2012 February Profit Picture by American Gelbvieh Association

February 2012 | www.gelbvieh.org

In this Issue:

Female Stayability has Economic Significance

Advantages of

Paternal Heterosis and Hybrid Bulls

Over the Fence with Bill and Marie Farr From Tobacco to Beef Ultrasound Scanning Beef Cattle for Body Composition

Running Cattle

Female Stayability has Economic Significance Cow-calf producers who consider female stayability are more profitable. Beef cow stayability is an indication of a bull’s daughters’ ability to enter the breeding herd and remain productive at least until six years of age. Stayability is an economically relevant trait and has a large influence on herd profitability. The costs associated with development or purchase of replacement females is substantial. University of Nebraska-Lincoln reports the findings of a detailed study of two well managed herds. The study found that 78 percent of replacement heifers who successfully calved the first time rebred and

at Elevation is No Easy Task

had their second calf. Only 38 percent of these had their fifth calf, 20 percent their eighth calf and 10 percent their eleventh calf. Considering the breakeven price of replacement females, small improvements in female stayability can yield significant profits for cow-calf producers. Animal science researchers note that for a herd to be profitable the number of cows remaining in production past the cows’ breakeven point must exceed the number of cows culled prior to reaching this age. Cows fail to remain in the herd for a number of reasons including failure to breed, loss of a calf, health and growth

Table 1. Gelbvieh Females Stay in Herd Longer Age of Dam

% Stayability Population

Breed Association1 AGA ASA RAAA

3 year

% Success

82%

71%

77%

Total

74,885

365,907

180,584

% Success

74%

62%

67%

Total

74,536

367,886

180,125

% Success

68%

52%

58%

Total

65,182

365,047

168,177

% Success

62%

43%

50%

Total

54,459

262,663

153,203

4 year 5 year 6 year

AGA = American Gelbvieh Association; ASA = American Simmental Association; RAAA = Red Angus Association of America Source: Brigham, B.W., Speidel, S.E., Enns, R.M., Garrick, D.J. Stayability to Alternate Ages. 1

Continued on page 4

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Contents Features Female Stayability has Economic Significance

From Tobacco to Beef Kentucky Extension Helps Cow-Calf Producers Improve Profitability

Research shows that one unit increase in overall herd stayability can result in an increased profit of $2,500 for herds with 40% of the cows remaining to 6 years of age.

By William McIntosh The MAG-60 Program is currently seeking 1,000 females in Kentucky to breed to Gelbvieh bulls as part of a Kentucky Beef Network value-added program.

Advantages of Paternal Heterosis and Hybrid Bulls By Jack C. Whittier

Ultrasound Scanning Beef Cattle for Body Composition

303/465-2333 Main Phone 303/465-2339 fax Director of Administration Dianne Coffman (ex. 479) diannec@gelbvieh.org Director of Breed Improvement Susan Willmon (ex. 484) susanw@gelbvieh.org

Heterosis in hybrid bulls improves production

The results of ultrasound scanning are less expensive and time consuming to collect compared with actual harvest data.

Director of Breed Promotion Frank Padilla (ex. 480) frankp@gelbvieh.org

Over the Fence with Bill and Marie Farr 30

Running Cattle at Elevation is No Easy Task

Director of Communications Jennifer Scharpe (ex. 485) jennifers@gelbvieh.org

and reproductive characteristics including factors affecting fertility and breeding ability. By Frank Padilla Bill and Marie Farr use Balancer® bulls on their

950 mother cows in their cattle and diversified crop operation in southwest Nebraska.

High Altitude Disease accounts for $60 million annually in production and death loss for cattle in the Rocky Mountain Region.

News Maternal Edge Sales Hit the Ground Running By Brandon McEndaffer

Why Crossbreed?

Beef Qualtiy Assurance: Is it for You? By Lauren Dever

Basic Strategies for Buying the Right Bull By Dr. Scott P. Greiner

Severity of Winter and Calf Birth Weights

Departments

Improve Gain Potential for Suckling Calves By Gary Sides, Ph.D.

Editorial

Gelbvieh Association Offers Hybrid Registry

Beef Herd Continues to Shrink

Good Bulls Don’t Cost...They Pay By Frank Padilla

Cattlemen Could Make More Money with Heavyweight Calves or Stockers By Robert Burns

Drafting the Right Players By Tom Field

Making More Confident Decisions in Herd Sire Selection

Gelbvieh Genetics Offer Calving Ease

Building Lifelong Relationships in the AGJA By Justin Taubenheim

Breeder’s Corner

Places to Be

Ad Index

Request Your Free Subscription The Profit Picture is the commercially-focused tabloid publication published in October and February by the American Gelbvieh Association, focused on issues important to the commercial cow-calf producer. Sign up to receive your free subscription to The Profit Picture by subscribing online or completing this form and mailing to American Gelbvieh Association, attn: Profit Picture, 10900 Dover Street, Westminster, CO 80021. Comments and feedback welcome to jennifers@gelbvieh.org.

2 | February 2012

Name: __________________________________ Address: ________________________________ City, State, Zip: ___________________________ Subscribe online at www.gelbvieh.org/ communication/subscriptionssignup.html

Director of Member Services Dana Stewart (ex. 488) danas@gelbvieh.org Gelbvieh Media Productions Lynn Valentine (ex. 486) lynnv@gelbvieh.org Area Coordinator Central Region Brandon McEndaffer brandonm@gelbvieh.org (970) 520-3020 Area Coordinator Eastern Region William McIntosh williamm@gelbvieh.org (502) 867-3132 Customer Services Dolores Gravley (ex. 481) doloresg@gelbvieh.org Patti Showman (ex. 478) pattis@gelbvieh.org Teresa Wessels (ex. 477) teresaw@gelbvieh.org Mailing address: 10900 Dover St., Westminster, CO 80021 General E-mail: info@gelbvieh.org Registration/Electronic Data Transfer: registration@gelbvieh.org Website: www.gelbvieh.org

When Breeding for Carcass Traits, Don’t Forget Tenderness! In 1994, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) concluded after testing 1,663 cattle that marbling improved juiciness and flavor but had little effect on tenderness. Beef needs to be tender to make it the great piece of meat that today’s consumers crave and are willing to pay extra to get.

Tenderize your beef with bulls from Rogers Valley Farm The fastest and easiest way to improve tenderness in your herd is to use a bull that has proven tenderness genetics. At Rogers Valley Farm, we’ve used DNA technology to identify and measure these economically important traits. Our dams and herdsires are selected for their tenderness genetics as well as growth and reproduction. With our genetics, you can add tenderness without losing performance. For information on our bull offerings or to purchase semen from our tenderness sires, call Ronald Rogers at 660-375-7266. See our website for more information and data on all our bulls.

www.RogersVFG.com KHR 47R Heifer Calving Ease with Added Muscle and Big Growth Homozygous for the Rare 316 Tenderness Gene EPDs Spring, 2011 CE BW WW YW 112 0.6 55 100

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TM 43

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CED 112

CW 28

REA 0.26

MB 0.02

FM 28.59

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Mark Your Calendar

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LRSL He’S A 10 83U A Perfect 10 for Tenderness EPDs Spring, 2011 CE BW WW YW 105 2.2 42 82

M 8

TM 29

GL -0.6

CED 101

CW 21

REA 0.15

MB 0.01

FM 17.91

KHR 08W

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M 21

TM 46

GL -2.0

CED 110

CW 10

REA 0.14

MB 0.05

FM 12.35

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P. O. Box 51, Mendon, MO 64660 • Email rogers_valley_farm_feedlot@hotmail.com • (660) 272-3805 • cell (660) 375-7266

The Profitpicture | 3

Female Stayability has Economic Significance ... continued from page 1

of the calves, udder/teat, feet, temperament, teeth and body condition. The number of heifers saved back for replacements, and the number of heifers that calve and stay in the herd for an extended period is directly related to a beef cow-calf operations profitability. Females that remain in the herd longer reduce the number of replacements kept and the cost associated with their development. Additionally, productivity is increased as more females remain in higherproducing age groups. “Female stayabiltiy is a trait of significant importance in our operation and that of our customers,” says Bob Prosser of Bar T Bar Ranch in Winslow, Ariz. The Bar T Bar Ranch consists of approximately 700-800 commercial Balancer® cows and 400 head of seedstock Balancer, Gelbvieh and Angus cattle. The cattle are raised in the country’s most environmentally challenging conditions in northern Arizona where the average stocking rate is one cow per 160 acres. “In our environment the money ball is getting the two-year-old first-calf heifer to rebreed for their second calf without added supplementation in regard

to feed. We see a significant difference between the Balancer and Gelbvieh females over our Angus in getting this done, not only for us but for our customers.” A study conducted by Colorado State University researchers looked at stayability of 3, 4, 5 and 6 year old cows using data from the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA), American Simmental Association (ASA), and Red Angus Association of America (RAAA). In evaluating the heritability of stayability, the researchers observed the percentage of females successfully staying in the herd at the four age points. These observations clearly show Gelbvieh females had a higher success rate of stayability over the Simmental and Red Angus breeds (Table 1.). “We have definitely found this to be the case in our cow herd,” said Dick Helms of Flying H Genetics in Arapahoe, Neb. Flying H Genetics runs cow herds in two locations, Nebraska and Missouri. The cow herds consist of Gelbvieh, Balancer, Angus, SimAngus and Simmental genetics. “In our two herds we see a significant increase in the number of Gelbvieh and Balancer

Chart 1. Improved Female Stayability

Source: American Gelbvieh Association EPD genetic trend for staybility.

4 | February 2012

females that remain productive in the herd longer.” The AGA’s stayability EPD predicts the genetic difference, in terms of percent probability, that a bull’s daughters will stay productive within a herd to at

influences number of calves a cow produces in her lifetime, calf weaning weight, replacement rates, and overall profitability of the cow herd. A second study conducted at Colorado State University

One unit increase in overall herd stayability resulted in an increase in profit of $2,500 for herds with 40 percent of the cows remaining in the herd to six years of age. least six years of age given she has calved once. The stayability EPD is one of the best measures currently available to compare a bull’s ability to produce females with reproductive longevity. The AGA genetic trend for stayability EPD is presented in chart 1. The trend line shows clear selection pressure by Gelbvieh seedstock breeders to breed cattle with improved female stayability. “Stayability relates to the proportion of first-calf heifers that are still present in the herd at age six. An average stayability is about 50 percent. A positive EPD for stayability reflects the presence of genes for an increased ability to repeatedly avoid voluntary and involuntary culling. A bull with an EPD for stayability of five percent is expected to have, on average, five percent more of his daughters still present in the herd at age six. Clearly a positive EPD is favorable and stayability is likely to have significant impact on herd profit,” writes Animal Scientists Dorian Garrick and Mark Enns. Putting actual economic values to improved stayability can be difficult when one considers all the factors that are influenced when a cow remains productive longer. Stayability

evaluated the economic variability of average cow herd stayability. Essentially the study determined that a one unit increase in overall herd stayability resulted in an increase in profit of $2,500 for herds with 40 percent of the cows remaining in the herd to six years of age. “A portion of the value in improving stayability was due to increases in the number of mature cows and a corresponding increase in calf weaning weight… Change in net income, or profitability, increased with selection of sires with superior stayability EPD,” the researchers concluded. Scott Starr, who owns and manages Cedar Top Ranch located in Stapleton, Neb., says, “Open cows are costly. The younger they exit the herd for not getting pregnant the more they cost a rancher. It’s expensive to replace opens. Our Gelbvieh and Balancer cows get bred and continue getting bred compared to our other breeds. That helps us make money.” Editor’s note: This article was compiled by Frank Padilla, director of breed promotion for the American Gelbvieh Association. He can be reached at 303-4652333 or frankp@gelbvieh.org.

The Profitpicture | 5

News

Maternal Edge Sales Hit the Ground Running By Brandon McEndaffer

The Gelbvieh breed’s females have long been known for their maternal abilities. Balancer® females are quickly gaining a reputation for being exceptional females that excel in efficiency and longevity. The Maternal Edge female sales are designed to be a commercial “cowman’s” source for solid maternally focused females. In today’s cattle industry, pressures from drought, high grain prices, and the increasing of age of producers continue to squeeze cow herd numbers. Identifying high quality, efficient Gelbvieh influenced and Balancer females to use in a crossbreeding program will most definitely put money in the pockets of commercial producers. Just look at the data from the American Gelbvieh Association, Red Angus Association of America, and American Simmental Association shows that these Gelbvieh females stay in the herd longer. The states of Iowa and Nebraska both held their inaugural Maternal Edge sales this last December to capitalize on the “maternal edge” these females bring to a commercial ranch. The Iowa Gelbvieh

Association hosted their sale at Bloomfield Livestock Market in Bloomfield, Iowa. A sale that featured 150 Gelbvieh influenced females and took place on December 22, 2011. The Gelbvieh Association of Nebraska sponsored a sale at Kearney Livestock in Kearney, Neb., on December 9, 2011 in which over 350 Maternal Edge females sold. In Iowa, the Bloomfield Livestock seats where full as the Maternal Edge females

to bred females, a fancy set of replacement females were offered that averaged $994. The Maternal Edge sale in Kearney was held in conjunction with an additional set of bred cows that were consigned by local producers in the Kearney area. The Maternal Edge bred heifers averaged $1,666 on 210 head and earned a premium to females sold that day at a number of sales in Nebraska. The top selling bred females for the day were consigned by J.J. Boehler and brought $2,100. The sale offered quality females from start to finish and the replacement heifers that were offered were no exception. A total of 146 replacement heifers averaged $1,008, with the high selling group coming from Flatcreek Farms and commanding top dollar at $1,100. If you’re looking to buy or sell commercial females with the “maternal edge” of Gelbvieh or

The Maternal Edge bred heifers averaged $1,666 on 210 head and earned a premium to females sold that day at a number of sales in Nebraska. entered the ring that night. The night was topped by Lone Oak Gelbvieh selling a solid group of young cows at $2,125. The Maternal Edge bred females averaged $1,760. In addition A m e r i c a n

G e l b v i e h

Balancer, these sales will be great sources for finding genetics. Look for expanded sales next fall in Nebraska and Iowa as well as a number of additional Midwest states to start hosting sales. The Maternal Edge sales represent a great opportunity to find top quality replacement and bred females produced by commercial cattlemen/women for fellow commercial producers. Whether in the market for a few head or pot loads of quality females, the Maternal Edge females will work for your operation. In addition to the Iowa and Nebraska Maternal Edge sales, the North Carolina Gelbvieh Association will host their second annual Maternal Edge sale on March 17, 2012 in Clinton, N.C. Other sales planned for the fall of 2012 include the 6th Annual Tennessee Maternal Edge sale in Cross Plains, Tenn., and the inaugural Ohio Maternal Edge sale. Please feel free to contact an American Gelbvieh Association Area Coordinator for information on what a Maternal Edge female can do for your ranch’s bottom line at 303-465-2333 or visit the website www.gelbvieh.org.

A s s o c i a t i o n

Area Coordinators “The sale season is here and I will be attending many of them. If you are in need of Gelbvieh or Balancer® bulls or females don’t hesitate to contact me. If it’s commercial females that you are looking for, I can help there as well.”

“If you are in the need of bulls or replacement females do not hesitate to contact me. There are sales being held and cattle available at private treaty that I know about and can assist you in locating that will suit your needs.”

Brandon McEndaffer

William McIntosh

Central Region brandonm@gelbvieh.org (970) 520-3020 (C)

Eastern Region williamm@gelbvieh.org (502) 867-3132 (C)

Western region Gelbvieh members and commercial producers should contact Frank Padilla at the American Gelbvieh Association office at 303-465-2333.

6 | February 2012

POST ROCK CATTLE COMPANY

Bull & Female Sale MARCH 17, 2012 • 12:30 pm (cst)

Post Rock Cattle Company Sale Facility • Barnard, Kansas

200 GELBVIEH & BALANCER® LOTS SELL

120 Purebred Gelbvieh & Balancer® Bulls 80 Purebred Gelbvieh & Balancer® Females ALL 6 YEAR OLD FEMALES SELL, including three donors.

80R2 (956502)

224Y8 (1181629)

227X8 (1181637)

Homozygous polled, double black donor for Post Rock with outstanding EPDs. Her only son to sell to date is herd sire for Holste’s Triple H Farm in Iowa. Big time producer with many ET calves yet to come. Sells in her entirety.

Homozygous black, homozygous polled purebred son of Great Western out of a CTR Highlight daughter who’s dam was also the dam of BTI Granite 2135M that did so much for our program. His dam is on the way to the Post Rock donor pen.

90S2 (1002434)

233Y2 (1190630)

Most of the Balancer® bulls are homozygous black, homozygous polled including this performance strong, pounds heavy son of Chunky. He’s got extra rib, muscle and ﬂeshing ability that you expect from Post Rock.

266X8 (1181673)

Outstanding producer with exceptional EPDs. Her ﬁrst four calves posted a 112 WW ratio and 109 YW ratio, and she has a standout son also selling this year. Pasture bred to the popular Futurity and National Champion Passion.

12 sons by seven different sires, out of the legendary donor Post Rock Twila 223M2, that is the dam of the #1 used Gelbvieh bull Post Rock Granite 200P2, sell including this black Collateral 2R son that is among several 223M2 sons that are herd sire material.

76S2 (1002419) •

Ultra calving ease Balancer® bull with a 112 WW ratio, sired by a Mytty In Focus son that produced a highly sought after sire group last year. Many Balancer® bulls like 266X8 can be used on heifers and most are homozygous black and homozygous polled.

• •

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH... God has made the beautiful country side and man has made the cities.

An almost unbelievable 115 WW ratio on her calves at Post Rock and backed by outstanding EPDs and cow family. She is easy on the eye and always brings in a eye popping, standout calf.

POST ROCK CATTLE COMPANY 3041 E. Hwy. 284, Barnard, KS 67418 Bill Clark: 785.792.6244 Leland Clark: 785.792.6208 Fax: 785.792.6250 • Email: prcc@twinvalley.net “Where calving ease, performance and eye-appeal come together.”

• • •

COWMAN’S KIND SALE FEATURES

Incredible selection pressure, the top 120 bulls from nearly 600 planned matings sell. 25% of the bull offering both Purebred and Balancer® is ET produced. Large sire groups offer many chances to purchase ½ and ¾ brothers, plus ﬂush brothers. Bulls are developed in large open lots on a high roughage ration. Free delivery or free bull care until May 1. First breeding season, death or injury guarantee. Customer service and customer satisfaction have kept us in the seedstock business for more than 52 years.

SALE MANAGEMENT BY: Mitchell Marketing Service

www.mms.bz

Chris Mitchell 334-695-1371 Randy Sienknecht 319-290-3763 2262 C Avenue • Gladbrook, IA 50635 CattleDesign®

The Profitpicture | 7

8 | February 2012

Editorial

Good Bulls Don’t Cost...They Pay By Frank Padilla

Cost cutting has become a survival tool for most cow-calf producers for many years. In current economic times, producers are looking hard to reduce input costs in any phase of their operations where they can. But when it comes to the bottom line, lower costs will get you only half of the equation. Herd sire selection is directly attributable to 80 percent of herd improvement. What you can afford to pay for a bull depends on more than finding one at the lowest price. Let’s compare two Gelbvieh bulls, Bull A and Bull B. Each bull’s expected progeny differences (EPDs), plus the breed average for Gelbvieh sires are listed in table 1. If both bulls sire 40 calves (20 heifers and 20 bulls) from the same cow herd for four consecutive years, how much more can you afford to pay for a bull with better genetics?

Growth Growth trait EPDs are expressed in pounds. If the steer and heifer calves are sold at weaning, what advantage does Bull A have over Bull B? Bull A has a weaning weight EPD of 50 pounds; Bull B, 30 pounds. Based on these EPDs, you can expect Bull A, on average, to sire calves that weigh 20 more pounds at weaning than Bull B when bred to the same cows. If 15 percent of the 40 calves are kept for replacement females, 34 calves multiplied by the additional pounds sired by Bull A results in 680 pounds of additional weaning weight

per year. If these pounds are valued at $150 per hundredweight (cwt), yearly gross sales from calves sired by Bull A amounts to an increase of $1,020 per year. That annual gross sales amount ($1,020) multiplied over four years results in a $4,080 of increased gross sales from Bull A when compared to Bull B.

Maternal Daughters from Bull A should not be overlooked when adding productivity and dollars. Bulls with superior maternal genetics sire daughters that have increased performance. Increased milk production and growth are passed on to daughters of superior genetic bulls. One way to compare a sire’s ability to transmit milk and growth rate to his daughter is to calculate maternal weaning weight. The maternal weaning weight is expressed in pounds and is equal to the sire’s milk EPD plus one-half of his weaning weight EPD. Bull A’s maternal weaning weight would be one-half 50 plus 22 or 47 pounds (1/2 x 50WW + 22Milk = 47 pounds of maternal weaning weight). Bull B’s calculated maternal weaning weight would be one-half of 30 plus 12 or 27 pounds (1/2 x 30WW + 12 = 27 pounds of maternal weaning weight). Using this example, you can expect Bull A’s daughters, on average, to raise calves that are 20 pounds heavier at weaning than Bull B’s, assuming they are bred to the same bull. If twenty-four females, 15 percent of the total calf crop each year, are retained out of Bull A and these cows stay in the herd six

Table 1. Sire A and B’s EPDs Compared with Gelbvieh Breed’s Average Trait

Birth Weight Weaning Yearling (BW) Weight (WW) Weight (YW)

Milk

Gelbvieh Breed Averages

1.2

Bull A

1.0

Bull B

1.0

years, there will be an additional 2,880 pounds of weaned weight compared to Bull B’s daughters. If this weight is valued at $150 cwt, there will be extra gross sales of $4,320 for Bull A’s daughters’ lifetimes compared with that to that of Bull B’s. Take note that optimum selection for milk production needs to take place in consideration of environmental differences and nutrition. Producers should analyze their requirements and make breeding decisions accordingly.

