May 2021 Brangus Journal by International Brangus Breeders Association

Brangus M AY 2 0 2 1

May 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.

www.srrbrangus.com

Crockett and Navasota, Texas

936.624.2333

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS.

CON TACTS 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 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, Oneonta, Alabama 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 Allen Goode, Mabank, Texas allen@triocattle.com Mike Weathers, Columbus, Texas mikeweathers@msn.com West Region Troy Floyd, Roswell, New Mexico tfloyd@leaco.net Shiloh Hall, Okmulgee, Oklahoma shiloh518@yahoo.com Greg Romans, Vale, Oregon romansbrangus@yahoo.com Vern Suhn, Eureka, Kansas vern@geneplusbrangus.com At-Large Randy Schmidt, M.D., Texarkana, Texas doctorrand@me.com

IBBA STAFF Executive Vice President Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D., dwilkes@gobrangus.com Controller Brian Sadovsky, bsadovsky@gobrangus.com Director of Registry Jessie England, jengland@gobrangus.com Director of Genomics and Research Macee Prause, mprause@gobrangus.com Director of Member Services & Marketing Lori Edwards, ledwards@gobrangus.com Product Manager Andrew Sicotte Jr., asicotte@goregstr.com Senior Software Developer Marcel Vieria, mvieira@goregstr.com Office Manager and Registry Assistant Mandie Garza, mgarza@gobrangus.com BRANGUS PUBLICATIONS, INC. STAFF Advertising Sales, Melanie Fuller mfuller@gobrangus.com, 979-255-3343 Brangus Journal Publications, Inc. Editor Lighthouse & Co. Communications editor@gobrangus.com IJBBA DIRECTORS OF YOUTH ACTIVITIES Tyler and Jessica Dean tylerwdean@gmail.com, 405-867-1421 IBBA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Awards Shiloh Hall, Okmulgee, Oklahoma Breed Improvement Randy Schmidt, M.D., Texarkana, Texas Commercial Marketing Craig Green, Floral, Arkansas Finance Mike Weathers, Columbus, Texas International Marcos Borges Jr., Wharton, Texas Long Range Plan Tracy Holbert, College Station, Texas Membership Brandon Belt, Gatesville, Texas Promotion Joe Fuller, Willow City, Texas Show Gina Gill, Beckville, Texas MEMBER OF

@gobrangus | #gobrangus 4

May 2021

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS AUXILIARY BOARD President Brenda Brull, Atchison, Kansas 1st Vice President Tina Gardner, China Spring, Texas 2nd Vice President Ginger Pritchard, McLoud, Oklahoma Secretary Mary Beth Farris, Tuscola, Texas Treasurer Janet Greuel, Brooks, Georgia Historian Jodi Jackson, Waco, Texas INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS FOUNDATION BOARD President Bill Davis, Concord, Arkansas Vice President Brandon Belt, Gatesville, Texas Secretary/Treasurer Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D. Allen Goode, Mabank, Texas Chris Heptinstall, Oneonta, Alabama Tracy Holbert, College Station, Texas Steve Densmore, Bryan, Texas INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR BRANGUS BOARD 2020-2021 IJBBA Board of Directors President Jacob Jones, Stillwater, Oklahoma Ex-Officio Kendra Brull, Atchison, Kansas Queen Casey Harper, Haines City, Florida Director Samuel Belt, Gatesville, Texas Director Lauren Burton, Atlanta, Texas Director April Villarreal, Brookshire, Texas Director Payge Dupre, Kathleen, Florida Director Briana Hicks, Danbury, Texas Director Brook Langford, Lawton, Oklahoma Director Cassidy Eramo, Brandon, Florida Director Jaxon Allen, Haworth, Oklahoma

Brangus MAY 2 0 2 1

Cover photo by Sarah Tisdel 1

Inside photos by Jodi Jackson, Next Level Images, Sarah Tisdel

May 2021

Brangus MAY 2 0 2 1 / VO LU M E 6 9 / I S S U E 4

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 12 ASSOCIATION BRIEF 13 IBBA FACTS IN A FLASH 18 EXECUTIVE CORNER 52 IJBBA INFORMATION 54 STATE AFFILIATE UPDATE 62 SALE SUMMARIES 68 FRIENDS WE WILL MISS 72 REPRODUCTION REPORT 76 CATTLEFAX TRENDS 80 THROWBACK JOURNAL 82 SERVICE DIRECTORY 82 STATE DIRECTORY 88 CALENDAR 89 AD INDEX 8

May 2021

FEATURED

26 THIRTY YEARS OF VISION AND LEADERSHIP The International Red Brangus Breeders Association

celebrates its 30th anniversary, noting the history and evolvement of the red and black merge.

32 THE INTERNATIONAL OPEN BREEDING CATTLE SHOW RESULTS 39 2020 HERDSMEN OF THE YEAR The 2020 Red Brangus Herdsman of the Year was

awarded to Villa Ranch while the 2020 Black Herdsman of the Year was awarded to Allen Cattle Co.

44 2021 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN THE EXHIBITION OF BRANGUS CATTLE This prestigious award was given to Myron Saathoff after

decades of service to the Brangus breed.

48 A SOLID BREEDING PROGRAM STARTS WITH A FIRM FOUNDATION From a small farming town in South Africa, Nick and

Marieann Kahts have grown KTS Cattle Co. in New Ulm, Texas, to national renown.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF

Vision +Leadership INTERNATIONAL RED BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION 30TH ANNIVERSARY

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Milestones

by Allen Goode, International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) president

Milestones are to be celebrated. Milestones represent significant spans of time and achievements. Milestones then prompt us to look forward to the future after these celebrations. This month we recognize and celebrate several milestones. The long tenure of our member associations is significant for the contributions they have made to the development of our breed. This year, and in this issue, we celebrate the 30th anniversary milestone of the International Red Brangus Breeders Association (IRBBA). As a proud member of the IRBBA, I am grateful for the forethought of the ten charter members who established a registry for Red Brangus that was in line with the breed standards of the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA). This shared belief in the standards of Brangus as a breed lead to our union with the IBBA 15 years ago. The leadership of the IRBBA has been steadfast and progressive in the promotion of our Red Brangus cattle all around the world. The breeders of the IRBBA have served as ambassadors for all of Brangus around the world. For the founding breeders, 30 years must seem like the blink of an eye. As a Red Brangus breeder, I can attest to the dedication of Red Brangus breeders to the genetic advancement of our next generations and to continuing to grow the Red Brangus presence in the U.S. and international markets. Another milestone to celebrate belongs to one of our most accomplished breeders and promoters. He is Myron Saathoff from Texas who received the Jake White Lifetime Achievement Award for the Exhibition of Brangus Cattle. Throughout his career as a breeder of registered seedstock he has made an indelible imprint on many of our breeds most renowned herds. Myron is a master herdsman and showman with a staunch belief in Brangus cattle for their form and function. Myron has always been a stalwart supporter of Brangus juniors, working to provide them opportunities with cattle and education of the beef industry. We thank Myron

May 2021

for his contributions as breeder and mentor, and congratulate him on this honor. This year’s spring sale season is another important annual milestone. What a banner one it has been! This is a direct result of the years of disciplined breeding and innovative marketing by IBBA members. After the challenges of the year 2020, 2021 is proving the resiliency of our industry and the demand for high-quality seedstock backed by data and science. As Dr. Wilkes has shared from the sales block the season, the CattleFax outlook for the next few years is extremely positive. This will bode well for Brangus, Red Brangus, and Ultra cattle as we continue to focus on the performance traits and data that every aspect of the beef industry needs. The final milestone I’d like us to celebrate is really one of looking forward and the return of our summer activities. It will be an event packed calendar filled with great Brangus cattle, education, and entertainment. May kicks off the summer calendar with the 30th Anniversary Meeting of the IRBBA. June will offer the final elite sales of the spring season, the Beef Improvement Federation Conference, followed by the kick off of the new Standard of Excellence show season with the Texas Invitational and the Texas State Junior Show. July will feature the 50th anniversary of the Brangus Futurity and the National Junior Brangus Show in Belton, Texas. Then in August the IBBA will gather in Nashville, Tennessee, for the Brangus Summit in conjunction with the Cattle Industry Convention & National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show. The Brangus Summit will include important committee and member meetings, and will feature events that reinvigorate the Brangus Foundation. I encourage you to join us in Nashville to represent Brangus to the beef industry So, with appreciation for the contributions and achievements that milestones mark, let’s also use them to look forward and come together to elevate our breed and the IBBA.

IRBBA President Marcos Borges •(979) 532-8129 • marcos@mbjranch.com Registration Tracee Price •(281) 748-2399 • traceebprice@gmail.com Stephen Lee • stephenlee12@hotmail.com Junior Red Brangus Futurity Kim Robb •(832) 608-0736 • kimberly@rwkrelocations.com Breeder’s Choice Open Futurity John & Megan Greenwood (281) 740-0572 • greenwood.meganp@gmail.com “Divas in Red” Sale Allen Goode •(214) 683-1600 allen@triocattle.com Don Cox • cxcattle@brangusworld.com

ASSOCIATION BRIEF

PROGENY CALCULATOR NOW LIVE The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) staff has been hard at work recreating an old favorite, the progeny calculator, now live on the Regstr platform. The progeny calculator allows for members to select multiple dams and multiple sires for potential matings. Members can select from a drop down of high or low EPD thresholds they desire, and a line graph will be created show casing each potential mating’s resulting EPD estimates. Members can try out the new progeny calculator by clicking “Updates” in the top bar on the Regstr platform. 2021 BRANGUS FUTURITY PEN SHOW The IBBA Show Committee is proud to announce the formation of the 2021 Brangus Futurity Pen Show, to be held at the 50th Anniversary of the Brangus Futurity in Belton, Texas. The pen show will be held Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. All cattle must be DNA parent verified. The cattle will show unhaltered, and pens will be comprised of three heifers or bulls no older than May 1, 2019. Divisions will be held for Brangus, Red Brangus and Ultrablack/Ultrared. A minimum of three (3) pens of each is required for individual shows. If a minimum of three (3) black and three (3) red are not checked in, black and red will show together. If a minimum of three (3) Ultrablack/Ultrared are not entered by entry due date, there will not be an Ultra pen show. The entry deadline is June 1. Entries will be completed with the National Junior Brangus Show (NJBS) and Futurity Open Show entries online. Rules and class breaks can be found at GoBrangus.com, under Shows, then under IBBA Show Classifications. For more information, contact IBBA Show Coordinator, Lori Edwards at ledwards@gobrangus.com or 210-696-8231. IBBA BREED IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WEBINAR SUCCESS On March 29, the IBBA Breed Improvement Committee held an online webinar titled, “Improving reproductive efficiency in your herd: synchronization, AI, and other tools in your toolbox.” The program featured Dr. Jordan Thomas, assistant professor and beef reproduction specialist at the University of Missouri. The webinar was well attended with more than 65 breeders watching live during the event and was buzzing with AI and ET questions pertaining to Bos indicus cattle. Congratulations to the IBBA Breed Improvement Committee for progressing the breed’s reproductive technology forward. IBBA STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE NATIONAL SHOW UPDATE The IBBA Show Committee has voted to relocate the national points show previously held at the Oklahoma State Fair as the Western National to the Cattlemen’s Congress 12

May 2021

held in January. The six national point shows for the Standard of Excellence program include: Cattlemen’s Congress (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), Houston Livestock Show (Houston, Texas), Texas Invitational (Bryan, Texas), National Show of Merit (Shreveport, Louisiana), Brangus Futurity (Belton, Texas), and the Florida State Fair (Tampa, Florida). STAFF HAPPENINGS Congratulations to IBBA Member Services & Marketing Director Lori Edwards on her recent engagement to Parker Dunkerley, of Waxahachie, Texas. TOTAL HERD REPORTING ANNUAL SCHEDULE The IBBA is getting ready to begin the Total Herd Reporting (THR) process. To ensure that your THR process runs smoothly, please check your animal list and dispose or transfer any animals that may affect billing. THR Event The association sends each member a preliminary inventory based on the previous year’s inventory that has been adjusted for disposal and transfer information reported to the association. Inventory adjustments can be made online. Alternatively, members may choose to mail a paper copy of the inventory with all changes, additions, and corrections to the association office. Paper copies must be submitted early to allow for staff processing time. Association invoices members for annual THR assessments based on members herd inventory. Terms include 50% of payment due July 20, 50% due August 20, or 100% due August 1.

Date

By June 1

Online - June 30 Mail in - June 15

July 1

PERSPECTIVE WITH THE IBA by Marlene Schwerin, International Brangus Auxiliary (IBA) director at large Is the glass half empty, or half full? The answer depends on a person’s perspective. If you are a pessimist, the glass is half empty. If you are an optimist, the glass is half full. Without a doubt, surviving the recent pandemic has challenged all of us to maintain a positive outlook. Hopefully, we can take away some important lessons as we continue moving forward in these unprecedented times. Fellow Brangus breeders let us count our blessings.

ASSOCIATION BRIEF First, the opportunities for socially distanced, country living and the capacity to grow safe and nutritious food for our families and our neighbors cannot be overrated. We may have even noticed our urban neighbors becoming more aware and appreciative of essential workers in the agriculture industry as they experienced empty grocery store shelves for what may have been the first time in their lives. Further, we have been blessed with ample opportunities for family time with reduced distractions from outside activities that will have lasting benefits. We may have also found that going on long walks, horseback riding, or driving through the countryside in our pickup trucks soaking in nature’s beauty, and the serenity it offers, is good for the soul. In addition, most of us have also learned to implement some new technology skills as we continue adapting to online teaching and learning, shopping, and conducting church services and business meetings with people from across the globe. Most of all, as cattle producers we have been continually blessed with a front row seat viewing God’s handiwork in every sunrise, the miracle of newborn calves, and the joy of working together with family and fellow Brangus breeders who share similar values. In a time when the future can seem very uncertain, we in the International Brangus Auxiliary (IBA) have an upclose view of the ongoing improvements in our breed, both with our cattle and our young people, as we continue to help further the Brangus breed and our Brangus Juniors through various promotional activities and the IBA Scholarship Program. If you are searching for a positive way to invest in the future, I invite you to reach out to me, or any of the other members of the IBA leadership team and get more involved to ensure the continued success of our Brangus cattle and our youth. For those who just need to renew their IBA membership, please remit dues to Janet Greuel at 438 Price Road, Brooks, Georgia 30205. The next IBA general membership meeting will be held this summer in conjunction with the NJBS in Belton, Texas.

