the thoughts, needs and opinions of beef and dairy producers across California. At this point, I would like to take the opportunity to share some of the key components of the plan with you. California Cattle Council Strategic Plan at a Glance Values We believe in: • Acting with respect and integrity. • Engaging in genuine conversations. • Advocating for science-based solutions. • Being agile and proactive. Mission Advocating for and enhancing the California cattle community by addressing challenges and opportunities that have the greatest impact, with consideration for the needs of each industry segment. Purpose Nourishing people and communities while caring for
64 California Cattleman July • August 2020
cattle and the environment. Vision Californians value beef and dairy as beneficial and essential parts of the Golden State. Strategic Priorities 1. Advocacy, Outreach and Engagement Serve as an advocate for the cattle community to decision makers, including elected officials and their staff, government agencies and other influencers while engaging Californians and the cattle community. 2. Research Support research that will help advocate on behalf of the cattle community as it relates to the environment, animal welfare, food safety and other contemporary issues. 3. Issues Management and Response Develop an issues management and response plan that allows the Council to quickly respond to issues likely to disrupt a significant portion of the cattle community, including its reputation, relationships, economic livelihood or ability to continue current production or operations in California. Each strategic priority is accompanied by a list of “indicators” that will allow the Council and the industry to determine if projects are effective and successful in furthering the strategic plan. Although the plan seeks to carry the Council through 2023, it remains a living document that can be reassessed based on the current needs of cattle producers. The plan also emphasizes the need for the Council to maintain strong partnerships as an overarching strategy to deliver success. The Council was not formed to establish a new bureaucracy and producers made it clear when voting to form the Council that the majority of funds should be spent to execute projects on the ground. As such, this plan appropriately recognizes the needs to partner with other organizations to maximize resources, demonstrate results and ensure Council funds are spent thoughtfully and judiciously. If you would like to learn more about the strategic plan, the Council in general or information on the current work of the Council to support the industry, never hesitate to contact me or a member of our board. We remain committed to transparency and always strive to be good stewards of your collective investment.
CATTLEMEN APPLAUD INTRODUCTION OF DIRECT ACT On June 30, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) applauded the introduction of the bipartisan legislation to create new direct-to-consumer options for beef producers, processors and small meat markets without compromising federal food safety standards or market access under existing trade agreements. Introduced by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-At-Large, SD) and Henry Cuellar (D-28th District, TX), the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act of 2020 would amend retail exemptions under current law to allow meat processed under state-inspected establishments to be sold across state lines through e-commerce, providing beef producers and local processors alike with more options to market direct-toconsumers. “Over the past few months, more Americans looked to e-commerce to purchase essential goods like beef and an already booming online marketplace further evolved to facilitate purchases and meet consumer demands,” said NCBA President Marty Smith, a family cow-calf operator from Wacahoota, Fla. “The American beef supply chain must evolve to keep up with the speed of commerce and the demands of modern-day consumers. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association supports the DIRECT Act because it helps make it easier for the American cattle
66 California Cattleman July • August 2020
producer to meet the growing demand of the American consumer to purchase safe and delicious U.S. beef.” Background Currently, many states such as South Dakota and Texas have State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) as “at least equal to” standards set under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA). Under the existing framework however, state-inspected products can only be sold interstate if approved to do so under the Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program (CIS). The DIRECT Act would amend the retail exemption under the FMIA and PPIA to allow processors, butchers or other retailers to sell normal retail quantities (300 lbs. of beef, 100 lbs. of pork, 27.5 lbs. of lamb) of MPI State Inspected Meat online to consumers across state lines. Because DIRECT Act sales are in e-commerce, sales are traceable and could easily be recalled. The proposal also includes clear prohibitions on export, keeping our equivalency agreements with trading partners intact. The DIRECT Act will allow states operating under the CIS system to ship and label as they are currently.
A family tradition for over 25 years.
SALE BY THE SEA ELITE BULL SALE • OCT. 9, 2020 • 4 P.M • PISMO BEACH, CA
www.teixeiracattleco.com | 855 Thousand Hills Rd., Pismo Beach, CA 93449 | 805-448-3859
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 67
RANGELAND TRUST TALK Stewardship and Innovation on the V6 Ranch by Keely Brazil for the California Rangeland Trust “I was fortunate. Most people don’t know what they want to do. I knew early.” As a child growing up in suburban Palo Alto during World War II, Jack Varian wanted to be a cowboy. Today he lives that dream, and helps hundreds of guests live it, too. “We have a mission in hosting people here.” The 17,000-acre V6 Ranch in Parkfield, California is a working cattle operation and one of the state’s most celebrated dude ranches. Jack shares his passion for open spaces and regenerative agriculture through cattle drives, wrangler rides and cowboy academies. He has empathy for newcomers. “I was fortunate to grow up in the city, so I wasn’t strapped with traditions. Peer pressure exists even in the cattle world.” Innovation is a Varian family trait. Jack’s father was an early Silicon Valley legend whose invention of the klystron tube made radar possible. But Jack discovered his calling in the backyard, growing his wartime Victory Garden. He had a gift for growing things even at eight years old. “I knew I wanted to live outside.” American cattle ranching has always required adaptation and non-conformity. Jack is game to explore new ideas. He was a pioneer of the holistic land management techniques taught by Zimbabwean ecologist Allan Savory. Jack explains that Savory’s management method prevents the depletion caused by overgrazing by giving time for the land to rest, facilitating soil enrichment, carbon sequestration, and drought prevention. “There have always been grazing herds and the predators that kept those herds together and moving. The question is not whether to graze, but how to graze.” The Varian kids call him the “hippie rancher.” He just
calls it a willingness to pivot. This secret kept the V6 Ranch thriving through challenges and changes. Jack and his wife Zee were among the ranching families to partner with the California Rangeland Trust in 2001. “Most families that give their children undivided interest in a whole are asking for a war. Why not make the ranch indivisible with a conservation easement? You can’t have ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 70
The Varians were among the first ranching families to partner with the California Rangeland Trust in 2001, placing a conservation easement on the 17,000-acre V6 Ranch.
With every guest who visits the V6, Jack communicates a new vision of ranching, one that focuses on stewardship, innovation and progress.
68 California Cattleman July • August 2020
SOCIAL DISTANCING AT 9 PEAKS RANCH
With 500 cows spread out over 100,000 acres, cow congestion isn’t a problem. We run our cows outside to ensure that the bulls you buy will work for you. We do this while still maintaining an AI program utilizing the nation’s top bulls:
TEHAMA TAHOE B767
HOOVER DAM
S CHISUM 255
BW
WW
YW
MK
MB
RE
$M
$B
BW
WW
YW
MK
MB
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$M
$B
BW
WW
YW
MK
MB
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$M
$B
-0.5
76
129
32
.85
.80
92
143
-0.4
57
89
19
.21
.65
77
102
-0.3
46
88
25
.79
.75
57
156
Sons of these bulls, plus sons of KM Broken Bow and SAV Resource sell October 13, 2020 at the ranch in Fort Rock, OR
14 TH ANNUAL
9 PEAKS RANCH BULL SALE OCTOBER 13, 2020 • 1 P.M. • FORT ROCK, OR SELLING 120 SPRING AND FALL YEARLING ANGUS BULLS Aaron Cell: (541) 633-3284 Rebecca Cell (541) 771-4151 P.O. Box 38, Fort Rock, OR 97735
AARON AND REBECCA BORROR
www.9peaksranch.com July • August 2020 California Cattleman 69
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 68 country so broken up that wildlife can’t migrate. I think conservation easements are the best solution to family unity and to health of the land.” Protecting the ranch for future generations is Jack’s mission. He launched the dude ranch program to help the ranch stay profitable. “You’ve got to make the ranch as economically healthy as possible so when the kids get it, they’ve got a chance.” He has a big picture mission for the program, too. “We get all sorts here. Some have a make-no-sense kind of opinion about ranching. Three days on a cattle drive turns a lot of folks around. We’re sending away people who are spokesmen for good ranching practices. That, I think, is real valuable.” Jack has always valued the outsider perspective his upbringing gave him. Many original Westerners were also city dwellers who bucked tradition and comfort to face an unknown frontier. Jack remains curious, open-minded, and a student of the land. He has a pioneer spirit and a passion for sharing what he’s learned with others. He runs an active blog sharing lessons in holistic land management practices and daily life on the ranch. With every guest who visits the V6, he communicates a new vision of ranching, one that focuses on stewardship, innovation and progress. “The more radical people in the cities are, the more single-minded they are,” Jack says. “How do you change that mindset? Bring them. Bring them out here.”
Jack Varian always wanted to be a cowboy. Today he lives that dream, and helps hundreds of guests live it, too.
Craig Edling | 209.531.7037 craig.edling@aol.com Inquire about full truckload pricing and ranch deliveries.
