Brangus November 2014
Journal
Technology Issue
BRANGUS Journal
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Your SOURCE for Top Quality Registered & Commercial Brangus Cattle
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Bobcat Bottoms Ranch • Persimmon Creek Ranch • Camp Cooley Spring Valley Ranch • Windy Hill Ranch • Vista Ridge Ranch
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located just off Hwy. 6 and OSR P.O. Box 4747 • Bryan, Texas 77805 Office: (979) 776-5760 • Fax: (979) 776-4818 Website: www.circlexbrangus.com Steve Densmore, Cattle Mgr., (979) 450-0819, cell • (979) 778-1055, home Chris Duewall, Operations Mgr., (979) 777-6803, cell
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Brangus November 2014 Volume 62, Issue 6
Journal
Features & Specials
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10 Rules of Online Engagement for the Kicking and Screaming
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Some Practical Thoughts on Using Sexed Semen
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High Cattle Prices, Theft and Identification Methods
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The Power of #Technology in Marketing and Communication
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“Say Cheese� - Camera Based Technology Used in Beef Cattle Grading
Dan Toland offers 10 rules to make your online conversations worthwhile.
Dr. Joe Paschal weighs the pros and some cons of utilizing sexed semen and discusses his experience. Paschal also shares tactics to perform and compares the process to traditional AI.
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With cattle prices at record levels and cattle theft on the rise, Dr. Perkins explores a variety of identification methods to help protect your investment.
Brittni Drennan examines how technology has changed the way producers communicate and the importance of integrating technologies into your marketing plan. Learn more about the benefits of utilizing these technologies to expand your customer base.
Jason Bates demonstrates the usefulness of cameras to efficiently grade beef cattle in packing plants. In addition, camera technologies offer more consistent results. Take a look at how this advanced technology is being used in the industry.
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Total Commitment
Since 1993
THE POWER OF A PROGRAM “I just went through the bulls. Maybe the best set that I've seen !" – Florida commercial cattleman. “As always we enjoyed everything. It was an amazing sale. What a great time to be in the cattle business.” – Florida commercial cattle producer. ■ 127 Town Creek Farm Bulls averaged $6890 ■ 288 Customer-Owned Commercial Bred Heifers averaged $2842 ■ The power of the Town Creek Farm breeding program attracted 283 bidders
and buyers from 10 states and Paraguay, South America. Total Commitment
Since 1993
Town Creek Farm
Milton Sundbeck, Owner Office 662.494.5944 • 32476 Hwy. 50 East, West Point, Mississippi 39773 Joy Reznicek 205.399.0221 • Joy@TownCreekFarm.com Tommy Sanders 662.436.6175 • Tommy@TownCreekFarm.com Ron Flake 662.509.2233 • Ron@TownCreekFarm.com
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Departments
8 8 8 10
Staff Connection Director Connection Regional Connection IBBA Connection
All for the Good of the Breed :: by Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., PAS State of the Brangus Union :: by Traci Middleton Technology in the Show Ring :: by Tyler Dean IBBA Decides Future Leadership :: 2014 Board Candidate Biographies IBBA Announces Proposed Bylaw Revision to be Voted on by the Membership
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IJBBA Connection
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IBA Connection
Technology and the Cattle Industry :: McKenzie Posey Help us Provide Junior Scholarships! :: Sami Roop
Marketing Update
Strong Demand for Brangus Genetics Continues :: by Jason Bates
Membership
Welcome New Members IBBA Amnesty Program Continues IBBA Show Committee Seeks Opinions IBBA Committee Seeking Nominations for Award Recipients Brangus Producers Generate $33,000 to Establish Foundation Inaugural Brangus Fall Conference Emphasizes Progress Southeast Brangus Breeders Association Presents Annual Awards Farm Tours Held in Conjunction with Southeast Junior Brangus Show
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Show Results
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Sale Reports
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Service Directory
The Official Publication of the International Brangus® Breeders Association. The Brangus Journal is an international publication serving the Brangus seedstock producer. Published eight times annually, this archive is designed to highlight accomplishments and improvements within the association. The purpose of the Brangus Journal is to serve the best interests of the members while showcasing IBBA member breeding programs, efforts and achievements to other Brangus seedstock producers. The Journal also provides a venue for the IBBA to communicate directly with their members providing updates related to the association, publishing feature stories, or announcing results. Publication #ISSN0006-9132. Periodicals postage paid at San Antonio, Texas, and additional entries. Postmaster: Send address changes to Brangus Publications, Inc., 5750 Epsilon, San Antonio, Texas 78249. Subscriptions: Frances Miller, 210.696-8231 x203, frances_miller@int-brangus.org Subscription Rates: Domestic Periodicals—1 year, $25; First class—$55. Foreign—1 year, periodicals, $25; air mail to Mexico, $70, Canada, $70, Australia, $115; air mail to all other countries, $115. Brangus Publications, Inc. 5750 Epsilon, San Antonio, Texas 78249 Telephone: 210.696.8231 Fax: 210.696.8718 Web site: gobrangus.com/Brangus-publications Email: brangusjournal@int-brangus.org BPI OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman : Traci Middleton (731.676.0807) President: Dr. Tommy Perkins (210.696.8231 x212) Secretary/Treasurer : Brandon Belt (254.248.5260) Director: Mike Vorel (405.826.6959) Director: Danny Farris (325.669.5727) The International Brangus® Breeders Association does not verify claims made by the advertisers in this publication.
On the Cover...
Western National Brangus Show Western National Junior Brangus Show Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show Cadillac of Brangus Sale CX Advantage Sale Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Sale GENETRUST at Cavender’s Sale SBBA Showcase Female Sale
State Directory Calendar of Events Advertiser’s Index
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Jason Bates caught this picture of a stout Brangus bull during his fall travels.
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Staff Connection Executive Vice President
Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., PAS
210.696.8231 x212 :: tperkins@int-brangus.org Director of Field Services and Commercial Marketing
Jason Bates
210.696.8231 x211 or 417.616.9000 :: jbates@int-brangus.org Director of Shows and Youth Programs, Publications Editor
405.867.1421 or 405.207.6921 :: tyler@int-brangus.org Communications Coordinator
Tyler Dean
Brittni Drennan
210.696.8231 x202 :: brittni@int-brangus.org Advertising Sales Manager
Controller
Frances Miller
210.696.8231 x203 :: frances_miller@int-brangus.org
Patti Teeler
Accounting Specialist
210.696.8231 x205 :: patti@int-brangus.org Registry Specialist
Rosanne Sralla
210.696.8231 x206 :: rosanne_sralla@int-brangus.org Product Manager
Emilio Silvas
210.696.8231 x207 :: emilio@gps-beef.com
Melanie Fuller
979.255.3343 :: mwfuller@hotmail.com
Director Connection President
Traci Middleton
Area 4
Term: 2012-2015 731-676-0807 :: tracimiddleton@hotmail.com First VP
Mike Vorel
Danny Farris
Area 9
Brandon Belt
Area 7
Area 6
Term: 2012-2015 520-384-2478 :: robbs.brangus@powerc.net
Robert Field
Area 8
Chuck Sword
Area 1
Bill Davis
Area 2
Term: 2014-2017 870-668-3329 :: bdavis@billdavistrucking.com
Term: 2012-2015 254-248-5260 :: brandonbelt@aol.com
R.L. Robbs
Area 10
Term: 2013-2016 520-508-3505 :: jddiane@vtc.net
Term: 2013-2016 325-669-5727 :: farrisranching@yahoo.com Secretary-Treasurer
Area 7
Term: 2013-2016 903-530-5957 :: skyhawkbrangus@yahoo.com
Larry Parker
Area 5
Term: 2013-2016 405-826-6959 :: vorelfarms@gmail.com Second VP
Russ Williamson
Term: 2012-2015 662-435-4885 :: calyxstar@aol.com Term: 2013-2016 770-468-3486 :: cnffarm@aol.com
Cody Gariss
Area 3
Term: 2014-2017 417-398-2836 :: cody_gariss88@hotmail.com
Michael Kammerer
Area 7
Term: 2014-2017 936-449-5744 :: jlkamm@earthlink.net
Eddy Roberts
Area 11
Term: 2014-2017 386-935-1416 :: wetfarm1@windstream.net Contact the Director(s) from your area with any questions or concerns you have have about our association.
Regional Connection Sharron McCreary mccrearyfarms@hotmail.com Don Hall hallbran72019@yahoo.com Heart of America Brangus Breeders Association Jim Mussulman jmussulm@yahoo.com Hill Country Brangus Breeders Association Brandon Belt brandonbelt@aol.com International Red Brangus Breeders Association Marcos Borges marcos@mbjranch.com Louisiana Brangus Breeders Association Bob Savoie bobsavoie@charter.net Mississippi Brangus Breeders Association Bill Wells wwells@bellsouth.net Alabama Brangus Breeders Association
Arkansas Brangus Breeders Association
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Danny Wells dbwells72@sbcglobal.net Evon Crooks boer730@hotmail.com Southwest Brangus Breeders Association Dr. Bart Carter bjcmd@cableone.net Texas Brangus Breeders Association Doug Muenchow cattlemandoug@aol.com West Coast Brangus Breeders Association Pam Doiron doiron@spanishranch.net West Texas Brangus Breeders Association Bob Helmers bhelmers@wildblue.net Oklahoma Brangus Association
Southeast Brangus Breeders Association
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IBBA Connection All for the Good of the Breed
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by Tommy PERKINS, Ph.D., PAS IBBA EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT
am now celebrating my one-year anniversary with the I would also like to compliment some of the state and regional association, and it has certainly flown by quickly. We associations for their great ambassador work for the breed. have accomplished some very important objectives, but After attending two outstanding events hosted by the Southeast we have much more work to do. Likewise, things have Brangus Breeders Association (SBBA) the past couple of months, not progressed as fast as I would like. I look forward to working I am convinced it is the model for our organization to follow. with the board, the membership, and the staff to modify and/ The SBBA members are a very positive and cohesive group. or add new programs that will help this great breed grow to the They are certainly all “pulling the wagon” the same direction level it deserves in the beef industry. and are working for the good of the breed, the IBBA and SBBA. There are many I challenge other state and opportunities as well as regional Brangus organizations One person does not make an challenges when looking at to take time to evaluate their organization or a program. It is the current state of the beef programs. Use the outstanding industry. I continue to hear important that everyone (no matter attributes the SBBA possesses commercial cattlemen request to improve your organization. how large or small, black or red, the need to add “a little more It is time that we, as a breed, ear” in their cowherds. This leave the petty politics behind sales manager of choice, regional is good news for the Brangus and move forward with a affiliation or state of operation) do positive attitude for the future breed as we excel all other Brahman influenced breeds their part in helping this association of our association. Preventing in terms of maternal strengths future positive growth by reach our goals as described in the holding grudges, harboring without reducing the carcass attributes. As a matter of fact, petty jealousies and other long-range plan. Brangus cattle will usually negative thoughts will not be improve the overall yield and quality grade of harvest cattle. The helpful to anyone. It is time to quit “pushing a rope up a hill”. breed’s long history of collecting ultrasound data on yearling We must join together to “pull this wagon” forward for all of the replacement cattle has continued to pay dividends. This includes right reasons. producing cattle with a ton of muscle (large ribeyes) and better As I have stated before, one person does not make an than average quality (high intramuscular fat) grades. organization or a program. It is important that everyone (no IBBA just had a very successful Fall Conference with some matter how large or small, black or red, sales manager of choice, outstanding meetings where NCBA’s CEO Forrest Roberts regional affiliation or state of operation) do their part in helping brought an important and timely message to the attendees. this association reach our goals as described in the long-range The IBBA Field Day hosted by Doguet Diamond D Ranch and plan. It is going to take a huge concerted effort from myself, the Crochet Cattle Company was well attended and very informative staff, officers, directors, committee chairs, committee members, on udder and teat scoring, feet and leg scoring, and disposition sales managers, marketing agents, consultants and, most scoring. The panel of Dr. Joe Paschal, Jay Gray, Lee Alford, importantly, the entire IBBA membership to accomplish this Buck Thomason and Bill Austin did a terrific job of answering goal. Each will take their own individualized path, but everyone questions from the audience. It is also important to thank the should agree to work for the overall good of the association staff and the junior members that planned and coordinated the and the breed. This must include putting individual bias and/ three-day event. or personal gain aside if it hinders our mission. Members of the I would like to thank every board and committee member who Brangus family are merely “business partners” striving to grow took time to participate in the Fall Conference. Your opinion market share in the beef industry. matters and was critical to this very important event. Your input Do not hesitate to call me if you have any specific questions is needed to effectively develop, implement and grow various about committee work, value of the replacement Brangus programs in order to advance this association. I am certainly female, or state/regional organizations. For information about disappointed that some committees did not have enough IBBA programs or other inquiries, please call (210) 696-8231 members present (lacked a quorum) to carry out business. We or visit www.GoBrangus.com. Stay connected to IBBA through must have dedicated committee members if we are going to Facebook, Twitter, or receive news updates by joining our email experience progress and want our voices to be heard. list. BJ 10 | November 2014
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IBBA Connection State of the Brangus Union
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n October 4th, we wrapped up a great set of meetings, educational events, and fellowship at the IBBA Fall Conference in San Antonio, Texas. It is always rewarding to visit with members from different areas of the country, varying ages, and diverse backgrounds with one common denominator, Brangus cattle. That one unifying theme created an optimistic and proactive atmosphere as the IBBA Board of Directors and Committees worked to develop plans for the Brangus breed. This event allowed for the opportunity for committees to meet face to face and members the opportunity to observe and participate in discussion. Below are some of the high points that came out of the committee meetings: • The Breed Improvement committee is working to develop a more descriptive set of disposal codes that will be more user friendly and will provide more beneficial information to the IBBA database. • The Commercial Marketing committee continued to discuss ways to distribute and promote the new Brangus Built tag program.