Herd sire selection is directly attributable to 80 percent of herd improvement. What you can afford to pay for a bull depends on more than finding one at the lowest price. Easy math tells us that Bull A has returned $8,400 more over his lifetime used than Bull B. This example does not necessarily suggest that you pay an extra $8,400 for Bull A but it does help explain why a sire’s genetic potential is such an important factor when selecting bulls to purchase. Purchasing a bull is a long-term investment that has great influence on your herd’s productivity. Consider all the factors when you decide to purchase a bull. Remember as well that EPDs of different breeds cannot be compared without across breed adjustments being calculated. Take the time and do the math. Good bulls don’t cost…. but rather they pay you back big in the long run. Editor’s note: Frank Padilla is the director of breed promotion for the American Gelbvieh Association. He can be reached at frankp@gelbvieh. org or 303-465-2333. The Profitpicture | 9

News

Beef Quality Assurance: Is it for You? By Lauren Dever

A cow is a cow, is a cow, right? Wrong. Ask a farmer, rancher, and a feedlot manger that question and you’ll get completely different answers. Ask an Gelbvieh breeder and a Hereford breeder and you’ll get two completely different answers. And I bet, if you asked a 20 year old agriculture student in Texas and a 60 year old producer in Montana that question the answers would be so diverse you’d be left questioning what a cow really is. I would be willing to bet though if you asked the question, “What best management practices do you use to insure your cattle are safe, wholesome and healthy” that you would get fairly similar answers across the board. The

majority of cattle producers in the country, regardless of the sector they are in or what breed they choose, raise and handle cattle with the highest regard for safe and humane animal husbandry. With those two questions in mind, I’ll ask a third one, “What is Beef Quality Assurance?” A staggering number of cattle producers have either never heard of the program or can not tell you about the Beef Checkoff funded program. What started in the late 1970s as a program addressing issues with chemical residues and injection site lesions has since grown into a simple but powerful set of guidelines to raise consumer confidence in beef through offering proper management techniques and a

Our Goal:

To breed Great Individuals with Quality, Good Conformation and Excellent EPDs.

We sell Breeding Stock Bulls and Females. For more information call:

330-567-9232 • 330-231-0339 (cell) Or Email: chesyoder@yahoo.com Yoder’s Prairie Acres is located 80 miles northeast of Columbus or 13 miles south of Wooster, OH.

10 | February 2012

commitment to quality. Today, with nearly every state having an active Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program it is easy for members of every sector of the industry from pasture to plate to participate and become BQA certified. Consumers are demanding a more transparent supply chain when purchasing products. They want to know that their products are receiving the best care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. BQA makes it possible to prove this to a consumer. Producers will argue that each sector in the industry is different, every area of the country is different, and every breed is different. True. The best part though, is that the BQA program provides guidelines that can be applied to every sector, every area of every state, and every breed of cattle. Both on a state level and national level there are resources to help farmers, ranchers, feeders, transporters, packers and even retailers with whatever questions they may have. While some resources are general to all areas of beef production there are numerous resources available through the national program that are targeted at different sectors of the industry. The key to remember that while every sector, every state and every breed are different what shouldn’t change is the commitment to providing a superior quality of life to the animals that are being raised for consumers. Beef Quality

Assurance is a promise. It’s a promise to yourself that you will always do the right thing. It’s a promise to other members of the production chain that you have done your role in upholding the highest standards. And it’s

A simple but powerful set of guidelines to raise consumer confidence in beef through offering proper management techniques and a commitment to quality. a promise to consumers that you are delivering the most wholesome and healthy product on the market. So whether you are a cowcalf producer in Mississippi to feedlot manager in Colorado, are transporting cattle across the nation or are raising a few steers for 4-H or FFA, it is important to remember that every cow, calf, or bull should be raised and handled using BQA guidelines. Everyone that owns cattle can be BQA certified, and everyone should. So become BQA certified and start delivering on the best promise someone in the cattle industry can provide. For more information on Beef Quality Assurance visit http://www. bqa.org, like National Beef Quality Assurance on Facebook, and follow @NationalBQA on Twitter. Lauren Dever can be reached with any questions regarding Beef Quality Assurance at 303-850-3459 or ldever@beef.org.

Thorstenson Gelbvieh & Angus Cutting Your Hay Costs...

Bale less hay...

Hay or feed accounts for more than 60% of the cost of owning a cow each year... Montana State University (MSU) has been doing extensive research with Residual Feed Intake (RFI) measured cows and heifers. MSU research indicates low RFI cows consume an average of 10 lbs./day less than high RFI cows, with feed conversion 28.6% lower for low RFI cows compared to high RFI cows. Research by Dr. John Basarab has shown hereditability to be near 40%. Purchasing seedstock with proven RFI numbers has the potential to put more dollars in your pocket than any other measured trait. Research has shown that a 5% improvement in feed conversion has an economic impact four times greater than a 5% improvement in average daily gain. (Gibb and McAllister 1999)

Pasture more cows...

These bulls and many half brothers sell!

Use less feed...

Angus Sires Represented: Final Answer SAV Bismarck Sitz Upwards LT Bristol

Gelbvieh/Balancer® Sires Represented: Lazy TV Watchman Davidson Powerhouse Lazy TV Feed Time MCFG U262

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Selling 200 Feed Efficiency Tested Bulls Balancer, Angus & Gelbvieh Mobridge Livestock Auction • Mobridge, SD

Thorstenson

Scan this QR code with your smartphone. Give it a try!

Clip & mail for FREE 2012 Sale Book

Gelbvieh & Angus 12980 Cedar Rd., Selby, SD 57472

Vaughn & Wendy

Brian & DeDee

Name ______________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________

605/649-6262 605/649-9927 Fax: 605/649-7361 • E-mail: vwthor@sbtc.net

City ________________________________________________________

www.BalancerBulls.com

Mail to: Thorstenson Gelbvieh & Angus • 12980 Cedar Rd., Selby, SD 57472

State _______________________ Zip _________________________

The Profitpicture | 11

Beastrom Ranch 32nd AnnuAl Gelbvieh And bAlAncer bull SAle FebruAry 27, 2012 – 1:00 PM cST

AT The rAnch Sale New on norTheAST oF Pierre, Sd ti Loca Selling 80 Red, Black, Purebred and Balancer® Bulls! 5 Angus bulls sired by SAV Brilliance 15 Top Quality Replacement & Show Heifers

Sired by TMAS Big Whisky Balancer®

Sired by Danell Absolute 21U ET Balancer®

Sired by BEA Backtrack 801U ET Purebred

Sired by Hille U145 Uppercut Purebred

Sired by BEA Backtrack 801U ET Balancer®

Sired by SAV Brilliance Balancer®

12 | February 2012

bullS SelecTed For:

Performance Sired by BEA Backtrack 801U ET Purebred

Disposition

Sired by JRI Top Grid Balancer速

Maternal Traits Sired by SAV Brilliance Purebred Angus

Volume

Sired by Lazy TV Cocoa J265 Purebred

Balance

Sired by VAR Rocky Balancer速

Sired by SAV Brilliance Balancer速

leT uS be The buildinG blockS To your SucceSS! Wes & Brittney Spencer 605-280-0204

Jim & Barb Beastrom 605-224-5789

Shad & Brandy Ludemann 605-280-3915

Catalogs and videos available at www.beastromranch.com and at DV Auction

The Profitpicture | 13

Feature

Advantages of Paternal Heterosis and Hybrid Bulls By Jack C. Whittier

Much has been written and is well understood about the value of heterosis (hybrid vigor) in several facets of production agriculture. Hybrid corn is a mainstay in the corn industry and has provided tremendous improvements in corn yields over the past century. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “About 95 percent of our corn acreage now is planted to hybrid corn. We [the U.S.] produce at least 20 percent more corn on 25 percent fewer acres than in 1930, when seed of hybrid corn became available in quantity to American farmers.” In the beef industry, use of heterosis to improve production has shown similar advantages. Numerous research studies have reported up to a 25 percent improvement in pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed when crossbred dams produce crossbred calves. There are three main types of heterosis:

Individual heterosis – the improvement in performance by the individual crossbred animal above the average of its parents. Increased weaning weight, yearling weight and carcass traits are examples of individual heterosis in crossbred compared to straightbred calves. Maternal heterosis – the combined improvement in traits from the dam that cause increases in the performance of her and of her progeny. Examples of maternal (female) heterosis in a beef cow include: younger age at puberty, increased calving rate, increased survival of her calf to weaning, longevity, and pounds of calf produced in her lifetime. Paternal heterosis – the improvement in productive and reproductive characteristics of the bull. Examples of paternal (male) heterosis include: reduced age at puberty, improvements in scrotal circumference, improved sperm concentration, increased pregnancy rate and weaning rate when mated to cows.

Oklahoma & TexasBreeders Purebred genetics focusing on...

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growth, efficiency, beef quality, and maternal KG Gelbvieh characteristics. Guy & Kristen Lambert Quality breeding 219 County Rd 4800 stock available. Warren, TX 77664

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Individual and maternal heterosis are frequently discussed. However, the benefits of paternal heterosis have often been ignored. This may be due to fewer examples of paternal heterosis in the scientific literature and until recent years an apparent aversion to crossbred or hybrid sires.

Paternal heterosis – the improvement in productive and reproductive characteristics of the bull. Paternal Heterosis of Bull Reproductive Traits In 1987 researchers in Kentucky published a summary of research using crossbred sires in the Journal of Animal Science. This article lists some of the advantages from paternal heterosis. The authors reviewed and synthesized nine published reports that dealt with the productivity of crossbred bulls for commercial beef production. This review focused primarily on reproductive traits of yearling crossbred and straightbred bulls and included results from both Bos Taurus x Bos Taurus matings and Bos Taurus x Bos Indicus crosses. The conclusions of this review are summarized in Table 1. These data illustrate a significant improvement in semen characteristics of crossbred bulls, whether Bos Taurus or Bos Indicus crosses. However, pregnancy rates produced by crossbred sires were only slightly improved. This may be due to the fact that according to most reproductive physiologists, fertilization occurs upwards Continued on page 16

14 | February 2012

22nd Annual Production Sale

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

at Bar Arrow Cattle Company, North of Phillipsburg

98Y • Sandman son

28Y • Sandman son

118Y • Whitelightning son

201Y • TAU Gunison 11W son

115Y • Sandman son

154Y • 11W son

featuring Performance, Maternal Carcass and Docility

We emphasize performance and carcass without sacrificing functional maternal based females. We have fed and ultra sounded our own genetics for 18 years.

Selling 100 Gelbvieh & Balancer 20 Gelbvieh & Balancer Open heifers

Bulls

Fancy

Picked right off the Top! For sale book or video, call or email Stuart or go online to www.bararrowcattlecompnay.com

Stuart Jarvis 26 E. Limestone Rd. • Phillipsburg, KS 67661 e-mail: bararrow@ruraltel.net • 785/543-5177

The Profitpicture | 15

Advantages of Paternal Heterosis and Hybrid Bulls...continued from page 14

of 99 percent of the time when a viable ovum and sperm cell meet in the oviduct. There is, however, a high loss of fertilized embryos between fertilization and maternal recognition of pregnancy. This loss appears to be primarily controlled by maternal rather than paternal factors. The reduction in average date of calves born when sired by crossbred bulls is interesting and may be the most important response shown in this research. Calves

and the improved initial motility should enhance collection, extension and freezing of semen from crossbred sires for artificial insemination. These traits would also improve the ability of young crossbred sires to successfully pass a breeding soundness examination prior to being offered for use as yearling bulls. It is my observation that both of these results are being seen in the beef industry as more hybrid and composite bulls are being used in AI. A positive advantage of maternal heterosis in crossbred cows is the increase in longevity. For example, 22.7 percent of crossbred cows survived in the herd to 12 years of age in a crossbreeding study in Nebraska, while only 14.2 percent of straightbred cows survived to that age. This was likely due to higher fertility and a more robust composition of crossbred cows. Longevity in bulls in our modern beef production systems does not typically play a major role. This is because bulls characteristically are not retained into advanced years in order to avoid sire-daughter matings and to introduce improved genetics into the herd from younger bulls.

The reduction in average date of calves born when sired by crossbred bulls is interesting and may be the most important response shown in this research. born earlier have more growing days to a set weaning date, which translates into heavier calves at weaning. When cows have upwards of eight to ten days longer to return to estrus following calving before the next breeding season, this will also be an advantage in cow herd management. The greater concentration of sperm cells

Developments in Hybrid and Composite Bull Usage Beef production systems continue to evolve in North America. Perhaps as a result

Table 1. Reproductive Advantages of Crossbred Bulls Bos Taurus x Bos Taurus

Bos Taurus x Bos Indicus

First completed mating

6.1%

Age at puberty

1.8%

Initial sperm motility

33.3%

10%

Sperm concentration

36.4%

56%

Scrotal circumference

4.4%

8.4%

Pregnancy rate when mated to cows

0.2%

1.4%

Weaning rate of calves sired

3.7%

Average date of calves born

10 days earlier

7.8 days earlier

Reproductive Trait Appearance of first motile sperm

Continued on page 19 16 | February 2012

The Profitpicture | 17

Predictable Performance

The Man 113U

Midland Proven Midland Bull Test • the Granddaddy of Performance Tests

Middle Creek bulls leading the pack again at Midland Bull Test Bruce Almighty Progeny Results at Midland 2007 • Top ADG Sire Group 2007 • Top WDA Sire Group 2008 • High Performing Gelbvieh Sire Group 2009 • High Performing Gelbvieh Bull 2009 • High Performing Gelbvieh Sire Group 2010 • High Performing Gelbvieh Sire Group 2011 • High Performing Gelbvieh Bull, 2011 • High Performing Gelbvieh Sire Group with sons of The Man 2008 – 2011 • High RFI Indexing Bull

Producing Top Quality Purebred & Balancer® cattle. Registration #: 1089222

Sire: Bruce Almighty

CED

108

0.3

105

-1.0

104

DtF

0.3

-1

0.38

0.09

1.4

37.59

33.63

Shaded EPDs are in the top 25% of the breed!

Connealy Lead On

A new line of Bruce Almighty progeny already working at Midland!

Producing Top Gaining Balancer® cattle.

23 Bulls are on test Look for our Performance Bulls at the Midland Bull Test Sale • April 4, 2012 Also... 30 bulls for sale by private treaty beginning March 1, 2012.

18 | February 2012

Middle Creek Farms Ken and Dale Flikkema

2 Mint Trail • Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 586-6207 (Office) (406) 580-6207 (Cell) email: mcfg@imt.net

Advantages of Paternal Heterosis and Hybrid Bulls...continued from page 16

of early research showing the advantages of crossbreeding in the 1950s and 1960s, there was a major period of importation of different breeds into North America in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Many, but not all of these breeds originated in the European continent and the term “Continental Cattle” was coined to distinguish these breeds from “British

combining, probably driven by research coming from the GPE and GPU projects at USMARC, there began to be multi-breed bulls developed within the industry referred to as “composites.” In general, the term composite is used to describe cattle made up of more than two breeds assembled in a systematic manner outlined using principles described by the GPU project. Two important principles are: 1) sampling a wide population of sires (25 sires per breed) in the parental breeds used to assemble the composite; and 2) avoidance of inbreeding after the population is assembled.

Beginning in the late 1960s, the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) developed a project known as the “Germ Plasm Evaluation” or GPE project, designed to characterize the numerous breeds of cattle imported into the United States. This project was followed by the “Germ Plasm Utilization” or GPU project. Keith Gregory, the principal researcher in the USMARC Germ Plasm Utilization (GPU) project, characterized heterosis as the release of genes from dominance that accumulates in animals over many generations by narrowing the genetic diversity in geographically isolated populations. Therefore, when the accumulated inbreeding suppression is released by mating to animals with varied genetics, the release of dominance allows improvements in animal performance. In this case, the improvement in male reproductive traits of crossbred compared to straightbred bulls is shown in Table 1.

The industry also seemed to recognize that combinations of Continental and British breeds frequently matched production systems and market signals. Breeds” originating from the British Isles and prevalent in North America at that time.

The industry also seemed to recognize that combinations of Continental and British breeds frequently matched production systems and market signals. Several value-based programs developed that encouraged this. Within the last decade, three of the major “Continental” breed associations in the U.S. have developed hybrid programs within their breed registry. Editor’s note: Jack C. Whittier is a Beef Extension Specialist at Colorado State University. He can be reached at Jack.Whittier@ colostate.edu.

Following a trial-and-error phase of breed

Sam has proven to be a calving ease sire in registered and commercial herds alike. Take a look at this homozygous black purebred sire if you need to inject calving ease without giving up weaning performance. Calves are deep-bodied, thick and sound. His pedigree is an outcross to most major Gelbvieh bloodlines.

No need to sacrifice performance for calving ease ...

VRT Lazy TV Sam U451 brings both to the table

Sire: KHR Sam Spade 02S Maternal Grandsire: WAC Fullback 011G

CED

DtF

121

-2.1

-1.6

110

0.6

.29

.00

0.1

27.12

13.56

.14

.09

.19

.39

.31

.24

.22

Top 3%

Top 10%

.42

.67

.52

.24

Top 1%

Top 10%

Top 15%

Top 20%

Semen available for $20/unit from Bull Barn Genetics, www.bullbarn.com or 800-535-6173 Or Owners Julie & Lori Maude 605-381-2803

.57

Top 1%

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Top 4%

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The Profitpicture | 19

Editorial

Drafting the Right Players By Tom Field, Director of Producer Education, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

At the end of April, the teams of the National Football League (NFL) will engage in the process of selecting athletes to join their programs. In preparation for the draft, teams will spend a significant amount of time assessing their current players’ performance, determining gaps between their status quo and desired outcomes, and determining the potential of the players in the draft to help them narrow the performance gap.

Similarities to Bull Selection In this process, a considerable amount of data is collected and analyzed. In addition, they determine their budgetary limitations as they go through the process of determining the cost-benefit outcomes of the alternatives available to them. On draft day, coaches and personnel experts make their choices, all the while adjusting their plan based on the selection of other teams. All in all, there are a lot of comparisons to acquiring the best genetics for a cow herd.

Nebraska & Kansas

Breeders

Hightower Cattle Company MLM Gelbvieh Marlin Meyer 824 Road 3000 • Superior, NE 68978 402-879-4976 mlm68978@yahoo.com www.gelbviehbulls.com

Rippe Gelbvieh

Duane & Brenda, Dustin & Karla Rippe 6775 Road D • Hubbell, NE 68375 (H) 402-324-4176 Duane (C): 402-200-0096 Dustin (C): 316-323-4874 rippe02@yahoo.com www.rippegelbvieh.com

“To produce superior Gelbvieh and Balancer® seedstock based on economically important traits, which provide more profitability for our customers, and ensure the consumer a very satisfactory eating experience.”

12043 W 2000 Rd. LaCygne, KS 66040 Jason • 913-221-6820 Kevin • 913-731-2973

www.kansasgelbvieh.org/hightower.htm

Sandy Knoll Farm Gelbvieh Leon or Brian Dunn 863 NW 10th Ave, St. John, KS 67576 (620) 786-4039 Brian (620) 549-6511 Leon skfgelbvieh@hotmail.com

The long-term impact of bulls on commercial cow herd is well-documented. Herd sires produce multiple offspring per year over the course of their productive lives in the herd. If replacement females are retained, their daughters then provide lasting influence beyond any single calf crop.

Because of the significant impact on both shortand long-term productivity, making the right sire selection is a critical decision for the commercial cattle producer. While larger herds can spread the risk of choosing the wrong bull by purchasing multiple sires each year, the small- and midsized herd that depends on natural-service mating systems absorbs more risk in that they introduce a limited number of bulls into their herds. Because of the significant impact on both short- and long-term productivity, making the right sire selection is a critical decision for the commercial cattle producer. Developing a thoughtful process to sire selection sets the stage for an orderly and disciplined approach that enhances the ability of a buyer to make better bullbuying decisions. The first step is to define the “deal breakers” and “must haves.” These criteria will vary from herd to herd, but the Continued on page 22

20 | February 2012

Gelbvieh/Balancer® Show 1:00 PM ET, Friday, March 2, 2012 ®

Gelbvieh/Balancer Sale

3:30 PM ET, Saturday, March 3, 2012

Junior Heifer Show 8:00 AM ET, March 4, 2012

Selling 35 Lots:

Junior Steer Show 8:00 AM ET, March 4, 2012

Bulls Bred Heifers • Open Heifers Cow/Calf Pairs • Embryo Packages

Sale co-sponsored by: The Kentucky Gelbvieh Association and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture

Show heifer prospects sired by Maverick 70T

Chief Executive – His first breeding age son sells!

Sires Represented:

Carolina Fortune • Carolina Hero Chief Executive 10U1 • Fosters • Highlight 066K Maverick 70T • Tenderloin • Trendsetter 55R Sale Managed by: to name a few…

Sale Committee: Joe Piles • Tammy Bitzer • Shannon Farrell

Slaughter Sale Management David Slaughter 162 Hasting Lane Fredonia, KY 42411 270-556-4259 The Profitpicture | 21

Drafting the Right Players...continued from page 20

following examples provide one possible approach.