NEW GENERATION SUPPLEMENTS Anna Bavor 650.575.5612 annab@newgensupplements.com www.smartlic.com
70 California Cattleman July • August 2020
80
60
FlaxLic
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FlaxLic different from Control, P < 0.01
Control
59.9
Control
Plasma Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Day 56 of Trial Period 150 125 100 75 50 25 0
81.8
70
50
Control
Kansas State University Bull Study
60
Normal Sperm, %
72.7
90
8.5 8.0 7.5 7.0 6.5 6.0 5.5
FlaxLic different from Control, P < 0.01
Improved 7%
Control
FlaxLic
}
Kansas State University Heifer Study
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70
Feed: Gain
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80
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LORENZEN RANCHES • 22575 Skyview Lane • Bend, Oregon 97702 Sam Lorenzen 541.215.2687 | Larry Lorenzen 541.969.8034 | www.lorenzenranches.com
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 71
EDUCATION IN
ADAPTATION
AMID CHANGES, STUDENT LEARNING CONTINUES THROUGH WORK AT UNIVERSITY BEEF UNITS
by CCA Director of Communications Katie Roberti
A
s educational institutions in California and across the nation have made the switch to learning being completely virtual, the bustling activity of student life that embodies college campuses has been dramatically dimmed the past few months. Although most college students have not been able to set foot on their campus since March, due to COVID-19 restrictions, a small number of the students who have been able to continue being on campus are student workers at university farms and animal agriculture units. With the California Department of Food and Agriculture considering all of California agriculture to be essential during an emergency such as the COVID-19 crisis, some student employees have had the opportunity not only to keep working, but to play a critical role in helping the show go on at beef units on college and university campuses during a time that has been far from ordinary. With the wind rolling tumbleweeds by and limited signs of human activity, the University Farm at California State University, Chico, has resembled a scene from an old country-western, since the COVID-19 outbreak occurred, said Julie Brown, a student worker at the farm’s beef unit. It’s been extremely quiet on the farm the past few months due to COVID-19 restrictions, according to Brown, who just finished her junior year at Chico State and has been involved with working at the University Farm in some capacity since her first year of college. Each spring, the farm is usually bustling with students showing up at it for classes and instructional labs, people coming to events at it and even just from students visiting friends who live there. This year, regular activity has been absent as the farm has been locked since the COVID-19 crisis started, and no one but staff has been out at the animal units since March. Even students who were receiving class credit and going through a training process to possibly be future employees at the farm, were unable to 72 California Cattleman July • August 2020
continue doing so for the spring semester, a restriction that staff is hoping is lifted for the fall semester. While the amount of student help was limited compared to a typical semester, with Chico State’s beef herd consisting of cows calving in the spring, work and learning opportunities were still present for the beef student employees such as Brown, who were able to continue working. Even with restrictions due to COVID-19, Brown says she has been able to take a more hands-on role at the beef unit and continue learning over the last few months. During the spring semester, the student workers were able to take advantage of the flexibility of not having set times to be in class with lectures and labs all being held online. Brown says more freedom in her schedule allowed her to be out at the farm five days a week compared to a few days each week during a regular semester. The flexibility in schedules also allowed students to get experience in areas of cattle production that there wouldn’t be time for during a typical spring. Specifically, the students working at Chico’s Beef Unit were able to focus on improving the breeding protocol for the farm’s herd. “Fortunately, with extra time, we’ve been working hard to bring conception rates up for the herd,” Brown said. Travis Heffner, livestock technician for the University Farm, said the unit was able to devote an entire month to breeding, which wouldn’t be possible during a typical, busy spring semester. While putting a focus on getting conception rates up required extra time and labor, with no in-person classes being held, the students were able to schedule shifts to do heat checks and watch the cows closer than any year before. In addition to improving the herd’s conception rates, switching up the breeding program this year helped give the students something new to learn about in terms of cattle production. ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 74
— 64th Annual —
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Sunday, October 4, 1 p.m. PERFORMANCE-TESTED YEARLING BULLS Angus • Hereford • SimAngus
Sale will be held at the Cal Poly Oppenheimer Family Equine Center via in-person video and online auction. Bull preview will be held sale weekend at the Cal Poly escuela Ranch and Bull Test Facility. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST A CATALOG CONTACT: Aaron Lazanoff Beef Operations Manager (805) 801-7058 alazanof@calpoly.edu
@calpoly bull test
Zach McFarlane, Ph.D. Beef Cattle Specialist (805) 756-2685 zmcfarla@calpoly.edu
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July • August 2020 California Cattleman 73
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 72 Something students also have had to learn during this time is how to balance work and make time go to class virtually on their own time. “They’ve all had a real realization of how they better get good at time management,” Heffner said. Even though Heffner says there was more flexibility during the spring semester and most student employees continued working at the farm, there were times when the beef unit was shorthanded on help, and he is concerned about what the fall semester might hold. “The biggest impact [on the University Farm] is some of these kids aren’t going to come back in the fall,” Heffner said. With unknowns of what the fall semester will look like at this time, some students are considering taking a semester off or remaining away from campus as classes may continue to be primarily, if not entirely held online. But Heffner isn’t alone in his concerns for what this fall will look like for universities. About 375 miles south, significant changes for the year have already been made to the Cal Poly Bull Test Enterprise. The program is one of the most hands-on programs in beef production available to students at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, ending with their annual bull sale each October. “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone in the industry. This includes the future leaders of the beef industry that are committed to the success of the 64th Annual Bull Test,” says Zach McFarlane, Ph.D., an assistant professor and beef cattle specialist in the Animal Science Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, as well as the Cal Poly Bull Test Advisor. Each year the Cal Poly Bull Test Enterprise gets started in March, as spring quarter classes begin, and consists of about 30 to 40 students making up the course and putting on the bull test and sale. “We are optimistic that we can have a wonderful sale for consignors and buyers, but we may have to be creative with how we get this accomplished,” McFarlane said. McFarlane says the student beef employees who have remained on campus will help in feeding and managing 74 California Cattleman July • August 2020
bulls upon arrival in July. The 2020 Bull Test Management team is also continuing to meet weekly online to tackle key components of the enterprise, such as doing social media outreach, event planning and securing sponsorships. Two student secretaries are also working remotely and oncampus to help with entries, billing, progress reports and other administrative tasks. “In many ways, this is a great learning experience for students even though it is less than an ideal situation,” McFarlane said. “Learning to adapt to situations that arise will only help them in the real world, and particularly in the beef industry.” While a limited number of students have been able to be involved with the program so far this year, the Cal Poly Bull Test Enterprise will be offered this fall as a course, with the hopes of keeping as many students involved as possible as the sale nears closer. At press time, plans for the sale, typically held each October, were not completely set in stone. McFarlane said the group has developed a few different strategies that would allow them to accommodate the university and state restrictions for social distancing. At this point, it is likely there will be a combination of an in-person and online sale to assist producers that are unable to attend in-person. Additionally, because the start of this year’s program was delayed, as the consigned bulls won’t show up at the beef facility until mid-July, compared to arriving at the beginning of May every other year, the program will not be able to have a traditional test this year. McFarlane said the students will still report test weights, average daily gain, semen quality and ultrasound characteristics to consignors and buyers. However, due to the shortened period of evaluation, the bulls cannot be ranked on growth performance as the program has traditionally run the test. Matthew Graybeal, who just graduated from Cal Poly in early June, was actively involved with all of the educational opportunities the university offers surrounding beef cattle production during his time in San Luis Obispo, including serving as the student manager for the 2019 Cal Poly Bull Test. He knows firsthand how much students can gain from being involved with the program. Although this year is different, he believes it is a unique learning
opportunity for those who have had been able to stay involved and will only add experience to their pockets. In addition to being involved with the Cal Poly Bull Test, Graybeal worked on campus at the Beef Center for four years. But working at the unit during his final spring quarter at Cal Poly, ended up being unlike any previous time. Similarly to the situation at Chico State’s University Farm, to limit interactions, the Cal Poly Beef Unit had to reduce the number of working students on staff to primarily the students living at the unit. Not living there, Graybeal was only able to come out and work on days involving big tasks and was not able to be involved in the day to day operations for his final few months at Cal Poly. For the students living on campus at the agricultural units, these changes and the impacts of COVID-19 have brought more responsibility and been a big jump into real life as they’ve taken on the responsibilities of working 40hour weeks while still managing schoolwork Graybeal said. Going into her junior year at Cal Poly, Jenna Fields is one of the students who has stepped up to the challenge. In addition to the integral role she will have in making this year’s Bull Test program happen, living and working out at the beef center, Fields has also been committed to staying in San Luis Obispo. At press time, she has remained at the unit since COVID-19 restrictions began to be put in place due to the pandemic. Student employees, like Fields, who chose to stay and continue working on campus, were not able to leave town. If they did decide to leave, a quarantine period would be required before returning to work again. In addition to constantly being reminded to maintain social distancing, Fields said the beef students are not encouraged to intermingle even with other agricultural employees working on campus. “We haven’t seen much of anyone else outside of the beef employees since this whole thing started,” Fields said. While socializing has decreased for students, Fields echoed the comments from those at Chico State’s beef unit, that with the combination of quarantining taking place and classes being held online, her schedule during spring quarter was more open for time to work out at the unit. “It’s allowed me to be super flexible to help with other
“In many ways, this is a great learning experience for students even though it is less than an ideal situation. Learning to adapt to situations that arise will only help them in the real world, particularly in the beef industry.”
–Zach McFarlane Cal Poly Assistant Professor
things,” Fields said. But having aspects of working on the ranch and school thrown into chaos has also made her realize how much effort it takes to find a balance in life. “It makes you a little more thankful for what normal is and how normal day to day life goes,” Field said, adding that working at the beef unit, even during this hard time, has been great and that she wouldn’t want it any other way. She says between having a good boss and the beef students at the unit all enjoying working together, the situation isn’t bad. “I’m blessed to be surrounded by great people to work with. It makes quarantining not as bad,” Fields said. “It could be a lot worse for us here at Cal Poly.” ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 76
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 75
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 75 Trevor Autry, a spring graduate from Fresno State University, who three summers ago took over running the University Farm’s Beef Unit along with two other students, echoed Field’s sentiments. Although his last semester of college didn’t go as planned with distributions from COVID-19 interrupting his final semester — especially effecting his opportunities for hands-on experience in the agricultural mechanics classes he was saving to learn right before going into student teaching — he has been able to keep a positive perspective by recognizing the opportunities he’s had and the great people he’s been able to work with. “As I’m leaving Fresno, I am super grateful for everything it gave me,” Autry said. “If it wasn’t for Fresno State and professors like Dr. Perry, I wouldn’t be able to have this positive attitude.” Although the unit has been shorthanded in some areas due to students leaving the area, just as other university farms have experienced, Autry said overall, the Fresno State Beef Unit has been able to continue working without much trouble. With the Fresno State & Friends Private Treaty Bull Sale having experience being held online for the past several years, the unit’s annual seedstock consignment sale should be able to go on as planned this August. Autry says the sale has developed a customer base and this year’s sale shouldn’t be impacted too much by COVID-19 restrictions, as long as bull prices are good. While work at the unit and plans for the bull sale continue to carry on, the unit has had to deal with an issue that not just beef students have encountered, but cattle producers across the country have had to face. Autry says the biggest struggle for the unit due to the impacts of COVID-19 has been dealing with cattle prices and going over decisions to cull or keep calves based on the market. As the industry waits to see if prices get better and students wait to learn if they will be able to go back to classes on campus in the fall, anticipating what will happen over the coming weeks and months won’t necessarily be easy. But Autry says if there is anything he’s learned through his last semester, it is that sometimes life requires you to have a little grit, to be tough, and to know that someday the grass will get greener and rain will come again. 76 California Cattleman July • August 2020
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July • August 2020 California Cattleman 77 LambertRanchHerefords.com
NCBA, CELEBRATES IMPLEMENTATION OF USMCA TRADE DEAL ALONGSIDE BEEF INDUSTRY LEADERS TO THE NORTH AND SOUTH On July 1, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) celebrated the successful implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by sending a joint letter of thanks to the leaders of all three nations. The letter was sent to President Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. It was signed by NCBA President Marty Smith, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association President Bob Lowe, and Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas President Oswaldo Chazaro Montalvo. “Together, our organizations worked in unified support of USMCA because it protects market-based principles while making improvements
in other sectors to reflect the needs of a modern North American economy,” the leaders of the three cattlemen’s organizations wrote in the letter. “We are the envy of many countries because of the marketplace freedom USMCA will continue to provide both producers and consumers. “International trade is fundamental to the success of North American farmers and ranchers and the full value of the products we sell can only be achieved when we have access to the markets that most value them,” the letter continued. “In the face of the economic hardships of COVID-19, it is timely and welcome that USMCA enters into force, providing a foundation of economic stability for our rural communities and food
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systems.” Congress last winter overwhelmingly approved the new USMCA deal, with the Senate voting 89-10 in support of it a few weeks after the U.S. House of Representatives passed it with a strong bipartisan vote of 385-41. NCBA worked hard to build support for USMCA on Capitol Hill, and thenNCBA-President Jennifer Houston led a delegation of more than a dozen members to the White House to attend the official signing ceremony on Jan. 29. “We believe that our economies and our countries will be stronger together through USMCA,” the letter concluded.
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CHIMES CALIFORNIA CATTLEWOMEN HOST ANNUAL BEEF AMBASSADOR CONTEST by California CattleWomen, Inc., President Callie Martinez The State Beef Ambassador Contest which was originally scheduled for April 3-4 in San Jose was also postponed and rescheduled to take place on May 2 and 3 online through Zoom. We had five juniors from the Northern Region, one junior from the Central Region, one junior from the Southern Region, two seniors from the Northern Region, two seniors from the Central Region and one senior from the Southern Region. All of the contestants gave it their best show and truly didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the circumstances of the contest being online define them. The junior category winners for the Northern Region were: 5th place Samantha Prouty, Tehama; 4th place Colby Stoltenberg, Glenn-Colusa; 3rd Place Jacey Pray, Tehama; 2nd Place Myra Whipple, Siskiyou; 1st place Northern Junior Molly Fowler, Placer/Nevada; 1st Place Central Ambassador Rachel Lyman, Amador/El Dorado/Sacramento; Southern junior winner went to Fallon McNeil, Kern. Top overall
Blakeley Hittson Northern Region Ambassador
junior winners include: Molly Fowler, Placer/Nevada; Rachel Lyman, Amador/El Dorado/ Sacramento; and Fallon McNeil, Kern. The senior contest winners include: 1st Central Ashley Jordan, Santa Clara; 2nd Lea Thomas, Amador/El Dorado/Sacramento; Northern 1st Blakeley Hittson, Siskiyou; 2nd Richard DeAtley, Shasta; Southern Colton Hurley, Kern. The top overall senior winners include: 1st Ashley Jordan, Santa Clara; 2nd Blakeley Hittson, Siskiyou; 3rd Lea Thomas, Amador/El Dorado/ Sacramento. The 2020 Beef Ambassador Team includes: Ashley Jordan, Central; Blakeley Hittson, Northern; Colton Hurley, Southern. A big thank you goes out to our judges as well: social media judges: Cheryl Beckwith, Santa Clara County CattleWomen; Valley Urricelqui, Shasta County CattleWomen and Dana Wolfe, Santa Clara County Cattlewomen; Written response judges: Julie Barnett, Second Vice President, California CattleWomen; Kacie McNeese,
Ashley Jordan Central Region Ambassador
80 California Cattleman July â&#x20AC;˘ August 2020
Santa Clara County CattleWomen; and Robin Schweiger, Santa Clara County Cattlewomen. Media & consumer judges: Salene Duarte State Chair; Callie Martinez, California CattleWomen President; and Jill Scofield, California Beef Council. We have encouraged all of the members on the state team to make contacts with their units in their area to assist them in their local events. All of the ambassadors were reminded that they are part of a team which is learning a new normal in terms of public events and gatherings. They were all encouraged to use their social media platforms as a way to educate others during this unprecedented time.
