October 2011 | www.gelbvieh.org
In this Issue:
Assessing
Management, Resources, and Marketing in Cow-Calf Operations
Gelbvieh Adds Value when Feeding Cattle Over the Fence with UT’s Walt Hitch Crossbreeding for Commercial Beef Production The Quest for Efficiency
The Importance of Assessing Management, Resources, and Marketing in Cow-Calf Operations By Darrh Bullock Goal setting is important for many areas of beef production, especially for the breeding program. These goals include reproduction, calf performance, income, herd replacements, cost containment, or a number of others. Breeding management decisions are going to impact each of these goals to varying degrees. For example, the breeding management practice that has the greatest impact on reproduction is crossbreeding; whereas selection is the best management practice for improving carcass quality. Once goals for your beef herd that are important to your family’s quality of life are set, it is time to determine which management and breeding practices will be best for your cattle operation. Remember, most management decisions can be changed in an instant, but changes to your herd’s genetics generally take time.
Herd assessment Once goals have been established, a target has been set; hence, to reach that target, it is important to determine the performance and potential of your current herd. It is very important to have complete and accurate data to determine the production potential of a herd. Data analysis may determine if a herd is
performing appropriately for the present level of management or if subtle or drastic genetic changes are in order to meet goals.
Assessing the herd Determine breed makeup The first step in assessing a commercial herd is to determine its breed makeup. This will be a reflection of the effectiveness of the crossbreeding program. If you have cows in the herd that are greater than 75 percent of one breed, then you may consider changes to, your breeding program. Further detailed discussion will follow in the crossbreeding section.
Determine production level The next step is to determine the production level of your herd. Accurate and complete records are the only method of determining the production status of a cow herd. Records allow the assessment of the date of calving for reproductive performance (including calving distribution), calving ease score, udder and teat scores, calf vigor, sickness, growth performance, cow weight and condition at weaning, and any other characteristics of importance. Herd data analyzed and summarized can become information needed to make proper management decisions. Without records, the ability of cattle producers to make best management decisions is drastically limited Continued on page 6
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Cedar Top Ranch
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Annual Coming 2-year Old Bull Sale February 21, 2012 (Third Tuesday in Feb.)
Cedar Top Ranch
Scott & Raberta Starr 212 Starr Drive • Stapleton, NE 69163 308-587-2293 • 308-530-2720 (C) email: cedartopranch@gpcom.net
2 | October 2011
At the Feedlot • Feed Efficient • Average Daily Gain: 5.2 lbs. • All natural program Average Daily Gain: 3.8 lbs. • Added Pounds
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In eight of the past 11 years, feeder calves from Cedar Top Ranch and their customers have topped the Superior Livestock Auction. Continual whole herd A.I. since 1965. Cedar Top Ranch doesn’t follow fads or choose extreme genetics. We offer consistent, sound genetics that will help build your program for the long haul. Call us today for more information.
21st Annual Judd Ranch
Cow Power Female Sale Saturday, October 8 • 12:00 noon • Pomona, Kansas Free Trucking in U.S. on Purchases of $15,000+
There are cows; then there are females like this beautiful Judd Ranch first calf heifer and her baby. The difference: fertility, maternal ability, performance, eye appeal, teat and udder structure. The list goes on and on, including 14 consecutive years as #1 Dam of Merit/Dam of Distinction breeder and owner. Plus cows that produced 232 bulls that sold in our March bull sale, with an 822 lb. average weaning weight. Please join us on Saturday, Oct. 8, at the ranch when 100-plus Judd Ranch females will be sold at auction. Among the offering are show heifer prospects, fall pairs, ready-to-breed fall open heifers and spring-bred heifers and cows. Every female has been Judd Ranch bred and raised.
Put a Judd Ranch Female to work in your herd and see the difference
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Dave & Cindy Judd Nick, Ginger Judd & Family Brent & Ashley Judd 423 Hwy. K-68 • Pomona, KS 66076 785/ 566-8371 or 785/566-3770 Visit our web site: www.juddranchinc.com
Call Cattlemen’s Connection Toll-Free 1-800-743-0026 for your sale catalog.
Judd Ranch — Home of the “Complete Package” • Calving Ease • Growth • Carcass • Fertility The Profitpicture | 3
Contents Features Assessing Management, Resources, and Marketing in Cow-Calf Operations
1
By Darrh Bullock Setting goals for your beef program is important – assessing your herd, available resources and marketing opportunities will impact your herd’s profit potential for years to come.
Over the Fence with Walt Hitch
20
Walt Hitch, director, UT Plateau AgResearch &
Education Center, discusses new research and the beef herd at the AgResearch Center.
Crossbreeding for Commercial Beef Production
The Quest for Efficiency
40
By Kindra Gordon A visit with South Dakota breeder Vaughn Thorstenson on the value of RFI measured through his GrowSafe unit.
All for One and One for All
46
By William McIntosh A group of 23 Virginia cattlemen sold 1,800 feeder cattle – gaining top dollar for their consistent, high-quality Gelbvieh influenced calves, all managed under the same strict guidelines.
30
through the use of crossbreeding in the cow herd.
Gelbvieh Adds Value when Feeding Cattle Drought Forces Nearly 10,000 Cows out of Texas By Anna-Lisa Giannini
14
Editorial
17
Take Full Advantage of Gelbvieh Association’s Commercial Services By Jim Beastrom
12
Gelbvieh Website Offers Free Feeder Calf, Bull and Female Exchange
22
Just Press on the Gas By Brandon McEndaffer
18
Using DNA Technology to Help Produce More Efficient Cattle
26
Request the Paper…It Pays By Frank Padilla
24
Management Adds Premiums and Profit
33
Breeder’s Corner
34
Making the Right Choice
45
Places to Be
50
Ad Index
52
Request Your Free Subscription
4 | October 2011
Director of Breed Improvement Susan Willmon (ex. 484) susanw@gelbvieh.org Director of Breed Promotion Frank Padilla (ex. 480) frankp@gelbvieh.org Director of Communications Jennifer Scharpe (ex. 485) jennifers@gelbvieh.org
Gelbvieh Media Productions Lynn Valentine (ex. 486) lynnv@gelbvieh.org
Departments
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.
Director of Administration Dianne Coffman (ex. 479) diannec@gelbvieh.org
Director of Member Services Dana Stewart (ex. 488) danas@gelbvieh.org
By Bob Weaber Improve the bottom line of your farm or ranch
News
303/465-2333 Main Phone 303/465-2339 fax
Name: __________________________________ Address: ________________________________ City, State, Zip: ___________________________ Subscribe online at www.gelbvieh.org/ communication/subscriptionssignup.html
Area Coordinator Central Region Brandon McEndaffer brandonm@gelbvieh.org (970) 520-3020 Area Coordinator Eastern Region William McIntosh williamm@gelbvieh.org (502) 867-3132 Customer Services Dolores Gravley (ex. 481) doloresg@gelbvieh.org Patti Showman (ex. 478) pattis@gelbvieh.org Teresa Wessels (ex. 477) teresaw@gelbvieh.org Mailing address: 10900 Dover St., Westminster, CO 80021 General E-mail: info@gelbvieh.org Registration/Electronic Data Transfer: registration@gelbvieh.org Website: www.gelbvieh.org
The Profitpicture | 5
Assessing Management, Resources, and Marketing in Cow-Calf Operations ... continued from page 1
Determine weight and frame size The last step is to determine the average weight and frame size of the cow herd. Frame scores are officially determined by a calculation that includes the age and hip height of the animal. Frame score predicts the expected mature size or finished weight of market calves as shown in Table 1. The predicted mature weights assume a cow body condition score of 5, and the finished market weight assumes a backfat thickness of 0.4 inches. Knowing the frame size of the cow herd will have an impact on two areas: cow maintenance and carcass weights.
Frame’s effect on cow maintenance For most commercial cattlemen, cow maintenance costs are the major production cost for the cow herd. Larger-framed cattle weigh more at maturity and therefore have higher maintenance needs. These cattle will need to have additional growth genetics to generate increased income to offset the increased cow feed cost. This cost/return balance is important to determine management systems. For example, if larger feeder calves are desired and replacement heifers are retained, it may result in larger mature cows that will increase feed costs, or if feed resources are not increased, the herd’s reproductive performance will suffer.
Frame’s effect on feedlot performance and carcass weight The growth and development relationship between large- and small-framed cattle can be observed in Figure 1. The growth patterns of the different types of cattle are similar, and the circle illustrates the optimum finish point for the cattle. Feeding cattle beyond this weight will cause increased cost of production through compromised feed efficiency. Beyond this point the cattle are accumulating more body fat and less muscle. Since it requires more feed (energy) to put on a pound of fat than a pound of muscle, the
cattle become less efficient. As a general rule, larger-framed cattle tend to grow at a faster rate when striving to reach their optimum heavier finish weight. Therefore, largeframed cattle require greater amounts of feed and have greater expenses due to longer growing periods in the feedyard; however, heavier finish weights will likely generate more income. As long as discounts from excessive carcass weights or inferior Quality Grades and Yield Grades are avoided, producing more pounds of salable product will be advantageous to gross income. The real problem occurs when cattle of varying frames are fed together to a constant endpoint. The average of the group will meet industry needs, but there may be
a large percentage of over- and under-finished cattle in the group. Grouping cattle according to type going into the feedyard or sorting the cattle out as they finish are essential in producing a uniform, acceptable product. Differences in calf performance when sired by a large-framed bull or a moderateframed bull with the same EPD for growth: If two bulls have the same genetics for growth but differ in frame, we would expect the larger-framed bull’s calves to be taller at weaning and yearling, the finished calves to be heavier and take longer to feed to optimum finish, and the females to be larger as mature cows. However, because the bulls have the same EPD for growth, we would expect the calves to weigh the same at weaning and as yearlings. If large- and moderate-framed calves weigh the same, then the larger-framed calves most likely have less muscling and/or less body capacity. To put this into perspective, visualize two men who weigh 200 pounds each, and each has the same percent body fat. One man is 6 feet 6 inches, and the other is 6 feet tall. The shorter man is likely to have a thicker build with more muscling.
Management assessment Management is another component of an operation that should be assessed. In order to properly determine the genetic type of cattle that is needed, it is important to know what resources will be provided and how they impact the performance of the herd. When assessing management, the primary areas of concern are labor, nutrition availability, and feed quality.
Labor Even on a family-owned and -operated farm or ranch, labor is a consideration when developing a breeding program. Manpower spent per animal will need to be determined. In other words, is labor available over the course of the day to provide assistance when needed, or is labor limited or available on a part-time basis? Knowing this information is necessary to develop a breeding program. As an example, a full-time farmer/ rancher who observes the cattle multiple times in a day may not have to pay as much attention to getting a calving ease bull as the part-time farmer/rancher who rarely sees the cattle. Additionally, a full-time farmer/rancher usually has more
Continued on page 8 6 | October 2011
Fifty-five years ago, I set a goal – develop an outstanding cowherd
that excels in production, performance and carcass merit. Today, I’ll put the cattle carrying the RVFG tattoo up against any in the industry for total return. If you want to breed for tomorrow’s consumers, give me a call today. Let’s talk proven tenderness-based genetics and how they’ll mean more profit for your operation. Ronald Rogers at web e h t .com s on u G t F i s V Vi gers
.Ro www
A Factory Built on Tenderness, Growth & Milk! At Rogers Valley Farm, we look at our cows as our factory. Today, for a factory to succeed, it needs to be efficient with the latest technology. We approach our cow selection the same way. Each cow needs to raise a calf every year on the forage provided and the calf needs to excel in the market place. We use EPDs, ultrasound data plus DNA technology to measure the economically important traits of tenderness, carcass merit and reproduction. The goal is to produce bulls and replacement females that have the best genetics the Gelbvieh breed has to offer. If you are a commercial breeder or seedstock producer, let us show you how Rogers Valley Farm genetics can improve the performance of your herd. Call Ronald Rogers at 660-375-7266.
KHR 47R
Our Senior Chairman of the Board One breeder referred to him as the big butt bull when looking at our calf crop.
Mark Your Calendar. Plan to Attend.
On March 10, 2012 we’ll be selling our top yearling and 18-month bulls at the Midwest Beef Alliance Bull Sale in Tina, Mo. All will be out of our A.I. herdsires that are selected for their tenderness and carcass genetics with improved feedlot performance. For information on our bull offering or to purchase semen from our tenderness sires, call Ronald Rogers at 660-375-7266.
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 2011 Rogers Profit Pict_Oct.indd 1
9/6/11 3:06 PM
The Profitpicture | 7
Assessing Management, Resources, and Marketing in Cow-Calf Operations ... continued from page 6
opportunity to provide additional nutrition during times of distress and can probably manage high producing cattle more efficiently than a parttime farmer/rancher. Another labor consideration is the physical capability of the labor. Physical limitations (age, health, handicap, etc.) will require breeding considerations for traits such as calving ease and disposition. Labor availability and capability are important components when determining your breeding program.
Effect of performance level and nutrition availability The availability and quality of nutrition are extremely important when determining your breeding program. Cattle will perform as a response to their nutritional plane. Research has shown that under limited nutritional conditions, smaller, less productive cattle are
more efficient at converting the available resources into pounds of salable product. Their calves typically weigh less, but they tend to have a greater reproductive rate, which improves the production of the herd. Under ideal nutrition, there were very little efficiency differences between high- and moderately performing cattle. In an environment that provides ample amounts of nutrition, the larger, high-performing cattle were the most efficient at producing pounds of salable product or weaned calves. Based on this information, management operations that provide exceptional nutrition should consider more productive types of cattle; however, operations with poor nutrition, either in availability or quality, should consider less-productive cattle (smaller and/or less milking ability). Quantity and quality of feed resources will be a factor
in many management decisions including breeding management.
Feed quality Cattle are raised in every part of the United States, and conditions vary drastically. The nutritional resources that are available to cattle are also going to be considerably different depending on location and individual management practices. There are three basic nutritional categories that need to be assessed: the forage base, stored feeds, and purchased feeds.
Forage Base The forage base assessment deals with determining the quality, quantity, and seasonality of forages that are available. This will include grass type, availability of legumes, and grazing system options (continuous, rotational, etc.). It will also include the availability of crop residues and other regional grazing practices. Because of increased
production costs, intensive forage management must sustain a greater level of cattle productivity.
