The Profit Picture October 2013 by American Gelbvieh Association

October 2013 | www.GELBVIEH.org

In this Issue: anching in Tough R Country - Cedar Top and Spade Ranches ver the Fence with O John Schroeder ining Up an Old M Topic to Help Improve Your Production Mineral Nutrition A Fitting Transition: Cow-Calf to Seedstock rofitability in the P Beef Business

Using Genetics to Get More Efficient – Selecting to Improve Efficiency Growth and lactation potential affect ME efficiency and ME requirements. Increases in mature weight and lactation drive up maintenance requirements. Optimization of growth and lactation genetics, and ultimately profitability, requires understanding the marginal revenues and marginal costs associated with these attributes. By Dr. Bob Weaber Mature cow weight and lactation potential play a key role in determining annual nutrient requirements for cows. Increasing average cow mature weights from 1,000 pounds to 1,400 pounds, approximately the change we’ve observed over the last 30 years, increased nutrient requirements by 27 percent. Increasing lactation potential from 10 pounds to 30 pounds per day, at peak, results in a 16 percent increase in nutrient requirements. These increases in potential have the opportunity to be associated with increases in output, but they also have the potential to undermine a cows fitness in a given production environment. The associated change in maintenance requirement due to mature weight change is distinctly different from the change increased weight has on maintenance energy or metabolic efficiency. Metabolic rate does not scale linearly with mass or

weight. Instead, it increases exponentially by the ¾ power. Thus, warm blooded animals with larger mass are more metabolically efficient than ones of small mass. The principle reason for these phenomena is relationship between surface area of the animal and it’s mass. Large animals have less surface area per unit o f mass enabling them to conserve heat more effectively. So, large cows are more efficient users of maintenance energy but have higher requirements. The key then is finding cows with appropriate levels of mature weight and lactation potential (or biological type) for your production environment. Note that managerial (i.e. reducing supplemental feedstuffs) or environmental (i.e. drought) changes that alter nutrient availability may substantially change the fitness of your existing cows. Care should be taken in sire selection for production of replacement Continued on page 6

American Gelbvieh Association 10900 Dover Street Westminster, CO 80021

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Columbia MO Permit No. 353

Cedar Top Ranch

Good ranchers always ride good horses and have productive, hard working cows eating their grass. At Cedar Top we demand both!

The program that has produced market topping feeder cattle in Superior sales for many years running. Get bulls with market topping genetics that will produce daughters with stayability and productivity February 18, 2014 • Bruwell, NE Gelbvieh Females Stay in Herd Longer Age of Dam

% Stayability Population

3 year

% Success Total

4 year

% Success Total

5 year

% Success Total

6 year

% Success Total

Breed Association1 AGA ASA RAAA 82% 71% 77% 74,885 365,907 180,584 74% 62% 67% 74,536 367,886 180,125 68% 52% 58% 65,182 365,047 168,177 62% 43% 50% 54,459

262,663

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.

153,203

AGA = American Gelbvieh Association; ASA = American Simmental Association; RAAA = Red Angus Association of America 1

Source: Brigham, B.W., Speidel, S.E., Enns, R.M., Garrick, D.J. Stayability to Alternate Ages.

Call us today for more information.

IFC | October 2013

Cedar Top Ranch

Scott & Raberta Starr 212 Starr Drive • Stapleton, NE 69163 308-587-2293 • 308-530-3900 (C) email: cedartopranch@gpcom.net

23rd Annual Judd Ranch

Cow Power Gelbvieh Female Sale Saturday, October 12 • 12:00 noon • Pomona, Kansas Free Trucking in U.S. on Purchases of $15,000+

99 Homozygous Polled Females Sell

There are cows; then there are females like this beautiful Judd Ranch first calf heifer and her baby. The difference: fertility, maternal ability, performance, eye appeal, teat and udder structure. The list goes on and on, including 15 consecutive years (‘98 – ‘12) as #1 Dam of Merit/Dam of Distinction breeder and owner. Plus cows that produced 227 bulls that sold in our March bull sale, with an 84 lb. average birth weight/863 lb. average weaning weight. Please join us on Saturday, Oct. 12, 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

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

Call Cattlemen’s Connection Toll-Free 1-800-743-0026 for your sale catalog.

Catalog available online at www.juddranch.com The Profitpicture | 1

Contents Balancer® – The Smart, Easy Crossbreeding Solution

Features Using Genetics to Get More Efficient – Select to Improve Efficiency

One of the only, yet very effective ways, to improve biological efficiency of beef cattle production systems is through the use of planned crossbreeding systems to leverage heterosis, especially maternal heterosis, and breed complementarity.

Ranching in Tough Country – Cedar Top and Spade Ranches

Two historic ranches have been successfully incorporating Gelbvieh genetics for years. Cedar Top Ranch and Spade Ranch both have highly maternal cattle that are producing a premium product that commands top dollar for their calves and yearlings.

Over the Fence with John Schroeder, Darr Feedlot, Inc.

Darr Feedlot, Inc., located in Nebraska along I-80 is a 48,000 head custom feedlot that specializes in working with producers who retain ownership on their cattle. John Schroeder has been with Darr since 2007 and shares his experiences and knowledge on what they see and measure as the profit drivers in the cattle feeding business.

Mining Up an Old Topic to Help Improve Your Production: The Importance of Mineral Nutrition in the Beef Animal

Balancer® cattle combine the Gelbvieh growth, muscle, retail yield, fertility, and unequaled pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed with the marbling of Red Angus or Angus.

A Fitting Transition: Cow-Calf to Seedstock

Minerals make up a small part of an animal’s diet, yet it is important to not overlook the fact that the cost of improving an animal’s mineral status is low compared with the potential production returns.

Transitioning from a commercial operation to a registered seedstock provider can be a fitting option for some. For Murray Farms in Oklahoma, they are excited about the benefits and the ability to take advantage of increasing opportunities.

Profitability in the Beef Business

Whether you are a seedstock breeder, commercial cow-calf producer, or feedlot operator, we can never lose sight of what is truly important: the profitability and satisfaction our product offers the next person in the supply chain.

News Increasing Stayability Lead to Profit

Gelbvieh Joins Multi-Breed Genetic Evaluation

How Fast can the Beef Cow Herd be Rebuilt

BeefTalk: To pass 60 percent must calve in 21 days

$Indexes – Simplified Selection Tools for Genetic Progress

Request Your Free Subscription The Profit Picture is the commercially-focused tabloid publication published in October and February by the American Gelbvieh Association, focused on issues important to the commercial cow-calf producer. Sign up to receive your free subscription to The Profit Picture by subscribing online or completing this form and mailing to American Gelbvieh Association, attn: Profit Picture, 10900 Dover Street, Westminster, CO 80021. Comments and feedback welcome to jennifers@gelbvieh.org or 303465-2333. Also, visit www.GELBVIEH.org to subscribe to our new The Profit Picture Enewsletter, to receive montly news updates.

2 | October 2013

Name: ____________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________

Subscribe online at www.gelbvieh.org/communication/ subscriptionssignup.html

Our reputation is for tenderness CE 12 BW 0.1 WW 78 YW 111 MK 27 TM 65 CED 16 YG -0.25 CW 35 RE 0.37 MB -0.39 KHR 47R 7 for Tenderness FT -0.10 Purebred Homo Black-Homo Polled CV -14.87 • Heifer Calving Ease with Added Muscle and FM 39.56 Big Growth CE BW WW YW MK TM CED YG CW RE TNDR BARW3 YES MAN 1144Y MB 10 for Tenderness Purebred Homozygous Polled FT CV • Easy Calving with a Balanced EPD Package FM

9 0.5 62 84 25 55 4 -0.30 20 0.52 -0.10 -0.07 3.08 25.00

CE BW WW YW MK TM CED YG CW RE AAD R DILLINGER 1119Y MB 9 for Tenderness 75% Balancer Homozygous Polled FT • Add Big Growth, Milk and Maternal Strength CV without Losing Carcass FM

9 2.4 77 114 33 72 6 -0.15 40 0.43 0.13 -0.06 40.11 42.13

Our herd performance adds the sizzle! For the last four years, the cattle bred by Rogers Valley Farm Gelbvieh have ranked above breed average for the following important traits: • • • • • • •

Calving Ease: 1 point better Daughters Calving Ease: 5 points better Birth Weight: 1 pound lower Weaning Weight: 5 pounds bigger Yearling Weight: 17 pounds bigger Carcass Value: $11.50 over the average Gelbvieh carcass Feedlot Merit: Ranging up to $9 higher

Let us show you how Rogers Valley Farm genetics can improve the performance of your herd. Call Ronnie Rogers at 660-375-7266.

Midwest Beef Alliance Bull and Female Sale

Selling 40 Bulls and 80 Females October 19, 2013 at 12:00 Noon Mid-Missouri Livestock Center • Marshal Junction, MO • Just South of I-70 on Highway 65

SHE SELLS • 15 Spring bred registered cows • 10 Fall cows with calves • 14 commercial balancer/ purebred cows (not registered) All 39 are 5 years old or younger

• 10 commercial first calf heifers (50% Gelbvieh)

• 14 of our bulls sell (18 to 24 month-old)

HE SELLS as LOT 4 SRGC 1R23Z offers a flawless phenotype. Sired by National Grand Champion Balancer Cross Fire. This Homozygous Black Balancer bull ranks in Top One-Third of the breed for Carcass Value.

Top 15% Top 25%

Ronald & Kathryne Rogers

P. O. Box 51, Mendon, MO 64660 • Email rogers_valley_farm_feedlot@hotmail.com • (660) 272-3805 • cell (660) 375-7266 2013 Rogers Ad-October ProfitPic-2.indd 1

9/16/13 11:15 AM

The Profitpicture | 3

Contents Editorial

In Every Issue

Impacting the Beef Business with Selection Indexes By Dr. Jim Gibb

Places to Be

Gelbvieh’s Role in the Beef Business By Rob Arnold

Ad Index

Gelbvieh Maternal Efficiency: More than Just a Guess By Kari Otteman

Breeders Sections

Crossbreed Instead of Using Beta-Agonists By Dr. Bob Hough

It’s Never the Wrong Time to Learn By Michael Ring

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

Strong Past, Powerful Future 40 By Frank Padilla

33 44-45 48-49 53 58 62 65

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

Association Staff Jim Gibb Executive Director jimg@gelbvieh.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 | October 2013

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

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

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

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

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

The Profitpicture | 5

Continued from Front Cover

females such that their growth, mature weight and lactation potential are appropriate. Current tools: At present several selection tools are available to improve feed efficiency in beef cattle. These include the RADG EPD published by the American Angus Association. The EPD leverages a variety of molecular and phenotypic data to produce a genetic prediction describing differences in expected postweaning gain given some level of intake. More positive values are indicative of higher levels of efficiency. A number of other breeds, including Simmental, Gelbvieh, Hereford and Limousin have active breeding programs and data collection efforts to gather individual feed intake records with goals of producing genetic predictors for efficiency of gain. A large USDA funded integrated research and Extension project is focused on the genetic improvement of feed efficiency in beef cattle and will leverage a variety of methods to achieve this goal. The American Angus Association and the Red Angus Association of America both produce selection indexes that describe differences in maintenance energy requirements. These tools rely on the genetic associations between maintenance energy required with mature size and milk genetic predictors. As before, animals with higher potentials for these traits generally have higher maintenance energy requirements. Unfortunately, little work has been done to address the additive genetic improvement of maintenance efficiency in beef cattle. Researchers know differences exist across breeds and individuals but accumulation of a substantial number of records has been elusive. Clearly this parameter would benefit from the development of genomic selection tools to enable genetic improvement.

Value of heterosis in improving biological efficiency One of the only, yet very effective ways, to improve biological efficiency of beef cattle production systems is through the use of planned crossbreeding systems to leverage heterosis, especially maternal heterosis, and breed complementarity.

Heterosis generated through crossbreeding can significantly improve an animal’s performance for lowly heritable traits. Crossbreeding has been shown to be an efficient method to improve reproductive efficiency and productivity in beef cattle.

Heterosis refers to the superiority of the crossbred animal relative to the average of its straightbred parents. Heterosis results from the increase in the heterozygosity of a crossbred animal’s genetic makeup. Heterozygosity refers to a state where an animal has two different forms of a gene. It is believed that heterosis is the result of gene dominance and the recovery from accumulated inbreeding depression of pure breeds. Heterosis is, therefore, dependent on an animal having two different copies of a gene. The level of heterozygosity an animal has depends on the random inheritance of copies of genes from its parents. In general, animals which are crosses of unrelated breeds, such as Angus and Brahman, exhibit higher levels of heterosis, due to more heterozygosity, than do crosses of more genetically similar breeds such as a cross of Angus and Hereford.

Heterosis generates the largest improvement in lowly heritable traits. Moderate improvements due to heterosis are seen in moderately heritable traits. Little or no

Table 1. Effects of individual heterosis on performance of crossbred calves. Trait

Units

% Heterosis

Calving Rate, %

3.2

4.4

Survival to Weaning, %

1.4

1.9

Birth Weight, lb.

1.7

2.4

Weaning Weight, lb.

16.3

3.9

Yearling Weight, lb.

29.1

3.8

Average Daily Gain, lb./d

0.08

2.6

6 | October 2013

heterosis is observed in highly heritable traits. Heritability is the proportion of the observable variation in a trait between animals that is due to the genetics that are passed between generations and the variation observed in the animal’s phenotypes, which are the result of genetic and environmental effects.

Traits such as reproduction and longevity have low heritability. These traits respond very slowly to selection since a large portion of the variation observed in them is due to environmental factors and a small percentage is due to genetic differences. Heterosis generated through crossbreeding can significantly improve an animal’s performance for lowly heritable traits. Crossbreeding has been shown to be an efficient method to improve reproductive efficiency and productivity in beef cattle. Improvements in cow-calf production due to heterosis are attributable to having both a crossbred cow and a crossbred calf. Tables 1 and 2 detail the individual (crossbred calf) and maternal (crossbred cow) heterosis observed for various important production traits. These heterosis estimates are adapted from a report by Cundiff and Gregory, 1999, and summarize crossbreeding experiments conducted in the south-eastern and mid-west areas of the US. The heterosis generated in calves that are the progeny of straightbred parents of different breeds or crossbred parents is called individual heterosis. While this type of heterosis has significant effects on economically important traits, it only accounts for approximately onethird of the total economic benefits of having crossbred cows and calves. Thus if you only have crossbred calves (i.e. straightbred cows)

POST ROCK CATTLE COMPANY

Cowman’s

Kind &

MARCH 15, 2014 • 12:30 PM (CST)

Post Rock Cattle Company Sale Facility • Barnard, Kansas FUTURE INVESTMENT

Future Investment was the most sought after Purebred bull of the 2011 sale season and will have the largest sire group selling in our 2014 sale. There will be some exceptional Purebred and Balancer® sons selling.

BULL FEMALE SALE 272Y

CAPTAIN

Top 10% calving ease, top 10% carcass EPDs and top 10% growth made this a popular Balancer® bull in our 2013 sale.

359Y8

Captain will have a large and performance strong Purebred sire group this year. His first sons sold last year and included our high selling Purebred bull and high selling Purebred sire group average. You’ll like the Captain sons.

Balancer® bulls like this Chunky son from the 2013 sale represent years of genetic selection for calving ease, performance and eye appeal, combined with carcass generics. He posted top 15% EPDs across the board.

COWMAN’S KIND SALE FEATURES •

SILVER

• •

Lead herd sire prospect from our 2010 sale that ended up as one of the top AI sires in the breed. This year’s Purebred sire group is exceptionally strong.

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH...

A really happy man is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

• • • •

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 54 years. Every bull and female selling has been DNA tested free for the CA defect.

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

SALE MANAGEMENT BY: Mitchell Marketing Service

www.mms.bz

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

The Profitpicture | 7

youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re missing the biggest share of economic benefit from crossbreeding. Individual heterosis improves performance in a number of traits measured on calves including survival and growth (Table 1.). For example, individual heterosis can improve weaning weights by nearly 4 percent which on a 500 pound weaned calf is 20 pounds

Why is it so important to have crossbred cows? The production of crossbred calves yields advantages in both heterosis and the blending of desirable traits from two or more breeds. However, the largest economic benefit of crossbreeding to commercial producers comes from having crossbred cows. Maternal heterosis improves both the environment a cow provides for her calf as well as improves the longevity and durability of the cow. The improvement of the maternal environment a cow provides for her calf is manifested in the improvements in calf survivability to weaning and increased weaning weight.

8 | October 2013

Table 2. Effects of maternal heterosis on calf traits affected by maternal environment, cow productivity and longevity. Trait

Units

% Heterosis

Calving Rate, %

3.5

3.7

Survival to Weaning, %

0.8

1.5

Birth Weight, lb.

1.6

1.8

Weaning Weight, lb.

18.0

3.9

Longevity, years

1.36

16.2

Number of Calves

0.97

17.0

Cumulative Weaning Wt., lb. 600

25.3

Lifetime Productivity

Crossbred cows exhibit improvements in calving rate of nearly 4 percent and an increase in longevity of more than one year due to heterotic effects (Table 2). Heterosis results in increases in lifetime productivity of

approximately one calf and 600 pounds of calf weaning weight over the lifetime of the cow (Table 1). Crossbreeding can have positive effects on a ranchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bottom line by not only increasing the quality and gross pay weight

The Profitpicture | 9

10 | October 2013

of calves produced but also by increasing the durability and productivity of the cow factory. Crossbred cows maybe the only free lunch in the world.

many of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commonly used beef breeds. Traits are typically combined into groupings such as maternal/reproduction, growth and carcass.

The effects of maternal heterosis on the economic measures of cow-calf production have been shown to be very positive. The added value of maternal heterosis ranges from approximately $50 per cow per year to nearly $100 per cow per year depending on the amount of maternal heterosis retained in the cow herd (Ritchie, 1998).

When selecting animals for a crossbreeding system, their breed should be your first consideration. What breeds you select for inclusion in your mating program will be dependent on a number of factors including the current breed composition of your cow herd, your forage and production environment, your replacement female development system, and your calf marketing endpoint. All of these factors help determine the relative importance of traits for each production phase.

In one study, maternal heterosis accounted for an increase in net profit per cow of nearly $75 per cow per year. Their results suggested that the benefits of maternal heterosis on profit were primarily the reduced cost per cow exposed. Crossbred cows had higher reproductive rates, longer productive lives, and required fewer replacements than straight bred cows in their study. All of these factors contribute to reduced cost per cow exposed. Further, they found increased outputs, including growth and milk yield, were offset by increased costs.

