Spring 2021 Frontline Beef Producer

SPRING 2021

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VOLUME 13

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ISSUE 1

BEEF PRODUCER

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

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INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION STAFF The Frontline Beef Producer (ISSN 0006-9132) is published by Brangus Publications, Inc. (BPI), as a segment of the Brangus Journal, 8870 US Highway 87 East, San Antonio, Texas, 78263, twice yearly in the spring and fall. Periodicals postage paid at San Antonio, Texas and additional mailing offices.

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

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

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VOLUME 13

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Executive Vice President Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D. dwilkes@gobrangus.com

Controller

Brian Sadovsky bsadovsky@gobrangus.com

Director of Genomics & Research Macee Prause mprause@gobrangus.com

Director of Registry

Jessie England jengland@gobrangus.com

Director of Membership & Marketing Lori Edwards ledwards@gobrangus.com

ISSUE 1

Product Manager

Andrew Sicotte asicotte@goregstr.com

BEEF PRODUCER

Office Manager and Registry Assistant Mandie Garza mgarza@gobrangus.com FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

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Cover photo by Legacy Livestock Imaging Inside photos by Legacy Livestock Imaging (pages 6-7, 20, 56-57) and Marburger Media & Marketing (pages 24, 26)

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER A News Source for Commercial Beef Producers

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Melanie Fuller mfuller@gobrangus.com 979-255-3343

Brangus Journal Publications, Inc. Editor Lighthouse & Co. Communications editor@gobrangus.com

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

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Spring2021 VOLUME 13

10 FERTILITY AND LONGEVITY: THE ONE- TWO PROFIT PUNCH

Fertility and longevity of the cow herd are the primary drivers in the difference between profit and loss of a cowcalf operation.

16 FENCO FARMS: DATA DRIVING DECISIONS

Jim and Lynda Fenton, the founders of Fenco Farms, incorporate, analyze, and utilize extensive data collection protocols to advance their commercial and purebred herds.

20 MANAGEMENT OF HEIFERS POST BREEDING

Post-breeding management decisions are critical when it comes to transitioning potential replacement heifers into productive, long-lasting cows.

24 ERASING THE STIGMA

Nutritionists, veterinarians, and producers agree: Brangus replacement females offer proven performance and reproductive success.

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ISSUE 1

32 SUCCESS BUILT ON BRANGUS

Ralph Pelaez, Okeechobee, Florida, utilizes high-quality Brangus genetics and a meticulous breeding program to make his commercial operation profitable.

36 COMMERCIAL PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: BAR G RANCH

Cow sense, business knowledge, and hard work are

exemplified in the International Brangus Breeders

Association’s 2020 Commercial Producer of the Year

Award given to Brent and Sandra Gundy of Walker, Missouri.

40 MAXIMIZING REVENUE

CattleFax’s annual “Cow-Calf Survey” results provide insight into different management strategies that could set one group of calves apart from another.

46 WANTED: COOPERATOR HERDS

The Brangus Association has embarked upon a multi-year project to evaluate Brangus sired progeny from birth to beef, and cooperator herds are being sought.

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EXECUTIVE CORNER

Fertilityand L ongevity:

THE ONE-TWO PROFIT PUNCH

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

No matter how you do the math, fertility and longevity of cows add up to the difference between profit and loss in most cow-calf operations. Thousands of opinion articles and scientific research papers have been written on this subject. I have not read a single one that makes a compelling case elevating any other trait over these. It’s fun to brag about % Choice or % Prime on the grading rail at a packing plant, or the average daily gain in a feedlot, but I have not seen a solid economic argument convincing me that anything trumps fertility and longevity when it comes to rancher profitability. There is no debate that these are critical measures of profit performance for every producer.

We often hear that fertility is not highly heritable, which can easily be misunderstood to mean that genetics don’t matter when it comes to fertility. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Having genetics that aren’t well suited to the environment in which they are producing is one of the surest ways to lose money in the cattle business. Conversely, having cowherd genetics that truly fit their environment is the pathway to profitability. In the opinion of many observers, including this author, many cowherds across the country have been moving away from the genetic profiles that are suited to their environment. This is particularly true in the southern tier of states and extending as far north into the fescue belt as southern Ohio and Virginia. It has happened in the southwestern desert as well. The data makes it clear that many (far too many) producers have trended toward straight bred British breeds even in these harsh environments.

It’s the “bandwagon” effect. It may seem like the thing to do, but it is most assuredly reducing the bottom line for many producers.

Reducing the level of heterosis in a commercial cowherd is almost guaranteed to reduce fertility and longevity. Brangus genetics, which offer both heat tolerance and an elevated level of heterosis compared to British and Continental cross cattle, can and do deliver improved fertility and longevity in these

harsh environments. The old joke, spoken by many commercial cattlemen with Brangus cows, is that “I have cows that are old enough to vote.” It isn’t always a joke. There are a lot of teenage Brangus cows in production in these tough environments. If you will do the math and figure the true depreciation cost of a cow that has 6-7 calves versus a cow that produces 9-10 calves, it is easy to see that longevity has a major economic impact on the bottom line. If a bred heifer has a cost of around $1,700 (raised or purchased), and a cull cow has a salvage value of about $700, the $1,000 spread is the true depreciation. Dividing this cost over six calves produces a cow depreciation cost of about $167 per calf. Dividing it by 9 calves lowers the per-calf depreciation cost to $111. The $56 difference represents the difference in profit and loss for many commercial producers.

I have found myself in numerous debates with my university professor friends who say that a 10-12-year-old cow has “old” genetics which are dragging down the average genetic value of the herd and, thus, the resulting calf crop. In theory, a producer should turn the herd over faster to capitalize on the freshest genetics and improve the rate of genetic improvement. I discount that argument for a commercial producer, and fully support that argument for a seedstock producer. My advice to commercial producers is to save the money you’d throw away by culling a fertile and productive old cow and invest it to upgrade your bull purchases. That old cow is not as much of a drag on your genetic average as you think and, besides, if she is more than a decade old and still weaning a healthy calf every year, I want as many of her daughters in my herd as I can get. Don’t you?

In pursuit of a perceived advantage in carcass value, I submit that a lot of cattle producers have sacrificed fertility and longevity – they are giving up many more dollars than they believe they are gaining in feeder calf price.

I HAVE NOT SEEN A SOLID ECONOMIC ARGUMENT CONVINCING ME THAT ANYTHING TRUMPS FERTILITY AND LONGEVITY WHEN IT COMES TO RANCHER PROFITABILITY.

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(continued on page 12)

WRC Ms Upgrade 302F2 ~ R10381508 ~ Born 2/24/18 Upgrade 11C x Presidente Daughter CED BW WW YW Milk TM CEM SC REA IMF FT Stay 3.4 2.1 40 76 14 34 3.4 .23 .51 .01 -.040 2.12 Bull calf born 11/8/20 by Prime I BW: 81 lbs.

WRC Ms Blackhawk 101F3 ~ R10381515 ~ Born 4/4/18 Blackhawk Grandson x 101 Cow Family CED BW WW YW Milk TM CEM SC REA IMF FT Stay 4.6 1.3 26 49 17 30 3.0 .08 .30 -.04 -.049 .26 Heifer calf born 11/5/20 by Klutch I BW: 80 lbs.

WRC Ms Nimitz 909F ~ R10395447 ~ Born 10/8/18 Nimitz x Presidente Daughter CED BW WW YW Milk TM CEM SC REA IMF FT Stay 5.6 -0.3 28 57 16 30 3.6 .74 .36 .12 -.047 .64 Heifer calf born 1/4/21 by Double Play 803F13 I BW: 80 lbs.

WRC Ms 890B - 915F16 ~ R10381525 ~ Born 4/15/18 Target Grandson x 915 Cow Family CED BW WW YW Milk TM CEM SC REA IMF FT Stay 8.0 -0.8 11 20 12 17 4.2 .54 .03 -.01 -.040 1.85 Heifer calf born 11/5/20 by Presidente I BW: 75 lbs.

WRC Ms 612X2-2112E7 ~ R10367053 ~ Born 10/20/17 1st Gen • 612X2 x Katie Queen 2112 CED BW WW YW Milk TM CEM SC REA IMF FT Stay 1.3 4.3 43 84 21 42 2.5 -.41 .46 .15 -.033 3.17 Bull calf born 11/25/20 I BW: 83 lbs.

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 11

EXECUTIVE CORNER fertility? Absolutely yes, and in a big way.

