February 2014 Profit Picture by American Gelbvieh Association

February 2014 | www.GELBVIEH.org

In this Issue: Over the Fence with Bryce Williams Convenience Traits: Are Your Cows Working for You or Are You Working for Your Cows? Southern Balancer® - A Perfect Solution for Southern Cow-Calf Producers Cow-Calf Perspective from the Feedlot Bull’s Eye - Targeting Nutritional Management of Bulls Rate of Change Selecting Genetics for the Future of Your Breeding Program

That’s Nice – But I Raise Cows I am somewhat disappointed that we are continually revisiting the topic of crossbreeding in commercial beef production—and actually debating the merits of the practice. Crossbreeding is not a new concept. Unfortunately, it seems that this topic continues to fester, simply because we refuse to look at the issue objectively. By Dave Daley THE INHERENT PROBLEM with the discussion is we have proponents and opponents rather than a simple discussion of advantages and disadvantages—where it fits and where it doesn’t. We can have outstanding straightbred or crossbred cattle. I find it simplistic and a waste of time to argue one is better than the other. We need to put our resources and energy into a more productive direction. As scientists, breed associations and beef producers, we should take a step back and approach the issue rationally. It seems to me we have three failures in this discussion: 1) a failure to actually understand what heterosis means, 2) a focus on the wrong traits to evaluate the impact of crossbreeding (we are chasing a red herring), and 3) a lack of understanding of the impact of environment on crossbreeding results. What are the genetic results of crossbreeding? Hybrid vigor or heterosis— we all know the answer. However, based on what I see in the popular press, we may know the answer but we fail to understand the definition. Heterosis is the improvement

in the crossbred progeny compared to the AVERAGE OF THE PARENTAL BREEDS. Proponents and opponents of crossbreeding alike—please take note—NO ONE SAID THE CROSSBRED PROGENY WERE SUPERIOR TO EITHER STRAIGHTBRED PARENT—JUST TO THE AVERAGE OF THE PARENTAL BREEDS. So, if we cross Holstein and Hereford, the progeny don’t out milk Holstein! Heterosis is the improvement above the mean of the two parental breeds. This lack of understanding of hybrid vigor was driven home to me clearly on a visit to Queensland in Bos indicus country. One particular producer who raised straightbred Brahmans seemed delighted to show me crossbred animals that he had tried in his environment that looked absolutely miserable. His not so subtle point—crossbreeding doesn’t work. “See, my Brahmans are better than the crossbreds!” That view represents a lack of understanding of heterosis. The fact that the Bos indicus cattle are better adapted to that climate doesn’t mean that crossbreeding failed.

Continued on page 6

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Visit our website: www.cattlemensconnection.com For a complete listing of AI Sires, their stats, DNA, pedigrees and EPDs The Profitpicture | 1

Contents Visual and Phenotypic Evaluation of Bulls

Features That’s Nice - But I Raise Cows

Designing simple, long term breeding programs to capture direct and maternal heterosis, while capitalizing on maternal and terminal lines, is a significant step in attempting to maximize sustained profit. By Dave Daley

Phenotypic Feed Efficiency 19 Understanding the terms used to describe feed efficiency in today’s beef discussions will help direct producers in setting production goals.

Measuring Feed Efficiency

Over the Fence with Bryce Williams

Buyers of bulls and semen should focus on genetic evaluation results in the form of EPDs and visual appraisal. By Dan Moser

Feed Yard Profit Drivers - Do Your Cattle Measure Up?

Bring on the Balancer® By crossbreeding with Balancer, Bar T Bar Ranch is able to raise cattle that thrive in a tough environment and live up to high expectations. By Jamie Pullman

Convenience Traits: Are Your Cows Working for You or Are You Working for Your Cows?

Rate of Change - Selecting Genetics for the Future of Your Breeding Program

George Chiga and Roy Beeby were the champions of efficient, maternal and problem-free cattle by focusing on “convenience cattle.” By Dr. Bob Hough

Southern Balancer® - A Perfect Solution for Southern Cow-Calf Producers

Selecting the best bull this spring will move your program forward and ensure the survival and profitability of your program for years to come. By William McIntosh

The demand for Gelbvieh x Bos indicus cross in the South is growing from producers wanting added milk, fertility and carcass quality. By Brian Rogers

Cow-Calf Perspective from the Feedlot

Managing bull nutrition before, during and after the breeding season will get the most value of your calf crop. By Courtney Verzosa

Bryce Williams of C Bar Cattle develops Balancer® replacement females, which he is able to market at a premium. By Frank Padilla

With more than a $300 value within groups of cattle, cow-calf producers need to focus on profit drivers in the feed yard to add value to their calves at market time.

Bull’s Eye: Targeting Nutritional Management of Bulls

Three Gelbvieh breeders are among the limited community of those using GrowSafe systems to measure feed efficiency.

Tom Brink shares his message to cow-calf producers: The opportunity is there, the producer just has to seize it.

News XA Cattle Named AGA Outstanding Commercial Producer

Nutrition During Last Trimester Critical for Beef Cows

The 2014 Beef Industry Outlook

Select and Develop Heifers to be Productive Cows

Restocking After Drought

Value-Added Services for Commercial Customers

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 or 303465-2333. Also, visit www.GELBVIEH.org to subscribe to our new The Profit Picture Enewsletter, to receive montly news updates.

2 | February 2014

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The Profitpicture | 3

Contents Editorial

In Every Issue

Industry Relevance: Growth, Maternal, Carcass & Efficiency By Rob Arnold The Value of Gelbvieh Stayabiltiy By Dr. Jim Gibb

12 142

Consider Using Selection Indexes for Simplified Sire Selection 39 By Susan Willmon Capturing the Value in Your Calf Crop By Frank Padilla

Why You Should Conduct a Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) 57 By Dr. John Paterson Telling Your Farm Story By Michael Ring

Places to Be

Ad Index

Breeders Sections Northeast Breeders Upper Midwest Breeders Southeast Breeders Midwest Breeders Southern Breeders Western Breeders Service Center

41 54-55 59 64-65 75 81 97

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 10900 Dover Street F Westminster, CO 80021 Main phone: 303-465-2333 F Fax: 303-465-2339 www.GELBVIEH.org F info@gelbvieh.org Facebook: American Gelbvieh Association

ASSOCIATION STAFF Jim Gibb Executive Director jimg@gelbvieh.org

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

Dianne Coffman Director of Administration diannec@gelbvieh.org (ex. 479)

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

Susan Willmon Director of Breed Improvement susanw@gelbvieh.org (ex. 484)

Lynn Valentine Gelbvieh Media Productions lynnv@gelbvieh.org (ex. 486)

Kari Otteman Breed Improvement Data Analyst kario@gelbvieh.org (ex. 483) Dolores Gravley Customer Services doloresg@gelbvieh.org (ex. 481) Patti Showman Customer Services pattis@gelbvieh.org (ex. 478)

4 | February 2014

William McIntosh Eastern Area Coordinator williamm@gelbvieh.org 502-867-3132 Brian Rogers Central Area Coordinator brianr@gelbvieh.org 936-554-1600 Dana Stewart Director of Member Services danas@gelbvieh.org (ex. 488)

Rob Arnold, President (2012) Minot, ND • 701-624-2051 rlagelbvieh@aol.com Dan Warner, V. President (2013) Beaver City, NE • 308-962-6511 dan@warnerbeef.com

Brian Dunn, Secretary (2013) St. John, KS • 620-549-6516 dunnfarm@hotmail.com Neal Pearson, Treasurer (2012) Lake City, SD • 605-448-5653 njpearson@venturecomm.net

DIRECTORS Ken Flikkema (2011) Bozeman, MT • 406-586-6207 mcfg@imt.net Bob Hart (2011) Kansas City, KS • 816-225-8530 bhart@hartfarm.net John Huston (2011) New Carlisle, OH • 859-595-8680 john.e.huston@gmail.com Andy LeDoux (2012) Agenda, KS • 785-732-6564 ledouxranch@hotmail.com David Martin (2011) Judsonia, AR • 501-728-4950 martincattleco@windstream.net Bob Prosser (2012) Winslow, AZ • 928-289-2619 info@bartbar.com

Ronnie Rogers (2013) Mendon, MO • 660-375-7266 rogers_valley_farm_feedlot@hotmail.com Scott Starr (2013) Stapleton, NE • 308-587-2293 cedartopranch@gpcom.net Duane Strider (2012) Asheboro, NC • 910-428-4568 ccrosscattle@yahoo.com Grant Thayer (2011) Ramah, CO • 303-621-2058 grant@jumpingcowgelbvieh.com Gary Tilghman (2013) Glasgow, KY • 270-678-5695 gtilghma@uky.edu

Add Tenderness, Growth & Profit! Rogers Valley Farm is offering 33 of their top performing bulls at auction.

st On Te nked ull Ra this B aily Gain rD 1st fo & cy ficien f E I F rR 2nd fo

0% Top 1 d for bree of the th & Grow alue ss V Carca

RVFG VALLEY LAD T11Z 16 months old Balancer BW: 84# EPDs Winter, 2014 CE BW WW YW 10 0.3 78 115

M 31

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RVFG VALLEY LAD W502Z 19 months old Purebred BW: 85# EPDs Winter, 2014 CE BW WW YW 6 1.9 74 102

M 32

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RVFG VALLEY LAD S426Z 18 months old PC 75% BW: 85# EPDs Winter, 2014 CE BW WW YW 10 0.5 63 85

M 27

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17 months old Balancer BW: 81# EPDs Winter, 2014 CE BW WW YW 12 -0.6 66 96

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RVFG VALLEY LAD U57Z 17 months old Balancer BW: 82# EPDs Winter, 2014 CE BW WW YW 12 -0.3 78 112

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FM 40.37

Let us show you how Rogers Valley Farm genetics can improve the performance of your herd. Call Ronnie Rogers at 660-375-7266. Videos of all our sale lots will be on our website 7 days before the sale.

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Ronald & Kathryne Rogers

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

The Profitpicture | 5

Continued from Front Cover

Heterosis, by definition (and in practice) would be the improvement in adaptability of the F1 (in this case Brahman X Angus) over the mean of the two breeds—not over Brahmans. The biology of crossbreeding is clear and can’t be changed regardless of the dialogue that occurs. The elegant research at the USMARC on germplasm evaluation will never be duplicated. The sheer numbers, classic design and life cycle analysis should provide irrefutable evidence of the impact of planned crossbreeding. I am always amazed at how people want to disagree with the data from USMARC. That usually occurs if we don’t like the results. Careful study of the data will demonstrate what we know to be true with crossbreeding—small, net improvement in many traits, but a large increase in lifetime productivity, particularly when you evaluate longevity (Table 1.). One thing that has changed since the completion of the life cycle analysis of germplasm evaluation and utilization at MARC is that our selection tools have improved. In particular, the advances in EPD technology (accuracy, numbers, techniques) have changed dramatically—and that doesn’t even include the recent additions of genomics to the mix. So, clearly, we can change things like growth rate, feed efficiency and carcass merit more accurately and faster within a breed than ever before. Does that mean crossbreeding is less valuable? No. You shouldn’t be using crossbreeding to change growth rate, feed efficiency and carcass merit anyway. Those are highly heritable, easily measured traits that we have excellent tools available. That’s not why you crossbreed! On the other hand, what about the lowly heritable (e.g. reproduction and general fitness) traits where you receive the greatest benefit

from crossbreeding? What tools do we have for pregnancy rate, embryo survival, calf livability and lifetime productivity? NONE. In terms of the economic bottom line from crossbreeding, we shouldn’t focus on short term individual traits like gain and growth, but long term profitability. That is where crossbreeding will make the greatest difference.

In terms of the economic bottom line from crossbreeding, we shouldn’t focus on short term individual traits like gain and growth, but long term profitability. That is where crossbreeding will make the greatest difference.

One of the reasons we seem to have difficulty focusing on the issue is because of our varying experiences in vastly different environments. The data is clear. Harsher environments see a greater benefit to crossbreeding. That is why large scale western ranches that may have harsh winters or summers and limited feed at certain times of the year, see the benefits of crossbreeding more directly. If you are from a softer, more intensively managed environment, the benefits may be less obvious.

So, that’s nice, but I own cows. I have the unique opportunity to practice what I preach. I run both crossbred and purebred programs in similar, somewhat challenging environments. I could care less about weaning weight, Quality grade or feedlot performance as a single measurement taken out of context. By necessity, I am interested in the bottom line, long term profitability. That includes looking at the entire system—labor, feed costs, replacement costs— every input and output that affects my return.

Table 1. Selected individual (direct) and maternal effect of heterosis (Cundiff et al., 1970; Gregory et al., 1965, 1978).

Effect of Heterosis (%)

Trait

Direct

Maternal

Calving rate

4.4

3.7

Survival to weaning

1.9

1.5

Weaning weight

3.9

Post-weaning ADG

2.6

Number of calves

17.0

Longevity

38.0

6 | February 2014

Crossbreeding reduces inputs while increasing outputs. That adds value to my particular system.

Crossbreeding – Back to the Future Three years ago I was invited to address the Beef Improvemetn Federation (BIF) regarding heterosis and how we have either ignored or forgotten the value of systematic crossbreeding to improve profitability in beef cattle production systems. In the interim period since that presentation, I am even more convinced that this incredible genetic resource has been underutilized and devalued. At a time when all of our input costs have increased dramatically and the value of cow efficiency is paramount, we continue to find arguments against using crossbreeding primarily centered on the concepts of consistency and marketability. Clearly, there are specific instances in the commercial cattle sector where heterosis has been used effectively. I would argue, however, that the potential is far from realized. In fact, in the past few years, we seem to have drifted away from crossbreeding to more traditional straightbred programs that intend to focus on phenotypic consistency and end product, but not necessarily on profitability. Is there a rational explanation for our unwillingness to take advantage of a proven technique to enhance economic return? In my previous paper I outlined the “top ten” reasons that we have failed to capitalize on this important genetic attribute: 1) A cultural bias that clearly reflects “purebreds” are better! If for no other reason than they have a registration paper. Society, at many levels, rewards purity. Is your dog registered? Does your quarter horse gelding

POST ROCK CATTLE COMPANY

Cowman’s

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MARCH 15, 2014 • 12:30 PM (CST)

Post Rock Cattle Company Sale Facility • Barnard, Kansas 120 PUREBRED GELBVIEH AND BALANCER® BULLS 80 PUREBRED GELBVIEH AND BALANCER® FEMALES Including all our six-year-old-cows.

BULL FEMALE SALE POST ROCK DIVIDEND 23A2

Selling two daughters of 223M2. A homozygous black, homozygous polled daughter sired by Mytty In Focus, she is the dam of our 2013 National Sale heifer and a homozygous black, homozygous polled daughter sired by Middle Creek Star, serving as a donor. Also selling a homozygous black, homozygous polled Balancer® son sired by Sitz Upward.

POST ROCK TWILA 223M2

A new sire group is the Future Investment’s in both the Balancer® and Purebred divisions. This purebred is double black, homozygous polled and sports top 25% or better EPDs and is lead herd sire material.

POST ROCK WILMA 147H

Wilma 147H influence will be a sale feature again this year in the Cowman’s Kind Sale. Sons and daughters through the years of this donor have sold to many purebred and commercial producers. Selling two homozygous polled ET sons sired by Stockman 56W4 and a donor daughter sired by Granite 200P2.

POST ROCK STOCKADE 183A8

POST ROCK ASTRONAUT 157A1 A homozygous black, homozygous polled purebred who’s dam sells as a feature lot with all the six-year-olds that sell annually in the Cowman’s Kind Sale. Elite herd sire genetics and outstanding commercial bulls sell in volume.

An example of the homozygous black, homozygous polled Balancer® bulls selling that have the extra depth, muscle and eye appeal you’ve come to expect at the Post Rock sale. This son of Stockman is sure to have many friends.

POST ROCK TEN PLUS 249A8 There will be many Balancer® bulls that can be used on heifers and most are homozygous black and homozygous polled. Several leading Angus AI sires are represented with exceptional calving ease, carcass and growth EPDs.

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH...

Wisdom is divided into two parts. A: Having a great deal to say B: Not saying it

• • • • • • • •

COWMAN’S KIND SALE FEATURES

Videos of entire sale offering on line soon after March 1 Incredible selection pressure, the top 120 bulls from nearly 600 planned matings sell Large sire groups offer many chances to purchase 1/2 and 3/4 brothers and flush brothers Bulls developed in large open lots on a high roughage ration. Free delivery or free care until May 1 All bulls will have ultra sound data First breeding season death or injury guarantee Customer service and customer satisfaction has kept us in business for more than 54 years

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.”

SALE MANAGEMENT BY: Mitchell Marketing Service

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The Profitpicture | 7

have papers? How far can you trace your ancestry? Please don’t misunderstand---there is certainly value associated with that record, particularly our ability to track performance and predict genetic potential of purebreds. But being purebred should not be a presumption of superiority. 2) Our predilection for single trait selection focusing on “bigger is better.” The beef cattle industry seems to choose a trait of importance and then put an inordinate amount of pressure on that trait, ignoring genetic antagonisms. If a 90 pound yearling EPD is good, 100 must be better! It is intuitive! We have already done it with frame, growth (weight of all kinds), milk, and carcass traits (both ribeye and marbling). I sometimes have to ask myself, “So what is the trait of the year this time?” It is akin to the “flavor of the month” at the local ice cream shop. And because often have chosen relatively highly heritable traits, we have not needed to crossbreed to achieve those goals. The subtle, and cumulative improvement that heterosis provides does not lend itself to maximums.

8 | February 2014

3) We have decided that measuring outputs is more meaningful than measuring inputs, as well as easier to do. It is certainly easier to measure calf performance on an individual basis, rather than all costs associated with that production. “I can weigh them at weaning quicker than I can determine differences in treatment costs over time.” 4) Uniform phenotypes for qualitative traits (color) have a distinct and real marketing advantage that is difficult to ignore. That does not mean you cannot have uniformity of color within a crossbreeding program, but the widespread and indiscriminate planning (or lack thereof) of many crossbreeding programs certainly gave us some interesting marketing challenges. Generally, it is easier to produce a uniform color in straightbred programs. 5) Heterosis is very difficult to visualize and even more difficult to measure. Because heterosis is expressed as a small net positive in many traits we do not know it when we see it. Slight changes in morbidity, age at puberty, conception rate and significant changes in longevity are not easily observed. However, we

all know when calves gain faster in the feedlot. 6) The presentation of complicated crossbreeding systems as a “normal practice” to diverse cattle operations, especially the countless small beef herds in the United States. Many of the systems that we teach as part of standard animal breeding or beef production courses have very limited application in the real world. Most beef herds are too small to implement the “standard systems.” 7) Our penchant for telling people how to modify their environment in order to “get heavier calves, higher percent calf crop and more total pounds,” rather than how to increase net return. How many new supplementation programs can you develop in order to get your heifers bred or wean bigger calves? In fact, we can recommend programs for non-cycling females…..you just have to pay for it and then pass those genetics to the next generation! Heterosis provides some improvement in traits at relatively little cost. However, we have obscured the opportunity for producers to focus on those traits, because they are so busy masking differences with artificial environments.

AT CrAnview Gelbvieh we believe...

s e r i S d r e H t a e r G ! s a m m o M t a e r Come From G

Great herd sires come from a proGram with the future of the beef industry in mind. our females are backed by an excellent pediGree and exhibit outstandinG phenotype. our bulls are performance tested for traits that true cattlemen demand. our 2014 sale offerinG will be no exception!

the cranview Gelbvieh “Genetic proGress” sale

Saturday, March 22, 2014 • Rugby, ND

Both male and female flushmates to our outstanding denver females and bulls will be selling in march. we are excited about their potential at cranview Gelbvieh!

the dam of cranview a313 is also the dam of the 2014 nwss res. champion angus bull.

thank you eagle pass ranch, beastrom Gelbvieh and Jumping cow Gelbvieh for your $22,000 purchase of cranview Z251 in the national Gelbvieh sale!

over 50+ Gelbvieh and balancer® bulls and 15 show and replacement heifers (all polled) will sell at our annual progress and performance sale at rugby livestock in rugby, nd. be sure to check our website for more information, sale catalog and videos closer to sale day.

we look forward to seeinG you on sale day!

RobeRt and bill aRnold • esmond, nd PH: 701.720.8823 or 701.624.2051 Rlagelbvieh@aol.com

www.cRanviewgelbvieh.com The Profitpicture | 9

22nd Annual Production Sale Monday, March 3, 2014 • 1:00 PM Magness Livestock, Huron, SD Offering 120 Bulls 75 Open Heifers BNC Elroy

AMGV1186377 Purebred

9) Inappropriate use of breed diversity. Nothing undermines crossbreeding more quickly than the unplanned “Heinz 57” or “Breed of the Month Club” approach. For those who were willing to experiment in crossbreeding, there was often very poor planning of the combination of breeds and the selection within those breeds.

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PERFORMANCE GENETICS FOR YOUR TOMORROW

10 | February 2014

8) Historically, there has been active resistance to crossbreeding from some traditional marketing outlets, some purebred producers and (in some cases) breed associations. I would like to commend many of the associations who, quite recently, have taken the risk of suggesting where their animals fit most effectively in crossbreeding programs.

43968 208th Street Lake Preston, SD 57249 (605) 847-4155 Phone Alan & Pam (605) 860-1326 Nikki & Michael (605) 860-8723

Blake, Jenn & Jace (605) 860-0139 Christian (605) 860-8635

10) Our industry and university systems have focused on individual trait measurement for over fifty years. We have done a very poor job of incorporating real world economics into our models. We have EPDs for a plethora of traits ….and we are adding more! Economic indices are starting to catch up, but we are still behind. Has anyone thought about measuring return per acre or return on investment? We have had a disconnect between agricultural economists and animal science that has not been well bridged. We tend to think lineally rather than laterally, which has reduced the application of innovative crossbreeding. As I review this list, I am convinced that the primary drawback (among all of the others), is #3…the focus on measuring outputs rather than inputs. With a few notable exceptions, all of the individual animal traits we measure reflect “bigger, faster, more.” And certainly, the glamour traits of yearling weight, ribeye area, and marbling---have accelerated at a rapid pace. You can make very rapid genetic progress in

these highly heritable traits by direct selection within a breed. Therefore, many people fail to see the value of crossbreeding. The value in crossbreeding is often underestimated because it has a small positive effect on many different traits that are lowly heritable and difficult to measure. Frequently, maternal heterosis (the value of the crossbred cow) is about decreasing inputs as much as it is about increasing output. For example, longevity, livability and disease resistance are traits that impact the input side of the equation as much as the output. Our industry has been on a mission to improve product quality and quantity, focusing on carcass traits. We finally were paying attention to our consumers---a good thing! Unfortunately, that effort has been on a per animal basis rather than per unit of input. Do we ever ask ourselves how our long term selection programs affect the profitability of commercial producers? In academia, it seems that we tend to want to make the simple complex. The commercial beef business is faced with a very difficult challenge to maintain long term profitability and viability. There are countless battles (unrelated to cattle breeding) in order to survive and be profitable in the long term. We need to keep cattle breeding simple. We have wonderful within breed selection tools (EPDs). We have the ability to capitalize on breed differences and capture both heterosis and breed complementarity through crossbreeding. Designing simple, long term breeding programs to capture direct and maternal heterosis, while capitalizing on maternal and terminal lines, is a significant step in attempting to maximize sustained profit. nnn

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Your source for Performance, Carcass, and Eye Appeal

CCRO C-Cross Blackjack 7234T • AMGV: 1066169

75% Gelbvieh • Homozygous Black • Homozygous Polled True calving ease sire. Semen: $20/unit – Contact C-Cross Cattle Company

CCRO C-Cross Carolina Exclusive 1230Y $20,000 top selling bull in our 2012 sale Purchased by Jumping Cow and Ridinger Cattle Co. Contact owners for semen information. Watch for his full brother this fall.

CCRO C-Cross Performer 2301Z ET 2013 NAILE Heifer Futurity Champion

-0.3

0.6

113

112

CED

–

-0.36

-0.10

0.74

0.32

-0.04

0.21

-0.04

-0.09

23.36

37.84

JCGR Bar GT Colton 292X • AMGV: 1153520

63% Balancer® • Black • Homozygous Polled Full brother to popular herd sire Bar GT Cobalt 159Y at Jumping Cow Gelbvieh. Semen: $20/unit – Contact C-Cross Cattle Company

47.47

45.90

2.0

-0.7

141

107

CED

–

-0.13

-0.23

0.81

0.64

0.13

-0.03

40.98

59.93

-0.3

101

CED

–

-0.15

0.49

0.06

-0.03

27.26

34.91

DUANE & WENDY STRIDER, owners Phone: 336-381-3640 Fax: 910-428-4568 Mobile: 336-964-6277 ccrosscattle@yahoo.com

CCRO Ms C-Cross EC / 7309T

$25,000 top selling female in our 2013 sale Purchased by Post Rock Cattle Co. and Twin Oak Gelbvieh. She ranks 25 for carcass value among purebred Gelbvieh cows.

0.23

-0.04

49.23

41.33

Thank you to all our customers who have put their trust in C-Cross genetics. Stop by or give us a call to locate your next herd sire, donor cow, or show heifer prospect!

Private treaty bulls and females for sale year round.

The Profitpicture | 11

Editorial

Industry Relevance: Growth, Maternal, Carcass & Efficiency a calf. It stated the Gelbvieh cow weaned more pounds of calf per cow exposed than any other cow. Today’s MARC data shows the Gelbvieh breed has reduced mature cow size, has the lowest birth weight of the four major Continental breeds, and still maintains the earliest age at puberty.