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FARM CREDIT ESTABLISHES ENDOWMENT FUND AT CAL POLY Agribusiness students at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo will have additional funding for student projects in the years to come after Farm Credit donated nearly $255,000 this year to create an endowment fund for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Six Farm Credit institutions serving farmers and ranchers throughout California contributed funding for the endowment. The annual proceeds will be used to pay for data and other resources that will enable student projects dealing with agricultural finance and lending, data analytics and risk management, said Marianne McGarry Wolf, the university’s agribusiness department head. “I’m thrilled with the generosity of Farm Credit in supporting Cal Poly and our students,” Wolf said. “This endowment will really benefit both the students and the industry.” Mark Littlefield, President and CEO, Farm Credit West, said the endowment will provide top-notch academic research that will benefit the food and beverage industry in California. “Agribusiness is an important part of the state’s farming and ranching operations and research is critically important to provide the information needed for these businesses to grow and flourish,” Littlefield said. “Being able to draw on the outstanding students and faculty at Cal Poly will be a tremendous benefit, and Farm Credit is happy to help make it possible.” Littlefield also noted that Farm Credit is one of the state’s largest employers of Cal Poly agriculture graduates.
“These students are some of the best and the brightest in the state, and Farm Credit has greatly benefitted from the education they received there,” he said. “We’re proud to have the opportunity to give back to the school.” Besides Farm Credit West, the other contributors are American Ag Credit, CoBank, Fresno-Madera Farm Credit, Golden State Farm Credit and Yosemite Farm Credit. Wolf said the endowment will further promote the university’s core philosophy – to learn by doing. “Industry partnerships and funding are critical to facilitating enhanced learn by doing opportunities for students. This donation from Farm Credit will enable students to be more engaged with industry, able to do more hands-on projects and to be able to travel and present their findings to clients. “And our students do great work. I’ve had students get job offers while they’re in a meeting making a presentation,” she said. The Agribusiness Department is one of nine departments in Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and next fall expects to have 521 students enrolled. Its graduates are primarily employed by employers in specialty crops, wine and finance. Wolf added that the new endowment is especially helpful now as the state’s university systems face significant budget cuts due to the recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic. She noted that students are currently preparing scenarios on how Agribusinesses will be able to adapt to changes in purchasing behavior due to the pandemic.
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RESULTS ARE IN
CALIFORNIA RANCHER’S SELECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF HERD BULLS SURVEY COMPLETE
by Zach McFarlane, Ph.D., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; Tracy Schohr, M.S., University of California Cooperative Extension; and Kasey DeAtley, Ph.D., California State University, Chico Raising cattle in California comes with a multitude of challenges when considering the environment alone. Producers need cattle that can adapt to the state’s diverse regional climates, topography and rangeland conditions. Specifically, bulls need to be able to successfully breed cows and remain sound in extensive rangeland conditions. Few research studies have investigated factors related to the selection, purchase, management and longevity of bulls on California’s rangelands. Therefore, the objectives of this research study with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, California State University, Chico and University of California Cooperative Extension were to assess the factors related to bull purchasing decisions, management and culling decisions of California beef producers. A total of 1,410 surveys were mailed to the California Cattlemen’s Association membership. Approximately 220 individuals have mailed in their responses or completed the online version, resulting in a 16% response rate to date. Surveys are still being collected and we encourage the membership to respond in the online version (ucanr.edu/bullsurvey) or complete the mailed catalog. Preliminary results of this study are discussed below, with a select highlight of the 35 total questions from the survey. Keep in mind that the results may change as more data are collected from producers. Please check your mail for a postcard that provides a QR code and the link for the online version of the survey. Demographic Findings The average California beef producer is approximately 61 years old with 27 years of experience. Respondents manage cattle on more than 1.7 million acres of owned, 84 California Cattleman July • August 2020
private-leased and public leased rangelands in California and surrounding states. Most respondents were cowcalf producers that managed a herd size of 378 head on average; however, herd sizes were highly variable across the state. California producers had a bull battery that averaged 18 head of bulls with an average longevity of five years. The survey results showed 60 percent of respondents purchase a bull every year. The preferred purchase method was at a bull sale (44 percent), by private-treaty (26 percent) or a combination of sales and private treaty purchases (25 percent). Producers attended an average of two sales per year, while 80 percent of survey respondents do not attend any online sales during the year. Respondents preferred to purchase long-yearlings (56 percent of respondents; bulls aged about 18 months). The predominate breed of bull purchased was Angus (66 percent). Bull buyers paid an average price of just over $5,000 in the last two years, while the average highest price reported by producers to have paid in the last five years was just below $7,000. In all, 71 percent of survey respondents indicated that limited bull guarantees were important for their bull purchasing decision. Selection Criteria Expected progeny differences (EPDs) have been used as selection criteria in order to promote genotypic selection in the most utilized breeds of beef cattle. Breed associations and research scientists are constantly working on increasing the accuracy of these genetic prediction tools for producers. In this study, we wanted to ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 86
July â&#x20AC;˘ August 2020 California Cattleman 85
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 84
operation is continuously improving our genetics and we have expanded our reach with a sale in both Butte and Modoc County. This research project provides a baseline for our industry that is continuously evolving, and this information gives guidance for future research.” Researchers recognize bull producers consider EPDs, along with a cross section of other factors when selecting a bull. We asked producers a series of questions about elements that play a role in their purchasing decision. The following options were provided: strongly agree, agree, undecided, disagree and strongly disagree. The data has been summarized for respondents that agreed and strongly agreed in Figure 1, while the response categories were summarized into Agree, Undecided, or Disagree in Figure 2.
understand the EPDs that California producers utilize for bull selection. The following EPDs were listed as priorities for bull selection and respondents were asked to rank from the highest to lowest priority: birth weight, calving ease direct, weaning weight, yearling weight, scrotal circumference and milk. Producers indicated calving ease (73 percent birth weight and calving ease direct combined) and weaning weight (21 percent) EPD as their highest priority when selecting bulls. The American Angus Association has developed a wide-array of dollar-value indices that are linked to economically-relevant traits. Index values combine multiple data sources into one EPD value to allow for ease of selection in order to facilitate substantial directional changes in production efficiency. We again ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 88 asked producers to rank the highest priority for price indices with the FIGURE 1. Survey responses to selection factors related to bull phenotype and genotype that are important for bull selection. following EPDs: Beef Value ($B), Maternal Weaned Calf Value ($M), Weaned Calf Value ($W), Cow Energy Value ($EN), Quality Grade ($QG), Yield Grade ($YG) and Grid Value ($G). Respondents recognized Beef Value (38 percent), Weaned Calf Value (27 percent), Maternal Weaned Calf Value (17 percent), and Cow Energy Value (10 percent) as their highest priorities. These results align with the EPD results and demonstrate the focus of California producers on calving ease and weaned calf performance for their bull selection criteria. FIGURE 2. Survey responses to questions related to marketing attributes Producers were asked to rank criteria that are considered relevant and important for bull selection. that were considered the most important for their bull purchasing decision. The primary criteria that producers considered for bull selection was structural soundness and confirmation (59 percent) and expected progeny differences (23 percent). “As a seedstock producer, I am interested to learn from the study of cattlemen on what is important to them. EPDs are essential, but we know there is a cross section of other factors cattlemen consider when selecting a bull,” said Steve Lambert, Lambert Hereford Ranch, Oroville. “Our family 86 California Cattleman July • August 2020
GENETIC EDGE FEMALE SALE
Saturday | August 22, 2020 | Noon Idaho Falls, Idaho Gabriel 8T05 Discovery 6050 18563580
CED +7; BW +.9; WW +72; YW +140 Milk +26; CW +66; Marb +1.09 RE +.98; Fat -.037; $M +25; $W +68 $F +122; $G +81; $B +203; $C +288 6050 joined the Riverbend Ranch donor program as the $55,000 top-selling donor of the Rutherford Ranches dispersal and is a powerful and proven donor who blends the $110,000 Discovery with a productive and proven dam who combines the foundation female sires, Total and New Design 5050. Progeny from 6050 include: the $60,000 second high-selling open heifer of the 2019 Riverbend Ranch Sale, Rita G164 selected by Audley Farm; a $18,000 heifer pregnancy selling to EZ Angus Ranch in that offering; a $16,500 heifer pregnancy selected by Audley Farm in the 2020 Bases Loaded Sale; and a heifer pregnancy selling to Edisto Pines Farm in the 2019 Riverbend Sale for $15,000. Sells with a calf sired by the Select Sires Roster member, Entice.
Vintage Blackbird 7260 18748526
CED +9; BW +1.6; WW +74; YW +128 Milk +19; CW +59; Marb +.76 RE +.72; Fat +.033; $M +74; $W +71 $F +106; $G +57; $B +163; $C +285 Blackbird 7260 was selected as the $200,000 top-selling female of the 2017 Vintage Angus Ranch Sale to anchor the famous Blackbird family in the Riverbend Ranch program. Blackbird 7260 is a direct daughter of the $5.5 million producer in the Vintage Angus Ranch and Herbster Angus programs, Blackbird 8809. Full siblings to this tremendous young donor include: the $730,000 record-selling Power Play 7018 selected in the 2018 Vintage Angus Ranch Bull Sale by Rooney Angus Ranch; and Blackbird 7204, the $400,000 valued half interest selection of Optum Angus in the 2018 Vintage Angus Sale. Crazy K Ranch selected a heifer pregnancy from Blackbird 7260 as the $50,000 second high-selling pregnancy of the 2019 Riverbend Ranch Sale. Selling progeny by the multi-trait leader, Black Magic and the $B sire, Peyton 642.
2880 N 55 W • IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO 83402 • 208-528-6635 Frank and Belinda VanderSloot | Owners Rhett Jacobs | General Manager | 208-681-9841 Dale Meek | Purebred Operations Manager | 208-681-9840 Chris Howell | Director of Customer Service | 208-681-9821
www.riverbendranch.us
c
Sale Managed by:
&
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July • August 2020 California Cattleman 87
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 86 Bull Management We asked California cattlemen a series of five questions to define current bull management practices post-purchase and for the following breeding seasons until a bull is culled. After bull purchase, 46 percent of producers turned bulls out directly with females, while 49 percent held bulls until the following breeding season. Most producers (75 percent of respondents) do not manage bulls to reduce condition after purchase. Researchers also asked producers how bulls were typically managed on their operations; 47 percent of respondents use a bull pasture to manage bulls in the off-season, while 23 percent of respondents used a combination of a bull pasture and supplemental forages in a pen (e.g. hay). When asked about annual veterinary care, semen quality was evaluated annually by 45 percent of producers, while 20 percent of producers reported they never evaluated semen quality. The most common factors associated with culling bulls were bull age (35 percent) and structural soundness (29 percent). Bull longevity was moderately correlated with the average purchase price a producer paid in the last two years. Conclusion Bulls represent the primary source of new genetics in the herd. The initial results presented in this study is a first glance at this complex and critical component of cow-calf operations. Researchers look forward to getting back more surveys from California ranchers over this summer and linking the findings to provide better continuing education to producers and feedback
88 California Cattleman July • August 2020
to seedstock producers. Additionally, this research indicates the need for additional research focused on bull selection and management to maximize producer investment in genetics and reproduction. We will continue to collect and analyze data from survey respondents, and we plan to provide the final update at the California Cattlemen’s Association annual convention during the Rustici/ California Beef Cattle Improvement Association (CBCIA) Poster Session and the CBCIA meeting.