The last sentence contains two words that are italicized and High levels of fertility and longevity are a result (an emboldened – perceived and believe. There is a perception that outcome) of having genetics that fit the environment in which the kind of cattle that thrive in harsh/hot environments sacrifice they are expected to produce. In the southern tier of states, in carcass quality traits. This may have been true two decades the fescue belt, and in the desert west, there is no substitute for a ago, but it is not true today if one uses Brangus genetics – and vigorous Brangus cow that will get pregnant year after year while we have the data to prove it. However, it is acknowledged that producing calves that grow and grade in the feeding and packing this perception is deeply rooted and will require continued sectors.

In the by-gone days, Brangus and other indicus-influenced diligence and widespread education to change this engrained females were criticized for not reaching puberty early enough mindset. The International Brangus Breeders Association to breed as yearlings and to calve as two-year-olds. That is no (IBBA) is committed to proving to the feeding and packing longer the case and, again, sectors, and the buyers we have the data to prove who work for them, that a it. The chart below shows well-bred Brangus feeder the distribution of age at calf will match the feedlot first calving for Brangus performance and carcass females in our herdbook. value of anything else they Clearly, age at puberty is no can buy.

Too many people longer an issue of concern believe that price and profit with Brangus. The data also are synonymous. They suggests that some breeders absolutely are not the same elect to put a little more age thing. In exchange for a on their Brangus heifers 5-cent “premium” that might before breeding them. That is be paid for a straight bred a choice they make, but the British feeder steer over a bulk of the data shows that steer with a little “ear,” I fear modern Brangus genetics there are a lot of producers simply do not require giving up many times that amount of money trying to run cows producers to extend the pre-productive period on a heifer before that simply do not fit their environment. You’ve seen them. breeding her.

Genetics matter when it comes to fertility, and thus, Rather than grazing and producing milk to raise a heavy calf, they hang out in the pond or under the tree. In the southwestern longevity. Matching cowherd genetics to their environment is the first logical step to achieving high levels of fertility and desert, they hang out by the water tank where no grass exists. longevity. In the southern tier of states, the fescue belt, and the The cow isn’t grazing and her calf isn’t either. The bulls that western desert, it is very difficult to find a cow that will beat are supposed to be breeding them are in the same miserable a Brangus cow. Producers who have jumped on the British condition, likely suffering from elevated scrotal temperature breed bandwagon, and are seeing their cowherd productivity in which suppresses spermatogenesis. No sperm, no pregnancies.

Age at First Calving (months) decline: Take another look at modern Brangus genetics.

Weaning weight suffers. Fertility suffers. So, do genetics affect (continued from page 10)

THERE IS A PERCEPTION THAT THE KIND OF CATTLE THAT THRIVE IN HARSH/HOT ENVIRONMENTS SACRIFICE CARCASS QUALITY TRAITS. THIS MAY HAVE BEEN TRUE TWO DECADES AGO, BUT IT IS NOT TRUE TODAY IF ONE USES BRANGUS GENETICS – AND WE HAVE THE DATA TO PROVE IT.

Age at First Calving (months) 30% 25% 20% 30% 15% 25% 10% 20% 5% 15% 0% 10%

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FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 15

Fenco Farms:

DATA DRIVING DECISIONS

by Brad Wright, Ranch Hand Analytics

Jim and Lynda Fenton, founders of Fenco Farms, have an extensive history in agriculture. Located in central Florida they are in the citrus and strawberry business, as well as run a small cattle operation.

As markets in Florida began to change, the couple saw a coming need to turn that farmland into pastureland to grow the cattle operation. As the citrus industry took a hit, an opportunity developed to acquire more land to allow for a more rapid increase in cattle production. A founding principle of the cattle operation brought over from the strawberry operation is to collect 16

and use data at every opportunity and to turn generations quickly in order to accelerate genetic improvement. With that driving principle came the discipline and determination to collect every data point possible, explore every technology available and then use the tools and data to make management and selection decisions that directly impact profitability.

When it came time to start stocking the ranch, the cattle had to be able to adapt to the sub-tropical environment.

To best adapt to the heat, humidity and parasite load of the environment, a Bos indicus-influenced cow was a requirement. But with the desire to retain

FEATURE ARTICLE

ownership in calves and work to improve carcass quality, those traits were also of high importance. The decision was made to stock the ranch with Brangus and Brangus cross females. They found Brangus highly adaptable and hardy cattle that thrive in sub-tropical environments, but also retain the carcass quality needed to be successful when selling calves on the rail.

Fenco began stocking the ranch with high quality Brangus cross heifers in 2011. In 2015, they began running a DNA profile on the females in the herd and all herd sires. At that time, there was not a lot of information to be gained from that DNA data, but they had the foresight to know that the bank of DNA information would be needed in the future. By having the ability to accurately assign pedigree, the data collected on the ranch today is much more useful for selection and culling decisions of sires and dams. That DNA data also ties directly into the current Igenity Enhanced® genomic data that will be used this year for the first time to aid in the selection of replacement heifers.

One of the first technologies that was implemented at Fenco was the use of electronic identification (EID) and scales at every working facility. With that technology in place, it turned a tedious task into an automatic process to collect weights at every working as well as verify inventory. As with every profitable business, inventory control and tracking of assets should be of the utmost importance. The use of EIDs enhanced the ability to quickly and efficiently account for pasture inventories, log cattle getting on trucks for movement or shipping, and, by process of elimination, identify missing animals. With a growing herd that included many purchased animals, having a unique ID in the form of an EID prevented duplicate IDs and confusion between animals. With large numbers of cows, EID technology allowed for the extensive data collection plan.

To use all of this data, it is important to have a good way to store, manage, and report the data. Fenco uses the CattleMax online software to manage the data. With the software being web-based, the data is accessible from anywhere. Whether driving through the pasture or chute-side, all records are just a click away. Having genomic data, pedigree, performance data, and calf production history all stored in one place has been a major reason that Fenco has been able to collect and use the large amounts of data.

Today, every calf born has a DNA sample taken and an EID assigned at first calf working. Fenco is utilizing Igenity Enhanced®, a DNA testing option offered from Neogen that combines the commercially available genomic tests with actual in-herd data. This allows Fenco Farms to have a highly accurate selection tool to improve genetic selection. A full genomic panel is run on every heifer born on the ranch. This panel provides parentage and genomic scores for calving ease, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, average daily gain, heifer pregnancy, milk, stayability, carcass weight, ribeye area, marbling, and fat thickness. The panel also provides an Envigor score to measure retained hybrid vigor. Since the heifers are a product of mating Brangus cross females to Brangus bulls, keeping heifers with higher retained hybrid vigor will directly impact the bottom line with greater efficiency and higher pregnancy rates. All steers are run for parentage only, so that their carcass data is attributed to the correct parents for calculation in the Enhanced genomic scores.

At weaning, the first sort is made using both phenotype and genomic data to select replacement heifers. Steers and feeder heifers are sent to several feedlots, and ownership is retained so that carcass data can be collected. The replacement heifers are closely monitored for post weaning gain, body condition, and weight at breeding.

At palpation, heifers are weighed again to check gain since breeding. The gains from weaning to breeding and the gains from breeding to palpation are used to evaluate any correlations to pregnancy rates that can be used to make adjustments in selection or management the following year. All open heifers are sent to the feed yard. As selection for fertility traits has become more intense, breeding seasons have shortened which creates tighter calving windows and a calf crop that is similar in age.

To enhance genetic gain, the use of artificial insemination has been used across the ranch. In the heifer groups, weight at the time of breeding has become a deciding point of which heifers get AI’d and which are turned out with bulls only.

Because of the records kept in previous years, pregnancy rate

ALL OPEN HEIFERS ARE SENT TO THE FEED YARD. AS SELECTION FOR FERTILITY TRAITS HAS BECOME MORE INTENSE, BREEDING SEASONS HAVE SHORTENED WHICH CREATES TIGHTER CALVING WINDOWS AND A CALF CROP THAT IS SIMILAR IN AGE.

(continued on page 18)

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FEATURE ARTICLE (continued from page 17)

by weight group has allowed for the development of a threshold weight for heifers to be in the AI group. Heifers below that threshold in the past did not have a high enough pregnancy rate to warrant the added cost of synchronization and AI. Cows are also weighed at every working. The most important of these weights has been the weight at weaning. Having the cow weights at this time has allowed for calculation of percent body weight weaned that compares the weight of the calf to the weight of the cow at weaning. This ratio has proven to be a very good indicator of cow efficiency.

Given the knowledge that bigger cows have higher maintenance energy costs, percent body weight weaned assists in culling cows that are not raising big enough calves relative to their own body weight.