As more producers identify the key components of what will keep them in business, they are realizing that Gelbvieh genetics offer what they need: maternal, growth, carcass, and efficiency. By Rob Arnold WELCOME ABOARD! 2014 is off to a great start for the cow-calf producer and the feeder calf industry. We have seen unprecedented prices for calves coming to market. The American Gelbvieh Association is also off to a great start. Record numbers of Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics were on display at the National Western Stock Show in Denver this past month. Gelbvieh cattle continue to impress more and more cattlemen every day due to the traits offered to the commercial cattle producer: maternal, growth, carcass, and efficiency. Here is a look at the Gelbvieh advantages for each of these traits: Maternal – The 1970s MARC data identified the Gelbvieh female as being the best at raising

Growth – The true advantage of Gelbvieh genetics is in its ability to add both maternal and terminal traits to the cow-calf business. Referencing the most recent MARC data, it also stated the Gelbvieh-sired cattle have the greatest maternal milk, and the highest percent retail yield of all the major breeds including Angus, Simmental, Red Angus, Charolais, Hereford, and Limousin. Carcass – In a SmartCross® study conducted by Colorado State University Research Foundation, Angus and Hereford based commercial cows were mated to Gelbvieh, Balancer and Angus sires to evaluate growth

Montana

Breeders

Performance cattle for the real world.

Look for our consignments at the NILE Gelbvieh Sale • Our Production Sale • March 20, 2014

12 | February 2014

Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle have now climbed into the fifth overall position in cattle registrations. Efficiency – Economics is the key driver in identifying industry relevant traits. Growth efficiency has already been addressed as one of the most desirable traits of Gelbvieh genetics. Other efficiency indicators, such as feed efficiency are also being researched as costs associated with feeding have escalated in recent years. If you acknowledge that each one of these traits is industry relevant, it is easy to understand why Gelbvieh cattle registrations have outpaced many other Continental breed competitors. In fact, Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle have now climbed into the fifth overall position in cattle registrations.

“Gelbvieh since 1973”

Kathleen Rankin 406-937-4815 1285 Nine Mile Rd. • Oilmont, MT 59466 krankin@northerntel.net www.kickinghorseranch.com

and carcass characteristics. The results of the study confirmed a 16 pound advantage in average weaning weights on the Gelbviehsired calves. The Gelbvieh and Balancer sire groups also had heavier carcass weights over the Angus sires. Carcass weights have seen a 44 percent improvement in Gelbvieh cattle since 2000, and Balancer cattle have seen a 63 percent improvement over the same time frame. Marbling has seen a 22 percent improvement in Gelbvieh cattle since 2000, while Balancer cattle have seen a 165 percent improvement in the same time frame.

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

The Gelbvieh train is leaving the station with the four basic industry relevant traits of maternal, growth, carcass, and efficiency…Are you on board? nnn

The Profitpicture | 13

Editorial

The Value of Gelbvieh Stayability today or keep her for future return on investment? In June, 2012, Dr. Harlan Hughes, North Dakota State University professor emeritus, reported in BEEF that the cost of developing a replacement heifer from weaning to pregnant was $544. In August, 2013, CattleFax estimated the heifer development cost to be $623. Obviously, costs will vary among operations, but regardless, developing replacements is a big investment.

While herd expansion is a big investment, Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics will help you maximize your return now and well into the future. By Jim Gibb AFTER SEVERAL YEARS of declining cow numbers due primarily to drought and grassland conversion to row-crops, there is much talk about stabilization of the national cow herd, followed by expansion. Certainly, factors like an aging farm and ranch population and ongoing drought concern may slow the trend. According the December, 2013 CattleFax TRENDS, “Calf values will be strong enough over the next two years - barring a return to drought - to encourage expansion in the cattle industry.”

Heifer development costs Calf prices can be a double-edged sword when considering keeping more heifers for replacement. Do I sell the high value heifer

The right decisions save money Dr. Lisa Elliott, South Dakota State University Extension economist, demonstrated recently how a heifer’s projected lifetime value could easily change by $61 depending on how she was developed. Likewise, at the recent Range Beef Cow Symposium, Dr. Julie Walker, also of SDSU, noted that reducing the replacement rate from 20 percent to 15 percent, due to enhanced

Pound-Makin’ March 8, 2014 GENETICS Private Treaty Opening Day A Powerful Set of Gelbvieh and Balancer® Bulls

longevity, would reduce annual per cow costs by $46. Totaled across the entire cow herd, this adds up to a lot of potential profit. The good news for commercial cattlemen is the proven lifetime productivity (stayability) of Gelbvieh-influenced females. Just a few years ago, Colorado State University research verified the experiences of countless cattlemen by showing the stayability superiority of Gelbvieh.

Improving maternal selection tools “Owning maternal” is clearly a top priority for the American Gelbvieh Association. With that in mind, we recently launched a new maternal productivity index (MPI) in a research phase with the intent of enhancing the accuracy of our stayability EPDs (a big factor in MPI) and making MPI available to the industry by the end of 2014. This exciting index will help Gelbvieh and Balancer® breeders produce even better maternal genetics and make it easier for our commercial customers to find and use superior replacement females and young bulls. nnn

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

Sale catalog online at: www.segagelbvieh.com

Red or Black • All Polled PAP Tested • Ultrasound Tested Bulls available to view at 10:30 a.m.

Lunch at Noon • Bid-off at 1:00 p.m.

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

Gail’s Cell: 970/590-4862 Steve’s Cell: 970/381-0600 Email: gafiolk@aol.com Find us on Facebook at segagelbvieh.

14 | February 2014

The Profitpicture | 15

Beastrom Ranch 34th AnnuAl Gelbvieh And bAlAncer bull SAle FebruAry 24, 2014 – 1:00 PM cSt At the rAnch northeASt oF Pierre, Sd

Selling 85 Red, Black, Purebred and Balancer® Bulls!

BA50

BA75

by Bar GT Crossfire 500W

by BABR Who Done It

by Sandhills 0065X

BA50

BA63

PB94

by BABR Who Done It

16 | February 2014

by Sandhills 0065X

by BEA Passion 001X

PB94

BA50

by BABR 101Y

by BEA Passion 001X

by BEA Teddy 941W

BA50

BA63

BA50

by BEA Teddy 941W

by BVLK Buckingham

by BABR 114Y

Let us be the buiLding bLocks to your success! Performance, Pounds, baLance and VoLume 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 | 17

Genetic POWER Gelbvieh and Balancer® Bull Sale J Bar M Gelbvieh

•

J & K Farms

•

JEMG Z645

Hilltop Farms

SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2014 • 4:00

PM CST

SPRINGFIELD LIVESTOCK MARKETING CENTER, SPRINGFIELD, MO JKGF Z353

HTFB Z236

HOMOZYGOUS POLLED Purebred 88% Gelbvieh Bull Sire: Post Rock Silver 233U1 Dam: VER Lee Ann 650U

JKGF Z005

HOMOZYGOUS BLACK, HOMOZYGOUS POLLED Purebred Gelbvieh Bull Sire: JKGF Reflex X4 Dam: LWHF JKGF Twila 353W ET

38% GV, 62%AN Balancer® Bull Sire: SAV Brillance 8077 Dam: HTFB Ms Unusual X41

HTFG Z580 HOMOZYGOUS BLACK, HOMOZYGOUS POLLED 38% GV, 62%AN Balancer® Bull Sire: Vin-Mar O’Reilly Factor Dam: JKGF Ms Julie W005

50% GV, 50%AN Balancer® Bull Sire: TAU Krugerrand 70M 130P Dam: MART Ms Vick 054X

JEMG Z678

HOMOZYOUS POLLED Purebred Gelbvieh Bull Sire: RID R Collateral 2R Dam: Magic Muffin F64

•

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

100 Gelbvieh and Balancer® Bulls • 100 Commercial Pairs and Bred Heifers 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.

Selling 200 Head J BAR M GELBVIEH

CattleDesign®

Jon E. & Edna Miller 28760 Norway Rd, Stark City, MO 64866 417-632-4925 home • 417-437-5250 cell

18 | February 2014

Please no Sunday calls!

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

Elmer, Brenda, Brad & Benny McWilliams Ashbury, MO 417-642-5871 • 417-529-0081

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

Feature

Phenotypic Feed Efficiency Production efficiency is one goal in the selection and development of livestock; however, two underlying philosophies may be used to define “efficient” and to direct future outcomes. ONE PHILOSOPHY IS maintenance efficiency; the other philosophy is production efficiency. Maintenance efficiency holds primary importance in cow herds that consider the efficient cow to be one that can subsist on low inputs, yet provide a respectable calf each year. Production efficiency holds primary importance in feedlot cattle that take in minimal pounds of feed and produce maximum edible pounds of output. These two efficiencies may differ in that low maintenance cows might tend to be easy fleshing and earlier maturing whereas the feedlot efficient counterparts may be larger, leaner, and faster growing. Feed efficiency is defined in many ways. The newer terms— RFI (residual feed intake) and R-ADG (residual average daily gain)—are discussed below along with descriptions of the simpler efficiency evaluations. Residual Average Daily Gain (R-ADG) is the difference between actual weight gain and the gain predicted on the basis of dry matter intake, body weight maintenance, and fat cover. As with RFI, a regression equation is developed using the actual gains, feed intakes, average weights on test, and fat cover of an animal’s herd mates. This unique equation is then used to calculate the individual R-ADG. An average animal has an R-ADG of “0.” Animals with a positive R-ADG value are

favored because they have higher daily gains for the amount of feed consumed and their body composition (% fat.) Animals with a negative R-ADG value are unfavorable because they have lower daily gains for the amount of feed consumed and their body composition. Again like RFI, relevance of this evaluation depends on a comparison of animals from the same weaning contemporary group or put through a substantial warm-up period prior to their feed intake and gain test. Adjusted Dry Matter Intake (Adj. DMI) is the feed dry matter intake adjusted by multiplying the contemporary group’s average mid-point metabolic weight, and then dividing by the individual’s mid-point metabolic weight. The final value is the difference by subtracting out the contemporary group average. A lower value is desired. Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is the difference between actual feed intake and that predicted on the basis of the animal’s gain and maintenance requirements for its body weight. The calculation is more complex because mathematical statistics are used to determine the RFI value. A prediction equation is developed by using regression of the actual feed intakes, gains, and average weights on test of the animal’s contemporaries. The calculation factors in both maintenance efficiency (the easy keeper concept) and production efficiency

(pounds in vs. pounds out like the normal Feed:Gain equation). An average animal would have an RFI of “0.” Animals with a negative RFI value are favored because they have consumed less feed for their weight and gain than the average of their herd mates. Animals with a positive RFI number would be consuming more feed for their weight and gain than the average of their herd mates. For the RFI calculation to be relevant in the evaluation of potential breeding stock, it is of utmost importance that it be calculated in the context of the weaning contemporary group and used in index selection (multi-trait selection). This is important because

the pre-weaning environment, pasture management, creep feed availability and age of dam (milking ability as seen between first calf heifers and older cows) has been shown to have a marked effect on the feed conversion outcomes in Iowa State University trials. This issue is not seen in the same light by all because it appears that many centralized test stations tend to create a “feeding contemporary group” and evaluate cattle in that context. For this reason test stations try to equalize pre-test environments by having a 3- to 5-week warm-up period. Feed Conversion (F:G) = pounds of feed (on a 100% dry matter basis) required for one pound of live weight gain (Feed

GREEN SPRINGS PERFORMANCE TESTED BULL SALE March 24, 2014 • 1:00 PM CST Mo-Kan Livestock, Butler, MO

75+ bulls will sell including 25 Gelbvieh and Balancer® bulls from 8 progressive Gelbvieh programs in Missouri. Performance and feed efficiency data provided on all Gelbvieh and Balancer® bulls as well as EPDs and Igenity DNA profile scores. For more information or a catalog, call: Richard Lincoln • 660-412-3475 or Gary Felger • 573-782-3737 The Profitpicture | 19

Comparing Feed Efficiency Terms

Dry Matter / Weight Gain).

Methods

More Desirable

Less Desirable

Difference

Raw F:G

Lower Values Example: 7.6 lbs

Higher Values Example: 14.4 lbs

6.8 lbs of feed

Adj. F:G

Lower Values Example: 7.3 lbs

Higher Values Example: 15.4 lbs

8.1 lbs of dry matter

RFI

Negative Values Example: -2.2

Positive Values Example: 2.5

R-ADG

Adj. DMI

Positive Values Negative Values Example: 0.9 Example: -0.6 Negative Values Example: -1.7

Positive Values Example: 1.1

4.7 lbs of feed

1.5 lbs ADG

2.8 lbs of feed

Generally this measure is used in commercial feed yards to indicate efficiency. This value makes no adjustment for diet energy content or age/weight differences in measured animals. It is simply raw pounds of feed required per raw pounds of weight retained. Because of this, it is proper to use this type of measure only with cattle of similar age on the same ration. A lower value is desired. Adjusted Feed Conversion (Adj. F:G) = the base Feed:Gain value multiplied by the contemporary group’s metabolic weight divided by the individual’s metabolic weight. The formula is as follows: (Group Avg. Wt.0.75 / Individual Wt.0.75) x Individual’s Feed to Gain

size differences of the animal when put on test. This currently is the standard of feed conversion efficiency used by the Beef Improvement Federation. A lower value is desired. Feed Efficiency (G:F) = pounds of live weight gain observed per unit of feed dry matter consumed. This is the reciprocal of “Feed Conversion” and has the same issues. These terms often are used interchangeably and allow users to arrive at the same conclusion. A higher value is desired. nnn

Note that this adjustment attempts to remove the age or

GLAG ADKINS JACKPOT 906W Jackpot is the #1 Purebred bull for Marbling and Carcass Value EPDs. Scan data on Jackpot’s 2011 & 2012 sons averaged a 123.2 IMF ratio and a 104.5 REA ratio.

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Semen available $25/unit through Owners, Cattlemen’s Connection and Bull Barn Genetics. Bulls for sale by private treaty.

BD: 02/23/09 • Purebred • AMGV 1111524 Homozygous Black • Polled BW: 86 • Adj WW: 796 • Adj YW: 1,375 Mature Frame: 5.0 • Scrotal: 43 Sire: Carolina Fortune 2564J ET MGS: EXT Govenor 3N CE 8

BW WW YW 0.7 68 111 top 12%

20 | February 2014

MK 48 top 1%

TM 82 top 1%

CED 3

ST YG CW 8 -0.26 37 top top top 15% 10% 15%

ADKINS GELBVIEH

Gelbvieh & Balancer Performance Genetics

Gerald & Sarah Adkins RE 0.82 top 1%

MB FT CV FM 0.56 -0.04 87.89 45.46 top top top 1% 1% 10%

41606 195th St., Carpenter, SD 57322 605-354-2428 (cell) gerald@adkinsgelbvieh.com

www.adkinsgelbvieh.com

The Profitpicture | 21

Feature

Measuring Feed Efficiency What do Seedstock Plus, Eagle Pass Ranch, and Lazy TV Ranch have in common? They are all part of the GrowSafe community. With less the 50 feedlots in the United States utilizing this feed efficiency tracking system, these three producers are part of a small group that includes the Midland Bull Test, Texas A&M, and other feedlots across the U.S. THE GROWSAFE RESIDUAL Feed Intake system is a revolutionary technology to track individual animal feed intake on a daily basis. Calves are given an electronic ID tag as they enter the feed yard. The system then records every time they enter the bunk and the weight of feed removed from the bunk when the animal leaves. This technology gives producers an accurate daily feed intake for each individual animal. It also allows for more precise determination of feed efficiency for each head versus a group average. Producers are taking full advantage of this system.

As AJ Munger of Eagle Pass Ranch says, the industry needs to â&#x20AC;&#x153;bend the cost curve down.â&#x20AC;? In the food market, beef is the highest quality, most enjoyable source of protein. Where beef loses its competitive edge is in the price. It is far cheaper to raise a pork chop or a chicken breast then it is a t-bone. Improving beef industry feed efficiency is key to reducing the cost of production. In 2007, Eagle Pass Ranch put in their first GrowSafe RFI system. They are now working on setting up a large feedlot, 50,000 head, that will incorporate the

GrowSafe system. Calves will be purchased from different cow-calf growers and the progress tracked throughout the feed yard. The data collected will be most beneficial to both Eagle Pass Ranch as well as the industry. Eagle Pass Ranch will use the GrowSafe data from the feed yard to identify those cow-calf producers whose calves perform well and efficiently in the lots. Informed decisions when selecting and purchasing calves for the next group to go into the feedlot can really impact the bottom line. The RFI data will direct Munger

The GrowSafe system recently installed at RJM Feeders, with Seedstock Plus bulls on test.

22 | February 2014

towards the efficient calves with a positive return on investment. They also plans to use the RFI system to identify the sires and cow families that are more efficient. Seedstock Plus is applying the GrowSafe RFI system to their bull selection process. They represent a cooperative of individual producers and a variety of genetic potential. Bulls are selected and grouped to go into their performance testing facilities. One of these facilities is located in Missouri and is utilizing the RFI system. Rick Anstine of RJM Feeders owns and operates this particular bull test facility. He works closely with John Burbank of Seedstock Plus and Kayley Reedy, an employee of RJM Feeders and oversees the GrowSafe system. Anstine has been in the cattle business for 36 years and has been working with Seedstock Plus for ten years. In 1988, he started the Kingsville Livestock Auction with the idea of getting good bulls into the country so he would have

good calves to sell. He operates his own cow-calf operation, calving 175 cows in the fall and 175 in the spring. He got into feeding bulls because “you can see more outcome from a bull than a feeder” animal. His feedlot has a 500 head capacity.

addressed and treated if need be. The program can tell her which bulls are currently at the bunk, allowing her to check up on off feed bulls without disrupting the

John Burbank is able to apply the resulting data from GrowSafe to assist with his selection and culling decisions. Seedstock Plus has very strict guidelines towards

BULL &

FEMALE SALE

Where beef loses its competitive edge is in the price. It is far cheaper to raise a pork chop or a chicken breast then it is a t-bone. Improving beef industry feed efficiency is key to reducing the cost of production.

Saturday, February 22, 2014 • 1:00 PM (CST)

Napoleon Livestock Auction, Napoleon, North Dakota

SELLING 85 GELBVIEH LOTS

60 Purebred Gelbvieh Bulls • 25 Purebred Gelbvieh Open Heifers Register and bid live online at www.cattleusa.com

DCHD 114A

DCHD 047A

PB Gelbvieh Bull BDOC Bailey’s Guy 205X x DCHD 114S

DCHD 145A

When the GrowSafe RFI system was introduced, Anstine was interested and ready to incorporate it fully into his program and now they are in their first year of operation.

PB Gelbvieh Bull BDOC Bailey’s Guy 205X x DCHD 047U

DCHD 268A

PB Gelbvieh Bull CIRS 81NY (Decade) x DCHD 145W

DCHD 169A

PB Gelbvieh Bull CIRS 81NY (Decade) x DCHD 268X

Sale offering can be viewed at the ranch until February 20 then at the sale facility in Napoleon, ND until sale day. View online sale book and videos at www.golden-buckle-gelbvieh.com or www.mms.bz

PB Gelbvieh Bull

Dwight and Christina Dockter Bailey, Cheyenne, Cierra and Dalton

CIRS 81NY (Decade) x DCHD 169W

4956 41st St. SE, Medina, ND 58467 701-486-3494 • gbgelb@daktel.com

SALE MANAGEMENT BY: Mitchell Marketing Service

CattleDesign®

Kayley Reedy is responsible for the performing daily health checks on the bulls and works closely with the GrowSafe system. Each morning, she can look at the amount of feed each bull consumed the previous day. The system will alert her to bulls that are not eating well or have suddenly gone off feed, an observation easily missed in a daily health check of a pen. Those animals can be immediately

bunk. Reedy adds that the system has been working without any technical or equipment, wiring issues.

www.mms.bz

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

Find Us On

Facebook

Visit www.golden-buckle-gelbvieh.com for complete sale listing and videos.

The Profitpicture | 23

the bulls they produce and will typically cull 15-20 percent of the bulls by the end of the performance test. Burbank points out he is “not trying to put lipstick

on a pig” and feed efficiency is not the only trait he selects for. Disposition, growth, calving ease and fertility are just a few of the traits he looks at when making

selection choices. The data from GrowSafe gives him an additional point to consider and for the bull buyer to consider. After seeing the GrowSafe

Since 1983

REGISTERED GELBVIEH CATTLE Our foundation is designed and built on 30 years of A.I. breeding.

REDS

BLACKS

BALANCERS 23rd Annual

“Pot of Gold”

Gelbvieh, Angus & Balancer Bull Sale February 28, 2014 ®

Olathe, Colorado

Your source for P.A.P. tested, calving ease and low birth weight EPD bulls! Herdsire Prospects • Review the data online 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 •

24 | February 2014

system at the Midland Bull Test Station in Montana and learning what it had to offer, the Lazy TV Ranch made the decision to pursue the technology. Vaughn Thorstenson is an owner of Lazy TV Ranch. He believes that “over the next ten years, we [Lazy TV Ranch] should be able to increase feed efficiency enough in our operation to pay for the system.” Their 16 bunk system will accommodate and test 128 head of cattle for feed efficiency at a time. The first group of bulls through the RFI system yielded some varied results, from 4.9 pounds of feed to pound of gain to 10.5 pounds of feed for every pound of gain. That range suggests producers need to focus more of their breed selection on traits related to feed efficiency. Munger of Eagle Pass Ranch states that “heterosis does affect feed efficiency.” He has observed that the crossbreds and the composites are usually more feed efficient and have better feed conversions. He points out that there is more variation within a breed on feed efficiency then across breeds. The GrowSafe RFI system will help give producers the data they need to make selection decisions to improve the feed efficiency in their herd. The American Gelbvieh Association is working to make this data more user friendly to the producers. The AGA produces a production efficiency index (PEI) on animals with intake data. This index reflects the feed efficiency genetic potential of a given animal through decreased intake and increased weight gains. nnn

Over the Fence

With Bryce Williams, C Bar Cattle

The American Gelbvieh Association’s Frank Padilla visited with Bryce Williams of C Bar Cattle. C Bar Cattle is located in the central Nebraska Sandhills near Eddyville, Nebraska. C Bar Cattle develops and markets high quality replacement heifers with the commercial producer in mind. Bryce Williams, C Bar Cattle, Eddyville, Neb.

FP: Why did you begin your replacement heifer development program? BW: We knew producers who were purchasing replacement females for their herds. Many of these had unknown genetics in them. They experienced a large fall out after breeding and then calving them because of various problems be it fertility, mothering ability, etc. They weren’t remaining in their herds for various reasons and didn’t have the stayability needed to be economically viable. We felt that through proper selection and management practices that we could provide females that would be more productive and profitable while adding another profit center to our operation.

prior to breeding these heifers?

and select those females that will work for them in regard to frame and mature growth.

BW: During the development period leading up to breeding, these females are culled rigorously based on disposition, structural soundness, as well as confirmation and phenotype. They are developed and fed with longevity and soundness in mind. We are aware of what type of female fits the environment of producers in our region

FP: What is your breeding protocol for these heifers?

Arkansas & Oklahoma

Breeders

Martin Cattle Company

FP: How do you select the heifers that you bring into your development program? BW: These females are put together from of the best cow herds walking the central Nebraska Sandhills. The base genetics are comprised of Angus cow herds with Balancer® genetics infused from reputable seedstock operations in central Nebraska.

FP: What are your criteria

BW: The heifers are synchronized and bred AI to calve in a very tight calving range and sorted by using ultrasound. They are not exposed to a bull. One breeding group of bred heifers will

David & Rita Martin Oklahoma’s Largest Gelbvieh Breeder Chris Markes 580-554-2307 Chris@MarkesFamilyFarms.com Excellent bulls and heifers available. We sell 80 bulls a year all over the country. Come see why! Transportation available.

256 Boyce Road Judsonia, AR 72081 H: 501.728.4950 C: 501.278.7614 www.martincattleco.com

Private Treaty Sales Available Year Round

The Profitpicture | 25

A group of replacement heifers developed at C Bar Cattle. be sorted to begin calving February 15, with another select group of second calvers to begin March 1. We have found that there is a demand for second-calf heifers so we retain a select group of those to calve out ourselves here at the ranch and then offer them for sale. Every second-calf heifer offered for sale has weaned a calf for us before. The heifers receive the first

round of a Scour Guard shot prior to marketing and all are CHV.

FP: What criteria do you use in selection for the AI sires you use? BW: We use registered Balancer bulls so that

the resulting calves of these heifers will be 25 to 50 percent Gelbvieh depending on the breed composition of the heifer. The bulls used are proven bulls that have below breed average birth weight EPDs while having above average growth EPDs in both weaning and yearling weights. We also select AI sires that are above breed average for carcass traits. It is important to get the

Black Gold Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale March 21, 2014 • Noon Winter Livestock, La Junta, CO

Pre-register for Internet bidding with www.CattleUSA.net

Selling 80 Yearling Bulls Gelbvieh, Angus, and Balancer Black and Polled

Sires Represented: CTR Sandhills About Time Good Night 715T Black Impact Final Answer

The Black Gold Bull Advantage: • Sired by the Top AI Genetics • DNA Tested for Coat Color • Tested Free for Known Genetic Conditions

26 | February 2014

• BVD-PI Tested Negative • First Breeding Season Guaranteed • Delivery Available • Satisfaction Guaranteed

Final Product Hoover Dam Windy 078 Connealy Consensus

Black Gold Cattle Company Mark Crane 23334 County RD 13 Pritchett, CO 81064-9600 719-523-3108 blackgoldcattlecompany@gmail.com

heifers bred to top bulls so that the buyer of them is satisfied as well as the buyer of his calves when the cattle go on feed.

FP: Where is your major market for these bred females? BW: For the past three years we have marketed them through the Maternal Edge sale sponsored by GAIN, Gelbvieh Association In Nebraska, which has been held in Kearney, Nebraska. This sale has expanded our market reach while receiving top of the market or exceeding it. We have been very satisfied with the opportunity to sell in this sale.

It is important to get the heifers bred to top bulls so that the buyer of them is satisfied as well as the buyer of his calves when the cattle go on feed.

female with the breed that has a long record of stayability and productivity. Another big plus in using Gelbvieh in the program is in the carcass merit. The heifers

that do not breed through AI after being synchronized go into our feed yard and fed to finish. These Balancer females have fed extremely well producing a large

BULLS

Built... Tested... Proven for the Commercial Producer.

GUARANTEED! Seedstock Plus North Missouri Bull Sale, February 22, 2014 – Kingsville, Missouri Seedstock Plus South Missouri Bull Sale, March 29, 2014 – Carthage, Missouri

Stubro Sunset In Focus 8142

SB Revis Rock 205W

Proven Calving Ease

Excellent Multi-trait Sire

BW: Gelbvieh has long been recognized as being a great mother cow. By producing Balancer females my commercial producers’ buyers get the added maternal heterosis of the crossbred

Landmark S409 Performance and Muscle Leader

Commercial Female Sale!