IBBA ADDS MARCEL VIEIRA TO STAFF The IBBA gladly welcomes its newest hire and addition to its programming team, Marcel Vieira. Marcel is a senior software developer from Rio de Janiero, Brazil, who aspires to always be of help to his community and company. Marcel was brought on full-time after his notable redesign of one of Regstr’s most experienced pain points, registration prefixes, which will be included in the upcoming summer 2021 update. He is also the owner of two very fun cats (or so he says). IJBBA ANNOUNCES ONLINE ENTRY PROCESS FOR 2021 NATIONAL JUNIOR BRANGUS SHOW The IJBBA is excited to announce that the entry process for the 2021 National Junior Brangus Show and Futurity will be 100% online this year. With the increased options available, the IJBBA board of directors unanimously agreed that now was the time to take advantage of all the opportunities an online entry portal provides. We look forward to those opportunities improving our efficiency but also the benefits this online portal will offer all exhibitors. Benefits such as ease of entry, reduced opportunities for errors, automatic calculations, and immediate payment are just a few things exhibitors can look forward to. Finishing touches are currently being put in place, so exhibitors are asked to allow a little patience as this project is completed. Exhibitors can rest assured that as soon as possible, IJBBA and IBBA will do everything possible to get this exciting new portal in front of them! Complete show information and rules can be found online at juniorbrangus.com/shows and all major updates will be announced via Facebook and the Brangus Bulletin eblast.

IBBA FACTS in a flash in the past 30 days

9 New Senior Members 9 New Junior Members

5 New Associate Members

1,326 New Female Registrations 838 New Bull Registrations

2 New Semen Export Approvals 1,229 New DNA Submissions

May 2021

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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

DOB: 9/11/2014 Sire: BRB RapidReward 99W11 15

May 2021

EXECUTIVE CORNER

Beware of theeGAP by Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D., International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) executive vice president I must give credit to my friend Dr. Bob Weaber from Kansas State University for finding the perfect word – a simple three letter word – to describe a phenomenon that is becoming more significant in the seedstock industry. In this case, the “GAP” is the difference in average genetic merit of cattle born each year in herds that are using all the tools and technology available to them compared to those herds that are less intense in their use of data and technology. Like any business in any industry, cattle breeders run on a technology treadmill – like it or not. In order to remain competitive, one must constantly adopt new technology. If you stand still, you fall behind. This has always been true and will certainly remain true for the foreseeable future – not just in cattle breeding, but in every industry that one can imagine. Technological innovations rarely accumulate in a straight line - a linear advance. Rather, there are certain points in time where a disruptive technology comes along and allows a quantum leap forward. Examples would be micro-processors, the internet, and DNA sequencing to name but a few of the most obvious ones. In our business, examples would be artificial insemination, the advent of EPDs, and the emergence of genomics (DNA testing). I think we have reached an inflection point in the cattle industry where the cumulative power of technology is allowing the most aggressive users of technology to advance at an accelerating pace in terms of genetic improvement. As

May 2021

this occurs, those who are slower to adopt these technologies run the risk of falling victim to the GAP – that is, the genetic distance between the low-tech herds and the high-tech herds will increase at an accelerating pace. There has always been a GAP between herds in terms of average genetic merit for traits of importance. This was true long before we had EPDs to help quantify the differences. As far back as the 1940s, and perhaps even earlier, there were hard-nosed breeders who weighed every calf, multiple times, and kept meticulous records. Imagine these folks calculating adjusted weights and ratios longhand – without a calculator (maybe they had an abacus or a slide rule). Even before we understood all the nuance of quantitative genetics such as heritabilities and other parameters, it was understood that “like begets like” – this is just an instinctive understanding of genetics. If you breed fast-growing cows to fast-growing bulls, you’re likely to get fast-growing calves. This is cowboy common sense. But some breeders kept records. They did the math and used their data to select the next generation of parents. Others, it’s fair to say, just eye-balled the cattle and picked those that were bigger (assuming the goal was to increase growth rate). Image two breeders on opposite ends of town, each with a goal to breed faster-growing cattle. One is weighing calves, keeping records year-after-year, and calculating which animals have the greatest growth potential. The other one is

looking at them and selecting accordingly. Which one do you suppose has a steeper plane of improvement for growth rate? There is no doubt that the guy with the adjusted weights and records will outpace the other guy. I submit that the GAP between these two herds (in terms of growth rate) grows wider in a linear fashion over time. As new tools have become available, notably the ultrapowerful genetic change tool knows as EPDs, the opportunity to increase the rate of improvement is dramatically enhanced. This is particularly true when we shift our thinking from a single trait – like growth rate in the above example – to multiple traits. Back in the “good ol’ days” when all we had to work with were in-herd ratios, it was very difficult to achieve elite status across many traits, and especially hard to achieve elite status in a pair of traits that are naturally antagonistic. An example would be birth weight and yearling weight. Nearly every breed of beef cattle that is still economically relevant has been able to hold BW constant, or lower it, while simultaneously increasing YW. Breeders have been able to increase marbling, increase rib eye area, and reduce age at first calving – while controlling BW and increasing growth rate. This is quite remarkable when you stop and think about the complexity of simultaneously improving genetic merit for multiple sometimes antagonistic traits. This could not be achieved

without EPDs – not in your lifetime or mine. But it takes more than EPDs. It also requires what geneticists call disproportionate reproduction. In plain English, this means getting a large number of progeny out of the most superior animals. Again, in plain English, this means AI and ET. In summary, when you take conventional EPDs, add in the boost from genomics, and then add in AI and ET, it is not like adding 1 + 1 + 1 + 1. It’s more like: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4. The message in this essay is not intended to discourage anybody or scare anybody off. On the contrary, it should be seen as encouraging and uplifting for one very simple reason. Namely, none of this technology is discriminatory. It does not favor large over small, or wealthy over non-wealthy. You do not have to be a large outfit or have a big bank account to implement these technologies. I submit that your cost per pregnancy from AIing to the elite sires in the breed is no higher than your cost per pregnancy from using a $10,000 natural service sire. A genomic test costs the same whether you send in 10 samples or 200. The chart included is for illustration only. It is not reflective of actual and specific data but depicts the accelerating pace of genetic improvement and suggests that the gap between herds is likely to grow wider unless steps are taken to take full advantage of the tools and technologies.

GENEPLUS

FEATURE ARTICLE

THIRTY YEARS OF

Vision and Leadership THE INTERNATIONAL RED BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY. by Emily Lochner “Our directors took a long-term view of association business and squarely faced the issues raised with open minds and foresight. The Brangus breed faces the coming years in a strong, aggressive position as a result of board actions.” These words were penned in the executive perspective article in the December 1991 Brangus Journal by Neil Orth, then executive vice president of the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) in regard to the recent fall board meeting. At the meeting, held October 31, 1991, the 27 members of the IBBA board of directors had voted on a number of issues that would affect the course of the association, namely the adoption of Red Brangus into the IBBA registry system. Now 30 years later, vision, strong guidance, and leadership of tenacious Red Brangus breeders has afforded the International Red Brangus Breeders Association (IRBBA) a legacy of worldwide renown. In the early 1990s, a group of Red Brangus breeders began to seek a structured advancement of Red Brangus cattle knowing the need for accurate performance records and data keeping systems. “I remember sitting down with a few other Red Brangus breeders and meeting with Neil Orth at a restaurant in Schulenberg, Texas, in the spring of 1991 to explore the option of registering 3/8 x 5/8 red cattle in the IBBA registry,” says Don Cox, now past IBBA and IRBBA president. “Orth said he would approach the IBBA executive committee and board of directors in short order.” It didn’t take long for both the Red Brangus breeders and IBBA to see the value in joining forces. An excerpt from the 1991 IBBA fall board meeting minutes read, as follows: “J. Neil Orth, IBBA executive vice president, addresses the board informing the members of a developing interest by Red Brangus breeders to register cattle with the IBBA. After brief discussion, Lanny Vinson, Abilene, Texas, made a motion to allow Red Brangus cattle to be registered with the IBBA; allow the cattle used in breeding up to Red Brangus to be enrolled and certified with the IBBA; and allow Red Brangus breeders to 26

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become members of the IBBA and enjoy the same service and programs as existing members do, including advertising in the Brangus Journal. Vinson requested the president appoint a transition committee consisting of Red Brangus breeders and IBBA board members to adopt the proper rules and wording to allow Red Brangus cattle to be registered and the necessary foundation cattle to be enrolled and certified. After discussion, the IBBA board passed the motion with a unanimous show of hands.” “When Neil Orth first approached the executive committee [the president, vice president, secretary and exofficio] with the idea of adding red cattle into the registry system, we didn’t even think twice about it,” says Dr. Robert Vineyard, 1991 IBBA board of directors’ vice president. “The consensus we came to was a positive one. We were able to see the vision of the Red Brangus breeders right from the start; no matter the color they raised, these were just good cow people and we knew we needed to surround ourselves with more of that. Months later, when the executive committee presented the pitch to the full board for approval, we presented it with an outlook that spanned many decades. We wanted the IBBA to lay the groundwork for a successful Red Brangus incorporation, but the work to build it would be up to the red members themselves.” Initially, it was agreed upon that the IBBA would provide registration services and EPD calculations on Red Brangus cattle for $2/head. Previously, no certain percentage of Angus x Brahman mix was required for Red Brangus registration. Pete Keeling, a prominent Red Brangus breeder of the time, took on the arduous task of hand reviewing and calculating percentages by hand on every single Red Brangus animal to determine if they met the 3/8 x 5/8 threshold before passing onto the IBBA. In the spring of 1992, the red division of the IBBA was formed, now known as the International Red Brangus Breeders Association (IRBBA). Ten breeders: Don Cox, Jim Hunt, Pete Keeling, Johnny Kopycinski, Dennis Kmiec, Gordon Miller, Harry Simon, Clarence Reynolds, John

FEATURE ARTICLE Werner, and Bryan Rabon each paid $1,000 as charter members and the IRBBA was born. This arrangement allowed the red breeders to have their own officers and board of directors, and to operate with registration papers and EPDs without any financial overhead. Jim Hunt had served as president of the group for the two years prior to creation of the IRBBA. Pete Keeling served as president for the first three years, followed by Don Cox and Dennis Kmiec for three years each. Pete Keeling returned as president for one more year and Marcos Borges Jr., a Brazilian citizen and rancher in Wharton, Texas, has served since. “When the IRBBA first joined the IBBA, we were actually the only country in the world that had red and black Brangus cattle registered in two different associations. Every other country had reds and blacks under the same roof. So that really helped solidify the fact we were making the right decision to join the IBBA,” notes Cox. In the summer of 1992 at the IBBA summer gathering in Kerrville, Texas, Red Brangus bulls and females were on display for the first time. A Dogwood Creek bred female became the first Red Brangus to sell in an IBBA sanctioned sale. She was purchased by Whitehall Plantation in Louisiana. “Some of the founding sire lines are still seen in cow herds across America,” notes Bruce Buffaloe, long time Red Brangus breeder. “The bloodlines of Chief Cardinal, Predominate, Premier, and Red Jack helped lay the foundation for the Red Brangus cattle of today.” “In 1992, Johnny Kopycinski, Jim Hunt and I met with Don Jobes, then livestock coordinator of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR),” recalls Don Cox.

“At the time, there was an American Red Brangus Show at Houston, but it allowed any percentage of Brahman x Angus cross to enter the show; we wanted our own 3/8 x 5/8 show under the IRBBA umbrella. For over three hours we sat in Don Jobes’ office and tried our case, hearing the word ‘no’ quite frequently. Finally, he leaned over his desk, pointed his finger at us and said, “I’ll let you have a show, but if you come with one animal less than 40 head, you’ll never show here again!’” The spring of 1993, HLSR saw its first 3/8 x 5/8 Red Brangus show, thanks to the leg work done by forward thinking breeders. “A lot of the IRBBA breeders packed our trailers and brought more head than we would’ve ever considered taking to a show, just to meet the minimum number requirement,” says Cox. The 1993 HLSR IRBBA show had 43 head. They had a standalone show for many years, until 2006 when the IRBBA and IBBA show became one and the same, showing red and black alternating divisions. Several decades later, Don Jobes retired from the HLSR, he sold all of his commercial cattle and purchased registered Red Brangus. He became an IRBBA member and supporter after a compelling argument made by Red Brangus breeders many decades prior. In 1995, the directors decided to host their own IRBBA sponsored sale. The sale was named the “Genetic Edge Sale” and was planned for March 1996 in Brenham, Texas. The Genetic Edge I attracted bidders from four states and the Republic of South Africa. Thirty-three lots sold for $99,000 and a tradition was born. In 2000, the sale was moved to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR). To this

“THE IRBBA EXISTS TO PROVIDE MARKETING AVENUES FOR REGISTERED RED BRANGUS CATTLE WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES AS WELL AS TROPICAL AREAS AROUND THE WORLD.” -MARCOS BORGES JR., WHARTON, TEXAS

(continued on page 28)

FEATURE ARTICLE (continued from page 27)

day, it is held during the international week at the HLSR to accommodate the many international breeders that attend. In 2005, after 15 years of registering and receiving EPDs from the IBBA, the next step in inclusion was seen. The IBBA proposed to IRBBA a membership merge into one parent association – IBBA. While debating the offer, IRBBA Director Jim Hunt stated, “Isn’t that what we have been working for all these years?” The IRBBA board agreed to support joining, and the membership soon after solidified the decision. In 2006, current IRBBA President Marcos Borges signed the agreement for red and black Brangus breeders to become full partners in one breed association, the IBBA. Don Cox and Marcos Borges Jr. came onto the IBBA board as transitional nonvoting board members to serve a three-year term in facilitating the merger. In 2009, Don Cox was elected to a board seat on the IBBA board, and in 2010 became the first Red Brangus president of the IBBA; followed by Allen Goode in 2021. In 2008, the Genetic Edge XIII saw a new chapter in history, offering both red and black lots in the sale. The IRBBA is no longer a breed registry organization, but it lives on as a promotion organization for Red Brangus and a reminder that commitment is fundamental to progress. “The IRBBA Annual Meeting was held at breeders’ ranches until 2010 when the venue was moved to the Texas A&M Beef Center,” recalls Buffaloe. “Breeders from all over