How can I harness the power of breed complementarity? Breed complementarity is the effect of combining breeds that have different strengths. When considering crossbreeding from the standpoint of producing replacement females, one could select breeds that have complementary maternal traits such that females are most ideally matched to their production environment. Matings to produce calves for market should focus on complementing the traits of the cows and fine tuning calf performance (growth and carcass traits) to the market place. There is an abundance of research that describes the core competencies (biological type) of

What are the keys to successful crossbreeding programs?

inexpensive compared to current costs. In fact, much of the early motivation to develop farmer owned confinement feeding systems, common in the Midwest, was to add value to coarse grains by feeding it to cattle. Present costs for supplemental feedstuffs, fertilizer and fuel inputs have many producers reconsidering their production model and moving towards systems with reduced inputs. Indeed producers are evaluating modification of the cow rather than modification of the production environment. It seems that in the short run, the most effective way to improve efficiency at the production or herd level is through selection for cows of the appropriate biological type that fit their production environment. Further, these cows should likely be crossbred cows to leverage the

benefits of maternal heterosis and breed complementarity. In the intermediate to long run, seedstock and ultimately commercial producers should select for animals, via selection index, that optimize efficiency to the enterpriseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market endpoints. Such a two pronged approach leverages efficiency gains due to additive and nonadditive genetics that affect animal efficiency of feed utilization as well as biological efficiency, respectively. Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: Dr. Bob Weaber is a cow-calf Extension specialist and assistant professor for the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University. The above article is was taken from a presentation Dr. Weaber prepared for the Cornbelt Cow-Calf Conference held in Ottumwa, Iowa in January 2012.

Many of the challenges that have been associated with crossbreeding systems in the past are the result of undisciplined implementation of the system. With that in mind, one should be cautious to select a mating system that matches the amount of labor and expertise available to appropriately implement the system. Crossbreeding systems range in complexity from very simple programs such as the use of hybrid genetics, which are as easy to use as straight breeding, to elaborate rotational crossbreeding systems with four or more breed inputs. The biggest keys to success are the thoughtful construction of a plan and the sticking to it! Be sure to set attainable goals. Discipline is essential.

Modify cows or modify environment? Historically, supplemental feedstuffs have been relatively

The Profitpicture | 11

Editorial

Impacting the Beef Business with Selection Indexes Providing world-class selection tools to Gelbvieh and Balancer breeders and their commercial customers is a high priority of the American Gelbvieh Association. Reliable indexes backed by sound science help producers analyze economically relevant traits. By Dr. Jim Gibb A little more than one year ago, the American Gelbvieh Association Board of Directors targeted development of a maternal index as the number one priority in the AGA’s Impacting the Beef

BusinessTM long-range strategic plan. This decision was indisputable given that from day one, the Gelbvieh breed has demonstrated its superior maternal characteristics both at research institutions like

DOBSON RANCH

O N RA

C I T Y,

12 | October 2013

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

Dobson Ranch

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

the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center and across the beef industry. Providing Gelbvieh and Balancer® breeders and their commercial customers with the best possible tool for maternal selection makes great sense.

Why indexes? Can’t we just continue using individual EPDs and mix and match traits to suite our needs? Certainly, but the power of indexes is that they include multiple traits, weighted by their economic importance. In other words, there is a lot of information and science behind an index that simplifies selection and provides greater assurance of making accurate, long-term selection decisions. Yes, producers could continue to estimate what traits to include in their own selection schemes and speculate on how much emphasis to place on each trait. However, today we have the science and know-how to do much better. Indexes aren’t new. Early indexes were proposed by two renowned scientists, Drs. Hazel and Lush, nearly 70 years ago and have been used in the poultry and swine industries for the last 20 plus years. Different indexes can have different end-points such as carcass, feeder calf value, feed efficiency and maternal. Indexes may include anywhere from two to as many as a dozen traits and are usually expressed in dollars per head.

The Gelbvieh and Balancer maternal index Soon after the Board’s decision, the AGA contracted with Dr.

Michael MacNeil of Delta Genomics to develop a maternal index. Dr. MacNeil is a geneticist and biometrician with 30 plus years experience at the USDA Livestock and Range Research Station near Miles City, Montana. The first step was to analyze the AGA database and create EPDs for key components of the index not already in existence. New research EPDs were developed for heifer pregnancy, 30-month pregnancy and mature size. These EPDs were combined with several others including direct and maternal calving ease, weaning weight, milk, stayability and average daily gain to create the prototype maternal index.

The next steps Association staff is working with Dr. MacNeil and an industry oversight committee to predict the long-term impact of selection using the maternal index. It is anticipated that the new maternal index will make its official debut in the January 2014 AGA Sire Summary. Two additional indexes will also be reviewed by the AGA Industry Oversight and Breed Improvement committees for potential inclusion in the 2014 Sire Summary. These new indexes, combined with the power of genomicenhanced EPDs, will provide Gelbvieh and Balancer breeders with world-class selection tools. It’s another example of doing all we can to positively impact our commercial customers and the entire beef business. nnn

Less time making hay and more time relaxing…

University research estimates it is possible to reduce feed inputs by 20% by selecting for feed efficiency; all our bulls are efficiency tested.

Selling 220 Feed Efficiency tested Gelbvieh, Angus & Balancer® bulls Saturday, March 1, 2014 • At the Ranch Featuring sons of our new resident herd sire:

Woodhill Daybreak U280

AAA16706194 CED: 19 BW: -3.0 WW: 59 YW: 113 Milk: 23 MARB: 0.66 REA: 0.76 $B 91.80

Thorstenson Gelbvieh & Angus

LAZY TV RANCH LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

12980 Cedar Rd., Selby, SD 57472

Vaughn & Wendy

Brian & DeDee

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

www.BalancerBulls.com The Profitpicture | 13

Feature

Ranching in Tough Country - Cedar Top and Spade Ranches The strength of traits of Balancer® cattle make them adaptable and profitable in almost any environment. Whether in the Nebraska Sandhills or in West Texas, substantial cow-calf operations are using Balancer genetics to maintain the maternal productivity of the cow herd, while hitting Quality and Yield Grade targets. By Dr. Bob Hough Two historic ranches, Cedar Top Ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska and Spade Ranch of West Texas, have been successfully incorporating Gelbvieh genetics for years. But in these tough environments, selection for moderation is the key.

Cedar Top Ranch The Cedar Top Ranch has been in business since 1938, and owned by the Starr family and managed by Scott Starr. It is a substantial operation with 1,100 seedstock cows and 800 commercial cows.

Scott is clear about what business they are in, “In the end, it is about selling grass,” says Scott definitively. “We need to identify those cattle that convert grass to pounds; that is what makes a guy money! Our job is to put together cattle with the genetics and

A group of replacement heifers at Cedar Top Ranch, located in the Nebraska Sandhills. 14 | October 2013

conformation to get the job done.” This is no easy matter according to Scott: “The Sandhills are very unforgiving. The cattle run on tall, hollow stem grass, so the cattle must be designed to make it on their own. This means cows that have the capacity and appetite to get enough MCals of energy to produce. We have had no luck bringing in outside cattle as they just cannot consume enough energy to be productive. Cattle with too much milk or growth weed themselves out quickly on our operation with most of these not even breeding the first time.” “The Balancer®, Red Angus and Angus seedstock, and Balancer commercial cattle are all managed

n o d e s a b m a A progr . . . e c n e l l e c x E Maternal

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The Profitpicture | 15

the same,” he mentioned. “The only time we separate them is when they go in with cleanup bulls.” A production year starts with calving in May and June. “One guy will calve 1,000 cows, so we just don’t have time for problems. It is enough to get birthweights, tag and give shots to the newborn calves. Since it is just my Dad and I, and two full-time employees, we have rigged a neat system on the back of our 4-wheeler to pick up newborn calves, so they can be weighed and processed.” Scott elaborates, “We AI everything once; synchronizing 500 cows a week, due to labor, so it takes a month to get AI done. We then put them out with bulls for a short cleanup period. The results are 85 to 87 percent of our calves come in the first 30 days.” After grazing for the summer, the calves are weaned in November, and then run out with

just range and cake. Scott says, “We rough them through the winter with bull and steer calves together and then the group of heifers. With limited gain, we challenge the heifers, and if they don’t breed as yearlings, they are sold as feeders. There are usually about 11 to 12 percent open heifers, and we find that both the low and high growth cattle will drop out at this point. It may be counterintuitive, but the high growth cattle usually will not weigh as much as the moderate growth ones, and they sure don’t have as much condition. The low growth cattle also will not reach the necessary weight for high fertility. The same goes for high milk potential cattle. They have higher maintenance requirements whether they are lactating or not, so they generally won’t breed and never make it into the herd.” This is because research shows that high

“We contract the steers for September 15 to October 10 delivery, weighing 850 to 950 by marketing on Superior’s video auction. We have topped the market for the 13 years we have sold them on Superior...This year our 850 weights brought $157.50 and 9-weights brought $150.00.” - Scott Starr milk potential cattle have higher organ and visceral mass, which has much higher maintenance requirements year-round. Steers and bulls are separated to graze as yearlings. “We contract the steers for September 15 to October 10 delivery, weighing 850 to 950 by marketing on Superior’s

video auction. We have topped the market for the 13 years we have sold them on Superior. They are marketed as Natural, never/ ever, so they are eligible for any natural beef program or NHTC for export to Europe. This year our 850 weights brought $157.50 and 9-weights brought $150.00.” That is quite a lick in anybody’s book.

The OZZ Legacy Lives On

We are still your source for Red and Black, Gelbvieh and Balancer® Seedstock.

Bulls and Females for sale 16 | October 2013

LIZ OSWALD

620.662.0862 – Farm oswald.j@sbcglobal.net

ANDY OSWALD

620.662.5489 – Office 620.663.1459 – Home

KEN SCHMUCKER, Herdsman

620.960.1189 – Cell

600 Females Sell

Thursday, October 24 • Gelbvieh & Balancer® 5 Donors • 200 Bred Cows • 150 Bred Heifers

Friday, October 25 • Angus Herd Dispersal 5 Donors • 200 Bred Cows • 50 Bred Heifers

His Dam Sells!

She Sells!

EGL Roundup X777 2012 National Champion Balancer

EGL Phoenix T029 ET Dam of $25,000 Janelle

EGL Tyra R044 ET Dam of Northern Pacific

This is your opportunity to select from the heart of a program that has produced Ten National Champions and 13 Pen Champions since 2000. This is a tremendous set of females that will carry the service of “Verified Feed EfficientTM” sires.

Pheasant Hunting Incentives! Stay after the sale and hunt at our world class hunting lodge and resort. 25% off regular price for every $5,000 in purchases. • Volume buyers hunt free Sale Consultant: David Slaughter

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

Steve Munger • Managing Partner 605-380-0092

Kurt Schaff • 816-520-6447 Jeremy Haag • 816-516-1309 angushall@earthlink.net

Nate Munger • Operations Manager 605-380-2582 A.J. Munger • Marketing Manager 605-521-4468

34261 200th St. Highmore, SD 57345 Office: 605-229-2802 Fax: 605-229-2835 E-mail:

steve@eaglepassranch.com Website: www.eaglepassranch.com

The Profitpicture | 17

Scott also tries to get feedlot and carcass performance back on his yearlings, but he says, “It really depends on the feed yard and packer whether we get that done.” To assure them a benchmark on where they are on this front, they will feed a pen of their top cattle and a bottom cut. “Our goal is to have cattle that will grow close to five pounds a day for 120 days and hang carcasses that grade 90 percent Choice with 75 percent Yield Grade 1 and 2s.” A pen of 315 heifers they fed this year surpassed this goal having 96 percent Choice and 79 percent Yield Grade 1 and 2s. “We also keep an eye on tenderness through our DNA work,” Scott related. “Although there is not currently a way to get paid for it, we feel that day will come. Either way, we want to put out the best product possible for the consumer.”

Wesley Welch, president and CEO of Spade Ranch in Lubbock, Texas working a group of pairs. To put this whole package together, Scott relies heavily on EPDs as well as conformation to make sure the cattle can travel.

“We select sires with moderate birth weight and no high milk lines. We are consistently trying to bend the curve by increasing payweights while still maintaining or decreasing mature size of our current 1,200 to 1,250 pound cows. So far we are able to get this done in our production scheme with fed weights at around 1,400 pounds.” “We think the ideal commercial cow is 5/8 Angus and 3/8 Gelbvieh. We achieve this by breeding halfbloods to three-quarter bloods. Once we have achieved this ideal percentage, we breed like to like

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18 | October 2013

for multiple generations of hybrid cattle, which is where you really get the consistency from. We find our hybrid Balancer cattle are our best doing. They take the least amount of doctoring and always look shinier.” It is Scott and Cedar Top Ranch’s long term commitment to a consistent breeding program that has made them successful as well as their bull customers for their registered cattle. According to Scott, “You have to have long term goals and breed cattle for your market and environment.”

“We think the ideal commercial cow is 5/8 Angus and 3/8 Gelbvieh...Once we have achieved this ideal percentage, we breed like to like for multiple generations of hybrid cattle, which is where you really get the consistency from. We find our hybrid Balancer cattle are our best doing. They take the least amount of doctoring and always look shinier.” - Scott Starr

The Profitpicture | 19

Spade Ranch Another ranch that is successfully incorporating Balancer genetics into their breeding program is the Spade Ranch. The Spade Ranch is in West Texas and was started in 1889 by Isaac Ellwood who made his money by having the first barbed wire patent. Sprawling over a number of properties, it has grown to over 250,000 acres and has been run primarily as a cow-calf and stocker operation over the years. At one point they were up to 6,400 cows until the severe drought of 2011 took them back to approximately 3,500 cows. According to manager Wesley Welch, “Even in a typical year we are in semi-arid country with 12 to 20 inches of rain depending on the ranch, and can only run about one cow per 40 acres. When 2011 hit, two of our ranches’ tanks ran dry, and they had to be de-stocked. The other ranches were also short on grass, so we had to take our stocking rate from a normal 95 percent capacity down to 40 percent by decreasing cows, heifers and stockers. Luckily, we had more normal rainfall in 2013 filling the stock tanks, and we are hoping to get back to 80 percent stocking rate next year on our blue stem, gamma short grass range.” The Spade Ranch rotationally breeds Balancer with SimAngusTM, which eight years ago replaced a complicated four breed rotation cross consisting of Angus, Braunvieh, Simmental and Hereford. “Using the hybrid bulls greatly simplified our system and increased uniformity.” They also are still able to maintain

67 percent of the heterosis. Wesley really likes having Gelbvieh in the breeding program “for their early maturity, mothering ability, maternal characteristics and udders.” He also likes the rebreeding on them as long as they have genetics that do not give too much milk. “I think the Gelbvieh have given our cow herd a real shot in the arm in terms of reproduction and stayability.”

“Using the hybrid bulls greatly simplified our system and increased uniformity.” They also are still able to maintain 67 percent of the heterosis. Wesley really likes having Gelbvieh in the breeding program “for their early maturity, mothering ability, maternal characteristics and udders...I think the Gelbvieh have given our cow herd a real shot in the arm in terms of reproduction and stayability.”

However, herd sire selection criteria are critical to making the system work in this unforgiving environment. Spade Ranch maintains cow size between 1,100 and 1,200 pounds depending on the year, so “We like to keep a lid on frame and milk as well as emphasizing calving ease and structural correctness. This means looking for bulls that have moderate frame scores and calving ease EPDs with acceptable weaning weight EPDs. We put a lot of emphasis on structure because the cattle need to get out and range for grass over long distances and travel to water.” However, he warns, “It is easy to get too much milk for our

Arkansas & Oklahoma

Breeders

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

20 | October 2013

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

Private Treaty Sales Available Year Round

environment,” which is supported by the US Meat Animal Research Center data that shows that Gelbvieh, Angus and Simmental are three of the highest average milk beef breeds. Wesley also likes the marketability of the Balancer-SimAngus crosses. He related, “Our calves typically sell straight to the feed yard to repeat buyers. We take calves that were born from February on, during a 75 calving season, and wean them at the beginning of October. After a 45-day weaning period, we ship calves that are fully preconditioned (similar to a Vac45 program) in mid-November weighing about 650 pounds. The feedback from our buyers is great. They tell us they are getting above average Quality and Yield Grades with excellent performance in the yard. They also like the health of the calves and their uniformity.” From West Texas to the Sandhills of Nebraska it is evident by example that Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics are hitting the mark. It is all a matter of selecting the right genetics for the environment and market. It is for sure that these tough environments mean that seedstock do not need the most growth and certainly not the most milk to fit into a profitable breeding system. In extensive operations like Spade and Cedar Top Ranches, structural correctness is of the utmost importance. The bottom line is both ranches have highly maternal cattle that are producing a premium product that commands top dollar for their calves and yearlings. It just goes to prove that Balancer cattle will work in the most demanding situations. nnn

Mitchell Marketing Services GELBVIEH SALE MANAGEMENT • SEMEN SALES

Give MMS a call today to schedule your next sale. SIGHT UNSEEN PURCHASES GUARANTEED COMPLETE PROGRAM PROMOTIONS

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

FALL 2013 - SPRING 2014 MMS MANAGED EVENTS

MMS SEMEN SALES

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

OCTOBER 12, 2013 Gelbvieh in the Foothills Athens, TN

OCTOBER 26, 2013 TJB Gelbvieh Production Sale Chickamauga, GA

NOVEMBER 2, 2013 HAGA Show-Me Futurity Plus Sale

CCRO EXCLUSIVE 1230Y

Springfield, MO

Purebred Gelbvieh Homozygous Black, Homozygous Polled

NOVEMBER 9, 2013 C-Cross Cattle Company Production Sale Biscoe, NC

JANUARY 11, 2014 Breeders Choice Gelbvieh Bull Futurity Denver, CO

JANUARY 12, 2014 National Gelbvieh Sale Denver, CO

JANUARY 27, 2014 ND Golden Rule Sale Bismarck, ND

FEBRUARY 11, 2014 Gelbvieh Gold Sale DesMoines, IA

JKGF REFLEX X4 Purebred Gelbvieh Homozygous Black

FEBRUARY 15, 2014 Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Production Sale Gladstone, ND

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

MARCH 4, 2014

Warner Beef Genetics Production Sale

MARCH 8, 2014

J Bar M Gelbvieh and J & K Farms Bull Sale

JEMG STEAKHOUSE Y527

Arapahoe, NE

Purebred Gelbvieh Homozygous Polled

Springfield, MO

MARCH 8, 2014

Tennessee Beef Agribition

MARCH 15, 2014

Post Rock Cattle Co Bull & Female Sale

APRIL 11, 2014

Cranview Gelbvieh Production Sale

Cookeville, TN Barnard, KS

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

JCGR CONTRACT 533Y

38% Balancer® Homozygous Polled

CattleDesign®

Rugby, ND

The Profitpicture | 21

TMGC SB REVIS ROCK 205W 50% Balancer • AMGV 1126612 Homozygous Black • Homozygous Polled Sire: Lyons Design 6109 Dam: Stubro Outback Gal 69S (AMGV 987856) ®

Semen available through Seedstock Plus Genetics.