Must Haves: Supplier Seedstock suppliers must be trusted sources who are accountable to their customers and who provide excellent levels of support and service. Suppliers must be committed to genetic evaluation, data collection and participation in their national breed evaluation program. They must be committed to a stringent culling system that discriminates against poor reproductive performance, poor structure and genetic estimates outside of defined criteria. Cow herd nutritional management should mirror that of a well-managed commercial herd. In essence, this approach recognized that before a

commercial producer ever selects a bull, he or she must choose a seedstock supplier(s) by doing the hard work of determining and articulating needs and goals, doing detailed homework to identify acceptable seedstock suppliers, and to then enter into the extended conversations that help finalize the final selection of the most appropriate genetic supplier. An ongoing conversation between seedstock supplier and commercial customer is the foundation upon which all progress in the beef industry is based. Once a supplier is chosen, individual enterprise can best close the gap between their herd’s current level and desired level of performance by selecting the correct sires. In general, the following provides a basis for selecting bulls that will fit the needs of an individual herd.

Kleinschmidt Open hOuse Bull & Female sale Stout, Moderate Balancer® Bulls 20+ Bulls Sell including 2 Two Year Olds Over 80% are Homozygous Black

Y New g erin Off

Bred Females

Don’t miss it on February 11, 2012

At the farm: From Geneva, NE go 7 miles west and 1 mile south.

Kleinschmidt GelBvieh Call Randy 402-366-1605 22 | February 2012

Must Haves: Bulls Sire candidates must have passed a breeding soundness exam (sometimes referred to as a BSE), must have been managed under a comprehensive

a herd’s performance so that the impact of each successive generation of sires can be measured. While the use of data from the seedstock supplier in sire selection helps to create

Bulls must be of acceptable disposition, composition and structural correctness. Specifically, I avoid bulls that have excessively straight hocks and/or pasterns, have deformities of the hoof, are excessively fat, have short or uneven stride patterns, or have dams with poor udder structure. preventative health program, and must be of virgin status at the time of purchase. Bulls must be of acceptable disposition, composition and structural correctness. Specifically, I avoid bulls that have excessively straight hocks and/or pasterns, have deformities of the hoof, are excessively fat, have short or uneven stride patterns, or have dams with poor udder structure. Bulls must conform to desired expected progeny difference (EPD) levels for traits identified as critical to the breeding objectives for the herd. Of course, to determine the desired direction that selection should take the herd requires that commercial producers maintain a system of measuring their herd’s performance in the traits of interest. A strong commitment to effective data collection is a cornerstone to benchmarking

genetic and phenotypic change, accessing the full power of genetics requires that the commercial producer is also committed to measurement and analysis. Finding the right genetics of a commercial herd is hard work, requires the collection and analysis of significant amounts of data, and is most easily achieved when the commercial producer has clearly defined his or her needs and communicated them to the seedstock supplier. Just as NFL teams put great effort into identifying the best players for their respective systems, so should commercial cattlemen when they make bull purchases. Spur-of-the-moment bull selection usually ends badly. Having a process in place to make the right draft picks goes a long way to assuring success. Editor’s note: This article is reprinted with permission from the March 2011 Angus Journal.

TOTAL

KCF Bennett Landmark J377

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KCF Bennett 3008 M326

Gelbvieh Sale Bulls Average: CE 107 BW +1.2

+15 DCE 105

WW +56

Feedlot Merit

YW +98

Milk

+25.82

Balancer Sale Bulls Average: CE 107

YW +88

BW -0.6

Milk +19

WW +46

Feedlot Merit +27.82

Angus Sale Bulls Average: CE +8

MARB +.46

BW +1.0

REA +.44

WW +55

$W +36.24

YW +101

$B +63.82

MILK +26

Gelbvieh Sires: KCF Bennett T524 KCF Bennett Kingpin K403 JBOB Carolina Fortune 2564J Balancer Sires: CAR Efficient 534 SAV Final Answer 0035 KCF Bennett U556 GAR Predestined KCF Bennett Energizer Angus Sires: Connealy Consensus Connealy Trustmark SAV Final Answer 0035 Sitz Upward 307R KCF Bennett Performer KCF Bennett Energizer Connealy Wrangler

REA +.34

WW +58

MARB +.30

YW +93 Milk +27

+$25 CHB Index +$31

BMI Index

KCF Bennett 9126J S100

Connealy Wrangler KRBMS SCC Just Right 122P Connealy Trustmark GAR New Design 5050

GDAR Game Day 449 GAR-EGL Protege GAR Predestined Fintry of Graham 48708 Sitz Dash 10277 TC Aberdeen 759

Polled Hereford Sale Bulls Average: BW +1.9

Serving the beef industry since 1944

James D. Bennett (434) 376-7299

Jim G. Bennett (434) 376-5760

Paul S. Bennett (434) 376-5675

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17659 Red House Road • Red House, Virginia 23963 Office (434) 376-3567 • Fax (434) 376-7008 • knollcrest@hughes.net

! KNOLL CREST SALE BOOK REQUEST

Polled Hereford Sires: MSU TCF Revolution 4R EFBEEF Foremost U208 KCF Bennett R413 U620 EFBEEF Schu-lar Proficient N093 KCF Bennett 3008 M326

Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________________________________________ State ______________ Zip ____________________________ Mail To: Knoll Crest Farm, 17659 Red House Road, Red House, Virginia 23963

The Profitpicture | 23

News

Severity of Winter and Calf Birth Weights By Glenn Selk

Does the severity (coldness or mildness) of the winter have an impact on spring-born calf birth weights? Ranchers have asked that question during many springs and veterinarians have speculated for years. The debate rages on! This is obviously a difficult subject to research because you cannot have a “control” group of cows to compare to a “treatment” group that is exposed to a cold winter while still grazing on the same pasture. Therefore research data on this subject is limited. University of Nebraska researchers have done the next best thing. They have monitored

the birth weights of genetically similar calves across three different winters and have related average winter temperatures to birth weights. This research is reported in detail in the 1996 University of Nebraska Animal Science Research Report (Coburn, et al.). A threeyear study was conducted to evaluate effects of high and low air temperatures and wind chills during winter months on subsequent calf birth weights and calving difficulty of spring-born calves. Records on approximately 400 two-year-old heifers and their calves were used. Heifer and calf genetics were the same each year. Heifers were fed similar quality hay free choice

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60 bulls will sell!

RFI tested Fullbloods • Purebreds • Balancer • Red & Black April 14, 2012 at Seedstock Plus Southwest Bull Sale Yerington, NV

Sandy Knoll Farm Brian & Leon Dunn St. John, KS 67576 620-549-6516

24 | February 2012

each year before calving. High temperatures during the 199495 winter were nine degrees higher than during the 1992-93 winter. The low temperatures were five degrees higher for 1994-

pounds versus 82.2 pounds). One possible explanation for this phenomenon, the changing of blood flow patterns of cows gestating in hot weather versus cold weather. During hot weather

One possible explanation for this phenomenon, the changing of blood flow patterns of cows gestating in hot weather versus cold weather...This change in maternal blood flow may impact fetal growth in a small way. 95 compared to 1992-93. The greatest differences in monthly temperatures between years were found during December, January and February. Average temperatures for these three months increased 11 degrees Fahrenheit over the three years. Average calf birth weights decreased 11 pounds (81 to 70) from 1993 to 1995. A 1:1 ratio was observed. Although calving difficulty was high due to the research design, it also decreased from 57 percent to 35 percent from 1993 to 1995. Results indicate that cold temperatures influenced calf birth weight. Other data that may shed some light on this subject comes from OSU in 1990. Birth weights of 172 fall born calves and 242 spring born calves were compared. These calves were the result of AI matings using the same bulls and bred to similar crossbred cows. The fall born calves averaged 4.5 pounds lighter at birth than their spring-born counter parts (77.7

blood is shunted away from internal organs toward outer extremities to dissipate heat, while the opposite is the case in very cold weather with blood flow directed toward internal organs in an effort to conserve heat and maintain body temperature. This change in maternal blood flow may impact fetal growth in a small way, but result in a measurable difference. Weather cannot be controlled; however, with (thus far) above average winter temperatures, normal to slightly lower birth weights hopefully will bring less calving difficulty this spring. If the colder temperatures arrive during late gestation, that may be a clue that birth weights may be slightly increased and require a watchful eye for calving difficulty. Editor’s note: Glenn Selk is an emeritus Extension Animal Scientist at Oklahoma State University. He can be reached at 405-744-6058 or glenn.selk@okstate.edu.

The Profitpicture | 25

JKGF - Elite Homozygous Black Gelbvieh Cattle Jerry & Karen Wilson Phone: 335 Gelbvieh Lane 618-426-3885 (home) Ava, Illinois 62907 618-521-8620 (cell)

QUALITY GELBVIEH CATTLE

W L

6916 Peppers Ferry Road Max Meadows, VA 24360 H 276/637-3916 C 276/620-4271

Doug & Sue Hughes

Farms

LITTLE WINDY HILL

• #1 breed trait leader for short gestation! • #2 Purebred Bull for registrations • Proven Calving Ease genetics! • Breed leading growth!

DCSF Post Rock Granite 200P2

.39

MB -.06

.38

DtF 5.1

.29

CED 102

.82

WW 44

CV 4.97

.59

SC -0.6

.64

YW 82

FM 15.48

.52

CW 8

.34

MK 23

J & K Farms: 618-426-3885 Little Windy Hill Farms: 276-620-4271 Cattlemen’s Connection: 1-800-743-0026 Cattle Visions: 1-866-356-4565

For Semen Contact:

Co-owned by Little Windy Hill Farms and J & K Farms

Sire: BTI Granite 2135M Dam: DCSF Post Rock Twila 223M2 DOB: 9/15/2004

.46

REA .01

.82

GL -6.1

.88

TM 45

.69

BW -0.8

CE 107

EPDs

Homozygous Black Homozygous Polled

AMGV #930426

News

Improve Gain Potential for Suckling Calves fact, on average, there was no difference in prices paid per pound for nonimplanted vs. implanted calves.3

based on their nutritional status. For instance, suckling calves on the cow are going to have a lower rate of gain potential and reduced feed intake compared with a heavier animal. In any case, this is an excellent time to utilize a lowdose implant. As the calves grow larger and feed continues to get more expensive, looking to a higher-dose implant will be the most practical option.

By Gary Sides, Ph.D.

Before calving season starts, you should have a plan ready to maximize weight gains for suckling calves and increase dollars on sale day. For calves at just 45 days old, multiple technologies are available to help increase the productivity of your calf crop. Along with early vaccinations, you can help increase pounds of gain by collaborating with your veterinarian to select a low-dose implant best suited for your herd.

When looking at weight gains of implanted vs. nonimplanted cattle — implants produce a heavier animal. Cattle grow bigger and more efficiently, leaving less of a carbon footprint and making them able to use nutrients more economically. Combining implants with other technologies helps us to maintain beef supply with a lower number of cattle due to drought and other factors.

Proper nutritional programs, parasite control (both internal and external) and implant strategies are all additive and continue to improve health and weaning weights of suckling calves.2 Best of all, gains during the suckling phase will not adversely affect future performance in the feedlot.

For cow/calf producers in particular, the extra pounds at weaning that can be achieved by implanting sucking calves far outweighs the actual cost of the implant.1 When properly used, implants can help to wean an extra 19 pounds,1 giving you at least $25 more per implanted calf when sold. The long-standing philosophy behind using implants is to match the dose to the cattle

Editor’s Note: Gary Sides, Ph.D., cattle nutritionist, technical services, has been with Pfizer Animal Health since 2003. Before putting his nutritional expertise to work for beef producers, the New Mexico native spent two years as a livestock extension specialist with Texas A&M University, located in College Station, Texas. Additionally, he was a research scientist with Utah State University.

The benefits of implanting suckling calves improve rate of gain, help produce more beef with fewer cattle and rarely affect the price paid per pound at the sale barn. Based on 2009 data, very few producers received a premium when they did not implant their calves. In

25th Annual Production Sale February 25, 2012 • 1:00 p.m. CST at the Ranch Top quality herd sires in this offering

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Balancer • 35Y

Angus • 263Y

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Your Source for POWERFUL Balancer Genetics Backed by 30+ years of proven superior feedlot performance. SIRES REPRESENTED: BALANCER: XXB Ludacris 039SET DLW Good Boy 201U (Charles) CTR Front Page 765T (Frank)

50+

Homozygous Black Bulls Sell

26 | February 2012

100 Bulls

Including 30 Fall Yearling Bulls

GELBVIEH: TAU Gunslinger 19U ANGUS: BC Lookout 7024 Final Answer 0035 Iron Mountain 8066 DJS Last Call 44W Bismarck 5682

Selling

Jeff Swanson

308/337-2235 • 308/991-0727 (C) 72408 I Rd. • Oxford, NE 68967 swansoncattleco@yahoo.com

Call for a Sale Book

• 65 Balancer & Gelbvieh • 35 Angus Bulls Also selling 18 Balancer and Angus Open Heifers

SOUTHWEST

FEED EFFICIENCY BULL SALE

April 14, 2012

YERINGTON, NEVADA

Snyder Sale Facility

400 • • • •

BULLS SELL

100 Black & Red Angus Bulls 250 Balancer Bulls - LARGEST OFFERING IN THE WEST 50 Gelbvieh Bulls 40 Southern Balancers - HEAT TOLERANT HYBRIDS

R A N C H , I N C.

This is the single largest offering in the west

Bob and Judy Prosser

P.O. Box 190 • Winslow, AZ 86047 928-289-2619 E-Mail: info@bartbar.com

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The Profitpicture | 27

News

Gelbvieh Association Offers Hybrid Registry

Grand Champion Female at the 2011 Canadian Western Agribition Sired by Silent Stan

Sired by Astro Sells April 7, 2012

Cow-calf producers can document their Gelbvieh influenced bulls and females with the American Gelbvieh Association. A study conducted with Colorado State University

Reserve Grand Champion bull at the 2011 Canadian Western Agribition. Sold to M heart D Gelbvieh Sired by Astro

Sired by LTC Ridge Star Holman 123H Sells April 7, 2012

Selling 1/2 and 3/4 brothers at the Prarie Gelbvieh Alliance Bull Sale April 7, 2012 • Moose Jaw, Sask. Canada Check the website for pictures of sale bulls

FLADELAND LIVESTOCK WAYNE, DEL, CLINT& FAMILIES BOX 70, GLADMAR, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA 1 306 969 4829 w.fladeland@gmail.com • www.fladelandlivestock.com Located 12 miles North of the Port of Raymond Montana

28 | February 2012

showed that registered cattle with documented pedigrees and EPDs are worth $438 more than non-registered cattle. The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) offers three hybrid registry programs: Balancer® registry, Southern Balancer™ registry and Hybrid registry. Balancer cattle are registered hybrid seedstock and have documented pedigrees and EPDs. Balancer animals are 25 to 75 percent Gelbvieh with the balance Angus or Red Angus. The Southern Balancer is a Gelbviehheat-tolerant composite. The program is specifically targeted to producers who want the the maternal heterosis, disposition, fertility and carcass consistency of a Bos Indicus x Gelbvieh cross. Through the AGA’s hybrid cattle recording service, any animal, of any breed or cross produced from registered sires or dams of any recognized breed registry, may be recorded. AGA documents the pedigree, breed composition, and calculates performance data and provides EPDs. Using any of AGA’s hybrid registry services is straightforward. Simply provide the AGA with the animal’s registration number and either a paper or electronic copy of the animals registration certificate with current EPDs. The AGA will then build a two, possibly three, generation pedigree. Periodically we query the database to find and enhance pedigree ties in older generations. When entering cattle, such as Sim-Angus, the AGA uses the native (American Simmental) registration number to provide ties to common pedigrees within the hybrid population. For more information on how to document your Gelbviehinfluenced animals with the American Gelbvieh Association contact Susan Willmon, AGA director of breed improvement, at susanw@gelbvieh.org or 303465-2333.

News

Beef Herd Continues to Shrink Drought in the Southern Plains and several years of high feed prices have discouraged beef producers enough that the U.S. cattle herd continues to shrink, a Purdue Extension agricultural economist says. Since 2007, beef cow numbers have dropped by 12 percent, and the number of heifers retained for replacements is down 5 percent, Chris Hurt said. Cow slaughter has remained high this year ensuring even smaller cow numbers in 2012. While less beef is being produced in the United States, more is being exported. Hurt said beef exports would be up about 19 percent in 2011. “A weak dollar and strong economic growth in developing

countries stimulates demand,” he said. “Beef exports are expected to be a record 11 percent of total U.S. production this year. This is a sharp recovery from 2004 when exports represented just two percent of production after discovery of a BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) cow caused many world buyers to drop U.S. beef. Imports also were down five percent last year, meaning the U.S. will be a net exporter of beef - an unusual situation.” The smaller production numbers, higher exports and lower imports mean the amount of beef available for each person in the United States will be down about 6 percent in 2012. “Since feed prices began to

escalate in 2007, the per-capita supply of beef available to Americans is down 17 percent,” Hurt said. “This means in 2012 there will only be 54.3 pounds of beef available per person, compared with 65.2 pounds in 2007.”

“The breeding herd is not likely to begin expansion until the drought in the Southern Plains fades,” he said. “If crop yields return to normal in 2012, prices for major feedstuffs and forages will be lower, and finished cattle prices will be very high. This is a combination that can add quickly to calf prices by the fall of 2012. The start of heifer retention in late 2012 would reduce beef supplies even more and be the foundation for even higher cattle prices in 2013.”

Less supply and strong demand mean beef prices are likely to soar this year. In 2007 finished steer prices averaged $92 per hundredweight. The 2011 average was about $113 per hundredweight, and in 2012 Hurt expects prices to surge to new records above $120.

Hurt said low beef production likely would keep calf prices high through at least 2015.

While drought and high feed costs are likely to stifle any herd expansion plans for now, Hurt said the outlook for cow-calf operators appears positive in coming years.

Editor’s note: The source of this article is Chris Hurt, Purdue University. Hunt may be reached at 765-494-4273 or hurtc@purdue.edu.

GELBVIEH... Growth, Milk, Muscle and More

CCRO C-Cross Blackjack 7234T AMGV: 1066169 Homozygous Black, Homozygous Polled Purebred Gelbvieh SIRE: Black Jack 12L DAM: Carolina Ms Hero 5122R True calving ease sire. CE

CED

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-0.9

-1.1

102

DtF

0.9

0.24

0.02

1.5

20.13

22.85

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The Profitpicture | 29

Over the Fence With Bill and Marie Farr

Bill and Marie Farr with their son Levi operate a diversified farming and ranching operation in southwest Nebraska, northwest of Moorefield. The area receives on average 28 inches of annual precipitation. Precipitation levels can and have varied greatly being considerable less in certain years. The area is home to farming and cattle operations as well as feedyards and processing facilities for fed cattle. The American Gelbvieh Association’s Director of Breed Promotion Frank Padilla sat down to visit with Bill and Marie about their operation and how they utilize Gelbvieh genetics. FP: Please describe your operation.

Markes Family Farms

Oklahoma’s Largest Gelbvieh Breeder

We are a diversified crop and cattle operation. We raise dry land and irrigated corn, soybeans and wheat. The cow-calf herd consists of 950 mother cows. The mature cows are bred to begin calving April 1 and their calves go into our backgrounding program. Calves are sold the end of February through the first week of March. We will sell approximately 800 feeder calves a year. FP: How long have you used Gelbvieh in your program?

Selling Exceptional Bulls & Heifers

Transportation Available

30 | February 2012

We have been using Gelbvieh genetics in our herd for 20 years. FP: Why do you use Gelbvieh? We use primarily Balancer® bulls in our program. We were looking to add pounds to our predominately Angus based cow herd through crossbreeding. We knew this was best done through utilizing heterosis in a production system. We liked the fact that the Gelbvieh/Angus cross holds down the mature size of the cattle. This was important to us since we keep

heifers back to put into the cow herd. We saw that the cross added thickness to our calves, which meant more pounds to sell, while still keeping a moderate mature size of our cow herd. FP: How do you market the cattle that go into your backgrounding program? We like to sell private treaty if possible. Otherwise we sell our steers and heifers that are not kept for replacements through the sale barn in McCook, Nebraska. We have seen our pay weight increase by using Balancer genetics. FP: What kind of feedback have you gotten from buyers who have bought your cattle? Individual carcass data has proven hard for us to get back since we have not yet retained ownership. At some point in time we would like to do this as we feel that it’s the best way to get paid for the genetics we are selling. Sometimes no news is good news because the cattle are getting the job done for the buyers and they really don’t care to share it as they don’t want to have to pay more.

Our gauge at this time is the fact that we have repeat buyers on the seats bidding on the cattle each year wanting to take them to

customers aren’t going to bid on them. We feel good that we have topped the market many times when we’ve sold.