With the data collection protocols that have been implemented at the ranch, Fenco Farms has been able to run their own internal comparison studies of management protocols and procedures and also participate in formal programs and

research studies from local universities. The ability to assess different DNA test results, feeding programs, synchronization protocols, or anything else needed will greatly assist in profitability in the future. Research has been a big part of the program at Fenco Farms to identify the processes that make the biggest impact on profitability and are the most efficient in their production environment.

Fenco Farms has also been very willing to share this data with partners, cattle buyers, and with producers that they have purchased genetics from. This allows for improvement of not just the Fenco herd but all the herds with genetics represented in the Fenco program. As part of this data sharing plan, last year, Fenco teamed up with Brangus breeders around the country to get semen on several up-and-coming AI sires.

These bulls were used in the AI program and calves will be measured and data shared with the owners of the bulls. Testing these bulls is a great service to the entire Brangus breed. This will identify bulls that consistently hit production goals, allowing other breeders to more accurately select the genetics that they wish to use in their program.

As data started coming in, it became obvious that to better control the consistency of the genetics being produced, Fenco needed to raise their own bulls. With that, Fenco started their own registered Brangus by sourcing elite cows and herd sires from across the country. With the data collection principles in place and an investment in artificial insemination and embryo transfer to multiply elite genetics, Fenco Farms is able to make the bulls needed to hit marketing end goals in the commercial herd. This has also allowed for a form of vertical integration that gives control of the entire production system from seedstock genetics to the rail.

LeRoy Rooks, manager of Fenco Farms, when asked what the driving principle behind the operation is, said “You have to use the data.� That has been the driving force behind the entire plan. Not just collect the data, but actually use the data. By improving the efficiency of selection decisions and culling decisions, Fenco Farms is able to produce a consistent product that meets market demand.

Even as markets change, the data and genetic information is available to change directions quickly and efficiently. As the operation progresses, there will be new data to collect, there will be current data that is found to not impact the operation, there will be new technology available, and Fenco Farms will continue to have the progressive outlook to use the data available to increase consistency, mitigate risk, and increase profitability.

RESEARCH HAS BEEN A BIG PART OF THE PROGRAM AT FENCO FARMS TO IDENTIFY THE PROCESSES THAT MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON PROFITABILITY AND ARE THE MOST EFFICIENT IN THEIR PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT.

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REPRODUCTION BRIEF

MANAGEMENT OF HEIFERS POST-BREEDING

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

Management of heifers post-breeding often receives less attention than management of heifers pre-breeding. However, post-breeding management is just as critical in transitioning replacement heifers into productive cows. In addition, postbreeding management decisions can provide opportunities to make non-productive animals profitable.

After the breeding season, it is important to have pregnancy diagnosis performed by your local veterinarian to identify open heifers. Remember that it costs the same amount to feed an open heifer and a pregnant heifer; therefore, having a known pregnancy diagnosis can help you manage costs. Consider marketing open heifers or transitioning them into feeder calves.

If you are under-stocked and have excess forage, running the open heifers as stockers may be another way to increase their value. In addition to marketing open heifers, consider marketing heifers that conceived later in the breeding season, if you can do so profitably. Later conceiving heifers will wean lighter weight calves, be less likely to breed back next year and have lower lifetime productivity.

After identifying the heifers that will be retained through calving, set those heifers up for success with a solid nutritional management plan. The bred heifers you do retain need to continue to gain weight and grow after the breeding season.

Heifers managed to calve at two years of age need to reach approximately 85% of their mature weight before calving. For 20

SPRING 2021

example, a heifer projected to weigh 1300-lb. as a cow should be developed to approximately 1100-lb. prior to calving. This 85% goal helps ensure calving ease, adequate milk production, and good fertility during her next breeding season.

Heifers should be managed to calve at a body condition score of six. Poor body condition at calving is even harder on heifers, since they are still growing themselves while nursing their first calf. A body condition score of six will give her adequate reserves as she nurses her first calf. In addition, research has shown that heifers in proper body condition at calving begin having normal estrous cycles sooner after calving.

This is critical in order for two-year-old cows to rebreed and remain in the herd. Although adequate nutrition is critical prior to calving, heifers should not be over fed. Excessive body fat may actually decrease fertility at rebreeding and it also results in fat deposition in the udder that can impair lifetime milk production.

Lastly, nutrition after calving is important too. The first few months are very demanding, so make sure the heifers diet meets their nutritional requirements for lactation and growth.

Plus, a lack of required nutrients can limit milk production and impair the growth and development of her calf. In most cases, you probably want to manage first-calf heifers separately from mature cows in order to meet their requirements.

Fit Bulls That Last

A simple way to add to your bottom line.

Fit bulls that last are the best investment a cattle operation can make.

Fewer bulls to replace. More pounds sired over a longer period of time.

●

● ● LONGEVITY – FEET AND LEGS

Much of the industry is shifting toward marketing bulls at younger ages. These bulls are typically developed in an aggressive manner with stress on joints, feet and claws that can compromise fertility and reduce longevity. When this is done, it can lead to several problems, some of which don’t show up until after bulls are purchased.

Our bulls are developed on forage and a forage-based ration at a slow pace to last longer and breed more cows over their lifetime. Our bulls give customers more pounds on the ground over a longer time period. They are cleanhocked, hard, muscular bulls without excessive fat who have the ability to go out, hustle and get more females bred in the beginning of breeding seasons.

FERTILITY MATTERS

The single most important trait to proitability is fertility.

Proving fertility begins with our heifer development. Our heifers are developed on grass with minimal supplementation. At 14 to 16 months of age heifers are synchronized and A.I.’d one time, then pasture bred for total exposure of 55 days. Heifers not conceiving are culled from our herd. Females must breed back and bring a calf to the weaning pens every year thereafter to remain in our herd.

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TAKING OWNERSHIP OF COWHERD

Our cattle are held accountable by our complete work within our system of stringent checks and balances. Every female is scored on teat and udder composition, productivity, hoof angle, claw set, breed character and hair shedding. Our selection pressure has yielded moderate framed, easy leshing, low input cows with fertility, longevity, good dispositions and mothering ability.

Since 1993

TOWN CREEK FARM

Milton Sundbeck, Owner • Office (662)494-5944 32476 Hwy. 50 East, West Point, Mississippi 39773-5207 Joy Reznicek Sundbeck (205)399-0221 • Joy@TownCreekFarm.com Clint Ladner (662)812-8370 • Cladner@TownCreekFarm.com www.TownCreekFarm.com

3 Quality Assurance always comes rst.

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 21

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FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 23

FEATURE ARTICLE

Erasing the Stigma BRANGUS REPLACEMENT FEMALES OFFER PROVEN PERFORMANCE AND REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS

by Grace Vehige

Longevity. Mothering ability. Carcass quality. Heat tolerance.

As cattlemen and women, we strive for these traits as they are contributors to the productivity of any herd. As Brangus producers, however, these performance characteristics are the embodiment of the breed.

For many years, Brangus cattle, namely Brangus replacement females, have been categorized with other Bos indicus cattle. Nonetheless, the extra shot of Bos taurus influence, allows for the combination of two breeds, Brahman and Angus, that lead to highly productive females, especially in the southern region of the United States.

“I have been in this business for 25 years, and in my opinion, Brangus breeders have made tremendous strides in changing their cattle to improve performance and carcass quality, and yet, maintain the longevity and mothering-ability of the Brangus female,” N.T. Cosby, Ph.D., senior cattle consultant nutritionist for Purina.

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| WHAT’S ON THE TABLE? | Whether a new or established producer, it is important to know what each breed brings to the table. Afterall, every operation is a business, and in order to optimize business, you have to know the opportunities available to capitalize on.

Gary Warner, DVM, says the higher percentage of Bos indicus you have, the more longevity you get. Often, breeders may make the assumption that Bos indicus-influence equates to giving up such traits. However, Warner assures that is not the case.

“One of the hallmarks that is overlooked when we get the heterosis from the Bos indicus breeding is we increase the longevity of the time that that cow is in the herd,” Warner explains. “I have no research to back that up, although I am sure it exists. However, I would say anecdotally that you probably add four years, at least, to the productivity of the mature cow in the herd when you infuse the Bos indicus in there.”

For any producer, if a cow can productively remain in the

FEATURE ARTICLE herd for a longer period of time, there is a greater chance at an Cosby addresses the generalization that Brangus cattle and the Brangus female works best in the southern half of the added profit.

