April 2024 Brangus Journal

Brangus JOURNAL

IBBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Shiloh Hall, Oklahoma

1st Vice President Grady Green, Arkansas

2nd Vice President Josh Walker, Ph.D, Arkansas

Secretary/Treasurer Jeremy Jackson, Arkansas

EAST REGION

:: Trey Cuevas :: treycuevas3@yahoo.com

Purvis, Mississippi

:: Grady Green :: grady@dragginmranch.com

El Dorado, Arkansas

IBBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

IBBA STAFF

IBBA STAFF

:: Executive Vice President ::

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

:: Director of Field Services & Strategic Projects :: Kyle Caldwell :: kcaldwell@gobrangus.com

:: Director of Shows & Youth Activities :: Lori Edwards-Dunkerley :: ledwards@gobrangus.com

:: Director of Media & Marketing | Editor ::

Jessie England :: jengland@gobrangus.com

:: Director of Genomics & Research ::

Macee Wagner :: mprause@gobrangus.com

:: Director of Registry Services :: Callie DeLarm :: cdelarm@gobrangus.com

:: Member Services ::

Mandie Sadovsky :: msadovsky@gobrangus.com

:: Controller ::

Brian Sadovsky :: bsadovsky@gobrangus.com

:: Product Manager ::

Andrew Sicotte Jr. ::

:: Software Developer :: Raul Ramos ::

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS

INT 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

:: Social Media Coordinator ::

Jennifer Walker, Ben Lomond, Arkansas

INT BRANGUS FOUNDATION BOARD

:: President ::

Brandon Belt, Gatesville, Texas

:: Secretary/Treasurer ::

Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D.

Allen Goode, Mabank, Texas

Chris Heptinstall, Dothan, Alabama

:: Jeremy Jackson :: jjackson101@gmail.com

President Jeremy Jackson, Gentry, Arkansas

Gentry, Arkansas

1st Vice President Rob Singleton, Florida

2nd Vice President Shiloh Hall, Oklahoma

Executive Vice President

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

Controller

Secretary/Treasurer Allen Goode, Texas

:: Rob Singleton :: rsingletoncattle@yahoo.com

Seville, Florida

East Region

Trey Cuevas, Purvis, Mississippi treycuevas3@yahoo.com

TEXAS REGION

Grady Green, El Dorado, Arkansas grady@dragginmranch.com

Seguin, Texas

BRANGUS PUBLICATIONS, INC. STAFF

AUXILIARY BOARD President Brenda Brull, Atchison, Kansas

:: Editor in Chief ::

Brian Sadovsky, bsadovsky@gobrangus.com

Director of Registry

Tracy Holbert, College Station, Texas

Jessie England :: jengland@gobrangus.com

1st Vice President Tina Gardner, China Spring, Texas

:: Advertising Sales ::

2nd Vice President Ginger Pritchard, McLoud, Oklahoma

Traci Middleton, Puryear, Tennessee

Cindy Blazek, Leona, Texas

Jessie England, jengland@gobrangus.com

Registry and Records Assistant

:: Mary Douglass :: twoheartsbrangus@yahoo.com

Jeremy Jackson, Gentry, Arkansas jjackson101@gmail.com

:: Joe Fuller :: jw.fuller@yahoo.com

Willow City, Texas

:: Mike Weathers :: mikeweathers@msn.com

Rob Singleton, Seville, Florida singletons2002@yahoo.com

Columbus, Texas

Texas Region

Mary Douglass, Seguin, Texas twoheartsbrangus@yahoo.com

Schulenburg, Texas

Allen Goode, Mabank, Texas allen@triocattle.com

WEST REGION

Andrew Scamardo, Bryan, Texas scamardobrangus@gmail.com

:: Shiloh Hall :: shiloh518@yahoo.com

Okmulgee, Oklahoma

Gary Adamek, Schulenburg, Texas gary@fayettecountryhomes.com

Callie DeLarm, cdelarm@gobrangus.com

Director of Genomics and Research

Macee Prause, mprause@gobrangus.com

Director of Shows & Youth Activities

Member Services

Kyle Caldwell :: kcaldwell@gobrangus.com

Secretary Mary Beth Farris, Tuscola, Texas

Treasurer Janet Greuel, Brooks, Georgia

Historian Jodi Jackson, Waco, Texas

Social Media Coordinator Jennifer Walker, Ben Lomond, Arkansas

IBBA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS

David Wood, Magnolia, Mississippi

Nic Cornelison, Flat Rock, Alabama

:: Awards ::

Lori Edwards, ledwards@gobrangus.com

Mandie Sadovsky, msadovsky@gobrangus.com

Product Manager

:: Gary Adamek :: gary@fayettecountryhomes.com

FOUNDATION BOARD

Shiloh Hall, Okmulgee, Oklahoma

President Brandon Belt, Gatesville, Texas

Secretary/Treasurer Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D.

