BRANGUS VIGOR PROGRAM SEES EARLY SUCCESS

by Cody Glenn, IBBA Commercial Marketing Committee member

The Brangus Vigor Program, developed by the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Commercial Marketing Committee, is a value-added program for Brangus-sired feeder calves. Brangus calves are much too often undervalued due to misconceptions brought about by other indicus-influenced cattle being called “Brangus” when in fact they are far from it. The Brangus Vigor Program is designed to separate Brangus-sired feeder calves from the conglomeration of indicus-influenced cattle. By creating a process verified program, facilitated by IMI Global, feeders and backgrounders can purchase Brangus calves with confidence, knowing that they truly are Brangus, and are backed by sound animal husbandry practices and animal health protocols.

Brangus seedstock producers and commercial producers using their genetics have created a chart-topping product in today’s Brangus feeder calves. The Brangus Vigor program is now a stage to showcase that product. The timing could not be better. Market volatility and increasing input prices are forcing more and more herd sellouts in the cow-calf sector, and leaving feeders and backgrounders trying to find more ways to cut costs. Brangus Vigor can provide help in both industry segments. Commercial producers can add value to their calf crop by taking advantage of practices that many are already performing, such as Beef Quality Assurance training and herd health and vaccination protocols. The age- and source-verification adds market access for Brangus Vigor calves and in turn can add tremendous value. Backgrounders and feedlots that have historically operated on a basis of buying cheap commodity calves and doing their best to keep them alive and turn a profit, are now hungry for calves that are backed by a program, healthy, and have a reputation for performing well.

The first load of Brangus Vigor calves was marketed by Town Creek Farm in August of 2021. The fall born load of steers was weaned and backgrounded on summer pasture at the ranch prior to enrollment in the program. They received a substantial premium over the market prices at the time of sale. Several hundred head of calves have been enrolled in Brangus Vigor through the fall run. Rising calf prices and fewer placements in the feedlot provide a favorable outlook for spring calf sales. The time has never been better to implement a process verified program like Brangus Vigor.

Brangus Schedule

TUESDAY, MARCH 1 7:00 a.m. Brangus cattle begin to arrive WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 10:00 a.m. Brangus Weigh Bulls and Check In 12:00 p.m. IBBA Show Committee Meeting – NRG Center THURSDAY, MARCH 3

Afternoon Annual Membership Meeting – NRG Center FRIDAY, MARCH 4 1:00 p.m. Brangus, Red Brangus, Ultra Bull Show

SATURDAY, MARCH 5 8:00 a.m. Brangus, Red Brangus, Ultra Female Show

SUNDAY, MARCH 6 Cattle released