Stored feeds The best way to determine the quality of stored feeds is through lab analysis. The major factors that are going to affect that analysis will be species composition, maturity at harvest, harvesting conditions, and storage conditions. Species composition is typically influenced a great deal by the region (subtropical, high desert, fescue belt, etc.), as well as some aspects of harvesting and storage. Arid regions can typically harvest hay under better conditions than areas with large amounts of rainfall. In many regions, the window of opportunity for cutting, drying, baling, and removal is too short to avoid some exposure to rain, which affects quality. Those windows of opportunity also dictate the maturity at harvest. Continued on page 10
8 | October 2011
The Profitpicture | 9
Assessing Management, Resources, and Marketing in Cow-Calf Operations ... continued from page 8
Purchased feeds The assessment of purchased feeds should be based on the availability of economical feedstuffs and is reflected in feed tag information. The decision to purchase feeds is dictated by the deficiencies between the herd requirements and the availability of feed grown by the cattle operation. Regional situations will make certain economical feedstuffs readily available to cattle producers. The decision to purchase feed should always be based on the economic return. In other words, be certain that the cost of purchasing the feed will be offset by generated income.
Marketing opportunities The production of beef can be segmented so that multiple ownership of the cattle can happen before it reaches the end consumer. This type of system allows many opportunities for cattlemen, depending on the amount of risk and responsibility they are willing to take. The time of marketing (weaning, preconditioned, yearling, finished) and the pricing systems should be seriously considered when developing breeding programs. The most common opportunities to market cattle intended for meat production are: 1. Weaned calves sold at auction or by video. Sellers provide the only production information that is available to potential buyers through the auction center’s personnel. 2. Calves sold off the farm at weaning. Buyer has direct contact with producer and should be more aware of performance information to varying degrees, breed type, and management information. 3. Calves sold either at auction or off the farm after a preconditioning period. This marketing system is only profitable to the seller if the buyer is aware of the preconditioning. Therefore, if sold at auction, it is necessary for the preconditioning information to be provided to potential buyers to obtain price premium. 4. Yearlings sold after a backgrounding/ stocker program through an auction or off the farm. Buyers generally have little knowledge of the cattle if the cattle have had a previous point of commerce, but yearlings tend to have better health as feeders compared to calves because of advanced age. 5. Retained ownership through the finishing period. Fed cattle have the following marketing options: Sell live as commodity cattle. Cattle are priced by the average value of cattle compared to other cattle marketed at the same time. Sell in the meat. Available options are: Grade and yield. Carcasses are valued 10 | October 2011
according to Quality Grade, Yield Grade, and dressing percentage. Value-based market through a grid or formula. A precise marketing system that pays premiums for certain carcass traits. Some grids are better suited for high-quality grade cattle, while others are better suited for greater lean meat yield. Formula marketing. Cattle that are marketed during the finishing period with a specific future date and delivery point. Determining the best marketing system for an operation is difficult to determine if information about the production potential of the cattle is limited or nonexistent. Depending on resources and production potentials, differences in marketing options will determine profits. Situations that may cause re-evaluation of cattle marketing plans would be drought or other restrictions to grazing management, market and/ or futures prices, alternative feed availability, facilities, ability to manage risk, or others. Although it is important to set goals and have targets, it is also important to be flexible if opportunities or adversities develop.
Targeted selection is a must for efficient production of beef. Summary Evaluating the resources and opportunities of cattle operations is the first step necessary in selecting breeding stock. Once marketing goals are in place and the capacity and level of production of an operation are established, then a breeding program can be developed. The breeding program of seedstock producers should be able to provide customers with cattle that fit their operations and production goals. Marketing highly productive (growth and milk) bulls in an area with limited resources may actually compromise future production. Commercial producers should consider a crossbreeding system to take advantage of heterosis and breed complementarity. After breed selection, cattle producers should then select bulls that match their resources, management, and market opportunities. Targeted selection is a must for efficient production of beef. Editor’s Note: The above article was taken from the second edition of the “Beef Sire Selection Manual” by the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium. The entire manual can be found at http://www.nbcec.org/producers/sire.html.
IGENITY® is changing the way you see your herd. It gives you the inside information you need to make more confident and informed decisions. From a single DNA sample, it creates a comprehensive profile of key economically important traits; traits like marbling and stayability that can help improve genetic selection and advance breeding programs. Simply put, it’s an easy-to-understand genetic profile that gives you an earlier, more accurate look at your herd’s potential.
Start moving your operation forward at IGENITY.com or call 1-877-IGENITY.
®IGENITY and the IGENITY logo are registered trademarks of Merial. ©2011 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. LAGEIG1210 (12/10)
The Profitpicture | 11
Editorial
Take Full Advantage of Gelbvieh Association’s Commercial Services By Jim Beastrom
The American Gelbvieh Association and Gelbvieh breeders value commercial cow-calf producers. In fact, the breed was initially built by commercial cattlemen in the 1970s. Commercial cow-calf producers were some of the first in the beef industry to use Gelbvieh semen. As the breed became Americanized, Gelbvieh breeders were cognizant of the need to continue to breed the type of cattle that would be productive for commercial cattlemen. The economically important traits for cow-calf producers such as milk production, performance, fertility and pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed have remained staples of the Gelbvieh breed. For commercial users of Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics, the AGA offers many services to assist in maximizing your return on investment in Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls and replacement females. Be sure you are taking full advantage of the commercial services offered by the AGA. Firstly, when you purchase your next herd bulls or replacement females this fall or next
Kentucky Breeders
Purebred Gelbvieh & Balancer Cattle
David Butts / Wayne Butts
10819 Dawson Road Princeton, Ky 42445 (270) 625-4700 (C)
(270) 365-3715 (H) ddcmbutts@wildblue.net
High Quality Genetics for Every Cattleman
Slaughter Sale Management David Slaughter
162 Hastings Lane • Fredonia, KY 42411 270-556-4259 • hmslghtr@aol.com
12 | October 2011
spring make sure to request the registration papers be transferred into your name by your seedstock supplier. Most breeders already transfer the registration papers as a free service to their customers. However, it is a good idea to double check with your seedstock supplier to ensure you receive the transferred registration paper. This registration transfer is your key to not only keeping record of the genetics in your herd but to additional services. Commercial buyers with registration transfers receive a free one year subscription to the AGA’s two publications – Gelbvieh World and The Profit Picture. 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. Updated EPD information can be requested in two ways. One, visit the AGA website at www.gelbvieh. org and click on “Search for an animal.” This will bring up a new web page where you can search by registration number, prefix/tattoo, or animal name to find the most recent information on any animal. EPDs on the website are updated daily. The second option is to contact the AGA office at 303-465-2333 or info@gelbvieh.org with the registration number or prefix/tattoo of the animals you would like updated EPD information on. The AGA will then send you the updated information. Requesting updated EPD information is a free service. The AGA also offers several services to assist in marketing Gelbvieh influenced feeder cattle and females. The AGA’s field staff of two area coordinators is available to make herd visits and/ or to discuss finding the Gelbvieh or Balancer genetics that fit your program. The central region area coordinator is Brandon McEndaffer, 970520-3020, brandonm@gelbvieh.org. The eastern regional area coordinator is William McIntosh, 502-867-3132, williamm@gelbvieh.org. Western region commercial producers may contact Frank Padilla at the AGA office at 303-465-2333, frankp@gelbvieh.org, or they may contact either of the two area coordinators. 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 listing attempts to match potential buyers with interested sellers. Visit www.gelbvieh.org/exchange.html to view current listings or to post a new listing. Brand your Gelbvieh influenced feeder calves with SmartCross® ear tags from the AGA. The American Gelbvieh Association offers three designs of SmartCross tags. Producers can choose to buy the Marketing tag with the SmartCross logo, ranch name and unique 9-digit number or you can buy one of two Management tags with the word SmartCross. Visit http://www.gelbvieh. org/membership/memberprograms.html#earTags for more information or to download the SmartCross ear tag order form. Gelbvieh Profit Partners (GPP) is a cattle management and marketing company that is available to assist in the procurement of Gelbvieh influenced feeder cattle or females. Separate from the AGA, GPP is a for-profit limited liability company backed by a Board of Directors with years of cattle-feeding experience and roughly 160 Gelbvieh breeder investors. For more information on how GPP can assist in marketing your Gelbvieh and Balancer influenced feeder cattle, contact Slim Cook, GPP chief operating officer, at 307-272-2024. There is a lot to be optimistic about in the beef industry right now and for what looks like to be the foreseeable future. Market prices are at levels we haven’t seen in some time. Cull cow and bull prices are also high. The demand for Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle across the country is very strong. Take advantage of these trends by evaluating your bull battery or cow herd this fall and maximize heterosis and lifetime cow efficiency by adding Gelbvieh or Balancer genetics to your herd. As a commercial buyer of Gelbvieh or Balancer seedstock be sure to take full advantage of the commercial services offered by the American Gelbvieh Association to increase your return on investment. Editor’s Note: Jim Beastrom is the president of the American Gelbvieh Association. He can be reached at jimbeastrom@mncomm.com or 605224-5789.
Committed to the
s s e c of the c u S
Commercial Cattleman
Selling 60 Bulls • All Bull 100% Guaranteed!
Black or Red All DNA Tested for Coat Color DNA Tested by Igenity for carcass traits and BVD Ultrasound Data
BULLS LIKE THESE WILL SELL! ANNUAL BULL SALE SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012 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
Visitors always welcome! The Profitpicture | 13
News
Gelbvieh Adds Value when Feeding Cattle Feeder calves with Continental breed influence and the potential to hit the mark on Quality and Yield Grades are in demand at feeder calf markets across the country. The added pounds of carcass produced are adding dollars to the cattle feeder’s pockets. “A bull that sires 20 head of the heavier-finishing steers each year has created $1,148 in additional progeny value versus another bull that sires the lighter-finishing steers,” says Tom Brink, JBS/Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, the largest fed cattle marketer in the world. The feeder wants the added carcass weight that Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics bring to the equation. Recent feeder cattle auctions show demand from feeders for Gelbvieh influenced SmartCross®
genetics. Cedar Top Ranch from Nebraska sold 800 pound steers for $147.50. Bedke K Savy Ranch from Idaho sold 490 pound steer calves at $156.00 and 580 pound steers at $140.00. Owl Mountain Ranch located in Colorado received $150.00 for steers weighing 475 pounds. DMD Livestock from Nebraska reached $142.00 on steers weighing 740 pounds. Reiber Ranch out of Montana got a price of $135.00 for 690 pound steers. The Buckingham Cattlemen’s Association in Virginia sold Gelbvieh/Balancer SmartCross steer calves weighing 540 pounds at $147.50 and 580 pound steers for $146.00 in their recent August TelO-Auction. In good or tough economic times a Choice Yield Grade 2
5th Annual You-Pick-Em All Polled All Black ✖ Saturday, November 19, 2011 ✖ 11 am - 2 pm ✖ Lunch served at noon! Post Rock Granite 200P2
• #2 Gelbvieh bull for registrations • #1 Bull in breed for gestation length
LWHF Forever Lady 349W Daughter of Post Rock Granite 200P2 Sold to Middle Creek Farms at the 2011 National Sale
It’s Simple!
1. On Nov. 19, 2011, from 11 am to 2 pm, Bulls will be on display at the farm. If you find a bull or bulls you want to purchase at this time write your name beside the bull and if no one else wants the same bull at 2 pm, you pay 50% of the pre-priced amount. 2. We keep the bulls, care for them at NO additional charge to you. We test the bulls and feed them to gain @3.5 lbs. /day. All bulls are on a total herd health program, including a breeding soundness exam, with semen evaluation prior to pick up. 3. Pick up your bull or bulls on or before January 1, 2012. You pay remaining 50% and they will be ready to go to work.
Offering: Gelbvieh Bulls Balancer Bulls Selling a Angus Bulls select grou p of Balanc er Heifers
14 | October 2011
W L
H
F
QUALITY GELBVIEH CATTLE
LITTLE WINDY HILL
Farms Doug & Sue Hughes 6916 Peppers Ferry Road Max Meadows, VA 24360
H 276/637-3916 • C 276/620-4271
email: lwhf@wiredog.com
carcass is an industry target. An 800-pound Yield Grade 2 carcass that has a USDA Choice grade in today’s market is worth $72.00 more than a 750-pound carcass with the same grade profile.
you are starting with, there is an easy way to use Gelbvieh or Balancer bulls to get to the most profitable place in the industry today. Feeders and packers demand an animal that will grade Choice with a Yield Grade
An 800-pound Yield Grade 2 carcass that has a USDA Choice grade in today’s market is worth $72.00 more than a 750-pound carcass with the same grade profile. The American Gelbvieh Association uses a carcass value EPD (CV EPD) to calculate carcass parameters on a level that reflects true dollar value of carcasses as cattle are priced in real world grid marketing. The CV EPD is an index of four single trait carcass EPDs: carcass weight, marbling, days to finish and rib eye area. What sets Gelbvieh apart from other breeds is the inclusion of the carcass weight trait when calculating the CV EPD. Weight drives value. Gelbvieh cattle selected for carcass value will increase grid premium potential in terms of carcass weight, Quality Grade, Yield Grade, and will reduce discounts for “out” carcasses. Data from Colorado State University’s Maxwell Ranch SmartCross research showed Gelbvieh influenced cattle resulted in significantly more dollars in both a low and high Choice/Select spread market over Angus-sired cattle. When based on Quality and Yield premiums/discounts and carcass weight in both scenarios, Gelbviehsired cattle added $53.17 per head in a low spread and $36.67 per head in a high spread. Regardless of the cow herd base
1 or 2. Crossbred cows have added longevity and a Gelbvieh influenced female gives you more cow power in your pasture. Visit the American Gelbvieh Association website at www. gelbvieh.org to get more information about the Gelbvieh SmartCross system and how it can work for you or call the AGA office at 303.465.2333. Add pounds and profit to your operation with Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics and marketing opportunities. Author’s Note: SmartCross® is a program of the American Gelbvieh Association. The SmartCross system is crossbreeding made easy. The system offers scenarios where Gelbvieh genetics can be used in any cow herd base – high percentage British, Brahman-influenced, Continental/British, high percentage Continental, or multiple breeds and percentages – to maximize hybrid vigor and efficiencies. For more information on the SmartCross program visit http://www.gelbvieh. org/whygelbvieh/crossbreeding.html or call 303-465-2333.
