Fall 2021 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

FALL 2021

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VOLUME 13

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ISSUE 2

BEEF PRODUCER

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

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FALL 2021

There is strength in numbers. Bred and raised by us. For you.

We are the largest registered breeder in the United States.

And, on any given day, our customers select through hundreds of bulls and females and find the right fit for their programs.

Everything we sell was born and raised on one location and we stand behind all that we do.

SANTA ROSA RANCH

www.srrbrangus.com

Crockett, Texas

936.624.2333

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS.

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

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8870 U.S. Highway 87E, San Antonio, Texas 78263 • P.O. Box 809, Adkins, Texas 78101 210-696-8231 • Fax 210-696-8718 • info@gobrangus.com • gobrangus.com The Frontline Beef Producer (ISSN 0006-9132) is published by Brangus Publications, Inc. (BPI), as a segment of the Brangus Journal, 8870 US Highway 87 East, San Antonio, Texas, 78263, twice yearly in the spring and fall.

Periodicals postage paid at San Antonio, Texas and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: send address changes to: Brangus Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 809, Adkins, Texas 78101.

BPI Officers and Board of Directors: Chairman: Allen Goode President: Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D. Secretary/Treasurer: Mike Weathers Subscriptions: Lori Edwards, ledwards@gobrangus.com, 210.696.8231 Subscription Rates: complimentary Information appearing in this issue may be reprinted only with written permission of Brangus Publications, Inc. Livestock Publications Council (LPC) Member FALL 2021

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VOLUME 13

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IBBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Allen Goode, Texas 1st Vice President Vern Suhn, Kansas 2nd Vice President Jeremy Jackson, Arkansas Secretary/Treasurer Mike Weathers, Texas East Region Trey Cuevas, Purvis, Mississippi treycuevas3@yahoo.com Chris Heptinstall, Marianna, Florida cgstall@yahoo.com Jeremy Jackson, Gentry, Arkansas jjackson101@gmail.com Rob Singleton, Seville, Florida singletons2002@yahoo.com Texas Region Lee Alford, Caldwell, Texas alfordcattle@aol.com Mary Douglass, Seguin, Texas twoheartsbrangus@yahoo.com

BEEF PRODUCER

Cover and inside photos by Steve Carter

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FALL 2021

Controller

Brian Sadovsky - bsadovsky@gobrangus.com

Director of Genomics & Research

Macee Prause - mprause@gobrangus.com

Director of Registry

Jessie England - jengland@gobrangus.com

Director of Membership & Marketing

Lori Edwards - ledwards@gobrangus.com

Product Manager

Andrew Sicotte - asicotte@goregstr.com

Senior Software Developer

Marcel Vieira - mvieira@goregstr.com

Software Developer

Raul Ramos - rramos@goregstr.com

Office Manager and Registry Assistant

Mandie Sadovsky - msadovsky@gobrangus.com

Mike Weathers, Columbus, Texas mikeweathers@msn.com

Brangus Journal Publications, Inc. Editor

Greg Romans, Vale, Oregon romansbrangus@yahoo.com 1

Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D. - dwilkes@gobrangus.com

Advertising Sales

Shiloh Hall, Okmulgee, Oklahoma shiloh518@yahoo.com

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

Executive Vice President

Allen Goode, Mabank, Texas allen@triocattle.com

West Region Troy Floyd, Roswell, New Mexico tfloyd@leaco.net

ISSUE 2

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS BREEERS ASSOCIATION STAFF

Vern Suhn, Eureka, Kansas vern@geneplusbrangus.com At-Large Randy Schmidt, M.D., Texarkana, Texas doctorrand@me.com

Melanie Fuller - mfuller@gobrangus.com 979-255-3343 Lighthouse & Co. Communications editor@gobrangus.com

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER A News Source for Commercial Beef Producers

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

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17th AnnuAl FAll Production SAle november 19-20, 2021 cAvender’S necheS river rAnch

necheS river rAnch roAd • JAckSonville, tX

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

PROVEN GENETICS, TRUSTED BRAND | CDPBRANGUS.COM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 8:00 AM

Cattle Available for Viewing

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 8:00 AM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 8:00 AM 12:00 PM 5:00 PM

Cattle Available for Viewing Commercial Female Sale Begins Registered Female Sale Begins Dinner to Follow

11:00 AM 12:00 PM

Cattle Available for Viewing Breakfast Will be Served Lunch Bull Sale Begins

2 DAYS, 4 BIG SALES - ALL IN ONE PLACE

250

BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK BULLS

CDPBrangus.com

REQUEST info@CDPBrangus.com A CATALOG: 903-747-1136

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CHAROLAIS BULLS

80

REGISTERED BRANGUS FEMALES

550

COMMERCIAL FEMALES

Craig Green

870-834-1976

John Milam 870-310-0781

Justin Matejka 903-521-1070

Joe Cavender

903-571-1209

Grady Green 870-314-3673

Auctioneer Doak Lambert

SeedStock Breed leading Brangus & Ultrablack genetcis.

+

commerciAl cowherdS

Bulls built for the commercial cow market by commercial cattlemen.

Fed cAttle +

Real-world performance data from CDP sired calves.

= vAlidAtion oF GeneticS the cdP AdvAntAGe: GeneticS For the reAl-world

CDP Partners have been working to increase carcass value in feeder cattle without losing fertility and longevity in the cow herd. Our customers are asking for information on bulls to head their operations in the same direction.

For many years we have dominated the commercial female market in many of the Gulf Coast states by raising and marketing females and range bulls that hit the mark. We are seeing positive growth in many of

cAvender rAncheS 2020-2021

Primarily Brangus bulls on Brangus-type cattle & Ultrablack CDP bulls on F1-base cattle.

857 head total

87% 64% 3.26

CHOICE OR PRIME AVG. DRESSING % AVG. YIELD GRADE

the Mid-West states as well. CDP members have been utilizing retained ownership on feeder cattle for quite some time giving us real-world performance data to validate genetic improvement.

As seedstock producers, we are continuously trying to improve and progress, but we and our customers are well on our way to success.

Data below is from commercial cowherds ranging from Texas to Alabama. All fed at NextGen Feedyard in Hugoton, KS.

leto FArmS 2021

Predominantely Brangus-based commercial cowherd sired 100% by CDP bulls.

202 head total

89% 64% 2.87 43%

CHOICE OR PRIME AVG. DRESSING % AVG. YIELD GRADE CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF

JohnSton brAnGuS 2021

Predominantely Brangus-based commercial cowherd sired 100% by CDP bulls.

317 head total

89% 64% 3.00

CHOICE OR PRIME AVG. DRESSING % AVG. YIELD GRADE

CDP-sired commercial Brangus female averages from Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 CDP sales – $2,516 pairs, $1,877 bred heifers

Fall 2021 VOLUME 13

16 12 THE SCIENCE OF BRANGUS

The Brangus cattle of today are more than Brahman crossbreds or “blacks with a touch of ear.” Brangus is a unique breed bringing added vigor to feeder cattle with above average ribeye size and marbling, and replacement females that achieve puberty at an early age.

16 BRANGUS VIGOR PROGRAM TO ADD VALUE TO FEEDER CALVES

A new program called Brangus® Vigor is being launched and seeking to recruit 5,000 head of feeder cattle by January 2022. The program is designed to identify Brangus genetics backed with health and weaning protocols to separate high end Brangus feeder cattle against other commodity cattle for an end premium payout.

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FALL 2021

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ISSUE 2

20 20 BARNETT FARMS: SOLD ON BRANGUS

Barnett Farms, Clarksville, Tennessee, found that

diversifying their operation while utilizing Brangus

genetics has made their operation sustainable for the next generation.

26 WEANING AND VACCINATING BENEFITS

The price of feeder calves is impacted by a long list of qualities including genetic makeup, flesh, frame, location of country, and participation in value added programs.

But, at the end of the day, the acts of weaning and vaccinating cannot be discounted in their overall leverage on feeder calf prices year-to-year.

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

32 32 SPINKS RANCH: SIX GENERATIONS OF RANCHING AND ADAPTING TO CHANGING TIMES

Wes Spinks not only believes in the value of Brangus feeder cattle to fulfill Nebraska feedlot orders through his professional career, but also in the added benefit of Brangus replacement females in his personal operation in Cedar County, Missouri.

38 PREPARING A BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR YOUR CATTLE OPERATION

Daily biosecurity practices are some of the most important steps producers can take to protect their cattle herd health.