This research project was made possible by funding and support from the California Beef Cattle Improvement Association, California Cattlemen’s Association, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Poor Richard’s Press. We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Cal Poly students Katie Peterson, Claire Stevenson, and Jack Cameron for their help with data collection and analysis.
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July • August 2020 California Cattleman 89
THE EMERGENCE AND EXPANSION OF PRESCRIBED BURN ASSOCIATIONS UCCE advisors share how community-based burning organizations are growing like wildfire Compiled by CCA Director of Communications Katie Roberti © QUINN-DAVIDSON
As California continues to focus on finding solutions to mitigate wildfire and opportunities to reduce fire-related risks, prescribed burn associations (PBAs) are forming across the state. Lenya Quinn-Davidson is the Director of the Northern California Prescribed Fire Council and Area Fire Advisor for University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) in Humboldt County. At the 2018 California Cattlemen’s Association and California Cattlewomen’s Association Annual Convention, she gave a prescribed fire presentation titled “Putting Fire Back in the Toolbox: New Policy and Management Opportunities for Prescribed Fire in California.” A few weeks later, Quinn-Davidson, along with Jeffery Stackhouse, UCCE Livestock and Natural Resource Advisor for Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, shared a follow-up article in the January 2019 issue of the California Cattleman. Titled “Bringing the Heat: Fire as a Management Tool for California’s Private Lands,” the article provided background on what PBAs are and shared about the formation of the Humboldt County Prescribed Burn Association (HCPBA) in March 2018. Since their last update in January 2019, Quinn-Davidson and Stackhouse have continued to play a critical role in forming and supporting PBAs across the state. In this Q&A, they share how PBAs have continued to grow in California over the last 16 months.
Q A
How have PBAs expanded and emerged across California since your last update in the January 2019 issue of the California Cattleman?
At the time, Humboldt County was one of only five counties in the state that had community-based burning organizations, the others being Siskiyou
90 California Cattleman July • August 2020
(mid-Klamath), Trinity, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Now there are 12 of these types of communitybased burning organizations across the state, actively burning in over 10 counties. An additional nine counties have currently formed PBA-style organizations and at least another six counties have leaders trying to navigate COVID-19 restrictions to organize kickoff meetings for prescribed burn associations in their areas.
Q A
Why are PBAs continuing to form across California?
In recent decades, our fire suppression agencies have attempted to take on the state’s burden of vegetation management to no avail due to the overwhelming task that it has proven to be. PBAs continue to form as private citizens and landowners decide that it is in their best interest to manage woody fuels and vegetation for the safety, economic and ecological benefit of their communities. PBAs serve not only as labor and equipment sources but are also a great way for community members to share and teach each other the art of utilizing fire to safely achieve otherwise high-cost treatments on the landscape.
Q A
Using the HCPBA as an example, how many prescribed burns (and acres burned) has the group accomplished since the PBA started in March 2018?
HCPBA has had 23 prescribed burns (not counting pile burning) for 1180 acres. Note: many of these burns were for the sole purpose of training and research, and as such, approximately half of these burns were under 20 acres as we were just getting started.
Q A
How are these associations helping ranchers?
PBAs look different everywhere you go. Some, like the Humboldt County PBA, are led by ranchers and have a large forage improvement and woody encroachment focus, while others are led by forestland owners and tend to focus more on fuels treatments and wildfire risk reduction. All PBAs we have seen are premised on landowners and community members helping each other burn any fuel type for any objective. None of the organizations we have helped to form would turn down a range improvement burn or a forest burn, and most would welcome both, as the weather and seasonality requirements differ, allowing more opportunity for members to gain valuable experience. Diversity in membership has proven invaluable in the Humboldt County PBA, as it has afforded more community buy-in and power when attempting to change local laws and regulations in our district.
Q A
Have ranchers been involved with growing PBAs in the state? How so?
A
2020 is going to be a tough year. . . with COVID-19 restrictions remaining in place and limiting organizational gatherings, many PBA leaders have begun looking into virtual options, and prescribed fire is an art. In many cases, learning by doing is the only way to develop your skills. Some areas are moving forward with burns and we are hopeful that our fall will make up for what we missed this spring, but wildfires and state-level decisions around COVID-19 will be a bottleneck for us.
Q A
Where can people go to learn more about PBAs and getting involved with one in their area?
The state PBA website (www.calpba.org) is a great place to start and to see if there is any activity and momentum already in your area, otherwise contact us directly, or speak with your local Cooperative Extension office and ask them to help you get a PBA started in your area.
Lenya Quinn-Davidson and Jeffery Stackhouse can be reached by emailing lquinndavidson@ucanr.edu or jwstackhouse@ucanr.edu and by calling (707) 445-7351. ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 90
Yes and no. There has been some rancher involvement in some of the PBAs, and we hope that their involvement continues. As a group, ranchers can play a huge role in helping PBAs get started. Ranchers leverage common sense, equipment (herbicide sprayers, backpack pumps and sometimes dozers/water tenders) and of course, the knowledge and experience of the “I scratch your back you scratch mine” branding culture that is very similar to successful PBA burn cultures.
Q
In what ways do you expect these programs will continue to grow and expand through the remainder of 2020?
©QUINN-DAVIDSON.
CCA members in Northern California participate in a prescribed burn.
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 91
CHECKING-IN ON THE CCA FIRE SUBCOMMITTEE
In this update, Tony Toso, CCA First Vice President and Chair of the CCA Fire Subcommittee, shares how the subcommittee is continuing to support the efforts of these PBAs. Although still relatively new — as the CCA Fire Subcommittee was just formed at the end of 2018 when Mark Lacey became CCA President — in the past year and a half we have focused on how we can help members be part of the solution and doing our part to help mitigate catastrophic fire. The benefits of grazing and the use of prescribed fire are two primary tools that ranchers can use to be a part of that solution, and CCA is here to make it known and advocate its benefits. Obviously, the grazing aspect is critical to reducing fire fuel loads, but with use of prescribed fire, in tandem with grazing, our members can be a part of the bigger solution to help mitigate catastrophic fire risks. Not only have we as a committee engaged with Cal Fire officials, including Chief Porter, but I attended a prescribed fire workshop in Hopland (put on by Lenya Quinn-Davidson, Jeffery Stackhouse and Matthew Shapero) earlier in the year to learn more about PBAs and their role in reducing fuel loads. One of our primary roles as a committee has been to advocate for the
reintroduction of these groups and to see them grow. Members of our committee like Lenya, Jeff, Anthony Stornetta and Dean Hunt have played a huge role in this reintroduction of PBAs, and CCA is committed to advocacy in the form of helping get that message out, providing critical information to decision-makers and being part of advancing the growth of a statewide, if not a Western US, group of burn associations to help with the heavy lift that will benefit all communities when it comes to catastrophic fire risk mitigation. As these efforts continue, the fire subcommittee will make every effort to keep our membership up to date with the latest technology, education and information by using CCA’s communication resources like the magazine, website and social media. The CCA website will soon have an interactive map to locate your nearest PBA and information on how to join, as well as other helpful fire-related resources. In addition, we are now working on a handbook for our members with information that they can use to be prepared for the before, during and aftereffects of a fire. It will be produced in a “rancher friendly” format, instead of having to decode acronyms. We want our members to know who they can contact for help with any fire-related issues.
California PBA/CommunityBased Burning Efforts Blue: Group formed Orange: Group in formation Yellow: Having conversations about forming
100 mg/mL Antimicrobial Injectable Solution For subcutaneous use in replacement dairy heifers under 20 months of age and all classes of beef cattle except beef calves less than 2 months of age and beef bulls intended for breeding (any age). Not for use in any other class of dairy cattle or in veal calves. Conditionally approved by FDA pending a full demonstration of effectiveness under application number 141-527. BRIEF SUMMARY: Before using Baytril® 100-CA1, please consult the product insert, a summary of which follows: CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Federal (U.S.A.) law prohibits the extra-label use of this drug in food-producing animals. INDICATIONS: Baytril® 100-CA1 is indicated for the treatment of clinical anaplasmosis associated with Anaplasma marginale in replacement dairy heifers under 20 months of age and all classes of beef cattle except beef calves less than 2 months of age and beef bulls intended for breeding (any age). Not for use in any other class of dairy cattle or in veal calves. RESIDUE WARNINGS: Cattle intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 28 days from the last treatment. This 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 this product in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. HUMAN WARNINGS: Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes. In case of dermal contact, wash skin with soap and water. Consult a physician if irritation persists following ocular or dermal exposures. Individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to quinolones should avoid this product. In humans, there is a risk of user photosensitization within a few hours after excessive exposure to quinolones. If excessive accidental exposure occurs, avoid direct sunlight. For a copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or to report adverse reactions call Bayer Veterinary Product Support at 1-800-422-9874. For product questions call 1-800-255-6826. PRECAUTIONS: The effects of enrofloxacin on bull reproductive performance have not been adequately determined. Subcutaneous injection in cattle can cause a transient local tissue reaction that may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter. Baytril® 100 and Baytril® 100-CA1 contain different excipients than other Baytril® products. The safety and efficacy of this formulation in species other than cattle has not been determined. Quinolone-class drugs should be used with caution in animals with known or suspected Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. In such animals, quinolones have, in rare instances, been associated with CNS stimulation which may lead to convulsive seizures. Quinoloneclass drugs have been shown to produce erosions of cartilage of weight-bearing joints and other signs of arthropathy in immature animals of various species. See Animal Safety section for additional information. ADVERSE REACTIONS: No adverse reactions were observed during Baytril® 100 clinical trials. ANIMAL SAFETY: In feeder calves, clinical signs including depression, incoordination, muscle fasciculation and inappetance have been observed at higher than approves dosages. An injection site study conducted in feeder calves demonstrated that the formulation may induce a transient reaction in the subcutaneous tissue and underlying muscle. No painful responses to administration were observed. In two reproductive safety studies, enrofloxacin treatment had no adverse effect on reproduction or cow health in either study. Three calves in the first trimester study that were born to enrofloxacintreated cows died due to perforating gastrointestinal ulcers. No congenital anomalies were observed in either study, and calf body weights and general health were otherwise normal. LV2001 ©2020 Bayer HealthCare LLC Baytril 100-CA1 Bayer, the Bayer Cross and Baytril are registered trademarks of Bayer. Bayer HealthCare LLC, Animal Health Division Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201 U.S.A. Made in Germany FLM050420 ®
Map created by Jeff Stackhouse, University of California Cooperative Extension; Katie Roberti, California Cattlemen’s Association; June 2020
92 California Cattleman July • August 2020
NEW OPTION FOR TREATMENT OF POTENTIALLY DEADLY ANAPLASMOSIS Bovine anaplasmosis isn’t a new disease but it can come as a surprise to producers who have not yet seen it in their herds. “It is the most humbling experience. You think you’re doing your best to prevent illness in your cattle, then anaplasmosis hits,” recalls Jason Lewis of Division Ranch near Strong City, Kan. “I thought I was doing everything I could for my herd, and it was like a slap in the face. In one week, everything changed.” September 2017 was when everything changed. Lewis received a call from his youngest son, Jaron, who was checking on their herd and reported eight cows were dead. “I was on the phone with my son when one cow dropped dead right in front of him.” Lewis lost 14 head in that outbreak, and he’s been vigilant ever since. Dr. Kathryn Reif, assistant professor in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, has been studying anaplasmosis in cattle for nearly 10 years. “Anaplasmosis is a disease caused by a bacterial pathogen, Anaplasma marginale, the pathogen that lives inside red blood cells of cattle. It is the destruction of those red blood cells that ultimately causes the hallmark sign of anaplasmosis, which is anemia,” Reif explained. “Ticks are the natural vectors for disease transmission, and cattle of all ages are susceptible to becoming infected. However, adult animals about two years old or older are more susceptible to showing greater clinical signs of disease because they are slower to replace the destroyed infected red blood cells compared to calves,” Reif added. “Once an animal is infected, those animals tend to remain infected for the duration of their life and serve as reservoirs for subsequent transmission events.”