:: Breed Improvement ::

Andrew Sicotte Jr., asicotte@goregstr.com

Allen Goode, Mabank, Texas

IJBBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

:: President :: Jaxon Allen, Oklahoma

:: Ex-Officio :: Briana Hicks, Texas

Josh Walker, Ph.D., Ben Lomond, Arkansas

Senior Software Developer

Marcel Vieira, mvieira@goregstr.com

Chris Heptinstall, Marianna, Florida

:: Commercial Marketing ::

Software Developer Raul Ramos, rramos@goregstr.com

Tracy Holbert, College Station, Texas

Traci Middleton, Puryear, Tennessee

:: Queen :: Savannah Hanson, Texas

Cody Glenn,West Point, Mississippi

:: Finance ::

BRANGUS PUBLICATIONS, INC. STAFF

:: Matt Barton :: rangeroptics@gmail.com

Cindy Blazek, Leona, Texas

David Wood, Magnolia, Mississippi

Nic Cornelison, Flat Rock, Alabama

Jeremy Jackson, Gentry, Arkansas

INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR BRANGUS BOARD

Advertising Sales, Melanie Fuller mfuller@gobrangus.com, 979-255-3343 Brangus Journal Publications, Inc. Editor Jessie England | editor@gobrangus.com

:: International ::

2021-2022 IJBBA Board of Directors

President April Villarreal, Brookshire, Texas

Garrett Thomas, Waxahachie, Texas

:: Director :: Kade Whiddon, Texas

:: Director :: Emma Tittor, Texas

:: Director :: Isabelle Parkey, Texas

:: Director :: Aubrey Meador, Texas

Stillwater, Oklahoma

West Region

Shiloh Hall, Okmulgee, Oklahoma shiloh518@yahoo.com

:: Warren Young, DVM :: wbydvm@hotmail.com Blanchard, Oklahoma

IBBA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Greg Romans, Vale, Oregon romansbrangus@yahoo.com

AT-LARGE

Vern Suhn, Eureka, Kansas vern@geneplusbrangus.com

Ex-Officio Jacob Jones, Stillwater, Oklahoma

:: Long Range Planning ::

Awards Shiloh Hall, Okmulgee, Oklahoma

:: Randy Schmidt, M.D. :: doctorrand@me.com Texarkana, Texas

At-Large

Randy Schmidt, M.D., Texarkana, Texas doctorrand@me.com

:: Josh Walker, Ph.D. :: josh@redbudfarms.net Ben Lomond,Arkansas

Josh Walker, Ph.D., Ben Lomond, Arkansas | josh@redbudfarms.net

Queen Payge Dupre, Florida

Joe Fuller, Willow City, Texas

Breed Improvement Randy Schmidt, M.D., Texarkana, Texas Commercial Marketing Cody Glenn, West Point, Mississippi Finance Allen Goode, Mabank, Texas International Garrett Thomas, Waxahachie, Texas Long Range Plan Joe Fuller, Willow City, Texas

Director Briana Hicks, Danbury, Texas

Director Jaxon Allen, Haworth, Oklahoma

:: Membership & Education ::

Director Samuel Belt, Gatesville, Texas

Director Tyler Towns, Bryan,

Karen Adamek -, Texas

:: Promotions ::

Director

Megan Greenwood, -, Texas

:: Show ::

Mark Perry, -, Texas

Membership Marty Lavender, Melrose, New Mexico

:: IJBBA Advisory ::

Promotion Lisa Neal, Morganza, Lousiana

Brandon Belt, Gatesville, Texas

Show Gina Gill, Beckville, Texas IJBBA

:: Director :: Gracie Johnson, Texas

:: Director :: Carter Aucoin, Louisiana

::

Cover

Cover

Cover

Brangus

Meet The IBBA Board of Directors

The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Board of Directors stands as a dedicated and hardworking group, meet this year's board.