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by Traci MIDDLETON IBBA PRESIDENT
IBBA members and staff will be collecting information on the sale of commercial females that are Brangus Built tagged so that we can track the premiums received on cattle involved with the program and broadcast that information to our customers. • The Show Committee is currently looking at different location options for some of the IBBA National and Regional shows. The have also instituted a new evaluation form to better guide the committee in future location decisions and judge selections. • The Membership and Education committee will be developing ideas for a series of webinars to help keep members up to date on all things Brangus and to provide educational opportunities on trait evaluation, data collection, as well as a variety of other topics. • The Promotions committee will be expanding the Association’s advertising campaign to include more digital media outlets which will provide us with more opportunities to hit our target audience to market Brangus cattle. They are working toward a 50/50 split between digital and print advertising for the upcoming year. • Members of the International committee discussed numerous opportunities globally for the Brangus breed. They also made a recommendation to the Board to pursue a bid to host the 2018 World Brangus Congress in the United States. • The Finance committee will be tasked with implementing these committee recommendations into a balanced budget. We had the opportunity to have Forrest Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, as the keynote speaker for the Fall Conference. Mr. Roberts provided insight into current industry trends and articulated confidence in continued demand for beef globally. This created even more enthusiasm among the members in attendance. The International Brangus Breeders Foundation Kickoff Gala was a great success. Ray Westall, of Westall Ranches, made the initial contribution to IBBF and several members followed with generous donations (a complete list of donors is listed on page 45). We are thankful for the confidence that these visionary members have in the future of the Brangus breed. Please be watching for future events and opportunities for you to contribute to the Foundation and become an instrumental player in proving the value of Brangus genetics to the beef industry. Lastly, we are very appreciative of the dedicated, hard working staff at IBBA for their efforts made to host the IBBA Fall Conference in San Antonio. Reflecting on the plans made and actions taken at the 2014 IBBA Fall Conference, the Brangus breed is better positioned to checkmate our competitors and remain a substantial player in the beef industry. If I have heard it once in the last few months, I have heard it a thousand times – It is a great time to breed Brangus cattle! BJ
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IBBA Connection Technology in the Show Ring
by Tyler DEAN IBBA DIRECTOR OF SHOWS AND YOUTH PROGRAMS, BRANGUS PUBLICATIONS EDITOR
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his issue focuses on technology within the beef industry. Regardless of the production scheme you employ at your ranch, probabilities are that you have been touched in some form or fashion by technology! From ranch records to animal identification, to communicating with fellow breeders and customers, to grading carcasses, technology continues to infuse our industry. Just look throughout this issue from Brittni’s discussion on social media and communication tools to Jason’s Camera Assisted Grading article, the beef industry is accepting and incorporating technology at a rapid pace. When you begin to think of juniors, “the technology generation”, images of youth and their electronic devices probably consume your thoughts! Texting, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, the list goes on and on of the numerous technological advances that are being used to communicate in today’s world. While it is easy to identify the ways technology has influenced our communication methods and management practices, its effect on our application in the show ring is probably thought of less frequently. When you begin to think about it, technology has been a part of our
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show industry for several years. Almost all livestock shows today have an online entry process. Several shows are taking that online entry process a step further and incorporating an electronic verification process. Texas 4-H and FFA have recently released a new heifer validation program that began October 1, 2014. The program is designed to reduce the discrepancies created from the various ways the numerous associations process registrations, transfers and corrections. An additional component of the Texas 4-H and FFA Heifer Validation Program will utilize DNA technology as an additional verification tool. IBBA has used DNA parent verification technology for several years at IBBA national shows for division and reserve division champions. Technology has impacted every aspect of our industry and will continue to do so on a daily basis. For more information on the Texas 4-H and FFA Heifer Validation Program visit http://gobrangus.wordpress. com/2014/09/11/texas-4-hffa-heifer-validation-program/. If I can ever be of any assistance in navigating the new processes, please feel free to contact me anytime. BJ
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IBBA Connection IBBA Decides Future Leadership 2014 Board Candidate Biographies Davy Sneed – Area 4
David “Davy” Sneed is a fifth generation cattle producer raising registered and commercial Brangus on his family’s Century Farm in McMinnville, Tenn., with his wife, Wendy. He began in the Brangus business in the mid ‘90s when he became involved with the Mid-South Junior Brangus Association. Growing up, Davy was active on both the Mid-South Junior Brangus board and the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association, holding officer positions in both. He has continued his love of the show ring by working with several 4-H and FFA youth in fitting and showmanship clinics over the years, as well as assisting youth with their projects. Following high school, Davy worked for Higgins Livestock in Woodbury, Tenn., for four years. Higgins procures approximately 7,000 to 8,000 head of stocker cattle per year, and Davy assisted with all management aspects. Sneed then took a position with the Rutherford Farmer’s Cooperative as Animal Health and Livestock Equipment Sales Representative where he stayed for the next 11 years. Davy currently works for Performance Feeds and Animal Health based out of Red Boiling Springs, Tenn., and covers 11 counties in Tennessee and Northern Alabama. Davy serves on the Cannon County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, serves as the President of the Cannon County Young Farmers and Ranchers, and Advisor to the Cannon County Cattlemen’s Association. He has also served as the Cannon County Cattlemen’s Association President, Southeastern Brangus Breeders board, and sat on the Southeastern Brangus Breeders’ Association Junior Show Committee for the past two years. Davy’s wife, Wendy, is an eighth generation farmer raised on a dairy operation in Northwest Tennessee before accepting a position with the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program in 2007. She is currently the Livestock Marketing Specialist for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and serves on several state cattle organizations. As Davy manages the production side of the operation, Wendy oversees the marketing of the cattle off farm through various methods. They have a true understanding of the big picture in not only the beef industry, but also all of agriculture industry. With the prices at all-time highs, Davy understands producer’s anticipation to sell while prices are high, but also sees the importance in retaining and/or purchasing heifers. “We have the lowest cow numbers in the United States in over 50 years, and to remain the power protein we need producers in areas where it is possible to build back to and to assist those 18 | November 2014
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younger producers trying to get into the cattle business,” Davy said. “In Tennessee alone, we have lost 140,000 plus mama cows, and with beef as the state’s number one agricultural receipts, we need to work with producers in building their herds. As we, in the Brangus breed, realize we have the best maternal offering out there, how better to help grow our commercial numbers than to assist commercial breeders looking to expand by educating them on the benefits of Brangus crossed cows in their herd.”
Evon Crooks – Area 4
Evon Crooks and his family live in Mocksville, N.C. He has a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from Long Island University in New York City and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from The City University of New York. He is currently employed by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in Winston-Salem and holds the position of Principal Scientist/Director. He is the inventor on approximately 70 U.S. patents and also has an equivalent number of European and Asian patents in the area of combustion chemistry and filtration applications. Crooks migrated to the U.S. from Jamaica in 1970. He served as chairman of the Central North Carolina Section of the American Chemical Society from 1994 to 1996. He served as president of the Mission Society of the Moravian Church Southern Province from 2006 to 2010. He and his wife, Carol, own and operate EC Farms in Mocksville, N.C. The farm specializes in the production of registered Brangus cattle and Boer goats. He served on the board of the Southeast Brangus Breeders Association and served as president from 2012 to 2014. Carol and Evon have been married for 36 years with two adult sons, a daughter, and two (almost three) grandchildren. Evon grew up raising cattle on his parent’s farm in Jamaica and is passionate about cattle farming. Evon and Carol bought their first Brangus cows in 1998 and have performed AI every year to build the herd they have today. Doug Williams has watched the transformation of the herd. “With cattle prices at an all-time high, we cannot become complacent,” Evon said. “We must continue to improve genetics and expand markets. For these two reasons, I am asking for your vote to represent you on the IBBA board.”
IBBA Connection IBBA Decides Future Leadership 2014 Board Candidate Biographies Carolyn Beldon Carson – Area 6
Carolyn Belden Carson has been involved in the Brangus business for 24 years as an owner and manager of Wyman Creek Cattle Company in Oroville, Calif. Wyman Creek Cattle Company runs approximately 165 registered Brangus cows and markets bulls throughout California and females through various seedstock consignment sales. “We are proud to have built from two open heifers purchased in the fall of 1990 to the herd that is currently ranked sixth in the breed for breeders and owners of Summit Cows in 2014,” Carson said. At Wyman Creek Cattle, they maintain a focus on sound, functional cattle that have appeal to both registered and commercial cattlemen. The multi-generation ranch is operated with the intent of building a future for the next generation. They focus on raising cattle and growing and marketing hay in Northern California. If elected, Carson looks forward to serving the membership in any way needed. “My focus would be on building demand for Brangus seedstock through increasing Brangus sired feeder calf demand throughout the all parts of the country,” Carson said.
Brandon Belt – Area 7
Brandon Belt was born and raised near Gatesville, Texas, on the same place where he still lives. He has been involved in the farming and ranching business his entire life from being involved in 4-H and FFA early in life to becoming involved in various AgriLife Extension endeavors since that time. He is no stranger to educational and promotional pursuits. After attending Tarleton State University where he received a BBA in Accounting, he went on to receive a J.D. from the Baylor School of Law. After a period in private practice in Gatesville, he became the elected County Attorney of Coryell County in 2005. Belt and his wife, Kari, have been married for 13 years, and they have three boys. Belt comes from a long line of cattlemen and began showing registered Brangus heifers in high school. He bought his first set of registered Brangus cows and a bull at the Blazer dispersal in the spring of 1993. After more than 20 years of breeding Brangus cattle in Central Texas, he now has a herd he is very proud of. The
focus at Belt Brangus is on raising range bulls for commercial producers. They also market registered and commercial replacement females and feeder calves every year. Belt has been very involved in the Brangus cattle business on a local level and is the current President of the Hill Country Brangus Breeder’s Association, on the Board of Directors for the Texas Brangus Breeder’s Association, and is on the IBBA Finance Committee. “Many of you who know me know that I am a person of principle and character,” Belt said. “I have no intention of setting either one of those things aside in my service to the IBBA. I may very well not do what makes everyone happy all the time, but I will consistently do what I believe is best for the members of the IBBA.” “I have watched as a great deal of change has occurred in our organization over the years, some of it I was happy with, and some of it was fairly disappointing to me,” Belt said. “It is my opinion that the IBBA has two main jobs; one, register Brangus cattle and two, promote the Brangus breed. I believe that if the IBBA focuses and excels at those two things, everything else will fall into place. It is not time to get bogged down in trivial matters and side bar issues. We need to focus on our members and our cattle. If I am elected, that is exactly what I will strive to do. I am no stranger to making hard decisions, nor to fighting and arguing for what I believe is right. I do it every day for a living, and I will do it for you on the IBBA board if given an opportunity.” Biographies continue on page 20)
Remember, you must mail your ballot to the ACCOUNTING FIRM (NOT THE IBBA OFFICE), postmarked by:
DECEMBER 31, 2014 BRANGUS Journal
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IBBA Connection IBBA Decides Future Leadership 2014 Board Candidate Biographies Doyle Miller – Area 8
Doyle Miller is the managing partner of Miller Brangus, a registered and commercial Brangus breeding program located in Waynesboro, Tenn. Miller Brangus, owned by E. D., Bert, and Doyle Miller, has been in the cattle business for 38 years and in the registered Brangus business for 31 years. Miller Brangus strives to breed a superior seedstock cow herd using proven stockman principles in combination with the technologies of artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and ultrasound technology. Miller was born and raised in Waynesboro, Tenn. After graduating from Wayne County High School in 1980, he attended Union University in Jackson, Tenn., where he received a double major in accounting and computer science in 1984. Moving forward, Miller is a long-time Certified Public Accountant and has assisted individuals and businesses in a range of financial aspects that include tax and business planning, strategic planning, financial analysis, and general business consulting. He has, in the past, served on the IBBA Promotion Committee, the IBBA Finance Committee, Breed Improvement Committee, and Membership Services Committee. If elected to serve on the IBBA board, Miller would like the members to know the following areas are important to him: 1. The International Brangus Breeders Association is a member organization. When major decisions need to be made, the Board of Directors will try to get input from as many members as possible. 2. The general membership should be encouraged to attend most Board of Directors and standing committee meetings during the convention and the fall meetings. 3. The general membership should be encouraged to communicate concerns that are important to them to the Board of Directors. 4. We continually promote our breed as the black hided cattle breed of choice for the more southern climates due to its heat tolerance, maternal traits, and ability to produce a carcass comparable in quality to Angus, and that if we, as an association, promote these facts at an appropriate level, we will increase the demand for our breed. 5. As an association, we strive to grow our membership and the number of cattle we register. 6. As a director, we need to stay in contact with the members we serve. 20 | November 2014
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7. As an association, we periodically review the THR fee structure in an effort to treat all members as economically fair as possible.