Anaplasmosis, like bovine respiratory disease, can be difficult to diagnose. Similar to Lewis, sometimes the first indication of a problem is the discovery of dead cattle.1 Until now, tetracycline antimicrobials, oxytetracycline or chlortetracycline (CTC) medicated feed, were the only drugs used in the U.S. for treatment of anaplasmosis. In some areas, vaccines are available to increase resistance to animals developing clinical anaplasmosis.
1 2 3
In April, Bayer Animal Health received conditional approval from the FDA for Baytril® 100-CA1 (enrofloxacin) Injectable Solution for the treatment of clinical anaplasmosis associated with Anaplasma marginale in replacement dairy heifers under 20 months of age and all classes of beef cattle except beef calves less than 2 months of age and beef bulls of any age intended for breeding. “Baytril 100-CA1 contains the proven molecule, enrofloxacin,” said Dr. Jim Little, veterinary scientific liaison with Bayer Animal Health. “Because of the need for additional options for treatment of clinical anaplasmosis in cattle, the FDA granted Baytril 100-CA1 a Conditional Approval (CA) to make it available to cattle veterinarians and producers sooner, pending a full demonstration of effectiveness.” With positive cases of anaplasmosis in cattle found in almost every U.S. state2,3, Lewis believes it isn’t a case of if, but when producers will experience the disease in their herds. Map indicates the greatest risk areas for anaplasmosis infections.
Source: Kansas State University
Little also reminded producers that tick control is an important part of an overall parasite management program. “There are a variety of effective parasiticides available in many convenient forms such as ear tags, pour-ons and sprays.” However, when an anaplasmosis outbreak hits, he reminds producers to “always consult your veterinarian for treatment options.”
See product label for complete product information, indications and application instructions. Federal law restricts Baytril 100-CA1 to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Extra-label use of Baytril 100-CA1 in foodproducing animals is prohibited.
Whittier, D. Anaplasmosis in beef cattle. Drover’s. https://www.drovers.com/article/anaplasmosis-beef-cattle Oct. 27, 2015. Accessed February 21, 2020. Kocan K, de la Fuente J, Blouin E, et al. (2010). The natural history of Anaplasma marginale. Vet Parasitol. 167(2-4):95-107. Iowa State University. VDL Anaplasmosis. Available at: https://vetmed.iastate.edu/story/vdl-anaplasmosis. Accessed: April 21, 2020.
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 93
©2020 Bayer, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201. Bayer, the Bayer Cross and Baytril are registered trademarks of Bayer. BL201128
MINERAL MATTERS
Monensin and selenium supplementation result in cost effective improvements in weight gain to yearling cattle on annual rangeland by Josh Davy, UC Livestock/Range Advisor, Tehama, Glenn and Colusa counties and Larry Forero, Ph.D., UC Livestock/Range Advisor, Shasta and Trinity counties Monensin is a form of antibiotic known as an ionophore. Ionophores change cattle rumen function by shifting fermentation patterns making them more efficient and resulting in improved feed efficiency. They do not require a prescription because they are not considered important for human use. Monensin has been shown to increase gains in feedlots, irrigated pasture and perennial rangelands. No research has been conducted looking at their potential to improve gains in yearling cattle on annual rangeland. Nor have the trials been done looking at the use of ionophores when delivered through a loose salt mineral. Prior work has almost exclusively delivered the product to cattle through either a ration or in pelleted form. Research was conducted for two years at the UC Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center in Brown’s Valley to address these questions. We established four treatments that also allowed us to evaluate the contribution selenium mineral supplementation had on weight gain independent of the addition of the ionophore. These treatments were: 1) Mineral supplementation only 2) Mineral supplementation with ionophore added (50 mg/d consumption) – Mineral + 3) Salt only (control) 4) Salt with ionophore added (50 mg/d consumption) – Salt + Each treatment set of cattle were placed in a separate field and then rotated every 45 days to eliminate pasture effect, which proved necessary. Although the fields
94 California Cattleman July • August 2020
appeared somewhat similar, differences in gain between pastures existed. All of the treatments resulted in substantial gains over the salt only control. Both ionophore and selenium supplementation added cost effective weight gain independently, but in an additive manner when combined (Table 1 and Figure 1). Supplementing both increased season long weight gain by 52 pounds per head over salt alone. Adding monensin to salt increased gain by 39 pounds per head over salt alone, while supplementing selenium (mineral treatment) alone increased gain by 30 pounds per head over salt alone. The addition of monensin to salt cost merely $1 per head over the season. This translated to a cost of $0.03 per pound of added gain. Although adding supplemental selenium with monensin was more expensive on a per pound of gain basis ($0.14), it was still economical (Table 2), and in addition to added gain selenium supplementation contributes to other benefits such as increased immunity that need to be considered. When comparing only mineral, adding an ionophore decreased mineral consumption, which actually cut the costs of gain compared to feeding mineral without monensin. Selenium was deficient in the salt treatment groups, and adequate in both mineral groups. Previous work has found limited differences in weight gain by supplementing selenium on summer valley pasture. In these trials, foothill ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 96
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BAR 6JimCHAROLAIS Ansbach
43861 Burnt Ranch Rd. Mitchell, OR 97750 (541) 462-3083 Annual Bull Sale • February 2021 • Madras, OR
BIANCHI RANCHES Robert, Chris & Erica Bianchi
6810 Canada Rd. Gilroy, CA (408) 842-5855 • (408) 804-3153 Erica’s cell (408) 804-3133 Robert’s cell Bianchiranches@aol.com • www.bianchiranches.com California Girls Online Heifer Sale in October, watch for details. Bulls for sale private treaty and at leading bull sales. Call early for best selection.
BROKEN BOX RANCH Jerry and Sherry Maltby
PO Box 760, Williams, CA (530) 681-5046 Cell • (530) 473-2830 Office BBR@citlink.net • www.brokenboxranch.com Bulls available at Red Bluff and off the ranch.
FRESNO STATE AGRICULTURE FOUNDATION California State University, Fresno 2415 E. San Ramon, Fresno, CA Randy Perry (559) 278-4793 http://fresnostate.edu/jcast/beef Bulls available private treaty
W
e believe strongly in the value of crossbreeding and the benefits of heterosis or hybrid vigor. Crossbred calves are more vigorous at birth, they are more resistant to disease and they have increased performance levels or weight gain. In addition, crossbred beef cows have higher fertility levels, they are also more disease resistant and they are superior in terms of longevity, an often overlooked but very economically important trait in a beef herd. These combined factors result in the generation of more total pounds of beef being produced from a commercial cowherd when crossbreeding is utilized. We believe that Charolais bulls are the logical and best choice to use on the Angus-dominated commerical beef cowherd that currently exists in this country. They will infuse the benefits of heterosis and produce the “smokies” and “buckskins” that have been popular with cattle feeders and packers for decades. Look for these Charolais breeders from throughout the West as your . or at leading source for Charolais genetics available off the ranch California, Oregon and Nevada sales.
JORGENSEN RANCH Fred & Toni Jorgensen 25884 Mollier, Ave, Orland, CA (530) 865-7102
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ROMANS RANCHES
Bill & Cindy Romans • (541) 538-2921 Jeff & Julie Romans • (541) 358-2905 romansranches@hotmail.com www.romanscharolais.com Annual Production Sale • March 2021 • Westfall, OR
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 95
...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 94 rangelands shown significant responses in weight gain to supplemental selenium. Year did not affect the ionophore treatment groups in their weight gain, but did affect the control group. Although this was only a two year study, It may be that the addition of an ionophore can help stabilize the fluctuation of yearling cattle weight gain between years. Feeding monensin appears to be an economic practice for yearling cattle that warrants consideration by adding it to a loose salt or mineral supplement. Like implanting cattle, feeding ionophores negates the opportunity for some marketing programs such as natural. This tradeoff should be considered against potential premiums in the market. Ionophores are safe for ruminants, but can be fatal to nonruminants such as horses. We thank Cargill for the support of supplying product and testing costs for the project. We also thank the UC Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center for working with us to make the project possible.
FIGURE 1. Average daily gain over the season by treatment.