We saw that the [Gelbvieh/ Angus] cross added thickness to our calves, which meant more pounds to sell, while still keeping a moderate mature size of our cow herd. the feedyard. If our calves weren’t getting the job done for them they would not continue to bid on them. Our buyers are picky and have an abundance of high quality cattle to select in our area. If the cattle aren’t getting the job done or meeting the targets, our

FP: How do you select your replacement heifers? The first thing that we look for when we select replacements is disposition. Wild cattle take time and end up costing money; those that are we do not keep. From there, we go with body

condition in regards to fleshing ability. We want a cow that does not require a lot of extra feed to maintain herself and raise a calf. Moderate framed females with natural thickness are the kind we like to put back into the cow herd. The mother cows must have good udders and milk; otherwise they are culled from the herd. Early breed up is important as it adds uniformity to our cattle when we sell. Our Balancer genetics help us obtain all of these. FP: Why do you crossbreed? Our families have been in the cattle business many years, as well, growing corn and wheat. We understand the benefits of hybrid seed from the farming side of the operation and the benefits it has in standability, yield, disease resistant, etc. We wanted the same kind of benefits from crossbreeding cattle. Adding payweight is just one

side of the equation. Maybe more important are the convenience benefits crossbreeding brings to the table. Calf survivability is important; calves that get up quickly to nurse in bad weather. Cows that claim their calves. Cows that can handle a tough dry year and rebreed back without having to be compensated in added feed. Cows that have added stayability and give us a few extra years of production is important to us as it costs a lot of money to bring a replacement into the herd to replace cows that fall out. These attributes are very important and help us to be more profitable. Our cows have to do the work on their own as we are busy with farming in certain times of the year. Some of these traits don’t carry an EPD and only are measured by seeing it happen in the pasture over time.

Bull Sale Top Quality, High Performing Balancer® and Gelbvieh Bulls sell backed by a proven program!

These bulls are thick muscled, grow fast, and are made for the commercial cattle operation.

Mark your calendars for the last Wednesday in February! February 29th, 2012 • 1:00 PM MST. High Plains Livestock Brush, Colorado

Jim Roelle 38148 CR 49 #7 Peetz, CO 80747

(H): 970-334-2221 • (C): 970-520-1224 jr.plateau@hotmail.com

The Profitpicture | 31

Feature

From Tobacco to Beef

Kentucky Extension Helps Cow-Calf Producers Improve Profitability By William McIntosh

A new era in Kentucky agriculture was marked by the end of the tobacco quota system in 2004. Prior to 2004, nearly every Kentucky farm had a tobacco allotment. Tobacco producers were limited to how much they could produce based on inventory on hand at the tobacco companies and projected exports. The U.S. government had a price support program in place to insure profitability.

During this time tobacco was king. In the late 1990s, one acre of tobacco could gross $5,500 and everybody raised at least some tobacco. Historically Kentucky has been a highly tobacco-dependent state. Tobacco was Kentucky’s number one cash crop generating $924 million in 1998 alone. With the end of the tobacco program, tobacco producers now contract directly with the tobacco companies putting the small growers out of business. In an effort to help Kentucky farmers transition

South Dakota & Wisconsin Breeders

“A LIFETIME OF QUALITY BULLS” Brent & Eve Vavra 17541 Arpan Rd Nisland, SD 57762 (605)257-2407

Keith, Janice, Dustin & Britney

605-852-2131 kvolek@venturecomm.net

www.bcvgelbvieh.com Annual Production Sale 1 st Monday in March.

“Performance Genetics for Your Tomorrow” 43968 208th Street • Lake Preston, SD 57249 (605) 847-4155 Phone www.hojergelbviehranch.com Alan & Pam • (605) 860-1326 Blake & Jenn • (605) 860-0139 Nikki • (605) 860-8723 Christian • (605) 860-8635

32 | February 2012

ARP GELBVIEH Registered Gelbvieh and Balancer® Cattle Bred for Performance, Feed Efficiency and Carcass Quality

Steve & Betty Arp Family N551 Ramsey Rd Arlington, WI 53911 Phone: 608-846-5186

their farming enterprises away from tobacco, Kentucky has dedicated a portion of its Phase One Tobacco Settlement money to the Kentucky Agriculture Enhancement Program. The program was created to help farmers become more profitable in other areas of agriculture. One of the most successful of these programs is the Genetic Improvement Program. The Genetic Improvement Program provides funding to assist farmers in Kentucky to make greater genetic improvements in their breeding programs. The program matches up to 50 percent of the cost of a bull purchase, provided the bull meets pre-established EPD guidelines. The Genetic Improvement Program has two benefits. First and most obvious, it makes it easier for producers to afford a higher quality bull than they perhaps had previously used. Secondly and more importantly, the producer sees the improved quality of calves sired by the genetically superior bull, leading to a desire to continue to improve the quality of their product. Many cow/calf producers have reported a 75- to 100-pound increase in weaning weights within the first calf crop. “Through the Phase One Tobacco Settlement fund, farmers have been able to take advantage of genetic improvement programs, as well as other cost share opportunities relating to replacing tobacco as a commodity produced on their farms,” says Gary Tilghman, University of Kentucky Cooperative Agriculture Extension agent. “In recent years, Kentucky farmers have been able to note a dramatic improvement in the quality of beef cattle throughout the Commonwealth.” Along with the Genetic Improvement Program, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and the Kentucky Beef Network (KBN) promoted CPH-45 sales. CPH-45 identifies feeder calves that have been certified preconditioned for health and weaned 45 days prior to sale.

These sales allow the small cowcalf producers the advantage of combining small groups of like cattle into load lots. All the cattle that go through the program are required to meet strict vaccination guidelines along with being weaned for at least 45 days. All cattle are dehorned and healed, and heifers are guaranteed open. The cattle are brought in and grouped according to type and kind and sold in load lots. Buyers have confidence in the program knowing there will be considerably less sick pulls and death loss. Cattle marketed though CPH-45 sales have seen an average premium of over $10 to $15 per 100-weight in the past years. Last year over 35,000 calves were marketed through the program. In an effort to continue to educate producers and increase profitability, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service along with the KBN has created programs that strive to improve genetics through artificial insemination (AI). In 2006, the two groups worked with a small group of beef producers to establish an Advanced Master Cattlemen Breeding program. The purpose of this program was to determine if calves sired by proven, highly accurate EPD AI sires actually performed better and generated more profit. Over a two year period, KBN cost shared with the Advanced Master Cattlemen Breeding program and the producers involved retained ownership on the calves through harvest. The AI sires selected had to be highly proven and among the top of their respected breeds for feedlot merit and carcass value. Both AI sired steers and natural service sired steers were fed to harvest and data was collected. As shown in table 1, the AI sired calves spent fewer days on feed (DOFF) and gained more weight per day (ADG). The AI sired calves greatly exceeded the natural

service sired calves in quality grade (QG). A total of 83 percent of the AI sired steers received a premium for Quality Grade compared to only 27 percent of the natural service sired steers. Most importantly the AI sired

calves grossed $150 more and returned $163.18 more to the producer (RTR). Based on the success and information generated from the AI program, funding was received to start the MAG-60 Program.

The funding was approved in June 2011 by the Kentucky Agriculture Development Board. The MAG-60 Program stands for management and genetics 60 days postweaning. In this program Continued on page 34

The Profitpicture | 33

From Tobacco to Beef...continued from page 33

KBN will work with producers to synchronize their beef females and artificially breed them to a select set of highly proven AI sires. The sires are selected based on their proven ability to produce productive profitable calves. The projected goal is to AI 12,000 females from the fall of 2011 to the fall of 2012, making it the largest program of its kind. Steers sired by AI sires will be managed according to CPH-45 requirements and backgrounded for a minimum of 60 days. The calves will be age and source verified, comingled and sold in load lots. “We will be marketing feeder steers that are age, source, and genetically verified for superior performance. According to our previous data these calves are $150 more valuable at harvest than steers from the same herds that are sired by non-proven natural service sires,” said Dr.

Les Anderson, beef extension specialist, University of Kentucky. Along with marketing the steers, the AI sired heifers can be marketed through MAG-60 replacement heifer sales. These heifers will offer producers improved genetics and consistent quality. The females will most likely be sold by sire groups. The Kentucky Gelbvieh Association is working closely with the University of Kentucky and KBN to include Gelbvieh AI sires in the MAG-60 program. Kentucky Gelbvieh Association president David Slaughter of Ferdonia, Ky., has a goal to have 1,000 females bred to Gelbvieh bulls through the MAG-60 program this spring. “This is an excellent opportunity for us to work with local producers to incorporate Gelbvieh into their herds to help them to become more profitable,” said Slaughter.

“Gelbvieh cross females are a great maternal option for cowcalf producers. The Gelbvieh influenced female offers improved calving ease, lower birth weights, early puberty and extra milk production, while maintaining a moderate mature size,” says Dr. Anderson. The MAG-60 Program is currently seeking Kentucky cowcalf producers to participate in the program. For more information, contact your local Extension agent or Kentucky Beef Network associate. As Kentucky farmers continue to transition away from tobacco, programs like these will help generate added income for cow-calf producers. Editor’s note: William McIntosh is the eastern region area coordinator for the American Gelbvieh Association. He can be reached at williamm@gelbvieh.org or 502-867-3132.

The MAG-60 Program is currently seeking Kentucky cowcalf producers to participate in the program. The goal is to breed 1,000 females to Gelbvieh bulls. To participate in the MAG-60 Program contact your local Extension agent of Kentucky Beef Network associate.

Table 1. Production record of CPH-45 steers compairing artificial insemination (AI) verses natural service (NS)

DOFF

ADG

REA

HCW

C/CWT

Gross

RTR

146.77

3.60

6.40

6.13

2.80

13.01

821

150.02

1232.22

843.16

159.69

3.57

6.08

4.98

2.39

13.32

794

136.98

1085.62

679.98

Difference

-12.92

0.03

0.31

1.14

0.40

-0.31

13.04

146.60

163.18

34 | February 2012

29th Annual Gelbvieh

Bull Sale

Saturday, March 17, 2012 1:00 PM CT – at the ranch, Lake City, SD

Selling: Yearling Gelbvieh Bulls Purebred, Three-Quarter, Balancer® Blacks & Reds – Polled If you like the looks of this powerful black bull, you’ll really like this year’s set of bulls. Several black herd bull prospects for either the Purebred operator or the discriminating commercial program.

The red offering is one of the best we have ever raised. You will find a great set of hybred bulls sired by our powerful herd bull line-up. Performance, polled and really good. Several real calving ease prospects in this group. We have selected for disposition, calving ease, performance and fertility. This year’s offering will have excellent length, muscle and eye appeal. More stylish bulls like this guy are in the offering.

We have a great set of bulls for 2012. Blacks, Reds, percentage Balancer® and Pruebreds. Mostly all Polled. For more information:

Whether you are looking for red or black, purebred or percentage, we have them. You can select with confidence in uniform, top quality bulls backed by Pearson Cattle Company guarantee. This our 29th Annual Sale.

43523 111th St., Lake City, SD 57247 Neal: 605-470-0448 • Email: njpearson@venturecomm.net Kermit: 605-380-6030 www.pearsoncattleco.com

The Profitpicture | 35

Judd Ranch 34 Gelbvieh, Red th

at the ranch, Pomona, Kansas • Saturday, March

✔ Judd Ranch has been the #1 ranked Dam of Merit Cowherd in the Gelbvieh Breed for fourteen consecutive years! ✔ 98% of the sale bulls are out of an American Gelbvieh Association honored Dam of Merit dam or Dam of Merit cow family. ✔ Average Daily Gain on fall yearling bulls: a whopping 4.53 lbs./day!

✔ 83 lb. average birth weight: 820 lb. actual weaning weight average on the sale bulls. ✔ Maternal cow power behind every sale bull: calving ease, growth, carcass, fertility. Several ET Full Brothers Sell. ✔ Judd Ranch bulls are very affordable. Annually 97% plus sell to commercial producers.

Judd Ranch Gelbvieh Herdsires & AI Sires

JRI Top Grid

JRI Cowboy Cut

JRI Top Secret

JRI Profit Agent

JRI Extra Exposure

Mytty In Focus

Cherokee Canyon

JRI Pop A Top

Basin Hobo 79E

JRI Journey

36 | February 2012

Angus & Balancer Bull Sale ®

3, at 12:00 noon • 1 hour southwest of Kansas City

230 Plus

Gelbvieh, Red Angus & Gelbvieh/Angus Balancer® Bulls Sell

“The Complete Package” Calving Ease • Growth • Carcass • Fertility

• 135+ 17-19 month old Bulls • 95+ 12-14 month old Bulls ✔ 93% Sired by Breed Leading AI Sires ✔ 117 Black Polled Bulls ✔ 93 Homozygous Polled Bulls ✔ All Judd Ranch major herdsires are

enrolled in Carcass Testing Programs

✔ Quality Acceptance Guarantee on all Sight Unseen purchases

✔ Free Trucking in U.S. on purchases of $15,000 +

✔ Trucking is very affordable because Judd Ranch bulls annually sell into 20+ states

Visit our website • www.juddranchinc.com Judd Ranch Inc.

Dave & Cindy Judd Nick, Ginger, Brent & Ashley Judd Ranch Gelbvieh Maternal Strength

423 Hwy. K-68 • Pomona, KS 66076 785/ 566-8371 or 785/566-3770

Judd Ranch Red Angus Maternal Strength

Sale Consultant— CATTLEMEN’S CONNECTION CALL TOLL-FREE: 1-800-743-0026 For Your JRI “Complete Package” Sale Catalog The Profitpicture | 37

Grund Beef Genetics

Adding Value for Our Customers We produce beef bulls with Practical, Predictable and Proven Genetics.

Our customers have enjoyed receiving premiums on their calves whether they were sold as feeder cattle or fat cattle. Come join the list of cattlemen that are enjoying premiums for their calves!

GRU King George 817Y

Homozygous Polled • Black Purebred Thick • Stout • Deep Ribbed Sire: JDPD Astro Dam’s Sire: Complete Package EPDs: CE 108

GRU Easton 200Y

Homozygous Polled • Black Purebred • Powerfull Herd Bull Full brother to 2009 AGJA Res Champion Female Sire: Complete Package Dam’s Sire: Ace Ventura EPDs: CE 110

BW -0.2

WW 38

YW 67

MK 12

TM 31

CV 7.57

GRU Darius 141Y

BW -0.3

WW 36

YW 68

MK 20

WW 51

YW 91

MK 16

TM 42

CV 13.16

TM 39

CV 20.78

GRU Mr Astro 906Y

Homozygous Black • Polled • Purebred Outcross genetics with muscle and balance Sire: Post Rock Harley Dam’s Sire: Arapahoe EPDs: CE 111

BW 1.5

Black • Polled • 75% Gelbvieh Balancer® Calving Ease • Muscle • Power Sire: JDPD Astro Dam’s Sire: Future Power EPDs: TM 38

CV N/A

CE 109

BW -0.7

WW 40

YW 77

MK 19

Annual Bull Sale•February 29, 2012 1:00 PM, CST•Oakley Livestock, Oakley, KS Selling•70 Balancer • Gelbvieh • Angus Bulls Sires Represented: Astro, Krugerrand, Harley, Sugar Ray, Predestined, Woodhill Mainline & Ultimate GRU Mr Mainline 229Y

Videos and the sale offering will be on:

Black • Polled • 50% Balancer® Calving Ease • Outcross Genetics Maternal brother to GRU Sugar Ray 229 Sire: Woodhill Mainline Dam’s Sire: GRU Jake EPDs: CE 107

BW -0.9

WW 43

38 | February 2012

YW 91

MK 16

www.grundbeefgenetics.com TM 37

CV 33.60

We Sell Bulls That Add Value

rund Beef enetics

Jerry & Chrysanne Grund Layal & Donna Grund Lyle & Christy Hammer Darrell & Becky Vandike

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302 Ash St, Sharon Springs, KS 67758 www.grundbeefgenetics.com or jcgrund@wbsnet.org

News

Cattlemen Could Make More Money with Heavyweight Calves or Stockers By Robert Burns

“Rain or shine, wet or dry, do you want to make more money from your cows next year?” asks a Texas AgriLife Research forage scientist.

Today’s high-priced corn has changed the way feedlots are doing business. “It’s possible primarily as today’s high-priced corn has changed the way feedlots are doing business,” said Monte Rouquette, AgriLife Research forage scientist. Traditionally, most livestock producers in East Texas and the southeastern U.S. have stuck to cow/calf operations, Rouquette said. In the past, calves were weaned at 350 to 450 pounds and then moved directly to feedlots for finishing. Part of this traditional calf-management strategy has to do with the price of corn used in feedlot rations.

How Corn Prices Change Feeding “Years ago, when it appeared as if $2 bushel corn was going to be here forever, the feeders developed animal health programs to allow them to secure lightweight calves and place these calves directly into the feedlot at weaning,” he said. “These lightweight calves would remain in the feedlot for more than 250 days!” But corn prices have increased “dramatically” in the last few years, in part due to ethanol production, and have rocketed to as high as $8 per bushel a few weeks ago. Prices came down in January, but were still in the $5 to $6 range. The response of the feeders has been to seek heavier-weight cattle for entry into feedlots, he said. For the livestock producer, “heavier-weight” cattle can mean just weaning calves later for a couple of hundred extra pounds or placing weaned calves on pastures for three to six months to increase weight and maturity. These longer-maintained cattle are commonly referred to as stockers.

cattle the feedlots now prefer, he said. “There are two primary strategies for selling heavyweight cattle,” Rouquette said. “You can wean heavier-weight calves and maintain or purchase lightweight calves and place them on a stocker-grazing program, or do a mixture of both.”

Rouquette noted that the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton, where he is based, has 30 years of data on the “pasture and animal interaction” to show what does and does not work under East Texas and southeastern U.S. climatic conditions. Continued on page 40

Two Strategies These management strategies spell opportunity for livestock producers to potentially make higher profits from their cattle herd by producing the heavier The Profitpicture | 39

Cattlemen Could Make More Money with Heavyweight Calves or Stockers...continued from page 39

Since the inception of the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center in 1967, one of the fundamental emphases has been forage management and animal performance, said Charles Long, resident director of research at the center. “First, heavyweight calves at weaning are produced primarily from cows that calve during the fall to winter period — and not during the late spring to early summer period,” Rouquette said. This is because fall and/or winter calving cows have access to winter annual pasture — small grain, ryegrass, clover — to provide the highest nutritive value possible for average daily gain to be high for the calves. It’s not unusual for fall calves to wean at more than 700 pounds by early June, he said. Rouquette noted that success

of this heavier-weight strategy depends upon good climatic conditions for planting and establishing winter pastures in the fall and some hay stocks to carry over during cold and inclement weather typical during December and January. Another strategy is to retain or purchase lightweight calves born in late spring to early summer and weaned in the fall, he said. “In this case, the best strategy is to prepare pastures that include small grain plus ryegrass,” he said. “These are the forages that are the highest in dry matter and nutritive value for stockers, and the only forages that are actively growing during the winter months in areas east of I-35 to Georgia and other parts of the southeastern U.S.” “Another management

scenario involves those who have lighter-weight calves, from 400 to 500 pounds in May,” Rouquette said. “They can turn these calves onto pastures such

“The idea is to remain flexible and ready to adjust to changing conditions, including markets, and not to be locked into one stocking strategy or another. With a strategic management plan, one can decide to wean early, wean late, wean and sell, wean and retain and so on.” - Dr. Monte Rouquette as Tifton 85 or other highquality Bermuda grass pastures, or onto summer annual forages.” He noted that one problem with this last strategy is that cattle performance in terms of average daily gain during JulyAugust often declines because the nutritive value of warm-season grasses declines and high summer temperatures stress cattle. “Of course, if we have another summer of drought like in 2011, then there has to be an alternative strategy,” Rouquette said. “But keeping the possibility open of holding onto calves longer or buying calves for stockers if there is rain and good forage availability means opportunity for producers to make more money this year.” Rouquette emphasized the markets always have the trump card to play in management scenarios. “The price paid for 400- to 600-pound calves in 2012 could make it beneficial to sell them

40 | February 2012

at that weight,” he said. “The idea is to remain flexible and ready to adjust to changing conditions, including markets, and not to be locked into one

stocking strategy or another. With a strategic management plan, one can decide to wean early, wean late, wean and sell, wean and retain and so on.” “For 40 years, Monte has conducted one of the longest, continuous series of studies evaluating productivity, persistence and quality of forage varieties and related cattle performance,” Long said. In-depth information on these studies can be found at http://overton.tamu.edu/centerpublications. Editor’s note: Robert Burns has nearly 30 years experience writing about agriculture and agricultural related research. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Burns can be reached at 903-8346191 or by email at rd-burns@ tamu.edu. Dr. Monte Rouquette can be reached at 903-834-6191, m-rouquette@tamu.edu. Dr. Charles Long can be reached at 903-834-6191, c-long@tamu.edu

2012 Tennessee Beef Agribition Gelbvieh/Balancer® Show & Sale

Butler’s Fashion 54X Champion Female

Butler’s Jasmine ET Reserve Champion Female

Consigned by: Butler Creek Farm

Consigned by: Butler Creek Farm Buyer: Bradley Piles, Bardstown, KY

Buyer: Samuel Smith, Crab Orchard, KY

Butler’s On Time 512W Champion Bull

Aladin 31W Reserve Champion Bull

Consigned by: Butler Creek Farm Buyer: Jerry Bellar Farms, Nashville, TN

Consigned by: Green Hills Gelbvieh Buyer: Mockingbird Hill Farms, Rochester, KY

Tennessee Beef Agribition Gelbvieh Show & Sale

Show • Friday, March 9, 2012 • 4:30 PM

Sale • Saturday, March 10, 2012 • 4:00 PM Lebanon, Tenn.

