September 2015 Gelbvieh World

F

L IA

P UB L IC A TI

O

GW

ER

OC

THE A M

CA

I

SS

OF

IATIO N • O F

N

NG

E L BV IE H

A

SEPTEMBER 2015 v SEEDSTOCK MARKETING

IC

Cedar Top Ranch

ELITE PUREBRED GENETICS

CTR

Wide Track 3706A ET

Top selling bull in Cedar Top Ranch’s 2015 Annual Bull Sale at $30,000.

His dam is the great producer CTR 198L. Wide Track is a maternal brother to the 3rd high seller to Pearson Cattle Company, and the great CTR Sandman 6523S bull at Stuart Jarvis’ Bar Arrow Cattle Company.

AMGV 1306804 • Purebred Gelbvieh • Homozygous Black • Homozygous Polled CED 10 30%

BW 1.5 40%

WW 70

YW 96

MK 38 10%

TM 73 15%

CEM 8 35%

HP 0.17

PG30 0.99 35%

ST 9 40%

DMI 0.14

YG -0.10

CW 29

REA MB $Cow FPI EPI 0.38 -0.09 66.75 67.16 77.54 20% 30% 40%

Wide Track is a moderate, wide made, extremely sound bull by the great female sire RWG Traction 7412, and the greatest herd bull producing cow in the breed!

If you want elite, purebred genetics with a tremendous cow family to insure success, then Wide Track is a must use bull!

Co-owned with Warner Beef Genetics, NE, Black Gold Genetics, CO, Chapuis Cattle Farm, MO. Semen available through Bull Barn Genetics.

Annual Production Sale Selling Coming 2-year-old Balancer® Bulls Third Tuesday in February Burwell, Nebraska

Cedar Top Ranch

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

$$$ProfitPartners Gelbvieh

Realizing the Value

25th Annual Judd Ranch

Cow Power Female Sale Saturday, October 10 • 12:00 noon • Pomona, Kansas One hour SW of Kansas City • Free Trucking in U.S. on Purchases of $20,000+

There are cows; then there are females like this beautiful Judd Ranch first calf heifer with her powerhouse bull calf. The difference: fertility, maternal ability, performance, eye appeal, teat and udder structure. The list goes on and on, including Judd Ranch being honored 17 of the past 18 years (19982015) as the breeds #1 Dam of Merit/Dam of Distinction breeder and owner. Plus cows that produced 279 bulls that sold in our March bull sale, with an 81 lb. average birth weight/871 lb. average weaning weight.

Please join us on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Ranch when 100–plus Judd Ranch (spring & fall/bred & open) females will be sold at auction. A vast majority of the offering will be homozygous polled and every female is Judd Ranch bred and raised.

Put a Judd Ranch Female to work in your herd and see the difference Call Cattlemen’s Connection Toll-Free 1-800-743-0026 for your sale catalog.

Judd Ranch Inc.

Dave & Cindy Judd Nick, Ginger Judd & Family Brent, Ashley Judd & Family 423 Hwy. K-68 • Pomona, KS 66076 785/ 566-8371 or 785/566-3770 Visit our web site: www.juddranch.com

$$$ProfitPartners Gelbvieh

Realizing the Value

P UB L IC A TI

SS

CA

I

NG

E L BV IE H

A

Contact Us

18 BIF Conference Focuses on Cow Herd, Sustainability

By Dr. Bob Hough

26 Notice of the 45th Annual American Gelbvieh Association

Annual Meeting

ER

IN EVERY ISSUE

14 Over the Fence with Dave Troesser

By Rebecca Mettler

THE A M

OC

N

GW

OF

IATIO N • O FF

L IA

O

September 2015, Volume 30, Number 2

IC

Information Exchange

4 10-11

Did You Know?

11

Events of Interest

52

Ad Index

54

From Myron Edelman

28 Supporting the Present to Advance the Future

BREEDERS CORNER

Northeast Breeders

38

Southern Breeders

39

Western Breeders

40

By Megan Slater and William McIntosh

48 Tips, Tricks Save Cattle Producers Time and Energy

By Deke Alkire, Ph.D., Planned Consultation Manager, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Upper Midwest Breeders Southeast Breeders Midwest Breeders Service Center

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Lynn Valentine lynnv@gelbvieh.org EDITOR: Rebecca Mettler rebeccam@gelbvieh.org

The cover photo comes from Triple K Gelbvieh, Al and Mary Knapp, Bonner Springs, Kansas.

“GELBVIEH WORLD” (ISSN 1084-5100), is published monthly except for February, June and October for $35 for one year.

American Gelbvieh Association 10900 Dover St., Broomfield, Colorado 80021-3993.

Periodicals postage paid at Broomfield, Colorado and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER send address changes to: Gelbvieh World, 10900 Dover Street, Broomfield, Colorado 80021

2 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Advancing Livestock Media Professionals

40, 42 45 46-47 50

GW contents

INSIDE THE EDITORIAL

6

You Must Have a Vision or You Will Continue to Live in the Past

View from the Board by Treasurer Grant Thayer

8

Turn Responsibility into Opportunity

From the Corner Office by Myron Edelman

12 What are You Doing Today to Make Money?

Out in the Field by William McIntosh

16 Welcome to the NEW Gelbvieh World

Communications Message by Rebecca Mettler and Lynn Valentine

22 Looking into the Black Box

Data Bulletin by Kelli Retallick

23 $mart Select Services; Genetic Tools for Ranchers 34 Sell the Breed

Junior Connection by Tanner Aherin

38 How to Request DNA

Registry Tips ‘N Tricks by Dolores Gravley

SHOWS 33

Midwest State Show, Orleans, Nebraska

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

Myron Edelman Executive Director myrone@gelbvieh.org (ex. 480) Dianne Coffman Director of Administration diannec@gelbvieh.org (ex. 479) Dolores Gravley Customer Services doloresg@gelbvieh.org (ex. 481)

Kari White Breed Improvement Data Analyst kario@gelbvieh.org (ex. 483) Kelli Retallick Data Services Specialist kellir@gelbvieh.org Carrie Tilghman Derossett Junior Activities Coordinator carriet@gelbvieh.org 270-404-0828

Rebecca Mettler Editorial Content Coordinator rebeccam@gelbvieh.org 940-255-5471 Megan Slater Public Relations Coordinator megans@gelbvieh.org (ex. 485) William McIntosh Commercial Marketing Coordinator williamm@gelbvieh.org 502-867-3132 Angela Vesco Commercial Marketing Specialist angelav@gelbvieh.org (ex. 484)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Neal Pearson, President (2015) Lake City, SD • 605-448-5653 njpearson@venturecomm.net

Duane Strider, Secretary (2012) Asheboro, NC • 910-428-4568 ccrosscattle@yahoo.com

Dan Warner, V. President (2013) Beaver City, NE • 308-962-6511 dan@warnerbeef.com

Grant Thayer, Treasurer (2014) Ramah, CO • 303-621-2058 grant@jumpingcowgelbvieh.com

DIRECTORS Brian Dunn (2013) St. John, KS • 620-549-6516 dunnfarm@hotmail.com

Lowell Rogers (2015) Seminary, MS • 601-270-4152 lrdrsmiley@gmail.com

Emily Griffiths (2014) Kendallville, IN • 260-242-1552 ejgriffiths.eg@gmail.com

Ronnie Rogers (2013) Mendon, MO • 660-375-7266 rogers_valley_farm_feedlot@ hotmail.com

Bob Hart (2014) Kansas City, KS • 816-225-8530 bhart@hartfarm.net Andy LeDoux (2012) Agenda, KS • 785-732-6564 ledouxranch@hotmail.com David Martin (2014) Judsonia, AR • 501-728-4950 martincattleco@windstream.net Dustin Rippe (2015) Hubble, NE • 316-323-4874 dustin.rippe@yahoo.com

4 | SEPTEMBER 2015

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

Scott Starr (2013) Stapleton, NE • 308-587-2293 cedartopranch@gpcom.net Walter Teeter (2014) Mt. Ulla, NC • 704-236-7980 waltert@republicrefrigeration.com Gary Tilghman (2013) Glasgow, KY • 270-678-5695 gtilghma@uky.edu

Genetics that Add Tenderness and Growth to Your Cowherd!

Thank You to All Our Customers We are once again grateful for your support and confidence in our program.

I’m honored to be your source for Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics.

Ronnie Rogers Upcoming Sales for Rogers Valley Farm’s Genetics October 17, 2015 • Annual Midwest Beef Alliance Female Sale Purebred Gelbvieh, Balancer® & Influenced Replacement Females Selling a select group of Purebred Gelbvieh & Balancer® Yearling Bulls

Consistency, Predictability and Stayability for Increase Profits.

For over 20 years, Rogers Valley Farm Gelbvieh has been breeding and selecting for predictable, easy fleshing, trouble-free genetics from birth to the dinner table.

Let us show you how our genetics can improve the performance of your herd.

For information on our bull and young female offerings or to purchase semen from our tenderness sires, call Ronald Rogers at 660-375-7266.

www.RogersVFG.com

March 12, 2016 • Annual Midwest Beef Alliance Bull Sale Purebred Gelbvieh & Balancer® Bulls Both sales held at Mid-Missouri Livestock Center Marshall Junction, MO • Just South of I-70 on Highway 65

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

GW view from the board

You Must Have a Vision or you Will Continue to Live in the Past

By Grant Thayer

P

ast President Rob Arnold asked Bob Prosser and me to join him as the search committee to identify and hire a new executive director. The committee recognized that the management structure, its leadership, staffing and membership services of the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) needed to be reviewed, updated and changed as appropriate. We needed clear and disciplined leadership with a vision of our transition to the future as younger members assume greater responsibilities.

The desired candidate would have a skill set that would be effective in growing herd inventories and registrations, adapting to evolving technology while improving membership relations and communications.

Research and financial planning were included in our ideal toolbox. These tools will be use by the association’s leadership to secure the vision of AGA’s future.

Talent and technology are the AGA’s best friends. I remember when I took exams to become an engineer all calculations were made with a slide rule. Ten years later when taking exams at business school I used a TI59 calculator which cost almost $1,000. Now all of the calculations can be made with an app on my smartphone.

Just like the rest of the world, AGA is moving forward with newer and better technology and has gathered the talent needed to best serve our membership.

The AGA has moved forward in adopting new software to better utilize emerging technology. We now collect DNA information on donor cows, AI sires and all service sires used as part of the registration process.

This information is incorporated into our GenomicEnhanced EPDs (GE-EPDs) with other registration data to provide better information to the membership to help improve breeding decisions. Existing software that was used for herd and herdbook management was slow and unreliable. The AGA retained DigitalBeef to develop a software package that is responsive to

6

6 || JULY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015

the needs of the membership, and to AGA staff who can now provide information more efficiently. Staff have been reorganized to better utilize resources and technology to facilitate better membership service, breed improvement and herd growth.

Vision and the scientific method are not related.

The scientific method is based on the analysis of hard data and facts. Vision is based on a catalog of desired outcomes. We have the facts provided by our history which told us “things need to change” and thus we continue to build our catalog of desired outcomes. Some desires are: •

Improve the financial well-being of the AGA through building and following a long-term business plan.

•

Increase income in creative ways by providing our members and stakeholders additional and useful tools. Possible examples include a multi-breed registrations and managing commercial herd data.

•

Improve data gathering and provide the technology and tools to utilize it.

•

Add useful features to the DigitalBeef software.

•

Be a leader in the collection and use of genetic data.

•

Grow market share!

•

Have the best staff ever.

My personal list of desired outcomes include 20 to 30 items, as does the list of every Gelbvieh breeder.

As we continue to build this list, the ongoing need for disciplined leadership and proper allocation of resources remains clear.

The AGA Board of Directors approved a three year business plan that includes the 2015-2016 fiscal year budget during the August Board of Directors meeting. Each of the plan’s years is projected to result in positive cash flows. It also includes many of the desired outcomes from the board’s and staff ’s lists. The plan also incorporates all of the recent staff changes, updated software, better membership services, and a visionary allocation of resources. We will continue to add to the list and incorporate items in updating future business plans.

We will continue to sharpen our tools and embrace our vision of the future. D

Program Genetics Known as the “Carcass Cow,” this homozygous black, homozygous polled Purebred has EPDs that rank in the top 1% for marbling, ribeye and yield grade. Her first Post Rock sons sell next March sired by 10X and Jackpot, and have been a favorite of our visitors this summer as well as ours. They are outstanding and are carcass outliers who sacrifice nothing for type, kind or EPD profile, and they are homozygous black and homozygous polled.

WITH MATERNAL POWER

MS C-CROSS EC / 7309T

DCSF POST ROCK TWILA 223M2

223M2 will have more than ten sons selling next spring and several daughters sell in our sixyear-old group as well. They will be a highlight in both the bull and female offering, and include her daughter Post Rock Twila 245W2 sired by Great Western that we consider to be at the very top of all her daughters and is the only daughter of 223M2 that we used in embryo production.

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH... Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.

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.”

GW from the corner office

Turn Responsibility into Opportunity

T

he September edition of the Gelbvieh World magazine is new and has turned its attention toward marketing. So what does that mean? Are we referring to the marketing of Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle, marketing of programs and services provided by the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) or is it referring to each member’s marketing of their Gelbvieh influenced cattle? Of course, the answer is all of the above. Perhaps, that very question brings to light the importance of AGA members networking with other members and beef industry professionals. That may be the most beneficial purpose of the 45th Annual AGA National Convention- “Moving at the Speed of Change”. Keeping that thought in mind we could state that attending the AGA National Convention is both a responsibility and an opportunity for the membership.

The responsibility is simple and easy to identify. As a member of the AGA, breeders should feel drawn to the task of service to the organization in which they are members. The decision making process within the AGA is conventional in terms of the avenue to guide the direction of an organization. Eight official committees and board appointed special committees populated with members are designed to focus on each facet of the organization. The staff and board can consider those ideas and recommendations made by each committee to make informed decisions aimed at improving the inventory of cattle within the AGA as well as organizational and operational structure.

