OCTOBER 2015 | WWW.GELBVIEH.ORG
In this Issue: How Well Do You Really Know Your Cows? Add Pounds and Profit with Gelbvieh and Balancer® Females Do Your Feeder Cattle Demand a Premium? Add Value to Gelbvieh and Balancer® Through Cooperative Marketing
The Age of Information The beef industry is no stranger to change. From importing the first non-native cattle to the U.S. in the early 1900s, to the first across-herd genetic evaluation in the 1970s, to the boom of performance testing in the 1980s, ranchers have always had to move at the speed of change to keep up with the industry. By Kari White
T
oday, the beef industry is experiencing another era of rapid change. Input prices are higher, cattle prices are higher, and consumer preference plays an unprecedented role in production. The good news? Ranchers now have more tools than ever to evaluate and make changes in their herds. Multi-breed comparable EPDs, genomic enhanced accuracies, and advanced data management systems make today’s beef industry the age of information. In order to participate in using this information, it is vital that all producers actively collect data at the ranch level. Why is it so important for producers to collect data on their animals? The simplest answer is you can’t improve on what you don’t measure. “The ability to measure performance is a key component in all beef cow operations,” say John Arthington and James Stice in University of Florida IFAS Extension bulletin number AN129. “Regardless of size, producers must be able to identify the current status of their operation in order to make adjustments toward improvement.” Data collection can seem a large task if you think about all the traits available for evaluation on cattle, but you don’t have
to collect them all! Setting a breeding goal for your operation is a great place to start. Think about your bottom line; what traits are important for you to be profitable? Calving ease might be a good place to start. No one wants the vet bill that comes from having to assist a female in calving, and recording which females calved unassisted can be a great culling tool in deciding which heifers to retain for replacements. Do you sell calves at weaning? Weaning weights would be another great piece of information to record. Knowing which females produced the most profitable calves at sale helps you decide which animals to keep in your breeding herd. Are you in an area with limited feed resources? Keeping an eye on the mature weight of your cows can be instrumental in making sure you have cows whose input requirements match your environment. The second component in using data collected on-ranch is storing it in a format that is easy to access. Collecting large amounts of data won’t be helpful if it stays locked in your calving book. Ranch specific data management programs are a great way to keep track of your animals and their data, all in one place. Many new Continued on page 8
American Gelbvieh Association 10900 Dover Street Westminster, CO 80021
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Columbia MO Permit No. 353
edar op anch C T R
Good ranchers always ride good horses and have productive, hard working cows eating their grass. At Cedar Top we demand both!
50 Years of A.I. Service 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. Cedar Top sired calves have topped Superior and other video markets for over 20 years. Get bulls with market topping genetics that will produce daughters with stayability and productivity February 16, 2016 • Burwell, NE Cedar Top Ranch
Call us today for more information.
2 | OCTOBER 2015
Scott & Raberta Starr 212 Starr Drive • Stapleton, NE 69163 308-587-2293 • 308-530-3900 (C) email: cedartopranch@gpcom.net
25th Annual Judd Ranch Gelbvieh, Balancer® & Red Angus
Cow Power Female Sale Saturday, October 10 • 12:00 noon • Pomona, Kansas One hour SW of Kansas City • Free Trucking in U.S. on Purchases of $20,000+
110 Homozygous Polled Females Sell
There are cows; then there are females like this beautiful Judd Ranch first calf heifer with her powerhouse bull calf. The difference: fertility, maternal ability, performance, eye appeal, teat and udder structure. The list goes on and on, including Judd Ranch being honored 17 of the past 18 years (19982015) as the breeds #1 Dam of Merit/Dam of Distinction breeder and owner. Plus cows that produced 279 bulls that sold in our March bull sale, with an 81 lb. average birth weight/871 lb. average weaning weight. Please join us on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Ranch when 100–plus Judd Ranch (spring & fall/bred & open) females will be sold at auction. A vast majority of the offering will be homozygous polled and every female is Judd Ranch bred and raised.
Put a Judd Ranch Female to work in your herd and see the difference Call Cattlemen’s Connection Toll-Free 1-800-743-0026 for your sale catalog, or view catalog online at www.juddranch.com.
Judd Ranch Inc.
Dave & Cindy Judd Nick, Ginger Judd & Family Brent, Ashley Judd & Family 423 Hwy. K-68 • Pomona, KS 66076 785/ 566-8371 or 785/566-3770 Visit our web site: www.juddranch.com
$$$ProfitPartners Gelbvieh
Realizing the Value
The Profitpicture | 3
Contents Features The Age of Information
1
By Kari White
How Well Do You Really Know Your Cows?
10
By Kelli Retallick
The Plan
Where Will the Market Take Us and How does That Translate into Cowherd Expansion? 54 By Rebecca Mettler
Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus: Is my herd at risk?
60
By Dr. Michelle Bilderback
12
By Tom Field
Over the Fence with Jesse Landin, McClymont Feedyard 20 By Rebecca Mettler
Double the Data
23
By Jaime Pullman
Selecting Commercial Replacements With An Edge 28 By Rebecca Mettler
Finding New Opportunities with Gelbvieh
34
News Fast Facts
14
Range Cow Beef Symposium in Colorado Nov. 16-19
18
Gelbvieh Breeders Ranked For Breed-Leading Females
32
The American Gelbvieh Association Provides Genetic Tools For Ranchers 36 Watch the American Gelbvieh Association on The American Rancher 44
By Michael Ring
Join the American Gelbvieh Assoication at the Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup 46
Add Pounds and Profit with Gelbvieh and Balancer® Females 48
AGA Sponsors SLA Fall Series of Superior Select Replacement Females 60
By Megan Slater
Killed, Modified-live, Chemically Altered, Oh My!
63
Request Your Free Subscription The Profit Picture is the commercially-focused tabloid publication published in October and February by the American Gelbvieh Association, focused on issues important to the commercial cow-calf producer. Sign up to receive your free subscription to The Profit Picture by subscribing online or completing this form and mailing to American Gelbvieh Association, attn: Profit Picture, 10900 Dover Street, Westminster, CO 80021. Comments and feedback welcome to rebeccam@gelbvieh.org or 303465-2333. Also, visit www.GELBVIEH.org to subscribe to our new The Profit Picture Enewsletter, to receive montly news updates.
4 | OCTOBER 2015
Name: ____________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________
Subscribe online at www.gelbvieh.org/communication/ subscriptionssignup.html
The Profitpicture | 5
Contents Editorial
In Every Issue
Gelbvieh Influence and the Commercial Sector By Neal Pearson
16
Modernizing the American Gelbvieh Association By Myron Edelman Do Your Feeder Cattle Demand a Premium By William McIntosh Add Value to Gelbvieh and Balancer® Through Cooperative Marketing By William McIntosh Looking into the Black Box By Kelli Retallick
Contact Us
6
Places to Be
78
26
Ad Index
80
40
Breeders Sections
43 56
Southern Breeders Southeast Breeders Northeast Breeders Western Breeders Midwest Breeders Upper Midwest Breeders Service Center
57 58 61 62 71-72 74-75 77
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
10900 Dover Street F Westminster, CO 80021 Main phone: 303-465-2333 F Fax: 303-465-2339 www.GELBVIEH.org F info@gelbvieh.org Facebook: American Gelbvieh Association
ASSOCIATION STAFF
Myron Edelman Executive Director myrone@gelbvieh.org (ex. 480) Dianne Coffman Director of Administration diannec@gelbvieh.org (ex. 479) Dolores Gravley Customer Services doloresg@gelbvieh.org (ex. 481) Kari White Breed Improvement Data Analyst kario@gelbvieh.org (ex. 483) Kelli Retallick Data Services Specialist kellir@gelbvieh.org Carrie Tilghman Derossett Junior Activities Coordinator carriet@gelbvieh.org 270-404-0828
6 | OCTOBER 2015
Lynn Valentine Gelbvieh Media Productions Coordinator lynnv@gelbvieh.org (ex. 486) Rebecca Mettler Editorial Content Coordinator rebeccam@gelbvieh.org 940-255-5471 Megan Slater Public Relations Coordinator megans@gelbvieh.org (ex. 485) William McIntosh Commercial Marketing Coordinator williamm@gelbvieh.org 502-867-3132 Angela Vesco Commercial Marketing Specialist angelav@gelbvieh.org (ex. 484)
Neal Pearson, President (2015) Lake City, SD • 605-448-5653 njpearson@venturecomm.net
Duane Strider, Secretary (2012) Asheboro, NC • 910-428-4568 ccrosscattle@yahoo.com
Dan Warner, V. President (2013) Beaver City, NE • 308-962-6511 dan@warnerbeef.com
Grant Thayer, Treasurer (2014) Ramah, CO • 303-621-2058 grant@jumpingcowgelbvieh.com
DIRECTORS Brian Dunn (2013) St. John, KS • 620-549-6516 dunnfarm@hotmail.com
Lowell Rogers (2015) Seminary, MS • 601-270-4152 lrdrsmiley@gmail.com
Emily Griffiths (2014) Kendallville, IN • 260-242-1552 ejgriffiths.eg@gmail.com
Ronnie Rogers (2013) Mendon, MO • 660-375-7266 rogers_valley_farm_feedlot@ hotmail.com
Bob Hart (2014) Kansas City, KS • 816-225-8530 bhart@hartfarm.net Andy LeDoux (2012) Agenda, KS • 785-732-6564 ledouxranch@hotmail.com David Martin (2014) Judsonia, AR • 501-728-4950 martincattleco@windstream.net Dustin Rippe (2015) Hubble, NE • 316-323-4874 dustin.rippe@yahoo.com
Scott Starr (2013) Stapleton, NE • 308-587-2293 cedartopranch@gpcom.net Walter Teeter (2014) Mt. Ulla, NC • 704-236-7980 waltert@republicrefrigeration.com Gary Tilghman (2013) Glasgow, KY • 270-678-5695 gtilghma@uky.edu
The Profitpicture | 7
Feature Continued from page 1 programs let you track things like synchronization, vaccination, and pasture movement. A program that lets you track management details along with recording data for culling decisions would be even more powerful. Some programs even come with a certain level of customer support, having staff on-hand to help producers use selection tools and aid in the decision making process. If you’re interested in these kinds of data management tools geared toward the commercial cattle industry, see the article on the AGA’s Smart Select Service on page 10, or contact the AGA office for information on some of our many programs for data management and selection tools for registered breeders. Successful ranchers have always been able to adapt to change. With all the change in the beef industry over the years, the one adage that remains true for ranchers is you can’t get where you’re going unless you can measure where you’ve been. Data collection is key to keeping up with current change and pushing your ranch to future success. nnn
7TH Annual Southwest Iowa Gelbvieh & Balancer Bull & Female Sale March 18, 2016 • Creston Livestock Auction, Creston, IA All bulls in the sale are Feed Efficiency tested and Ultra-sounded.
Michael Bauer MJBC Gelbvieh Audubon, IA 712-563-2704 Mjbauer4320@hotmail.com Gary Martens Martens Gelbvieh Walnut, IA 712-764-5007 martensgl@yahoo.com
Call Tom Fry at Creston Livestock Auction (641-344-5082) at least 2 days before sale to qualify bid numbers.
8 | OCTOBER 2015
Carl Reiste Rafter R Gelbvieh Adel, IA 515-490-3561 creiste.rafterr@yahoo.com
For online bidding: www.cattleusa.com and click on www.crestonlivestock.com
POST ROCK CATTLE COMPANY
Cowman’s
Kind &
SAME QUALITY, SAME PLACE, SAME TIME - NEW
DATE
FEBRUARY 27, 2016 • 12:30 PM (CST)
Post Rock Cattle Company Sale Facility • Barnard, Kansas Top 3% CE, 5% low BW, 10% WW, 5% YW and 3% marbling EPDs made this Lone Star Advantage Balancer® bull a high seller a year ago. He represents years of genetic selection for calving ease, performance, carcass, and eye appeal. Flush and half brothers sell.
BULL FEMALE SALE
His first progeny sell and are sure to be highlights, plus many cows will have calves at side by this important sire. Astronaut was one of the most popular and highest selling syndicate sires in recent breed history and is a product of our program.
Exceptional EPDS, homo-black, homo-polled Balancer® bulls like this Mamma Maker son from last year’s sale come in volume at the Post Rock Sale. Top 5% CE, 20%WW, 5%YW, and 1% marbling EPDs.
Mamma Maker is a homo-black, homo-polled Balancer® sire whose progeny offer calving ease, performance, and carcass genetics. Outstanding EPDs and ultrasound data on his progeny.
COWMAN’S KIND SALE FEATURES •
• Shark will be back with another impressive and performance strong sire group. He sired our high selling purebred sire group a year ago, and you’re sure to be impressed with this year’s offering.
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH... Why is it that only drug dealers and computer
software developers refer to their clients as users?
• • • •
INCREDIBLE SELECTION PRESSURE: The top 120 bulls from nearly 600 planned matings sell. 25% of the bull offering are ET produced. Large sire groups offer many chances to purchase 1/2 and 3/4 brothers, plus flush brothers. Bulls are developed in large open lots on a high roughage ration. Free delivery or free care until May 1 on all bulls. First breeding season death and injury guarantee. Customer service and customer satisfaction have kept us in the seed stock business for more than 55 years.
POST ROCK CATTLE COMPANY 3041 E. Hwy. 284, Barnard, KS 67418 Bill Clark: 785.792.6244 Leland Clark: 785.792.6208 Fax: 785.792.6250 • Email: prcc@twinvalley.net
SALE MANAGEMENT BY: Mitchell Marketing Service
www.mms.bz
Chris Mitchell 334-695-1371 Randy Sienknecht 319-290-3763 2262 C Avenue • Gladbrook, IA 50635
“Where calving ease, performance and eye-appeal come together.”
The Profitpicture | 9
Feature
How Well Do You Really Know Your Cows? “Precision agriculture” is a term all people involved in U.S. agriculture have come to know. Most times it refers to the global positioning technologies that allow crop producers to record exact production per acre. By Kelli Retallick
A
grain farmer is able to record yields based on soil type and corn variety to be better able to predict next year’s fertilizer rates. Keeping yearly per acre production records enables crop farmers to be more efficient and profitable. As technology continues to advance across all agriculture sectors, what is your operation doing to adapt to the changing environment? One simple implementation is to begin a
data recording regimen to get to know your cows, their specific production levels and areas to improve. The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) has launched a program to help you do just that.
cow production. This program provides insight about your overall herd productivity by tracking individual cow records including individual performance and progeny information.
Smart Select Service gives ranchers genetic tools to select cattle to increase their profitability. It is a non-breed specific program allowing commercial cattle producers to stay ahead of the curve by pinpointing individual
Enrollment into the program is open to all females in the herd including replacement heifers and mature cows for the annual low cost of $1 per head. The meek enrollment fee provides access to an online data management service to record cowherd data ranging from vaccination and pasture management to individual progeny data, weights, and exposure data. With this data the AGA is able to provide commercial cattlemen with four different herd reports including a progeny, herd sires, dam production and herd summary reports. In addition, this information allows AGA to provide its customers with two genetic tools which are calculated via the international multi-breed genetic evaluation. This means commercial animals will be compared to the 340,000+ other animals involved in this evaluation for both the feeder profit index (FPI) and stayability score (ST score).
MURRAY FARMS Your gelbvieh and balancer cattle
for this generation and the next
Bulls and Females for sale year round by Private Treaty Visitors Always Welcome! Matt, Andrea Braxton & Breckon Murray 20055 N 2730 Rd • Kingfisher, OK 73750 murrayfarm@pldi.net (405)368-9601 - cell (405)729-4216 - home
Feeder profit index is an economic selection index that allows cattlemen to select progeny to perform in the feedyard and on the rail. It also predicts an animal’s breeding value as parent for those aiming to produce progeny to be sent into the feedyard. Because FPI is a terminal based index, little emphasis is placed on maternal traits, such as stayability or calving
ease, in its calculation. To obtain FPI a producer must submit calving ease records (based on a 1-5 scale) and weaning weights. The second genetic tool offered is a stayability score, which allows producers to gauge the reproductive longevity of individual animals. Stayability score predicts the probability a female will stay productive within a herd to at least six years of age. In order to receive ST scores producers must submit a record of the heifer’s first calf, a calving record every other year and exposure data. With these two genetic tools, producers are better able to select animals which increase both the profitability and efficiency of their herds. Enrollment into the program is easy. The first step is to fill out a membership form that can be obtained from the AGA office or via www.gelbvieh.org. Once the application process is completed members will be given account login information. An initial herd book upload will then need to take place. This will allow us to gather the information needed to enroll females being inventoried for the first time. Information required for initial enrollment includes animal ID, estimated birth date, and possible sire and dam. For annual re-enrollment, a cow must record a calf in the form of a calf ’s individual weaning weight or report a breeding code explaining why the cow did not reproduce. When enrolling a replacement female, heifer breeding records must be reported. Once enrolled, members should take the next step and report yearly progeny data for each cow. This allows us to generate both FPI and ST Score as long as the appropriate data has been submitted. Not
Continued on page 13 10 | OCTOBER 2015
Genetic Tools for Ranchers $mart Select Service gives the commercial cattleman, regardless of breed, tools to make breeding and management decisions based on herd records to increase profitability.
How well do you really know your cows? … you can’t manage what you don’t measure… $mart Select Service lets the commercial cattleman stay ahead of the curve by knowing exactly the level of production of individual cows. As cow herd inventory continues to expand, $mart Select Service can help ranchers identify cows to increase herd productivity.
Features & Genetic Tools: Herd Management Database – Manage all cowherd data records (performance, exposure, vaccination, etc.) in one easy location. Herd Management Reports – Track management protocols and rank animals on genetic performance to make informed decisions. Feeder Profit Index (FPI) – Predict the profitability potential realized in the feedlot. Stayability (ST score) – Gauge reproductive longevity of the herd.
What is $mart Select Service going to cost? Compare the cost of $mart Select Service against other record management software. Program Average Competitor $mart Select
Cost per year
Buy Software
$1,035 $1 per head
Yes No
Ranchers can enroll at any time! Members gain free access to professional and knowledgeable American Gelbvieh Association staff to aid in development of a management plan best serving the interest of each ranch. For more information, visit www.gelbvieh.org/smartselect.html
To enroll contact:
American Gelbvieh Association • 303-465-2333 Kelli Retallick • kellir@gelbvieh.org The Profitpicture | 11
Feature
The Plan The good news: There is not a recipe to success with a beef cattle enterprise. The bad news: There is not a recipe to success with a beef cattle enterprise. Certainly there are a multitude of tools, technologies and processes that can be selected to improve decision making, but the mix will vary based on the goals, limitations and resources unique to each enterprise. By Tom Field, University of Nebraska
O
ne of the great misconceptions about agricultural enterprises considered to be small-scale — based on measures such as annual cash flow, inventory numbers or land mass — is that they can be managed without consideration of business fundamentals such as planning, budgeting and benchmarking. Nothing could be further from the truth. Regardless of size, a cow/calf business is a system characterized by complexity. Consider all the variables inherent in a cow/calf setting — landscapes highly diverse in soil type, topography, mix of flora and fauna, and watershed characteristics; cattle at various stages of production; seasonality in markets and weather; mix of skills in the available human resources; and the combination of enterprises undertaken by management. Throw in a few heifers that have escaped to the flower garden, a broken piece of equipment and finding the neighbor’s bull on the wrong side of the fence, and it’s not surprising that people can feel overwhelmed regardless of the size of enterprise.
enterprise and to share positive experiences beyond the farm, a financial objective is to generate positive cash flow and a production goal is to maximize live calves, then it is critical to select cattle that are easy calving, have calm dispositions and meet the demands of the marketplace for growth rate, muscularity and frame size. The outcomes of such a strategy are: Easy-calving cattle require less input of time and labor (allowing more flexibility to be involved with family events), are more likely to breed back quickly in subsequent breeding seasons and are more likely to wean healthy calves. Calm cattle are more enjoyable to work with and better allow the involvement of all members of the family. Cattle with positive market attributes are more likely to maximize revenue to the enterprise.
Creation of the plan should involve those who will be asked to execute it and those who will be significantly impacted by the business. Thus, both key employees and family members should have input on the front end of the process and be engaged in ongoing discussion as the enterprise plan is implemented and ultimately measured. Albert Einstein pointed out that solutions should be “as simple as possible but no simpler.” This concept is very appropriate for enterprisemanagement planning. A plan with too much complexity that focuses on too many details will create an unwieldy nightmare for all involved. However, by focusing on the critical few elements of greatest significance to the overall performance of the enterprise, a roadmap can be constructed that keeps the organization moving toward its desired future.
Albert Einstein pointed out that solutions should be “as simple as possible but no simpler.” This concept is very appropriate for enterprise-management planning.