The Profitpicture | 15
16 | October 2011
News
Drought Forces Nearly 10,000 Cows out of Texas By Anna-Lisa Giannini Ranchers throughout Texas have been suffering from drought for months, now many are taking their last option and moving cattle out of Texas. As the fall months arrive without any signs of rain, thousands of head are leaving the state and the trend seems to be continuing according to Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA). The drought has made it nearly impossible for some producers to sustainably leave cattle in the Lone Star state. Cattlemen are sending cows to northern states like Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas and eastern states like Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi. “We’re into something not many men have ever seen,” says Pete Bonds, Vice President of TSCRA. “Even if you look at droughts in the past it has rained some and this time it just hasn’t.”
are being forced to for two reasons lack of grass and lack of water. “You can’t leave cows here because there is virtually nothing left to eat,” says Buzz Thorp, a rancher near Throckmorton, Texas. “Those cows are still going to be walking around, eating and suffering heat stress and that is going to be harder on your cattle and your ground. If you leave your cows here it’s going to take a lot longer for the land to recover.” Not everyone is relocating their mother cows though. Bonds says a lot of area producers are sitting on their hands praying it will rain this fall, not because they have no grass but because they have no water. Hoping that it will rain enough to run water, many ranchers are forced to just wait it out. Jay O’Brien a rancher in the panhandle, says that his ranches are going to be able to get through the winter so they are just hoping that rain comes soon, although he doesn’t predict a rain will cause the grass to grow any.
Larger ranches are looking to make long-term deals and it is likely that the cows will never come back. The heifers may, but the cows likely won’t. [Due to a] lack of grass and lack of water. Bonds predicts over 10,000 cows will be relocated this month. He says that larger ranches are looking to make long-term deals and it is likely that the cows will never come back. The heifers may, but the cows likely won’t. Ranchers moving cattle
Thorp says that depending on where your ranch is located, the freight cost of shipping hay south is close to the cost of shipping all of your cattle north. As ranchers scramble to find pasture to put cows on over the winter they are doing their best to manage a lot of risk.
For those producers moving cattle north, calving in the winter is the dilemma. Bonds says that many of these producers haven’t seen cattle freeze to death before and their cattle haven’t been forced to survive a South Dakota winter either. Thorp says anytime cattle are asked to adapt to new environments, especially during periods of stress (like calving), there are inherent risks to the calf crop. Bonds encourages producers to weigh their options carefully. “Two things have broke more people in this business - doing things the same way granddaddy did it and not doing things the same way granddaddy did it,”
he says. He continues that when granddaddy was in a drought he sold all but a few of his cattle and when it rained he didn’t just buy the cattle back. Instead he kept back heifers and gave the grass adequate time to recover. Bonds pressures producers to not underestimate the value calves will have this fall and next spring if the corn crop is good and to make management decisions accordingly. Editor’s Note: This Beef Today story was printed with permission of Farm Journal Media, September 2011. Giannini is the Farm Journal Advocacy and Social Media Assistant Editor.
25 Years of Bar Arrow Sales Only 1 head replaced due to docility...that buyer is still a customer! • At Bar Arrow we see the benefits of docility & growth in our Balancer® and Gelbvieh cattle everyday. Docile cattle save you time and money. • Our cattle consistently convert better than 6 lbs. DMI for each pound of gain.
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The Profitpicture | 17
Editorial
Just Press on the Gas By Brandon McEndaffer Volatile…that’s the way to summarize any market these days whether in Chicago or in New York. Uncertainty is around every corner and its times like these that make beef producers and risk managers scratch their heads as to what’s next. Fortunately, 2011 has seen record highs in all classes of cattle, allowing producers to capitalize and salvage value despite high input costs and drought in the southern states. However, now could be a good time to press on the gas. This does not mean as a high school driver swerving on a back country road would, but press on the gas in a way that moves your operation forward, within its core competencies. That competency is raising beef cattle that fit the industry’s demands! Think Mario Andretti with an aggressive but precise approach that hits all the targets.
Why now? Since 2008, the U.S. average net farm equity has increased 14.4 percent according to the USDA. This three year time period has brought much needed relief to farmers’ and ranchers’ balance sheets across the country. Higher commodity prices and real estate valuation has offset rising input
costs, and overall a large majority of agriculture is positioned well to weather an economy with low consumer confidence. As most producers are aware, the 2010 U.S. cow herd reached its lowest level since 1958. 2011 looks to only reduce that level even farther. As we look forward to the negative prospective on cattle numbers for 2011 and 2012, an economy with low consumer confidence limiting growth in the domestic demand for middle meats, and the increasing feed costs, it may seem counterintuitive to press on the gas. That being said, there are opportunities at every turn. As a beef cattle producer, it could be an ideal time to press on the gas if your environment allows. U.S. beef exports for 2011 are forecasted to be nearly 13 percent higher than 2010, while U.S. beef imports are expected to decline nearly five percent in 2011. Couple this with the fact that cow numbers are to remain in a downward trend as evidenced by replacement female numbers likely to be down five to six percent this year. If domestic demand remains constant with a strong demand for chuck, round, and boneless trim there is room to be optimistic moving forward given the pounds of beef protein being consumed and exported.
A m e r i c a n
G e l b v i e h
Additionally, U.S. beef producers are producing more beef as fed cattle weights are greater than a year ago, proving that U.S. cattle operations are producing more with less.
What track to race on? Let’s look at 750 weight steers sold in 2011 thus far at an average of $127/ cwt. Compare that to 2008 at $101/ cwt or 2005 at $110/cwt, and the result is a 26 percent and a 15 percent increase respectively. As the initial capital investment for these 750 weight cattle increases, buyers will continue to be more selective on the qualities that directly relate to profit and efficiency in the feedyard and on the rail. This emphasis on being more selective will only be magnified as the cattle feeding industry takes a back seat to the energy sector in competition for corn. Balancer® and Gelbvieh influenced cattle fit these qualities. Viewing the beef industry as a system and selecting not only economically relevant traits like calving ease, fertility, and pounds weaned per cow exposed, but also including emphasis on carcass weights, the Gelbvieh Association’s carcass value EPD, feed efficiency, and cattle that are phenotypically easy fleshing will provide dividends in the future. The heterosis found in Balancer cattle can directly relate to
A s s o c i a t i o n
Area Coordinators “Mark your calendars for the Iowa Maternal Edge sale on December 22. Give me a call if you need assistance locating cattle that fit your program. I’d be glad to assist you. Gelbvieh influenced females will add maternal power to your cow herds.”
Brandon McEndaffer Central Region
brandonm@gelbvieh.org (970) 520-3020 (C)
“Contact me if you’re looking for Gelbvieh or Balancer replacement females. There are opportunities to fill those orders this fall with Maternal Edge commercial female sales — an Ohio sale on October 29 and a Tennessee sale on November 5.”
William McIntosh Eastern Region
williamm@gelbvieh.org (502) 867-3132 (C)
Western region Gelbvieh members and commercial producers should contact Frank Padilla at the American Gelbvieh Association office at 303-465-2333.
18 | October 2011
profits via heavier weaning weights, higher post weaning gains in the feedyard, and carcasses that reach the desired Choice/Yield Grade 2 or 3 mark at heavier weights. Stepping on the gas now by investing in top notch Balancer and Gelbvieh influenced cattle that cover the bases the industry is looking for will add value to your calves. For a commercial producer, the genetics selected today will determine the cattle harvested in 2013 and beyond. Given that Balancer feeder cattle have sold well this year and the overall feeder calf market is strong, investment in this year’s and next year’s breeding bulls should be approached with an proactive tactic that focuses on the demands of the industry. Letting the uncertainty and volatility in today’s commodity markets impact an operation’s decisions toward progress in its genetics will cost money down the road. Despite the southern drought, competition for acres from cropland in the Midwest, or the economic outlook, investment in better genetics that capitalize on heterosis will provide dividends in the future on the female side as well. As we look to producing females for a possible increase in U.S. cow herd numbers starting in late 2012, the added longevity, fertility, and maternal ability measured by the increased pounds weaned per cow exposed can’t be ignored. Balancer and Gelbvieh influenced bring all of these to the table! Viewing the past two years, where prices have led to profits for the cow/calf producer as a starting point rather than the finish line in this cycle will make all the difference for producers moving forward. Balancer and Gelbvieh influenced genetics, with the right qualities selected for the industry, will be a profitable move for the future.
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The Profitpicture | 19
Over the Fence With Walt Hitch
Walt Hitch Director, University of Tennessee Plateau AgResearch & Education Center
John Walter (Walt) Hitch is the AgResearch Center Director at the University of Tennessee Plateau AgResearch Center & Education Center in Crossville, Tenn. The American Gelbvieh Association’s Director of Breed Promotion Frank Padilla sat down with Hitch to get his perspective on research at the Research Center and the beef industry in the eastern U.S. Hitch has been the director of the UT Plateau AgResearch & Education Center since 1999. He was raised on a dairy farm in eastern Tennessee and is a graduate from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Agriculture and a MBA. He and his wife Aretha have two children, Hannah (14) and John (10).
Montana
Breeders
“Gelbvieh since 1973”
Kathleen Rankin 406-937-4815 1285 Nine Mile Rd. • Oilmont, MT 59466 krankin@northerntel.net www.kickinghorseranch.com Performance cattle for the real world.
20 | October 2011
Ken and Dale Flikkema 2 Mint Trail • Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 586-6207 (O) • (406) 580-6207 (C) email: mcfg@imt.net Black, Purebred & Balancer Cattle “Our Aim is Your Target”
FP: Please tell us about the Plateau AgResearch Center & Educational Center. WH: The University of Tennessee’s Plateau AgResearch & Education Center is widely known for its contributions in fruit and vegetable research. The Center was established in 1943 and includes 2,100 acres in three locations. The Center, one of ten such centers in the University’s program, is the site for research in beef, ornamentals, fruits and vegetables. Annually, the Center conducts various trials evaluating different varieties and production practices that are particularly useful to Tennessee producers. With two locations in the Crossville, Tenn., area with beef cattle (70N and Grassland Units), the Center is used for intensive beef cattle research. As one of the largest research centers in terms of cattle numbers, the beef herd is composed of Angus, Gelbvieh, and Balancer® genetics. The cattle at the center are used routinely for embryo transfer and artificial insemination studies. Offspring from these breeding projects are used in forage grazing studies, nutritional studies with by-products (soyhulls, etc.) and fescuefertility experiments. Production data including carcass ultrasound measurements are collected routinely on this herd with some calves sent to feedlots for additional information. The Plateau AgResearch and Education Center strives to develop technology which will enhance the efficiency of agricultural, forest and ornamental industries, improve the quality of rural life, and conserve rural environmental resources of soil, water, air and wildlife. The Center holds an annual Steak & Potatoes Field Day at the 70N facility the first Tuesday of each August to report current research findings and topics. The Center also conducts two cattle sales annually. Open heifers and bulls are sold in a spring sale in late March while surplus cows are sold in the fall. For more information on upcoming field days or to arrange a special tour, contact the Plateau AgResearch and Education Center by calling 931-484-0034 or visiting our website at http://plateau.tennessee.edu.
FP: What role does the Research Center serve to cattle producers? WH: The AgReseach Center serves as an outdoor laboratory and classroom to our research and extension faculty. It serves as a laboratory to conduct unbiased science based trials aimed at improving the productivity of the beef producers. You can read just about anything you want on the Internet. It seems that lots of people have opinions and the Internet allows anyone to make their opinion available to the public. We can’t believe everything we read, so we need to make sure that recommendations are based on good science, and I believe that is what we do best. Trials are conducted to determine the best forage and grain varieties, improve AI or ET conception rates, reduce stress in handling cattle, or efficient use of byproducts in developing better rations.
and also acquired Balancer bulls to produce some F2 crosses. Some of the Gelbvieh and Balancer females have most recently been used as recips in our embryo transfer trials. With their milking quality and ability to raise great calves, they have performed well. FP: What has the carcass data that you have collected shown about the Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics? WH: We have carcass data on 228 Gelbvieh, Balancer and Angus cattle from the past two years. The Angus and Gelbvieh results are much like you might expect. Angus yielded 85.3 percent Choice or better with 35.9 percent Yield Grade 1 and 2. Gelbvieh yielded 32.7 percent Choice or better with 85.4 percent Yield Grade 1 and 2. The thing that stands out the most is the Balancer cattle’s ability to hit both quality and yield targets at the same time. The Balancer cattle yielded 70.6 percent Choice or better with 88.3 percent
Typically the crossbred Balancer calves will weigh 30 to 50 pounds more at weaning. They just seem to stand out at weaning and on the carcass closeout sheets. FP: You have used Gelbvieh genetics in the cow herd that is maintained at the research center. Why? WH: The decision to use Gelbvieh in the herd was made many years ago following a multi-breed crossbreeding trial. John Loy, a retired research associate and now owner of Clinch Mountain Gelbvieh, evaluated the existing herd and determined that Gelbvieh and Gelbvieh crosses would be best for building on the existing herd. We were able to retain the females and keep them in the herd. The Gelbvieh cattle had great milk production and the hybrid vigor from the crossbred calves proved to have good growth. Often times our Gelbvieh heifers were bred to Angus because we did not have a calving ease Gelbvieh bull. We later acquired calving ease Gelbvieh bulls
Yield Grade 1 and 2. Typically the crossbred Balancer calves will weigh 30 to 50 pounds more at weaning. They just seem to stand out at weaning and on the carcass closeout sheets. FP: What areas do you feel more research is needed in regard to genetic evaluation and adding value to cattle? WH: I believe that adaptability to the environment is really important. We do not all live in the same environment or grow the same forages. Different animals seem to respond differently to these environments. There seems to be a push for grass fed beef. It would seem prudent to raise the question if we have the right genetics to optimize finishing cattle on grass. I also believe that consistency is important. Having additional genetic markers and predictors will be important to
becoming more consistent. Lastly, to be profitable, I believe that we need efficient cows and I expect efficiency is a genetic trait. FP: What measures or practices do you feel are the quickest and easiest ways for producers to lower their cost of production? WH: I am not sure production costs are going to get any lower. The key will be to make sure that margins are still positive and that increases in market prices are greater than any increase in cost. I don’t believe there will be any one practice that will lower costs. Instead, I believe it will be the optimization of several key management practices. You need to keep records. You can’t manage what you can’t measure. Select efficient cows. Know what they are weaning. Get them bred. Have live and healthy calves. Feed as efficiently as you can. Know the costs of feeding forages and commercial feeds. Use practices such as rotational grazing to utilize pastures. Don’t waste hay or other feeds. Don’t feed cows that don’t produce (cull). Market
effectively. Know how to get the most for your calves. FP: Feedlot studies and closeouts from cattle in the eastern U.S. have proven and shown a consistent improvement in feedlot performance, carcass quality and health through the years. What to you accredit that improvement and success to? WH: Education. Eastern cattle producers want to do what is right and realize the benefits of doing what is right. I know of several occasions where groups have invited feedlot managers to speak and let them know what they want. Producers have implemented changes to make their products more successful in the feedlot. Alliances and marketing groups have been formed so that several smaller producers can use the same genetics, production practices, vaccination programs, etc., so they can market together and mimic large scale producers. Buyers like truck load lots of cattle that are alike and consistent.