The responsibility of each member, even if they are not currently serving on a committee or on the AGA board, is to stay current with information necessary to be an effective member. The rapid pace of change is the conduit to urge the AGA staff and board to maintain a modern organization capable serving not only AGA breeders but also the beef industry as well.

That membership responsibility has the excitement equivalency of a child cleaning his/her room, taking out the garbage or fixing fence. But consider this, as breeders fulfill their membership responsibilities, doesn’t that also create opportunity? I am going to take the liberty of answering that

8

8 || JULY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015

question with, of course it does!

Informed and involved AGA members create an opportunity for success within your own operations.

Having firsthand knowledge of the science behind building better cattle is the basis for seedstock operations. The beef industry is demanding information attached to all classifications of cattle. DNA testing is more prevalent in modern beef production than it has ever been before. Utilizing programs and services initiated by the AGA can assist breeders with providing the highest level of service to their own customers. Customer success proliferates total mass; hence a competitive advantage for Gelbvieh influenced cattle in the market place.

Networking with AGA members and commercial customers is the very conduit to determining what stakeholder genetic needs are as well as what is beneficial for other AGA members, seedstock breeders, cow-calf producers and cattle feeders.

Consider the opportunity you have at the AGA National Convention to be a well-informed effective member of the AGA and turn that into a marketing opportunity for your own operation along with Gelbvieh as a whole.

While attending the AGA National Convention members will have direct access to industry affiliates.

Those affiliates include Superior Livestock Auction, U.S. Premium Beef, Beef Marketing Group LLC, and perhaps most importantly commercial cow/calf producers. Gaining industry contacts from these beef business entities will afford members direct information to take home and use to develop seedstock to service each stage of the beef supply chain.

With that said, AGA members are encouraged to turn responsibility into opportunity this December in Kansas City during the AGA National Convention.

The staff and AGA Board of Directors invites you to check out the schedule of events for the convention and join us in “Moving at the Speed of Change” while we enhance the competitive advantage of Gelbvieh.

Sincerely,

Myron G. Edelman Executive Director, American Gelbvieh Association

BACHMAN BRED The Source for RED Bachman Bred RED genetics are built on a solid foundation of the best RED Angus, Gelbvieh and Balancer® herd sires. Our program is designed to produce RED seedstock with economically relevant EPDs that rank in the top tier. We have invested in the most influential RED bulls to help us achieve this goal. Please visit our web site for complete details on our RED bull battery. www.BachmanCattleFarms.com

THANK YOU TO ALL BUYERS AND BIDDERS AT THE INAUGURAL SALE.

REDstock

™ BIEBER REAL MCCOY Y124

Chillicothe, Missouri • Litton Ag Center

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2016

Save the date for our 2nd annual sale - the second Saturday in March

BIEBER STORMER Z433

BEA CINDY LOU WHO ET

CIRS BUTTONS BX6 ET

HFGC VICKIE VAIL 173Y34

BachmanCattleFarms.com

®

Scott & Sue Bachman

660-247-1112 • scott_bachman@yahoo.com BachmanCattleFarms.com • 17520 Hwy JJ • Chillicothe, MO 64601

GW information exchange Give Us Your Best Shot!

The AGA is having a photo contest! We are asking you to get creative and send us your outstanding photos of bulls, mommas and calves; as well as activities such as taking cattle out to pasture, working cattle, and sale day and show ring action. See full details below.

The top three photos that are chosen will be displayed at the 45th Annual AGA National Convention in Kansas City, MO, December 10-12, 2015 so give us your best shot!

Contest Rules: • Please submit only high-quality, high-resolution, color photos. Photos must be submitted digitally and must be 300 dpi, minimum 8”x10” or 8”x12”, and in JPG format. Cell phone photos will be accepted if taken with a high-quality smart phone.

Please submit photos by September 31, 2015 • No artwork, paintings, Polariods, printed photos or enhanced images will be accepted.

• All photos become property of the American Gelbvieh Association. We reserve the right to use any submitted images in Gelbvieh World, The Profit Picture or for any AGA marketing purpose.

10 | SEPTEMBER 2015

To submit please email images to gelbviehmedia@gmail. com and please include the following information: Title of photo, photographer’s name, email address and phone number.

AGA Office Closed for Labor Day The American Gelbvieh Association office will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2015 in observance of Labor Day. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.

Submitting DNA Samples In order to make the DNA testing process as efficient as possible and to ensure results are received in a timely manner, please order all DNA testing for registered animals on the AGA Online Registry System. Once an order is submitted, a copy of the order form must be sent with the sample directly to Geneseek at 4131 N. 48th St., Lincoln, NE 68504. If a physical DNA sample is not received at the lab after six weeks of the original DNA order date the order will be cancelled. If an order is cancelled, the producer must then re-submit the DNA order through the AGA Online Registry System.

It is encouraged that members are diligent about sending in DNA samples in a timely manner after order submission. If you have questions about this policy or about DNA testing, please contact Kelli Retallick or Dolores Gravley at 303-465-2333.

information exchange GW Natural Service Sire DNA Requirements for External Breeds

Did You Know?

AGA members have inquired about the rule passed in August 2014 to require a minimum of a Genomic Option #2 (GGP-LD) test for walking sires, in order to register 2016 calves from those pasture matings.

The AGA Board of Directors did rule to clarify that requirement to include walking sires (natural service sires) of external breeds (i.e. Angus, Red Angus, Simmental, etc.) during the April 2015 board meeting.

Therefore, external sires should have an equivalent test to AGA’s Genomic Option #2 as provided by the association of registry.

Gelbvieh World mails to more than 3,200 Gelbvieh

Example: An Angus natural service sire should be tested through the American Angus Association, NOT the American Gelbvieh Association.

According to the clarification of the rule, if no equivalent test is available for the external breed, parentage markers must be on file with the AGA. Requirements for AGA registered walking sires and AI sires and donor dams do not change.

As a reminder, the rule passed in August 2014 reads: Effective January 1, 2016 all sires of pasture exposed calves born on or after January 1, 2016 are required to have minimum of Genomic Option #2 (GGP-LD) test on file prior to registration of 2016 calves

and Balancer® bull and female buyers. That means that 75 percent of the mailing list goes out to those interested in buying Gelbvieh influenced genetics.

Beef cows, at 30.5 million head as of July 1, 2015, were up 3 percent from July 1, 2014. Beef replacement heifers, 4.90 million head as of July 2015, up 7 percent from July 1, 2014, according to the USDA. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for all feedlots totaled 12.1 million head on July 1, 2015. The inventory was up 2 percent from the July 1, 2014 total of 11.9 million head. Cattle on feed in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head accounted for 85 percent of the total cattle on feed on July 1, 2015, up slightly from the previous year, according to the USDA.

For assistance in marketing or purchasing Gelbvieh, Balancer ® or Southern Balancer ® bulls, females and feeder cattle, contact:

William McIntosh Commercial Marketing Coordinator

Angela Vesco Commercial Marketing Specialist

williamm@gelbvieh.org (502) 867-3132 (C)

angelav@gelbvieh.org (775) 421-9894 (C)

GELBVIEH WORLD |

11

GW out in the field

What are you going to do today to make money?

By William McIntosh

A

bout 15 years ago a good friend of mine went to work for one of the largest order buying companies in our part of the country. He said that every morning the head livestock broker would ask him the same question, “What are you going to do today to make money?”

extra to improve and promote your breeding program.

“Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while, you don’t do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is habit. Unfortunately, so is losing,” -Vince Lombardi.

The number one reason I hear why breeders don’t do a better job of marketing, promoting, or with customer relations is, “I just don’t have the time to get it done.” If you make marketing a daily activity you will see it doesn’t require spending a lot of time each day to accomplish your goals.

Just think if you set aside 30 minutes each day to do something to make money. Thirty minutes to analyze data, 30 minutes one day to study pedigrees, The experienced buyer understood that it takes 30 minutes one day to call customers, 30 minutes to a lot of time and effort to be successful as an order update social media, 30 minutes to call fellow breeders buyer. He knew it is very hard for a young man to and ask about bulls you are interested in using; the break into the business and establish himself and to list goes on and on. The gain people’s trust. He 30-minute plan will only also knew that success take roughly three hours in selling feeder cattle inning is not a sometime thing; out of your week and I hinges on building it’s an all the time thing.

You would speculate they will relationships and it can be the most profitable don’t win once in a while, you don’t take decades to build hours of your week. these relationships in do things right once in a while, you Take time while you are the cattle business. He driving to talk to your do them right all the time. Winning is kept my friend on task customers and ask how habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. and focused on the their bulls are holding right goals by asking my -Vince Lombardi. up, how the calves are friend the same question performing or how they every day, “What are sold. Driving is a great you going to do today to opportunity to maximize make money?” To be successful as a new, young order your time. Just think how your program would benefit buyer you have to work longer and harder than anyone from this type of action. “An ounce of action is worth at the sale barn or in the country to establish yourself a ton of theory,” Ralph Waldo Emerson once said. and build your business.

W

The seedstock business is the exact same way. Every day you have to stay focused on your goals. You have to ask yourself, “What am I going to do today to make money?” There are so many things that this could entail. From collecting, reporting or reviewing data to making calls to customers and building relationships with commercial cattlemen in your area. There are always actions you can take to improve your situation.

You have to look at success in the seedstock business as a daily activity. Each day you need to do something

12

12 | |JULY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015

Take time to visit sale barns where your customers sell cattle. Even better, be with your customers when they sell their calves. This will show them that you are interested in their success and that you support them. Doing lots of little thing every day can add up to big results. What are you going to do today to make money? D

BULL & FEMALE PRODUCTION SALE Saturday, November 14, 2015 • 12:30 PM (EST) • At the Ranch, Biscoe, NC CCRO Carolina Leverage 3214A

Purebred Gelbvieh Sire Homozygous Black, Homozygous Polled Leverage was the high selling bull in the 2014 sale.

Selling a maternal brother sired by JCGR Colton. Selling a flush opportunity from his dam, CCRO Belle of the Ball 1309Y.

VER Eagle Eye 224Y

CCRO Carolina Exclusive 1230Y

His first sons and daughters sell.

Selling sons of this popular sire - semen is no longer available on Exclusive.

25% Balancer® Sire Homozygous Black, Homozygous Polled

CCRO MS C-Cross EC/7309T

Purebred Gelbvieh Donor Homozygous Black, Homozygous Polled Dam of CCRO Carolina Exclusive 1230Y. Selling choice of two full sisters to Carolina Exclusive 1230Y.

EXAR Miss Beauty 5116

Purebred Gelbvieh Sire Homozygous Black, Homozygous Polled

C-Cross Cattle Co Angus Donor.

Selling the first CCRO sons of 5116.

130 LOTS SELL 50 GELBVIEH, BALANCER® AND ANGUS BULLS SELLING CHOICE OF 80 GELBVIEH, BALANCER® AND ANGUS BRED HEIFERS BULLS SIRED BY... CCRO Exclusive 1230Y • HYEK Black Impact • JCGR Colton • LAZY TV Watchman • JCGR Future Investment DUANE & WENDY STRIDER, owners Phone: 336-381-3640 Mobile: 336-964-6277 Fax: 910-428-4568 ccrosscattle@yahoo.com www.ccrosscattle.com

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

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF GELBVIEH & BALANCER®

GENETICS IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

GW over the fence

By Rebecca Mettler Photos By William McIntosh

D

ave Troesser and his son Carl own Troesser Farms near Bonnots Mill, Missouri. The father/son team work hand-in-hand on their diversified cow-calf and crops operation in Osage county. They own roughly 3,600 acres and rent an additional 1,500 acres of pasture ground. The Troessers run 370 cows of Angus and Gelbvieh influence and use registered Gelbvieh bulls exclusively. Dave has been in the cattle business for 40 years and brings plenty of experience to continue the growth and advancement of his cowherd from both a genetic and management standpoint.

How long have you used Gelbvieh genetics in your cowherd?

Troesser has been using Gelbvieh bulls on his Angus based cowherd for 10 or 12 years. He quickly credits the advantages of hybrid vigor in his crossbreeding program.

“I wanted something with more muscle and more size. It’s a good cross that has worked out well,” Troesser said. “Gelbvieh just had more muscle and added a lot to them and made the cattle better.”

Troesser sells his steer calves at a local auction at about 550 to 600 pounds and commented that often the calves are at the top end of the market. He retains the best of his heifers as replacement females and from that has been increasing the percentage of Gelbvieh influence in his cowherd.

14 | SEPTEMBER 2015

What recent changes have you made to herd management?

Incorporating a fall calving season is one management strategy that Troesser Farms has integrated into the cow-calf operation. This change came after the intense drought that Missouri and a lot of the U.S. experienced during the summer of 2012.

“Breeding in May was difficult, especially in 2012,” Troesser said. “It was hot that summer and a lot of cows didn’t get bred.”

The fall calving season works well. Last year’s calving rate was exceptional, according to Troesser. He reports that only two females out of a group of 100 were open at the end of a 90-day breeding season.

Other than genetics, what practices can you credit as an improvement within your cowherd?

Forage improvement has been a major focus for the operation. Troesser has integrated clover into the pastures.

“Straight fescue in the summer goes dormant,” Troesser said. “You can tell that the cattle don’t look as good so we try to improve the grass when we can.”

An increased emphasis on improving nutrition has also been implemented with the purchase of a total mixed ration (TMR) wagon. They work with a nutritionist to develop a balanced diet for the cowherd during winter feeding. The cows are fed a mix of fescue hay, alfalfa haylage, minerals, distiller’s grains and corn silage every other day during the winter months. And although it’s a substantial investment, the herd has responded well to the change.

What does the future hold for Troesser Farms?

“I’d like to get up to 500 cows but don’t think we will ever make that, there’s just not enough grass around here,” Troesser said.