John Preston once wrote that “the beauty of not planning is that failure comes as a complete surprise and is not preceded by any period of anxiety.” However, by taking an intentional approach to the enterprise, complexity can be managed, goals can be achieved and personal fulfillment can be obtained. Creation of a management plan that aligns with the vision, goals and objectives of the owners and managers is a critical step. Initiating this process begins with establishing the vision for the enterprise: Is it to produce income, provide a shared family experience, improve the landscape or enhance quality of life? Without clarity of vision and desired outcomes, it is very difficult to build an effective plan. A useful model for creating an integrated plan is the balanced scorecard concept (figure 1). This concept recognizes six fundamental components to the cow/calf business: lifestyle, agricultural production, financial, customers, natural resources, and learning and growth. For each component, a set of goals and objectives can be developed with associated performance metrics to measure progress. By working within the six components, managers are more likely to build systems that work in harmony. For example, if a lifestyle goal is to involve family in the 12 | OCTOBER 2015
What is the rationale for the six components to be included in the balanced scorecard? These six elements are deeply connected and have the greatest impact on the profitability and longevity of the enterprise. Natural resources — Landscape health is critical to long-term success, and enhancement of the ranch ecosystem provides a buffer against the whims of weather, protects decision flexibility and offers opportunities to diversify income. Commodities/production — The mix of livestock, cropping and nonagricultural activities and the productivity of each are fundamental to cash flow and cost of production. Furthermore, the commodity mix chosen must be aligned with the natural and human opportunities and constraints of the ranch or farm. Customers — Management guru Peter Drucker believed that the “only valid definition of business was a satisfied customer.” Given the nature of commodity production it can be difficult to have in-depth conversations with specific customers, but awareness and knowledge of the demands of the market place are important. Financial — Return on investment, net income and profit margins are important measures of a business driven by profit motive. Even for
enterprises that are more focused on lifestyle, a failure to have a system of checks and balances on cost of production can lead to undesirable outcomes. Lifestyle — Attention to this component acknowledges that in addition to making a living humans long to make a life worth living. Learning and growth — This may be the most important component of all because successful management and leadership of a complex system depends on the ability of people to learn, adjust perspective, develop skills and grow their capacity. A management plan is never flawless, and future conditions cannot Continued from page 10 only does reporting individual calf records benefit the cow but reporting weaning weights, for example, on progeny strengthens your herd sire’s Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) by increasing the accuracy of those numbers. Although the above information is the only required information to enroll, it is
important to note the more information a member is able to provide, the more accurate the herd reports and genetic tools will be. Other beneficial information could include percent genetic make-up, mature cow weights, yearling weights, etc. With more accurate information, producers are better able to utilize the Smart Select Service to increase the overall value of their herd. At AGA, we want to find ways
be foreseen with perfect clarity. However, the balanced scorecard approach coupled with widespread communication of the plan within the organization go a long way in managing complexity and attaining the vision upon which the enterprise was created. nnn For more detailed information, visit agrisk.umn.edu/conference/ uploads/AArzeno0205_02.pdf. Tom Field is director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska. Editor’s Note- Reprinted with permission of Tom Field. Previously published in Drovers. to best serve the commercial cattle producer. By becoming a member of the Smart Select Service you are gaining access to knowledgeable AGA staff to help you develop a breeding/management plan to best serve your individual ranch. In addition, AGA will also facilitate DNA testing programs such as sire verification or replacement female genomic testing via the Maternal Edge Female Panel if so desired. The opportunities are endless with
this type of program to increase genetic value of the herd and help producers really get to know their cows. Ranchers can enroll at any time and if you have any further questions please contact the AGA office at 303-465-2333 or email Kelli Retallick at kellir@gelbvieh. org. Feel free to visit http://www. gelbvieh.org/smartselect.html for more information. nnn
A Live Calf is Money in the Bank We understand that pounds at weaning are important. But we still believe calving ease is absolutely critical. A live calf is what puts money in the bank for our bull buyers. We continue to focus on functional cattle with strong growth and maternal traits. We welcome visitors anytime.
•CALVING EASE •MATERNAL •PERFORMANCE Open House & Private Treaty Bull Sale Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 At the Ranch southeast of Rapid City, SD Bulls available to view at 11 a.m. (MST) • Bid-off at 1 p.m.
Call or email for a sale book. Lori Maude, 303-809-3789, lori.maude@gmail.com Julie Maude, 605-381-2803 • Marvin Maude, 605-255-4448 Follow CJ&L Livestock on Facebook
Hermosa, South Dakota Quality Gelbvieh & Balancer Genetics from a Trusted Source The Profitpicture | 13
Fast Facts Crossbreeding for increased female performance
Gelbvieh making advancements in calving ease
AGA’s Commercial Marketing Staff
The crossbred female is 30 percent more productive over her lifetime. More productivity and added longevity equates to less frequent replacement needs. How do crossbred females perform better? It’s all in the heterosis, or hybrid vigor, described as the increase in performance of the crossbred animal compared to the average of the straightbred parent. Heterosis impacts traits with low heritability. Reproduction is one of those traits that is lowly heritable and can be enhanced by crossbreeding.
Moderating birth weight and increasing calving ease has been a focus of Gelbvieh seedstock breeders for the past 20 years. The American Gelbvieh Association genetic trends for birth weight and calving ease EPDs show just that – lower birth weights and higher calving ease making the Gelbvieh influenced female a top choice for commercial cattlemen.
The American Gelbvieh Association has outstanding marketing staff that understands both the beef business and the Gelbvieh breed. They are available to help commercial cattlemen find Gelbvieh or Balancer genetics to fit your program or assist in marketing Gelbvieh influenced breeding animals or feeder cattle. To contact AGA’s commercial marketing staff simply call the AGA office at 303-465-2333.
Putting together the numbers for a crossbred cow
Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) data shows the Gelbvieh breed has reduced mature cow size, has the lowest birth weights of the four major Continental breeds and still maintains the earliest age at puberty. It’s also important to note that a smaller mature weight leads to more efficiency.
Crossbred cow advantages include a +38 percent increase in longevity; +25 percent increase in lifetime productivity; +8 percent increase in calf crop weaned; +5 percent weaning performance advantage and +4 percent increase in calf yearling performance.
How about the crossbred calf? The advantage of the crossbred calf is two-fold: an increase in calf livability coupled with an increase in growth rate.
Choosing a moderate-framed cow
Balancer® genetics at work Balancer® cattle are registered hybrid seedstock and have documented pedigrees and EPDs. Balancer animals are 25 to 75 percent Gelbvieh with the balance Angus or Red Angus. Balancer cattle combine the Gelbvieh growth, muscle, leanness and fertility with the marbling of Angus. Producers can choose the percentage of each breed to best suit their marketing target for their calves.
Take advantage of Gelbvieh and Balancer Cattle for sale listings As a part of the AGA’s Commercial Marketing Service, the AGA provides a free lstinig service to members and commercial users of Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics. Visit www.gelbvieh.org/ exchange.html to view Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls, females and feeder calf listings from around the country.
Gelbvieh and Balancer sale dates Check out the Places to Be page on page 78 to view the upcoming Gelbvieh sales and events around the country.
LONE OAK CATTLE Thank you for making our 2015 Bull Sale the best EVER!
Early reports indicate good conception rates. Near record-high calf prices once again. Genetics used today will influence your cow herd for generations. Saturday, March 19, 2016 promises to be the largest and highest quality offering of bulls ever! 14 | OCTOBER 2015
OFFERING 90 BRED HEIFERS
• AI bred on May 20, 2015 • Many bred to S A V Angus Valley • 70 Black Angus x Gelbvieh, a few SimAngus Cross • 10 Red Angus x Gelbvieh • 10 F1 Angus x Hereford • Available private treaty OCTOBER 1, 2015
LONE OAK C AT T L E Eric & Heather Ehresman 20963 30th St. Mechanicsville, IA 52306 hornsandthorns@netins.net 319-489-2275 • 319-480-1564
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Visit our website: www.cattlemensconnection.com For a complete listing of AI Sires, their stats, DNA, pedigrees and EPDs The Profitpicture | 15
Editorial
Gelbvieh Influence and the Commercial Sector “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” is a quote taken from John F. Kennedy’s inaugural speech. By Neal Pearson
N
ow you are probably asking yourself, “What has this got to do with the American Gelbvieh Association?” I have asked that question of myself and I hope at the conclusion of this article you, the membership, will see what I see from this famous quote. The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) Board of Directors, past and present, along with the leadership and staff are challenged with ways to improve member services and increase breed growth with promotion of Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics in the commercial sector. These are the challenges that the board and staff take very seriously and spend a considerable amount time on. There comes a time in an organization where the membership has to become actively involved in the promotion of programs that are for the benefit of their customers. We currently have two programs that need the support of the membership, I feel, to succeed. We cannot just rely on the staff to sell the Smart Select Service and the Maternal Edge Female Profile DNA panel. You may ask why these two programs are so important. If we look at and compare crop production methods and technology to the cattle industry, the cattle industry is far behind in the adoption and use of new technologies. Ask any farmer what his or her input costs per acre are on any crop and they will be able to tell you, almost to the exact dollar. They can also tell you what their profit or loss is going to be. The crop producer is using all the latest technologies and equipment updates to reduce their costs per acre to give them an edge on profitability. I’m not saying that all cattle producers don’t know their costs or what they need to be profitable. The idea of keeping individual records often times triggers the response, “I would like to but just don’t have time,” or numerous other reasons. The end results in no records. The board and staff of the AGA have recognized the future importance of programs that will enable, not only we as seedstock producers, but also the commercial cattleman to be profitable in the present and future. The Smart Select Service program and Maternal Edge Female Profile are designed to track and identify the most profitable cows in a herd. This will only happen if the cows are tested with the Maternal Edge Panel or enrolled in the Smart Select Service program. The cattle industry is enjoying profitable times right now. Will it last, and for how long are the big questions. No one thought we would see corn below $4 or beans below $10 for a number of years, but we have that today. Herd expansion is happening faster than the economists predicted. Cattle prices on the trend line are down. At what price level does it become break-even or a loss? The producer that surrounds themselves 16 | OCTOBER 2015
with above average, genetically predictable cattle stands the best chance of remaining profitable. I began with a quote from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural speech. I have inserted parentheses to further make my point regarding the AGA. “Ask not what your country (association) can do for you, ask what you (the membership) can do for your country (your commercial customer and association).” This issue of the October the Profit Picture goes not only to the membership but also to an extra 40,000 readers. For the membership, I hope you will contact your customers to see if they have an interest in either of these commercial focused programs. Membership: Ask what can WE do for our customers? Here are two programs that fulfill that question. For some, offering to cover the cost or part of the cost (we are only talking $1) for Smart Select Service enrollment can further build the breeder/commercial customer relationship. By all means, do it! For the non-members and readers of this issue, the importance of these two programs to your operation may best be explained by the article from the North Dakota State University Extension Service which started a program in 1963 called CHAPS (Cow Herd Appraisal of Performance Software Program). This program takes into consideration the following traits: Percent of cows exposed that are pregnant Percent of cows exposed that calved Percent of cows exposed that weaned a calf Percent of cows that calved during the first 21 days Percent of cows that calved during the first 42 days Percent of cows calved in 63 days Average cow age Average weaning age of calves Average weaning weight of calves Average frame score of calves at weaning Average weight gain per day of age Adjusted 205 day weight Average number of pounds weaned per cow exposed The article goes on to explain, “There are no absolute answers to what a particular ranch should produce.” However, knowing how the herd performs certainly is an advantage. If poor performance is evident, obvious managerial issues must be resolved. After that, and I feel this is where the two programs, Smart Select Service and Maternal Edge Panel are important, a good look at the overall ranch environment is needed to ultimately decide if the genetics of the herd fit the environment. To be effective managers, we first must know what we have to manage. nnn
Selling 38 Females & 6 Bulls October 17, 2015 12 Noon Midwest Beef Alliance Bull & Female Sale Mid-Missouri Livestock Center Marshall Junction, MO • Just South of I-70 on Highway 65
5 Registered Fall Bred Heifers ed Gains./day lb 4.29 n test. o
8 Registered Fall Bred Cows
MRSH MARVIN 145B
14 months old PC 75% BW: 72# WW: 506# 39 cm Scrtl. EPDs Fall, 2015 CED BW WW 11 0.3 56
YW 79
M 21
TM 56
CEM 5
ST 10
YG CW -0.20 17
REA 0.37
MB -0.04
14 Registered Spring Bred Heifers 10 Registered Spring Bred Cows 1 Commercial Spring Bred Heifer 5 Reg. Yearling Bulls Good Calving Ease • Big Growth Excellent Carcass & Tenderness
1 Reg. 18 Month Bull Big Growth • Excellent Carcass
Sale Catalog and videos of our sale lots will be on our website 7 days before the sale.
www.RogersVFG.com Let us show you how Rogers Valley Farm genetics can improve the performance of your herd. Call Ronnie Rogers at 660-375-7266. Ronnie Rogers P. O. Box 51, Mendon, MO 64660 • Email rogers_valley_farm_feedlot@hotmail.com • www.RogersVFG.com • (660) 272-3805 • cell (660) 375-7266
The Profitpicture | 17
News
Range Beef Cow Symposium in Colorado, Nov 16-19 C
olorado State University’s Department of Animal Sciences is proud to host the 24th Range Beef Cow Symposium, Nov. 16-19 at The Ranch in Loveland, Colo. The biennial symposium, sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service and Animal Science Departments of Colorado State University, South Dakota State University, the University of Nebraska and the University of Wyoming, offers an exclusive program of practical production management information specific to the region’s cattle producers. This year’s program will highlight a variety of industry speakers delivering valuable, cutting-edge information on beef cattle management strategies ranging from consumer preferences to grazing schemes. Additionally, sessions will incorporate speakers and events geared toward young and up-and-coming producers, including a Young Producers’ Professional Networking Social and a producer panel focusing on how to enter the cattle business as a first generation cattle producer. An always-popular feature of the Range Beef Cow Symposium is the evening “Bull Pen Sessions”. Speakers will be present for questions and discussion of their topics, offering attendees an opportunity to acquire
more in-depth and applied knowledge from presentations earlier in the program. A pre-symposium Beef Quality Assurance training will be provided on Monday, Nov. 16 featuring Curt Pate. The symposium also boasts a top-notch trade show, showcasing a variety of commercial displays from over 75 allied industry vendors. A pre-symposium Beef Quality Assurance training will also be provided on Monday, Nov. 16 featuring Curt Pate. Cattle producers across the Great Plains region are encouraged to join Colorado State University’s Department of Animal Sciences in Loveland to take advantage of the educational and profit building seminars at this year’s Range Beef Cow Symposium. The early registration deadline is October 26, after which registration prices will increase. For a full schedule of events and speakers, hotel accommodations and online registration, visit the Range Beef Cow Symposium website at www.rangebeefcow.com, or contact Jason Ahola (970-491-3312; jason. ahola@colostate.edu) or Libby Bigler (970-491-2333; libby.bigler@ colostate.edu). nnn
One Bred Heifer and One Open Heifer consigned to
The
Select Gelbvieh & Balancer® Female Sale
Bred Heifer
Open Heifer
KHR Production Sale March 17, 2016 Semen available on: KHR23X -Purebred KHR03Z - Balancer
KHR 470B Polled • Black • Purebred • AMGV 1290101
Polled • Black • Balancer® • AMGV 1323126
KHR23X x KHR024 (KHR47R) Bred to KHR 14B for a February calf
CED BW 12 -0.3
WW 62
YW MK 91 29
18 | OCTOBER 2015
Connealy Black Granite x KHR436P (Atlas)
CED BW 17 -2.0
TM CEM MB 60 14 0.07
George & Jeanette Rankin (406)937-3728 1289 Nine Mile Rd Oilmont, MT 59466
KHR 513C
www.kickinghorseranch.com
WW 66
YW MK 103 39
TM CEM MB 72 13 0.36
Jim & Kathy Bjorkman phone & fax (406)937-4815 krankin@northerntel.net
The Profitpicture | 19
Over the Fence
With Jesse Landin, McClymont Feedyard
McClymont Feedyard near Holdrege, Nebraska, is owned and operated by Innovative Livestock Services, Inc. (ILS). The southcentral Nebraska feedyard is a 13,000 head capacity commercial feedyard that feeds 25,000 to 30,000 head of cattle annually. By Rebecca Mettler
and known vaccination history, which results in a lower death loss.
C
“We try to do everything we can from an animal welfare perspective in regards to high stressed cattle,” Landin said. “By handling in a low stress way, bedding pens, providing extra water and doing whatever we can to relieve the stress on the cattle to get them settled in.”
attle are sourced from Canada, Mexico and everywhere in between, according to Jesse Landin, manager of McClymont Feedyard since 2010.
Describe the services that you provide your customers. What are the advantages of being an ILS feedyard and affiliated with Beef Marketing Group? ILS owns the yard and four other yards in Nebraska as well as six in Kansas. The group of cattle feeders come together and share ideas and work to create a unique management structure that facilitates success for all of the feedyards in the group. ILS is also a member of the Beef Marketing Group (BMG) cooperative that is focused on creating value throughout the beef supply chain. One of BMG’s objectives is to foster relationships with end-users, suppliers and the packer, according to Landin. “The original thinking behind 20 | OCTOBER 2015
BMG was to collectively market cattle together so the feeders were not at a disadvantage in the marketplace based on their location and establishing a relationship with a packer that
“Progressive Beef is a food safety and animal welfare program that basically outlines what the yards do. It puts in writing our procedures and adds accountability to verify what we
We try to do everything we can from an animal welfare perspective in regards to high stressed cattle,
was more of a partnership than adversarial.” As a part of BMG, McClymont Feedyard has a strong relationship with the packer and in turn, they can provide their customers with an increased level of marketing. “We are pretty proud of the fact we can get the cattle to the packer when they are ready, not just when the packer wants them,” Landin said. Another program that makes BMG unique is their Progressive Beef program.
do.”
How do cattle perform best in the feedyard? “Healthy cattle are going to do the best; those are cattle that have been preconditioned, vaccinated and taken care of at the ranch,” Landin said. On average, Landin notes that the cattle in a retained ownership agreement are usually the best cattle in the feedyard. This can be attributed to improved health
Because health problems can easily arise in comingled sale barn cattle without a known history, they receive special attention once they arrive at the feedyard.
Good animal health starts at the ranch. Though there are things that can be done once the cattle arrive at the feedyard, it’s much easier if the calves are in good health upon arrival. “No matter if you are selling them or retaining ownership, coming from a solid program makes them more valuable to us in the feedyard.” Landin pointed to the upcoming new antibiotic regulations as one of the many reasons why cow-calf producers need to make herd health a priority. “From the industry as a whole, it’s important for the cow-calf producer to better prepare those cattle to come to the feedyard.,”
What has been your experience feeding Gelbvieh influenced cattle?
“The Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle that we’ve fed are through retained ownership and healthwise we have very little trouble with them,” Landin said. “They closed out this year with no death loss and performed really well.”
What’s one thing you want people to understand about the
feeding sector? “A lot of people are surprised, if they’ve never been around a feeder, how precise we are with
everything we do and how much technology we use,” Landin said. Examples in this precision approach can be seen long before
McClymont Feedyard has a few repeat customers that bring them full load lots of Gelbvieh and Balancer influenced calves year after year. One particular customer has sent calves for the past eight years straight. Each year the cattle performance has gotten better with increases in the percentage of Choice carcasses. Landin credits part of that improvement to management practices on the ranch as well as better genetics and selection. In addition, the feedyard makes improvements each year. Both lots of Gelbvieh and Balancer influenced steers and heifers that were fed this year at McClymont Feedyard graded 100 percent Choice or better. “Honestly, it’s pretty rare for that to happen. Less than five percent of the lots of cattle do that,” Landin said.
From a feeder’s perspective, what cattle traits can the industry improve upon? “We are always trying to get better. I think the industry will continue to want bigger carcasses but we can always improve on efficiency as far as feed conversion and daily gain,” Landin said. “But the bigger carcasses is what packers want.” Though the finish weights have increased, Landin notes that the Gelbvieh influenced animals he’s seen seem to fit that scenario and are able to handle that extra weight.
The Profitpicture | 21
the feed ever hits the bunks in the morning. The loader operator knows exactly what feed ingredients to load and exactly
how much goes in each batch of feed with the aide of a batcher computer. Every load of feed that comes out of the mill is the same.
“We also try to feed each pen at the exact same time each day,” Landin said. “Consistency and repetition is so important to
Thorstenson Lazy TV Gelbvieh & Angus Ranch
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“Right now cow numbers are down making it harder and harder to buy feeder cattle,” Landin said. “It’s tough to buy anything that breaks even but I think that will change as the cowherd builds back up.” Just like other feedyards have experienced, Landin acknowledges that there are fewer customers out there that are willing to feed their cattle through a retained ownership scenario. “We are shifting more towards company-owned cattle,” Landin said
DLW Alumni 7513A ET
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What is the current state of the feedyard sector and how does
that effect how you do business?
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improving the performance of the cattle.”
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The amount of capital required to own calves has increased and can be listed as one of the reasons for fewer customers willing to retain ownership on a set of calves. “It just takes a lot more money to buy them these days,” Landin said.
