October 2023 Gelbvieh World

World GELBVIEH

TJB Gelbvieh has stayed committed to producing functional, attractive, sound, useful bulls with a herd focus on fertility, udder quality, foot quality, disposition, and structural integrity. For more than 35 years, we have resisted the latest fads and quick-fix gimmicks to produce BALANCED cattle. Zero tolerance of any failure has produced results.

TODD, ALISA, & KATELYN BICKETT, BO & KELSIE WILSON Chickamauga, GA // Todd’s Cell: (423) 667-3799

Cody Maddox, Cattle Mgr. (423) 802-8347 // Rusty Hays, Farm Mgr. (423) 802-5972 tjbgelbvieh.com

TJB Gelbvieh Annual Bull Sale // Hosted In Person & Online // Selling 65 Black & Red Bulls

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 21 of the past 25 years (1998-2022) as the breeds #1 Dam of Merit/Dam of Distinction breeder and owner. Plus cows that produced 291 bulls that sold in our March bull sale, with an 78 lb. average birth weight/856 lb. actual weaning weight off dams!

Please join us on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Ranch when 175–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 born and raised.

Call Cattlemen’s Connection Toll-Free 1-800-743-0026 for your sale catalog. Catalog online at www.juddranch.com “The

THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN IMPROVING YOUR BOTTOM LINE

06.

FIVE REASONS YOU NEED TO ATTEND NATIONAL CONVENTION

EMBRYO HOW TO: LOCATE, RECORD, REGISTER

WELCOMING A NEW BEGINNING DON’T WAIT, TEST EARLY!

CREATING URGENCY BEFORE CRISIS BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

by Laura Handke by Megan Underwood, M.S.

View from the Board by Lori Maude

Registry Tips N’ Tricks by Jake W. Renner, M.S.

Junior Connection by Drew Stock

Data Bulletin by Meg Vanderbur

2333 1001 S. 70th St., Ste. 215 • Lincoln, NE 68510

American Gelbvieh Association @americangelbvieh

ASSOCIATION STAFF

19.

08. 14. 26.

20. 37.

AGA NATIONAL CONVENTION

2024 AGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATE INTRODUCTIONS

INFO EXCHANGE WELLSANDT ANNOUNCED AS AMERICAN GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION FALL INTERN AGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

MEGAN SLATER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR megans@gelbvieh.org

TOM STRAHM COMMERCIAL MARKETING DIRECTOR tom@gelbvieh.org

JAKE RENNER, M.S. MEMBER & YOUTH ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR jake@gelbvieh.org

MEGAN UNDERWOOD, M.S. COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR meganunderwood@gelbvieh.org

SARAH MUMM PERFORMANCE PROGRAMS COORDINATOR sarah@gelbvieh.org

MALERIE MARKLEY MULTIMEDIA COORDINATOR malerie@gelbvieh.org

MEG VANDERBUR DATA SERVICES COORDINATOR meganv@gelbvieh.org

LAURA HANDKE COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACTOR laura@gelbvieh.org

MARGO MCKENDREE OFFICE OPERATIONS COORDINATOR margo@gelbvieh.org

SHIANNA BRADLEY OFFICE SERVICES SPECIALIST registry@gelbvieh.org

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

LORI MAUDE, PRESIDENT HERMOSA, S.D. • 303.809.3789 lori.maude@gmail.com

DAN MCCARTY, VICE PRESIDENT RIFLE, COLO. • 970.481.5217 mccartycattle@hotmail.com

EVENTS OF INTEREST

WILLIAM M C CINTOSH, TREASURER GEORGETOWN, KY. • 502.867.3132 wambb@aol.com

DEREK MARTIN, SECRETARY BUCKLIN, KAN. • 620.397.6752 dmartin@kinsleyfeeders.com

DIRECTORS

DUSTIN AHERIN PARKVILLE, MO. • 785.302.1252 dgaherin@gmail.com

TODD BICKETT, DVM CHICKAMAUGA, GA. • 423.667.3799 todd@bickettgenetics.com

ZACK BUTLER MILTON, TENN. • 615.308.8628 butlercreek1952@aol.com

CORY VOSS BRUNING, NEB. • 402.768.8177 cvos98@gmai.com

MARK COVINGTON MONTROSE, COLO. • 970.209.1956 covinginc@hotmail.com

GARY FELGER LOHMAN, MO. • 573.782.3737 garyfelger@hotmail.com

GREGG HARTMAN PUEBLO, COLO. • 719.948.4415 grhartman@hotmail.com

JEFF LOVELESS SPANISH FORK, UTAH • 801.623.8308 olranch@aol.com

TOM VEHIGE BILLINGS, MO. • 417.444.2268 tbarscattle@gmail.com

DAVID LARSON CLEARBROOK, MINN. • 218.766.3323 david.larson.lrl@gmail.com

BRENT OVERMILLER SMITH CENTER, KAN. • 785.282.0485 brento4532@hotmail.com

FROM THE CORNER OFFICE THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN IMPROVING YOUR BOTTOM LINE

by Megan Slater, Executive Director

With an ever-growing global population, the demand for high-quality beef continues to rise. Amidst this demand, the key to ensuring the sustainability and profitability of an operation not only lies in efficient production methods but also in the power of education. Today’s beef industry is fast-paced and rapidly evolving, making embracing education an important part of improving an operation’s bottom line. From cattle management techniques to the latest advancements in nutrition and technology, education can help equip producers with the tools they need to optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall profitability.

With cutting-edge technologies, scientific innovations, and more data-driven decisions, staying educated within the industry helps to bridge the gap between age-old practices and the demands of the 21st century.

Making an effort to attend just one conference a year or a few occasional webinars can go a long way in keeping up with industry technologies that are being developed, or even those that are already available, and learning more about the importance of their adoption and the real-world value available to the producers who utilize those technologies. One example of this is genomic testing, which has been widely used in the beef industry for well over a decade. The adoption of this technology continues to increase by not only seedstock producers but also commercial cattlemen as they learn the benefits of the increased information provided on the cattle they are buying and selling. It is evident within the AGA’s sale price analysis that more and more producers value cattle that have genomic-enhanced EPDs (GE-EPDs). During the spring 2023 sale season,

animals with GE-EPDs averaged $979 more than animals that did not have GE-EPDs. This is one example of how keeping up with industry technologies can pay off. Education on topics such as these empowers producers to harness the potential of technology, optimize resource utilization, and make informed decisions that enhance operational efficiency.

You may be thinking, that learning about all this stuff is great, but who has the time? For many producers, cattle ranching may not be a full-time job and they have off-the-ranch jobs to support their families and operations. For those who ranch full-time, finding labor to work on the operation may be a struggle. Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” We are fortunate within this industry that education is all around us. Whether a part of an in-person event such as industry conventions and symposiums, or offered through online webinars, there is so much opportunity to embrace making education an important part of your operation. Outside of the traditional presentation format, there are numerous industry podcasts, publications, online newsletters, etc. that provide helpful industry education right at your fingertips.

I hope you were able to join us last month as the AGA hosted a genomics webinar with Dr. Matt Spangler, beef genetics specialist at the University of NebraskaLincoln. Dr. Spangler discussed how genomics are helping to improve the U.S. Cowherd and his insights on the merits of collecting genomic information. If you missed the webinar, the recording is available on Gelbvieh.org under the News & Media tab.

I would also like to extend an invitation to our 53rd Annual American Gelbvieh

Association National Convention to be held in Omaha, Nebraska, November 29 through December 1. During the convention, we’ll host our 8th annual Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup which will feature industry-leading speakers discussing topics important to the beef industry and the producer’s bottom line. This educational symposium is open to all members and commercial customers and will be an afternoon full of insightful presentations and an opportunity for a question-and-answer session with the speakers. More information on that event will be available on Gelbvieh.org.F

VIEW FROM THE BOARD FIVE REASONS YOU NEED TO ATTEND NATIONAL CONVENTION

by Lori Maude, AGA President

Fall is admittedly one of my favorite times of the year. It is a crazy busy time of the year with harvest, weaning and making those final decisions on replacement heifers. The best part of fall is seeing how those breeding decisions from the previous year came to fruition.