TABLE 1. Total 6 month season and average daily gain TABLE 2. Cost of additional gain by treatment. by treatment. TREATMENT TREATMENT COST PER POUND OF TOTAL GAIN AVERAGE ADDITIONAL GAIN DAILY GAIN (treatment cost/added gain= cost/lb of added gain) TREATMENT POUNDS POUNDS SALT N/A SALT 288A 1.87A SALT+ $1.01/39 LBS=$0.03 MINERAL 317B 2.07B MINERAL $15.27/30 LBS=$0.51 SALT+ 326BC 2.13 BC MINERAL+ $7.07/52 LBS=$0.14 MINERAL+ 387C 2.22C
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96 California Cattleman July â&#x20AC;¢ August 2020
July â&#x20AC;˘ August 2020 California Cattleman 97
BREAKING IT DOWN
Producer-Led Beef Checkoff Committees Explained from the Beef Checkoff Program The national Beef Checkoff was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill and initiated by beef producers when 79 percent voted to make the Checkoff mandatory in a 1988 national referendum. To this day, the Checkoff is still producer-led. To accomplish the goals and objectives of the Beef Industry Long Range Plan, Checkoff Committee members from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) and the Federation of State Beef Councils collaborate together to drive demand for beef. Producer leaders on the CBB with backgrounds in cow/calf, feeder, stocker, veal, dairy and imports oversee the investment of Checkoff funds. Nominated through a certified nominating organization, each member has the responsibility of serving on committees with specific functions. The Beef Checkoff program committees and working groups are formed based on the strategies identified in the Long Range Plan; consumer trust, export growth, innovation, investor relations, market research, nutrition and health and safety. These committees review Checkoff work and make recommendations to the Beef Promotion Operating Committee, which ultimately makes program and contractor funding decisions. Approved contractors then develop plans and programs in the areas of promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications. Also, the Checkoff has two additional joint committees with members of the CBB and Federation: the Beef Promotion Operating Committee and the Checkoff Evaluation Committee. Members of Beef Checkoff program committees and working groups are split evenly with 20 members from the CBB and 20 members representing the Federation of State Beef Councils – the Beef Industry Council’s successor organization. This split reflects both national and state priorities and helps the Beef Checkoff spend dollars more effectively and efficiently. The Beef Promotion Operating Committee has 20 members, 10 of whom are elected to serve by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, while the other 10 are selected by the states through the Federation of State Beef Councils. No program is approved unless two-thirds of the members of the Operating Committee vote to accept it. This means a program must have recognized value to earn the consensus needed for funding. There are two administrative committees under the CBB: Executive and Budget and Audit. Committees under the CBB administer matters related to the Beef Promotion Research Act and Order. Committee members make significant decisions for the Beef Checkoff and the industry; that’s why the CBB encourages producers across the U.S. to get involved in the 98 California Cattleman July • August 2020
FIGURE 1. BEEF INDUSTRY LONG RANGE PLAN
process. All Checkoff meetings are open for producers to attend. Visit the meeting center www.DrivingDemandForBeef.com to see upcoming meetings and teleconferences. To become a member of the board, a producer should work with a certified nominating organization to become nominated, then appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The Beef Checkoff is a program built by producers for producers and is strengthened by those involved who lend their voices, thoughts and ideas. The Beef Checkoff program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
FIGURE 2. STRUCTURE OF THE OPERATING CHECKOFF COMMITTEES
The Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about the Beef Checkoff WHO SITS ON THE CATTLEMEN’S BEEF BOARD? The Beef Checkoff was first organized and built by fellow producers, and the law reflects their desire to have a program led by cattlemen and women from around the country. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board consists of 99 board members, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, representing nearly every state in the country. By law, both producers and importers pay into the checkoff, and are therefore represented on the board. The number of board members from each state is determined by the cattle population there, and importers are represented by a cattle equivalent of the beef imported. Currently the CBB has 92 beef producers (cow/calf, feeders, stockers, veal and dairy) and 7 importers. There are no packer representatives on the CBB. Our CBB officer team is elected annually by their peers, and they are producers from all over the country. HOW DO BEEF CHECKOFF FUNDS GET DISTRIBUTED? By law, only beef industry governed organizations who have been in existence for more than two years may apply for Beef Checkoff funding. We call these organizations “checkoff contractors”, and they must “apply” for checkoff funds annually through proposals called Authorization Requests. These requests are vetted through large, producer-led committees throughout the year. The Beef Promotion Operating Committee, a 20-member producer body, ultimately makes the funding decisions for contractors every September for the following fiscal year. Again, no checkoff dollars can be used for lobbying or influencing politics. Contractors to the Beef Checkoff are reimbursed for their work on a cost-recovery basis after a full review of their expenses through the internal financial controls at the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. This is watched VERY carefully. WHAT SPECIFIC PROJECTS ARE CURRENTLY BEING FUNDED WITH BEEF CHECKOFF DOLLARS? We understand producers want to know specifics about the programs and projects being funded with their checkoff dollars. We created The Drive, an email, print and online information source for producers about every aspect of the checkoff. In addition, follow the Beef Checkoff on Facebook and Twitter, where we share timely updates, too. WHERE CAN I FIND THE ANNUAL AUDITED FINANCIALS OF THE CATTLEMEN’S BEEF BOARD We are required by law to provide our annual audited financials to the public. To reach as many producers as possible, these documents live on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board website, www.beefboard.org. It is important to note that every fall, an independent, outside auditing firm thoroughly reviews all financials of the CBB/Beef Checkoff. The contract for this firm is renewed each year, voted on by producers on the Budget and Audit Committee. HOW CAN A PRODUCER GET INVOLVED WITH THE CATTLEMEN’S BEEF BOARD? Please join us! The Cattlemen’s Beef Board meetings are open to every producer and we encourage your participation. While some meetings are the full 99-member board, others are smaller committees and groups. While we continue to promote beef to consumers, we are also here to provide transparent information to you, our stakeholders. We invite you to visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com to find all the information listed in this column, plus frequently asked questions, member directories, annual reports, contractor information, and so much more. If you cannot find the answers to your questions there, give us a call or send us an email. We are a program built from producers, and we remain dedicated to providing transparent, open, and honest communication with you. July • August 2020 California Cattleman 99
In a year when few things can be considered “normal,” CCA is keeping up the longstanding tradition of recognizing college graduates who have gone the extra mile during their education and have plans to continue supporting the beef industry in their future endeavors. In addition to accomplishing their goals within the classroom, each of the CCA Achievement Award recipients must also be involved in extracurricular activities pertaining to agriculture, demonstrate superior leadership abilities and have personal and/or professional goals to stay involved in the beef industry.
TREVOR AUTRY Nipomo
HARRISON CONLIN Linden
AGRICULTURAL PLANT SCIENCE EDUCATION Complete a Pest Control Advisor license while stay involved in Plans to become a high school family owned commercial beef agriculture teacher. cattle operation.
This year, CCA is recognizing graduates from agriculture programs at California State University, Chico; California State University, Fresno; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; and the University of California, Davis. The following students were nominated and selected by their university professors for their standout performances during their undergraduate career. CCA members should be pleased to see the future looking so bright. CCA extends congratulations to the entire class of 2020! Good luck as you find your way in this ever-changing world.
JUSTIN DAVIS Paso Robles
BLAKE GOBELI Clovis
ANIMAL SCIENCE ANIMAL SCIENCE Pursue a career in feedlot Pursue a graduate degree while management while being staying involved at Harris involved in family commercial Ranch Beef Company. beef cattle operation.
MCKENZIE WOODS Wilton ANIMAL SCIENCE
Will be attending veterinary school.
MEGAN BANWARTH Adin
KELLY DUGGAN Redmond, Ore.
ROYCE BAYHA-MCPHEE Lodi
Currently doing freelance work, while seeking further employment in the livestock industry.
Will be pursuing a Master’s Degree at Colorado State University, focusing on beef cattle breeding and genetics.
Will be involved in his family’s Red Angus seedstock operation.
ANIMAL SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS
100 California Cattleman July • August 2020
ANIMAL SCIENCE
AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS
NICK EIGUREN Jordan Valley, Ore.
ANIMAL SCIENCE
MATTHEW GRAYBEAL Alameda
MIKAELA JENSON Santa Margarita AGRICULTURAL
SYSTEMS Plans to stay in the agricultural AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT field, whether it be meat Will be working as the cutting, running cattle, or herdsman for Stepaside Farm Working for Five Rivers Feeding in Texas while teaching the next generation in Sanger. pursuing MBA. about the industry.
SHARISSA ANDERSON Arbuckle ANIMAL BIOLOGY
Working as a junior specialist in Frank Mitloehner’s Lab at UC Davis.
CHRISTINA DENBRAVER San Marcos
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Pursuing a career in ruminant nutrition.
SHELBY DUNFEE Rio Oso ANIMAL SCIENCE
KATIE PETERSON Castro Valley
DAPHNE SCHWARTZ San Carlos
Pursuing Master’s of Animal Science concentrating in reproductive physiology.
Has accepted a job with Challenge Dairy Products.
ANIMAL SCIENCE
LINDSEY SMITH Nevada City
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Will be pursuing range Will be working as an management with an emphasis agricultural technician at in cattle production. the CDFA.
DAIRY SCIENCE
MARIO VALDEZ Vacaville
ANIMAL SCIENCE & MANAGEMENT
Will be pursuing a career in the meat industry.
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 101
California Cattlemen’s Association Services for all your on-the-ranch needs
18
M i d Va l l e y
Thanks to all our buyers at the annual BCC Bull Sale! We hope to see you again September 4
Join us Sept 17 in Denair for our 29th annual bull sale! 5031 Jersey Island Rd • Oakley, CA 94561
BAR BAR KD KD RANCH RANCH Elevating Angus to Greater Horizons
Thank you to our 2020 Red Bluff and Modoc Sale Bull Buyers!
KENNY & DIANNE READ
CALL US FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PRIVATE TREATY CATTLE OR OUR ANNUAL BULL SALE!
1485 SW King Lane • Culver, OR 97734 Ranch: (541) 546-2547 Cell: (541)480-9340 E-mail: barkdranch@msn.com visit us online at: www.barkdangusranch.com
Join us at the Heritage Bull Sale in Wilton Sept. 6!
Ranch-raised Angus cattle with industry-leading genetics! VISIT US AT WWW.DONATIRANCH.COM!
916.712.3696 • 916.803.2685 jj@barrangus.com
PAICINES, CA DANNY CHAVES, MANAGER
RANCH: (831) 388-4791 • DANNY’S CELL: (831) 801-8809
102 California Cattleman July • August 2020
Angus
RAnch
Join us for our annual production sales Annual Bull Sale: Sat., September 1, 2018 in fall 2020: Inaugural Female Sale: Mon., October 15, 2018 Bull Sale • Sept 5 Female Sale • Oct 12
Offering bulls at California’s top consignment sales! Call today about private treaty offerings!
Tim & Marilyn Callison............................... Owners Chad Davis ..................................... 559 333 0362 Travis Coy ...................................... 559 392 8772 Justin Schmidt................................ 209 585 6533 Ranch Website ................. www.ezangusranch.com
RED RIVER FARMS 13750 West 10th Avenue Blythe, CA 92225 Office: 760-922-2617 Bob Mullion: 760-861-8366 Michael Mullion: 760-464-3906
Simmental – SimAngus™ – Angus
18
M i d Va l l e y
LOOK FOR US AT LEADING SALES IN 2020.
O’NEAL RANCH Gerber, CA
— Since 1878—
Join us Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020
for the Performance Plus Angus Bull Sale
O’NEAL RANCH BULLS OFFER THE COMPLETE PACKAGE
Registered Angus Cattle Call to see what we have to offer you!
H
Scott & Shaleen Hogan
R (530) 200-1467 • (530) 227-8882
GROWTH • PERFORMANCE ADAPTABILITY • CARCASS
Thank you to all of our 2019 bull and female buyers!
Join us for our 2020 “PARTNERS FOR PERFORMANCE” PRODUCTION SALES BULL SALE • SEPTEMBER 2 FEMALE SALE • OCTOBER 10 Contact us for information on cattle available private treaty.
Gary & Betsy Cardoza
PO Box 40 • O’Neals, CA 93645 (559) 999-9510
Celebrating Angus Tradition Ssince 1974
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 103
CHENEY, WA • (916) 417-4199 Contact Clinton Brightwell for assistance marketing or buying your Hereford Cattle! (417) 359-6893 THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 2020
CARLWULFF57@GMAIL.COM WWW.WULFFBROTHERSLIVESTOCK.COM
Thank you for attending the annual TAR bull sale! Join us again in 2020!
(530) 385-1570
E-mail................................tehamaranch@gmail.com
11500 N Ambassador Drive, Suite 410 | Kansas City, MO 64153 | (816) 842-3757 | aha@hereford.org
MCPHEE RED ANGUIS Call us today for information on private treaty bulls or females. 14298 N. Atkins Rd • Lodi, CA 95248 Nellie, Mike, Mary, Rita & Families Nellie (209) 727-3335 • Rita (209) 607-9719 website: www.mcpheeredangus.com
Chris Beck • 618-367-5397
Registered Hereford Cattle & Quarter Horses
A FAMILY TRADITION
Thank you to our spring cattle buyers!
Angus and SimAngus Cattle John Teixeira: (805) 448-3859 Allan Teixeira: (805) 310-3353 Tom Hill: (541) 990-5479 www.teixeiracattleco.com | cattle@thousandhillsranch.com
JOIN US SEPT. 3 IN LA GRANGE FOR OUR ANNUAL BULL SALE!
Annual Sale First Monday in March 42500 Salmon Creek Rd Baker City, OR 97814
Ranch: (541) 523-4401 Bob Harrell, Jr.: (541) 523-4322
CHAROLAIS Feedlot • Rice • Charolais 2015 AICA Seedstock Producer of the Year
Jerry & Sherry Maltby
OFFICE@VINTAGEANGUSRANCH.COM WWW.VINTAGEANGUSRANCH.COM
PO Box 760 Williams, CA bbr@citlink.net
104 California Cattleman July • August 2020
Mobile: (530) 681-5046 Office (530) 473-2830 www.brokenboxranch.com
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
JOIN US IN OROVILLE FOR OUR BUTTE BULL SALE OCTOBER 17! CONTACT US FOR CATTLE AVAILABLE PRIVATE TREATY OFF THE RANCH
Oroville, CA LambertRanchHerefords.com
JoinususOct for15, our2018 annual production sale iu Modesto! Join for our annual production sale!