42 OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES WITH TWO-YEAR-OLD AND THREE-YEAR-OLD COWS

Rebreeding lactating young females tops the list of challenges an operation can face; nutrition, time, and good record keeping can keep producers’ breeding seasons on track.

46 COW-CALF COSTS AND REVENUE

CattleFax’s annual “Cow-Calf Survey” provides insight on the industry standards of management practices, marketing strategies, cow herd expansion/liquidation, and other key industry statistics.

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

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WRC Mr Black Granite 1563H2 ~ C10437267 1/4 Blood • Connealy Black Granite Grandson BW: 78 lbs. WW: 671 lbs. YW: 1164 lbs.

REA: 13.73 IMF: 4.85

WANT A CATALOG?

Email, Text or Call Roseanne rosannesralla@sbcglobal.net or (210) 827-6774

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FALL 2021

WRC Mr Prime 21G ~ R10433365 Prime x Ali Daughter BW: 86 lbs. WW: 667 lbs. YW: 1223 lbs.

REA: 14.56 IMF: 3.82

WRC Mr Prime 21G11 ~ R10433374 Prime x Ali Daughter BW: 98 lbs. WW: 715 lbs. YW: 1251 lbs.

REA: 15.19 IMF: 3.84

WRC Mr Prime 21G4 ~ R10433371 Prime x Ali Daughter BW: 84 lbs. WW: 585 lbs. YW: 1060 lbs.

REA: 14.66 IMF: 3.61

WRC Mr Savage 820G37 ~ R10433526 Savage x Contender Daughter BW: 76 lbs. WW: 646 lbs. YW: 1175 lbs.

REA: 18.27 IMF: 3.18

WRC Mr Black Granite 2198H 1/4 Blood • Connealy Black Granite Grandson BW: 80 lbs. WW: 679 lbs. YW: 1186 lbs.

REA: 15.11 IMF: 4.75

WRC Mr Rapid Reward 915G94 ~ R10433541 Rapid Reward Son x Lucky Daughter BW: 93 lbs. WW: 601 lbs. YW: 1152 lbs.

REA: 15.13 IMF: 2.96

Town Creek Farm Bull Sale & Commercial Brangus Bred Heifer Sale AT THE RANCH NEAR WEST POINT, MISSISSIPPI

Saturday, October 16, 2021 • 12 noon 150 TOWN CREEK FARM BULLS Johnes-Free, Trich and BVD Tested.

300 COMMERCIAL BRANGUS AND ULTRABLACK BRED HEIFERS

Brangus, Ultrablack and VigorMax™ Half-Blood and Heterosis Bulls. Large selection of FULL 2-year old bulls (DOB: Fall 2019). Powerful, practical, functional bulls developed on a grass and forage-based ration. Bulls sell guaranteed Johnes-free and BDV-PI and Trich tested. Large selection of user-friendly and calving ease bulls. g

g g g

g g

POWERFUL BULLS FROM A PROVEN PROGRAM Select bulls from proven Brangus, g Maternal bulls to develop superior Ultrablacks, VigorMax™ replacement heifers that are fertile (Brahman x Angus half-blood) plus a and long lasting with good udders. large selection of Heterosis bulls. g Selection of calving ease heifer bulls. g User Friendly bulls.

Full two-year old bulls selling.

Fertility is our top priority. All other g Bulls are hard, ripped and toned; traits follow fertility. ready for breeding pastures. g Managed to be disease free. ALL Opportunity to buy bulls from a bulls out of Johnes-free dams and program that culls EVERY open Johnes-free herd. female and EVERY female that doesn’t bring a calf to weaning pens. g Environmentally adapted and acclimated bulls that withstand heat Genetics developed and proven for and humidity. more than 30 years.

Bulls developed on grass and forage- g Longevity – of bulls and their based ration.Bulls are solid and daughters. rock-hard. Many bulls on grass only. g Bulls Guaranteed.

These commercial bred heifers sell plus 300 more.

THIS BULL SELLS. 587G3 – 2-year-old Brangus bull.

Go to our website or call to request a sale catalog and join our mailing list.

TOTAL COMMITMENT

Since 1993

TOWN CREEK FARM

Milton Sundbeck, Owner • Office 662.494.5944 32476 Hwy. 50 East, West Point, Mississippi 39773-5207 Joy Reznicek Sundbeck 205.399.0221 • Joy@TownCreekFarm.com Clint Ladner 662.812.8370 • Cladner@TownCreekFarm.com www.TownCreekFarm.com

3 Quality Assurance always comes rst.

BID AND BUY ON-LINE.

Real-time bidding and buying will be available through DV Auction. Go on-line at www.DVAuction.com.

THIS BULL SELLS. 024G3 – 2-year-old Brangus bull.

THIS BULL SELLS. 312G6 – 2-year-old Brangus bull.

Town Creek Farm Sale Bulls.

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 11

EXECUTIVE CORNER

T he Science of Brangus

by Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D., International Brangus Breeders Association executive vice president

Enclosed with this issue of the Frontline you will find a brochure entitled Science of Brangus. I hope you’ll take some time to study it and, if you have questions, please feel free to call me.

To some extent, the motivation to produce this brochure was borne out of frustration. Frustration that, to a large extent, Brangus feeder cattle are classified by many in the feeder cattle marketplace as generic “blacks with a touch of ear.” They are lumped in with the seemingly unlimited number of Brahman crossbreds that are produced in the southern tier of states. We aim to change that, and it begins with a deeper understanding of what modern Brangus really are.

Brangus aren’t “Brahman crossbreds.” Seventy years of selective breeding has created a unique breed of cattle – just as unique as Charolais, Angus, Hereford, or Simmental. Yes, Brangus originated as a composite of Angus and Brahman.

But, over time, selective breeding has created a unique DNA fingerprint that can only be described as BRANGUS. Brangus is a breed, not a crossbreed.

POWERFUL SONS AVAILABLE

Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls RANCH-RAISED, HARDY BULLS SIRED BY COMMANDER 406B20 AVAILABLE NOW AT THE RANCH PLUS THESE SELECT UPCOMING SALES

TULARE CO. STOCKYARD BULL SALE – SEPT. 25, 2021 FAMOSO ALL BREEDS BULL SALE – OCT. 16, 2021 FALLON ALL BREEDS BULL SALE – FEB. 19, 2022

Follow Us on Instagram & Facebook @spanishranchcuyama

SPANISH

RANCH THD ©

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Pamela & AJ Doiron: 805-245-0434 doiron@spanishranch.net • www.spanishranch.net

FALL 2021

Every breed began as a composite of something. Consider the history of the common “British Breeds” – Angus and Hereford. Neither of them fell from the sky as pure breeds. They started as a mixture of native cattle in isolated areas of Scotland and England, respectively. Stockmen in those areas selected for specific characteristics and, over time, they created what we commonly call breeds. There is nothing biblical about the creation of cattle breeds. In every case, breeds are created by breeders.

The difference between Brangus and a generic Brahman crossbred is easily understood when we look deeply at the actual DNA profile of Brangus. It helps explain why Brangus deposit marbling similar to Angus, and why Brangus heifers achieve puberty at an early age – much like Angus. This is explained more thoroughly in the Science of Brangus brochure.

The key question is: How can we get the feeding sector of the industry to understand the science of Brangus and to differentiate Brangus from generic Brahman crossbreds when they bid on feeder cattle? We have a plan for that.

There is an advertisement in this issue for the program known as Brangus® Vigor. It is a Process Verified Program (PVP) which simply means that the claims made about the cattle enrolled in the program are third-party verified. The objective is to differentiate genuine Brangus-sired feeder cattle from generic indicus crossbreds. The goal is to create premium prices for Brangus-sired feeder cattle produced by commercial producers using registered Brangus and Ultra bulls. If this captures your interest, please contact the IBBA office for an information packet about the Brangus® Vigor program.

There is an undeniable megatrend occurring in the beef industry and those who ignore it do so to their own disadvantage. Namely, the industry is rapidly evolving from a commodity business where every producer is anonymous and all cattle are “just cattle”, to a supply-chain structure where those who produce value-added cattle participate in a more structured marketplace in order to cash in on the added value in their cattle. It goes without saying, of course, that the added value must be real and not imagined or “hoped for.” One sure way to create added value in hot/harsh environments is to use registered Brangus and Ultra genetics. You can produce the same level of performance and the same quality of beef that those producers in friendlier environments produce.

IBBA and member breeders are committed to the success of our commercial bull customers. If you are using registered Brangus or Ultra bulls, or are considering a switch to Brangus, and have Brangus or Ultra feeder cattle for sale, please reach out to IBBA.