Just like a lot of areas with good to decent soil, there’s been added pressure to turn land historically used for pasture into crop ground. And as Troesser commented, some of that ground lost to crops shouldn’t be.

“Lot of guys are getting up in age and don’t want to mess with cattle and will put in crops,” Troesser said. “It might be working for some but most of the hill land is not suitable for crops.” D

“The calves did excellent because the cows do better and give more milk. It’s really improved things for us in the winter and is well worth it,” Troesser said.

What herd health tips do you want to pass along to other producers?

“A good vet is important. It cuts out a lot of problems,” Troesser said.

Having a veterinarian whose specialty is beef cattle is advantageous for Troesser. He explained that their vet raises cattle and feeds out steers herself, so she’s able to pass her personal experiences on to her clients.

GELBVIEH WORLD |

15

GW communication message

Welcome to the NEW Gelbvieh World A note from Rebecca Mettler and Lynn Valentine

T

he Gelbvieh World team is changing it up a little bit!

It’s our goal to keep things fresh and exciting and provide our readers with relevant information from the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) and the entire cattle industry. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Gelbvieh and Balancer® seedstock entity or a commercial cow-calf operation utilizing Gelbvieh genetics, we want readers to be able utilize this information on their farm or ranch.

As you flip through this edition of the Gelbvieh World magazine you will find a few new things that might catch your eye.

First off, did you notice that this month is the Seedstock Marketing issue? That’s right, the Seedstock Marketing issue and the Junior Programs (August 2015) issue were flip-flopped from what’s been done in previous years. This puts the Seedstock Marketing issue right ahead of fall production sale season and October’s The Profit Picture publication.

Even before you open up the magazine you will find a new front cover design and Gelbvieh World logo. Again, we are keeping things new and exciting!

The editorial pages have a new look and layout as well as updated headings but you will still find the same important information from the AGA. Columns are included from the board of directors and executive director, as well as the marketing, registration, communications and breed improvement departments.

We are also implementing an article previously only found in The Profit Picture publication. “Over the Fence”

7TH Annual Southwest Iowa Gelbvieh & Balancer Bull & Female Sale

March 18, 2016 • Creston Livestock Auction, Creston, IA

All bulls in the sale are Feed Efficiency tested and Ultra-sounded.

Michael Bauer MJBC Gelbvieh Audubon, IA 712-563-2704 Mjbauer4320@hotmail.com Gary Martens Martens Gelbvieh Walnut, IA 712-764-5007 martensgl@yahoo.com

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

16

16 | |JULY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015

Carl Reiste Rafter R Gelbvieh Adel, IA 515-490-3561 creiste.rafterr@yahoo.com

For online bidding: www.cattleusa.com and click on www.crestonlivestock.com

made it’s first appearance in the July Gelbvieh World and will continue to be a reoccurring feature in both publications.

The “Commercial Corner Post” is a new section designed to provide information to the commercial cattle industry with an emphasis on herd management and other relevant topics.

From a design perspective there’s the new logo as well as a new page layout complete with updated fonts and a new overall color palette creating a visually appealing package.

We hope you enjoy the new look of Gelbvieh World as much as we do! D

For fun, we added the “Blast from the Past” page to highlight some of the history of the American Gelbvieh Association.

Production Schedule Gelbvieh World The Profit Picture November Gelbvieh World The Gelbvieh Cow Early deadline: September 24 Ad deadline: October 1

December Gelbvieh World AGA Convention Preview Early deadline: October 27 Ad deadline: November 3 January Gelbvieh World Breeding Reference Guide/AI Sires Early deadline: November 25 Ad deadline: December 2

GELBVIEH WORLD |

17

BIF conference focuses on cow herd, sustainability

By Dr. Bob Hough

T

his year’s Beef Improvement Federation meeting was held in Biloxi, MS. As always, it was an upbeat meeting that introduced producers to the latest technology and trends.

Sustainability was the first big topic at this year’s BIF meeting. All speakers agreed that sustainability was a combination of environment, social concerns and profitability (economics). While society tends to focus on environmental concerns when it comes to the cattle and beef industries, economics probably has the biggest impact on producers’ sustainability, with the ultimate symbol of sustainability being able to pass a cattle business down from one generation to the next.

Dr. Sara Place of the Oklahoma State University’s Department of Animal Science noted that it took civilization from 10,000 BC to 1804 AD for the earth’s population to reach one billion people, but projections have it reaching nine billion in the year 2045. Beef production will be an important part of feeding this burgeoning population as the majority of the world’s agricultural land is only suited to grazing.

Basically, photosynthesis produces cellulose on this

18 | SEPTEMBER 2015

land with cattle serving as a “bioreactor” to convert cellulose into high quality food for humans in the form of beef. It was noted that since 2005, the industry— through efficiency—has produced the same amount of beef on 33 percent less land, with 30 percent fewer cattle.

Environmentalists and animal rights groups focus on beef production, generally putting it in a negative light.

It is important that the beef industry tell its story of sustainability and continuous improvement.

It was noted at the conference that movies like Conspiracy—which got its data from the UN’s report, “Livestock’s Long Shadow”—refer to deforestation and other practices for the production of cattle that applies to areas like South America and Southeast Asia, and does not apply to the U.S. In fact, the use of pasture and byproduct feeds to produce meat is a success story that only ruminants can perform.

Greenhouse gases and water usage are often also a focal point of environmentalists and animal rights groups, but it was noted by Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Sustainability Researcher with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), that since 2005, the industry has decreased emissions by 10 percent, water usage by 3 percent and land use by 33 percent. Her thesis was that adoption of new technologies will be the key to continuous improvement in sustainability, and profitable breeding objectives and selection indexes will be important components to this improvement. Speakers emphasized that sustainability is a journey and not a destination.

The second major topic of the conference was restocking the nation’s cow herd. It was noted by John Paterson, NCBA Executive Director of Education, that

the decline in cow numbers was not just a function of drought but a combination of drought, high feed prices, high operating costs, aging producer demographics, competition with crop production with more income potential, and the price of cull cows.

herd size but instead lower cost of production is most highly correlated with profitability. In his view costs are best managed through genetics, nutrition, infrastructure and labor, but warned that production costs should not be too low as to introduce too much risk.

The good news is the average age in the nation’s cow herd is younger than it has ever been and beef demand is on the rise after many years of decline.

Next year’s Beef Improvement Federation conference will be held in Manhattan, KS, June 14-17. Producers are encouraged to attend. D

The industry is in a period of historic profitability and has unused capacity in both the feed yard and packing segments. The cow herd is now in an expansion phase that is occurring faster than expected. Different studies yielded varying results on how long the expansion phase will continue and how big the cow herd will become but there was agreement that this coming year will see similar prices to last year followed by prices leveling off and slowly retracting.

This article was printed with permission from Western Livestock Journal.

In terms of expansion, Lee Schultz, Associate Professor of Economics at Iowa State University, stated that one of the keys to future profitability will be the number of live calves produced, and improvement in reproduction is gained through both management and genetics to improve pounds of calves weaned rather than culling of low performing cows.

In a panel discussion, Ken Stewart, Manager of Rollins Ranches, emphasized that cattle must first and foremost be adapted to the environment in which they are managed before looking at improving other traits. Schultz added that the decision to raise or buy replacements is multifaceted. In the most simplistic terms, replacements should be raised if the cost of raising them is lower than purchasing them, with the opposite being true if replacements can be bought at a lower cost than raising them. It was noted that other factors needed to be added into the equation including adaptability and intrinsic genetic value.

Dr. John Riley, Assistant Extension Professor of Agricultural Economics at Mississippi State University, stated that profitability is largely independent of cow

Markes Family Farms

Oklahoma’s Largest Gelbvieh Breeder

Selling Exceptional Bulls & Heifers Transportation Available

GELBVIEH WORLD |

19

GW

A

BIF thanks retiring President Steve Munger; White gets elected to UGC

merican Gelbvieh Association (AGA) staff including Myron Edelman, Kari White, and Kelli Retallick traveled to the 2015 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Conference held in Biloxi, Mississippi, June 9-12. Staffers took part in both general and technical breakout sessions.

General sessions involved information on rebuilding the cowherd, balancing novel and proven applications for female selection, sustainability of beef practices, and how current market incentives affect genetic selection. Breakout sessions focused on cowherd efficiency and adaptability, genetic prediction technologies, emerging technologies for the genetic advancement of beef cattle and producer application.

During the Thursday afternoon award and recognition banquet, Steve Munger of Eagle Pass Ranch, Mansfield, South Dakota, was thanked and recognized for his service as this past year’s BIF president. Munger will continue sit on the BIF Board of Directors for another year as immediate past president. The AGA would also like to thank Munger for his year of service as well as positively representing the American Gelbvieh Association during his tenure.

In addition, staff took part in the International Genetic Solutions (IGS) and Multi-breed partners’ meeting held on Tuesday afternoon. Updates on changes taking place to the multi-breed cattle evaluation were given by Lauren Hyde of IGS and Dorian Garrick of Iowa State University who have been working closely together to make the multi-breed evaluation the most efficient and accurate it can be for members.

AGA’s Genetic Programs Coordinator, Kari White, was elected to the Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC) while in Biloxi. The UGC’s purpose is to insure ultrasound data used by the beef industry for genetic evaluation of carcass traits are of the highest quality. UGC is responsible for the certification of technicians who collect and interpret ultrasound images as well as the certification of various combinations of ultrasound equipment and software systems used to collect and interpret the ultrasound images.

The UGC is overseen by the US Beef Breeds Council; White will fulfill a two-year term with UGC. D

SAVE THE DATE: October 17, 2015 Midwest Beef Alliance Semi Annual Bull and Female Sale Sale held at Mid Missouri Livestock Center, Marshall Junction, MO Midwest Beef Alliance is the “Beef Producers Friend” 129 years of beef improving genetics represented the bulls and females offered in the sale

SELLING 50 commercial heifers AI bred to easy calving Balancer bull MCFG 171A (AMGV1250547) and Angus bull Ten Gauge, heifers calve in February.

SELLING 10 registered Gelbvieh and Balancer heifers, AI bred SELLING 10 purebred Angus hiefers, can be registered SELLING 30 registered Gelbvieh and Balancer cows, many with calves at side

SELLING 25 Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls SELLING 15 Angus bulls Bulls are bred for production, performance and carcass

Contact a consignor for sale catalog: Ron Rogers, 660-375-7266 • Richard Lincoln, 660-895-5008, lincoln@grm.net • Larry Robuck, 660-295-4205

20

20 | |JULY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015

s s e c c Su

Committed to the of the CommerCial Cattleman DNA testing since 2005 All sale bulls are DNA tested & Parent Verified

FGRG Troy 304A • AMGV 1272096 • BA50 Sired by SAV Pioneer 7301, Troy is a calving ease bull that does not give up the added body mass, bone or performance. He also ranks in the top 30% or higher for 10 economically important traits.

CED 11

BW -0.2 35%

WW 73 25%

YW 113 20%

MK 15

TM 52

CEM 10 15%

HP 4.77 30%

PG30 1.12 30%

ST 2

DMI 0.06

YG -0.37 4%

CW 36 25%

REA 0.59 20%

MB 0.48 15%

$Cow FPI EPI 50.48 85.13 128.26 10% 35%

LWHF Super Sport 475Y • AMGV 1204074 • Purebred A breed leading sire of performance, muscle and carcass. All the while he consistently holds down the birth weights. Sired our top selling bull to Ridinger Cattle Co. and also our top selling sire group.

Co-owned with Little Windy Hill Farms.

CED 8

BW 1.7

WW 86 10%

YW 122 10%

MK 34 30%

TM 77 10%

CEM 8

HP 5.58 25%

PG30 1.43 35%

ST 7

YG -0.39 25%

CW 44 10%

REA 0.22

MB FPI -0.49 66.88 35%

Annual Bull Sale • March 19, 2016 At the Ranch • Lake City, SD Neal Pearson:

605-448-5653 or 605-470-0448 njpearson@venturecomm.net

Kermit Pearson:

605-448-5596 or 605-380-6030

Chuck Ringkob:

605-470-0010

GW data bulletin

Looking into the Black Box

By Kelli Retallick

W

ith the availability of more accurate genetic prediction tools and high cattle prices there is no time like the present to invest in the genetics of the herd to increase productivity and sustain profitability down the road. It is also more important than ever to understand the science behind genetic tools to make informed decisions about this investment.

a series of mixed model equations.

These types of equations allow us to look at the relationships among the different effects impacting a performance trait and the subsequent EPD. It is important to dissect these relationships because many selection traits including growth, maternal, intake and carcass traits are polygenic, or controlled by many different genes. By combining the individual, pedigree, and progeny performance data, geneticists are equipped to more accurately dissect how much of the performance is due to the genetic merit of the animal and how much of the animal’s performance can be attributed to the surrounding environment.

Correlations among related traits like weights traits (birth, weaning and yearling weights) are included in mixed model equations to make an accurate estimation of the true breeding value of the animal.

The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) has taken the appropriate steps to assure its members are using the most cutting edge technologies for genetic improvement. In 2012, the AGA conventional EPD is made of three main made the bold decision to move the genetic parts including individual performance evaluations to International Genetic Solutions (IGS) allowing Gelbvieh cattle to be included in records, pedigree data that includes a multi-breed evaluation now totaling 340,000 performance records of both ancestors and animals across twelve different breeds. This relatives (half-sibs, full-sibs, etc.), as well as has proved to increase the accuracy of AGA’s genetic evaluation by allowing comparison progeny performance data. amongst a larger population of animals. In the fall of 2014, AGA successfully released its first set of Genomic-Enhanced Expected Progeny Differences (GE-EPD), largely due to the vision Formulating an EPD with the Addition of Genomic of participants involved in the Genomic Pioneers project.