Adam Graven – Area 8
Adam Graven comes from a long line of cattlemen, beginning with his grandfathers: one, raising registered Angus in North Dakota; and the other, ranching in the Nebraska Sandhills. Graven continues the legacy with a lifetime of experience in the purebred cattle industry. Born at Ankony Angus in South Dakota, he moved to Texas with his family when he was 18 months old. He grew up around some of the most influential, competitive and innovative operations in the Brangus breed including the original Brinks Brangus and Pruett-Wray Cattle Company. He attended Texas A&M University before starting his own show and sale consulting business in 1995. During his lifetime in the seedstock industry, Graven witnessed the progression and application of new technologies: non-surgical embryo transfer, ultrasound for ribeye and backfat, and the implementation of EPDs to name a few. He learned the genetic and environmental dynamics of raising livestock in geographic extremes from the high desert of Arizona to the MidSouth, Gulf Coast, Central plains, and Western Canada. Graven returned to his Brangus roots in 2013 to develop and grow the breeding program for Deep Down Ranch in Jennings, La. He serves on the Brangus International Committee and is dedicated to promoting Brangus and beef cattle. Graven believes that his expertise and experience with some of the most successful genetics and influential cattle ventures (across many breeds in the U.S. and Canada) brings a distinctive insight for Brangus breeders to position the association for a secure future. BJ
Remember, you must mail your ballot to the ACCOUNTING FIRM (NOT THE IBBA OFFICE), postmarked by:
DECEMBER 31, 2014
IBBA Connection
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IBBA Announces Proposed Bylaw Revison to be Voted on by the Membership
he IBBA Board of Directors has approved a proposed revision to the IBBA bylaws that will now go to a vote of the IBBA membership. Due the length of the proposed revisions, the document will NOT be printed in the Brangus Journal but will be mailed to every IBBA member. Ballots for the bylaw revision will be mailed out November 10, 2014. IBBA members have two options to cast their vote: • OPTION 1: Complete the mailed ballot and return it to Akin, Doherty, Klein and Feuge, PC, 8610 N New Braunfels, Ste. 101, San Antonio, TX 78217 (NOT IBBA) by DECEMBER 31, 2014.
• OPTION 2: Attend the IBBA annual meeting tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Houston, Texas, and cast your vote in person. PLEASE NOTE: The bylaws revision ballot will be mailed with your respective IBBA Board of Directors ballot. Ballots for the IBBA Board of Directors MUST be returned to the Akin, Doherty, Klein and Feuge, PC, 8610 N New Braunfels, Ste. 101, San Antonio, TX 78217 (NOT IBBA) by DECEMBER 31, 2014. The in-person vote at the annual meeting only applies to the bylaws revision! BJ
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November 2014 | 21
IJBBA Connection Technology and the Cattle Industry
by McKenzie POSEY IJBBA REPORTER
T
he technology industry is advancing rapidly, and it is only logical that other industries advance as well. It is no secret that certain parts of the cattle industry have improved as a result from social media. As a junior in high school and a member of the “technology generation�, it is no surprise that I have found several tools from social media to aide with the advancement of the cattle industry. Some of these factors that have helped improve the cattle industry are the quality and quantity of advertising, the quick rate of distribution of information, and the knowledge of promotion from breeders to consumers or buyers. The first tool of social media that has improved the cattle industry is the quality and quantity of advertising. A good portion of advertisement is still distributed by print, such as newspapers and magazines, but advertisements are also showing up in online news columns, blogs, social networking sites, and more. Having these different networking and media sites on hand at any hour allows for members of the cattle industry the opportunity to relay and receive as many quality advertisements as they need. The second tool of social media that has improved the cattle industry is the quick rate of distribution of information. Technology is a tool that can be used to distribute information to the world at the click of a button. Breeders, buyers, and consumers can all take advantage of this by receiving or giving information about an upcoming sale or big event. With many latent cattle consumers coming into the industry, breeders should not miss an opportunity to receive more business by cause of lack of information. The third main tool of social media that has improved the cattle industry is the knowledge of promotion from the breeders to the consumers or buyers. The cattle industry is all about exactly what it says: cattle. The art of selling and trading and finding the right bull for the herd is what it is all about. Technology allows for breeders and buyers to communicate and show their best cattle through social media and other networking sites. The cattle industry requires fast and smart decision making, and the use of social media allows for people of the cattle industry to acquire all the necessary information, so those fast and smart decisions are done more accurately. The quality and quantity of advertisements, the quick distribution rates, and the promotion of breeders, buyers, and consumers are all important pieces of information needed to make those fast and smart decisions, and they all can be accessed by the use of technology. BJ 22 | November 2014
BRANGUS Journal
2014-2015 IJBBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Racheal Sharp, Konawa, OK sharpk@konawa.k12.ok.us
Ex-Officio Kacie Wallace, Bryan, TX goinshowin02@yahoo.com
Vice President Quinn Carter, Haines City, FL quinn.carter95@yahoo.com
SOC Sale Chair Colby Davis, Talequah, OK cwdbrangus@yahoo.com
Secretary Meghan Pickett, Robeline, LA speeples1@bellsouth.net
Reporter McKenzie Posey, Wayner, OK posey_mckenzie@yahoo.com
Director Kendra Brull, Atchison, KS kbrull15@mh-ma.com
Director Kourtney Gardner, China Spring, TX kourtney.l.gardner@gmail.com
Director Director Emilee Garza, Spring, TX Allyson Polston, Lakeland, FL kimberly@remaxrewards.net goober4141@gmail.com IBBA Queen Kacie Wallace, Bryan, TX goinshowin02@yahoo.com
. . . y c a Leg Leave a
The 2015 IJBBA Legacy Leadership Conference
Coming Spring 2015 More information will be available soon online at
junior.gobrangus.com
Tyler Dean, Director of Youth Activities 405.867.1421 tylerwdean@gmail.com BRANGUS Journal
November 2014 | 23
IBA Connection Help us Provide Junior Scholarships!!
by Sami ROOP IBA FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
T
he International Brangus Auxiliary (IBA) has provided nearly $400,000 in scholarships to junior Brangus members. Money for these scholarships comes from your support. The IBA raises money through memberships and by selling a variety of Brangus-related promotional items. Each year IBA members judge the illustration contest at the National Junior Brangus Show. The IBA then has the option of using the winning art for notecards that we sell for $10/packet (15 cards per packet). The IBA Board of Directors also reviews other items we think will be of interest to the general IBBA membership as well as other cattle breeds. Currently, we also have notepads (two pads of 50 sheets) that we sell for $5. And, we are now selling insulated tumblers that can hold hot or cold liquids for $15. New this year, are the Brangus sun visors for cars and trucks. The sun visors are $25 each, or two visors for $40. The Brangus Auxiliary continues to sell these items to raise money for scholarships, so your continued support is very much needed. If you are interested in joining the International Brangus Auxiliary, or are interested in purchasing any of the IBA products,
please contact Sami Roop at 817.233.3578 or samiroop@verizon. net. There is no additional tax charged on the items, and shipping is free. Thank you for your support of the IBA Scholarship Program! BJ
2014-2015 IBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Jodi Jackson, Waco, TX jodiatbentwood@sbcglobal.net
Second Vice President Ginger Pritchard, McLoud, OK gingerdp@aol.com
Treasurer Sharron McCreary, Evergreen, AL sharronmccreary@hotmail.com
First Vice President Sami Roop, Grapevine, TX samiroop@verizon.net
Secretary Tracee Buffaloe Price, Victoria, TX traceebprice@gmail.com
Historian Susan Burke, Waynesboro, GA susanburke59@gmail.com
24 | November 2014
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LETTELIER BRANGUS
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Reserve Grand Champion Owned Heifer
LB Ms Final Grace 78A6 cb final cut 924x | lb southern grace 78Y6
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Heifer
LB Ms Hombre 04Z cb hombre 541t3 | lb ms black power 04u
Reserve Grand Champion Bred & Owned Heifer
Contact us for your next show or replacement heifer!
Joe, Beverly, Lauren & Emily Lettelier Citra, FL lettelierbrangus@gmail.com (352) 595-3450 (352) 598-3338 BRANGUS Journal
November 2014 | 25
Marketing Update Strong Demand for Brangus Genetics Continues
by Jason BATES IBBA DIRECTOR OF FIELD SERVICES AND COMMERCIAL MARKETING
A
s the fall sale season is in full swing, we are seeing an extremely high demand for proven and predictable Brangus genetics. Throughout the country, bull sales of all breeds are experiencing higher averages than in previous years. This can be explained by several factors. We are still trying to turn the corner in regards to total cow numbers in this country fallowing the droughts of just a couple years ago. That reduction in cow numbers two years ago has brought about a decreased supply of service age breeding bulls in the present. Coupled with the strong demand for these bulls due to producers restocking, the prices for breeding had to go up. One commercial producer who buys 150 new bulls every year told me the average price they have to budget is approximately $2,000 to $2,500 higher per bull than in 2012. These drastic price increases have made commercial bull buyers a great deal more selective in their purchases. They are looking for bulls that have increased longevity, and Brangus bulls bring to the table the longevity and the added growth commercial bull buyers are looking for. As purebred breeders, it is your responsibility to be sure the bulls you develop are sound in their structure and will be able to cover a lot of ground for many years. Another important trait to be conscious of is underline and sheath structure. Sheath structure not only has an impact on the price of the calves sired by that bull, but can also make that bull susceptible to reproductive problems and shorten his usable life span. Now is not the time to keep every calf that is born a bull on your place. Continue to be diligent in your culling practices and be even more critical of the quality of the bulls you put out for sale. It is easy to keep sub-par bulls when prices for them are 26 | November 2014
so high, but that will only hurt your reputation in the long run. Keep culling those calves that are not high enough quality to become bulls. They will still make you money with the prices of feeder cattle predicted to stay high. On the female front we are seeing a great acceptance of the Brangus Built female tagging program. We have seen tags go in the ears of nearly 3,000 head of commercial Brangus females in the last three months. The value of these tags is also being proven at commercial female sales throughout the country. “At a sale I had heifers in recently, I had several people come to me and ask about my cattle. They wanted to know that my females actually had Brangus genetics in them and that they were not just black cows with ear in them,” said Jim Saul of Quitaque, Texas. “Those heifers went on to top the market that day and were purchased by those folks wanting proof of Brangus blood. The Brangus Built program has already made me money.“ We need every member to continue to help brand this program and make the Brangus Built name the most valued and trusted name for commercial replacement females. Right now times are good in the cattle business and the cowcalf producer is in the driver seat. As seedstock producers, now is not the time to get complacent. Continue to collect and turn in all data points (weights, sheath scores, ultrasound, etc.), and grow your program in quality and value. For more information on scoring you can visit our website to watch videos on proper scoring measures and procedures. For more information on the Brangus Built female program you can contact the office at 210696-8231. BJ
“At a sale I had heifers in recently, I had several people come to me and ask about my cattle. They wanted to know that my females actually had Brangus genetics in them and that they were not just black cows with ear in them,” said Jim Saul of Quitaque, Texas. “Those heifers went on to top the market that day and were purchased by those folks wanting proof of Brangus blood. The Brangus Built program has already made me money.“
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Feature Article
10 Rules
by Dan TOLAND REPRINTED FROM THE GATE TO PLATE BLOG AT WWW.CAUSEMATTERS.COM
of Online Engagement for the Kicking and Screaming
A
s far as I can tell, I’m part of a transitional generation in an era of transitional communication. At 29 years of age, digital communications and connections come easy to me. I do much more “computing” on the Internet-connected device still referred to as a “phone” in my pocket today than I did on the memory-devoid box we called a computer in 1988. Yet, I remember when “look it up” meant dusting off the 1976 World Book Encyclopedia and using the dreaded “card catalog” because Google wasn’t a valid research tool, and when in 1996 my mother proclaimed we would never connect to the Internet because it was “full of perverts and predators.” We got our first dial-up Internet connection a year later. Similarly, I’ve had many farmers tell me they are proudly computer-free and do not pay attention to this Internet stuff. My answer to them is ‘you may not, but the vast majority of the world does, and they’re using it to talk about what you do.’ The ability for anybody to immediately post, share and discuss information with a worldwide online audience is quickly exposing us to new “trustworthy” sources of information. According to the Center for Food Integrity, the amount of people who trust local TV news as the most credible source on food system issues plummeted 33 percent in the past year, while newspaper credibility dropped 17 percent. Websites, on the other hand, increased in trustworthiness by 52 percent! If you are a farmer today, you are also part of this transition. All the kicking and screaming in the world isn’t going to change that. That is why it is imperative to step outside your comfort zone and be engaged in real, live and honest-to-goodness online conversations about what you do with an audience that is eager to talk. By nature, farmers are an independent, heady and determined lot, which sometimes comes across a bit brash when they start chatting online with non-farming counterparts. To make it a bit easier, I offer these 10 tips to make your online conversations productive and engaging, and help establish credibility with others: 1. Always be transparent. Use your real name (or a variation of it), your real photo and your real story. People are naturally skeptical of those hiding behind fake names and can see right through pretenders. 2. Do your homework. Know who you are talking to and if they are worth engaging. Check their Facebook and Twitter accounts. Examine previous conversations. Do they personally attack others and remain close-minded to outside opinion or constructive dialogue? If so, there are better conversations 30 | November 2014
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to be had. Focus your efforts on reasonable and worthwhile conversation. 3. Be open to other opinions. We have two eyes, two ears and only one mouth for a reason. Brush aside your preconceptions and seek to understand another’s point of view before judging them. Ask non-threatening questions in a courteous manner. And never personally attack, demean or call another person names. It only hurts you, your credibility, your profession, and your brethren within it. 4. Keep your cool AND LAY OFF THE CAPS LOCK AND EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!!! It is best to keep your emotions and your keystrokes in check. Always read your posts twice before sending, and think about how the message may be perceived by others. Grammar and spelling checks are good too. 5. Do not rely on clichés, industry-related jargon and overused rhetoric. I recommend avoiding the use of “safe, abundant, food supply,” “farming is the original green industry,” “profitability and product,” and other such phrases. I am tired of them, and the consuming public is too. Talk from your own passion and experiences, and use simple terms to tell your story. 6. Back up your statements by linking to web content supporting them. It might be a study, blog post, or article on another website, but it is always good to link to something within your conversation, so others can easily refer to it. 7. It is a conversation, not a lecture. Focus not upon the information you want to give, but instead focus on the information the other person wants to know. Mostly, they will want to know that you share their values. Stop spouting facts and show your personality; it goes a long way. 8. The sky is not falling! Chicken Little arguments from both ends of a contentious issue get us all nowhere. For example, the argument that all farmers beat their animals is as ludicrous to the public as saying all your meat, milk and eggs are going to disappear. We must stop shouting from our corners, put down the megaphones and come together to meet one another in levelheaded conversation. 9. Never underestimate the power of laziness! – A rule of thumb is that 90 percent of users only consume information online, while only 10 percent create it. Think of how many times you have read comments online but never contributed to them. Do your part to increase agriculture’s role in that 10 percent; others will read it! 10. Remember that anybody’s voice can be heard and travel quickly through social media. Do not be afraid to use yours! BJ
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Feature Article
Some Practical Thoughts on Using Sexed Semen by Joe C. PASCHAL, Ph.D. PROFESSOR AND LIVESTOCK SPECIALIST TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION
I
was asked to write about my thoughts on sexed semen and my use of it in commercial and purebred settings. I think that in almost every case where there is good management and selection that sexed semen is an excellent tool and is very cost effective. I can see the major benefits in an ET program. Most of my use of sexed semen has been with synchronized Beefmaster and Santa Gertrudis cattle, but I expect my observations and results would be the same if they were Brangus or any other breed. I have had a great deal of experience with using conventional semen over the past 50 years, more in the last 10 than the first 40. To be honest, until about five years ago, it was something of a mystery to me. My first experience was for a Beefmaster breeder who was also trying it out for the first time, having purchased a really high performing bull that he wanted to breed a majority of his cows and heifer to in one AI season. He had contacted me about doing the AI with c o nv e n t i o n a l semen at first, and later he decided on sexed semen. I had never used sexed semen before, so I visited with the folks at Sexing 32 | November 2014
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Technologies and then later with Carl Rugg at Bovine Elite, and both of them said that it was just like using conventional semen in terms of preparation and insemination. Both did caution that timed AI (breeding at a specific time using one of the estrus synchronization protocols) tended to have lower pregnancy rates, but the higher percentage of females was worth the cost. Since then I have used it many times, maybe 1,000 or so units. I did need to purchase a new insemination gun. The straws used in sexed semen are ¼ cc straws, and conventional semen uses ½ cc straws. Keep in mind that the ½ cc straw is about the size of a coffee stir stick, so the sexed straw is ½ that size. If you use your tweezers in your AI kit, you can easily drop the sexed semen straw if you aren’t careful, and being that the sexed semen straw has a large surface area relative to its diameter, it can thaw out pretty quick if you take too much time to pull it out of your tank and drop it in the straw warmer. I have dropped
Perhaps the most noticable difference in conventional versus sexed semen, is the size of the cane and straw that sexed semen is stored in. If you are used to conventional semen, you may have to make some minor adjustments to achieve maximum results with the smaller straw size.