In the eyes of a feedyard, what does the future cattle industry outlook hold? “I think it’s going to get easier to place cattle in the feedyard. Until the cowherd rebuilds, it will remain difficult to procure cattle. Risk management will be key in managing market volatility. We had a really good market, now it’s in a slump but it will come back to us,” Landin said. nnn
Feature
Double the Data Across-Breed EPD information quantity is at an all-time high different breeds included. But EPDs don’t paint the whole picture. Other factors, like environment and heterosis will also impact performance. “The main limitation of this research is that heterosis is not taken into account in the cross that producers may be targeting,” Dr. Kuehn continues. “For instance, if a commercial producer with an Angus herd wants to compare Angus bulls to another breed of bull, say Charolais, using the adjustment factors, the progeny averages will be higher for the Charolais bulls than shown by the factors because of heterosis. In addition, we fully expect that some breed crosses have more heterosis than other crosses. For instance, Red Angus and Angus are expected to have very little heterosis in their crossbred progeny relative to Brahman and Angus. Both of these limitations can be addressed with computational support for the program and with good estimates of breed specific heterosis. We are working with extension faculty at several universities on computational decisions support programs, and one of the current
One of the beautiful things about modern genetics research is the ability to enhance information and provide perspective. By Jamie Pullman Scientist from the US-Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), a division of the USDA Agricultural Research Service, have been compiling EPDs and creating across-breed expected progeny differences (AB-EPDs) since early 1990s. The most recent results of their work have given us more – and more reliable – information than ever before. Drs. Larry Kuehn and Mark Thallman are geneticists at USMARC in Clay Center, Nebraska, working in the Germplasm Evaluation Program. Dr. Kuehn and Dr. Thallman, and their colleague Dr. Warren Snelling, have led the germplasm program since 2007. The program uses information from the most recent national cattle evaluations, up to March of 2014. “This program samples 18 of the major beef breeds in the United States (all of which are part of the across-breed EPD system) and serves as the primary resource for deriving the breed differences used in calculating the across-breed EPD adjustment factors each year,” explains Dr. Kuehn. Since the AB-EPD evaluation began, the amount of genetic information that has become available to enhance EPDs has expanded tremendously. Resampling the included breeds, additional research, increased data collection by breed associations, and available technologies have all contributed to increased depth in the information that the scientists are able to work from providing improved reliability. “We have more than doubled the amount of information for most breeds in our database, which has reduced the error due to chance. In addition, the resampling of bulls from each of these breeds has helped to update the current breed differences beyond relying on genetic trends to adjust the data we produced here at USMARC over thirty years ago,” adds Dr. Kuehn. While EPDs can’t tell the whole story of genetic potential, they do provide producers some perspective and can be particularly useful to commercial producers looking to crossbreed. “I think before looking at this research, a commercial producer need s to take a step back and decide what the current advantages or disadvantages of his or her herd are, and then decide where to focus on genetic improvement,” says Dr. Kuehn. “After that, these across-breed EPD adjustment factors provide method to reach that goal based on the genetic variability available within and across breeds. Instead of being limited to rankings of bulls within breeds, these factors allow them to compare the genetic merit of bulls across multiple breeds. Effectively, the producer now has a much larger population of potential bulls available for selection.” Same Base Point Normally, EPDs can only be compared within a breed because they predict the expected progeny performance of two or more bulls of the same breed using the same base point of comparison, whereas another breed would have a different base point. Across-breed EPDs create the same base point for the 18
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The Profitpicture | 23
24 | OCTOBER 2015
Feature objectives of the germplasm evaluation program is to obtain estimates of breed specific heterosis – though it will take several years for that to come to fruition.” Another limitation involves the accuracy of breed differences estimated from the germplasm evaluation. “Accuracy of breed differences is better than the accuracy of comparing bulls within-breeds and gets better as the number of progeny per breed in our project increases,” Dr. Kuehn shares. “The net effect is that our estimates of breed differences are better for breeds that we have the most data for (Angus, Hereford, Charolais, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Limousin, and Red Angus). That said, there is virtually no other resource, including multibreed evaluations, where breeds are intentionally compared in the same contemporary groups to estimate breed differences. We carefully sample our bulls to represent the industry and will continue to improve accuracy over time as more progeny are produced.” More Traits in the Future? The final research limitation Dr. Kuehn notes involves the actual traits included in the AB-EPDs. Right now, weight trait EPDs like birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, and maternal
milk weight, as well as age-adjusted carcass traits such as ribeye area, backfat thickness, and marbling are calculated, but he’d like to see many more traits included in the future. “However, to bring in other traits such as heifer fertility, we will need to adapt the methodology for differences in scaling across breeds that goes beyond additive adjustment factors to put EPDs of different breeds on a common base,” says Dr. Kuehn. “Basically we would need to multiply the differences we see at USMARC by a scaling factor observed in the breed that a producer is interested in evaluating. Those differences would have to be scaled again to compare to a second breed. We feel this could best be accomplished with a web or smartphone based delivery system replacing the current tables, and we would like to integrate this delivery system into the decision support program. In addition, I am planning to add carcass weight adjustment factors to this year’s release. Other traits such as docility, stayability, and mature weight could also be of interest to producers, but not enough of the breed associations are reporting them in their current nation cattle evaluations.” Data collection by USMARC and breed associations allows scientists like Dr. Kuehn and Dr. Thallman to make discoveries and
comparisons that could help to shape the industry. They hope to keep it up with new traits using current data and genomic information in the future. “We, along with other scientists from multiple disciplines at USMARC, have programs in feed intake/efficiency for steers, growing heifers and cows, respiratory disease resistance, heifer fertility, cow longevity, beef color stability, beef tenderness, and mature cow weight,” Dr. Kuehn concludes. “We are beginning to summarize results from these programs for most of the 18 breeds in the AB-EPD project and hope to release several of the estimates in the coming years. In addition, the germplasm evaluation program is our primary genomic resource for beef cattle at USMARC, and we will continue to try to develop genomic tools for these novel traits using these results.” Scientific research will continue to influence the beef industry, even is you’re not looking to switch breeds but merely gain perspective. Which is why reporting to your breed association has never been so important, not just for your breed, but for all beef breeds. nnn Editor’s Note: Reprinted with permission of Working Ranch magazine. Article first appeared in the June/July issue of Working Ranch.
The Profitpicture | 25
Editorial
Modernizing the American Gelbvieh Association of the beef supply chain has the capability to record some kind of data. Some choose to collect data in the simplest forms to provide insight into the profit and loss of an operation. Other industry operators, no matter which sector, record every possible piece of information available. Records ranging from cow annual productivity, weaning weights, yearling weights, health records and carcass records are just a few examples of phenotypic data points that can be collected.
I have been asked the question, “What does a cattle breed association do?” In this case, what does the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) do? By Myron Edelman
I
have been blessed with the good fortune of traveling the United States during my career in the beef industry. I’ve traveled from Washington to Florida and from Minnesota to Texas to discuss cattle breeding, production, feeding and topics all the way to harvest and retail. In those travels not only have I had this discussion with our nation’s cattlemen and women, but occasionally with someone on an airplane that is disconnected from our industry. Life is full of those moments that make us consider the basics of our hectic existence. The simple answer to the question is as follows: the traditional purpose, or the original mechanics of a breed association is to record pedigrees of cattle. The AGA, not unlike other associations, has morphed from that simplest form to include the recordation of performance phenotypes. The utilization of that data attached to animal pedigrees were the conduit to develop Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). Over the years, that information used to develop EPDs became useful in the production of indices and eventually more accurate data has been the direct result of DNA testing. That is a gross simplification of the research and development, a great deal of time and effort, and of course expense to get to where we are today in this age of information. Wait, there is more! The scientific aspect of cattle production is no longer for this exclusive club of “registered cattle breeders.” Each stage
The AGA offers tools for registered cattle breeders and commercial cow-calf producers that enhance the product they send to their customers as feeders, packers and eventually consumers. The Maternal Edge Female Profile DNA panel has been developed by the AGA for direct use by commercial ranchers to measure traits that have economic value in their respective Gelbvieh and Balancer® influenced replacement heifers. Perhaps even more important is the Smart Select Service available through the AGA for commercial cow-calf producers. Smart Select Service is much more that just a tool to record cowherd pasture records, vaccination protocols and ranch breeding records. The phenotypic measures that Smart Select Service assists producers in documenting may also be directly used to produce a stayability value and a Feeder Profit Index (FPI). The stayability score will assist ranchers in identifying those cows in the herd that will provide longevity, in turn, identifying replacement heifers that will prove to be more profitable over a longer, more productive lifespan. Feeder profit index is useful not only for the rancher, but for their feedyard customers as well by identifying cattle with the greatest potential for profit as they enter the beef supply chain.
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.
Ken and Dale Flikkema 2 Mint Trail • Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 586-6207 (Office) (406) 580-6207 (Cell)
Look for our consignments at the NILE Gelbvieh Sale, October 14, 2015 • Our Production Sale, March 17, 2016
email: mcfarmsmt@gmail.com Black, Purebred & Balancer Cattle “Our Aim is Your Target”
26 | OCTOBER 2015
Is that all? Has beef production come down to just science; mate Bull A to Cow B and you will make money? Of course not, the success of any business and especially the cattle business is connecting each segment of the supply line. The marketing team at the AGA is involved in that connectivity as well. The purpose of Feeder Finder has been developed to source lot loads of commercial feeder steers and heifers. The Feeder Finder option is an email-based message system that assists feedyards as they search for Gelbvieh and Balancer influenced cattle. Feeder Finder is free of charge for commercial bull customers of the AGA membership. It alerts feedyards to Gelbvieh and Balancer sired feeder cattle as they become available for sale. The marketing staff at the AGA has also successfully initiated special feeder cattle sections at traditional sale barns across the country, highlighting Gelbvieh and Balancer influenced cattle. AGA also works with the
largest video auction company in the United States. This fall marks the second year that AGA has teamed up with Superior Livestock Auction to bring the industry the Superior Select Female sales featuring replacement females and commercial cows beginning in October. The AGA has gone way beyond its roots of recording the pedigrees of cattle. The available science and marketing of Gelbvieh and Balancer influenced cattle can benefit the entire beef industry. Information is power; the power to intelligently build reliable and potentially profitable cows, feeder cattle and ultimately meet the consumer beef needs. Each of you has an invitation and is encouraged to meet the skilled staff of the AGA. I urge you to discover how we have evolved into a modern beef industry service organization. nnn
•
The transfer of registration/ownership is the final process to alert the AGA to the change in ownership of a Gelbvieh or Balancer® bull. Each commercial producer that purchases a registered Gelbvieh or Balancer animal receives the Gelbvieh World and The Profit Picture magazines free of charge.
Enroll your cows in the Smart Select Service Program •
The Smart Select Service program is new at the AGA. Smart Select Service is a cowherd and genetic management tool for commercial producers, aimed at increasing the information and in turn the value of your cattle.
Consider utilizing the Maternal Edge Female Profile DNA panel to identify your best Gelbvieh and Balancer influenced replacement heifers •
The Maternal Edge Female Profile DNA has been designed with commercial cattlemen in mind. The panel consists of traits that have economic impact on your bottom line and will identify heifers that rank the highest in your herd for those specific traits.
Call the AGA marketing team before your cattle sell •
The AGA marketing team is a great source for commercial cow-calf producers when it comes time to sell your calves. Ranchers can capitalize on programs such as the Feeder Finder to promote lot loads of cattle to maximize exposure to potential buyers.
Breeders
ADKINS GELBVIEH Gelbvieh & Balancer Performance Genetics
Bulls and Heifers for sale by private treaty
(605) 354-2428 Cell gerald@adkinsgelvbieh.com www.adkinsgelbvieh.com
Bull Customer Checklist Follow up with your bull supplier to ensure registration of your bull(s) have been transferred to you following purchase (free of charge through the AGA)
South Dakota & Minnesota
Gerald & Sarah Adkins
41606 195th St., Carpenter, SD 57322
Leverage the skilled AGA genetic breed improvement staff to discuss your cowherd genetics •
The breed improvement staff at the AGA is responsible for the development of the Maternal Edge Female Profile and the Smart Select Service. Kari and Kelli are available to discuss genetic improvement and tools offered by the AGA.
Make plans to attend the “Cattlemen’s Profit Round” •
The AGA is hosting the first Cattlemen’s Profit Round December 12th in Kansas City, Missouri. Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup is free to attend and has a great group of speakers and panelist to discuss each sector of the cattle profit equation.
The AGA would like to invite you to contact our skilled staff by calling 303-465-2333 or visiting www.gelbiveh. org. AGA is happy to assist with your genetics, marketing and cowherd building needs. The AGA staff is committed to working with commercial customers, registered breeders and cattle feeders to maximize the genetic strengths of your respective cowherds.
Keith, Janice, Dustin & Britney
605-852-2131 kvolek@venturecomm.net www.volekranch.com
S G
SwenSon Gelbvieh
Dean Swenson
17513 Hwy 10 Little Falls, MN 56345 swen@centurylink.net (h) 320.632.5848 • (c) 320.630-5536
Polled • Purebred Red • Black
The Profitpicture | 27
Editorial
Selecting Commercial Replacement Females with an Edge their customers who purchase replacement females, according to Gibb. “It’s like putting GPS in a combine, it keeps you on track to reach your goals,” Gibb said. The Maternal Edge Female Profile has a heavy emphasis on maternal characteristics but also includes end-product traits. Traits included in the panel are calving ease, maternal calving ease, weaning weight, yield grade, marbling, and carcass weight. These traits are measured for the female against the entire Gelbvieh population with Molecular Breeding Values (MBVs). Each female tested with the Maternal Edge Female Profile receive a score of 1 to 10 for each of the six traits. The blend of maternal and carcass trait evaluation lends a hand to producers by being able to better pinpoint the best females to incorporate into their cowherd depending on the goals of their specific operation. After an initial cut of heifers that don’t fit the producer’s needs due to low growth or poor structure, the remaining heifers can be DNA profiled and sorted into three groups. Gibb explained that the top one-third are the ones that the producer will keep back. The middle group of females can become additional revenue by selling to other producers seeking quality replacements, while the bottom third may be sold as feeders. “The Maternal Edge Female Profile enables producers to select replacements with more confidence and precision,” Gibb added. Using genomic testing can speed up the rate of genetic progress anywhere from 30 to 70 percent, depending on the trait, according to Gibb. Utilizing the Maternal Edge Female Profile and other advanced technologies can provide producers with excellent capabilities to positively impact cattle marketed at weaning. Placing an emphasis on growth and carcass traits can benefit those producers who retain ownership in the feedyard and capture value on the rail. “We are excited to offer this tool to members and commercial producers as a way to choose superior females in their herd and gain a competitive maternal edge in the beef industry,” said Kari White, American Gelbvieh Association genetics program coordinator. For more information about the Maternal Edge Female Profile and how to order, visit the DNA Testing page under the education center tab at www.gelbvieh.org or contact Kari White at kario@gelbvieh.org. nnn Editor’s Note: This article was first published in the July 2015 edition of the Gelbvieh World magazine.
The American Gelbvieh Association strives to provide members and their commercial stakeholders with advanced tools to enhance their opportunity for profit. By Rebecca Mettler
O
ne relatively new project for the AGA, the Maternal Edge Female Profile, is a DNA profile to be used by commercial producers as a sorting tool for Gelbvieh influenced commercial females. This is a DNA profile done in conjunction with Geneseek®. “In general, the use of genomic information is consistent with the technological changes we see in agriculture today,” said Dr. Jim Gibb, technical sales manager with Geneseek. Genomic testing gives producers the opportunity to specifically evaluate, rank and sort into groups according to what meets their needs for replacement females as well as what fits the requirements for
Markes Family Farms
Oklahoma’s Largest Gelbvieh Breeder
Selling Exceptional Bulls & Heifers Transportation Available
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News
Gelbvieh Breeders Ranked for Breed-Leading Females T
he American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) honors females in the herdbook that display maternal superiority through the Dam of Merit and Dam of Distinction program. These awards honor those members who understand the importance of the maternal strength Gelbvieh and Balancer® females are known for and continue to put selection pressure on those traits to produce breed-leading females. Currently there are 38,304 active cows in the AGA Herdbook, of these, only 5.2 percent qualify for the Dam of Merit award. Only 1 percent of the cows within the Herdbook qualify for the elite Dam of Distinction honor. The Dam of Merit and Dam of Distinction recognition program was started in 1991 to honor superior females within the breed. Both of these honor females based on data that is submitted to the AGA office. The females must meet the following criteria to quality for this recognition: early puberty and conception, regular calving intervals, and aboveaverage weaning weights on their calves. Dams of Merit must have produced at least three calves in addition to meeting these criteria. Dams
of Distinction must have produced eight calves or more and exhibit superior, long-term productivity. Gelbvieh and Balancer females offer a maternal advantage through increased longevity, added fertility and more pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed. productivity plays a major role in profitable beef production, as nearly 60 percent of the cost of producing a pound of beef can be attributed to the cowherd. Considerable economic research has demonstrated that fertility and calving ease followed by milk, growth, and carcass cutability have the biggest influence on profit in a retained ownership (conception to carcass) system. nnn
Top 10 Breeders: 1. Judd Ranch Inc., Pomona, Kansas 2. Bar T Bar Ranch Inc., Winslow, Arizona 3. Flying H Genetics, Arapahoe, Nebraska 4. Schroeder Inc., Sioux Falls, South Dakota 5. Lazy TV Ranch, Selby, South Dakota 6. Diamond D Gelbvieh, Mandan, North Dakota 7. Taubenheim Gelbvieh, Amherst, Nebraska
We invite you to attend our upcoming Production Sales
8. Schafer Farms Inc., Goodhue, Minnesota 9. Chimney Butte Ranch, Mandan, North Dakota 10. Middle Creek Farms, Bozeman, Montana
Top 10 Owners 1. Judd Ranch Inc., Pomona, Kansas 2. Bar T Bar Ranch Inc., Winslow, Arizona 3. Lazy TV Ranch, Selby, South Dakota 4. Schroeder Inc., Sioux Falls, South Dakota 5. Flying H Genetics, Arapahoe, Nebraska 6. Diamond D Gelbvieh, Mandan, North Dakota 7. Schafer Farms Inc., Goodhue, Minnesota 8. Middle Creek Farms, Bozeman, Montana 9. Taubenheim Gelbvieh, Amherst, Nebraska 10. MLM Gelbvieh, Superior, Nebraska Steve & Gail Fiolkoski 16509 WCR 86 • Pierce, CO 80650 Gail’s Cell: 970/590-4862 • Steve’s Cell: 970/381-0600 Email: gafiolk@aol.com • www.segagelbvieh.com Like us on Facebook at SEGA Gelbvieh
32 | OCTOBER 2015
December 5, 2015 SEGA Gelbvieh & Friends Female Sale March 5, 2016 Bull Sale
Editorial
Managing pastures doesn’t only mean growing grass C
ourtesy of Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Service What a pasture should look like – whether a waving sea of grass or one with diverse vegetation – depends on the cattleman’s final goal and actions taken before rain falls, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service range specialist. “With the rains we’ve had this year, the waving sea of grass can be a cattleman’s dream,” said Tim Steffens, AgriLife Extension range specialist in Canyon. “We don’t get this by accident,” Steffens said. “A lot of what we do before the rains determines what we get when the rains come.” But management will be the key to determining what the cattle have to eat, and how long it is available and providing sufficient nutrients, he said. Side-byside pastures can have the same soils and same rainfall pattern but end up with a lot different vegetation. “Cattlemen may say they want the grass, and someone interested in wildlife will be ecstatic about the forbs and seeds that can grow,” Steffens said. “A lot of people look at forbs and say that is just a bunch of weeds, but what I want is grass. “What I tell them all is the grass is like the potatoes in a meal, that’s the energy
for the livestock. Where the steak or protein comes from is the forbs.” By managing the timing and frequency of grazing, the average intensity of grazing, the distribution of livestock across a landscape, and the opportunity for growth and regrowth, the land manager also can control what comes later, he said.
“Palatability of the different plants varies throughout the year, so we can manage that by timing when we are in a pasture,” Steffens said. “By grazing it at different times from year to year, managing how long we stay and how much we take while we are there, and allowing the desirable plants to recover before being defoliated again, we can increase the relative proportions of desirable plants in the pasture. “Many forbs like catclaw sensitive briar, are high quality plants,” Steffens said. “By mixing a little of these forbs with old dormant grass in the spring, we can really improve the diet quality and cut down on the time we have to be feeding protein supplement or hay to these cattle. The diversity in vegetation allows the animals to mix plants of different types and take care of their dietary needs, he said. “So just having grass or just having forbs is probably a bad thing in most cases, but having a mix of them in every pasture can sure be a big boon to us,” Steffens said. “It also provides a way to have something available to respond to rain no matter when it comes.” nnn
Our bulls come from the top genetics lines in the Gelbvieh breed, and we are proudly producing top-quality seedstock Purebred Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls and heifers which will add growth, maternal benefits, and dollars to your commercial cattle herd. At Triple K, we are building on a solid cow herd with continually improved genetic trends that produce real results in the pasture.