These cattle are KEVLAR tough...
• Kevlar’s Daughter was Champion at the AGJA Western Regional in Perry, OK
• GALG Kevlar 18R3 is producing stout, soft made cattle that will work in most any environment. Semen available! • Bulls for sale Private Treaty! • Cattle for sale at the Sooner Select sale!
Gallaway Gelbvieh
Randy & Pam Gallaway 15182 N Midwest Blvd • Mulhall, OK 73063 405-742-0774 rpgallaway@yahoo.com • www.gallawaygelbvieh.com The Profitpicture | 21
News
Gelbvieh Website Offers Free Feeder Calf, Bull and Female Exchange Cow-calf producers looking to market Gelbvieh influenced feeder cattle or wanting to purchase Gelbvieh and Balancer® bulls and replacement females have a free online option to assist with their marketing needs. The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) offers a free listing service through their website to promote loads or lots of feeder cattle, as well as bulls and females for sale by members and producers. As part of the AGA’s commercial marketing service, the free listing service is available to members and commercial producers who use Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics. The feeder calf exchange allows producers
22 | October 2011
to list information about their cattle as well as the details of how they plan to market them on the association’s website at www.gelbvieh.org. Additionally, order buyers can view and sort the listing on the Feeder Calf Exchange on the website. The association’s Exchange service also includes free Bull Listings and Female Listings for members and commercial producers with Gelbvieh influenced bulls or females for sale or who are looking to purchase bulls or females. “The Exchange is a free service to anyone who is looking to merchandize Gelbvieh influenced feeder cattle, bulls or females,” said
Frank Padilla, director of breed promotion for the association. “When producers list their cattle on the exchange, they benefit by having more potential buyers for their cattle to ultimately market their loads. As well, they can search for bulls and replacement females currently offered for sale by seedstock breeders.” Producers can add their own listings by visiting www.gelbvieh. org/exchange.html. They will need to complete a short registration process through the website to create a login and password. Once completed, individuals can add their own listing and can also go back and edit a listing. Another option to add a listing is
to have association representatives add the listing for the producer. Producers can contact Padilla with their information by calling 303465-2333. “For computer savvy cattlemen, adding their own listing through the website is pretty simple. However, we are happy to work with producers to post their listing for them. Either way, once the listing has been posted, it will be immediately viewable on the Exchange.” Sales are directly between the buyer and the seller. For more information on the any of the Exchange listings, contact Padilla or visit www.gelbvieh.org.
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WW +56
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YW +88
BW -0.6
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Angus sale Bulls Average: Ce +7
MArB +.46
BW +1.0
reA +.46
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YW +100
$B +58.20
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Serving the beef industry since 1944
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The Profitpicture | 23
Editorial
Request the Paper….It Pays By Frank Padilla When you open the driver side door of your pick-up or car you will most likely see a manufacturer’s sticker on the door jam. The sticker and code on it provide information that is critical to anyone seeking information on the particular vehicle. Mechanics look at that sticker to get information before providing you with service on the vehicle. A transferred pedigree and performance registration paper on seedstock bulls or females serves the same purpose to you and those who purchase your cattle. Registration transfers set the stage for creating and maintaining strong relationships between commercial cattle producers and seedstock suppliers. These documents communicate genetic merit and provide important information for maximizing returns from seedstock investments. Transferred registrations and performance records authenticate pedigree, performance and genetic information. This documentation assists in helping to manage the potential of genetic defects, particularly in hybrid seedstock.
24 | October 2011
Requesting and receiving a registration transfer connects you to your genetics supplier as well as to the breed association. This connection with the breed association provides information, programs and services to help you make the most of your seedstock purchases. Registration transfers of Gelbvieh and Balancer® seedstock allows buyers to request free EPD updates for their bull batteries from the American Gelbvieh Association. For commercial buyers it also activates complimentary subscriptions to the AGA’s breed publications, Gelbvieh World and The Profit Picture, free of charge.
genetics, and reputation is important to buyers looking for quality feeder calves and replacement females. Receiving registration papers for purchased seedstock solidifies your reputation as a professional cattle producer who is committed to genetic improvement. There is no better way to document superior genetics than to buy registered seedstock and request registration transfers. Only registered seedstock animals have reliable genetic and performance information available from their registry organizations. Only registered seedstock have officially documented pedigree information
Registration transfers will help to provide information and tools that will make your operation more profitable now and in the future. Another benefit of transfers is that it better allows the AGA to assist producers in merchandising calves and fully realizing valueadded opportunities to maximize net returns. Profitable calf crops are the result of known, superior
to help manage inbreeding, hybrid vigor and genetic defects. When daughters of a sire or group of sires are retained in the herd and bred, documented pedigrees allow you to avoid inbreeding and to generate maternal
heterosis. Inbreeding often results in declined reproduction fitness. Direct and maternal heterosis are associated favorably and significantly with greater lifetime reproductive efficiency, longevity and pounds weaned per cow exposed. Having past and current sires’ pedigrees at hand provides economically meaningful insight when selecting bulls that will go back on retained replacements. Cattle producers are entitled to have the official registration certificates transferred when they buy seedstock. The next time you buy a registered animal be sure to ask the seller to transfer the papers. It will give you peace of mind in your seedstock purchases through documented breed composition, sire and dam pedigrees, breeder contact information, performance measures and genetic predictions. Registration transfers will help to provide information and tools that will make your operation more profitable. Editor’s Note: Frank Padilla is the director of breed promotion for the American Gelbvieh Association. He can be reached at frankp@gelbvieh.org or 303-465-2333.
The Profitpicture | 25
News
Using DNA Technology to Help Produce More Efficient Cattle You can hardly pick up a newspaper or turn on the radio these days without hearing about soaring production costs such as fuel, land and most often – feed. Experts are even anticipating the cost of corn to remain high for the coming year1. As cattle producers adjust their herd management strategies to reflect market changes, some Gelbvieh producers are turning to DNA technology, through the comprehensive IGENITY® profile, to assist in producing a more efficient and effective cattle operation. “One of the major advantages of the comprehensive IGENITY profile and the use of DNA technology is the availability of genetic information for traits that traditionally have been expensive and difficult to measure and
Dr. Stewart Bauck IGENITY Research and Development Director
South Dakota & Wisconsin Breeders
“A LIFETIME OF QUALITY BULLS” Brent & Eve Vavra 17541 Arpan Rd Nisland, SD 57762 (605)257-2407
Keith, Janice, Dustin & Britney
605-852-2131 kvolek@venturecomm.net
www.bcvgelbvieh.com Annual Production Sale 1 st Monday in March.
“Performance Genetics for Your Tomorrow” 43968 208th Street • Lake Preston, SD 57249 (605) 847-4155 Phone www.hojergelbviehranch.com Alan & Pam • (605) 860-1326 Blake & Jenn • (605) 860-0139 Nikki • (605) 860-8723 Christian • (605) 860-8635
26 | October 2011
ARP GELBVIEH Registered Gelbvieh and Balancer® Cattle Bred for Performance, Feed Efficiency and Carcass Quality
Steve & Betty Arp Family N551 Ramsey Rd Arlington, WI 53911 Phone: 608-846-5186
also have a dramatic impact on the producer’s bottom line,” explains Dr. Stewart Bauck, Research and Development Director for IGENITY, a division of Merial. Producers who utilize an IGENITY profile are able to look at multiple traits to assist in producing more efficient cattle, says Dr. Bauck. In addition to evaluating cattle in the areas of maternal, carcass and fertility traits, producers can compare scores in the area of feed efficiency, such as residual feed intake, average daily gain and yearling weight. “Incorporating analyses in the area of feed efficiency can help producers indentify breeding cattle that will be more efficient as young animals and as older animals, as well as produce efficient progeny while maintaining an acceptable body condition score – without negatively affecting fertility,” says Dr. Bauck. Iowa producer, Gary Martens, agrees. He has been using the IGENITY profile in his herd management program for almost three years. “The information from the IGENITY profile helps us select the top animals and where to go from there. It gives you an idea other than just guessing and looking at the animals.” Martens says he uses the IGENITY profile to help make better selection decisions in his operation. “At first we were interested in the homozygous black and polled traits,” says Martens. “But then we started looking at carcass traits such as tenderness and marbling. We also pay close attention to residual feed intake because of the high cost of feed these days.” Recently, Martens was deciding between two bulls that were visually superior and scored about the same on many of the IGENITY profile traits. “But when we looked at their residual feed intake, one bull was eating considerably more than the other,” says Martens. “That’s money out of your pocket.” Dr. Bauck illustrates the fiscal impact feed efficiency can have on a producer’s operation. “Research has been reported indicating that in 2005, feed costs were about $135 per head for 500 pounds of gain. A one point improvement in feed efficiency was worth $1.35 at that time. Today, feed costs are approximately $425 per head for
500 pounds of gain. A one point improvement in feed efficiency is now worth about $4.25 per head. “That’s more than three times as much as six years ago,” says Dr. Bauck1. “If producers can start to make adjustments to their ranch management programs now, they can improve the efficiency and genetic future of their herds.” For Missouri seedstock producer, Richard Lincoln, he uses the IGNITY profile to make selection and marketing decisions in his purebred
“Feed efficiency has been important to me for many years,” says Lincoln. “I was excited when IGENITY first found markers for residual feed intake because it’s always been on my radar. Back in the day, it was a very labor intensive figure to calculate.” Lincoln says cattle producers should be looking at residual feed intake now and begin to realize they can lower their production costs by using more efficient animals.
“The benefits of using the inside information from a DNA profile to assist in making important herd decisions can impact a rancher’s ability to produce efficient cattle that are profitable in the short and long run.” — Dr. Bauck. Gelbvieh operation. He looks at carcass traits, such as tenderness, and stayability when making important ranch management decisions. Lincoln says he also pays close attention to his herd’s feed efficiency scores.
“As humans we react to pressure,” says Lincoln. “We can make economically sound decisions with DNA technology. Commercial producers should look at residual feed intake because it will affect their bottom line.”
“It is essential that producers consider both feed efficiency and growth when evaluating cattle in a multi-trait selection process,” says Dr. Bauck. “The benefits of using the inside information from a DNA profile to assist in making important herd decisions can impact a rancher’s ability to produce efficient cattle that are profitable in the short and long run.” To get started, producers can order sample collection kits by contacting their IGENITY sales representative, call 1-877-443-6489 or visit www.igenity.com/beef. Results will be returned to producers several weeks after samples are received. Sample collection can be done at any time or age; however, collecting samples when animals are already being processed may be the most convenient. Planning ahead will ensure the information will be available in time to make selection decisions and provide results at production sales. 1. Elam, T. (2011, March 16). Corn Prices and Cattle Feeding – Where to From Here? FarmEcon LLC Home. Retrieved August 31, 2011, from http://farmecon.web.officelive.com/Documents/ Feed%20costs%20and%20cattle%20feeding%20 3-24-2011.pdf ®IGENITY is a registered trademark of Merial. ©2011 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved.
Bee Lick Gelbvieh 2011 KY State Fair JR Show Grand Champion Female Supreme Champion KY Bred Female 2011 KY State Fair Open Show Reserve Grand Champion Female
Stop by and see us at the N.A.I.L.E.
BLU Ms. Whitcomb (AGA# 1136418)
Bulls and heifers for sale on the farm
Bee Lick Gelbvieh
Eddie Reynolds 277 Old Bee Lick Rd. Crab Orchard, KY 40419 606•379•2281
The Profitpicture | 27
Brandywine Farms Mature Cowherd Dispersal November 19, 2011 Kingsville Livestock Kingsville, Missouri 1 p.m.
BWF 201M
BWF 335N
BWF 675S
BWF 6179S
BWF 7177T
BWF 661S
Request your catalog today! 877-486-1160
email: john@seedstockplus.com
28 | October 2011
Brandywine Farms
Tom Scarponcini Rushford, MN 507-864-2063 507-429-0039 (cell) scarponcini@acegroup.cc
SELLING: EVERYTHING born in 2007 or earlier 200 Registered Gelbvieh and Balancer Females including 150 mature cows A.I. Bred to top performance Sires. 25 cows with July born calves at side and 25 bred heifers Dam of BWF Brandywine Winthrop 957W
BWF 6116S
BWF 758T
BWF Brandywine Winthrop 957W HIS DAM SELLS!
BWF 3122N
BWF 468P BWF 760T Brandywine Farms
Tom Scarponcini Rushford, MN 507-864-2063 507-429-0039 (cell) scarponcini@acegroup.cc
Request your catalog today! 877-486-1160
email: john@seedstockplus.com
The Profitpicture | 29
Feature
Crossbreeding for Commercial Beef Production By Bob Weaber Improvement of the economic position of the farm or ranch is an ongoing process for many commercial cow-calf producers. Profitability may be enhanced by increasing the volume of production (i.e. the pounds of calves you market) and/or the value of products you sell (improving quality). The reduction of production costs, and thus breakeven prices, can also improve profitability. More and more producers are finding that a structured crossbreeding system helps them achieve the goals of increasing productivity and
reducing production costs. Indeed, pricing differences, popularity and perceptions of utility of some breeds and color pattern have motivated producers to stray away from sound crossbreeding systems.
Why crossbreed? The use of crossbreeding offers two distinct and important advantages over the use of a single breed. First, crossbred animals have heterosis or hybrid vigor. Second, crossbred animals combine the strengths of the parent breeds. The term ‘breed complementarity’ is often used to describe breed combinations that produce highly desirable animals for a broad range of traits.