Todd Harvey, a longtime Brangus producer and IBBA U.S. According to him, as you move north into areas where Commercial Marketing Committee team member, contributes significant amounts of fescue are available, there is a promise for to this saying, “[Brangus] heifers normally make great mama the optimal production of Brangus females. cows with longevity, and the steers are good marketable animals “With fescue forage, it can elevate body temperature and make cattle difficult to get bred in the summer months, and the that feed well and carcass well in the feedlot lots.”

According to Kent Smith, general manager of Santa Rosa Brangus, of course, are more of a heat tolerant breed. But, they Ranch in Crockett, Texas, the maternal capabilities and carcass also shed quickly and are slick haired, and I think they hold potential of Brangus cattle are testaments that will keep this promise in areas that would not traditionally be considered for breed in demand.

Brangus females,” the Purina senior nutritionist explains.

The value of the Brangus female is undeniable. | THE VALUE OF THE BRANGUS FEMALE | The Brangus replacement female makes her home on the | ATTENTION TO NUTRITION | operations of producers all across the southern region of the For producers like Harvey who say Brangus females have the capability to “provide for you and make you money if you United States.

For Smith at Santa Rosa Ranch, the fertility of the Brangus manage them properly,” there is a lifetime of experience backing female, coupled with her heat resistance and milking ability, is their claims. Knowing how to adequately manage your herd is what turns a profit and helps the ranch make a living. essential to optimizing production and profit.

“The biggest deal is that if someone’s had Brangus cattle, Cosby reemphasizes the strengths of the Brangus female I think they know what they can do for them. They are, in my as longevity, maternal ability, and heat tolerance. However, he opinion, and especially in the southeast, probably the best female also acknowledges “none of that can be accomplished without out there,” Smith states. providing adequate nutrition to the females.”

It is not just Smith that claims the Brangus replacement As a cattle consultant and nutrition specialist, Cosby female is parallel to none for operational success. Harvey also recommends matching the production calendar with forage says Brangus replacements play a vital role in his operation, species and forage growing seasons, as well as supplementing in which aims at producing a times when the forage is not good, marketable product. adequate. This allows the cow “Brangus females are able to better do her job. to withstand the sub-tropical “A significant cost to the cow is her development climate of my area and still cost. From the time she goes wean healthy calves. One from a weaned heifer, until hundred percent of my herd she delivers that first calf, are Brangus or have Brangusthat is a significant cost, and influence. These cattle will that first calf is a significant provide for you and make you risk,” Warner says, further money if you manage them supporting Cosby’s statement. properly,” Harvey explains.

Without a doubt, carcass Cosby adds, “When it quality and heat tolerance comes to getting the Brangus are two of the most beneficial females bred the first time, I traits Brangus cattle bring to think it’s important that we put the table. According to Harvey, -DR. N.T. COSBY, PURINA ANIMAL NUTRITION together a nutritional plan to carcass quality equates to get them to weigh 65 to 70% profitability. If calves perform of their mature weight at 14 or well in the feedlot, buyers will place a demand on those calves, 15 months of age. The first thing to focus on is having that target thus increasing prices. weight and a plan to get them there with a reasonable daily gain.”

In terms of heat tolerance, this is an incredible value With this in mind, the Purina cattle consultant says if you provided by Brangus cattle. want to achieve the targeted gain, it may be in your operation’s “Heat tolerance is important because if the cow can tolerate best interest to work with a nutritionist to put together a the heat conditions, she is able to produce for you. These cattle program to help you achieve your daily gain goal.

Nutrition programs are essential, especially with fetal can be seen out grazing in midday heat which means they are programming as a rising topic in the industry. Essentially, this converting this to production on calves,” Harvey adds.

Despite the continued focus on the value of the Brangus phenomenon suggests that proper nutrition to a female carrying female in the southern region of the U.S. because of heat a fetus will lead to greater performance for the female in the (continued on page 26) tolerance, the high performing females offer versatility as well.

“WITH FESCUE FORAGE, IT CAN ELEVATE BODY TEMPERATURE AND MAKE CATTLE DIFFICULT TO GET BRED IN THE SUMMER MONTHS, AND THE BRANGUS, OF COURSE, ARE MORE OF A HEAT TOLERANT BREED.”

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FEATURE ARTICLE (continued from page 25)

future, as well as her calf.

“I have been having those conversations with producers as more and more of that fetal programming data becomes available and applicable to us in the commercial business,” Cosby says. “One of the first things we talk about is the fact that how we take care of that cow prior to calving actually affects the fertility of her daughters. And so, if we are retaining females out of our herd and taking care of that cow, that last trimester will significantly improve fertility of her daughters.” | THE VERSATILITY OF HETEROSIS | While a popular strategy for a breeding program may be to utilize the Brangus bull on a Bos taurus-influenced herd, Brangus replacement females are prepared to excel.

“As far as using Brangus in a crossbreeding program, I still think the females are where it’s at because there are so many different ways and different breeding bulls you can go back on,” Smith, the veteran general manager at Santa Rosa Ranch says. “Whatever your priority is, the [Brangus] bulls do an exceptionally good job, but I think the big opportunity is using the Brangus female.”

When it comes to achieving heterosis with Bos taurus cattle, the loss of reproductive soundness is a common misconception.

On the contrary, Bos indicus influence adds a great deal of benefits for producers and their herd.

“MANY PRODUCERS TODAY ARE BREEDING BRANGUS HEIFERS AS YEARLINGS, ALLOWING THEM TO CALVE AT COMING TWO-YEAR-OLDS. AND, WITH PROGRESSIVE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, THE BREED-BACK RATE ON THESE FIRST CALF HEIFERS IS HIGH.” -TODD HARVEY, SALACOA VALLEY FARMS

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The Brangus female’s fertility is attributed to her association with the Angus breed; however, fertility is not the only admirable trait achieved through this mating.

“In our climate, with increased humidity and temperature, it’s just about mandatory that the efficient production female have a percentage of Bos indicus influence,” Warner confirms.

Brangus females are able to perform optimally as they represent the positive attributes of both Bos indicus and Bos taurus influence. It is no surprise the past reputation of Bos indicus cattle and their influence is not reliant on reproductivity.

However, producers are making strides as proving such theories wrong.

“The genetics have gotten more progressive on the Brangus cattle allowing them to be more productive with longevity.

Many producers today are breeding Brangus heifers as yearlings, allowing them to calve at coming two-year-olds. And, with progressive management practices, the breed-back rate on these first calf heifers is high,” Harvey attests. | THE TAKEAWAYS | Regardless of your breed preferences, the performance capabilities of the Brangus female are undeniable. As claimed by accredited nutritionists and veterinarians, as well as longtime Brangus producers, these cattle are bred to perform and do so well, whether that be in the extreme heat of the south or in areas a little further north.

Harvey puts it simply: “Longevity is a plus. [Brangus] cattle will provide you more calves in the long run. Data has proven that Brangus cattle carcass well in feedlots. So, the marketability is there.”

Smith adds to this stating, “I think you’ll find out that the cattle are going to be way more fertile than what many people ever thought they would be. The cattle will just work. They’re just a tremendous breed, and I think they have lots of opportunities for anyone, regardless of what level you’re going to get into it.”

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Success

BUILT ON BRANGUS RALPH PELAEZ UTILIZES HIGH-QUALITY BRANGUS GENETICS AND A METICULOUS BREEDING PROGRAM TO MAKE HIS COMMERCIAL OPERATION PROFITABLE.

by Emme Demmendaal

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FEATURE ARTICLE

ny rancher or farmer who has fought the elements, putting their lives at risk for the sake of their livestock, understands the connection between themselves, the animals under their stewardship, and the result of what they’re doing — feeding the consumer.

“Each ranch does things that are somewhat similar and yet different, to each other because we all have a different set of resources,” shares Ralph Pelaez, Okeechobee, Florida. “Each person is taking their resources that might be slightly different, but at the end of the day, we’re all trying to produce a good calf that will ultimately go to the consumer as quality beef.”

Ralph and his daughter, Stephanie, have discovered that proactively selecting for quality replacement heifers and using balanced Brangus bulls has allowed their commercial operation to remain a profitable enterprise. “Our family lives off agriculture exclusively. Ranching is a lot of work, but it’s a lifestyle that is very rewarding.”

Pelaez tracks data and implements a progressive breeding program to make his operation a profitable and growing enterprise for future generations. | DECIDING ON BRANGUS | Originally from Colombia, the Pelaez family moved from South America to southern Florida in the early 1950s. Pelaez shares, “When my father came to the United States, the cattle breeds here were basically new to him — he looked at the American Brahman, Santa Gertrudis, Shorthorn, Angus, and Hereford breeds.”