Data From the beginning, AGA members stepped up and Genomic data is an additional piece of information completed the DNA testing needed to receive GE-EPDs. that is added to the mix to make an EPD. Currently, the In addition, cumulative DNA testing presently done AGA incorporates genomic data into EPDs through by producers has since doubled from just one year ago, a two-step process. The first step is to calculate the making AGA members progressive adapters of DNA conventional EPD through the process described above. technology. Members clearly see a benefit in investing in The animal’s genotype is used to calculate molecular new genetic technologies to make more productive beef breeding values (MBV) for several different traits. At cattle; however, questions still arise about how the new this time, the Gelbvieh population has been trained for information is being used in the formulation of EPDs. the following MBVs: calving ease, birth weight, weaning

A

Formulating an Expected Progeny Difference

A conventional EPD is made of three main parts including individual performance records, pedigree data that includes performance records of both ancestors and relatives (half-sibs, full-sibs, etc.), as well as progeny performance data. This data is combined into

22

22 | |JULY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015

weight, yearling weight, milk, calving ease daughters, yield grade, carcass weight, ribeye area, marbling and fat thickness.

The second step of this two-step process is to blend the conventional EPD with the genomic predictor, or

continued on page 26

Genetic Tools for Ranchers $mart Select Service gives the commercial cattleman, regardless of breed, tools to make breeding and management decisions based on herd records to increase profitability.

How well do you really know your cows?

… you can’t manage what you don’t measure…

$mart Select Service lets the commercial cattleman stay ahead of the curve by knowing exactly the level of production of individual cows. As cow herd inventory continues to expand, $mart Select Service can help ranchers identify cows to increase herd productivity.

Here is how it works.

Enrollment is open for all females in the herd, including potential replacement females and mature cows.

Enter this information: For initial cow enrollment: • Animal ID • Estimated birth date • Possible sire and dam

For annual cow re-enrollment: • Calf record in the form of weaning weight or a disposal code explaining why no calf is recorded at weaning • Heifer breeding records

Use this information to make decisions: Herd Reports $mart Select Service creates herd reports for commercial cattlemen to compare and rank animals based on performance to improve the average productivity of the herd.

Reports include: • Progeny Report – calf performance averages, possible sire and dam • Herd Sires Report – bull battery information, number of progeny, exposure data • Dam Production Report – calf information, exposure data, disposal codes • Herd Summary Report – overview of herds performance and management (vaccination records, pasture groups, management codes, etc.)

Genetic Tools $mart Select Service compares animals to the international multi-breed genetic evaluation, making the tools more accurate.

• Feeder Profit Index (FPI) – Index for selecting progeny to perform in the feedyard and on the rail • Requires: Calving Ease and Weaning Weight • Stayability (ST Score) – Gauge the reproductive longevity of your herd • Requires: record of heifer’s first calf, a calving record every other year, and date exposed

What is $mart Select Service going to cost?

Compare the cost of $mart Select Service against other record management software.

Program Average Competitor $mart Select

Cost per year

Buy Software

$1,035 $1 per head

Yes No

Ranchers can enroll at any time!

Members gain free access to professional and knowledgeable American Gelbvieh Association staff to aid in development of a management plan best serving the interest of each ranch.

For Gelbvieh influenced females…

Maternal Edge Female Panel Maternal Edge Female Panel can be used as a selection tool for Gelbvieh influenced females.

Females are sorted for 6 different maternal and carcass traits. Parent verification is also included in the panel.

A score of 1 to 10 compares females to the larger populations of Gelbvieh influenced animals with genomic profiles: • Calving Ease

• Yield Grade

• Maternal Calving Ease

• Marbling

• Weaning Weight

• Carcass Weight

Producers can download the Commercial DNA Testing order form at www.gelbvieh.org.

To enroll contact: American Gelbvieh Association • 303-465-2333 Kelli Retallick • kellir@gelbvieh.org

Seedstock Plus Showcase Sale X

& 7th Annual Customer Appreciation Sale

September 19, 2015 Kingsville Livestock Kingsville, Missouri

Selling 80 LOTS of Elite Gelbvieh & Balancer Females Open heifers, Bred heifers Spring & Fall Pairs Picks of the Herd Embryos

These Females All Sell!

view the catalog on-line at www.seedstockplus.com view the sale and bid on-line at www.cattleusa.com Request your catalog today! Toll Free Office: 877-486-1160 John Burbank cell: 660-734-1165

GW gelbvieh news

Notice of the 45th Annual American Gelbvieh Association Annual Meeting

P

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

The annual meeting will be held on Friday, December 11, 2015, commencing at 1:30 p.m., at the Embassy Suites Kansas City-International Airport in Kansas City, Missouri. The meeting will be held during the American Gelbvieh Association National Convention.

The purpose of the meeting shall be the election of directors to fill the offices of those directors whose terms are expiring or which are presently vacant, to ratify the

previous actions of the Board of Directors, and for the transaction of other business as may properly come before the meeting.

The nominating committee will announce the slate of nominees to fill five positions on the AGA Board of Directors in the November Gelbvieh World along with their personal profiles. Other nominations may be accepted from the floor during the annual meeting.

Any member who is unable to attend the AGA annual meeting may request an absentee ballot by phone, email or fax for election of directors. To obtain an absentee ballot, a member must submit his or her application, for an absentee ballot, to the American Gelbvieh Association office not more than 60 days (October 12, 2015) nor less than 10 days (December 1, 2015) prior to the annual meeting, and must be in good standing with the Association at least sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting. Ballots must be returned to the AGA office by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 to be counted at the annual meeting on Friday, December 11, 2015.

continued from page 22

MBV, for each trait resulting in a GE-EPD. Blending the genomic predictors and EPDs in this way allows for GEEPD to be updated as DNA results are received, whereas the conventional portion is updated bi-annually. Just like an EPD has the equal opportunity to move up or down as more progeny data is collected, an EPD also has equal opportunity to move up or down as genomic data is added to the equation.

Genotype (DNA)

The addition of the genomic predictors into mixed model equations helps us to explain more of the genetic variation of the trait and the animal’s true genetic value as a parent. Genomic predictors do not replace the information explained by the conventional EPD but rather add to accuracy of these estimates. To put things simply, the better the information in to the calculation, the better the information out of the calculation, Molecular Breeding which allows producers to better Value (MBV) protect their investment. D 1/2 BV + MBV = Expected Progeny Difference (EPD)

Breeding Value (BV) Performance

Environment

26

Summary

26 | |JULY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015

Fall 2015 Gelbvieh and Balancer® EPDs Released GW

I

n early August, the Fall 2015 International Cattle Evaluation Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) were released for Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle. The American Gelbvieh Association publishes an evaluation twice yearly, in the spring and fall.

Additional EPD information including genetic trends, trait leaders, breed averages and percentiles can be found on www.gelbvieh.org under the Education Center tab by clicking on “Sire Summary”.

One of the additional pieces of information that should be of the utmost importance to breeders and their customers is the EPD percentile rank.

Percentiles are a useful tool for breeders to compare performance on an animal with the rest of the population. A lower number percentile means an animal is more favorable for a trait. For example, if an animal is in the top 1 percent for CED that means only 1 percent of animals have a more favorable CED. If an animal is in the 50 percentile, 50 percent of animals have a better CED EPD. EPD breed averages and percentiles are available for active Gelbvieh sires, active Gelbvieh dams, Gelbvieh non-parent calves, active Balancer sires, active Balancer dams, and Balancer non-parent calves. Below are the current EPD averages for each category. D

Gelbvieh and Balancer® Breed Average EPDs (For active sires, as of the Fall 2015 International Cattle Evaluation) Growth and Maternal EPDs Gelbvieh Balancer®

CED 9 11

BW 1.8 0.4

WW 70 67

Gelbvieh

DMI -0.002

YG -0.31

CW 29

RE 0.47

MB -0.20

0.027

-0.19

30

0.44

0.27

Balancer®

YW MK TM 97 31 65 101 27 60 Intake and Carcass EPDs

CEM 7 8

HP 3 4

PG30 ST 1 7 1 4 Index Values

FT -0.07

ADG -0.043

RFI -0.013

$Cow 56.95

FPI 63.68

EPI 69.94

-0.03

0.029

-0.028

51.93

75.42

122.02

Gelbvieh and Balancer® Breed Average EPDs (For active dams, as of the Fall 2015 International Cattle Evaluation) Growth and Maternal EPDs Gelbvieh Balancer®

CED 8 10

BW 2.3 0.7

WW 68 64

Gelbvieh

DMI -0.008

YG -0.26

CW 28

RE 0.45

MB -0.20

0.010

-0.14

28

0.38

0.20

Balancer®

YW MK TM 93 30 64 96 26 58 Intake and Carcass EPDs

CEM 7 7

HP 3 4

PG30 ST 1 7 1 4 Index Values

FT -0.07

ADG -0.46

RFI -0.010

$Cow 61.20

FPI 61.64

EPI 67.34

-0.03

0.010

-0.000

51.06

71.17

104.46

Gelbvieh and Balancer® Breed Average EPDs (For non-parents, as of the Fall 2015 International Cattle Evaluation) Growth and Maternal EPDs Gelbvieh Balancer®

CED 9 11

BW 1.8 0.4

WW 70 66

Gelbvieh

DMI -0.018

YG -0.26

CW 29

RE 0.47

MB -0.17

0.020

-0.15

30

0.43

0.23

Balancer®

YW MK TM 97 31 65 100 26 59 Intake and Carcass EPDs

CEM 7 7

HP 4 4

PG30 ST 1 8 1 5 Index Values

FT -0.07

ADG -0.042

RFI -0.021

$Cow 72.74

FPI 64.04

EPI 75.56

-0.03

0.020

-0.007

56.46

74.03

115.18

GELBVIEH WORLD |

27

Supporting the Present to Advance the Future

By Megan Slater and William McIntosh

T

o be successful in anything progress of some kind must be made. Without progress we do not move forward. In today’s beef industry that is constantly demanding more technology and better cattle, moving forward is not an option, it is a necessity. For this reason the American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) puts a large emphasis on supporting American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) research for betterment of the Gelbvieh breed.

“Continued research ensures the American Gelbvieh Association remains on the cutting edge in providing tools to members to improve their herds and their profitability,” says Kari White, AGA genetic programs coordinator.

The Impacting the Beef Business™ American Gelbvieh Association Long-Range Strategic Plan that was developed in the summer of 2012 laid out goals for both the Association and the Gelbvieh breed to achieve in order to measure the success in reaching a more competitive position in the beef industry. Today, several of the goals that were put into place three years ago have been accomplished and many were accomplished with help from the American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF).

In the first article of the American Gelbvieh Foundation three part series, it was mentioned that the Foundation plays a very important role in helping to sustain the breed well into the future through support of continued research.

One way the support of the AGF can be seen today is through the Genomic Pioneers Project which was started in 2012 to help implement Genomic-Enhanced EPDs (GE-EPDs) for the Gelbvieh breed. The Genomic Pioneers Project called upon members of the AGA to submit DNA samples and monetary contributions to facilitate the research for GE-EPDs. This project then helped to build a diverse panel of Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics to be the foundation genetics for the calculation of GE-EPDs. GE-EPDs provide more precise EPDs based on a combination of phenotype and DNA. One major benefit of these EPDs is risk reduction through increased accuracies.

These increased accuracies save time when assessing

28 | SEPTEMBER 2015

young breeding stock as well as deliver commercial customer confidence when buying seedstock. Herd improvement is then accelerated when breeders can more accurately identify young individuals with the best genetics.

Thanks to the generosity of several members and the Foundation, the AGA was able to release GE-EPDs with the fall 2014 international cattle evaluation. At the time of release, the Gelbvieh breed was one of only a few breeds utilizing the advanced technology. This advancement for the breed and the association helped to place Gelbvieh in an even more competitive position in the beef industry. Without the help from the AGF, GE-EPDs would not have been able to be released so quickly and would have come later for the breed.

Another high priority goal that was set in the strategic plan was to develop reliable tools to monitor traits for maternal efficiency. Today, the AGA has added two new EPDs (Heifer Pregnancy and 30-month pregnancy) and one new index to its list of EPDs and tools that are offered to help ranchers when selecting Gelbvieh and Balancer® genetics. The AGF funded the AGA’s research and development of the $Cow maternal index which was released in the spring of 2014, and was developed with the help of Dr. Mike MacNeil, Ph.D., of Delta G. This $Cow index represents the genetic value in dollars of profit of an animal when retained as a replacement female relative to other animals in the herd. A higher number represents more profitable genetics for maternal productivity.

The $Cow index includes several traits. The most essential of these traits are heifer pregnancy, 30-month pregnancy, and stayability. The heifer pregnancy (HP) EPD predicts the probability that a bull’s daughters will become pregnant as first-calf heifers in a regular breeding season, expressed as a percent. A higher value of this EPD is favorable, meaning that a higher percentage of a sire’s daughters get pregnant as first calf heifers compared to other sires in his contemporary group.

Exclusive to the AGA’s $Cow index is the inclusion of a 30-month pregnancy (Pg30) EPD. The Pg30 EPD predicts the probability that a bull’s daughters will become pregnant and calve at three years of age, given that they calved as first-calf heifers. This EPD is expressed as a percent, again, with a higher number being more favorable meaning a higher percentage of a sire’s daughters will calve at three years of age, given they calved as first-calf heifers.

The stayability (ST) EPD represents the genetic difference, in terms of percent probability, that a bull’s daughters will stay productive within a herd to at least six years of age. $Cow incorporates other traits that affect the probability of a female in a production system. These traits include milk, calving ease, moderate mature weight and the ability of calves to gain. A female’s genetics also influence the performance of her calves in the feedyard and at harvest so traits such as feed efficiency and carcass value are also included in $Cow. The Gelbvieh breed is well-known for its strong maternal characteristics. With the help of indexes such as $Cow these strengths are quantified and the relevance of Gelbvieh genetics within beef industry becomes even more evident.