Markes Family Farms
Selling Exceptional Bulls & Heifers Transportation Available
30 | October 2011
What is heterosis? Heterosis refers to the superiority of the crossbred animal relative to the average of its straight bred parents. Heterosis is typically reported in percentage improvement in the trait of interest. For example, bulls of breed A, which have an average weaning weight of 550 pounds, are mated to cows of breed B, which have an average weaning weight of 500 pounds. The average weaning weight of the straightbred parents is then (550 + 500)/2 = 525. The F1 (first cross) calves that result have an average weaning weight of 546 pounds. The percentage heterosis is 4 percent or (546 - 525)/525. Heterosis percentage is computed as the difference between the progeny average and the average of the straightbred parents divided by the average of the straightbred parents. Heterosis results from the increase in the heterozygosity of a crossbred animal’s genetic makeup. Heterozygosity refers to a state where
an animal has two different forms of a gene. It is believed that heterosis is the result of gene dominance and the recovery from accumulated inbreeding depression of pure breeds. Heterosis is, therefore, dependent on an animal having two different copies of a gene. The level of heterozygosity an animal has depends on the random inheritance of copies of genes from its parents. In general, animals that are crosses of unrelated breeds, such as Angus and Brahman, exhibit higher levels of heterosis, due to more heterozygosity, than do crosses of more genetically similar breeds such as a cross of Angus and Hereford. Generally, heterosis generates the largest improvement in lowly heritable traits. Moderate improvements due to heterosis are usually seen in moderately heritable traits. Little or no heterosis is observed in highly heritable traits. Heritability is the proportion of the observable variation in a trait between animals that is due
to the genetics that are passed between generations and the variation observed in the animal’s phenotypes, which are the result of genetic and environmental effects. See Table 1 for grouping of traits by level of heritability.
crossbreeding can significantly improve an animal’s performance for lowly heritable traits. Crossbreeding has been shown to be an efficient method to improve reproductive efficiency and productivity in beef cattle.
Traits such as reproduction and longevity have low heritability.
Improvements in cow-calf production due to heterosis are
Crossbreeding has been shown to be an efficient method to improve reproductive efficiency and productivity in beef cattle. These traits usually respond very slowly to selection since a large portion of the variation observed in them is due to environmental factors and non-additive genetic effects, and a small percentage is due to additive genetic differences. Heterosis generated through
attributable to having both a crossbred cow and a crossbred calf. Differing levels of heterosis are generated when various breeds are crossed. Similar levels of heterosis are observed when members of the Bos taurus species, including the British (e.g. Angus, Hereford,
2.
Wade Shafer
Shorthorn) and Continental European breeds (e.g. Charolais, Gelbvieh, Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Simmental), are crossed. Much more heterosis is observed when Bos indicus, or Zebu, breeds like Brahman, Nelore and Gir, are crossed with Bos taurus breeds. The increase in heterosis observed in British by Bos indicus crosses for a trait is usually two to three times as large as the heterosis for the same trait observed in Bos taurus crossbreds (Koger, 1980). The increase in heterosis results from the presence of greater genetic differences between species than
within a species. The heterosis adjustments utilized by multi-breed genetic evaluation systems are another example of estimates for individual (due to a crossbred calf) and maternal (due to crossbred dam) heterosis. These heterosis adjustments are present in Table 2 and illustrate the differences in expected heterosis for various breed-group crosses. In general the Zebu (Bos indicus) crosses have higher levels of heterosis than the British-British, British-Continental, or Continental-Continental crosses. Continued on page 32
McNEILL FARMS PERFOMANCE BULL & FEMALE SALE Saturday • October 29, 2011 • 12:00 noon • at McNeill Farms, Seagrove, N.C.
25 Performance-Tested Bulls • Black Gelbvieh, Angus, or Balancer® yearling bulls • Mostly homozygous black and homozygous polled
• Selling progeny from these great sires • Angus: Leachman Right Time, New Frontier 095, Predominant, RT/24J, Mytty In Focus Gelbvieh: Carolina Fortune, CTR Echo, (Carolina • Master Balancer), JBOB 2279J R.C.
Also selling Cow/Calf Pairs & Bred Heifers
These are some of the bulls for sale!
• All bred females are within 30 days of calving •JBOB genetic-influenced females • Passed breeding soundness exam
Selling progeny from these females and others equal in quality!
Cattle may be viewed Friday after 3:00 pm • Join us for a complementary meal served at 6:00 pm Lunch served Saturday at 11:00 am, followed immediately by the sale
For more information or to request a sale catalog, please contact:
GENE McNEILL • McNEILL FARMS 336/873-7934 (OFFICE) OR 336/953-5225 (CELL) • MCNEILLFARMS@EMBARQMAIL.COM The Profitpicture | 31
Crossbreeding for Commercial Beef Production ... continued from page 31
Why is it so important to have crossbred cows? The production of crossbred calves yields advantages in both heterosis and the blending of desirable traits from two or more breeds. However, the largest economic benefit of crossbreeding to commercial producers comes from having crossbred cows. Maternal heterosis improves both the environment a cow provides for her calf as well as improves the reproductive performance, longevity and durability of the cow. The improvement of the maternal environment, or mothering ability, a cow provides for her calf is manifested in the improvements in calf survivability to weaning and increased weaning weight. Crossbred cows exhibit improvements in calving rate of
nearly 4 percent and an increase in longevity of more than one year due to heterotic effects. Heterosis results in increases in lifetime productivity of approximately one calf and 600 pounds of calf weaning weight over the lifetime of the cow. Crossbreeding can have positive
How can I harness the power of breed complementarity? Breed complementarity is the effect of combining breeds that
Heterosis results in increases in lifetime productivity of approximately one calf and 600 pounds of calf weaning weight over the lifetime of the cow. effects on a ranch’s bottom line by not only increasing the quality and gross pay weight of calves produced but also by increasing
• Top of the line SEGA Females like this cow/calf will be offered December 3, 2012, at the farm!
Feel free to come look at the bull calves to be sold at our sale March 3, 2012, while at the December female sale! Phone: 970/834-2138 Gail’s Cell: 970/590-4862 • Steve’s Cell: 970/381-0600
Email: gafiolk@aol.com • www.segagelbvieh.com
32 | October 2011
the durability and productivity of the cow factory and reducing replacement heifer costs.
have different strengths. When considering crossbreeding from the standpoint of producing replacement females, one should select breeds that have complementary maternal traits such that females are most ideally matched to their production environment. Matings to produce calves for market should focus on complementing the traits of the cows and fine tuning calf performance (growth and carcass traits) to the market place. There is an abundance of research that describes the core competencies (biological type) of many of today’s commonly used beef breeds. Traits are typically combined into groupings such as maternal/reproduction, growth and carcass. When selecting animals for a crossbreeding system, their breed should be your first consideration. What breeds you select for inclusion in your mating program will be dependent on a number of factors including the current breed composition of your cow herd, your forage and production environment, your replacement female development system, and your calf marketing endpoint. All of these factors help determine the relative importance of traits for
each production phase. If you implement a crossbreeding system, do not be fooled into the idea that you no longer need to select and purchase quality bulls or semen for your herd. Heterosis cannot overcome low quality genetic inputs. The quality of progeny from a crossbreeding system is limited by the quality of the parent stock that produced them. Conversely, do not believe that selection of extremely high quality bulls or semen or choosing the right breed will offset the advantages of effective crossbreeding system. Crossbreeding and sire selection are complementary and should be used in tandem to build an optimum mating system in commercial herds. (Bullock and Anderson, 2004)
What are the keys to successful crossbreeding programs? Many of the challenges that have been associated with crossbreeding systems in the past are the result of undisciplined implementation of the system. With that in mind, one should be cautious to select a mating system that matches the amount of labor and expertise available to appropriately implement the system. Crossbreeding systems range in complexity from very simple programs such as the use of composite breeds, which are as easy as straight breeding, to elaborate rotational crossbreeding systems with four or more breed inputs. The biggest keys to success are the thoughtful construction of a plan and then sticking to it! Be sure to set attainable goals. Discipline is essential. Editor’s Note: The above article was taken from the second edition of the “Beef Sire Selection Manual” by the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium. The entire manual can be found at http://www.nbcec.org/ producers/sire.html.
News
Management Adds Premiums and Profit A recent study conducted by Kansas State University evaluated various management practices and the amount of value that it added to steer calves. Management and marketing practices of more than 30,000 lots of calves sold on the Superior Livestock Auction video auction market from 2004-2010 were included in the study. The study looked at claims regarding health programs as well as natural eligibility, nonhormone-treated calf eligibility and age-and-source verification.
The table to the left is a summary of the findings from the Kansas State University study. As expected, steer calves that had been treated to a VAC preconditiong certified program received the greatest premiums. Additional premiums were given for steers that fit a specific marketing program such as natural and age-and-source verified. Cattle producers who could verify the breeding and genetics of their steers were rewarded for those efforts.
The Profitpicture | 33
Breeder's corner
Colorado
Indiana 3 G Ranch
Alabama
Gelbvieh Cattle For Sale
Dave & Dawn Bowman
Carl, Rebecca & Emily Griffiths
55784 Holly Rd. • Olathe, CO 81425
(970) 323-6833 www.bowkranch.com
Kittle Gelbvieh Farms
1577 N 600 E • Kendallville, IN 46755 260/897-2160 • ggge3g@embarqmail.com
Quality Black Gelbvieh Cattle Johnny D. Kittle 816 Co. Rd. 36 Geraldine, AL 35974 Cell (256) 996-4140
Fullblood Polled Gelbvieh Polled Hereford
Merle E. Lewis 812/863-7701
James L. Lewis 812/863-2970
RR1 Box 1360 • Springville, IN 47462
Arizona
Grant Thayer, Owner
(303) 621-2058 Grant@JumpingCowGelbvieh.com
Brad Ridinger, Manager
The Prosser Family
G E L B V I E H
Office: (719) 764-2327 Cell: (303) 810-0582 Brad@JumpingCowGelbvieh.com
CATTLE THAT MEET THE CHALLENGE Ramah, Colorado
www.JumpingCowGelbvieh.com
928/477-2458 Summer 928/289-2619 Winter Winslow, AZ Website: www.bartbar.com Email: info@bartbar.com
Iowa GS
Angus, Gelbvieh, Balancer & Commercial Replacement Females
Ridge Top Ranch
Gelbvieh-Angus-Balancer Black & Polled Private Treaty Sales
Arkansas H odges R anch
15702 Hodges Rd., Omaha, AR 72662 Hodgesranch@live.com
Neola, Iowa
Breed-leading Performance from Quality Genetics
Kevin: 402-510-8103 Al: 402-676-5292
Illinois
Ricky Linquist
Eugene (870) 426-5333
th Street inquist 1135 190 inquist
Diana (870) 426-5334
arms (712) 288-5349 arms
Fonda, IA 50540
Neal (870) 426-4469
Gelbvieh & Red Angus
Email: rickylin@ncn.net www.linquistfarms.com
Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls & Heifers Available Private Treaty Sales
• Polled Purebreds • Red • Black
Double D Farm
9937 Warren Rd. Winslow, IL 61089 (815) 367-4116
Skyler Martin
1200 S. Blackhawk Rd. Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-7583
Lone Oak G e l b v i e h
hornsandthorns@netins.net Eric Ehresman (319) 489-2275 20963 30th St. (319) 480-1564 Mechanicsville, IA 52306
McCabe Cattle Co. Lacey McCabe
563-543-5251
Two Step Ranch Pat and Jay McCabe
563-543-4177
Gelbvieh Farley, Iowa Balancers Annual Spring Bull Sale 60-80 Bred Females Each Fall
(E-mail): twostepranch@netins.net (web): www.mccabecattle.com
34 | October 2011
Kansas
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
Bar Arrow Arrow Bar Cattle Cattle Company Company Stuar t Jar vis 26 E. Limestone Rd. • Phillipsburg, KS 67661
Gelbvieh
Schafer Farms, Inc. SFI
Balancer®
37740 240th Ave., Goodhue, MN 55027 Brian Schafer Lowell Schafer 1-888-226-9210 651-923-4587 brian@schaferfarm.com www.schaferfarm.com Private Treaty Bull Sale — Last Sat. in February Annually
Mattison Family Farm
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
e-mail: bararrow@ruraltel.net • 785/543-5177
M F
Scott & Sonia Mattison Brianna, Nicole, Josh & Kallie 15995 Harvest Ave Lamberton, MN 56152 507-430-0505 • email: ssmattison@redred.com Purebred Gelbvieh and Balancer® Cattle
Kentucky Missouri
“Where workin’ cattle & eye appeal come full circle”
John & Carla Shearer (620) 628-4621 (620) 654-6507 (John Cell)
2815 Navajo Rd. Canton, KS 67428 circle_s@hometelco.net
Annual Production Sale 1st Saturday in April
D Bar L Land and Livestock Doug and Lesa Sanford 11909 S. Raymond Road • Sylvia, KS 67581
Home of CIRS Direct Current 1LU
•
Commercial and Registered Gelbvieh and Balancer® Cattle for sale Office: 620-486-2400 • Cell: 620-546-4563 Email: dlsanford@hughes.net Call for semen packages
Purebred Gelbvieh & Balancer Cattle High Quality Genetics for Every Cattleman. Owners: David Butts Wayne Butts
Contact David Butts: 270-365-3715 (H) 270-625-4700 (C)
Princeton, KY • Email: ddcmbutts@wildblue.net
B/F Cattle Company
Specializing in Forage Raised Balancer® Bulls on K-31
Slaughter Sale Management David Slaughter
162 Hastings Lane • Fredonia, KY 42411 270-556-4259 • hmslghtr@aol.com
Culling practices on cows/bulls second to NONE! For information, contact:
Route 1, Box 407 • Butler, MO 64730
660 • 492 • 2808
Judd Ranch Inc.
Dave & Cindy Judd Nick, Ginger Judd & Family Brent & Ashley Judd 423 Hwy. K-68 • Pomona, KS 66076 785/ 566-8371
LeDoux Ranch
Andy, Danielle JW and Jady LeDoux 365 Agenda Lane • Agenda, KS 66930 H:785-732-6564 • C: 785-527-3188 www.ledouxranch.com Offering value from Heterosis
Minnesota Brandywine Farm Tom Scarponcini
30474 Brandywine Road Rushford, MN 55971
507-864-2063
60 Bred Heifers – fall calving, Balancer®, Simangus. 50 Balancer®, Simangus bulls, forage tested, 15 mo. age. Thanks to you all for your purchase and interest in our PBG sale and private treaty bulls. We will continue to work hard to offer the best genetics and best managed bulls in the industry because we care for you and your bottom line.
Bob Harriman Montrose, MO 660-492-2504
www.rotertharriman.com
The Profitpicture | 35
Breeder's corner
Mark & Patty Goes 39414 SW 75th Rd. Odell, NE 68415 (402) 766-3627
Nebraska
Pope Farms Gelbvieh Gelbvieh’s Powerful New Perspective
P
Jeff and Jeanne Pope 26075 Willow Rd., Ravenna, NE 68869 Phone & Fax: (308) 467-BEEF popefarms@nctc.net
www.popefarms.com
Rogers Valley Farm Gelbvieh Breed for Tomorrow’s Cattle Today!