Registration for the 53rd annual American Gelbvieh Association National Convention is available on the AGA website. I encourage you to register for the event. Here are my five top reasons you need to be in Omaha, Nov. 29 – Dec. 1.

1. NETWORKING

The seedstock cattle business is truly a people business. It isn’t just about raising great quality cattle with the right phenotype and genotype. Real success comes with creating relationships with current and future buyers, and that includes your fellow Gelbvieh breeders. The national convention is a perfect time to meet other people who share the same interest—Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle.

2. INDUSTRY TRENDS

The AGA staff does a great job of inviting industry leaders to speak during the convention about trends in the beef

industry and where things are headed. As seedstock producers, we are a critical element in the success of our customers. We need to be aware of and work hard to produce cattle that provide the genetics that our customers need to meet industry demand. If we don’t continue to improve genetic traits, like marbling, then we are on the fast track to irrelevancy.

3. GRASSROOTS IDEAS

Committee meetings are a forum to learn about what is going on in the association, ask questions about programs, and share ideas on how to improve those programs. During the 11 years I worked for AGA, some of the best ideas started in committee meetings. As members, we should take an active interest in the work and help our AGA staff provide the best programs possible for us and our commercial customers.

4. MEET THE AGA STAFF

Convention is an excellent opportunity to meet the AGA staff in-person and get to know them. It helps to put a name with a face when you are calling the office for assistance. We have a full staff for the first time in several years and they continue to work hard for the membership.

5. LEADERS OF TOMORROW

In this issue of Gelbvieh World you will find the biographies of the candidates running for five spots on the AGA board of directors. We have four AGA directors who have served six years on the board of directors and will be retiring from the board this year. Thank you to Dustin Aherin, Jeff Loveless, Dan McCarty and Derek Martin for their dedication and passion to the Gelbvieh breed and its membership. Please attend the annual meeting and listen to what these candidates have to say and their vision for the breed. Your votes are important and can influence the direction of the breed for years to come. If you can’t attend, then I encourage you to request an absentee ballot from the AGA office.

Those are my top five reasons you need to be in Omaha in November. We are very centrally located this year for the national convention; it is drivable for the majority of our membership. Your involvement and participation is needed to drive the breed forward and shape our influence in the beef industry. I hope to see you in Omaha in November.F

WELCOME BABY AHERIN

Tanner and Darby Aherin of Valley Center, Kansas, welcomed Hallie Mae Aherin on May 24, at 7 lbs., 7 oz., and 19.5 inches long. Hallie was born happy and healthy. She’s already looking forward to attending her first Junior Nationals!

GELBVIEH WORLD SUCCESSFUL AT AG MEDIA SUMMIT

Gelbvieh World received honors in the Livestock Publications Council Awards Contest at the Ag Media Summit in Palm Springs, California. Honors include the first place 1-Color, Full Page Ad with the Cow Power Female Genotyping Project, and an honorable mention for the 2022 AGJA Crossroads Classic logo design.

WELCOME BABY TAUBENHEIM

Heston Michael Taubenheim was born June 27. Heston is the son of Justin and Janelle Taubenheim of Amherst, Nebraska. Heston was welcomed home by his big siblings Turner, Callaway and Haven. Proud grandparents are Mike and Renee Taubenheim, Mitch and Barb (Tony Hayek) Wieben, Dale and Jeannette Taubenheim, and Maxine Erpedling. Taubenheim

Gelbvieh is excited for the newest member of their operation!

DUE OCTOBER 25: JIMMY CHRISTOPHER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Each year the Jimmy Christopher Memorial Scholarship awards up to two $1,000 scholarships to deserving applicants that reside east of the Mississippi River. The recipients have traditionally been announced during the Gelbvieh and Balancer® events at the North American International Livestock Exposition. Visit the AGJA Scholarship page under the Juniors section on Gelbvieh.org to download the scholarship applications. Applications are due October 25, 2023, and should be sent to the American Gelbvieh Junior Association, Attn: Jake Renner, at 1001 S. 70th Street, Suite 215, Lincoln, Nebraska 68510, or applications can be submitted electronically by emailing jake@gelbvieh.org.

ENTER YOUR SUBMISSION INTO THE AGA PHOTO CONTEST

We are currently accepting entries into the annual AGA photo contest. Submit photos of bulls, cows, calving and calves, out to pasture, working cattle, sale season and show ring. The top three photos will be displayed at the 53rd Annual AGA

National Convention held November 29-December 1, 2023, in Omaha, Nebraska. The photos will also appear in the March issue of Gelbvieh World.

Cash Prizes for Top Winners!

1st Place - $100

2nd Place - $75

3rd Place - $50

Photo entries must be high-quality, high-resolution, color photos (smart phone photos are acceptable) and sent to gelbviehmedia@gmail.com. Please include the title of the photo, photographer’s name, email address and phone number. Entries are due October 31, 2023.

NATIONAL SALE CONSIGNMENT OPPORTUNITIES

AGA members interested in consigning animals to the 2024 Gelbvieh and Balancer® National Sale should contact Matt Sims, sale manager, at (405) 641-6081 or matt@mcsauction. com, or Tom Strahm, AGA commercial marketing director, at (785) 547-7999 or tom@gelbvieh.org, for more information. The National Sale will be held during Cattlemen’s Congress on Monday, January 1.

Visit the 2024 National Show & Sale page on Gelbvieh.org for more information.

PARTICIPATE IN THE 2024 AGF STEER CHALLENGE AND SCALE AND RAIL CONTEST

The American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) is currently accepting entries for the upcoming Steer Challenge and Scale and Rail Contest. Steers should be delivered December 1115, 2023, to Kinsley Feeders, located near Kinsley, Kansas. For more information, please visit the AGF Projects page on Gelbvieh.org, or contact Tom Strahm at 785-547-7999 or email tom@gelbvieh.org

The AGF continues to help advance the Gelbvieh breed through its support of research and development. For this reason, the AGF continues its Steer Challenge and Scale & Rail Contest. These two projects together will provide the information and funds necessary to generate data sets to advance Gelbvieh carcass merit.

NEW MEMBERS

The AGA would like to welcome new members to the AGA and AGJA!

AGA

Brushy Ridge Farms, Quebeck, Tenn.

Whiskey Creek Livestock, Barnesville, Minn.

Piddlin’ Acres, Greensburg, Ky.

Nierman Cattle Company, Brownstown, Ind.

LW Grass Mowers, Oologah, Okla.

David DeBaca, Tuscon, Ariz.

Gib Zahren, Lake Park, Iowa

AGJA

Hayden Jax Myrick, Biscoe, N.C.

Jayden Petersillie, Rush Center, Kan.

Chip Andrew Daniels, Queen City, Mo.

Caleb Davis, Zebulon, N.C.

Eli Allen, Linneus, Mo.

Colin Keith Hickman, Perkinston, Miss.

For assistance in marketing or purchasing Gelbvieh, Balancer® or Southern Balancer™ cattle, contact:

REGISTRY TIPS N’ TRICKS EMBRYO HOW TO: LOCATE, RECORD, REGISTER

by Jake W. Renner, M.S.

Technology within the agriculture industry continues to surpass anything we could have ever imagined. Embryo work is without a doubt one of those advances we continue to see more people utilizing year after year. For this reason, it’s important for each of our members to not only know how, but why, we record those embryos in the Online Registry Service. Whether you are collecting, selling or buying embryos, the data collection and reporting process on ET calves starts with the Embryo Inventory.

The AGA Online Registry Service allows members to add embryos to their inventory as collected and stored for their use, or for sale. There are multiple benefits to recording the future of your herd or business ventures in your

embryo inventory like accessibility to the inventory, catching potential dams/sires that do not meet the DNA requirements, transferring to buyers and more.