The most recent project the AGF has begun that benefits research is the Steer Challenge and Carcass Testing Project. This project will not only help to raise funds for Gelbvieh research in the future but will also help to further advance the Gelbvieh breed into a more

competitive position in the beef industry through providing greater carcass data on Gelbvieh influenced animals.

Having a strong Foundation helps ensure the AGA is ready to take on necessary projects, such as the GE-EPDs and development of tools, to help put Gelbvieh in an even more competitive position in the beef industry.

“The amount of money that is needed for research, genomics, and other related breed improvement projects varies from year to year,” says Neal Pearson, AGA president. Because of this, the AGA must be prepared for opportunities that arise and this is done with help from AGF. Just as it has in the past, the AGF will continue to play a vital role in helping to advance the Gelbvieh breed through its support of research and development. Any donation to the AGF may be designated for a specified purpose such as research and development. For more information about how you can be a part of advancing the Gelbvieh breed, visit the Foundation page on www.gelbvieh.org. D

Balancer® cattle make money.

Close outs from a recent group of raised heifers prove it.

Performance Data for 50 Heifers

• Pay Wgt out: 1,298 lbs.

• HCY: 63.89% • HCW: 829 lbs.

• ADG: 3.47 lbs.

• DMC: 5.84 • PR: 16.7%

• CH: 83.3% • CAB: 53% • 100% Choice or better

Jeff Swanson

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

GELBVIEH WORLD |

29

The American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) continues to help advance the Gelbvieh breed through its support of research and development. To help place the breed in an even more competitive position within the beef industry, the AGF is calling on American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) members and Gelbvieh enthusiasts to participate in the first ever AGF Steer Challenge and Sire-Identified Carcass Testing Contest.

These two projects together will provide the information and funds necessary to generate data sets to advance Gelbvieh carcass merit.

How It Works: To participate in the Steer Challenge, simply donate one or more steers to the AGF. These donated steers will then be fed together at a participating feedyard and performance will be tracked throughout this time. Animals will then be harvested and carcass data will be collected. The donor(s) of the top performing steer will be awarded a grand prize. If an individual wishes to participate, but does not currently own a steer that is ready to be fed, they may purchase an animal already at the feedyard and donate it to the AGF. Individuals with three or more steers available from the same ranch are encouraged to participate in the Sire-Identified Carcass Testing Contest. These sire-identified steers will also be fed together and data collected throughout the feeding period as well as at harvest.

Please note, steers participating in the carcass testing contest do not have to be donated to the AGF and may remain in custody of current owner throughout the contest. However, it is encouraged for members to participate in both projects in order to help collect valuable data for the association as well as build resources for future projects, aimed at improving Gelbvieh influenced genetics.

Best of both worlds...

Together, these projects will solidify carcass merit within the Gelbvieh breed and place our cattle in a more competitive position in the beef industry through providing supplementary carcass data on Gelbvieh influenced genetics.

In addition, to the data collected and knowledge gained from these projects, money raised will help to further develop more accurate tools for ranchers when selecting Gelbvieh and Balancer速 genetics.

For more information about the American Gelbvieh Foundation Steer Challenge and Sire-Identified Carcass Testing Contest, please contact Kelli, Angela or William at 303.465.2333 or visit the American Gelbvieh Foundation page on www.gelbvieh.org.

Growing our Future by Building our Foundation

MISSION: The American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) secures, grows and responsibly distributes assets for research, member education and youth development to sustain and grow Gelbvieh genetics.

GW marketing report

Gelbvieh Presence at Superior Livestock Video Royale XXIII in Winnemucca, Nevada

S

uperior Livestock hosted the 23rd Annual Video Royale Sale in Winnemucca, Nevada on July 28th through 31st, 2015. The event was held at the Winnemucca Convention Center and offered 137,000 head of cattle. The AGA set up a booth promoting Gelbvieh and Balancer速 cattle and was represented by executive director Myron Edelman and commercial marketing specialist Angela Vesco. The table below summarizes the price ranges of all cattle sold on the video sale with contracts for delivery immediately through end of May 2016. A majority of the cattle were located in the Northwest region and scheduled for fall

delivery. Compared to Superiors previous sale, Week in the Rockies which was held the beginning of July, feeder cattle prices at Winnemucca were approximately $10.00 to $15.00 lower. Balancer cattle sourced from northern Nevada sold above the averages of their respective weight ranges, shown on the right hand side of the table.

In addition to feeder calf sales, females were offered with replacement heifers sold for $1,700, pairs sold for $3,100, cows sold for $2,325 to $2,350, and bred heifers sold for $2,125 to $2,775. D

Summary of feeder cattle price ranges from Video Royale XXIII in $/cwt All Breeds

Gelbvieh Influenced

Wt (lbs)

Steers

Heifers

Holsteins

Steers

Heifers

300-395

$305 - $371

$267 - $354

$239 - $272

400-495

$235 - $374

$241 - $311

$211 - $225

$332

$288

500-595

$213 - $302

$203 - $268

$185 - $193

$268

600-695

$199 - $266

$187 - $234

$154 - $191

700-795

$190 - $240

$177 - $214.50

$192 - $192

800-895

$187.50 - $214

$176 - $207

900-995

$183 - $202

$190 - $201

YPA Roscoe Rolex 20C AMGV 1308226 Red Roscoe son out of an Astro daughter, born 1/1/15.

YPA Tractions Impact 18B AMGV 1292735 Traction son out of a Black Impact daughter, born 8/27/14.

We have four 2015 Traction sons. One is a full brother to our young herd sire, another is an Astro son out of a SAV 8180 Traveler 004 daughter, plus more nice bull calves. We also have a black Balancer heifer out of a Leachman Saugahatchee 3000C daughter, bred to TV Sam. Also offering bred cows.

32

32 | |JULY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015

A Judge Balancer heifer out of a Leachman Right Time granddaughter, bred to a Traction son.

Contact: Chester Yoder 330-231-0339 or 330-567-9232 chesteryoder@yahoo.com www.yodersprairieacres.com

shows GW

2015 Midwest State Show May 30, 2015 Orleans, Nebraska Judge: Jarrod Beam, Washington, Kansas Reported by: Patty Goes

A

total of 32 American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) members brought 50 head of Gelbvieh and Balancer速 females and bulls to the 2015 Midwest State Show, a Nebraska and Kansas junior show, held in Orleans, Nebraska.

Champion Gelbvieh Female TAU MIA 363A Sydney Taubenheim

Champion Steer Randy Tanner Taubenheim

Champion Bred and Owned Gelbvieh Female Post Rock Wilma 340B8 Meredith Clark

Reserve Champion Steer Sydney Taubenheim

Reserve Champion Gelbvieh Female EGL B281 JW LeDoux Reserve Champion Bred and Owned Gelbvieh Female PMG 34B Barbara Sue Tricia Goes Champion Balancer Female AHL Limestone 372A Tanner Aherin Champion Bred and Owned Balancer Female Ms. Top Gun 460B Kale Taubenheim Reserve Champion Balancer Female DC Darci 401A2 ET Seth Beying Reserve Champion Bred and Owned Balancer Female GRU Ms Firecracker 417B Grace Hammer Champion Balancer Bull AHL First Class 494B ET JW LeDoux Reserve Champion Balancer Bull PMG 92B ET Tricia Goes

Champion Futurity Gelbvieh Heifer Miss Daisy 148B37 ET Jessie Lowe Reserve Champion Futurity Gelbvieh Heifer COLB Miss Western 497 Kyle Sasse Champion Futurity Balancer Heifer RAIL Ms Yarborough 457 B Kaid Sasse Reserve Futurity Balancer Heifer RACA Ms Red Maple Layla 409B Rachelle Anderson Third Place Futurity Balancer Heifer RAIL Ms Watchman 402B Elizabeth Krajewski Champion Senior Showman, Tanner Aherin; Reserve Champion Senior Showman, Tanner Taubenheim Champion Intermediate Showman, Seth Beying; Reserve Champion Intermediate Showman, Jacob Barwick Champion Junior Showman, Jaylea Pope; Reserve Champion Junior Showman, Kaid Sasse D

GELBVIEH WORLD |

33

GW junior connection

Sell the Breed

By Tanner Aherin

G

oing to shows or sales, interacting with other breeders and promoting your genetics is always a highlight of the year for junior members. I believe juniors should attend as many Gelbvieh and other cattle events as possible to learn more about the beef industry, and to also be an ambassador of the breed.

State fair season is upon us and the major fall shows are closely approaching. This means there are many opportunities for junior members to showcase their breeding program. Not only will these cattle represent individual herds, but also the entire Gelbvieh breed. It is important that you have your stock looking their best when you are exhibiting at these shows. To get your cattle to their highest potential you may need to spend some extra time in the show barn or precisely feed them to make sure they have the correct body condition.

That extra work could be the difference between a class winner and getting your picture taken with the judge at the backdrop.

good qualities you want to market your program on and the positive traits the breed is known for. You never know, that sales talk you gave at Junior Classic could turn into selling your heifer for a big payday.

As young cattlemen and women, you should also be able to talk about the beef industry to the general public and relay the information of why it is important to be supportive of the industry.

We are all producers of Gelbvieh and/or Balancer® cattle, and with that comes a time to sell what we have raised. Whether it’s a consignment sale, a breeder’s annual production sale, or selling Gelbvieh influenced feeder cattle at your local sale barn; it is important to remember that we are representing not just our own genetic program, but also the Gelbvieh breed. So, next time you are at a show or sale don’t forget how much you and your cattle mean to the Gelbvieh breed. D

While attending shows there will most likely be other Gelbvieh breeders, people with other breeds of cattle and some individuals that may know very little about the beef industry. As an exhibitor you should be knowledgeable about your program, the Gelbvieh breed and the cattle industry in case someone wants to find out more information about these topics. You should have a “sales talk” ready to promote your genetic program and the Gelbvieh breed, which includes the Sydney Bigger, President (2015) Media, IL • 309-221-6262 biggersydney@gmail.com Michael Ring, Vice President (2014) Oregon, IL • 815-732-7583 skylerm1@frontier.com Mike & Toni Shrewsbury, Adult Advisors Lathrop, MO • 816-528-3644 mshrews@northmo.net

Kyle Vehige, V.P. of Leadership (2014) Bonnots Mill, MO • 573-897-3303 tbars@radiowire.net

Kelsey Sheeley, Ex-Officio Hillsboro, OH • 937-403-3272 kelseysheeley@yahoo.com Callahan Grund (2014) Wallace, KS • 785-891-3765 jcgrund@wbsnet.org Carter Mitchell (2015) Appleton City, MO • 660-492-3966 cartermitchell15@gmail.com

Al & Mary Knapp, Adult Advisors Bonner Springs, KS • 913-724-4105 knappa@swbell.net

Tiana Garcia, Secretary (2015) Las Animas, CO • 719-691-9691 tianam.garcia@outlook.com

Colton Spencer (2015) Aurora, MO • 417-440-0704 coltons08@hotmail.com

Carrie Tilghman Derossett, Junior Activities Coordinator 270-404-0828 • carriet@gelbvieh.org

Tanner Aherin, Treasurer (2014) Phillipsburg, KS • 785-543-3093 daherin@ruraltel.net

Aubree Beenken (2015) Buckingham, IA • 319-239-2969 abeenken@iastate.edu

34

34 | |JULY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015

15

8

1

23

CD = 1/11

30

Production Sale Hometown, CO Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls & Females View all sale lots on video 303-222-4444

Your Town Cattle Co.

Don’t Miss Our Sale Tomorrow!

CD = 1/4

Advertisers Needed:

29

22

16

9

2

24

CD = 1/12

31

Production Sale TODAY! Hometown, CO Gelbvieh & Balancer® Bulls & Females View all sale lots on video 303-222-4444

Your Town Cattle Co.

CD = 1/5

17

10

3

CD = 12/30

CD = 12/23

CD = 12/16

25

18

5 CD = 12/18

Friday

6 CD = 12/19

Saturday

7

12

CD = 12/25

13

CD = 12/26

14

CD = 1/7

CD = 12/31

26

19

CD = 1/8

CD = 1/1

27

20

Call Today! Spaces will fill up quickly. Don’t get left out!

28

21

March 2015 CD = Calving Date

CD = 1/9

CD = 1/2

Don’t miss this chance to advertise your sale, field day or other important events.

Please contact Carrie Tilghman Derossett at 270-404-0828 to reserve your space today.

CD = 12/24

Take advantage of this great opportunity to advertise your program.

The AGJA Calendar is distributed to all of the Gelbvieh World subscribers.

CD = 12/17

Thursday

Booking Deadline: October 6, 2015

CD = 1/6

on

4

11

Wednesday

i at i c o s s A n i or

CD = 12/29

CD = 12/22

CD = 12/15

Tuesday

Ju h e i v b l c an G e

CD = 12/28

CD = 12/21

CD = 12/14

Monday

Individual dates still remain for the 2016 AGJA Calendar.

These listings are $40 each and will be sold on a first-come, first-pay basis.

Discounts are available – if you purchase 2-5 dates, the cost is $35 per ad or if you purchase 6 or more dates, the cost is $25 per ad.

CD = 1/10

CD = 1/3

Am er i

2015

CD = 12/27

CD = 12/20

CD = 12/13

Sunday

GW junior news

Continued Coverage of AGJA Writing Contest Results

T

he AGJA holds a creative writing contest in conjunction with the annual junior classic. Each division winner is rewarded by having his or her entries published in the Gelbvieh World magazine. This month the intermediate division winner of the creative writing contest is featured.

Where do you see Gelbvieh cattle in your future?

By Karsyn Youngblood In the future I see Gelbvieh in the pasture, in the feedlot and on our plate. Gelbvieh cattle have been roaming the pastures in North America Since the 1970’s. Gelbvieh cattle can be traced back to the 16th century. With the increased consumption of beef, Gelbvieh cows are a good choice for producing the demanded product. They have great calving ease, disposition, longevity, rugged, maternal superiority and admirable udders. With that being said, they produce great calves with the leanness and balance you want them to have. The calves are also vigorous at birth.