Feature Article sexed straws on the floor; just pick them up and put them in the thawer as soon as possible. I have also found that it is critical to monitor the temperature of your straw thawer. Because the straw is so small and the thawer was developed for ½ cc straws, you can easily cook sexed semen and kill a lot of the sperm cells. I also know that you can thaw conventional semen in ice water or in warm water that is not exactly 96o F, but the semen last longer and has a better chance of being fully capacitated and ready to swim up the reproductive tract and fertilize the egg successfully, so check your temperature. I have found that 45 seconds works fine just like in conventional semen, but I don’t leave it in much longer than a few minutes. If I am doing several cows in heat, I will pull a couple of straws but not several. I have no reason to think it would hurt the semen. We do it all the time with conventional, but I am in no hurry, and I err on the side of caution. I use the same procedures for loading my insemination gun with sexed semen as I do with conventional semen, except the gun is smaller in diameter. I sometimes find it difficult to make sure the plunger goes into the straw, and if you aren’t sure and have cut the straw you can inseminate the air pretty easily! Experience is an effective yet expensive teacher. I make sure the straw is placed on the plunger and work the plunger up and down before I cut the straw. I use regular sheaths just like I use on conventional semen, but I do like to use those that had the collar that fits over the cut end of the straw to ensure a better fit and reduce leakage or backflow when you press the plunger. Some of my colleagues like to use the individually packaged sheath as well. I just wrap the end of my loaded AI gun with a clean paper towel to keep it clean, warm and out of exposure to sunlight (and I use it to wipe any manure from the cow’s vulva before I insert the gun). Insemination is just like using conventional semen. At first I thought, incorrectly, that you had to determine on which side the ovary had ovulated (by palpating the corpus luteum) and inseminate the horn on that side. Initially, years ago, that might have been the case, but now you deposit the semen just like conventional semen, except I am very slow in pushing the plunger. I am slow in pushing the plunger on conventional semen as well – I think you can do a lot of damage to the semen by pushing the plunger too fast. With sexed semen you don’t have as much, and they are probably a little worn from the sorting process, so I try not to inflict any additional damage!
Pregnancy rates using timed AI and synchronized estrus are generally lower in Brahman or Bos indicus influenced breeds like Brangus (or any of the other Brahman influenced breeds as well) because their physiology is different than non Bos indicus (Bos taurus) cattle. Bos indicus cattle and their crosses usually have a later age at puberty, longer gestation lengths, but are not different in the length of their post partum interval (post calving fertility). In addition, Bos indicus females have a shorter, less intense estrus that occurs later after estrogen stimulation than in Bos taurus cows. Many years ago, working with ovariectomized cows, Dr. Ron Randel at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center in Overton, Texas, found that they have a shorter duration of estrus that is less intense and leads to fewer services (two to three mounts in one- to one-and-a-half hours). In addition, they tend to be “long day” breeders, meaning that November through February they tend to have lowered fertility (in general, less fertile estrus, fewer eggs if superovulated). However, it is not all bad. We have all been breeding Bos indicus cattle and their crosses successfully for many years with AI. You just need to pay a little attention. I do most of my AI with appointment breeding. I use a sevenday CIDR protocol with 5 cc of prostaglandin when I remove the CIDR, and I begin checking heat at 36 hours until about 72 hours. Use the AM-PM rule (in standing heat in the morning, AI in the evening and vice versa). Bos indicus cows and breeds that utilize Bos indicus genetics don’t always respond to the estrus synchronization programs, which were developed for Bos taurus cattle. I also use a KMAR heat detection patch, which, after 10 years, I think I can read like a book. I recommend you find a protocol that works for you (time and management), and use it. Usually, about 60 perecnet to 80 percent of the females respond to my synchronization protocol, and those that don’t are bred at 72 hours and given 2 cc of GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone to stimulate ovulation). If they do come into heat after that, I rebreed them. Usually, I recommend using conventional semen on the cows that are timed bred (at 72 hours) to reduce costs, but I have used sexed semen on them as well, and the results are about the same- about 50 percent of them get bred. In all, I would say I have been really pleased with my experience with sexed semen. The costs of a sexed semen program are balanced by the results of having the desired sex in larger numbers, but like many things it may not be best for everybody. BJ
In all, I would say I have been really pleased with my experience with sexed semen. The costs of a sexed semen program are balanced by the results of having the desired sex in larger numbers, but like many things it may not be best for everybody.
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Feature Article
High Cattle Prices, Theft and I Identification Methods
by Tommy PERKINS, Ph.D., PAS IBBA EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT
f you have noticed news headlines recently, you know the cattle industry is experiencing unprecedented high cattle prices. This includes high prices within every class of cattle from a weaned calf to a culled bull and everything in-between. Combined with high unemployment rates across the country, these higher prices tempt the dishonest to rustle cattle at an increased rate. Cattle rustling and equipment theft continue to be on the rise in Texas, Oklahoma and other states, and it is necessary for producers to take advanced measures to ensure their possessions are secured. Increased cattle prices have impacted not just the commercial industry but the purebred sector as well. Both segments need to evaluate their management plans in protecting their investments. Producers should eliminate criminal opportunities by performing simple tasks like counting cattle daily, moving working pens off of the road, ear tagging or branding all livestock, locking gates, and taking keys out of equipment. It is in your best interest to take away easy opportunities for thieves to take your property. Although there is a shortage of cattle in the U.S. because of the extended drought conditions, rising theft is putting more pressure on cattlemen to reevaluate their livestock and equipment identification methods. Identification can be distinguished by a variety of methods, including ear tagging, tattooing, branding, ear notching, skin tagging, nose printing, retinal eye scanning, micro chipping, DNA and others. Ranchers typically use the traditional hide branding and ear tagging to identify their cattle. However, these preferred tactics might not be enough to deter someone from stealing your cattle.
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Feature Article TATTOO
Many breed associations allow and/or require a tattoo to register an animal. It is a good method for permanent identification when properly placed in an animals’ ear. The tattooing procedure is easy and inexpensive to perform. However, darker colored cattle can give the inexperience technician some problems in achieving a legible tattoo.
EAR TAG
The easiest to administer and the most common form of identification in cattle is the ear tag. Plastic ear tags are generally easy to read but they will lose brilliance and will fade over time. More problematic is the fact that they can be ripped or removed out of an animal’s ear and can be lost. If the animal is not identified with another form of permanent ID (brand, tattoo, etc.), the animal may no longer be positively identified. An alternative to the plastic tag is a more legible metal ear tag. However, there is an increased chance of infection at the tag site when using a metal tag.
FREEZE OR FIRE BRAND
Branding cattle is a time-tested procedure that is a relatively permanent and inexpensive. The branding method of choice is typically a hot brand by fire brand and is one of the oldest forms of identification used in the livestock industry. However, more and more seedstock producers are choosing to use a freeze brand. Freeze branding is a permanent form of identification that has more eye appeal, is easy-to-read if done properly, and can be easily administered. Freeze branding is more dependent on the environment (cool weather, etc.) and technique (cooling agent, iron temperature, etc.) than hot iron branding, though. To learn more about freeze branding, watch a video online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzmBte5i6ME, or search YouTube.com for Freeze Branding Beef Cattle produced by MSUBeefCattle. (continued on page 36)
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Feature Article (continued from page 35)
MICROCHIP
A microchip implant is a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) device that does not have an internal power source. Therefore, it remains inert until the chip is powered by the scanner. The chip contains unique identification data and electronic circuits to encode pertinent information. The microchip is not commonly used in the beef industry but is used by veterinarians to return lost pets quickly to their owners. Some shelters also place chips in adopted animals. Because beef is a consumed, edible human food source, the chip must be removed prior to entering the food chain. Therefore, the microchip has some limitations and challenges to overcome before becoming prevalent in the beef industry.
IRIS SCANNING
Iris scanning is commonly used for equine identification and for small animal eye disorder recognition rather than for identification in the cattle industry. No two irises are identical just as no two fingerprints are the same. Research has shown that the irises of the right and left eyes of the same individual also differ. This same thing can be said of the iris of cloned individuals that also differ from each other. Iris scanning is a non-invasive form of identification based on a digital infrared photo of the animal’s iris. It is considered safer and much less intrusive to the animal than tattooing, branding and micro chipping. Developers of the technology say it provides an accurate and tamperproof identification of livestock that can aid in the recovery of lost or stolen animals. Iris 36 | November 2014
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scanning has a low risk of contamination as well. It is important to note that the animal is not sedated before scanning the eye. An eye scanner, similar to a digital camera, is held about one foot from the animal’s eye to capture an image that can be saved for future use. Infrared illumination creates a biometric image of the iris by exposing them to about the same amount of light that it would be exposed to on a sunny day. When animal identification is needed, another scan is taken and compared with the original image for accurate identification. Animals need to be old enough (post puberty) that their eyes have stopped changing and/or developing before a permanent iris scan can be used for identification purposes.
RETINAL EYE SCANNING
Retinal eye scanning has been used since the late 1990s, but few cattlemen are knowledgeable of the technology. A retinal eye scanner takes a photograph of the blood vessel pattern at the back of the eye. Each eye’s scan shows a unique pattern that does
Feature Article not change throughout the life of the animal. Therefore, images can be matched at a later date for permanent identification. A producer or a scanning technician can take the retinal image in a few seconds at any time in the animal’s life. Images are typically captured at weaning or earlier so the initial image can be compared to images taken at other times in the animal’s life cycle. Retinal imaging reduces the opportunity for theft and other forms of fraud.
method. Although, there is the possibility that even DNA can be lost or switched. DNA testing is a simple process that is very repeatable and more affordable than other options available. Whether collecting blood, hair or semen, there are several ways DNA can be collected, tested and verified. Contact the IBBA office to request DNA testing kits and learn more about the DNA testing process. BJ
DNA
The purebred livestock industry has used DNA in parent verification cases for many years. In general, the process has become more accurate and more inexpensive over time. In ranch settings, both purebred and commercial, multiple sire mating strategies can be used and resulting sire identification can occur. Thus, cattle producers can now determine the number of progeny sired by each bull in the same breeding pasture. DNA verification for ownership has not been highly utilized in the past. However, its use can be justified with the value of cattle today and the inexpensive cost of the technology. Collection and analysis of a DNA sample for identification can be quickly performed for identification purposes.