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FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 15

FEATURE ARTICLE

BRANGUS VIGOR PROGRAM TO ADD VALUE TO FEEDER CALVES ®

The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Commercial Marketing Committee has launched a new Process Verified Program (PVP) called Brangus® Vigor. This plan will identify Brangus cattle that have met the requirements outlined and provide potential buyers more confidence in the cattle they purchase. The Brangus Vigor program is designed for feeder calves that will be going into growyards, stocker operations, or feedyards. It is to benefit Brangus producers who sell feeder calves and their Brangus bull customers who market those Brangus sired calves, as well.

“The Brangus Vigor program is designed to identify true Brangus genetics to have a separation from all other commodity cattle carrying Bos indicus-influence,” explains chairman of the Commercial Marketing Committee, Craig Green. “The goal is to have feeder cattle age- and source-verified and carry a strong vaccination protocol with known Brangus influence. This will take time to be industry recognized, but it is a tool for customers purchasing Brangus, Red Brangus, and Ultra bulls to use when marketing their steers.” Green continues, “Breeder participation and assistance should be paramount and available to bull customers.”

The IBBA will be working with IMI Global to provide the verification for the process verified program. Requirements of the program include age- and source-verification, an 840 EID tag, genetic merit verification, a health/vaccination protocol, and BQA certification. A cattle owner will enroll in the IMI verification program, fill out the necessary paperwork, and provide all of the necessary documentation. IMI will conduct an off-site records review and a phone audit to determine if compliance is met. Once the producer is verified, he or she will receive a shipping certificate and be allowed to market those calves identified in the Brangus Vigor program. The cost of the program will be $5 per head, which will include the EID and Brangus Vigor ear tags. The ear tags will be ordered by IMI and shipped to your ranch, at an additional fee.

SOURCE- AND AGE-VERIFIED: cattle must have been born and raised on your operation. Calving records must be kept showing the first and last calf born for each season. The ranch must keep head count showing cow numbers that support the number of head to enroll.

840 MATCHED SET EID: EID tags and the coordinating Brangus Vigor tag must be applied before the calves leave the ranch of origin.

GENETIC MERIT: calves must be sired by Brangus, Red 16

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Brangus, or Ultra bulls. The registration numbers of bulls or the name of the breeder and the number of bulls purchased for the past three years are required.

HEALTH PROTOCOL: two rounds of 5-way respiratory modified live vaccine, two rounds of 7, 8 or 9-way clostridial.

The premise ID, dates of vaccinations, brand of vaccine and location of injection, as well as vaccine receipts showing the adequate quantity of vaccine for the number of calves enrolled is required. Calves must be weaned for a minimum of 45 days prior to marketing to a feedyard. Producers unable to satisfy the health protocol parameters can enroll calves in Brangus Vigor and market them to a growyard willing to satisfy the remaining health requirements.

BQA CERTIFICATE: the producer must be Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified. BQA is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers on how common sense husbandry techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions. Courses for BQA certification can be taken online and the enrollment is free.

The Brangus breed has steadily been increasing marbling and rib eye size. Data collected from ultrasound on Brangus yearlings showed a muscling bonus of 18% above the standard for ribeye size. The intramuscular fat (IMF) has also risen significantly in the past seven years. This has resulted in Brangus cattle that routinely exceed the new industry average of 85% Choice or better.

It’s time Brangus were recognized for their ability to perform in the feedlot and for the carcass quality that Brangus breeders have been diligent about improving. The Brangus Vigor ear tag will help to identify a calf with those superior genetics backed by the best health and management practices.

The IBBA Commercial Marketing Committee has a goal of enrolling 5,000 Brangus-sired calves in the Brangus Vigor program by January 2022. To add profit to your feeder calves or your customer’s calves, please share this information and let’s work together to get this bonus incentive recognized throughout the industry.

Cody Glenn, PVP Subcommittee chair summarizes, “Brangus Vigor will provide a third-party process verified program to Brangus producers that will add value to their cattle and enable feeder calf buyers to purchase those calves with confidence.”

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FEATURE ARTICLE

BARNETT FARMS:

Sold on Brangus Barnett Farms, Clarksville, Tennessee, found that diversifying their operation while utilizing Brangus genetics has made their operation sustainable for the next generation.

by Emme Demmendaal

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FEATURE ARTICLE “Using Brangus has made us money,” Matt Barnett of Barnett Farms, shares. Put to test in the heat, humidity, and fescue pastures that define the Southern United States, the Barnett family says that their Brangus cattle outperform in every situation. “Our Brangus cows don’t need anything extra. We have a good mineral and vaccination program for our cattle, but other than that, these cattle are expected to perform without any feed or protein supplements.”

Headquartered in Clarksville, Tennessee, just 14 miles south of the Kentucky border, the diversified family operation raises over 250-commercial and 40-registered Brangus cattle alongside annually backgrounding over 1,500 steers and heifers, running over 70,000 head through their two sale barns, and row cropping over 2,000 acres, including 150 acres of tobacco.

Through strategic selection decisions, dedication to improvement, and hands on management, the Barnett family splits responsibilities between the different business ventures, but collectively remains committed to creating quality protein for consumers. | DEDICATED TO IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION | Over the years, the family has found that using Brangus bulls on their commercial cows improved overall performance on replacement females, as well as cattle uniformity for their buyers. Mark, Matt’s father, says, “In our area, we have fescue and humidity. Brangus cattle deal with our environment without losing points on sale day for too much ear or color.”

Brangus bulls on commercial cows have made a difference for their family. Matt explains, “We’re really focused on balanced genetics and longevity of replacement heifers in our cow herd.

Brangus bulls really help us do all that. Even when they are used on some pretty crossed-up commercial cow herds - their calves are uniform and do well in the stockyard.”

Mark adds, “When you select Brangus bulls, and their conformation is right and EPDs are right, those cattle perform. We’re pleased, and our customers are pleased, with what we get with the Brangus-influenced animal.”

Both the seedstock and commercial herd is split between spring and fall calving to increase the number of calves they have available to background and sell, as well as offering registered bulls and replacement heifers year-round for customers.

To remain on top of current genetics, Barnett utilizes embryo transfer and AI in his registered stock. They are AI-bred once and put out with a clean-up bull 10 days later. Any cow or heifer that doesn’t breed back in a 60-day window is removed

from the herd. Barnett also finds that by paying close attention to the feet and leg structure, as well as the udder quality of the cows, they have cattle that stay in their herd and have fewer complications later on. He points out, “We go through and cull replacement heifers three or four times just for feet and leg issues, as well as disposition, because we want to breed and sell problem-free animals to our customers.”

The breed overall has progressed to a point where profitability is easy to see from each segment of the industry.

“We try to be hard on both our purebred and commercial cattle, but I hold my purebred cows to a higher standard because those cows need to prove that they’re going to produce a reliable bull worth being sold to commercial buyers.”

Barnett shares that balanced and proven genetics are a large factor in their decision-making process. “Along with moderate birth weight, we pay attention to weaning and yearling weights, and we try to stay away from extremes and unknowns, because that’s where you can cause some problems further down the line.”

Focused on building a dependable bull, a heifer with stayability, and a calf that performs in a feedlot without problems, he continues, “We don’t keep heifers out of heifers. We want to make sure that a four or five-year-old cow is doing her job before deciding to retain her genetics.”

Making tough selection decisions on the registered and cow-calf side of the business has a trickle-down effect to the profitability of backgrounding and selling cattle in their sale barn. “Profit margins are too tight in the cow-calf segment to waste time managing cows that need their feet trimmed, have udder problems, or disposition issues, so we try to recognize those animals as soon as possible and remove them from our herd.”

None of the cattle are given extra feed or protein supplements. “Our Brangus cows raise calves to six or seven months old on predominantly fescue pastures with no creep feed,” he says, “We’re tough on our herd because our cows need to make us money. We keep them on a tight breeding and calving schedule and expect them to wean heavy calves that are profitable for us and the next person.” | MARKETING CATTLE | All of the cattle at weaning time are vaccinated and sorted.

Heifers and bulls are not backgrounded on feed because they feel that it sorts out the top-performing cattle. Matt explains, “Feed can hide possible problems on animals, and we like to know how

OVER THE YEARS, THE FAMILY HAS FOUND THAT USING BRANGUS BULLS ON THEIR COMMERCIAL COWS IMPROVED OVERALL PERFORMANCE ON REPLACEMENT FEMALES AS WELL AS CATTLE UNIFORMITY FOR THEIR [FEEDER] BUYERS.