DLW ALL BUSINESS 408Y 88% Purebred • AMGV 1180118 Black • Homozygous Polled Sire: DLW Mr Kingston 106P Dam: DLW Ms Kingpin 408P

Semen available through owners.

22 | October 2013

-1.5

20% 15%

20%

107

30%

15%

10%

CED

30%

ST YG

-0.08

50%

40%

0.49

25%

0.58

10%

-0.01

70%

81.06

40.73

35%

30%

2.1

50%

132

30%

CED

Industry Relevant, Performance Oriented Bulls will sell at the Seedstock Plus Fall Bull Sale October 19, 2013 • Joplin, MO At Stuecken Brothers our motto speaks for itself. We produce high quality Gelbvieh and Balancer® bulls and females that will drive profitability for all segments of the beef industry. Our cattle are raised on fescue and are guaranteed to be successful in the pasture, in the feedlot and on the rail. STUECKEN BROTHERS Stuecken Brothers are proud members of:

600 W. Hwy P Freeburg, MO 65035 Owners:

85%

-0.29

0.63

0.03

10%

Derek Stuecken • 573.690.8543

-0.11

30.36

50.22

Creating Superior Beef Genetics for Producer Success

Maurice, Mark, Marlon Stuecken and Families

Contact:

Editorial

Gelbvieh’s Role in the Beef Business The beef business is a lot like football. It’s tough and it takes a team commitment to be successful. Commercial producers are committed to supplying a better product that consumers desire, while seedstock suppliers are committed to improving those genetics for the commercial producer to access. Like most things, it doesn’t come easy, and it doesn’t come without a cost. By Rob Arnold Gelbvieh cattle are a key part of the beef business. As cow numbers have continued to decline across the US, Gelbvieh cow numbers have stabilized and have actually increased the past two years. That tells me that the demand for Gelbvieh genetics is good. It is my opinion that Gelbvieh genetics are in demand for two solid reasons: performance and maternal traits.

fewer inputs, and yet Gelbvieh females still produce calves that outperform their counterparts. Maternal – Commercial producers are identifying with the economic value associated with Gelbvieh Influenced females. They have the potential to raise a good calf, efficiently utilize available resources, and consistently breed back to maintain tighter calving intervals.

Gelbvieh genetics are in demand for two solid reasons: performance and maternal traits. Performance – Gelbvieh influenced cattle continue to perform as good as or better than any other breed. Some breeds have chased frame size to compete with Continental cattle in performance, which has led to very big cows requiring more inputs and the potential for greater rebreeding difficulties. Gelbvieh cows have maintained a moderate mature cow size, the smallest of all breeds in the Meat Animal Research Center Progress Report #22. This moderate size requires

It all adds up to profit – profit for both the commercial and seedstock producer. As I stated above, it is a tough business and it’s not without cost. Dr. Bob Weaber at Kansas State University has stated, “For beef producers, implementing technologies that increase the quality and the volume of production and/ or reduce input costs is essential to profitability.” At the time he was discussing RFI (residual feed intake), but the reality of his

statement is that it applies to most, if not all breed improvement tools that both seedstock and commercial producers use to create better beef.

Breed improvement tools are constantly changing and will continuously be needed if we want to keep pace with other animal proteins. Sometimes, probably more times than not, when concepts or tools are new, it is hard to vision how useful or practical they are in everyday beef production. But if you think about the breed improvement tools that are used today, they all continue to have a positive impact on the beef business. A few examples are: 1) Crossbreeding – It is still the easiest way for any commercial producer to pocket an extra $50 per calf at minimum. Introduced

LOSB, Inc. CAMBERN CATTLE JUDY & KEN CAMBERN, P.E. PB Gelbvieh & Balancer ® Cattle

Bulls and Females available year-round for private treaty. Cambern Cattle Company/LOSB Ranch Kenny & Judy Cambern 1900 Evergreen St Pampa, TX 79065 806-669-1965 • Ken: 806-663-6310 • Judy: 806-663-2578 jkcambern@cableone.net The Profitpicture | 23

years ago, the advantages of heterosis are still a vital asset to the beef business. 2) Artificial insemination – The extensive use of AI has allowed the beef industry (seedstock producers and commercial producers) access superior genetics. 3) Sexed semen – The ability to easily pre-determine the sex of a calf allows both seeedstock and commercial producers to propagate bulls or replacement females at a faster rate. 4) EPDs – Greatly aiding selection decisions, EPDs assist seedstock and commercial producers by identifying animals with desired traits. 5) Indexes – Economic selection indexes are still relatively new to most breeders; however they are gaining in popularity and use for a number of reasons. With

all the EPDs that are available, an index takes into account many traits that are weighted accordingly depending on what the index is intended to do. This allows producers to only have one number to look at verses two to 12 different EPDs, simplified selection decisions. 6) Embryo transfer – Much like the sexed semen, embryo transfer allows seedstock breeders to perpetuate quality genetics from the female side of the equation, increasing the penetration of superior genetics. 7) Genomic testing – Through DNA technology, seedstock and commercial producers can select for desirable traits and select away from undesirable traits such as horns or genetic conditions. 8) Genomic-enhanced EPDs – Again relatively new to the industry, genomic-enhanced EPDs

feeling about how both seedstock and commercial producers have been able to be more profitable with the breed improvement tools that have been created. I also hope it gives you a better feeling about the commitment on both the seedstock and the commercial producers’ behalf.

(GE EPDs) have tremendous benefit to the beef industry. GE EPDs add accuracy, reduce risk, and increase the rate of genetic change. 9) Residual Feed Intake (RFI) – Because the overall pool of animals that have been tested with a feed intake system within the industry is very small there is still a lot to learn about this concept. Like anything else that’s new, you can find people that strongly believe either way on this concept. But, the reality is, if the industry can produce as much beef or more with less inputs then this breed improvement tool will eventually be accepted because commercial producers and feeders will demand it.

Seedstock producers will be profitable if the commercial producer is profitable. So just like football…everyone needs to be committed to the role they play. If we are committed, our breed and our industry will succeed. nnn

Clearly this is not a comprehensive list of all the available breed improvement tools. But it should give you a good

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

Grand Champion Stafford County Carcass Show

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

24 | October 2013

15 years of carcass and feed efficiency data gathered.

Feed Efficiency

RFI data gathered on sale bulls on GrowSafe system.

Sandy Knoll Farm

Bull available at the Seedstock Plus Spring Bull Sales

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

dunnfarm@hotmail.com

The Profitpicture | 25

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

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

• Feed conversion to pounds gained

• Dry matter intake

• Feedlot gain

Gain & Efficiency

• Cutability

• Ribeye size

• Pounds of lean meat

Retail Yield

• Increased Quality Grade

• Grid premium potential

• Feed to heavier weights

Carcass Value

Gelbvieh-sired cattle added $53.17 per head on a low spread and $36.67 per head in a high spread over Angus-sired cattle when based on Quality and Yield premiums/discounts and carcass weight in a Choice/Select spread market based on data from Colorado State University’s Maxwell Ranch SmartCross® research.

Pounds Pay

Gelbvieh & Balancer® Genetics Perform in the Feedlot

Over the Fence

With John Schroeder, Darr Feedlot, Inc.

John Schroeder joined Darr Feedlot, Inc., in 2007. Located in Nebraska off of I-80 between North Platte and Kearney, is a custom feedlot that specializes in retained ownership. Recently, Frank Padilla, the American Gelbvieh Association director of breed promotion, visited Darr Feedlot and discussed the feeding industry and the profit drivers of feeding cattle with John. By Frank Padilla

MURRAY FARMS GENETICS THAT WORK FOR COMMERCIAL CATTLEMEN BECAUSE WE ARE COMMERCIAL PRODUCERS. Be sure to look for our bulls in the Sooner Select Sale in McAlester, Oklahoma Saturday, March 22, 2014. Matt & Andrea Murray 20055 N 2730 Rd Kingfisher, OK 73750 murrayfarm@pldi.net (405)368-9601 - cell (405)729-4216 - home 26 | October 2013

FP: Please describe your operation. JS: Darr Feedlot sits in the Platte River Valley between Cozad and Lexington, Nebraska, right off of Interstate-80. Darr Feedlot is a custom 48,000 head feedlot that first got started in 1982 as a 3,000 head yard. Darr specializes in working with retained ownership of cattle for cowcalf customers and also pairing them up with investor customers to finish cattle. We also develop around 1,500 bulls each year for seedstock operations with our offsite bull testing facility.

FP: How has the feeding cattle to finish changed over the years? JS: Finishing cattle over the years has changed dramatically. We have yearlings that have gained 5.86 pounds per day and calves that have gained 5.02 pounds per day. We have seen cattle that have dry matter conversions less than their average daily gain. At one time in my life I did not think numbers like these were even possible, yet they have been achieved in recent years. Cattle are pushed a lot harder and we see more performance and heavier weights at a much younger age than even five years ago. Management of these cattle has to be better to achieve these new levels. In some ways we have improved and yet in other ways of understanding individual cattle, the industry has failed to manage to our expectations. From trades in the stock yards and hauling cattle all to Omaha and then to slaughter houses, we made the change with boxed beef to having slaughter plants located where the cattle are being fed. When that took place you saw a market that traded every day change to a market that traded once a week, especially with the changes in technology of cell phones being able to get a hold of everyone anytime. We then saw the decision making process of shipping cattle with beta-agonists force people to think about what they are going to market a month out in advance. So the skillset to see what cattle not only are today or next week but a month out in advance has had to be perfected. Price discovery will be a discussion for years ahead, but do not look for government involvement. It still takes two people to make a deal and supply of cattle and demand for kill slots will still take care of pricing needs as long as legislation does not get in the way.

FP: What kind of records and information do you keep on each lot of cattle? JS: We get as much information that is available on each set of cattle from what cow vaccination programs including shots at birth, branding, preweaning and weaning time. The diet and mineral program the cattle have received. Brand papers, health certificates, bills of sale are all documents to legally do business today. We also EID every animal in our yard and keep track of everything that happens to that individual while in our care. We enjoy working with ranches getting that EID tag to match their ranch tag and all the history details on that calf. We then are able to

The Profitpicture | 27

FP: How important are genetics to feed yard performance and to meeting your marketing targets? JS: I value genetics. But once you have reached good enough, I only put 30 percent of the value of calves on genetics and the rest on management. Someday that will change as management gets better throughout the industry.

FP: Have cow-calf producers who have retained ownership in their calves been able make genetic improvement with the information that you provided back to them?

Darr Feedlot, Inc., Cozad, Nebraska. Courtesy photo. get carcass data back along with individual performance. Ranchers are interested in knowing what sires are working well in their programs and use carcass data provided in the purchasing of their bulls.

FP: From the records you keep concerning overall feed yard performance, what separates those that are profitable or in some cases those that lose less money? JS: First, the cost and sale price of cattle are obviously two of those factors. Management of cattle through proper nutrition and vitamins, and timely as well as proper vaccinations with good genetics will lead to the following: improved weight out, DM conversion, average daily gain, health factors (morbidity and mortality), and carcass quality.

JS: Not only have they made genetic improvement by using the right bulls and matching sire and dam combinations more effectively, but they have also made dramatic changes in management of livestock from autongenous vaccines, improved mineral programs for specific pastures, and identifying stronger and weaker individuals and groups throughout their herd.

FP: What advantages do you see in having crossbred cattle in the feed yard? JS: Hybrid vigor is real. We do have some sets of purebreds that can make our top 10 percent for weight out or ADG. However, only crossbred cattle consistently make up our top 10 percent for feed conversion.

FP: What management practices done by cow-

Colorado & Nebraska

Breeders

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

Featuring Black, Polled Gelbvieh & Balancer® genetics with balanced trait selection. Next Bull Sale February 27, 2013. High Plains Livestock, Brush, CO.

28 | October 2013

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

Rippe Gelbvieh

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

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

calf producers help you as a feeder the most in making cattle perform the best in the feed yard? JS: Proper nutrition with timely vitamin and mineral packages, proper vaccination programs, and most importantly good daily care and cattle handling. It is not rocket science, do not break the simple rules and take care of the cattle and they will take care of you.

FP: Do you feel that management (weaning, vaccinations, etc.) by cow-calf producers trumps genetics pertaining to profitability? JS: Yes, I would rather have average genetics that are well managed, than great genetics that are mismanaged. I have no room for poor genetics; be very clear on that, we demand both as margins are too tight to not have both genetics and management.

FP: Describe the perfect situation when you look at a close-out. What did the cattle do that made you want to buy or feed them again? JS: Obviously did they make money. Second did they perform to projection expectations (were there any surprises?) Third, out weight; pounds still pay the bills. Fourth feed conversion; every .2 of DM

conversion is going to be real close to a $20 to $25 advantage in profitability. Fifth, average daily gain. Sixth, health factors (morbidity, mortality, and railers). Lastly did they gain on grid value with additional carcass merit. These factors can change in order depending on severity of our averages, but this is the order we see within one standard deviation of our datasets.

FP: Do you feel that more cow-calf producers should retain ownership in their calves and why? What services do you provide? JS: I do believe there are many opportunities for producers to retain ownership of their calves. Cattle set up correctly can return good additional value by retaining ownership. It can reward the producer financially if he has the proper genetics and management program in place. We provide cattle and feed financing, but prefer to help customers work with their local banks. We provide performance as well as profit and loss projections on the cattle for them to use in accessing risk. Darr also assists producers in developing a risk management program through hedging of the cattle. Producers that do retain ownership get a vast amount of information back concerning not only their genetics but as well management. They then can see why their cattle deserve bringing above or below average prices when sold to the next customer in the marketing chain. nnn

The Profitpicture | 29

Feature

Mining Up an Old Topic to Help Improve Your Production: The Importance of Mineral Nutrition in the Beef Animal Research along with years of practice has shown again and again that the mineral status of a beef animal can affect health, forage utilization, growth, and reproductive performance; all factors that can impact profitability. By Kyle Weldon

provide a brief summary of the important macro and trace minerals required by cattle, and how they impact beef cattle productivity. Hopefully the next time you purchase a bag of mineral you will have a renewed understanding of why we supplement minerals and a stronger appreciation for the specific production benefits associated with mineral supplementation.

Macro-minerals The notion that minerals are a necessity for beef production is not a new topic by any means in this industry. Minerals make up a small part of an animal’s diet, yet it is important to not overlook the fact that the cost of improving an animal’s mineral status is low compared with the potential production returns. Meeting the animal’s requirements for these minerals to achieve desired production levels is not only beneficial for the production ability of the animals, but it provides long-term economic advantages.

supplement, therefore having a working understanding of these values and knowing if your current supplementation program meets the cow’s needs is important. By taking a proactive approach in regards to understanding your cow herd’s mineral requirements during different stages of production along with knowing the varying mineral content of the forages they consume throughout the year (i.e.: taking a forage sample to determine nutritive value) can help you make better decisions on what minerals you supplement.

Stage of production and forage quality dictates the animal’s requirement for mineral

The goal of this article is not to give an exhaustive review of minerals, but rather to

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.

Look for our consignments at the NILE Gelbvieh Sale • October 18, 2013 • Billings, MT Our Production Sale • March 20, 2014

30 | October 2013

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

Macro-minerals are major minerals that are required in larger amounts than micro (trace) minerals, usually expressed as a percentage of the diet or grams per day. Calcium (Ca): Calcium is vital for bone and teeth formation, nerve function, muscle contraction, milk production, and cell permeability. Calcium deficiencies can cause osteomalacia (weak and brittle bones) and milk fever. On forage-based diets, calcium is usually adequate (especially with legumes). An animal’s calcium requirements must be considered with regards to phosphorus, as these two minerals interact very closely. Therefore, recommendations for calcium are generally expressed in relationship with phosphorus as a ratio: Ca:P, with a range of 1:1 to 4:1 being considered satisfactory. Phosphorus (P): Like calcium, phosphorus is important for bone and teeth formation, but it is also an essential component in protein and energy synthesis and metabolism, and consequently the animal’s reproductive ability. Phosphorus deficiencies have been shown to decrease growth, reduce dry matter intake, and cause fragile bones. Phosphorus can be deficient in forages, and therefore phosphorus supplementation is especially important during drought conditions or in the fall and winter months when forages are more mature and may have depleted phosphorus concentrations. Phosphorus requirements are presented in terms of the Ca:P ratio described earlier. Magnesium (Mg): Magnesium is essential for normal skeletal development, reproduction, and is required for more than 300 metabolic

reactions within the body. Deficiency symptoms can include nervousness, tremors, hyperirritability, and loss of appetite. Low magnesium levels in the blood are also a cause of hypomagnesemia (grass tetany); a condition that may be common among lactating beef cows grazing lush forages.

release, and embryonic development are dependent upon potassium in the body. Potassium deficiencies can result in reduced feed intake, weight loss, poor electrolyte balance, and restricted calf growth. Most forage typically supplies adequate amounts of potassium, but low levels can be observed during winter months due to plant dormancy. Potassium retention may be an issue if forage also has low magnesium, which can lead to a potassium deficiency.

Meeting the animal’s requirements for these minerals to achieve desired production levels is not only beneficial for the production ability of the animals, but it provides long-term economic advantages. Potassium (K): Potassium is involved in numerous cellular and enzyme functions. Muscle contraction, fluid transport, hormone

Sodium (Na) and Chloride (Cl): Sodium and chloride work in unison to sustain cellular volume, pH, and water balance. Deficiency symptoms include reduced growth and efficiency of feed utilization in growing animals and reduced milk production and weight loss

in adults. Additionally, if requirements are not met, infertility in males and delayed sexual maturity in females may occur. Sodium chloride (salt) promotes water intake, which will help maintain or improve milk production. Cattle crave sodium; therefore, salt is fed not only to provide Na and Cl, but also as an incentive for animals to consume other minerals, while also functioning as a limiter of feed consumption. Sulfur (S): Sulfur is required by the rumen microorganisms to produce sulfur containing amino acids (such as methionine and cysteine). Sulfur is also an important part of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Decreased growth is a symptom of sulfur deficiency, which is primarily due to not meeting the sulfur amino acid requirement for protein synthesis.