Plan to attend our Open House • November 21 & 22, 2015 Offering by private treaty our fall born yearling bulls, yearling heifers and fall pairs. Al & Mary Knapp Family Basehor, KS 66007 913-219-6613 www.triplekgelbvieh.com The Profitpicture | 33
Editorial
Finding New Opportunities with Gelbvieh This is where Gelbvieh cattle come into the picture. Some dairy “groups” have started using high quality beef semen to produce a crossbred calf that is much more suited for the feedlot industry. This allows dairy producers to make more profit even from their lower production cows through the influence of Gelbvieh genetics. Looking at data from Oregon State University (Mueller et al 2010) in trials where Jersey steers were fed 169 days with an average daily gain (ADG) of 2.05 pounds, feed conversion of 8.7 to 9.3 pounds of dry matter intake per pound of gain, out weights of 946 to Six-weight Gelbvieh/Jersey cross calves. 1022 pounds, and ribeye measurements ranging
As a young beef producer and feedlot employee, I try to see how other people do things, and try to learn what works and what doesn’t in our industry. By Michael Ring photos by Anna Ring
I
’m learning that opportunities and connections are everywhere if you can figure out how to make them work.
One such opportunity has been found with the Jersey bull calf. Now, before you flip this publication over to check if you picked up the Jersey Journal by mistake, I’d like to tell you about a project that was started a few years ago. The Jersey breed is the fastest growing dairy breed in the U.S. and in large dairy production models, 30 to 35 percent turnover for cows is a common number. (Peters 2014) This means that heifer retention is crucial and the bull calves are treated as a by-product by many dairy producers. Many dairies are breeding up to 60 to 65 percent of their herds to sexed heifer semen to gain replacement heifer numbers. So what about the other 35 to 40 percent of cows?
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Link: http://beefcattle.ans.oregonstate.edu/ html/publications/documents/BEEF033-Jersey. pdf Peters, T. 2014. Dairy Beef Management Considerations: from Conception to
Consumption, Plains Nutrition Council Summer Conference, S.A.L.T., LLC. Link: http://amarillo.tamu.edu/ files/2010/10/2014-Proceedings-final.pdf
Six-weight Gelbvieh/Jersey cross calves.
from 8.4 to 9.5 inches. We see here the poor economics of feeding Jersey steers. Now, by carefully selecting Gelbvieh genetics from low birth weight, high carcass quality bulls, the resulting progeny have the marbling ability of the Jersey, with the superior growth and muscling characteristics of the Gelbvieh. These crossbred steers coming in as four-weights, have consistent out weights of 1325, with ADG around three pounds per day over a 300+ day feeding period while still having feed conversions at 6.4 pounds of dry matter. This performance data is highly advantageous to producers, but the best part is the carcass results. These cattle have consistently averaged a 14.5 inch ribeye, with almost 75 percent of them going Choice and Prime, while still dressing 62.5 percent without beta-agonists. This is a great example of heterosis and how it has helped dairies go from paying someone to take bull calves to a salebarn where they received less than $20 a head, to selling them directly for upwards of $500 at a day old. Using beef genetics in dairy cattle is not really a new concept of course, but I was impressed with how well the Gelbvieh breed could work to meet the needs of producers in the dairy industry. This is just one of many opportunities I’ve had the chance to be a part of in the Gelbvieh breed, and has shown me yet again how versatile these cattle really are. I’m excited to see what opportunities and advancements are ahead for Gelbvieh cattle, and I hope I can be a part of it. nnn Citations: Mueller, C., G. Tschida, and V. Cannon. 2010. Growth and Carcass Meat of Purebred Jersey Steer Calves Finished on Grain-based Diets at Two Different Energy Levels. Oregon State University Beef Research Report, Eugene.
Since 1983
REGISTERED GELBVIEH CATTLE Our foundation is designed and built on 32 years of A.I. breeding.
Females Private Treaty Starting October 12, 2015 Weaned Replacement Heifers Bred Heifers Gelbvieh • Balancer • Angus Reds & Blacks
At Bow K Ranch we emphasize moderate size, quality udders, and built-in calving ease. Sires represented for this year’s calf crop:
Sam • Watchman • Traction • Hoover Dam Mr. Bow K 304A • EPDs on all calves.
25th Annual “Pot of Gold” Gelbvieh, Angus & Balancer Bull Sale February 26, 2016 • Montrose, Colorado
Your source for P.A.P. tested, calving ease and low birth weight EPD bulls!
David & Dawn Bowman • Andrew & Sarah Bowman 55784 Holly Rd. • Olathe, CO 81425 • (970) 323-6833 •
www.bowkranch.com The Profitpicture | 35
News
Preconditioning Calves: Can it Add Value to You as Cow-Calf Producer? Weaning time is just around the corner and cow-calf producers are now faced with the decision of calf placement after weaning. By Meredith Bremer, Nebraska Extension Educator
P
roducers have a few options for their calves after weaning. Calves can be sold immediately after weaning, they can undergo a preconditioning period before sale, they can be retained as long or short yearlings and then sold, or they can enter a feedlot with retained ownership. A preconditioning program is a period of time, typically a minimum of 45 days, in which a cow-calf producer will work to build the health status of the weaned calf prior to sale. Calves are also “bunk broke” during this time and
acclimated to a dry feed diet. If calves are sold at the sale barn, sold via an internet auction, or sold to the same feedlot each year, premiums may be awarded to those producers who precondition their calves. Before a producer begins a preconditioning program the economics of the program need to be evaluated carefully. Two potential gains associated with preconditioning are added premiums at calf sale and added calf weight. Some costs associated with preconditioning programs include: labor, vaccinations, death loss, additional feed costs, and interest expenses on borrowed money. Two additional factors to consider are, the seasonal patterns of the cattle market and the price slide on increased calf weights. In a recent Drovers article, Dr. John Maday, a Bovine Veterinarian, described the benefits of preconditioning for all aspects of the beef industry. Dr. Maday stated that the long-term average death loss at JBS Five Rivers feedyards, the feedlot he consults for, had always been roughly 1 percent. In the last three years, that value has increased to 2 percent. Initially the increase in death loss was attributed to the drought and poor nutrition early in the calves’ lives. However, even after a year of increased moisture the death loss average has not decreased. Dr. Maday evaluated cattle that had been preconditioned for 45 days prior to feedlot entry and found that those calves experienced onethird the morbidity and one-half the mortality of those calves that were not preconditioned. Preconditioned calves also gained 0.3 more pounds per day compared to calves that were not preconditioned in his study. A preconditioning program is not for every cow-calf producer. Not only should the factors stated above be considered, but producers have to determine how a 45 day retention of calves will affect their grazing program, if they have the proper facilities to feed calves and bunk break them, and if they have the extra time and labor to dedicate to the weaned calves. As an industry the need to better prepare calves for the feedlot in terms of stress, health, and getting cattle ready to eat a concentrated diet is a must. If more calves are “feedlot ready” the beef industry will see improved cattle health and feedlot performance while potentially reducing the use of antibiotics. nnn Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
AGA Provides Genetic Tools for Ranchers T
he American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is excited to announce the launch of the Smart Select Service data management system that provides genetic tools to aid commercial cattlemen in the selection process. Smart Select Service is non-breed specific and is available for all commercial producers who want to increase the genetic value of their herds for the potential to increase profitability
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The Profitpicture | 37
News Smart Select Service has the goal of being the best value in genetic management; commercial producers can enroll females
for $1 per head. This small enrollment fee equips Smart Select Service members, also known as performance members, with a herd
management database to manage all cowherd data from individual performance information to exposure and vaccination
information. Herd management reports will be made available to performance members including herd summary reports, dam and progeny reports, and herdsire reports. In addition, the AGA will be offering performance members access to the feeder profit index (FPI) and Stayability score on both males and females with appropriate data reported. FPI is an economic selection index developed to aid producers in selecting sires whose progeny will perform in the feedlot and on the rail. Stayability scores are used to gauge reproductive longevity of the herd. These scores predict the probability a sire’s daughters will stay productive within a herd past six years of age. These tools will be predicted through the multi-breed cattle evaluation run bi-annually and by doing so, increase the accuracy of prediction of these two parameters to accelerate genetic improvement. Performance members will be able to take advantage of consultation offered by trained AGA staff. Producers can also take advantage of DNA testing such as parent verification on all animals or the Maternal Edge Female Profile on Gelbvieh influenced animals at the respective test’s additional cost. “It’s an exciting time in the beef industry. AGA is proud to offer the Smart Select Service to the commercial cow-calf sector, and provide commercial producers with the tools necessary to select for increased genetic change to enhance their bottom line,” says Kelli Retallick, American Gelbvieh Association Data Services Coordinator. Starting Monday August 17th, producers will be able to enroll females into the Smart Select Service online database. To learn more about the specifics of enrollment go to www.gelbvieh.org/ smartselect.html or contact Kelli Retallick at 303-465-2333 or kellir@ gelbvieh.org. nnn
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Editorial Iowa
Keep an Eye on Cow Condition Fall is one of the most important times to evaluate the condition of your cows. It gives you time to take action to ensure that your cows calve in adequate body condition. By Jay Jenkins, Nebraska Extension Educator
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e know that body condition at calving is one of the most important factors that determines a cows ability to rebreed. Thin cows take longer to come into heat after calving than do cows that calve in better condition. Cows that are cycling before the start of the breeding season are more likely to get bred early and are therefore more profitable. The more cows that you can have cycling before the start of the breeding season, the higher your conception rates will be and the more compact your calving season. If your cows are to have the best chance of cycling before the start of the breeding season, they should be in a body condition score of 5 or higher when they calve. One of the best ways to ensure that your cows are in adequate condition at calving is to make sure that they go into the winter in good condition. Increasing your cows’ condition during the winter can be quite expensive. Therefore, it is much more cost effective to fatten thin cows before the onset of winter. Increasing the body condition of cows in the fall can be accomplished in two ways. You can either increase their nutrient supply by supplementing or moving to better pasture, or decrease their nutrient demands by early weaning. Early weaning is often the more profitable option. This is especially true when grain prices are relatively low. The calves will gain as well, or better, off of the cow as they would on the cow, and the cows will gain condition more easily. Weaning can drop the nutrient requirement of the cow by 25 percent, or more, depending on the milking ability of the cow and the age of the calf. This will help the thin cows regain body condition more cheaply than they could during the winter.
Once winter approaches, however, options become more limited. Some cows may be too thin to attain a body condition score of five before hay feeding starts. Producers can still save money by sorting and feeding cows according to body condition. Thin cows can be fed the additional feed they need without wasting money by overfeeding cows already in good conditions. The reproductive rate of the cowherd is one of the most important factors affecting cow/calf producers’ profitability. A cow’s reproductive potential is closely related to her body condition at calving. Body Condition Scoring is a tool producers should use to help them get their cows into optimum body condition at calving. For more in-depth information, see the recently revised NebGuide Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows: A Tool for Managing the Nutrition Program for Beef Herds (http://www. ianrpubs.unl.edu/sendIt/ec281.pdf.) It describes the 1 to 9 of body condition scoring, complete with pictures and details for assigning scores. Nebraska Extension also has Android (http:// go.unl.edu/bcsappandroid) and Apple (http:// go.unl.edu/bcsappios) versions of a smartphone app to help you learn to assign body condition scores. Additionally, more information on the role of body condition and body condition scoring are available at http://beef.unl.edu. nnn
Breeders
Neola, Iowa
Gelbvieh-Angus-Balancer Black & Polled Private Treaty Sales Breed-leading Performance from Quality Genetics
Kevin Gunderson: 402-510-8103
Rafter
R
Al Schulz: 402-676-5292
Gelbvieh
Reiste Family • Adel, IA Since 1982 Purebred & Balancer Cattle
Annual Southwest Iowa Gelbvieh & Balancer Sale March • Creston Livestock • Creston, IA
515.490.3561 (C) • 515.993.4381 (H) creiste.rafterr@yahoo.com
Kenyon Cattle LLC & Little Sioux Gelbvieh/ Red Angus • Bulls for sale at Seedstock Plus Sales • Females for sale Private Treaty Jack Welle 2645 180th Ave. Milford, Iowa 51351 Home: 712-338-2143 • Cell: 712-251-4641 E-mail: jwelle@evertek.net
Martens Gelbvieh
Gary Martens 2126 500th St • Walnut, IA 51577
712.764.5007 (H) • 712.249.5744 (C) martensgl@yahoo.com
Annual Bull and Female sale March18, 2016 with the Southwest Iowa Gelbvieh Group
The Profitpicture | 39
Editorial
Do your feeder cattle demand a premium? I’m sure everyone has a neighbor that constantly complains about the sale price of their feeder cattle. They blame the sale barn, they blame the buyers, and they blame the government or China or global warming. It’s funny how they never consider that their cattle may not deserve a premium. Usually the producers that complain about receiving a lower price for their cattle never stop to figure out or ask why their calves sell for a discount. They probably don’t bother to ask what they can change to receive a premium, either. By William McIntosh
T
he cattle business has, in the past, been seen as a business of premiums. Weaned cattle sell for a premium over bawling calves
straight off of the cow. Vaccinated calves receive a premium over cattle with no vaccination history. Choice carcasses receive a premium, and so on and so forth. I think highly successful cattlemen see the beef industry as a business of discounts. By having this mentality they expect to produce the highest quality, most valuable cattle in the industry and if they don’t they see that as a discount. The two schools of thought can be summed up easily; one group hopes their calves are better than average the second group expects their calves to be the best.
The best way to sell anything for a premium, from feeder cattle to pickup trucks, is to produce something your customers see as valuable. If you
Stucky Beef Genetics: committed to more profit for our customers.
Successfully adding marbling, without compromising core Gelbvieh traits.
DMS Stucky’s Trustee 025MTZ AMGV 1216539 • BA25 • Homo Black • Homo Polled BW: 87 lbs. • Adj. WW: 723 lbs. • Adj. YW: 1,331 lbs. Sire: Sydgen Trust 6228 Dam: DMS Stucky Tracy 025JMT (SITZ Alliance 6595)
We’ve gone down a long road to get here, but you can take a short-cut by using Trustee semen or purchasing his progeny.
Stucky Beef Genetics Butch & Marla Stucky
Salina, KS • 785-825-1276 • stuckygelb@hotmail.com
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• Top 1% of active Balancer® sires for Marbling and Feeder Profit Index EPDs • Top 15% of breed in YW, YG, CW and REA EPDs
Trustee sons are available at the Post Rock Cattle Company Bull Sale Trustee daughters are available from Stucky Beef Genetics
Semen available through Cattlemen’s Connection 1-800-743-0026 or Owners.
were the next person in the production chain would you want to buy your cattle? Do you think the health on your calves will be good? Do you think your calves will gain efficiently? Will they get big enough to rail a 900 pound carcass or better? Will they grade Choice and Yield Grade 1 or 2? If you can’t answer confidently yes to each of these question you may need to reevaluate your approach. The two basic principles that determine whether you receive a premium or discount are genetics and management. Management can include weaning and a vaccination program, castration and dehorning as well as the body condition and enrollment in value added programs your feeder cattle may qualify. At the same time we have seen the value of feeder cattle nearly triple in the last five years, feeders have seen their risk triple. Buying weaned cattle with a vaccination history is a way for feeders to limit their risk. Health and death loss are still the biggest profit drivers in the feeding segment. It would stand to reason that feeder cattle that have been not been weaned and vaccinated would be discounted.
producers are able make great genetic improvements in their programs. Gelbvieh and Balancer® are in a great position today. Gelbvieh genetics offer heavier muscled carcasses and extra performance in the feedyard. According to the Meat Animal Research Center, Gelbvieh ranks number one for percent retail product. Balancer cattle allow producers the option of maintaining their desired British and Continental percentages. We consistently see feedyard closeouts on Balancer-sired loads of fed cattle grading 90 percent Choice with a very low percent Yield Grade 4’s. The American Gelbvieh Association and its membership are working very hard to provide commercial producers with genetics that demand a premium. nnn
Bull Barn Genetics
Body condition and fill on sale day greatly affect the value of your feeder cattle. Too many producers try to beat the system putting extra fill on their calves the night before they sell. Any sale barn manager or order buyer can pick those cattle out in a second. Let’s say you are selling full 550 pound steers. A buyer will estimate those cattle really probably weigh 510 to 520 which is about 8 percent less than the inflated sale weight, so he will discount them at least 8 percent for that set of cattle. The seller will look at his check and the local sale report and complain that they sold his calves too low because they brought 10 percent less than the average of the 550-pound calves that week. All the management in the world will not overcome poor genetics. There is an old saying, “You can’t make chicken soup out of chicken feathers.” In the same token, you can’t make a good load of feeder calves out of bad cattle. Genetics play a huge role in profitability in every segment of the beef industry. Cattle that consistently sell for a premium are Number 1, large to medium frame calves. As we have seen a reduction in U.S. cow inventory the packers are increasing the maximum hot carcass weight to 1050 pounds; the market is demanding bigger cattle. Look back 25 years and the end goal was a steer that would finish at around 1,250 pounds. Today, feeders want cattle that will gain efficiently and finish at 1,600 pounds and grade Choice with a Yield Grade 1 or 2. In today’s market crossbred calves sell at a premium not only due to heterosis, but also because they are more likely to combine feedyard performance and carcass quality. Many feeders will tell you that they prefer to feed a 50 percent British and 50 percent Continental steer to hit their targets. By using strict genetic selection and using the data,
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210 Starr Dr • Stapleton, NE 69163 bullbarn@bullbarn.com • 800-535-6173 www.bullbarn.com The Profitpicture | 41
42 | OCTOBER 2015
The Profitpicture | 43
News
Watch the American Gelbvieh Association on The American Rancher! T
une in to find out about the new and exciting programs and services that the AGA has to offer the commercial producer, and how using Gelbvieh and Balancer速 genetics is the smart thing to do to increase the productivity and profitability of your herd.
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Join us on Monday, February 22nd at 8 pm CST RFD-TV Channels: Dish 231 or DirecTV 345 nnn
BG Genetics We let the
120 BullsSell
genetics sort themselves in range conditions.
At Black Gold Cattle Company, we require our genetics to survive with low inputs and expect high fertility. We calve December to February to offer bulls to our customers that have more maturity and are allowed to be developed on pasture. Our cows are re-bred before going to grass in the spring.
Join us for the 10th Annual Share the Gold Bull Sale Friday, March 18, 2016 Winter Livestock, La Junta, CO Selling Gelbvieh, Angus and Balancer® long yearling bulls First breeding season guaranteed
2015 Balancer Pen of Three The Black Gold Bull Advantage: • Sired by the Top AI Genetics • DNA Tested for Coat Color • Tested Free for Known Genetic Conditions • BVD-PI Tested Negative • First Breeding Season Guaranteed • Delivery Available • Satisfaction Guaranteed
Mark & Jennelle Crane 23334 County RD 13 Pritchett, CO 81064-9600 719-523-3108 blackgoldcattlecompany@gmail.com
The Profitpicture | 45
News
Join the American Gelbvieh Association at the Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is excited to be hosting the first-ever Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup. This educational symposium will be held Saturday, December 12 at the Embassy Suites Kansas City-International Airport hotel in Kansas City, Missouri and will feature industry leading speakers. The event is free to attend and includes a provided lunch. Individuals from all segments of the beef industry are invited to attend the educational event complete with a keynote speaker and two informative panels with interactive questions and answer sessions. By Megan Slater
T
he day will begin at 10:00 a.m. with keynote speaker Ronnie Green, Ph.D., from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Dr. Green serves as the vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and interim senior vice chancellor of Academic Affairs at UNL. Green received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Virginia Tech and master’s degree in animal science from Colorado State University. His Ph.D. program was completed jointly at UNL and the USDA-ARS U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in animal breeding and genetics in 1988. Green has served on the animal science faculties of Texas Tech University and Colorado State University, and as the national program leader for animal production research for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and executive secretary of the White House’s interagency working group on animal genomics within the National Science and Technology Council where he was one of the principal leaders in the international bovine, porcine, and ovine genome sequencing projects. Prior to returning to
YPA Roscoe Rolex 20C AMGV 1308226 Red Roscoe son out of an Astro daughter, born 1/1/15.
UNL, Green served as senior global director of technical services for Pfizer Animal Health’s animal genomics business. The first panel of the day will be entitled “My Cows Last a Lifetime: Giving Your Cows the Maternal Edge”. This panel will discuss how to get the most out a cowherd, the positive impact Gelbvieh genetics have on the productivity of a herd, and using data to increase profit. The panel will consist of Bill Tucker, Tucker Family Farms; Dr. Larry Kuehn, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center; and Kelli Retallick, American Gelbvieh Association. Bill Tucker is the seventh generation to operate Tucker Family Farms, a 600 head commercial cow-calf operation in Amherst, Virginia. Bill implements a strict crossbreeding system including Gelbvieh, Angus, and Red Angus. Tucker Family Farms has been retaining ownership of their steer calves, along with calves from their cooperator herd for the
YPA Tractions Impact 18B AMGV 1292735 Traction son out of a Black Impact daughter, born 8/27/14.