May 2021

the world attend the IRBBA Annual Meeting. The evening before the meeting, the IRBBA scholarships are awarded. Generally, three to four senior academic scholarships are awarded and a junior scholarship for use in sports or other endeavors is awarded. During the annual meeting, the association fiscal resources and other committee reports are reviewed. The morning meeting is culminated with breeders selecting the Breeder and Member of the Year. In the afternoon, the Divas in Red Sale is conducted which showcases 10 to 15 premier International Red Brangus heifers.” “The IRBBA exists to provide marketing avenues for registered Red Brangus cattle within the continental United States as well as tropical areas around the world,” says Marcos Borges Jr., IRBBA president. “Marketing is achieved through member website listing, advertising, private treaty sales, breeder production sales, yearly shows, gain tests, and an annual association sponsored sale known as the Genetic Edge Sale for members to market their cattle. It is a big accomplishment that the Genetic Edge sale now promotes and markets both red and black cattle together. The IBBA has brought Red Brangus breeders technology for registrations and genetic data analysis that increased the value of Red Brangus cattle to breeders across the globe.” From the moment red options were added to the color score menu at the IBBA, Red Brangus breeders put their foot on the gas pedal and haven’t let off since. “The breeders that came in were just progressive and aggressive,” remembers Vineyard. “And truthfully, if it weren’t for Don Cox and Neil Orth, the IRBBA would have never become what it is today.” It was a broad, worldly industry approach the Red Brangus breeders headed, well past the show rings of America. “We traveled all over the world, especially Mexico, to help establish their red association, now known as Brangus Rojo de México. The red breeders have always found it important to travel internationally. A core group of breeders has traveled to every World Brangus Congress; with the help of Neil Orth, we were pleased to host the first World Brangus Congress in Houston in 2000,” comments Cox. “The involvement with breeders of Mexico in the early days of the IRBBA has been key to the growth and success of Red Brangus and the IRBBA,” mentions Buffaloe. “A couple to name are Guillermo Zambrano of Hacienda La Escondida, the Ballandrano Family of Rancho Los Nogales and many more. In 1999, Guillermo Zambrano, who was a progressive breeder of cattle in Mexico, recognized that Red Brangus were the best cattle to tolerate the extreme heat in Mexico. Guillermo invited the IRBBA board of directors to Monterrey, Mexico, for an introductory meeting with 40 progressive Mexican cattlemen. These cattlemen wanted to convert their herds to Red Brangus cattle. Guillermo provided a registration platform, office, executive director, and all funding required to initiate the registration of International Red Brangus in Mexico. Essentially, he formed, funded,

FEATURE ARTICLE and promoted the Mexican Red Brangus Association. This generous support by Guillermo created high demand for International Red Brangus cattle in Mexico. Other Central and South American countries soon followed this trend.” “The IRBBA members bring a lot of experience in international marketing,” says Borges. “The IRBBA members have traveled the world analyzing the needs of Red Brangus breeders in different countries and environments. The IRBBA connection worldwide is very strong. The relationships and friendships of IRBBA breeders have brought cattlemen from across the world to the U.S. and provided opportunities for the IBBA to increase its international presence.” Based on population percentage, Red Brangus cattle are one of the highest exported breeds in the United States. “The IRBBA works to promote the entire breed,” adds Allen Goode, IBBA president, IRBBA vice president, and Red Brangus breeder. “As a whole, Red Brangus breeders are very active when it comes to international involvement, they’re ambassadors of the breed and their involvement in other countries is pivotal.” Alongside the breeder’s guidance, the Red Brangus cattle sing for themselves in international countries, namely Central and South America, Africa, India, Australia, and New Zealand in hot, humid environments. “The Red Brangus cattle are highly adaptable,” notes Goode. “The red cattle can go into the hot, humid climates and perform better than their contemporaries. They have the ability to shed their hair quickly, and still have the fertility and carcass merit that Brangus cattle are known for. IBBA Red Brangus breeders have continued to place focus on quality cattle backed with strong performance numbers and it’s led to our herds to be the leading source for genetics in the Red Brangus world.” “Anyone who owns Brangus – black or red – knows it’s the best maternal breed,” adds Cox. “If you look at where the cattle numbers are across the globe, they fall into places like Brazil or India where Brangus cattle excel. When you start to add the numbers, eared cattle are, by some margin, the majority of the cattle in the world. Therefore, the future is in our hands. If we can continue to access hot and humid environments in Central and South America, we’ll grow this breed forever and ever.” The vision and leadership of Red Brangus breeders today, and the vision and leadership of the IBBA three decades past have led to a powerhouse association the best breeders knew and expected. “Going through this process over time has given me a very satisfying feeling of self-achievement toward a worthwhile goal,” says Dennis Kmiec, one of 10 original IRBBA founders. “I compare it to a person taking an under developed piece of property and developing it into a nice landscaped home place. This is more fulfilling than buying that home place already developed. It was and still continues to be a lot of work, but, I have enjoyed the journey. Ironically, from 1990-1991, the IBBA board had been

developing a 10-year long-term plan with five key objectives. Unbeknownst to them, an unforeseen annexation of Red Brangus cattle would quickly help elevate their ambitions. The 1992 IBBA Long Term Plan objectives included: 1. Learn from the Brangus customer what product is desired and aim the breed at delivering that product to the market 2. Address and pursue opportunities for increasing breed revenue 3. Review the structure, function, and effectiveness of the volunteer organization 4. Aggressively pursue international opportunities in Mexico and elsewhere 5. Maintain and strengthen the junior program Each bullet of their core objectives could and would be advanced by the strengthening of the association’s addition of Red Brangus cattle and breeders into the IBBA. Neil Orth’s executive perspective article in the December 1991 Brangus Journal concluded 30 years ago with a truth that still stands today. “The board unanimously voted to welcome Red Brangus breeders to the IBBA and to allow the registration of Red Brangus cattle. In the purebred industry in the past, strict adherence and loyalty to tradition caused other breed associations to pass by opportunities to expand their registries or initiate appendix programs for closely related breeds. When troubled times came in the purebred industry, many of those associations found themselves in jeopardy because of their long-standing ‘traditions.’ The IBBA board, in welcoming the Red Brangus breed, has expanded the influence of our organization and provided the flexibility to successfully meet future economic conditions and challenges. Though the decision is a historical mark for the Brangus breed, the philosophy behind the action is not. Early Brangus leaders set a good tradition of industry leadership and the 1991 board of directors continued in that same philosophy with this decision. A transition committee has been formed to develop the smoothest incorporation of Red Brangus into the IBBA and we are happy to welcome them.”

May 2021

SHOW RESULTS

LOCATION: Waco, Texas

Grand Champion Female LR Ms Brooklyn 38G12 Lucherk Cattle, Poth, Texas

Reserve Champion Female 2 Hearts Guilty Pleasure 74H Two Hearts Brangus, Seguin, Texas

Grand Champion Red Female Sendero’s Galaxy 59G8 Sendero Red Brangus, Laredo, Texas TRIO Cattle & Genetics, Mabank, Texas

Reserve Champion Red Female KTS Ms Barbara 23H KTS Cattle, New Ulm, Texas KO’s Cattle Service, Waxahachie, Texas

Grand Champion Ultra Female SANKEYS Royal Lady 392H Carlee Taylor, Lakeland, Florida

Reserve Champion Ultra Female GRT Ms Preview 889G10 GKB Cattle Co., Waxahachie, Texas

FEMALE DIVISIONS Junior Heifer Calf Champion: 2 Hearts Guilty Pleasure 74H, Two Hearts Brangus, Seguin, Texas Reserve Junior Heifer Calf Champion: ACC Harmony 649H4, Allen Cattle Company, Crockett, Texas Senior Heifer Calf Champion: Miss JLS Faith 767G16, Casey Delona Harper, Haines City, Florida Reserve Senior Heifer Calf Champion: Ms L Dharma 820G13, 6B Cattle, Florence, Texas Summer Yearling Champion Heifer: KK Miss Inspire 157G6, GKB Cattle, Waxahachie, Texas Reserve Summer Yearling Champion Heifer: TCR Marilyn 302G2, Triple Crown Ranch, Angleton, Texas Yearling Champion Heifer: LR Ms Brooklyn 38G12, Lucherk Cattle, Poth, Texas 32

JUDGE: Bill Cawley, Grapeland, Texas

May 2021

Reserve Yearling Champion Heifer: Miss JLS Keva 767G10, JLS International, Bigfoot, Texas Senior Champion Heifer: TCR Hit It Fergie 1214F1, Triple Crown Ranch, Angleton, Texas Reserve Senior Champion Heifer: DDD Lady Willpower 804F41, Lucherk Cattle, Poth, Texas & MP Brangus, Waco, Texas RED FEMALE DIVISIONS Red Junior Heifer Calf Champion: KTS Ms Barbara 23H, KTS Cattle, New Ulm, Texas & KO’s Cattle Service, Waxahachie, Texas Red Reserve Junior Heifer Calf Champion: CX Excalibur’s Princess 59H, Cox Excalibur Brangus, Katy, Texas Red Senior Heifer Calf Champion: Sendero’s Galaxy 59G8, Sendero Red Brangus, Laredo, Texas & TRIO Cattle & Genetics, Mabank, Texas

Red Reserve Senior Heifer Calf Champion: KTS Ms Fiona 124G, KTS Cattle, New Ulm, Texas & KO’s Cattle Service, Waxahachie, Texas Red Summer Yearling Champion Heifer: Ms MBJ-JM Gata 236G, MBJ Ranch, Wharton, Texas Red Reserve Summer Yearling Champion Heifer: Dos XX’s Miss Ruby Lynn, Dos XX’s Cattle Co., Washington, Texas Red Yearling Champion Heifer: CX Ms Legends Dream 71G, Villa Ranch, Brookshire, Texas Red Reserve Yearling Champion Heifer: Miss -C- Ruby Red 30G, Berry Boy Show Team, Benton, Louisiana Red Senior Champion Heifer: Dos XX’s T-N-T’s Miss Skye, Dos XX’s Cattle Co., Washington, Texas Red Reserve Senior Champion Heifer: (continued on page 34)

SHOW RESULTS

LOCATION: Waco, Texas

Grand Champion Cow-Calf Pair Miss MS Keke 915F4 KO’s Cattle Service, Waxahachie, Texas Truitt Marks, Waxahachie, Texas

Reserve Champion Cow-Calf Pair Miss MS Camila 789E2 Casey Delona Harper, Haines City, Florida

Grand Champion Red Cow-Calf Pair Buffaloe’s Ms Victoria 53F3 Chase Lund, San Antonio, Texas

Reserve Champion Red Cow-Calf Pair BPB Ruby Red 377F1 Matthew Trey Shipp, Aubrey, Texas

(continued from page 32)

Miss -C- Dream Girl 317F7, Berry Boy Show Team, Benton, Louisiana ULTRA FEMALE DIVISIONS Ultra Junior Heifer Calf Champion: SANKEYS Royal Lady 392H, Carlee Taylor, Lakeland, Florida Ultra Reserve Junior Heifer Calf Champion: Hannah, Savannah Hanson, Dayton, Texas Ultra Senior Heifer Calf Champion: FARRIS Ms UB Compadre 63G, Farris 34

JUDGE: Bill Cawley, Grapeland, Texas

May 2021

Ranching Company, Tuscola, Texas Ultra Reserve Senior Heifer Calf Champion: WL Miss Shady Lady 701G, Briana Hicks, Danbury, Texas Ultra Summer Champion Heifer: MCC Gypsy 1028G, Maxwell Cattle Company, Ponder, Texas Ultra Yearling Champion Heifer: GRT Ms Preview 889G10, GKB Cattle Co., Waxahachie, Texas BULL DIVISIONS Junior Bull Calf Champion: ACC Harold

674H3, Allen Cattle Co., Crockett, Texas Reserve Junior Bull Calf Champion: MC Trust Fund 95H2, Mill Creek Land and Cattle, Puryear, Tennessee & The Trust Fund Syndicate Senior Bull Calf Champion: MP Mr Hydro 767G3, MP Brangus, Waco, Texas Reserve Senior Bull Calf Champion: DDD American Dream 150G18, MP Brangus, Waco, Texas & Lucherk Cattle, Poth, Texas Summer Champion Bull: GBB Resistol

SHOW RESULTS

LOCATION: Waco, Texas

JUDGE: Bill Cawley, Grapeland, Texas

Grand Champion Bull ACC Fearless 674F3 GKB Cattle Co., Waxahachie, Texas

Reserve Champion Bull Mr JLS Thor 767G9 JLS International, Bigfoot, Texas

Grand Champion Red Bull KTS Mr Foundation 21F KTS Cattle, New Ulm, Texas KO’s Cattle Service, Waxahachie, Texas

Reserve Champion Red Bull TK Fit Man 225F2 MBJ Ranch, Wharton, Texas Genetica FFF Brangus, Tepatitlan, Mexico

Grand Champion Ultra Bull GKB Yucatan’s Conquest 476F7 GKB Cattle Co., Waxahachie, Texas

Reserve Champion Ultra Bull MCC Hard On The Rocks 1149H Maxwell Cattle Co., Ponder, Texas

789G4, G Bar Brangus, Beckville, Texas Reserve Summer Champion Bull: SKYHAWKs Onstar 820G5, Skyhawk Brangus, Tyler, Texas Yearling Champion Bull: Mr JLS Thor 767G9, JLS International, Bigfoot, Texas Senior Champion Bull: ACC Fearless 674F3, GKB Cattle Co., Waxahachie, Texas Reserve Senior Champion Bull: KL Mr Coal Mine 820F, K&L Brangus, La Vernia, Texas RED BULL DIVISIONS Red Junior Bull Calf Champion: Mr MBJ Hero 225H2, MBJ Ranch, Wharton, Texas Red Reserve Junior Bull Calf Champion: MBJ JM TRIO’s Havana 7H, MBJ Ranch, Wharton, Texas & TRIO Cattle, Mabank, Texas Red Senior Bull Calf Champion: VILLA’S First Hombre 71G, Villa Ranch, Brookshire, Texas Red Reserve Senior Bull Calf Champion: Dos XX’s Dynamites Fusion, Dos XX’s

Cattle Co., Washington, Texas Red Summer Champion Bull: CX Dream’s Royalty 3G, Cox Excalibur Brangus, Katy, Texas Red Senior Champion Bull: Mr MBJ Guapo 124G2, MBJ Ranch, Wharton, Texas Red Yearling Champion Bull: GRC George L 101G, Diamond M – Marcela Garza, New Waverly, Texas Red Reserve Yearling Champion Bull: Dos XX’s T-N-T’s Wild Card, Dos XX’s Cattle Co., Washington, Texas Red Senior Champion Bull: KTS Mr Foundation 21F, KO’s Cattle Service, Waxahachie, Texas & KTS Cattle, New Ulm, Texas Red Reserve Senior Champion Bull: TK Fit Man 225F2, MBJ Ranch, Wharton, Texas ULTRA BULL DIVISIONS Ultra Junior Bull Calf Champion: MCC Hard On The Rocks 1149H, Maxwell

Cattle Co., Ponder, Texas Ultra Reserve Junior Bull Calf Champion: CHAMP Mr Salty Dawg 17H, Champions Valley Brangus, Schulenburg, Texas Ultra Senior Champion Bull: GKB Yucatan’s Conquest 476F7, GKB Cattle Co., Waxahachie, Texas GROUPS Champion Produce of Dam: MP Brangus, Waco, Texas Champion Junior Get of Sire: MP Brangus, Waco, Texas Champion Senior Get of Sire: MP Brangus, Waco, Texas Champion Breeder’s Herd: KO’s Cattle Service, Waxahachie, Texas & Williams Ranch Co., Bastrop, Texas Red Champion Produce of Dam: KO’s Cattle Service, Waxahachie, Texas & KTS Cattle, New Ulm, Texas Red Breeder’s Herd: KO’s Cattle Service, Waxahachie, Texas & KTS Cattle, New Ulm, Texas 35

May 2021

Thank You to the

sponsors who supported the IBBA Show Committee through the Firepit of Brands campaign.