24 Brangus Committees & The Year Ahead

The Board relies on the standing committees, see what plans lie ahead for the Brangus committees this year and some of their recent projects

Florida State Fair Results

34

Pages 34-36 have results for the 2024 Florida State Fair Brangus, Red Brangus and Ultra shows.

44

Southest Brangus Breeders Association.

75th Anniversary Brangus Celebration Schedule

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

Afternoon Pre-Tour to the famed GKB Cattle, Desdemona, Texas Experience rich Brangus cattle legacy and join the tour of this progressive operation.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024

8 am– 12 noon Breed Improvement Committee

1–7 pm Registration Open

Lunch on your own

1 pm Trade Show Opens Through Welcome Reception

2 pm IBA Fashion Show

1–2:30 pm Promotion Committee

International Marketing Committee

2:30–4 pm Membership and Education Committee

Commercial Marketing Committee

5–7 pm 75th Anniversary Brangus Celebration

Welcome Reception (ticketed)

Dinner on your own in Cowtown!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2024

8 am–6 pm Registration Open

8–9 am IJBBA Reunion Coffee and Breakfast Past and Current Junior Members

9 am–1 pm Trade Show Open

9 am Opening Session

9:15 am Welcome and Remarks by Neogen

9:30 am “Outlook of the Cattle Industry” - Randy Blach, CattleFax CEO

10:45 am “A Look Into Future of the Cattle Industry –The Next 25 Years”

11:45 am Lunch (ticketed)

1 pm “Greatest Minds of the Seedstock Industry” Panel Discussion

3–3:30 pm Recap and Review – “The Future of Brangus” Video

3:30–4:30 pm Affiliate Association Meetings

5:30 pm “Legacy of Brangus Gala” – Celebrating 75 Years (ticketed) After Gala Party Randy Blach

A Bright Future for Brangus

By Shiloh Hall, International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) president

As we are right in the middle of sale season we are being blessed with record high cattle sales and rising demand for Brangus cattle. We are seeing our membership grow and registered cattle numbers on the rise.

Seeing this kind of progress in the Brangus breed is exactly what I believe our founding members envisioned 75 years ago. I am very excited to serve you as President in this historic year. Our 75th year celebration of Brangus in Fort Worth this summer will be the one event that you don’t want to miss. We have so many exciting things being planned due to the hard work of the 75th steering committee. Registration will open soon for this event, so come celebrate Brangus in this year’s biggest event.

As we celebrate Brangus we have to also celebrate the retirement of EVP Dr. Wilkes. He has announced his retirement this year but has graciously agreed to stay as long

as we need him while we search for our next EVP and help with a smooth transition. Dr. Wilkes stepped into a tough position with Regstr far from being operational. He has led his team over the last several years to develop our registration database to make it user friendly again and bring a cohesive team together in our office. He has thought into our future and worked out deals with Mexico and Australia to include them into our database. Our association has grown every year under his leadership and I believe this has helped us gain a foothold in the feeder industry with programs like Brangus Value Project. On behalf of the membership I would like to congratulate Dr. Wilkes on his retirement and thank you for making Brangus better.

I hope green grass finds your operations this spring and you see success in your spring sales. I look forward to serving you this year and seeing record attendance for this historic celebration of Brangus in Fort Worth.

IT AIN'TBraggin'IF YOU CAN DO

IT

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

There is considerable debate about who originated the line that’s used as the title of this essay. Some say it was Muhammad Ali and others claim it was baseball star Dizzy Dean, or even Mark Twain. The immortal football coach, Bear Bryant, is also sometimes credited with it. It doesn’t really matter who said it first. The statement is a universal truth. If you can run a 4-minute mile and you boast about it, it ain’t bragging. If you beat Tiger Woods in a golf tournament it is recorded as a fact in the record books, so you are allowed to boast about it because it’s true. It ain’t bragging.

The first word in the name of our association is INTERNATIONAL. It wasn’t always this way. It started out as the American Brangus Breeders Association. The

word American was replaced with the word International some years later. And while it is certainly true that IBBA has members in other countries, and Brangus genetics from the U.S. have been exported all over the world, I think it is fair to say that the use of the word INTERNATIONAL has been more aspirational than actual. More than 99% of our members and 99% of our registered cattle are in the United States. Some might even accuse us of subtle bragging by implying, in the very first word of our association’s name, that we operate around the globe.