TO FIND THE EMBRYO INVENTORY:

1. Log in to your account within the online registry system

2. Select “Herd Mgmt” on the left hand side

3. From the dropdown menu, select “Breeding”

4. Find and select the green arrow beside “Embryo Inv”

If it’s the first time you’ve heard there was such an option on the online registry, chances are that your inventory is empty unless embryos have been transferred into your account by another AGA member. To add embryos into your inventory that have been collected from female(s) within your active herd:

1. From the Embryo Inventory Page, select “Add new Embryo”

2. A new screen will appear asking for the following required information: Sire’s Registration Number, Dam’s, Registration Number, Flush Date.

3. After entering the data, select “Find these”

(It is important to remember that registration numbers should always include a capital AMGV, and no space, between the numbers when recording data; AMGV1234567.)

After the information above has been entered, a new screen will appear asking for more detailed information on the embryos you wish to store in your digital inventory. You should see the animal details on both the dam and sire from the previous screen including reg. no, tattoo and name. Depending on how organized

you wish to be, you have the opportunity to enter the following details, but the only required details are marked with an asterix (*):

• Cane Code

• Flush Date (entered from previous screen)

• Quantity*

• Tank

• Cannister

• Exportable

Once these details have been entered, simply select “Save Inventory” to be sent back to your inventory screen. The previous steps must be done for each mating of embryos you wish to store within your digital inventory.

How do I know if my females, or sires, meet the DNA requirements to qualify as such?

There are multiple areas within the AGA Online Registry Service to decipher if an animal meets the DNA requirements to serve as a donor female or AI sire. For the sake of this month’s issue, we’ll focus on donor dam requirements. However, it is important to remember that AI sires and donor females have the same requirements.

FROM YOUR EMBRYO INVENTORY:

It is very simple to tell if the embryos you’ve entered will run into any hiccups when registering the ET calves for your use, or a customer. If the female and sire used have “Donor Permit on File” in green, she’s good to go! If she is not, it will read “No Donor Permit for this cow;”.

FROM THE ANIMAL’S DETAIL SCREEN:

Look to the rows of tabs running horizontally through her screen and locate the tab that reads “DNA”.

There is always the chance that a donor female has had previous testing done so it’s important that we focus on looking for specific details. From her (potential) list of DNA testing, we want to see if under the “Request” column she has “Donor Dam”. If she does not or does not have testing that meets the current requirements, the female has not begun the process to qualify as a donor female

and must do so before ET calves can be registered from her. If she does, have “Donor Dam” under the request column we look to the right and make sure that she has qualified to both her sire and dam. If she has, it will have their registration numbers followed by a “Q” for Qualified. The final detail a female must have on her DNA profile is to be free of all four genetic conditions that AGA monitors: AM, DD, OS and NH. If all four say “FREE”, she’s ready to go!

If just beginning the qualification process for a potential donor (or AI sire) they must be ran for the Option 1: 100K test (which comes with parentage markers), and a full conditions panel. If a parent of a donor does not have DNA on file, we ask that they be ran for a simple $15

parentage test. If deceased, a DNA waiver process is available by request with a $100 fee.

REGISTERING AN ET CALF:

Registering an ET calf is no different than registering a natural service or AI calf within the registry with the exception of a few key areas:

1. The Embryos must be recorded in your inventory before the registry will allow a calf to be committed from such flush.

2. Your service type on the specific calf must be ET; provided in the Service Type dropdown.

3. The Flush Date and Transfer date, located to the far right of the birth recording queue, must be entered identically to the record from your Embryo Inventory.

4. All DNA must be completed for both the dam and sire of the ET calf.

5. Recip dam details are optional but encouraged for proper record keeping purposes.

If you have any questions about potential donors, DNA testing, or recording embryos into your inventory please call the office at 303.465.2333 or email registry@gelbvieh.org and we would be more than happy to assist you.F

JUNIOR CONNECTION WELCOMING A NEW BEGINNING

by Drew Stock, AGJA Treasurer

Picture this: you are a brand new family to the whole show thing and it is your first year showing anything outside of a bucket calf. So, what do you do? Go to Junior Nationals, of course. So that is just what we did, loaded up and headed to Rochester, Minnesota. Though I do not remember everything that happened that first year or how I placed. What I do remember is the great family atmosphere that the Gelbvieh breed is and how everyone offered it to us.

For new members about to join in this great Gelbvieh family, I hope your first show is a great experience and you meet friends and make friendships that last a lifetime. For those of you who just attended your first classic this past summer, I hope the desire and drive to come next year sticks with you. There are countless things that you can do with our breed so get ready. When I first started, I did not think that going to major shows was ever going to be an opportunity for me, or attending conferences on behalf of our great breed, let alone flying to Phoenix, Arizona, to participate in a leadership conference with a hundred juniors from seven other breeds. These

opportunities are great ways to build up a large set of skills to be used later in your life and hopefully, in the future, there are even more opportunities for you to grow your skills at other leadership conferences hosted by the Gelbvieh breed or others.

If you are not old enough to attend a conference yet but could see yourself wanting to run for the junior board or wanting to be the junior ambassador; now is the perfect time to start. Every connection you make when you are younger is a possible vote further down the road. Just getting yourself out at junior classic and regionals makes you a more recognizable name for everyone when it comes to running for the board. The old saying “It is not what you know, it is who you know” can come into play. So, if you get the chance to talk to everyone, you never know what could come from these conversations. Those skills that you gained talking to everyone can also come into play when you are looking for jobs and internships when you get further down the road and into college or you might get a piece of advice that finds itself being useful.

For those of you who just competed in your last classic as a junior member, I hope you made friends and connections that last for your lifetime. You always know you are welcome to come back to talk, have some laughs, and pass on the knowledge that you have learned for those who came before you and those who follow should be doing as well. Your wealth of knowledge is always something that new members are striving to learn. So, if you receive a random call from a junior that’s wanting some advice give them some of your time and just give them a listen. You never know maybe you will end up being the person who is doing some learning in that conversation.

No matter what your Gelbvieh story was or what you are going to make it – when your time comes to an end as a junior, you will always be able to say that you came from the Gelbvieh family. You should always know that no matter what you are always welcome to come back to see old friends and hopefully bring new family members and juniors to have some of the best years of their life.F

The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is excited to announce the hiring of Sydney Wellsandt, Unadilla, Nebraska, as the AGA fall intern. In her internship, Wellsandt will be assisting in all aspects of AGA operations including member programs and services support, member education, and preparation for the 53rd Annual AGA National Convention and AGA National Show activities.

“Throughout the fall, Sydney will gain experience will all facets of a beef breed association.” said Megan Slater, AGA executive director. “We are excited to have her joining our AGA team to assist with customer service, communications and planning our annual convention.”

Wellsandt grew up on an acreage in Unadilla, Nebraska, where she showed cattle with her sister across the state and was actively involved in her local 4-H and FFA programs. Through these activities, she grew a deeper passion for the beef industry and became dedicated to finding ways to give back to the industry. She is a junior at the University of NebraskaLincoln where she is studying Animal Science with minors in Agribusiness, Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars and Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship. She is also involved in Block and Bridle and serves on the Young Nebraska Cattlemen board of directors. Wellsandt plans to pursue a career in the beef industry where she can share her

as American Gelbvieh Association Fall Intern

passion with others and work alongside producers.

“I’ve always had an interest in breed associations and the role they play within the beef industry. I look forward to working with members of the AGA and learning how the association works with them to grow the breed,” said Wellsandt. “The team at the AGA is consistently working hard for the members and their cattle, and I’m excited to be a part of the positive impact they have on the industry.”

Wellsandt began her internship on September 8 and can be reached at intern@gelbvieh.org or at the AGA office at 303-465-2333.F

DATA BULLETIN DON’T WAIT, TEST EARLY!

by Meg Vanderbur

DNA busy season is right around the corner, and we want to give you all the tools necessary to get started on the right foot! Taking samples, placing orders and waiting for results can be time-consuming. Here are some things to consider that might help you during this process.