Make Plans
! w o h S n o i t a c a The Vexperience like no other! An
December 27 - 31, 2014 Growing the Future:
SUMMARY
Permanent identification of livestock is more important today than ever. However, many of the identification options have limited reliability as a permanent means of repeated identity or when used for theft deterrence. A permanent tattoo can be altered or removed. Ear tags can be lost, removed or recoded. Hot and freeze brands can be altered easily. Microchips can be removed or be covered with fibrous tissue rendering them unreadable, and they require removal before the animal is harvested. Iris scanning has been successful in the equine industry but has not been proven successful in the beef industry, yet. Retinal eye scanning is certainly an option for the beef industry. However, it is a bit technician dependent, and the availability of a trained technician may be somewhat limiting. That leaves cattlemen with DNA testing as the most practical long-term, permanent identification
to attend
• • • • • • •
Brangus Show December 28, 2014 Junior Entries Due October 31, 2014 Open Entries Due November 15, 2014 Open Judge - Scott Schaake, Manhattan, KS Junior Heifer Judge – Ryan Rathman, Lubbock, TX
NEW! Supreme Champion Cow Calf Pair AND Reserve Supreme Cow Calf Pair — $2,300 in Premiums NEW! Arizona Commercial Heifer Show & Sale: December 28, 2014 Open to Arizona Bred and Open Heifers that are rock footed, vaccinated and sifted for quality. Brangus Gold commercial females welcome! For more information, call Rick @ 602-481-3879
InformatIon@anls.org www.anls.org
602-258-8568
!
ix See you in Phoen BRANGUS Journal
November 2014 | 37
Feature Article The Power of
#Technology
by Brittni DRENNAN IBBA COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
in Marketing and Communications
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s the world around us evolves non-stop, so do technological advances. Almost daily we see news headlines announcing “the next big thing”. From the almost ancient rotary phone to techsavvy iPhones, from slow dial-up Internet to speedy Wi-Fi, from handwritten mailed letters to quick emails, technological advances outside the beef cattle industry directly affect producers and the way they operate their businesses. Think about the tools cattlemen use today that previous generations did not have available to them- geneticallyenhanced EPDs, artificial insemination, heifer synchronization, ultrasound, genotyping, and many more. These advances make producers more efficient, more sustainable and ultimately more profitable. Take a look at the platforms used in communications and marketing. Websites are imperative in today’s competitive market for potential customers to become familiar with your operation. Using social media sites, like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and many others, integrates a unique personal component to develop trusting relationships with new customers. The speed in which information travels is unparalleled to anything ever seen before, and those willing to take the extra time and effort to use these tools will reap the benefits.
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Ninety percent of consumers trust peer reviews and online recommendations as opposed to those 14 percent who trust paid advertisements. Think about how many of you or your spouses go online to ask your friends their opinions of a product or a place. Have you asked your friends for restaurant recommendations, opinions on cell phone providers, or how they liked the new selfloading round bale trailer? Think about how much value you place on your friends’ opinions. Why would your customers be any different? Social media is advantageous for additional reasons other than peer recommendations. A study published by Social Media Examiner earlier this year reported 92 percent of respondents said the number
Feature Article “Ninety percent of consumers trust peer reviews and online recommendations as opposed to those 14 percent who trust paid advertisements.” one benefit of using social media was the increased exposure they received. Of the 3,025 respondents, 75 percent said using social media increased traffic to their websites. You can use social media to direct more producers to your website and increase your traffic and views. Social media can open more doors and lead to more sales than what you otherwise would never have encountered. This is especially beneficial on a global scale, not just to reach producers in the U.S. Anymore, it is not often that you run across someone who, at the very least, does not have a website. However, it does more harm than good to have a website that is outdated and not continuously monitored. The days of dragging out a phone book to look up an address or a phone number are long gone; people go straight to the web. When they search for your operation and they see your website displaying last
organiclifestylemagazine.com
year’s calendar (or even more outdated), it is not a good sign. Think about how that resonates with your potential customers. It reflects poorly on your business practices and your operation. Try to keep posting current dates, photos, contact information or even the latest news about you and your operation. The next generation, more specifically, is more technologically inclined, and if producers plan to leave behind a legacy and want their operations to continue thriving, they will not be able to ignore the latest developments in technology. Better yet, if the Brangus breed is to continue thriving, we have to incorporate new developments and platforms into our marketing strategies to continue reaching the new age of consumers. Use the Facebook and Twitter flyers to help you set up an account and have a presence online. If you have questions about social media, websites and other communication tools, feel free to contact me anytime at the IBBA office. Like the International Brangus Breeders Association on Facebook, follow @GoBrangus on Twitter, subscribe to BrangusVideo on YouTube, and sign up for our weekly eNewsletter. You can always visit www. GoBrangus.com for more information. BJ
thefieldposition.com BRANGUS Journal
November 2014 | 39
Feature Article
The How-to FB Guide Step 1 - Set up an account
1. Go to www.facebook.com. 2. Fill in the information 3. Click “Sign Up”
Step 2 - Customize your profile
1. Follow the easy, step-by-step directions on Facebook 2. You can skip any step and always go back to add information at a later time.
Step 3 - Get connected
1. Type “International Brangus Breeders Association” in the search bar on your Home page. Click the “Like” button at the top of the fan page. 2. Search for other people you know, groups and organizations the same way.
How you can benefit from Facebook • Stay updated on current issues • Be informed about industry events • Find out about the latest technologies • Highlight your achievements • Share information about your operation It is easy to share information about you, your operation, sales and other events. Facebook contributes to making your operation more productive, efficient and more profitable.
Step 4 - Start your own business page
1. Go to www.facebook.com/pages. Click on “Create Page” at the top right of the screen. 2. Classify your business page. Use the options in the drop-down menus to further describe your business. 3. Enter the name of your business page and verify you are an official representative of the business/organization 4. Click “Create Official Page”.
Stay informed. Get involved. Tell your story. Brittni Drennan, Communications Coordinator International Brangus Breeders Association 210-696-8231 | brittni@int-brangus.org 40 | November 2014
Download the complete how-to guide The complete “How to Tweet for Beef Guide” explains more about how to use Facebook: http://thecattlecall. wordpress.com/social-media-guides/
BRANGUS Journal
Complete guide provided by Cari Rinker
Feature Article
Download the complete guide The complete “How to Tweet for Beef Guide” explains more about how to use Twitter to your advantage. Get it here: http://thecattlecall.wordpress.com/ social-media-guides/ Great ag “tweeps” and streams to follow to help you get started Ag Tweeps or Organizations: • IBBA: @GoBrangus • High Plains Journal: @HighPlainsJrnl • Drovers: @DroversCTN • Beef Magazine: @BEEFMagazine • Cattle Fax: @cattlefax • Amanda Radke: @RadkeAmanda • NCBA Young Producers’ Council: @YPCBeef Ag Streams: • #brangus • #agchat • #cattle • #ranchlife Complete guide provided by Cari Rinker and the NCBA Young Producers’ Council
The How-to Tweet Guide 1. Stay informed
Twitter is becoming the fastest way to receive and share news and ideas. • Get updates from your most trusted news sources and agbased publications. • Quickly retrieve updates from an ag conference, show results, or industry-related news right from Twitter.
2. Share your message
Twitter is a unique forum for discussions on issues affecting the industry where the ag community has a powerful presence. Participate in conversations to ask questions or share your knowledge about products, services, tools and techniques with other producers and cattlemen all around the world.
3. Discover
While Facebook is more social and about who you know, Twitter is about who and what you want to know. Twitter has highlighted how intertwined the agriculture industry really is and how we all share common goals. • Network with other producers • Show other producers and customers what you have to offer • Strengthen your reputation and build relationships
4. Showcase your operation
Twitter can be used as a great marketing tool. Inform everyone from consumers to bull buyers about your operation or share your knowledge about industry topics.
Stay informed. Get involved. Tell your story. BRANGUS Journal
November 2014 | 41
Brittni Drennan, Communications Coordinator
Feature Article
“Say Cheese!�
by Jason BATES IBBA DIRECTOR OF FIELD SERVICES AND COMMERCIAL MARKETING
Camera Based Technology used in Beef Cattle Grading
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s we look to the future and digest the current market levels and prices, one often wonders what is going to be the next big thing. Will it relate to more efficient grasses? Will it be advancements in cattle reproduction, or will it be a new way of creating consumer awareness that leads to increased demand for beef? Hopefully, all three of these options become reality. When marketing beef to consumers, beef is identified into specific categories to allow consumers to differentiate quality and make selection decisions. As early as 1926, producers recognized the need for evaluation of beef carcasses to comply with specific markets and uses, so the USDA adopted the beef grading system that is still in use today. Although changes came to cattle themselves along with management practices, not many changes were made to the grading process until the late 1970s when changes to the standards for marbling came as they relate to maturity of the animal. Since the late ‘70s, advancements have occurred in cattle genetics and management at a rapid rate and so have advancements in beef grading standards. The industry recognized the desire for a more objective way of collecting carcass grades, and the USDA adopted the use of camera assisted technology for ribeye area in 2003, yield grade in 2005 and marbling in 2006. After 2006, there seemed to be some disparity between camera score and field graders, so more research was needed. Between 2007 and 2008 evaluation was performed on more than 400,000 carcasses, and in 2009 the camera technology became aligned with that of field graders resulting in the industry implementation of camera-based quality grading. Later in 2009, the industry started using this technology for official USDA quality grading. Currently, five companies and 10 individual plants are actively using this camera instrument technology. The process of using the camera technology does not take the USDA field grader out of 42 | November 2014
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the plant. It just speeds up the process and reduces variation between shifts and between plants. As the carcass travels down the line, an operator uses the suspended camera to take a picture of the ribeye, much like the traditional process. In less than two seconds, the image is processed and transferred to a screen for a secondary inspection by an approved grader with all the calculations for maturity, fat thickness, ribeye area, yield grade, marbling and quality grade already done, along with any defects and determines the requirements met for branded premium programs such as Certified Angus Beef (CAB) or others. Other advantages to the technology is the ability to give measurements for sensory attributes of fed beef such as tenderness based on research conducted at Colorado State University. Dr. Bob Richmond is the president of RMS Research Management Systems, USA, Inc. in Fort Collins, Colo. RMS specializes in integrated data capture and data management technologies and is the developer of Computer Vision System
Feature Article
(CVS), one of the two USDA approved camera based grading systems. “Camera technology augments USDA grading and expands the plant’s ability to select carcasses for certification and premium based programs.” Richmond said. “By simply imputing parameters into the
system the plant can better identify carcasses with different value points prior to fabrication.” Every step of the carcass fabrication and quality inspection process that can become more efficient will only lower consumer cost and, in turn, increase demand. The consumer wants to know they are getting the highest quality, most consistent product every time. Richmond anticipates changes to the USDA grading system as more research is collected and technologies continue to advance. “The grading system has always been a work in progress, albeit sometimes slow, but now with more real time technology, grading standards can become even more value based,” Richmond said. Electronic grading offers real time linkage between carcass merit and feeding and breeding programs. “Technology providers must strive to offer effective solutions that optimize the value of objective information and producers and packers must strive to use it,” Richmond said. BJ
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Membership Welcome New Members JOHNNE SYDNEY DANIEL :: TROUP, TX NATIONS BRANGUS, SAM NATIONS :: RUSK, TX MARTHA ANN LAWHORN :: GATESVILLE, TX DOUBLE R BRANGUS, INC :: ALTURAS, FL CAIRES FARMS INTERNATIONAL, DR KYLE C CAIRES :: MOUNT BERRY, GA PAM SIGGELOW :: CHANDLER, TX HAMMOCK WALK, LTD :: OKEECHOBEE, FL
HEADWATERS RANCH :: DALLAS, TX TEXAS CATTLE TRADING CO :: KATY, TX IGNACIO F LIZAMA :: OKEECHOBEE, FL JESSICA MARIE KAY :: SHELBYVILLE, TX TTT FARMS, JIMMY TRICE :: FAYETTE, AL MUNSELL CATTLE COMPANY, SCOTT MUNSELL :: SPRING, TX BEAVER CREEK RANCH, JOE WILEY :: AVA, MO
IBBA Amnesty Program Continues
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n August 22, 2014, the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Board of Directors approved an amnesty period for its members to bring cattle back on the THR inventory with no penalty. This amnesty period will begin September 1, 2014, and end December 31, 2014. The cattle brought back must meet all the following criteria: • Member re-enrolling the cattle must be a member in good standing • Cattle must have been registered and been in good standing with IBBA prior to coming off of Total Herd Reporting (THR) Progeny of cattle put back in the inventory during the amnesty period may also be registered in the system as long as they meet all the registry requirements (e.g. the dam is on inventory during the year of birth, birthdate, sex, etc.)