Pelaez’s father, Abel, experimented with a range of breeds including Charolais, but concluded that he wanted to focus on Brahman and Angus genetics. Pelaez says, “He liked Angus for its maternal traits and carcass quality and crossing them with Brahman gave them more adaptability to the environment.”

In the 1960s, the usual practice was to take predominantly Brahman cows and breed them to Angus bulls, then crisscross the two breeds so the herd would eventually stabilize into twothirds sire breed and one-third of the dam breed. However, Pelaez was pushed toward changing the breed percentages because the two-thirds Brahman calves were highly discounted at sale time, “We’d found there was an enormous price penalty on the offspring sired by our Brahman bulls. Brangus sires were the next logical step to go to, using the two same breeds with a more favorable balance of Angus and Brahman.”

For the last 30 years, Pelaez has been breeding Brangus bulls to Brangus commercial cows and has no plans of changing. He favors Brangus because they’re adapted to the southern Florida environment, and the carcass quality pleases the packing house and consumer.

“We have an animal that has enough Brahman to deal with this environment, which is very humid and is very wet in

particular seasons. Then we still have the Angus in them for fertility and for the carcass quality. It’s been the ideal cow for us.

The Brangus cow can produce the ideal quality of beef we want to provide the consumer.” | QUALITY FEMALES. QUALITY PRODUCT. | Starting mid-December, yearling replacement heifers are AI bred to high-calving ease bulls. Breeding heifers between 12 to 14 months of age was a practice that Pelaez started in 1967 when he graduated from the University of Florida.

Pelaez says. “When my father started ranching in Florida, it was his practice to cull a cow that didn’t raise a calf that could be sold for beef.”

He credits his father’s forward thinking, mentorship and willingness to adapt to modern management. “It makes good economic sense to cull a cow that doesn’t produce a calf every year. These were things that I was hearing in my college animal science classes that my father was already implementing in our operation.”

“We know reproduction isn’t highly heritable, but when you keep selecting for animals that raise a calf each year, over these last 60 years, it has made a difference in our herd for fertility.”

Every heifer’s performance is evaluated at each stage of development to ensure the highest quality females are retained in the herd. Replacement heifers must be phenotypically sound and well-adapted to the environment. Pelaez values the mothering ability Brangus females provide, which minimizes the number of heifers he takes to the feedyard.

Cows are bred natural service starting January 15 and all the heifers are cleaned-up with low birth weight Brangus bulls. If a cow doesn’t breed in the first 75 days, the cow is removed from the herd.

“If you don’t have a good reproductive rate, you’re losing revenue,” Pelaez says. “With a good nutrition program, the Brangus cows do everything we need them to do, and the steers we produce reflect the quality of Brangus bulls we use. We know what it takes to make a product that will do well in the feeding phase and when the cattle are harvested. That’s why we select Brangus bulls with good carcass traits.”

As a part of Florida Heritage Beef, Pelaez collectively markets his cattle with other members of the group. The group uses a unified health plan, certifies employees in Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) practices and builds relationships with suppliers and customers to ensure a safe and quality product.

“The group is composed of good businessmen and good cattle producers, so they’re all very interested in seeing how the cattle perform and what things they can do to be more effective and more sustainable.”

Currently, all calves are sold and shipped to Five Rivers Cattle Feeding in the Texas Panhandle. “Five Rivers provides us

IT’S BEEN THE IDEAL COW FOR US. THE BRANGUS COW CAN PRODUCE THE IDEAL QUALITY OF BEEF WE WANT TO PROVIDE THE CONSUMER.

(continued on page 34)

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(continued from page 33)

information on the performance of the cattle both feedyard and in the packing house. We receive health information, gain per day, conversion and the harvesting information. It’s helpful to see where we can make improvements. Five Rivers is a very large cattle feeding business and we’re fortunate to reap a lot of good data to help inform how we’re doing.”

Prior to working with Florida Heritage Beef and Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, the ranch retained some cattle through the feedyard. “Today, we’re lucky to be a part of a very progressive group of cattlemen.” | TOP SIRES | Pelaez is a firm believer in a bull’s impact on the herd and his bottom line. To ensure quality calves for the feedlot and future replacement females, he is meticulous in his selection criteria. “We strive to buy bulls that are very balanced in their EPDs across the board. After we make a selection upon the EPDs, then we want to evaluate the bulls phenotypically.”

While focusing on quality cows and high reproduction rates, Pelaez strives to put a live calf on the ground every time.

They use low birth weight bulls on heifers and moderate birth weight bulls for the cows but pay attention to the growth from birth to yearling.

“Some argue that if you’re going to breed higher birth weight bulls to adult cows, it’ll be fine. But we’ve found that the daughters of those bulls have a propensity for big birth weight and so you still have a problem down the road. We make an effort to stay balanced on birth weight with an emphasis on growth. We want as much explosive growth from birth to weaning and yearling.”

Pelaez strives for moderate size bulls with a lot of thickness and moderate sheath. Additionally, hair shedding and disposition are the forefront of the priority list for Brangus sires.

Overall, the family relies on the cows to thrive in their environment and they select bulls for an increase in carcass quality and improved growth but not at the sacrifice of milk and other cow herd building traits. The results are uniform, sound, and moderately framed cattle with proven performance and eye appeal.

He concludes, “We rely on our seedstock breeders to develop the bulls that will continue making an improvement on our cows and the cattle we’re sending to the feedlot. We’re fortunate in the Brangus breed that we have some very good breeders who are at the forefront of breeding, producing the kind of genetics that commercial producers need.”

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WE KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE A PRODUCT THAT WILL DO WELL IN THE FEEDING PHASE AND WHEN THE CATTLE ARE HARVESTED. THAT’S WHY WE SELECT BRANGUS BULLS WITH GOOD CARCASS TRAITS.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION COMMERCIAL PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:

h c n a R Bar G

by Cody Gariss and Emily Lochner

“Years ago, I remember a Brangus staffer talking about the need to gear our product towards the ‘professional cattleman,’” says Cody Gariss of GENEPLUS Brangus. “Engineers get a professional stamp, attorneys receive a professional license, and athletes get a professionally-sized contract. But a true cowman does not thrive on professional accolades, rather the ability to make a fair living for an honest day’s work. They understand how to use the assets that God has entrusted to them, turning grass and grain into red meat that helps to feed the world. They’re the kind who supports their family, the kind who work with blood, sweat, and tears; a true cowman knows the hard work ethic it takes to last in the ranching business. Brent and Sandra Gundy are true cattlemen.”

The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) 2020 Commercial Producer of the Year was awarded to Bar G Ranch, Brent and Sandra Gundy of

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FEATURE ARTICLE Walker, Missouri at the IBBA Annual Convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The IBBA Commercial Producer of the Year award was established to annually recognize a commercial producer who effectively utilizes Brangus genetics to make their operation more profitable and successful.

“Our awards journey took us long and far into operations across the Unites States,” mentions Shiloh Hall, IBBA Awards Committee chairman. “The awards committee was comprised of seasoned breeders and fellow committee chairmen, to offer a fair and unbiased assessment of the applications. We learned so much about the history of many operations and the commitment to the bettering of the Brangus breed. Our 2020 award winners, the Gundys, could not be more deserving.”

Whether a breeder of commercial or purebred seedstock, the end product should never be far of mind for any who raise livestock. At the end of the day – the beef industry exists on the principle of providing safe, nutritious, and delicious beef.

“Consumers gladly pay a premium for beef over competing protein sources because of taste. This concept is not lost on association work. “Providing genetics for the commercial cattle industry and its consumers” is the IBBA’s core purpose, after all,” says Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D. IBBA executive vice president.

As for the Gundys, a life of ranch work was always the plan.

“For me, I grew up on a farm, and I’ve always known that I wanted to be involved in raising livestock my whole life,” says Brent Gundy. “When Sandra and I got married in 1985, we began our own farming operation.

In the early years, we ran a lot of stockers, during that time we tried to save as many heifers as we could for replacements. And over time, we’ve transitioned away from running stockers and now we solely run mama cows.”

Today, the Gundys run approximately 700 cows on several thousand acres in Missouri, around 90 miles due south of Kansas City. Their primary income revolves around the sale of source-verified, backgrounded steers to the Joplin Regional Stockyards. They also have begun to find a niche in selling developed replacement heifers and first-calf pairs by private treaty on the farm.

“We have really tried to build up our reputation with our feeder cattle,” prides Gundy. “We want buyers to know that the cattle we bring to the sale barn are healthy, honest, and will perform well in their feedyard. We wean our calves in November and unless it’s a tough year, we traditionally will not sell them until well after the first of the year. We will run our feeder calves on pasture and background them until they’re about 750-lbs. We follow the Zoetis® vaccination protocol and make sure that every single calf we put on the trailer to Joplin is healthy and clean.”