March 11: Open to the World Junior Gelbvieh Heifer Show Sale sponsored by the Tennessee Gelbvieh Association

Michael Butler 615-286-2799 Tennessee Gelbvieh Assoc. Meeting & Supper Meeting is Friday, March 9 • 7:00 PM, at the Gentry Building at the sale site. Dinner will be served.

CT Sale managed by

Slaughter Sale Management For catalog or infromation contact:

David Slaughter

162 Hastings Lane Fredonia, KY 42411 270-556-4259 hmslghtr@aol.com

The Profitpicture | 41

News

Making More Confident Decisions in Herd Sire Selection for a visually superior animal with a balance of maternal and carcass traits, as well as homozygous black and polled traits.”

When it comes to adding new seedstock to his cattle operation, Dan Hutchinson knows exactly what he’s looking to buy before even stepping into the sale barn. Like fellow Gelbvieh producers, Hutchinson takes extra care in his selection decisions, and rightfully so. The animal he brings back to the ranch will have to perform well in its new herd setting and help Hutchinson reach his operation management goals.

Purchasing seedstock is an important and lasting decision for cattle producers, says Dr. Kevin DeHaan, technical services director for IGENITY®, a division of Merial. “Selecting a herd sire is an important ranch decision that directly affects the profitability of an operation for many years. Producers are becoming more aware that they just can’t afford to buy bulls without all the information available.”

So when it’s time to select a new herd sire, Hutchinson leaves little to chance. The Missouri rancher conducts a thorough visual sort of potential bulls then relies on his extensive list of genetic qualities before making a final selection and purchasing decision.

That’s why many Gelbvieh producers, like Hutchinson, have turned to DNA technology, through the comprehensive IGENITY profile, to assist in making important herd sire selection decisions.

“I’m very particular when selecting a new sire for my herd,” says Hutchinson, of Justamere Ranch. “That bull is going to have a tremendous influence on my operation from a genetic and monetary standpoint. So I look

“The inside information gained through an IGENITY profile can help producers make important decisions with confidence,

Circle M Farms Gelbvieh & Balancer 6 Annual Production Bull Sale th

Saturday, March 3, 2012 1:00 pm (CST) Justin Pemberton Memorial Arena 614 Lehman St. Woodbury, TN 37190

knowing that they’re moving their herds’ genetics in the right direction,” explains Dr. DeHaan.

crop has been harvested before they can see what carcass traits a bull passes along.”

If producers are not using DNA technology to help make these decisions, Dr. DeHaan adds, they may not be getting the complete picture of the bull’s potential. “The comprehensive

Dr. DeHaan says by using DNA technology — along with traditional selection tools — to evaluate potential herd sires, producers can help reduce the risk of making a genetic mistake.

“The comprehensive IGENITY profile allows producers to learn more about each individual’s genetic potential earlier in their productive life.” - Dr. Kevin DeHaan IGENITY profile allows producers to learn more about each individual’s genetic potential earlier in their productive life, which means progress can be made faster. Now producers don’t have to wait until the first calf

Also Selling 60+ Black Females: Registered Cows, some w/calves Registered Bred Heifers Registered Open Heifers Embryos out of JBOB 3298 & JBOB 2413

Also: Complete Dispersal of Jim McNeil’s 15 registered cows & calves

Circle M Farms

45+ Bulls Sell!

100% Qualify for TN and KY TAEP Enhancement Program

90% AI Sired

• Call for a Sale Book • JBOB 3298 • High selling female of the JBOB dispersal sale Several sons sell!

100% Black • 85% Homozygous Black 75% Homozygous Polled

A sample of the offering:

6 sons by Premonition x JBOB 3298 2 sons by Flying H Exclusive x JBOB 3298 5 sons by Mytty In Focus 2 sons by Govenor

42 | February 2012

“The IGENITY profile provides information on traits, such as carcass quality and carcass composition, that an animal will express and pass to their offspring,” he says. “This means producers can be more

1 son by Post Rock Silver x JBOB 3298 3 sons by Carolina Fortune 1 son by RJ Several sons by CMFS 7132

M Circle M Farms

Circle M Farms Thomas Mears 300 Underwood Trail McMinnville, TN 37110 615-563-5066 (H) 615-849-6199 (C)

selective and confident when incorporating genetics into their herd to fit production goals.” North Dakota producer, Christina Dockter of Golden Buckle Gelbvieh, agrees. All herd sires are DNA tested prior to turnout in their commercial and registered Gelbvieh herds. “We use the IGENITY profile to assist in selection decisions in our own operation. We test all new herd bulls that we purchase as well as the bulls we want to market to potential customers,” she says. “We are very interested in the carcass quality and feeding traits the bulls will pass on to their calves.” Like Hutchinson, Dockter utilizes the IGENITY profile as an important tool in the selection process toolbox. “First we do an initial visual sort of the bulls, then we look at the EPDs and IGENITY scores,” she explains. “Many times, the IGENITY scores are the deciding factor on the bull we choose to use.” Dr. DeHaan adds that DNA profiling provides information on economically important traits not covered by EPDs, filling some significant gaps in the selection process. “The measurement of tenderness has perplexed the beef industry for decades,” he says. “Through the comprehensive IGENITY profile, we can measure an important trait affordably, allowing producers to select and breed for that trait, to ultimately produce a more consistent beef product.” By incorporating DNA technology into the herd sire decision making process, alongside EPDs and performance data, Dr. DeHaan says producers can make more informed and confident purchasing decisions. “That additional knowledge filters down to better breeding, management and selection decisions that can improve the overall quality and profitability of an entire herd.”

To get started, producers can order sample collection kits by contacting their IGENITY sales representative, call 1-877-4436489 or visit www.igenity.com/ beef. Results will be returned to producers several weeks after

samples are received. Sample collection can be done at any time or age; however, collecting samples when animals are already being processed may be the most convenient. Planning ahead will ensure the information will

Since 1983

REGISTERED GELBVIEH CATTLE Our foundation is designed and built on 28 years of A.I. breeding.

REDS

BLACKS

BALANCERS 21st Annual

“Pot of Gold”

Gelbvieh, Angus & Balancer Bull Sale February 24, 2012 ®

Olathe, Colorado

Your source for calving ease and low birth weight EPD bulls! Females for Sale Private Treaty At Bow K Ranch we emphasize moderate size, quality udders, and built-in calving ease.

www.bowkranch.com David & Dawn Bowman • Andrew & Sarah Bowman 55784 Holly Rd. • Olathe, CO 81425 • (970) 323-6833 •

The Profitpicture | 43

Editorial

Building Lifelong Relationships in the AGJA By Justin Taubenheim

In business, building lifelong relationships is one of the keys to success. It is no different in the beef industry. Customer relations are the foundation of these lifelong relationships and those relationship building skills must start at a young age. In

When I hear the words customer relations I think back to the fall of 2003, when my dad and I were at the local sale barn watching some of our old cows sell. The man we were sitting by just so happened to be looking for a herd bull and I was going to do my best to get him to come to our sale. I talked him for over an hour and got his address. We sent him

Customer relations are the foundation of lifelong relationships and those relationship building skills must start at a young age. my opinion, there is no better atmosphere for building the skills needed to make relationships than in the American Gelbvieh Junior Association.

a catalog and when our sale came around he showed up and bought two bulls. I never knew what a difference getting out and talking to people would actually make,

but making that sale proved to me, knowing your customers and being able to relate with them never hurts you. It felt so good to know I attracted a buyer and built a relationship, but I never could have done it without a good start in the AGJA. The junior association is loaded with opportunities to attain skills to help build relationships. For starters, every summer at the junior nationals we are blessed with the opportunity to meet new friends in the Gelbvieh breed. While at junior nationals we are also given the chance to compete in numerous activities a few of them being sales talk, impromptu speaking and livestock judging. These different activities help us to hone our relationship skills as we learn how to give presentations and talk to possible buyers. By competing in these contests we learn how to select the best livestock to sell and purchase.

Finally, customer relations play a huge role in our livelihood as beef producers and there is no better place to attain those relationship skills than in the American Gelbvieh Junior Association. Whether it is by meeting new friends and future colleagues or competing in the contests at the annual junior show the AGJA has so much to offer to its members. In the end, I want to challenge you to get out and try to make as many contacts as you can as a junior. Don’t be afraid to make new friends in the junior association, but also meet people in the adult association as well. Remember you are never too young to make a difference… not only in your future, but in someone else’s as well. Editor’s note: Justin Taubenheim is the vice president of the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA). He can be reached at mandrtaub@aol.com.

7th Annual

Thursday, March 15, 2012 • 1:00 PM • Magness Livestock Auction • Huron, SD

Gelbvieh & balancer - red & black

ELK CK Crazy Horse • WR Mr. Red Dawg •JCB Lazy TV Freighter T183 FGRG Hunky Monkey • EGL Emil-Lene • JRI Top Grid 254T725 • Mytty In-Focus SAV Final Answer • TC Franklin • SAV Pioneer • SAV Net Worth • SAV Bismarck TAU Kruggerand • BC Marathon • BVLK Tator • New Design • Plus More...

www.tripleplayranches.com

44 | February 2012

SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2012 SPRINGFIELD LIVESTOCK MARKETING CENTER, SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

J Bar M Gelbvieh and J&K Farms BULL SALE JKGF X03

JKGF X037

JEMG X516

HOMOZYGOUS BLACK HOMOZYGOUS POLLED Purebred Bull Sire: Black Impact Dam: JKGF 3T

HOMOZYGOUS BLACK Purebred Bull Sire: Beech Jet R052 ET Dam: LWHF 37M Calving Ease, Performance, Carcass

X033 Sire: SLMG Hershey Dam: Miss Bouncer J256 Low Birth, Performance and Volume

JKGF X080

9X329 HOMOZYGOUS BLACK, HOMOZYGOUS POLLED 50% Balancer Bull Sire: Granite 200P2 Dam: Romans Lassie 1142 Calving Ease Bull

HOMOZYGOUS BLACK 75% Balancer® Bull Sire: Beech Jet R052ET Dam: JKGF 79U (Kara daughter) Low Birth, Performance, Carcass

9X130

Sire: SINK Full Throttle

HOMOZYOUS POLLED Purebred Bull Dam: Top Brass-MG x M901

HOMOZYGOUS BLACK, HOMOZYGOUS POLLED Purebred Bull Sire: Post Rock Granite 200P2 Dam: RHRT T46 Dam top selling cow in 2009 Ozark Pride Sale

•

Calving Ease, Performance and Carcass bulls targeted for both the Purebred and Commercial Cattleman

•

100% of bulls selling are sired by leading AI sires

•

All bulls sell with a First Breeding Season Guarantee

Selling 90 Gelbvieh & Balancer® Bulls FALL 16-18 MONTH OLD BLACK AND RED BULLS • SPRING YEARLING BLACK AND RED BULLS Many bulls selling are homozygous black and/or homozygous polled.

CattleDesign®

J BAR M GELBVIEH

Jon E. & Edna Miller 28760 Norway Rd, Stark City, MO 64866 417-632-4925 home • 417-437-5250 cell Please no Sunday calls!

J & K FARMS Jerry & Karen Wilson 335 Gelbvieh Lane, Ava, IL 62907 618-426-3885 • 618-521-8620

www.mms.bz SALE MANAGEMENT BY: Mitchell Marketing Service Chris Mitchell 334-695-1371 Randy Sienknecht 319-290-3763 2262 C Avenue • Gladbrook, IA 50635

The Profitpicture | 45

News

Gelbvieh Genetics Offer Calving Ease The genetic trends show the birth weight EPD has been lowered by almost 2 points. The calving ease direct EPD has improved by 5 points and the calving ease daughters EPD shows a 5.5 point increase,” said Susan Willmon, breed improvement director, American Gelbvieh Association. The Gelbvieh calving ease direct (CE) EPD is expressed as a ratio, with a higher ratio representing better calving ease. This value represents the direct influence a sire has on calving ease. The calving ease daughters (CED) EPD is a predictive ratio of a sire’s daughters’ calving ease with a higher ratio being a more favorable calving ease. This value represents the calving ease that a sire transmits to his daughters.

Only first-calf daughters are considered in calculations of both calving ease EPDs. Bull buyers know that calving ease is one of the most important considerations in their decisions.

Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics offer both direct and daughters calving ease that will make for restful calving seasons for years to come.

Improved Direct and Maternal Calving Ease Calving Ease Direct Calving Ease Daughters

EPD Value

The beef industry focus changes from time to time, but the money in the cattle business is still made in the cow herd. It is no secret that those cows must have moderate mature weights, be highly fertile, have sound feet and legs, quiet dispositions and produce calves with low birth weights, calve easily and have tremendous growth. The two traits that keep cattlemen and cattlewomen up at night are birth weight and calving ease. The Gelbvieh breed has lowered birth weights and increased calving ease. “With continued selection pressure on birth weights and calving ease by Gelbvieh breeders, the breed has made significant improvements on these two traits.

Birth Year

Source: American Gelbvieh Association EPD genetic trend for calving ease.

Overmiller Gelbvieh and Red Angus Production Sale

Saturday, February 18, 2012 ~ 1:00 PM ~ Smith Center, KS Selling:

70 • Red Angus, Gelbvieh and Balancer Bulls 40 • Open Heifers - 10 registered, 30 commercial

523Y Purebreds like this Homo Polled Nitro son sell

615X Red & Black Balancer cattle sell

46 | February 2012

P Sires include: Tuned In, Nitro, Who Done It, Top Gun, Conquest P 18 month and yearling bulls sell P 30+ years of seedstock production Thanks to Justin Taubenheim & Brian Karjewski for purchasing our femals at the Pick of the Herd Sale. Contact us for a catalog or more information

158X Three Conquest flushmates sell

Kelly • 785-389-3522 Brent • 785-389-1959 Roger • 785-389-6281 www.overmiller.com

overmillersteakbacon@yahoo.com

Our Customers Come First! Performance, Experience, Service Along with

Cannon Valley Ranch 27th Annual

Private Treaty Bull Sale Saturday, February 25, 2012 • 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Farm near Goodhue, Minnesota

Located 7 miles north of Goodhue, Minnesota on Hwy. 58, then 2 miles east on County Rd #3

Selling 70 Balancer®, Angus & Gelbvieh Bulls Sons of these High Accuracy, Breed-Leading sires sell!

RBMS Just Right 122P

Performance:

• Complete Performance Information • 23 Years of Carcass Ultrasound Data • DNA Tested • Fertility Tested • Breeding Soundness Guarantee

Since 1886

CTR Goodnight 715T

TAU Mr Krugerrand 70M 130P

Experience:

• Quality and Volume • 6th Largest Gelbvieh Breeder • 6th Largest Owner of Dams of Merit • Largest source of Balancer Genetics in Upper Midwest/ Great Lakes Region

“Proud of our Past, Focused on the Future”

Service:

• Sight Unseen Purchase Satisfaction Guarantee • First Breeding Season Guarantee • Volume & Loyalty Discounts • Housed Until Needed • Cash Discounts • Deferred Payment Program

Schafer Farms

25765 Cty. 3 Blvd. • Goodhue, MN 55027

Brian Schafer

1•888•226•9210

Lowell Schafer 651•923•4587

Bruce Waugh

507•381•1570

Email: brian@schaferfarm.com

www.schaferfarm.com The Profitpicture | 47

Breeder's corner

Colorado • Polled Purebreds • Red • Black

Alabama

Dave & Dawn Bowman 55784 Holly Rd. • Olathe, CO 81425

Kittle Gelbvieh Farms Quality Black Gelbvieh Cattle Johnny D. Kittle 816 Co. Rd. 36 Geraldine, AL 35974 Cell (256) 996-4140

(970) 323-6833 www.bowkranch.com

Double D Farm

9937 Warren Rd. Winslow, IL 61089 (815) 367-4116

Skyler Martin

1200 S. Blackhawk Rd. Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-7583

“Pot of Gold” Gelbvieh Angus & Balancer® Bull Sale Fri., February 24, 2012 • Olathe, CO Females for Sale Private Treaty

Arizona

Indiana The Prosser Family

928/477-2458 Summer 928/289-2619 Winter

3 G Ranch

Gelbvieh Cattle For Sale

Winslow, AZ Website: www.bartbar.com Email: info@bartbar.com

Carl, Rebecca & Emily Griffiths

Grant Thayer, Owner

(303) 621-2058 Grant@JumpingCowGelbvieh.com

Angus, Gelbvieh, Balancer & Commercial Replacement Females

1577 N 600 E • Kendallville, IN 46755

Brad Ridinger, Manager

Arkansas

G E L B V I E H

Office: (719) 764-2327 Cell: (303) 810-0582 Brad@JumpingCowGelbvieh.com

CATTLE THAT MEET THE CHALLENGE Ramah, Colorado

www.JumpingCowGelbvieh.com

260/897-2160 • ggge3g@embarqmail.com

Fullblood Polled Gelbvieh Polled Hereford

Merle E. Lewis

H odges R anch

15702 Hodges Rd., Omaha, AR 72662 Hodgesranch@live.com

812/863-7701

Eugene (870) 426-5333

James L. Lewis 812/863-2970

RR1 Box 1360 • Springville, IN 47462

Diana (870) 426-5334

Iowa

Neal (870) 426-4469

Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls & Heifers Available Private Treaty Sales

Illinois “Realizing the Value”

Skyler Martin

1200 S. Blackhawk Rd. Oregon, IL 61061-9762 815•732•7583

48 | February 2012

Member

Ridge Top Ranch

Gelbvieh-Angus-Balancer

Neola, Iowa

Black & Polled Private Treaty Sales

Breed-leading Performance from Quality Genetics

Kevin: 402-510-8103 Al: 402-676-5292

Ricky Linquist inquist

th 1135 190 Street inquist Fonda, IA 50540

arms (712) 288-5349 arms Gelbvieh & Red Angus

Email: rickylin@ncn.net www.linquistfarms.com

LGone O ak e l b v i e h hornsandthorns@netins.net Eric Ehresman (319) 489-2275 20963 30th St. (319) 480-1564 Mechanicsville, IA 52306

McCabe Cattle Co. Lacey McCabe

563-543-5251

Two Step Ranch Pat and Jay McCabe

563-543-4177

Gelbvieh Farley, Iowa Balancers Annual Spring Bull Sale 60-80 Bred Females Each Fall

(E-mail): twostepranch@netins.net (web): www.mccabecattle.com

Kansas

Judd Ranch Inc.

Dave & Cindy Judd Nick, Ginger Judd & Family Brent & Ashley Judd 423 Hwy. K-68 • Pomona, KS 66076 785/ 566-8371

Brandywine Farm Tom Scarponcini

30474 Brandywine Road Rushford, MN 55971

LeDoux Ranch

Andy, Danielle JW and Jady LeDoux 365 Agenda Lane • Agenda, KS 66930 H:785-732-6564 • C: 785-527-3188 www.ledouxranch.com Offering value from Heterosis

POST ROCK CATTLE COMPANY 3041 E. Hwy. 284, Barnard, KS 67418 Bill Clark: 785.792.6244 Leland Clark: 785.792.6208 Fax: 785.792.6250 Email: prcc@twinvalley.net

Purebred A.I. Seedstock Bulls and Heifers Available. Cell: (913) 219-6613 H: (913) 724-4105 Bonner Springs, KS 66012 FAX: (913) 724-4107

Al, Mary & Nick Knapp 18291 158th Street

e-mail: knappa@swbell.net

Bar Arrow Arrow Bar Cattle Cattle Company Company Stuar t Jar vis 26 E. Limestone Rd. • Phillipsburg, KS 67661

Minnesota

Kentucky

507-864-2063

Gelbvieh

SFI Schafer Farms, Inc.

Balancer®

37740 240th Ave., Goodhue, MN 55027 Brian Schafer Lowell Schafer 1-888-226-9210 651-923-4587 brian@schaferfarm.com www.schaferfarm.com Private Treaty Bull Sale — Last Sat. in February Annually

Mattison Family Farm

M F

Scott & Sonia Mattison Brianna, Nicole, Josh & Kallie 15995 Harvest Ave Lamberton, MN 56152 507-430-0505 • email: ssmattison@redred.com Purebred Gelbvieh and Balancer® Cattle

Promote for Success! Upcoming Advertising Deadlines: April Gelbvieh World Early copy deadline: February 20 Regular rates deadline: February 27

Call 303-465-2333 today!

Missouri

e-mail: bararrow@ruraltel.net • 785/543-5177

•

“Where workin’ cattle & eye appeal come full circle”

John & Carla Shearer (620) 628-4621 (620) 654-6507 (John Cell)

2815 Navajo Rd. Canton, KS 67428 circle_s@hometelco.net

Annual Production Sale 1st Saturday in April

Purebred Gelbvieh & Balancer Cattle High Quality Genetics for Every Cattleman. Owners: David Butts Wayne Butts

Contact David Butts: 270-365-3715 (H) 270-625-4700 (C)

Princeton, KY • Email: ddcmbutts@wildblue.net

Slaughter Sale Management David Slaughter

162 Hastings Lane • Fredonia, KY 42411 270-556-4259 • hmslghtr@aol.com

B/F Cattle Company

Specializing in Forage Raised Balancer® Bulls on K-31

Culling practices on cows/bulls second to NONE! For information, contact:

Route 1, Box 407 • Butler, MO 64730

660 • 492 • 2808 The Profitpicture | 49

Breeder's corner

Montana J. J. Boehler

70948 L Rd. , Orleans, NE 68966 308-473-7342 • 308-999-0207

60 RANGE READY BULLS FRESH OFF TEST COW SETTLERS

Cedar Top Ranch

SimAngus, Balancer 15 months old forage. Developed for calving ease, growth, guaranteed. Gain the many benefits of heterosis from crossbreeding. Well over $100 per cow exposed. Superior genetics.