We have four 2015 Traction sons. One is a full brother to our young herd sire, another is an Astro son out of a SAV 8180 Traveler 004 daughter, plus more nice bull calves. We also have a black Balancer heifer out of a Leachman Saugahatchee 3000C daughter, bred to TV Sam. Also offering bred cows. 46 | OCTOBER 2015
A Judge Balancer heifer out of a Leachman Right Time granddaughter, bred to a Traction son.
Contact: Chester Yoder 330-231-0339 or 330-567-9232 chesteryoder@yahoo.com www.yodersprairieacres.com
News past 22 years where they receive individual closeout data and are able to make selection decisions based on that information. Tucker also finishes the bottom end of his heifers on grass and sells grass fed beef into local markets. In 1990 Tucker Family Farms started marketing bred heifers; this past spring the Tucker family hosted their fifth annual bred heifer sale. In 2000, Tucker was named Commercial Cattlemen of the Year by the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) and in 2014 was named Commercial Cattle Producer of the year by the Red Angus Association of America. Bill is the past president of the American Forage and Grasslands Council and the Virginia Beef Cattle Improvement Association. Larry Kuehn, Ph.D. is a research geneticist at the USDA-ARS U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in Clay Center, Nebraska. Dr. Kuehn received a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Nebraksa-Lincoln, a master’s degree in animal genetics from Colorado State University and his Ph.D. in animal genetics from Virginia Tech. He started at USMARC in 2006 and has focused on the discovery and incorporation of genomic effects and predictions into national cattle evaluation. The main discovery population is the USMARC Germplasm Evaluation Program which consists of progeny from industry reprehensive bulls from the 18 largest beef breeds with genetic evaluations; Kuehn is a co-leader of this population. Kelli Retallick is the data services coordinator at the American Gelbvieh Association. Retallick received her bachelor’s in animal science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her master’s degree in animal breeding and genetics from Kansas State University. As data services coordinator, Kelli works to continually enhance the AGA experience for AGA stakeholders as it relates to services and programs provided by the AGA as well as information that accompanies Gelbvieh and Balancer® influenced cattle for members and commercial bull customers. Panel two of the Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup is “Worth My Weight in Gold: Multiplying Dollars Available for Cattle at Each stage of the Supply Chain”. During this panel experts will share how to increase the value of cattle throughout the beef supply chain. Speakers on the panel are Scott Hamilton, Hamilton Farms; Brian Bertelsen, U.S. Premium Beef; and John Butler, Beef Marketing Group.
Scott Hamilton owns and operates Hamilton Farms in Hitchcock, South Dakota. He and his wife Paula run the progressive commercial operation where they retain ownership of the cattle and sell everything on a carcass merit individual program. In order to make their operation successful, they collect all the necessary data to allow them to more successfully market cattle on the grid. They then use that data to benchmark when to best market individual animals. Hamilton feels this lets him recognize and use these animals’ full genetic potential to capture premiums with grid marketing. Hamilton aims for 90 percent of his animals or better to grade Choice, with 6 percent or less animals going Yield Grade 4 when hung on the rail. Brian Bertelsen is vice president of field operations at U.S. Premium Beef (USPB). Bertelsen provides support and education to USPB producers on production and management of cattle, carcass data results, and special programs like natural beef. He also oversees company field operations including analysis of cattle grid performance and cattle improvement programs through on-site visits to ranches, feedlots and packing plants. USPB was formed in 1996 and is a marketing company which provides U.S. beef producers an opportunity to retain ownership of the beef they produce from the ranch to retail. John Butler is CEO of Beef Marketing Group in Manhattan, Kansas. Beef Marketing Group (BMG) is a producer cooperative focused on creating value throughout the beef supply chain. They partner with beef producers, packers, and end users to capitalize on current trends. BMG provides a beef supply chain that delivers a consistent, predictable supply of wholesome, safe beef. They help to add value to the product through verified animal care and handling practices, certified best management practices, strong producer relationships to sell “story” beef, a commitment to sustainable beef and proven pre-harvest food safety interventions. The Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup will be held during the 45th Annual American Gelbvieh Association National Convention. For more information about the Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup or the AGA National Convention, please visit www.gelbvieh.org or call the AGA national office at 303-465-2333. nnn
Tennessee, Arkansas & Oklahoma
Breeders
“Superior Gelbvieh and Balancer Cattle”
Chris & Jordan Hampton Charles & Sue Hampton 839 Davistown Rd. • Celina, TN 38551
931-243-3213 H • 931-510-3213 C hampton@twlakes.net Registered Bulls & Replacement Females
Martin Cattle Company David & Rita Martin 256 Boyce Road Judsonia, AR 72081 H: 501.728.4950 C: 501.278.7614 www.martincattleco.com
Private Treaty Sales Available Year Round
Oklahoma’s Largest Gelbvieh Breeder Chris Markes 580-554-2307 Chris@MarkesFamilyFarms.com Excellent bulls and heifers available. We sell 80 bulls a year all over the country. Come see why! Transportation available.
The Profitpicture | 47
Feature
Add Pounds and Profit with Gelbvieh and Balancer® Females A cow’s primary purpose in any operation is to wean a healthy calf in a timely manner year after year. By Megan Slater
I
f a female cannot do her job, she is no longer an asset and does not contribute to the profitability of the herd. Without females who can do their job, an operation simply cannot be successful. The key is to find females who have the ability to not only wean a healthy calf year after year but who can wean heavy calves and stay in the herd for longer, ultimately adding pounds and profit. Gelbvieh and Balancer® influenced females offer maternal superiority and are known for their increased longevity and ability to wean more pounds of calf per cow exposed. These females also possess maternal efficiency through a more moderate mature cow size and their ability to require less input yet still provides the appropriate amount of milk to raise a larger calf. This smaller size, along with increased fertility, allows for puberty to be reached at an earlier which leads to calving earlier in the season and producing a calf at an earlier age. Cow-calf producer Chad Hampton of Trenton, Kentucky made the switch to using Gelbvieh genetics in his herd five years ago and has seen several benefits. Hampton’s herd consists largely of Gelbvieh and Balancer influenced cows and uses only Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls. “Our Gelbvieh influenced females keep easy, milk well and wean bigger calves,” Hampton said. Hampton took over the cattle operations as the fourth generation on his family’s farm and ranch in western Kentucky six years ago. It was at this point that he decided to replace Charolais genetics with Gelbvieh, and he couldn’t be happier with how it has worked out for his operation. “They are great looking cattle and can be picked out from all the others on the ranch,” Hampton proclaims of his Gelbvieh influenced females. The ability to maintain good body condition while raising a 48 | OCTOBER 2015
heavy calf is essential for any female in today’s market where pounds bring profit. “Our calves have moderate birth weights and still have the ability to gain and grow quickly,” Hampton said.
Since Hampton has been selling his Gelbvieh influenced calves at market, primarily through Russellville Livestock Market in Kentucky, his calves have been consistently topping the market, even bringing as much as $20/cwt over the market. Not only do Gelbvieh genetics offer the ability to top the market through added growth, Gelbvieh females exhibit increased longevity within the herd and excel in stayability. Stayability is the probability of a bull’s daughters to remain in the cow herd until at least six years of age. With the high cost associated with the development or purchase of replacement females, sustained reproduction is essential to have in the herd. Females that are proven producers are more likely to remain in the herd and are crucial for a successful operation. Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics also work well in a crossbreeding program. Adding Gelbvieh and Balancer maternal influence through a smart crossbreeding program can add as much as $1,000 profit over the life of a crossbred cow. To further improve profitability through maternal efficiency, the American Gelbvieh Association provides several tools for producers to use. Operations utilizing Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle have access to EPD tools such as Heifer Pregnancy and 30-month Pregnancy (PG30) EPDs, the $Cow index and the new Maternal Edge Female Profile DNA test to help measure and improve maternal profit. To learn more about how Gelbvieh and Balancer can bring maternal superiority to your program or the tools to help improve maternal efficiency visit www.gelbvieh.org. nnn
Editorial Colorado, Kansas & Nebraska
Test, Don’t Guess! Fall is here and the weather reminds us of the changing of the seasons. This is the time of year when many producers are hauling hay home for the winter as well as pricing and purchasing hay. By Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator
T
here is a tremendous range in hay quality depending upon level of maturity, fertilization, growing conditions, harvest circumstances and storage methods. Accurately sampling and testing hay is the only way to get a real understanding of the nutritive value of feed. Using values from previous years or a “book value” can be costly since a producer may incorrectly develop a ration using values that aren’t representative.
Breeders
Avoid getting hay probes hot when using a drill to drive the probe into the bale, since friction from high speeds can heat the probe to a point where it damages the hay sample.
To get a representative hay sample from a “lot” of hay, select 15-20 bales in the lot. Knowing the total number of bales that are present can help identify a random method that should be used (such as sample every fourth bale) to obtain an accurate sample. Once all of the samples for a “lot” have been collected, the samples may need
When sampling hay, getting a representative sample is a critical first step. Samples must accurately represent the entire lot of hay. When obtaining a sample for analysis, it should be kept separate from other lots of hay.
When sampling hay, getting a representative sample is a critical first step. Samples must accurately represent the entire lot of hay. When obtaining a sample for analysis, it should be kept separate from other lots of hay. The UNL NebGuide “Sampling Feeds for Analyses” states that a “lot” of hay should be harvested from the same field consisting of similar types of plants, cutting dates, maturity, variety, weed contamination, type of harvest equipment, curing methods and storage conditions. When these conditions differ, feed should be designated and sampled as a separate “lot”.
Hay samples should be taken using a hay probe or a core sampler. The hay probe should penetrate at least 12-18 inches into the bale and have an internal diameter of at least 3/8 of an inch. Using your hand to grab a sample will not consistently provide reliable results. Tips of hay probes should be kept sharp to cut through hay and prevent selective sampling.
to be subsampled to get the feed down to a sample size that can be sent in for analysis. The UNL NebGuide “ Sampling Feeds for Analyses” walks through a step by step process to do this. Being careful to ensure the subsample submitted is representative is important. Once hay samples have been taken store in a plastic sealed bag in cool dry place until the sample is ready to be submitted. Samples that contain over 15% moisture should be frozen. Make sure to label the bag with your name, address, lot identification and feed type. Most commercial labs provide an information submittal form that allows producers to select
Jim Roelle 38148 CR 49 #7 Peetz, CO 80747 (H): 970-334-2221 • (C): 970-520-1224 jr.plateau@hotmail.com www.plateaugelbvieh.com
Featuring Black, Polled Gelbvieh & Balancer® genetics with balanced trait selection. Next Bull Sale February 27, 2015. High Plains Livestock, Brush, CO.
Delbert & Marilyn Raile & Sons 755 Road U St. Francis, KS
Delbert cell Matt cell
785-332-2756 785-332-4347 785-332-8399
railegelbvieh.com email: dmraile@railegelbvieh.com
MLM Gelbvieh Marlin Meyer 824 Road 3000 Superior, NE 68978 402-879-4976 mlm68978@yahoo.com www.gelbviehbulls.com
R
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.”
Continued on page 61 The Profitpicture | 49
Editorial
Adding Value to Gelbvieh and Balancer® through Cooperative Marketing As we continue to see consolidation in all segments of agriculture, it becomes more important for cattle producers to work together to maximize profitability. By William McIntosh
W
e all know that load lots of feeder cattle are worth more than small packages for several reasons. First, transportation cost; second, it’s hard to create a uniform and consistent load of calves by putting together small groups of calves. There is value in marketing a large number of cattle that are of the same age, breed type and have been managed the same. The enticing value of large lot premiums has resulted in specialized feeder calf marketing efforts across the country, and groups are using Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics to get the job done. The Buckingham Cattlemen’s Association (BCA) in Virginia has found a way for smaller producers to take advantage of the added premium of
Look for SKF bulls at the Seedstock Plus Fall Bull Sale October 17, 2015 Joplin, MO
DUNN Heatwave 07B
SKF is leading the breed in RFI, Carcass and Ultrasound data 50 | OCTOBER 2015
Sandy Knoll Farm
Brian & Leon Dunn St. John, KS 67576 620-786-4039
marketing on a volume basis. The BCA was founded over three decades ago with the goal to increase the profitability of its members. BCA members market their feeder calves in load lots through the Virginia Cattlemen Association’s Tel-O-Auction the first Monday night in August. On August 3, 2015 they sold 1,800 head of feeder cattle representing 23 cattle producers. All the cattle sold were born between October 1 and December 1, 2014. They were all crossbred calves using Gelbvieh, Angus or Balancer® sires and were weaned for a minimum of 45 days. The group is able to create consistency across the 23 breeders by using the same genetics and calving in the same season. The cattlemen of the BCA have been rewarded for their hard work. In this year’s feeder calf sale over 50 buyers phoned in competing to buy the 1,800 head of Gelbvieh and Balancer influenced cattle. Their calves averaged nearly a $10 per cwt premium over cattle sold at the local sale barn that week. Barry Higgins, owner and operator of the Russellville Livestock Market in Russellville Kentucky, has organized a group of local producers in southwestern Kentucky with the goal of marketing their calves for a premium. Like the Buckingham Cattlemen’s Association, the group uses Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls to create consistency across the board. They sold their calves July 8, 2015 for a $9 per cwt premium. Another group in North Dakota started hosting a Gelbvieh influenced feeder sale at the Kist Livestock Auction in Mandan North Dakota. Harvey Wehri started the sale to add value to Gelbvieh influenced feeder cattle over 15 years ago. After Harvey’s passing, his son Brian has continued to support and promote the sale. Last year they market over 800 head of Gelbvieh and Balancer sired feeder cattle for a $5 per cwt premium over the market that day on non-weaned calves. This year’s sale will be held October 21, 2015. The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) has been excited to work with these progressive cattlemen to help promote and market Gelbvieh and Balancer feeder cattle. The AGA has helped market these cattle via one of the AGA’s new programs, Feeder Finder. This program allows users of Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls to have their cattle viewed by over 200 feedyards across the country. Feeder Finder is a new service which will be found on the new Gelbvieh.org website once it’s launched later this fall. The Feeder Finder is a digital form producers can fill out on load lots of Gelbvieh and Balancer sired cattle. The form will provide an opportunity to list pertinent information about the feeder cattle such as weight, sex, management and the auction they may be selling at, where applicable. The AGA then takes that information and sends an e-blast to over 200 feedyards. The cattle will also found on the Exchange page of Gelbvieh. org. There is a strong demand for Gelbvieh and Balancer feeder calves and Feeder Finder is a way of helping feedyards locate load lots of these highly sought after calves. For more information about marketing Gelbvieh and Balancer feeder cattle or Feeder Finder, please feel free to contact me, William McIntosh at 502-867-3132 or williamm@gelbvieh.org. nnn
2015 has been a banner year for business ...for marketing Gelbvieh and Balancer feeder cattle.
Contact GPP for marketing your Gelbvieh and Balancer® influence feeder cattle.
Barry “Slim” Cook Chief Operating Officer P.O. Box 3025, Cody, WY 82414 307-272-2024 The Profitpicture | 51
Editorial
BeefTalk: Are cattle records worth the effort? I have said many times that the constant in beef production is change. By Kris Ringwall, NDSU Extension Service
I
remember when I graduated from college in 1975, the continental cattle influence was strong. People had to reposition themselves around the animal so they could be seen in the picture. At the same time, calves were weighing off cows at 469 pounds. As a new county Extension agent, I received my first free sample of Roundup herbicide. Producers from crop-growing counties gathered around to hear about anhydrous ammonia fertilizer. As one traveled through the Midwest, summer fallow still was a term farmers used, and weed control was optional. Management practices and tillage were expected to control weeds. Crops that were not a success went to the cows, or maybe the sheep. Yes, cows and sheep were prevalent, along with hogs and chickens. Today, Roundup herbicide and anhydrous ammonia fertilizer are utilized extensively throughout agriculture, and calves are weighing in at more
than 600 pounds after seven months of grazing.
For those who lived this cycle, sometimes comprehending the magnitude of the change is hard. The seeds of change from the 1960s and 1970s sprouted and now populate agriculture in truly mind-bending ways. Early in my career, guiding producers and implementing record systems that documented that change was crucial. Producers could not only see the change but could record the change. A former co-worker, Harlan Hughes, often said, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.”
Early in my career, guiding producers and implementing record systems that documented that change was crucial. Producers could not only see the change but could record the change. A former co-worker, Harlan Hughes, often said, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.”
As another fall comes upon us, I can’t help but wonder who will miss the opportunity to record in writing factual data regarding their beef operation. Since 1963, the North Dakota State University Extension Service, through the North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association, has been a leader in the evaluation of cattle records. Thousands of cattle have been weighed and evaluated. Thousands still are processed through the Cow Herd Appraisal of Performance Software (CHAPS) program. Having been involved in the evaluation of those records, they are important. And yet, as one visits with many agricultural producers, the industry struggles with recordkeeping. The agronomic side of the business has the Farm Service Agency to help keep track of those cropping records required through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Records are required to be maintained by those who apply restricted-use pesticides. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has tremendous programs available for the management of range and other natural resources. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service generates hourly
52 | OCTOBER 2015
Editorial market reports, along with detailed summaries for agricultural commodities, that extend worldwide.
Trends are informative, but steering is better. And because change is inevitable, steering through it is critical.
But when one turns to the livestock sector, in this case beef, oftentimes the response to records is simply, “… would like to, but just can’t get them done.” The reasons are varied, but the point is the same: no records.
May you find all your ear tags. nnn
Why don’t some producers record and track individual cowcalf data? I’m sure the reasons are many; however, time and cost are probably at the top of the list. Fall is roundup time. Today, many producers have cattle spread 50 or more miles from one pasture to the next. For the Dickinson Research Extension Center, cattle workdays mean the crew is loading horses by 5 a.m. and, depending on the pasture, rounding up cattle by 6 or 7. Providing all the cows are where they are supposed to be, they should be arriving just as the chute setup is being completed, the electronic scale calibrated and the day’s objectives reviewed. If all goes well, the cattle should be worked by noon, with semis loaded full of this year’s high-value calves destined for the weaning lots and the mother cows turned back to grass until time permits to bring them home. Weaning and weighing calves are hard work, and many days don’t go exactly as planned. But still, chance did not get those 1975 calves that weighed 469 pounds to weigh in excess of 600 pounds today. Producers may have marveled at those great pictures back in the ’60s and ’70s, but good selection decisions based on data added the 130-plus pounds of calf weight to the cow-calf pair. The appraisal of genetic and managerial inputs is critical to the management of a ranch. Good records help producers steer their business and manage change. Without records, a producer simply drifts with the trends.
Editor’s Note: Courtesy of North Dakota State University Extension Service.
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The Profitpicture | 53
Feature
Where will the Market Take Us and how does that Translate into Cowherd Expansion? However, from a feedlot standpoint, the increase in herd size and feeder cattle numbers have not caught up with feedyard placement, and will not catch up soon.