In recent years, the Joplin market has implemented a new EID program with verified feeder calf sales, an opportunity the Gundys did not miss taking advantage of.

“We’ve been affiliated with the crew at Joplin since the mid1990s. It’s all about reputation when you sell cattle. Even though we don’t retain ownership of our feeders, we want the buyers to be pleased with their purchases. That way, when we bring a load to town, buyers come and find us, wanting to know what we brought so they can try to bid on them.”

Because of their investment into high quality Brangus and Ultrablack® sires, consequentially, the resulting replacement heifer progeny have brought value to the Gundys. For over 20 years, the Gundys have purchased sires from GENETRUST, now GENEPLUS, programs and have been able to raise the kind of quality cattle that attract other producers.

“We’ve sold some replacement females through the commercial female sale at Chimney Rock before,” comments Gundy. “But for the most part, we prefer to sell them on-farm.

We keep our replacements and develop them – people really seem to like our cattle. Sometimes we will calve our first-calf heifers out and sell them as pairs where we know we can control the health of the cow and calf. Just last week I took a 13-year-old bull to the sale barn, so I can honestly tell my customers the longevity of the Brangus influence is there.”

“The Gundys have long known the value of the Brangus female on their Missouri fescue operation,” states Gariss.

After using a combination of Angus and Horned Hereford cattle, sourced from leading Midwestern operations, the Gundys began to find success in the Brangus female, driving them to the breed in the early 2000s. They found over time, the Brangus influence introduced more fleshing ability into the herd and came with less hair and eye problems, equating to cows being bred back quicker and turning more pounds to sell on payday.

“I really can’t explain it,” says Gundy. “I’ve just always liked the Brangus breed. From my childhood on, there’s no other explanation. As we began our herd, the biggest thing I noticed was the hair quality on the Brangus influenced females. I found that on fescue country, the Angus cow was just retaining her hair so much worse, which is why I started to make the switch in the first place. We tried Hereford cattle as an experiment.

But, in the summer when it’s 100 degrees outside, you’ll see the British cattle in the pond, while the eared cattle are out grazing on pasture. To me, that equates to pounds, or more simply put, dollars in my pocket.”

For many producers raising cattle in the fescue belt, breedback time is critical. Fescue as a forage naturally increases the

IT’S ALL ABOUT REPUTATION WHEN YOU SELL CATTLE. EVEN THOUGH WE DON’T RETAIN OWNERSHIP OF OUR FEEDERS, WE WANT THE BUYERS TO BE PLEASED WITH THEIR PURCHASES.

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body temperature of an animal, making summer breeding for spring calf crops a challenge. The Bar G crew found an extra shot of Bos indicus allowed the Brangus female to withstand those challenges, not missing a beat in the game of reproductive fertility or soundness. It wasn’t long until they began wanting more from the 3/8 x 5/8 secret.

“As the Gundys began to turn their bull battery over exclusively to Brangus and Ultrablack® bulls, their satisfaction with the breed never wavered,” recalls Gariss. “In fact, satisfaction increased as they learned the value that EPDs brought to the herd, particularly on the steer side.”

The Gundys take bull selection seriously. Rivaling many registered producers in their herd sire selection, they understand the value their bull battery provides to their cowherd and the type and kind of bull that they need to succeed in their environment, both physically and financially.

“A bull is 50% of your calf crop and your income,” states Gundy. “And truly, if you retain heifers like we do, your bull influence starts to be 75% of your herd very quickly. I can look across my cowherd and honestly say that there’s not a single cow we own that we didn’t raise. So, for us, selecting a bull is the primary driver of the future of our herd.”

The Gundys were seeing such success in the use of EPDs on their sire selection, they decided to double down, selecting bulls that ranked in the top 35% of the breed in as many traits as possible. They aimed to select for traits that would allow calves to come easy, grow fast, and hang a high-valued carcass on the rail, without sacrificing reproductive efficiency in their keeper heifers.

“I look for a bull that is well-rounded,” comments Gundy. “I look for a bull that will produce a good cow and throw calves that are heavy at yearling so when we sell our steers, we get a maximum return. I want the buyer of my calves to have a good experience, so I want a bull with high carcass EPDs. I want a bull that can sire calves that feedyard buyers are actively looking for. For the most part, I just try to stay on the topside of average across the board when it comes to EPDs. I put a lot of work into keeping the spectrum balanced.

I’m keeping my heifers and keeping confidence in my steer buyers.”

And, promising carcass results the Gundys proved. Over the years, the Gundys have retained ownership on

hundreds of cattle through to the feedyard, seeing great success in the carcass quality of their Brangus-influenced fat steers. Data from several pens of cattle sourced from the Bar G operation showed cattle grading 95-100% Choice grade, or better. In fact, the they won the 2018 IBBA Carcass Merit Challenge award for their high valued, parent-verified progeny.

“The real testament to the success of the Bar G operation is the sustainability it has provided their family,” remarks Gariss.

“The Gundys have been able to raise their family and expand their ranch solely in the cattle business. Not a dollar comes in or goes out that doesn’t touch a cow, and in today’s day and time that’s just very rare. Cow sense, business expertise, and hard work turned these rancher’s dreams into reality.”

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CATTLEFAX TRENDS

MAXIMIZING REVENUE Cow-calf producers have little to basically no control over market trends, especially during these uncertain times. However, there are some variables producers can govern to ensure revenue is maximized, given the supply and demand fundamentals and calves trade at the upper end of the market. This discussion will cover a few data sets from the annual CattleFax “Cow-Calf Survey” that displays how different management strategies could set a group of calves apart from another, as well as how the highreturn producers are able to garner that title.

Throughout history many changes have taken place in the cattle industry, but one thing that remains the same is cattle are still sold by the pound. Just like it was 50 years ago, heavier cattle will generate more dollars, assuming all else is equal.

Producers should strive to maximize weaning weights in an efficient manner to create the best return on investment. The accompanying table shows U.S. average weaning weights for steers have been mostly steady the last five years, with just an eight pound range from the high in 2017 compared to the low in 2015. The bigger story is the range around the U.S. average based on the different types of producers. The operations are split as evenly as possible each year according to the profitability calculated using cash cow costs and calf revenue. The parameters for each category will vary from year to year as market trends change. For example, the specifications for an average return producer for a given year may be the same as the low return producer the year before.

One way top producers have been able to rise above is consistently weaning heavy calves and beating the U.S. average weight by at least 20-lb. each year. Assuming a $165/cwt market, that’s an additional $33/head. Steer calves from high-return producers outweighed the lightest calves by an average of 57-lb. during the past five years. Again, that’s an extra $94/head in revenue, given a mid-$160’s market.

Increasing weaning weights is by no means a simple task to achieve. Although, operators should thoroughly evaluate

whether any improvements can be made to create an uptick in pounds sold. The first place to start is the breeding program.

Does the bull battery have the genetic potential to sire high growth offspring? It is never beneficial to make single-trait selections, but some adjustments could be made to benefit the next calf crop. The breed and genetic makeup of the cowherd and herd sires can have a significant impact on the growth curve.

Does it make sense to incorporate crossbreeding by adding a shot of Continental to a predominantly British based cowherd, for example? Several research studies suggest crossbreeding can enhance weaning weights. This may not be the case for every herd, but it could be something to explore if it is not already being utilized. Length of the calving season is another component of a breeding program that can influence weaning weights. Tightening the calving window should produce a more uniform calf crop, limiting the number of late-born calves that drag down the average weight at weaning. The milking ability of the cowherd can also be important. This specific variable depends a lot on the environment and available feed resources as heavy milking cows typically require more inputs. Finally, cooperation from Mother Nature is likely the most important, as a drought could adversely influence pounds weaned.

Some other management strategies that can potentially affect weaning weights include implanting, creep feeding, and vaccinating. These are not free, so it comes down to whether the benefits outweigh the extra costs. This ratio will vary from region to region and definitely from operation to operation.

Certainly, using implants eliminates any opportunity to participate in value added programs such as Verified Natural or Non-Hormone Treated Cattle, but if that is not a top priority for a producer, implants may provide some advantages.

While this year’s survey results show there is a positive correlation between the number of times calves are vaccinated and weaning weights, there is likely several other factors also playing a role in this relationship. Nonetheless, proper vaccination protocols should aid in the well-being of the calf crop, which in turn would improve performance.

The bigger asset to vaccination programs is the improvement in marketability at sale time.