(continued on page 22)

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 21

FEATURE ARTICLE (continued from page 21)

that cow and bull are doing on their own, so we can be confident of what that cow is going to bring back to the pen for us and our customers.”

Approximately 10 years ago, the Barnetts started marketing a few commercial bred heifers at their sale barn. Since then, it has grown between 50 to 100 heifers annually depending on how many they decide to retain in their herd.

The rest of the calves that aren’t kept as replacements are preconditioned for 60 days, given two rounds of vaccinations before being sold at either of the family-owned sale barns.

In 1978, Mark purchased the original Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market (KTLM) in Guthrie, Kentucky, a little town straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Almost 30 years later, KTLM expanded to Cross Plains, Tennessee, with the goal to provide better service to farmers in a wider area.

When Mark bought into the stockyard, he focused on providing a market where their customers and buyers both benefit. He started a trend in the area for grading cattle in comingled pens. While certain parts of the country use a weighout method, KTLM found that comingled groups allow small producers to sell cattle of similar weight, color, and class together and buyers can more easily select groups of cattle that they need.

Matt says, “While it’s more labor for us upfront, it’s the best way to give the smaller farmers a way to market their cattle in larger groups and to receive the best prices for their cattle. We’re able to keep a competitive market because our customers and buyers know that we’re fair and we’re trying to do the best job for everybody.”

As KTLM grew, so did the backgrounding enterprise.

Barnett Farms backgrounds between 800 to 1,500 stocker calves a year. “Backgrounding cattle is almost a market support option for us where we can fill holes for our customers.”

Each year 20-25 registered Brangus bulls are sold private treaty. Matt says, “KTLM customers sometimes need a bull or know someone who is looking for a bull. Working with

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customers, we know the type of calves they sell or the type of cows they have, I can help them find a bull that will work in their herd.” | RAISING THE FIFTH GENERATION | “We’re all involved and enjoy what we do,” says Matt, explaining the evolution of the operation through the four generations who have managed the operation. “We’ve expanded to accommodate having the whole family a part of it.”

Today, his father, Mark, and mother, Betty, are still heavily involved with the operation but have passed much of the daily management over to their three sons. Tom, the oldest, manages the two sale barns with his wife, Stephanie, who runs the office at the stockyard; Will, and his wife, Sarah, are involved in row cropping and tobacco; and Matt, the youngest son, manages the cow-calf and seedstock business, alongside his wife, Paige.

All three families share the responsibility for the row crop and backgrounding enterprises. “We all just fit in where we are needed, whether that’s the wheat or the hayfield, the livestock market or tobacco patch, flexibility is key for our diverse operation.”

Each generation has made adjustments and expanded the original farm. Most notably the two sale barns and the backgrounding operation were added by Mark, while the registered herd began with Matt’s guidance; but, the cow-calf operation and farming businesses have remained the center of the family operation since its inception.

Matt shares that making the tough selection decisions on each aspect of their operation keeps their customers successful, and in turn, builds a sustainable business for the next generation of Barnetts. He concludes, “Even though we are involved with many areas of the cattle industry, we are cow-calf producers at heart. We feel that by focusing on the big picture, we are doing our part to make the highest-quality beef for the consumer.

There is no better way to raise hard-working kids and do your part to make an impact on the world, than that of agriculture.”

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 23

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FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 25

CATTLEFAX TRENDS

WEANING AND VACCINATING

Benefits

There is a long list of qualities that influences the price of calves. The trend of the calf market basically sets the “base” price, but the different attributes, or lack thereof, dictates whether a premium or discount is applied. Genetic makeup, flesh, frame, location, and participation in value added programs, such as NHTC or Verified Natural, are examples of accolades that differentiates groups of calves. The following discussion will focus on vaccination and weaning programs, which also impacts the value of calves.

When market trends are going the wrong direction for the cow-calf segment, like the last couple years, some producers changed their management strategies to maximize revenue.

Results from CattleFax’s annual Cow-Calf Survey shows a slight uptick the past two years in the percentage of producers who weaned calves for 45 days or more, while the number of operations that sold right off the cow declined. The peak occurred in 2019, with 55% of the survey participants weaning for at least 45 days compared to 50% in 2018. The fall calf market averaged about $10/cwt lower in 2019 relative to 2018.

A long weaning period also allows producers to take

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advantage of the seasonality of the calf market. About eight out of every 10 years, the calf market bottoms in October before gradually trending higher into the end of the year. In 2020, the low came the last week of October and gained roughly $15/ cwt by the first of December. That was one of the more extreme moves in recent years, as the 5-year average price improves about $8/cwt during that time. Nonetheless, the odds favor a better market later in the year.

Even if producers are forced to wean early due to drought conditions or for any other reason, long weaning is still recommended. This strategy gives an operation more marketing flexibility as opposed to selling straight off the cow. Producers have more ability to choose when they want to sell calves and wait out a short, rough patch, in the market if necessary, assuming proper resources are available.

Weaned calves are also more apt to capture the attention of buyers from several different marketing avenues – creating competition. Not only do stocker operators and backgrounders demand long weaned calves, but feedyards would much rather place one on feed that has been weaned. It all comes down to minimizing risk on purchases from a morbidity and mortality standpoint.

With that said there are risks associated with implementing a weaning program. However, the risk level should be much lower for the producer who raises the calves.

While it is not feasible for everyone, fence line weaning is a strategy used by some to significantly reduce stress early in the weaning process. If that procedure is not practical, there is oftentimes a lot less stress from transportation compared to shipping to a feedlot or backgrounding lot. Not only is the distance likely much shorter, but a more important component

CATTLEFAX TRENDS is keeping fresh weaned calves in an environment they are used to and eliminating exposure to calves from other sources.

Getting acclimated to new surroundings can be hard on any cattle but doing that right after being separated from the cow only compounds the stress.

While there are risks and additional costs that come with weaning calves, the reward should far outweigh the setbacks and expenses. Results from the annual Cow-Calf Survey have shown a significant premium is paid for calves that are weaned for 45 days or more, compared to those sold right off the cow. The last three years averaged just shy of $100 at $97 per head. Certainly, there are other factors that likely have an influence on the value difference, but that relationship shows up in the survey data every year.

It is important that producers understand that a legit weaning program lasts longer than three or four weeks. Doing that basically just gets the bawl out of calves, which gives the operation and future buyer no benefit. In fact, two out of the last three surveys show calves weaned for less than 28 days averaged less than those sold straight off the cow. Even calves weaned for 28 to 45 days averaged a premium of only $14 per head over the past three years, which would be difficult to cover the added costs or make up for any death loss. Buyers in other segments of the supply chain have sent a clear market signal in recent years that they want calves weaned for at least 45 days, and anymore 60 days is becoming the desired length.

Not only do producers need to promote how long calves were weaned, but also information about the program itself.

For example, details about the feed ration are beneficial. Letting buyers know whether calves are bunk broke or grazed the entire weaning period helps producers receive the right value.

Being transparent about vaccination protocols is another component that could potentially add value to calves.

Survey results from the last couple years show there is also a positive relationship between the number of times calves are vaccinated and the value of those respective calves.

Herds that administered two rounds of preventive vaccines, regardless of when they were given, averaged an extra $85 per head at sale time compared to those that just gave one. From two to three rounds the premium narrowed but still averaged $59 per calf last year, and $46 in 2019. In today’s market, most buyers expect

calves to have at least one round of shots and prefer more. Those that do not administer any, should anticipate a hefty discount.

Another benefit to a strict vaccination protocol is heavier weaning weights, according to the annual survey data. In 2019 and 2020, calves vaccinated twice weighed 25 more pounds, on average, versus those that received one round. The average difference in weaning weights from three rounds to just one was 29 pounds. While vaccinating is not the only variable that impacts weaning weights, taking the proper steps to prevent, or at least minimize any disruptions in a young calf ’s growth cycle is recommended.

To maximize the benefit from both a weaning and stringent vaccination program, producers must have the proper resources.

This includes labor, time, facilities, feed, etc. The logistics for either program can also be challenging for some operations.

For example, accessibility to the cow-herd is important to be able to vaccinate the calf crop multiple times. The most obvious time to administer at least one round of shots is at branding (1-4 months). Roughly 65% of survey participants vaccinated at branding the last two years. An operation will need to evaluate what makes the most sense for the next round(s) of shots.