SAMPLE TYPES

Each type of DNA sample is pulled and handled a little differently on the farm. There are some of the differences to be aware of which can seen in the chart below. Each type of sample also goes through a different process once it arrives at the lab. Both blood and hair samples must go through some pre-processing steps to prepare the samples for testing. These steps make blood and hair sample types a bit less inefficient when running through the lab and this is reflected in turnaround times compared to the TSU sample.

DNA TEST SELECTION

Deciding on which tests to run can be tough. Each test offers a unique end result. Here is a breakdown of the tests we offer to our members and why they might be the best option for you.

Blood Samples -Can be pulled from anywhere on the animal

-Two most common locations are the ear and under the tail

Hair Samples

-Pull hair from the tail switch

• GGP-100K ($48): This is the highestlevel genomic test the association offers. This test will provide you with a high density panel, genomically enhanced EPDs and parentage qualification. Due to the higher number of markers provided from the 100K, this is the genomic test that the association requires of herd sires, AI sires, and donor dams.

• GGP-uLD ($30): This is the lowest level genomic test that the association offers, and it MUST be run on a tissue sample. This test will provide you with an ultra-low profile on file with us, genomically enhanced EPDs and parentage qualification. This test is recommended for replacement heifer selection.

• Parentage Markers ($15): This test provides you with a basic marker profile on file with us and parentage qualification.

• Coat Color ($15): This test will tell you if your animal is homozygous black. This test can be added to the GGP-100K test for a reduced price of $6.

1. Restrain the animal.

2. Locate blood vessel and clean the area.

3. Collect blood sample with clean syringe or blood tube.

4. Place 2-3 drops of blood on the blood card.

5. Allow card to dry for 24 hours before closing.

1. Restrain the animal.

2. Pull hair from the tail switch in the opposite direction from which the hair is laying.

3. Check that hair is free of contamination (dirt, manure, etc.).

4. Ensure that there are between 50-60 visible hair follicles.

5. Place root end of the hair sample into the hair card, close the card, and trim the excess hair.

Tissue Samples

-Take a tissue punch from the ear

1. Restrain the animal.

2. Clean the ear.

3. Load the tissue sampling unit (TSU) into the applicator.

4. Slide the applicator over the animal’s ear and position the cutter of the TSU in a place that avoids any obvious blood vessels.

5. Squeeze the applicator handles together, release to free the ear, and check TSU to ensure successful punch.

• Horned/Polled ($39): This test will tell you if your animal is homozygous polled. This test can be added to the GGP-100K test for a reduced price of $29.

• Conditions Panel ($40): This test will tell you if your animal is free of the four conditions that the association monitors for (AM, DD, NH and OS). This test can be added to the GGP100K test for a reduced price of $30.

• BVD-PI ($5): This test detect individuals who are persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea.

• Diluter ($6): This test will tell you if your animal is positive for the diluter gene.

• Tenderness ($6): This test will provide you with a tenderness score for your animal. This test can only be purchased as an add-on with the GGP-100K.

DNA testing results can take 4-6 weeks. AGA recommends allowing plenty of them for potential parentage exclusions, re-processing samples and even failed samples. Starting the process early can help to ensure that your tests are a success! F

-Contamination

-Not enough blood on the card for testing

-Sample was not dry before the card was closed

-Contamination

-Not enough hair follicles in the card for testing

-Contamination

-Missing tissue punch/Not enough tissue

-Missing TSU buffer

Flying H Genetics

Fall Bull & Female Sale

Siresrepresented:

Notice of the 53rd American Gelbvieh Association Annual Meeting

Pursuant to Article VII, Paragraph A (2), of the bylaws of the American Gelbvieh Association, this serves as the official notice and call of the annual membership meeting.

The annual meeting will be held on Friday, December 1, commencing at 10:00 a.m. The location for the 2023 annual meeting is at the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District located at 222 N 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68102. The meeting will be held during the American Gelbvieh Association National Convention.

The purpose of the meeting shall be the election of directors to fill the offices of those directors whose terms are expiring, or which are presently vacant, to ratify the previous actions of the board of directors, and for the transaction of other business as may properly come before the meeting. AGA members in good standing are eligible to participate at the 53rd AGA Annual Meeting.

The nominating committee’s official announcement of the slate of nominees to fill five positions on the AGA board of directors may be found on page 20 of this October Gelbvieh World along with their personal profiles. Further nominations may be accepted from the floor during the annual meeting prior to the election of the AGA board of directors.

Convention Registration Information

Online convention registration for the 53rd Annual American Gelbvieh Association National Convention is available on Gelbvieh.org. Visit the Convention page under the membership section for the link to register. Early convention registration price is $150/adult, $100/junior (ages 6-21), and children five and under are free. Early convention registration ends November 1. After this time, prices will increase to $175/adult and $125/junior (ages 6-21), so be sure to register early for the discounted pricing! Online registration will remain open until November 22. On-site registration will be available at convention.

Hotel Reservations

Ablock of rooms is available at the headquarters hotel, The Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District, at the rate of $149.00/night plus tax. Reservations can be made online using the link available on the AGA Convention page on Gelbvieh.org. Rooms should be reserved by November 6 to receive group pricing.

Any member who is unable to attend the AGA annual meeting may request an absentee ballot by phone, email, or fax for election of directors. To obtain an absentee ballot, a member must submit his or her request for an absentee ballot, to the American Gelbvieh Association office (1001 S. 70th Street, Suite 215 Lincoln, NE 68510) not more than 60 days (October 2, 2023) nor less than 10 business days (November 16, 2022) prior to the annual meeting. Any member that requests an absentee ballot must be in good standing with the Association at least sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting. Ballots must be returned to the AGA office by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 27, 2023, to be counted at the annual meeting during the AGA board of directors election to be held Friday, December 1, 2023.

Sincerely,

Megan Slater Executive Director American Gelbvieh Association

Attendees registered by the November 1 early registration deadline will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a free year of membership. All individuals registered for convention by November 1, 2023, will automatically be placed into a drawing for a chance to win. The drawing will take place at the kick-off reception event on Wednesday evening. Those entered must be present to win.

The hotel is located at 222 N 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102. The Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District is located just steps from a wealth of dining and entertainment options.

Seven Candidates Vie for Five Seats on the AGA Board of Directors

The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) nominating committee recommends the following seven candidates to fill the five open positions on the AGA board of directors. Additional nominations may be accepted from the floor during the annual meeting.

Greg “Bubba” Anderson, North Carolina

Troy Frobes, South Dakota

William McIntosh, Kentucky (seeking re-election)

Kathleen Rankin, Montana

Mark Stock, Iowa

Justin

Dan

Taubenheim, Nebraska

Warner, Nebraska

The election for the AGA board of directors will take place during the AGA Annual Meeting at 10:00 a.m. CST on Friday, December 1, 2023, during the 53rd Annual AGA National Convention in Omaha, Nebraska.

Any member who is unable to attend the AGA annual meeting may request an absentee ballot by phone, email or fax for election of directors. Further instructions on requesting an absentee ballot can be found in the annual meeting notice on page 20 of this October Gelbvieh World.

Greg "Bubba" Anderson

y name is Greg “Bubba” Anderson, and I am grateful for this opportunity to run for the AGA board of directors. I live in Marion, North Carolina, and am a fourth-generation cattle owner on our family farm. In 1990, we had our first Gelbvieh calf and have been committed to the Gelbvieh breed ever since. I am a big supporter of the American Gelbvieh Junior Association as I have seen firsthand all it has done for my daughter, Molly. We have attended seven Junior Classics together and I have been to 19 on my own.