THE BRANCH RANCH MARVEL FARMS K&L BRANGUS TWO HEARTS BRANGUS G BAR BRANGUS CROSS N BRANGUS SKYHAWK BRANGUS MP BRANGUS LAVENDAR BRANGUS ARDY TINNER DARIN WILEY JLS INTERNATIONAL MYRON SAATHOFF TRIO CATTLE & GENETICS STAR G RANCHES PUMP JACK CATTLE CO 38

May 2021

SANKEY’S 6N RANCH 4D CATTLE CO LAURA LEE TAYLOR MCDONALD RANCHES MBJ RANCH INDIAN HILLS RANCH SENDERO RED BRANGUS BROKEN A RANCH MILL CREEK LAND & CATTLE LUCHERK CATTLE SCAMARDO BRANGUS DIAMOND K RANCH CIRCLE LEE FARMS KTS CATTLE KO’S CATTLE SERVICE BRANDON BELT

COX EXCALIBUR BRANGUS GKB CATTLE DR. ROBERT VINEYARD GARY CLEM WILLIAMS BRANGUS DOUG & JENNIFER SMITH LAKE MAJESTIK FARMS TRIPLE CROWN RANCH PARKEY RANCH TWISTED S CATTLE WYMAN CREEK CATTLE CO. MCKEE CATTLE ALLEN CATTLE CO PACK PONDEROSA FARRIS RANCHING CO CHAMPIONS VALLEY BRANGUS

FEATURE ARTICLE

2020 Herdsmen of the Year 2020 RED BRANGUS HERDSMAN OF THE YEAR: VILLA RANCH, HEMPSTEAD, TEXAS

The 2020 Red Brangus Herdsman of the Year Award given to Villa Ranch, Hempstead, Texas, is owned and managed by Milton Villarreal and coordinated by daughter, April. Though relatively new to the Brangus breed, the Villarreal family brand holds decades of history tracing back to Mexico in the early 1900s. Villa Ranch began in 2010 under the original name, Kindred Ranch, raising commercial cattle. The family chose Kindred Ranch signifying the connection to a person’s relatives collectively, kinfolk and kin. In 2016, the Villarreal family began searching for the right breed when they stumbled upon Oak Creek Farms in Chappell Hill, Texas. From disease resistance to

heat tolerance, the Villarreal family was impressed with the Brangus marketing opportunities surrounding their Texas location. In 2018, they began growing their registered herd through the Genetic Edge Sale in Houston, and in 2019, they changed their name to Villa Ranch, boasting their great great grandfather’s brand being the first to bring the brand to America. The Villa program is made up of three strategies: show cattle, red performance, and black performance. They’re on the growth track to expand their cow family presence through lines such as 30, 74, 541, 924, 535 and 381 families in the blacks, and red cow families from 71, 101, 135, 204, 59, and selective 20 cow family. “To us, the word ‘herdsman’ means the ranch has been recognized by their fellow breeders. It means hard work, and a quality of both cattle and people,” says April Villarreal. “The award means everything to us. I remember watching shows with my dad and dreaming of the day we might have the opportunity to receive the award. It was an honor to receive the award from Allen Goode, Gina Gill and Dr. Wilkes, thank you to our fellow breeders for the selection. We hope to continue working just as hard to live up to this great award.”

2020 BLACK BRANGUS HERDSMAN OF THE YEAR: ALLEN CATTLE COMPANY, CROCKETT, TEXAS Michael, Jennifer, Cleavie and Kate Allen of Allen Cattle Co., Crockett, Texas, received the 2020 Black Brangus Herdsman of the Year Award. The Allen Cattle Co. story began in 1995 when Michael and grandfather, Harold, originally purchased their foundation cows from the 3G Land and Cattle dispersal. Decades later, after multiple generation advancement, the 649 and 674 cow families of today still date back to the original herd of cows founded in the mid 90s. The Allens believe that Brangus cattle simply thrive in their part of the country, they make the best foundation mama cow – making a multi-generational commitment to the breed an easy choice. Today, Michael serves as a primarily cow-calf veterinarian in a mixed animal vet practice in Crockett, Texas. They sell a little of everything from on-farm replacement heifers to online show heifers sales and bulls for commercial and registered breeders alike. The goal of Allen Cattle Company is to produce performance oriented cattle that excel and appeal not only in the show ring but also focus on EPDs. The highlights of the 2020 show season was ACC Harold

673H3 being named Grand Champion Bull at the inaugural Cattlemens Congress in Oklahoma City and later being name the Junior Calf Champion at the 2021 International along with his maternal half brother ACC Fearless 674F3 being named the 2021 International Grand Champion Brangus Bull. “For me, a herdsman is someone who sets a good example for other breeders and is committed to the breed,” says Michael Allen. “It’s just a true honor to be recognized as such by my peers.” 39

KTS MS BARBARA 23H sired by TX HOME RUN 76/D Grand Champion - 2020 Western National & National Show of Merit Reserve Grand Champion - 2021 The International & Cattlemen’s Congress

May 2021

KTS MS JENNA 135H2 sired by TX HOME RUN 76/D Grand Champion - 2021 Cattlemen’s Congress

KTS MS DIXIE 800H sired by TX HOME RUN 76/D Grand Champion - 2021 Cattlemen’s Congress Junior Show & Cowgirl’s in Cowtown Junior Heifer Show Reserve Champion Jr. Heifer Calf - 2020 Western National & National Show of Merit

May 2021

FEATURE ARTICLE EXECUTIVE CORNER

2021

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN THE EXHIBITION OF BRANGUS CATTLE

Myron Saathoff PRESENTED TO

Myron Saathoff has been many things in his lifetime, but most see him as a cattleman, showman, an honest gentleman, and mostly a friend. He grew up on a family farm and ranch in Hondo, Texas. His dad was a farmer, but his grandfather was a rancher, and he established a love for cattle and the ranching lifestyle early in life. His mother would say he was always a “cowboy” and pretended to gather cattle as he rode the arms off of the family couch. Saathoff began showing cattle in high school with a Hereford steer. Upon graduating, he attended Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, Texas, on a baseball and football scholarship and finished his agricultural studies at Texas State University. His first ranching job was working for Larry Blackman of B2B Farms near Bowie, Texas, as an AI technician for the Angus division. Then while working at B2B Farms, he later became the manager and AI technician of the Brangus division, thus beginning a “lifetime” of love and commitment to the Brangus breed. In 1976, Saathoff began working for Great Plains, an investment corporation. He managed their Brangus cattle division in Nixon, Texas. While at Nixon, the general manager for the Texas operation of Great Plains was Swazye McCrain. The company received an invitation from the governor of Jalisco, Mexico to display Brangus cattle at the National Show in Guadalajara. Very few, if any, Brangus had ever been into the interior of Mexico. The Brangus cattle received a lot attention and interest at the show. While at the show, they were also invited to the Governor’s Ball. The governor himself ended up purchasing four of the bulls taken for display. With each move, Saathoff continued to manage and establish Brangus operations across the state as his family grew. These included Escoba Brangus, T-Diamond, Star Creek Brangus, and Star J Brangus. He also established a sales management, cattle showing, and consulting business after he moved home, but it always involved Brangus cattle. With each prayerful move, God allowed Saathoff to stay in the Brangus breed. Like always - God’s timing is perfect. 44

May 2021

When the Saathoff family needed to settle in a more permanent situation, Jeff Smith entered the picture. An Alabama Brangus breeder, Smith opened up a Texas division of JLS, Inc. not far from Saathoff’s old “stomping grounds.” He continues to work for Jeff Smith and JLS, Inc. to this day. They have implemented a, “Breeding up to Brangus” program in order to introduce new genetics and avoid line breeding. His goal is to keep the breed pure at 3/8 x 5/8. Though a challenging task, when it comes to genetic selection, he knows what to look for, and his number one priority is - and will always be - performance. This has been proven time and time again with the 915 cow family, who was the foundation of the JLS success and their slogan “Where champions produce champions!” In 2018, JLS sold all of their breeding stock to Williams Ranch Company. These “tried and true genetics” are being used in the Bastrop setting where Saathoff consults and continues to be part of the breeding program that he originally developed. He now gets to work for Jeff Williams and collaborate with longtime friend, Gary Bruns. As Saathoff’s job locations changed, so did the Brangus breed. As plans have changed, for the last 48 years, he has continued to adapt and consistently excel to become a progressive thinker, bettering the breed one cow family at a time. Saathoff believes that the registered Brangus breeder and the commercial cattlemen who want Brangus bulls are the ones who establish the market demands. So as demands changed, he had to determine how to give the market what it wanted. Therefore, whether it was the bigger, the better, the moderate size, or the use of EPDs in selection, he adapted to the market. Even in the show ring, things have changed since the days of cattle shown with slick hair. His quest to produce what he feels is the perfect animal has never wavered, however the methods have. JLS has explored every path from natural breeding to AI to embryo work, and even cloning. With all of the success that the 915C cow had given JLS, they decided they needed more of the original blood. In

FEATURE ARTICLE 2011, five full clones to the 915C cow were shipped as threemonth-old calves with their recip mothers from Illinois to Texas. They were not shipped sooner since two different DNA tests had to be completed to assure that the clones were the exact duplicates of the original 915C cow. By accident, the original 915C cow was across the fence from where the calves were unloaded. All five clone calves ran straight to the original cow. Even after the recip mothers were unloaded, it was difficult to get the five clones to leave the original 915C cow. After the clones were weaned, if one laid down, all five would lay down. If one stood up, all five would stand. Two of these clones are still in production at the Williams Ranch Company in Bastrop, Texas. Whatever it took to produce the perfect offspring was Saathoff’s mindset. Despite all the changes he’s seen, one thing remains – the belief that the Brangus breed is the best breed. In a world where ranches come and go, his devotion to the cattle industry has always been one of his top priorities. He often said that the longevity of the JLS program, or any program, was based on three things – honesty, integrity, and trust – each of which have to be earned. His participation in the Brangus breed involves the show ring, marketing in public and private sales, as well as serving on International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) committees, and as a director in several regional Brangus organizations. He’s also served as an advisor for both the Texas Junior Brangus Breeders Association and the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association, and he has especially demonstrated a heart for juniors helping with fundraisers, by donating and buying donation heifers. He pioneered the ‘junior option’ at JLS’ annual sales, making it easier for junior members to afford their choice of show animals. The show ring has possibly been where Saathoff has received the most exposure with his connection to the Brangus breed. During his lifetime of showing Brangus he has received: the IBBA Herdsman Award three times, twice for black Brangus, once for Red Brangus; 14 times in the last 21 years, he has taken home an IBBA Show Animal of the Year Award; and in 2007, Jeff Smith and Saathoff were named the

IBBA Breeder of the Year. In an article published in 2013 titled, “The Showman,” he recounted one of his favorite show memories. “In 2004, when the National Western Brangus Show was first hosted in Phoenix, Arizona, JLS brought back both big prizes of grand champion heifer and grand champion bull. Another outstanding memory was in 2003, when JLS won grand champion heifer at the Futurity for the third time by the same breeder. This third win allowed JLS/Saathoff to be the first person to take home the Brangus Futurity trophy engraved with all the past Futurity winners. This trophy had previously been displayed at the IBBA office, but is now proudly displayed at JLS.” The only thing that tops his love and devotion to the Brangus breed is his love for God and his family. With all of his mishaps, multiple broken bones, accidents, tractor, truck and trailer wrecks, he knows that the grace of God is the only reason he is still here. He has been married to Neva for 46 years and labels her as his, “best (only) hand” on their personal ranch. His jobs, on all of the various ranches, established a lifestyle for his family. Neither their daughter, Tanessa, nor their son, Tate had a choice regarding their extra-curricular activities. They would work in the barn and on the ranch where Myron happened to be working and they would show Brangus cattle. Both of them have shown their share of champions and won showmanship awards. They are both now married, and Myron and Neva are blessed with seven grandchildren. Both Tanessa and Tate appreciate the hard work and dedication that was instilled in them through their dad and are now passing that down to their own children. Today, the Saathoff grandchildren are showing livestock in local and a few major stock shows. Other members of his family include the many friends he has made through the years being involved with the Brangus breed. “I am a blessed man, with ‘family’ all over the United States,” concluded Saathoff.

Pictured to right: Tate, Myron, and Tanessa Saathoff, all in the Grand Drive at the 1998 Houston International Livestock Show. At this time, Saathoff was self-employed, and Saathoff Brangus had their own fitting service. Each of the family members were showing for different owners.

May 2021

FEATURE ARTICLE

A SOLID BREEDING PROGRAM STARTS WITH A FIRM

FOUNDATION

by Deanna Nelson-Licking

From growing up in a small farming community in South Africa and raising a few Brahmans, to breeding some of the very best Red Brangus cattle in the nation, Nick and Marieaan Kahts are now making waves in the Brangus industry show ring. The couple married in the mid-1980s and welcomed two children, Lizl and Rudi. Nick worked in the oil and gas industry where there were limited opportunities, so he was eager to get out and experience more than what was available in his native country. In 2005, the family moved to Alberta, Canada, seeking new opportunities. “A better life for me, my wife, and my kids,” Nick said.