When I read the word INTERNATIONAL in our association’s name, I interpret it as a vision, an aspiration, a goal to . . . . . someday, be truly international. By making this the first word in our name, the founders and the early breeders set forth a challenge to those of us who would follow

their footsteps. They dared us to think BIG. We’re accepting that dare.

In 2024, we will do something that has been talked about at IBBA for forty years and envisioned far longer than that. We will combine our data with the data from the Asociacion Brangus Mexicana and the Ultrablack data from Angus Australia into a single genetic evaluation. They will convert the output from pounds to kilograms and may convert from EPD to EBV (Estimated Breeding Value) but the actual animal comparisons will be apples-to-apples.

IBBA genetics are well represented in both of these registries. Mexico and Australia have imported IBBA genetics for many years. Unfortunately, their individual genetic evaluations are not able to take advantage of the massive database that backs up IBBA’s genetic evaluation. What this means is that when a breeder in Mexico, for example, buys an IBBA bull or imports semen or embryos from an IBBA member, the bull enters their registry as if nothing is known about his genetics. When, in fact, a LOT is known about his genetics but that information is stuck in another database (ours). When we combine our data and run a combined analysis, that exported bull (or semen or embryo) will enter their registry with complete genetic information. The breeder in Sonora will have the same information as the breeder in South Carolina. The benefit to the importing breeder is obvious. The benefit to IBBA members is a wider opening to very substantial markets for Brangus seedstock.

In the case of Mexico, they will use a Spanish version of Regstr to register their cattle and submit their performance data directly to IBBA. In the case of Australia, the Ultrablack breeders who register their cattle through Angus Australia will continue to register cattle as they do now, but Angus Australia will send a monthly data file to our partner in this effort, Neogen Corporation, to be included in our normal monthly evaluation.

Moving forward, we will continue to seek other Brangus registries around the

world to participate in this effort. We call it the “Global Brangus Project”. This won’t happen overnight, and none of it is easy. But, I don’t imagine that the founders of IBBA ever thought it would be easy to fulfill the promise made by the first word in our association’s name. In fact, given their pioneering spirit, the word “easy” was probably not in their vocabulary.

THINK BIG. GO BRANGUS.

Craig@cdpbrangus.com

Grady@dragginmranch.com

UPDATE from the Field

by Kyle Caldwell, Director of Field Services and Strategic Projects

Spring sale season is in full swing!

Since my last update, I have been visiting commercial producers in New Mexico, travelled to HLSR for the Brangus show and IBBA committee meetings and attended the Cavender Ranches Spring Bull Sale.

At the end of my last field update, I was packing my bags to head out to New Mexico for the annual Roswell Bull Sale. To make the most of the trip, I also scheduled some producer visits with the help of long time Brangus breeder and Roswell Brangus Sale co-founder, Bill Morrison. My first stop had me meeting up with Jay Hollifield of Brown Brothers Ranch just outside of Roswell. Jay has been a long-time customer of the Roswell sale and has consistently invested in the top bull lots at the sale. The Brown Brothers Ranch consigned the top pen of commercial females at the Roswell sale again this year, a credit that Jay attributes to the continued investment in the top bulls at the sale every year. After my visit with Jay, I headed north to Fort Sumner and met up with Caleb Elliott, another long-time Roswell buyer. Caleb’s impressive family ranch sported a variety of topography,

from desert range to grassland and some very rocky canyons. Caleb is a progressive breeder utilizing a 3-breed rotational cross of Brangus, Angus, and Hereford. The Angus and Baldy cattle were well conditioned and living comfortably on the grassland section of the ranch. However, as we kept going, Caleb pointed out that the northernmost 25% of his ranch was steep canyons with a lot of rocky terrain that he only dared put his most hardy and sure-footed cattle on because he knew they could handle it. “This is where I keep my Brangus” he said proudly, as we watched a single-file group of cows and calves make their way down to the bottom of a canyon. All the forage was located on the canyon rim and beyond, while much of the water supply for this area was at the bottom, requiring cattle to make several trips in and out every day. A tough ask for many other breeds, but not for some rock-crawling Brangus bred and adapted to their New Mexico environment. I capped off the New Mexico trip by attending the 33rd Annual Roswell Brangus Sale. To say the sale was impressive would be selling it short, as the bulls averaged a whopping $8125 with the stands packed with commercial cattlemen from West Texas and New Mexico. The outstanding

performance of the Roswell sale just goes to show that quality Brangus genetics are in high demand for the commercial cattleman. Congratulations to all the consignors of the Roswell sale!