REGISTERED HEREFORD CATTLE
Building Extremely High Quality Beef Since 1978
“THE BRAND YOU CAN COUNT ON”
Bulls and females available private treaty!
Call us about our upcoming consignments or private treaty cattle available off the ranch.
BARRY, CARRIE & BAILEY MORRELL
La Grange, CA • Greeley Hill, CA Stephen Dunckel • (209) 878-3167 www.tubleweedranch.net twd@tumbleweedranch.net
Barry: (530) 6825808 • Carrie: (530) 218-5507 Bailey (530) 519-5189 morrellranches@yahoo.com 560 County Road 65, Willows CA 95988
Pitchfork Cattle Co.
SPANISH RANCH Your Source for Brangus and Ultrablack Genetics in the West!
Hereford Bulls Now AvAilABle!
OFFERING HEREFORD BULLS BUILT FOR THE COMMERCIAL CATTLEMAN
Dave Goss PO Box 13 Vinton, CA 96135 530-993-4636
P.W. GILLIBRAND Cattle Co.
THE DOIRON FAMILY (707) 481-3440 • Bobby Mickelson, Herdman, (707) 396-7364
Daniel & Pamela Doiron 805-245-0434 Cell doiron@spanishranch.net www.spanishranch.net
THD ©
LITTLE SHASTA RANCH
Genetics That Get Results!
Horned and Polled Hereford Genetics
Private treaty bulls available or watch for our consignments at Cal Poly! Dwight Joos Ranch Manager P.O. Box 1019 • Simi Valley, CA 93062 805-520-8731 x1115 • Mobile 805-428-9781 dwight.joos@pwgcoinc.com Simi Valley, CA
pwgillibrandcattle.com
offering sons of this standout herdsire
POTTERS DISCOVERY C209
Call anytime to see what we can offer you!
Stan Sears 5322 Freeman Rd. Montague, CA 96064 (530) 842-3950
h
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 105
J-H FEED INC. ORLAND, CA
3300 Longmire Drive• College Station, TX 77845 (800) 768-4066 • (979) 693-0388 fax: (979) 693-7994 e-mail: info@bovine-elite.com
Full Service JMM GENETICS A.I. Technician & Semen Distributor
• A.I, CIDR & heat synchronization • Extensive experience • Willing to Travel • Well-versed in dairy & beef pedigrees
JORGE MENDOZA • (530) 519-2678 jmmawss@gmail.com 15880 Sexton Road, Escalon, CA
REAL ESTATE
KNIPE LAND COMPANY
Idaho - Weiser River Ranch
2,103± acre cattle/hunting ranch has 587± irrigated, 3+ miles of river frontage, plus Cove Creek frontage, hunting lodge, 3 homes, hay storage & working corrals. Numerous upgrades to the property. Ranch can support 1,500± Animal Units per grazing season, and has 2 gravel sources for added income. Excellent hunting for waterfowl, game birds, elk and deer. $7,700,000
(208) 345-3163 knipeland.com
YOUR BUSINESS AD COULD BE LISTED HERE FOR AS LITTLE AS $400 PER YEAR! FOR DETAILS, CONTACT MATT MACFARLANE AT (916) 803-3113 OR M3CATTLEMARKETING@GMAIL.COM
106 California Cattleman July • August 2020
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:
STATE:
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
PRIMARY PHONE:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE OUR WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE E-MAIL BULLETIN?
Yes
ZIP:
No
Recruited By_________________________
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 $1,765 $1,275 $970 $725 $615 $460 $325 $240
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
For those who support California cattle production but do not own cattle Non-Voting Membership level
Statewide Allied/Feeder Associate $220
REGULAR MEMBERSHIP
Cattle Numbers
Dues
2001 + 1751-2000 1501-1750 1251-1500 1001-1250 750-1000 501-750 251-500 101-250 0-100
$1,900 + .38/per head $1,900 $1,650 $1,400 $1,150 $900 $650 $450 $300 $150
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
Statewide Stewards of the Land
$150
Applicant’s Birth Date:_______________
CCA Supporting Member
$100
if over 25 years of age Applicant’s expected date of Graduation:
(Available to non-producers that own land on which cattle could or are run.) (Available to non-producers who support the industry.)
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.
Regular Members:
$35
Associate Members: $35 Young Cattlemen: $ 5
$15.00 $25.00 NA $20.00 $25.00 $15.00 $20.00 $25.00
Must own fewer than 100 head of cattle. Must be 25 years of age or younger or a full-time student
- OR -
Step 3: Total Payment
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
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 $25.00
CCA
$
NCBA
$
CBCIA
$
Payment Options:
□ Check payable to CCA
Local (All) $ TOTAL
□
$
□
Card #___________________________________ Exp______/________ Name on Card ____________________________ Signature ________________________________ Santa Clara Shasta County Siskiyou County Sonoma-Marin Tahoe Tehama County Tulare County Tuolumne County
$25.00 $20.00 $10.00 $10.00 $15.00 $10.00 $5.00 $10.00
Ventura County Yolo County Yuba –Sutter
$35.00 $25.00 $25.00
July • August 2020 California Cattleman 107
In Memory VINCE MERKLEY
Vince Francis Merkley was born on January 23, 1963 in Sacramento, to Carson and Pixie (Elizabeth) Merkley. He left this life at the age of 57 on May 3 in
Flournoy. He was raised on a large cattle ranch in Bly, Ore. One of six siblings, he was brought up working in the hay fields and managing cattle. From this, he took an extraordinary work ethic. After graduating from Lakeview High School, he attended Oregon Institute of Technology (where he played football as a walk on), then Oregon State University, and finally University of Nevada-Reno where he graduated with a Masters Degree In Agricultural Economics. He managed the Reno Livestock
Events Center for over seven years and from there started his own events business which he sold successfully in 2018 with plans of raising cattle and kids. He was a larger than life husband, father, athlete and coach (wrestling and football), cowboy, fighter (he had a record number of knockouts!) and as many, many people know, friend. He is survived by his wife, Jess Merkley and four children Libby, Charleigh, Caleb and Dodge of Flournoy Calif. and two daughters Jessica and Brin Merkley of Butte, Mont. As well as his father Carson Merkley of Bonanza, Ore., siblings Sharon Anderson of Bismark, N.D., Sheila McKelvie of Lakeview, Matt Merkley of Bonanza, Mike Merkley of Fallon, Nev. and Lizzie Lowery of Klamath Falls. Also included are three aunts, and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins. A graveside service was held at the Paskenta Cemetery May 30.
DICK CROW
publisher of WLJ in 1968. He also had Richard a passion for travel and traveled the (Dick) Ashton world with WLJ Tours. He visited every Crow passed major continent, though never made it away Feb. 20, to Antarctica because there are no cattle at his home in there. Denver, Colo. Dick retired from WLJ in 2000 after Dick was a Christmas baby, working side by side with his son, Pete, for 14 years. Pete continues to serve as born Dec. 25, publisher as WLJ approaches its 100th 1925 to Nelson and Mary Jo year in business. Crow, in Los Dick married Sally Corbit in California Angeles. Nelson was the founder of the and they had two children; Katie Crow of Western Livestock Journal, which he Port Townsend, Wash.; and his son, Pete, started in 1922. Dick grew up around the who both survive him. Dick and Sally livestock industry and eventually made a divorced after 30 years. He then married career out of it. He served his country in Barbara Peck and they made their home the Navy during World War II, assigned in Franktown, Colo., where he enjoyed to the aircraft carrier, USS Hancock, gardening. Barbara shared his passion serving in the Pacific Theater. After his for travel and participated in many WLJ Navy service, he attended Claremont ranch tours. She passed in 2017. His longCollege, then a men’s college in Pomona. time friend, Marylin Montgomery, took Dick had four younger siblings, Sue, Joe, care of him until his death. John, and Bill, who all preceded him in Dick had two grandchildren, Lauren death. (Hogan) Jones, and David Crow who Dick went to work for his father, passed in 2013. Nelson, and first became a fieldman Dick loved his family, friends and his for the Western Dairy Journal while country. At his request, in lieu of services, raising a family in Newport Beach. Then Dick asked that his ashes be taken to the he and his family moved to Colorado Continental Divide of Colorado to be where he served as a fieldman for the scattered, half on the west side of the Western Livestock Journal. Dick became Rockies and half on the east side. 108 California Cattleman July • August 2020
KENNETH RAY MITCHELL On Sunday, June 14, Kenneth Ray Mitchell passed away at the Adventist Hospital in Sonora due to complications caused from a fall. He is survived by his partner in life, Dolores (Dorrie) Lee Valverde Mitchell. Ken and Dorrie have three children, Millie Krause (Ken), Mark Mitchell (Jennifer) and Marcia Whittle (Tom); and three grandchildren, Seth Mitchell, Blake Mitchell and Winter Whittle. Ken has one surviving sibling, Mills Mitchell (Clara). He was predeceased by his parents, Clifton Mills Mitchell and Rose Gurney Mitchell, and sister, Wilma Mitchell Miller. Ken was a third-generation cattle rancher. His family owned ranches in Calaveras, San Joaquin and Tuolumne counties. They also owned and operated Kennedy Meadows in Tuolumne County and Black Creek Lodge in Copperopolis. Ken had the summer range at Kennedy Lake where friends and family spent time learning about life, cows, packing animals and traveling the Stanislaus National Forest. He was a storyteller and always loved a large audience, the bigger the audience the bigger the story. Ken and Dorrie purchased a home in Copperopolis – property that once was known as the heifer field on the family ranch prior to being sold and subdivided. A service was held on June 25. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to A California Cattlewomen’s Heritage Foundation Scholarship or Ranch Raised Kids Book. A charity of your choice also.
WEdding Bells KESTER & DOUGHERTY . Kara Kester and Chase Dougherty were wed in a ceremony on June 14, in Las Vegas, Nev. The bride, a recent graduate of Tarleton State University, is the daughter of Kevin and June Kester, Parkfield. The groom is a professional bull rider who studied at Montana State Univeristy, where he was also a member of the rodeo team. He is the son of John and Lori Dougherty of Powell Butte, Ore. The couple has made their first home in Texas. RICHARDS & VERNON Surrounded by their close family and friends, Laurie Richards and Scott Vernon, married in a ceremony held in Paso Robles on June 27. Together, the family raises commercial stockers and quarter horses. The bride is an avid horsewoman who shows reigned cow horses and the groom is a well-known agriculture advocate and professor at Cal Poly. They have made their home at the Double R Ranch in Paso Robles.
NEW Arrival HARPER HANSON Harper Jo Hanson was born on April 21, 2020 to Brad and Robin Hanson of Susanville. This sweet baby girl entered the world weighing 6 pounds 7 ounces and 18 inches long. Her grandparents are Jack and Darcy Hanson, Susanville and Ernie and Kitty Schlosser, Zamora. CHARLOTTE NINO Charlotte May Nino was born on May 30, to Johnny and Kellie Nino of King City. She weighed in at 7 pounds and was 19 inches long. Charlotte’s grandparents are John and Susan Nino, King City and George and Candice Mancino, Hollister.
SHOULD YOU ORDER THE ANAPLASMOSIS VACCINE?
Anaplasmosis is an infectious parasitic disease in cattle, spread primarily by ticks and blood sucking insects like mosquitoes. The killed anaplasmosis vaccine protects cows and bulls of any age from infection and requires a booster given 4 to 6 weeks after the initial vaccination. Find out below if you should order the vaccine!
Do you own cattle?
NO
You don’t need it, but should still support the California Cattlemen’s Association
YES
YES
YES
Do they graze in areas where Anaplasmosis is a problem?