Micro-minerals While trace minerals are required in lesser amounts compared with macro-minerals, they still play key roles in maintaining normal body function. Requirements are usually expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg).

Sponsored by Tennessee Gelbvieh Association

Gelbvieh in the

FOOTHILLS Gelbvieh Female Sale

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2013 || 2:00 PM (EST) Athens Stockyards, Athens, Tennessee

SELLING 40 Gelbvieh and Balancer® Females Cow-Calf Pairs || Bred Cows and Heifers || Premier Open Heifers

COMMERCIAL FEMALE SALE Held in conjunction with “Gelbvieh in the Foothills” Gelbvieh Female Sale

Saturday, October 12, 2013 • 2:00 PM (EST) Athens Stockyard, Athens, Tennessee SELLING 50 GELBVIEH INFLUENCED FEMALES: Cow-Calf Pairs • Bred Females • Open Heifers

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REQUEST A FREE SALE BOOK, CONTACT:

Mitchell Marketing Service WWW.MMS.BZ Chris Mitchell 334-695-1371 Randy Sienknecht 319-290-3763

SALE SPONSORED BY:

Tennessee Gelbvieh Association

SALE MANAGEMENT BY: Mitchell Marketing Service

www.mms.bz

Chris Mitchell 334-695-1371 • Randy Sienknecht 319-290-3763

CattleDesign®

The Profitpicture | 31

Iowa

Breeders

Neola, Iowa

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

Kevin Gunderson: 402-510-8103

Al Schulz: 402-676-5292

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

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

Martens Gelbvieh

Gary Martens 2126 500th St • Walnut, IA 51577

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

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

32 | October 2013

Iodine (I): Iodine is critical for maintenance of normal metabolic function through its role in the thyroid gland (which affects nearly every physiological function in the animal). Low levels of iodine can reduce hormone production in the thyroid, which can result in lower milk production, and poorer overall herd health. Enlargement of the thyroid gland can characterize an iodine deficiency.

Cobalt (Co): Cobalt is a dietary essential element for the production of B-Complex vitamins by rumen microbes. Vitamin B12 is used by the microbes to produce propionate, which is a volatile fatty acid and an important energy source for the animal. Cobalt tends to be deficient in the southeastern US and in alkali soils. Deficiency of cobalt can lead to loss of appetite and body weight, and reduced milk production.

Iron (Fe): Iron is the most abundant trace mineral in the body, and is an essential component of hemoglobin, which is necessary for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the tissues and the lungs. Iron deficiency causes decreased feed intake, reduced weight gain, and lethargic behavior. Iron is antagonistic to the absorption of zinc, copper, and phosphorus in cattle, and can contribute to deficiencies in these minerals if supplementation levels are not adjusted to compensate for their losses.

Copper (Cu): Copper is a major part of a strong immune system. It is essential in many enzyme systems, for hair development and pigmentation, bone development, reproduction, and lactation. Deficiency symptoms include fading hair coat, nervous disorders, lameness, joint swelling, reduced conception rates and immune system. The sulfur and molybdenum content of a diet affect copper absorption, therefore it is important to be aware of their concentrations and how they might impact copper availability. Presence of high dietary molybdenum and sulfur promote formation and absorption of thiomolybdate into blood, which renders copper unavailable to the animal.

Macrominerals

Manganese (Mn): Manganese is essential for normal bone formation, growth, and reproduction. Additionally, manganese is involved with amino acid metabolism and fatty

Growing and Finishing Cattle

Gestating/Dry Cows

Lactating Cows

Calcium, Ca

0.31

0.18

0.27

Phosphorus, P

0.27

0.18

0.27

Magnesium, Mg

0.10

0.12

0.20

Potassium, K

0.60

0.70

Sodium, Na

0.07

0.10

Chloride, Cl

Sulfur, S

0.15

Cobalt, Co

ppm

0.10

Copper, Cu

ppm

10.00

Iodine, I

ppm

0.50

Iron, Fe

ppm

50.00

Manganese, Mn

ppm

20.00

40.00

Selenium, Se

ppm

0.10

Zinc, Zn

ppm

30.00

Microminerals

WESTERN BREEDERS acid synthesis. Deficiency symptoms include poor growth, lameness, low birth weights, and reduced conception rates. Selenium (Se): Selenium works with Vitamin E to improve immune function and develop antioxidants in the body. Selenium deficiency can lead to white muscle disease (muscle breakdown in calves), weight loss, and reduced reproductive efficiency. Zinc (Zn): Zinc is a major factor in developing and maintaining a strong immune system. Additionally, zinc is an important cofactor in many enzyme systems, and is required for protein synthesis and metabolism. Deficiency symptoms include loss of appetite, retarded growth, and a compromised immune system. Foot rot may also be a result of low zinc in the diet.

ARIZONA The Prosser Family

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

www.bartbar.com • info@bartbar.com

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

COLORADO

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

NEVADA

(970) 323-6833

www.bowkranch.com

Investing in a good mineral program and properly managing consumption will pay dividends in the longterm performance of the cowherd as well as the economic returns to the operation.

Females for Sale Private Treaty

P.O. Box 156 Orovada, NV 89425 775•272•3442

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

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

Summary Minerals, while a small proportion of a cow’s diet, play an essential role in the productivity and health of the beef animal. Having a firm grasp of the roles that each mineral serves in the body and how it impacts production is a key tool to consider when managing and setting production goals. Investing in a good mineral program and properly managing consumption will pay dividends in the long-term performance of the cowherd as well as the economic returns to the operation.

Dick & Jean Williams

MONTANA

River Bend Ranch

H4 Ranch

Richard and Kathy Bennett 541-825-3750

Mark and Shawn Hopfer 541-863-2147

www.oregonpridegelbvieh.com

WASHINGTON

Editor’s note: Kyle Weldon, MS, is a beef cattle nutritionist with Anipro/Xtraformance Feeds. He can be reached at 979-450-9451 or kweldon@ anipro.com. For more information, visit www. anipro.com.

The Profitpicture | 33

News

Increasing Stayability Leads to Profit Gelbvieh and Balancer® females offer maternal superiority – longevity, less mature cow size, and more pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed – to cow-calf producers. The American Gelbvieh Association honors these outstanding beef females through the Dam of Merit and Dam of Distinction program. By Jennifer Scharpe Gelbvieh cows prove to be a wise choice for those in the commercial crossbreeding industry today. Gelbvieh and Balancer® females offer maternal superiority. U.S. Meat Animal Research Center data, along with American Gelbvieh

Association genetic trends, prove that today’s Gelbvieh and Balancer cows are highly reproductive, offering increased longevity, more maternal milk, less mature weights, early puberty, quiet dispositions and will calve easily producing

PADON FARMS

Sugar Mav 188Y ET We are very excited to add Sugar Mav 188Y ET to our herd sire list. He has the performance and maternal strength that we strive to inject into each calf crop.

Bulls for sale at the farm.

Padon Farms Thad Padon

1012 Shelby Rd • Salem, KY 42078 • 270-836-5518 • tpadon@tds.net 34 | October 2013

calves with low birth weights and tremendous growth. Every year the American Gelbvieh Association honors females in their Herdbook that exhibit consistent maternal efficiency through the Dam of Merit and Dam of Distinction program. The AGA credits its members who continue to place selection emphasis on the maternal traits of the breed by being owners or breeders of these outstanding Gelbvieh and Balancer® females. Of the 39,516 active cows in the AGA Herdbook, only 3.6 percent qualify for Dam of Merit. Only 0.8 percent of all active cows qualify for the Dam of Distinction honors.

data submitted to the American Gelbvieh Association office. A Dam of Merit must have produced at least three calves, while a Dam of Distinction must have produced a minimum of eight calves. Both levels must still meet the strict qualifications requiring breeders to place selection pressure on early puberty and conception, regular calving intervals, and above-average weaning weights.

A one unit increase in overall herd stayability resulted in an increase in profit of $2,500 for herds with 40 percent of the cows remaining in the herd to six years of age.

“The Gelbvieh breed has long had the earned reputation of possessing functional, hard-working females with the ability to breed at a young age, rebreed for the second calf and wean one in that would push down hard on the scale,” comments the American Gelbvieh Association’s Frank Padilla. “The females that qualified for the Dam of Merit and Dam of Distinction program did not achieve such a level of productivity by happenstance. Breeders placed selection pressure on these traits in the development of females that would perform at a level that surpasses others.” The Dam of Merit and Dam of Distinction recognition program was started in 1991 to honor the top-notch cows in the breed. The program recognizes two levels of productivity based on

Cow-calf producers who consider female longevity are more profitable. Beef cow stayability is an indication of a bull’s daughters’ ability to enter the breeding herd and remain productive at least until six years of age. Stayability is an economically relevant trait and has a large influence on herd profitability. The costs associated with development or purchase of replacement females is substantial. A study conducted at Colorado State University evaluated the economic variability of average cow herd stayability. Essentially the study determined that a one unit increase in overall herd stayability resulted in an increase in profit of $2,500 for herds with 40 percent of the cows remaining in the herd to six years of age.

One factor that influences female stayability is udder and teat quality. Udder and teat soundness are a concern for a number of reasons: 1) labor associated with extra costs and reduced convenience; 2) longevity, which may be reduced because of injury or mastitis; 3) calf performance, affected by a reduction in milk flow, or lower colostrum intake by newborn calves having difficulty nursing oversized teats; and 4) udder and teat characteristics appear to be heritable. This means there is definitely variation in the udder quality of daughters from different sire groups. Thus, change can be made through selection. nnn

Top 20 Breeders of Dams of Merit and Dams of Distinction

Top 10 Breeders of Dams of Merit and Dams of Distinction

Top 10 Owners of Dams of Merit and Dams of Distinction

1 Kansa

1 Bar T Bar Ranch Inc., Winslow, Ariz.

2 Judd Ranch Inc., Pomona, Kan.

3 Lazy TV Ranch, Selby, S.D.

4 Schroeder Inc., Sioux Falls, S.D.

4 Flying H Genetics, Arapahoe, Neb.

8 Iowa

5 Knoll Crest Farms, Red House, Va.

5 Schroeder Inc., Sioux Falls, S.D.

9 Colorado

6 Wehri Gelbvieh, Hebron, N.D.

10 Minnesota

7 Middle Creek Farms, Bozeman, Mont.

6 Schafer Farms Inc., Goodhue, Minn.

2 South Dakota 3 Nebraska 4 North Dakota 5 Missouri 6 Montana 7 Arizona

8 Flying H Genetics, Arapahoe, Neb. 9 Post Rock Cattle Co., Barnard, Kan. 10 MLM Gelbvieh, Superior, Neb.

7 Middle Creek Farms, Bozeman, Mont. 8 Wehri Gelbvieh, Hebron, N.D. 9 MLM Gelbvieh, Superior, Neb. 10 Knoll Crest Farms, Red House, Va.

2013 NILE Select Gelbvieh & Balancer® Female Sale and Big Sky Gelbvieh Female Futurity Billings, MT Sponsored by Montana Gelbvieh Association

NILE Gelbvieh Schedule: Friday, October 18, 2013 4:00 p.m. Big Sky Gelbvieh Female Futurity 5:00 p.m. NILE Select Gelbvieh & Balancer Female Sale

Many Champions were sold in last year’s NILE Sale.

Saturday, October 19, 2013 10:00 a.m. Junior Show Open Show immediately follows Junior Show

Bid online at: www.CattleInMotion.com

Tommy Ayres, Auctioneer Cara Ayres, Marketing 406-531-6130 millionayresmanagement@gmail.com 1229 Iron Cap Drive • Stevensville, MT 59870

Find us on Facebook

The Profitpicture | 35

Editorial

Gelbvieh Maternal Efficiency: More than Just a Guess Cow-calf producers want females in their breeding herds that combine efficiency with productivity, balancing weaning weight of calves with amount of feed put into the cow. Gelbvieh females fill that spot for hard-working females that will last in your herd for years to come. By Kari Otteman While cattlemen have known for years that Gelbvieh means consistent and reliable females, Gelbvieh maternal efficiency is more than just word of mouth. Studies support Gelbvieh performance in maternal traits compared to other breeds. But how do these traits benefit commercial producers? There are several maternal traits that Gelbvieh excels at that help you watch your operation’s bottom line.

Gelbvieh replacement heifers are younger and lighter at puberty According to the US Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) Cycle VII report, Gelbvieh females reach puberty at the youngest age and at the lightest body weight of any major beef

breed. Studies have shown that heifers that reach puberty earlier in life can potentially conceive earlier in the breeding season, giving them more time to recover after calving and therefore contributing to on-time calving later in life. This means that reproductively efficient heifers can contribute to concise calving seasons.

Heavier weaning weights with moderate birth weight Calves with Gelbvieh sires have also shown to have greater weaning weights compared to calves sired by other breeds, while still maintaining a moderate birth weight. No mystery here; heavier calves at weaning mean more money in the pocket for commercial cowcalf producers that sell at that time.

What do you want... The Steak or the Sizzle?

Our customers are savvy cattlemen who understand the meat and potatoes of the business. Bar Arrow raises real cattle for the real world.

The Bar Arrow Difference. 24th Annual Production Sale March 11, 2014 • at the ranch 36 | October 2013

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

Moderate mature size Finally, Gelbvieh females combine heavier weaning weight calves and early age at puberty with a moderate mature size. Moderate size is important for producers who are conscious of efficiency in their herds. Weaning larger calves from moderate cows that require fewer inputs is obviously economically relevant with today’s high feed prices.

has been working on an index that combines the maternal traits mentioned above, plus other things like calving ease, udder score, and stayability.

Using an index helps producers select on traits that contribute to overall profit. Look for this index to be published as a research index this fall. For additional

information on Gelbvieh maternal traits and how to measure them, visit www.gelbvieh.org. nnn

Studies have shown that heifers that reach puberty earlier in life can potentially conceive earlier in the breeding season, giving them more time to recover after calving and therefore contributing to on-time calving later in life. New maternal Index So what’s next? The American Gelbvieh Association’s Impacting the Beef BusinessTM long-range strategic plan outlines goals for the development of a maternal index for Gelbvieh and Balancer® animals so their maternal efficiency can be put into definite terms. Dr. Mike MacNeil, an internationally recognized expert in the field of breeding and genetics research, The Profitpicture | 37

Beastrom Ranch

34th Annual Gelbvieh and Balancer ® Bull Sale

February 24, 2014 • 1:00 p.m. CST • At the Ranch, Pierre, SD Selling 90 Bulls Red • Black • Balancer • Purebred

BEA Teddy 941W • BA 63

AMGV1124853 Sons, Daughters and mother sell!

Barstow Cash

AMAN17145326 Angus AI Sire

BABR Secret Brand 2100Z ET • BA 50

BEA 131Y • BA 25

BABR 114Y ET • BA 25

BEA Common Sense 200Z ET • BA 38

AMGV1194169 Sire: VAR Rocky

AMGV1203421 Sire: SAV Brilliance 8077

AMGV1225807 Sire: SAV Brand Name 9115

AMGV1232187 Sire: Connealy Consensus 7229

Providing powerful genetics that meet industry demands! Jim & Barb Beastrom 605-224-5789

Wes & Brittney Spencer 605-280-0204 www.beastromranch.com

38 | October 2013

Shad & Brandy Ludemann 605-280-3915

Announcing ... The Genetic Opportunity Gelbvieh and Balancer ® Female Sale “Putting everything on the Table” December 1, 2013 • 12:00 p.m. CST • At the Ranch, Pierre, SD

For the first time Jim and Barb Beastrom are opening the gates and letting YOU select genetics from within their entire herd. We will be offering nearly 300 head consisting of elite cows, choice donor lots, bred heifers and open replacement females. We have decided to continue to develop our Gelbvieh Cattle through the use of Embryo Transfer work. Please join us in December at the ranch near Pierre, SD for an exciting genetic opportunity.

BEA 7200T • BA 50

BEA 8028U • PB 88

BEA 9072W • PB 94

BEA 8212U • BA 50

BEA 3047N • PB 94

BEA 4022P • PB 94

AMGV1075451 Sire: Exar Pay Stub Dam: BEA 9094D

AMGV1195726 Sire: Pay Stub Dam: BEA 0202K ET

AMGV1082969 Sire: SGRI Investor Dam: BEA 5033D

AMGV862145 Sire: Lazy TV Cocoa J265 Dam: BEA 9206J

AMGV1195722 Sire: Polled Perfection Dam: BEA 7001T ET

AMGV903583 Sire: LWHF Fearless Dam: Ms Power Pacx 9112J

Look for more information in the November Gelbvieh World and at www.beastromranch.com

The Profitpicture | 39

Editorial

Strong Past, Powerful Future The unique genetic package Gelbvieh brings to the beef industry is no accident. This German breed has a centuries old history of explosive growth, high fertility, and superior stayability compared to other breeds. The maternal attributes of Gelbvieh and the pounds weaned per cow exposed are second to none. By Frank Padilla

• Top of the line SEGA Females like this cow/calf will be offered December 7, 2013, at the farm!

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

Feel free to come look at the bull calves to be sold at our sale March 8, 2014, while at the December female sale!

Phone: 970/834-2138 Gail’s Cell: 970/590-4862 • Steve’s Cell: 970/381-0600

Email: gafiolk@aol.com • www.segagelbvieh.com

40 | October 2013

For more than 40 years the Gelbvieh breed has built a successful track record in the U.S. cattle industry for one reason: No other breed is as commercially focused as Gelbvieh. We’ve consistently been focused on satisfying the demands of not only commercial cow-calf producers, but also of the feed yard, packer and consumer. Second, we’ve produced cattle that are troublefree, that enable commercial producers to raise more pounds per cow exposed with fewer inputs. The Gelbvieh cow is iconic in all aspects of productivity when compared to other breeds.

production at the expense of the forage base will continue to make it difficult for producers who are not efficient in their production practices in order to remain profitable in the beef business. With the decline in producers so has come the decline in the US beef cow herd numbers. It has driven prices received in all segments of the beef industry to historic highs. This reduced cattle supply has greatly benefitted most

Through increased hybrid vigor from Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics, our commercial customers have increased cow longevity, livability and overall performance as well added efficiency of production.

Gelbvieh has come to represent a reliable choice for heterosis – the lifeblood of every cow-calf operation. Through increased hybrid vigor from Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics, our commercial customers have increased cow longevity, livability and overall performance as well as added efficiency of production. The packer has gained by getting more carcass weight and retail yield. The consumer has received a tender and marbled product that results in a satisfying eating experience.