Weaning and vaccination programs should add value to a calf crop and can, to some degree, be viewed as a risk management tool to ensure calves are bringing top dollar.

Over the years, the other segments in the supply chain have discovered that calves who endured a strict weaning and vaccination protocol will likely have a lower morbidity and mortality rate to improve performance and limit unnecessary expenses. Consult with a veterinarian and nutritionist to develop a plan that best fits your operation.

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 27

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Spinks Ranch

SIX GENERATIONS OF RANCHING AND ADAPTING TO CHANGING TIMES

by Deanna Nelson-Licking

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FEATURE ARTICLE The rolling hills of Missouri, with their humid summers, are completely different from the San Joaquin Valley of California where Wes Spinks’ family had lived and ranched for four generations. His father, Guy Spinks, was serving his country in Vietnam when his father passed away and the family was forced to make some life changing decisions. With the uncertainty of when or if Guy would return home, the land leases were let go and the stock sold. After his discharge from the service, Guy built a grow yard near Madera, California in the 1970s, but Guy and his wife, Susie, began searching across the United States for a new area to put down roots. Cedar County, Missouri, was finally chosen and the family relocated there in 1979, near the town of Jerico Springs. Son, Wes was four years old when they came to Missouri and he grew up watching and helping his father integrate a yearling operation into what was traditionally a cow-calf region.

Wes grew up on the ranch and took on his first cowboy job when he was 16, taking care of a small seedstock operation for the summer. The following two summers were spent working for a horse outfit in Colorado. He attended Crowder College and met his future wife Melissa (“Missy”) there. Wes graduated with a degree in ranch management in 1996 and he then joined the team at Circle A Angus in Missouri for a year. Following their wedding, Wes and Missy moved to Colorado and rode horses for a year. In 1998, they came back to Missouri and leased the backgrounding lot from Guy; they also leased pasture to graze yearlings. The father and son team collaborated and leased a neighboring ranch to increase the cow herd size.

Wes attended cattle sales, buying older cows and whatever

nobody else wanted, building his herd slowly. “We started buying better bulls and improving the herd over time. Some of those old cows are still around here, raising a calf every year.

Those old cows were mostly good cows and we weeded out the less productive ones pretty fast. There was a reason those old cows got to be short and solid mouths. They had been bringing a calf to the weaning pen every year,” Wes explained.

The Spinks lease grass, and run about 150 cows. The family has been backgrounding cattle for over 40 years for themselves and for customers. In the past, they used to purchase steers to run on grass and custom background 3,000-5,000 head a year, but currently they only feed their own cattle. Wes is also an order buyer for a large feedlot in central Nebraska. Wes and Missy are committed to making balanced and versatile ranch horses and use them in their daily ranch work. Missy, in addition to raising their three sons, is a talented horsewoman.

After moving to Missouri, Guy used Brangus bulls, so Wes was used to those calves being the largest and best in the fall. He began using Red Brangus bulls purchased from a producer who raised purebred cattle. He started studying the Brangus breed on the association website and searching for breeders in his region, since he needed bulls that would work on his native fescue grass. Wes purchased his first registered bull from Vern Suhn’s GENETRUST sale, a sire raised by Dale Kirkham. Since then, he has been exclusively using registered Brangus and Ultrablack bulls.

“All of our steers go to Nebraska to feed, which is kind of unheard of. The feedlot really likes Brangus calves, if I can find the right kind.” (continued on page 34)

“I BUY A LOT OF BRANGUS FEEDER CATTLE, THEY DO GOOD IN THE WINTER, AND THEY SLICK OFF IN THE SUMMER. THEY STILL HANG SOME SUBSTANCE, HANDLE THE HEAT WELL, AND PUT ON THE POUNDS.” -WES SPINKS, NEBRASKA FEEDLOT ORDER BUYER FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 33

FEATURE ARTICLE (continued from page 33)

Spinks feels that the Brangus breed has come a long way in meeting today’s standards and needs. “When they can grade with the best of them, put up with the heat and the ticks, yet feed well in Nebraska, that’s a good calf ” he said. “Just a little bit of influence makes a huge difference, the bone and thickness, the ability to grow some hair yet shed off in this fescue grass. I buy a lot of Brangus feeder cattle, they do good in the winter, and they slick off in the summer. They still hang some substance, handle the heat well, and put on the pounds. Sometimes some of the English breeds don’t slick off and they can really suffer in the heat.”

“Everyone wants a gentle cow, but they need a strong mothering ability, to take care of the calf and know where it is.

A cow without mothering ability, I’m over that. A cow needs to be able to recognize and take care of her calf, whether it’s her first or her tenth. The biggest thing is I can’t sell a dead calf or one who isn’t there and I need a cow that will last,” Spinks said.

“Producers should handle the purebred herds like I handle my commercial herd.”

“The majority of our calves are weaned around 600 to 625 pounds. What I’d like to see is producers handling their herds a little rougher. We need more longevity and less sickness. There is a reason we are having more trouble with calves in the feedlots that we never had before. We need to be culling and improving our calves and not doctoring everything,” Wes said. “We have concentrated too much on grading; we need to pay attention to everything.”

Improving his stockmanship is something Wes is also very passionate about. “Those eared sale barn cattle are kind of funny, if a guy works with them, they get use to you and you can handle them. I like those old cows, something that will protect their calf, we need to be careful to not breed that out of them,” Wes said.

“They need to have their calf by themselves and bring one to the weaning pen, if they don’t have a calf on them or in them they go to town. The Brangus influence has really helped us out.”

Wes buys good quality bulls that he sells after three years, but

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since he only calves in the spring, the bulls are used just once a year. He tries to sell the older bulls to producers who need bulls and Wes will buy back the calves.

“I buy bulls in the fall and they have a rough winter since I don’t feed them much, but I do turn out late enough that they are in good shape for breeding,” Wes said.

Spinks Ranch is totally a family operation with the exception of a hired man who helps them three days a week.

“My dad still feeds and mom does the book work. My dad had COVID last year, but he never missed a day feeding the calves in the feedlot. My wife is a big part of our operation and my three boys are here and are good help,” Wes said.

The sixth generation of ranching the Spinks’ operation includes Buster, 16, Reed, 13, and Liam, 9, and both Wes and Missy hope that they will carry on the ranching legacy. Reed attended a bull sale and now is very interested in raising bulls and his parents are willing to help him achieve his dreams. “But if they don’t love it they won’t do a good job,” Wes said.

Spinks Ranch is now focusing on raising and selling quality, home-raised bred heifers. They believe that cows should be selected and culled based on their performance and the performance of their offspring. “My goal with my heifers is for all of them to be out of mommas that we raised and the result of three generations of our culling program. They are developed on grass because I hate to haul feed to them,” Wes said.

Wes feels that producers need to strive to raise the toughest of the breed, cattle that are feed efficient and grade well. Raise and breed cows that will survive in harsh conditions and breed back without being pampered, so he feels that the Brangus influence has been crucial to his success.

“I hate hauling feed to a cow, but I like feeding calves. Many ranchers are excited about calving in a time of year that isn’t efficient, we are so far behind of cattle when we need them. We should be calving a little later and turn them out on grass with a better management program,” he said. ” Just pay attention and have guidelines on all bulls and heifers that anyone intends on keeping for breeding stock.”

Left: Missy Spinks burning pastures to control overgrowth in the Missouri hills.

Above: Wes Spinks sorting yearlings. Breeding and using good horses is a passion of both Wes and Missy Spinks.

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 35

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RAISED IN IT, BRED FOR IT, READY TO BRING IT. BUILT TO

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ENVIRONMENT

top of the line bulls, equipped to improve your bottom line. contact us today to turn up the heat.

phillips ranch Bunnell, Florida Tim & Todd Phillips, Owners Rob Singleton, Manager 770.862.0983 | singletons2002@yahoo.com www.phillipsranchllc.com

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 37

FEATURE ARTICLE

PREPARING A BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR YOUR CATTLE OPERATION Editor’s Note: article courtesy of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

by Julia Herman, DVM, MS, beef cattle specialist veterinarian with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff

Everyday cattle producers are taking steps to protect their families, animals, and operations from various risks. These risks could include inclement weather, poor nutrition, predators, viruses and microbes, contaminated water, among many others.

The cattle production system in the U.S. does an amazing job of upholding high standards of animal care and handling, as outlined in the Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program. Biological risk management is also essential for the people working on farms and ranches and for preventing the spread of human illness between these operations, as seen with COVID-19. These biosecurity techniques can also be applied to your cattle herd. As discussed in BQA, the goal of biosecurity is to protect animals from disease by minimizing the movement of biological organisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, etc. within or onto an operation.