HUTR Justamere Charlie 738T Maternal and Carcass Specialist

FP: Why do you want your females in your program as well as their calves to have Gelbvieh in them?

percentage of Choice carcasses. We like the added pay weight that they have given us as well. They have worked in both our breeding and feeding program. nnn

Seedstock Plus Commercial Influence Sale Hosted by Stuecken Brothers April 12, 2014 • Vienna, MO • 12:00 PM 125 plus head of our herd plus other reputation consignments.

Missouri’s #1 Breeder of Dams of Merit and Dams of Distinction! Stuecken Brothers are proud members of:

STUECKEN BROTHERS 600 W. Hwy P Freeburg, MO 65035 Owners: Maurice, Mark, Marlon Stuecken and Families

Contact: Derek Stuecken • 573.690.8543

Creating Superior Beef Genetics for Producer Success

The Profitpicture | 27

JUMPING COW GELBVIEH &

RIDINGER CATTLE COMPANY earl 60 Spirit of the West Bull Sale g 1 ings n 8 i l l M & e onth S vieh ls Sel At the Ranch • March 22, 2014 e l b c l t 2-Y Olds Ge er® Bu ear c n 24063 County Road 122 • Ramah, CO Old a l Ba s Y

ll e S He

JCGR BAR GT After Shock 260Z

02-26-2012 • 38% Balancer® AMGV 1223757 Sire: BEA Sureshock 705T ET Thank you to Pearson Cattle Co. for purchasing this bull in the 2014 National Sale.

ell S e H

JCGR BAR GT Orange Crush 62Z 2-17-2012 • 94% Purebred AMGV 1224069 Sire: BABR Dirty Little Secret 900W

JCGR BAR GT Sure Fortune 503Z 09-11-2012 • 75% Hybrid AMGV 1230730 Sire: C-CROSS Good Fortune 8206

ll e S He

JCGR BAR GT Cross Fit 159A

2-4-2013 • 75% Hybrid AMGV 1255157 Sire: JCGR BAR GT Cross Fire 500W ET

ell S e H

AAD R True Grit 1103Y

1-24-2011 • 94% Purebred AMGV 1178337 Sire: BABR RID Rooster Cogburn 854U

ll e S He

HYBD Hybrid Vigor 1713Z 5-7-2012 • 50% Balancer® AMGV 1230855 Sire: RID R Collateral 2R 10 for Tenderness

Find Photos and Videos

www.JumpingCowGelbvieh.com Ramah, CO

Grant Thayer, Owner

Ridinger Cattle Company Brad & Carol Ridinger • 303-810-0582 www.RidingerCattleCo.com

28 | February 2014

303-621-2058 E-mail: Grant@JumpingCowGelbvieh.com

G E L B V I E H

Brad Ridinger, Manager

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

Our breeding program philosophy is to balance growth, carcass and phenotype to produce bulls and females that excel in all environments for our customers.

ll! e S s

Son

JCGR BAR GT Cross Fire 500W ET 7-25-2009 • 63% Balancer AMGV 1124574 Sire: R Collateral 2R Dam: BAR GT Crossover 166S ®

s Son

! Sell

JCGR BAR GT Cobalt 159U 2-10-2008 • 63%Balancer AMGV 1072115 Sire: R Collateral 2R Dam: Ms Perri B 2010R

ll! e S s

Son

RID R Collateral 2R

2-5-2005 • 94% Purebred AMGV 938431 Sire: BAR GT Flashback 410M ET Dam: BAR GT Loni 27N ET

2.3

1.0

104

123

CED

–

-0.24

0.64

0.50

-0.05

76.20

35.68

ll! e S s

Son

RID R Shotgun Slade 1020X ET 2-12-2010 •88% Purebred AMGV 1153740 Sire: RID Rooster Cogburn 854U Dam: BAR GT Ima Lady 437H ET

–

-0.07

0.31

-0.12

-0.05

13.08

46.94

1.8

2.0

100

129

CED

–

-0.12

-0.19

0.32

0.21

-0.04

43.90

39.37

s Son

! Sell

RID R G-Force 922W

3-7-2009 • 94% Purebred AMGV 1101976 Sire: BAR GT Flashback 410M ET Dam: BAR GT Loni 27N ET

0.60

-0.06

21.75

53.45

2.4

-2.8

65 93

CED

-0.35

0.58

0.18

-0.07

38.26

31.38

Top 5% Top 25%

Top 50%

ll! e S s

Son

BABR RID Rooster Cogburn 854U 4-14-2008 • 88% Balancer AMGV 1082983 Sire: Who Hott 552R Dam: 464P

-0.16

0.27

-0.13

-0.05

-0.22

31.08

The Profitpicture | 29

Feature

Convenience Traits: Are Your Cows Working for You or Are You Working for Your Cows? It is said that those who do not study history are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past. That is why it so important to learn from the original masters of the performance movement in the cattle industry -- to find out what traits they felt were important for highly profitable, maternal cattle. By Dr. Bob Hough SOME OF THE best of these trailblazing breeders were George Chiga (1913-2007) and Roy Beeby (1931-2002). Though these breeders both raised Red Angus, their concepts are universal. They were known to be among the

30 | February 2014

most important figures in the performance movement in their eras; however, it is interesting to note that at the time these two men were in their prime, many of the traits they deemed of tremendous importance didn’t

necessarily have EPDs or ratios. They just both wanted working cows that were moderate in size, with perfect udder structure, balanced milk, soundness, good disposition, and terrific fleshing ability.

Although the term “convenience traits” is bandied about in today’s cattle industry, it is believed that George Chiga was the person to coin the phrase, and there have been no greater champions of efficient, maternal, and problem-free cattle than Chiga and Beeby. Some of the attributes of “convenience cattle” -- those that will be covered in this article -- are reproduction, soundness, foraging ability, calving ease, mothering ability, optimum milk, good temperament, polled character, cow size, longevity, and cow efficiency.

Bulls that are proven cow makers from the most productive cow herd in America Of the Bar T Bar Ranch eligible cows, 100 head or 41% earned the honor of a Dam of Merit or Dam of Distinction. This makes us the #1 breeder and owner of Dams of Merit and Dams of Distinction, and we do it in less than 12” rainfall country with minimal inputs. At Bar T Bar, we produce seedstock for the real world cattlemen using a proven composite Angus, Red Angus, Gelbvieh program. Reproductive traits are first and foremost in our breeding program. Every cow produces a calf every year in big country within 45 days or she is gone, no excuses.

100+ yearling Bulls available through online sale Final bid day, April 5, 2014 Angus, Balancer®, xBrangus, xBeefmaster and xSimiAngus

• Individual Feed Intake Tested • Sired by proven Feed Efficient Sires • Entire cow herd averages in top 25 percentile for marbling • Cow herd excels in Maternal Index We have installed a GrowSafe Unit at the Ranch in Winslow, Arizona!

Cattle that perform well and simply eat less to do it! A difference that goes directly to the bottom line! CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.BARTBAR.COM

It’s hard to improve upon what you do not measure. Bob and Judy Prosser P.O. Box 190 • Winslow, AZ 86047 928-289-2619 • 928-380-5149 cell info@bartbar.com

877-486-1160 john@seedstockplus.com

The Profitpicture | 31

Grund Beef Genetics

Adding Value for Our Customers Practical, Predictable and Proven Genetics.

Annual Bull Sale•February 26, 2014 Oakley, KS

PSuper Disposition P Many Calving Ease Bulls P Sight Unseen Purchase Program P Unmatched Carcass Value

GRU Mr Astro 146A Purebred • Calving Ease Sire Sire: Astro Dam’s Sire: Govenor

CE BW WW YW MK TM CED YG CW RE MB FT CV FM

10 0.9 67 108 31 66 11 -0.12 35 0.44 0.11 -0.04 37.14 43.02

Bulls

BUILT for

GRU Mr Arsenal 030A

Purebred • Double Black • Double Polled Sire: Who Done It Dam’s Sire: GRU Jake 744J

CE BW WW YW MK TM CED YG CW RE MB FT CV FM

9 1.6 70 103 33 67 10 -0.13 34 0.23 -0.08 -0.07 14.63 37.10

CE BW WW YW MK TM CED YG CW RE MB FT CV FM

13 -0.1 63 93 30 64 8 -0.26 24 0.83 0.17 -0.02 36.12 31.52

PROFIT

GRU Mr Governor 025Z

Many 75% Calving Ease sons of Govenor sell!

CE BW WW YW MK TM CED YG CW RE MB FT CV FM

12 -1.8 63 99 34 65 10 -0.23 26 0.72 0.20 -0.03 41.30 37.65

This sale will be available online at:

Selling 70 Balancer® • Gelbvieh • Angus • Red Angus Bulls 50 Replacement Balancer® Heifers Sell!

32 | February 2014

GRU Mr Stout 710A

50% Balancer Full brother to our 2013 top selling bull bought by Bar Arrow Cattle Co. Sire: BAG Mr Stout 93X Dam’s Sire: Morgans Direction

We Sell Bulls That Add Value

rund Beef enetics

www.grundbeefgenetics.com Jerry Grund 785/821-1022 Layal & Donna Grund785/852-4370 Lyle Hammer 785/728-7400 Darrell & Becky Vandike785/728-7310

Cow efficiency Chiga recognized that “convenience is an efficiency tool.” This is because it has been demonstrated that high-profit commercial cow-calf producers only have a small advantage in pay-weight at weaning compared to medium- and low-profit producers. The major advantages belong to the low-cost producers: lower labor inputs and feed costs. Beeby felt that a cow should be able to wean at least 50 percent of her weight, but growth is important only to a point. This is because growth is obtained at a cost, and many ranchers would be surprised at what those “bragging

“You don’t have to have the biggest this or the biggest that. Nature has very little use for freaks. Nature is interested in only one thing - perpetuation. You can do what you like, but nature will win out.”

rights” at weaning time are actually costing them. Chiga knew, years before there were studies to prove it, that convenience is an efficiency tool. “How much performance do you need?” Chiga would ask rhetorically. And then, in answer to his own question: “Just enough to

make money (revenue); then add convenience to it (lower costs). You don’t have to have the biggest this or the biggest that. Nature has very little use for freaks.

Nature is interested in only one thing - perpetuation. You can do what you like, but nature will win out.” Chiga’s advice was spoton; it has been demonstrated

that reproduction is the most economically relevant trait impacting cow efficiency.

Performance

without sacrificing

Calving Ease KCF Bennett Y223

AMGV 1204896

Semen: $20.00

•

Actual BW 83 lbs

•

WW 763 lbs

109.6 ratio

•

YW 1,177 lbs.

102.6 ratio

•

Calves average BW 74 lbs.

•

Well muscled power in a 6.1 frame

•

Calves show impressive muscle & performance not often found with calving ease.

Purebred • Homo Black • Homo Polled

Bennett R517

Bennett S30

Sire: Bennett T524

Dam: Miss S30 U254

Miss King Pin P29

CE 11 20%

BW 0.8

WW 80 10%

YW 107 15%

MK 30

Miss Benchmark P30

TM 70 15%

CED 8

CRAN Z007

Balancer 75%

Non-Diluter

Sire: CRAN X178ET WW 78 10%

YW 107 25%

MK 29

RE 0.50 25%

MB -0.31

FT CV FM -0.10 -6.80 34.90 4%

Semen: $20.00

•

WW 782 lbs.

120 ratio

•

YW 1,235 lbs.

104.1 ratio

•

Yearling frame 6.3

Scrotal 48.7

•

Strong phenotype

•

Bull calves show tremendous muscle & performance

•

Strong maternal EPDs produce power females

Homo Polled

XXB Drew 565K

Dam: CRAN Miss Drew N314

TJB Vanessa 471P ET BW -1.6 10%

CW 34 20%

AMGV 1224961

SAV Final Answer 0035

CE 14 15%

YG -0.32 10%

CRAN Miss Atlas K43

TM 68 7%

CED 13 1%

YG -0.16 20%

CW 30

RE 0.47

MB -0.07

FT CV FM -0.04 14.90 35.52 15%

Jim & Sherri Michaletz 479-366-1234 jmichal@netins.net

The Profitpicture | 33

34 | February 2014

Reproduction According to Beeby, “Superior females must mature sexually, cycle, conceive and calve without assistance as a two-year- old and every 12 months thereafter.”

important than carcass traits. Therefore, reproduction is the foundation of a good cow-calf herd. Since growth and carcass traits tend to be easier to influence (because they are higher in

Reproduction is “difficult to change genetically, so it’s critical to begin with genetics that are proven to be reproductively sound.” Perhaps a high demand, but not when you consider that reproduction has been shown to be the most economically important trait - two times more important than growth traits and two to ten times more economically

heritability), it certainly pays to focus first on reproductive and maternal traits. To sum it up, reproduction is “difficult to change genetically, so it’s critical to begin with genetics that are proven to be reproductively sound.”

Calving ease Calving problems are a major source of labor, and females having calving difficulty have been shown to be slower to rebreed. Although birth weight (BW) is the major driver of calving ease, master breeders learn early on that different sires with progeny of similar birth weights may have very different results in terms of calving ease. According to Chiga, “One profits by paying attention to birth weights and to selecting for strains that calve unassisted.” He also noted that, “A number of Canadians, with somewhat larger cattle, suggest that ‘assisted’ or ‘unassisted’ should be the record and the tool for making calving ease improvement. A breed association could do worse.” Luckily, today we have an EPD (expected progeny difference)

that takes into account both birth weight and calving ease scores. The calving ease direct (CED) EPD is the percent probability differences of sires’ calves being born unassisted. Being an economically important trait, CED EPD is a much better predictor of calving ease than birth weight EPD.

Soundness Without sound cattle you have nothing. Traits such as good feet, structural correctness, functional udder structure, sound mouths, etc., are all considered when determining soundness. Chiga even went a step beyond these obvious traits: “Sound structure in bulls that look like bulls and cows with trim lines and sex appeal are paramount in herds rightfully termed ‘convenience cattle,’” he wrote. Soundness of structure, like any trait, is best evaluated in

Saturday, March 22, 2014 • 1:00 PM ET Chenault Ag Center • Mt. Sterling, KY

Selling 45

Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls

Homo black, homo polled Maverick sons like this one sell!

Selling a black, homo polled full brother to one of last year’s sale features!

33 Sixteen To Eighteen Month Old Bulls 12 Thirteen Month Old Bulls Most are Confirmed Homozygous Polled Many Homozygous Black Complete Performance Information and EPDS All Have Passed a BSE

Sale managed by

Slaughter Sale Management For catalog or information contact:

David Slaughter

Selling stout, red, homo polled bulls like this one!

Homo black, homo polled Carolina Fortune sons like this one sell!

Two black, homozygous polled P016 sons sell!

162 Hastings Lane Fredonia, KY 42411 Phone: (270) 556-4259 E-mail: hmslghtr@aol.com

The Profitpicture | 35

contemporary groups of cattle raised in a production setting (as opposed to pampered show cattle with trimmed feet). In terms of breeding all-around sound cattle from a seedstock perspective, Chiga said he “wouldn’t use a bull that couldn’t stand some inbreeding, proving freedom from undesirable traits and an abundance of those desirable.”

Optimum milk If the last two years of drought and high supplement costs have taught the industry anything, it is that too much milk can be a detriment. Beeby explained: “Heifers and cows should give enough milk to wean a heavy calf; [however,] they should not be bred for maximum milk. For example, dairy cows give too much milk and their maintenance requirements are too high

for regular reproduction and sound udders in a beef cattle environment.” This holds true not only when she is lactating, but also in her dry season, because high-milk potential females have higher maintenance requirements year-round. Beeby goes on to point out that because of higher maintenance requirements, “Work at USDA found that any breed whose selection has been for [high] milk production is less efficient in either the breeding herd or the feedlot.”

Mothering ability There is no EPD for mothering ability, only your sharp observation skills and a pencil to record what you see. According to Beeby: “Sound udders are essential. Heifers and cows should be rated on how they nurture and attend to the calf after it is

DOBSON RANCH

O N RA

C I T Y,

Breeding Gelbvieh genetics since 1971 AGA Member #1 Offering bulls for sale year round!

Dobson Ranch

Jim Dobson • 405.880.6173 John Dobson • 405.880.6661 Quin Peterson • 918.625.2500 12460 E. River Road Kaw City, OK 74641

born and how they protect it to weaning.” There is simply not enough margin in the commercial cow-calf industry to fool with a cow whose calf needs aid in nursing her problem udder. These cows need to go on the cull list in the fall - no matter how big a calf they wean.

Temperament “Temperament, fostering ease of handling, is a labor saving, gain-saving convenience on the ranch, in the feedlot and for the packer,” said Chiga. Depending on the operation and facilities, it’s important to avoid both extremes

“In other words, get rid of your excuses. You don’t want to propagate faults in your cow herd.” Working hard towards convenience now will save you work and money in the long run.

Foraging ability Since the majority of agricultural land is unsuitable for crop production, grazing this resource and turning it into nutritious food for people is the most basic reason we have beef cattle. However, some cows are better foragers than others. “There are breeds of cattle and cattle within breeds that are better at foraging,” said Beeby. “It may be associated with appetite. Some cattle will eat less palatable grass, weeds, and browse what others do not utilize.” Grazing behavior is also very important, since cattle on the Western range must spread out when grazing instead of bunching together (which is typical for intensive grazing situations more common in the Midwest and East). If cattle bunch together in very extensive pasture situations, it can lead to poor utilization of forage resources and overgrazing. It is important to remember that cows were made to walk and grass was made to stand still - making cows a highly efficient, low cost way to harvest solar energy.

of inherent temperament. Just like bad disposition cattle are a problem; extreme pet-like disposition cattle can display poor vigor, lack of mothering ability, and can just plain be difficult to work through well-planned chutes. On the other end, as Beeby so aptly summed it, “Life is too short to deal with wild cattle.”

Polled character For Chiga, polled character (naturally without horns) was a major convenience trait. Today, producers almost take for granted the polled characteristic. However, one trip to a commercial feed yard demonstrates that there are still too many horned feeder calves coming through the production cycle, calves that have to be dehorned at some point. Since the polled gene is dominate over the horn gene, and genomic testing for the trait is easy, there is almost no reason that a commercial cow-calf producer shouldn’t easily design a breeding program that eliminates the stress to the cattle and labor involved in dehorning.

Cow size About 1970 or ‘80 Chiga

36 | February 2014

wrote, “’Bigger is Better’ was the philosophy in the bounce-back from ‘Belt Buckle’ cattle of midcentury. Sadly, some have gone overboard on cow size. Result: the inconveniences and financial drain of soaring maintenance cost, delayed sexual maturity, irregular calving and shortened longevity. Mid-size, strongly feminine cows are ‘convenience cattle.’” Since Chiga wrote this, the industry went through a period of downsizing its average cow. Now, unfortunately, the industry is back on the upswing to bigger cattle again. (The US Meat Animal Research Center reports average cow size in Angus and other British breeds to be over 1,400 pounds.) The major problem with this upswing is that with high grain prices, backgrounding calves before they reach the feed yard is highly desirable. Yet if cattle are too big, with very high growth

potential, they need to go straight to the feedlot at weaning in order to produce carcass weights inside the window of acceptability, thus missing the advantage of backgrounding.

Longevity On the keys for longevity, Beeby wrote: “Cows that give enough milk, but not too much milk, cows that are big enough, but not too big, have a better chance for a long productive life with less stress. Soundness and regular reproduction keep cows from being culled. Many of the traits that contribute to longevity are heritable, and so are the traits that cause cattle to be culled.” The cost of developing or buying replacement heifers, as well as the annual cost of keeping a cow, is expensive. Therefore, researchers estimate

that an average commercial cow must remain productive in a herd for five to six years of age to be profitable. Stayability is an EPD that was pioneered by Colorado State University in 1995 to be a genetic prediction of a cow reaching the six-year-old threshold. In the end, cattle that excel in convenience traits will excel in longevity.

Summary Even though we have made amazing strides in terms of cattle performance, it is important to make sure, as an industry, that we are making genetic improvement, not just genetic change. Because convenience is an efficiency tool that means some of the most economically important traits cannot be measured with a set of scales or an ultrasound machine only with sharp observation skills

and a pencil. Master breeders like Chiga and Beeby knew this innately. “In other words, get rid of your excuses,” said Beeby. “You don’t want to propagate faults in your cow herd.” Working hard towards convenience now will save you work and money in the long run. As Chiga said, “Convenience is of growing importance as dependable labor becomes increasingly difficult to obtain and as efficiency becomes increasingly important, those things about cattle that require special attention can be inconvenient.” In the end, to be a high-profit producer means making the investment in the right kind of genetics that will produce cattle with necessary convenience traits. nnn

Keep Your Program on Target!

19th Annual Bull Sale

March 15, 2014

Lewistown Livestock Auction Lewistown, Montana • 60+ Bulls •100% Polled (Igenity tested for Tenderness)

Sale book available from:

Central Montana Gelbvieh & Angus Genetics 1012 Maiden Road, Lewistown, MT 59457 (406)538-5622 • Don Danell

Lunch at Noon−Sale at 1:00 pm MST

Gelbvieh, Angus, Gelbvieh Balancer® Many are Homozygous Polled & Homozygous Black!

Also Selling • Registered and Commercial Gelbvieh and Gelbvieh Balancer® Females The Profitpicture | 37

News

XA Cattle Named AGA Outstanding Commercial Producer Association Outstanding Commercial Producer Award was presented to XA Cattle, Bill, Marie and Levi Farr. XA Cattle is located in south central Lincoln County near Moorefield, Nebraska.

IN AN EFFORT to recognize outstanding commercial producers involved in the Gelbvieh breed, the American Gelbvieh Association has created the Outstanding Commercial Producer Award. The award is based off the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) award that is presented annually at the BIF conference. The AGA recognizes one outstanding commercial producer annually during the Gelbvieh activities at the National Western Stock Show.

XA Cattle consists of 700 Balancer® cows and farms 2,000 acres of dry and irrigated corn, soybeans, and wheat. The heifers start calving in February and the cows the end of March. In November cattle are pulled out of the hills and the calves are weaned. The calves are backgrounded then sold the end of February or the first week of March weighing 875 pounds. XA consistently sells at the top of the market with feeder cattle going to repeat buyers.

State associations were asked to nominate one commercial producer from their respective states they feel deserving of this recognition. The 2014 American Gelbvieh

Circle M Farms Gelbvieh & Balancer 8th Annual Production Bull Sale

Saturday, March 1, 2014 1:00 pm (CST) Justin Pemberton Memorial Arena 614 Lehman St. Woodbury, TN 37190

Levi, Bill and Marie Farr of XA Cattle

CMFS 7132 • Montana Infusion x JBOB 3298

Circle M Farms

40+ Bulls Sell!

100% Qualify for TN and KY TAEP Enhancement Program

90% AI Sired

Purebred • Homo Black • Homo Polled

Also Selling 60+ Black Females:

10 Commercial heavy-bred Balancer Cows Registered Bred Heifers Registered Open Heifers

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

A sample of the offering: 3 sons by Bodacious 4 sons by Carolina Fortune Several sons by CMFS 7132

38 | February 2014

The American Gelbvieh Association congratulates XA Cattle, Bill, Marie and Levi Farr for being the 2014 American Gelbvieh Association commercial producer award winner. They were nominated by GAIN, the Gelbvieh Association In Nebraska for this award. nnn

Heifer replacements are selected and developed at the ranch for breeding. A strong emphasis is placed on reproduction with cows being restricted and selected to calve in a short calving season. This selection pressure has paid off as 85 percent of the cow herd calves in the first 45 days of the calving season.

• Call for a Sale Book •

M Circle M Farms

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

Editorial

Consider Using Selection Indexes for Simplified Sire Selection A selection index is simply a group of EPDs weighted by an economic value to meet a specified production goal. Most indexes will include traits that have significant impact on the goal. By Susan Willmon SELECTING THE NEXT herd sire is one of the most important decisions a cow-calf producer can make each spring. This new herd bull contributes half the genetic makeup of the calves he sires. Selecting sires with superior genetics or genetics that meet herd improvement goals can sometimes seem like a daunting task with the ever increasing row of EPDs and data presented on individuals. In an effort to streamline this process, breed associations have embraced

grid marketing system. Additionally, the AGA produces a production efficiency index (PEI) on animals that have data collected in a feed intake unit. The EPDs that are combined in this index include dry matter intake, average daily gain, and yearling weight. Animals with a higher index value will ultimately be more profitable through a combination of decreased intake and greater weight gains. Currently, the AGA has

Over time, a producer can accomplish genetic progress across a broader scope of traits quicker by using selection indexes.

Bottom line is that sires with superior genetics can be evaluated through the use of selection indexes. Over time, a producer can accomplish genetic progress across a broader scope of traits quicker by using selection indexes. Talk to your bull provider about which index might work best based on the overall production goals you have set for your operation. nnn

MURRAY FARMS Genetics that work for commercial cattlemen because we are commercial producers.

the concept of selections indexes, which have been widely used in the dairy and swine industries for many years. The American Gelbvieh Association produces two indexes. The feedlot merit index ranks animals based on postweaning gain and potential feedlot profitability. The carcass value index combines traits such as carcass weight, ribeye area, marbling and fat into a single value. Animals with higher carcass value numbers will produce calves that have higher profitability in a

released two new indexes in a research mode. One index is focused on maternal efficiencies of total cow profitability. The second is focused on combining gain and end product traits. It is important to understand the concept and goal of the index as part of the sire selection process. A cow-calf operation that does not retain females can use a terminal or end-product focused index to optimize selection. Conversely an operation that retains females may want to evaluate sires based on maternal index.