I worked for North Carolina State University for 10 years, five years as field faculty working with livestock producers and youth livestock programs in western North Carolina, and give years on campus working with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Ag Foundation. Now, along with Todd Hodgers, I operate Locust Hill Cattle Company, a 200+ head herd of Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle. Besides Gelbiveh Junior Nationals, we exhibit our cattle in Kansas City, Louisville and

NORTH CAROLINA

MOklahoma City, and market our cattle through consignment sales as well as our annual production sale in February on the farm in Pelham, North Carolina.

Given the opportunity to serve, I want to continue to support the AGA as a whole, and especially the AGJA. I have seen firsthand that Gelbvieh cattle are gaining market share in the southeast and would like to assist in a marketing plan to help facilitate the growth of Gelbvieh cattle throughout the country. With my experience with the North Carolina State Ag Foundation, I feel that I have a lot to offer to help grow the American Gelbvieh Foundation and expand all of the worthwhile projects that they fund. I sincerely appreciate your support and I look forward to seeing you in Omaha.

Troy Forbes

irst off, I’d like to say that it is an honor to be asked to run for the AGA board of directors. I have been involved in the Gelbvieh breed since the late 1990s. We were looking for a way to get more growth out of our Angus influenced cows but also increase maternal ability, we were drawn to the Gelbvieh breed after visiting with Jack Clark of Aberdeen, South Dakota. My dad bought two bulls and I talked Jack out of a few cows beginning a 25 year journey that has been tremendously rewarding.

My wife, Pam, and I have three children Wyatt, Cody and Jaycie. They are the seventh generation to be involved in our operation which was homesteaded in 1885. Our ranch sits on the east ridge of the James River Valley and is in a transition area from farming to ranching. We run a herd of about 70 registered cows and run about 30 commercial cows that we use as recips. We also have a large band of commercial whiteface ewes. I am a distributor for Genex as well, where I run liquid nitrogen routes and provide arm service throughout a substantial piece of eastern South Dakota. We market bulls private treaty and also sell a few heifers for junior projects each fall.

SOUTH DAKOTA

FI was raised in a small community and taught the importance of community service. I’ve tried to instill that sense in my kids and am very proud of the fact all three of them have served on the AGJA board of directors. I am an advocate for the junior program as I’ve seen the impact it makes on young people in our industry.

As someone who spends a lot of time visiting with commercial breeders of all sizes as well as several prominent seedstock producers, through semen sales and nitrogen routes, I believe I bring an educated perspective as far as industry direction. The industry buzzword at this time is marbling and while I think we need to continue to move the needle in that direction, we also need to celebrate and promote the traits that make this breed great. When the herd expansion starts, I believe we are in a tremendous position to take market share from other breeds, and I will push to promote the fact we’ve got the most versatile cow in the industry. This breed has always been and continues to be commercially focused and as a board member, I will keep that as my main focus.

I would be very honored to be given the chance to give back to the Gelbvieh breed by being elected to the board. I will always make decisions with the good of the breed first and foremost.

William McIntosh KENTUCKY

t’s hard to believe that it has been three years since I ran for the board. It has been a great three years and it feels like we have accomplished a lot in that time. It is indeed an honor to represent the AGA members as a board member and treasurer.

My wife, Carrie, and I live in Georgetown, Kentucky, where my brother, Steve, and I own and operate McIntosh Brothers, a registered Gelbvieh and Balancer seedstock operation. Steve and I purchased our first Gelbvieh cattle in 1989 and in that

Itime, we have been active in both the Kentucky and American Gelbvieh Associations.

From the early age of 14, I developed a passion for the breed. I am a charter member and past president of the Kentucky Gelbvieh Association. In 1995, I served as vice president of the American Gelbvieh Junior Association, where I gained a ton of knowledge and developed life-long relationships. From 20032009, Steve and I owned a stocker backgrounding operation and I worked at the local sale barn as clerk, backup auctioneer, and I did some order buying. I learned so much about the entire beef industry in those years and the importance of never overlooking the basics.

2023 AGA NATIONAL CONVENTION

Today, our primary farm income is generated by commercial Gelbvieh and Balancer bull sales. I understand what it’s like to financially depend on the cowherd to make a farm payment or equipment payment. The Gelbvieh breed is a passion, but more importantly, it’s a business. And I know from an association standpoint, the board and staff should never forget the impact their decisions can have financially on the membership. I worked as the eastern field representative for the AGA and

then later in my career as the AGA marketing coordinator. I traveled across the country meeting AGA members, commercial producers and feeders. I feel like I understand the challenges facing AGA members both large and small and am excited to address these challenges. Again, thank you to the nominating committee for the nomination to run for the AGA board of directors, and thank you for your consideration.

Kathleen Rankin MONTANA

would like to express my appreciation to the nominating committee for the opportunity to run for a position on the AGA board of directors. If elected, I will continue to promote the Gelbvieh breed from that position.

My husband, Jim Bjorkman, and I are fortunate to live in God’s Country. We operate Kicking Horse Ranch in the sweetgrass hills of north central Montana. I am the third generation working the family ranch my grandfather started in 1932. We run a seedstock operation and have historically held a production sale in March to sell performance tested bulls and open heifers. We also sell bred heifers in several consignment sales. We run in some rough country so our cattle are run as commercial cattle with no special treatment.

My first experience with Gelbvieh was in my early teens. We were trying all the “exotics” that were available through AI on our base herd of Hereford and Red Angus crosses. Gelbvieh proved to be the breed that gave us the dual purpose cattle we desired without having to use a terminal cross. Fullblood Gelbvieh were imported from Canada, embryo transfer was

Iused, and the entire herd was bred up to 99% Gelbvieh. Bulls were taken to various performance tests and cattle were shown at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) and Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE). We have continued selecting for calving ease and performance while maintaining high percentage Gelbvieh.

I have stayed active in the AGA by being on various committees and attending the annual meetings. I have been active in the Montana Gelbvieh Association, serving as Secretary and now President. I am the superintendent of the NILE Gelbvieh Show. We are members of the Marias River Livestock Association. We are active in the Lutheran Church of Sunburst where I am organist. I was a 4-H leader for 10 years and served three terms on the Toole County FSA County Committee.

A good many things have changed in the beef industry in the last 50 years. The AGA has been on the cutting edge of many of the technological advances which has given the membership the opportunity to stay abreast of these changes. I would consider it an honor to serve on the board and be able to contribute to the continued advancement of the breed and the association.

Mark Stock IOWA

Hello, my name is Mark Stock, and it was humbling to be asked by several Gelbvieh breeders to run for an AGA board of directors

seat. If elected, I plan to work within our breed to prove that Gelbvieh is the best choice of the continental breeds for commercial cattlemen to use in their crossbreeding programs to affect their operation’s bottom line.

My wife, Stacy, and I live in the scenic, driftless region of northeast Iowa, only 20 miles from Minnesota and Wisconsin. We have been members of the American Gelbvieh Association since 2005. Our children, Duel, Danielle (Dani), and Drew, grew up showing in many AGJA Classic shows and even served on the AGJA board of directors. Our family operates Crooked Creek Cattle Company, which consists of approximately 180 Gelbvieh and Balancer females. We market yearling bulls and open and bred females annually, with the focus of our breeding program being maternal traits and functionality.

I served six years on the Gelbvieh Breeders of Iowa board of directors, with the last three years of my term serving as President and Vice President. I also served numerous years on our county’s Farm Bureau board and held the titles of President

and Vice President. As you can see, I am willing to serve and work for groups to benefit agriculture and the cattle industry.

I would appreciate your consideration and vote to serve you and all Gelbvieh breeds on the AGA board of directors. I’m certain you and I can agree: Gelbvieh cattle have what it takes to make the cattle industry great! Yet the word hasn’t seemed to get to the people who need to hear it the most, the commercial cattlemen who seem to believe they can only get carcass quality, muscle and calving ease from Angus or SimAngus influence. This myth must be dealt with positively, so Gelbvieh and Balancer are their first consideration, not an afterthought. Again, I would greatly appreciate your vote and hope to see many familiar faces and meet new ones in Omaha!