Talking about the calves being good, you need to also have a great sire that can make up the other 50 percent of the calf. The Gelbvieh bulls are easily handled which traits into the Gelbvieh calves. Also, they add pounds to their offspring and they are fertile. You also are able to use them several breeding seasons because of their longevity. With these kind of cattle you should have an excellent herd that will take you a long way.

Next, I see the Gelbvieh genetics being more accepted in the feedlot, which is an important part of our industry. In the feedlot you can find the proper management that allows our cattle to perform in a way that helps bring them to the top. The Gelbvieh breed has produced animals that showcase feed efficiency in the feedlot and their use in a crossbreeding program has helped other breeds also. Buyers and packers demand these kind of cattle and will continue to trust Gelbvieh and Balancer® influenced genetics. Gelbvieh cattle will increase your premiums with more carcass weight and add pounds through greater percent retail yield. The

36

36 | |JULY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015

docility that the breed is know for helps in the process of putting weight on and reaching market faster. As the association makes strides in targeting genetic trends that are specific to feed efficiency you will see more and more markets accepting our breed.

Finally, I see Gelbvieh as an accepted source of protein in restaurants and our plates at home. The American Gelbvieh Association has been working hard to enhance carcass quality and put in place indicators that will help producers make a product that will in turn be more valued by the consumer. Through proper genetic selection we are producing cattle that will grade choice, have an ideal yield grad and thus create a product that people in the meat industry want. As we continue to get our product out there demand will increase as producers we can start seeing a premium for our product. The great taste of Gelbvieh meat will guarantee a place on my neighbors’ and I’s plate when the dinner bell rings.

With the tools and leadership that our association has in place, I believe the Gelbvieh breed will be stronger and even more demanded in these three locations ten years from now. The maternal characteristics will insure we grow the number of females in the pasture, the ability to be good converters of feed will grow the numbers in the feedlots, and not accepting anything less than a high quality product will keep a nice juicy steak or burger on our plates. We, as owners of these cattle need to continue to do our part in producing and marketing a high quality product and sharing our stories about these great cattle to those we come in contact with. If we do this, these cattle will provide for us and others in the years to come. D

Body Condition Score Your Pastures

By Bethany Johnston, Nebraska Extension Educator

H

ow easy is it to body condition score your cows?

You look at the fat deposits covering the cow’s body. A “fleshy” cow is considered good, while a thin cow may need special attention.

How do you tell if your pasture is “fleshy”? What do you look at to assess plant health?

Determining the health of your pasture is more difficult than looking at the outside fat layer of a cow. A cow’s body condition (or energy reserves) is visible on the outside, but plant health is determined by the vigor of the root system.

Since we can’t dig up the roots, monitoring our pastures is a good way to assess plant health. Weather (precipitation or freezes) and defoliation (from hail or grasshoppers) impacts plant health, but is out of our control. Management (stocking rate, date grazed, etc) is something we can control and impacts plant health.

By recording both, future management decisions to improve plant health can be made.

Before we talk about what to monitor, let’s cover what improves or weakens plant health. During greenup, a plant removes energy from its roots to build infrastructure (leaves and stems). With adequate rainfall and favorable temperatures, the leaves create energy that is put back into the infrastructure (more leaves & seedheads) and the excess energy is stored in the roots.

On the other hand, drought stresses plant vigor.

Plant growth is usually stunted due to lack of moisture, and the roots also shorten. Heavy defoliation, or removal of plant material, can also stress a plant, as the plant takes reserves from the roots to re-create the infrastructure of the removed leaves. The rapid growth stage is also a critical time for plants. The plant is growing very quickly, but hasn’t been able to store much energy in the roots. Grazing during the rapid growth stage every year will weaken the plant as well.

What are some key items to monitor? *Precipitation: is important especially during the growing season of the forages. Dry conditions stress plants and lead to plant root loss. If rains are lacking, stocking rate decreases can be projected based on rainfall to date. *Grazing Records: When is the plant getting grazed?

What kind of grazing pressure or stocking rate will the pasture need to sustain? How long will the pasture get to rest? Grazing records keep track of the number of animals (figured as Animal Units or AUs), how long the pasture is grazed, pasture size, forage available, and hay fed. The UNL “Grazing & Hay Records Spreadsheet” keeps track of this information on an Excel spreadsheet and summarizes the forage demand & supply. *Photographs: Photo-monitoring uses photographs to capture data about pastures over time. Plant species and composition, plant size, amount of bare soil, residual (standing herbage) and litter amounts can be useful information when paired with precipitation and grazing records.

Photographs should include a pasture landscape scene http://go.unl.edu/wfrr taken as a Photo Point and Photo Plot http://go.unl.edu/4wif to capture details of the grass and soil surface. To take a Photo Point http://go.unl.edu/ p9tc . To take a Photo Plot http://go.unl.edu/cfqk.

More in-depth monitoring techniques can be found in the “Getting to Know Your Pastures: Techniques to Enhance Monitoring” NebGuide G2212. “GrassSnap” is an app developed to take photographs, organize, and store the photo points and plots on your smart device (currently available for Apple products). D Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Late summer and fall are a good time to monitor pastures when plants are mature.

GELBVIEH WORLD |

37

GW registry tips ‘n tricks Next, under work menu click on “Herd Mgmt” then “DNA”.

How to Request DNA

By Dolores Gravley Requesting DNA testing through the AGA Registry System is still a relatively new process. Below are the step-by-step instructions to the DNA order process: Under Work Menu (upper left) click on “View” to go to “General Profile Information”. Go to Bulls or Females (yrlg, weaned etc.). Find the animal you want tested, click on the box under DNA tab. This will change the box to “queued”.

From there the DNA Profile Management screen will appear, you will be in the “Unsubmitted Requests” tab. Under “Reason” is a drop-down box to select the reason the animal is being tested (ie: AI sire, donor dam etc.). Please note the DNA test for natural service sires is Genomic Option 2 and can be entered using the “Mbr Request” option.

If using “Mbr Request” option in the drop-down, the desired test(s) must be manually checked.

Be sure to add ALL of the barcode number, including any letters assigned to the correct animal then click on the green check mark next to the number.

In the “Mbr Request” option if requesting parent verification without a genomic test, select the stand-alone tests

GW

breeders corner

NORTHEAST BREEDERS INDIANA

ILLINOIS “Realizing the Value”

OHIO

3 G Ranch

Gelbvieh Cattle For Sale Skyler Martin

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

Carl, Rebecca & Emily Griffiths

MEMBER

260/897-2160 • ggge3g@embarqmail.com

Your call or visit is Always Welcome

• Polled Purebreds • Red • Black

Double D Farm 9937 Warren Rd. Winslow, IL 61089 (815) 367-4116

1577 N 600 E • Kendallville, IN 46755

Skyler Martin

1200 S. Blackhawk Rd. Oregon, IL 61061 (815) 732-7583

Fullblood Polled Gelbvieh Polled Hereford

Merle E. Lewis 812/863-7701

James L. Lewis 812/508-0014

RR1 BOX 1360 • SPRINGVILLE, IN 47462

Promote Your Operation

Advertise with a State Round-up ad in the the two issues of the Profit Picture and the Herd Reference issue of Gelbvieh World

38

38 2015 1 | | JULY 2015 |JULY SEPTEMBER 2015

We sell Breeding Stock Bulls & Females Chester Yoder

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

For information about advertising, call Lynn or Megan AGA office • 303.465.2333

and click on “Parentage Markers”. A checkmark must be placed next to the parent that needs to be verified to the offspring. If the parent does not have DNA on file a parentage test will automatically be added to the form.

Parentage markers are included in the Genomic Option 1 or Option 2 testing. To parent verify the animal being tested to its parents, put a check next to the sire and/or dam.

If there is a DNA sample on file at GENESEEK a statement below the barcode “Pull Sample from…..” will appear. To use the sample on file check the box next to the message. A new sample will not be needed, the lab will use the sample they have on file. The red X on the far right side of the column will delete an animal from the order.

After all information is entered, click “Place Order” then click “View/Print”.

Print the form and send with the sample to Geneseek. D

breeders corner GW

SOUTHERN BREEDERS ALABAMA

EXCEPTIONAL

BULLS & HEIFERS

Kittle Gelbvieh Farms

TRUCKING AVAILABLE

Q u a l i t y B l a c k & Re d G e l b v i e h C a t t l e

816 Co. Rd. 36 Geraldine, AL 35974 Cell (256) 996-4140 www.kittlefarms.com

OKLAHOMA

ARKANSAS

H ODGES R ANCH

15702 Hodges Rd., Omaha, AR 72662 Hodgesranch@live.com

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

Rocky Bates

Purcell, OK • 405-990-9198

LeGRAND Eugene (870) 426-5333

Poverty Hill Farms Registered Gelbvieh and Angus

Ed & Alberta LeGrand

809 S. Redlands Rd. • Stillwater, OK 74074

405-747-6950 • alane@c21global.com

TEXAS

Homo. Black, Homo. Polled • Breeding Stock Available

Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls & Heifers Available Private Treaty Sales

Koehn Cattle Co. Patrick Koehn

73243 Carter Rd., Goltry, OK 580-541-2633 koehncattlecompany@gmail.com

Gelbvieh Genetics 8 | JULY 2015

at

Work

Jim & Pat Dromgoole 4403 Winding River Dr. • Richmond, TX 77469 Home

(281) 341-5686 • Ranch (979) 561-8144

www.dromgoolesheaven.com Show Cattle Managers: James & Shannon Worrell • (325) 258-4656

GELBVIEH WORLD |

39

GW breeders corner

WESTERN BREEDERS UPPER MIDWEST BREEDERS MONTANA

ARIZONA

IOWA Top Quality Black Gelbvieh and Balancer

The Prosser Family

Barry & Dena Bolton

406.538.5280 H 406.366.0162 C 515 Knapp Lane PO Box 826 Hilger, MT 59451 doublebranchmt@gmail.com

928/289-2619 • 928/380-5149 cell

GS

Winslow, AZ

www.bartbar.com • info@bartbar.com

RFI Tested Balancer , Gelbvieh & Angus Bulls Sell Annually in April at the Ranch ®

Ridge Top Ranch

Gelbvieh-Angus-Balancer

Neola, Iowa

Black & Polled Private Treaty Sales

Breed-leading Performance from Quality Genetics

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

COLORADO

Ricky Linquist th Street inquist 1135 190 inquist

Fonda, IA 50540

arms (712) 288-5349 arms Dave & Dawn Bowman 55784 Holly Rd. • Olathe, CO 81425

(970) 323-6833 www.bowkranch.com

Gelbvieh & Red Angus

Ken and Dale Flikkema 2 Mint Trail Bozeman, MT 59718

(406) 586-6207 (Office) (406) 580-6207 (Cell)

LONE OAK C AT T L E

email: mcfarmsmt@gmail.com

Jim Roelle

Black • Purebred & Balancer Cattle

38330 CR 49 #7 Peetz, CO 80747

(H): 970-334-2221 • (C): 970-520-1224 jr.plateau@hotmail.com www.plateaugelbvieh.com

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

Eric Ehresman 20963 30th St. Mechanicsville, IA 52306

NEVADA

hornsandthorns@netins.net

(319) 489-2275 (319) 480-1564

Martens Gelbvieh

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

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

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

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

Get ready for upcoming sales!

Advertise in Gelbvieh World or the Profit Picture 2 | JULY 2015 40 | SEPTEMBER 2015

WASHINGTON LEDGERWOOD GELBVIEH Gelbvieh • Red Angus • Balancer® Pete & Samee Charriere

FL

2633 Hwy 12 East • Clarkston, WA 99403

509-566-8805 • LedgerwoodGelbvieh@gmail.com “Seedstock that work for the commercial cattleman

HH H

Triple H Farms Roy & Nancy Holste 3113 260th Street Clarinda, IA 51632

712-303-0263 • 712-303-1947

Bulls and Heifers for sale Private Treaty

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

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

Gelbvieh Profit Partners is committed to the success of the commercial producer raising Gelbvieh/Balancer® genetics.

GW breeders corner MINNESOTA

UPPER MIDWEST BREEDERS

u Brandywine Farm

u

Dennis & Sherry Gustin Family Al and Peggy Gustin

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

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!

Tom Scarponcini

30474 Brandywine Road Rushford, MN 55971

507-864-2063

Mattison Family Farm Scott & Sonia Mattison Brianna, Nicole, Josh & Kallie 15995 Harvest Ave Lamberton, MN 56152 507-430-0505 • email: ssmattison@redred.com Purebred Gelbvieh and Balancer® Cattle

Gelbvieh

Schafer Farms, Inc. SFI

Balancer®

37740 240th Ave., Goodhue, MN 55027 Brian Schafer Lowell Schafer 1-888-226-9210 651-923-4587 brian@schaferfarm.com www.schaferfarm.com Private Treaty Bull Sale — Last Sat. in February Annually

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

NORTH DAKOTA

SOUTH DAKOTA ADKINS GELBVIEH

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

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

41606 195th St., Carpenter, SD 57322

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

Jim & Barb Beastrom Brandy Ludemann, Brittney Spencer

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

www.bcvgelbvieh.com Thorstenson Gelbvieh

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

Chimney Butte RanCh

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

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

Keith, Janice, Dustin & Britney

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

605-852-2131

kvolek@venturecomm.net

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

Rob Arnold

Email: RLAGelbvieh@aol.com

WISCONSIN

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancers®

34261 200th Street, Highmore, SD 57345 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

3 | JULY 2015 42 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Steven A. Munger 605/380-0092 (cell) •

605/229-2802 (office) 605/229-2835 (fax)

Nate Munger 605/943-5690 (office) Cowherd Manager 605/380-2582 (cell) www.eaglepassranch.com

Russell Family Livestock

R S S L

Ron, Alicia & Family

Brooklyn, WI 608.455.1448 rrussell@ansci.wisc.edu facebook.com/RussellLivestock

Focused on Form & Function

blast from the past GW American Gelbvieh Association History

MGV A • UFA

1

W

e are taking it all the way back to the beginning! Pictured above is UFA, the first registered bull in the American Gelbvieh Association herdbook and the cover of the September 1974 the Gelbvieh Magazine.