BE SURE TO LOOK FOR OUR BULLS IN THE SOONER SELECT SALE IN McALESTER, OKLAHOMA SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014. Matt & Andrea Murray 20055 N 2730 Rd Kingfisher, OK 73750 murrayfarm@pldi.net (405)368-9601 - cell (405)729-4216 - home The Profitpicture | 39

Feature

Southern Balancer® – A Perfect Solution for Southern Cow-Calf Producers The demand for Southern Balancer® cattle in the South is growing. The breed complementarity of Gelbvieh genetics on heat tolerant breeds makes a perfect combination for added milk, fertility and carcass quality. By Brian Rogers BEING A CATTLEMAN in Texas has its ups and downs. On one hand, our mostly mild winters and abundance of land are great for late fall and early spring calving, but on the other, the often brutal summers and lack of consistent rain prove to be a challenge when trying to feed a herd of cows. As a

whole the southern United States can probably attest to the love-hate relationship of raising cows in the South. In my role as central United States area coordinator for the American Gelbvieh Association, probably the question I get the most is “What is a Southern

Total Industry Commitment Carcass Data • Fed cattle at Decatur County Feedyard – Benchmarked against 150,000 head for economic relevant traits.

Feed Efficiency • 15 years of carcass and feed efficiency data gathered. • RFI data gathered on sale bulls on GrowSafe system.

A.I. • Utilizing the very best genetics available through an aggressive A.I. program

Sandy Knoll Farm

Bull available at the Seedstock Plus Spring Bull Sales

February 22, 2014 • Kingsville, MO March 29, 2014 • Joplin, MO

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

dunnfarm@hotmail.com 40 | February 2014

Balancer®?” Well, to all of my fellow southern cattlemen, it is somewhat like an answer to our prayers, a breath of fresh air in today’s cattle world. A Southern Balancer is a heat tolerant hybrid

that must have at least 25 percent Gelbvieh and from 6.25 percent to 50 percent of a tropically adapted breed or combination of topically adapted breeds. Even more simply put, let that Gelbvieh or Balancer® bull breed your registered Brahman-influenced cows, and you have bona fide Southern Balancer. A Southern Balancer is a hybrid registry from the AGA. Animals that meet the registration requirements as outlined below

Southern Balancer® Registration Guidelines The sire and dam must each be a registered animal in a recognized or recorded with a breed association. Upon registration of the animal, the member must provide the registration number and current EPDs for the non-AMGV parent animals. • The animal must contain a minimum of 25 percent (1/4) Gelbvieh. • The animal will have a maximum of 50 percent (1/2) and/ or minimum of 6.25 percent (1/16) from a tropically adapted breed or combination of tropically adapted breeds. • Animal contains less than 1/8th unknown genetics. • Animals must have performance data submitted consistent with AGA rules. At minimum this requires birth dates and weaning weights for females and birth dates, weaning and yearling weights for bulls. • Percentage designation will mimic the presentation for Gelbvieh and Balancer® animals. • Tropically adapted breeds with open herd books, such as Brangus and Red Brangus, will have actual identification of percentage Brahman and percentage Angus/Red Angus printed on the individual registration papers rather than percentage Brangus. • Suggested tropically adapted breeds include Beefmaster, Braford, Brahman, Brangus, Red Brangus, Senepol, and Santa Gertrudis

will be recognized by the AGA as a Southern Balancer and will receive a registration certificate and EPDs. Probably the second most common question I get in my job is, “What in the world is a ‘tropically adapted’ or Bos indicus breed?” Bos Indicus cattle are originally from India. Through centuries of exposure to inadequate food supplies, insect pests, parasites, diseases and the weather extremes of tropical India, the native cattle developed some remarkable adaptations, survival of the fittest at its best. They became more tolerant to heat and less desirable to pests, proving to be more befitting of their surroundings. These traits are still found in Brahman-influenced breeds today, with the most popular in the United Stated being listed above. Historically the tropically

adapted breeds have recognized shortcomings in the areas of disposition, fertility and carcass consistency. These traits are strengths of the Gelbvieh breed and can work in a complementary fashion to produce a very marketable hybrid animal. In addition, most commercial producers in the southern tier states try to keep a percentage of the heat tolerant breeds in their cow herds. While the percentage of desired heat tolerance varies on location and personal preference, most tropical and sub-tropical producers agree that some minimal level is essential for their cow herd to survive heat and pest challenges in those climates. There is also a desire to add a Continental breed into breeding programs to add pounds and carcass quality into these commercial cattle. Currently there is not another hybrid program that

improvements to the herd: 1) Improved fertility of replacement females, resulting in younger age at puberty and increased pounds of calf weaned over a cow’s

is targeted towards this market. From the viewpoint of a commercial cattleman, if I am assuming that the majority of

“In today’s times, open cows cost a lot of money, so when my Southern Balancer females all got bred and my Brahman cows didn’t, which cows do you think I will want to keep breeding the next year?” productive lifetime; 2) Increased pounds of calf weaned, creating market topping calves; 3) Post weaning and feedlot performance improvements, resulting in increased muscle, red meat yield and the 25 percent Continental

commercial cow herds in the South have some small amount of Brahman influence, as well as British-mostly Angus or Herefordbreed genetics, the addition of Gelbvieh into a crossbreeding scheme will result in several

NORTHEAST BREEDERS ILLINOIS

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

“Realizing the Value”

Skyler Martin

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

MEMBER

OHIO

INDIANA

3 G Ranch

Gelbvieh Cattle For Sale Carl, Rebecca & Emily Griffiths

1577 N 600 E • Kendallville, IN 46755

260/897-2160 • ggge3g@embarqmail.com

Your call or visit is Always Welcome

• Polled Purebreds

We sell Breeding Stock Bulls & Females

• Red • Black

Double D Farm

Skyler Martin

9937 Warren Rd. Winslow, IL 61089

1200 S. Blackhawk Rd. Oregon, IL 61061

(815) 367-4116

(815) 732-7583

Fullblood Polled Gelbvieh Polled Hereford

Merle E. Lewis 812/863-7701

James L. Lewis 812/508-0014

RR1 BOX 1360 • SPRINGVILLE, IN 47462

Chester Yoder

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

The Profitpicture | 41

influence desired by today’s feed yards; and 4) Balancer bulls used on F1 females will stabilize the percentage of Continental verses percentage British breed influence

in future generation. Long story short, Southern Balancer genetics can improve your herd and your bottom dollar.

A few years ago Alex Frambro of Stephenville, Texas was researching several breeds to use as a cross for his Brahman herd and decided to utilize the Gelbvieh

Raile Gelbvieh/Balancer® Bull Sale Burlington Livestock Exchange, Burlington, CO March 13, 2014 • 12:30 PM MDT

Selling 30 Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls The Denver NWSS Bulls Sell, Including our Futurity Entry 100% Black (2/3 Homo Black) Several Homo Polled • Igenity Profiled • PI Negative • Trich Tested Ultrasounded • Semen Tested

RAIL Mr Ya Man D 3127A

Champion Balancer Spring Bull Calf Balancer Sires: BABR 114Y ET (SAV Brilliance) DMRS Ya Man 138Y (Net Worth) CTR Good Night 715T

KKKG 335Y

Reserve Champion Gelbvieh Sr. Heifer DLW Edison 6718X TAU In Focus 18W EGL Freightliner X137 ET TAU Mr. Manitoba 13X

Angus Sires: SAV Final Answer 0035 EGL Total 0007 ET

Delbert & Marilyn Call for a catalog Raile & Sons Delbert 785-332-2756 755 Road U St. Francis, KS

cell 785-332-4347 Matt cell 785-332-8399 railegelbvieh.com • email: dmraile@railegelbvieh.com

42 | February 2014

genetics. He said the Gelbvieh bulls complemented his Brahman cattle for exactly what he was looking for: more milk, higher fertility, and better carcass quality. Last spring his three-year old Southern Balancer cows had a 100 percent conception rate, as opposed to his purebred Brahmans.

Gelbvieh bulls complemented his Brahman cattle for exactly what he was looking for: more milk, higher fertility, and better carcass quality. Alex said, “In today’s times, open cows cost a lot of money, so when my Southern Balancer females all got bred and my Brahman cows didn’t, which cows do you think I will want to keep breeding the next year?” He also noted that the Southern Balancer females made excellent cows and he felt that the Gelbvieh cross is perfect for the geographical area he is in. The Southern Balancer cattle have multiple benefits to offer the commercial cattleman in the southern states. The heat tolerant cattle can perform, work and produce for cattleman when other breeds have failed. The demand for Southern Balancer genetics has significantly increased, and rarely does a week go by that I do not have a phone call with a producer calling with a request for help to find Southern Balancer genetics to add to their herds. nnn

Editorial

Capturing the Value in Your Calf Crop As the nation’s cow herd rebuilds there has never been a better time to upgrade the genetics and management in your herd so you can take advantage of the continued high markets that are predicted in the coming years. The cow-calf producer is in the driver’s seat because of low supply and strong demand. By Frank Padilla THE REBUILDING OF the cow herd gives producers the opportunity to improve the quality of their genetics to new levels. Along with the record high prices we still see a widespread of prices within weight classes. Buyers are discriminate in buying cattle. They want cattle with the genetics to gain, to convert feed to pounds of beef efficiently, and to hang a carcass that has acceptable grade and weight to fit the market target. When we see the first cost of cattle coming into feed yards as high as they are today we can expect them to be discriminate.

If you develop cattle that work throughout the supply chain you will be rewarded. Not only do the genetics in the cattle have to be right, but as well the management of them. In management we mean nutrition, vaccination programs, and weaning protocols. Feed yards keep tremendous records tracking the cattle they purchase and how they perform in all aspects during the feeding period compared to others in their yard. It is an ongoing compilation of data. Prices paid for cattle marketed through Superior Livestock documents the added value of cattle and various management practices. Cattle that have a documented management program bring more money than those that do not, when compared to more than hundreds of

thousands of head. A number of feed yards that work with retained ownership cow-calf producers have assisted them in building a proper nutrition program fitted for their environment. Mineral supplementation is important in all aspects of production and carries over into the finishing phase. Cattle that are not provided a proper mineral program have more health issues and do not perform as well in the feed yard. Improper management can trump the best genetics. Feeders like crossbred calves. The complementarity of Continental and British cross calves gives them the advantages of better feed conversions, added carcass weight with

fewer Yield Grade 4 carcasses, and the ability to be fed to heavier pay weights. Most will say they see less health issues in crossbred calves. Heterosis and breed complementarity pays in the feed yard, as well as the cow herd, for adding profitability. EPDs allow you to select genetically superior animals to increase the productivity of your calves. In addition, most breeders utilize ultrasound technology, which provides a measurement of carcass value for marbling and ribeye area in the bulls they produce and sell. Many will DNA test adding to the accuracy of these predictions. Work with your seedstock supplier to get the proper genetics to move your program in the direction you want. It’s never been more important to invest in the best genetics and manage them properly to drive the value of your cattle above commodity prices. Feeders need cattle that will stay healthy, grow fast, and have carcass merit. Build your cattle on the reputation of these merits and you will drive value and buyers to them, buyers who will compete at the top of market prices to own them. If you develop cattle that work throughout the supply chain you will be rewarded. nnn

Kentucky & Tennessee

Breeders

“Superior Gelbvieh and Balancer Cattle”

Chris & Jordan Hampton Charles & Sue Hampton 839 Davistown Rd. • Celina, TN 38551 102 Merlin Dr. • Georgetown, KY 40234 Steve, Ashley, Jordan & Jason McIntosh 502-868-5726 Clifford & Faye McIntosh 502-863-1135

Breeding Gelbvieh since 1989

931-243-3213 H • 931-510-3213 C hampton@twlakes.net Registered Bulls & Replacement Females

The Profitpicture | 43

Feature

Cow-Calf Perspective from the Feedlot Tom Brink presented to cow-calf producers at Range Beef Cow Symposium XXIII on the importance of raising premium cattle to market to feed lots. He talks to cow-calf producers to “offer the perspective of a little further down the supply chain.” BRINK RECENTLY STEPPED out from the Colorado based Five Rivers Cattle Feeders to follow his lifelong dream to run his own business. Brink’s goal is to show cow-calf producers the value of including carcass traits into their breeding program. However, a producer should not “lean too far” on the carcass side. Maternal

traits have to be considered as well. Producers need to “Balance necessary ranch traits with (way) above-average growth and carcass potential,” stated Brink in his presentation. There is money to be made by raising calves that will appeal to feed lot operators. Brink points out four traits in calves that are desirable to the feed lot:

Tom Brink at the Range Beef Cow Symposium XXII

• Minimal sickness (or none at all); • High ADG (average daily gain) and low feed/gain; • Desirable finish weight; and • High Quality grade. This is value that will easily recognized by the feed lot. Meet these four traits and the feeder will be back to purchase those cattle, often times at a premium.

41st Annual

55 LOTS SELL

Gelbvieh Gold Sale

15 Herd Sire Prospects

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 2:00 PM (CST) • Des Moines, Iowa

Purebred Gelbvieh & Balancer®

20 Bred Females/Pairs 20 Open Heifers

Sponsored by the Gelbvieh Breeders of Iowa Held in conjunction with the Iowa Beef Expo

ATTENTION JUNIORS:

The truth is “cattle that grow and grade are winners” in the

had an average daily gain of 4.75 pounds and a dry feed to gain ratio of 5.25 pounds, almost a five by five group of cattle. These cattle yielded a plus $85 on the grid. The “total economic advantage for the top performing cattle is +$219 per head,” said Brink. Brink warns producers that we are entering “era of specification feeder cattle.” Feeders will be placing more specifications on the calves that are purchased for their lots. They will also be

The truth is “cattle that grow and grade are winners” in the feedlot.

Junior futurity eligible heifer sell. Futurity class to be held at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

ANNUAL MEETING & SOCIAL Monday, February 10, 2014 6:00 PM at the sale headquarters GELBVIEH CATTLE PARADE Tuesday, February 11, 2014 10:00 AM

She sells. SALE MANAGEMENT BY: Mitchell Marketing Service

SALE HEADQUARTERS Adventureland Inn, 515-265-7321 REGISTER & BID LIVE ONLINE at www.LiveAuctions.tv

www.mms.bz

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

CattleDesign®

44 | February 2014

feedlot. Brink sourced data from Five Rivers Cattle Feeding. The average performance for the feedlot was 3.4 pounds average daily gain and a six pound dry feed to gain ratio. These cattle resulted in a $20 premium when marketed on the grid at harvest time. The top 10 to 15 percent

paying more premiums for those cattle that meet or surpass their specifications. Brink states that in current feedlots there are too many average cattle and too much potential value lost by having average cattle versus top producing cattle in the pens. Brink states, in his opinion, that

there are four game changers in the next five years: • Exceptional cow-calf profits; • Shrinking feedlot and packing capacity; • Mouth-watering success with timed AI programs; and • Major impact from high-end genetics and the advent of programs built on them. With the corn market down and the economy getting stronger, cow-calf producers are looking at some outstanding profits in the coming years. Brink estimates $250 to $500 per head of cash costs. Producers need to take advantage of this period of opportunity and look towards long-term operation goals. Brink suggests reducing debt, improving genetics, enhancing facilities, and look at new technologies. These areas will have a lasting beneficial

effect on the operation. Brink also encourages producers to use this time of profit for cow-calf producers to pass the legacy to the next generation by helping young or new producers get started or expand their cow herd in order to build future equity. The gap between feedlot capacity, or cattle spaces available, and the number of head going into those feedlots is expanding. From 2000-2001, cattle supply was fairly even with capacity. 2008-2009 saw an excess in cattle capacity, roughly 20 percent. Last year, 2012-2013, there was a 22 percent excess in capacity over cattle supply. That 22 percent excess of feedlot capacity translates to an estimated 6.2 million head of feeder cattle. Packing plants are showing a similar trend between packing capacity and harvested

Four game changers: • Exceptional cow-calf profits; • Shrinking feedlot and packing capacity; • Mouth-watering success with timed AI programs; and • Major impact from high-end genetics and the advent of programs built on them. cattle. For 2014 and 2015, there is an expected 10 to 20 percent drop in cows being harvested. Economics 101 tells us what happens as supply decreases, demand and value increase.

Game changer number three allows for greater opportunity for game changer four. The progress of timed AI practices and procedures is remarkable. Brink sites a field study conducted in Missouri with

Keeping up on the next sale in your area is easy... By signing up for GELBVIEH SALES email blasts, you will receive the most current information on upcoming Gelbvieh and Balancer® sales, get direct access to online catalogs, videos and supplement sheets and more information on the breeder’s choice lots. Sign-up in minutes.

Visit www.gelbvieh.org/communication/gelbviehsalesemails.html to complete a simple form. Or email gelbviehmedia@gmail.com and put Gelbvieh Sales in the subject line. The GELBVIEH SALES emails will arrive free to your email. For more information contact Jennifer Scharpe, American Gelbvieh Association director of communications at 303-465-2333 or jennifers@gelbvieh.org The Profitpicture | 45

7,028 cows represented from 73 herds. All were fixed-time AI using the Co-Synch and CIDR protocols. The results were very impressive. Sixty-two percent of the cows were pregnancy checked positive for the first AI service. Only seven of the 73 herds had a conception rate less than 50 percent.

“They’re clear off the industry bell curve,” as Brink puts it. The reality is that higher end cattle in the feedlot are outperforming current growth projection plans, often times reaching market 30 days sooner than anticipated. These are the genetics and the cattle the feedlot operator will be looking for

The opportunity is there, the producer just has to seize it. Feedlot operators are realizing the value of genetically superior cattle with the DNA potential for positive carcass traits and fast growth. More importantly, they will be looking and paying for these types of feeder calves. The success of today’s AI procedures makes it possible and more efficient for producers to take advantage of the highend genetics that are available. The fact is that the top of line genetics available are no small improvement over the average.

and will be paying for. Brink finished his presentation with a discussion of the Technology 2-Step Project, a project that shows the benefit and ease of improving herd genetics. This project is halfway done and

is being conducted by Gardiner Angus Ranch of Kansas and Zoetis. The goal of this project was to determine how quickly marbling and carcass traits could be improved in a cow herd using DNA testing and AI breeding to top high performing bulls. A total of 104 yearling heifers were selected for this project. These heifers were a collection of crossbred animals; the breeding program did not reflect selection for carcass traits. On the Zoetis DNA marbling potential, the group received a combined MVP score of 21.1 below average. Using this data, the bottom one-third was culled from the program. By culling these animals, the combined MVP score was much closer to average, only slightly below. The heifers were then AI bred to one of two bulls. While the bulls excelled in carcass traits, they were not without maternal merit, ranking in the top six percent for calving ease. The resulting progeny were DNA tested for marbling potential with an average MVP of plus 53 points. By utilizing DNA testing to make good selection decisions

and AI breeding to quality genetics, marbling potential was greatly increased in this herd. This marbling potential translates to dollars for the feedlot operator and dollars to the herd owner when the feedlot is looking to buy more calves. The final results of this project will be known in June or July of this year when the calves are fed out and harvested and carcass data collected. Tom Brink presented this information to cow-calf producers with a very clear take home message. The opportunity is there, the producer just has to seize it. Feedlot operators are realizing the value of genetically superior cattle with the DNA potential for positive carcass traits and fast growth. More importantly, they will be looking and paying for these types of feeder calves. The technology and top of the line genetics are available to cowcalf producers to make dramatic improvements in a short period of time. The opportunity is there to raise the feeder calves the feedlot wants to buy. nnn

16th Annual State Opportunity Gelbvieh and Balancer® Sale Held in conjunction with the Minnesota Beef Showcase Saturday, March 15, 2014 • Noon

Red Horse Ranch Arena • 22671 County Highway 10 • Fergus Falls, MN

Selling Gelbvieh and Balancer®

Schedule

• Bulls • Bred Females

Friday, March 14 7:30 – 10:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

Pancake Breakfast Trade show open and Cattle ready for viewing Education Seminars

Saturday, March 15 7:30 – 10:00 a.m. Noon

Pancake Breakfast Sales Begin

• Cow-Calf Pairs • Open Heifers

Catalog Available Online www.minnesotagelbvieh.com www.beefshowcase.com

More information contact:

Jason Sauer 507-459-5341 – jsauer1@hotmail.com • Jason Russell 608-287-4090 – jrussell@uwalumni.com 46 | February 2014

The Profitpicture | 47

Feature

Visual and Phenotypic Evaluation of Bulls Successful commercial cow-calf operators should strive to select bulls that combine the genetic potential to improve profitability with the physical ability to work and survive in their production environment. By Dan Moser WHILE A MAJORITY of the emphasis in bull selection should be placed on objective performance information, visual and phenotypic evaluation of bulls remains important for two reasons. First, bulls must be evaluated for traits that affect their physical ability to breed cows. In addition, some traits of economic relevance are not included in genetic evaluation programs.

have the physical characteristics necessary to serve a large number of cows for a number of years. Typically, bulls offered for sale will have been subject to a breeding soundness exam (BSE), conducted by a veterinarian using guidelines set by the Society for Theriogenology (Spitzer, 2000). A BSE consists of three steps, as follows:

Breeding Soundness Traits Likely the most important reason to evaluate prospective herd sires visually is to ensure they

1. A generalized physical examination and thorough examination of both internal and external portions of the reproductive system;

2. A scrotal circumference measurement; and 3. Collection and evaluation of a semen sample. The Society of Theriogenology has established minimum acceptable thresholds for scrotal circumference, sperm motility and sperm morphology. Bulls are classified as either satisfactory (achieves minimum thresholds and is free of problems that may compromise fertility), unsatisfactory (fails to meet minimum thresholds and has a poor prognosis for improvement), or deferred (cannot be classified as satisfactory but are likely to improve with time or therapy). It is not uncommon for younger yearling bulls (less than 15 months old) to be deferred at their first examination, but bulls that are deferred should be retested before being turned out to service females. In studies conducted at universitysponsored bull testing programs, 70 to 80

MLM GELBVIEH & GREAT RIVER RANCH OPEN HOUSE PRIVATE TREATY KICK-OFF SALE Monday, March 3, 2014 • At the Ranch Selling

35 Bulls • Gelbvieh & Balancer® Red & Black • 100% Polled

Hart 35W34 Number of Sons Sell!

Ultrasound Tested • DNA Tested Fertility Tested • Satisfaction Guaranteed Viewing at 11:00, Lunch at 12:00, Final Bids at 1:00

Sires Represented:

MLM GELBVIEH

Gelbvieh Sires – DLW Edison, HYEK Black Impact, JRI Secret Instinct, JRI Top Recruit, CTR Good Night, JRI Pop-A-Top, CTR Echo, Hart 35W34 and EGL North Platte. Angus Sires – HAA Image Maker and Pine Coulee Emblazon W103

HYEK Black Impact 3960N Sons Sell! 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

Visit www.gelbviehbulls.com for more information 48 | February 2014

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.

24th Annual Production Sale

Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.

at Bar Arrow Cattle Company, North of Phillipsburg, Kansas

featuring Performance, Maternal, Carcass and Docility We emphasize performance and carcass These 5 bulls combined to win the 2014 NWSS Grand Champion Pen of 5 Balancer® Bulls

without sacrificing functional maternal based females.

Cutting Edge Genetics for the Commercial Cattlemen

Selling

70 Gelbvieh & Balancer® Bulls 25 Gelbvieh & Balancer® Fancy Open heifers

BAG 204A Sire: Sandhills

BAG 115A Sire: Sandhills

REA: 18.16 %IMF: 2.85 Fat: 0.25

REA: 17.73 %IMF: 4.62 Fat: 0.46

BAG 108A Sire: Sand Storm

BAG 127A Sire: Extreme Tunes

REA: 17.25 %IMF: 3.42 Fat: 0.36

Ultrasound data is actual data from 1/9/2014 scan.

REA: 14.90 %IMF: 3.22 Fat: 0.28

BAG 137A Sire: Extreme Tunes

REA: 15.21 %IMF: 3.75 Fat: 0.28

For sale book or video, call or email Stuart or go online to www.bararrowcattlecompnay.com

$$$ProfitPartners Gelbvieh

Realizing the Value

Stuart Jarvis

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

The Profitpicture | 49

Judd Ranch 36 Gelbvieh, Balancer th

at the ranch, Pomona, Kansas • Saturday, March 1,

P P P

Judd Ranch was honored as the #1 Dam of Merit Cowherd in the Gelbvieh Breed for fifteen consecutive years, 1998–2012!

P P P

82 lb. average birth weight: 861 lb. actual weaning weight average on the sale bulls. Maternal cow power behind every sale bull.

99% of the Gelbvieh & Balancer sale bulls feature Judd Ranch honored Dam of Merit Genetics. Average Daily Gain of fall yearling bulls: a whopping 5.84 lbs/day!

Top 5% Calving Ease EPD Strength average on the 270 Gelbvieh & Balancer sale bulls. Judd Ranch bulls are very affordable. Annually 97% plus sell to commercial producers.

Judd Ranch Gelbvieh Herdsires & AI Sires

Astro

JRI Top Recruit

JRI Top Secret

JRI Profit Agent

JRI Cowboy Cut

Final Answer

Mytty In Focus

JRI Pop A Top

JRI Journey

JRI Extra Exposure

50 | February 2014

& Red Angus Bull Sale at 12:00 noon • 1 hour southwest of Kansas City

299 Plus

“The Complete Package”

Gelbvieh, Balancer® & Red Angus Bulls Sell

Calving Ease • Growth • Carcass • Fertility

• 172+ 17-19 month old Bulls • 127+ 12-14 month old Bulls P 94% Sired by Breed Leading AI Sires P 161 Black Polled Bulls P 223 Homozygous Polled Bulls P All Judd Ranch major herdsires are

enrolled in Carcass Testing Programs

P Quality Acceptance Guarantee on all Sight Unseen purchases

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

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

Visit our website • www.juddranch.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 | 51

Committed to the

s s e c of the c u S

Commercial Cattleman

CONNEALY IN FOCUS 4

PCCI FOCUS 2088Z • AMGV 1226187 HOMO BLACK • HOMO POLLED 50% BALANCER SIRE: CONNEALY IN FOCUS 4 TOP SELLER AT OUR 2013 BULL SALE CE 15

BW -1.5

WW 72

YW 110

MK 32

TM 68

CED 10

YG -0.01

CW 33

RE 0.34

MB 0.32

FT 0.00

CV FM 55.55 42.49

We're dedicated to the profitability of our customers. We sell only the top 25% of our bull calves born each year in our annual production sale, held the third Saturday in March. Last year’s sale bulls averaged: Yearling Wt 1400#, WDA 3.72, %IMF 4.25, REA 15.78. • All herd sire's are 50K and parentage profiled Ranked 6th out of the Top 20 Breeders, and Ranked 8 th out of the Top 20 Owners for Dam of Merit Totals.