Cattle brought into THR during the amnesty period will be billed a $21.00 fee for the period ending December 31, 2014, and from that period on will comply with all current THR fees and criteria. “The amnesty program passed by the IBBA Board of Directors provides an opportunity to add more data into our system for future development of new genetic evaluation tools,” said Dr. Tommy Perkins, IBBA Executive Vice President. “It is important to get these animals back onto the inventory should future registry options be offered to the membership.” This program is designed to increase animal numbers, which in turn helps membership grow as well as strengthen our footprint in the beef cattle industry. For any questions regarding the amnesty period please contact the IBBA office at (210) 6968231. BJ
IBBA Show Committee Seeks Opinions
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n an effort to give more members a voice in the evaluation of IBBA national and regional shows as well as IBBA approved judges, the IBBA has created an IBBA show survey. The survey, available for download and online at gobrangus.com/member, allows exhibitors and spectators to give their opinions on any recent IBBA national or regional Brangus show. The survey should be submitted within 30 days of the show in order for the show committee to accurately 44 | November 2014
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take all opinions into consideration. All completed surveys should be returned to IBBA Director of Shows Tyler Dean at the information listed at the bottom of the survey. Questions should also be directed to Tyler at (405) 867-1421 or by email at tylerwdean@gmail.com. BJ
Membership IBBA Committee Seeking Nominations for Award Recipients
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he International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Awards Committee is taking nominations for deserving recipients of the three awards given annually by the IBBA- Breeder of the Year, Commercial Producer of the Year, and Pioneer of the Year. The Pioneer of the Year award recognizes an IBBA member, past or present, for his/her service, loyalty and recognizable contributions to the Brangus breed. Breeder of the Year recipient is a current member of the IBBA deserving of recognition for his/ her successes and advancements made utilizing and promoting Brangus purebred cattle. The Commercial Producer of the Year award highlights a commercial producer’ achievements
incorporating Brangus genetics into their breeding program. These awards are meant to showcase the achievements and contributions these breeders have made to the Brangus breed and the beef cattle industry. If someone you know is a deserving candidate of one of these prestigious awards, submit your nomination by Wednesday, December 31, to Robert Field, chairman of the IBBA Awards Committee, by email at calyxstar@aol.com or by phone at 662-435-4885. You may also contact an IBBA Director. Visit IBBA’s website at gobrangus.com/contact-us.php for contact information. Award recipients will be recognized at the IBBA Annual Awards Banquet in March 2015. BJ
Brangus Producers Generate $33,000 to Establish Foundation
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he International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) hosted a kickoff gala Friday, October 3, to commemorate the establishment of the International Brangus Breeders Foundation (IBBF) and to bring education and awareness to the Foundation. Generous donors collectively gave $33,000 to establish funds for the IBBF. “The Foundation will help the association make the advancements necessary to push the Brangus breed to the forefront of the beef cattle industry,” said Traci Middleton, President of the IBBA Board of Directors.
“Funding from members and cooperators will allow for more research and education to substantiate the beneficial qualities of Brangus cattle.” The IBBF will fund research initiatives to advance the livestock industry as a whole while benefitting Brangus breeders today and in the future, as well as educate the beef cattle industry about Brangus attributes and production practices. The Foundation will also provide youth opportunities to become leaders for the future of the Brangus breed and the agriculture industry. Ray Westall, owner of Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranches, LLC, presented the IBBA with a $10,000 check to start off the fundraising. Bill and Gayle Davis, owners of Chimney Rock Cattle Co., matched Westall’s donation. Other donors included David and Nada Wood, Double W Ranch; Michael and Judy Kammerer, Red Bird Meadows Ranch; Russ and Pam Williamson, Skyhawk Brangus; Mike and Robin Vorel, Vorel Farms; and Joseph and Nancy Lingg, Lingg Brangus. BJ
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Membership Inaugural Brangus Fall Conference Emphasizes Progress
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he International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) hosted its inaugural Brangus Fall Conference in San Antonio, Texas, October 2-4. Attracting more than 100 members, committee representatives, and the entire International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA) Board of Directors, attendees enjoyed an informative conference. The event kicked off last Thursday afternoon with committee meetings at the Drury Inn and Suites, and a barbecue at the IBBA headquarters concluded the evening with Forrest Roberts, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), headlining the event. Roberts spoke about the outstanding opportunities that lie ahead for the beef cattle industry and emphasized critical topics in need of producers’ attention like submitting comments to prevent the EPA’s definition expansion of the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). “The opportunities that exist for producers in the beef cattle industry are greater than the challenges,” Roberts said. Following the final committee meetings, Friday’s schedule included a field day at Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch in Poteet, Texas. A steak dinner was provided by Doguet’s, and transportation was sponsored by Charles and Charlotte Crochet from Lafayette, La. Producers were attentive during the informative live cattle demonstrations that followed about
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udder scoring, docility scoring, and feet and leg structure and were able to evaluate pens of cattle. Producers at the field day then directed questions to a panel of experts involved in various sectors of the cattle industry. Jason Bates, IBBA’s Director of Field Services and Commercial Marketing, moderated the panel consisting of Bill Austin, a commercial and purebred producer from Menard, Texas; Buck Thomason, a purebred producer from Cranfills Gap, Texas; Dr. Joe Paschall, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent in Corpus Christi, Texas; Jay Gray, Jr., General Manager of Graham Land and Cattle Co., Gonzales, Texas; and Lee Alford, a commercial and purebred producer from Caldwell, Texas. Friday evening concluded with the International Brangus Breeders Foundation (IBBF) Kickoff Gala. The gala commemorated the establishment of the IBBF which will fund research initiatives to advance the livestock industry as a whole while benefitting Brangus breeders today and in the future, as well as educate the beef cattle industry about Brangus attributes and production practices. The Foundation will also provide youth opportunities to become leaders for the future of the Brangus breed and the agriculture industry. Generous donors collectively gave $33,000 to establish funds for the Foundation. A Board of Directors meeting Saturday morning wrapped up the inaugural Brangus Fall Conference. Video highlights and coverage will be available at GoBrangus.com. BJ
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November 2014 | 47
Membership Southeast Brangus Breeders Association Presents Annual Awards
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photos courtesy of Kim CARTER
n Friday, September 26, 2014, before an overflowing crowd of Brangus breeders and guests, the Southeast Brangus Breeders Association (SBBA) presented three individuals with distinguished awards at its annual banquet. Each year the SBBA hosts the annual banquet in conjunction with the Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show and the SBBA Showcase Sale. The SBBA annually dedicates the Showcase Female Sale to a special individual who has had a tremendous impact on the SBBA. This year’s sale was dedicated to David Vaughan of Fairmount, Ga. In addition to the sale dedication, the SBBA also honored Vaughan as the second inductee into the SBBA Hall of Fame. Vaughan is a native of Fairmount, Ga., and grew up active in sports and 4-H. He is most proud of winning the state fat steer show on three occasions, a record that still stands today. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Vaughan graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry and was a member of the university’s livestock judging team. After about a year working in Jackson, Tenn., Vaughan returned to the University of Georgia to attend law school. He passed the bar exam in 1959, moved to Cartersville, Ga., and began a law practice that has spanned more than 50 years. The inherent interest in cattle remained with Vaughan, and he worked with two different breeds of cattle prior to him meeting Larry Gardner, owner of Willow Springs Brangus. In 1984 Vaughan entered into a joint venture with Gardner, and the farm became known as Willow Springs East. Following Willow Springs’
dispersal, Vaughan began operating as Salacoa Valley Farms and continued to work and devote himself to Brangus cattle until the fall of 2013 when he sold the cattle and leased the farm to the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Vaughan adds the SBBA Hall of Fame to a long list of accomplishments within the Brangus breed. In a very touching and moving acceptance speech, Vaughan credited his wife Susan for being a huge part of all of his success. “Without her, none of this would have been possible,” Vaughan said. Along with Vaughan’s Hall of Fame induction, the SBBA presented two Awards of Excellence. The SBBA Award of Excellence is given to honor long time SBBA members who have served the association and the breed with distinction over the years. Nominees must be the owner or manager of an organization who is a member of SBBA. The first 2014 Award of Excellence recipient was Keith Daniel of Sale Creek, Tenn. Daniel has been a staunch supporter of juniors interested in Brangus cattle. From assistance with finding a
Left: David and Susan Vaughan accepting the 2014 SBBA Hall of Fame Award presented by SBBA Awards Chair, Janet Greuel (far left) and SBBA President, Evon Crooks (far right). Above: David Vaughan gave a touching and heartfelt acceptance speech that left few with dry eyes.
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Membership Left: Mr. Keith Daniel accepting the 2014 SBBA Award of Excellence presented by SBBA Awards Chair, Janet Greuel (far left) and SBBA President, Evon Crooks (far right). Below: Evon Crooks was recognized for his hard work leading the SBBA as President by SBBA Secretary/Treasurer Sharron McCreary.
heifer to feeding and showing, Daniel helped numerous junior members succeed. He even hauled several of them to shows around the country and taught them to artificially inseminate (AI) cattle. Always a quiet supporter, Daniel’s contribution to one former junior member was highlighted at the banquet as SBBA Awards Committee Chair Janet Greuel read his nomination letter. “I have had the pleasure of knowing Keith since I was a teenager and traveled many miles with him over the years. I can proudly say he is the reason I am active in the Brangus breed and the SBBA,” Greuel said. Alan Varner nominated Daniel for the award and attested to his character and valuable service to the SBBA. “When you look up the definition of excellence in the dictionary, its meaning is very simple,’extremely high quality.’ In a nut shell, Keith Daniel is an extremely high quality person and a great mentor,” Varner said. Daniel just won a hard fought battle against cancer and intends to continue his involvement support of the SBBA. Lynn Hice Parker was the second recipient of the SBBA’s 2014 Award of Excellence. Parker has a long history in the Brangus breed. A solid testament to Parker’s tenure with the breed, Greuel expressed her appreciation of Parker’s contributions.
“She won a Brangus heifer calf from Salacoa Valley in a competition back before we got into the Brangus breed.,” Greuel said. P a r k e r continued with Brangus heifers throughout her show career showing several Char-No bred females, and she even ran for the Brangus Princess position. Parker received an Animal Science degree from the University of Georgia. She married Sean Parker, also an Animal Science major, who later went back to school to become a physician’s assistant. Sean and Lynn Parker have three children who show a variety of animals. Parker was nominated for the Award of Excellence because of her countless hours spent representing the SBBA at agricultural expos throughout the southeast, particularly the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Ga. In addition to these three awards, the SBBA recognized the juniors for their accomplishments at the Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show (SRJBS), which was hosted earlier in the day. Details and winners from the SRJBS can be found in the show section of this issue. They also presented outgoing President Evon Crooks a plaque of appreciation for his service over the past two years. The evening wrapped up with the traditional SBBA Fun Auction where numerous items from members were auctioned for the benefit of the SBBA. BJ BRANGUS Journal
November 2014 | 49
Membership Farm Tours Held in Conjunction with Southeast Junior Brangus Show
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photos courtesy of Kim CARTER and Tyler DEAN
or the second year, the Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show (SRJBS) Planning Committee organized and executed a successful farm tour on Thursday before the official check in for the SRJBS. Participants met at the Columbia Livestock Market in Lake City, Fla., at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2014, and traveled to W.E.T. Farms where they were greeted by IBBA Director Eddy Roberts. Roberts guided the group around W.E.T. Farms and explained many of the production strategies they have incorporated to gain efficiencies as well as make maximum use of labor and resources throughout the entire year. As they moved around the farm and its lush, green, knee-high grass, participants had the opportunity to view W.E.T. Farms’ herd sires, bred heifers, sale bulls and weaned bulls.
IBBA Director, Eddy Roberts of W.E.T. Farms planned and executed a highly successful farm tour that included W.E.T. Farms’ herd sires and sale bulls. Roberts is pictured above with IJBBA Directors, Kacie Wallace and Quinn Carter.
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Roberts continued to serve as a tour guide the remainder of the day. He arranged for the group to get a tour of Suwannee Farms. While there, participants were introduced to their unique operation designed to take advantage of feeding cattle in Florida. Suwannee Farms grows all their inputs and felt it was a bit crazy to ship Florida cattle west. The operation Suwannee is using is entirely contained. Cattle are fed in large covered concrete pens.
Membership They have numerous fans throughout the covered barns to battle the Florida heat. They even go as far as having a methane harvester that processes all of the manure and takes advantage of the methane to power two large generators.
Suwannee Farms provided participants an opportunity to see a unique operation that is utilizing it’s resources to feed local cattle in Florida. The confined animal feeding operation is complete with a methane harvester to harvest the energy left in the manure. Crops are irrigated with the residual water after the harvester to make the entire process come full circle. Clockwise from top left: (1) All of the feedstuffs utilized on Suwannee Farms are grown on the farm. (2) IJBBA Directors, Quinn Carter and Kacie Wallace, pose in Suwannee Farms’ corn crop. (3) Peanut plants awaiting digging. A digger is busy working in the distant background (upper left corner). (4) Wagons full of harvested peanuts sit waiting final drying. (5) A heavy influence of Brangus genetics was present in the confined feedlot at Suwannee Farms.
Suwannee Farms purchases all its calves from local sources, and looking through the barns, most of the cattle were a majority Brangus-influenced. While still relatively new and still working through some kinks, the cattle are fed with farm grown crops, and the results on the harvested cattle are coming back positive. The future looks bright for Suwannee Farms and their ability to feed and finish cattle in Florida. After leaving the cattle feeding operation, participants went through several of Suwannee’s corn and peanut fields. Peanut harvest was in full swing, and for the Texans and Okies on the tour it was quite a neat experience to see! The last stop for the day was a visit to the Suwannee River. The group enjoyed the beautiful scenery surrounding the Suwannee before calling it a day and heading back to the Columbia Livestock Market. BJ
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Show Results Western National Brangus Show Champions Named
by Tyler DEAN IBBA DIRECTOR OF SHOWS & YOUTH PROGRAMS
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rangus exhibitors from Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas paraded 82 Brangus entries at the 2014 Western National Brangus Show Saturday, September 20. The show occurred in conjunction with the State Fair of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, Okla. A total of 53 Brangus females, four Brangus pairs, and 36 Brangus bulls were exhibited. Judge Blake Nelson of Warner, Okla., evaluated the entries. Nelson was raised on a small commercial cow-calf operation in eastern Oklahoma. As a junior Brangus exhibitor he was a top point contender in the OCCA American breeds division. Nelson judged collegiately at both Connors State College and Oklahoma State University. After work at the OSU Purebred Beef Cattle Center, Nelson returned to Connors State in 2000 where he is an animal science instructor and coach of the nationally competitive livestock judging team. Additionally, he oversees the college’s bull test station and 250 head Angus, Simmental and Santa Gertrudis cowherd.