May 2021

The Canadian climate proved difficult for the Kahts family to adjust to and by the second winter they decided to move south. Texas, with its warm weather and ample employment opportunities in the oil and gas sector, became their new home in 2007. Lizl and Rudi adjusted well and continued their education, eventually graduating with associate degrees. They still live and work in the Houston suburbs and visit when they can. “We both worked in the oil and gas industry and were living in Cypress at the time. But we were looking for an opportunity to move out to the country. It wasn’t until my

FEATURE ARTICLE then colleague, Marvin Tanecka of Tanecka Ranch, showed me pictures of his grand champion Red Brangus bull and after sharing them with Marieaan, we knew what we wanted to do was breed quality Red Brangus cattle,” Nick said. “We figured if we built a very good herd, we could one day leave it to the kids to take it to the next level. A few weeks later in October 2013, at Don Cox’s sale we bought our first two heifers.” Those two heifers were the start of KTS Cattle and they soon purchased a piece of hay ground near New Ulm, Texas, built fences, barns, and put in a house. Nick has continued his career in the oil industry while Marieaan has taken on the cattle care and day-to-day activities. “Marieaan is the rancher, I’m the hand,” Nick laughed. They added more Red Brangus heifers, 25 commercial heifers, and numerous quality embryos and focused on

building a great breeding herd from the ground up. Culling early and culling hard has been the motto of KTS Cattle from the start. From the time a new calf is born, the Kahts study each animal with a very critical eye. “Building a good breeding herd seems like a never-ending task and we have found it best to be very critical when evaluating your cattle,” he said. “We select moderate, structurally sound, clean and easy fleshing cattle that have enough show appeal to be competitive in the ring. There is nothing to gain in keeping animals around that don’t make the cut, and we drop those at the sale barn as soon as we can. This allowed us to focus attention and resources on the remaining animals and then we start the evaluation process again, to be very selective.” “When I studied this young bull calf called Foundation, I could not help but to see him in the show ring. He had the (continued on page 50)

WHEN I STUDIED THIS YOUNG BULL CALF CALLED FOUNDATION, I COULD NOT HELP BUT TO SEE HIM IN THE SHOW RING, [HE] HAD THE LINES OF A CHAMPION. 49

(continued from page 49)

lines of a champion and I started looking for someone to teach us how to show. This was harder than expected but Allen Goode put me in touch with Mark Koehl,” Nick said. “I told Mark that I would bring Foundation all the way to Waco and if he didn’t like the calf that I would bring him right back.” “When Nick called me in November of 2018 and said they had a bull they wanted fitted and shown, I really hadn’t hauled many Red Brangus, as I had hauled mostly black Brangus. But when they unloaded the bull off the trailer I made my decision really quick. I told Nick to shut the trailer door the bull wasn’t going anywhere,” said Koehl, who owns KO’s Cattle Service in Waxahachie, Texas. Foundation was Red Brangus Reserve Show Bull of the Year in 2019 and is the reigning 2020-2021 Show Bull of the Year. “Foundation is a one of a kind bull to keep and to haul. I called him the gentle giant, when I walked out of the ring the last time with him, I had a lump in my throat he meant that much. It will be hard to fill his shoes; he was so consistent in the show ring,” Koehl said. “Most of the time we had mixed results with embryos and, in 2018, we ended up with the summer months approaching and we had a bunch of open cows,” Nick said. “We went back to Tanecka looking for a great bull, but we

are especially selective on the bulls we will use. He knew how much I liked Home Run TX76D, as we discussed him back when Marvin was just beginning to show him. Marvin selflessly offered to let me use his grand champion bull. I could not shake his hand fast enough to seal the arrangement and brought the bull home. His calves are the best calf crop we ever produced and with so many really good heifer calves we had to start showing our heifers.” “I’ve fallen in love with the cattle, with each new one, Nick drops farther down the list of my affections,” Marieaan jokes. “The Red Brangus in general have very good dispositions and I move amongst them every day. If they show any aggression, they are loaded and dropped at the sale barn.” The arctic blast that struck Texas in February of 2021 proved very challenging for the Kahts, as they had 10 cows due to calve at that time. They managed to close up the barn and put the heavy breds in with plenty of bedding, water, and feed. Keeping the cows and new calves warm and dry was a full-time job. Even though they never lost electricity for any length of time, the water lines at the barn froze solid and the last four days water had to be hauled from the house. Eight of the 10 calved during the cold snap but the calves are all strong and healthy now. “Every day it was with both great anticipation and concern, when we walked over and started the day,” Marieaan said. Their management and selection of good cattle combined

“ABOVE ALL: ALL THE GLORY AND HONOR OF OUR SUCCESS GOES TO GOD. WHERE HE GUIDES, HE PROVIDES!” -NICK KAHTS

May 2021

with the dedication of Koehl and his team has paid off with their bull KTS Mr Foundation 21F, now co-owned with Sendero Brangus and standing at stud. KTS Ms Barbara 23H was awarded the 2020-2021 Red Brangus Show Heifer of the Year. In fact, the entire KTS show lineup is very impressive with another open show grand champion heifer, KTS Ms Jenna 135H, and a junior show grand champion in KTS Ms Dixie 800H to name a few. The heifers on the junior show circuit are showed by Koehl’s grandson, Truitt Marks. Throughout the process, Nick and Marieaan are continuing to hone their ability to evaluate cattle. Both are trained in AI to help improve the genetics of their herd. “Foundation for one is a product of my AI skills,” Nick said. “We have selected a few of our own cows as embryo donors and as it turned out the very first heifer we bought back in 2013 is one of our main donors. She turned out to be a very good momma cow.” “By culling early and culling hard, I might have been guilty of culling too much as our herd didn’t grow fast but now we have really good stock. I am also guilty of selling too good of animals but then you don’t make a name as a breeder by selling animals that aren’t any good. You have to sell some of your very best. The better our genetics, the better service we can provide to fellow breeders,” Nick said. “We are still growing our breeding herd and ultimately this is your primary asset as a breeder. Bulls are important, but they come and go,

the cows, however, stay and with every breeding we try to find the best mating for each cow. Our aim is to have a better quality calf crop every year and so far this year we believe we have done just that.” “KTS Cattle is not just us, we rely on advice and guidance from some of the most experienced breeders in the business. Don Cox of Cox Excalibur Red Brangus, Allen Goode of TRIO Cattle and Genetics, Marvin Tanecka of Tanecka Ranch, Bruce Buffaloe of Buffaloe Cattle Company have all contributed with tons of advice and guidance over the years. Mark Koehl is just the most dedicated and reliable showman in the breed. Even our friends, Pastor Gary Henneke and Mitja Peterman are always ready to assist with help or advice, or even take care of the cattle when we are out of town! For cattle care, there is the staff at Phillips Veterinary Hospital in Brenham, who recognized Marieaan was a registered nurse by trade and shared their knowledge freely so she could learn and now can handle all the basic veterinarian needs for our cattle. We could not achieve this much without the support from this group. We trust their guidance and I go with the advice of the people I trust,” Nick said. “Above all: all the glory and honor of our success goes to God. Where He guides, He provides!”

The InTernaTIonal JunIor Brangus Breeders assocIaTIon

Presents

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

These hoTels are nexT To The expo. however, addiTional room blocks have been made aT oTher properTies. FoR A CoMPlete lIst, go to WWW.JunIorBrangus.coM/shoWs.

La Quinta Inn & Suites 229 West loop 121 254-939-2772

$89 / night

Cut-off Date July 12, 2021

IMPORTANT DATES

ownership Deadline: May 31 early entry Deadline: May 15 late entry Deadline: June 1 (Additional $25)

dna rules:

Expo Inn & Suites 235 West loop 121 254-613-5289

$99 / night

Cut-off Date July 12, 2021

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION

All AnIMAls BoRn on oR AFteR JAnuARy 1, 2021 Must Be DnA PARent VeRIFIeD. All PeRCentAge AnIMAls Must stIll Be PARent VeRIFIeD to tHe IBBA RegIsteReD PARent.

DIVIsIon CHAnges: nJBs WIll noW ReCognIZe 4 DIVIsIons FoR All Contests & HIgHPoInt! noVICe (age 7-10)  JunIoR (age 11-13)  InteRMeDIAte (age 14-16)  senIoR (age 17-21) soMe Contests WIll stIll HAVe PeeWee DIVIsIons But no HIgHPoInt WIll Be AWARDeD.

hIghPoInT changes: eXhIBITors seeKIng hIghPoInT honors MusT coMPeTe In aT leasT

10 Contests to Be elIgIBle. PoInts BAseD on RAnK WIll Be AWARDeD In All InDIVIDuAl Contests. PARtICIPAtIon PoInts WIll Be AWARDeD FoR All teAM AnD sIngle DIVIsIon Contests.

aWard changes: FIRst tHRougH tHIRD PlACe WIll ReCeIVe AWARDs In InDIVIDuAl Contests. gRAnD AnD ReseRVe teAMs WIll ReCeIVe AWARDs FoR All teAM Contests.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

July 27 - August 1, 2021

Bell counTY eXPo Belton, texAs

Over

00 0 , 0 5 $ ed

Award

Scholarships  Premiums  Awards  Buckles  Banners

Tuesday July 27

8:00 am 12:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm

Cattle and tack Allowed in Barns IJBBA Board Candidate Interviews Cattle Must Be In Place opening Ceremonies nJBs Fun night at the circus

Wednesday July 28

7:30 am 8:00 am 12:00 noon 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 6:00 pm

Breakfast with the Brangus Queen nJBs Cattle Check-In lunch stock show u Demo Clinic team Fitting & showing Contest Dinner & Brangus Jeopardy

Thursday July 29

8:00 am 12:00 noon 1:30 pm 4:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:30 pm

sullivan supply showmanship Contests lunch Roger & Janet greuel speech Contest salesmanship Contest taste of states Barnyard olympics

*this schedule is tentative and therefore, subject to change.

8:00 am

Friday July 30

12:00 noon 1:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm

Bred and owned shows owned ultra Female show Percentage Female show lunch Futurity only Cattle Check-In skill-A-thon & Judging Contests Costume Contest source of Champions sale & social Brangus Futurity 50th Anniversary Banquet

Saturday July 31

8:00 am

12:00 noon 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 6:00 pm

national Junior owned Brangus & red Brangus shows lunch IJBBA legacy Foundation supreme Heifer scholarship showdown Brangus Futurity Pen show IJBBa general Membership Meeting & Awards Banquet

Sunday August 1

8:00 am

Brangus Futurity show Animals must be out of barn by midnight.

enTer onlIne aT: www.juniorbrangus.com

W O H

s t s

e t A th

e th

eear r G on

ASSOCIATION BRIEF

TEXAS BRANGUS BREEDERS HOST SUCCESSFUL ANNUAL MEETING AND SPRING SALE

The Texas Brangus Breeders Association (TBBA) enjoyed a beautiful weekend at the Tenroc Ranch in Salado, Texas, on April 2-3. The two-day event began with a TBBA board meeting Friday afternoon. A new slate of officers were elected by the board to represent TBBA for the coming year. Matt Willey, Nome, was elected to serve as president; Garry Clem, Jacksonville, will serve as first vice president; Phillip Evans, Joshua, will serve as second vice president; and Joe Fuller, Willow City, was elected as secretary/treasurer. Additional board members include: Lee Alford, Caldwell; Brandon Belt, Gatesville; Steve Densmore, Bryan; Grady Green, El Dorado, Arkansas; Myron Saathoff, Hondo; Robert Vineyard, Wharton; Mike Weathers, Columbus; Russ Williamson, Tyler; and Ross Wilson, Whitehouse. Retiring board members are Jodi Jackson, Waco; Larry Gill, Jr., Beckville; and Buck Thomason, Cranfills Gap. The TBBA general membership meeting followed the board meeting. The event center was decorated in spring-like

Outgoing TBBA President Jodi Jackson, center, accepts an appreciation plaque from newly-elected President Matt Willey (left) and First Vice President Garry Clem (right).

colors of blue and yellow, with a touch of Easter. Darnell Muenchow has graciously volunteered to decorate for the last several years. The International Brangus Auxiliary (IBA) was also represented by Tina Gardner, who provided plenty of Brangus promotional items to sell on behalf of the IBA. The evening concluded with a wonderful meal of fried catfish and chicken fried steak catered by KO’s Cookout. The TBBA Spring Spectacular Sale started off with a bang on Saturday morning. A well-represented crowd was on hand to take advantage of the great offering of cattle hand selected by sale chairman Joe Fuller and American Marketing Services sale management team. Dr. Darrell Wilkes, International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) executive vice president, was on hand to give opening remarks, followed by a quick and lively auction of 55 lots that averaged $4,585. Make plans to attend the 2022 TBBA Annual Meeting and Spring Spectacular Sale which will be held the first weekend of April at the Tenroc Ranch, Salado.

The TBBA Promotion Committee set up a booth at The International Open Breeding Cattle Show on March 23-28, in Waco and provided handouts and promotional items.

The 2021-22 TBBA Board of Directors: (front row from left) Lee Alford, Myron Saathoff, Grady Green, Joe Fuller, secretary/treasurer; and Brandon Belt. Back row from left, Matt Willey, president; Garry Clem, first vice president; Phillip Evans, second vice president; and Mike Weathers. Not pictured is Steve Densmore, Robert Vineyard, Russ Williamson and Ross Wilson.

May 2021

HIGH LOT - $12,000 1/2 Interest for Lot 1B Pump Jack Cattle Co.

HIGH PAIR - $11,000 Lot 50 MP Brangus

HIGH PAIR - $9,750 Lot 62 Saint Emilia Ranch

VOLUME BUYER J.D. Harkins

JUNIOR BUYERS Eris Basey • Lot 2B • $11,500 Cody Meador • Lot 2C • $7,500 Melinda Betts • Lot 24A • $6,300

VOLUME BUYER Saint Emilia Ranch

VOLUME BUYER K&L Brangus

JUNIOR BUYERS Kaelyn Hein • Lot 41A • $4,950 Claire Gill • Lot 17A • $4,800 VOLUME BUYER Don Tharpe

THANK YOU! 89 Lots Sold for an Average of $4,256

ASSOCIATION BRIEF

SOUTHEAST BRANGUS BRANDED WAGON WHEEL

Every year for the past six years, the Southeast Brangus Breeders Association’s (SBBA) very own Tom Hayford has built and donated a branded item for the benefit of the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA). This year’s project is a rustic wagon wheel bench that features the IJBBA National Junior Brangus Show (NJBS) show logo and brands from across the U.S. If you would like help to support the IJBBA, please contact Hayford at (850)-768-1794. His goal is 100 brands, and he needs approximately 40 more. Let us show our support for the IJBBA as an IBBA family and help him reach his goal for a good cause. A copy of the online application can be found at sebrangus.com, or under the files tab on our Facebook page Southeast Brangus Breeders Association. Mark your calendars for upcoming deadlines. The Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show ownership deadline is July 19, 2021, which is 60 days before the show date. The Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show is September 17-18, 2021, and is going to be held in Live Oak, Florida. For further

information please contact Hayford. If you have any SBBA Award of Excellence, or SBBA Achievement Award nominations, please contact Janet Greuel at janet.greuel@gmail.com or in writing to 438 Price Rd., Brooks, Georgia 30205, nominations are due by July 10, 2021. Also coming up is the SBBA Female Sale, September 25, 2021 in Troy, Alabama. The donation heifer is being provided by Nic Cornelison, from Lake Majestik Farms. Nominations for the sale are due July 27, 2021, which is 60 days before the sale. Please submit your intent to participate in the sale to Doug Williams, SBBA sale manager at (336)-745-5252. Nomination forms can be found at sebrangus.com under marketing and sales or under the files tab on our Facebook page. If you live in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia, and would like to find out more information about the SBBA or how to become a member of the SBBA or for more information about any of the upcoming events please do not hesitate to get in touch with Michael Childers at 904-219-8746 or email at sebrangus@hotmail.com. You can also visit our webpage www. sebrangus.com or on Facebook on our SBBA page for the latest information.