ANNUAL BULL SALE SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2014

For more information, contact: PEARSON CATTLE CO., INC. 43523 111 St., Lake City, SD 57247-9714 Neal 605.448.5653 or 605.470.0448 (cell) Email: njpearson@venturecomm.net Kermit 605.308.6030 Chuck 605.470.0010 www.pearsoncattleco.com

52 | February 2014

Visitors always welcome!

percent of all bulls were classified as satisfactory potential breeders (Coulter et al., 1997). While structural soundness of feet and legs is included in the BSE, producers would be wise to make their own evaluation of a bull’s skeletal structure before making a purchase. The ability of a bull to walk freely and without discomfort is critical for both breeding and grazing behavior. The most critical details of soundness are correct slope and angle to the joints of the front and rear limbs. Bulls that are excessively straightlegged travel with short strides, and are somewhat prone to stifle injuries during mating (Boggs et al, 1998). Sound structured bulls, walking on smooth, level ground, will set their rear hoof down in the track of their front hoof. Straightshouldered, straight-legged bulls will set their hind foot down in a position well behind where the front foot was set. Hocks and knees should be free of any swelling or inflammation. Structural problems in yearling bulls tend to become more severe as the bulls age and increase in weight. Body condition, or fatness of bulls, is also an important consideration. Bulls need to be in moderate body condition at the beginning of the breeding season, as most will lose weight during periods of active breeding. However, excess body condition can adversely affect fertility. Research has shown that excessively fat bulls on high-energy diets tend to deposit fat in the neck of their scrotum, interfering with temperature regulation of the testicles and lowering fertility (Coulter et al., 1997).

The first performance-tested herds provided adjusted weights and in-herd ratios to their bull buyers, increasing accuracy of selection within one herd’s offering. But only

with the availability of expected progeny differences (EPD) were bull buyers able to accurately compare animals from different herds. Nonetheless, some bull

Bull buyers often incorrectly

27th Annual Production Sale February 22, 2014 • 1:00 p.m. CST at the Ranch Top quality herd sires in this offering

Balancer • DJS 60A AMGV1257265

Hybrid • DJS 9A AMGV1257973

Angus • DJS 80A AMAN622587134

Angus • DJS 45A AMAN622587102

Your Source for POWERFUL Balancer Genetics Backed by 30+ years of proven superior feedlot performance. SIRES REPRESENTED: BALANCER: DJS Derringer 96X XXB Ludacris 039SET CTR Front Page 765T (Frank) PLA Mr Hauler 12XET (Bus) CTR Sandhills 0065X GELBVIEH: TAU Gunslinger 19U ANGUS: SAV Final Answer 0035 DJS Last Call 44W GCC Total Recall 806T Connealy Consensus 7229

50+

Homozygous Black Bulls Sell

Visual Estimation of Breeding Value Prior to the advent of performance testing, producers used visual evaluation to predict the breeding value of bulls for traits like growth rate and carcass composition, with variable success.

buyers continue to emphasize actual weights or in-herd ratios when selecting a herd sire.

Selling

90 Bulls

Including 20 Balancer & Angus Registered Heifers

• 70 Balancer & Gelbvieh Yearling & Fall Bulls • 20 Angus Yearling & Fall Bulls

2013 SPRING FEEYARD DATA 51 STEERS

57 HEIFERS

ADG: 3.71 DMC: 6.14 HCY 64.75% CHOICE 72% YG 1&2 72%

ADG: 3.38 DMC: 6.12 HCY 64.79% CHOICE 93% YG 1&2 60% CAB 33%

Jeff Swanson

308/337-2235 • 308/991-0727 (C) 10908 724 Rd. • Oxford, NE 68967 swansoncattleco@yahoo.com

Call for a Sale Book

Auctioneer: Kyle Elwood • 785-493-2901

The Profitpicture | 53

UPPER MIDWEST BREEDERS MINNESOTA

IOWA

Dennis & Sherry Gustin Family Al and Peggy Gustin

Brandywine Farm

Mandan, ND • 701/663-7266 email: gustinsd@gmail.com www.gustinsdiamondd.com

Tom Scarponcini

30474 Brandywine Road Rushford, MN 55971

507-864-2063

SFI

Gelbvieh

Ridge Top Ranch

Gelbvieh-Angus-Balancer

Neola, Iowa

Black & Polled Private Treaty Sales

Breed-leading Performance from Quality Genetics

Schafer Farms, Inc.

SOUTH DAKOTA Balancer

37740 240th Ave., Goodhue, MN 55027 Brian Schafer Lowell Schafer

1-888-226-9210 brian@schaferfarm.com

651-923-4587 www.schaferfarm.com

Private Treaty Bull Sale — Last Sat. in February Annually

ADKINS GELBVIEH

Gelbvieh & Balancer Performance Genetics Bulls and Heifers for sale by private treaty

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

Mattison Family Farm

Ricky Linquist th Street inquist 1135 190 inquist

Fonda, IA 50540

arms Gelbvieh & Red Angus

(712) 288-5349

arms

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

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

Gerald & Sarah Adkins

41606 195th St., Carpenter, SD 57322

Beastrom Gelbvieh Ranch 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

NORTH DAKOTA Chimney Butte RanCh

www.bcvgelbvieh.com

Doug and Carol Hille 701/445-7383

3320 51st St., Mandan, ND 58554

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

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

Martens Gelbvieh

Gary Martens 2126 500th St • Walnut, IA 51577 712.764.5007 (H) • 712.249.5744 (C) martensgl@yahoo.com Annual Bull and Female sale in March with the Southwest Iowa Gelbvieh Group

Two Step Ranch

563-543-5251

563-543-4177

Lacey McCabe

Pat and Jay McCabe

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

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

54 | February 2014

Julie Maude 605.381.2803 (C) Lori Maude 303.809.3789 (C)

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®

McCabe Cattle Co.

(605) 354-2428 Cell gerald@adkinsgelvbieh.com www.adkinsgelbvieh.com

cj_llivestock@yahoo.com Hermosa, SD Quality Gelbvieh & Balancer® Genetics from a Trusted Source

Ellison Gelbvieh & Angus Ranch Dwight and Christina Dockter Bailey, Cheyenne, Cierra and Dalton

4956 41st St. SE, Medina, ND 58467 701-486-3494 • gbgelb@daktel.com Visit www.golden-buckle-gelbvieh.com

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!

UPPER MIDWEST assume that the animal with the most desirable actual performance will produce the most desirable progeny. While individual and progeny performance are related, the relationship is far from perfect. The relationship between an individual’s performance and their progeny’s performance depends on the heritability of the trait. For highly heritable traits, like carcass traits, relatives generally resemble each other closely, and an individual’s measurement is a reasonable estimator of their progeny’s performance, after adjustment for environmental effects. For moderately heritable traits, like weaning weight, the relationship weakens, and data on relatives of the prospective sire add considerable information used in calculating the animal’s EPD. When dealing with traits of low heritability, like maternal weaning weight or reproductive traits, considerable information on relatives and progeny is needed to evaluate animals accurately. Regardless, EPD calculations account for the heritability of the trait, and the EPD is the single best estimate of progeny performance.

information, including performance of ancestors and other relatives, and progeny when available. If producers use both the EPD and the actual weight in selection, they overemphasize the animal’s own performance, and underemphasize the performance of relatives and progeny. If an animal has a favorable EPD for a trait, but a less favorable actual weight or measurement for the same trait, either there are significant environmental effects influencing the actual

When EPDs are available, using the actual weights or ratios with or without the EPD decreases the accuracy of selection for several reasons. When the most recently calculated EPD (including interim EPD) are available, they are the most accurate estimate of the animal’s genetics for the measured traits. The animal’s actual weight or measurement for the trait has already been included in the EPD calculation. The EPD calculation appropriately weights all the relevant

However, there may be a few instances where traits of economic importance are not included in genetic evaluations, usually because the traits are subjectively measured. For example, bull buyers may evaluate feet and leg structure, not only to ensure the bull can service cows, but also to maintain feet and leg soundness in the bull’s daughters. Again, the degree to which a sire’s conformation for such traits will be reflected in their progeny depends on the heritability

The degree to which a sire’s conformation for such traits will be reflected in their progeny depends on the heritability of the trait in question. observation that are accounted for in the EPD calculation, or there is an overwhelming amount of evidence from relatives that the animal in question has superior genetics.

Thorstenson Gelbvieh

Selby, South Dakota Annual Bull Sale 1st Saturday in March Brian & Dee Dee Vaughn & Wendy 605-649-9927 605-649-6262 www.Balancerbulls.com

Keith, Janice, Dustin & Britney 605-852-2131

kvolek@venturecomm.net www.volekranch.com

Table 1. Heritability estimates for type traits in Simmental cattle (Kirschten, 2002b).

Trait

Heritability

Trait

Heritability

Stature (height)

.60

Rear legs (hock set)

.12

Body length

.39

Foot/pastern angle

.13

Muscling

.42

Udder attachment

.23

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

WISCONSIN Russell Family Livestock

Capacity

.44

Udder depth

.35

Femininity

.32

Teat size

.39

R S S L

Ron, Alicia & Family Brooklyn, WI 608.455.1448 rrussell@ansci.wisc.edu facebook.com/RussellLivestock

Focused on Form & Function The Profitpicture | 55

23rd Annual of the trait in question. For feet and leg conformation, limited data have been collected in beef cattle. One example of such a scoring system is the Genetic Trait Summary provided by ABS Global (Kirschten, 2002a). A sample of heritability estimates for type scores in Simmental appears in Table 1.

Bull Sale

Friday, February 28th

Denham Marketing Facility, Olathe, Colorado

90 Bulls Sell! Purebred Gelbvieh and Balancers Blacks and Reds

• Over 30 years of breeding purebred Gelbvieh and Balancer herdsires and range bulls. • Bulls are raised in high-mountain and open rangeland conditions. • All bulls are P.A.P., PI-BVD, Trich, and fertility tested. • Well-balanced EPDs with better than average birth and calving ease numbers. • High emphasis on maternal traits, early growth, and disposition.

Selling several outstanding purebred Gelbvieh herd sire prospects by Decade, Pop-A-Top, Black Impact and Lazy TV Sam.

Catalog available online at www.gelbviehbulls.net DAVE BOWMAN • 970-323-6833 MARK COVINGTON • 970-209-1956 56 | February 2014

Heritability above 0.40 is considered high, while heritability of 0.15 or less is considered low. From the table, height in this population is highly heritable, indicating that selecting sires that are taller or shorter in height than their contemporary group mates should result in daughters with somewhat similar characteristics. Rear leg and pastern set, in contrast, is low in heritability; so post legs and weak pasterns are more likely the result of environmental effects rather than genetics. Udder depth and teat length are moderate in heritability, offering some opportunity for improvement through visual selection. However, those traits can only be observed in females. While it may be possible to observe a bull’s dam for her udder characteristics, only half of her genetics for those traits are passed to any one son, and only half of that passed from the son to his daughter. Culling the cow herd on udder traits is more likely to improve those traits than is sire selection. The exception would be when selecting AI sires that have a large number of daughters in production, if many of those daughters can be visually evaluated. One of the traits most commonly evaluated visually by bull buyers is muscling. Koch et al. (2004) selected Hereford cattle for 20 years based on weaning weight alone, yearling weight alone, or a combination of yearling weight and muscle score. Visual muscle score was shown to be at least as heritable as carcass ribeye area (0.37 vs. 0.26, respectively). The authors reported a genetic correlation of

0.54 and a phenotypic correlation of 0.19 between ribeye area and retail product percentage, a favorable result. The correlation of visual muscle score with retail product percentage was near zero (genetic=0.06, phenotypic=-0.10), indicating visual selection for muscling would have little impact on cutability. While cattle selected on both yearling weight and muscle score had larger ribeye area compared to those selected on yearling weight alone, the differences between selection lines born unassisted (Nugent et al., 1991; Nugent and Notter, 1991). Also, pelvic area in females, measured at a year of age, has been shown to be a useful predictor of their ability to calve unassisted (Bellows et al., 1971). However, Kriese (1995) showed that using pelvic area of yearling bulls to predict their daughter’s calving ease is not useful. First, pelvic area is moderately heritable, so a sire with a larger pelvic area should transmit some but not all of that advantage to his offspring. Also, pelvic area seems to be significantly affected by developmental differences between males and females (Kriese et al., 1994), so genetics that result in large pelvic area in males might not have the same effect in females.

Summary In summary, buyers of bulls or semen should focus on genetic evaluation results in the form of EPD for selection whenever possible. Using the most current EPD will most likely result in the desired genetic change. Some traits that affect the ability of natural service sires to successfully breed cows, like breeding soundness and skeletal structure, must be visually evaluated. However, “adjusting” EPD for the actual performance data or visual characteristics of the sire biases selection, and results in less than maximum genetic progress with no reduction in risk. nnn

Editorial

Why You Should Conduct a Bull Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) The breeding soundness exam (BSE) is conducted on an annual basis at least 60-75 days before turn-out by a licensed veterinarian. Conducting the test during this period will allow time to replace any “unsound” animals and to retest any questionable animals. By Dr. John Paterson NOT ALL BULLS are able to breed cows successfully, and not all bulls that breed cows have semen that can result in successful fertilization and pregnancy. Bulls in poor body condition may produce low quality semen and may not be aggressive breeders. If a bull can’t fertilize cows and you turn him out to breed, you likely will have excessive “open” cows at the end of the breeding season.

and 12.7 percent as unsatisfactory potential breeders. Of the bulls classified as unsatisfactory, 2.8 percent were so classified because of poor semen quality, but 41.3 percent had no ejaculate in four separate electro ejaculation attempts. Other abnormalities in these bulls included reproductive tract infections, testicular abnormalities, hernia, penile abnormalities, and eye abnormalities.

Breeding soundness exams can uncover potential problems with young bulls that were just purchased and older bulls that already have sired calf crops. Breeding soundness exams can uncover potential problems with young bulls that were just purchased and older bulls that already have sired calf crops. However, less than 20 percent of U.S. beef producers perform breeding soundness exams on their bulls prior to spring turnout. In a study from Clemson University, of 862 yearling bulls tested, 80.1 percent were classified as satisfactory potential breeders, 7.3 percent were classified as questionable potential breeders,

The test doesn’t take long to conduct and basically involves three evaluations: 1) a structural soundness assessment; 2) a reproductive system evaluation; and 3) a semen quality appraisal. During the structural soundness assessment, the veterinarian examines the overall body condition of the animal including, feet, legs, eyes and teeth. Once the bull passes this initial inspection, the veterinarian will assess the scrotum, testicles and penis, while also conducting a rectal palpation

to determine any internal abnormalities. They may also measure overall scrotal circumference to determine if minimum requirements are met and to determine if any changes have occurred since the previous year (if these records are

available). Scrotal circumference is important due to its positive correlation with semen production and age of puberty in female offspring if heifers will be retained. The absolute minimum is 30 centimeters for yearling bulls, while anything greater than 34 centimeters would be considered acceptable for mature bulls. The third and final phase consists of semen collection, primarily via electro-ejaculation, and an evaluation of primary characteristics such as semen motility (i.e., activity and progressiveness), morphology (i.e., percent normal sperm cells) and

LOSB, Inc. CAMBERN CATTLE JUDY & KEN CAMBERN, P.E. PB Gelbvieh & Balancer ® Cattle Look for our bulls consigned to the Sooner Select Sale in McAlester, Oklahoma Saturday, March 22, 2014 Cambern Cattle Company/LOSB Ranch Kenny & Judy Cambern 1900 Evergreen St Pampa, TX 79065 806-669-1965 • Ken: 806-663-6310 • Judy: 806-663-2578 jkcambern@cableone.net Bulls and Females available year-round for private treaty.

The Profitpicture | 57

overall sperm production.

Managing the Newly Purchased Yearling Bull The following management tips from Purdue University are helpful in managing the recently purchased yearling bull. • Supplement mature pasture or hay with grain/concentrate to keep the young bull growing and to maintain moderate (not fleshy) body condition • Limit him to 15-20 females during his first breeding season • Observe him mate with a few females to ensure that he has adequate libido and breeding ability • When you remove him

from the breeding pasture, you may need to provide additional supplement to help regain body condition.

Something else to consider when doing the BSE: TRICH TESTING of Nonvirgin Bulls Trichomoniasis (Trich), is a venereal disease, can negatively affect reproductive performance of cows. This disease usually causes abortion within the first four months of pregnancy. If the bulls are removed after only a short breeding season, infected cows are typically open at pregnancy test time. Trich testing is something new that should be considered for all “experienced,” non-virgin bulls. Virgin bulls that have never been exposed to a breeding-age

Markes Family Farms

Oklahoma’s Largest Gelbvieh Breeder

Selling Exceptional Bulls & Heifers

Transportation Available

female will not be carrying this organism and do not need to be tested. However, “experienced” or non-virgin bulls of any age may potentially be carriers of Trich, Cows will usually clear up and breed back during a prolonged breeding season, producing a prolonged calving season. In many range cattle communities,

Bulls should be tested for Trichomoniasis well ahead of the breeding season to allow time to replace infected animals. Remember that without proper management of the cow herd, testing and removal of infected bulls will not completely eliminate the problem. trichomoniasis outbreaks are a major concern. Awareness of and vigilance against trichomoniasis are certainly encouraged on the part of all beef producers. Trichomoniasis is caused by a one-celled protozoan that is found in the prepuce and sheath of bulls and reproductive tracts of cows. The protozoan resides in the little “pockets” (crypts) that line the sheath. Because older bulls generally have more crypts, they are more likely to carry the organism for a longer period of time. The organism kills the embryo or fetus, which is then expelled by the cow. The cow generally cycles two or three times and then regains fertility. This immunity will last about one year. However, most bulls over three years carry trichomoniasis indefinitely. In a few cases, a cow can remain a carrier, but the overwhelming majority of carriers are bulls. Producers should have breeding bulls tested annually for trichomoniasis. The veterinarian

58 | February 2014

will collect some mucus from the sheath for analysis. Bulls testing positive should be culled from the herd. Bulls testing negative should be retested at a later date, particularly if the veterinarian suspects trichomoniasis as being related to breeding problems in the herd. Bulls should be tested for trichomoniasis well ahead

of the breeding season to allow time to replace infected animals. Remember that without proper management of the cow herd, testing and removal of infected bulls will not completely eliminate the problem. Controlling trichomoniasis on communal grazing allotments can be difficult and must be a cooperative effort among producers because of the likelihood of herds commingling. Consequently, even though a producer may eliminate the problem in his or her herd, animals are likely to become infected by another producer’s infected bulls. nnn

SOUTHEAST BREEDERS KENTUCKY

M & W Farms

Producing Black, Polled Genetics for Today & Tomorrow.

Maryville, Tennessee

Quality Black Bulls & Heifers for sale Lynn Waters 3525 Tuckaleechee Pike Maryville, TN 37803

Double Bar H Gelbvieh • Balancer • Angus

Davis Holder Family 9595 Bugtussle Road, Gamaliel, KY 42140 270-457-BEEF 270-670-2499 Cell =H =H

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

Mick Ainsworth

1613 Derby Road P.O. Box 154 Jackson Springs, NC 27281

R T G

865.660.9227 lynnmwfarms@gmail.com

ROCKY TOP GELBVIEH Gelbvieh & Balancer Cattle Sandy and Terry Gupton 4846 Potato Farm Rd • Crossville, TN 38571 865-250-1418 • rockytopgel@yahoo.com rockytopgelbviehfarm.com

910-652-2233 Cell: 910-638-8436 Mick’s email: longleaf@etinternet.net

102 Merlin Dr. Georgetown, KY 40234

Grass Grown • Carcass Quality & Performance

VIRGINIA

Steve, Ashley, Jordan & Jason McIntosh 502-868-5726 Clifford & Faye McIntosh 502-863-1135 Breeding Gelbvieh since 1989

W L

QUALITY GELBVIEH CATTLE

Get ready for upcoming sales! Advertise in Gelbvieh World or the Profit Picture

NORTH CAROLINA

TENNESSEE Quality Gelbvieh & Balancer® Cattle

Dr. Daryl Wilson Tyler Wilson (276) 676-2242

LITTLE WINDY HILL

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

Joe & Gwen Wilson (276) 628-4163

Registered (276) 614-0117 (C) Gelbvieh Cattle

17462 Fenton Dr., Abingdon, VA 24210 • TrebleWRanch@aol.com

ClinCh Mountain Gelbvieh

John & Liz Loy (865) 687-1968 (865) 235-8869 (C)

7611 Dyer Rd. Luttrell, TN 37779 j.b.loy@att.net

Bulls & Heifers for Sale

WEST VIRGINIA

“Superior Gelbvieh and Balancer Cattle”

Chris & Jordan Hampton • Charles & Sue Hampton 839 Davistown Rd. Celina, TN 38551 931-243-3213 H 931-510-3213 C hampton@twlakes.net

Registered Bulls & Replacement Females

The Profitpicture | 59

Iowa

Breeders

Neola, Iowa

Gelbvieh-Angus-Balancer Black & Polled Private Treaty Sales Breed-leading Performance from Quality Genetics

Kevin Gunderson: 402-510-8103

Al Schulz: 402-676-5292

HH Triple H Farms H

Feature

Feed Yard Profit Drivers – Do Your Cattle Measure Up? “We see a $300 value within groups of cattle…and that’s all based on genetics,” states Dan Dorn of the Decatur County Feed Yard in Oberlin, Kansas. The Decatur County Feed Yard is a 40,000 head feed yard that works with commercial producers who retain ownership of their cattle. They have a goal “to continuously improve your herd’s profitability.”

Roy & Nancy Holste 3113 260th Street Clarinda, IA 51632 712-303-0263 • 712-303-1947 Bulls and Heifers for sale Private Treaty

Kenyon Cattle LLC & Little Sioux Gelbvieh/ Red Angus • Bulls for sale at Seedstock Plus Sales • Females for sale Private Treaty Jack Welle 2645 180th Ave. Milford, Iowa 51351 Home: 712-338-2143 • Cell: 712-251-4641 E-mail: jwelle@evertek.net

Martens Gelbvieh

Gary Martens 2126 500th St • Walnut, IA 51577

712.764.5007 (H) • 712.249.5744 (C) martensgl@yahoo.com

Annual Bull and Female sale in March with the Southwest Iowa Gelbvieh Group

60 | February 2014

Dan Dorn, Decatur County Feed Yard, Oberlin, Kan.

DORN AND THE DCFY use the data gathered from the feed yard to give the cowcalf producers the information needed to gain sustained profitability for their herd. By measuring, sorting, managing, marketing, benchmarking, analyzing, implementing, and improving, sustained profitability will be achieved.

Profit drivers in the feed yard With the philosophy of “you cannot manage what you do not measure,” Dorn provides producers with the data to make selection choices for three feed yard profit drivers and earn premiums for their calves. The three profit drivers Dorn identifies are feed efficiency, grid value, and carcass

weight. According to Dorn and the data collected by the DCFY, feed efficiency accounts for 43 percent of total feedlot profit. Grid value is at 39 percent and carcass weight at 18 percent. These are the qualities cow-calf producers need to have in mind in order to compete in the feeder calf market. Feed efficiency is the biggest driver for profit in a feedlot. Feed is the biggest input cost to raising beef. Cattle that can gain on less feed will be saving money. Dorn analyzed the costs of feeding calves starting at 625 pounds and finishing at 1,200 pounds. The variation is staggering, from $350 up to $650 per head. If you are running a feedlot, it is clear which genetics you want in your lots. There is potential to save $300 per head, just by improving feed efficiency. It is relatively easy to improve feed efficiency if you have the data and are looking at it. In a presentation to cow-calf producers, Dorn uses the LU Ranch out of Worland, Wyoming as an example. The LU Ranch works with the DCFY and receives data and feedback on the calves that are finished out. In 1998, the average daily gain for LU cattle was 2.94 pounds per day with a feed efficiency of 6.07 pounds of feed to pound

Request the Paper It Pays On your next Gelbvieh or Balancer® purchase, ask your seedstock supplier to transfer the registration paper. Transferred registration papers add value to your purchase: • Authenticate pedigree, performance and genetic information • Access to value added marketing services through the American Gelbvieh Association • Free 1-year subscription to Gelbvieh World and The Profit Picture • New buyers receive an informational packet about Gelbvieh and Balancer®

• Updated EPDs and performance information • Track pedigree information to manage inbreeding and maximize heterosis • Create a connection to your seedstock provider and the American Gelbvieh Association • Solidify your reputation as a professional cattle producer who is committed to genetic improvement

Get access to information and tools to help make your operation more profitable through registration transfers. American Gelbvieh Association 10900 Dover Street Westminster, CO 80021 303-465-2333 www.gelbvieh.org

The Profitpicture | 61

of gain. Now, in 2010, their average daily gain is up to 3.58 pounds per day with a feed efficiency of 5.94 pounds of feed per pound of gain. The average live weight has also increased, from 1,079 pounds in 1998 to 1,289 pounds in 2010. “Plus the cows are more fertile and have greater longevity,” Dorn adds. This is a tremendous improvement in 12 years of breeding. LU Ranch was able to use the data provided by DCFY to improve their overall herd. The next step after feed efficiency is improving grid value or carcass quality. The value or price of a beef carcass is determined using a grid system. Quality grade and Yield grade are two factors that determine the worth of a carcass. Premiums or discounts are assigned to carcasses based on the grid. Another producer working with the DCFY is Walker Ranch. After one year, fall of 2009 to fall of 2010, Walker Ranch was able to get an additional $75 per head at harvest because of improved grid value. That is just one year of making informed selection choices. The final driver for profit is the final carcass weight. Finished cattle are purchased by the pound. The more beef on a carcass, the more money to the feeder. Feedlots are looking for cattle that grow fast, grow cheap, and grow big.

Incorporating profit drivers into a breeding program The question is now, how to incorporate these profit drivers into a breeding program.