Coming from the Senior Heifer Division, DDD Ms Kisha 150Z2 took home the Grand Champion Female title. The October 2012 female is a daughter of Doguet’s Hercules 88S3 and is owned and exhibited by Aimee Adamek of Schulenburg, Texas. Reserve Champion Female title went to TCR Belle of the Ball 302A exhibited by Triple Crown Ranch of Angleton, Texas. The October 2013 female came from the Senior Heifer Calf Division and is a daughter of D Bar D Mr Amos Moses 23T1. KK Déjà Vu 317A3 claimed Grand Champion Red Female. Owned and exhibited by Katy Knox of Hempstead, Texas, Déjà Vu is a January 2013 daughter of Mr -C- Prince 30W and initially won the Red Junior Heifer Division. Coming from the Red Senior Heifer Division, Miss MR 821A took Reserve Grand Champion honors. The November 2012 female is a daughter of Dos XX’s Chief ’s Mr Stretch and was exhibited by Triple JR Cattle Company of Katy, Texas, and McDonald Ranch of Bryan, Texas. In the cow-calf show, Grand Champion honors went to CMR
Grand Champion & Champion Senior Heifer
Reserve Grand & Champion Senior Heifer Calf
Grand Champion & Champion Red Junior Heifer
Reserve Grand & Champion Red Senior Heifer
DDD MS KISHA 157Z2 AIMEE ADAMEK, SCHULENBERG, TX
KK DEJA VU 317A3 KATY KNOX, HEMPSTEAD, TX
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TCR BELLE OF THE BALL 302A TRIPLE CROWN RANCH, ANGLETON, TX
MISS MR 821A TRIPLE JR CATTLE & MCDONALD RANCHES, FRIENDSWOOD, TX
Show Results Ms Lanie 488Z and her August 2014 bull calf CMR Duramax 488B. Owned and exhibited by Tanner Miller of Gilmer, Texas, Lanie is a May 2012 daughter of DDD Black Gold 804S25. Ryon Chaney of Windom, Texas, took Reserve Champion honors with Skyhawks Ms Mamie 99Y and her August 2014 heifer calf CCC Ms Samantha 99B. Mamie is a December 2011 daughter of Skyhawks Ike 430W3. The 2014 IBBA Show Heifer of the Year, CX Ms Legends Dream 71/Z2 and her February 2014 bull calf, CX Apaches Dream 71/B, took the title of Red Cow-Calf Champion home for Cox Excalibur Brangus of Katy, Texas. 71/
Grand Champion Cow/Calf
Z2 is a February 2012 daughter of CX Legends Dream 610/U1. Taneka Ranch of Columbus, Texas, exhibited the Reserve Red Champion Pair, TX Ms Chief Advantage 53/Z and her July 2014 heifer calf Ms Lazy 3 Statesman 53/B. 53/Z is a March 2012 daughter of CX Mr Chief Advantage 49/T. Quality ran deep in the bull show, and emerging from the Junior Bull division, RCC Titleist 88A rose to the top to claim Grand Champion Bull. The March 2013 bull is a son of Skyhawks Presidente and was exhibited by Roop Cattle Company of (continued on page 54)
Reserve Grand Cow/Calf
CMR LANIE 488Z TANNER MILLER, GILMER, TX
SKYHAWKS MS MAMIE 99Y RYON CHANEY, WINDOM, TX
Grand Champion Red Cow/Calf
Reserve Grand Red Cow/Calf
CX MC LEGENDS DREAM 71/Z2 COX EXCALIBUR BRANGUS, KATY, TX
TX MS CHIEF ADVANTAGE 53/Z TANEKA RANCH, COLUMBUS, TX
Grand Champion & Champion Junior Bull
Reserve Grand & Champion Summer Bull
RCC TITLEIST 88A ROOP CATTLE COMPANY, GRAPEVINE, TX
CS TRAIN OF THOUGHT 2056UA DEEP DOWN RANCH, JENNINGS, LA
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Show Results (continued from page 53) Grapevine, Texas. CS Train of Thought 2056UA took Reserve Champion honors. Owned and exhibited by Deep Down Ranch in Jennings, La., Train of Thought is a May 2013 son of SBR Coal Train 222WR and first won the Summer Bull Division. Triple JR Cattle Company of Friendswood, Texas, claimed the Grand Champion Red Bull honor with TJR Red Dynasty 198/A. Red
Dynasty is a March 2013 son of CX Chief Advantage 143/L and first won the Red Junior Bull Division. CX Dream Play 67/Z first won the Red Intermediate Senior Bull division and took home Reserve Grand Red Bull honors for exhibitor Cox Excalibur Brangus of Katy, Texas. Dream Play is a July 2012 son of CX Dream Boy 59/X. BJ
Grand Champion & Champion Red Junior Bull
Reserve Grand & Champion Red Intermediate Senior Bull
TJR RED DYNASTY 198/A TRIPLE JR CATTLE, FRIENDSWOOD, TX
CX DREAM PLAY 67/Z COX EXCALIBUR BRANGUS, KATY, TX
Champions Named at Oklahoma State Fair Junior Show
by Tyler DEAN IBBA DIRECTOR OF SHOWS & YOUTH PROGRAMS
W
hile Brangus exhibitors converged in Oklahoma City on Saturday, September 20, 2014, for the Western National Brangus Show, 23 hard working junior exhibitors participated in the Oklahoma State Fair’s Junior Brangus Show. The junior show was open to all IJBBA members regardless of their home state. Thirty-three Brangus and Red Brangus females were
presented in a combined show to Judge Cody Green of Prairie Grove, Ark. Grand Champion Female honors went to WJ Ms Tara 622A, a September 2013 female exhibited by Tanner Miller of Gilmer, Texas. Kalyn Watt of Tatum, Texas, showed her March 2013 female, Ms Odyssey 767A to take home Reserve Grand Champion honors.
Grand Champion Female
Reserve Grand Female
WJ MS TARA 622A TANNER MILLER, GILMER, TX
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MS ODYSSEY 767A KALYN WATT, TATUM, TX
Show Results Running concurrently with the junior show was the Oklahoma Junior Show. Eight juniors from Oklahoma accounted for 14 Brangus and Red Brangus females. Rising to the top and claiming the title of Grand Champion Oklahoma Female was Jakes Miss Flojo. The November 2013 female was exhibited by Jacob Jones of Stillwater, Okla. Racheal Sharp of Konawa, Okla., showed her September 2013 female GT Ms Trademark 1019A to claim the title of Reserve Grand Champion Oklahoma Female. Jacob Jones of Stillwater, Okla., swept the Bred and Owned Show, exhibiting both the Champion and Reserve Champion Oklahoma Bred and Owned Females. Jakes Miss Flojo took Champion honors with Jakes Miss Jennie, a November 2013 female, taking Reserve. BJ
Grand Champion Oklahoma Female & Champion Bred & Owned JAKES MISS FLOJO JACOB JONES, STILLWATER, OK
Reserve Grand Oklahoma Female GT MS TRADEMARK 1019A RACHEAL SHARP, KONAWA, OK
Reserve Bred & Owned
JAKES MISS JENNIE JACOB JONES, STILLWATER, OK
BRANGUS Journal
November 2014 | 55
Show Results Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Continues to Grow
by Tyler DEAN IBBA DIRECTOR OF SHOWS & YOUTH PROGRAMS
E
vidence of the southeast Brangus breeders’ commitment to their juniors was evident again this year at the 2014 Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show (SRJBS) on Friday, September 26, 2014. Hosted in conjunction with the Southeast Brangus Breeders Association’s (SBBA) annual Showcase Female Sale at the Columbia Livestock Market in Lake City, Fla., the SRJBS continued the momentum it has gained the last three years and grew in terms of both junior exhibitors and head of cattle. Twenty-one juniors from four states including Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee brought 58 head of Brangus and Red Brangus cattle to Lake City, Fla., for the show. Dr. Cindy Sanders, Extension Director for Alachua County and sixth generation agriculturist, evaluated 20 Brangus bulls, four Brangus cow-calf pairs and 34 Brangus females. Additionally, Sanders placed the 21 junior members in four divisions of showmanship. Continued evidence of the dedication to the future of the
Grand Champion Owned Female
SRJBS shined bright during Saturday’s Showcase Female Sale. Owners of Quail Creek Brangus Johnny and Donna Vines of Steele, Ala., donated QCB 188A, a tremendous Estancia daughter out of a prolific donor female that was auctioned off for $14,750 to benefit the 2015 SRJBS! Thirty buyers from across the nation teamed up to participate in a buyer group to purchase the female. Tom Duke of Lighting Ridge Brangus in Purcellville, Va., had his lucky ticket pulled from the hat and decided to re-donate the heifer back to the juniors to auction again. Draggin’ M Ranch of El Dorado, Ark., had the bid when the gavel fell to raise a total of $17,250 for the future of the SRJBS. Many thanks go out to the numerous sponsors and donors who made the show such a success. An extra special thank you goes to the members of the planning committee who give their time and resources to make the show come together and run smoothly for all participants and spectators. BJ
Reserve Owned Female
LB MS. IGGY 04A2 EMILY LETTELIER, CITRA, FL
LB MS FINAL GRACE 78A6 EMILY LETTELIER, CITRA, FL
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female
Reserve Bred & Owned Female
LB MS FINAL GRACE 78A6 EMILY LETTELIER, CITRA, FL
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LB MS HOMBRE 04Z EMILY LETTELIER, CITRA, FL
Show Results
Grand Champion Cow-Calf Pair
Reserve Cow-Calf Pair
TJ’S MS HOMBRE DOLL QUINN CARTER, HAINES CITY, FL
L&W MS NUFF SAID 123Z ELIZABETH DODSON, COOKEVILLE, TN
Grand Champion Bull
Reserve Grand Bull
MR TM 186 ELIZABETH DODSON, COOKEVILLE, TN
JDF MR. IVEY CASEY HARPER, HAINES CITY, FL
2014 SRJBS EXHIBITORS
BRANGUS Journal
November 2014 | 57
Sale Reports CADILLAC OF BRANGUS SALE
Madison, Missouri September 13, 2014 Gross Average Registered Brangus Bulls 15 Bulls $49,000 $3,267 Registered Brangus Females 23 Spring Pairs $123,050 $5,350 21 Bred Heifers $60,950 $2,902 4 Bred Cows $12,000 $3,000 11 Open Heifers $27,800 $2,527 59 Total Registered Females $223,800 $3,793 Commercial Brangus Females 11 Fall Pairs $34,800 $3,164 137 Bred Heifers $332,600 $2,428 148 Total Commercial Females $367,400 $2,482 134 Lots $640,200 $2,884 • 83 Registered Buyers from 11 States. 57% were from Missouri. • High Selling Pair – Austins MS M&M 157Y7 sold for $12,500 to Evan Kempker of Jefferson City, MO. • High Selling Pair – Ms Thomas 406W8-504Z sold for $10,000 to Salacoa Valley Farms, Fairmount, GA. • High Selling Pair – Ms Thomas Carson sold for $3,750 to JLS International, Robertsdale, AL. Her bull calf sold for $5,000 to Rhick Johnson of Ridgeway, MO to bring the pair total to $8,750. • High Selling Pair – DTS Jayhawk 192B sold for $5,750 to Emma Eiken of Russellville, MO. His dam sold for $2,500 to John Pille of Jerseyville, IL for a pair total of $8,250. • High Selling Bull – DTS Powder Keg 986A, an Ultrablack bull, sold for $4,500 to Skyhawk Brangus of Tyler, TX. • High Selling Commercial Females – 3 Spring Pairs sold for $3,300/pair to Beaus Black Angus Farm of Stafford, MO.
CX ADVANTAGE SALE
Weimar, Texas October 11, 2014 Gross Average Registered Brangus Females 11 Open Heifers $3,895 55 Bred Heifers $3,180 1 Pair $3,500 67 Total Registered Females $221,250 $3,302 Registered Brangus Bulls 11 Yearling Bulls $49,250 $4,477 Embryo Lot 1 Lot $6,600 $6,600 Volume Buyers included Ango Global International of Houston, TX, J Bar S of Houston, TX, and Gerald Allday of Houston, TX. 58 | November 2014
BRANGUS Journal
DOGUET’S DIAMOND D RANCH SALE
Poteet, Texas October 18, 2014 Gross Average Registered Brangus Females 5 Show Prospects $81,500 $16,300 7 Spring 3N1’s $47,500 $6,786 11 Fall Breds $58,000 $5,273 22 Spring Breds $115,250 $5,239 10 Open Heifers $43,750 $4,375 1 Semen Lot $14,250 $14,250 56 Total Registered Females $360,250 $6,433 Registered Brangus Bulls 107 Bulls $691,000 $6,458 Commercial Females 17 Females $49,050 $2,885 180 Total Lots $1,100,300 $6,113 • 117 buyers from 9 states gathered for the sale. • High Selling Show Prospect – DDD Special Effects 246B sold for $30,000 to Chaney Cattle Company of Windom, TX. • High Selling Show Prospect – DDD Ms Jeline 38B9 sold for $22,000 to Chaney Cattle Company of Windom, TX. • High Selling Show Prospect – DD Miss Amberly 804B5 sold for $15,000 to Gosha Brangus of Imboden, AR. • High Selling Semen – 155 units of DDD Outcross 804T30 sold for $14,250 to 12 buyers for an average of $91/straw. • High Selling Bull – WCC Chaos 820A44 sold for $40,000 to Robert Cromwell of Giddings, TX. • High Selling Bull – DDD One Source 103A4 sold for $19,000 to Johnston Cattle Company of Waxahachie, TX. • High Selling Bull – DDD Hercules 468A sold for $15,000 to Las Tres Hermanas of Karnes City, TX. • High Selling Bull – DDD Stock Option 894A sold for $14,000 to Drews Cattle Company of Marlin, TX. • High Selling Bull – DDD Masterplan 38A9 sold for $13,000 to Brown Livestock of Robstown, TX. • High Selling Commercial Females – Brangus females with Hereford sired calves at side sold for $3,550/pair to J Ranch of Aransas Pass, TX.