Justin Taubenheim NEBRASKA

am honored and humbled to be nominated as a candidate for the American Gelbvieh Association board of directors. I grew up in the Gelbvieh breed, attending every Junior National I could and serving on the AGJA board of directors for two terms. As some may know, I met my wife, Janelle, at a Gelbvieh event, and we still share the same passion for Gelbvieh cattle and the beef industry. Today, we have four children – Turner (7), Callaway (6), Haven (3), and Heston (3 months), and my hope and dream is that they will be deeply rooted in the Gelbvieh breed as well. It’s a privilege for my experience in the Gelbvieh breed to come full circle with this opportunity to serve on the adult board.

My parents and grandparents bought their first Gelbvieh cattle in the early 1980s, and demand for their genetics quickly led to the growth of our herd and the start of an annual production sale. Today, my dad, Mike, brother, Tanner, and I, along with our wives, own and operate Taubenheim Gelbvieh. It truly is a family affair with all hands on deck every day. We run 500 head of registered Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle along with an additional 150 head of commercial cattle. Our operation is multifaceted. Each spring, we promote and sell 110 performance tested bulls along with 50 bred females. Then in the summer, we sell 300 steers and heifers in the Balancer® Edge program. Those steers and heifers go to Greater Omaha

Ias non-hormone cattle, and we use the carcass data collected to make future breeding decisions within our herd.

It’s my desire to run for the AGA board of directors so I can better serve our breed and the beef industry as a whole. My experience in the industry will offer a well-rounded perspective and fresh ideas to the board. I am dedicated to giving back to the breed that has given so much to my family and I. The Gelbvieh breed has opened so many doors for me in my 32 years of life and I wish to keep that ball rolling for other families. Finally, I want to say thank you for considering me as a member of such a distinct group of people. I would greatly appreciate your vote and would consider it a high honor to serve on the AGA board of directors.

Dan Warner NEBRASKA

am Dan Warner from Arapahoe, Nebraska, My wife, Kate, and I, along with my family operate Warner Beef Genetics. We currently host two female sales and a bull sale annually, selling over 350 mostly Balancer bulls and females.

Kate and I have four children. Gentry, our oldest is currently AGJA Vice President and is studying Agricultural Education at Kansas State University. Berkley is a senior at Arapahoe High School. Kallan is a sixth grader, and our youngest, Creyton is a first grader. Each of our children have been active in agriculture and are members of the local 4-H club, FFA chapter, Nebraska Junior Gelbvieh Association and the American Gelbvieh Junior Association.

Our operation has very strong roots in the commercial cattle industry. My family has always been in the cow-calf business

Iand used Gelbvieh genetics for several years prior to expanding into the seedstock sector in the mid-1990s. Today, we still maintain a large commercial herd and primarily sell feeder cattle on video sales. Our focus is on the commercial cow-calf producer for our seedstock herd.

I am currently running for my second tenure as a director of the American Gelbvieh Association. I have previously served two terms and held the office of Vice President. I believe the association has withstood some challenging years of recent with a significant change in how business and daily activities are performed. This challenge moving forward motivates me to serve again. As they say, the only thing that is constant is change. This gives our breed an opportunity to adapt and thrive with a new cattle cycle and a strong market. Thank you fro your consideration and I would appreciate your vote.

AGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

The American Gelbvieh Association board of directors met August 18 and 19, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska. The following are highlights of the meeting and action points approved by the board.

ASSOCIATION

Approve minutes from May 2023 Zoom meeting.

INDUSTRY TOUR

The AGA board of directors toured the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (US MARC). During the tour, scientists at US MARC gave a presentation about the ongoing germplasm evaluation project, traits being evaluated and genetic trends of the different breeds, including Gelbvieh.

FINANCIALS

Year-to-date financials ending July 2023 were reviewed and approved. The board received an update from AGA’s investment advisor and investments are performing well.

The board discussed the frequency of a financial audit and voted to accept the finance committee’s recommendation that a financial audit should be conducted every five years or as needed at the discretion of the AGA board of directors. A financial review in performed in between the audit years.

The board unanimously voted to raise herd assessments to $30/female effective January 1, 2024. This increase is to help offset the continuing rising costs of doing business. AGA plans to put the income earned from this increase to work through increased marketing efforts to help expand the reach and market share of the breed.

BREED IMPROVEMENT

Over the past several months, the AGA’s breed improvement committee has been working with Dr. Bob Weaber on developing a new set of selection indexes. The board voted to accept the breed improvement committee’s recommendation for moving forward with the all-purpose index, terminal index, and maternal index. The new indexes will be discussed at the AGA National Convention in Omaha, Nebraska.

The board discussed publishing actual mature weights in the AGA registry. It was voted to publish both actual and adjusted mature weights. The AGA is now working on the calculation for adjusted mature weights which will include adjustments for cow age and body condition score.

DNA SAMPLE STORAGE

Due to an increase in the volume of DNA testing, Neogen has reached its capacity for sample storage and is no longer providing this as a free service. In response, the board voted for AGA to take all samples back from the lab and store them in-house.

TOTAL HERD REPORTING

The board had discussions regarding total herd reporting. AGA will begin sending no progeny reports in an effort to collect data on more of the assessed females in the AGA herdbook.

NATIONAL SHOW AND SALE

The AGA board voted to approve the national show committee’s recommendation to remove the national show attire requirement for open show

exhibitors. Beginning with the 2024 national show, green sweater vests are no longer required to be worn in the show ring.

The board discussed updates from the national sale committee. The committee has voted to move the start time of the national sale to 5:00 p.m. and seek sponsorships to help pay for the costs of hors d’oeuvres and drinks at the sale. Additionally, the AGA board voted to approve the recommendation from the sale committee to add rule 4 under sale expense to national sale rules, AGA reserves the right to bill any consignor for unpaid sale expenses, no sale fees, or catalog fees if such expenses/fees are not paid to sale manager within 90 days of sale.

AGA NATIONAL CONVENTION

The location for the 2024 convention was discussed. Easily accessible and centrally located were two of the main considerations for the next location. The 2024 AGA National Convention will be held in Kansas City, Missouri. F

“The Northern Maternal Focus”

Premier Offering of All Chimney Butte Ranch AI Bred Heifers

60 - AI Bred Heifers, 40 - AI Bred Cows and 35 - 18 Month Old Bulls

October 28, 2023 2:00 p.m. (cst)

St Anthony Verien Hall - St Anthony, North Dakota

Chimney Butte Ranch Production Sale

Selling 135 Purebred Gelbvieh Bull and Female Lots

18 month old bulls semen tested with 1st breeding season guarantee All females selling AI bred to

Chimney Butte Ranch

Doug and Carol Hille

Home: 701-445-7383

Cell: 701-220-2083

DCH C121 Sire: DLW Edison 6718x

A daughter sold in 2021 Sale and a daughter retained in herd

DCH D401 Sire: CCRO Carolina Leverage 3214A

1 son sold to seedstock program - 2 sons working in commericial herds

DCH A198 Sire: DCH Hille U145 Uppercut

daughter sold in 2022 production sale

DCH B213 Sire: LWHF Upgrade 425X 2 sons in seedstock programs and 1 in commercial herd. A daughter retained in our herd

DCH B132 Sire: BEA Passion 001X ET 1 sons in seedstock program and 2 in commercial herds. A daughter sold to seedstock program.

Creating Urgency Before Crisis

By LAURA HANDKE

Aviable market requires two things: supply and demand. When either of those components is disrupted, a ripple is felt throughout the remainder of that value chain. The beef market is no different.

In the United States, our major protein sectors have invested in Secure Food Supply Plans, which provide guidance for livestock producers to voluntarily prepare before a foreign animal disease outbreak. These plans are structured to mitigate value chain supply ripples by limiting the exposure of animals through heightened biosecurity. All plans clearly institute qualification permitting for animals with no evidence of infections and minimal to no exposure.