The 2021 IJBBA branded item is a rustic wagon wheel bench custom made by Tom Hayford, Bonifay, Florida. The bench is constructed of 2” thick live edged Poplar lumbar. The bench measures 6’ 6” long, 22” deep, and 32” tall. The bench features the 2021 NJBS show logo and brands from farms and ranches across the U.S. The bench will be coated with an exterior grade of polyurethane for indoor or outdoor use. There are two options to those who want to add their brand to the project. We will also be having a contest to see which IJBBA member can sell the most raffle tickets. If you are interested in having your brand included on this year’s branded project, or participating in the buyers group, please complete the information below. Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ______ Option A: $35 brand space only ______ Option B: $50 brand space + two buyer tickets Additional buyer group tickets @ $10/each: _______________________________________________________________ IJBBA member selling tickets: _________________________________________________________________________ Please return form to: IJBBA c/o Tom Hayford, 1238 Esker Martin Rd, Bonifay, Florida 32425 or email to toml.hayford@gmail.com. PLEASE INCLUDE BRAND DRAWING HERE:

May 2021

SALE SUMMARIES

SALESummaries

26TH ANNUAL GENETIC EDGE SALE WACO, TEXAS | MARCH 27, 2021 Gross Average Lots 1 IJBBA Donation Female $48,500 $48,500 3 Brangus and Red Brangus $102,500 $34,167 Donors/Pairs 3 Brangus/Red Brangus $61,000 $20,333 Pick of the Calf Crops 9 Brangus and Red Brangus $95,750 $10,639 Flushes 9 Brangus and Red Brangus $96,500 $10,722 Open Heifers 8 Brangus and Red Brangus $77,750 $9,719 Bred Heifers 4 Brangus and Red Brangus $44,950 $11,238 Semen Lots 3 Brangus and Red Brangus $22,775 $7,592 Embryo Lots 40 Total Brangus and Red $549,725 $13,743 Brangus Lots The 26th Annual Genetic Edge Sale witnessed a great crowd and ready buyers, as once again the Brangus and Red Brangus offered the breed’s utmost genetic packages through donor cows, flushes, embryos and future donors in the bred and open heifers. Eighty registered buyers from 11 states and Mexico competed on the banks of the Brazos River in Waco, Texas, for the right to own the elite genetics offered by the breed’s leading producers. The sale got underway with a bang as Lot 3, the right to select and own one-half interest in any two Draggin M Females sold for $62,500 to the trio of Triple T, Fayette, Alabama, Johnston Cattle Co., Montgomery, Alabama, and Double W Brangus, Macomb, Mississippi made the purchase. Draggin M Brangus is located in Eldorado, Arkansas. The evenings second high seller was Lot 35, 100 units of Never Surrender semen sold in increments of 5 units to various buyers. It was consigned by Quail Valley Farm, Oneonta, Alabama and Salacoa Valley Farm, Fairmount, Georgia. The lot sold for $32,500. Las Palomas, Marietta, Georgia paid $30,000 for Lot 6, the pick of the Cavender Brangus spring 2020 heifer calf crop. Cavender Brangus is located at Troup, Texas. At $25,000, Villa Ranch, Brookshire, Texas purchased Lot 5, CX MS Payloads Meathouse and her January bull calf at side, CX MH Paytime 204/J. This pair was the fourth high selling lot and was consigned by Cox Excalibur Brangus, Weimar, Texas. Also selling for $25,000 was Lot 28, the opportunity to flush any two Phillips Ranch females with a guarantee of 20 embryos. Quail Valley Farms was the purchaser and Phillips Ranch, Bunnell, Florida was the consignor. Lot 7, the pick of the spring 2021 calf crop from T3 Brangus, Purvis, Mississippi was the evenings next high selling Lot at $24,000. The pick sold to Stover Ranch, Dallas, Georgia. 62

May 2021

THE EXCLUSIVE SALE OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA | JANUARY 12, 2021 Gross Average Lots 27 Total Lots $310,700 $11,507 High selling lots included: Lot 1 - MC Trust Fund 95H2 sold one-third semen interest for $50,000 to the Trust Fund Syndicate. Lot 15 - Choice to flush the GKB Brangus and Ultra donor battery sold for $40,000 to Conley Cattle Company and Hartman Cattle Company. Lot 20 - The Elite Grand Champion Embryo Package commanded $2,800/embryo and sold to Villa Ranch. Lot 28 - Embryos out of DDD Miss Jana 150B22, a full sib to Wall Street and owned by Burns Brangus, sired by DDD Tank 468E sold to GKB Cattle for $2,400/embryo. MP BRANGUS AT DIAMOND D RANCH FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS ONLINE SALE HOSTED BY SMART AUCTIONS | MARCH 26, 2021 Lots Average 41 Embryos $715 3 Live Lots $6,083 12 Straws American Dream Semen $105 LOUISIANA BRANGUS BULL AND FEMALE SALE LECOMPTE, LOUISIANA | MARCH 13, 2021 Gross Average Lots 26 Coming 2-Year-Old $94,450 $3,633 Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls 31 Yearling Brangus and $69,350 $2,237 Ultrablack Bulls 15 Registered Brangus Pairs $37,900 $2,527 13 Registered Open Brangus $31,100 $2,391 Heifers 4 Registered Bred/Exposed $7,400 $1,850 Brangus Heifers 68 Commercial Females $97,050 $1,427 Eighty registered buyers from six states participated in the second annual Louisiana Brangus Bull and Female Sale. A stout set of coming two-year-old Brangus and Ultrablack bulls were met with ready acceptance. Registered and commercial females were highlighted by both outstanding open heifers and pairs. Two bull lots claimed high selling honors as Lot 42, BC Cortez 9U8G11 sold for $6,500 to Peanut Carr, Columbia, Louisiana. This powerful bull is a son of Trio’s MLS Cortez 175C6 and out of the 9U8U9 donor. Also selling for $6,500 was Lot 71, BC Majestick Beacon 9U8H3, a son of Beacon and a grandson of the 9U8U9 donor. He sold to Dragon Ranch, Beeville, Texas. Both bulls were consigned by Bushley Creek, Olla, Louisiana. Selling for $6,250 was Lot 63, BC Majestik Beacon 924G5 to Farris Ranching Co., Tuscola, Texas. This calving ease Beacon son records 10 EPD traits ranking in the breed’s (continued on page 64)

SALE SUMMARIES herd sire prospects and range bulls from Briggs Ranch, Harris Riverbend Ranch, and Salacoa Valley Farm. A wellconditioned set of bulls ready to work greeted buyers on a balmy spring day and were met with an enthusiastic response. The day’s top selling bull at $22,000 was Lot 103, PRB Never Surrender 541G75, a massively deep sided Brangus herd sire prospect sired by Never Surrender and out of the Phillips donor, 541Y18. He was purchased by The Eagles Ranch, Evergreen, Louisiana and was from SVF cooperator, Phillips Ranch, Bunnell, Florida. A purchase price of $15,000 for the next high seller was paid for Lot 102, a Brangus bull named Salacoa Atlanta 23G89. He sold to T3 Brangus, Purvis, Mississippi and Salacoa Valley Farm, Fairmount, Georgia was the breeder. Another Brangus bull, Lot 106, PRB Monument 541G45 was the next high selling lot as Roberts Ranch, Giddings, Texas paid $8,750 to own this light birth and big growth SUPER AMERICAN SALE HOSTED BY BRIGGS RANCH prospect. He also came from Phillips Ranch and was out of BLOOMINGTON, TEXAS | MARCH 25, 2021 the 541Y18 donor. Gross Average Lots Lot 107, a full brother to Lot 106 was the next high seller 67 Brangus and Ultrablack $287,000 $4,284 as he went for $8,500 and sold to Quail Valley Farms, Bulls Oneonta, Alabama. 6 Super American Bulls $21,250 $3,542 The commercial cattle were topped by Lot 209, a pen of 73 Total Bulls $308,250 $4,223 five Santa Gertrudis pairs from Briggs Ranch purchased by 72 Commercial Pairs and $138,550 $1,924 Corporron Acres, Schulenberg, Texas. Lot 201, a pen of five Bred Heifers Super American pairs from Briggs Ranch sold for $2,000 per Ninety-six registered buyers from 12 states and Mexico head to Steve Johnson, Franklin, Texas. participated in the third annual Super American Spring (continued on page 66) Sale hosted by Briggs Ranch, Bloomington, Texas, featuring (continued from page 62)

top 35% and his dam is a full sister to Onstar and Eligido. Clem Brangus, Jacksonville, Texas topped the open registered heifers when they paid $3,100 to own Lot 32, MS BC LA Purchase 803H. She was consigned by Bushley Creek. The next high selling open heifers were Lot 24, CN Trinity 263H14 and Lot 25, CN Brickhouse 392H, both fetched the bid price of $3,000 and sold to Soileau Cattle Co., Bunkie, Louisiana. Both heifers were consigned by Cross N Farm, Olla, Louisiana. The commercial females were topped at $2,150 when Johnston Cattle Co., Montgomery, Louisiana paid $2,150 to own Lots 401 and 403, six pairs consigned by Old Willow Farm, Monticello, Arkansas. They were Brangus and Ultrablack and Baldie pairs sired by and bred to GENEPLUS Brangus bulls.

May 2021

SALE SUMMARIES buyers online and in person, bulls sold to 18 states and Mexico. Historically a proven source of leading herd sires in the Brangus breed, registered and commercial cattlemen set the bar early on in the day, with the high sellers as follows. Lot 5, SF Entourage 40G50, was an ultra-complete 2nd generation Ultrablack herd sire from Schmidt Farms, sired by Suhn’s Epic 331G16 and selected at $35,000 for ¾ interest and full possession by Sunshine Acres, Trussville, Alabama, Williams Farms, Uvalde, Georgia, and Lake Majestik Farms, Flat Rock, Alabama. Lot 64, LM Intrigue 70H, was a smooth-made, outcross 1st generation Ultrablack herd sire from Lake Majestik Farms, sired by Vorel Velocity 331E10 and chosen by Suhn Cattle Company, Eureka, Kansas and TJM Ranch, Kerrville, Texas, at $20,000 for full interest and full possession. Lot 131, GACC Business Line 561H3, was an eye appealing Brangus herd sire from Gariss Ranch, sired by Suhn’s Business Line 30D26 and selected at $19,500 for full interest and full possession by ABS Global, DeForest, Wisconsin. Lot 30, Suhn’s Blueprint 2H was a balanced trait Brangus herd sire from Suhn Cattle Co., sired by Suhn’s Majestik Beacon 30C and selected by CJC Farms, Quebeck, Tennessee at $18,500 for 2/3 interest and full possession. Lot 143, SF Mack 909H9 was a marbling leading 1st generation Ultrablack from Schmidt Farms, sired by McKellar Consensus and selected by NextGen Cattle Company, Paxico, Kansas at $15,000 for full interest and full possession. Lot 58, Suhn’s Kingpin 53H4 was a stout made 2nd generation Ultrablack from Suhn Cattle Co., sired by Suhn’s Trail Boss 30B3 and selected by Chimney Rock Cattle Co., Concord, Arkansas at $15,000 for full interest and full possession. Lot 144, PV Trail Boss 915H2, was a calving ease Brangus herd sire from Platte Valley Brangus, sired by Suhn’s Trail Boss 30B3 and selected by Wall Street Cattle Co., Lebanon, Missouri at $14,000 for full interest and full possession. Lot 59, Suhn’s Wide Load 53H6, was a high performing 2nd generation Ultrablack from Suhn Cattle Co., sired by SF Brickhouse 909H9 and selected by Lake Majestik Farms, Flat Rock, Alabama at $14,000 for 2/3 interest and full possession. Lot 84, TJM Powerball 302H, was an attractive calving ease 1st generation Ultrablack from TJM Ranch, sired by Sitz GENEPLUS AT SUHN CATTLE COMPANY Powerball and selected by ABS Global, DeForest, Wisconsin EUREKA, KANSAS | MARCH 23, 2021 Gross Average at $13,000 for full interest and full possession. Lots 22 Long Yearling Bulls $6,466 Lot 80, Vorel Currency 237H, was a balanced trait 1st 118 Yearling Bulls $5,816 generation Ultrablack from Vorel Farms, sired by Vorel 140 Total Brangus and $828,500 $5,918 Currency 25E8 and selected by Lake Majestik Farms, Flat Ultrablack Bulls Rock, Alabama at $12,000 for full interest and full possession. A standing room only crowd gathered in Eureka, Kansas Volume buyers of the day were Nicholas Kent, Dunnel, on the 4th Tuesday in March as they have for nearly three Florida and Peeler Ranch, Christine, Texas. The next offering of GENEPLUS genetics at auction will decades alongside the Vernon Suhn family and readily be November 5-6th at Chimney Rock Cattle Company where absorbed the Brangus and Ultrablack offering from the the partners will present 100 elite registered females, 150 GENEPLUS partners. Bulls with balance in phenotype, Brangus and Ultrablack bulls and 300 commercial Brangus performance, and data, and built with market acceptance in mind were offered in droves, finding new homes from Florida females. For more information or to view private treaty offerings visit GENEPLUSBrangus.com. to California, with a multitude landing in the Midwestern states of Kansas and Missouri. With over 180 registered (continued from page 64)

TEXAS BRANGUS BREEDERS SPRING SPECTACULAR SALE SALADO, TEXAS | APRIL 3, 2021 Gross Average Lots 7 Brangus Pairs and 3N1s $33,900 $4,842 14 Brangus Bred Heifers $67,550 $4,825 and Cows 34 Brangus Open Heifers $150,750 $4,434 55 Total Brangus Females $252,200 $4,585 A great crowd was on hand for the Texas Brangus Breeders Association general membership meeting and annual sale held at Ten Roc Ranch, Salado, Texas. Good food provided by KO’s Cookout and great fellowship were enjoyed by all. An outstanding set of Brangus females were on hand for appraisal and were greeted with enthusiastic approval and snappy bidding. The day’s top selling lot was Lot 30, CFC Miss U21Paragon 803H21, an open heifer at $13,200. This big topped daughter of Paragon boasted a 12” REA and scanned over 6% IMF. She was purchased by Saint Emilia Ranch, Fort Worth, Texas. She was consigned by Cross F Cattle, Willow City, Texas. Saint Emilia Ranch also purchased the second-high selling lot as they paid $11,100 to own another high-quality open heifer, Lot 33, MS Salacoa Big Town 803H8. She was consigned by Salacoa Valley Farms, Fairmount, Georgia. Lot 20, MS DMR Empire was the third high seller when Helen Oglesby, Lowndesboro, Alabama, paid $9,250 to own her. She was another of the strong open heifers and was consigned by Draggin M Brangus, Eldorado, Arkansas. Lot 55, T3 MS Three D 415G2 was a heavy bred cow and sold for $9,000 to Greenwood Cattle, Plantersville, Texas. She was consigned by T3 Brangus, Purvis, Mississippi. Lot 41, MS WAT Profit Seeker 30G2 was the next high selling female as Saint Emilia Ranch paid $8,500 to own this bred heifer safe to Empire. She was consigned by Johnston Brangus, Montgomery, Alabama. Another open heifer, Lot 18, QVF MS Big Town 392H3 was the day’s next high seller at $8,000 when Williams Brangus, Bastrop, Texas won the bid. She was consigned by Quail Valley Farms, Oneonta, Alabama. Volume buyers were Saint Emilia Ranch and Draggin M Brangus.