Sale Reports GENETRUST AT CAVENDER’S SALE
Jacksonville, Texas April 26,2014 Gross Average Registered Brangus Females 9.5 3N1’s $7,473 1 Bred Cow $4,000 25 Bred Heifers $3,740 70 Open Heifers $3,408 9 Spring Pairs $4,528 5 Proven Donors $7,550 119.5 Total Registered Females $4,036 Commercial Brangus Females 103 Spring Pairs $2,983 148 Bred Heifers $2,024 86 Open Heifers $1,784 337 Total Commercial Females $2,256 • High Selling Pair – Ms DMR Csonka 99Y9 consigned by Draggin’ M Ranch sold for $9,750 to Oscar Juarez and Clover Ranch. Heifer calf, Ms DMR Coronado 99A13 sold to Roger Smith of Bennington, OK for $3,500 for a lot total of $13,250. • High Selling Pair – SF Miss Lambert 541W14 consigned by Schmidt Farms sold for $12,500 to Cheramie Viator, Childress, TX. • High Selling Donor - Oaks Ms Singletary 133T consigned by Cavender Brangus sold for $10,000 to Double W Ranch, David Wood of Houston, TX. • High Selling Commercial Pairs – 8 pairs consigned by Kristen Kastner of Sinton, TX sold for $3,550/pair to Jack Nichols of San Augustine, TX. • High Selling Bred Heifers – 10 head consigned by Frank Johnson of Letohatchee, AL sold for $3,500/head to Sam Glass, Gonzales, TX. • High Selling Open Heifers – 6 head consigned by Genesis Ranch and Johnston Farms sold for $2,800/head to Sam Glass, Gonzales, TX. • Volume registered female buyer was Quail Creek Brangus of Steele, AL.
SBBA SHOWCASE FEMALE SALE
Lake City, Florida September 27, 2014 Gross Average Registered Brangus Females 22 3N1’s $106,400 $4,836 2 Bred Cows $5,800 $2,900 38 Bred Heifers $117,900 $3,103 1 Open Donor $9,500 $9,500 7 Open Heifers $33,000 $4,714 2 Pairs $6,750 $3,375 72 Total Registered Females $273,550 $3,799 • The 2014 Sale was dedicated to David Vaughan of Fairmount, Georiga for his unmeasurable contributions to the Brangus Breed and saw 27 Brangus breeders participate as consignors with 89 bidders from 10 states. • Special Lot – QCB Ms 188A donated by Quail Creek Brangus, Johnny and Donna Vines of Steele, AL for the benefit of the 2015 Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show sold for $14,750 to a Buyer Group. Lightening Ridge Brangus, Tom Dukes or Purcellville, VA donated the heifer back and she sold for $2,500 to Draggin’ M Ranch of El Dorado, AR. In total she raised $17,250 for the SRJBS. • Special Lot – LCF Ms Hilk 11A donated by Little Creek Farm, Tommy Taylor or Alachua, FL for the benefit of the 2015 IBBA regional meetings sold for $2,100 to L&W Cattle Company of Mocksville, NC. • High Selling Female – BWCC Ms Righteous 129B consigned by Blackwater Cattle Company of Lake Park, GA sold for $10,000 to Second Chance Brangus of Gulfport, MS. • High Selling Donor – Oaks Ms Specialist 803W2 consigned by The Oaks Farms of Newna, GA sold to Clover Ranch of Marietta, GA. Her heifer calf sold to Blie Ribbon Farm of Pachuta, MS. The pair grossed a total of $9,500. • High Selling 3N1 – LW Jessie 412U consigned by Clover Ranch of Marietta, GA sold for $7,000 to Sabal Ridge or Clewiston, FL. • High Selling Bred Heifer – CNF Miss UB Pinelog 80Z2 and CNF Miss UB Ruth 177Z both consigned by Char-No Farms of Williamson, GA sold for $5,000 each to Willis Family Farm, LLC of Lake City, FL. • Volume buyers included Willis Family Farm of Lake City, Fl, Quail Creek Brangus of Steele, AL, and Hayman’s 711 Ranch of Kenansville, FL. BJ
BRANGUS Journal
November 2014 | 59
Service Directory !""#$%"&'(
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State Directory 1
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13465 Brooklyn Rd. Evergreen, AL 36401
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Alabama
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Sean Parker, President
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3 BRANGUS John and Sherry Milam 753 Hinson Road El Dorado, AR 71730 Grady Green, Registered Cowherd Manager 870-314-3673, grady@dragginmranch.com Danny Roberson, Commercial Cowherd Manager 870-310-8134 www.dragginmranch.com
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November 2014 | 61
State Directory 1
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THE LARGEST REGISTERED BRANGUS BREEDER IN AMERICA
Florida
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www.wynneranch.com Matthew Lyle Wynne Cell: (772) 201-7500 Ft. Pierce, Florida matthew@wynneranch.net
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wetfarm1@windstream.net 1
2 For the best in
Registered and Commercial Brangus Mike Coggins • 229-232-3096 • mike@bwcattle.com Tracy Holbert • 979-255-4357 • ctlbroker@suddenlink.net
www.blackwatercattlecompany.com Ranch is located just off I-75 at the Georgia-Florida line.
Georgia
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Kansas
Joe & Catherine Kassler, Owners 4810 Smokey Road Newnan, GA 30263 770-251-6522 Home 770-502-1510 Fax www.theoaksfarm.com www.theoaksfarm.com Vince Roberts, CellCell Cobus Coetzee,Farm FarmManager Manager678-378-4697 - 678-378-0598 Scott Barkley,Asst. Herdsman 678-378-0598 Cell Dex King-Williams, Farm Manager - 678-378-4697 Cell
2
62 | November 2014
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5
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Vernon & Vicki Suhn
Vernon & Vicki Suhn
1647 200th St - Eureka, KS 67045 (620) 583-5923 - (620) 583-3706 M suhn@wildblue.net www.suhncattlecompany.com
1647 200th St - Eureka, KS 67045 (620) 583-3706 - (620) 583-4240 suhn@wildblue.net www.suhncattlecompany.com
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Vernon & Vicki Suhn vern@genetrustbrangus.com • (620) 583-3706 1647 200th St • Eureka, KS 67045 www.genetrustbrangus.com
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HOME OF SINGLETARY, 30T AND FOUNDATION. 1
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Lack-Morrison Brangus Bulls, Females, Semen and Embryos Bill Morrison 411 CR 10 Clovis, NM 88101 (575) 482-3254 (575) 760-7263 Cell bvmorrison@yucca.net
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Joe Paul & Rosie Lack P.O. Box 274 Hatch, NM 87937 P (575) 267-1016 F (575) 267-1234
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State Directory 1
DILLARD LAND & CATTLE
Joe & Elise Dillard 4206 Leaflock Lane · Katy, TX 77450 Ranch: 2013 N. FM 609 · Muldoon, TX 78949 (713) 201-3305 - Mobile · (281) 395-3343 - Home Gary D. Prause · Consultant · (979) 830-7819
13
Texas
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9 6
12
2
15
Where winning tradition and performance collide
17
Brangus bulls and heifers available year-round at private treaty.
7 3
2
www.jlsbrangus.com
20 16 4 19 1,8 14 10
18
JLS International, Inc.
Jeff Smith, Owner Myron Saathoff myronsaathoff@yahoo.com
5
3
251-947-5688 210-218-4804
Circle C Land & Cattle Co., Ltd.
Steve Densmore Cattle Manager (979) 776-5760, Office (979) 450-0819, Cell s.densmore@bre.com
4
7
Mound Creek Ranch
5
6
8
9
Eddie & Cindy Blazek Leona, Texas featuring
The Stockman’s Kind Registered Brangus Bulls & Females
Genetic Edge Sale at Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in Reliant Center, East Arena on Satuday, March 7, 2015 at 7:30 P.M.
Contact for more information: Eddie Blazek (713) 829-9908 moundcreekranch@cs.com Tracy Holbert (979) 255-4357 ctlbroker@suddenlink.net Tim Sparkman (214) 460-0498
www.moundcreekranch.com 10
11
64 | November 2014
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1415 E. OSR Bryan, TX 77808 www.circlexbrangus.com
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Randy Schmidt • 903-278-7777 91 CR 2308 • Texarkana, TX 75503
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Upcoming Events November 2014 1
GENETRUST at Chimney Rock Cattle Company Bull Sale :: Concord, AR
8
Indian Nations Fall Sale :: McAlester, OK
8
The Cattleman’s Kind Bull Sale at Blackwater Cattle Company :: Lake Park, GA
8
Hill Country Brangus Breeders Association 30th Annual Brangus Bull and Female Sale :: San Angelo, TX
8-12 10
The Branch Ranch Online Sale Space Deadline for December Brangus Journal
10
January 2015
Space Deadline for February Frontline Beef Producer
February 2015 4-7
2015 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and NCBA Trade Show :: San Antonio, TX
10
Space Deadline for March Brangus Journal
19
San Antonio All Breeds Sale :: San Antonio, TX
28
Spitzer Ranch’s Professional Cattlemen’s Brangus Bull and Commercial Female Sale :: Fair Play, SC
10-14 World Brangus Congress :: Yucatan, Mexico
March 2015
14
Salacoa Valley Buy the Numbers Female Sale :: Fairmount, GA
15
Salacoa Valley Buy the Numbers Bull Sale :: Fairmount, GA
6
Ideal Video Customer Appreciation Sale :: Houston, TX
7
Genetic Edge XX Sale :: Houston, TX
15
GENETRUST at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch Bull and Commercial Female Sale :: Jacksonville, TX
10
Space Deadline for April Brangus Journal
22
Alabama Brangus Breeders Bull Sale :: Uniontown, AL
10
December 2014
Space Deadline for January Brangus Journal
27-31 Arizona National Livestock Show :: Phoenix, AZ
6
International Brangus Show :: Houston, TX
Sales and Events in BOLD are advertised in this issue.
For the most current listing of upcoming events visit GOBRANGUS.COM/CALENDAR
66 | November 2014
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November 2014 | 67
Advertisers Index Alabama Clover Ranch.....................................................................................31, 61 Johnston Farms Brangus............................................................ 61, IBC Quail Creek Brangus..............................................................................61 Southeast Brangus Breeders..............................................................61
North Carolina Robert Yates Ranch LLC............................................................... 63, IBC
Arizona Carter Brangus.........................................................................................61 Robbs Brangus........................................................................................61
Texas Cavender Ranches.............................................................. 5, 28, 29, 64 Circle X Land & Cattle Co............................................................ IFC, 64 Cox Excalibur............................................................................................64 Diamond K Ranch...................................................................................65 Dillard Land & Cattle Ltd......................................................................64 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch....................................................... 64, BC Double Creek Brangus Ranch............................................................65 E 3 Ranch...................................................................................................64 Farris Ranching Company...................................................................64 Garrett Brangus.......................................................................................16 Garry Clem Brangus...............................................................................65 Genesis Ranch.........................................................................................64 GeneTrust.................................................................................................... 5 JLS International.....................................................................................64 Lingg Brangus..........................................................................................64 Mound Creek Ranches...................................................................13, 64 Pennridge Ranch....................................................................................13 Red Bird Meadows Ranch....................................................................65 Santa Rosa Ranch............................................................................15, 65 Schmidt Farms..................................................................................28, 65 T J Moore Ranch......................................................................................28 Triple Crown Ranch................................................................................64 Vineyard Cattle Co., Inc.........................................................................65 Zottarelli Ranch.......................................................................................65
Arkansas Caldwell Farms........................................................................................61 Chimney Rock Cattle Co...............................................................47, 61 Draggin’ M Ranch...............................................................9, 16, 61, IBC GeneTrust............................................................. 16, 17, 28, 29, 47, IBC California El Rancho Espanol de Cuyama..........................................................61 Florida Hardee Farms...........................................................................................62 Lettelier Brangus.....................................................................................25 MO Brangus..............................................................................................62 W.E.T. Farms..............................................................................................62 Wynne Ranch...........................................................................................62 Georgia Blackwater Cattle Co.............................................................................62 Burke Brangus Farm..............................................................................62 Char-No Farm...........................................................................................62 Cold Creek Ranch...................................................................................47 Greuel Family Brangus..........................................................................62 Salacoa Valley Farms.............................................................6, 7, 31, 62 The Oaks Farms................................................................................11, 62 Kansas Suhn Cattle Company......................................................17, 29, 47, 62 Mississippi Double W Ranch..............................................................................17, 63 Town Creek Farms.................................................................................... 3 Missouri Don Thomas & Sons........................................................................27, 63 Valley View Ranch...................................................................................63 New Mexico Lack-Morrison Brangus........................................................................63 Westall Ranches, LLC................................................................. 1, 63, 67
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Oklahoma Perry Ranch...............................................................................................63 Vorel Farms...............................................................................................47
Events 2015 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show.............43 Arizona National Livestock Show.....................................................37 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo...................................................14 Products and Services Centralized Ultrasound Processing..................................................60 Doak Lambert..........................................................................................60 Elgin Breeding Service..........................................................................60 Hughes Cattle Service...........................................................................60 Lakin Oakley.............................................................................................60 Wes Dotson..............................................................................................60
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