In today’s market, most buyers expect calves to have at least one round of shots and prefer more. As a result, a hefty discount (continued on page 42)

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CATTLEFAX TRENDS (continued from page 40)

is applied to those that have never received a preventative vaccine. Over the years, the other segments in the supply chain have discovered calves that have endured a strict protocol will likely have a lower morbidity and mortality rate and gain better.

This will help reduce the use of antibiotics for treatment, limiting unnecessary expenses, and improving the consumers’ perception of the industry.

While it is a small sample, which is a testament to the progressive producers that completed the survey, calves that received no vaccines sold for $85/head less than those that got one round. The price spread from one shot to two shots also averaged $85/head last year. By adding a third round of vaccinations before marketing, calves fetched an additional $46/ head. According to the survey results, the total difference in average calf prices from three vaccinations to none is over $200/ head. There are other variables influencing the final calf value, but it is no coincidence there is a positive relationship.

Unfortunately, the potential calf price increase will not be all profit, as there are costs associated with the different protocols.

The most obvious expense is the vaccine, but more resources would include labor, facilities, and time. One way producers attempt to minimize those valuable resources is by vaccinating calves before turning cows out to grass. Almost two-thirds of the survey participants vaccinate at branding (one to four months

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of age), which is also the time when cows should be processed – making it more convenient. Weaning is another logical time and 48% of producers utilize that opportunity to vaccinate calves, according to the survey. Giving a round prior to weaning or a booster after weaning are both common label instructions.

These may not be practical for some operations depending on facilities and accessibility to the cowherd, but half of the survey participants vaccinated prior to weaning. The number of responses trended lower to roughly 28% for those giving a booster after weaning.

Producers cannot control the direction of the market; however, steps can be taken to ensure their calves sell near the top of the market. Thorough vaccination protocols are demanded by calf-buyers. If this is not already being done or only one round of shots is given, an operation should take a close look at incorporating a more detailed preventative vaccination program, if it’s practical. This can also influence weaning weights, which is a major component for maximizing revenue. Each cowherd will have an optimal threshold for weaning weights based on genetic potential and environment, so it’s likely not feasible to increase weaning weights by 40 or 50 pounds, especially if you’re already well above the U.S. average.

However, can different management strategies be utilized to improve by 10 to 20 pounds? Work with your veterinarian and nutritionist to design a plan that best fits your operation.

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 43

30 Annual Roswell Brangus Bull & Female Sale th

Saturday February 27, 2021 Females sell at 10am — Bulls sell at 1pm

Roswell Livestock Auction 900 N. Garden St. Roswell, NM

40 Registered Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls 20 Registered Heifers 200-300 Commercial Females “ H e Sells” HHeeSS ee lls lls

For a sale catalog or more information please contact:

Bill Morrison at 575-760-7263 Accommodations

Hampton Inn & Suites - 575-623-5151 3607 N. Main Roswell, NM 88201

Mention the Roswell Brangus Sale for special rates!!

Floyd Brangus

Lack-Morrison Brangus

Parker Brangus

Townsend Brangus

Brown Brothers Ranch

ALL ONE BRAND, ALL ONE RAISING.

We offer purebred and commercial females that will add success to your calf crop. Our mission is to produce functional performance animals, while meeting your Brangus needs.

Contact us to view our large selection of bulls and females.

DIVISIONS:

Atterbury: Crockett, TX Moon-Greenbriar: Madisonville, TX Stalwart: Crockett, TX Willis: Willis, TX Mike Manners: Owner Bill Cawley: Manager Cell: 713.875.7711 Email: wfcawley@yahoo.com Matt Koffskey, Assistant Manager Cell: 361.349.3503 Web: www.stalwartranch.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

COOPERATORS WANTED FOR THE BRANGUS VALUE PROJECT

One year ago, the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) began a trek on an ambitious project called the Brangus Value Project (BVP) – and, we’re not taking our foot off the gas pedal anytime soon. The BVP is designed to conduct a comprehensive test of the breed’s most promising sires in a birth-to-beef evaluation. It’s a project that will not only reap benefits for seedstock producers campaigning young AI sires, but rather will pay dividends to anyone who relies upon Brangus genetics to profitably produce high quality beef.

The IBBA is taking a two-pronged approach to the BVP. The first avenue of participation is available to purebred seedstock producers looking to consign young, unproven sires. The second avenue comes from the commercial cow-calf industry, of producers willing to AI breed their cow herd to the consigned AI sires. Semen is collected on the bulls and used to breed commercial females, of which, the resulting progeny will be fed out and carcass data will be collected. This is a win-win approach for both the seedstock producer to receive data to compute EPDs on previously unproven sires, and for the commercial producer, at the expense of a little extra labor, spares the cost of a bull for the herd. Plus, an added carcass merit benefit will be reaped by the commercial producer due to the use of genetically superior sires.

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In brief, the IBBA and participating bull owners provide semen at no cost and will help cover other costs of synchronizing and breeding commercial cows, in exchange for cooperation from commercial producers in collecting data and working with IBBA to place the calves from this project into partner feedlots. All calves are fed and harvested with recovery of performance data and carcass data which will be shared with cooperating producers.

IBBA desires to feed and harvest the steer calves resulting from this project while encouraging that the heifer mates remain with the cooperators and subsequently enter the cooperator cowherds. This is a rare opportunity for a commercial producer to build a cowherd based on the most highly and comprehensively proven sires in the breed.

Our goal is that many cooperators who participate in 2021 will still be participating in ten years, and beyond. It is a longterm investment in the Brangus breed that will help set the stage for long-term growth and enhanced prosperity for everyone who uses Brangus genetics. And, it’s a continual process. The need to grow both consigned AI sires and cooperator herds is an evergreen opportunity at the association.

Below are some of the key factors to consider in determining if cooperation in this project fits your operation:

FEATURE ARTICLE •

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•

•

•

•

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•

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Fixed-time AI is preferred in most cases. This involves several trips through the chute over a 10-day period but eliminates the need for heat detection. In order to reduce stress and get the highest possible conception rates, good working facilities are essential.

Cows should be a minimum of 45 days post-partum when the synchronization protocol is started (55-days post-partum when they are bred).

Heifers are the easiest group to synchronize and breed (no calf sorting involved) and are acceptable for use in this project.

Adequate body condition is essential to any AI breeding program. Cows and heifers should be in a body condition score of 5.0 or better.

Ideal calving season is February - April for spring calving herds, and September - November for fall calving herds.

Calving ease scores will be collected by the cooperators.

Actual birth weight recording is not required.

Calf tagging is required only to differentiate AI sired calves from natural service calves. All other identification required to connect calves with their sire will be done with DNA samples.

Calves destined for the feedlot must be preconditioned and, if possible, held for 45-days post-weaning. Weaning should occur between 170 and 230 days of age.

One hundred and fifty (150) head is the practical minimum number of cows/heifers per co-operator to be AI bred. If two bulls are used in a 150-head group, assuming 50-55% conception, this should produce close to 20 steers per sire which is the practical minimum.

• IBBA will identify up to two feedlots where the cattle will be fed. In order to get the best comparisons amongst sires, it is desirable to feed at least 200 project steers per feedlot.

• IBBA will do everything possible to secure a competitive bid on those calves that cooperators wish to sell.

Otherwise, cooperators are welcome to, even encouraged to, retain ownership through the feeding phase.

• IBBA will cover the cost of carcass data collection, including the cost of extracting a rib steak from each carcass for tenderness testing.

• IBBA will pay the cost of DNA testing.

• IBBA will work with cooperators to pool calves in central locations so that full loads are delivered to the feedlot(s).

• IBBA will arrange for cooperators to visit the feedlots and packing plants where the cattle will be fed and harvested.

There is no denying that participation in this project will require extra effort on the part of cooperators. The trade-off is the education that comes from participation and, perhaps most importantly, the quality of replacement females that the cooperators will have as a result of using top notch AI sires in this project. Over several years of participation, the accumulation of “genetic equity” in the form of replacement females will be significant. Our quest to add sires and cooperators to the Brangus Value Project continues, if you feel your operation is suitable, we’d welcome your time. More information can be received by emailing Darrell Wilkes, dwilkes@gobrangus.com.

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SPRING 2021

GENEPLUS GENEPLUS

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 49

YOUR CATTLE AREN’T COMMON...

WHY SHOULD YOUR BERMUDAGRASS BE?

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1-800-285-SEED or pennington.com

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Pennington with design is a registered trademark of Pennington Seed, Inc.