The success of any cattle operation requires proper planning and preparation for the future. By Rebecca Mettler
U
nderstanding where each sector of the beef supply chain stands is an important tool for cow-calf producers to evaluate how the current and future markets will impact their operations. According to Derrell Peel, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist, the market is indicating we need more cows and with the help of Mother Nature, cattle producers are responding to that call. “We have record high returns, the second highest this year and way above levels that we could have imagined two or three years ago.” So, the question remains, how big is the nation’s cowherd going to grow and how fast? USDA’s July 1, 2015 cowherd inventory report confirmed the expansion. All cattle and calves rose 2.2 percent and beef cow numbers rose 2.5 percent. The biggest indicator of expansion was replacement heifer numbers, which rose 6.5 percent. “We are starting to rebuild numbers but that will take some time,” Peel said. “I view it as a plateau and we are going to slowly erode our way off of it but I’m not looking at any sharp changes to the market in the immediate sense.” With prices at a peak, Peel notes that changes are likely to happen in the future and that, for most of the country, improved forage conditions are supportive of herd expansion. “The party’s not over but it’s changing. However, there’s still going to be some opportunities.” Due to the increased number of beef cows in country, the number of feeder cattle is also rising. “Feeder cattle supplies aren’t getting tighter, they are starting to grow. We have stuff in the pipeline. There was a 1.2 percent increase in total calf crop projected for 2015.” 54 | OCTOBER 2015
“We continue to place fewer cattle [in the feedyard] because we don’t have them yet,” Peel said. The number of cattle on feed is a statistic in the current feedyard environment that can easily be misunderstood. The numbers are higher because feedyards are producing them differently because of the situation they are finding themselves in. Feedyards have been experiencing imbalanced negative returns throughout 2015. The feedyards paid record prices for feeder cattle last fall. With feeder prices still at record prices, from a historical sense, feedyards do not want to sell their fed cattle any sooner than they have to because they will have to buy more feeder cattle to replace them. “Feedlots have the incentive to manage a bad situation by having these cattle longer and longer and getting them bigger and bigger,” Peel said. Moderate feed prices have facilitated this move towards keeping cattle on feed longer. However, there are trade-offs. Average daily gain statistics show poorer performance this year compared to last. Peel explained that cattle are not efficient when they reach such heavy weights. “They are trading performance as the lesser of two evils and feed conversions are much worse.” The industry is offsetting the 7 percent decrease in slaughter with carcass weights that are heavier. As a result, beef production is down 4.7 percent year-to-date. The talk of the feedyard and packer trends goes back to the question of how much the nation’s cowherd is expected to expand. Ultimately, it matters how many pounds of
beef are in the market. “Beef production will be down for the year or maybe slightly higher than last year’s levels,” Peel said. “Next year we project yearover-year increases for every quarter. Next year we will start to grow in the 2 to 3 percent range.” Concerns with competitive meats in the marketplace, decreases in export trade of beef and the changes in trade balance are factors that can affect the price of beef in the future. The economic environment outside of the beef industry can also impact the entire beef supply chain. At present, uncertainties in the global markets, specifically China’s economy, are factors that the beef industry must continually be aware of. “Don’t panic, these things come up. The reality is almost always going to be different than the uncertainty.” Peel poses the question again: “Given all of that, what does it mean for the cattle side?” The herd expansion that started last year at a 2 percent increase is expected to expand more aggressively to a rate of 3 percent growth this year and 3 percent next year. Ultimately, Peel believes that the nation’s cowherd needs to grow to 32 million head, depending on domestic and international demand and ultimately on the pounds of meat available. “It’s going to take us until 2017, at the absolute earliest to get there,” Peel said. “Likely 2018 or 2019. Peel also warns producers that they will see lower prices over time, but it’s slow erosion over time. “It’s not going to be as easy the next couple of years,” Peel said. “It’s where real cattlemen shine. Risk management is going to play a bigger role with the risk of down trending prices.” nnn
The Profitpicture | 55
Editorial
Looking into the Black Box Enhanced EPDs (GE-EPD), largely due to the vision of participants involved in the Genomic Pioneers project. From the beginning, AGA members stepped up and completed the DNA testing needed to receive GE-EPDs. In addition, cumulative DNA testing presently done by producers has since doubled from just one year ago, making AGA members progressive adapters of DNA technology. Members clearly see a benefit in investing in new genetic technologies to make more productive beef cattle; however, questions still arise about how the new information is being used in the formulation of EPDs.
With the availability of more accurate genetic prediction tools and high cattle prices there is no time like the present to invest in the genetics of the herd to increase productivity and sustain profitability down the road. By Kelli Retallick
I
t is also more important than ever to understand the science behind genetic tools to make informed decisions about this investment.
The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) has taken the appropriate steps to assure its members are using the most cutting edge technologies for genetic improvement. In 2012, the AGA made the bold decision to move the genetic evaluations to International Genetic Solutions (IGS) allowing Gelbvieh cattle to be included in a multi-breed evaluation now totaling 340,000 animals across twelve different breeds. This has proved to increase the accuracy of AGA’s genetic evaluation by allowing comparison amongst a larger population of animals. In the fall of 2014, AGA successfully released its first set of Genomic-
56 | OCTOBER 2015
Formulating an Expected Progeny Difference A conventional EPD is made of three main parts including individual performance records, pedigree data that includes performance records of both ancestors and relatives (half-sibs, full-sibs, etc.), as well as progeny performance data. This data is combined into a series of mixed model equations. These types of equations allow us to look at the relationships among the different effects impacting a performance trait and the subsequent EPD. It is important to dissect these relationships because many selection traits including growth, maternal, intake and carcass traits are polygenic, or
Editorial controlled by many different genes. By combining the individual, pedigree, and progeny performance data, geneticists are equipped to more accurately dissect how much of the performance is due to the genetic merit of the animal and how much of the animal’s performance can be attributed to the surrounding environment. Correlations among related traits like weights traits (birth, weaning and yearling weights) are included in mixed model equations to make an accurate estimation of the true breeding value of the animal. Formulating an EPD with the Addition of Genomic Data Genomic data is an additional piece of information that is added to the mix to make an EPD. Currently, the AGA incorporates genomic data into EPDs
Molecular Breeding Value (MBV)
The second step of this two-step process is to blend the conventional EPD with the genomic predictor, or MBV, for each trait resulting in a GE-EPD. Blending the genomic predictors and EPDs in this way allows for GE-EPD to be updated as DNA results are received, whereas the conventional portion is updated bi-annually. Just like an EPD has the equal opportunity to move up or down as more progeny data is collected, an EPD also has equal opportunity to move up or down as genomic data is added to the equation. Summary
1/2 BV + MBV = Expected Progeny Difference (EPD)
Genotype (DNA)
through a two-step process. The first step is to calculate the conventional EPD through the process described above. The animal’s genotype is used to calculate molecular breeding values (MBV) for several different traits. At this time, the Gelbvieh population has been trained for the following MBVs: calving ease, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, milk, calving ease daughters, yield grade, carcass weight, ribeye area, marbling and fat thickness.
Breeding Value (BV) Performance
The addition of the genomic predictors into mixed model equations helps us to explain more of the genetic variation of the trait and the animal’s true genetic value as a parent. Genomic predictors do not replace the information explained by the conventional EPD but rather add to accuracy of these estimates. To put things simply, the better the information in to the calculation, the better the information out of the calculation, which allows producers to better protect their investment. nnn Editor’s Note: This article was previously published in the September edition of Gelbvieh World.
Environment
SOUTHERN BREEDERS ALABAMA
TEXAS
Kittle Gelbvieh Farms
Q u a l i t y B l a c k & Re d G e l b v i e h C a t t l e
816 Co. Rd. 36 Geraldine, AL 35974 Cell (256) 996-4140 www.kittlefarms.com
ARKANSAS
H ODGES R ANCH
15702 Hodges Rd., Omaha, AR 72662 Hodgesranch@live.com
Jim & Pat Dromgoole 4403 Winding River Dr. • Richmond, TX 77469 Home
OKLAHOMA
(281) 341-5686 • Ranch (979) 561-8144
www.dromgoolesheaven.com Show Cattle Managers: James & Shannon Worrell • (325) 258-4656
LeGRAND Eugene (870) 426-5333 Diana (870) 426-5334 Neal (870) 426-4469
Ed LeGrand
809 S. Redlands Rd. • Stillwater, OK 74074
405-747-6950 • alane@c21global.com Homo. Black, Homo. Polled • Breeding Stock Available
Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls & Heifers Available Private Treaty Sales
EXCEPTIONAL
BULLS & HEIFERS
TRUCKING AVAILABLE
Looking for a sale or event? Check Places to Be on the website: www.GELBVIEH.org The Profitpicture | 57
SOUTHEAST BREEDERS KENTUCKY
VIRGINIA
Promote for Success! Upcoming Advertising Deadlines: December Gelbvieh World Early copy deadline: October 27 Regular rates deadline: November 3
NORTH CAROLINA
www.knollcrestfarm.com knollcrest@hughes.net
Office (434) 376-3567 James D. Bennett Paul S. Bennett Jim G. Bennett Brian R. Bennett Dalton G. Bennett
Fax (434) 376-7008 434/376-7299 434/941-8245 434/664-7935 434/664-8309 434/664-7946
Call 303-465-2333 today!
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QUALITY GELBVIEH CATTLE
TENNESSEE
“Superior Gelbvieh and Balancer Cattle”
Chris & Jordan Hampton • Charles & Sue Hampton
Producing Black, Polled Genetics for Today & Tomorrow.
839 Davistown Rd. Celina, TN 38551 931-243-3213 H 931-510-3213 C hampton@twlakes.net
Registered Bulls & Replacement Females
M & W Farms
Maryville, Tennessee
Quality Black Bulls & Heifers for sale Walter & Lee Teeter 1380 French Belk Rd. • Mt. Ulla, NC 28125 (704) 664-5784
Mick Ainsworth
1613 Derby Road P.O. Box 154 Jackson Springs, NC 27281 910-652-2233 Cell: 910-638-8436 Mick’s email: longleaf@etinternet.net Grass Grown • Carcass Quality & Performance
58 | OCTOBER 2015
Lynn Waters 3525 Tuckaleechee Pike Maryville, TN 37803
R T G
865.660.9227 lynnmwfarms@gmail.com
ROCKY TOP GELBVIEH Gelbvieh & Balancer Cattle Sandy and Terry Gupton 4846 Potato Farm Rd • Crossville, TN 38571 865-250-1418 • rockytopgel@yahoo.com rockytopgelbviehfarm.com
Dr. Daryl Wilson Tyler Wilson (276) 676-2242
LITTLE WINDY HILL
Farms Doug & Sue Hughes 6916 Peppers Ferry Road Max Meadows, VA 24360 H 276/637-3916 C 276/620-4271
Joe & Gwen Wilson (276) 628-4163
Registered (276) 614-0117 (C) Gelbvieh Cattle
17462 Fenton Dr., Abingdon, VA 24210 • TrebleWRanch@aol.com
Promote Your Operation Advertise with a State Round-up ad in the the two issues of the Profit Picture and the Herd Reference issue of Gelbvieh World For information about advertising, call Lynn or Megan AGA office • 303.465.2333
BACHMAN BRED The Source for RED
BIEBER REAL MCCOY Y124
Bachman Bred genetics will be offered at the Heart of American Gelbvieh Show Me Futurity Sale, Saturday, November 14, 2015. We are pleased to feature a Purebred Gelbvieh open heifer and a 50% Balancer® open heifer for the sale, as well as the HAGA Junior Donation Heifer. We are also offering Balancer bred heifers out of Real McCoy and our donors; Buttons, Cindy Lou Who and Vickie Vail 173Y34. Above is one of our 2014 entries, and we think you’ll agree, at Bachman Cattle Farms RED is not an accident BACHMAN BRED IS THE SOURCE FOR RED. For more information about our HAGA Futurity consignments or our annual REDstock™ Production sale, please visit our website.
BachmanCattleFarms.com
REDstock
CIRS BUTTONS BX6 ET
BEA CINDY LOU WHO ET
HFGC VICKIE VAIL 173Y34
®
™ Chillicothe, Missouri • Litton Ag Center
SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2016
Save the date for our 2nd annual sale - the second Saturday in March
Scott & Sue Bachman
660-247-1112 • scott_bachman@yahoo.com BachmanCattleFarms.com • 17520 Hwy JJ • Chillicothe, MO 64601
The Profitpicture | 59
News
AGA sponsors SLA Fall Series of Superior Select Replacement Females The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is excited to once again sponsor Superior Livestock Auctions (SLA) Superior Select Replacement Female Sales this fall. By Angela Vesco
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his relationship between AGA and SLA began last fall and has continued through the summer with SLA feeder calf sales. Superior Select Replacement Female Sales where specifically created for marketing those females, such as Gelbvieh influence females that are well known for their maternal superiority, which will be the future producers of the ranch and repopulate the nation’s cowherd. The Select Replacement Female Sales consist of three monthly sales, October 22nd, November 19th, and December 17th. Be sure to catch AGA’s commercial airing right before the sale begins and our advertisement on the back cover of the catalog that is distributed to over 17,000 cattlemen. Summer feeder calf sales series
stock was in demand for producers rebuilding their herds. The third sale went out west to Winnemucca, Nevada for Video Royale XXIII, July 27-31, 2015 offering 137,000 head of cattle. Feeder cattle traded mainly in the Northwest for fall delivery with some feeder steers selling for 10.00-15.00 lower than the previous sale. Sheridan, Wyoming hosted the fourth sale, Big Horn Classic, August 17-20, 2015, offering 167,000 head. Once again, a majority of calves were contracted for fall delivery. Prices were a bit lower for feeder steers trading in the south at 3.00-7.00 lower, however the opposite was seen for feeder steers in the north that traded for 5.00 higher. The demand for good replacement heifers continued. The table below summarizes the prices from the four sales. AGA staff was present at all four sales with a booth promoting Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle and meeting producers from many regions of the country. Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle sold at and above the average price within their respective weight ranges. nnn
The series of SLA summer feeder calf sales kicked off in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the Corn Belt Classic XVII on June 10-11, 2015 offering 66,500 head. Prices were favorable for consigners, particularly for summer deliveries of light weight cattle headed to pasture in the Midwest and for fall deliveries. Feeder cattle were 2.00-5.00 higher and steers weighing over 800 pounds were 20.00 higher. The next stop in the series was the Week in the Rockies in Steamboat, Colorado, July 6-10, 2015 offering 260,000 head. Prices on feeder calves increased 4.00-8.00 and a majority of trading happened in the South Central area. Breeding
All Breeds
Gelbvieh
wt (lbs)
Steers
Heifers
Holsteins
Steers
Heifers
300-395
$305-$405
$271-$405
$277-$307
----
----
400-495
$235-$405
$226-$311
$200-$258
$194.50-$332
$246-$288
500-595
$213-$328
$203-$343
$185-$256
$236-$302
$223-$285
600-695
$194-$286
$187-$320
$154-$215
$211-$262
$200-$241
700-795
$184-$256
$177-$238
$167-$192
$205-$244
$206-$239
800-895
$179.50-$236
$176-$227
$162-$207
$200-$236
$217-$217
900-1050
$181-$277
$179-$209
$160-$201
$198.25-$223
----
60 | OCTOBER 2015
Editorial Continued from page 49 a standard feed test for forages. Whenever possible, send samples into the lab early in the week to avoid having the samples set over a weekend. Cattle feeds should be analyzed for moisture, protein and energy. Producers may also want to have forages tested for key minerals. Feed sample results are usually reported on an as-is and dry matter basis. When developing a ration for cattle or comparing feeds to one another, always utilize the nutrient analysis on a dry matter basis. After formulating a ration on a dry-matter basis, the values can then be converted to an as-is basis using the moisture content of the feed to determine the actual amount of feed that should be fed to the cattle on an as-is basis. In addition to moisture, protein and energy, annual forages harvested for hay such as foxtail millet, oats, sudan grass and sorghum-sudan hybrids should be analyzed for nitrates. These
annual forages can accumulate high levels of nitrates under various growing conditions that can potentially reach toxic levels. The only way to know if high levels of nitrate accumulation have occurred is to test for it. See the UNL NebGuide “Nitrates in Livestock Feeding” for additional information. Additional information on understanding the results from a hay analyses is available at the beef.unl. edu website under “Understanding a Feed Analysis”.
formulating rations. Don’t let the small investment of time and money discourage you, it may be some of the best time and money you can invest in your operation. nnn Editor’s Note: Courtesy of University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Accurately testing hay takes time and money. However, the value of this information is critical in accurately and cost effectively
NORTHEAST BREEDERS Promote Your Operation
ILLINOIS “Realizing the Value”
Skyler Martin
1200 S. Blackhawk Rd. Oregon, IL 61061-9762 815•732•7583
9937 Warren Rd. Winslow, IL 61089 (815) 367-4116
For information about advertising, call Lynn or Megan at the AGA office 303-465-2333
MEMBER
OHIO
INDIANA • Polled Purebreds • Red • Black
Double D Farm
Advertise with a State Round-up ad in the the two issues of the Profit Picture and the Herd Reference issue of Gelbvieh World
Skyler Martin
1200 S. Blackhawk Rd. Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-7583
3 G Ranch
Gelbvieh Cattle For Sale Carl, Rebecca & Emily Griffiths
1577 N 600 E • Kendallville, IN 46755
260/897-2160 • ggge3g@embarqmail.com
Your call or visit is Always Welcome
We sell Breeding Stock Bulls & Females Fullblood Polled Gelbvieh Polled Hereford
Merle E. Lewis 812/863-7701
James L. Lewis 812/508-0014
RR1 BOX 1360 • SPRINGVILLE, IN 47462
Chester Yoder
12353 Cty Rd 330 Big Prairie, OH 44611 chesyoder@yahoo.com 330-567-9232 • 330-231-0339 (cell) The Profitpicture | 61
WESTERN BREEDERS ARIZONA The Prosser Family
Stay Connected!
NEVADA
Keep up to date with shows, sales and other events by visiting www.GELBVIEH.org
Be sure to Like us on Facebook
Dick & Jean Williams P.O. Box 156 Orovada, NV 89425 775•272•3442
“Pounds Make Profit in Your Pocket” Bulls & Heifers Private Treaty
928/289-2619 • 928/380-5149 cell Winslow, AZ
www.bartbar.com • info@bartbar.com
RFI Tested Balancer®, Gelbvieh & Angus Bulls Sell Annually in April at the Ranch
And look for new videos on our YouTube channel
WASHINGTON LEDGERWOOD GELBVIEH
COLORADO
Gelbvieh • Red Angus • Balancer® Pete & Samee Charriere
MONTANA
2633 Hwy 12 East • Clarkston, WA 99403
Top Quality Black Gelbvieh and Balancer
Dave & Dawn Bowman 55784 Holly Rd. • Olathe, CO 81425
(970) 323-6833 www.bowkranch.com
FL
509-566-8805 • LedgerwoodGelbvieh@gmail.com “Seedstock that work for the commercial cattleman
Barry & Dena Bolton
406.538.5280 H 406.366.0162 C 515 Knapp Lane PO Box 826 Hilger, MT 59451 doublebranchmt@gmail.com
Jim Roelle 38330 CR 49 #7 Peetz, CO 80747
(H): 970-334-2221 • (C): 970-520-1224 jr.plateau@hotmail.com www.plateaugelbvieh.com
Get ready for upcoming sales! Advertise in Gelbvieh World or the Profit Picture
If you’re not here, how does your customer find you?
62 | OCTOBER 2015
For information about advertising, call Lynn or Megan AGA office • 303.465.2333
News
Killed, Modified-live, Chemically Altered, Oh My! As summer begins its journey into fall, planning ahead for fall chores like pre-weaning vaccinations for calves might start to appear on to-do lists in cattle country. By Rachel Endecott, Montana State University
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his month, I’ll focus on the differences and similarities among killed, modified live, and chemically altered vaccines.
Just what is a vaccine, anyway? A definition I like to use in class is this one: a suspension of attenuated or killed microorganisms or the antigenic proteins derived from them. That might sound a little overwhelming, so let’s look at each piece separately. In this case, the suspension is a liquid that contains particles (microorganisms or proteins from them) that are mixed with the liquid but are not dissolved in it. Attenuated means altered, usually in a way that makes something less severe. Modified live vaccines contain attenuated microorganisms. Killed vaccines contain killed microorganisms. Antigenic means that a substance causes an immune response. Vaccines with this formulation contain a protein from the microorganism that is source of the immune response. In order to produce a sufficient immune response, killed vaccines generally include a large amount of organisms and ingredients called adjuvants. An adjuvant helps create a stronger immune response in the animal’s body by increasing the stability of the vaccine in the body. Common adjuvants in killed livestock vaccines include aluminum hydroxide or oil. The major advantages of killed vaccines are safety and stability of the product. Modified live vaccines contain whole pathogens that have been altered (attenuated) such that they can’t cause clinical disease but can still infect and multiply within the animal. The animal’s immune system recognizes the presence of the replicating pathogen to yield an enhanced immune response, negating the need for adjuvants. In general, the immunity produced by modified live vaccines typically lasts longer than the immunity produced by killed vaccines. The major advantage of modified live vaccines is a broader scope and duration of protection because the animal is exposed to all stages of the replicating virus or bacteria. Modified live products require mixing of lyophilized (freeze- dried) vaccine cake with provided diluent and should be used within an hour of mixing. Chemically altered vaccines contain modified live organisms that have been grown in a media containing adjusted levels of certain chemicals that cause specific mutation of the microorganism. Temperature sensitive organisms are one example of chemically altered vaccine technology. Temperature sensitive organisms lose the ability to multiply at the animal’s normal body temperature but can grow at the temperatures present in eye or nasal mucosa. Thus, if a chemically altered vaccine is given by a route other than direct contact with the mucous membranes, little or no immunity is stimulated. The immune response produced is similar to modified live products, but the duration
of immunity is not considered to be as long. The major advantage of chemically altered vaccines is they are safe to use with pregnant animals because there is no systemic replication of the vaccine organism.