Scott & Raberta Starr 212 Starr Drive • Stapleton, NE 69163 (H): 308-587-2293 • (C): 308-530-3900 cedartopranch@gpcom.net Eldon Starr: 1-800-535-6173 or Rich Johnson: 402-368-2209

Rotert/Harriman • Montrose, MO Bob Harriman 660-492-2504

Bettie Rotert 660-693-4844

George Rotert 816-896-0954

D Bar L Land and Livestock

www.rotertharriman.com

Doug Sanford 680 Beaver Valley Rd • Chadron, NE 69337

Home of CIRS Direct Current 1LU

Commercial and Registered Gelbvieh and Balancer® Cattle for sale Cell: 620-546-4563 Email: dougjsanford@gmail.com Call for semen packages

Rogers Valley Farm Gelbvieh Breed for Tomorrow’s Cattle Today!

A Breed Leader in Tenderness & Marbling– With herd sires profiling a perfect 10 in Tenderness and carrying the 316 Tenderness Gene! P.O. Box 51 Mendon, MO 64660 (660) 272-3805 (O) (660-375-7266 (C) Ronald & Kathryne Rogers email: rogers_valley_farm_feedlot@hotmail.com

ROCKING GV GELBVIEH Polled Fullblood Gelbvieh Cattle

If you’re not here, how does your customer find you?

Nebraska

Dr. & Mrs. Glenn Wehner 22533 Spencer Lane Kirksville, MO 63501 660-665-7502

Consistent Genetics Adding Pounds & Profit

Myron & Valerie Bahm 4375 White Oak Rd Fordland, MO 65652

417-753-3578(h) • 417-576-0687(c)

email: whiteoakfarms@live.com

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancer® 50 | February 2012

Mark & Patty Goes 39414 SW 75th Rd. Odell, NE 68415 (402) 766-3627

Pope Farms Gelbvieh

Producing Black, Polled Genetics for Today & Tomorrow.

Gelbvieh’s Powerful New Perspective

Jeff and Jeanne Pope

Dennis, Sherry, Jessica, Katie and Sarah Al and Peggy

26075 Willow Rd., Ravenna, NE 68869 Phone & Fax: (308) 467-BEEF popefarms@nctc.net

www.popefarms.com

Jeff Swanson • 308/337-2235 72408 I Road • Oxford, NE 68967

Walter & Lee Teeter 1380 French Belk Rd. • Mt. Ulla, NC 28125 (704) 664-5784

Mandan, ND • 701/663-7266 email: gustindd@wildblue.net www.gustinsdiamondd.com

Ohio

Annual Sale—Last Saturday in February

GELBVIEH

Mick & Dave Ainsworth

BALANCER

P.O. Box 154, Jackson Springs, NC 27281 910-652-2233 Cell: 910-639-4804

Mick’s email: longleaf@etinternet.net Dave’s email: longleaf@dsslink.net

We sell Breeding Stock Bulls & Females Chester Yoder

12353 Cty Rd 330 Big Prairie, OH 44611 chesyoder@yahoo.com 330-567-9232 • 330-231-0339 (cell)

Nevada

Oklahoma

N. Dakota

LeGRAND

Dick & Jean Williams P.O. Box 156 Orovada, NV 89425 775•272•3442

“Pounds Make Profit in Your Pocket” Bulls & Heifers Private Treaty

Ed LeGrand

Chimney Butte Ranch Doug and Carol Hille 701/445-7383

809 S. Redlands Rd. • Stillwater, OK 74074

405-747-6950 • alane@c21global.com Homo. Black, Homo. Polled • Breeding Stock Available

3320 51st St., Mandan, ND 58554

N. Carolina

chimneybutteranch@westriv.com www.chimneybutteranch.com Annual Production Sale 1st Friday in March

Exceptional

BULLS & HEIFERS

TRUCKING AVAILABLE 6700 County Rd. 19 S. Minot, ND 58701 (701) 624-2051 (H) (701) 720-8823 (C)

Rob Arnold

Email: RLAGelbvieh@aol.com

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancers®

Oregon

The Profitpicture | 51

Breeder's corner

Virginia

Ellison Gelbvieh & Angus Ranch Gelbvieh & Angus & Balancers

Private Treaty Sales • Bulls (Yearling & 2-yr.-old) & Heifers

Mitchel & Edna Ellison

Jeff & Susie Ellison

9020 ND Hwy 49 Lemmon, SD 57638

9015 ND Hwy 49 Lemmon, SD 57638

701.376.3238

701.376.3526

Proven Genetics with Balanced Traits!

W L H

QUALITY GELBVIEH CATTLE

Thorstenson Gelbvieh Selby, South Dakota

Brian & Dee Dee 605-649-9927

S. Dakota

Vaughn & Wendy 605-649-6262

www.Balancerbulls.com

ADKINS GELBVIEH

Gelbvieh & Balancer Performance Genetics Blacks & Reds A select group of heifers available each fall Bulls available year around

(605) 354-2428 Cell (605) 546-2058 Home Gerald Adkins gerald@adkinsgelvbieh.com 402 4th Ave., Iroquois, SD 57353 www.adkinsgelbvieh.com

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancer Cattle Bulls • Heifers • Embryos • Semen

Jim & Barb Beastrom Brandy Ludemann, Brittney Spencer

Ph: 605-224-5789 • 605-280-7589 (Cell) jimbeastrom@mncomm.com • www.beastromranch.com

Farms Doug & Sue Hughes 6916 Peppers Ferry Road Max Meadows, VA 24360 H 276/637-3916 C 276/620-4271

Dr. Daryl Wilson Joe & Gwen Wilson (276) 628-4163 Tyler Wilson (276) 676-2242 Registered (276) 614-0117 (C) Gelbvieh Cattle 17462 Fenton Dr., Abingdon, VA 24210 • TrebleWRanch@aol.com

Washington

Tennessee Quality Gelbvieh & Balancer® Cattle

Clinch Mountain Gelbvieh

Beastrom Gelbvieh Ranch

LITTLE WINDY HILL

John & Liz Loy 7611 Dyer Rd. (865) 687-1968 Luttrell, TN 37779 (865) 235-8869 (C) j.b.loy@att.net

Bulls & Heifers for Sale

Texas

NN Bar Ranch, Inc. Registered Angus, Gelbvieh and Balancers®

Kris, Dawn and Laren Nelson 21200 Watson Road East Creston, WA 99117

509-636-2343

Email: nnbarranch@asisna.com

W. Virginia

www.bcvgelbvieh.com Jim & Pat Dromgoole

Brent & Eve Vavra Nisland, SD • 605/257-2407

Julie Maude 605.381.2803 (C) Lori Maude 303.809.3789 (C) cj_llivestock@yahoo.com Hermosa, SD Quality Gelbvieh & Balancer® Genetics from a Trusted Source

52 | February 2012

4403 Winding River Dr. • Richmond, TX 77469 Home

(281) 341-5686 • Ranch (979) 561-8144

www.dromgoolesheaven.com Show Cattle Managers: James & Shannon Worrell • (325) 258-4656

Fullblood embryos for sale Friedrich Gust Bergen Gelbvieh Ranch fgservice @telus.net 403-637-2507

Service center

All your A.I. needs!!

Bull Barn Genetics

972-755-1681 doak@doaklambert.com www.doaklambert.com

30 Years in business

• Gelbvieh • Angus • Red Angus • Simmental • Club Calf • Shorthorn • Dairy • Charolais • Hereford

• Sheaths • Gloves • Cito Thaw Units • MVE Tanks • A.I. Kits

Eldon & Kathy Starr

210 Starr Dr • Stapleton, NE 69163 bullbarn@accessdirectwb.net 800-535-6173

www.bullbarn.com

Ronn Cunningham

Subscription and Advertising Information Subscription Rates: A one-year subscription to Gelbvieh World may be purchased for $35. Members of the AGA pay $35 of their membership dues to receive a subscription to Gelbvieh World. Gelbvieh World mails on or around the 25th of the month prior to publication date. Canada and Mexico - $60 U.S. for one-year. Other foreign - $85 U.S. for one-year.

Auctioneer P.O. Box 146 • Rose, OK 74364 918-479-6410 office/fax 918-629-9382 cellular

Cattlemen’s Connection Specializing in

• Gelbvieh Semen Sales • Consulting • Order Buying (all purchases guaranteed)

Roger & Peg Gatz (785) 742-3163

Call Toll-Free:1-800-743-0026 Visit our Web Site: www.cattlemensconnection.com

Gelbvieh World Advertising Rates STANDARD ISSUES:

Full Page 1/2 Page 1/3 Page 1/6 Page

$650 $425 $325 $150

Add Pounds. Add Profit.

Contact Brandon or William to discuss your options.

$525 $450 $250 $30

Feb./Oct. Commercial Profit Picture Full Page 1/2 Page 1/4 Page Column inch

$675 $450 $275 $30

Color:

Four Color One Additional color

Photo scans:

Advertise Your Operation in Gelbvieh World or the Profit Picture

2/3 Page 1/2 Page Isand 1/4 Page Column inch

To run as Black/white Color photos

JR Page 1/3 Page 1/6 Page

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$300 additional $150 additional

$10 each $20 each

Special production such as photo retouching is billed at cost at the rate of $60/hr. Closing Date: Ad materials and editorial deadline is the 25th of the month two months prior to publication date. (December issue deadline is October 25th). Ads for sale dates prior to the 15th of the month of publication are discouraged. For Feb./Oct. (Commercial Editions) and June/July (Herd Reference Edition) please call for rate specials and deadline information.

Call today: 303/465-2333

Visit

www.smartcross.org to find out how to Add Pounds and Add Profit to your next calf crop.

William

Brandon

502/867-3132 Eastern

970/520-3020 Central

advertising content: The Editor and/or the Director of Administration reserve the right to reject any or all advertising on any reasonable basis. Gelbvieh World and/or American Gelbvieh Association assumes no responsibility for the advertising content as submitted. Advertisers assume all responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of submitted advertising containing pedigrees or statements regarding performance. Advertisers shall indemnify and hold harmless Gelbvieh World and American Gelbvieh Association for any claims concerning advertising content as submitted.

The Profitpicture | 53

Feature

Ultrasound Scanning Beef Cattle for Body Composition Ultrasound technology uses sound waves to develop images of body composition. Body composition traits that can be measured include 12th to 13th rib fat thickness, rump fat thickness, ribeye area, and intramuscular fat percentage (marbling). Each of these traits is at least moderately heritable and is significant in the determination of red meat quality and yield for individual animals.

less desirable yield grades. Ribeye Area Ribeye area is the surface area of the longissimus dorsi (ribeye) muscle at the 12th rib interface on the beef forequarter. Ribeye area is expressed in square inches. Retail product yield increases and numerical yield grade decreases as ribeye area increases. This image is often the most difficult to collect and requires a highly Body Composition Traits skilled interpreting technician. Both rib fat and ribeye area Rib Fat are taken from the same image Rib fat (also called fat (Figure 1). thickness or backfat) is an Rump Fat external fat measurement taken Rump fat refers to the depth between the 12th and 13th ribs. of fat at the juncture of the It is measured in inches. Rib gluteus medius and superficial fat is used in USDA yield grade gluteus medius muscles. This calculation and is the most measurement is expressed in important determinant of retail inches. It is taken from an image yield. Higher amounts of rib fat collected between the hooks decrease cutability and produce (hips) and pins of the animal. The rump fat measurement, together with the rib fat measurement, is used to determine more accurately the overall external body fat. This improves Purebred Gelbvieh & Balancer Cattle the accuracy of David Butts / Wayne Butts predicting percent retail product. In 10819 Dawson Road most cases, an Princeton, Ky 42445 animal will exhibit (270) 625-4700 (C) more fat over (270) 365-3715 (H) the rump than ddcmbutts@wildblue.net the rib, so often High Quality Genetics for Every Cattleman more variation is Slaughter Sale Management displayed in rump David Slaughter fat measurements 162 Hastings Lane â&#x20AC;˘ Fredonia, KY 42411 270-556-4259 â&#x20AC;˘ hmslghtr@aol.com than rib fat measurements.

Kentucky Breeders

This image is highly repeatable and is the least difficult to collect or interpret. Intramuscular Fat Intramuscular fat percentage (%IMF) is the percentage of fat in the ribeye muscle. It is often called marbling and is observed as flecks of fat in lean tissue. Degree of marbling is related to intramuscular fat percentage and is the primary factor determining quality grade (Table 1). Higher levels of intramuscular fat improve quality grade. This measurement should be collected when cattle are maintaining a high level of nutrition. The field technician collects four images (Figure 2), and the values generated by the interpreting software are averaged for an overall intramuscular fat percentage.

Acceptable Scanning Ages

the respective breed association for current scanning age guidelines.

Barnsheets A barnsheet is a form that includes information such as herd ID, tattoo, sex, birth date, and registration number of each calf to be ultrasound scanned. Breed associations require that barnsheets be submitted with ultrasound scan images, so every animal scanned for breed association data submission must be on a barnsheet. For breeds that use ultrasound body composition data in expected progeny difference (EPD) calculations, barnsheet reporting is critical to ensure that scan results are properly reported to breed associations for EPD updates. For cattle not listed on preprinted barnsheets, the breeder must provide the necessary animal information to the ultrasound field technician for inclusion on the barnsheet at the time of scanning. This may be necessary if there are delays in data submission or registration and

Yearling bulls and heifers can be scanned at approximately 365 days of age to provide a good indication of how sibling steer and heifer mates will perform on the rail. Each breed association has established a window for age at scanning that must be complied with in order for the data to be used in the Figure 1. Ribeye area and rib fat image displayed on national cattle scanning equipment. evaluation. Consult with

Continued on page 56 54 | February 2012

Thank you to all the GPP customers who have made 2011 a successful year! Gelbvieh Profit Partners is committed to the success of the commercial producer raising Gelbvieh/Balancer® genetics. Give us a call when you have cattle available. We want to buy them.

Contact GPP for marketing your Gelbvieh and Balancer® influence feeder cattle.

Barry “Slim” Cook Chief Operating Officer P.O. Box 3025, Cody, WY 82414 307-272-2024

The Profitpicture | 55

Ultrasound Scanning Beef Cattle for Body Composition...continued from page 54

Pound-Makin’ GENETICS

March 3, 2012 Private Treaty Opening Day A Powerful Set of Gelbvieh and Balancer® Bulls Red or Black • All Polled Bulls available to view at 10:30 a.m.

Lunch at Noon • Bid-off at 1:00 p.m.

Put Pounds on the Truck! And Quality Carcass On The Rail

Sale catalog online at: www.segagelbvieh.com

Steve & Gail Fiolkoski 16509 WCR 86 • Pierce, CO 80650

Phone: 970/834-2138 Gail’s Cell: 970/590-4862 Steve’s Cell: 970/381-0600 Email: gafiolk@aol.com

weaning performance paperwork processing. Obtaining barnsheets before scanning is the responsibility of the cattle breeder, not the ultrasound field technician. To obtain a barnsheet from a breed association, a minimum amount of data must be on file with the association for the cattle to be scanned. Cattle must be registered with the association, and some breed associations require weaning weights before barnsheets will be Figure 2. Intramuscular fat image displayed on created. Preprinted barnsheets scanning equipment. often are distributed to breeders along with weaning performance developing, maintaining, and governing the reports. Barnsheets also may be proficiency-testing protocol and standards accessed and printed by breed association for beef cattle ultrasound technician members through breed association Web certification. The UGC coordinates sites as part of their online accounts. proficiency testing and certification for Review barnsheets before scanning to image collection (field certification) and make sure all data needed to complete the laboratory interpretation (lab certification). sheets can be readily supplied at scanning. Scheduling for a UGC-certified technician Barnsheets require the breeder to specify to scan cattle often needs to be done well in the contemporary grouping, management, advance of the desired scanning date. Breed and diet of the animals. A contemporary associations may have additional breedgroup describes cattle of similar age and specific ultrasound guidelines and publish sex that were managed the same and had a list of technicians that are certified for the performance data collected as a group. particular breed. Improper contemporary group reporting It may be advantageous for several will cause performance results to be producers in an area interested in having incorrect. Note that breed associations often their bulls scanned to arrange for a require a minimum contemporary group technician to service multiple farms in one size for ultrasound body composition scan area in one trip. This may help lower the data to be used in EPD calculations, for cost of scanning for an individual farm by yearling adjustments, or for performance spreading the travel costs of the technician ratios to be computed. across several farms. Each breed association provides Preparing for Scanning specific management or test type codes (abbreviations or numbers designating A grounded 110-volt electrical outlet animal management, such as ranch test, must be provided for the field technician central test, developing heifers, and feedlot) to use with the scanning equipment. and diet codes (abbreviations or numbers Generators are not a desirable power describing how the animals were fed, such source. Because cattle must be dry in the as specific thresholds for concentrate feed scanning regions, covered cattle holding levels). Look on the barnsheets or breed and handling facilities may be needed association Web sites for keys to these codes in the event of precipitation. Severe and code descriptions, or contact the breed weather may dictate that the scanning association directly for this information. session be postponed until conditions Arranging Ultrasound Scanning become acceptable for scanning. Be prepared to provide supplemental heat for Services scanning equipment and oil if the outside temperature is too cold. Covered or shaded An Ultrasound Guidelines Councilcattle handling facilities are needed to keep certified technician can perform ultrasound animals out of direct or bright sunlight body composition scanning services during scanning. This allows the field for a fee. The U.S. Beef Breeds Council charged the UGC with responsibility for

Continued on page 58

56 | February 2012

The Profitpicture | 57

Ultrasound Scanning Beef Cattle for Body Composition...continued from page 56

technician to view the images on the monitor. Cattle should be restrained in a squeeze chute with side panel doors during scanning to ensure image quality and ease of scanning. Cattle must be adequately clipped (within one-half of an inch; many technicians clip shorter than this) and cleaned in the region of scanning. Check with the field technician in advance to decide if the breeder needs to provide clippers, electrical extension cords, vegetable oil, paper towels, or other supplies at scanning. It may be useful to keep an extra set of clippers and clipper blades on hand in the event that there is a problem with the original clippers used.

Scanning and Image Processing Individual animal weights must be recorded within seven

days of when the cattle are weight will not automatically be interpretation labs. scanned. Record these weights on used as a yearling weight. Image processing fees the barnsheets for the technician The ultrasound field technician typically are charged for image to submit to the authorized image should submit collected images interpretation services. The interpretation lab along with and associated completed ultrasound field technician may the ultrasound images. Ideally, barnsheets to an authorized lab pay these fees directly and then weights are collected at the time for interpretation. Breeders must include the charge in an invoice of scanning to reduce the number be sure to leave barnsheets with to the breeder or may request of times cattle must be handled. scanning technicians instead of that the breeder send payment Some breeders choose to collect submitting them to the breed directly to the authorized lab. all yearling performance data association. The field technician After scan data interpretation (weights, scrotal circumference should be familiar with breed is completed, scan results are measurements, hip heights, association requirements then sent to the respective breed temperament scores) at the same regarding acceptable image association(s) for adjustments time cattle are ultrasound scanned for body composition. If the scan weight is to be used as a yearling weight, the breeder must submit the weight as a yearling weight to the breed Table 1. Relationship between marbling score and intramuscular fat percentage. association. This Source: Beef Improvement Federation, 2002.

A nnual Production Sale—March 22, 2012 Western Livestock Auction • Great Falls, MT

“Gelbvieh since 1973”

Over 35 Years of Performance Testing

Jim & Kathy Bjorkman

Purebred Bulls • Balancer® Bulls • Purebred Heifers • Balancer® Heifers Red or Black, 100% Polled Sires represented: KHR Impressive 03N, KHR 06W, KHR 08W, KHR 09W, KHR 26P, KHR 43W, KHR Midland 38N, DAR National 302N, Flying H Landmark 051P, Flying H Limited Edition 82U, JLSL Webster, KHR Urie 26U, LCC Hybrid D626L Complete performance data and DNA results available.

For your next herdsire or female purchase look to Kicking Horse Ranch.

58 | February 2012

(406) 937-4815 krankin@northerntel.net www.kickinghorseranch.com

George & Jeanette Rankin (406) 937-3728 1285 Nine Mile Road Oilmont, MT 59466

and EPD calculations. Breed associations then provide summaries of scanning results and related performance information to breeders.

Ultrasound scanning results help breeders select cattle that best fit market specifications. Ask the field technician how long it generally takes for image processing to be completed and results reported to the breed association and/ or breeder. Breeders will typically be notified by scanning technicians if errors are found during image processing or by breed associations during report processing. Potential errors can include bad or missing images, incomplete barnsheets, unpaid scanning or image processing fees, missing weaning weights, or animals not found in breed association databases. If an unreasonable amount of time passes after scanning with no feedback on results, contact the scanning technician and/ or breed association to track down and help resolve any potential problems. Results may be reported by e-mail, mail, or member-specific screens on breed association Web sites.

beef carcasses. This technology scanning results help breeders allows seedstock producers select cattle that best fit market to collect body composition specifications. This information data on prospective breeding provides breeders with powerful animals for use in genetic information for seedstock Schroeder 2012 LSG:Layout 1 12/7/11 11:48 marketing AM Page 1 as well. improvement efforts. Ultrasound

Editor’s note: This article was prepared by Jane A. Parish, Justin D. Rhinehart and Rhonda C. Vann from Mississippi State University. The source of this article is www. thecattlesite.com.