The cow-calf segment of the US beef industry lost about 175,000 producers over the past 20 years, which equates to a loss of nearly 9,000 producers per year. Increasing costs, greater risk, and a nationwide push to increase grain

cow-calf operations that have their genetic and management practices in order. As well, it creates great opportunity for profitability in the cow-calf sector of our industry in the years to come, as herd rebuilding has just began in some areas where much needed moisture has returned. Pioneers of our industry and of our breed have given producers the tools to take advantage of the unique opportunity that presents itself. Small supply with big demand means profit for most

The Profitpicture | 41

Jeff Swanson

10908 724 Rd • Oxford, NE 68967 308/337-2235

• • • • • • • •

Sex : Heifers Pay Wgt in: 603 lbs. Pay Wgt out: 1,287 lbs. HCY: 64.79% HCW: 819 lbs. ADG: 3.55 lbs. DMC: 6.12 $7.58 per head profit*

• PR: 4% • • CH: 89.0% • • Sel: 7.0% • • YG1: 20% • • YG2: 40% • • YG3: 40% • • YG4: 0% • • CAB: 33.0% • * Avg industry loss $146/head

Sex : Steers Pay Wgt in: 615 lbs. Pay Wgt out: 1,387 lbs. HCY: 64.75% HCW: 916 lbs. ADG: 3.71 lbs. DMC: 6.14 $51.24 per head profit*

• • • • • • • •

PR: 2.0% CH: 71.0% Sel: 27.0% YG1: 13.7% YG2: 57.9% YG3: 21.6% YG4: 5.9% CAB: 35.0%

– Jeff Swanson –

“I breed ‘em and feed ‘em”

Performance Data

Annual Production Sale: February 22, 2014

Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls We offer a consistent set of quality bulls for producers looking to turn out mutiple bulls.

Close outs from a recent group of steers and heifers prove it.

Balancer® cattle make money.

7th Annual You-Pick-Em All Polled

All Black

t Saturday, November 16, 2013 t 11 am - 2 pm t At the Farm t Lunch served at noon!

t Guest consignor Last Call Gelbvieh, Dr. Tom Lavelle, DVM

• All cattle are CA Free • 25 Gelbvieh, Balancer® and Angus bulls sell! • Many Homozygous black and Homozygous polled • 25 Females sell!

HYeK BlacK Impact

JKGF Future Investment X037

senior Herdsire

Junior Herdsire

Herdsires will be available for viewing on sale day. 42 | October 2013

W L

QUALITY GELBVIEH CATTLE

LITTLE WINDY HILL

Farms Doug & Sue Hughes 6916 Peppers Ferry Road Max Meadows, VA 24360

H 276/637-3916 • C 276/620-4271

email: lwhf@wiredog.com

The fact that three of the six largest beef breed associations in the US are sharing the same national cattle evaluation is a great asset for the beef business, especially for commercial producers. It simplifies genetic selection across breeds and sends a clear message that Gelbvieh breeders are committed to doing what is best for commercial producers. in any business. We have a tool box full of genetic evaluation and management tools to use to tailor a product that best suits the needs of our customers and ultimately, the consumer. The American Gelbvieh Association offers several ways to

assist in marketing and promoting these products. Innovative pioneers take advantage of all. The AGA’s multi-breed EPDs developed and first published in January 2013 continues the commitment that Gelbvieh

LONE OAK GELBVIEH

breeders have to commercial customers. Breed improvement and genetic evaluation is a key focal point within the Association’s Impacting the Beef BusinessTM strategic plan developed in 2012. With the exception of calving ease and stayability, EPDs for all traits are directly comparable across Gelbvieh, Balancer®, Red Angus, Simmental and SimAngus®. The fact that three of the six largest beef breed associations in the US are sharing the same national cattle evaluation is a great asset for the beef business, especially for commercial producers. It simplifies genetic selection across breeds and sends a clear message that Gelbvieh breeders are committed to doing what is best for commercial producers. It makes the process of evaluating genetic merit between breeds easier. The multi-

breed evaluation also provides more robust EPDs because of the combined data of millions of additional animals. The collaboration of these breed associations creates the largest multi-breed genetic evaluation in the world. The opportunities that lie on the horizon are only as good as our preparation to capitalize on them. That is why the Gelbvieh breed will never waiver in doing what is needed for the best interest of the commercial producer and beef industry as a whole. As Yogi Berra once said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” nnn

Bull Sale in March 2014 at our home.

WE WILL BUY YOUR CALVES! Use our bulls and we will bid on or buy your calves!

“We’ve been breeding ‘em and feeding ‘em for 20 years and we strive to make our customers money, one head at a time!”

Moderate, Fertile, Performance Cattle “We have been buying LoneOak bulls and bred heifers for several years. We have been very pleased with our yearling weights consistently over 1,350 lbs. We look forward to doing business with Eric and Heather in the future.” Kasey & Leah Nebergall

Ask about our calf buy back program

LONE OAK GE L B V I E H

Eric Ehresman 20963 30th St. Mechanicsville, IA 52306 hornsandthorns@netins.net 319-489-2275 • 319-480-1564

The Profitpicture | 43

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

Bar Arrow Cattle Company Stuar t Jar vis

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

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

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

RogeRs Valley FaRm gelbVieh

MISSOURI

Breed for Tomorrow’s Cattle Today!

A Breed Leader in Tenderness & Marbling–

www.rogersvfg.com

Judd Ranch Inc.

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

•

B/F Cattle Company

P.O. Box 51 Mendon, MO 64660 (660) 272-3805 (O) (660-375-7266 (C) Ronald & Kathryne Rogers email: rogers_valley_farm_feedlot@hotmail.com

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

Specializing in Forage Raised Balancer® Bulls on K-31

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

Consistent Genetics Adding Pounds & Profit

Myron & Valerie Bahm

Route 1, Box 407 • Butler, MO 64730

4375 White Oak Rd Fordland, MO 65652

660 • 492 • 2808

417-753-3578(h) • 417-576-0687(c)

email: whiteoakfarms@live.com

Fall Bred Heifers • SimAngus & Balancer®

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

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

44 | October 2013

Source for calving ease, docile, major economic traits, boostered with this heterosis, 18 mo old bulls for longevity

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancer®

NEBRASKA

Bob Harriman Genetics Montrose, MO 660-492-2504

bharriman39@ hotmail.com Thanks to all for investing 50 years in this program from pasture to plate.

Editorial

Crossbreed Instead of Using Beta-Agonists With the whole Zilmax® controversy shining a light on the use of beta-agonists, I think we all need to stand back and review their value to the industry. I question the real benefits of them to our industry when in my opinion crossbreeding our current British-based cow herd with Continental cattle may achieve the same results. By Dr. Bob Hough First to be clear, I do not question the healthfulness and wholesomeness of beef sold to consumers from cattle fed beta-agonists. With the approximately 25 pounds of extra carcass weight gained by feeding this supplement, many people feel their use is necessary to supply current consumer beef demand. But in the big

picture is the extra carcass weight gained this way worthwhile? Although the beef from cattle fed these supplements is safe, having one in very wide use withdrawn from the market due to possible negative impact on cattle soundness is not good public relations. It made the national news

and impacted the perception of our product’s wholesomeness. We simply do not need this kind of bad publicity. Beta-agonist feed supplements are not new. When I was in graduate school over 25 years ago, several of the graduate students under my advisor were working on the value of betaagonists. Their effect is to increase muscle mass by expanding the size of muscle fibers. This increases carcass weight and dressing percentage. The down side is their use takes away market flexibility and carcass quality is negatively impacted as well as a possible decrease in tenderness. These effects certainly do not help the perception that we are supplying consumers with the best product possible, whatever the truth. In seems obvious to me we could increase

MIDWEST BREEDERS Pope Farms Gelbvieh

J. J. Boehler

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

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

Cedar Top Ranch Scott & Raberta Starr 212 Starr Drive • Stapleton, NE 69163 (H): 308-587-2293 • (C): 308-530-3900

Jeff Swanson • 308/337-2235 10908 724 Rd • Oxford, NE 68967

cedartopranch@gpcom.net

Annual Sale—Last Saturday in February

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

GELBVIEH

BALANCER

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

The Profitpicture | 45

carcass weight and feed yard growth by simply injecting high performing Continental breeds into a breeding system. The US Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) data tells us the average Simmental and Charolais will grow in the feedlot comparably to the predominant breed being fed: Angus. Recent work with the Simmental, Red Angus, Gelbvieh acrossbreed national cattle evaluation shows that the US MARC data probably underestimates

or Red Angus. Again, a breed-average Limousin is the outlier in terms of adding an extreme amount of muscle. Crosses with extra muscling will also result in increased dressing percentage. The bottom line is that by crossing our nation’s Angus-based cow herd with some percentage of Continental blood should, in theory, make up the pound and muscle difference without the use of beta-agonist. The glory of this type of crossbreeding is the dollar cost of the feed supplement is eliminated. So the obvious question comes up, why not feed straight Continental cattle? The reason is simple; added Continental blood will decrease Quality grade, and in some instances, tenderness just like the beta-agonist. It appears that the ideal amount of Continental in a crossbreeding system is between 25 to 50 percent.

Beyond breed complementarity between British and Continental cattle, crossbreeding will also add hybrid vigor. This includes improvement in gain, vigor, and disease resistance. the growth potential of Gelbvieh, and instead Gelbvieh are very comparable to Simmental in terms of growth. According to the objective data available, of the major Continental breeds, the average Limousin lags the field in terms of postweaning gain. All the major Continental breeds (Simmental, Charolais, Gelbvieh and Limousin) demonstrate the average animal in these breeds will add considerable muscling to a crossbreeding system when compared to Angus

Beyond breed complementarity between British and Continental cattle, crossbreeding will also add hybrid vigor. This includes improvement in gain, vigor, and disease resistance. Although hybrid vigor is not high for feedlot traits, the 2.5 percent increase in heterosis for average daily gain equals about 16 more pounds over a 160 day feeding period.

Breeders

“Superior Gelbvieh and Balancer Cattle”

Chris & Jordan Hampton Charles & Sue Hampton 839 Davistown Rd. • Celina, TN 38551 102 Merlin Dr. • Georgetown, KY 40234

Breeding Gelbvieh since 1989

46 | October 2013

Because heterosis is the average of the two breeds, not as much disease resistance is gained when crossing with Angus as one would think. US MARC data indicates the average Angus has a decided genetic advantage in disease resistance over most other major breeds. This means the heterosis gained through crossing in many cases only get genetic potential of the breed crosses back to that of a straightbred Angus. Besides the breed complementarity and heterosis advantages of a crossbred animal in the feedlot, there is also much to be gained by having a crossbred females. With the proper genetic inputs, lifetime pounds weaned per cow exposed can be increased by as much as 25 percent. With all this said, I really question the value of the use of beta-agonists by our industry. For sure they do meet company claims of increasing carcass weight of wholesome beef, but in my opinion, our industry can get to the same end result by simply by implementing well-planned crossbreeding systems. Crossbreeding has no unintended consequences of potential bad press like growth promotants can have and has a lot of upside throughout the production chain. Editor’s note: This article has been re-printed with permission from Western Livestock Journal.

One must remember that hybrid vigor is the

Kentucky & Tennessee

Steve, Ashley, Jordan & Jason McIntosh 502-868-5726 Clifford & Faye McIntosh 502-863-1135

percent increased performance between the average of the two parent breeds. This means that high quality genetic inputs are necessary to gain performance through heterosis, i.e. garbage in, garbage out.

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

Crossbreeding is Smart and Easy with Gelbvieh and Balancer®. To learn more visit: www.GELBVIEH.org. Or contact American Gelbvieh Association representatives: Brian Rogers, Texas 936-554-1600 William McIntosh, Kentucky 502-867-3132

Feature

Balancer® - The Smart, Easy Crossbreeding Solution Cow-calf producers utilize crossbreeding to increase efficiency and profits. To see greater maternal benefits in their commercial cow herds, producers are choosing Gelbvieh or Balancer® genetics. Cattlemen and feeders recognize the value of crossbred calves as they exhibit heterosis (hybrid vigor) and combine the strengths of the parent breeds. By Jennifer Scharpe Heterosis refers to the superiority in performance of the crossbred animal compared to the average of the straightbred parents. Heterosis is typically reported in percentage improvement in the trait of interest. Heterosis

results from the increase in the heterozygosity of a crossbred animal’s genetic makeup. In the beef industry, use of heterosis to improve production has shown similar advantages to that of hybrid corn in crop

Individual heterosis is the improvement in performance by the individual crossbred animal above the average of its parents. Increases in calf livability, weaning weight, yearling weight and carcass traits are examples of individual heterosis in crossbred calves compared to straightbred calves.

production. Numerous research studies have reported up to a 25 percent improvement in pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed when crossbred dams produce crossbred calves. There are three main types of heterosis.

Maternal heterosis leads to the combined improvement in traits from the dam that cause increases in the performance of her and of her progeny. Examples of maternal heterosis include: younger age at puberty, increased calving rate, increased survival of her calf to weaning, longevity, and pounds of calf produced in her lifetime.

One Bred Heifer and One Open Heifer consigned to

The

Select Gelbvieh & Balancer® Female Sale

Kicking Horse Ranch has been dedicated to Gelbvieh for 40+ Years!

KHR 277Z

KHR 316A

Polled • Red • Purebred

KHR 05T x KHR 972W BD: 03/26/12 • BW: 92 lbs. CE 7

BW 2.6

WW 78

YW MK 110 32

George & Jeanette Rankin (406)937-3728 1289 Nine Mile Rd Oilmont, MT 59466

TM 71

CD -2

CE 11

www.kickinghorseranch.com

KHR 05T x KHR 032X BD: 03/02/13 • BW: 77 lbs. BW WW YW MK TM -1.5 57 78 33 62

CD 6

Jim & Kathy Bjorkman phone & fax (406)937-4815 krankin@northerntel.net

The Profitpicture | 47

UPPER MIDWEST BREEDERS MINNESOTA

IOWA

u Brandywine Farm

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

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

Tom Scarponcini

30474 Brandywine Road Rushford, MN 55971

507-864-2063

Schafer Farms, Inc. SFI

Gelbvieh

Ridge Top Ranch

Gelbvieh-Angus-Balancer

Neola, Iowa

Black & Polled Private Treaty Sales

Breed-leading Performance from Quality Genetics

Balancer®

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

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

651-923-4587 www.schaferfarm.com

Mattison Family Farm

th Street inquist 1135 190 inquist

Fonda, IA 50540

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

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

LGONE O AK E L B V I E H hornsandthorns@netins.net Eric Ehresman (319) 489-2275 20963 30th St. (319) 480-1564 Mechanicsville, IA 52306

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

Private Treaty Bull Sale — Last Sat. in February Annually

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

Ricky Linquist

SOUTH DAKOTA

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

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

Jim & Barb Beastrom Brandy Ludemann, Brittney Spencer

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

www.bcvgelbvieh.com

NORTH DAKOTA

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

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

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

3320 51st St., Mandan, ND 58554

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

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

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

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

Rob Arnold

Email: RLAGelbvieh@aol.com

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancers®

Ellison Gelbvieh & Angus Ranch Gelbvieh & Angus & Balancers

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

Mitchel & Edna Ellison

Jeff & Susie Ellison

9020 ND Hwy 49 Lemmon, SD 57638

9015 ND Hwy 49 Lemmon, SD 57638

701.376.3238

701.376.3526

Proven Genetics with Balanced Traits!

McCabe Cattle Co.

Two Step Ranch

563-543-5251

563-543-4177

Lacey McCabe

Pat and Jay McCabe

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

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

48 | October 2013

Dwight and Christina Dockter Bailey, Cheyenne, Cierra and Dalton

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

Paternal heterosis is the improvement in productive and reproductive characteristics of the bull. Examples of paternal heterosis in a herd sire include: reduced age at puberty, improvements in scrotal circumference, improved sperm concentration, increased pregnancy rate and greater servicing capacity, as well as more years of service. Crossbreeding combines the strengths of two or more breeds producing offspring with optimum performance levels. As an example, one breed may excel in marbling potential whereas Gelbvieh are superior for red meat yield (cutability), as proven with data collected at MARC. Combining the breed types results in offspring that have desirable levels of both marbling (Quality Grade) and retail yield (Yield Grade). Similarly, milk production and growth rate may be most effectively optimized by crossing two or more breeds. Utilizing the strengths of two breeds, the American Gelbvieh Association created the Balancer® program. Balancer animals are registered hybrid seedstock with documented pedigrees and EPDs.

Balancer cattle are 25-75 percent Gelbvieh with the balance Red Angus or Angus. All polled, Balancer cattle combine the Gelbvieh growth, muscle, retail yield, fertility and unequaled pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed with the marbling of Angus or Red Angus.

Reproductive Advantages of Hybrid Bulls Bos Taurus x Bos Taurus

Bos Taurus x Bos Indicus

First completed mating

6.1%

Age at puberty

1.8%

Initial sperm motility

33.3%

10%

Reproductive Trait Appearance of first motile sperm

Sperm concentration 36.4% 56% Balancer bulls possess Scrotal circumference 4.4% 8.4% paternal heterosis, resulting Pregnancy rate 0.2% 1.4% in improved productive and reproductive traits. Weaning rate of calves sired 4% 3.7% The benefits of paternal Average date of calves born 10 days earlier 7.8 days earlier heterosis include increased Source: Thrift and Aaron, 1987, J. Anim. Sci. 65:128 servicing capacity, higher pregnancy rate and weaning rate, greater 50 percent Bos indicus breeding traits through complementing sperm concentration, larger scrotal with at least 25 percent Gelbvieh breed strengths and produce circumference and reduced age at genetics. This combination animals that are better than the puberty. Published research proves produces cattle with superior average of the parental lines that the reproductive advantages of maternal strengths, market created them. The best tool that crossbred bulls. Purebred Gelbvieh acceptability and environment the commercial cattleman ever bulls used on high percentage adaptability. had is based on optimization, not Angus or Red Angus commercial the production of extremes. So, it “If we think about it cows produce Balancer calves that would stand to reason that within simplistically, crossbreeding for meet all industry demands from the breed selection should have the a trait like weaning weight leaves pasture to the feed yard to the rail. same goal, optimums and not us with a calf crop that is better For producers needing heat maximums,” said Matt Spangler, than the average of the parental tolerant cattle the American Beef Genetics Extension Specialist, lines, not better than both parental Gelbvieh Association offers the University of Nebraska nnn lines. Crossbreeding, if done Southern Balancer® program. The correctly, seeks to optimize many Southern Balancer combines 6.25-

UPPER MIDWEST BREEDERS Thorstenson Gelbvieh

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

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

kvolek@venturecomm.net www.volekranch.com

Don’t think you can afford an ad in Gelbvieh World? For $297 you can be in every issue for one year! Call Jennifer or Lynn at the AGA office at

303-465-2333 The Profitpicture | 49

Editorial

It’s Never the Wrong Time to Learn Whether a commercial cattleman, a seedstock breeder, or a junior member, many opportunities are available to continue learning. Education should be a life-long goal and the American Gelbvieh Association offers many resources to learn more about the beef business. By Michael Ring Commercial cattlemen are a large part of the Gelbvieh breed. Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle excel in the commercial market as breeding cows and especially in the feedlot setting, which is my personal background. My family operates a 2,500 head capacity custom feedlot in northern Illinois. I am proud to say that the group of calves with the best live numbers in our feedlot so far this year was a set of Gelbvieh influenced cattle, raised by a commercial breeder

near us. These calves were mostly sired by registered Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls, which were used on commercial cows. This truly shows to me that commercial cattlemen can do great things with the limited information they sometimes have with commercial cows when they breed them to high quality Gelbvieh or Balancer bulls. In the past year the American Gelbvieh Association has created and implemented the Impacting the Beef BusinessTM long-range

Markes Family Farms Oklahoma’s Largest Gelbvieh Breeder

Selling Exceptional Bulls Transportation Available

50 | October 2013

strategic plan. One of the main goals of the plan is member education. I would encourage AGA members and commercial breeders alike to read up on what the Gelbvieh breed has to offer. There are some great resources online at www.Gelbvieh.org. I

advance in the cattle industry. The contest consisted of several stations which included the live carcass evaluation, a registration quiz, EPD quiz, udder scoring, tool identification, meat cuts identification, and a management test.