A Breed Leader in Tenderness & Marbling– With herd sires profiling a perfect 10 in Tenderness and carrying the 316 Tenderness Gene! P.O. Box 51 Mendon, MO 64660 (660) 272-3805 (O) (660-375-7266 (C)
Cedar Top Ranch Scott & Raberta Starr 212 Starr Drive • Stapleton, NE 69163 (H): 308-587-2293 • (C): 308-530-3900 cedartopranch@gpcom.net
Jeff Swanson • 308/337-2235 72408 I Road • Oxford, NE 68967
Annual Sale—Last Saturday in February
GELBVIEH
BALANCER
Eldon Starr: 1-800-535-6173 or Rich Johnson: 402-368-2209
Ronald & Kathryne Rogers email: rogers_valley_farm_feedlot@hotmail.com
Montana
J. J. Boehler
70948 L Rd. , Orleans, NE 68966 308-473-7342 • 308-999-0207
Don’t think you can afford a nice ad in Gelbvieh World? For $297 you can be in every issue for one year! Call Jennifer at the AGA office at
303-465-2333
Nevada Dick & Jean Williams P.O. Box 156 Orovada, NV 89425 775•272•3442
“Pounds Make Profit in Your Pocket” Bulls & Heifers Private Treaty
36 | October 2011
N. Carolina
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®
S. Dakota
Ohio Producing Black, Polled Genetics for Today & Tomorrow.
ADKINS GELBVIEH
Gelbvieh & Balancer Performance Genetics Blacks & Reds A select group of heifers available each fall Bulls available year around
(605) 354-2428 Cell (605) 546-2058 Home Gerald Adkins gerald@adkinsgelvbieh.com 402 4th Ave., Iroquois, SD 57353 www.adkinsgelbvieh.com
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
Walter & Lee Teeter 1380 French Belk Rd. • Mt. Ulla, NC 28125 (704) 664-5784
Mick & Dave Ainsworth P.O. Box 154, Jackson Springs, NC 27281 910-652-2233 Cell: 910-639-4804 Mick’s email: longleaf@etinternet.net Dave’s email: longleaf@dsslink.net
Oklahoma LeGRAND
Julie Maude 605.381.2803 (C) Lori Maude 303.809.3789 (C) cj_llivestock@yahoo.com Hermosa, SD Quality Gelbvieh & Balancer® Genetics from a Trusted Source
Ed LeGrand
809 S. Redlands Rd. • Stillwater, OK 74074
405-747-6950 • alane@c21global.com Homo. Black, Homo. Polled • Breeding Stock Available
Ellison Gelbvieh & Angus Ranch Gelbvieh & Angus & Balancers
Private Treaty Sales • Bulls (Yearling & 2-yr.-old) & Heifers
Mitchel & Edna Ellison
Exceptional
BULLS & HEIFERS
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!
TRUCKING AVAILABLE
N. Dakota Chimney Butte Ranch 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
Oregon Thorstenson Gelbvieh Selby, South Dakota
Brian & Dee Dee 605-649-9927
Vaughn & Wendy 605-649-6262
www.Balancerbulls.com
The Profitpicture | 37
W. Virginia
Virginia
Breeder's corner
Ron Hughes 276-637-6493
Tennessee
Brad Hughes 276-637-6071
121A Lavender Dr. Max Meadows, VA 24360 Purebred Gelbvieh & Balancers®–all Black, all Polled
Quality Gelbvieh & Balancer® Cattle
Clinch Mountain Gelbvieh
John & Liz Loy 7611 Dyer Rd. (865) 687-1968 Luttrell, TN 37779 (865) 235-8869 (C) j.b.loy@att.net
Bulls & Heifers for Sale
Texas
W L H
F
QUALITY GELBVIEH CATTLE
LITTLE WINDY HILL
Farms Doug & Sue Hughes 6916 Peppers Ferry Road Max Meadows, VA 24360 H 276/637-3916 C 276/620-4271
Washington
Juniors! Check www.gelbvieh.org often for show information and results on regional shows and the Junior Classic!
Jim & Pat Dromgoole 4403 Winding River Dr. • Richmond, TX 77469 Home
(281) 341-5686 • Ranch (979) 561-8144
www.dromgoolesheaven.com Show Cattle Managers: James & Shannon Worrell • (325) 258-4656
NN Bar Ranch, Inc. Registered Angus, Gelbvieh and Balancers®
Kris, Dawn and Laren Nelson 21200 Watson Road East Creston, WA 99117
509-636-2343
NN
Email: nnbarranch@asisna.com
Are you a livestock photographer, an auctioneer, aspire to be a sale manager or graphic designer? Put your ad in Service Center and promote your services!.
Place your ad today!
303-465-2333
38 | October 2011
Looking for a sale or event this fall? Check Places to Be on the website: www.gelbvieh.org
We want to know what’s happening with AGA members. Please send in information to be included in the Gelbvieh World and on our website; • • • •
Items for Places to Be News for Bits N Pieces Dates for upcoming shows and field days. State Association news
Plus, add us to your mailing lists when sending out sale catalogs. Send all items to:
Editor, Gelbvieh World 10900 Dover Street Westminster, CO 80021 jennifers@gelbvieh.org
Service center Send for catalog listing semen on over 75 bulls
Eldon Starr
210 Starr Drive, Stapleton, NE 69163
(308) 587-2348 • 1-800-535-6173
www.bullbarn.com
Ronn Cunningham
Subscription and Advertising Information Subscription Rates: A one-year subscription to Gelbvieh World may be purchased for $35. Members of the AGA pay $35 of their membership dues to receive a subscription to Gelbvieh World. Gelbvieh World mails on or around the 25th of the month prior to publication date. Canada and Mexico - $60 U.S. for one-year. Other foreign - $85 U.S. for one-year.
Auctioneer P.O. Box 146 • Rose, OK 74364 918-479-6410 office/fax 918-629-9382 cellular
Cattlemen’s Connection Specializing in
• Gelbvieh Semen Sales • Consulting • Order Buying (all purchases guaranteed)
Roger & Peg Gatz (785) 742-3163
Call Toll-Free:1-800-743-0026 Visit our Web Site: www.cattlemensconnection.com
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Visit
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Brandon
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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 | 39
Feature
The Quest for Efficiency Using the GrowSafe system, this South Dakota cattle operation is gleaning valuable information for their seedstock herd and their bull buyers. Vaughn Thorstenson installed a 16-bunk GrowSafe system to measure feed efficiency in his seedstock herd. Photo by Wendy Thorstenson.
By Kindra Gordon With nearly 800 mother cows, Selby, South Dakota, Gelbvieh and Angus breeder Vaughn Thorstenson recognizes that reducing feed inputs would be a huge savings on the ranch that he and his family operate in the north-central part of the state. And, because they also sell Gelbvieh, Angus and Balancer® seedstock, Thorstenson would like to be able to pass feed efficiency on to his bull buying customers.
Now, with the help of new technology, he is moving toward that goal. Thorstenson and his family installed a GrowSafe Residual Feed Intake (RFI) system on their ranch in July 2009. Using electronic identification, the system is able to track every pound of feed each individual animal consumes over about 90 days. From that data, an RFI value can be calculated for each animal – giving an indication of which gain efficiently and which are less efficient and require more feed for a pound of gain.
Purebred genetics focusing on...
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.
40 | October 2011
According to GrowSafe, University research has shown that low RFI animals consume on average 3.3 - 5.5 pounds less feed per day than high RFI animals with similar growth performance and carcass characteristics – which can lead to a significant savings in feed costs and is exactly what Thorstenson is aiming for. Thorstenson adds, “Research indicates that progeny sired by low RFI bulls will finish for $50 to $70 per head less. That’s profit and loss on a set of steers in today’s cattle industry.” As an example from the data gathered on bulls from his own herd to date, the most efficient bull ate 4.4 pounds of feed to produce a pound of beef and the least efficient ate 12 pounds of feed to produce a pound of beef.
Oklahoma & TexasBreeders
Oklahoma’s Largest Gelbvieh Breeder
Thorstenson explains that a low RFI is desirable and indicates an animal is more efficient. “It’s kind of like a golf score, you want a negative number,” Thorstenson says.
growth, efficiency, beef quality, and maternal KG Gelbvieh characteristics. Guy & Kristen Lambert Quality breeding 219 County Rd 4800 stock available. Warren, TX 77664
409-547-0635 • 409-781-1404 • 409-673-6228
email: kggelbvieh@yahoo.com
“Take that times the 150 calves a bull sires in his lifetime, and there is real value to this information,” Thorstenson believes. Moreover, Thorstenson says that from a cow perspective research indicates that in comparing high efficiency and low efficiency cattle there is no impact on breed back, birth weight, milk production or weaning weight. The only difference is the amount of feed they ate. “So if everything else is equal, which one do you want in your pasture?” asks Thorstenson. Specifically, a 2008 Montana State University study with 120 two-year-old heifers found no differences in calving scores, percent cycling at
bull turnout, or pregnancy rate between cows with high and low dry matter intake. “So far there have not been effects on reproductive efficiency,” states MSU Extension beef specialist John Paterson. As well, MSU research indicates low RFI cows consumed an average of 10 pounds per day less than high RFI cows, with feed conversion 28.6 percent lower for low RFI cows compared to high
RFI cows. Moreover, cows determined to be high or low RFI did not differ in cow bodyweight at calving, calf birthweight, pre-weaning ADG, or adjusted 205-day weight. Paterson adds, “We have a study comparing cows over three lactations to determine if RFI is consistent. Over the first two lactations, the correlation was .70 which was pretty encouraging. We plan to re-evaluate the cows when in their fourth lactation.” Paterson surmises, “This technology is helping answer many Thorstenson can monitor the daily feed consumption of each questions on an individual basis rather animal on test from his computer. He is also alerted of a than a group basis. drop in intake on an animal or of a lost identification take so problems can be quickly fixed. Photo by Wendy Thorstenson.
MSU research indicates low RFI cows consumed an average of 10 pounds per day less than high RFI cows, with feed conversion 28.6 percent lower for low RFI cows compared to high RFI cows.
How The System Works
Developed by a Canadian-based company, the GrowSafe bunk system includes an electronic scale that weighs every pound of feed an individual animal consumes. An electronic ear tag is inserted in each animal on test and an electronic antenna identifies the animal each time its head is in the individual feed bunk. Cattle are on test for a 90-day period with each animal’s weight recorded
two consecutive days before and after the test to ensure accurate starting and ending weights. And, individual animal weights are taken two to three times during the test period as well. The Thorstensons installed a 16-bunk system that allows 128 head of cattle to be feed efficiency tested at a time. Their GrowSafe system is one of approximately 30 in place across the United States Continued on page 43
We Breed ‘Em & Feed ‘Em
PERFORMANCE PROVEN
VRT Lazy TV “Sam” U451
BABR “Cy” 808U ET • Blk, Pld
Gelbvieh Sire:KHR Sam Spade 02S MGS: WAC Fullback 011G Homozygous Black A high marbling (adj. IMF = 6.04), purebred calving ease sire. Owned with Arp Gelbvieh & CJ&L Livestock.
Gelbvieh Sire: BEA 353R (Bea Silverado) Dam: AHL Hott Damn 31L (KCF Bennett Ideal G182) Moderate sized meat machine with solid EPDs. Owned with CKS Gelbvieh.
CE
BW
WW
YW
MK
REA
MB
CV
117
-1.6
54
91
12
.26
0.02 17.61
CE
BW
WW
YW
MK
REA
MB
110
0.7
47
81
17
0.05 0.08 12.50
Semen availabl contact Blackhawk Cattle Co.
from Ranch to Rail
CV
Skyler Martin 1200 S. Blackhawk Road Oregon, IL 61061-9762 815•732•7583
MEMBER
The Profitpicture | 41
2011 NILE Select Gelbvieh & Balancer® Female Sale and Big Sky Gelbvieh Female Futurity Billings, MT Sponsored by Montana Gelbvieh Association
• Open Heifers • Bred Heifers • Embryos • Semen
NILE Gelbvieh Schedule: Thursday, October 20, 2011 8:00 a.m. Big Sky Gelbvieh Female Futurity
For more information contact: Million Ayres Management Tom and Cara Ayres 406-531-6130 406-531-6131 ayresangus@earthlink.net
10:00 a.m. NILE Select Gelbvieh & Balancer Female Sale 1:00 p.m. Junior Show Open Show immediately follows Junior Show
Two Bred Heifers and an Open Heifer consigned to
The
Greater Montana Select Female Sale
KHR 029X
KHR 063X
Polled • Black • Purebred
Carolina Fortune x KHR Impressive 03N CE 112
BW 0.3
WW 45
YW 88
MK 24
TM CD 47 104
George & Jeanette Rankin (406)937-3728 1289 Nine Mile Rd Oilmont, MT 59466
42 | October 2011
KHR 120Y
Polled • Red • Purebred
KHR 53T (Tabasco) x Fully Exposed CE 113
BW 0.4
WW 42
YW 83
MK 18
TM CD 39 104
www.kickinghorseranch.com
Polled • Black • Purebred
KHR 06W (Impressive) x KHR Midland 38N CE 112
BW 0.2
WW 44
YW MK 82 19
TM CD 41 106
Jim & Kathy Bjorkman phone & fax (406)937-4815 krankin@northerntel.net
The Quest for Efficiency ... continued from page 41
including several currently utilized in university and feedlot settings. The system is monitored by GrowSafe in Canada through Internet technology. This monitoring allows the owners to know immediately if one of the bunks isn’t working properly or if an animal loses an identification tag so problems can be fixed quickly to save the data.
is to identify the sire groups that
Influencing the Cow Herd
are working well and concentrate on those sires to add efficiency to
Thorstenson says his ultimate goal with the efficiency data being gleaned from the GrowSafe system
his own herd and help customers benefit from efficiency as well.
Continued on page 44
Based on feed consumption, a drop in intake can also alert Thorstenson to health issues. “We can identify which calves are eating less feed than normal, and we can treat them long before we would have visually noticed they were sick,” Thorstenson says. At the end of the 90-day test period, the data generated by monitoring the feed consumption of each animal is then converted into results that identify whether the animal is above or below the average of the contemporary group in its feed efficiency. Thorstenson finds the data that’s generated very intriguing – and telling. A set of bulls coming off test last fall indicated that the majority were eating about 2,100 pounds of feed during the 90-day period, but some bulls were eating 1,450 pounds of feed and some were consuming 3,000 pounds. “There is way more variation than you think,” says Thorstenson. He was impressed by one bull on the test that ate 1,900 pounds and was still one of the heavier bulls in the group. Montana’s Paterson shares that MSU research conducted at the Midland Bull Test at Columbus, Mont., indicates ranchers are willing to pay a premium for a bull with a negative RFI. For every one pound decrease in RFI, buyers were willing to pay an additional $125 in the MSU study. In addition to his bulls, Thorstenson has put a set of about 130 heifers through the 90-day test period, and says he is eager to follow their progeny. He tested a second set of heifers last spring.