Dorn advises producers to first get the data on your cattle and set bench marks; where are you at and where do you want to be. Like they say, “you cannot manage what you do not measure.” The DCFY is unique in that it takes extra steps to gather data on each individual animal. That data is then returned to the producer. “If you send in 100 head, you will get 100 close outs,” says Dorn. Every one of the 40,000 head in the DCFY goes through a five step sorting process. The first step is the sequencing station. Every animal is given its own electronic ID tag. That ID is cross-referenced with the producers ranch ID. This way the data collected on a given animal is certain to get back to the rancher that produced it. The next step is video imaging. The external dimensions of the animal are automatically measured and a frame score and body type is assigned. Then the animal is weighed with an electronic scale before an ultrasound measures back fat. The data collected from the second, third, and forth step is analyzed. A projected feed efficiency is determined by the system. Finally the animals are strategically sorted into different pens based on the measurements taken. For every animal finished out at the DCFY, a closeout report is generated and sent back to the cow-calf producer that raised that animal. The report will rank all the animals a producer finished with the feed yard. It will include dollar value, feed efficiency, quality grade, net return,

and more information. Dorn encourages producers to look at and use this data, and not “shove it into a drawer.” This data can be used by a producer a multitude of ways. Higher value cow families and sires can be identified. Selection and culling decisions can be optimized. Calf performance can be enhanced and premiums earned for it. Dorn also shares the benefits of crossbreeding. In Dorn’s words, “heterosis is key.” He has observed better performance from the crossbred cattle versus the straightbred cattle. “Better grade typically, more muscle, feed efficiency is better,” he says. This hits all three profit drivers the feed yard is looking for. He sees excellent Yield grade from Gelbviehinfluenced cattle. To improve the profitability of you operation, it is important to raise the cattle your customer wants to buy. Feed yards want calves that are feed efficient, produce quality carcasses, and finish at a good weight. The technology is available to track cattle through the feeding process all the way to being sold as a carcass on the grid. Feeder cattle buyers will use this data to determine which producers raise the calves that will earn money in the yard and they will pay premiums for those calves. Do you know where your cattle will measure? nnn

5TH Annual Southwest Iowa Gelbvieh & Balancer Bull & Female Sale March 21, 2014 • Creston Livestock Auction, Creston, IA Michael Bauer MJBC Gelbvieh Audubon, IA 712-563-2704 Mjbauer4320@hotmail.com Gary Martens Martens Gelbvieh Walnut, IA 712-764-5007 martensgl@yahoo.com

Call Tom Fry at Creston Livestock Auction (641-344-5082) at least 2 days before sale to qualify bid numbers.

62 | February 2014

Carl Reiste Rafter R Gelbvieh Adel, IA 515-993-4381 creiste.rafterr@yahoo.com

For online bidding: www.crestonlivestock.com or www.cattleusa.com

News

Nutrition During Last Trimester Critical for Beef Cows A big factor in determining the health of a new born calf and the performance of the cow and calf after birth is the nutrition of the cow and fetus during the last ninety days of gestation. Over 75 percent of the growth of the fetus occurs during this time. By Keith Martin THE AMOUNT OF crude protein and energy needed to support fetal growth and preparing the cow for birth increases from mid-gestation to late-gestation by about twenty five percent (1.6# of crude protein to 2.0# of crude protein,

11# of TDN to 13.7# of TDN). The dry matter intake of the cow during this period increases by about fifteen percent, but not enough in some most cases to make up for the shortfall in protein and energy of the diet. The minimum nutrient density of the total diet on a dry matter basis (forage plus supplement, if any) needs to be somewhere around 7 percent crude protein and 50 percent TDN for the middle third of gestation and 8 percent crude protein and 54 percent TDN

Calves born to cows in good body condition are able to better regulate their body heat and to stand and nurse more quickly.

during the last trimester. Meeting the protein and energy targets mentioned above make it possible for the beef cow to calve in a body condition score of

The Profitpicture | 63

MIDWEST BREEDERS KANSAS Purebred A.I. Seedstock Bulls and Heifers Available. Al, Mary & Nick Knapp Cell: (913) 219-6613 18291 158th Street H: (913) 724-4105 Bonner Springs, KS 66012 FAX: (913) 724-4107 e-mail: knappa@swbell.net

Bar Arrow Cattle Company Stuar t Jar vis

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

Juniors! Check www.GELBVIEH.org often for show information and results on regional shows and the Junior Classic!

ROCKING GV GELBVIEH Polled Fullblood Gelbvieh Cattle Dr. & Mrs. Glenn Wehner 22533 Spencer Lane Kirksville, MO 63501 660-665-7502

RogeRs Valley FaRm gelbVieh

MISSOURI

Breed for Tomorrow’s Cattle Today!

A Breed Leader in Tenderness & Marbling–

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five or six. A cow in a body score of five will be smooth over her spine and vertebrae and only her last two ribs will be visible. A cow with a body condition score of six will be even smoother with no ribs showing. Cows that calve in good body condition (5 or 6) give more milk and return to estrus sooner, allowing them to have a calf every 365 days. Calves born to cows in good body condition are able to better regulate their body heat and to stand and nurse more quickly. This results in the calf getting colostrum into their bodies more quickly. Research studies have shown that intake of colostrum has long-term effects on the health of beef cattle.

in the first 21 days, compared to heifers from non-supplemented cows, 49 percent calved in the first 21 days.

the hay or forage you are feeding is essential in determining if supplemental feed is needed and if so how much. nnn

Knowing the protein and energy density of

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Heifers from supplemented cows had a pregnancy rate of 93 percent compared to 80 percent for heifers out of non-supplemented cows. Some more recent studies in Oklahoma and Nebraska illustrate the importance of fetal nutrition on the subsequent performance of calves. These studies were partially prompted by a study of children born to mal-nourished women in England. Children born to these mothers had more health problems as adults. The Oklahoma and Nebraska studies showed similar results. Average daily gains and calf health were higher in calves born to cows which had adequate levels of protein and energy in the diet. The Nebraska study took this concept a step farther and compared the reproductive performance of heifers born to cows that had been supplemented and un-supplemented while grazing corn stalks. Heifer calves from cows that received protein supplements had higher pregnancy rates than heifers from non-supplemented cows. Heifers from supplemented cows had a pregnancy rate of 93 percent compared to 80 percent for heifers out of non-supplemented cows. In addition, heifers from supplemented cows calved earlier in the calving season, 77 percent

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The Profitpicture | 65

News

The 2014 Beef Industry Outlook The beef industry reached a milestone in 2013 as record prices were posted across the supply chain. So, as we look ahead into 2014, is the adage, “there’s no looking back” appropriate? By John Nalivka CERTAINLY, PRICES ACROSS the industry have increased significantly from their 20082012 averages, and I believe there is plenty of room for firm price increases during 2014. But, at the same time, I don’t think it is time to throw caution to the wind, particularly with regard to demand.

Herd expansion I think producers will begin building herds during 2014, but the process will be relatively slow even in the face of record calf and feeder cattle prices. Perhaps, if it were not for the severe droughts during 2011 and 2012, we would have seen the end of liquidation already. The implied heifer retention based on changes in the size of the beef cow herd would support this contention. The data suggest that producers

year earlier on Jan. 1, 2014. As the cattle inventory continues to fall, the available supply of fed cattle has been declining since 2010 with nearly a three percent drop during 2013, followed by a five percent expected decline during 2014. Furthermore, cow slaughter will be down seven percent from a year earlier during 2014, bringing total cattle slaughter down six percent for all of 2014. It is important to note that in contrast to the cattle inventory falling to a 60-year low, beef production during 2013 will be three times that of 60 years ago. The reasons for this difference include only two percent of our total slaughter today is calves compared to 50 percent 60 years ago, and 90 percent of our steer and heifer slaughter are fed cattle. But, at the same time, carcass weights in the last 20 years have increased significantly and it’s not all due to Zilmax. Cattle fed Zilmax were substantially heavier anyway, and the carcass yield of those cattle has been increasing. This production efficiency is important, not only to next year’s outlook but also the future of the industry.

Producers will begin building herds during 2014, but the process will be relatively slow even in the face of record calf and feeder cattle prices. actively increased heifer retention during 2009. During 2011, 71 percent of the Jan. 1 replacement heifer inventory calved and entered the herd. Those were heifers retained as replacements in 2009 that were bred in 2010, and this heifer replacement rate is the largest percentage since 1993. However, at the same time, drought-forced cow herd reduction or liquidation pushed beef cow slaughter to the highest level since 1986, and the size of the beef herd did not increase. Consequently, the cattle inventory likely fell another 1 million head during 2013 and will be down 1 percent from a 66 | February 2014

How long can it last? I think there is a great deal of uncertainty right now in the beef industry, for whatever reason or reasons. Good times seem to create a sense of uncertainty — “this can’t last forever.” Corn prices are off nearly 50 percent from a year ago, and there is already much talk of a bubble in land prices. Every positive economic statistic is followed by one that is negative. The Dow Jones industrial average hits a record and then is off for several sessions. While the fundamentals

seem fairly sound, I have to wonder if this is the consensus or the contrarian view. So, is it any wonder that there is uncertainty in the cattle industry? One cause of uncertainty concerns asset values. As prices have moved into record territory, so has capital exposure, which in turn has created greater risk. I wouldn’t argue that the return to cattle production is significantly higher, and after all, higher return — higher risk. There is a lot of difference between a $500 calf out on the range or pasture and a $1,000 calf. That $500-per-head difference can lead to a lot of worry right up to the time he gets on a truck and someone else takes ownership. Any risk aversion at this point is only multiplied if a rancher went through the drought. Going back to my comment about change, I do think cattlemen are much more aware of managing risk and protecting asset values. It doesn’t necessarily take more cows to generate additional revenue. Increased production from today’s cow herd will do just that, i.e., increased calf crop, tighter calving season or more pounds of beef sold per brood cow, just to name a few. Cattlemen market beef, and profitability is about increasing revenue at a faster pace than costs. Increasing the number of brood cows to produce marketable beef may or may not be the best strategy to do that. If the ranch can produce more pounds of beef per brood cow or per acre of forage, then that may be the optimal strategy when all things are considered.

High times in cattle markets A look back over the last three years is valuable in assessing the outlook for prices into 2014. Across the supply chain, the largest jump in prices was from 2010 to 2011. For the last two years, the annual increase in prices has been substantially less. For example, wholesale beef prices rose 15 percent from 2010 to 2011, five percent from 2011 to 2012, and three percent from 2012 to 2013. At the same time, Choice steer prices posted a 19 percent increase from 2010 to 2011 and an eight percent increase from 2011 to 2012, but this year, were up only two percent from a year ago. Feeder cattle prices in 2013 were up one percent from a year ago, but posted a 22 percent increase during 2011 from a year earlier. To me, this trend strongly suggests that we

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may have reached the point where pushing prices significantly higher is akin to “pushing a string,” and I do believe this will be the case for

and feeder cattle prices will find further support as supplies continue to tighten and demand remains strong in the face of falling feed costs. Prices for feeder cattle and calves during 2014 are likely to be up nine percent and seven percent, respectively, from a year earlier.

During 2014, cow-calf producers will continue to benefit the most as cattle supplies further tighten. Though feed and energy prices have pushed costs of production substantially higher, the profit margin relative to variable costs has increased to levels never before seen for most producers. wholesale beef prices and Choice steers. I expect about a three percent increase in wholesale beef prices during 2014 and a four percent yearover-year increase in Choice steer prices. Calf

During 2014, cow-calf producers will continue to benefit the most as cattle supplies further tighten. Though feed and energy prices have pushed costs of production substantially higher, the profit margin relative to variable costs has increased to levels never before seen for most producers. Feedlots are benefitting from declining feed costs, but they are pouring

all of that benefit into feeder cattle bids as capacity and tightening supplies heat up the competition. That situation will not change during 2014. Feeding margins are expected to improve but remain under pressure. Packers, during 2014, are expected to post improved margins compared to 2013, but as with feedlots, they will face the higher cost of cattle as they did during 2013. Just as important, if not more so, are the demographics, the regulations and intergenerational transfer of the land. It’s not a neat, tidy analysis like it once was, or at least I thought so 30 years ago when I started analyzing this industry. Any conversation about the future of the beef industry definitely leads to one sure conclusion: Things have definitely changed. I’m not sure how profound that statement is, but change does create opportunity. But that doesn’t mean that I won’t continue to be wary of following the adage, “there is no looking back,” as I assess the outlook for the future. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork

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68 | February 2014

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70 | February 2014

The Profitpicture | 71

Feature

Bullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye: Targeting Nutritional Management of Bulls While many factors impact a successful breeding season and subsequent calf crop, nutritional management of your bulls is a crucial part of a successful operation and it starts long before they are turned out with the cows. By Courtney Verzosa HOW DID YOUR bulls perform last year? Did you get the calf crop you were striving for? Without adequate nutrition, the time and effort that producers put toward carefully selecting sires that would potentially add value to their operation through an improved calf crop, could go unnoticed. Fortunately, nutrition is a factor that can be altered to achieve optimal performance from your bulls.

72 | February 2014

For bulls, three nutritional phases should be considered in order to maximize their performance: conditioning prior to breeding season, nutritional management during the breeding season, and management after the breeding season is over. This article will look at some important goals to prepare bulls for each of these phases, and touch on some key points for success that producers should keep in mind.

Prior to breeding The goal prior to breeding season that most producers should strive for is to present their bulls to a cow herd in the best condition possible. Getting your bulls ready to work so that time, energy, and money are not wasted should be a top priority at least 60 days prior to breeding. Any necessary adjustments to body condition and/or the ration being consumed by the bulls should occur within this time period. The ideal body condition for a bull about to be turned out should provide the animal with enough reserves to last him through the breeding season, but not be so excessive to be detrimental to semen quality. This detriment can occur when excess energy is fed which can reduce semen quality and servicing capability

due to surplus fat deposits in the scrotum, insulating the testicles and increasing testicular temperature. Therefore, bulls entering breeding season with a BCS of around 5.5 to 6.5 (on a scale of 9 points) should ensure optimal performance.

a bull were zinc deficient, this could have a negative effect on sperm production and potency, and adequate time would be needed to allow spermatogenesis to produce quality sperm. Since spermatogenesis requires 60 days for the sperm population to turnover, this is the minimum amount of time needed prior to a bull entering the breeding season. Other minerals such as phosphorous can play key roles in reproductive success. Ensuring an adequate supply especially during fall and winter (prior to the breeding season) is essential because

It is not only crucial to permit enough time for a bull to reach the proper body condition, but it is also important to allow the animal to overcome any nutritional stresses from necessary diet transitions that may have been reproductively detrimental. For example, if

phosphorous is not typically presented in suitable amounts in dry or harvested forages. I recommend providing bulls with year-round access to a high quality mineral and vitamin supplement to allow for effective growth and optimal breeding performance. A key point that producers should be aware of when nutritionally managing their bulls is the nutrient requirements for growing and mature bulls, which can be found in Table 1. Both younger and mature bulls need to be considered when conditioning prior to

Table 1. Nutrient requirements of growing bulls and maintenance of mature bulls *

Diet Nutrient Density

Daily Nutrient Requirements

BW lbs

ADG lbs/d

DMI lbs

TDN %DM

NEm Mcal/lb

NEg Mcal/lb

CP %DM

CA %

P %

TDN lbs

NEm Mcal

NEg Mcal

CP lbs

Vit A (1,000 IU)

1000 1000 1000 1100 1100 1100 1200 1200 1200 1300 1300 1300 1400 1400 1400 1500 1500 1500 1600 1600 1600 1700 1700 1800 1800 1900 1900 2000 2100

1.0 2.0 3.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 0.0 1.0 1.5 0.0 1.0 1.5 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0

20.7 22.3 22.8 22.3 23.9 24.5 24.8 26.1 26.7 25.4 26.1 26.2 26.8 27.6 27.7 25.2 28.3 29.0 26.5 29.7 30.4 27.7 29.6 28.9 30.9 30.1 32.2 31.3 32.5

56.0 63.0 70.5 56.0 62.5 70.5 56.0 63.0 70.0 55.8 59.7 64.0 55.8 59.7 64.0 48.4 55.8 59.7 48.4 55.8 59.7 48.4 52.0 48.4 52.0 48.4 52.0 48.4 48.4

0.54 0.63 0.75 0.54 0.63 0.75 0.54 0.64 0.76 0.53 0.59 0.65 0.50 0.59 0.65 0.41 0.53 0.59 0.41 0.53 0.59 0.41 0.47 0.41 0.47 0.41 0.47 0.41 0.41

0.28 0.37 0.47 0.28 0.37 0.47 0.28 0.38 0.47 0.28 0.33 0.39 0.28 0.33 0.39 0.28 0.33 0.28 0.33 0.22 0.22 0.22 -

8.1 8.9 9.7 7.9 8.6 9.3 7.8 8.4 9.0 7.6 7.9 8.0 7.5 7.7 8.0 6.9 7.4 7.6 6.9 7.3 7.4 6.8 7.0 6.8 7.0 6.8 6.9 6.8 6.8

0.25 0.30 0.36 0.23 0.28 0.32 0.23 0.28 0.32 0.22 0.24 0.26 0.21 0.23 0.25 0.20 0.21 0.22 0.19 0.22 0.22 0.21 0.20 0.21 0.20 0.21 0.20 0.21 0.22

0.19 0.20 0.21 0.19 0.19 0.21 0.19 0.19 0.21 0.19 0.19 0.20 0.19 0.19 0.20 0.20 0.19 0.19 0.20 0.19 0.20 0.21 0.19 0.21 0.20 0.21 0.20 0.21 0.22

11.6 14.0 16.1 12.5 14.9 17.3 13.9 16.4 18.7 14.2 15.6 16.8 15.0 16.5 17.8 12.2 15.8 17.3 12.8 16.6 18.2 13.4 15.4 14.0 16.1 14.6 16.8 15.2 15.7

11.20 14.00 17.10 12.00 15.06 18.38 13.39 16.70 20.29 9.22 9.22 9.22 9.75 9.75 9.75 10.26 10.26 10.26 10.77 10.77 10.77 11.28 11.28 11.77 11.77 12.26 12.26 12.74 13.21

5.80 8.25 10.70 6.24 8.84 11.52 6.94 9.92 12.55 2.20 3.43 4.71 2.33 3.63 4.98 2.45 3.82 2.57 4.01 1.26 1.31 1.37 -

1.66 1.99 2.23 1.75 2.07 2.29 1.93 2.19 2.40 1.90 2.00 2.20 2.00 2.10 2.20 1.70 2.10 2.20 1.80 2.20 2.30 1.90 2.10 2.00 2.20 2.00 2.20 2.10 2.20

36 39 39 39 42 43 40 43 45 45 46 46 48 49 49 45 50 51 47 53 54 49 52 51 55 53 57 55 58

*For bulls that are ar least 12 months of age and weigh more than 50% of their mature bodyweight (mature BW = 2,000 lbs) *Adapted from Hersom and Thrift, 2008. The Profitpicture | 73

the breeding season. Younger bulls that are coming from a developmental phase, which involves a higher plane of nutrition, need to be “let down”

or acclimated to more of a maintenance diet that is typically forage-based and will allow them to enter the breeding season in good condition. Acclimation

to this new forage-based diet should be done over time to avoid digestive upset, which can lead to reproductive issues. More mature bulls should be evaluated based

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CE BW WW YW MK TM CED ST YG CW RE MB FT CV FM

19 top 1% -1.6 top 5% 74 top 20% 100 top 30% 41 top 2% 79 top 1% 4 2 -0.37 top 1% 26 0.85 top 1% -0.14 -0.07 top 15% 8.80 32.10

CE BW WW YW MK TM CED ST YG CW RE MB FT CV FM

10 0.4 52 79 24 50 5.3 – -0.31 17 0.82 0.20 -0.03 30.30 26.01

CE BW WW YW MK TM CED ST YG CW RE MB FT CV FM

9 top 30% 3.9 top 1% 93 top 1% 138 top 1% 27 74 top 2% 8 top 20% – -0.13 57 top 1% 1.05 top 1% -0.07 0.01 19.40 top 20% 54.92 top 1%

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on their physical condition and placed on a diet that will allow them to reach or maintain a body condition that will be adequate for breeding before the season begins. If possible, bulls should be introduced to the pasture they will be grazing during the breeding season (or a similar diet) for 7 to 10 days prior to being turned out. This will allow time for the rumen microbial population to adjust to the fresh forage diet and will alleviate transitional stress before joining the rest of the herd.

During the breeding season Nutritional management prior to breeding season is critical due to the limited potential to do so during the breeding season. During this time, bulls are typically on the same plane of nutrition as the rest of the herd. Mature bulls use nutrients primarily to support body maintenance, whereas younger bulls need nutrients to support growth as well. Therefore, younger bulls may require additional supplementation during the breeding season in order to maintain their body condition. It is not unheard of for bulls to lose 100 to 300 pounds over the course of a breeding season, depending on age, level of activity, length of season, and condition prior to the breeding season. Brief nutritional intervention may become necessary if a bull gets too thin during the breeding season and becomes inefficient in his ability to service your cow herd. However, removing a working bull during the breeding season can lead to an extended calving season and less uniformity throughout a calf crop; two very good reasons to ensuring a bull is in optimal physical condition prior to entering the breeding season.

After the breeding season As mentioned, bulls can lose a significant amount of weight and body condition during the breeding season, and evaluating

Mature bulls emerging from the breeding season in good condition can typically be maintained on an all forage diet. However, younger bulls tend to lose more body condition and should be provided supplemental nutrients

Getting your bulls ready to work so that time, energy, and money are not wasted should be a top priority at least 60 days prior to breeding. Any necessary adjustments to body condition and/or the ration being consumed by the bulls should occur within this time period. their condition after the season can help you determine which animals may need supplementation to bring them back to working condition.

mature body weight by next season. Failing to properly feed developing bulls can lead to irreversible testicular damage and, in mature bulls, can decrease sperm production. Nutritionally managing your bulls after the breeding season has ended is important to ensure they will continue to have long and productive lives.

Summary Proper nutritional management of bulls during their on and off seasons can optimize their ability to serve your cowherd and remain reproductively successful for years to come. When accurate nutrition is delivered, producers have the ability to provide the best opportunity for bulls to fulfill their genetic and reproductive potential. nnn

to meet their needs and regain what has been lost. In this case, not only do younger bulls have to regain what weight was lost during the breeding season, they still have to achieve their

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The Profitpicture | 75

News

Select and Develop Heifers to be Productive Cows As you rush to sort calves in the light of high calf prices, be careful with the ladies in the lot. Your replacement heifers need a little more TLC than you may have thought. BOB WEABER, COW-CALF Extension specialist at Kansas State University, has talked about the next steps of taking your herd to a higher level of profitability: selecting replacement heifers that fit their environment. Seems easy, but Kris Wilson, the general manager of the Bell

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Mexico. “Because of our environmental challenges, I really think that if we are going to keep heifers in this area they need to be raised right here and taught how to be successful cows in this environment,” Wilson says. “One thing that I think has been lost is the sheer animal husbandry aspect of heifer development—being able to physically select the right animals for our herds.” While other operations may experience different forage, environment and management challenges, or elect to utilize professional heifer development services, the key in any situation is to select and develop heifers to fit your environment, feed resources and future marketing goals. “If we are going to change our production system to use fewer

demands is the mature weight of the cows and their lactation potential,” he explains, “because we know the cows with larger mature weights have higher maintenance requirements 12 months a year. The cows with higher lactation potential also have higher maintenance requirements, due to larger organ mass, 12 months a year, and more when they are lactating. About half the calories consumed in the beef value chain are attributed to dam maintenance requirements. So focusing on this area can have big benefits for the industry.” “In some higher precipitation environments, we can do things to change forage availability, such as intensive grazing using improved forage species. However, in the Flint Hills of Kansas and other western states where we rely on native range, it is very difficult. The

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76 | February 2014

“Develop heifers on a high forage diet with high feed intake to develop rumen capacity. Dry matter intake is important for growth and reaching puberty, but we want them to be dependent on a high forage diet.” inputs, such as supplemental feedstuffs, and being more profitminded, we must make sure we are selecting cows that have the appropriate biological size and type for their environment,” Weaber says. “The two pieces that play the biggest roles in those nutrient

easiest thing is change the cows to fit the environment,” Weaber says.

Select her dam first “On the Bell Ranch, one of the big keys to our heifer development program is to select heifers based on their dam side,” Wilson says. “We’ll ride through our cows and

calves and evaluate what the dam looks like. Is she the kind of cow that has been able to remain fleshy in a droughty environment? Does she have proper structure and feet? Is she handling the rocks that we encounter in this environment? Does she have a good udder?” Wilson says. “Once the cow fits a certain type of physical criteria, then we evaluate the heifer at her side.” As producers consider growing their herd sizes, Weaber says to be very mindful of what your forage resources are and select heifers appropriately. “Our natural tendency—and I’m as guilty as anybody—is to sort out the biggest, fleshiest, nicestlooking set of heifers out of that group. In the long run, that results in increased cow size and lactation production in your cow herd— which means they will have higher maintenance needs,” Weaber says. “These heifers probably have a great assortment of growth genes from their parents and are from a cow with above-average lactation potential. So you get into this cycle of selecting bigger and higher-milking heifers year after year. Selection should be for the optimum size based on your

resource base, rather than selecting to make cows too big or too small, both of which have consequences.” “What you should do is pick heifers based on age with acceptable levels of growth. Choosing heifers born early in the calf crop and that are in the middle of the calf crop for weaning weight helps insulate you from increasing the maintenance costs due to selection of high growth, high lactation potential replacement heifer calves,” Weaber says. Early born heifers have additional benefits in fertility and longevity, adds Scott Lake, University of Wyoming associate professor and beef Extension specialist. “There are data from Nebraska and Wyoming that show

heifers born early in the calving season have greater longevity and reach puberty earlier, which means they have a higher likelihood of breeding during the first cycle of their breeding season. There are a lot of little reasons all playing together to explain why profitability and sustainability increase with these early born heifers,” Lake adds.