I am proud to say that the group of calves with the best live numbers in our feedlot so far this year was a set of Gelbvieh influenced cattle, raised by a commercial breeder near us. can usually find something new every time I visit the website. Just because someone is a commercial producer does not mean they can’t use the resources that breed associations have. I think a lot of people could benefit from looking at simple things like EPDs and bloodlines. They really do mean something, especially when trying to find bulls for your herd. I would also like to say that the American Gelbvieh Junior Association is putting quite a bit of effort into member education as well. Several new contests implemented at this summer’s junior national show, as well as those the past couple of years, are geared towards member education. The skill-a-thon contest is a perfect example of this, along with the now integrated live carcass evaluation contest that has been in place for a few years. The skilla-thon contest was added in an effort to teach juniors some realworld skills that would help them

Anyone between the ages of eight and 21 can participate in the national Junior Classic; and I think 8 years old is a great age to jump into showing cattle. The Junior Classic is an exciting start to any great show career because it offers so many opportunities to make new friends and learn a very large amount about the cattle industry. The AGJA also empowers youth with the opportunities needed to become leaders in the cattle industry and beyond. In conclusion, I would just like to say that it doesn’t matter how young or old you are. It is never the wrong time to try to better yourself. You can always be looking for better management practices, try to make better business decisions, or even continue to try to make better livestock selections. The bottom line is, it is never the wrong time to learn. nnn

The Profitpicture | 51

News

Gelbvieh Joins Multi-Breed Genetic Evaluation The Gelbvieh, Simmental and Red Angus associations have joined together in a multibreed genetic evaluation. Growth and carcass EPDs for Gelbvieh, Balancer®, Simmental, SimAngus®, and Red Angus are directly comparable, simplifying breeding decisions for cow-calf producers. Since January 2013, the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) has joined with the American Simmental Association (ASA) and the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) in a joint, multi-breed genetic evaluation (MBGE). The addition of Gelbvieh data pushes the multibreed dataset to over 11.5 million animal records, and includes four of the seven largest beef breeds in North America - Canadian Angus Association (CAA) having been

included since the onset of this multi-breed collaboration. This is believed to be the largest multibreed beef cattle genetic evaluation database in the world. “We [participating breeds] share the use of thousands of sires due to Gelbvieh’s and Simmental’s use of Red and Black Angus in the production of hybrid seedstock,” said Dr. Wade Shafer, ASA chief operations officer and director of performance

programs. Red Angus, Gelbvieh and Simmental all maintain open herd books that provide the basis for thousands of ‘head-to-head’ comparisons across breeds in well-formed contemporary groups. Canadian Angus provides similar opportunities to compare Red and Black Angus genetics. “Multi-breed genetic evaluation is a very important tool for Gelbvieh breeders as we strive to offer our commercial customers the most reliable EPDs,” offered Dr. Jim Gibb, executive director of AGA. “In addition to being able to account for breed differences, the multi-breed EPD model explains differences in performance due to heterosis. It is imperative for ranchers to be able to accurately compare purebred and hybrid seedstock,” Gibb added. AGA’s inclusion in this multibreed collaboration offers another bonus to the beef industry – Gelbvieh EPDs for growth and

carcass traits are now published on the same EPD base and scale as Red Angus and Simmental. This allows ranch customers to make direct comparisons across breeds – including hybrid and composite seedstock – for those traits. The MBGE model uses pedigree, performance, ultrasound, carcass and genomic data from 50K DNA panels in the calculation of multi-breed EPDs. Another unique feature of the MBGE is that RAAA, ASA, CAA and AGA all utilize some form of “Whole Herd Reporting” which provides improved EPD accuracy through building genetic evaluation on complete contemporary group data. For more information on multi-breed EPDs, visit any of the breed association’s websites: redangus.org, simmental.org, or gelbvieh.org. nnn

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

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

52 | October 2013

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

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

SOUTHEAST BREEDERS KENTUCKY

M & W Farms

Producing Black, Polled Genetics for Today & Tomorrow.

Maryville, Tennessee

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

Double Bar H Gelbvieh • Balancer • Angus

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

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

Mick Ainsworth

1613 Derby Road P.O. Box 154 Jackson Springs, NC 27281 910-652-2233 Cell: 910-638-8436 Mick’s email: longleaf@etinternet.net

102 Merlin Dr. Georgetown, KY 40234

Looking for a sale or event? Check Places to Be on the website: www.GELBVIEH.org

VIRGINIA

W L

Get ready for upcoming sales!

NORTH CAROLINA

lynnmwfarms@gmail.com

Grass Grown • Carcass Quality & Performance

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

Advertise in Gelbvieh World or the Profit Picture

865.660.9227

QUALITY GELBVIEH CATTLE

LITTLE WINDY HILL

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

TENNESSEE Quality Gelbvieh & Balancer® Cattle

ClinCh Mountain Gelbvieh

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

Joe & Gwen Wilson (276) 628-4163

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

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

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

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

Bulls & Heifers for Sale

WEST VIRGINIA

“Superior Gelbvieh and Balancer Cattle”

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

Registered Bulls & Replacement Females

The Profitpicture | 53

News

How Fast can the Beef Cow Herd be Rebuilt? Many factors have contributed to the fewest US cow herd numbers since the 1950s. However, producers have continued to invest in replacement heifers, making it most likely one of the youngest and most productive cow herds ever. With favorable conditions, rapid regrowth is possible and highly likely. By Derrell Peel Historically, the cattle cycles that the beef industry has observed for many years were self-regulating cycles of inventory driven by internal beef industry factors including calf price levels, beef cattle biology and the rigidity of forage resources used in the industry. It is these factors that influence what cow-calf producers want to do, and that, when

combined with the availability and condition of production resources which determine what can be done, result in changes in the beef cow herd inventory. These decisions by cow-calf producers ultimately determine the cattle supply for the entire industry. Most of the cow herd liquidation that has occurred

Yoder’s Prairie Acres is offering some select bred females and fall cow/calf pairs at private treaty. We have fall bulls and will have some very nice seedstock bulls available next spring. Check them out at www.yodersprairieacres.com

Contact: Chester Yoder • chesteryoder@yahoo.com 330-231-0339 or 330-567-9232 54 | October 2013

since 2001, including the aborted herd expansion of 2004 and 2005, were the result of external factors including input market shocks that reduced cow-calf profitability; a US and global recession that tempered cattle prices and producer expectations; and severe drought since 2011. This means that the last 3.4 million head decline in the beef cow herd was not due to typical cattle cycle factors. It has been suggested that the cattle cycle is a thing of the past. I believe that these other factors have masked and overwhelmed cyclical tendencies through this period and do not mean that the cattle cycle is gone or irrelevant in the future. However in situations where drought has forced inventory adjustments that are counter to what producers want to do, the details of how the adjustments happen become important. How we got to where we are will have an impact on how herd expansion will take place in the future. Since 2007, the calculated number of heifers entering the cow herd has remained above average even while the very high rate of cow culling has resulted in net liquidation and reduction in the cow herd inventory. In a more typical cattle cycle, the rate of heifer placement decreases at the same time as increased cow culling, with both contributing to herd liquidation. This happened,

for example, during the 19962001 period of cattle inventory liquidation. In contrast, during herd expansion, heifer placement typically increases simultaneously with decreased cow culling to result in herd expansion (e.g. during 1991-1995). In recent years producers have continued to invest in replacement heifers despite the necessity of reducing herd size as a result of external shocks and drought. The fact that the industry has simultaneously increased cow culling and heifer placements in recent years means that the current beef cow herd is not only the smallest in 60 years, but likely one of the youngest and most productive ever. At this point in 2013, cowcalf producers appear to have a growing incentive for herd expansion with strong profit prospects and improved forage conditions in many regions. Beef cow slaughter for the year to date is unchanged from last year but is down over 13 percent in the most recent two weeks of data and suggests that the beef industry is back on track of decreasing cow slaughter, a necessary component of herd expansion. However, sharply decreased beef cow slaughter of, perhaps, 8-12 percent for the remainder of the year will result in annual beef cow slaughter down a modest 4-5 percent. Additionally, there are indications that replacement heifers were diverted into feeder markets in the first half of the year, part of the residual effects of drought, reduced hay supplies and extended winter impacts. The combination of larger cow slaughter (smaller than expected reductions) and decreased heifer placements is likely to result in a year over year decrease of 0.75 -1.25 percent in the beef cow herd

as of January 1, 2014. There are indications that heifer retention will accelerate this fall with cowcalf producers holding more heifer calves for breeding.

prospects for 2014 include both factors that suggest potential for faster than normal growth and factors that will limit growth. The young and productive base herd

As long as drought conditions continue to moderate, beef cow herd growth of two percent is possible in 2014 with another 2-3 percent in 2015. Growth faster than this is unlikely when all factors are considered. Most herd expansions in the past have included one to two years of minimal or modest herd growth before accelerating for two to three years. Herd expansion

suggests the potential for one of two years of very minimal cow culling which would contribute to faster growth.

A year over year drop in beef cow slaughter of roughly 20 percent in 2014 would correspond to a culling rate of less than 9 percent, a low rate typical of herd expansion. With such a young herd, an even bigger decrease in cow culling is possible (less than 8 percent) but such a large decrease in cow slaughter might result in significant disruption in lean beef (hamburger) supplies. The sharply higher cull cow prices that would result will mitigate some of the decrease in cow slaughter. At that same time significantly more replacement heifers may be reported on January 1, 2014 but it will likely include a higher than normal percentage of heifer calves that will not produce a calf until 2015. The situation described above suggests that it may be possible to see relatively rapid growth in the cow herd in 2014.

Though 2013 is likely another year of herd liquidation, the improvement in conditions in the second half of the year may provide the period of herd stabilization (with little or no growth) that often occurs in first year of herd expansion. As long as drought conditions continue to moderate, beef cow herd growth of two percent is possible in 2014 with another 2-3 percent in 2015. Growth faster than this is unlikely when all factors are considered although slower growth is certainly possible. Among several implications, the reduction in cow and heifer slaughter that this growth implies is expected to lead to a roughly 7 percent decrease in total cattle slaughter in 2014. nnn

The Profitpicture | 55

Feature

A Fitting Transition: Cow-Calf to Seedstock Murray Farms, located near Kingfisher, Okla., consists of about 250 mother cows with a Gelbvieh base. Using their roots in the commercial cow-calf business, they are transitioning a portion of their cow herd to Gelbvieh and Balancer速 seedstock to provide quality bulls and females to meet growing demands for Gelbvieh genetics in the South. By Brian Rogers Often times, those in production agriculture ask one common question: How do we get and keep young people interested in agriculture? The agriculture business is not for the faint of heart; it has its ups and downs and

Matt and Andrea Murry and their two sons, Breckon, 3, and Braxton, 7, own and operate Murry Farms located in the heart of Oklahoma wheat pasture country. Courtesy photo.

comes with a lot of hard work. The number of people involved in production agriculture in the US is dwindling, with the average age of farmers and ranchers increasing. According to US Census

Kansas

Breeders

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

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

Delbert cell Cody cell

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

railegelbvieh.com email: dmraile@railegelbvieh.com

reports, the average age of the principal farm or ranch operator is 55.3. So what makes someone stay involved in production agriculture? For Andrea and Matt Murray being involved in production agriculture and raising beef cattle is part of their roots. They both grew up on separate farms; Andrea in northwest Kansas on a commercial cow-calf and alfalfa operation; Matt outside of the small town of Omega, Oklahoma helping his dad grow wheat and run stocker steers on wheat pasture. Today, Andrea and Matt, along with their two boys Braxton, 7, and Breckon, 3, own and operate Murray Farms, a Gelbvieh seedstock and commercial cow-calf ranch in Kingfisher, Okla. Recently, the Murrays have begun transitioning a portion of their commercial cow herd to a registered herd to raise quality Gelbvieh and Balancer速 bulls and females to meet increasing demands in Oklahoma and Texas and surrounding states.

Background Andrea got an early start in production

56 | October 2013

agriculture, growing up in Phillips County, Kansas, “the cow-calf capitol of Kansas.” She says, “I was involved in 4-H from the age of four, starting with my first bottle lamb. When I was 18, I showed my first Gelbvieh heifer, which I might add, we still have.” She went to Hutchinson Community College on a livestock judging scholarship and then judged at Fort Hays State. From there she went home and got a ‘degree’ in backgrounding feeder cattle. “My Dad put in a small background lot of about 1,200 head. He would usually be gone three to four days buying cattle mainly in southern Oklahoma, while I stayed home managing, feeding, and doctoring the rest of the calves in the yard. Plus, I would take care of Dad’s 150 commercial momma cows.” Matt was involved in all aspects of his father’s diversified farming operation. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Animal Science. “When I returned to Omega, I started my own operation. We currently farm about 1,500 acres of ground, which we rotate between canola and wheat,” says Matt.

Matt and Andrea met on the website farmersonly.com. Andrea was at home working for her Dad backgrounding cattle, with a young child and knew everyone available in the five county surrounding area. She comments, “They were all great friends but not husband material for me.” On their first date, Matt and Andrea worked a load of steers from Nebraska. “We decided if we could work cattle together we could probably do anything together,” says Andrea.

Benefits of Gelbvieh Murray Farms is located an hour northwest of Oklahoma City, right in the heart of wheat pasture country. They usually have good moisture in the spring and fall, but little to none in the summer months. Their cattle have to be somewhat heat tolerant. Two years ago they had over 63 days with above average temperatures. Their passion is in agriculture, but especially in the cattle industry. Andrea says, “I have never wanted to have a job in town or work for someone. When we got married we bought our

HEART OF AMERICA GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION Saturday, November 2, 2013 • 1:00 PM (CST)

SPRINGFIELD LIVESTOCK MARKETING CENTER, SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

VER 121X

Selling a daughter of VER Lee Ann 121X.

first 40 commercial cows from my Dad. I knew their pedigree and mothering ability. That same winter we purchased 100 Angus influenced heifers from South Dakota. We put Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls on almost everything. We are currently running about 250 mother cows total. That includes registered and commercial; and both the fall and spring herds.” Andrea’s first purebred Gelbvieh heifer was purchased in the fall of 2001. “The heifer was small for her age; her dam had been struck by lightning, but she was old enough to rough it on her own. She had a great disposition then and still does today. She is what a Gelbvieh female is all about. At the age of ten she had twins, having over 130 pounds of calf at birth with no assistance. Then later at almost eleven she weaned well over 1,000 pounds of calf between the two. The bull twin is an active herd sire for us now. How can you not love and appreciate a cow that will do that and breed back.” Andrea really appreciates the fertility of the Gelbvieh breed, “They are fertile cattle that can withstand almost any environment. The cows are moderate in size and still wean a calf

SHOW-ME Futurity Plus Sale SELLING 65

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

The Profitpicture | 57

at above average weights. Those calves will continue to perform whether in the feed yard or as replacement females. I appreciate their heavy structure and muscle, along with their easy fleshing ability.” One of the other reasons they have stayed with Gelbvieh cattle is the people, says Andrea. “It seems to me the fellowship and camaraderie of those associated with the Gelbvieh breed is like none other. It is hard to find someone that has owned a Gelbvieh that doesn’t love the cattle or what they’ve done for their own herd.”

Transitioning to seedstock The Murrays are currently transitioning a portion of the cow herd to a seedstock herd. When asked about this switch, Andrea said, “First of all I don’t think we will ever completely disperse our commercial herd. I believe the best way to know what a commercial producer wants and needs, besides good communication, is to be a commercial producer. I feel I can better fill the needs to my commercial producers if I’m doing what they’re doing.” She continues, “The commercial cattleman is

the main source, a vital block in the industry. If you can’t be successful on the commercial side you’ll never make it on the seedstock side.” They started adding registered cows in November of 2011. They wanted to put together a small group of registered females to raise heifers for their boys to show as they got old enough. Since then they have slowly continued to add to that group.

the central and eastern U.S. There is a demand for new outcross genetics in these commercial herds and now is the opportunity to make some of those genetics Gelbvieh.”

Their goals as a seedstock producer are simple, “Make happy, satisfied customers.”