NO
(Consult your local veterinarian to find out)
Do you want to prevent the effects of the disease including severe anemia, weakness, fever lack of appetite, depression, constipation, decreased milk production, jaundice, abortion and possibly death?
NO You don’t need to order it
ORDER TODAY BY CALLING (916) 444-0845! Available in 10 or 50 dose bottles 10-40 doses: $8.50 per dose 50+ doses: $7.50 per dose *10 dose minimum and $10 flat rate shipping
SOLD ONLY TO CALIFORNIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
SHARE YOUR FAMILY NEWS WITH YOUR FELLOW RANCHERS... TO SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING AND BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS OR OBITUARIES, CONTACT THE CCA OFFICE AT (916) 444-0845 OR E-MAIL THEM TO MAGAZINE@CALCATTLEMEN.ORG. July • August 2020 California Cattleman 109
Advertisers’ Index
9 Peaks Ranch.......................................................... 69
Eagle Pass Ranch..................................................... 53
Pacific Trace Minerals...........................................106
All West Select Sires................................................ 27
EZ Angus Ranch........................................20, 21, 103
Pedretti Ranches...................................................... 41
Amador Angus................................................35, 102
Farm Credit West.................................................... 83
American AgCredit................................................. 83
Five Rivers Cattle Feeders...................................... 40
Phillips Ranch Red Angus...................................... 76
American Angus Association................................ 45
Freitas Rangeland Improvements.......................... 96
American Hereford Associatoin..........................104
Fresno State Ag Foundation.....................18, 93, 106
Animal Health International...............................106
Furtado Angus.......................................................103
Arellano Bravo......................................................... 37
Furtado Livestock Enterprises.............................106
Avila Cattle Co......................................................... 93
Gareth Fischer.......................................................... 38
Bar 6 Charolais......................................................... 93
Genoa Livestock..............................................11, 104
Bar KD Ranch .......................................................102
Great Basin Seed Company.................................... 44
Pitchfork Cattle Co................................................105 Rancho Casino/Dal Porto Livestock..................... 47 Red Bluff Bull Sale................................................... 97 Red River Farms..............................................81, 103 Riverbend Ranch..................................................... 87 Romans Ranches..................................................... 93 Sammis Ranch.......................................................103 Scales Northwest...................................................... 76
Bar R Angus...............................................24, 25, 102
Harrell Hereford Ranch........................................105
Bayer Animal Health........................................90, 91
HAVE Angus..........................................................103
Beef Solutions Bull Sale.......................................... 59
Heritage Bull Sale..............................................24, 25
Bianchi Ranches...................................................... 93
Hogan Ranch.........................................................103
Black Gold Bull Sale................................................ 31
Hone Ranch............................................................105
Silveira Bros....................................................6, 7, 103
Borges Angus Ranch............................................... 62
Hufford’s Herefords.........................................28, 104
Snyder Livestock, LLC............................................ 79
Bovine Elite LLC....................................................106
IMM Genetics........................................................106
Sonoma Mountain Herefords........................29, 105
Broken Box Ranch...........................................93, 104
Jorgensen Ranch...................................................... 93
Spanish Ranch..................................................82, 105
Buchanan Angus Ranch.......................................102
Kessler Angus.........................................................103
Stepaside Farms.....................................................104
Bullseye Breeders Bull Sale..................................... 43
Knipe Land Company...........................................106
Byrd Cattle Co....................................................9, 102
Lambert Ranch................................................77, 105
Stokrose Angus Bull Sale........................................ 66
Cal Poly Bull Test Sale............................................. 73
Leachman Cattle Co................................................ 63
California Beef Council.......................................... 51
Lorenzen Ranches................................................... 71
Cattlemen’s Livestock Market................................ 19
McPhee Red Angus.........................................53, 104
Charron Ranch......................................................102
Mid Valley Bull Sale................................................ 35
Chico State College of Ag.....................................106
Morrell Ranches.....................................................105
CoBank..................................................................... 83
Mrnak Herefords West........................................... 62
Conlin Supply Company, inc................................. 78
Multimin, USA........................................................ 65
Dal Porto Livestock...............................................102
New Generation Supplements............................... 70
DeForest Livestock.................................................. 38
Nicholas Livestock Co............................................ 93
Diablo Valley Angus................................................ 37
No. 7 Simmental Ranch.......................................... 95
Schafer Ranch..................................................35, 103 Schohr Herefords...................................................105 Sierra Ranches..................................................85, 103
Tehama Angus Ranch............................................... 3 Teixeira Cattle Co............................................67, 104 Thomas Angus Ranch............................................. 61 Traynham Ranches.................................................. 57 Tumbleweed Ranch...............................................105 Turlock Livestock Auction Yard......................32, 33 VF Red Angus........................................................105 Vintage Angus Ranch...................................104, 112 Visalia Livestock Market........................................ 54 Western Charolais Breeders................................... 93 Western Video Market.............................................. 2
Dixie Valley Angus................................. 37, 102, 111
Noahs Angus Ranch..............................................103
Dixie Valley Angus................................................111
O’Connell Ranch.............................................31, 103
Western Stockman’s Market................................... 39
Donati Ranch...................................................31, 102
O’Neal Ranch...................................................15, 103
Wraith, Scarlett, Randolph Insurance................... 17
Duarte Sales.............................................................. 44
P.W. Gillibrand.......................................................105
Wulff Brothers Livestock................................31, 104
110 California Cattleman July • August 2020
“PERFORMANCE, GROWTH & CARCASS GENETICS”
top quality angus bulls with herdsire potential available this fall including sons of these breed standouts! Sydgen Enhance
Hoover No Doubt
$M 73 $W 70 $F 132 $G 77 $B 209 $C 344
CED
BW
WW
YW
MILK
MARB
RE
+11
+0.1
+65
+132
+29
+1.16
+0.73
CED
BW
WW
YW
MILK
MARB
RE
+1
+4.1
+78
+145
+19
+0.92
+0.95
$M 60 $W 57 $F 126 $G 68 $B 194 $C 312
Sire: Mogck Bullseye • MGS: SydGen C C & 7
Sire: SydGen Exceed 3223 • MGS: SydGen Liberty GA 8627
THESE AND MORE SELL SEPT. 12 • GALT, CA ARELLANO BRAVO & DIABLO VALLEY ANGUS PRODUCTION SALE Sterling Rock 953 Sterling Rock 951 Sterling No Doubt 956 Sire: K C F Bennett TheRock A473 CED +5
BW +2.7 $M +72
Sire: Hoover No Doubt MGS: G A R Prophet
WW YW MILK MARB RE +86 +148 +25 +0.68 +0.57 $W $F $G $B $C +83 +96 +51 +148 +264
Sire: K C F Bennett TheRock A473 MGS: Baldridge Xpand x743 Vision
CED +15
BW -1.1 $M +59
WW +73
$W +78
YW MILK MARB RE +128 +27 +1.03 +0.86 $F $G $B $C +106 +73 +179 +291
MGS: Baldridge Xpand x743 Vision
CED +16
BW -3.2 $M +64
WW +67
$W +75
YW +122
$F +86
MILK +26
$G +79
MARB +1.24
$B +166
RE +0.69
$C +279
AVAILABLE OCT. 4 • SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA CAL POLY BULL TEST SALE Sterling plus 9101 Sterling Enhance 976 Sterling No Doubt 996 CED +10
BW +0.3 $M +63
Sire: SydGen Enhance MGS: V A R Discovery 2240 WW +74
$W +82
YW MILK MARB RE +143 +30 +1.16 +0.98 $F $G $B $C +119 +81 +200 +322
Sire: Hoover No Doubt MGS: Mill Bar Hickok 7242
CED +2
BW +4.4 $M +62
Sire: Connealy Confidence Plus MGS: G A R Prophet
WW YW MILK MARB RE +89 +152 +22 +0.89 +0.47 $W $F $G $B $C +76 +104 +60 +164 +275
No Doubt 9132 Sterling Payweight 9103 Sterling Sire: Basin Payweight 1682 Sire: Hoover No Doubt CED +9
BW +0.7 $M +66
MGS: G A R Prophet
WW YW MILK MARB RE +93 +161 +27 +0.87 +0.38 $W $F $G $B $C +100 +98 +57 +155 +267
CED +5
BW +3.7 $M +72
MGS: G A R Prophet
WW YW MILK MARB RE +83 +143 +21 +1.10 +0.62 $W $F $G $B $C +72 +81 +69 +150 +267
CED +9
BW +3.8 $M +74
WW +91 $W +90
YW MILK MARB RE +159 +26 +1.11 +0.98 $F $G $B $C +116 +77 +193 +324
Sterling Acclaim CED +9
BW -0.2 $M +51
Sire: Jindra Acclaim MGS: A A R Ten X 7008 S A
WW YW MILK MARB RE +81 +153 +41 +0.95 +0.62 $W $F $G $B $C +98 +133 +68 +201 +312
watch for these and other prospects sept. 12 and Oct. 4!
Lee Nobmann, owner Morgon Patrick, managing partner 8520 5th Ave E., Montague CA 96064
• August 2020 California Cattleman 111 (530)July526-5920 • morgon@nobmanncattle.com
VINTAGE ANGUS RANCH Thursday, September 3, 2020 27th Annual “Carcass Maker” Bull Sale
Selling 200+ “Multi-Trait Excellence” Bulls • LaGrange, CA • 12 Noon $Wean 78 • Top10% $Feedlot 115 • Top 2%
$Wean 103 • Top 1%
$Grid 78 • Top 3%
$Grid 80 • Top 2%
$Beef 193 • Top 1%
$Beef 213 • Top 1% $Combined 335 • Top 1%
$Feedlot 132 • Top 1%
$Combined 300 • Top 2%
VAR POWER PLAY 9228
VAR POWER PLAY 8582 BW 2.9 WW 75 YW 141 MK 35 SC 1.55 CW 67 MB 1.15 RE .74
SIRE: VAR POWER PLAY 7018 • REG # 19302191
BW 2.3 WW 94 YW 170 MK 39 SC 1.45 CW 91 MB 1.25 RE .73
SIRE: VAR POWER PLAY 7018 • REG # 19384304
$Wean 87 • Top 2%
$Wean 82 • Top 4%
$Feedlot 125 • Top 1%
$Feedlot 136 • Top 1%
$Grid 72 • Top 5%
$Grid 74 • Top 4%
$Beef 197 • Top 1%
$Beef 211 • Top 1%
$Combined 319 • Top 1%
$Combined 315 • Top 1%
VAR ROCK 9166
VAR BLACKSTONE 9225
BW 1.2 WW 83 YW 155 MK 30 SC 0.67 CW 81 MB 0.99 RE 0.8
BW 1.5 WW 90 YW 165 MK 22 SC 1.15 CW 84 MB .93 RE 1.08
SIRE: KCF BENNETT THE ROCK A473 • REG # 19384286
SIRE: BLACKSTONE • REG # 19386906
SIRE • POWER PLAY
9075 BW -0.2 • WW 75 • YW 136 • $C 283 Reg # 19349029
JIM COLEMAN, OWNER DOUG WORTHINGTON, MANAGER BRAD WORTHINGTON, OPERATIONS MIKE HALL, BULL SERVICES (805)748-4717 2702 SCENIC BEND, MODESTO, CA 95355 (209) 521-0537 • WWW.VINTAGEANGUSRANCH.COM OFFICE@VINTAGEANGUSRANCH.COM
SIRE • POWER PLAY
SIRE • POWER PLAY
9227 BW 2.1 • WW 87 • YW 155 • $C 295 Reg # 19384303
9111 BW 1.9 • WW 92 • YW 171 • $C 314 Reg # 19384273
Join us Sept. 3 as we offer a real world set of bulls that will add thickness, volume and muscle • They are the rancher’s kind! CALL, E-MAIL OR VISIT US ONLINE TO RECEIVE A SALE BOOK!