May 2021

FRIENDS WE WILL MISS

DON KENNETH HALL

Don Kenneth Hall, 81, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, April 1, 2021. He was born January 10, 1940 in Louisiana. Hall was a family man who enjoyed working on his Brangus cattle ranch and helping people any way he could. He was a co-owner and pharmacist at Smith-Caldwell Drug Store for almost four decades starting in 1962. His motto was, “You need to accomplish something every day,” and he lived that almost every day of his life. He was a living example of fairness, honesty, and loyalty to all. He cared deeply for his many friends at Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a longtime member. Don and Jo Ann Hall began raising cattle in the late 1960s. Even as a graduate from the Arkansas School of pharmacy in 1962, he was dreaming of building and owning a successful cattle ranch in central Arkansas. Although he tried a number of breeds in the late 60s and 70s, he realized in the early 1980s that Brangus were the best breed for the Arkansas climate. In 1982, he purchased a few registered Brangus cattle from a ranch in northern Arkansas, and that began his long relationship with the breed. Hall was a frequent buyer in the early days from Texas ranches like Brinks Brangus, Williams Brangus, and Camp Cooley Brangus. He wanted to establish a herd that was second to none in Arkansas and over the years, he continually worked to improve his herd through an aggressive artificial insemination program as well as natural breeding with high performance bulls. In addition, the late Ken Hughes was a good friend and frequent advisor to Hall over the years.

May 2021

His son, Greg, moved back to Arkansas in 2009 to assist him on the ranch, and he began working with Hall to continue to build the herd. Over the years, Hall has worked with local breeders to help them improve their herds and also provided young ranchers with prize-winning females at the Arkansas State Fair. His leadership and commitment to the Brangus breed in Arkansas in truly unparalleled. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Dewey Hall and Alice Marie Hall; daughter, Renee Hall; and two sisters, Dolores Tucker and Patsy Justice. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 62 years, Jo Ann Hall; son, Greg Hall and his wife Nancy of Benton; sister, Shirley Williams of Benton; half-sister, Betty Gail Fuqua of Louisiana; and half-brother, Ronnie Hall of Texas.

JIM HARL

Jim Harl, Brenham, Texas died Saturday, April 10th near his home from injuries received in a motorcycle accident. He had recently retired from the cattle business and moved back to Brenham. Brangus breeders will remember Harl as the manager of Windy Acres Brangus in the early and mid 1980’s and then he also worked for Don Thomas and Son in Missouri. Harl had recently spent more than a decade with Magness Land & Cattle in Fort Lupton, Colorado as the cowherd manager and in handling registrations and transfers in the office. He is survived by his sons, Harrison and Hastings, who both reside in Brenham, Texas and his daughter, Michelle, who lives in Iowa, plus a number of grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for May 7th at the Brenham Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Brenham, Texas.

May 2021

REPRODUCTION REPORT

LET’S TALK TEMPERAMENT: EFFECTS ON REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY by Carson Anderson, graduate research assistant, University of Missouri-Columbia THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERAMENT There are many traits that can be selected for or against to improve reproductive efficiency in a cow-calf operation. Temperament is one of many traits that has a direct impact on reproductive performance; however, it is a trait that is often put on the back burner and overlooked. Selecting for or against temperament may seem like just another nitpicky management strategy; however, research has shown that poor temperaments lead to a significant decrease in productivity and profitability. Temperament is defined as the behavioral responses of cattle when exposed to human handling. Cattle that express excitable temperaments during handling have been observed to have a reduction in pregnancy rates to artificial insemination compared to their more docile herd mates. Additionally, excitable temperaments may hinder puberty attainment among heifers. In addition to reproductive performance, an excitable temperament may decrease weaning weight, average daily gain, and carcass quality. Most importantly, selecting against cattle with poor temperaments lessens the chance of stress and injury to both the handler and animal during handlings. Research has shown that Bos indicus-influenced cattle tend to have a more excitable temperament than Bos taurus cattle; therefore, management of temperament might be a trait of greater significance among Bos indicus-influenced females. METHODS TO IMPROVE TEMPERAMENT Due to the negative impacts of stress on reproductive success and overall productivity, consider culling females with poor temperament. Temperament is reported to be moderately to highly heritable, suggesting much progress can 72

May 2021

be made through selection and culling decisions. Additionally, animals with poor temperament may condition excitable temperaments in herd mates. Heifers can be acclimated to human handling to improve their natural temperament prior to breeding. Heifers that have been properly acclimated are more likely to re-enter a chute willingly and quietly. While acclimating heifers to handling has been proven to successfully improve temperament, the same acclimation procedures tend to fail in mature cows. So, when handling heifers through facilities, take the opportunity to focus on low-stress handling. With this perspective, handling heifers multiple times to use estrus synchronization and perform AI could even be a net benefit in acclimating heifers. In addition to culling and acclimation, practicing good stockmanship can directly influence temperament. As mentioned previously, temperament is the response of cattle when exposed to human handling; therefore, poor stockmanship can condition poor temperament, as cattle are most likely to remember negative handling experiences. Practicing low-stress handling may mitigate excitable temperaments and improve overall productivity and performance. TEMPERAMENT TAKEAWAY Bos indicus-influenced females tend to have a more excitable temperament than Bos taurus females. Poor temperaments can lead to decreased reproductive performance, negatively impacting overall productivity. When considering strategies to optimize reproductive efficiency, consider both selecting selection for temperament and management strategies to acclimate heifers to handling.

May 2021

CATTLEFAX TRENDS

KEY FINANCIAL PRODUCTION DATA

The IBBA is proud to bring you the CattleFax Trends Publication. Look for this article each month in the Brangus Journal and Frontline Beef Producer. If you would like to learn more about CattleFax, please go to www.cattlefax.com. Collecting and analyzing data is becoming more important each day for businesses in all types of industries. In the cow-calf segment, there is almost an unlimited amount of data that can be acquired and analyzed. The difficult part is having the time and resources to not only gather but also study the information. However, capturing some of the basic measurements, if not currently being done, can provide significant benefits to making sound business decisions for your operation. In the cow-calf business there are two general categories, financial and production, the data can fall into. When it comes to analyzing finances, tracking cash flow is the first step. Most producers have no problem remembering what their calves sold for, but that is only half of the equation for profitability. The only way to calculate a breakeven for your calves is to know your costs. Understanding where money is spent is key to making improvements to your bottom line. For example, if you put up your own hay but never figured the costs, it is not possible to compare against alternatives. Maybe it is cheaper to hire someone or purchase most of your hay needs. Obviously, there are numerous factors that go into a decision like this, but it begins with measuring expenses. Tracking finances can be done several different ways. It can be as complex or basic as you want to make it. Using a detailed accounting software system is what everyone would use in a perfect world. However, there are added

May 2021

costs involved, and recording every single item could be unnecessary depending on your operation. A couple simple, yet effective options are using receipts or bank statements/ check stubs to track expenses. The recoding frequency can vary from weekly to annually. Although, to truly keep tabs on income and expenses, it is recommended to track cash flow at least on a quarterly basis. Once you have decided on a process, categorizing revenue and expenses will help with analysis. Depending on your operation and what you plan to do with the data will dictate how detailed you need to be. Nonetheless there are several classifications that are necessary for everyone. Pasture, feed, labor, vet/medicine, and bull/breeding are variable costs that apply to basically all cow-calf businesses. Some common fixed costs or overhead include facilities, equipment, and utilities. For cow-calf operations, significant revenue may only happen once or twice a year, when marketing calves. But it is important to keep track of any other forms of income throughout the year, such as cull cows and bulls. Once an operation has a sound accounting system, this will allow producers to hone in on key metrics to improve their bottom line. In CattleFax’s annual cow-calf surveys, most of the operations that fall under the “high-return” category have some of the lowest cash cow costs. As we’ve experienced the last couple years with black swan events, you cannot control the direction of the market. However, there could be

CATTLEFAX TRENDS specific costs some operations have more authority over that would improve profitability. Another capability that comes from recording cash flow, especially after a few years, is more accurate budgeting. For some operations this is not important, but for those that are required to, or see value in budgeting, historical data should help refine annual expectations. Aside from spending the time to precisely document finances, there are more potential challenges when recording cash flow. Oftentimes there are other enterprises besides the cow-calf business. For example, the same equipment is likely used for both a farming and cow-calf enterprise, so it would be misleading to apply all equipment costs to one enterprise. Also, it is recommended for operations that retain ownership through the stocker or backgrounding phase to have two separate enterprises. An entire article could be written about how to correctly allocate expenses and revenue to the appropriate enterprise. Bottom line, it is a very important step to get an accurate profitability measurement. On the production side there is a long list of data points that can be collected, as seen in the accompanying table. Obviously, some are more critical than others. One number that sounds easy, but is the most significant, is inventory. This includes cows, calves, and bulls. A basic example to prove how important accurate inventory records are, is calculating cash cow costs. Let’s assume your total cash cow costs are $350,000 and you estimate you run 500 cows, equating to $700 per cow. In reality, 490 head contributed to the total cash cow costs – a difference of roughly $14 per head. That changes the breakeven on a 550-pound calf by over $2.50/cwt. Not having an accurate head count to estimate cash cow costs is likely a rare occasion. But other key production metrics require precise inventory numbers throughout the year. One of the most popular calculations that is used to measure the productivity of an operation is weaned calf crop percent or calves weaned per cow exposed. The math is fairly self-explanatory, but you are comparing how many cows were

exposed during the previous breeding season relative to the number of weaned calves. This is a good starting point to see whether there are any potential fertility, health, or nutrition issues in the cowherd. If this measurement brings up a red flag, a deeper dive into pregnancy rate, number of calves born, or death loss is necessary. A couple of other metrics that can be useful when making decisions that just require time and basic record keeping is calf date of birth and cow age. These two variables can be especially useful for operations that keep their own replacements. An older cow that consistently calves early, implies that she has bred back on time to maintain a shorter calving interval. This suggests she possesses the optimal maternal genetics that should be kept in the herd. On the other hand, young cows that slip to late in the calving season should likely work their way toward the top of the culling list, since it is very difficult for a cow to move up her calving date. Obviously, other factors need to be considered when selecting replacements or culling. However, with fertility or reproductive efficiency being the single most important economic trait for a cow-calf operation, these two variables that are simple to track should not be left out when decisions are made. The saying “you can’t manage what you don’t measure” is relevant in today’s cow-calf segment. In a business that historically has very tight margins, using supporting data to make decisions has never been more pivotal. While profitability is expected to improve, the odds favor the need for data will only increase in the future. Like it or not, consumer preferences for sustainability and traceability continue to gain in popularity. This will create the need for more documentation and measurements to be collected. To help identify which measurements are necessary to improve your operation and how to use them, CattleFax provides a very detailed online breakeven calculator for producers. Visit www.cattlefax.com/ccbe/ to analyze your business.

UFFALOE CATTLE has been your trusted partner in the development of International Red Brangus Cattle since 1993 when we purchased our first IRBBA Red Brangus heifers from John Werner at Dogwood Creek (IRBBA #10). The Dogwood Creek 22 cow family works in our herd today and a 22 heifer is offered in the 2021 Divas Sale at the 30th IRBBA Anniversary Meeting. Wilma and Bruce Buffaloe were the high volume and high dollar buyers at Genetic Edge Sale I in 1995, where we added the internationally famous and champion 307 cow family from Don Cox at Cox Excalibur (IRBBA #5). BCC Ms Buffaloe 307S is a CX Chief Cardinal 847/G daughter who produces champion calves when mated to BKC Superman 101U. Embryos from this mating are available. Superman’s dam, BCC Nancy’s Byte 101R1, is a Buffaloe-generated female. You will find a grandson from our 101 cow family as a champion in the 2021 International Show.

May 2021

At the Genetic Edge Sale 5, we added the 3011 cow family from Dennis Kmiec at Triangle K (IRBBA #9). BCC Ms Rocky Street 3011U still produces outstanding calves. She is a donor and granddam of many 3011 offspring in IRBBA herds. Her sire was Sureway’s Rocky Street 227N, a 2-time IRBBA Show Sire of the Year, owned with Dennis Kmiec. We acquired the 124 and 227 cow families, from Jim and Linda Hunt at Sureways (IRBBA #2). A granddaughter of our donor, BCC Ms Pretty Girl 124S3, was a champion at the 2021 International Show. In 1997, we acquired the 53 cow family from Bryan Raybon at K&K Farms (IRBBA #3). Buffaloe’s Ms Victoria 53F3 was purchased by Chase Lund as a show calf. She and her heifer calf were crowned Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair at the 2021 International Show. Ask IRBBA Breeders whose genetics work in their herd, on the ranch, and in the show ring and their answer is BUFFALOE CATTLE. Come visit us at the ranch at Nursery, Texas!