Develop her potential Heifer development begins at selection. Proper growth and development of the replacement female from birth until she produces her first calf is of critical importance for her to become a highly productive part of the cow

herd, says Patsy Houghton, owner of Heartland Cattle Company, a professional heifer development and research center in McCook, Neb. “A good nutritional program is only one facet of heifer development,” Houghton says. “In our 23 years, we’ve worked with many ranches to provide a full-service heifer development program that includes genetic consultation, estrus synchronization and heat detection, AI and embryo transfer, as well as placing the desired selection pressure on fertility via the feeding program and/or length of the breeding season. Heartland’s pre-breeding soundness exams, performed 35

The Profitpicture | 77

Colorado, Kansas & Nebraska Breeders 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 27, 2013. High Plains Livestock, Brush, CO.

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

Delbert cell Cody cell

785-332-2756 785-332-4347 785-332-2219 785-332-6089

railegelbvieh.com email: dmraile@railegelbvieh.com

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.”

78 | February 2014

to 45 days prior to breeding, results in an average 3 to 9 percent culling rate prior to breeding, she adds. Reasons include small pelvic area, infantile reproductive tracts and/or various functional soundness problems. “When these poor replacement prospects are identified prior to breeding, it allows the rancher to merchandise them in a timelier manner, thus improving cash flow and reducing total carrying costs,” Houghton adds. However, nutrition is a critical component, Lake adds. “There is a fine line—we don’t want to trick heifers into thinking that life is going to be a high-energy corn diet fed from a bunk. It is important, though, to get them in good shape to reach puberty early and cycle before the breeding season, especially if we AI them,” he says. “Develop heifers on a high forage diet with high feed intake to develop rumen capacity. Dry matter intake is important for growth and reaching puberty, but we want them to be dependent on a high forage diet,” Lake says. Houghton agrees, adding that their research advocates heifers being fed a high roughage/limit fed diet to weigh 60 percent of their mature body weight when bred for the first time. Some producers prefer to develop heifers to only 50 to 55 percent of their mature body weight with the idea it places more selection pressure on fertility, but Houghton prefers a very short 30- to 45-day breeding season. “There is no better way to select for fertility than limiting the breeding season and not providing any excuses for

What it means to me • Select replacement heifers that fit your production environment, including terrain, weather, forage type and availability, and progeny’s end market goals. • A heifer’s dam can a good measure of the daughter’s ability to remain in good physical condition several years down the road. • Balance heifer nutrition programs between the growth needed to reach puberty and the highforage diet they need to develop rumen capacity.

open heifers. Additionally, if bred heifers are subjected to a rough winter, they are less likely to fall behind and need additional feed while pregnant,” she says. “Playing nutritional catchup in mid- to late gestational bred heifers often results in more calving difficulty,” she adds. When these management principles are followed, Heartland has seen an 8 percent improvement in second and third calf re-breed rates.

Building backbone In New Mexico, Kris Wilson says an important part of his heifer development program is teaching animals to graze in rough canyon pastures. “This requires those heifers to really build foot and bone structure so they are able to cover country and walk to water,” he says. “If I’m going to have fallout on heifers, I want it to be their yearling year, not later, because they are still valuable to feed. “Through this, the heifers learn not to be herd-bound,” Wilson adds. “We’re stocking at 50 to 75 acres per head, so you really have to teach those cattle to spread out. The grass ecology is so fragile here–especially through a

drought—that you’ll get blown out areas or weed infestations if it is not managed well. Later, we see the additional benefit of cows calving all across the pasture, which mitigates calf disease challenges.”

Make it to year three Even with everything done right, a heifer’s value hasn’t begun to be realized until her calf is on the ground and she’s rebred in year three. As she continues to grow and gestates her secondyear calf, it’s critical that her plane of nutrition remains steady or increases, as she is still growing herself, as well as the calf inside. After all you’ve done to get her this far, remain steadfast and set her on the right path to greener pastures. Source: Sara Brown, www. BeefToday.com, sbrown@ farmjournal.com

Gelbvieh Profit Partners is committed to the success of the commercial producer raising Gelbvieh/Balancer® genetics. We look forward to working with you in 2014!

Give us a call when you have cattle available. We want to bid on them. Barry “Slim” Cook Chief Operating Officer P.O. Box 3025, Cody, WY 82414 307-272-2024

The Profitpicture | 79

Feature

Bring on the Balancer® On the Bar T Bar Ranch, cattle exist in a tough environment and have to live up to high expectations. “A calf every year, no matter what,” says Bob Prosser, “and we have no tolerance for late breds or opens.” By Jamie Pullman BAR T BAR cattle are grazed on lower elevation high desert in the winter, and on higher elevation forest lands in the summer, which requires trailing cattle up to 35 miles. The environmental demands then determine which cows will be culled and kept.

Bob Prosser and his family have been raising Balancer® cattle on their ranch since the 1980s. The Bar T Bar is a third generation outfit located in northern Arizona. They graze year round on 380,000 acres of private, state, Forest Service, and BLM lands on two ranches.

“The ranch began as strictly commercial Hereford cattle,” says Prosser. “In an effort to improve the quality and genetics of the cattle, a purebred herd was added to raise bulls for the commercial herd. Today we run almost 1,000 commercial cows and 500 seedstock cows. The heifers are all held over and bred.” “We have been able to achieve this by utilizing maternal heterosis,” Prosser continues. “We run crossbred cows in a simple system that uses crossbred bulls. Our country is too variable year to year to manage a complex crossbreeding program. The cows have to work for us, and the steers and bulls have to work for our customers.”

A stout 715T son. Go to www.yodersprairieacres.com to see his EPDs and the other bulls on our Bulls for Sale page. We also are offering some select females that are bred for spring calving. Contact: Chester Yoder chesteryoder@yahoo.com 330-231-0339 or 330-567-9232 80 | February 2014

At Bar T Bar, they look first for fertility, then productivity, with minimum inputs. They found the right combination in Balancer cattle.

Specific goal Balancer cattle are registered hybrid seedstock and have documented pedigrees and EPDs with the American Gelbvieh

Association (AGA). They are 25 to 75 percent Gelbvieh with the balance made up of Angus or Red Angus. The goal in creating this breed was to combine the growth, muscle, fertility and maternal traits of Gelbvieh with the marbling of the Angus. “I’ve worked with many commercial cattlemen and feed yards,” says Frank Padilla, director of breed promotion for the American Gelbvieh Association. “Their experiences confirm the science in that they see more production with fewer inputs when they utilize heterosis. They get a higher percentage of cows bred. They wean more pounds. The cows stay in the herd longer. Feed yards see better feed conversions with less morbidity. They see additional carcass weight and better Yield grades while still hitting the Quality grade targets. The cattle can stand a harsher environment with less feed and still perform to standards. Life becomes easier as well as cattle are more productive and profitable with a planned crossbreeding program using Balancer genetics.” Though Gelbvieh and British

WESTERN BREEDERS breed cattle like Angus have been crossed informally for nearly a century, the Balancer program itself started in 2000. The AGA was the first breed association to start a hybrid registry program. The AGA also began the Southern Balancer® program, which is a heat tolerant hybrid that includes Gelbvieh and a Bos indicus breed. The Southern Balancer is at least 25 percent Gelbvieh and from 6.25 to 50 percent Bos indicus breeding. “The AGA has always been progressive in their thinking and management to bring programs and services that benefit seedstock and commercial producers alike,” says Padilla. “The Balancer program is a prime example of this progressive thinking. By creating a registered hybrid program, Balancer breeders can provide their customers with documented EPDs and breed percentages, offering the same quality and consistency as purebred cattle with improved uniformity of composition.”

“We run crossbred cows in a simple system that uses crossbred bulls. Our country is too variable year to year to manage a complex crossbreeding program. The cows have to work for us, and the steers and bulls have to work for our customers.”

ARIZONA The Prosser Family

928/289-2619 928/380-5149 cell Winslow, AZ

www.bartbar.com • info@bartbar.com

RFI Tested Balancer®, Gelbvieh & Angus Bulls Sell Annually in April at Yerington, NV

COLORADO

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

(970) 323-6833

www.bowkranch.com

Females for Sale Private Treaty “Pot of Gold” Gelbvieh Angus & Balancer® Bull Sale Fri., February 28, 2014 • Olathe, CO

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

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

OREGON We’re here for all Northwest Gelbvieh and Balancer ® needs!

MONTANA The Prosser family started using Gelbvieh genetics after reviewing research completed at the Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) in Clay Center, Nebraska, which showed that the cattle excelled in pounds weaned per cow exposed, lean yield, and age at puberty. In the late 1970s they noticed that the crossbred females were even more productive than straights, so they started to incorporate Gelbvieh into their crossbreeding system. A rotational crossbreeding system didn’t work for their operation, so they began using hybrid bulls on crossbred cows to most efficiently manage hybrid vigor.

NEVADA

River Bend Ranch

H4 Ranch

Richard and Kathy Bennett 541-825-3750

Mark and Shawn Hopfer 541-863-2147

www.oregonpridegelbvieh.com

WASHINGTON

The Profitpicture | 81

“In the early 80s we looked at numerous different composites and decided to just utilize the breed complimentarily of crossing Gelbvieh and Angus: the fertility, growth and yield of the Gelbvieh with the marbling, carcass quality, polled gene, and color of the Angus. Little did we know some years later they would be known as Balancer beef,” says Prosser. The Prosser family has been very pleased with the performance of their Balancer cattle over the years. “They have done everything we have asked them to do and more. The last 15 years have been very dry and yet the cattle remain productive and dependable. We have been able to reduce our supplement inputs and still increase production with Balancer beef. In 1985 we were weaning 450-pound steer calves; today

we are weaning 625-pound steer calves,” says Prosser.

Smart and easy Utilizing crossbreeding allows Bar T Bar to be more competitive in difficult markets as well as environmental conditions. As Padilla notes, crossbreeding provides heterosis in many traits but, in particular, the traits that are the most difficult to apply selection pressure to achieve improvement. “Cow longevity, lifetime productivity and calf survivability are examples where heterosis can give a 25 percent or higher advantage. Balancer genetics provide a smart and easy way of implementing and maintaining heterosis in a cow herd, adding to profitability,” says Padilla. Heterosis, plus the ability to combine the strengths of various breeds that make up a cross, create

Bull Sale

Mark your calendars for the last Friday in February! February 28, 2014 • 11:00 AM MST. High Plains Livestock Brush, Colorado Selling 40 Top Quality, High Performing Balancer® and Gelbvieh Bulls

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

82 | February 2014

cattle that can fill the needs of any producer. Multiple studies completed at MARC have shown that combining Continental and British genetics results in substantial improvements in feed efficiency, as well as desirable and profitable levels of carcass Yield and Quality grade.

But while ease is a great benefit, Prosser ranks the Balancer cattle highly because they have put calves on the ground and done well in the market every year, keeping the Bar T Bar in business even when environmental conditions are at their worst.

“Cow longevity, lifetime productivity and calf survivability are examples where heterosis can give a 25 percent or higher advantage.” ”While providing very good carcass merit, the combination of Gelbvieh and Angus makes for an extremely efficient maternal cow in the pasture by weaning more pounds per cow exposed and doing it with fewer inputs by utilizing heterosis,” says Padilla. “It’s the modern crossbred female.” With all the talk of efficiency and increasing costs of inputs,” adds Prosser, “it is amazing to me that some producers don’t utilize the epitome of efficiency, which is the crossbred cow. The increased calf survivability, increased weaning weight per cow exposed, and improved longevity are excellent examples of improved efficiency. This is undeniably positive to the bottom-line of a ranching operation. The use of Balancer cattle is a simple way to use crossbreeding to improve production and reduce inputs.” That efficiency is one of the reasons Bar T Bar cattle have excelled. Prosser also notes that the Balancer have been a pleasure because they have gentle temperaments which allow that 35 mile drive to occur efficiently. He says the females are also good mothers and keep track of their calves, which makes everyone’s job easier.

“The most impressive trait of these cattle is their inherent fertility no matter what Mother Nature throws at us. The cows will breed, pick up a condition score on native range from weaning to calving, and do it year after year,” says Prosser. “The second most rewarding trait is marketability. The feeders like them, the cow calf man likes them, and they have always been top dollar producers for us. Whether we are selling bred heifers, bulls, or feeder steers we have a satisfied customer base that comes back year after year. That is truly rewarding and humbling.” For more information about Balancer beef, visit the American Gelbvieh Association website at www.gelbvieh.org or call (303) 465-BEEF. Editor’s note: This article was republished with permission from Working Ranch magazine.

TWO-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPION

25% Balancer AMGV1178537 DOB: 1/24/2011 Sire: Silveiras Style 9303 Dam: XXB Ivanna 612R ET Semen available through Boehler Gelbviehs

XXB Insidious 612Y CE 13

BW 1.3

WW 47

YW 83

MK 19

TM 42

CED 11

YG -0.03

CW 22

RE 0.39

MB 0.59

FT 0.02

CV 70.25

FM 33.03

Selling Balancer bulls & heifers in the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic

Thursday, February 20, 2014 • Show: 10:30 a.m. • Sale: 5:00 p.m. • Kearney, Nebraska • www.necattlemen.com

XXB T-Bone 803A

XXB Meatloaf 108A

XXB Rib Eye 507A

1/7/2013 • BA50 1/4/2013 • BA50 1/12/2013 • BA38 Sire: EGL Tenderloin N407 Sire: EGL Tenderloin N407 Sire: EGL Tenderloin N407 Actual Scan Data on 1/9/2014: Actual Scan Data on 1/9/2014: Actual Scan Data on 1/9/2014: REA: 16.52 • %IMF: 3.79 • Fat: 0.33 REA: 14.19 • %IMF: 3.19 • Fat: 0.31 REA: 16.35 • %IMF: 3.91 • Fat: 0.30

XXB Miss Firework

3/3/2013 • BA25 Sire: Firework X130 ET

J. J. Boehler Orleans, NE 308•999•0207 XXB Sarah Smiles

3/7/2013 • BA50 Sire: Firework X130 ET

XXB Miss W345 4/9/2013 • BA50 Sire: W345

The Profitpicture | 83

Feature

Rate of Change – Selecting Genetics for the Future of Your Breeding Program Winston Churchill, former British Prime Minister once said, “We must take change by the hand or rest assuredly, change will take us by the throat.” It seems the world we live in today is changing faster now than ever before. The improvements that have been made in productivity and efficiency have been possible by identifying the most desirable genetics to move their industries forward and to make the individual producer profitable. By William McIntosh THE SPEED AT which we can obtain information is unbelievable. In the past, to do research you had to go to the library to find the

information you needed within an endless line of books on shelves. To check grain and livestock markets we had to wait and read

it in the newspaper the following day. Now an endless source of information can be found instantly in the comfort of your home, barn,

or in the middle of a pasture via the Internet. Communication has improved at an amazing pace; smart phones, text, email, Facebook, and Twitter make it easy, sometimes too easy, to stay in constant contact with the world. With over six billion people in the world to feed today, animal agriculture is not immune to the current speed of change. We have seen amazing progress in the amount of meat produced per unit and boundless improvements in efficiency across all species. The improvements the poultry industry has been able to make are extraordinary, as indicted

Steve and Gail Fiolkoski, Pierce, CO

Wesley Welch, Lubbock, TX

Bob and Judy Prosser, Winslow, AZ

“Gelbvieh females have stayability and wean more pounds of calf per cow exposed. That makes our ranch more profitable.”

“Balancer® cattle allow us to have the best of both worlds - pounds of beef and Quality Grade, plus a simplified crossbreeding system.”

“Southern producers need heat tolerant cattle that will sustain themselves on minimal resources. Southern Balancer® cattle do that.”

Maternal Superiority

Gelbvieh x Red Angus or Angus

Gelbvieh x Bos indicus

For assistance in marketing or purchasing Gelbvieh, Balancer ® or Southern Balancer ® bulls, females and feeder cattle, contact: Brian Rogers, College Station, TX William McIntosh, Georgetown, KY American Gelbvieh Association brianr@gelbvieh.org, 936-554-1600 williamm@gelbvieh.org, 502-867-3132 www.GELBVIEH.org 84 | February 2014

in the graphic to the left. These improvements have been made through disciplined crossbreeding, strict selection and unwavering

have reduced age at harvest by 10 percent, increased market weight by 45 percent, and improved feed conversion by seven percent to

Within the last 30 years, the poultry industry has identified lines of chickens that have reduced age at harvest by 10 percent, increased market weight by 45 percent, and improved feed conversion by seven percent to 1.91 pounds of feed to one pound of gain. focus on improving carcass weight and feed efficiency. Within the last 30 years, the poultry industry has identified lines of chickens that

1.91 pounds of feed to one pound of gain. These improvements didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen by accident. They are

the result of years of research to identify the genetics that would move the industry forward and make individual producers profitable. Over the years the

poultry industry has developed five major lines of hybrid chickens that are used in chicken breeding today. With only 60 poultry companies in the United States

The Profitpicture | 85

today, this means there is a very small number of people making genetic selection decisions for the entire industry. The beef industry has seen its own improvement over the years. Within the same time frame, we have increased cow production by 40 percent, according to the National Cattlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beef Association. These improvements in efficiency and production have allowed the beef industry to keep pace with the other protein species. In the beef industry today, we are able to produce 20 percent more pounds of beef with 15 percent fewer cows. As in every industry, we have seen and will continue to see consolidation. In this modern, highly completive atmosphere we always have to be looking for the best genetics we can find to insure our individual survival. If you want

86 | February 2014

to be in business for the long haul you have to continue to find the best genetics to make the improvements in production it takes for your program to survive. Feeder cattle are a commodity but there are differences. Study the example of two pens of cattle that went on feed at the same weight and roughly the same time. The second pen of calves gained nearly one pound more per day and were on feed for 15 days less. On top of that, they weighed 74 more pounds at the end of the feeding period. In looking at the carcass closeout, the second pen graded much better as well, 72 percent Choice or higher as compared to a dismal 17 percent Choice. With all the facts considered, the first pen of low performing, poor grading cattle lost $281.20 while the high performing, feed efficient cattle that graded well showed a profit of $51.24. The

difference is staggering. The second pen grossed $332.44 more than the industry average for cattle put on feed at the same time and weight. It is extremely important that we identify the genetics

that hold us all back. With bull sale season rapidly approaching it is more important now than ever before to select the genetics that will take your cow herd and the beef industry

With all the facts considered, the first pen of low performing, poor grading cattle lost $281.20 while the high performing, feed efficient cattle that graded well showed a profit of $51.24.

that are the most profitable and productive and use them to move the entire industry forward. It is equally important that we eliminate the undesirable cattle

forward. Sire selection is the quickest and cheapest way to make vast improvements in your program. The right sire can improve calving ease, feed efficiency, performance, and

Gelbvieh/Balancer® Show 1:00 PM ET, Friday, February 28, 2014 ®

Gelbvieh/Balancer Sale

11:30 AM ET, Saturday, March 1, 2014

Junior Heifer & Steer Show 8:00 AM ET, March 2, 2014

Selling 35 Lots:

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

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

Champion Gelbvieh Bull GHGF Alexander 782Y Consignor: Green Hills Gelbvieh, Mt. Ulla, NC Buyer: Bartley Farms, KY

Reserve Gelbvieh Bull Bullett Consignor: Spring Valley Farm, Lebanon, KY Buyer: Walley Gilliam, TN

Champion Gelbvieh Female Danica 201Z Consignor: Bradley Piles, Bardstown, KY Buyer: Asbury Farms, TN

Reserve Gelbvieh Female Bar None Angie 152Y Consignor: Gelbvieh Bar None, Fredonia, KY Buyer: Yoder’s Prairie Acres, OH

Champion Balancer Bull GHGF Tradition 310Y Consignor: Green Hills Gelbvieh, Mr. Ulla, NC Buyer: Jack Jacobs, KY

Reserve Balancer Bull GHGF Lester Consignor: Green Hills Gelbvieh, Mt. Ulla, NC Buyer: Judyside Farms, NC

Sale Managed by: Champion Balancer Female Lucy Consignor: McIntosh Farms, Georgetown, KY Buyer: Gelbvieh Bar None, KY

Reserve Balancer Female Bee Lick K Yaffa Consignor: Bee Lick Gelbvieh, Crab Orchard, KY Buyer: Walter Thorton, KY

Slaughter Sale Management David Slaughter 162 Hasting Lane Fredonia, KY 42411 270-556-4259 The Profitpicture | 87

Tale of Two Feed Yard Closeouts Carcass Data 197 head-Lot HO207 RRF 51 head-Lot McCly-99 Pr: 1 Ch: 33 Sel: 124 NR: 28 STD: 4 DC: 6 YG1: 71 YG2: 89 YG3: 36 YG4: 1 YG5: 0 CAB: 4

0.51% 16.75% 62.94% 14.21% 2.03% 3.05% 36.04% 45.18% 18.27% .51% 0% 2.03%

Pr: 1 Ch: 36 Sel: 14 NR: 0 STD: 0 DC: 0 YG1: 7 YG2: 29 YG3: 11 YG4: 3 YG5: 0 CAB: 18

carcass quality. He can leave you elite replacement heifers that will be in your herd for years too come. The wrong one will set you back a decade in one mating.

2.0% 71.0% 27.0% 0 0 0 13.7% 57.9% 21.6% 5.9% 0% 35.0%

As you make your sire selection this spring, do your homework and study your options. Today you have more information available to make selection decisions than

Tale of Two Feed Yard Closeouts Performance Data/Profit & Loss 197 head-Lot HO207 RRF 51 head-Lot McCly-99 B-Calves Sex: Mixed Hotchkiss, CO Date in: 11-08-2012 (207) Date out: 6-18-2013 (198) Pay Wgt in: 633 (589) Pay Wgt out: 1313 DOF: 223 (219.3) ADG: 2.84 (3.0) Death Loss: 4.35% DMC: 6.69 COG: $1.1745 ($281.20) per head ever thought possible 20 years ago. Many may remember the time when the only information you had to analyze was pedigree and

Weaned 48 days Sex: Steers South Central NE Date in: 10-11-2012 Date out: 5-07-2013 Pay Wgt in: 615 Pay Wgt out: 1387 DOF: 208 ADG: 3.71 Death Loss: 0 DMC: 6.14 COG: $1.22 $51.24 per head actual weight. Then later in herd ratios were used to compare an individual to its contemporaries. After that EPDs allowed breeders

A nnual Production Sale—March 20, 2014 Western Livestock Auction • Great Falls, MT

Over 35 Years of Performance Testing

Jim & Kathy Bjorkman

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

Purebred Bulls • Balancer® Bulls • Purebred Heifers • Balancer® Heifers Red or Black, 100% Polled Sires represented: KHR 47R, KHR 08W, KHR 06W, KHR 67Y, Trendsetter, Natural, Yeager, KHR 39Y, KHR 05Y, Midland 38N, Pop A Top, KHR 09W, KHR 26X, Ten X, KHR 21X, Profit Agent Complete performance data, DNA and Ultrasound results available.

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

88 | February 2014

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

to directly compare individuals outside a herd. Now we live in the age of genomically-enhanced EPDs and DNA testing for dozens of traits that are expensive to progeny test for, such as tenderness and feed efficiency. We have actual ultrasound carcass data and carcass EPDs to help make selection decisions. Use the data to make wise purchasing decisions. What is a bull worth? “We look

“We look at value not price when making purchasing decisions.” at value not price when making purchasing decisions,” said Don Schiefelbein of Schiefelbein Farms near Kimball, Minn., recently at the Range Beef Cow Symposium. The value of a breed-changing bull that will have a long-term positive impact on your program is hard to put a price tag on. There are so many traits that a sire will affect from calving ease, performance, carcass quality, milking ability of his daughter, and daughters reproduction and efficiency. It is hard to put a number on it. But it is easy to see the consequences of selecting a bull based solely on price. I’m guessing the man that selected the sires of the first pen of cattle from the above example that lost $281.20 was paying way to much attention to the price of the bulls and not near enough attention to their true value or lack thereof. The future of your breeding program and the future of the beef industry revolve around genetic decisions each cattle producer will make this spring. If you are reading this and are

thinking “I only run 40 or 50 cows my decisions are not going to impact the entire industry,” keep in mind the average number of cows in a cow-calf operation in

the United States is only 44 cows. This breeding season it is more important than ever to select the best genetics you can find to move your program forward and ensure

the survival and profitability of your program for years to come. “Choice, not chance, determines your destiny,” Aristotle. nnn

Schroeder Ranch 16th Annual

Gelbvieh & Balancer Production Sale Monday, April 7th, 2014 2 pm CDT Mitchell Livestock Auction Mitchell, SD

Balanced Beef 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 | 89

News

Restocking After Drought How much to pay for a bred female to restock after the drought? This is not an easy question to answer as it depends on several different factors. By Aaron Berger IN EVALUATING HOW much an operation can afford to pay for a bred female several things need to be considered. • Anticipated annual cow costs (anticipated inflation needs to be included); • Expected number of calves the bred heifer or cow will produce before being culled; • Projected weaning weight and market price for steer and heifer calves; • Estimated cow salvage value; • Probable death loss; • Debt service requirements if money is

90 | February 2014

borrowed for purchasing; • Discount rate - expected rate of return if money invested in the bred females was put in some other investment with similar risk. All of these factors together allow for the calculation of what economists call a Net Present Value. This value is what a person would be able to pay for a bred female today and meet a desired rate of return on the money invested based on projected production, costs, and prices. Assigning a number to these factors requires estimating future values.

There are two Excel®-based spreadsheet tools available that allow producers to put in these values and calculate an estimated Net Present Value. These are the KSU Beef Replacement (http://www.agmanager.info/livestock/budgets/ production/) spreadsheet and the OSU Cow Bid Price Estimate Calculator (http://go.unl. edu/r8se) spreadsheet. Using either of these spreadsheet tools allows the producer to make sure that all costs are included and allows the producer to see how changing values impacts the Net Present Value. nnn

Mitchell Marketing Services GELBVIEH SALE MANAGEMENT • SEMEN SALES

OVER 500 BULLS AND 250 FEMALES SELL THIS SPRING. SIGHT UNSEEN PURCHASES GUARANTEED COMPLETE PROGRAM PROMOTIONS

View sale books and videos for MMS managed events at www.mms.bz

SPRING 2014 MMS MANAGED EVENTS JANUARY 27, 2014 Golden Rule Sale

North Dakota Gelbvieh Association Bismarck, ND

MMS SEMEN SALES

YOUR SOURCE FOR BREED-LEADING AI SIRES. • All semen shipped from one location • Visit www.mms.bz to see a complete listing of AI sires available Contact MMS to order elite Gelbvieh and Balancer® semen.