“Then we started thinking we could raise our own bulls for our commercial herds, which we’ve done. From there I started dreaming! I decided if I could raise bulls good enough to run on my cows, I could certainly raise bulls good enough for other commercial producers,” Andrea notes. “In all seriousness there are very few large Gelbvieh seedstock producers in Oklahoma, and I saw an opportunity. I would like to push the breed farther South and give it the popularity in the southern U.S that it has in

Their goals as a seedstock producer are simple, “Make happy, satisfied customers.” More specifically they would like to have their own production sale in ten years. The Murrays would like to run over 100 head of purebred cattle in addition to their 200 plus commercial cows. Transitioning from a commercial operation to a purebred seedstock provider can be a fitting option for some. For the Murrays, they are excited about the benefits and the ability to take advantage of increasing opportunities. nnn

NORTHEAST BREEDERS ILLINOIS

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

“Realizing the Value”

Skyler Martin

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

MEMBER

OHIO

INDIANA

3 G Ranch

Gelbvieh Cattle For Sale Carl, Rebecca & Emily Griffiths

1577 N 600 E • Kendallville, IN 46755

260/897-2160 • ggge3g@embarqmail.com

Your call or visit is Always Welcome

• Polled Purebreds

We sell Breeding Stock Bulls & Females

• Red • Black

Double D Farm

Skyler Martin

9937 Warren Rd. Winslow, IL 61089

1200 S. Blackhawk Rd. Oregon, IL 61061

(815) 367-4116

(815) 732-7583

58 | October 2013

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)

News

BeefTalk: To pass, 60 percent must calve in 21 days Cow-calf industry average is for 60 percent of the herd to calve within 21 days, and 86 percent within 42 days. Longer calving seasons could be costing you in poor reproductive performance and fewer collective pound of calf to sell at weaning. By Kris Ringwall As the fall calving season winds down and you gear up for spring calving, go back and check the calving book. Count the number of cows that calved within 21 days from when the third mature cow calved. After that, check the number that calved the next 21 days and the next 21 days. Keep counting until you get to the

end of the calving book. Why? The number one indicator - let me repeat - the number one indicator that the cows within a cattle operation fit the managerial program is timely reproduction. In other words, they calve on time. The type of cattle operation is not important, nor is when

the calving season is set. What is important is that at least 60 percent of the mature cows expected to calve do so within 21 days of the start of the calving season. Why 60 percent? The average percent for cows calving within 21 days for those North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement producers

enrolled in the CHAPS program through the NDSU Extension Service is 61 percent. Why not at least be average? Any excuse that allows for poor reproductive performance within the cow herd will mean increased costs and a decreased output of beef. To go to the next 21 days, a total of 86 percent of the mature cows should have calved within the 42-day calving window. As a cattle producer, if you meet the percentage, continue as is or tweak your managerial thoughts to try to improve. If one really wants a challenge,

The Profitpicture | 59

try to cut replacement and culling rates for the herd. Although a replacement rate of 15 percent is typical, try to cut it to 10 percent. There always are new concepts

for managing cows, but few cattle producers actually achieve a reduction in replacement rate.

mature cows are calving within the first 21 days, a major re-evaluation of one's managerial protocols needs to be considered.

Back to evaluating calving dates. If less than 60 percent of the

The first point that is noted will

Are the cows the right ones to match the available resources or nutrition? Most cow herds are developed on-site and are a product of generations of cow

Schroeder Ranch Producing Industry–Leading Gelbvieh and Balancer Genetics ®

SGRI Jacked Up Z704

SGRI Sledgehammer X600

2013 Balancer® Futurity Runner-Up

2011 Balancer® Futurity Runner-Up

AMGV 1214573 • 25% Balancer® Sire: SITZ Upward 307R • Dam: SGRI X003 MGS: HXC Jackhammer 8800U

AMGV 1152807 • 25% Balancer® Sire: HXC Jackhammer 8800U • Dam: U803 MGS: BR Midland

Owned by LeDoux Ranch

Owned by Schroeder Ranch and Volek Ranch

CE 10 YG 0.07

BW 0.9 CW 65

WW 96 RE 0.43

YW 159 MB 0.52

MK 28 FT -0.01

TM 76 CV 72.92

CED 4 FM 73.70

Contact owners for semen.

You could own the next one!

60 | October 2013

CE 7 YG 0.13

BW 1.7 CW 50

WW 90 RE 0.26

YW 132 MB 0.66

be nutrition because it ultimately determines reproduction. However, increasing nutritional inputs carries a cost, so cow genetics needs to be evaluated at the same time.

MK 7 FT 0.02

TM 52 CV 95.80

CED 5 FM 51.80

Make plans to attend the

16th Annual Schroeder Ranch Gelbvieh and Balancer® Bull Sale Monday, April 7, 2014 Mitchell Livestock Auction, Mitchell, SD

Steve Schroeder (605) 366-5693 Dustin Tolsma, herdsman (605) 539-0235 www.schroedercattle.com

The number one indicator - let me repeat - the number one indicator that the cows within a cattle operation fit the managerial program is timely reproduction. In other words, they calve on time. families that have successfully adapted to the ranch. Buying cow herds and moving them often will end in failure. This not only fails but also generates more expenses that ultimately become difficult to pay back. The industry often used to move cattle to find nutrition. It was a production system essentially based on Longhorn cattle. History books are the best source for that information. nnn

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

300+ BRED HEIFERS Available October 1st. March calving, bred to proven easy-calving Angus and Red Angus bulls.

200 BULLS NEXT SPRING Angus, Balancer®, Brangus+ and Beefmaster+

WE ARE BRINGING INDIVIDUAL FEED EFFICIENCY TESTING TO ARIZONA. We have installed a GrowSafe Unit at the Ranch in Winslow, Arizona! CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.BARTBAR.COM

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

877-486-1160 john@seedstockplus.com

The Profitpicture | 61

News

$Indexes – Simplified Selection Tools for Genetic Progress Breeders and commercial producers can use economic indexes as simplified tools in making genetic selection decisions. Economic indexes use multiple EPDs and are expressed in dollars per head. The AGA currently produces indexes for carcass value and feedlot merit, and is working towards a maternal index. By Jennifer Scharpe Gelbvieh and Balancer® seedstock breeders and their commercial customers have a variety of tools at their disposal to aide in selection decisions. Tools such as expected progeny differences (EPDs), performance data, ultrasound scores, and DNA information are invaluable in evaluating the potential genetic

value of a bull or female. Economic indexes ($Indexes) are another tool and are available as part of the suite of EPDs. $Indexes are multi-trait selection tools, expressed in dollars per head. They simplify the selection process. $Indexes use multiple EPDs of importance to a particular overall trait,

assign economic values to those traits, factor in heritability, and combine all that information into one number. Essentially, $Indexes convert genetic effect differences into dollars. Larger dollar values are more favorable. As with EPDs, $Indexes can be used to predict the average performance of the future progeny of a sire, on average, compared to other calves in their contemporary group. A contemporary group is calves that were born in the same calving season, in the same year, and were managed similarly. $Indexes show the differences in performance between animals, measured in dollars per head. The concept of developing and using economic selection indexes is not new. The concept was first brought forth by Dr. L N Hazel of Iowa State University in 1943. Indexes that

SOUTHERN BREEDERS ALABAMA

TEXAS

Kittle Gelbvieh Farms Quality Black Gelbvieh Cattle Johnny D. Kittle 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 LeGRAND

Eugene (870) 426-5333 Diana (870) 426-5334 Neal (870) 426-4469

Show Cattle Managers: James & Shannon Worrell • (325) 258-4656

BullS & HeiferS By Private treaty at tHe raNcH

Ed LeGrand

809 S. Redlands Rd. • Stillwater, OK 74074

405-747-6950 • alane@c21global.com

Gonzales, Texas Noel SeNogleS • 281-635-3416 • nsenogles@satx.rr.com

Homo. Black, Homo. Polled • Breeding Stock Available

Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls & Heifers Available Private Treaty Sales

Promote for Success! EXCEPTIONAL

BULLS & HEIFERS

TRUCKING AVAILABLE

62 | October 2013

(281) 341-5686 • Ranch (979) 561-8144

www.dromgoolesheaven.com

Upcoming Advertising Deadlines: December Gelbvieh World Early copy deadline: October 27 Regular rates deadline: November 3

Call 303-465-2333 today!

The Profitpicture | 63

$Indexes use multiple EPDs of importance to a particular overall trait, assign economic values to those traits, factor in heritability, and combine all that information into one number. Essentially, $Indexes convert genetic effect differences into dollars.

grid. Feedlot merit is associated with the expected gain and feedlot efficiency of progeny when fed in a typical feedlot environment.

factor in the economic values of traits have been developed by other breed associations. In addition, economic indexes are widely used throughout the livestock industry, most notably in the swine and dairy industries.

A component of the AGA Impacting the Beef BusinessTM strategic plan is to provide members and commercial customers with reliable, industry-accepted EPDs/$Indexes. To the effort, the AGA is contracting with Dr. Michael MacNeil of Delta Genetics to provide the most industry relevant $Indexes on Gelbvieh and Balancer animals.

The American Gelbvieh Association currently produces two $Indexes: carcass value (CV) and feedlot merit (FM). Carcass value compares progeny of an animal to another in dollar difference when progeny are sold on a

The mission of Delta Genetics is to make progress through genetics, statistics and systems analysis. Dr. MacNeil has worked with several breed associations to develop economic selection indexes, as well as having contracts

with many organizations outside the U.S. His experience and understanding of the field of genetic selection is invaluable. Currently, Dr. MacNeil is working with AGA breed improvement staff to evaluate maternal traits including heifer pregnancy, 30-month pregnancy, and udder quality. The ultimate goal is to develop a $Index for maternal traits – helping the Gelbvieh breed own maternal efficiency. Members can assist in this process by continuing to collect and submit data related to maternal traits. Data such as udder scores, cow weights, frame scores and body condition scores are all important to the development of reliable maternal EPDs and $Indexes. Especially important to the heifer pregnancy and 30-month pregnancy EPDs are breeding dates, exposure dates and breeding codes. This fall after pregnancy-checking, members should enter breeding status codes into the online member registry. The extra efforts members take in gathering this data will be essential in the development of EPDs for maternal traits and ultimately $Indexes. nnn

You don’t have to be a detective to know about the next sale in your area... By signing up for GELBVIEH SALES email blasts, you will receive the most current information on upcoming Gelbvieh and Balancer® sales, get direct access to online catalogs, videos and supplement sheets and more information on the breeder’s choice lots. Sign-up in minutes.

Visit www.gelbvieh.org/communication/gelbviehsalesemails.html to complete a simple form. Or email gelbviehmedia@gmail.com and put Gelbvieh Sales in the subject line. The GELBVIEH SALES emails will arrive free to your email.

For more information contact Jennifer Scharpe, American Gelbvieh Association director of communications at 303-465-2333 or jennifers@gelbvieh.org 64 | October 2013

SERVICE CENTER All your A.I. needs!!

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Ultrasound Equipment Sales & Service

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

Gelbvieh World Advertising Rates STANDARD ISSUES:

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

Cattlemen’s Connection

$650 $425 $325 $150

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

$525 $450 $250 $30

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

Specializing in

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

$675 $450 $275 $30

Color:

Four Color One Additional color

Photo scans:

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To run as Black/white Color photos

JR Page 1/3 Page 1/6 Page

$525 $350 $200

$300 additional $150 additional

$10 each $20 each

Special production such as photo retouching is billed at cost at the rate of $60/hr. CLOSING DATE: Ad materials and editorial deadline is the 25th of the month two months prior to publication date. (December issue deadline is October 25th). Ads for sale dates prior to the 15th of the month of publication are discouraged.

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

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

Call today: 303/465-2333

Advertise Your Operation in

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

William 502/867-3132 Eastern

Brian 936/554-1600 Central

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

The Profitpicture | 65

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

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

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

66 | October 2013

FROM 1999

TO 2013

One thing has stayed the same... our FOCUS on good bulls & customer service Now with more data than ever! All bulls are Semen & Trich tested! Guaranteed sight unseen purchases and free trucking or $75 back if picked up! Videos available the week prior to the sale! Every pedigree checked and ‘at risk’ bulls DNA tested ‘defect free’!

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October 19, 2013 * 12 noon Joplin Regional Stockyards, Joplin, MO selling: 150 Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls CALL TOLL FREE FOR YOUR CATALOG TODAY 877-486-1160

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

The Profitpicture | 67

Feature

Profitability in the Beef Business Knowing what makes your customers money is the key to success for both seedstock breeders and cow-calf producers. Being profitable requires asking what your customers want, and paying attention to the profit drivers in the cow-calf and feedlot segments of this business. By William McIntosh What makes a group of calves top a market? Or what causes one bull sale to have a higher average over another sale? These questions may best be answered by a question: What made these cattle the type of cattle that are truly worth the premium? Cattle that are worth the premium all have one thing in common, those cattle made their

customers profitable. Whether you are a seedstock breeder or a cow-calf producer, the product you produce must be profitable in all segments of the supply chain. The product starts at the top with quality seedstock genetics and continues all the way down from the cow-calf producer, backgrounder, feedlot operator, packer, and ultimately

the consumer. Those calves at the local market or those bulls at a production sale that brought a premium did so because they made their customers money.

Research and development Seedstock and cow-calf producers alike need to know

what traits are profitable to your customers and in the beef business. Finding out what drives profit can be accomplished through product research and development. Research and development can be defined as: Investigative activities that a business chooses to conduct with the intention of making a discovery that can either lead to the development of new products or procedures, or to improvement of existing products or procedures. Research and development is one of the means by which business can experience future growth by developing new products or processes to improve and expand their operations. To be able to provide the

Steve and Gail Fiolkoski, Pierce, CO

Wesley Welch, Lubbock, TX

Bob and Judy Prosser, Winslow, AZ

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

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

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

Maternal Superiority

Gelbvieh x Red Angus or Angus

Gelbvieh x Bos indicus

For assistance in marketing or purchasing Gelbvieh, Balancer ® or Southern Balancer ® bulls, females and feeder cattle, contact: Brian Rogers, College Station, TX William McIntosh, Georgetown, KY American Gelbvieh Association brianr@gelbvieh.org, 936-554-1600 williamm@gelbvieh.org, 502-867-3132 www.GELBVIEH.org 68 | October 2013

beef industry with the kind of genetics that will be profitable throughout all segments of the industry, seedstock and cow-calf producers must continually be involved in some form of research and development. This can be as simple as polling people who have purchased cattle from you in the past three years. Ask the important questions: How did the bulls hold through breeding season? How did they calve? How was the health on the last load of feeders you bought from me? How did they perform and grade? These are tough questions but the answers will let you know where you stand. To get where you want to go you must first know where you are at. The number one reason more producers don’t ask these questions is because they are afraid of the responses they may receive. Winston Churchill said, “Criticism may not be agreeable but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in a human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.” Along with polling current customers, you should also talk to potential customers. Ask them what traits are important to them when they are making their buying decisions. And finally, you should consider the direction and changes within the industry, and what drives profit.

important factor for profitability for the cow-calf producer.” For every 21 days a cow is open, it costs the rancher approximately

$100 in loss of pounds weaned. Furthermore the cost to replace open cows, either the outlay of purchasing replacement heifers or the investment of developing your

own, is the greatest expense a cowcalf producer will incur. Therefore longevity – the ability for a cow to rebreed year after year and remain in the herd long past size years of age –

Monday, November 18, 2013 • 2:00 P.M. Many of last years consignments were division and Grand Champion winners in the show. Expect this level of quality again for the 2013 sale!

SSMK Calvin Klein 35X

Consigned by Double Diamond Farms 2012 Grand Champion Gelbvieh Bull

H H H H

Show Heifers Herd Sire Prospects Embryo Packages Flush Opportunities

H Pick of the Herd

Profit drivers in the beef business Knowing what the profit drivers are for the cow-calf producer and for the feedlot operator will help produce the type of cattle that garner premiums. In the cow-calf segment of the beef business, fertility and weaning weight are the two most important profit drivers according to Dr. Les Anderson, Extension beef cattle specialist of the University of Kentucky. Dr. Anderson says, “The percent of rebred cows always has been and will always be the most

Sponsored by the Kentucky Gelbvieh Association Sale managed by

AHL Elanor 117Y

Consigned by LeDoux Ranch 2012 Grand Champion Balancer Female

Slaughter Sale Management For catalog or infromation contact:

David Slaughter

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

The Profitpicture | 69

The greatest gift you can give someone is your

TIME...

SGRI JACKED UP Z704

REG# 1214573 GV25% BW: 0.9 WW: 96 YW:159 M: 28 TM: 76 CW: 65 RE: .43 MB: .52 FT: -0.01 Semen for sale

Because when you give your time, you are giving a portion of your life that you will never get back Call or stop by

ANYTIME...

LeDoux Ranch Production Sale February 8, 2014

Offering Bulls, Females, Commercial Pairs AHL REDEMPTION 237Z

REG# 1414442 GV25% BW: -1.5 WW: 70 YW:112 M: 26 TM: 61 CW: 34 RE: .76 MB: 0.30 FT: -0.03

70 | October 2013

Andy, Danielle, JW, and Jady LeDoux Agenda, Kansas 785-732-6564 / 785-527-3188 www.ledouxranch.com ledouxranch@hotmail.com

has a huge impact on a producer’s bottom line. Dr. Anderson also notes, “Weaning weight is crucial to a profitable cow-calf operation. It is important that producers pay close attention to weaning weight EPDs to increase pounds of calves weaned per cow.” Feeder cattle are still sold by the pound. The more pounds of product you have to sell the more likely you and your costumers will be in the black. Efficiency continues to play a major role in the profitability of a cow-calf operation. With land prices steadily higher and the recent volatile changes in feed prices over the past seven years, the ability of a cow to produce more pounds of calf with less input cost has never been more important. Studies have shown that there can be as much as a 10 percent difference in feed efficiency within a cow herd. “Cows that can breed back year after year, wean a heavy calf and do it efficiently have the greatest profit potential,” added Dr. Anderson. The profit drivers in the feed yard should not be ignored by seedstock breeders or cow-calf producers. Skyler Martin of Nordman Feedlots Inc., in Oregon, Ill., says, “Health and performance are the two most important factors for us to be profitable.”

Martin prefers to feed calves that have been backgrounded and that have been on a prevaccination program. This reduces drug costs, but more importantly decreases death loss. Sick calves require more labor and drug input cost. While at the same time, they are not gaining at the same rate of the healthy calves. Performance is also very important to Skyler. “We need cattle that will perform. Cattle that have a good rate of gain, high daily intake, and that will convert feed efficiently.” In the past decade the industry has increased the maximum size of carcass weight from 800 pounds to 1,050 pounds. “We want cattle that will finish at 1,350 to 1,400 pounds. Those cattle give us more opportunity for more dollars.”

Cow-Calf Producer Stocker/Backgrounder Feedlot Packer/Processor

Foodservice/Retail/Export Restaurant/Grocery Consumer

Breeders

ADKINS GELBVIEH Gelbvieh & Balancer Performance Genetics

Bulls and Heifers for sale by private treaty

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

Gerald & Sarah Adkins

41606 195th St., Carpenter, SD 57322

As the industry continues to move toward value-based marketing, carcass quality is becoming even more important. Eighty percent of the fat cattle marketed in the United States today are sold on some type of grid. And nearly every grid pays a premium for cattle that grade Choice, discounting Select grade cattle $5 to $15 per hundredweight, on average. Ultimately the end user of our product, the retail consumer, wants a pleasant eating experience. They want a product that is wholesome, flavorful, and tender, with that consistent pleasurable eating experience every time.