Schroeder Ranch 14TH ANNUAL

Gelbvieh & Balancer Production Sale

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012 2 pm CDT Mitchell Livestock Auction Mitchell, SD

Balanced Beef

Conclusions Ultrasound scanning technology is a useful tool for collecting body composition data on live animals. The resulting data are less expensive and time consuming to collect compared with actual harvest data from

PERFORMANCE CARCASS STRUCTURE

MATERNAL EFFICIENT DISPOSITION

Sale managed by: Steve Schroeder 605-366-5693 Dustin Tolsma, herdsman 605-539-0235 www.schroedercattle.com

“COMMON SENSE CATTLE” The Profitpicture | 59

News

Why Crossbreed? Crossbreeding beef cattle offers two primary advantages relative to the use of only one breed: 1) crossbred animals exhibit heterosis (hybrid vigor), and 2) crossbred animals combine the strengths of the various breeds used to form the cross. The goal of a well-designed, systematic crossbreeding program is to simultaneously optimize these advantages of heterosis and breed complementarity. Heterosis or hybrid vigor refers to the superiority in performance of the crossbred animal compared to the average of the straightbred parents. Heterosis may be calculated using the formula: % Heterosis = [(crossbred average – straightbred average) ÷ straightbred average] x 100 For example, if the average weaning weight of the straightbred calves was 470 pounds for Breed A and 530 pounds for Breed B, the average of the straightbred parents would be 500 pounds. If Breed A and Breed B were

crossed and the resulting calves had an average weaning weight of 520 pounds, heterosis would be calculated as: [(520 - 500) ÷ 500] x 100 = 4 % This 4 percent increase, or 20 pounds in this example, is defined as heterosis or hybrid vigor. The amount of heterosis expressed for a given trait is inversely related to the heritability of the trait. Heritability is the proportion of the measurable difference observed between animals for a given trait that is due to genetics (and can be passed to the next generation). Reproductive traits are generally low in heritability (less than 10 percent), and therefore respond very slowly to selection pressure since a very small percentage of the differences observed among animals is due to genetic differences (a large proportion is due to environmental factors). The amount of heterosis is largest for traits that have low heritabilities. This has significance for commercial breeding systems, as crossbreeding can be used to enhance reproductive efficiency.

To date, the ability to select for reproduction is limited (i.e. there are no EPDs for reproduction). Traits that are moderate in their heritabilities (20 to 30 percent) such as growth rate are also moderate in the degree of heterosis expressed (around 5 percent). Highly heritable traits (30 to 50 percent) such as carcass traits exhibit the lowest levels of heterosis. Improvements in production from heterosis may be captured by having both a crossbred calf and a crossbred cow. The advantage of the crossbred calf is two-fold: an increase in calf livability coupled with an increase in growth rate. Perhaps the most important advantage for crossbreeding is realized in the crossbred cow. Maternal heterosis results in improvements in cow fertility, calf livability, calf weaning weight, and cow longevity. Collectively, these improvements result in a significant advantage in pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed, and superior lifetime production for crossbred females.

One of Tenderloin’s sons received a 10 for Tenderness on the Igenity Profile.

Open House & Kick-off Sale

Tenderloin • 5 sons sell

Monday, March 5th, 2012 • At the Ranch Selling

35 yearling bulls • Black and Red including 15 homozygous black, purebred and Balancer®

Guaranteed • Igenity profile • Ultrasound measurements • Semen Tested Viewing at 11:00, Lunch at 12:00, Final Bids at 1:00

Purebred sires represented:

Post Rock Granite 200P2 • Pop A Top • Big N Rich • Top Recruit

Balancer sires represented:

Tenderloin • North Platte W115ET(full brother to Old Iron Nuts)

Angus sire represented:

Pine Coulee Emblazon W103 ( Son of OCC Emblazon 854E)

Red Angus sire represented: Golden Boy 453B

Big N Rich • 4 sons sell

MLM GELBVIEH Marlin Meyer

824 Road 3000 • Superior, NE 68978 402.879.4976 mlm68978@yahoo.com

GREAT RIVER RANCH Norman Pensoneau

P.O. Box 349 • Chester, IL 62233 618.826.4846

Website www.gelbviehbulls.com

60 | February 2012

Directions: The Open House will be held at the ranch at Superior, NE. From the 14/136 junction north of Superior, go 6 miles west on 136, then 1-1/4 miles north.

The Profitpicture | 61

News

Basic Strategies for Buying the Right Bull environment are key factors that warrant consideration:

By Dr. Scott P. Greiner

• Will the bull be used on heifers, mature cows, or both?

As we move to the heart of bull buying season, the question is often asked- “which is the best bull in the sale?” The response to such a simple question cannot be painted with a broad brush, or in a manner which fits all needs. If we consider the question in the context “which is the right bull for my operation?” we are prompted to define the important parameters that need to be considered. Successful bull selection is dependent on effective strategies that allow the right bull to be identified.

• Will replacement females be retained in the herd? • How will the calf crop be marketed (at weaning?, backgrounded?, retained ownership? sell females?) • What are the feed resources and environmental conditions of the operation? • How will this sire contribute to the overall breeding system plan? Within each of these considerations, an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses will provide more details. Fundamental records are key to identifying strengths and weaknesses. Basic performance parameters such as calving percentage, weaning percentage, weaning weights, sale weights, feed usage, etc. are necessary to serve as the basis for assessing areas of strength and those needing attention.

Strategy 1: Define Herd Goals and Objectives, Identify Strengths and Weaknesses Broad herd goals and objectives serve as the foundation for sire selection and provide guidance as to traits with the most economic relevance. A basic definition of the production and marketing system, along with management strategies and

Genetic improvement in commercial herds is largely accomplished through sire selection. Simplifying sire selection by focusing on the handful of priority traits is generally more achievable than attempting to change many traits simultaneously. Establishing the few traits to focus on is the key factor.

Strategy 2: Identify Priorities and Opportunities for Improvement Priorities should be established based on those factors which stand to have the largest impact on profitability. Remember that income is derived from performance (sale weight, % calf crop weaned, carcass merit, etc.). Performance is a function of both genetics and environment/ management. Superior genetics can be negated by poor management, which emphasizes the importance of delineating the impact of management (nutrition, health program) from that of genetics when specific priorities for the herd are established. As an example, operations marketing feeder cattle have a need for optimum early growth as calves are sold around weaning. This early growth is impacted by milk production of the dam, which in turn is influenced by available feed resources. Considering both the genetic and management influences on these traits is important.

Strategy 3: Effectively Utilize Selection Tools Once selection priorities have been established through close examination of herd goals and current status, a number of useful tools are at the disposal of beef producers to assist in making genetic improvement. Genetic differences across breeds have been well established, and utilization of different breeds in a complimentary fashion through structured crossbreeding plans provides the opportunity for improvement in multiple traits. Most importantly, heterosis attained through crossbreeding has been shown to have significant favorable impacts on traits such as reproductive

Colorado

Breeders McEndaffEr BEEf GEnEtics

Jim Roelle 38148 CR 49 #7 Peetz, CO 80747 (H): 970-334-2221 • (C): 970-520-1224 jr.plateau@hotmail.com

Featuring Black, Polled Gelbvieh & Balancer® genetics with balanced trait selection. Next Bull Sale February 24, 2011. High Plains Livestock, Brush, CO.

62 | February 2012

Guy & Rose, Brandon, Kelsie 63275 Rd 82 New Raymer, CO 80742 Brandon • 970-520-3020 Please stop anytime & make sure to visit our website!

t 21s

nu An

100

Bul ls

Gelbvieh • Angus • Balancer® Bull Sale Friday, February 24, 2012 • Olathe, CO

www.gelbviehbulls.net Dave Bowman • 970-323-6833 Mark Covington • 970-249-1453

efficiency and cow longevity which are critical for herd profitability. The limited ability to select for reproductive traits in the form of EPDs further emphasizes the importance of heterosis. Individual EPDs are available for many traits of economic importance. The introduction of economic indexes which combine several related traits and their economic values into one EPD are available to assist with simultaneous improvement in multiple traits which impact areas such as carcass merit and post-weaning profit. Again, with the large number of EPD tools available, the critical step is to determine the EPDs which are

establishing the road map of where the herd has been, current status, and plans for the future. Simple record-keeping that allows for the assessment of key performance indicators such as calf weight per cow exposed, weaning weight, and returns on per cow basis are necessary for buying the right bull. Additionally, our beef industry continues to evolve rapidly. Staying abreast of changes and developments that will impact costs of production, marketing strategies, and profitability are important. A visionary approach will assist in establishing both short and long-term goals and objectives.

The right bull for your operation may not be the most popular, or at the top of the sale order, but through strategizing properly a bull which will fit your needs can be successfully identified and secured - thus increasing the odds for success. most important and establish benchmarks relative to each. Several tools can be utilized to assist in the determination of EPD specifications. EPD values for current and past sires can be used as benchmarks. With these benchmarks, EPD specifications can be set to reflect the desired increase or moderation in performance for a particular trait.

Strategy 4: Track Performance and Know Your Market As discussed in Strategy 1, records are the key to

In summary, consider all strategies that will assist your operation in finding the right bull. The right bull for your operation may not be the most popular, or at the top of the sale order, but through strategizing properly a bull which will fit your needs can be successfully identified and secured- thus increasing the odds for success.

Chimney Butte Ranch Annual Gelbvieh Production Sale Friday, March 2, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 1:00 PM CST Kist Livestock, Mandan, ND

Selling 75 bulls Bred females sold by private treaty Video of cattle will be available online February 10, 2012.

The top 5 selling bulls in the 2011 North Dakota Golden Rule Sale were sired by Chimney Butte raised bulls.

Chimney Butte Ranch Doug & Carol Hille

3320 51st Street, Mandan, ND 58554 701-445-7383 or 701-220-2083 E-mail: chimneybutteranch@westriv.com Website: chimneybutteranch.com

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: Dr. Scott P. Greiner is a beef Extension animal scientist at Virginia Tech. He can be reached at 540-231-9159 or sgreiner@vt.edu. The Profitpicture | 63

Running Cattle at Elevation is No Easy Task

High altitude disease and PAP testing is a real concern for cattle producers such as Bow K Ranch, Olathe, Colo., where cattle are raised at an elevation of 5,600 to 9,600. Photo courtesy of Dave and Dawn Bowman.

Bull buyers consider many traits when making their next herd sire selection including: birth weight, calving ease, reputation of breeder, growth and carcass performance. However, for cow-calf producers who live 5,000 or more feet above sea level, their first priority is the bull’s PAP score. Selecting a bull with an undesirable PAP score can cost that producer thousands of dollars in low performance

and death loss as a result of high altitude disease. In fact, it is estimated that high altitude disease can account for more than $60 million annually in death and performance losses for the beef industry in the Rocky Mountain region. While high altitude disease and PAP testing may be an unfamiliar concept to most U.S. beef producers, it is a very real concern for cattle managed at higher elevations.

Montana

High Altitude Disease High Altitude Disease (HAD) is known by many different terms including brisket disease, highmountain disease, dropsy, or big brisket. It affects cattle living 5,000 feet or more above sea level. Veterinarian Tim Holt of Colorado State University, a foremost expert in the disease says the occurrence of HAD increases at 6,800 feet and above. Approximately 1.5 million

Breeders

“Gelbvieh since 1973”

Kathleen Rankin 406-937-4815 1285 Nine Mile Rd. • Oilmont, MT 59466 krankin@northerntel.net www.kickinghorseranch.com Performance cattle for the real world.

64 | February 2012

Ken and Dale Flikkema 2 Mint Trail • Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 586-6207 (O) • (406) 580-6207 (C) email: mcfg@imt.net Black, Purebred & Balancer Cattle “Our Aim is Your Target”

cattle live above 7,000 feet in the U.S. However, veterinarians are starting to see symptoms of HAD in feedlot cattle at lower elevations. According to Dorian Garrick of Iowa State University, the disease affects both sexes and all breeds of cattle to varying extents. Sheep and elk are not affected. “Cattle bred at low altitude with no history of natural or artificial selection for high altitude performance may sometimes suffer losses up to 4050 percent. Moving cattle to low altitude usually leads to prompt recovery,” said Garrick. The trigger for HAD is stress. HAD is characterized by pulmonary arterial hypertrophy and pulmonary hypertension resulting in congestive heart failure. Essentially, a lack of oxygen in the blood causes the small pulmonary arteries to thicken, resulting in high blood pressure and a weakened heart. This prevents the heart from circulating the blood sufficiency, leading to blood congestion in the heart. If left untreated, the animal dies. The symptoms of HAD are directly related to congestive heart failure. Cattle will

experience edema or swelling in the brisket and lower body, fluid in the abdomen and chest, diarrhea, bulging eyes, depression and weakness. Lesser degrees of the disease include reproduction failure, abortion and calving loss.

On mountain pastures, you can check calves and all are healthy and when rechecking a day or two later find a dead or dying ET calf from brisket. It is a very real concern for cattle raised in higher elevations.”

“We most often see it when raising a calf up to weaning as that is when the calf experiences more stress. Stress brings on the disease,” says Dave Bowman, Olathe, Colo. Dave and his wife Dawn run Bow K Ranch, a Gelbvieh, Balancer® and Angus seedstock herd. For 28 years the Bowmans have run cattle in higher elevations, ranging from 5,600 to 9,600 feet. “We’ve never had a PAP issue in our herd, but we have experienced brisket related symptoms or deaths with embryo transfer calves that we have raised for other producers from low elevations.

Testing for HAD PAP (pulmonary arterial pressure) testing was developed in the late 1960s and measures pulmonary hypertension, or blood-flow resistance, to predict an animal’s welfare at high altitudes. PAP scores, an average of diastolic and systolic blood pressures, are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). PAP scores can range from the mid-30s to 130. The lower the PAP score the more desirable for higher elevations. “We’ve been PAP testing for over 20 years,” added Dave.

“An ideal range is from 35 to 40. But many factors can affect survivability at higher elevations including actual elevation in which the cattle will be managed and overall genetics of the cow herd.” “PAP is an indication of a bull’s genetic ability to tolerate high altitudes,” notes Dawn. “The higher the PAP score the lower the altitude the bull should be maintained. Bulls that develop brisket disease may or may not have a genetic problem, but may be the result of an environmental influence such as sickness, feed or stress. PAP testing is not definitive. Instead it is a system that helps manage risk against brisket disease.” A PAP score is taken by restraining an animal in a squeeze chute. A 13-gauge, 3.5 inch needle is inserted into the animal’s jugular vein. A catheter filled with

saline is inserted into the jugular vein and hooked to a datascope to measure and to monitor waves. The catheter is pushed down the jugular vein, through numerous sections of the heart and into the pulmonary artery. “The pressure generated in the pulmonary artery tells me if that animal is experiencing high blood pressure on the pulmonary side of the heart and if it is a possible genetic carrier of HAD,” said Holt. Average time to complete the PAP test is two to five minutes. Holt recommends that bulls with a PAP score greater than 48 be used at elevations lower than 6,000 feet.

Customer Service Bow K Ranch and four other Gelbvieh breeders began the “Pot of Gold” Bull Sale twenty-one years ago and it is held annually Continued on page 66

20th ANNUAL HOJER GELBVIEH & BALANCER® PRODUCTION SALE Monday, March 5, 2012 • 1:00 pm MAGNESS LIVESTOCK PAVILION, HURON, SD • Superior Performance • Docile Disposition • Moderate Frame • Calving Ease • Full Breeding Soundness Program • Breed Leading EPDs • More Pounds @ Weaning

CONSIDER A BULL FROM HOJER RANCH FOR YOUR BREEDING PROGRAM.

SELLING 115 REGISTERED BULLS - 50 HIGH QUALITY HEIFERS

Hojer Gelbvieh Ranch “YOUR CROSSBREEDING SEED STOCK SOURCE”

AlAn & PAm • BlAke & Jenn • nikki • ChristiAn 43968 208th St. • Lake Preston, SD 57249 • www.hojerranch.com

605-847-4155 • 605-854-2019 • 860-0139 (Blake) or 860-1326 (Alan) The Profitpicture | 65

Running Cattle at Elevation is No Easy Task...continued from page 65

in February in Olathe, Colo. Through the years they have added 10-12 consignors and expanded to include Balancers® and Angus bulls. All bulls are PAP tested prior to the sale and range in age

“HAD affects our customers’ livelihoods. We provide PAP testing on all our bulls as a service to our customers. In reality, our customers need PAP scores on the bulls so they know the

High altitude disease can account for more than $60 million annually in death and performance losses for the beef industry in the Rocky Mountain region. from yearlings, to 18-month-olds, to coming two-year-olds. Dave points out that it is ideal to PAP test bulls at 18 months or older as the score is less likely to change, although, even on yearlings the score is not likely to change more than two points.

genetics they are purchasing. We have customers who live below 5,000 feet and have no issues. We also have customers that run their cattle above 12,000 feet who pay very close attention to PAP scores,” continues Dave. In addition to PAP testing, all

bulls in the “Pot of Gold” sale are tested for fertility and breeding soundness, Trich, and PI-BVD. The cost of these tests is roughly $80 per bull, which the Bowmans and other consignors are happy to pay as a service for their customers. Many bulls are also DNA tested with the IGENITY® profile and for coat color. Dave points out that genetics are also a factor in an animal’s ability to tolerate higher altitudes. “We know how our cow herd performs in higher elevations and have discerned that some genetics work better than others. We have to be very selective and only introduce new genetics through the sires we use. Many of the bulls we purchase have been raised in our region, or bred and raised on the ranch,” he says. “We sample AI bulls, but we have to be very selective and research whether his offspring are more or less susceptible to high altitude

Want in on a Secret?? Lincoln Gelbvieh

Proud Gelbvieh Breeder for over 30 years Selling 30 Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls Saturday, March 10, 2012, 1:00 p.m.

disease. Very few AI sires are PAP tested. It takes two years or more when his daughters are in production before we really know whether those genetics work in our environment. The PAP test is a very significant tool for us.” Dawn adds, “When we talk to our customers about what bulls will work for them, we first ask what breed composition their cow herd consists of and at what elevation they run their cattle. We have found that some breeds do better at higher elevations than others. Gelbvieh cattle offer excellent mothering ability, docility and performance, and they tend to tolerate higher elevations well and generally will PAP test better.”

Promising New Research Awareness and more research will help cow-calf producers manage HAD. New Mexico State University (NMSU) has

RWL 123Y

Reg: 1184508 • Herdsire Prospect Sire: Bruce Almighty x Pure Gold BD: 2/27/2011 CE: 106 • BW: 0.5 • YW: 92

Midwest Beef Alliance Bull Sale Tina Auction, Tina MO RWL 057X

In total, 60 Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls sell in the Midwest Beef Alliance Sale.

Reg: 1161241 Sire: KHR 07M Dynamic x Drew BD: 6/10/2010 CE: 116 • BW: -2.0 • YW: 66

Extremely high quality bulls, developed together on high forage ration, at affordable prices. ADG ratios, Igenity profiles, ultra sound data on all bulls. Bulls screened for soundness, disposition and efficiency. Lincoln Gelbvieh Produces commercial man’s type of bulls, stressing excellent growth, good maternal characteristics, ease of calving, good feet and legs.

RWL Tibbet 104Y Reg: 1183307 Sire: KHR 07M Dynamic x RWL 410P BD: 1/26/2011 CE: 119 • BW: -3.5 • YW: 66

Richard Lincoln 24292 Hill Road • Linneus, MO 64653 660-895-5008 home • 660-412-3475 cell lincoln@grm.net THE SECRET: The best bulls available, at resonable prices!

66 | February 2012

the nation’s only high altitude cattle test center located on the Valles Caldera National Preserve. NMSU’s College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences is coordinating the facility that involves researchers from three universities, NMSU, Colorado State University and the University of Illinois, as well as cattle breeders from several states. “Our long-term goal at this facility is to develop indicators and tools that beef producers can use to select cattle that will thrive at high elevations,” says Manny Encinias of NMSU in a press release. “We believe high-altitude disease is a condition impacted by multiple factors and teaming up with multidiscipline experts, universities and progressive beef cattle producers is a key to making rapid progress on managing this disease.” At more than 8,500 feet in elevation, the Top of the Valley research facility is the highest centralized facility in the U.S. focused on studying the disease. Abundant and highly nutritional grass also provides a natural grazing environment that is a typical grazing scenario beef cattle encounter grazing high altitude pastures. The newest addition to the research team is genetics researcher Jonathan Beever, associate professor at the University of Illinois’ Department of Animal Science. Beever’s research has been instrumental in the development of diagnostic tools to rapidly detect genetic disorders in multiple breeds of cattle. “The possibility of a genetic test for tolerance in high altitudes is very exciting and will be a tremendous asset,” said Dave. “If this were a national or international problem, it would be well under control by now. A DNA test gives AI companies a way to accurately test their bulls and gives us more information in selecting those sires.”

Establishing the research facility at the Valles Caldera National Preserve has also given seedstock producers throughout the U.S. the opportunity to send bulls and heifers for the summer grazing season to the facility.

Through this research the beef industry can begin to better understand the impact that genetic pedigree and previous management practices have on the animal’s ability to perform at higher altitudes.

Editor’s note: This article was compiled using various resources by Jennifer Scharpe, director of communications for the American Gelbvieh Association. Scharpe can be reached at 303-465-2333 or jennifers@gelbvieh.org.