JKGF FUTURE INVESTMENT X037 Purebred 88% Gelbvieh Homozygous Black

Syndicated sire off the market for two years. Semen available March 1, 2014. Place your order today.

FEBRUARY 11, 2014 Iowa Beef Expo Gelbvieh Gold Sale DesMoines, IA

CCRO EXCLUSIVE 1230Y

Purebred Gelbvieh Homozygous Black, Homozygous Polled

FEBRUARY 15, 2014 Power on the Prairie Bull and Female Sale Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Gladstone, ND

Top 1% for CW, FM, top 2% for WW, YW, RE, CV, top 3% for MB.

FEBRUARY 22, 2014 Golden Buckle Gelbvieh Production Sale Napoleon, ND

MARCH 4, 2014

Genetic Investment Production Sale Warner Beef Genetics Arapahoe, NE

MARCH 8, 2014

Genetic Power Bull Sale

MARCH 15, 2014

Cattleman’s Kind Bull & Female Sale

MARCH 22, 2014

JKGF REFLEX X4 Purebred Gelbvieh Homozygous Black

J Bar M Gelbvieh, J & K Farms and Hilltop Farms Springfield, MO Post Rock Cattle Company Barnard, KS

JEMG STEAKHOUSE Y527

Purebred Gelbvieh Homozygous Polled

Cranview Gelbvieh Production Sale Rugby, ND

Give MMS a call today to schedule your next sale. We offer complete management to help create a better market for Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle.

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

JCB LAZY TV BEECH JET R052 ET

75% Balancer® Homozygous Black

CattleDesign®

MITCHELL MARKETING SERVICE

The Profitpicture | 91

Editorial

Telling Your Farm Story There is a growing movement of people trying to inform the public about where their food really comes from and I believe it is important that we all get involved. By Michael Ring IN THIS DAY and age, the average American consumer is becoming more and more removed from where their food comes from. Often times their only source of information is propaganda being spread by people that don’t have a farmer’s best interests at heart. One of the most basic things

you can do to get involved is to write your “farm story.” This doesn’t mean you have to write a book or give some long speech about everything you do. You don’t need to somehow document every little thing that goes on at your farm. I mean, would you even want to sit and listen to all that? I

didn’t think so. Your story can be simple; it can be short and to the point. All your story really has to do is get the ball rolling. For example, my story could go something like this: “I live on a 2,500 head custom cattle feed yard. We walk through our cattle every day to make sure they are healthy. We only use antibiotics when necessary and we keep our cattle in comfortable living environments.” It really is just that simple. You don’t have to tell your life story. This can be a great conversation starter so people can ask questions and you can

tell them more about the great industry of agriculture. Just remember, you don’t always have to know all the answers to tell people what you do. Try to connect on shared values and let them know that you care about the same things they do. Ask probing questions of them and respect differences. Overall, don’t get argumentative or let things get personal. There are people out there that will always take jabs at you and try to put you down. If someone really won’t listen to anyone then the best thing you can do is walk away. Still, the vast majority of people want to know more about their food and

34th Annual Production Sale Thursday, April 17, 2014 Belle Fourche, SD • Belle Fourche Livestock Exchange new our e f o r sons herdsi s ring Offe outcros law 6Y red AD Out FL

Featuring stout Gelbvieh Balancer® Bulls (Red & Black) Purebred Gelbvieh Bulls (Red & Black) & Purebred Angus Bulls Providing the most complete data available on sale bulls all prior to sale date. DNA Tested Homozygous Tested Carcass Ultrasound EPDs Semen Tested Fertility Tested

Offering an unconditional breeding season guarantee, free delivery, and sight unseen purchase guarantee.

92 | February 2014

Powerf bulls lik ul top sell e these ers wil offered l be !

Breeding and selling outstanding quality Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls for 34 years!

Richard & Linda Vavra

18749 Riley Road Nisland, SD 57762 605-257-2113 • rlvgelbvieh@yahoo.com www.rlvgelbvieh.com

you are the best person for them to hear it from. There are some great resources out there for learning about our industry. I think one of the best thoughts about our industry that I have heard this year came from

You don’t have to tell your life story. This can be a great conversation starter so people can ask questions and you can tell them more about the great industry of agriculture.

21st annual

Gelbvieh & Red Angus Bull Sale Friday, March 7, 2014

Platte Livestock Auction, Platte, SD • 1 p.m. CST

Selling 60 Bulls

Red & Black • Gelbvieh & Balancer • Red Angus a participant in the Illinois Field Moms project. To paraphrase, she said that she came to realize that to treat an animal humanely does not mean that we should treat them like humans. I think it is important for us to get people to understand the truth in that statement. I think we have a very promising group of junior members right now and I think they have a lot of potential to become great AGvocates. It’s a great time to get involved in the food conversation. So from purebred breeders to commercial producers to the junior member that just got their first calf. I would like to know: what is your farm story? nnn

Bruce & Mar y Handel & Sons 28574 435th Ave., Menno, SD 57045 605-387-5551 or 605-660-5551 djhandel@gwtc.net

The Profitpicture | 93

94 | February 2014

News

Value-Added Services for Commercial Customers For commercial users of Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics, the American Gelbvieh Association offers many services to assist in maximizing your return on investment in bulls and replacement females. Commercial buyers can request updated EPD information on the herd sires in their bull battery. Having the most current EPDs will help producers evaluate their bull battery to determine if replacements are needed. Call the AGA office at 303-465-2333 to have updated EPDs sent directly to you. For cattlemen looking to purchase bulls or replacement females or to market feeder cattle, check out the AGA’s free Exchange on the Gelbvieh website. The Exchange service helps match up potential buyers with interested sellers. Visit www.gelbvieh.org/ exchange.html to view current listing or to post a new listing. Add value to your females by marketing them through a Maternal Edge commercial female sale. Sales are held in various parts of the country and hosted by state Gelbvieh associations. Brand your Gelbviehinfluenced feeder calves with SmartCross® ear tags from the AGA. SmartCross is the easy crossbreeding program that shows commercial producers how to get to the profit center of the beef industry with a blend of Continental x British breeding. Contact the AGA office at 303465-2333 to order your tags. nnn

LONE OAK GELBVIEH Moderate • Fertile • Performance Cattle

Please join us Saturday, March 22, 2014 for our Second Annual Private Treaty Bull Sale. Bring your family and meet ours. Cattle available for viewing after 9:00 AM. Steak lunch and yes, we will have the beans! Bid-off at 2:00 PM.

• This 75% Balancer stud sold for $3,500 last year.

Stout and Rugged sons of: • Sandman 6523 • Sandman 071X • Go To It 67X (Top ADG for Davidson) • Chief Executive • EXAR Upshot • Garrets Emblazon 457D

L C IA E E P R S T U 30 head of young bred females FEA

Ask about our calf buy-back program. To request a catalog, please call: Eric & Heather Ehresman 20963 30th St. Mechanicsville, IA 52306 hornsandthorns@netins.net 319-489-2275 • 319-480-1564

Selling Gelbvieh, Angus, and Balancer Bulls The Profitpicture | 95

Places to Be February 2013 Feb. 1

Seedstock Plus Tennessee Bull Sale, Columbia, TN

Feb. 3

Taubenheim Gelbvieh 24th Annual Production Sale, Amherst, NE

Feb. 4-7 2014 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show, Nashville, TN - Visit with AGA representatives at Booth #661 Feb. 6

Black Hills Stock Show Gelbvieh & Balancer Show & Sale, Rapid City, SD

Feb. 8

LeDoux Ranch Annual Production Sale, Agenda, KS

Feb. 11 Iowa Beef Expo Gelbvieh Gold Sale, Des Moines, IA Feb. 15 Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Bull & Female Sale, Gladstone, ND Feb. 15 Overmiller Gelbvieh & Red Angus Annual Production Sale, Smith Center, KS Feb. 18 Cedar Top Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Burwell, NE Feb. 20 Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Gelbvieh & Balancer Show and Sale, Kearney, NE Feb. 20 Gustin’s Diamond D Gelbvieh Annual Production Sale, Mandan, ND Feb. 22 Swanson Cattle Company Annual Production Sale, Oxford, NE Feb. 22 Golden Buckle Gelbvieh Production Sale, Napoleon, ND Feb. 22 Seedstock Plus North Missouri Bull Sale, Kingsville, MO Feb. 24 Beastrom Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Pierre, SD Feb. 26 Grund Beef Genetics Cattlemen’s Choice Bull Sale, Oakley, KS Feb. 28 Plateau Gelbvieh Bull Sale, Brush, CO Feb. 28 23rd Annual “Pot of Gold” Gelbvieh, Angus, and Balancer Bull Sale, Olathe, CO

Mar. 12 Triple Play Ranches 9th Annual Production Sale, Huron, SD Mar. 13 Raile Gelbvieh/Balancer Bull Sale, Burlington, CO Mar. 15 Pearson Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale, Lake City, SD Mar. 15 Post Rock Cattle Company Cowman’s Kind Bull & Female Sale, Barnard, KS Mar. 15 Flying H Genetics Missouri Bull Sale, Lowry City, MO Mar. 15 Central Montana Gelbvieh & Angus Genetics 19th Annual Bull & Female Sale, Lewiston, Mont. Mar. 15 Minnesota Gelbvieh Association Opportunity Sale held during the MN Beef Showcase, Fergus Falls, MN Mar. 19 Eagle Pass Ranch Verified Feed Efficient Bull Sale, Highmore, SD Mar. 20 Kicking Horse Ranch Annual Production Sale, Great Falls, MT Mar. 21 5th Annual Southwest Iowa Gelbvieh & Balancer Bull & Female Sale, Creston, IA Mar. 21 Black Gold Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale, LaJunta, CO Mar. 22 Oklahoma Sooner Select Sale, McAlester, OK Mar. 22 Bluegrass Gelbvieh & Balancer Bull Sale, Mt. Sterling, KY Mar. 22 Cranview Gelbvieh Genetic Progress Sale, Rugby, ND Mar. 22 Jumping Cow Gelbvieh & Ridinger Cattle Co. Bull Sale, Ramah, CO Mar. 22 Professional Beef Genetics Open House Bull Sale, Clinton, MO Mar. 22 Lone Oak Gelbvieh Second Annual Private Treaty Bull Sale, Mechanicsville, IA Mar. 24 Green Springs Performance Tested Bull Sale, Butler, MO Mar. 29 Seedstock Plus South Missouri Bull Sale, Carthage, MO

Feb. 28 Kentucky Beef Expo Gelbvieh & Balancer Show, Louisville, KY

April 2014

March 2014

Apr. 5

Circle S Ranch Going to Grass Sale, Canton, KS

Mar. 1 Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch 25th Anniversary Bull Sale, Ponteix, SK

Apr. 5

Bar T Bar Private Treaty Field Day & Final Bid-Off, Winslow, AZ

Apr. 7

Schroeder Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Mitchell, SD

Mar. 1 Judd Ranch 36th Gelbvieh, Balancer and Red Angus Bull Sale, Pomona, KS

Apr. 12 Knoll Crest Bull Sale, Red House, VA

Mar. 1 Thorstenson Gelbvieh & Angus Annual Bull Sale, Selby, SD

Apr. 12 Seedstock Plus Influence Commercial Female Sale Hosted by Stuecken Bros., Vienna, MO

Mar. 1 Flying H Genetics Nebraska Bull Sale, Arapahoe, NE Mar. 1 Kentucky Beef Expo Gelbvieh & Balancer Sale, Louisville, KY

Apr. 12 Central Tennessee Gelbvieh/Angus Invitational, Centerville, TN

Apr. 17 RLV Gelbvieh 34th Annual Production Sale, Belle Fourche, SD

Mar. 3 Hojer Ranch Annual Production Sale, SD

Apr. 26 Bluegrass Gelbvieh Invitational, Mt. Sterling, KY

Mar. 3 MLM Gelbvieh & Great River Ranch Open House/Kick-off Sale, Superior, NE

June 2014

Mar. 4 Warner Beef Genetics Production Sale, Arapahoe, NE

June 18-21

Mar. 5 Spring Valley, LTD 24th Annual Production Sale, Agra, KS

June 29-July 4 AGJA Barnyard Classic, Sioux Falls, SD

BIF Research Symposium & Annual Meeting, Lincoln, NE

Mar. 7 Handel Farms Gelbvieh & Red Angus Bull Sale, Platte, SD Mar. 7 Chimney Butte Ranch Annual Gelbvieh Production Sale, Mandan, ND Mar. 8 SEGA Private Treaty Bull Sale Opening Day, Pierce, CO Mar. 8 J Bar M Gelbvieh, J & K Farms & Hilltop Farms Bull Sale & Commercial Female Sale, Springfield, MO Mar. 8 Tennessee Beef Agribition, Lebanon, TN Mar. 11 Bar Arrow Cattle Company 24th Annual Production Sale, Phillipsburg, KS 96 | February 2014

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

SERVICE CENTER All your A.I. needs!!

Bull Barn Genetics

35 Years in business

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

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

For the best ultrasound data contact… The National CUP LabTM & Technology Center

Eldon & Kathy Starr

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

P.O. Box 627 • Ames, IA 50010 (515) 232-9442 cuplab@cuplab.com www.cuplab.com

www.bullbarn.com

Ultrasound Equipment Sales & Service

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.

Gelbvieh World Advertising Rates STANDARD ISSUES:

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

Cattlemen’s Connection

$650 $425 $325 $150

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

$525 $450 $250 $30

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

Specializing in

• Gelbvieh Semen Sales • Consulting • Order Buying (all purchases guaranteed) Roger & Peg Gatz (785) 742-3163 Call Toll-Free:1-800-743-0026

$675 $450 $275 $30

Color:

Four Color One Additional color

Photo scans:

Visit our Web Site: www.cattlemensconnection.com

To run as Black/white Color photos

JR Page 1/3 Page 1/6 Page

$525 $350 $200

$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.

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

For Feb./Oct. (Commercial Editions) and June/July (Herd Reference Edition) please call for rate specials and deadline information.

Call today: 303/465-2333

Advertise Your Operation in

Gelbvieh World or the Profit Picture Contact William or Brian to discuss your options.

William 502/867-3132 Eastern

Brian 936/554-1600 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 | 97

South Dakota & Minnesota

Breeders

ADKINS GELBVIEH Gelbvieh & Balancer Performance Genetics

Bulls and Heifers for sale by private treaty

(605) 354-2428 Cell gerald@adkinsgelvbieh.com www.adkinsgelbvieh.com

Gerald & Sarah Adkins

41606 195th St., Carpenter, SD 57322

Keith, Janice, Dustin & Britney

605-852-2131 kvolek@venturecomm.net www.volekranch.com

S G

SwenSon Gelbvieh

Dean Swenson

17513 Hwy 10 Little Falls, MN 56345 swen@centurylink.net (h) 320.632.5848 • (c) 320.630-5536

Polled • Purebred Red • Black 98 | February 2014

Ad Index 3 G Ranch.................................... 41

Grund Beef Genetics.................. 32

Mulroy Farms.............................. 64

ABCS Gelbvieh........................... 54

GS Ridge Top Ranch............54, 60

Murray Farms............................. 39

Adkins Gelbvieh.............20, 54, 98

Gustin’s Diamond D Gelbvieh.................................54, 86

National CUP Lab...................... 97

AGA............................................. 61 Anipro/Premium Nutrition...... 72

Hampton Cattle Co..............43, 59

Oklahoma GV Assn................... 76

B/F Cattle Company................... 64

Handle Farms.............................. 93

Oregon Pride Gelbvieh.............. 81

Bachman Farms.......................... 15

Harriman, Bob............................ 64

Overmiller Gelbvieh.................. 69

Bar Arrow Cattle Company.49, 64

Hart Farm Gelbvieh............... 3, 64

Pearson Cattle Co....................... 52

Bar IV Livestock......................... 59

Hartland Farm............................ 64

Plateau Gelbvieh.............78, 81, 82

Bar T Bar Ranch, Inc............31, 81

Hilltop Farms........................18, 50

Pope Farms Gelbvieh................. 65

Beastrom Gelbvieh Ranch...............................16, 17, 54

Hill Top Haven Farm................. 59

Post Rock Cattle Co............... 7, 64

Hodges Ranch............................. 75

Pot of Gold Sale.......................... 56

Blackhawk Cattle Co............41, 74

Hojer Gelbvieh Ranch....10, 55, 98

Prairie Hills Gelbvieh................. 13

Black Gold Cattle Company..... 26

Iowa Beef Expo........................... 44

Professional Beef Genetics........ 63

Bluegrass Gelbvieh/Balancer Bull Sale....................................... 35

J&K Farm...............................18, 41

Raile Gelbvieh.......................42, 78

J Bar M Gelbvieh..................18, 64

Boehler Gelbvieh..................65, 83

Judd Ranch, Inc............. 50, 51, 64

Bow K Ranch........................24, 81

Ridinger Cattle Co................28, 29

Jumping Cow Gelbvieh...15, 28, 29

Brandywine Farm....................... 54

Rippe Gelbvieh................70, 71, 78

Kenyon Cattle LLC..................... 60

BV Ranch..................................... 54

RLV Gelbvieh.............................. 92

Kicking Horse Ranch.....12, 81, 88

Cambern Cattle........................... 57

Rocking GV Gelbvieh................ 64

Kittle Gelbvieh Farms................ 75

Canadian GV Assn..................... 97

Rocky Top Gelbvieh................... 59

Knoll Crest Farm........................ 21

CattleMax Online....................... 97

Rogers Valley Farm Gelbvieh.... 5, 64

KY Beef Expo.............................. 87

Cattlemen’s Connection......... 1, 97

Russell Family Livestock............ 55

Lambert, Doak............................ 97

C-Cross Cattle Company....11, 59

Sandy Knoll Farms..................... 40

Laura’s Lean Beef.......................... 8

Cedar Top Ranch............... IFC, 65

Ledgerwood Gelbvieh................ 81

Sawtooth Gelbvieh Cattle & Hay................................ 81

Central MT Gelbvieh Genetics.37

LeDoux Ranch......................64, 94

Schafer Farms, Inc...................... 54

Chimney Butte Ranch..........54, 68

Lemke Cattle.........................39, 65

Schroeder Ranch........................ 89

Circle M Farms........................... 38

Leonhardt Cattle Company....... 55

Seedstock Plus Genetics............ 97

CJ&L Livestock........................... 54

Linquist Farms............................ 54

Seedstock Plus.......................34, 97

Clinch Mountain Gelbvieh........ 59

Little Windy Hill Farms......................... 30, 59, 67, 85

SEGA Gelbvieh........................... 14

Cranview Gelbvieh................. 9, 54 Cunningham, Ronn................... 97

Lone Oak Gelbvieh...............54, 95

Spring Valley Farms................... 90

Danell Diamond Six Ranch....... 81

Longleaf Station.......................... 59

Stuecken Brothers....................... 27

DDM Gelbvieh............................ 41

M&P Gelbvieh............................ 65

Swanson Cattle Company...53, 65

Diamond L Farms...................... 75

M&W Farms............................... 59

Swenson Gelbvieh................36, 98

Dobson Ranch............................ 36

Maple Hill Farm.......................... 41

SW Iowa Bull Sale....................... 62

Double Bar H.............................. 59

Markes Family Farms.....25, 58, 75

Taubenheim Gelbvieh................ 65

Dromgoole’s Heaven.................. 75

Martens Gelbvieh.................54, 60

The 88 Ranch............................... 64

Eagle Pass Ranch................36, 100

Martin Cattle Company.......25, 75

Thorstenson Gelbvieh..........47, 55

Ellison Gelbvieh & Angus Ranch............................... 54

Mattison Family Farm............... 54

Treble W Ranch.......................... 59

Flying H Genetics................65, BC

McCabe Cattle/Two Step Ranch........................................... 54

Triple H Farms............................ 60

Gelbvieh Bull Barn..................... 97

McIntosh Farm.....................43, 59

Gelbvieh Media Productions.... 45

Middle Creek Farms......12, 81, 99

Triple Play Bulls Sale.................. 77

Gelbvieh Profit Partners............ 79

Midland Bull Test....................... 99

Goettlich Gelbvieh Ranch......... 81

Miller Gelbvieh........................... 75

Golden Buckle Gelbvieh.... 23, 36, 54

Minnesota GV Assn................... 46

Green Hills Gelbvieh.................. 59

Mitchell Marketing Service..............................18, 91, 97

Green Springs Performance Bull Test....................................... 19

MLM Gelbvieh................48, 65, 78

NS Ranch..................................... 75

Spring Flood Ranch.............33, 64

Triple K Gelbvieh........................ 64 Volek Ranch..........................55, 98 Warner Beef Genetics ............ IBC White Oak Farms....................... 64 Wildwood Acres......................... 41 Wilkinson Gelbvieh................... 81 Wolf Gelbvieh............................. 65 Yoder’s Prairie Acres............41, 80

The Profitpicture | 99

100 | February 2014

GeneticINVESTMENT Production Sale Tuesday, March 4, 2014 1:00 PM ( CST ) • At the Ranch Arapahoe, NE At today’s cost of production, there are several avenues to proﬁtability. The Warner Beef “GENETIC INVESTMENT” Sale is THE option for high quality genetics that will enhance your bottom line. Be in Arapahoe on March 4 for proﬁtable genetics offered in volume.

Warner Beef Genetics 2014 Reserve Champion Pen of Three Bulls All bulls sell in the Genetic Investment Production Sale.

Selling 130 lots

CattleDesign®

DLW Alumni 7513A ET 2014 Breeders’ Choice Bull Futurity Champion Purebred Gelbvieh Bull • Homo Black, Homo Polled KCF Bennett U271 x DLW Ms Matron 802U

DLW Ms Matron 802U 75% GV, 25% AN Balancer® Cow • Homo Black, Homo Polled DLW Mr Kingston 106P x DLW Miss RT 338 703S ET

100 GELBVIEH & BALANCER® BULLS

30 ELITE GELBVIEH & BALANCER® FEMALES

Selling seven full ET brothers that rank Top 1% for MB and CV, top 2% for WW, YW, FM. Also selling three maternal sisters.

802U is the dam of DLW Alumni 7513A, 2014 Breeder’s Choice Bull Futurity Champion and record setting bull at $34,000 in the 2014 National Sale. Selling seven full brothers to Alumni in our production sale and three daughters of 802U. A top selling purebred and top selling Balancer® bull in our 2013 production sale were also sons of 802U.

DLW Grand Plan 112A - HE SELLS 38% GV, 62% AN Balancer® Bull • Homo Black, Homo Polled CTR Good Night x DLW Ms Aberdeen 112Y of 9222

DLW Ms Traction 3059A 50% GV, 50% AN Balancer® Cow • Homo Polled RWG Traction 7415 x RR Valentine 7843

DLW Power 020A 38% GV, 25% AN, 25% AR Balancer® Bull • Homo Polled DLW Red Power 583U x DLW Ms Answer 020X

Finalist in the 2014 People’s Choice Balancer® Bull Futurity. Calving ease and performance combination bull.

A featured young female in our program is a maternal sister to 3059A.

Top 1% for weaning and yearling. Comes from the 106L donor cow family in our program.

www.mms.bz

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

The Profitpicture | 101

WHERE THE RANCHER COMES FIRST

SELLIN

Saturday, March 1, 2014 1:00 pm • Arapahoe,NE

Roughage ’N Ready Bulls

March 2014 Flying H Spring Sales − NEBRASKA

MISSOURI

Sat. March 1

AND

Sat. March 15

Money Makin’ Mammas

Total of 250 Head of ROUGHAGE ’N READY Bulls Sell!

20 Commercial bred heifers/pairs 20 Commercial open replacement heifers

PLUS 10 Elite Registered Female lots − right from the heart of the Flying H herd

86A

66A

AGA# 1249491 • Professor 22W • Balancer® • BD: 1/26/13

AGA# 1262769 • Sire:Mr Black Impact 40Y • Gelbvieh • BD: 2/15/13 CE

CED

MILK

REA

$CV

103

-0.07

0.58

18.98 36.65

0.18

0.17

0.20

0.06

0.05

0.27 0.24 0.23

$FM

107

0.29 0.27 0.26

CED MILK

REA

$CV

44.37 43.96

0.22

0.51

0.19

0.18

0.23

0.11

0.09

$FM -

CED

MILK

REA

$CV

$FM

120

0.58

0.86

93.69

49.59

112

0.29

0.22

0.25

0.14

0.13

0.30 0.30

ASA# 2738069 • Sire: Beef Maker 102Y • SimAngusTM • BD: 2/24/13

REA

$CV

0.27

0.35

53.05 44.30

0.20

0.19

0.16

0.15

MCE MILK

REA

API

20.9

49.8

0.79

0.99

155.9

91.1

114

0.17 0.29 0.18

0.12

0.18

0.15

0.13

0.29 0.28 0.27

Call, TEXT, ur Sale or email yo est Book Requ Today!

GELBVIEH | BALANCER ® | SIMMENTAL | SIMANGUS TM | ANGUS

AGA# 1249461 • Sire: Professor 22W • Balancer® • BD: 1/22/13

9.2

Over 60 years in the Seedstock Business Multiple customer service centers & breed options with volume discounts Large volume of 18 month & 12 month old bulls (over 400 annually) Genetics & Services designed for the Rancher

$FM

33A

12.5 79.9 130.1

... Protect that investment with Roughage ’N Ready Bulls from Flying H

102 | February 2014

0.22 0.22 0.22

CED MILK

260A

QUALITY HERDBULLS CAN BE EXPENSIVE... • • • •

AGA# 1249596 • Sire: Sharper Image • Fusion • BD: 1/30/13

55A AGA# 1249543 • Sire: Effective 61 • Balancer® • BD: 1/24/13

124A

CED MILK

REA

$CV

0.44

0.85

75.27 46.22

0.21

0.20

0.23

0.14

0.12

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FLYING H GENETICS Dick & Bonnie Helms Nebraska Missouri

Kyle & Kayla Helms Ph: (308) 962-6940 kyle@flyinghgenetics.com

Jared & Jill Wareham Cell: (417) 309-0062 jared@flyinghgenetics.com