Prevention of common cattle diseases is occurring every day. This may involve quarantining new additions to the herd in a separate pen for 21-30 days before introduction to the herd. Or it could be washing buckets, bottles, trailers, or other equipment between uses for individual animals or groups of animals. Vaccination is a common way to aid in prevention of diseases such as Bovine Respiratory Disease in your cattle herd but applying biosecurity principles remains important because not all diseases have vaccines available. Identification of risk factors for diseases such as Johne’s Disease or Salmonella would also be a part of prevention. In the end, developing and maintaining a biosecurity plan that is specific to your operation is essential to keeping your herd and our food supply safe.

Daily biosecurity practices include some of the most important steps to protecting the cattle herd. BQA has partnered with the USDA funded Secure Beef Supply (SBS) Plan to develop resources for cattle producers on how to properly prepare for daily cattle diseases.

The BQA Daily Biosecurity Plan for Disease Prevention template offers an (continued on page 40)

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FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 39

FEATURE ARTICLE (continued from page 38)

introductory, stepwise biosecurity plan for identifying biosecurity risks on cattle operations.

TO IMPROVE THEIR Producers can customize plans BIOSECURITY PRAC TICES, CATTLE to their own operation, allowing AND LIVESTOCK PR O D U C ER S C A flexibility for producers and their N PREPARE BY: • Writing operat resource team to evaluate what ion-specific biosecu rity plans during peacetime that management practices work ca n b e implemented durin best for their situation. Working outbreak. g an with the herd veterinarian o BQA Dai provides unique opportunities ly Biosecurity Plan fo for evaluating current practices r Disease Preventio n along with an exam and collaborating on steps for ple plan can be found at improvement.

BQA.org.

This plan is a precursor to o Example enhanced biosecuri the SBS Plan and supporting ty plans and templates training materials which for feedlots and catt le on pasture provide valuable information can be fo u n d at SecureBeef.org. on developing an enhanced • Developing con biosecurity plan which is tingency plans for p eriods of necessary during a potential restricted move m en t foreign animal disease o For exam outbreak such as with foot ple, financial risk m anagement will be critical and mouth disease (FMD). if yo u are unable to move FMD is the most contagious

your an im al s or product during viral disease that affects an FMD outbreak • Keeping movem cloven-hooved animals (i.e., en t re co rds of animals, peop cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, equipment, and le, wildlife). This disease causes other items on and o ff your operation blisters in the mouth and on the feet of these animals.

• Having a nation al Premises Identifica Thankfully FMD does NOT tion Number (PIN) issued by affect public health or food th e o ffi ce of your State Animal safety so meat and milk Health Official from affected animals are safe to eat and drink. The effects on our economy, trade, and way of life would be tremendous if this disease were to enter the U.S. or North America. On the SBS site, producers can learn more about FMD, what it looks like in affected animals, and find veterinarian, extension agent, or BQA state coordinator can tools and design concepts to incorporate into their facilities and work with you to write a biosecurity plan, implement the plan, their business plans. and update it. They could also be instrumental in employee With these biosecurity goals, realize that biosecurity is education on these biosecurity guidelines to focus on every day. always a work in progress as your business may change from The most difficult concept about biosecurity is both year to year. However, you can prioritize action from the BQA preparing for a disease that is common, such as BRD, or a Daily Biosecurity and SBS plans on what your operation has disease we hope never comes, such as FMD. These concepts already done or can do quickly versus what could be developed are helpful in keeping both humans and animals healthy and over the next year. Record keeping is extremely important can be continually improved upon. For more information during normal business operations and especially during a and downloadable preparation documents, please visit Beef disease outbreak.

Quality Assurance at BQA.org or the Secure Beef Supply Plan Biosecurity is one thing that the producer has the most at SecureBeef.org. Together we can take a stepwise approach to control over. Resources in your community such as your protect your animals and your business now and in the future.

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FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 41

REPRODUCTION BRIEF

OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES WITH TWO-YEAR-OLD AND THREE-YEAR-OLD COWS

by Carson Anderson, University of Missouri-Columbia, graduate research assistant

Often times the last cow calves, you blink and the next year’s breeding season has already begun! With that being said, it is important to have a plan set in advance to make sure that your cows are ready to go.

Not every cow on the operation is going to require the same time and management to be set up for success.

Rebreeding two-year-old and three-year-old cows tends to be one of the biggest challenges on a cow-calf operation. They face physical and nutritional stressors from calving and nursing their first or second calf, while they are still growing themselves.

Additionally, Bos indicus-influenced females tend to have a longer period of postpartum anestrus compared to Bos taurus cows, which adds to the challenge of breeding back. | NUTRITION | A cow’s condition will set the stage for her productivity and longevity in the herd. Because nutrition and reproduction are closely tied together, a proper plane of nutrition pre-calving and post-calving is important for reproductive success.

Providing a proper plane of nutrition for cows is especially important during her last 60 days of gestation. Proper nutrients during the last stage of gestation helps maintain fetal growth and development while also allowing the cow to maintain her condition. Remember, first-calf heifers are likely to be at 85% of their mature weight at calving and will need to continue growing after calving. So, we need these young cows to be gaining rather than losing weight. This is important because, as body condition at calving decreases, she is more likely to conceive late in the breeding season or even fail to conceive at all. A cow that is in proper body condition score at calving is more likely to resume normal estrous cycles in a shorter time. We generally recommend heifers be managed to a body condition score of 6 or 7 prior to calving and mature cows be managed to a body condition score of 5 or 6 prior to calving.

At the start of the breeding season, cows are often near peak lactation and will have increased nutritional requirements.

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FALL 2021

lactation before going toward reproduction. Reproduction is the last of priorities on the list and will be the first to go if her other needs are not being met nutritionally. Two and three-year olds have greater nutritional requirements than mature cows, since they are still growing themselves and may need to be managed and fed separately. | POSTPARTUM INTERVAL | In order to ensure an adequate days postpartum to breeding interval, an effective management strategy is to set up heifers to begin breeding two to four weeks before mature cows. This gives more time for first-calf heifers to begin cycling prior to the start of the next breeding season. Additionally, breeding heifers a few weeks early allows producers to keep a closer eye on heifers calving for the first time since they will be calving before the rest of the herd.

A heifer that conceives early in the breeding season is most likely to breed back early in subsequent years compared to heifers that conceived later. Therefore, consider using a very short breeding season for heifers. Another effective strategy is having pregnancy status determined by a veterinarian and keeping only those heifers that conceived in the first half of the breeding season. This will make managing two-year-old and three-year-old cows easier and will set them up to be productive cows. | CONSIDER PROGESTINS | Bos indicus-influenced females tend to have a longer postpartum anestrous period than Bos taurus females. Bos indicus-influenced females really benefit from the use of progestins in an estrus synchronization protocol. Since progesterone treatment can induce a proportion of anestrous cows to resume having normal estrous cycles. That can be a major help in moving later-calving cows up to conceive earlier in the next breeding season.

Although two-year-old and three-year-old cows pose a challenge on the farm, they can be set up to be productive cows with extra time and management.

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 43

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CATTLEFAX TRENDS

COW-CALF COSTS AND REVENUE CattleFax recently conducted its annual “Cow-Calf Survey” to analyze 2020. First off, thank you to those who took the time to complete the survey. It is greatly appreciated. Results came from across the country, with the Central Plains and Southeast regions making up the largest samples. The average herd size of 378 cows is well above the U.S. average, but the findings represent more operations that truly try to make ends meet from a financial standpoint. The results benefit the industry by providing insight regarding trends for management practices, marketing strategies, expansion or liquidation, and many other key metrics. More importantly, producers can utilize the findings as benchmarks to compare against their own operation. Obviously, there are extensive variations within the cow-calf segment. All the analysis may not directly apply to your enterprise. Nonetheless, the following discussion and insight should at least be thought provoking.