SPRING 2021

SEEDSTOCK DIRECTORY

ALABAMA

M

T

Fayette, Alabama

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

T

M

BRANGUS FARM T TT

Registered Brangus Cattle Available For Sale

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 51

SEEDSTOCK DIRECTORY

ARKANSAS — FLORIDA — GEORGIA — KANSAS — LOUISIANA

Bill Davis • Owner • 336-210-1222 Derrick Miller • Manager • 318-332-2341 www.CHIMNEYROCKCATTLE.com GENEPLUSBRANGUS.COM

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

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

Powerful, heat adaPted bulls built to work for you!

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

Call us today!

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

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

SPRING 2021

SEEDSTOCK DIRECTORY

MISSISSIPPI — MISSOURI — NEW MEXICO — OKLAHOMA — TEXAS

David Wood Magnolia, MS 713-539-5715

dwood@woodcorporation.com CDPBrangus.com

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

Top Quality Bulls

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

575ÒŠ365ÒŠ6356

Breeding the Best.

Better. ©

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

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 53

SEEDSTOCK DIRECTORY

TEXAS

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

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

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

Gary & Kathy Buchholz

214-537-1285 - gary cell www.gkbcattle.com 1315 West Rd. Waxahachie, TX 75165 HEREFORDS | ANGUS | BRANGUS | BRAHMAN

JODI & DAVID JACKSON

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

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

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

SPRING 2021

SEEDSTOCK DIRECTORY

TEXAS

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

RIO RANCH

Registered Brangus and Ultrablack Cattle

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

info@srrbrangus.com

936.624.2333

Kent Smith Kelley Sullivan Georgiades Gerald SullivaN

Making the best breed Better

Schmidt Farms BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK

Follow our website, Facebook, Instagram or twitter www.srrbrangus.com @srrbrangus

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

www.tunarosaranch.com

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

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

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER 55

SPRING 2021 CALENDAR

FEBRUARY 10 Ad Reservation Deadline for March Brangus Journal 15 Florida State Fair National Brangus Points Show, Kissimmee, Florida 20 MP Brangus Bull Sale, Dublin, Texas 27 Hunt's H+ Brangus Bull & Female Sale, Calhoun, Georgia 27 30th Annual Roswell Brangus Bull & Female Sale, Roswell, New Mexico MARCH 5-6 Alabama Cattlemen’s Convention and Trade Show, Birmingham, Alabama 10 Ad Reservation Deadline for April Brangus Journal 12 Cavender-Draggin' M and Partners 1st Annual Spring Bull Sale, Jacksonville, Texas 12 Power Source Genetic Alliance Registered Angus, Brangus, Ultrablack Female & Bull Sale, Paris, Texas 13 Louisiana Brangus Bull & Female Sale, Lecompte, Louisiana 20 Mound Creek Ranch Genetics & Genomics Bull & Female Sale, Leona, Texas 20 Oklahoma Brangus Association Spring Sale, Ada, Oklahoma 23 GENEPLUS at Suhn Cattle Company Registered Brangus & Ultrablack Bull Sale, Eureka, Kansas 23-27 The International Open Breeding Cattle Show, Waco, Texas 25 Briggs Super American Brangus & Santa Gertrudis 200 Head Bull Sale, Bloomington, Texas 26 MP Brangus at Diamond D Ranch Friday Night Lights Online Sale, Hosted by Smart Auctions 27 West Texas Brangus Breeders Sale, Abilene, Texas

APRIL 2 IBBA Office Closed for Easter 2 Texas Brangus Breeders Association Annual Meeting, Salado, Texas 3 Texas Brangus Breeders Association Spring Spectacular Sale, Salado, Texas 56

SPRING 2021

10 Clayton Williams Ranch Co. Share the Genetics Sale, Bastrop, Texas 10 Oak Creek Farms Forage Developed Registered Spring Brangus Bull Sale, Chappell Hill, Texas 10 Ad Reservation Deadline for May Brangus Journal 17 MP Brangus at Diamond D Ranch Where Performance Meets Style Annual Production Sale, Poteet, Texas 24 Cavender-Draggin' M and Partners Female Sale, Jacksonville, Texas

MAY 31 IBBA Office Closed for Memorial Day JUNE 23-26 Texas Junior Brangus State Show, Bryan, Texas 5 10 27 27-31

JULY IBBA Office Closed for Independence Day Ad Reservation Deadline for August Brangus Journal Texas Invitational National Points Show, Bryan, Texas National Junior Brangus Show, Belton, Texas

AUGUST 1 Brangus Futurity National Points Show, Belton, Texas 10 Ad Reservation Deadline for Fall Frontline Beef Producer 20-21 Southeast Brangus Breeders Association Field Day, TBD SEPTEMBER IBBA Office Closed for Labor Day Ad Reservation Deadline for October Brangus Journal Southeast Brangus Breeders Junior Show, Live Oak, Florida Midsouth Cattle Co. & Neal Ranch Annual Bull & Commercial Female Sale, St. Francisville, Louisiana 24 Southeast Brangus Breeders general membership meeting, auction, banquet, and awards ceremony, Troy, Alabama 25 Southeast Brangus Breeders Showcase Female Sale, Troy, Alabama

6 10 17-18 18

ADVERTISING INDEX ALABAMA Far Niente Farms.............................................................................................51 Lake Majestik..................................................................................................51 Quail Valley Farms...........................................................................................51 TTT Brangus Farm...........................................................................................51 ARKANSAS Adams & Creasy Insurance Agency..................................................................51 Chimney Rock Cattle Co.............................................................................49, 52 Draggin’ M Ranch............................................................................................52 Mobley, Luke...................................................................................................51 FLORIDA Fenco Farms....................................................................................................52 Phillips Ranch...........................................................................................15, 52 GEORGIA L.G. Herndon, Jr. Farms, Inc.............................................................................52 Pennington Seed.............................................................................................50 Salacoa Valley Farms...................................................................................5, 23 KANSAS Suhn Cattle Company.......................................................................... 13, 49, 52 LOUISIANA Bushely Creek Cattle Co...................................................................................52 Louisiana Brangus Bull & Female Sale.............................................................14 Midsouth Cattle Company...............................................................................19 Neal Ranch......................................................................................................19 The Branch Ranch.....................................................................................43, 52 MISSISSIPPI Double W Ranch..............................................................................................53 T3 Brangus......................................................................................................53 Town Creek Farm.............................................................................................21 MISSOURI Don Thomas & Sons........................................................................................53 GENEPLUS.................................................................................................13, 49 Vitaferm..........................................................................................................58 Wyman Creek Cattle Co...................................................................................53 NEBRASKA DV Auction............................................................................................ 5, 11, 14 NEW MEXICO 30th Annual Roswell Brangus Sale..................................................................44 Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranch.....................................................................53 Lack-Morrison Brangus...................................................................................47

OKLAHOMA Dotson, Wes....................................................................................................51 Lawman Ranch...............................................................................................53 Oklahoma Brangus Association.......................................................................35 Perry Ranch.....................................................................................................53 TEXAS 2 Hearts Brangus.............................................................................................53 American Marketing Service................................................................. 5, 14, 23 Bovine Elite, LLC..............................................................................................51 Briggs Ranches..................................................................................................5 Cavender Ranches...........................................................................................54 Cavender-Draggin M & Partners...............................................................8-9, 54 Clark Cattle Services........................................................................................51 Cross F Cattle Co..............................................................................................54 Elgin Breeding Service....................................................................................51 Farris Ranching Company................................................................................39 Genesis Ranch.................................................................................................54 GKB Cattle.................................................................................................38, 54 Hi Point Sales + Marketing..........................................................IFC, 19, 27, IBC Indian Hills Ranch...........................................................................................54 Jackson Family Brangus..................................................................................54 JLS International.............................................................................................54 L Ray Ranch.................................................................................................... IFC Lambert, Doak................................................................................................51 Mound Creek Ranch.............................................................................29-31, 54 MP Brangus...............................................................................................27, 55 Oak Creek Farms..............................................................................................BC Oakley, Lakin...................................................................................................51 Old Colita Ranch..............................................................................................55 Pennridge Ranch.............................................................................................55 Power Source Bulls Genetic Alliance................................................................22 Reagan, Terry..................................................................................................51 Rio Ranch........................................................................................................55 Santa Rosa Ranch........................................................................................3, 55 Scamardo Brangus.........................................................................................IBC Schmidt Farms................................................................................................55 Stalwart Ranch...............................................................................................45 Star G Ranch....................................................................................................55 Tuna Rosa........................................................................................................55 Union Ranch Cattle Company..........................................................................48 Williams Ranch Company................................................................................11

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