After the Roswell sale I flew back home for a couple of days before heading out to the Houston Livestock Show. The week was packed full of IBBA activities from committee meetings to shows. The best black and red Brangus show cattle were on display and was made even more special with our new friends and partners from Asociación Brangus Mexicana in attendance. The week was capped off with the Genetic Edge sale, which averaged $17,800 on 37 lots and the IBBF Embryo Auction which set a record for the second year in a row, grossing $102,800! While I was in town for the Brangus show, I was invited to be on the official committee for the HLSR collegiate Meat Judging contest. The collegiate Meat Judging Program has provided me with countless opportunities in my career in the meat and livestock industries.

Rejoining the ranks of respected meat scientists to put on this contest was a great reminder that while the two sides of our industry are often talked about separately, we are ultimately one entity: the BEEF industry, working hand in hand to advance our mutual interests.

steers at Cargill in Dodge City, KS again to collect grade data. We still have several sponsorship slots available for Round 3 and if you have not donated in support of this project yet, I encourage you to do so. A $500 donation in support of the Brangus Value Project lets you join an exclusive list of Brangus breeders to be recognized in the Brangus Journal and receive a Premium Choice strip loin pre-cut into steaks shipped directly to your house as a way to say “Thank you”; and because the project is funded through the 501(c)(3) International Brangus Breeders Foundation, your donation will be tax deductible.

If you would like to support this project, please shoot me an email at kcaldwell@gobrangus.com or call the IBBA office at (210) 696-8231.

As the month comes to a close, I still have several places to visit, including El Dorado, Arkansas to the CDP Brangus Sale at Draggin’ M Ranch, the GenePlus Spring Bull Sale at Chimney Rock Cattle Company in Concord, Arkansas and I look forward to sharing more about these sales in next month’s update!

I also have plans to continue my travels into April, starting at the TBBA Spring Sale on April 6th in Salado, Texas, the Superior Gulf Coast Classic on April 18th and 19th in Natchitoches, LA, the Cavender Spring

Once the Houston festivities concluded, I came home for a few days for some family time before making my way to Jacksonville, Tx for the Cavender Spring Bull Sale. Despite a chilly morning the sale was well attended and the bulls sold well. I look forward to another strong showing at their Female Sale on April 27th.

I also spoke to Hy Plains Feeders this week for an update on how the 93 Round 3 Brangus Value Project feeder steers are performing. The consulting veterinarian, Dr. Miles Theurer, reported that the steers are now on the GrowSafe system to monitor feed efficiency. Later this year we will harvest these

Female Sale on April 27th and the Phillips Ranch

Annual Production Sale on May 4th in Bunnell, Florida. I look forward to seeing everyone again as continue with another strong sale season.

GO BRANGUS!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Committee. Outside of the IBBA, I have held the seat of vice president of promotions with the Oklahoma Brangus Association and am currently the sales vice president of the Oklahoma Brangus Association.

The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Board of Directors stands as a dedicated and hardworking group committed to advancing the Brangus breed and supporting its community of breeders. This esteemed board is comprised of individuals who generously volunteer their time, expertise, and passion to ensure the continual improvement and promotion of the breed.

Nominated from various regions across the United States, these directors represent the interests of Brangus breeders nationwide (and even internationally), advocating for initiatives that foster breed enhancement, genetic improvement, and market development.

e also been an Oklahoma State Trooper for the past have met my two girls, Paige and Reese, over the last few years ently holding the Oklahoma Board of Directors seat, which transitioned to the West Region for IBBA. During progressive in our breed. I have never missed a board meeting election for three more years in the Western Region of IBBA and I will always work and try to make best decisions for all years.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES

Trey Cuevas

TEXAS: Andrew Scamardo BRYAN, TEXAS

Andrew Scamardo and wife, Anna, own and operate Scamardo Brangus. They both have deep roots in production agriculture and are passionate about improving the cattle industry. Scamardo is a fourth-generation rancher in the Brazos River bottom with a great love for the land and the lifestyle that was passed down to him from his father. Being a young man in agriculture, Andrew takes great pride and responsibility in continuing and growing the legacy of his forefathers.