He explains that RFI is a trait that is 40 percent heritable, meaning it has potential to make a big influence on a herd’s genetics. Thorstenson says, “By incorporating feed efficiency data into the herd
BA 25%
BA 50%
MCF New Standard 168Y
MCF New Standard 135Y
Sire: LCC New Standard Dam: MCFG 10T ET
Sire: LCC New Standard Dam: MCFG 194R
CE
BW
WW
YW
MK
TM
GL
CED
CE
BW
WW
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110
-1.8
41
89
20
40
-1.6
104.1
110
-0.8
39
95
23
43
-1.2
104.6
SC
ST
CW
RE
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DtF
CV
FM
SC
ST
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CV
FM
0.3
N/A
7
-0.02
0.17
2.9
23.28
30.16
0.2
N/A
4
-0.11
0.20
3.1
21.54
40.42
All three heifers have been Igenity tested, and all three are from proven Feed Efficient sires.
Shaded EPDs are in the top 25% of the breed!
BA 63%
MCF Objective 43Y Sire: Bruce Almighty Dam: MCFG 26W CE
BW
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111
-0.3
47
89
19
42
-0.4
103.4
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DtF
CV
FM
0.2
N/A
26
0.37
0.09
1.6
36.50
21.36
Selling three of our best at the
2011 NILE Select Gelbvieh & Balancer® Female Sale Thursday, October 20, 2011 Billings, Montana
Middle Creek Farms Ken and Dale Flikkema
2 Mint Trail • Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 586-6207 (Office) (406) 580-6207 (Cell) email: mcfg@imt.net
The Profitpicture | 43
The Quest for Efficiency ... continued from page 43
bull selection process and then keeping daughters of that sire for his herd, a producer can make his cow herd more efficient and cut hay costs and pasture costs which means keeping more profit.” More research is needed in the
area of RFI and feed efficiency selection, but Thorstenson is optimistic. He points out, “It can take a lot of acres to run a cow, so if you can get rid of the 10-20 percent in your herd that are eating more and improve efficiency, you may be
able to increase your stocking rate and have more calves to sell.” Thorstenson acknowledges that installing the GrowSafe system was a huge expense. Each individual bunk costs about $10,000, with bunks coming in sets of eight.
Cost per bunk is reduced with a larger system. For instance, a 16-bunk system has a lower cost per bunk than an 8-bunk system. Overall, Thorstenson considers it an investment worth the cost, and believes the information it provides will pay off. He concludes, “We’re running 800 cows, so if we can improve efficiency by 15-20 percent, that alone will pay for the system over the next several years.”
“If you can get rid of the 1020 percent in your herd that are eating more and improve efficiency, you may be able to increase your stocking rate and have more calves to sell.” — Vaughn Thorstenson That said, he’s not throwing the baby out with the bathwater. “I believe RFI will be a huge driver of sire sales in the future, but there are a lot of selection tools available to the beef industry, and you don’t want to go too far in any one direction [focusing on a single trait.] You still have to have cattle that will gain and cattle that will work. You’ve got to consider all the data and find a balance,” Thorstenson says. Author’s Note: GrowSafe Systems has also developed an automated cattle waterer that has capabilities of measuring water intake, taking weights, and administering liquid medication to individual animals. 44 | October 2011
News
Making the Right Choice
Help protect herd health, bottom line by choosing the best respiratory vaccination program By Mike Wells, DVM, Veterinary Operations, Pfizer Animal Health When it comes to dealing with bovine respiratory disease (BRD), producers and veterinarians rely on vaccinations to help protect their cattle — refusing to gamble with the health of their cattle or their finances. The good and bad news is that there are more options than ever when it comes to respiratory vaccines. For this reason, producers should keep several factors in mind when developing a vaccination program.
Talk to a Veterinarian Veterinarians are familiar with the type of operation, frequency of new stock introductions,
weaning practices and shipping requirements, giving them the ability to recommend the appropriate vaccination program to fit the operation’s needs and goals. Additionally, veterinarians are familiar with vaccines in the marketplace and are well-versed in the differences between them.
Evaluate All Options Even when a vaccination program is already in place, it’s sometimes necessary to evaluate other options to ensure cattle are well-protected against viruses with which they may come into contact. For example, stocker and feedlot operations may find intranasal vaccines useful, especially on arrival, because an intranasal vaccine can
help create an immune response where viruses attack first, helping to stimulate mucosal immunity and helping trigger a quick immune response. But that doesn’t mean traditional, systemic vaccines should be discounted. While intranasal vaccines may help provide a quick immune response, injectable vaccines often can help protect cattle against additional viruses and help provide duration of immunity, helping protect cattle throughout the management phases.
Use What Works Respiratory disease is the most devastating disease for both cattle and producers, costing the industry up to $1 billion annually from death, reduced feed efficiency and
treatment costs. Using vaccines that are safe for use in all types and classes of cattle and help provide immunity, help protect cattle through all stages of production and offer superior label claims, can help ensure cattle will be protected when BRD viruses challenges their immune systems. With so many choices, developing a respiratory vaccination program can be a challenge. But with the help of a veterinarian and armed with the necessary information regarding a vaccine’s label claims, duration of immunity and the viruses it helps protect against, producers can choose vaccines that will fit their operation and goals.
Are you ready for a good harvest!?! On June 28th a load of Gelbvieh and Balancer® Lone Oak Steers were harvested… • • • • •
Yielded 64% 1477 lbs. at 15 months No “out” cattle $1,682/head Graded better than 70% Choice or higher
In an industry driven by pounds, no single trait is more important than Fertility “We’ve been breeding ‘em and feeding ‘em for 18 years and we strive to make out customers money, one head at a time!”
Moderate, Fertile, Performance Cattle…Lone Oak Ask about our calf buy back program
LGONE O AK E L B V I E H
Eric Ehresman 20963 30th St. Mechanicsville, IA 52306 hornsandthorns@netins.net 319-489-2275 • 319-480-1564 The Profitpicture | 45
Feature
All for One and One for All 23 Virginia cattlemen work together following the same production guidelines to market 1,800 head of Gelbvieh influenced feeder cattle. Story and photos by William McIntosh The average cow herd in Virginia consists of less than 40 cows. Yet a group of Virginia Cattlemen in Buckingham County have joined together and marketed 1,800 head of consistent, high quality feeder cattle this past August. The Buckingham Cattlemen’s Association (BCA) was founded over three decades ago with the goal to increase the profitability of its members. BCA members
market there feeder calves in load lots through the Virginia Cattlemen Association’s Tel-O-Auction the first Monday night in August. On August 1 of this year they sold 1,800 head of feeder cattle representing 23 cattle producers. The producers of the BCA TelO-Auction are able to offer a very consistent set of cattle because they have very strict guidelines. To be able to get that many cattlemen to work together and all adopt the same breeding guidelines is quite an accomplishment.
Range Ready Bulls • Quality Bred Heifers For Progressive producers
• SimAngus • Balancer® (GVxAN) 18 months of age • Fall calving bred heifers to calve in September & October A great opportunity! • Management, genetics and performance for you, your cow herd and your calves. • Pressure and selection for the major economic traits demanded by all segments of the beef industry. • Let all the free benefits of heterosis and hybrid vigor lower your input costs, increase efficiencies and command premiums on more and heavier calves. • As our program continues to breed and manage for the very best we thank you for your business of 50 years. • We strive for the reputation of functional seedstock using the latest technologies to bring you the most value all because we care for you, your operation and the Beef Industry. Bob Harriman/Rotert, Montrose, MO 660-492-2504 www.rotertharriman.com
46 | October 2011
Jim Myers, former Extension agent and current head of the marketing committee states, “We have a special group, when we go into a meeting it’s all for one and one for all. They leave their individual identity at the door.” The Buckingham Cattlemen start with genetic standards. All the calves sold through the TelO-Auction have to be sired by Gelbvieh, Balancer®, or Angus bulls. Myers said, “We chose Gelbvieh because they complement Angus really well and they work well on fescue. They slick off in the spring – cattle that don’t do that won’t last long in this area.” In 2005 the group added Balancer bulls to their breeding program. The Balancer bulls allow them to maintain their desired percentage of Continental and British genetics in their programs. All sires must meet EPD standards for performance. BCA has an extensive AI program. In 2010, the 23 producers that make up the group AI bred over 1,700 head of cattle using only two bulls. By only using a couple of AI sires they are able to continue to make genetic improvements within the entire genetic population as well as increase consistency across herds. “We have more rules than most groups but by doing that we have built a reputation of selling top notch cattle,” said BCA President Roger Morris of Appomattox, Va. After breeding for quality and consistent genetics, the next standards are a tight calving window and sound calf management practices. All calves are born
between October 1 and December 31. Additionally, all the feeders marketed through the auction are age and source verified. The Association works with Pfizer Animal Health to purchase vaccinations in volume at a reduced cost for their members. The cattle are sold with a standard vaccination history to help insure the health of the cattle. At weaning all the calves are weighed and graded by a Federal grader and grouped in load lots. “It’s a lot of extra work to sell cattle through the program but it has paid off,” said BCA member Mitchell Smith.
“We are proud of our steers but it’s our heifers that we are really proud of.” — Jim Myers In the spring the group holds a bred heifer sale. Myers adds, “We are proud of our steers but it’s our heifers that we are really proud of. Some of our buyers complain we don’t sell enough heifers. I asked him if he liked our steers and he did, so I told him we have to keep some really good heifers to keep making the steers.” All the bred heifers meet the same guidelines as the feeder calves in addition to a few others. The heifers are AI bred and must also meet the Virginia Premium Assured Heifers Program (VA Continued on page 49
The Profitpicture | 47
Contact Gelbvieh Profit Partners for marketing your Gelbvieh and Balancer® Feeder Cattle
Contact Slim Cook at (307) 272-2024 for further information.
48 | October 2011
Barry “Slim” Cook Chief Operating Officer P.O. Box 3025, Cody, WY 82414 307-272-2024
All for One and One for All ... continued from page 46
PAH) requirements. They are then ultrasounded to determine sex of calf. For the first time this year they offered cow/calf pairs. The cows are sold with their first calves at side. All the calves are AI sired and the cows are bred back AI. The bred heifers and pairs are sold in small groups of two or three, grouped according to calf sex. In the sale last March the bred heifers averaged $1,400 and pairs averaged $2,275. By using Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics they are able to offer replacement females that reach puberty at an earlier age and have increased fertility and milk. “Our Gelbvieh cross cows always wean big calves,” notes Brett Stratton of Evergreen Farms. The cattlemen of the BCA have been rewarded for their hard work. In this year’s feeder calf sale over 60 buyers phoned in competing to buy the 1,800 head of Gelbvieh and
Balancer influenced cattle. Their calves averaged nearly a $10 per 100 premium over cattle sold at the local sale barn that week. “Just about all the calves go to repeat buyers. That tells us they like what they have been getting,” concludes Morris. By working together and having a defined plan, this forward-thinking group of cattle producers have been able to create a market for their cattle that is second to none. Editor’s Note: The above story is a follow-up on an article published on the Buckingham Cattlemen’s Association Tel-OAuction in the October 2010 issue of The Profit Picture. More information on the BCA and their programs can be found at www. buckinghamcattlemensassociation. org or by contacting the Buckingham Extension office at 434-969-4261.
A set of replacement heifers from the herd of Buckingham Cattlemen’s Association member C.H. Morris and Sons.
[The BCA] calves averaged nearly a $10 per 100 premium over cattle sold at the local sale barn that week.
Nebraska & Colorado Breeders
MLM Gelbvieh Marlin Meyer 824 Road 3000 • Superior, NE 68978 402-879-4976 mlm68978@yahoo.com www.gelbviehbulls.com
R
Jim Roelle 38148 CR 49 #7 Peetz, CO 80747 (H): 970-334-2221 • (C): 970-520-1224 jr.plateau@hotmail.com
Featuring Black, Polled Gelbvieh & Balancer® genetics with balanced trait selection. Next Bull Sale February 24, 2011. High Plains Livestock, Brush, CO.
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.”
McEndaffEr BEEf GEnEtics Guy & Rose, Brandon, Kelsie 63275 Rd 82 New Raymer, CO 80742 Brandon • 970-520-3020 Please stop anytime & make sure to visit our website!
Hightower Cattle Company 12043 W 2000 Rd. LaCygne, KS 66040 Jason • 913-221-6820 Kevin • 913-731-2973
www.kansasgelbvieh.org/hightower.htm
Sandy Knoll Farm Gelbvieh Leon or Brian Dunn 863 NW 10th Ave, St. John, KS 67576 (620) 786-4039 Brian (620) 549-6511 Leon skfgelbvieh@hotmail.com
The Profitpicture | 49
Places to Be Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Range Beef Cow Symposium XXII, Mitchell, NE
October 2011 Oct. 1 Bluegrass Gelbvieh International Sale, Mount Sterling, KY Oct. 1 J Bar M Gelbvieh & Hartland Farm 7th Annual Ozark Pride Joint Production Sale, Stella, MO Oct. 8 Judd Ranch 21st Annual Cow Power Female Sale, Pomona, KS Oct. 15 Seedstock Plus Fall Bull & Female Sale, Carthage, MO Oct. 20 NILE Select Gelbvieh & Balancer Female Sale, Billings, MT Oct. 22 American Royal Gelbvieh & Balancer Show, Kansas City, MO Oct. 25 December Gelbvieh World Advertising Deadline Oct. 29 Heart of America Gelbvieh Association Sale, Springfield, MO Oct. 29 Flying H Genetics Grown on Grass Fall Bull Sale, Joplin, MO Oct. 29 McNeill Farms Bull and Female Sale, Seagrove, NC Oct. 29 Ohio Maternal Edge Sale, Hillsboro, OH
November 2011 Nov. 5 Nov. 5 Nov. 10 Nov. 12 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Nov. 28
Professional Beef Genetics Open House Bull Sale, Montrose, MO 5th Annual Tennessee Maternal Edge Sale, Cross Plains, TN Farmfair Gelbvieh Show, Alberta, Canada C-Cross Cattle Co. Annual Bull & Female Production Sale, Biscoe, NC NAILE Junior Gelbvieh Show, Louisville, KY NAILE Eastern National Gelbvieh & Balancer Show, Louisville, KY Little Windy Hill Farms You-Pick-Em Bull Sale, Max Meadows, VA Brandywine Farms Mature Female Dispersal Sale, Kingsville, MO January Gelbvieh World Advertising Deadline
Proven Feedlot Performance
Swanson Cattle Company Gelbvieh & Balancer Genetics that Make the Grade Swanson sired cattle consistently perform!