Raile Gelbvieh/Balancer® Bull Sale Burlington Livestock Exchange, Burlington, CO March 8, 2012 • 12:30 PM MST

Selling 60 Balancer Spring & Fall Bulls Black & Red • Igenity Profiled • PI Negative Trich Tested • Semen Tested A select group of 25 commercial & registered 1st calf heifer pairs.

Balancer Sires: EGL U409 (SAV Net Worth 4200) EGL U709 (EGL Northern Wind P068 ET) TAU Mr In Focus 18W (Mytty In Focus) Angus Sires: Hopps Look At Me (MCC Look Out 530) Lee’s Outline 7047 (DCC Outlook 472)

Call for a catalog

Delbert & Marilyn Delbert cell Raile & Sons 755 Road U St. Francis, KS

785-332-2756 785-332-4347 Cody 785-332-2219 cell 785-332-6089 railegelbvieh.com • email: dmraile@railegelbvieh.com

The Profitpicture | 67

Places to Be February 2012 Feb. 4 Feb. 4 Feb. 6 Feb. 14 Feb. 18 Feb. 21 Feb. 24 Feb. 24 Feb. 25 Feb. 25 Feb. 27 Feb. 27 Feb. 29 Feb. 29

LeDoux Ranch Annual Production Sale, Agenda, KS Seedstock Plus Tennessee Bull & Female Sale, Columbia, TN Taubenheim Gelbvieh Annual Production Sale, Amherst, NE Iowa Beef Expo Gelbvieh, Des Moines, IA Overmiller Gelbvieh Annual Production Sale, Smith Center, KS Cedar Top Ranch Annual Production Sale, Burwell, NE 21st Annual “Pot of Gold” Gelbvieh, Angus & Balancer Bull Sale, Olathe, CO Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Gelbvieh Sale, Kearney, NE Swanson Cattle Company Annual Production Sale, Oxford, NE Seedstock Plus North Missouri Bull Sale, Lathrop, MO Beastrom Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Ft. Pierre, SD April Gelbvieh World Advertising Deadline Grund Beef Genetics Annual Bulls Sale, Oakley, KS Plateau Gelbvieh Bull Sale, Brush, CO

March 2012 Mar. 2 Mar. 3 Mar. 3

Chimney Butte Ranch Annual Gelbvieh Production Sale, Mandan, ND Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch 23rd Annual Bull Sale, Swift Current, SK Judd Ranch 34th Gelbvieh, Balancer & Red Angus Bull Sale, Pomona, KS

Mar. 3 Mar. 3 Mar. 3 Mar. 4 Mar. 5 Mar. 5 Mar. 6 Mar. 8 Mar. 10 Mar. 10 Mar. 10 Mar. 10 Mar. 13 Mar. 15 Mar. 17 Mar. 17 Mar. 17 Mar. 17 Mar. 17 Mar. 21 Mar. 23 Mar. 24 Mar. 26 Mar. 31 Mar. 31

Thorstenson Gelbvieh & Angus Annual Bull Sale, Mobridge, SD Kentucky Beef Expo, Louisville, KY Flying H Genetics Bull Sale, NE Two Step Ranch/McCabe Cattle Co. Annual Bull Sale, Eyersville, IA Hojer Ranch Annual Production Sale, Lake Preston, SD MLM Gelbvieh/Great River Ranch Open House and Private Treaty Kickoff Sale, Superior, NE Warner Beef Genetics Annual Production Sale, Arapahoe, NE Raile Gelbvieh Balancer Production Sale, Burlington, CO Midwest Beef Alliance Bull Sale, Tina, MO J Bar M Gelbvieh/J &K Farms Gelbvieh/Balancer Bull Sale, Springfield, MO Rippe Gelbvieh Bull Sale, Belleville, KS Tennessee Beef Agribition, Lebanon, TN Bar Arrow Cattle Co. 22nd Annual Production Sale, Phillipsburg, KS 7th Annual Triple Play Bull Sale, Huron, SD Post Rock Cattle Company “Cowman’s Kind” Bull & Female Production Sale, Barnard, KS Pearson Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale, Lake City, SD 2nd Annual North Carolina Maternal Edge Sale, Clinton, NC Flying H Genetics Bull Sale, MO Central Montana Gelbvieh Genetics Bull Sale, Lewistown, MT Eagle Pass Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Highmore, SD Southwest Iowa Gelbvieh & Balancer Bull & Female Sale, Creston, IA Correction to email: creiste.rafterr@yahoo.com Oklahoma Sooner Select Sale, Stillwater, OK May Gelbvieh World Advertising Deadline Jumping Cow Gelbvieh Bull & Female Sale, Brush, CO Seedstock Plus South Missouri Bull & Female Sale, Carthage, MO

April 2012 Apr. 4 Midland Bull Test Sale, Columbus, MT Apr. 6 Midwest Performance Bull Sale, Bloomfield, IA Apr. 7 Circle S Ranch Going to Grass Sale, Canton, KS Apr. 13 Midwest Performance Bull Sale, Bloomfield, IA Apr. 14 Seedstock Plus Southwest Bull Sale, Yerington, NV Apr. 18-20 BIF Annual Meeting, Houston, TX Apr. 21 Bluegrass Gelbvieh Invitational Sale, Mt. Sterling, KY

May 2012 May 18 June-July Gelbvieh World Advertising Deadline May 19 Green Hills Gelbvieh Carolina Classic Sale, Mt. Ulla, NC Editor’s note: If you have sale or event information for this listing, please email the information to jennifers@gelbvieh.org. This includes tours, expos, field days and other Gelbvieh events.

Visit the online version of Places to Be at www.gelbvieh.org or scan this QR code for additional dates on upcoming sales and more information on each event.

68 | February 2012

Belleville, KS • Belleville 81 • Livestock Sale Barn

[

Complimentary Lunch at 12:00

55 Bulls, 33 Black Balancers, 13 Red Balancers, 7 Black Purebreds, 2 Red Purebreds

Here is what we stand for: • Customer service after the bull is sold

[Find out what we stand for.]

Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 1:00

RIPPE GELBVIEH

RIPPE GELBVIEH BULL SALE

• Balanced EPD profile • The Essentials: Sound, Big bodied, Moderate Framed and Muscular • Reliable and Honest Data • Proper Bull development • Crossbreeding • Get the benefit of heterosis and hybrid vigor here!

Video of the bulls, data, and catalog will be posted at www.rippegelbvieh.com RIPPE GELBVIEH Balancers li ke this sell Hubbell, Nebraska Duane: 402-324-4176 (Office) Dustin: 316-323-4874 (Cell) Michael Rea: 303-718-2124 (Cell) www.rippegelbvieh.com Raising Bulls for Commercial Cattlemen that fit today and tomorrow.

The Profitpicture | 69

Ad Index 2R-2B Gelbvieh...........................................51 3 G Ranch.....................................................48 ABCS Gelbvieh............................................48 Adkins Gelbvieh..........................................52 Area Coordinators........................................6 Arp Gelbvieh.........................................19, 32 B/F Cattle Company...................................49 Bar Arrow Cattle Company.................15, 49 Bar IV Livestock..........................................49 Bar T Bar Ranch, Inc............................27, 48 Beastrom Gelbvieh Ranch............ 12, 13, 52 Blackhawk Cattle Company................19, 48 Boehler Gelbvieh.........................................50 Bow K Ranch.................................. 43, 48, 62 Brandywine Farm.......................................49 BV Ranch...............................................32, 52 Cattlemen’s Connection.........................1, 53 C-Cross Cattle Company.....................29, 51 Cedar Top Ranch............................... IFC, 50 Chimney Butte Ranch..........................51, 63 Circle M Farms............................................42 Circle S Ranch.............................................49 CJ&L Livestock......................................19, 52 Clinch Mountain Gelbvieh........................52 Cranview Gelbvieh...............................51, 61 Cunningham, Ronn....................................53 D Bar L Land and Livestock......................50 D & W Farms, LLC...............................49, 54 Danell Diamond Six Ranch.......................50 DDM Gelbvieh............................................48 Diamond L Farms.......................................51 Dromgoole’s Heaven...................................52

Eagle Pass Ranch...........................................8 Ellison Gelbvieh & Angus Ranch.............52 Fladeland Livestock....................................28 Flying H Genetics............................... 50, BC Forbes Ranch...............................................44 Gelbvieh Bull Barn......................................53 Gelbvieh Guide............................................53 Gelbvieh Profit Partners.............................55 Goettlich Gelbvieh Ranch..........................50 Golden Buckle Gelbvieh............................51 Green Hills Gelbvieh..................................51 Grund Beef Genetics..................................38 GS Ridge Top Ranch...................................48 Gust, Fred.....................................................52 Gustin’s Diamond D Gelbvieh...................51 Handel Farms..............................................40 Harriman, Bob............................................50 Hart Farm Gelbvieh................................5, 49 Hartland Farm.............................................49 Hightower Cattle Co...................................20 Hill Top Haven Farm..................................52 Hodges Ranch.............................................48 Hojer Gelbvieh Ranch..........................32, 65 Igenity.....................................................16, 17 J & K Farms..................................... 25, 45, 48 J Bar M Gelbvieh...................................45, 50 Judd Ranch, Inc.............................. 36, 37, 49 Jumping Cow Gelbvieh.....................48, IBC KG Gelbvieh................................................14 Kicking Horse Ranch..................... 50, 58, 64 Kittle Gelbvieh Farms.................................48 Kleinschmidt Gelbvieh...............................22

Knoll Crest Farm.........................................23 KY Beef Expo..............................................24 Lambert, Doak............................................53 Ledgerwood Gelbvieh..........................39, 52 LeDoux Ranch.............................................49 Lemke Cattle................................................50 Leonhardt Cattle Company.................44, 52 Lincoln Gelbvieh.........................................66 Linquist Farms.............................................49 Little Windy Hill Farms.......................25, 52 Lone Oak Gelbvieh.....................................49 Longleaf Station..........................................51 M&P Gelbvieh.............................................50 Maple Hill Farm..........................................48 Maple Lake Livestock Company...............52 Markes Family Farms.................... 14, 30, 51 Martin Cattle Company.............................48 Maternal Edge Sale.....................................70 Mattison Family Farm................................49 McCabe Cattle Co./Two Step Ranch........49 McEndaffer Beef Genetics.........................62 Middle Creek Farms...................... 18, 50, 64 Midwest Beef Alliance................................66 Midwest Performance Bull Sale................33 Miller Gelbvieh............................................48 Minnesota Gelbvieh Assn..........................34 Mitchell Marketing Service.......................53 MLM Gelbvieh............................... 20, 50, 60 National CUP Lab.......................................53 NN Bar Ranch, Inc.....................................52 NS Ranch.....................................................52 Overmiller Gelbvieh...................................46

Pearson Cattle Co........................................35 Plateau Gelbvieh............................. 31, 48, 62 Pope Farms Gelbvieh..................................51 Post Rock Cattle Company....................7, 49 Raile Gelbvieh.............................................67 Register Farms.............................................51 Rippe Gelbvieh......................................20, 69 Rocking GV Gelbvieh................................50 Rogers Valley Farm Gelbvieh................3, 50 Sandy Knoll Farm Gelbvieh.................20, 24 Sawtooth Gelbvieh Cattle & Hay..............51 Sega Gelbvieh..............................................56 Schafer Farms, Inc................................47, 49 Schroeder Ranch.........................................59 Seedstock Plus Genetics.............................57 Seedstock Plus.............................................71 Slaughter, David....................... 24, 41, 49, 54 Swanson Cattle Company....................26, 51 Taubenheim Gelbvieh................................51 The 88 Ranch...............................................50 Thorstenson Gelbvieh...........................11, 52 TN Beef Agribition.....................................41 Treble W Ranch...........................................52 Triple K Gelbvieh........................................49 Triple Play Bull Sale....................................44 Volek Ranch.................................................44 Warner Beef Genetics.................................72 White Oak Farms........................................50 Wildwood Acres..........................................51 Wilkinson Gelbvieh....................................48 Yoder’s Prairie Acres.............................10, 51

Maternal Edge Female Sales

Gelbvieh Influenced Females - Working Hard for your Bottom Line

North Carolina Maternal Edge Sale Saturday, March 17, 2012 Sponsored by North Carolina Gelbvieh Association www.ncgelbvieh.com Location: Upton Sale Arena, Sampson Co. Livestock Facility, Clinton, NC Accepting nominations now! Contact: Mick Ainsworth • 910-652-2233 longleaf@ethernet.net William McIntosh Eastern Area Coordinator • American Gelbvieh Association 502-867-3132 70 | February 2012

More Bulls!

More Data!

More Service! More Quality!

15,000 Bulls Marketed over 13 years! We must be doing something right!

Seedstock Plus 2012 Sale Calendar Feb. 4th - Tennessee Bull & Female Sale

Tennessee Livestock Producers * Columbia, Tennessee Selling 75 Gelbvieh & Balancer bulls & 15 Registered Females

Feb. 25th - North Missouri Bull Sale

AB Farms * Lathrop, Missouri Selling 125 Angus, Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls

Mar. 31st - South Missouri Bull & Female Sale

Joplin Regional Stockyards * Carthage, Missouri Selling 175 Angus, Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls & Registered Females

April 14th - Seedstock Plus Southwest Bull Sale

Snyder Livestock * Yerington, Nevada Selling 400 Angus, Red Angus, Gelbvieh, Balancer & S. Balancer Bulls

Guaranteed Sight-Unseen Purchases! ALL Bulls Are Trich Tested!

Free Trucking on EVERY Bull! Extensive Data and EPDs on Every Bull!

Videos of ALL SALE BULLS on website the week before the sale!

CALL TOLL FREE FOR YOUR CATALOG TODAY 877-486-1160

To view on-line catalogs and videos: www.seedstockplus.com Contact Seedstock Plus at: 877-486-1160 or email: john@seedstockplus.com

The Profitpicture | 71

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 • 1:00 PM (CST) At the Ranch, Arapahoe, NE

Selling 120 lots

90 Gelbvieh & Balancer® Bulls 30 Gelbvieh & Balancer® Females First Breeding Season Guarantee 50% of bulls selling are Homozygous Black

DLW 094X, above

25% Balancer® Female SIRE: CTR Front Page 508 DAM: DLW 767T1 Sells with a calf at side by King Balancer.

DLW 5115Y, above

DLW 0124X, right

50% Balancer® Bull SIRE: Mr Final Answer 44W DAM: DLW Miss Season 5115R Division 1 Champion Bull at 2012 National Gelbvieh Show.

50% Balancer Female SIRE: SAV Net Worth 4200 DAM: Flying H 217B/EC203N Sells with a calf at side by CTR Good Night 715. ®

DLW 408P, right

Homozygous Black Purebred Donor SIRE: Bennett Kingpin K403 DAM: DLW Miss Hero 840H She sells along with a maternal sister and several purebred and Balancer® sons.

DLW 6718X, above

Homozygous Black, Homozygous Polled Balancer® Bull SIRE: CTR Good Night 715 DAM: DLW Miss Kingpin 6718S 2012 People’s Choice Balancer Bull Futurity Champion.

DLW 422Y, above

Homozygous Black Purebred Bull SIRE: Post Rock Granite 200P2 DAM: DLW Miss Kingpin 408P 2012 Breeder’s Choice Gelbvieh Bull Futurity Runner-Up. His donor dam also sells.

DLW 654Y, above

Homozygous Black Purebred Bull SIRE: Post Rock Granite 200P2 DAM: DLW Miss Kingpin 408P Full brother to our 2012 Breeders’ Choice Gelbvieh Bull Futurity Runner-Up. His donor dam also sells.

BetterBULLS BetterBUY CattleDesign®

at a Bulls • Registered Females

www.mms.bz

72 | February 2012

SALE MANAGEMENT BY: Mitchell Marketing Service

WARNER BEEF GENETICS Dan and Kate Warner 42198 Road 721, Arapahoe, NE 68922

Chris Mitchell 334-695-1371 Randy Sienknecht 319-290-3763 2262 C Avenue • Gladbrook, IA 50635

Dan Warner: 308.962.6511 Monte Warner: 308.962.6136 Darren Warner: 308.824.2950

BULL & FEMALE PRODUCTION SALE JCGR BAR GT COBALT 159U

BABR RID ROOSTER COGBURN 854U

JCB LAZY TV BEECH JET R052 ET Homozygous Polled Balancer® Herd Sire SIRE: RID R Collateral 2R Dam: Ms Perri B 2010R Selling sons and Females bred to Cobalt. Black Purebred Herd Sire SIRE: BABR Who Hot 552R

SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2012 • 1:00 PM (MST)

DAM: GDX 464P

Calving Ease specialist - sons sell.

High Plains Livestock Exchange - Brush, Colorado

RID R COLLATERAL 2R

140 GELBVIEH, BALANCER® & HEREFORD LOTS SELL

Homozygous Black 75% Balancer® Herd Sire SIRE: Lazy TV Beethoven K278 DAM: JCB 009K Selling a son out of our BTI 2003R Donor.

65 Gelbvieh and Balancer® Bulls 20 Hereford Bulls 50 Gelbvieh and Balancer® Fall Bred Females 5 Gelbvieh and Balancer® Premier Show Heifer Prospects

VVGR ROCKY 949W

CCRO GOOD FORTUNE 8206U

Homozygous Polled Purebred Gelbvieh Herd Sire SIRE: JCGR Bar GT Flashback 410M ET DAM: JCGR Bar GT Loni 27N ET Selling sons and daughters.

Homozygous Black Balancer® Herd Sire SIRE: Beech Jet R052 ET DAM: EGL L889

Homozygous Black Purebred Herd Sire SIRE: Carolina Fortune DAM: JBOB 3814L

Selling his first progeny in our 2012 production sale.

OTHER SALE FEATURES: Selling a son of JCGR Ima sired by Carolina Fortune • Selling a son of CTR Ruby Red sired by Shining Spirit • Selling a son of JCGR Flokota 56T Selling a son of RID R G-Force, 2012 National Champion Bull • Also selling sons of Sureshock, JCGR Gravitas and JCGR Charger

CATTLE THAT MEET THE CHALLENGE www.jumpingcowgelbvieh.com Ramah, Colorado

SALE MANAGEMENT BY: Mitchell Marketing Service

Grant Thayer, Owner

303-621-2058 E-mail: grant@jumpingcowgelbvieh.com

Brad Ridinger, Manager

G E L B V I E H

Ofﬁce: 719-764-2327 • Cell: 303-810-0582 E-mail: brad@jumpingcowgelbvieh.com

www.mms.bz

Chris Mitchell 334-695-1371 Randy Sienknecht 319-290-3763 2262 C Avenue • Gladbrook, IA 50635

The Profitpicture | IBC

GELBVIEH | BALANCER | ANGUS | SIMANGUS | SIMMENTAL

Roughage ‘N Ready Bull Sale

One of our top bulls in 2011 ...

e z i S d r e H y n a t e r g o f d s u l l B u B very &E

ale request s ne, pho by d book/dv or l, ai em , t tex k o Facebo

150 Bulls Sell Saturday, March 3, 2012 rd

at the Ranch ― Arapahoe, NE ― 2:00 pm

EPDs CE 114/.17 BW -2.4/.32 WW 42/.16 YW 89/.10 MK 23/.08 TM 44 GL -1.8/.11 CED 104/.06 SC 0.3/I ST NA CW 20/I RE 0.20/I MB 0.12/I DtF 1.8/I CV $34.80 FM $28.28

FHG Mr Pro 305Y

Our 2012 National Western Balancer Futurity Finalist!

Flying H Professor 22W X Carolina Fortune 2564J ET AMGV#1183152 • 3/13/2011 Homo. Polled and Homo. Black Balancer

EPDs CE 112/.01 BW -1.1/.32 WW 46/.23 YW 87/.07 MK 15/.07 TM 38 GL -1.2/.01 CED 102/.01 SC 0.6/I ST NA CW 12/I RE 0.23/I MB .06/I DtF 0.6/I CV $21.08 FM $20.37

Flying H Mr Power 59Y

FHG 200P2 57Y ET

... mark your calendars for the chance to take home one of 2012’s top prospects!

Post Rock Granite 200P2 X Flying H Exclusive AMGV#1183269 • BD: 1/24/2011 Homo. Polled and Homo. Black Purebred Gelbvieh

Many SimAngus & Simmental Bulls Sell including his Sons!

FLYING H GENETICS Red Power 583U X Bieber Romero 9136 AMGV#1183262 • BD: 1/25/2011 Homo. Polled Red Balancer

BC | February 2012

EPDs

BW -0.9/.67 WW 29/.62 YW 50/.58 MK .2/.36 MWW 14/.37 CW -8.9/.47 YG -0.04/.31 MB .25/.30 BF -0.01/.39 REA -0.03/.29 Shr -0.36/.05 API 121.5 HTP SVF In Dew Time X STF MR Momentum H508 TI 65.2

Nebraska Headquarters Dick & Bonnie Helms Kyle & Kayla Helms Ph: (308) 493-5411 Ph: (308) 962-6940 flyingh@atcjet.net flyinghgenetics@yahoo.com

www.ﬂyinghgenetics.com

Welshs Dew it Right 067T

EPDs CE 111/.01 BW -2.1/.01 WW 39/.01 YW 77/.01 MK 19/.01 TM 39 GL -4.4/.01 CED 105.01 SC -0.5/I ST 11/I CW 5/I RE 0.03/I MB 0.03/I DtF 4.3/I CV $7.74 FM $14.25

ASA# 2403649 • BD: 2/07/2010 Polled, Black, Purebred Simmental