There were some slight changes on the cost side of the equation from 2019 to 2020. Survey participants reported the U.S. average cash cow cost was $595 per head last year. The prior two years averaged $601 in 2019 and $604 in 2018. It

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is important to note these figures do not include returns to management or depreciation. The North Plains and Corn Belt regions were the only two that experienced a year-over-year change greater than $10 per head. The biggest adjustment came in the North Plains, with a $24 per head decrease compared to 2019. Because winter 2020 was milder than the year before, weather likely played a role in the reduction. Regardless, the Northern Plains maintains the top spot for the highest costs in the country at just under $650 per cow, due to the additional feed requirements and especially elevated land values in some states. In fact, pasture expenses account for roughly 36%, or $236, of the total cash costs – the most for any region, and four percentage points above the U.S. average. The Corn Belt experienced the opposite annual trend with an increase of $13, to $644 per head. Feed costs in the Corn Belt make up a big percent of total expenses at approximately 43%, compared to the U.S. average of 33 percent. Once again, the Southeast region had the lowest cash cow costs. Producers in that part of the country benefit from lower feed costs.

A few new questions were included in this year’s survey to

CATTLEFAX TRENDS get a better understanding around pasture leasing and costs.

With the questions, CattleFax was able to capture how many producers lease pasture from another party, what percent of the grazing land in their operation is leased, and an estimate for pasture leasing rates. Nearly 60% of the survey participants lease land in the U.S. Of those who lease ground, the rented pasture accounts for roughly 58% of their grazing needs, on average. The U.S. average cost was $22/pair/month. As it is with anything in the cow-calf segment, there is a large variation around averages, and this dataset is no exception. In the North Plains and West regions, about three-fourths of the participants lease pasture.

In the North, rented ground makes up about 60% of producers’ pasture demands, and the West averaged 66 percent. Not only do a lot of North Plains operations lease over half of their pasture, but they also pay the highest rate at $30/pair/month, on average.

This confirms why pasture expenses account for about 36% of total cash costs. The West leasing rate was par with the U.S. average. All measurements in the Southeast region were the lowest in the country with less than half of the producers leasing ground. The South Plains leasing costs averaged about $20/pair/ month, while the other metrics were very close to U.S. averages.

While most producers understand that renting versus not renting can change their bottom line, the new survey questions allow us to quantify the potential impact. Analyzing the data within two regions, the North and South Plains, will improve accuracy. In the North, operations that lease pasture from another party, regardless of how much, had an average cash cow cost of $660 in 2020. Those who do not lease any ground had an average cost of $613 per cow – a difference of $47 per cow. In the South, the disparity was not near as drastic. Producers who lease pasture had an average cash cow cost of $584, which was only $10 above those who do not. Clearly there is some variation around how much of an impact leasing has on margins.

Considering both comparisons showed an increase in costs, suggests an operation is better off with minimal or no leasing.

Obviously, that is not feasible for a lot of producers for multiple reasons. The other alternative would be to dry lot cows, and the feed bill would far exceed the leasing costs for most operations.

To no surprise, the average revenue was down compared to 2019. The price trends that occurred in 2020 need little explanation considering it was a year that will never be forgotten. Survey participants reported the average calf revenue was $830 per head, compared to $853 in 2019. This

is in line with CattleFax’s calf prices over the last two years. The U.S. average 550-pound steer price was down nearly $5/cwt in 2020 – a difference of nearly $27 per calf. The fact that weaning weights for both steers and heifers were flat the last couple of years, reinforces prices were the reason for a decrease in revenue.

The average weaning weight for steers in 2020 was 568 pounds, while heifers averaged 525 pounds.

CattleFax breaks the survey participants into three equal categories based off profitability to further analyze what sets “high-return” producers apart from “average” and especially “low-return” operations. The first thing that jumps out is the discrepancy in costs between the most profitable and least profitable enterprises. Last year, high-return producers had an average cash cow cost of $557, while low-return producers recorded an average of $674 per cow. Those with the best net income find a way to keep expenses in check, while still maximizing calf revenue. There will be more details in future articles about how this is accomplished, along with many more findings. But to summarize, it truly comes down to efficiency and productivity.

Thanks again to those that took the time to complete the survey. This unique dataset provides valuable insight for not only the industry, but more importantly to producers invested in the day-to-day operations. While 2020 was a year like no other, there is still a lot to learn from the survey results. When the next annual survey is conducted to collect data from 2021, producers should report an improvement in calf revenue relative to 2020.

Unfortunately, it appears the La Nina weather pattern is sticking around at least through summer. Operations in the western half of the country need to be prepared for dry conditions and higher feed costs.

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HURLA FARMS FEEDLOT FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED IN PAXICO, KANSAS DEVELOPING BRANGUS GENETICS SINCE 1985

CUSTOM FEEDING

•

PRE CONDITIONING

Vincent Hurla

Roy Hurla

•

BACKGROUNDING

Michael Hurla

•

Chad Hurla

HOME GROWN FEED

Justin Hurla

CONTACT US (785) 207-2360 FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 49 michael@hurlafarms.com

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SEEDSTOCK DIRECTORY

ALABAMA

M

T

Fayette, Alabama

Jimmy & Marsha Trice 205-270-6488 | jtrice@watvc.com

T

M

BRANGUS FARM T TT

Registered Brangus Cattle Available For Sale

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SEEDSTOCK DIRECTORY

ARKANSAS — FLORIDA — GEORGIA — KANSAS — LOUISIANA

SALE DATES ONLINE AT CDPBRANGUS.COM Brangus Bulls • Brangus Females • Commercial Females PROVEN GENETICS, TRUSTED BRAND. WWW.CDPBRANGUS.COM John Milam, Owner Grady Green | 870-314-3673 | grady@dragginmranch.com El Dorado, Arkansas | www.dragginm.com

If you expect your cattle to work in the heat, you need bulls raised in the heat!

Powerful, heat adaPted bulls built to work for you!

Tim & Todd Phillips, Owners Rob Singleton, Gen. Manager 770.862.0983 singletons2002@yahoo.com www.phillipsranchllc.com

Call us today!

L.G. Herndon, Jr Owner 912.293.1316 Sky Herndon, Co-Owner 912.245.0428 Kevin Asbury, Manager 850.252.7290

Herndon Businesss Card ad.indd 1

8/18/21 10:35 AM

Contact Melanie Fuller at mfuller@gobrangus.com or 979.255.3343 for advertising spaces

FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU VISIT US AT G O B R A N G U S . CO M / B R E E D E R -S E A R C H 52

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SEEDSTOCK DIRECTORY

MISSISSIPPI — MISSOURI — NEW MEXICO — OKLAHOMA — TEXAS

David Wood Magnolia, MS 713-539-5715

dwood@woodcorporation.com CDPBrangus.com

-$)&. - )"0.™ at Westall Ranch рчрч - ' * — - ' Ѷ

Top Quality Bulls

Available by Private Treaty Call today to pick your next herd sire.

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Breeding the Best.

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Contact Melanie Fuller at mfuller@gobrangus.com or 979.255.3343 for advertising spaces

FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU VISIT US AT G O B R A N G U S . CO M / B R E E D E R -S E A R C H

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SEEDSTOCK DIRECTORY

TEXAS

NOVEMBER 19-20, 2021

CAVENDER’S NECHES RIVER RANCH JACKSONVILLE, TX

250 Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls 25 Charolais Bulls 80 Registered Females 550 Commercial Females

FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022

CAVENDER’S NECHES RIVER RANCH JACKSONVILLE, TX

160 Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls 30 Charolais Bulls

Joe Cavender, Owner Justin Matejka, General Manager | 903-521-1070 Dustin Kennedy, Cavender Brangus Ranch Manager | 903-810-2413 1200 CR 4716 • Troup, TX 75789 | CDPBrangus.com Certified Free Herd # D80550202

GREAT BRANGUS BULLS - PRIVATE TREATY Joe and Melanie Fuller - Ben and Trish Fuller 14148 N State Highway 16, Willow City, TX 78675 C. 979-255-7747 E. jw.fuller@yahoo.com

Gary Buchholz

214-537-1285 | gary@gkbcattle.com www.gkbcattle.com Brangus Cattle Manager: Andrew Conley - 706.781.8656 HEREFORDS | ANGUS | BRANGUS | BRAHMAN

JODI & DAVID JACKSON

3099 Horseshoe Bend Waco, Texas 76708 Jodi cell: 254.722.9138 jodiatbentwood@sbcglobal.net BULLS FOR SALE

Contact Melanie Fuller at mfuller@gobrangus.com or 979.255.3343 for advertising spaces

FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU VISIT US AT G O B R A N G U S . CO M / B R E E D E R -S E A R C H 54

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SEEDSTOCK DIRECTORY

TEXAS

MIKE SHELTON C: 713.560.8333 Colita Loop, Colita, TX 77351 www.brangusprofit.com

RIO RANCH

Registered Brangus and Ultrablack Cattle

Registered Brahman, Charolais and Brangus Raul Montez 832-331-6800 jraulmontez@ymail.com 39606 FM 1736 Hempstead, TX 77445 RIORANCHTX.COM