Choice 71-87%
Swanson Cattle earned best quarterly closeout from McClymont Feedyard.
Feed Conversion 5.63-5.72
We offer a consistent set of quality bulls for producers looking to turn out mutiple bulls.
Annual Production Sale: February 25, 2012 Swanson Cattle Company GELBVIEH
50 | October 2011
Jeff Swanson 72408 I Road • Oxford, NE 68967 308/337-2235
BALANCER®
December 2011 Dec. 2 Dec. 3 Dec. 15 Dec. 17 Dec. 22
Knoll Crest Farm Performance Bull Sale, Red House, VA SEGA & Friends Fall Female Sale, Pierce, CO February Profit Picture Advertising Deadline Southern Belle’s-Verner Farms & Randall Farms Gelbvieh/ Balancer Bull and Female Sale, Colbert, GA Iowa Maternal Edge Sale, Bloomfield, IA
January 2012 Jan. 7 Jan. 7 Jan. 7 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 9 Jan. 25 Jan. 28
NWSS Junior Gelbvieh Show, Denver, CO Breeder’s Choice Gelbvieh Bull Futurity & People’s Choice Balancer Bull Futurity, Denver, CO American Gelbvieh Association Annual Meeting, Denver, CO NWSS Gelbvieh & Balancer Pen Bull Show, Denver, CO National Gelbvieh Sale, NWSS LCAA, Denver, CO National Gelbvieh & Balancer Show, Denver, CO March Gelbvieh World Advertising Deadline Lemke Cattle Bull Sale, Lawrence, NE
February 2012 Feb. 4 Feb. 6 Feb. 21 Feb. 25 Feb. 27 Feb. 29
LeDoux Ranch Annual Production Sale, Agenda, KS Taubenheim Gelbvieh Annual Production Sale, Amherst, NE Cedar Top Ranch Annual Production Sale, Burwell, NE Swanson Cattle Company Annual Production Sale, Oxford, NE April Gelbvieh World Advertising Deadline Grund Beef Genetics Annual Bulls Sale, Oakley, KS
March 2012 Mar. 3 Mar. 3 Mar. 3 Mar. 5 Mar. 6 Mar. 10 Mar. 13 Mar. 17 Mar. 17 Mar. 21 Mar. 26
Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch 23rd Annual Bull Sale, Swift Current, SK Judd Ranch 34th Gelbvieh, Balancer & Red Angus Bull Sale, Pomona, KS Thorstenson Gelbvieh & Angus Annual Bull Sale, Mobridge, SD Hojer Ranch Annual Production Sale, Lake Preston, SD Warner Beef Genetics Annual Production Sale, Arapahoe, NE Midwest Beef Alliance Bull Sale, Tina, MO Bar Arrow Cattle Co. 22nd Annual Production Sale, Phillipsburg, KS Post Rock Cattle Company 27th Annual Sale, Barnard, KS Pearson Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale, Lake City, SD Eagle Pass Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Highmore, SD May Gelbvieh World Advertising Deadline
April 2012 Apr. 4 Apr. 6 Apr. 7 Apr. 9
Midland Bull Test Sale, Columbus, MT Midwest Performance Bull Sale, Bloomfield, IA Circle S Ranch Going to Grass Sale, Canton, KS Bar T Bar/Seedstock Plus Breaking Tradition Bull Sale, Yerington, NV
Visit the online version of Places to Be at www.gelbvieh.org for additional dates on upcoming sales and more information on each event.
Predictable Performance
Bruce Almighty
Midland Proven Midland Bull Test • the Granddaddy of Performance Tests
Like Father • Like Son These two bulls made a clean sweep at the Midland Bull test with The Man winning all the growth awards and his sire, Bruce Almighty winning the feed efficiency test. Bruce Almighty Progeny Results at Midland
Registration #: 899675 CE
BW
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15
41
-0.7
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RE
MB
DtF
CV
FM
0.2
-2
33
0.55
0.11
0.5
40.10
18.93
2007 • Top ADG Sire Group 2007 • Top WDA Sire Group 2008 • High Performing Gelbvieh Sire Group 2009 • High Performing Gelbvieh Bull 2009 • High Performing Gelbvieh Sire Group 2010 • High Performing Gelbvieh Sire Group 2011 • High Performing Gelbvieh Bull, 2011 • High Performing Gelbvieh Sire Group with sons of The Man 2008 – 2011 • High RFI Indexing Bull
The Man 113U
Registration #: 1089222
Sire: Bruce Almighty
CE
BW
WW
YW
MK
TM
GL
CED
109
0.9
55
103
16
44
-0.9
104
SC
ST
CW
RE
MB
DtF
CV
FM
0.4
3
34
0.36
0.10
1.6
38.28
33.11
Shaded EPDs are in the top 25% of the breed!
Middle Creek Farms Look for our Performance Bulls at the Midland Bull Test Sale • April 4, 2012
Ken and Dale Flikkema
2 Mint Trail • Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 586-6207 (Office) (406) 580-6207 (Cell) email: mcfg@imt.net
The Profitpicture | 51
Ad Index 2R-2B Gelbvieh.................................... 37 3 G Ranch............................................. 34 Adkins Gelbvieh.................................. 37 Area Coordinators............................... 18 Arp Gelbvieh........................................ 26 B/F Cattle Company............................ 35 Bar Arrow Cattle Company......... 17, 35 Bar IV Livestock.................................. 35 Bar T Bar Ranch, Inc..................... 34, 45 Beastrom Gelbvieh Ranch.................. 37 Bee Lick Gelbvieh................................ 27 Blackhawk Cattle Company............... 41 Boehler Gelbvieh................................. 36 Bow K Ranch....................................... 34 Brandywine Farm....................28, 29, 35 BV Ranch.............................................. 26 Cattlemen’s Connection...................... 39 C-Cross Cattle Company............. 16, 37 Cedar Top Ranch............................. 2, 36 Chimney Butte Ranch......................... 37 Circle S Ranch...................................... 35 CJ&L Livestock.................................... 37 Clinch Mountain Gelbvieh................. 38 Cranview Gelbvieh.............................. 37 Cunningham, Ronn............................ 39 D Bar L Land and Livestock............... 35 D & W Farms, LLC....................... 12, 35 Danell Diamond Six Ranch................ 36 DDM Gelbvieh..................................... 34
Diamond L Farms............................... 37 Dromgoole’s Heaven........................... 38 Eagle Pass Ranch................................. 15 Ellison Gelbvieh & Angus Ranch...... 37 Flying H Genetics.......................... 36, 56 Gallaway Gelbvieh............................... 49 Gelbvieh Bull Barn.............................. 39 Gelbvieh Guide.................................... 39 Gelbvieh Profit Partners..................... 48 Goettlich Gelbvieh Ranch.................. 36 Golden Buckle Gelbvieh..................... 37 Green Hills Gelbvieh........................... 37 GS Ridge Top Ranch........................... 34 H & H Farms........................................ 38 HAGA Show-Me Futurity Plus Sale.... 47 Harriman, Bob............................... 35, 46 Hart Farm Gelbvieh........................ 5, 35 Hartland Farm..................................... 35 Hightower Cattle Company............... 33 Hill Top Haven Farm.......................... 38 Hodges Ranch...................................... 34 Hojer Gelbvieh Ranch..................... 8, 26 Igenity............................................. 10, 11 J & K Farms.................................... 34, 53 J Bar M Gelbvieh................................. 36 Judd Ranch, Inc............................... 3, 35 Jumping Cow Gelbvieh................. 34, 55 KG Gelbvieh......................................... 40 Kicking Horse Ranch..............20, 36, 42
Kittle Gelbvieh Farms......................... 34 Knoll Crest Farm................................. 23 Lambert, Doak..................................... 39 Ledgerwood Gelbvieh......................... 38 LeDoux Ranch..................................... 35 Lemke Cattle........................................ 36 Leonhardt Cattle Company................ 37 Linquist Farms..................................... 34 Little Windy Hill Farms................ 14, 38 Lone Oak Gelbvieh........................ 34, 44 Longleaf Station................................... 37 M&P Gelbvieh..................................... 36 Maple Hill Farm................................... 34 Maple Lake Livestock Company....... 37 Markes Family Farms.............30, 37, 40, Martin Cattle Company................ 24, 34 Maternal Edge Sales............................ 52 Mattison Family Farm........................ 35 McCabe Cattle Co./Two Step Ranch..... 34 McEndaffer Beef Genetics.................. 33 McNeill Farms..................................... 21 Middle Creek Farms.........20, 36, 43, 51 Miller Gelbvieh.................................... 34 Million Ayres Management................ 42 MMS....................................16, 33, 39, 47 MLM Gelbvieh............................... 33, 36 National CUP Lab............................... 39 NILE Select Sale................................... 42 NN Bar Ranch, Inc.............................. 38
Maternal Edge Female Sales
NS Ranch.............................................. 38 Pearson Cattle Company.................... 13 Plateau Gelbvieh............................ 33, 34 Pope Farms Gelbvieh.......................... 36 Post Rock Cattle Company............ 9, 35 Professional Beef Genetics................. 31 Register Farms..................................... 37 Rippe Gelbvieh..................................... 33 Rogers Valley Farm Gelbvieh......... 7, 36 Sandy Knoll Farm Gelbvieh............... 33 Sawtooth Gelbvieh Cattle & Hay....... 36 Schafer Farms, Inc............................... 35 Seedstock Plus Genetics..................... 25 Seedstock Plus...................................... 19 SEGA Gelbvieh.................................... 32 Slaughter, David............................. 12, 35 Southern Belle’s Production Sale....... 33 Swanson Cattle Company............ 36, 50 Taubenheim Gelbvieh......................... 36 The 88 Ranch........................................ 36 Thorstenson Gelbvieh......................... 37 Triple K Gelbvieh................................. 35 Volek Ranch......................................... 26 Warner Beef Genetics......................... 54 Wildwood Acres.................................. 37 Wilkinson Gelbvieh............................ 34
www.Maternaledge.com
Gelbvieh Influenced Females - Working Hard for your Bottom Line
Ohio Maternal Edge Sale
Tennessee Maternal Edge Sale-5th Annual
Iowa Maternal Edge Sale
Sponsored by Ohio Valley Gelbvieh Association
Sponsored by Tennessee Gelbvieh Association
Sponsored by Gelbvieh Breeders of Iowa
Location: Producers Livestock Association, Hillsboro, OH
Location: KY-TN Livestock Market, Cross Plains, TN
Location: Bloomfield Livestock Market, Bloomfield, IA
Contact for consignments and information: Tim Sheeley Maple Valley Gelbvieh • 937-403-6476 Hillsboro, OH • maplevalleyfarm@sbcglobal.net
Contact for consignments and information: John Bartee, Sr. 931-624-1173 • Clarksville, TN John Loy 865-687-1968 • Luttrell, TN Scott Sorrells 931-659-9164 or 931-993-9680 Petersburg, TN William McIntosh Eastern Area Coordinator • American Gelbvieh Association 502-867-3132
Contact for consignments and information: Matt Cibula 641-751-0069 • tnmcibula@yahoo.com Eric Ehresman 319-480-1564 Frank Hayek 319-269-8633 • ich@aweiowa.com Brandon McEndaffer Central Area Coordinator • American Gelbvieh Association 970-520-3020
Saturday, October 29, 2011, 12 Noon
William McIntosh Eastern Area Coordinator • American Gelbvieh Association 502-867-3132
52 | October 2011
November 5, 2011, 12 Noon
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The Profitpicture | 53
Just Ask our Customers! “We have had the privilege of buying Warner bulls for over twelve years. The red and black Balancer, along with the occasional Gelbvieh, have fit our herd of red and black Angus quite well. We have sold our calves privately the last couple of years, and that has given us the ability to see carcass results. The buyers were pleased adding, “don’t change a thing with your breeding program”. (Tim Waller, Lloyd Waller Feedlot, Holdrege, Nebraska). Just as important as the quality bulls, is the fact that the Warner family is honest, and sincerely concerned about how the bulls work for you. They will do their best to make sure you are satisfied. We have purchased over twenty bulls over the years, and we WILL be back.” • Steve Hunt, Nebraska •
“It never ceases to amaze Steve and I, the wonderful quality of cattle that come from the Warner Ranch. We have been building our herd with the help of the Warner’s for quite a few years and we are very proud of the quality of our cattle. When it comes time to sell our beef, the buyers are always impressed with what they see. The customer service is outstanding! We have been pleased with how they stand by every animal that leaves their ranch.” • Steve & Connie Witte, Nebraska •
Annual Production Sale March 6th, 2012 Bulls & Females Offered
Dan and Kate Warner
42198 Road 721, Arapahoe, NE 68922
Visit us at: www.warnerbeef.com
(C) 308-962-6511 Monte Warner: 308-268-6020 Darren Warner: 308-268-2031
Quality Minded • Commercially Focused • Innovatively Driven 54 | October 2011
The Profitpicture | 55
GELBVIEH | BALANCER | ANGUS | SIMANGUS | SIMMENTAL
8
Grown on Grass Bull Sale
th
October 29, 2011 • 1 p.m.• Joplin Stockyards
80+ Bulls Sell
Call, email, TEXT or Facebook us your sale book or DVD request
40 18-month-old bulls 40+ yearling bulls
Flying H Mr Boo 92X
Flying H New Design 6N 48X
Boo Boo 155E X Flying H MSH Full Season AGA #: 1145528 • DOB: 1/26/2010 PB Gelbvieh • Black, Polled
K C F Bennett 1407 N2 X Rito 6I6 of 4B20 6807 AGA #: 1165164 • DOB: 2/27/2010 FLYING H GENETICS Balancer • Black, Polled Dick & Bonnie Helms Kyle & Kayla Helms Jared & Jill Wareham Nebraska Headquarters Missouri Regional Affiliate Ph: (308) 493-5411 Ph: (308) 962-6940 Cell: (417) 309-0062 flyingh@atcjet.net flyinghgenetics@yahoo.com jwareham@hughes.net
www.flyinghgenetics.com 56 | October 2011