The pork, poultry, sheep and wool, milk and beef industries have all established collaborations between industry, state governments, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and academia, to create their respective Secure Food Supply Plan in an effort to protect both their markets and producers from impacts of foreign animal disease outbreaks.

ENTER TRACEABILITY.

It stands to reason that it’s hard to control a foreign animal disease outbreak if you don’t have a handle on animal location – a conversation U.S. CattleTrace Executive Director, Callahan Grund, says goes hand in hand with biosecurity.

“When you start talking about economically significant disease

outbreaks, such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), those conversations are starting to mesh. Traceability has progressed enough that the industry’s producers are starting to look at traceability more. Biosecurity and traceability are coming together on the farm because there has been a lot of progression in terms of individual ID and, even more so, in education amongst producers,” Grund told us.

A PLAN TO MITIGATE OUTBREAK REPERCUSSIONS

An unsettling peace of mind, Grund says that many producers evaluate the fact that we haven’t had an FMD outbreak since 1929 and take comfort in the longevity of our security. As an industry, we’ve been fortunate to have avoided the next-door threats that have hastened the biosecurity and traceability plans of other sectors, but an out-of-sight out-of-mind outlook isn’t beneficial for any link of the beef value chain.

That’s why Grund and his team are taking the opposite stance, ramping up the opportunity to provide economically viable traceability to producers of all sizes. U.S. CattleTrace works to build a system that works for cattle producers: cow-calf, backgrounders and feeders. The objective: establish a framework of traceability before it is needed so, as an industry, we have a contract tracing system in place to mitigate the effects of an outbreak.

Today, U.S. CattleTrace is active in 25 states with more than 3.5 million reads

in the system (individual enrollments aren’t tracked), with key initiatives centered around producer education and working on viable, real-world solutions to accomplish traceability within all classes of cattle.

“I think we have to become even more prepared. Especially with where we sit within the global protein space and the implications an outbreak will have for not only trade, but the ability to resume trade, and the trickle-down effect that will have on long-term viability within our operations and rural communities,” he says, noting that as beef cattle producers, he and his family are personally invested in the success of the beef market. “That’s the whole reason I became involved with U.S. CattleTrace, to begin with.”

U.S. CattleTrace is a 100% voluntary contact tracing system that collects only four points of data: an electronic animal identification (EID) number, date, time and the GPS coordinates from which the ID was read.

“We are focusing on having readers at points of commerce and points of co-mingling of different animals in the cattle industry to be able to accurately pinpoint if we ever needed to identify close contacts, for example, in a disease outbreak,” Grund explains.

ADDED TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS

Since U.S. CattleTrace’s inception, the group’s limitations on cattle electronic identification have lessened and the

Connealy Craftsman

Frontrunner 2510F

VAR Power Play

HA Blackcap Lady 1602

Henrietta Pride 0533

Sitz Henrietta Pride 643T

technology has become more affordable, making traceability more accessible to more operations.

“We just require a form of identification that allows for hands-free identification, whether that’s low frequency, high frequency, ultra-high frequency, or Bluetooth — whatever works best for an operation, generally works for us,” he says. “Our goal is to work at the speed of commerce, and we’re getting closer.”

Implementing the EID technology also can create value-add opportunities within a herd, helping producers more closely track cattle. The improved accuracy of the EID tag or chip, can be read electronically in a fraction of a second, replacing the risks of misidentifying tag numbers or inventorying cattle one by one. At the

herd level, advancements in software options make it possible for producers to record health procedures on a routine basis to prove a withholding period has been met, monitor persistent veterinary issues on an individual animal level, record live weight and weight changes, and much more.

These advancements and new EID opportunities have, perhaps, begun to shift producer sentiment as Grund shares that he and his team have witnessed a positive change in interest and adoptions of U.S. CattleTrace.

“A lot of the early conversations we had hinged on “what’s in it for me” and rightfully so we all have to have a return on our investment, the “what’s in it for me” will always be a question. What

we’re hearing today is more fine-tuned, producers are asking about the best ways to implement EIDs in their herd, how they can implement EIDs and U.S. CattleTrace, and who we can connect them with to add value to implementing,” he says. “That’s really what we are working on going forward—the application, the education, and changing producer perspective on how the system can benefit their operation, their bottom line, and the entire U.S. beef value chain.”F

Begin with the End in Mind

By MEGAN UNDERWOOD, M.S.

“Weaning is essentially a high-speed intersection of the art and science of raising cattle,” said Hannah Smith, University of Nebraska-Lincoln beef systems extension educator.

Weaning is the second most stressful timepoint that a calf will ever experience beyond birth. There are many opportunities on the art side of weaning for producers to modify their approach with the baseline always being minimizing stress. Stress minimization not only sets the calf up for success but also programs how that animal will perform in the future.

“The three big things that I like to focus on when it comes to weaning are stress mitigation, animal health and calf and cow nutrition,” explained Smith.

Animal health is typically started in utero and if not, at calving. Producers must be confident in their animal health and always inventory what went well and what needs to be changed as each year presents its own environmental, genetic and management challenges. A strong relationship with a local veterinarian sets a herd up for success.

The nutrition side of weaning is heavier on the art side of the weaning process.

There are many weaning products on the market, but producers must find what resources work best for their weaning management system. Weaned calves have a small digestive system compared to a cow requiring feed rations to have consistent nutrient density and be pretty concentrated. A typical weaned steer’s crude protein needs can range from 8.514.5% depending on their environment.

Focusing on the selected mineral program is crucial for improving a calf’s response to stress and vaccinations. Mineral programs that have optimal levels of copper, zinc and Vitamin A improve the immune response of weaned calves.

Selecting feedstuffs for weaned calves makes a producer ask what is my endpoint for these calves? Is it growing the males to sell as yearling bulls in my bull sale next year? Growing the heifers to be herd replacements? Or feeding all of the calves out to sell at the sale barn? Management of weaned calves has to start with the desired end point and then working backwards to accomplish the goal.

“I think one of the most underused calculations that we have in this conversation is calculating your desired average daily gain for that animal,”

explained Smith. “Begin with the end in mind, it’s a simple way to set yourself up for success.”

Do the back calculation on what you need a bull to gain each day to reach either your fast or slow grow marketing. Producers must determine who is absorbing the risk in their operation and who is being compensated for taking on that risk. If you’re a producer who sells a yearling bull the buyer is compensated for growing him out. Whereas if you’re a producer who grows your bulls until they’re two years old then you’re being economically compensated for the growth.

The calculation is highly used by producers when growing bulls, but it is highly underutilized when it comes to replacement heifers. Determine what your target breeding weight should be and when you plan to breed. A target breeding weight should be around 60-65% of the female’s mature weight. Producers should always remember they are managing for the group average, not the top or bottom.

“It’s the systems approach that we have to take in all of beef production – beginning with the end in mind,” said Smith. F

COW FEMALE

GENOTYPING PROJECT

THANKS TO GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM THE AMERICAN GELBVIEH FOUNDATION, TESTS ARE NOW BEING OFFERED AT A NEW LOW PRICE OF $20/HEAD!

Discover the Cow Power in your herd

The Cow Power Female Genotyping Project is a collaborative effort with the American Gelbvieh Association, American Gelbvieh Foundation, and Neogen to increase the number of genotypes and phenotypic information on females in the AGA herdbook. Collection of this information helps to increase the accuracy and predicting power of EPDs used to describe Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle.

Members will receive a special research price of $20 on a GGP 100k genomic test to DNA test at least 90% of their current active cow inventory.

Participants that submit mature weights and body condition scores electronically on at least 90% of their current active cow inventory will receive an additional, one-time $4 rebate per head.

Requirements:

DNA samples must be collected with an Allflex Tissue Sampling Unit. Blood and hair samples are not eligible for this project.

*This is a research project and DNA turnaround time, data processing, and other timelines within this project are not reflective of current AGA turnaround times.

For more information or to enroll in the project, contact the AGA office at 303-465-2333 or email registry@gelbvieh.org.