Successful vaccination depends on three critical factors: an effective vaccine, a functioning immune system, and administration of the vaccine before exposure to the disease. A vaccine may be ineffective if it is mishandled, if a booster is required but not given, or because of antigenic differences between the vaccine and field strains of the microorganism to which an animal is exposed. An animal’s immune system may be unresponsive to vaccination because of age: a young calf ’s immune system might not be fully functional at the time of vaccination, or antibodies from maternal colostrum still present in the calf inactivated the vaccine. Inadequate nutrition may also cause an animal’s immune system to be unresponsive to vaccination. Two other reasons for vaccine failure include that the animal was incubating the disease when vaccinated and that the duration of immunity after vaccination was inadequate. In closing, here are my top 10 tips for effective vaccination: 1. Read and follow label directions. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian or call the vaccine company directly before using the product. 2. Follow proper Beef Quality Assurance guidelines. 3. Sterilize equipment between uses. Modified live vaccines are sensitive to disinfectants, so do not use chemical disinfectants in syringes or needles for modified live use. 4. Refrigerate and store vaccines as directed on the label. Be sure appropriate temperatures for the vaccine are maintained when they are away from the refrigerator. The temperature of the vaccine should be at least as important (if not more important) than the temperature of the beverages. 5. Keep vaccines out of sunlight, even when in the syringe. 6. Mark syringes to avoid mixing or incorrect dosage. 7. Mix only enough vaccine to be used in one hour or less. 8. Choose correct needles for the job, and replace often. 9. Keep records of vaccinations used. 10. Good sanitation, management and nutritional practices are necessary to achieve the best results from vaccination programs. nnn Editor’s Note: Courtesy of Montana State University
The Profitpicture | 63
Feature
Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus: Is my herd at risk? BVD disease is one of the most complicated viral diseases in beef and dairy cattle worldwide. By Dr. Michelle Bilderback, University of Kentucky Extension
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erms associated with BVD such as “cytopathic” vs. “noncytopathic”, “persistent infection” vs. “transient infection”, “types I and II” and “immunosuppression” make understanding this virus a difficult task. However, the results of this disease are very clear-economic losses due to poor performance, loss of milk production, open cows, abortions, calf sickness and death. In order to control this problem, producers must first know if the virus is circulating in their herd. If so, then efforts must be focused on finding those infected individuals, minimizing their harmful effects and eliminating them from the herd at the right time. If the herd is free of BVD virus, then it is of the utmost importance to keep the virus out and minimize losses if it is accidentally introduced.
DOBSON RANCH
O N RA
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C I T Y,
64 | OCTOBER 2015
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Breeding Gelbvieh genetics since 1971 AGA Member #1 Offering bulls for sale year round!
OK
Dobson Ranch
Jim Dobson • 405.880.6173 John Dobson • 405.880.6661 Quin Peterson • 918.625.2500 12460 E. River Road Kaw City, OK 74641
A basic understanding of the disease is essential to finding the appropriate strategy for your farm. The virus is picked up by a cow or calf by breathing it in (inhalation) or swallowing (ingesting) the organism. The virus can survive in the environment up to 7 days and may be brought in on trucks, tractors, boots, gloves or carried in by wild animals. It can also travel in the air, including across fences from a neighboring farm. However the most important source of the virus is a cow or calf already infected with BVD. Once exposed, what happens next depends on the immune system of the cow or calf (vaccination status), aggressiveness (“virulence”) of that strain of virus, and the overall stress level present in the herd. Symptoms of disease range from a mild fever to severe diarrhea and death. Clinical signs of acute BVD (also known as “Transient” or “Primary” BVD) disease in calves 3-12 months old may include: • Fever • Diarrhea • Unthrifty/Rough hair coat (calf looks “wormy”) • Coughing • Lameness • Ulcers in the mouth (slobbering) • Hemorrhage (bleeding) and death Perhaps the most important symptom of BVD virus in calves is one we cannot see-immunosuppression. The virus actually keeps the calf ’s immune system from functioning properly so other infectious diseases such as pneumonia and calf scours are much more severe and often lead to death. Clinical signs in cows are generally mild and seldom noticed but the infection causes serious consequences if it occurs during breeding season or early pregnancy (1st and 2nd trimesters). Reproductive effects of the BVD virus include: • Failure to Conceive • Early Embryonic Loss (Long time to return to heat) • Abortion (up to 6 months) • Mummified Fetuses 6 • Developmental Defects or Dummy Calves • Calves with eye defects such as cataracts and retinal degeneration • From 180 days on, a normal calf is produced. The most important consequence occurs if the cow is infected with the BVD virus between 42-125 days of gestation. In this short window of time, the unborn calf contracts the virus and is never able to get rid of it for the rest of its life. When this calf is born, it is “persistently infected” or a “PI” calf. The “PI” animals are the reason BVD disease continues. They are the primary source of virus transmission because they shed an extremely high number of virus particles throughout their lives. A PI animal is a virus factory, producing millions of virus particles in all body secretions including feces, urine, saliva, nasal discharge, milk, semen, uterine secretions, and aborted membranes. These contaminated body fluids are deposited on the grass, in ponds, watering troughs, feed troughs-virtually everywhere the animal goes. Although it is often assumed that PI calves are stunted, will grow poorly and usually die young, some are absolutely normal and will survive well into adulthood and have calves. Unfortunately, if a PI female gets pregnant, her offspring will be a PI calf 100% of the time. This is important because if one PI calf is out in the pasture constantly shedding virus during breeding season, many (if not all) of the cows will be exposed during the highest risk time. nnn Editor’s Note: Courtesy of University of Kentucky Extension
s s e c Suc
Committed to the of the CommerCial Cattleman
DNA testing since 2005 All sale bulls are DNA tested & Parent Verified Featuring progeny from these Great Sires
FGRG Troy 304A AMGV 1272096 • BA50
LWHF Super Sport 475Y AMGV 1204074 • Purebred
HTFG Mr Roy A664 AMGV 1259925 • GV75
Heifer bull that transmits muscle, phenotype and growth
Exceptional genetic profile with added growth, muscle and moderate birth
First calf crop is exceptional for their look, power and muscle
Boyd Catalyst 1071 AAA 16913152
RTR Cartridge 1206 AAA 17222179
Combination sire of growth, carcass Complete, moderate, fault free with and eye appeal balanced performance and superb carcass
Annual Bull Sale • March 19, 2016 At the Ranch • Lake City, SD Neal Pearson:
605-448-5653 or 605-470-0448 njpearson@venturecomm.net
Kermit Pearson:
605-448-5596 or 605-380-6030
Chuck Ringkob:
605-470-0010
The Profitpicture | 65
Editorial
Effect of Creep Feed on Calf Milk Consumption and Future Reproductive Performance of Heifer Calves weight) was higher when creep was not fed in the diet. However, Loy et al. (2002) showed no decrease in forage consumption when creep feed was available. The difference could be related to forage and creep feed quality. Calves will always choose milk first then either high-quality forage or creep depending upon what is available. The expected consumption of milk in calves is shown in Table 2 with the highest in June and decreasing through August. As milk consumption decreases throughout the months, forage consumption and creep (if available) increases as expected).
By Janet Van De Stroet under the direction and review of Julie Walker, Associate Professor & SDSU Extension Beef Specialist SDSU Animal Science Department.
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reep feeding is practiced in the Midwest to increase weight at weaning time. Beef cattle producers make the production decision to creep or not creep feed for a variety of reasons. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages related to creep feeding. Some advantages of creep feeding include: •
Increased weaning weights
•
Getting calves adapted to dry feed
•
Decrease the amount of forage intake of calves
Disadvantages of creep feeding include: •
Depending on feed conversions and the slide in calf prices as weights increase, the additional income heavier calves may not cover all the costs of creep feeding
•
Milk consumption by calves is not decreased
•
Replacement heifers fed creep can develop fat deposits in their udder, and produce less milk throughout their lifetime
•
For producers that feed their own calves or retain ownership, the weaning weight advantage might not persist through the finishing phase
The impact of creep feed on milk consumption and future milk production are often forgotten when making creeping decisions. It is important to understand the effects that creep feeding will have on cows and replacement heifers within the herd. Multiple studies support the fact that a calf’s first and foremost preferred nutrient supply is milk. Reed et al. (2006) at North Dakota State University reported no difference in milk consumption between calves fed creep feed and those that were not (Table 1). However, creep fed calves had higher total organic matter intake, which was proportional to the amount of creep, feed consumed. These results show that creep feeding will not reduce the nutritional demands of lactation. Table 1. Effects of creep feeding on forage and milk consumption. table 1
Treatment Period Control Creep June July August OM intake, lb./d Creep 0.00 1.58 0.68 0.77 0.92 Forage 5.72 5.39 5.43 4.77 6.47 Milk 1.01 0.97 1.30 0.84 0.84 Total 6.62 7.74 7.37 6.23 7.99 OM = organic matter; Adapted from Reed et al. (2006);
Reed et al. (2006) also demonstrated that the calves forage intake (% of body 66 | OCTOBER 2015
Research conducted at the University of Illinois reported an impact on future milk production from heifer calves that were supplemented with creep feed. Their results show that replacement heifers fed creep as calves had lower milk production during their first lactation (Table 2). Table 2. Protein concentration in creep feed and its effect on the subsequent lactation of heifer calves.
table 2 Milk production, lb./d 52 d postpartum 108 d postpartum 164 d postpartum Adapted from Sexten et al. (2004)
No Creep 20.61 14.37 11.00
14% Creep 16.02 11.75 8.98
18% Creep 18.08 13.49 8.40
Despite milk production differences in heifers, no difference in calf performance was seen between treatments of creep and non-creep fed calves. Martin et al. (1981) followed heifer calves that were creep fed (n = 100) and not (n = 110) as calves. In addition to supporting the findings that creep feeding hinders milk production, they determined that creep feeding could have an effect on lifetime production of heifers. The data demonstrated that the number of calves weaned (6.04 and 6.38 calves weaned per cow for creep and non-creep cows, respectively) and weaning weights were lower for cows that were creep fed as heifers vs those that were not (2,519 vs. 2,715 pounds of lifetime calf weight). Many factors should be taken into consideration when making the production decision whether or not to creep feed beef calves. It is important to understand that creep feeding calves does not reduce lactation stress on cows because the calf will consume the same amount of milk. However, if forage quantity is limiting, creep feeding can reduce the calves’ forage intake, which would in turn leave more for the cow. Caution should be used taken when feeding creep to replacement heifers as data shows a decrease in milk production and possible overall calving performance in heifers supplemented with creep as calves. nnn Editor’s Note: Courtesy of igrow.org.
Saturday, December 12, 2015 Begins at 10:00 a.m. • Embassy Suites Kansas City-International Airport Kansas City, Missouri Join the American Gelbvieh Association for an educational symposium featuring beef industry leaders. • All are invited to attend to this FREE event with provided lunch. • Keynote Speaker Dr. Ronnie Green, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Panel #1:
Panel #2
My Cow’s Last a Lifetime: Giving your cows the maternal edge
Worth My Weight in Gold: Multiplying dollars available for cattle at each stage of the supply chain
• Bill Tucker, Tucker Family Farms
• Scott Hamilton, Hamilton Farms
• Dr. Larry Kuehn, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center
• Brian Bertelsen, U.S. Premium Beef
• Kelli Retallick, American Gelbvieh Association
• John Butler, Beef Marketing Group
Moderated by: William McIntosh, American Gelbvieh Association
Moderated by: Angela Vesco, American Gelbvieh Association
The Profitpicture | 67
Editorial
Got freshly weaned calves? Tips for starting them on feed Get weaned calves eating to address health issues and maximize performance potential.
W start.”
hen it comes to starting freshly weaned calves on feed, cattle producers have likely heard the saying, “Calves never get over a bad
But Ted Perry, a cattle nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition, shares the opposite view with producers: “Calves never get over a good start.” “If calves get a good start on feed in the first 10 to 14 days after being weaned,” Perry explains, “it’s amazing how often health issues can be minimized and the calves’ performance can take off.” Perry acknowledges that weaning time is stressful for calves. He points out that calves typically are on pasture with their dam where “life is good,” when they are suddenly faced with a plethora of stressors and challenges. They are weaned, shipped, commingled, processed, faced with a diet change, and - to top it off - the weather could shift to one extreme or another. Additionally, freshly weaned calves are often hungry, meaning they tend to bawl for their dam. Bawling for extended periods can irritate a calf ’s throat and potentially lead to respiratory disease.
Perry advises using a starter ration that includes proper nutrition for calves and palatable feed ingredients, including intake control properties that can help stimulate consumption. 3. Find the right feed form. Perry says the physical form of the feed can influence consumption. Specifically, he says, bigger pellets tend to work better for calf starter feeds. “They are softer, and calves get more with every mouthful, which is especially important if a calf is not aggressive at the bunk,” says Perry. He adds that, in his experience, mealy feeds which tend to separate are often less appealing to calves. 4. Quality is critical.
Additionally, freshly weaned calves are often hungry, meaning they tend to bawl for their dam. Bawling for extended periods can irritate a calf ’s throat and potentially lead to respiratory disease.
“All of that stress can lead to reduced disease resistance for the calf,” Perry says. “But, if you are able to get weaned calves eating quickly, then you may be able to address and potentially overcome stress and sickness.” Perry adds, “The key to keeping freshly weaned calves healthy is getting them eating.” Here are some tips to get your freshly weaned calves eating quickly: 1. Use lick tubs. Perry suggests placing lick tubs as a free-choice supplement in calf receiving pens. He notes that supplement tubs are often popular in cow herds and calves tend to be familiar with them. The lick tubs offer two benefits for calves. First, the licking action produces saliva that can help ease any throat irritation from bawling. Second, licking the tub stimulates calves’ appetites; and they may then look for feed and water. 2. Offer palatable feeds. When calves go in search of feed, Perry emphasizes that having palatable feed in the bunk is critical.
68 | OCTOBER 2015
“If calves like the feed, they will start to eat and continue to come to the bunk,” Perry says. He notes the worst-case scenario is that calves come to the bunk for the first time and find an unpalatable feed; it can then become challenging to get them back to the bunk to eat.
While it may be easiest to find lowcost meal feed, Perry suggests evaluating the quality of whatever feed options are available. “When it comes to starter feeds, you really get what you pay for,” says Perry. “A lower-cost feed may be cheaper upfront but is also likely to be less palatable.”
“A quality, palatable starter will get calves eating during the first 10 to 14 days post-weaning and will help your calves avoid potential sickness during this critical time frame,” adds Perry. “And that’s exactly what you want to achieve when you are starting calves.” The Purina® Great Starts® calf feeding program can help yield consistent performance through the preconditioning period and is designed to get calves on feed quickly. For more information on calf feeding programs, contact Ted Perry at (816) 243-6231 or TCPerry@landolakes.com or go to: www.purinamills. com/cattle. nnn
J Bar M Gelbvieh
WHERE COW POWER PRODUCTION IS PROVEN IN BULL POWER...
JEMG LEE ANN 650U 75% Gelbvieh Donor. Selling nine sons in Genetic Power Bull Sale sired by Full Throttle and JEMG X414. ET calves sired by Hank.
JEMG STEAKHOUSE Y527 Homozygous Polled. Selling five sons in our March 12 bull sale. VER LEE ANN 963U 50% Balancer® Donor. ET calves sired by Crossfire 500W. Embryos for sale sired by DLW Alumni 7513A.
DCSF RHONDA 76S2 Purebred Gelbvieh Donor. ET calves sired by Bennett Kingpin K403. Embryos for sale sired by DLW Alumni 7513A.
VER LEE ANN 309M 50% Balancer Donor. ET calves sired by Astronaut, Lazy TV Watchmen and Good Night 715T. Embryos for sale sired by Good Night 715T and TMGC SB Arnold 225W.
J BAR M GELBVIEH
Jon & Edna Miller 28760 Norway Rd., Stark City, MO 64866 417-632-4925 home • 417-437-5250 cell Please no Sunday calls!
PAWS PLD LIBERTY 951J Purebred Gelbvieh Donor. ET calves sired by JEMG X414. Embryos for sale sired by DCSF Astronaut.
Watch for our bulls selling out of these J Bar M Gelbvieh Donors on MARCH 12, 2016 at the 2016 Genetic Power Bull Sale in Springfield, MO.
The Profitpicture | 69
70 | OCTOBER 2015
The Profitpicture | 71
MIDWEST BREEDERS RogeRs Valley FaRm gelbVieh
Mark & Patty Goes
Breed for Tomorrow’s Cattle Today!
A Breed Leader in Tenderness & Marbling–
www.rogersvfg.com
39414 SW 75th Rd. Odell, NE 68415 (402) 766-3627
J. J. Boehler
70948 L Rd. , Orleans, NE 68966 308-473-7342 • 308-999-0207
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
Ronald Rogers email: rogers_valley_farm_feedlot@hotmail.com
(H): 308-587-2293 • (C): 308-530-3900 cedartopranch@gpcom.net
Pope Farms Gelbvieh
P
Eldon Starr: 1-800-535-6173 or Rich Johnson: 402-368-2209
Gelbvieh SprinG Flood ranch balancer® Jim & Sherri Michaletz 1397 Spring Flood Rd Goodman, MO 64843 417-364-5297 (O) 479-366-1234 (C) Email: jmichal@netins.net www.springfloodranch.blogspot.com
FLYING
H
Jeff and Jeanne Pope 26075 Willow Rd., Ravenna, NE 68869 Phone & Fax: (308) 467-BEEF Cell: (308) 390-0657 jeff@popefarms.com
www.popefarms.com
GENETICS
Nebraska & Missouri
Kyle Helms - NE 308/962-6940 kyle@flyinghgenetics.com Missouri 417/309-0062 aaron@flyinghgenetics.com
Cody Helms - NE/MO 303/842-9071 cody@flyinghgenetics.com Visit us on the web & Facebook! www.flyinghgenetics.com
Jeff Swanson • 308/337-2235 10908 724 Rd • Oxford, NE 68967
Annual Sale—Last Saturday in February
GELBVIEH
BALANCER
Consistent Genetics Adding Pounds & Profit
Myron & Valerie Bahm 4375 White Oak Rd Fordland, MO 65652
417-753-3578(h) • 417-576-0687(c)
email: whiteoakfarms@live.com
Registered Gelbvieh & Balancer®
Juniors! Scott Wolf Travis Wolf 308.537.5388 308.529.3733 Gothenburg, NE • wolfgelbvieh@gmail.com www.facebook/wolfgelbvieh.com
Check www.GELBVIEH.org often for show information and results on regional shows and the Junior Classic!
We want to Keep up with AGA members. NEBRASKA
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: Gelbvieh World • 10900 Dover St., Westminster, CO 80021 lynnv@gelbvieh.org
72 | OCTOBER 2015
Miller Gelbvieh Dispersal Sale Saturday, November 28, 2015 • 1:00 pm Pocahontas Livestock Auction, Pocahontas, AR Sam, Tim, Glen and Duane Miller
g n i l l e S s t o L 110
P P P
15 Bulls 10 Fall short bred heifers 20 Spring bred heifers P P P
14 Commercial Spring bred heifers 35 Fall Cow/calf pairs 15 Spring Cow/calf pairs
SLMG High Definition 25Y ET
HFGC GIP Arrowhead S82
CCRO C-Cross Performer 2301Z ET
LARC Ms Maverick 126Y
EGL P016
ADS Ms Heidi 990W ET
Homozygous Black, Homozygous Polled Miller Gelbvieh Herd Sire Several daughters sell.
Selling confirmed pregnancies by Lazy TV Sam.
Sale managed by
Slaughter Sale Management
Red, Homozygous Polled Miller Gelbvieh Herd Sire Several daughters sell.
Selling an ET calf by Maverick.
David Slaughter
162 Hastings Lane Fredonia, KY 42411 Phone: (270) 556-4259 E-mail: hmslghtr@aol.com For catalog or information contact:
ET calves sired by Bennett U271 (sire of Futurity Bull Champion DLW Alumni) sell.
Selling confirmed pregnancies by Astro.