CROCKETT, TEXAS INFO@SRRBRANGUS.COM 936.624.2333 KENT SMITH, GENERAL MANAGER

MAKING THE BEST BREED BETTER

FOLLOW OUR WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM OR TWITTER WWW.SRRBRANGUS.COM @SRRBRANGUS

Schmidt Farms BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK

TUNA ROSA RANCH BRANGUS & RED BRANGUS 830-857-4943 Owner - Jimmy Elliott Manager - Kurt Trammell ktrammell@tunarosaranch.com 90 CR 465 West Gonzales, Texas 78629

www.tunarosaranch.com

Contact Melanie Fuller at mfuller@gobrangus.com or 979.255.3343 for advertising spaces

FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU VISIT US AT G O B R A N G U S . CO M / B R E E D E R -S E A R C H

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FALL 2021 CALENDAR

6 10 11 11 17-18 18 22-25 24 25 25 25

SEPTEMBER IBBA Office Closed for Labor Day Ad Reservation Deadline for October Brangus Journal L Ray Ranch Dispersal, Poteet, Texas MBJ & TRIO Power of the Brands Sale, Wharton, Texas Southeast Brangus Breeders Junior Show, Live Oak, Florida Midsouth Cattle Co. & Neal Ranch Annual Bull & Commercial Female Sale, St. Francisville, Louisiana IBBA National Show of Merit, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Southeast Brangus Breeders general membership meeting, auction, banquet, and awards ceremony, Troy, Alabama Southeast Brangus Breeders Association Board of Directors Meeting, Troy, Alabama Southeast Brangus Breeders Showcase Female Sale, Troy, Alabama Tulare County Stockyard Bull Sale, Dinuba, California

OCTOBER 1 Southern Jewels Precious Gems Sale, Hosted Online by CCI.Live 2 Scamardo Brangus Production Sale, Bryan, Texas 2 Spitzer Ranch Profit Maker On Line Bull Sale Closes, Preston, Kansas 5 Southeast Brangus Breeders Bull Sale Nominations Due 9 Addison Brangus Farms and Friends Performance Sale, Cullman, Alabama 9 Big D Ranch Building For Your Tomorrow Sale, Center Ridge, Arkansas 9 CX Advantage Sale, Weimar, Texas 10 Ad Reservation Deadline for November Brangus Journal 11 Clayton Williams Ranch Co. Memorial Bull Sale, Bastrop, Texas 14 Treasure's of the Ozarks by Wyman Creek, Hosted Online by Smart Auctions 16 Famoso All Breeds Bull Sale, Famoso, California 16 MP at Diamond D Ranch Where Performance Meets Style Annual Fall Sale, Poteet, Texas 16 Town Creek Annual Bull Sale, West Point, Mississippi 56

FALL 2021

17 Allen Cattle Co. Ranching for Profit Sale, Hosted by Smart Auctions 22-23 L.G. Herndon, Jr. Farms, Inc. Best of the South Black & White Sale, Lyons, Georgia 23 Oak Creek Farms Forage Developed Registered Fall Brangus Bull Sale, Chappell Hill, Texas 23 Star G Annual Production Sale, Canton, Texas 29-30 Quail Valley Farms Next Generation Replacement Female Sale, Oneonta, Alabama NOVEMBER 5-6 GENEPLUS at Chimney Rock Cattle Company, Concord, Arkansas 6 Brands of Recognition Sale, Columbia, Tennessee 6 Southern Cattle Company Annual Fall Bull Sale, Marianna, Florida 8 The Branch Ranch Rough & Ready Bull Sale, Mansfield, Louisiana 10 Ad Reservation Deadline for December Brangus Journal 12-13 Blackwater Cattle Company Genomic Extravaganza, Lake Park, Georgia 13 Greater Jacksonville Fair, Regional Points Show, Jacksonville, Florida 17 Stockman's Choice Fall Edition, Hosted Online by Smart Auctions 19-20 Cavender-Draggin' M and Partners 17th Annual Fall Production Sale, Jacksonville, Texas 19 Salacoa Valley Farms The Source Female Sale, Fairmount, Georgia 20 Salacoa Valley Farms Bull Sale, Fairmount, Georgia 22 TBBA Annual Semen and Embryo Online Sale, Hosted Online by Smart Auctions 25 IBBA Office Closed for Thanksgiving Day 1 4 10 11 23 24 31

DECEMBER Bull Commitments Due 2022 Brangus Sire Directory Southeast Brangus Breeders Bull Sale, Uniontown, Alabama Ad Reservation Deadline for January Brangus Journal Las Palomas Production Sale, Newnan, Georgia IBBA Office Closed for Christmas Eve IBBA Office Closed for Christmas Day IBBA Office Closed for New Years Eve

ADVERTISING INDEX ALABAMA Addison Brangus Farms...................................................................................24 Far Niente Farms ............................................................................................51 Lake Majestik..................................................................................................51 Quail Valley Farms.....................................................................................19, 51 TTT Brangus Farm...........................................................................................51 ARKANSAS Adams & Creasy Insurance Agency..................................................................51 Big D Ranch ....................................................................................................14 Chimney Rock Cattle Co. .................................................................................52 Draggin’ M Ranch ...........................................................................................52 Mobley, Luke...................................................................................................51 CALIFORNIA Spanish Ranch.................................................................................................12 FLORIDA Fenco Farms....................................................................................................52 Gulf Coast Cattle Services................................................................................29 Phillips Ranch...........................................................................................37, 52 GEORGIA Blackwater Cattle Co. ......................................................................................15 L.G. Herndon, Jr. Farms, Inc. .....................................................................29, 52 Salacoa Valley Farms.......................................................................................35 KANSAS Hurla Farms Feelot..........................................................................................49 Jensen Livesotck Agency.................................................................................51 Suhn Cattle Co ................................................................................................52 LOUISIANA Bushley Creek Cattle Co. .................................................................................52 Mid South Cattle Company..............................................................................13 Neal Ranch......................................................................................................13 The Branch Ranch.....................................................................................23, 52 MISSISSIPPI Double W Ranch .............................................................................................53 T3 Brangus......................................................................................................53 Town Creek Farm.............................................................................................11 MISSOURI Don Thomas & Sons ........................................................................................53 GENEPLUS................................................................................................. 30-21 Vitaferm..........................................................................................................43 Wyman Creek Cattle Company........................................................................53 NEBRASKA DVAuction........................................................IFC, 10, 13, 14, 18, 19, 24, 28, 29

NEW MEXICO Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranches .................................................................53 OKLAHOMA Dotson, Wes....................................................................................................51 Lawman Ranch...............................................................................................53 Perry Ranch.....................................................................................................53 TEXAS 2 Hearts Brangus.............................................................................................53 American Marketing Services ............................................................. 19, 24, 35 Bovine Elite, LLC .......................................................................................45, 51 Cavender Ranches ..........................................................................................54 Cavender-Draggin’ M and Partners.....................................................6-7, 52, 54 Cox Excalibur Brangus ....................................................................................28 Cross F Cattle...................................................................................................54 Elgin Breeding Services, LLC .....................................................................48, 51 Farris Ranching Company ...............................................................................38 Genesis Ranch ................................................................................................54 GKB Cattle ................................................................................................39, 54 Hi Point Sales + Marketing ....................................... IFC, 13, 14, 18, 25, 41, IBC Indian Hills Ranch ..........................................................................................54 International Red Brangus Breeders Assn........................................................50 Jackson Family Brangus..................................................................................54 JLS International ............................................................................................54 L Ray Ranch.................................................................................................... IFC Lambert, Doak................................................................................................51 Mound Creek Ranch........................................................................................54 MP Brangus...............................................................................................18, 55 Oak Creek Farms..............................................................................................BC Oakley, Lakin...................................................................................................51 Old Colita Ranch..............................................................................................55 Pennridge Ranch.............................................................................................55 Reagan, Terry..................................................................................................51 Rio Ranch........................................................................................................55 Santa Rosa Ranch........................................................................................3, 55 Scamardo Brangus.........................................................................................IBC Schmidt Farms................................................................................................55 Stalwart Ranch ...............................................................................................44 Star G Ranch..............................................................................................25, 55 Tuna Rosa Ranch.............................................................................................55 Villa Ranch......................................................................................................41 Westway Feed.................................................................................................36 Williams Ranch Co...........................................................................................10

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