Beef Industry Structure Seedstock Breeder

South Dakoda & Minnesota

Whether you are a seedstock breeder, commercial cowcalf producer, or feedlot operator, we can never lose sight of what is truly important: the profitability and satisfaction our product offers the next person in the supply chain. nnn

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 | 71

Places to Be October 2013

February 2013

Oct. 5 J&D Kerstiens Gelbvieh Cream of the Crop Fall Bull Sale, Huntingburg, IN

Feb. 3

Oct. 12

Judd Ranch 23rd Annual Cow Power Female Sale, Pomona, KS

Oct. 12

“Gelbvieh in the Foothills” Gelbvieh Female Sale, Athens, TN

Feb. 11 Iowa Beef Expo Gelbvieh Gold Sale, Des Moines, IA

Oct. 12

Tennessee Maternal Edge Commercial Female Sale, Athens, TN

Taubenheim Gelbvieh 24th Annual Production Sale, Amherst, NE

Feb. 8 LeDoux Ranch Annual Production Sale, Agenda, KS Feb. 15

Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Bull & Female Sale, Gladstone, ND

Oct. 18 NILE Select Gelbvieh & Balancer Female Sale, Billings, MT

Feb. 15

Overmiller Gelbvieh & Red Angus Annual Prodution Sale, Smith Center, NE

Oct. 19

Midwest Beef Alliance Bull and Female Sale, Marshal Junction, MO

Feb. 18 Cedar Top Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Burwell, NE

Oct. 19

Seedstock Plus Fall Bull Sale, Joplin, MO

Feb. 22

Golden Buckle Gelbvieh Production Sale, Napoleon, ND

Feb. 22

Swanson Cattle Company Annual Production Sale, Oxford, NE

Oct. 25-26 Eagle Pass Ranch Angus Cow Herd Dispersal and Gelbvieh & Balancer Female Sale, Highmore, SD Oct. 26

Flying H Genetics 10th Grown On Grass Bull Sale, Lowry City, MO

Oct. 26

McNeill Farms Performance Bull & Female Sale, Seagrove, NC

Oct. 26 American Royal Gelbvieh & Balancer Show, Kansas City, KS Oct. 26

TJB Gelbvieh Production Sale, Chickamauga, GA

Feb. 24 Beastrom Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Pierre, SD

March 2014 Mar. 1 Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch 25th Anniversary Bull Sale, Ponteix, SK

November 2013

Mar. 1

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

Nov. 2

Mar. 1

Thorstenson Gelbvieh & Angus Annual Bull Sale, Selby, SD

Professional Beef Genetics Open House Bull Sale, Clinton, MO

Nov. 2 HAGA Show-Me Futurity Plus Sale, Springfield, MO

Mar. 3 Hojer Ranch Annual Production Sale, SD Mar. 4

Warner Beef Genetics Production Sale, Arapahoe, NE

Nov. 11-16 Canadian Western Agribition, Regina, SK

Mar. 8

SEGA Private Treaty Bull Sale Opening Day, Pierce, CO

Nov. 16 Little Windy Hill Annual You-Pick-Em Bull Sale, Max Meadows, VA

Mar. 8

J Bar M Gelbvieh and J & K Farms Bull Sale, Springfield, MO

Mar. 8

Tennessee Beef Agribition, Cookeville, TN

Nov. 17 NAILE Junior Gelbvieh Show, Louisville, KY

Mar. 11 Bar Arrow Cattle Company 24th Annual Production Sale, Phillipsburg, KS

Nov. 9 C-Cross Cattle Co. Fall Bull & Female Sale, Biscoe, NC

Nov. 18 NAILE Eastern National Gelbvieh Sale, Louisville, KY

Mar. 15

Pearson Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale, Lake City, SD

Nov. 19 NAILE Eastern National Female Futurity, Louisville, KY

Mar. 15

Post Rock Cattle Company Cowman’s Kind Bull & Female Sale, Barnard, KS

December 2013

Mar. 20 Kicking Horse Ranch Annual Production Sale, Great Falls, MT

Nov. 19 NAILE Eastern National Gelbvieh & Balancer Show, Louisville, KY

Dec. 1 Beastrom Ranch Genetic Opportunity Female Sale, Pierre, SD Dec. 6 Knoll Crest Fall Bull & Commercial Heifer Sale, Red House, VA Dec. 7

SEGA Gelbvieh & Friends Female Sale, Pierce, CO

January 2014 Jan. 11 NWSS Gelbvieh & Balancer Junior Heifer Show, Denver, CO Jan. 11 Breeder’s Choice Gelbvieh Bull Futurity, Denver, CO Jan. 11

People’s Choice Balancer Bull Futurity, Denver, CO

Jan. 12 NWSS Gelbvieh & Balancer Pen Show, Denver, CO Jan. 12 National Gelbvieh & Balancer Sale, Denver, CO Jan. 13 NWSS National Gelbvieh & Balancer Show, Denver, CO Jan. 25 Lemke Cattle 8th Annual Production Sale, Lawrence, NE Jan. 27 North Dakota Golden Rule Sale, Bismarck, ND

72 | October 2013

Mar. 22

Oklahoma Sooner Select Sale, McAlester, OK

April 2014 Apr. 7

Schroeder Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Mitchell, SD

Apr. 11 Cranview Gelbvieh Production Sale

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

50% Balancer® Homozygous Polled Homozygous Black Semen Available:

Bull Barn Genetics & Cattlemen’s Connection “100% live calves out of heifers.” Bob Prosser Bar T Bar Ranch

LAZY TV

LAZY TV • • • •

W021

Calving Ease: High accuracy guaranteed heifer bull. Feed Efficient: Posted a -.9 RFI with a 6.5 to 1 conversion. Top Marbling: Top 1% of the breed for marbling Performance: 115 weaning weight ratio.

W021

CED

-2.8

116

0.12

0.17

0.97

0.02

120.74

44.66

0.72

0.84

0.79

0.78

0.49

0.34

0.57

0.29

0.33

0.42

Top 1%

AMGV 1115408 AMAN13712447 WOODHILL ADMIRAL 77K Sire: AMAN15270965 DVA SCOUT 553 AMAN14615934 D V A JUANADA 33 AMGV815014 LAZY TV PETERBILT M491 Dam: AMGV1039404 LAZY TV MS PETERBLT T309 AMGV903140 LAZY TV MS SEASON P54

Top 5%

Top 15%

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to view the video of Watchman!

Owned By: Rippe Gelbvieh, Thortenson Gelbvieh & Angus, Dustin Rippe, Cedar Top Ranch, Bar Arrow Cattle Company, Burbank Cattle Company, and John Beastrom.

The Profitpicture | 73

Ad Index 3 G Ranch......................................58

Clinch Mountain Gelbvieh..........53

Hampton Cattle Company....46, 53

Oregon Pride Gelbvieh................33

ABCS Gelbvieh.............................48

Cranview Gelbvieh.................15, 48

Harriman, Bob..............................44

Overmiller Gelbvieh....................55

Adkins Gelbvieh.....................48, 71

Cunningham, Ronn.....................65

Hart Farm Gelbvieh.................9, 44

AGA...................................59, 66, 68

Danell Diamond Six Ranch.........33

Hartland Farm..............................44

Padon Farms.................................34

B/F Cattle Company.....................44

DDM Gelbvieh..............................58

High Plains Journal......................18

Bar Arrow Cattle Company... 36, 44

Diamond L Farms........................62

Hill Top Haven Farm...................53

Bar IV Livestock...........................53

Dobson Ranch..............................12

Hodges Ranch...............................62

Bar T Bar Ranch, Inc..............33, 61

Double Bar H................................53

Hojer Gelbvieh Ranch......37, 49, 71

Beastrom Gelbvieh Ranch...38, 39, 48

Dromgoole’s Heaven....................62

Blackhawk Cattle Company........58

Eagle Pass Ranch..........................17

Bluegrass Gelbvieh Sale................. 5

Ellison Gelbvieh & Angus Ranch....48

Boehler Gelbvieh..........................45

Flying H Genetics................. 45, BC

Bow K Ranch................................33

Gelbvieh Bull Barn.......................65

Brandywine Farm.........................48

Gelbvieh Guide.............................65

BV Ranch.......................................48

Gelbvieh Profit Partners..............25

Canbern Cattle..............................23

Gelbvieh Sales...............................64

CattleMax Online...................11, 65

Goettlich Gelbvieh Ranch...........33

Cattlemen’s Connection...............65

Golden Buckle Gelbvieh..............48

C-Cross Cattle Company......10, 53

Green Hills Gelbvieh....................53

Cedar Top Ranch................. IFC, 45

GS Ridge Top Ranch..............32, 48

Chimney Butte Ranch..................48

Gustin’s Diamond D Gelbvieh....48

CJ&L Livestock.............................48

HAGA Futurity.............................57

J&D Kerstiens Gelbvieh...............31 J & K Farms...................................58

Plateau Gelbvieh.....................28, 33 Pope Farms Gelbvieh...................45 Post Rock Cattle Company.....7, 44 Prairie Hills Gelbvieh..................... 5 Premium Nutrition/Anipro.......... 8

J Bar M Gelbvieh..........................44

Professional Beef Genetics..........29

Judd Ranch, Inc........................1, 44

Raile Gelbvieh...............................56

Kenyon Cattle LLC.......................32

Kicking Horse Ranch.......30, 33, 47

Rippe Gelbvieh........................28, 73

Kittle Gelbvieh Farms..................62

Rocking GV Gelbvieh..................44

Knoll Crest Farm..........................27 Lambert, Doak..............................65 Land of Ozz, John Oswald...........16 Ledgerwood Gelbvieh..................33 LeDoux Ranch........................44, 70 Lemke Cattle.................................45 Leonhardt Cattle Company.........48

Rogers Valley Farm Gelbvieh.... 3, 44 Sandy Knoll Farm...................24, 56 Sawtooth Gelbvieh Cattle & Hay.....33 Schafer Farms, Inc........................48 Schroeder Ranch..........................60 Seedstock Plus Genetics..............65

Linquist Farms..............................48

Seedstock Plus...................51, 65, 67

Little Windy Hill Farms.........42, 53

SEGA Gelbvieh.............................40

Lone Oak Gelbvieh.................43, 48

Spring Flood Ranch.....................44

Longleaf Station............................53

Stuecken Brothers.........................22

M&P Gelbvieh..............................45 M&W Farms.................................53 Maple Hill Farm............................58 Markes Family Farms.......20, 50, 62 Martens Gelbvieh...................32, 48 Martin Cattle Company.........20, 62 Mattison Family Farm.................48 McCabe Cattle/Two Step Ranch.....48

Swanson Cattle Company.....41, 45 Swenson Gelbvieh..................32, 71 SW Iowa Bull Sale.........................52 Taubenheim Gelbvieh..................45 The 88 Ranch.................................44 Thorstenson Gelbvieh............13, 49 TJB Gelbvieh...........................33, 63

McIntosh Farm.......................46, 53

TN Gelbvieh Assn........................31

Middle Creek Farms........30, 33, 76

Treble W Ranch............................53

Miller Gelbvieh.............................62

Triple H Farms..............................32

Million Ayres Management.........35

Triple K Gelbvieh..........................44

Mitchell Marketing Service............. ..................................... 21, 57, 63, 65 MLM Gelbvieh........................28, 45 Mulroy Farms................................44 Murray Farms...............................26

74 | October 2013

Pearson Cattle Co.........................75

V & V Farms.................................19 Volek Ranch............................49, 71 Warner Beef Genetics .............. IBC White Oak Farms.........................44

NAILE Sale....................................69

Wildwood Acres...........................58

National CUP Lab........................65

Wilkinson Gelbvieh.....................33

NS Ranch.......................................62

Yoder’s Prairie Acres..............54, 58

Committed to the

s s e c of the c u S

Commercial Cattleman

The program that will put Power and Performance in your herd!

TOP SELLER AT OUR 2013 BULL SALE BW: 78 Adj WW: 800 YW: 1,419 ADG: 3.93

BW: 85 Adj WW: 768 YW: 1,565 ADG: 5.35

BW: 84 Adj WW: 751 YW: 1,314 ADG: 3.52

BW: 80 Adj WW: 794 YW: 1,542 ADG: 4.69

Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sale bulls averaged: Yearling Wt 1400#, WDA 3.72, %IMF 4.25, REA 15.78. All herd sire's are 50K and parentage profiled

Bulls

Visitors always welcome!

For more information, contact: PEARSON CATTLE CO., INC. 43523 111 St., Lake City, SD 57247-9714

Neal

like these will sell at our

31ST ANNUAL BULL SALE SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2014

605.448.5653 or 605.470.0448 (cell) Email: njpearson@venturecomm.net

Kermit 605.380.6030 Chuck 605.470.0010 www.pearsoncattleco.com

The Profitpicture | 75

Proven Program with Proven Sires CE BW WW YW MK TM CED ST YG CW RE MB FAT CV FM

Bruce Almighty

8 0.9 76 110 25 64 13 2 -0.36 36 0.79 -0.14 -0.09 14.55 39.04

top 10% top 25%

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

The Man 113U

top 10% top 1% top 1% top 25% top 2% top 1%

12 -0.3 85 131 27 70 15 5 -0.15 47 0.52 -0.06 -0.06 21.82 53.20

Registration #899675

Registration #1089222

• The most feed efficient bull tested so far at Midland, also a top gaining sire • Excellent calving ease sire

• Top indexing bull of all the bulls at Midland in 2009 • Huge spread between birth and yearling • Top RFI son of Bruce • In the top ten in five EPD categories of young sires.

AAR Ten X 7008 SA

AAA Registration #: 15719841

CED BW WW YW RADG SC DOC HP MILK CW MB RE FAT $W $F $B

9 0 67 138 0.38 1.64 22 7.6 35 54 1.18 0.70 0.005 39.04 87.15 112.02

top 25% top 20% top 3% top 1% top 1% top 3% top 10%

top 4% top 1% top 1%

• Ten X is extremely docile and quiet in nature • Ten X had a NR of 112, YR of 116, REA ratio of 123 and an IMF ratio of 123 • He is in the top 1% for YW, RADG, CW, MB, $F and $B • His mother has a nice udder and is real easy fleshing

Testing Purebred and Balancer® Bulls at Midland Bull Test Private treaty bulls at feedlot in Manhattan, MT Other sires in the offering: CTR Good Night BEA Passioni 001X ET JOB Carolina Fortune MCFG 186Y

76 | October 2013

top 2% top 1%

top 10% top 20% top 4% top 5%

Sire: Bruce Almighty

Buck’s Carolina Rock’N 251L

top 2% top 2% top 1% top 10%

top 2% top 4%

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

17 -1.3 60 84 26 55 9 6 -0.40 17 0.79 0.23 -0.08 32.53 26.00

top 3% top 15%

top 20% top 15% top 1% top 2% top 1%

Registration #794476 • Homozygous Black, Homozygous Polled • Elite calving ease coupled with breed leading carcass merit • Progeny are attractive, heavy muscled and daughters are moderate, easy fleshing, with nice udder quality

We are offering pick of the bred heifers and heifer calves at the NILE Gelbvieh & Balancer Sale, Friday, October 18, 2013 • Billings, MT

Middle Creek Farms Ken and Dale Flikkema

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

The Right Kind to

BREED ‘em or FEED ‘em

DLW 802Y, a 63% Balancer®, comes from one of the great cow families here at Warner Beef, 8862H. Progeny from this cow family will continue to sell in our future production sales. The 8862 family has proven to be our top genetic foundation that takes us into the future.

DLW 696Y is a 63% Balancer® bull sired by CTR Good Night 715T. The Good Night offspring continue to be favorites with both the purebred and commercial cattlemen. Feedlot data, carcass data and production records prove this sire to be an industry leader.

DLW 408P is a premier purebred Gelbvieh production donor bred in the Warner Beef Genetics program. Many top selling bulls and females out the 408P cow have sold to purebred and commercial programs throughout the United States. We have built our program around great cow families like 408P.

ust as your our cowherd is built around fertility, longevity, and maternal performance. Production pressure has allowed us to select sires and genetics that will repeatedly allow your cowherd to be profitable. We take serious the acceptance of your feeder cattle in the open market. Warner Beef Genetics have been proven to demand premiums in all marketing circles. Our production sale is always the beginning of our relationship with customers, never the end of our loyalty.

Better BULLS Better BUY at a 2014 Warner Beef Genetics Production Sale March 4, 2014

CattleDesign®

SELLING 100+ BULLS AND 50 FEMALES • VOLUME DISCOUNTS • NATIONWIDE TRUCKING ASSISTANCE

www.mms.bz

SALE MANAGEMENT BY: Mitchell Marketing Service

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

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

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

The Profitpicture | IBC

FALL • BULL Saturday, October26,2013

•

SALE

+ 110 Roughage N Ready Bulls

LowryCity,MO ★

Including those pictured in this ad Sire: Western Hauler

Sire: Post Rock Blk Bal 270W8

203Z CE WW YW CED MLK CW MB REA $CV $FM 10

136

0.28 0.27 0.28 0.19 0.17

53 0.24

0.25 0.10

0.49 52.86 57.71

288Z CE WW YW CED MLK CW MB REA $CV $FM 12

103

0.31 0.30 0.31 0.24 0.22

0.09

0.33

0.48 54.66 38.84

0.26

0.13

0.12

Our Entire Offering Will Be 18-20 month old

Sire: Final Answer

Sire: Unusual

Z306

AGEADVANTAGE BULLS

74Z

CE WW YW CED MLK CW MB REA $CV $FM

106

0.45

I+

0.29 0.23 0.22 0.20 0.19

0.06

0.34 24.70 35.01

0.20

0.09

0.50 72.30 40.76 I

Sire: Iron Mountain

Sire: Connealy In Focus

Z221 CE WW YW MCE MLK CW MB REA API 18

71.8 112 11.5 31.2

34.4

0.51

1.07

0.20 0.32 0.21 0.15 0.15

0.20

0.21

162

Z81 TI

87.3

CE WW YW MCE MLK CW MB REA API 8.5 78.3 122

4.5

12.8

48.6

0.64

0.53 121.2 71.8

0.29 0.29 0.30 0.23 0.23

0.25

0.15

0.14

Call,TEXT,or Email Sale Book Requests

FLYING H GENETICS Dick & Bonnie Helms

Nebraska Kyle & Kayla Helms Ph: (308) 962-6940 kyle@flyinghgenetics.com

GELBVIEH | BALANCER ® | ANGUS | SIMANGUS TM | SIMMENTAL

BC | October 2013

Missouri Jared & Jill Wareham Cell: (417) 309-0062 jared@flyinghgenetics.com