Throwback Journal

MAY 1970

On the cover, an important first was noted when the Brangus steer placed first at the Oklahoma Steer Show carcass competition against all other purebred and crossbred steers. The steer was shown by Gary Crews of Chandler, Oklahoma, and raised by Ford Bros. of Stroud, Oklahoma. The majority of the magazine featured the sale catalog and advertisements for the Brink’s Brangus Top of the Crop Vacation Sale held at the Kerrville Airport in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. The sale was advertised as, “The most important Brangus sale of the decade.” The sale was led off with lot 1, Brink’s Van B Chief 60/8 as “dropped” February 10, 1968. His cutline read, “All Van B’s Chief calves have a good disposition. This stylish bull is the best yet. Look at the bone of the 60 bull, also the thickness, muscling, and red meat. We would like for someone to buy and show him this coming show season, but the immediate demand for good herd sires in Brangus will probably out weigh his purchaser’s desire for showing him. We think that he has an ideal Brangus head.” 80

May 2021

SERVICE DIRECTORY

For advertising opportunities in the Brangus Journal or Frontline Beef Producer, contact Melanie Fuller at 979-255-3343 or mfuller@gobrangus.com.

ALABAMA

GALLOWAY BRANGUS BRANGUS SINCE 1978

LARRY

cell 256-603-1945 gallowaybrangus@comcast.net

LANCE

cell 256-924-5571 gallowaybrangus@gmail.com

Farm located at Gallant, AL 35972

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 82

May 2021

STATE DIRECTORY

ALABAMA — ARIZONA — ARKANSAS — CALIFORNIA — FLORIDA

Big D Ranch Phillip & Beth DeSalvo 173 Miller Lane Center Ridge, AR 72027 (501) 208-6119 www.BigDRanch.net

Bill Davis • Owner • 336-210-1222 Derrick Miller • Manager • 318-332-2341

GENEPLUSBRANGUS.COM

JOHN MILAM, OWNER Grady Green, Ranch Manager 870-314-3673 | grady@dragginmranch.com El Dorado, Arkansas www.dragginm.com 2020 IBBA Top ET Breeder

Brangus & Ultrablacks BULLS & FEMALES available private treaty and select sales

SPANISH RANCH

Brangus and Ultrablack Cattle

Pamela Doiron 805-245-0434 • doiron@spanishranch.net Follow Us on Facebook or Instagram @spanishranchcuyama

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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 83

STATE DIRECTORY

FLORIDA — GEORGIA — KANSAS — LOUISIANA — MISSISSIPPI — MISSOURI

David Wood Magnolia, MS 713-539-5715

dwood@woodcorporation.com

CDPBrangus.com

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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 84

May 2021

STATE DIRECTORY

NEW MEXICO — NORTH CAROLINA — OKLAHOMA — TEXAS

Commercial & Registered

Isaias Castillo 903-806-4711 icastillo903@yahoo.com Daniel Castillo 903-452-1052 castillotrucking903@yahoo.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

160 Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls 20 Charolais Bulls

100 Registered Females 550 Commercial Females

CAVENDER’S NECHES RIVER RANCH JACKSONVILLE, TX

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

JOE & MELANIE FULLER - BEN & TRISH FULLER 14148 N State Highway 16, Willow City, TX 78675 C. 979-255-7747 E. jw.fuller@yahoo.com

EVERY DAY IS SALE DAY AT

Drake Land & Cattle

Farris Ranching Company

398 Drake Road Quanah, Texas 79252

Cell: (832) 331-2527 Ranch: (940) 663-6143 drakeranch398@gmail.com www.drakeranch.com

“West Texas Tough”

Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls est. 1924 Quanah, Texas

Danny & MB Farris Tuscola, TX 325.669.5727

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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 85

STATE DIRECTORY

TEXAS

Registered Red Brangus & Ultrareds show heifers, herd sires, and replacements available Megan (713) 492-6158 John (281) 740-0572 greenwoodcattleco@yahoo.com

J ackson family brangus

JODI & DAVID JACKSON 3099 Horseshoe Bend Waco, Texas 76708 Jodi cell: 254.722.9138

jodiatbentwood@sbcglobal.net

JLS International, Inc. Where winning tradition and performance collide Brangus bulls and heifers available year-round at private treaty.

www.jlsbrangus.com Jeff Smith, Owner Myron Saathoff myronsaathoff@yahoo.com

251-947-5688 210-218-4804

MIKE SHELTON C: 713.560.8333 Colita Loop, Colita, TX 77351 www.brangusprofit.com Registered Brangus and Ultrablack Cattle

MikeShelton-DirectoryCard.indd 1

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May 2021

10/19/17 7:32 AM

STATE DIRECTORY

RANCH

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

Randy Schmidt 903.278.7777

Richard Norris 903.276.1804

Schmidt Farms BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK

Garrett Hinds 417-880-2839

Zottarelli Ranches Angelo Zottarelli 2156 FM 2414 Evant, Texas 76525

www.zottarelliranches.com

REGISTERED & COMMERCIAL CATTLE Mailing Address PO Box 400 Evant, TX 76525

254-471-5675 Ranch 512-422-3123 Mobile zrbrangus@sbcglobal.net

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 87

CALENDAR MAY 1-8 Skyhawk Brangus Private Treaty Sale, Online at Skyhawk Brangus 8 Big D Ranch's Field Day Selecting Genetics for Today & Tomorrow, Centerridge, Arkansas 8 Cut Above Sale, Cullman, Alabama 15 IJBBA National Junior Brangus Show Early Entry Deadline 21-22 IRBBA Annual Meeting, College Station, Texas 22 Divas in Red Sale, College Station, Texas 31 IJBBA National Junior Brangus Show Ownership Deadline 31 IBBA Office Closed for Memorial Day JUNE 1 IJBBA National Junior Brangus Show Late Entry Deadline 1 Brangus Futurity & Futurity Pen Show Entry Deadline 11 Quail Valley Farms Complete Mature Cow Herd Dispersal, Oneonta, Alabama 12 Quail Valley Farms Premier Invitational Elite Brangus Female Sale, Oneonta, Alabama 23-26 Texas Junior Brangus State Show, Bryan, Texas 27 Texas Invitational Show, Bryan, Texas 5 10 10 19 27-31 27 1 10-12 10 20-21 88

JULY IBBA Office Closed for Independence Day Southeast Brangus Breeders Award Nominations Due Ad Reservation Deadline for August Brangus Journal Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show Ownership Deadline National Junior Brangus Show, Belton, Texas Southeast Brangus Breeders Female Sale Nominations Due AUGUST Brangus Futurity National Points Show, Belton, Texas Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show, Nashville, Tennessee Ad Reservation Deadline for Fall Frontline Beef Producer Southeast Brangus Breeders Association Field Day, TBD

May 2021

6 10 11 17-18 18 24 25 25 2 2 5 9 9 10 11 16 16 22-23 23 23

SEPTEMBER IBBA Office Closed for Labor Day Ad Reservation Deadline for October Brangus Journal 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 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 OCTOBER Scamardo Brangus Production Sale, Bryan, Texas Spitzer Ranch Performance Bull Sale, Preston, Kansas Southeast Brangus Breeders Bull Sale Nominations Due Addison Brangus Farms and Friends Performance Sale, Cullman, Alabama CX Advantage Sale, Katy, Texas Ad Reservation Deadline for November Brangus Journal Williams Ranch Co. Bull Sale, Bastrop, Texas MP at Diamond D Ranch Where Performance Meets Style Annual Fall Sale, Poteet, Texas Town Creek Annual Bull Sale, West Point, Mississippi L.G. Herndon, Jr. Farms, Inc. Best of the South Black & White Sale, Lyons, Georgia Oak Creek Farms Forage Developed Registered Fall Brangus Bull Sale, Chappell Hill, Texas The Branch Ranch Rough & Ready Bull Sale, Mansfield, Louisiana

ADVERTISING INDEX ALABAMA Far Niente Farms ........................................82 Galloway Brangus ......................................82 Johnston Brangus .....................................82 Lake Majestik..............................................83 Quail Valley Farms............................5, 63, 83 Saddle Hill Cattle Company........................17 Southeast Brangus Breeders......................83 TTT Brangus Farm........................................83 ARIZONA Carter Brangus............................................83 Parker Brangus...........................................83 ARKANSAS Adams & Creasy Insurance Agency.............82 Big D Ranch ...............................................83 Chimney Rock Cattle Co. ............................83 Draggin’ M Ranch ......................................83 Giffin Farms................................................83 Jacksons Double J......................................83 Mobley, Luke..............................................82 Pope Farms Brangus...................................83 Red Bud Farms.....................................79, 83 CALIFORNIA Spanish Ranch............................................83 FLORIDA Fenco Farms................................................83 Hardee Farms ............................................83 Phillips Ranch.............................................83 W.E.T. Farms................................................83 Wynne Ranch.............................................84 GEORGIA Blackwater Cattle Co. ...........................17, 84 Burke Brangus Farm ..................................84 Char-No Farm .............................................84 Greuel Family Brangus ..............................84 L.G. Herndon, Jr. Farms, Inc. ......................84 Salacoa Valley Farms..................................84 KANSAS Suhn Cattle Co ...........................................84 LOUISIANA Bushley Creek Cattle Co. ............................84 Cross N Farms ............................................84 Mid South Cattle Company..................31, 84 Neal Ranch.................................................31 The Branch Ranch.......................................84 MISSISSIPPI 5K Cowbelle Brangus ................................84

Double W Ranch ........................................84 T3 Brangus............................................61, 84 Town Creek Farm........................................15 MISSOURI Don Thomas & Sons .............................69, 84 GENEPLUS............................................ 20-25 Valley View Ranch.......................................84 Vitaferm......................................................90 Wyman Creek Cattle Company...................84 NEBRASKA DVAuction........................................... 5, 7, 31 NEW MEXICO Bobby and Bobbie Brangus .......................85 Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranches ............85 NORTH CAROLINA L&W Cattle Co.............................................85 Peterson Brangus.......................................85 OKLAHOMA Dotson, Wes................................................82 K & R Broken Bar Ranch .............................85 Lawman Ranch...........................................85 Perry Ranch.................................................85 Vorel Farms.................................................85 TEXAS 2 Hearts Brangus........................................85 2C Brangus.................................................85 American Marketing Services ...................... 5 Bovine Elite, LLC .........................................82 Buffaloe Cattle Company............................78 C&C Brangus..............................................85 Cavender Ranches .....................................85 Cavender-Draggin’ M and Partners.41-43, 85 Clark Cattle Services ...................................82 Cox Excalibur Brangus ................... 36-37, 85 Cross F Cattle..................................17, 74, 85 Diamond K Ranch ......................................85 Divas in Red Sale.......................................... 7 Dos XX’s Cattle Company............................28 Drake Land & Cattle ...................................85 E3 Ranch, LLC .............................................85 El Roble Brangus........................................75 Elgin Breeding Services, LLC ......................82 Farris Ranching Company ..........................85 G Bar Brangus.............................................86 G. Reynolds Red Brangus...........................81 Gardner Cattle Co........................................86 Garry Clem Brangus ...................................86

Genesis Ranch ...........................................86 GKB Cattle ................................ 46-47, 75, 86 Greenwood Cattle Co. ..........................19, 86 Hi Point Sales + Marketing .IFC, 7, 31, 91, BC Indian Hills Ranch .....................................86 International Red Brangus Breeders Assn...... ...............................................6, 7, 11, 40, 73 Jackson Family Brangus.............................86 JLS International ........................................86 K & L Brangus .............................................86 L Ray Ranch................................................ IFC Lambert, Doak............................................82 M-Bar-M Ranch...........................................64 MBJ & Trio Power of the Brands Sale......6, 30 MBJ Ranch.............................................6, 16 McDonald Ranches.....................................67 Mound Creek Ranch....................... 55-58, 86 MP Brangus..........................................86, BC Oak Creek Farms.........................................86 Oakley, Lakin..............................................82 OK Farms....................................................86 Old Colita Ranch.........................................86 Pennridge Ranch..................................63, 86 Pumpjack Cattle Co.....................................86 Rafter 2 Ranch............................................86 Reagan, Terry..............................................82 Rio Ranch....................................................87 Roop Cattle Co. ..........................................87 Santa Rosa Ranch...................................3, 87 Scamardo Brangus.....................................87 Schmidt Farms............................................87 Sendero Red Brangus.................................65 Star G Ranch...............................................87 Starwood Ranch..........................................87 Tajo Ranch......................................81, 87, 91 Tanecka Ranch............................................40 Triangle K Farms.........................................73 Trio Cattle & Genetics..................6, 30, 75, 87 Triple Crown Ranch.....................................87 Triple JR Cattle Co.......................................87 Tuna Rosa Ranch.........................................87 Turner Brangus Farm..................................87 Union Ranch Cattle Company.....................87 Villa Ranch......................................33, 81, 87 Vineyard Cattle Co......................................87 Williams Ranch Co................................59, 87 Zottarelli Ranches.......................................87

ABOUT THE BRANGUS JOURNAL The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) is proud to offer its members and industry affiliates the opportunity to promote themselves through Brangus Publications, Inc.’s (BPI) print and digital mediums. IBBA’s printed publications are produced by BPI and are distributed to a mailing list, comprised of addresses in Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Philippines, Thailand, and the United States; with a circulation of approximately 2,000. The Brangus Journal (ISSN 0006-9132) is published by Brangus Publications, Inc. (BPI), 8870 US Highway 87 East, San Antonio, Texas 78263, monthly except February, June, July, and September. Periodicals postage paid at San Antonio, Texas and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address change to Brangus Publications Inc., P.O. Box 809, Adkins, Texas 78101. The Brangus Journal is the official publication of the International Brangus® Breeders Association (IBBA). The Brangus Journal is published eight times annually, the purpose of the Brangus Journal is to serve the best interest of IBBA members by showcasing breeding programs, efforts, and achievements to other Brangus® seedstock producers. Lastly, the Brangus Journal serves as an outlet for the IBBA to provide updates by directly communicating with the membership. The claims made by advertisers in this publication are not verified by BPI or the IBBA. For subscriptions, contact Lori Edwards, ledwards@gobrangus.com, or 210.696.8231. Domestic periodicals (one year) $25; first class $55; foreign periodicals (one year) $25; air mail to Canada or Mexico $70; air mail to other countries $115.

May 2021

May 2021 Brangus Journal

Articles inside

CALENDAR

CATTLEFAX TRENDS

REPRODUCTION REPORT

FRIENDS WE WILL MISS

SALE SUMMARIES

THROWBACK JOURNAL

A SOLID BREEDING PROGRAM STARTS WITH A FIRM FOUNDATION

2021 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN THE EXHIBITION OF BRANGUS CATTLE

2020 HERDSMEN OF THE YEAR

THIRTY YEARS OF VISION AND LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE CORNER

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

THE INTERNATIONAL OPEN BREEDING CATTLE SHOW RESULTS

ASSOCIATION BRIEF

IBBA FACTS IN A FLASH