Duane Miller 167 Lawrence 319 • Strawberry, AR 870-528-4990 H • 870-844-5664 C www.millergelbvieh.com The Profitpicture | 73
UPPER MIDWEST BREEDERS MINNESOTA
IOWA
6700 County Rd. 19 S. Minot, ND 58701 (701) 624-2051 (H) (701) 720-8823 (C)
Brandywine Farm
Email: RLAGelbvieh@aol.com
Rob Arnold
Registered Gelbvieh & Balancers®
Tom Scarponcini
30474 Brandywine Road Rushford, MN 55971
507-864-2063 Dwight and Christina Dockter Bailey, Cheyenne, Cierra and Dalton
GS
Schafer Farms, Inc. SFI
Gelbvieh
Ridge Top Ranch
Gelbvieh-Angus-Balancer
Neola, Iowa
Black & Polled Private Treaty Sales
Breed-leading Performance from Quality Genetics
37740 240th Ave., Goodhue, MN 55027 Brian Schafer Lowell Schafer
1-888-226-9210 brian@schaferfarm.com
inquist
th 1135 190 Street inquist Fonda, IA 50540
arms (712) 288-5349 arms Gelbvieh & Red Angus
Email: rickylin@ncn.net www.linquistfarms.com
LONE O AK C AT T L E hornsandthorns@netins.net Eric Ehresman (319) 489-2275 20963 30th St. (319) 480-1564 Mechanicsville, IA 52306
Martens Gelbvieh
Gary Martens 2126 500th St • Walnut, IA 51577 712.764.5007 (H) • 712.249.5744 (C) martensgl@yahoo.com Annual Bull and Female sale in March with the Southwest Iowa Gelbvieh Group
HH Triple H Farms H Roy & Nancy Holste 3113 260th Street Clarinda, IA 51632
712-303-0263 • 712-303-1947
Bulls and Heifers for sale Private Treaty
74 | OCTOBER 2015
Visit www.golden-buckle-gelbvieh.com
651-923-4587 www.schaferfarm.com
Private Treaty Bull Sale — Last Sat. in February Annually
Kevin: 402-510-8103 Al: 402-676-5292
Ricky Linquist
4956 41st St. SE, Medina, ND 58467 701-486-3494 • gbgelb@daktel.com
Balancer®
MF
Mattison Family Farm 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
S G
SwenSon Gelbvieh
Dean Swenson
17513 Hwy 10 Little Falls, MN 56345 swen@centurylink.net (h) 320.632.5848 • (c) 320.630-5536
Polled • Purebred Red • Black
u
u
Dennis & Sherry Gustin Family Al and Peggy Gustin
Mandan, ND • 701/663-7266 email: gustindd@gmail.com www.gustinsdiamondd.com
SOUTH DAKOTA ADKINS GELBVIEH
Gelbvieh & Balancer Performance Genetics Bulls and Heifers for sale by private treaty Gerald & Sarah Adkins
(605) 354-2428 Cell gerald@adkinsgelvbieh.com www.adkinsgelbvieh.com
41606 195th St., Carpenter, SD 57322
Beastrom Gelbvieh Ranch Registered Gelbvieh & Balancer Cattle Bulls • Heifers • Embryos • Semen
Jim & Barb Beastrom Brandy Ludemann, Brittney Spencer
NORTH DAKOTA Chimney Butte RanCh
Ph: 605-224-5789 • 605-280-7589 (Cell) jimbeastrom@mncomm.com • www.beastromranch.com
www.bcvgelbvieh.com
Doug and Carol Hille 701/445-7383
3320 51st St., Mandan, ND 58554
chimneybutteranch@westriv.com www.chimneybutteranch.com Annual Production Sale 1st Friday in March
Brent & Eve Vavra Nisland, SD • 605/257-2407
UPPER MIDWEST BREEDERS
Send his credentials with him... Transfer the registration on the bulls you sell and give your customers the tools to become more profitable.
Julie Maude 605.381.2803 (C) Lori Maude 303.809.3789 (C) cj_llivestock@yahoo.com Hermosa, SD
• Provides access to value added marketing services for customer’s calves
Quality Gelbvieh & Balancer® Genetics from a Trusted Source
Ellison Gelbvieh & Angus Ranch Gelbvieh & Angus & Balancers
Private Treaty Sales • Bulls (Yearling & 2-yr.-old) & Heifers
Mitchel & Edna Ellison
Jeff & Susie Ellison
9020 ND Hwy 49 Lemmon, SD 57638
9015 ND Hwy 49 Lemmon, SD 57638
701.376.3238
701.376.3526
Thorstenson Gelbvieh
Selby, South Dakota Annual Bull Sale 1st Saturday in March Brian & Dee Dee Vaughn & Wendy 605-649-9927 605-649-6262 www.Balancerbulls.com
Proven Genetics with Balanced Traits!
• Commercial customers receive a free 1-year subscription to Gelbvieh World and The Profit Picture • Allows customers to track pedigree information to manage inbreeding and maximize heterosis
Keith, Janice, Dustin & Britney 605-852-2131
kvolek@venturecomm.net www.volekranch.com
34261 200th Street, Highmore, SD 57345
Steven A. Munger 605/380-0092 (cell) •
605/229-2802 (office) 605/229-2835 (fax)
Nate Munger 605/943-5690 (office) Cowherd Manager 605/380-2582 (cell) www.eaglepassranch.com
If you’re not here, how does your customer find you?
WISCONSIN Russell Family Livestock
R S S L
Ron, Alicia & Family Brooklyn, WI 608.455.1448 rrussell@ansci.wisc.edu facebook.com/RussellLivestock
Focused on Form & Function
Don’t think you can afford an ad in Gelbvieh World? For $297 you can be in every issue for one year! Call Lynn or Megan at the AGA office at
303-465-2333
10900 Dover Street Westminster, CO 80021 303-465-BEEF (2333) www.gelbvieh.org
The Profitpicture | 75
The American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) continues to help advance the Gelbvieh breed through its support of research and development. The new AGF Steer Challenge and “Scale & Rail” Sire-Identified Steer Testing Contest will provide information and funds necessary to generate data sets to advance Gelbvieh carcass merit.
Steer Challenge • Donate one or more steers to the AGF. • Individuals that do not have a steer ready to be fed may purchase an animal at the feedyard and donate to the AGF. • Steers will be fed together and feedyard performance collected. • Animals will be harvested and carcass data collected. • The donor(s) of the top performing steer will be awarded a grand prize. • All proceeds will go to the AGF.
Scale & Rail Sire-Identified Steer Testing Contest • Three or more steers from the same contemporary group (same ranch, same arrival and harvest dates). • Must be Gelbvieh or Balancer® influenced. • Steers will be required to have a DNA test and will be sire verified. • Steers will be fed together and feedyard performance collected. • Animals will be harvested and carcass data collected. • Animals in this contest will remain the property of the owner until harvest date. • Data collected during the contest will go to the American Gelbvieh Association and help solidify carcass merit within the Gelbvieh breed. • Sires that have a minimum of a three-head contemporary group in the contest will be eligible to be recognized as the champion of the carcass test initiative.
Growing our Future by Building our Foundation
Contact staff at the American Gelbvieh Association to participate in one or both of these projects. For more information on either project or the American Gelbvieh Foundation, please visit www.gelbvieh.org or call 303-465-2333.
MISSION: The American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) secures, grows and responsibly distributes assets for research, member education and youth development to sustain and grow Gelbvieh genetics.
76 | OCTOBER 2015
SERVICE CENTER All your A.I. needs!!
Bull Barn Genetics
Subscription and Advertising Information
35 Years in business
• Gelbvieh • Angus • Red Angus • Simmental • Club Calf • Salers • Shorthorn • Dairy • Charolais • Hereford
• Sheaths • Gloves • Cito Thaw Units • Tanks • A.I. Kits • Arm Service
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.
Eldon & Kathy Starr
210 Starr Dr • Stapleton, NE 69163 bullbarn@bullbarn.com 800-535-6173 www.bullbarn.com
Cattlemen’s Connection
Gelbvieh World Advertising Rates STANDARD ISSUES:
Full Page 1/2 Page 1/3 Page 1/6 Page
Specializing in
• Gelbvieh Semen Sales • Consulting • Order Buying (all purchases guaranteed) Roger & Peg Gatz (785) 742-3163 Call Toll-Free:1-800-743-0026
$650 $425 $325 $150
2/3 Page 1/2 Page Isand 1/4 Page Column inch
$525 $450 $250 $30
Feb./Oct. Commercial Profit Picture Full Page 1/2 Page 1/4 Page Column inch
Visit our Web Site: www.cattlemensconnection.com
$675 $450 $275 $30
Color:
Four Color One Additional color
Ronn Cunningham
Photo scans:
To run as Black/white Color photos
AUCTIONEER P.O. Box 146 • Rose, OK 74364 918-479-6410 office/fax 918-629-9382 cellular
JR Page 1/3 Page 1/6 Page
$525 $350 $200
$300 additional $150 additional
$10 each $20 each
Special production such as photo retouching is billed at cost at the rate of $60/hr. CLOSING DATE: Ad materials and editorial deadline is the 25th of the month two months prior to publication date. (December issue deadline is October 25th). Ads for sale dates prior to the 15th of the month of publication are discouraged.
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
For Feb./Oct. (Commercial Editions) and June/July (Herd Reference Edition) please call for rate specials and deadline information.
Call today: 303/465-2333 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 | 77
Places to Be October 2015 Oct. 1
Ad Deadline for November Gelbvieh World
Oct. 10
Judd Ranch 25th Annual Cow Power Female Sale, Pomona, KS
Oct. 14
February 2016 Feb. 1
Taubenheim Gelbvieh 26th Annual Production Sale, Amherst, NE
NILE Gelbvieh Female Sale, Billings, MT
Feb. 2
Lemke Cattle 10th Annual Production Sale, Lawrence, NE
Oct. 17
Annual Midwest Beef Alliance Female Sale, Marshall Junction, MO
Feb. 13
LeDoux Ranch Annual Production Sale, Agenda, KS
Feb. 13
Barwick/Lammers Production Sale, Kearney, NE
Oct. 17
Seedstock Plus Fall Bull Sale, Joplin, MO
Feb. 16
Cedar Top Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Burwell, NE
Oct. 21
Presort Gelbvieh Cross Calf Sale, Medicine Hate, Alberta, Canada
Feb. 26
25th Annual “Pot of Gold” Gelbvieh, Angus & Balancer Bull Sale, Montrose, CO
Oct. 22
Presort Gelbvieh Cross Satellite Sale, Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada
Feb. 26
Plateau Gelbvieh Annual Bull Sale, Brush, CO
Oct. 24
Flying H Genetics Roughage ‘N Ready Bull Sale, Butler, MO
Feb. 27
Swanson Cattle Company 29th Annual Production Sale, Oxford, NE
Oct. 24
American Royal Gelbvieh & Balancer® Show
Oct. 28-31 National FFA Convention, Louisville, KY
March 2016
November 2015
Mar. 5
Judd Ranch 38th Gelbvieh, Balancer & Red Angus Bull Sale, Pomona, KS
Mar. 5
SEGA Gelbvieh Annual Bull Sale, Pierce, CO
Mar. 5
Throstenson Lazy TV Annual Bull Sale, Selby, SD
Mar. 5
Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch 27th Annual Bull Sale, Ponteix, Saskatchewan, Canada
Mar. 5
Flying H Genetics Roughage ‘N Ready Bull & Female Sale, Arapahoe, NE
Mar. 7
Hojer Ranch 24th Annual Production Sale, Huron, SD
Nov. 16-19 Range Beef Cow Symposium XXIV, Loveland, CO
Mar. 8
Bar Arrow Cattle Company 26th Annual Production Sale, Phillipsburg, KS
Nov. 21
Mar. 12
2nd Annual REDstock Sale, Chilicothe, MO
Mar. 12
Genetic Power Bull Sale, Springfield, MO
Nov. 26-27 AGA office closed for Thanksgiving
Mar. 12
Annual Midwest Beef Alliance Bull Sale, Marshall Junction, MO
December 2015
Mar. 17
Kicking Horse Ranch Annual Production Sale, Great Falls, MT
Mar. 19
Pearson Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale, Lake City, SD
Mar. 19
Flying H Genetics Roughage ‘N Ready Bull Sale, Butler, MO
Mar. 26
Oklahoma Gelbvieh Association “Sooner Select Sale”, McAlister, OK
Nov. 3
Ad Deadline for December Gelbvieh World
Nov. 6
Seedstock Plus Influence Commercial Female & Bull Sale, Campbellsville, KY
Nov. 7
Beastrom Ranch & Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Fall Female Sale, Pierre, SD
Nov. 14
C-Cross Cattle Company Annual Fall Bull & Female Sale, Biscoe, NC
Nov. 16
NAILE Eastern National Gelbvieh & Balancer® Show Seedstock Plus Influence Commercial Female Sale, Kingsville, MO
Nov. 21-22 Triple K Gelbvieh Open House, Basehor, KS
Dec. 2
Ad Deadline for January Gelbvieh World
Dec. 5
SEGA Gelbvieh & Friends Female Sale, Pierce, CO
Dec. 10-12 AGA National Convention, Kansas City, MO Dec. 19
CJ&L Livestock Open House & Bull Sale, Hermosa, SD
Dec. 23-25 AGA office closed for Christmas
January 2016 Jan. 1
AGA office closed for New Year’s Day
Jan. 6
NWSS Cattle arrival, Denver, CO
Jan. 7
NWSS Cattle cattle check-in, Denver, CO
Jan. 9
NWSS Gelbvieh & Balancer Junior Show, Denver, CO
Jan. 9
NWSS Gelbvieh & Balancer Futurity, Denver, CO
Jan. 10
NWSS Gelbvieh & Balancer Pen Show, Denver, CO
Jan. 10
National Gelbvieh & Balancer Sale, Denver, CO
Jan. 11
NWSS Gelbvieh & Balancer Open Show, Denver, CO
78 | OCTOBER 2015
April 2015 Apr. 2 9th Annual Going to Grass Production Sale, Circle S Gelbvieh, Canton, KS
July 2016 July 23
Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch Cattle Tour & Customer Appreciation, Ponteix, Saskatchewan, Canada
Visit the online version of Places to Be at www.gelbvieh.org for additional dates on upcoming sales and more information on each event. Editor’s Note: If you have sale or event information for this listing, please email the information to megans@gelbvieh.org. This includes tours, expos, field days and other Gelbvieh events. Places to Be at www.gelbvieh.org contains additional contact information for each event.
The Profitpicture | 79
Ad Index 3 G Ranch............................................................. 61
Hartland Farm..................................................... 71
Professional Beef Genetics................................. 52
ABCS Gelbvieh.................................................... 74
Hilltop Farms....................................................... 71
Rafter R Gelbvieh................................................ 39
Adkins Gelbvieh............................................27, 74
Hodges Ranch...................................................... 57
Raile Gelbvieh...................................................... 49
AGA................................................................11, 67
Hojer Gelbvieh Ranch.............................21, 27, 75
Register Farms..................................................... 58
AGF....................................................................... 76
J&K Farm.............................................................. 61
Ridinger Cattle Company.............................30, 31
B/F Cattle Company......................................71, 81
J Bar M Gelbvieh...........................................69, 71
Rippe Gelbvieh..................................................... 49
Bachman Farms.............................................59, 71
Judd Ranch, Inc...............................................3, 71
Rocking GV Gelbvieh......................................... 71
Bar Arrow Cattle Company............................... 71
Jumping Cow Gelbvieh.................................30, 31
Rocky Top Gelbvieh............................................ 58
Bar IV Livestock.................................................. 58
Kenyon Cattle Co..........................................23, 39
Rogers Valley Farm Gelbvieh.......................17, 72
Bar T Bar Ranch, Inc........................................... 62
Kicking Horse Ranch..............................18, 26, 62
Russell Family Livestock..................................... 75
Beastrom Gelbvieh Ranch............... 42, 43, 70, 74
Kittle Gelbvieh Farms......................................... 57
Sandy Knoll Farm................................................ 50
Black Gold Genetics............................................ 45
Knoll Crest Farm.............................................5, 58
Sawtooth Gelbvieh Cattle & Hay....................... 62
Blackhawk Cattle Company............................... 61
Koehn Cattle Co.................................................. 39
Schafer Farms, Inc............................................... 74
Boehler Gelbvieh................................................. 72
Land of Oz/ John C Oswald............................... 71
Seedstock Plus Genetics..................................... 77
Bolton Cattle Ranch............................................ 40
Lambert, Doak..................................................... 77
Seedstock Plus..................................................7, 77
Bow K Ranch.................................................35, 62
Ledgerwood Gelbvieh......................................... 62
SEGA Gelbvieh.................................................... 32
Brandywine Farm................................................ 74
LeDoux Ranch...............................................37, 71
Slaughter Sale Management............................... 73
BV Ranch.............................................................. 74
Lemke Cattle..................................................53, 72
Spring Flood Ranch............................................ 72
Canadian GV Assn.............................................. 77
Leonhardt Cattle Company................................ 75
Stucky Beef Genetics........................................... 40
Cattlemen’s Connection................................15, 77
Linquist Farms..................................................... 74
Swanson Cattle Company............................72, 82
C-Cross Cattle Company.............................58, 79
Little Windy Hill Farms...................................... 58
Swenson Gelbvieh.........................................27, 74
Cedar Top Ranch.............................................2, 72
Lone Oak Cattle.............................................14, 74
SW Iowa Bull Sale.................................................. 8
Chimney Butte Ranch........................................ 74
Longleaf Station................................................... 58
Tabor’s 4T Gelbvieh............................................. 36
Circle S Ranch...................................................... 71
M&P Gelbvieh..................................................... 72
Taubenheim Gelbvieh...................................56, 72
CJ&L Livestock..............................................13, 75
M&W Farms........................................................ 58
The 88 Ranch........................................................ 72
Cranview Gelbvieh........................................55, 74
Maple Hill Farm................................................... 61
Thorstenson Gelbvieh...................................22, 75
Cunningham, Ronn............................................ 77
Markes Family Farms..............................28, 47, 57
TJB Gelbvieh........................................................ 29
Danell Diamond Six Ranch................................ 62
Martens Gelbvieh..........................................39, 74
Treble W Ranch................................................... 58
DDM Gelbvieh..................................................... 61
Martin Cattle Company................................47, 57
Triple H Farms..................................................... 74
Diamond L Farms............................................... 57
Mattison Family Farm........................................ 74
Triple K Gelbvieh...........................................33, 71
Diamond V Gelbvieh.......................................... 71
Middle Creek Farms.....................................26, 62
Twin Peaks Gelbvieh........................................... 44
Dobson Ranch..................................................... 64
Miller Gelbvieh..............................................57, 73
Volek Ranch...................................................27, 75
Dromgoole’s Heaven........................................... 57
Mills’ Diamond M Ranch................................... 45
Warner Beef Genetics ........................................ 83
Eagle Pass Ranch................................................. 75
Mitchell Marketing Service................................ 77
White Oak Farms................................................ 72
Ellison Gelbvieh & Angus Ranch...................... 75
MLM Gelbvieh..................................................... 72
Wildwood Acres.................................................. 61
Flying H Genetics..........................................72, 84
Mulroy Farms....................................................... 71
Wilkinson Gelbvieh............................................ 62
Gelbvieh Bull Barn........................................41, 77
Murray Farms...................................................... 10
Wolf Gelbvieh...................................................... 72
Gelbvieh Profit Partners..................................... 51
NILE Gelbvieh Show & Sale............................... 34
Yoder’s Prairie Acres.....................................46, 61
Golden Buckle Gelbvieh.................................... 74
Nowack Cattle Company.................................... 47
Green Hills Gelbvieh........................................... 58
Overmiller Gelbvieh........................................... 24
GS Ridge Top Ranch.....................................39, 74
Pearson Cattle Co................................................ 65
Gustin’s Diamond D Gelbvieh........................... 74
Plateau Gelbvieh............................................49, 62
HAGA Show Me Sale.......................................... 38
Pope Farms Gelbvieh.......................................... 72
Hampton Cattle Company...........................47, 58
Post Rock Cattle Company............................9, 71
Harriman, Bob..................................................... 71
Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance.................................... 25
Hart Farm Gelbvieh......................................19, 71
Prairie Hills Gelbvieh....................................42, 43
80 | OCTOBER 2015
The Profitpicture | 81
Balancer® cattle make money.
Close outs from a recent group of raised heifers prove it. Performance Data for 50 Heifers
• Pay Wgt out: 1,298 lbs. • HCY: 63.89% • HCW: 829 lbs.
• ADG: 3.47 lbs. • DMC: 5.84 • PR: 16.7%
• CH: 83.3% • CAB: 53% • 100% Choice or better
Jeff Swanson
308/337-2235 • 308/991-0727 (C) 10908 724 Rd. • Oxford, NE 68967 swansoncattleco@yahoo.com
82 | OCTOBER 2015
WARNER BEEF GENETICS
. . . here for you when reality sets in Every year we as producers evaluate our program and start to make the marketing decision some may realize that your straightbred calves leave dollars on the table. Pounds equal profits and Warner Beef Genetics offers pounds. Our top six herdsires rank in the top 30% of the breed in the top five traits for commercial cattlemen profitability: CALVING EASE, WEANING WEIGHT, YEARLING WEIGHT, RIBEYE AREA AND MARBLING. Visit anytime and make plans to attend the annual bull sale the first Tuesday in March and the annual female sale the first Saturday in October.
Committed to Cattlemen. WARNER BEEF GENETICS Dan and Kate Warner 42198 Road 721, Arapahoe, NE 68922 Dan Warner: 308.962.6511 Monte Warner: 308.962.6136 Darren Warner: 308.824.2950
The Profitpicture | 83
Celebrate Your Success REWARD YOURSELF... Invest in Superior Genetics with . . . ✦ Guaranteed Calving Ease and... ✦ Guaranteed disposition, soundness and structure and... ✦ Grown On Grass/Fescue adapted bulls and... ✦ Complimenting genetics and heterosis to produce superior cattle and more profits generating more success!
66
years experience producing superior cattle and taking care of cattlemen!
Call, Text or order on line at flyinghgenetics. com for your free sale book!
SELLING 110 AGE ADVANTAGED BULLS
OCT. 24TH AT THE BULL BARN BALANCER®
6 MILES EAST OF BUTLER, MO ON HWY 52.
FUSIONTM
e
fescu
The Tradition Continues...
SIMANGUSTM
ANGUS
FLYING H GENETICS Aaron Ishmael, MO 417.309.0062 Cody & Casie Helms, MO, NE 303.842.9071 Kyle & Kayla Helms, NE 308.962.6940 Dick and Bonnie Helms 308.962.6500
GELBVIEH | BALANCER ® | SIMANGUS TM | SIMMENTAL | FUSION TM | ANGUS
84 | OCTOBER 2015
www.flyinghgenetics.com