Purvis, Mississippi

BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

the help of ET, we were able to jump-start and fast-track our way to building a good female base which is essential to becoming a major player.”

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES

Grady Green

EAST: Grady Green

Scamardo knows that the cattle industry is an everevolving target. He says, “The cattle that were good 15 years ago are now outdated and undesirable. Just like any other industry, you either keep up with the times or you go out of business.”

EL DORADO, ARKANSAS

First Vice President

Grady Green is the general manager at Draggin’ M Ranch in El Dorado, Arkansas where he resides with his wife, Sara, and two children, Hadley and Breck. His passion for Brangus cattle is rivaled only by the love of spending time with his young family. Draggin’ M Ranch, owned by John Milam, is one of the most progressive Brangus operations in the United States and is also one of the founding partners of the Cavender-Draggin’ M and Partners Brangus program.

With the help of his father, Scamardo bought his first set of commercial cows at 16. It was this purchase that forged his path into the cattle industry. After graduating from Texas A&M University, with a degree in animal science, Scamardo decided he wanted to do more than just run cows. After seeing firsthand the practicality, longevity, and profitability in the Brangus cows that his grandfather had, he knew he had to contribute to the cattle industry by raising Brangus. Armed with an abundance of enthusiasm and a fresh and progressive mindset, he set out to raise the best seedstock cattle possible.

El Dorado, Arkansas

After high school, Green attended Tarleton State University and eventually ended up in the prestigious Texas Christian University (TCU) Ranch Management Program in Fort Worth, Texas, where he graduated at the top of his class.

Scamardo has taken this philosophy to heart, recognizing that he, as a breeder, has to constantly adapt his thinking and embrace new technology and tools that are available. He knows that if he’s not leading the way, someone else is. He wants to ensure that Scamardo Brangus is always at the forefront of innovation, always leading and never following.

Jeremy Jackson

ureka, Kansas where his father, Craig Green, worked for the famed Brinks Brangus, Green was introduced to the Brangus breed early in life. From there, his experience with Brangus cattle continued to expand by moving with his family to other respective Brangus operations including Caldwell Farms, Jack Moore Ranch, and eventually Camp Cooley Ranch. While living and working at Camp Cooley, Green was exposed to all aspects of the production of Brangus cattle from setting up donors to flush and transfer embryos, tagging calves, as well as being responsible for the health and wellness of yearling bulls on gain test, all while attending high school in Franklin, Texas.

After graduating from TCU, Grady was immediately hired as the manager at Draggin’ M and took over day-to-day operations of raising some of the most well-accepted Brangus bulls and females in the breed. For the last ten years under Green’s control, Draggin’ M has bred and raised herd sires and donor females that have made and continue to make a tremendous impact wherever they’re used.

Andrew and Anna are extremely involved in the Brangus Association. Andrew serves on IBBA’s Breed Improvement Committee and Promotions Committee; while Anna serves on the IBBA Show Committee. To the Scamardos, raising livestock is not just a lifestyle, it’s a livelihood.

Rob Singleton

Gentry, Arkansas

From the very beginning Scamardo Brangus has used ET heavily. Their spring 2022 calf crop will be nearly 85% ET calves. Andrew says, “ET was a no-brainer for me. If you want to raise the best cattle, you have to have the best cows. With

Green has been active in service to the Brangus breed, including serving on the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Breed Improvement Committee, being a member of the Southeast Brangus Breeders Association, and is currently serving as on the board of directors for the Texas Brangus Breeders Association. If elected to the IBBA Board of Directors, Green will use his passion for Brangus cattle and wealth of experience to help make decisions that will move the Brangus breed forward in the future. He would like to thank all eastern region members for their consideration.

Scamardo brings a fresh and progressive mindset to the table as well as a deep desire to make the Brangus breed the best it can be. He wants to ensure that the Brangus breed is always leading the cattle industry and adding value to livestock production. Gary

TEXAS: Gary Adamek

Gary and Karen Adamek are the owners of Champions Valley Brangus in Schulenburg, Texas. They are the fifth generation of cattle raisers on the homestead started by Gary‘s great, great grandfather Franz Adamek, who arrived in 1867.