EVENTS OF INTEREST

OCTOBER 2023

OCT. 14 Judd Ranch 33rd Annual Cow Power Female Sale, Pomona, Kan.

OCT. 18 5th Annual Rockies to the Pacific Gelbvieh and Balancer Female Sale, SC Online

OCT. 21 Seedstock Plus Fall Bull & Female Sale, Carthage, Mo.

OCT. 27 T Bar S Focused on the Future Bull Sale, Billings, Mo.

OCT. 28

Chimney Butte Ranch ‘The Northern Maternal Focus’ Production Sale, St. Anthony, N.D.

NOV. 29-DEC 1

American Gelbvieh Association Annual National Convention, Omaha, Neb.

DECEMBER 2023

DEC. 1 Knoll Crest Farm’s Total Performance Bull Sale, Red House, Va.

DEC. 1-2 Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Princesses of the Prairie Sale, Gladstone, N.D.

DEC. 16 High Bar Cattle Company Inaugural Open House, Greeley, Kan.

JANUARY 2024

OCT. 28

Southeast Elite Gelbvieh Genetics Sale, Lexington, Ky.

NOVEMBER 2023

NOV. 2 Mid American Elite II Gelbvieh & Balancer Sale, Hutchinson, Kan.

NOV. 4 TJB Gelbvieh Annual Bull Sale

NOV. 4 Seedstock Plus Red Reward Fall Edition Bull & Female Sale, Osceola, Mo.

NOV. 4 Midwest Beef Cattle Consultants, LLC educational event and 4th Annual Fall Bull & Female Sale, Carthage, Ind .

NOV 4 - 11 Flying H Genetics Online Fall Bull & Female Sale

NOV. 15-16 The Destination Elite Female Sale, Online with DLMS

NOV. 17 Warner Beef Genetics Genetic Opportunities Female Sale, Arapahoe, Neb.

NOV. 25 Boys from the South Bull Sale, Lebanon, Tenn.

NOV. 28 Warner Beef Genetics

Maternal Merit Commercial Female Sale, Arapahoe, Neb.

JAN. 1 2024 Gelbvieh & Balancer National Sale, Oklahoma City, Okla.

JAN. 10 Warner Beef Genetics Maternal Merit in the Yards Sale, Denver, Colo.

FEBRUARY 2024

FEB. 10 Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Annual Bull Sale, Gladstone, N.D.

FEB. 10 Genetic Power Gelbvieh & Balancer Bull Sale, Springfield, Mo.

FEB. 15 Gustin’s Diamond D Gelbvieh Annual Production Sale, Medina, N.D.

FEB. 23 33rd Annual Pot of Gold Sale, Montrose, Colo.

FEB. 24 Post Rock Cattle Co. ‘Cowman’s Kind’ Bull and Female Sale, Barnard, Kan

FEB. 24 18th Annual Black Gold Genetics ‘Share the Gold’ Bull Sale, Pritchett, Colo.

MARCH 2024

MARCH 2 Judd Ranch 46th Gelbvieh. Balancer, and Red Angus Bull Sale, Pomona, Kan.

MARCH 2 Thorstenson’s Lazy TV Ranch 43rd Annual Production Sale, Selby, S.D.

MARCH 2 Flying H Genetics

Roughage N Ready Spring Herd Bull Sale, Arapahoe, Neb.

MARCH 4 Hojer Ranch 32nd Annual Gelbvieh & Balancer Production Sale, Lake Preston, S.D.

MARCH 5 Swanson Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale, Oxford, Neb.

MARCH 6 Warner Beef Genetics

Genetic Investment Bull Sale, Arapahoe, Neb.

MARCH 9 Midwest Beef Cattle Consultants, LLC 21st Annual Spring Bull & Female Sale, Carthage, Ind.

MARCH 12 Bar Arrow Cattle Company 34th Annual Production Sale, Phillipsburg, Kan.

MARCH 15 Martens Gelbvieh Annual Bull and Female Sale, Creston, Iowa

MARCH 15 15th Annual Southwest Iowa Gelbvieh & Balancer Bull & Female Sale, Creston, Iowa

MARCH 30 Wilkinson Gelbvieh Ranch Bull Sale, Model, Colo.

APRIL 2024

APRIL 13 Knoll Crest Farm’s Spring Bull and Female Sale, Red House Va.

Visit the online version of Upcoming Events at Gelbvieh.org for additional dates of upcoming sales and more information on each event.

Editor’s Note:

If you have a sale or event information for this listing, please email the information to meganunderwood@gelbvieh.org. This includes tours, expos, field days and other Gelbvieh events.

BREEDERS CORNER

Jim Roelle 38330 CR49 Peetz, CO 80747

LONE OAK CATTLE

hornsandthorns@netins.net (319) 480-1564

Martens Gelbvieh

Gary Martens 2126 500th St • Walnut, Iowa 51577 712.764.5007 (H) • 712.249.5744 (C) martensgl@yahoo.com

Annual Bull and Female Sale March 15, 2024 with the Southwest Iowa Gelbvieh Group

HHH

T riple H F arms

55784 Holly Rd. • Olathe, CO 81425

323-6833 • www.bowkranch.com

J

REGISTERED GELBVIEH AND BALANCER®

INDIANA

3 G Ranch

Gelbvieh Cattle For Sale

Carl, Rebecca & Emily Griffiths 1577 N 600 E • Kendallville, Ind. 46755 260/897-2160 • ggge3g@embarqmail.com Your call or visit is Always Welcome

Tim Mulroy 785-640-6401 Mayetta, KS tim@blackgoldinc.biz

Bar

Cattle Company

“Where

BREEDERS CORNER

FLYING H GENETICS

Nebraska & Missouri

Quality Guaranteed Bulls and Females Sales in March and October

Kyle Helms 308-962-6940

Bryan Helms 307-840-0920

Follow us on Facebook & at www.flyinghgenetics.com

MT 59469 Ranch Phone: 406.738.4220 • BarJRGelbvieh@3rivers.net BarJRGelbvieh.com

NEBRASKA

Cole Eppley 402-6210-359

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

Bulls For The BeeF Business

GELBVIEH BALANCER ANGUS V V

Private Treaty Bull & Heifer Sales • Orchard, Neb. Val Livingston • www.88ranch.com • 402-655-2288

Cedar Top Ranch

Scott & Raberta Starr 212 Starr Drive • Stapleton, NE 69163

(H): 308-587-2293 • (C): 308-530-3900

cedartopranch@gpcom.net

Eldon Starr: 1-800-535-6173 or Rich Johnson: 402-368-2209

Gelbvieh F Balancer F Red Angus F Angus F Angus Hybrids 1757 Road 2500, Lawrence, NE 68957 rllemke@gtmc.net www.lemkecattle.com

Randy & Leslie Lemke (H) 402-756-7090 (C) 402-469-2284

Squeakin’ By-LK Farms

Kyle & Lori Kuker Shubert, NE Gelbvieh Bulls Black

Balancer Females Red

402-883-7246 402-883-2366 402-245-7512 sqblkfarms.com Facebook.com/sqblkfarms sqblkfarms@gmail.com

Scott Wolf Travis Wolf 308.537.3588 308.529.3733 Gothenburg, Neb. • wolfgelbvieh@gmail.com www.facebook/wolfgelbvieh.com

To purchase a Breeder Block, contact Malerie Markley at malerie@gelbvieh.org or 303-465-2333.

Maternal EXCELLENCE

WARNER BEEF GENETICS

Genetic Opportunities Female Sale

Friday, November 17, 2023 • 5:00 PM ( CT )

At the Ranch, Araphahoe, NE

Selling 100+ Elite Registered Gelbvieh and Balancer Females

WARNER BEEF GENETICS

Maternal Merit Commercial Female Sale

Tuesday, November 28, 2023 • 1:00 PM ( CT )

At the Ranch, Araphahoe, NE

Selling 400+ Commercial Balancer, Angus, Red Angus, SimAngus and F1 Baldy Bred Heifers