Start a Labor Day Tradition with These Gelbvieh Gals Recipes In the early 1990s, the American Gelbvieh Gals, the ladies auxiliary group of the American Gelbvieh Association, put together a cookbook featuring a collection of old and new recipes from Gelbvieh Gals across America.

Labor Day Salsa

American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) records show that Leness Hall, the director of international marketing for Carnation Genetics, reported to the AGA Board of Directors that on January 1, 1972 all available semen had been used with an estimated 15,000 ampules from four bulls. That would provide an estimated 3,000 additional head of cattle for registration.

Also, in that same report to the board, Hall informed the group that the group at Carnation was offering $1,000 to the first Gelbvieh steer to win a carcass show.

Sour Cream En-Gelbvieh-lada Diana Mettler, Mettler Gelbvieh Canton, SD 8 flour tortillas 1 can of cream of chicken soup 1 cup sour cream 1 tsp. parsley 1 tsp. oregano

Agnes Strauss, A&M Cattle Co. Cat Spring, Texas

1 onion, chopped

2 or 3 medium tomatoes, chopped

Several green chilies, chopped

3 or 4 green onions, chopped (use 1/2 of green tops)

Green olives, chopped

1 tsp. garlic salt

Grated cheese (any kind)

1 small can black chopped olives

Lettuce and tomatoes optional

1 small can chopped green chilies (mild)

Mix soup, sour cream and herbs; spread on each tortilla.

Add meat, cheese, onions and pepper. Roll and place seam side down in glass baking dish. Add ½ cup milk to the remaining sauce. Pour over tortillas. Spread cheese and olives on top; bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Garnish with lettuce and tomatoes.

2 or 3 Tbsp. Italian dressing Mix together and refrigerate overnight. Serve with tortilla chips.

Gelbvieh hamburger meat, cooked and crumbled

GELBVIEH WORLD |

43

Don’t SWEAT over your upcoming sale promotion...

Let us handle it for you.

Contact us today to evaluate your marketing options for next year’s sale season and to get on our 2016 schedule.

Gelbvieh Media Productions serves all your marketing and design needs:

Print Advertising • Email Marketing • Brochures Catalogs • Logos & Business Cards • Post Cards Contact us today to start your quote.

Lynn Valentine lynnv@gelbvieh.org

Megan Slater megans@gelbvieh.org

303-465-2333

breeders corner GW

SOUTHEAST BREEDERS

W

KENTUCKY

L

H

F

QUALITY GELBVIEH CATTLE

LITTLE WINDY HILL

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

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

NORTH CAROLINA

“Superior Gelbvieh and Balancer Cattle”

Chris & Jordan Hampton • Charles & Sue Hampton

Joe & Gwen Wilson (276) 628-4163

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

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

839 Davistown Rd. Celina, TN 38551 931-243-3213 H 931-510-3213 C hampton@twlakes.net

Registered Bulls & Replacement Females

M & W Farms

Maryville, Tennessee

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

Producing Black, Polled Genetics for Today & Tomorrow.

R T G

865.660.9227 lynnmwfarms@gmail.com

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

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

VIRGINIA

Mick Ainsworth

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

Grass Grown • Carcass Quality & Performance

M

Mount Airy, NC 27030 Clay Mills • 336.401.0209

Top Quality Purebred GELBVIEH, BALANCER & SOUTHERN BALANCER cattle available

4 | JULY 2015

Please send in information to be included in the Gelbvieh World and on our website: • Items for Events of Interest • News for Information Exchange • Dates for upcoming shows and field days.

• State Association news

Plus, add us to your mailing lists when sending out sale catalogs.

910-652-2233 Cell: 910-638-1142 Mick’s email: longleaf@etinternet.net

Mills’ Diamond M Ranch

We want to Keep up with AGA members.

www.knollcrestfarm.com knollcrest@hughes.net

Office (434) 376-3567 James D. Bennett Paul S. Bennett Jim G. Bennett Brian R. Bennett Dalton G. Bennett

Fax (434) 376-7008 434/376-7299 434/941-8245 434/664-7935 434/664-8309 434/664-7946

Send all items to: Gelbvieh World 10900 Dover St., Westminster, CO 80021 lynnv@gelbvieh.org

GELBVIEH WORLD |

45

GW breeders corner

MIDWEST BREEDERS

KANSAS LIZ OSWALD 620.662.0862 (h) ANDY OSWALD 620.662.5489 (o) 620.664.4692 (c)

HUTCHINSON, KS

KEN SCHMUCKER Herdsman 620.960.1189 (c) oswald.j@sbcglobal.net

Bar Arrow Cattle Company

B/F Cattle Company

Specializing in Forage Raised Balancer® Bulls on K-31

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

Route 1, Box 407 • Butler, MO 64730

Stuar t Jar vis

660 • 492 • 2808

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

Top FEEDER PROFIT INDEX Bull

S

Gel

bvie

Build your cow herd with “Top of the breed” Genetics.

BHSF Prophet B006 #1316506 is tops of any above 25% GV and adequate milk for replacements. He is 34.4% GV, FPI 114.94, is $20.64 above top 1%, MB epd 1.28 is .46 degrees above top 1%, YW epd 135 top 1%, WW epd 84 top 3%, CED epd 16.5 top 5%, CEM epd 12 top 2%, REA epd .59 top 20%.

Balancer, SimAngus bulls, fancy bred heifer mates.

h

“Where workin’ cattle and eye appeal come full circle”

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

John & Carla Shearer 2815 Navajo Rd. • Canton, KS 67428 circle_s@hometelco.net 620.628.4621

620.654.6507 (John Cell) • 620.654.6731 (Johnny Cell)

Annual Production Sale 1st Saturday in April

diamond v gelbvieh

Harriman Santa Fe (Bob)

Montrose, MO • 660-492-2504

bharriman39@ hotmail.com 53 years of progressive, reputable, commitment to superior beef cattle breeding.

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

•

Randy odle

1210 G Rd. Stockton, ks 67669 785.737.3319 diamondv@live.com Building Gelbvieh Genetics since 1989

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

Committed to raising quality seedstock Registered Gelbvieh and Balancer® Cattle Elmer, Brenda, Brad & Benny McWilliams Asbury, MO 64832 • 417-642-5871 • 417-529-0081(cell)

MISSOURI Judd Ranch Inc.

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

6 | JULY 2015 46 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Scott Bachman • (660) 247-1112

scott_bachman@yahoo.com www.bachmancattlefarms.com

17520 Hwy. JJ Chillicothe, MO 64601

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

breeders corner GW

MIDWEST BREEDERS NOWACK

NEBRASKA

Cattle Company Owensville, MO

Mark & Patty Goes

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancer Cattle

Jared, Caisie, Brooke & Cameron

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

Gilbert & Debra

573.280.4633 573.646.3477 Bulls marketed through Seedstock Plus Go to seedstockplus.com for sale dates, catalogs & videos

Gelbvieh V balancer V anGus Private Treaty Bull & Heifer Sales • Orchard, NE

ROCKING GV GELBVIEH

Val Livingston • www.88ranch.com • 402-655-2288

Polled Fullblood Gelbvieh Cattle

Pope Farms Gelbvieh

P

Dr. & Mrs. Glenn Wehner 22533 Spencer Lane Kirksville, MO 63501 660-665-7502

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

RogeRs Valley FaRm gelbVieh

J. J. Boehler

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

Breed for Tomorrow’s Cattle Today!

Jeff Swanson • 308/337-2235 10908 724 Road • Oxford, NE 68967 Annual Sale—Last Saturday in February

A Breed Leader in Tenderness & Marbling–

GELBVIEH

BALANCER

www.rogersvfg.com Cedar Top Ranch

P.O. Box 51 Mendon, MO 64660 (660) 272-3805 (O) (660-375-7266 (C)

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

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

(H): 308-587-2293 • (C): 308-530-3900 cedartopranch@gpcom.net Eldon Starr: 1-800-535-6173 or Rich Johnson: 402-368-2209

FLYING

H

GENETICS

Nebraska & Missouri

Kyle & Kayla Helms - NE 308/962-6940 kyle@flyinghgenetics.com James Sparks - MO 660/287-4149 james@flyinghgenetics.com

Cody & Casie Helms - NE/MO 303/842-9071 cody@flyinghgenetics.com Visit us on the web & Facebook! www.flyinghgenetics.com

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

Consistent Genetics Adding Pounds & Profit

Myron & Valerie Bahm

Stay Connected!

4375 White Oak Rd Fordland, MO 65652

417-753-3578(h) • 417-576-0687(c)

email: whiteoakfarms@live.com

Registered Gelbvieh & Balancer®

Bulls For The BeeF Business

Gelbvieh F Balancer F Red Angus F Angus FAngus Hybrids Randy & Leslie Lemke 1757 Road 2500, Lawrence, NE 68957 (H) 402-756-7090 rllemke@gtmc.net (C) 402-469-2284 www.lemkecattle.com

Keep up to date with shows, sales and other events by visiting www.GELBVIEH.org

Be sure to Like us on Facebook

Promote for Success!

Upcoming Advertising Deadlines: November Gelbvieh World Early copy deadline: September 24 Regular rates deadline: October 1

And look for new videos on our YouTube channel

Call 303-465-2333 today!

7 | JULY 2015

GELBVIEH WORLD |

47

GW commercial corner post

Tips, tricks save cattle producers time and energy

for four-wheeler cattle guards.

Electric Cattle Guard

and easy to build.

If you already have an electric fence nearby, another option is an electric cattle guard. These are inexpensive

Automatic Gate Opener

By Deke Alkire, Ph.D., Planned Consultation Manager, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

I

have always enjoyed reading tips and tricks in various publications, and I have picked up many useful time- and labor-saving ideas. However, it is not as common to find tips specifically for cattle producers.

A few of my favorites are listed below.

Four-Wheeler Cattle Guard Most people do not like to open and shut gates. This has led to countless escaped animals, arguments and reprimands. Cattle guards are common along pasture roads that are frequently traveled, but they can be expensive. There are places where it would be handy to cross a fence but a full-size cattle guard is not justifiable.

For cattle producers who use a four-wheeler, a smaller version of a cattle guard is a good idea. These only need to support the weight of your four-wheeler, so they can be can be constructed for much less than a full-size version. Elevating the tire path helps prevent cows from jumping across it.

Another option is an automatic gate opener. While not cheap, it could pay for itself in time savings when used in high traffic areas. They are very effective when used in conjunction with a cattle guard at main entry points on the ranch. When used alone, they don’t work as well in areas where cattle might crowd the gate or near feeding areas. There are many different versions available, and some have an optional electronic lock that can be added. More expensive versions have a camera that alerts your phone with a picture of who is at the gate and the ability to open and close the gate from your phone or at a scheduled time.

SyringeHolster Cooler

This is a picture of Noble Foundation cooperator Jan Lee’s design, but there are many others online. Search

48

48 | |JULY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015

This is an improvement on the “I drilled some holes in a cooler” design. To my knowledge, it was invented

by Robert Wells, Ph.D., and works well to keep repeated syringes

readily accessible and prevent uncapped needles from puncturing the contents of your cooler. Used properly, it keeps vaccines cool between uses and protects them from sunlight. It also keeps co-workers safe because syringes always go back in their holster instead of lying on a table or tailgate.

Wire Ties

Baling wire is likely one of the most-used remedies for cattle producers. It can be used to fix just about anything. Wire ties are similar but faster. They are precut with a loop at each end that allows for quick twisting when used with the proper tool. These ties are used mostly to wire rebar together but can be used the same as baling wire. They are inexpensive, available in lengths from 5 to 24 inches, and even come galvanized if desired.

Orange Construction Fence-This makes a great temporary fence. It is lightweight, highly visible, and easy to install and remove. Attach it to existing fences, trailers or t-posts with baling wire, wire ties or tarp straps to keep tension on it. Calm cattle will respect it as long as they are not crowded into it. I have seen it used successfully to move cattle across county roads, but you should follow local laws regarding this use. D Article and photographs printed with permission from The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation.

Send his credentials with him...

Transfer the registration on the bulls you sell and give your customers the tools to become more profitable.

• Provides access to value added marketing services for customer’s calves • Commercial customers receive a free 1-year subscription to Gelbvieh World and The Profit Picture • Allows customers to track pedigree information to manage inbreeding and maximize heterosis

10900 Dover Street Westminster, CO 80021 303-465-BEEF (2333) www.gelbvieh.org

GELBVIEH WORLD |

49

GW breeders corner

SERVICE CENTER

All your A.I. needs!!

Bull Barn Genetics 35 Years in business

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

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

Eldon & Kathy Starr

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

Cattlemen’s Connection Specializing in

• Gelbvieh Semen Sales • Consulting • Order Buying (all purchases guaranteed) Roger & Peg Gatz (785) 742-3163 Call Toll-Free:1-800-743-0026 Visit our Web Site: www.cattlemensconnection.com

Are you a livestock photographer, an auctioneer, aspire to be a sale manager or graphic designer?

Put your ad in Service Center and promote your services!

Ronn Cunningham AUCTIONEER P.O. Box 146 • Rose, OK 74364

Place your ad today!

918-629-9382 cellular

303-465-2333

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

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.

Full Page $675 1/2 Page $450 1/4 Page $275 Column inch

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

50

5 | JULY 2015 | SEPTEMBER 2015

STANDARD ISSUES: Full Page $650 1/2 Page $425 1/3 Page $325 1/6 Page $150

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

$525 $450 $250 $30

Feb./Oct. Commercial Profit Picture

Color: Four Color One Additional color

JR Page 1/3 Page 1/6 Page $30 $300 additional $150 additional

$525 $350 $200

ADVERTISING CONTENT: The Graphic Designer 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.

Call today: 303/465-2333

GW events of interest September 2015 Sept. 19 Seedstock Plus Showcase Sale X & 7th Annual

Customer Appreciation Sale, Kingsville, MO

October 2015 Oct. 14 NILE Gelbvieh Female Sale, Billings, MT Oct. 17 Annual Midwest Beef Alliance Female Sale,

Marshall Junction, MO Oct. 17 Seedstock Plus Fall Bull Sale, Joplin, MO Oct. 24 Flying H Genetics Roughage ‘N Ready Bull Sale,

Lowry City, MO Oct. 28-31 National FFA Convention,

Louisville, KY

November 2015 Nov. 6 Seedstock Plus Influence Commercial Female &

Bull Sale, Campbellsville, KY Nov. 7 Beastrom Ranch & Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Fall

Female Sale, Pierre, SD Nov. 7 TJB Gelbvieh Annual Bull Sale, Chickamauga, GA Nov. 14 C-Cross Cattle Company Annual Fall Bull &

Female Sale, Biscoe, NC Nov. 21 Seedstock Plus Influence Commercial Female

Sale, Kingsville, MO Nov. 21-22 Triple K Gelbvieh Open House,

Basehor, KS AGA office closed for Thanksgiving

December 2015 Dec. 2 Ad Deadline for January Gelbvieh World Dec. 5 SEGA Gelbvieh & Friends Female Sale,

Pierce, CO Dec. 10-12 AGA National Convention,

Kansas City, MO Dec. 23-25

NWSS Gelbvieh & Balancer Futurity, Denver, CO

Jan. 10 NWSS Gelbvieh & Balancer Pen Show,

Denver, CO Jan. 10 National Gelbvieh & Balancer Sale, Denver, CO

Oct. 10 Judd Ranch 25th Annual Cow Power Female

Sale, Pomona, KS

Nov. 26-27

Jan. 9

AGA office closed for Christmas

January 2016 Jan. 1

AGA office closed for New Year’s Day

Jan. 6

NWSS Cattle arrival, Denver, CO

Jan. 7

NWSS Cattle cattle check-in, Denver, CO

Jan. 9

NWSS Gelbvieh & Balancer Junior Show, Denver, CO

52 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Jan. 11 NWSS Gelbvieh & Balancer Open Show,

Denver, CO

February 2016 Feb. 1

Taubenheim Gelbvieh 26th Annual Production Sale, Amherst, NE

Feb. 13 LeDoux Ranch Annual Production Sale,

Agenda, KS Feb. 13 Barwick/Lammers Production Sale,

Kearney, NE Feb. 16 Cedar Top Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Burwell, NE Feb. 26 Plateau Gelbvieh Annual Bull Sale, Brush, CO Feb. 27 Swanson Cattle Company 29th Annual

Production Sale, Oxford, NE

March 2016 Mar. 5 Judd Ranch 38th Gelbvieh, Balancer & Red

Angus Bull Sale, Pomona, KS Mar. 5 SEGA Gelbvieh Annual Bull Sale, Pierce, CO Mar. 5 Throstenson Lazy TV Annual Bull Sale,

Selby, SD Mar. 7 Hojer Ranch 24th Annual Production Sale,

Huron, SD Mar. 8 Bar Arrow Cattle Company 26th Annual

Production Sale, Phillipsburg, KS Mar. 12 2nd Annual REDstock Sale, Chilicothe, MO Mar. 12 Genetic Power Bull Sale, Springfield, MO Mar. 12 Annual Midwest Beef Alliance Bull Sale,

Marshall Junction, MO Mar. 17 Kicking Horse Ranch Annual Production Sale,

Great Falls, MT Mar. 19 Pearson Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale,

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

Editor’s Note: If you have sale or event information for this listing, please email the information to megans@gelbvieh.org. This includes tours, expos, field days and other Gelbvieh events. Places to Be at www.gelbvieh.org contains additional contact information for each event.

GW ad index 3 G Ranch......................................... 38

Golden Buckle Gelbvieh................ 42

Mills’ Diamond M Ranch............... 45

ABCS Gelbvieh................................ 40

Golden Image Cattle ...................... 51

Mitchell Marketing Service............ 50

Adkins Gelbvieh.............................. 42

Green Hills Gelbvieh....................... 45

MLM Gelbvieh................................. 47

AGA.................................................. 49

GS Ridge Top Ranch....................... 40

Mulroy Farms................................... 46

AGF.............................................30, 31

Gustin’s Diamond D Gelbvieh....... 42

National Western Stock Show........ 17

AGJA................................................. 35

Hampton Cattle Company............. 45

Nowack Cattle Company................ 47

B/F Cattle Company........................ 46

Harriman, Bob...........................46, 53

Pearson Cattle Co............................ 21

Bachman Farms........................... 9, 46

Hart Farm Gelbvieh........................ 46

Plateau Gelbvieh.............................. 40

Bar Arrow Cattle Company........... 46

Hartland Farm................................. 46

Pope Farms Gelbvieh...................... 47

Bar IV Livestock.............................. 45

Hilltop Farms................................... 46

Post Rock Cattle Company........ 7, 46

Bar T Bar Ranch, Inc....................... 40

Hodges Ranch.................................. 39

Poverty Hill Farms.......................... 39

Beastrom Gelbvieh Ranch.......... 3, 42

Hojer Gelbvieh Ranch..................... 42

Prairie Hills Gelbvieh........................ 3

Blackhawk Cattle Company........... 38

J&K Farm.......................................... 38

Register Farms................................. 45

Bluegrass Fall Invitational.............. 56

J Bar M Gelbvieh............................. 46

Rocking GV Gelbvieh..................... 47

Boehler Gelbvieh............................. 47

Judd Ranch, Inc........................... 1, 46

Rocky Top Gelbvieh........................ 45

Bolton Cattle Ranch........................ 40

Kicking Horse Ranch...................... 40

Rogers Valley Farm Gelbvieh..... 5, 47

Bow K Ranch................................... 40

Kittle Gelbvieh Farms..................... 39

Russell Family Livestock................. 42

Brandywine Farm............................ 42

Knoll Crest Farm............................. 45

Sawtooth Gelbvieh Cattle & Hay... 40

BV Ranch.......................................... 42

Koehn Cattle Co.............................. 39

Schafer Farms, Inc........................... 42

Canadian GV Assn.......................... 50

Land of Oz/ John C Oswald........... 46

Seedstock Plus Genetics................. 50

Cattlemen’s Connection.................. 50

Lambert, Doak................................. 50

Seedstock Plus......................25, 50, 55

C-Cross Cattle Company.........13, 45

Ledgerwood Gelbvieh..................... 40

Spring Flood Ranch........................ 47

Cedar Top Ranch.................... IFC, 47

LeDoux Ranch................................. 46

Swanson Cattle Company........29, 47

Chimney Butte Ranch.................... 42

Lemke Cattle.................................... 47

Swenson Gelbvieh........................... 42

Circle S Ranch.................................. 46

Leonhardt Cattle Company............ 42

SW Iowa Bull Sale............................ 16

CJ&L Livestock................................ 42

Linquist Farms................................. 40

Taubenheim Gelbvieh..................... 47

Cranview Gelbvieh.......................... 42

Little Windy Hill Farms.................. 45

The 88 Ranch.................................... 47

Cunningham, Ronn........................ 50

Lone Oak Cattle............................... 40

Thorstenson Gelbvieh..................... 42

Danell Diamond Six Ranch............ 40

Longleaf Station............................... 45

Treble W Ranch............................... 45

DDM Gelbvieh................................. 38

M&P Gelbvieh................................. 47

Triple H Farms................................. 40

Diamond L Farms........................... 39

M&W Farms.................................... 45

Triple K Gelbvieh............................. 46

Diamond V Gelbvieh...................... 46

Maple Hill Farm............................... 38

Volek Ranch..................................... 42

Dromgoole’s Heaven....................... 39

Markes Family Farms................19, 39

Warner Beef Genetics ................. IBC

Eagle Pass Ranch............................. 42

Martens Gelbvieh............................ 40

White Oak Farms............................ 47

Ellison Gelbvieh & Angus Ranch.. 42

Martin Cattle Company.................. 39

Wildwood Acres.............................. 38

Flying H Genetics.....................47, BC

Mattison Family Farm.................... 42

Wilkinson Gelbvieh........................ 40

Gelbvieh Bull Barn.......................... 50

Middle Creek Farms....................... 40

Wolf Gelbvieh.................................. 47

Gelbvieh Media Productions......... 44

Midwest Beef Alliance.................... 20

Yoder’s Prairie Acres.................32, 38

Gelbvieh Profit Partners................. 41

Miller Gelbvieh................................ 39

54 | SEPTEMBER 2015

Seedstock Plus Fall Bull Sale

October 17, 2015 * 12 noon Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, MO Selling 200 Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls!

• • • • • • • •

Guaranteed Sight-Unseen Purchases!

Let us help you find the bull to fit your program and needs!

Free Trucking on every bull to anywhere! No fine print!

The best disposition & soundness sort anywhere!

Extensive Data & EPDs! All Bulls Are Semen & Trich Tested!

Over 100 RFI tested bulls will sell in this sale!

Sale will be available on the internet @ www.dvauction.com Videos of ALL SALE BULLS on website the week before the sale!

Seedstock Plus Influence Commercial Bull & Female Sale

November 6, 2015 * 7 p.m. * Bluegrass Stockyards, Campbellsville, KY Selling 35 - 18 month & 2 year old bulls & 100 Females out of or bred to Seedstock Plus bulls

Seedstock Plus Influence Commercial Female Sale

November 21, 2015 * 12 p.m. * Kingsville Livestock, Kingsville, MO Selling: 300 Females out of or bred to Seedstock Plus bulls

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

ling l e Saturday, September 26, 2015 • 1:00 PM ET S s t o Chenault Ag Center • Mt. Sterling, KY 40L l! ota

Selling 10

T

Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls

Potential donors like this young female sell!

8 Sixteen To Eighteen Month Old Bulls 2 Thirteen Month Old Bulls Most are Confirmed Homozygous Polled Black & Homozygous Black Bulls Complete Performance Information and EPDs All Have Passed a Breeding Soundness Exam

Selling 30

Gelbvieh & Balancer Females

Ms. Big Dog 416B was the 2015 KY Beef Expo Reserve Grand Champion Female. Her homozygous polled dam sells with a Black Impact heifer at side and bred back to Leverage.

Donor Prospects Spring Cow/Calf Pairs Fall 3-in-1 Pairs Bred Heifers Show Heifer Prospects Semen auction to benefit thie Jimmy Christopher Scholarship Fund.

Outstanding cow/calf pair like this one sell!

Please bring your semen tank and support the Juniors.

Some of the breed’s top A.I. sires will be offered.

Sale managed by

Slaughter Sale Management

Stout, bred heifers like this one sell!

For catalog or information contact:

Big, stout bulls with outstanding pedigree, performance and EPDs that are ready for turnout will be offered!

David Slaughter

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

GeneticOPPORTUNITIES WARNER BEEF GENETICS

Female Production Sale

Saturday, October 3, 2015 • 1:00 PM ( CST ) At the Ranch, Arapahoe, NE

DLW MS KINGPIN 408P

DLW EDISON 6718X

DLW MS MATRON 802U

Purebred Gelbvieh Donor.

Selling daughters sired by TAU Gunslinger, JKGF Reflex and Net Present Value.

2012 People’s Choice Balancer Bull Futurity Champion. Selling 5 packages of semen.

One time offering - semen will never go on the market again in the future.

Purebred Gelbvieh Donor.

High selling female in our spring 2015 production sale. Selling daughters sired by Sandhills and Adkins Jackpot.

DLW MS EDISON 3540A ET

DLW MS SAM 420B ET

DLW MS ADDED VALUE 2032Z ET

SHE SELLS - 25%GV, 25%SM, 50%AN Female Dam: GW Ms Retail 0756R Sire: DLW Edison 6718X

SHE SELLS - 50% Balancer® Female Dam: Thomas Lady Jet 6959 Sire: Lazy TV Sam U451 Full sister to the Lot 1 bull that sold in our spring 2015 sale. She sells along with 4 full sisters.

SHE SELLS - 38% Balancer® Female Dam: DLW Ms Kingpin 408P Sire: Net Present Value

Please Join Us for this elite female offering.

FALL PAIRS, SPRING BRED COWS, ELITE HEIFER CALVES

160 Females Sell 80 GELBVIEH & BALANCER® FEMALES • 80 COMMERCIAL BRED HEIFERS

Also selling consignments from Cedar Top Ranch, McEndeffer Cattle and Sienknecht Cattle Co.

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

FLYING H GENETICS

P RIVATE T REATY F EMALE S ALE

You Pick ’Em, We Price ’Em #2 Current cow families and daughters like this are available!

Top selling Money Makin Mama in our 3/7/15 sale at $17,000.

Donor and show heifer calf at side with breed leading genetic proof.

All AGJA members receive a 10% discount on their first purchase.

Flying H Genetics’ females combine breed leading genetics for maternal and carcass traits with eyeappeal and sound structure− they are bred for longevity, productivity and profitability!

Select the cows, heifers or pairs you want: • Young or Proven • Bred or Open • Black or Red • Purebred or Percentage Contact or visit us to pick your next show heifer or proven producer.

The Tradition Continues...

FLYING H GENETICS Kyle & Kayla Helms, NE 308.962.6940 Aaron Ishmael, MO 417.309.0062 Cody & Casie Helms, MO, NE 303.842.9071 Dick and Bonnie Helms 308.962.6500

GELBVIEH | BALANCER ® | ANGUS | SIMANGUS TM | SIMMENTAL | FUSION

www.flyinghgenetics.com