EAST: Todd Harvey KENANSVILLE,

Adamek grew up in the hay business and also worked at a neighboring premier registered Jersey Dairy. This is where he was first introduced to artificial insemination (AI) work and the importance of genetic selection. Later, he took reproductive physiology, AI, and palpation courses while attending Texas A&M University where he received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics.

Today, the Adameks have a progressive embryo transfer and AI program to ensure the next generation of Champions Valley Brangus is better than the current.

November 2021

It is an honor and a great privilege to be nominated by my fellow seedstock producers for the IBBA Eastern Regional Board position. My name is Todd Harvey, I am a sixth-generation cattle producer whose home is based in Kenansville, Florida. I own and operate Crescent Bar Cattle Company, LLC. My operation consists of registered Brangus, commercial Brangus/Brangus cross and registered Santa Gertrudis cattle. I have also been involved in the Seminole Tribe of Florida cattle operation as procurement specialist and director of marketing for Salacoa Valley Farms. I am currently the general manager of Salacoa Valley Farms. e we, as Brangus breeders, have a wonderful product to offer the beef cattle industry. But the key is working together to promote our product.

Seville, Florida

Although Champions Valley has won numerous National and International Brangus shows over the years, they specialize as a seedstock producer to the commercial cattleman. They sell bulls and heifers, mostly private treaty, to improve other commercial operators’ herds.

If elected to the board, my goal is to unite my fellow breeders to show the beef cattle industry the quality of Brangus. We, as Brangus breeders have a unique product, one that will enhance any cattle herd whether you have 20 head or 10,000 head, Brangus cattle will add quality to your herd. But getting this message out takes everyone working together as seedstock producers. If elected, my goal is to unite my fellow seedstock producers to promote the quality product we produce.

I am a cow man serving cattle people, and I want to serve you. I would really appreciate your vote, and I promise to serve for the interest of all breeders and the breed to best of my ability. Let’s roll up our sleeves and work together.

Adamek believes in Brangus because Brangus crossbred vigor is a custom design for the Texas environment. Brangus are the most beneficial not only because of the maternal and heat tolerance received from the Brahman influence but also the carcass value from the Angus. These two great influences make the breed ideal for the pasture, as well as the feed yard. The Brangus breed has been essential to the Adamek family and, for that reason, Gary’s goal is to serve and make the best Texas breed better. The future of IBBA is bright and Adamek wants to do his share to be a part of it and its progression.

Matt Barton

Stillwater, Oklahoma

Okmulgee, Oklahoma W E S T

Shiloh Hall

President

Warren Young Blanchard, Oklahoma

DVM.

Randy Schmidt

OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

Texarkana, Texas

Josh Walker

A T - L A R G E

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AT LARGE: Josh Walker

Second Vice President Ph.D. M.D.

Ben Lomond, Arkansas

Josh Walker grew up in Southwest Arkansas in a rural town of 120 people. During high school, he found his love for cattle when his parents purchased his first commercial Brangus females in 1992. In ninth grade, he began showing a Red Brangus bull and heifer. That year he invested his life savings of $5/week allowances into two Red Brangus females at a local dispersal sale. And just like that, he was in the purebred Red Brangus business.

stretches from Kansas into Texas and currently markets progeny from around 1,000 head of registered females. Walker consistently works to improve the genetics of his own herd. By using production-driven genetics he is able to help his customers with their operations and continually push to make the cattle better.

By fostering open lines of communication and collaboration, the IBBA Board of Directors ensures that breeders have access to the expertise and assistance they need to thrive in their endeavors, further strengthening the bonds within the Brangus community and advancing the collective goals of breed improvement and promotion.

Upon graduation, he attended the University of Arkansas where he received his bachelor’s degree in animal science and a minor in agricultural business. Next, he moved on to Colorado State University for a master’s and doctorate in biomedical sciences. Dr. Walker specializes in reproductive

He accepted the nomination for the board in order to become more intricately involved in the business and operation of the Brangus breed. Walker has always had a passion for meeting new people and visiting with ranchers to learn about their operations. He especially likes to analyze the things he learns, challenging himself and others to think outside of their comfort zone to determine if opportunities in business can increase the bottom line. Through his travels and work experience, he has had the opportunity to work with

BOARD

BRANGUS COMMITTEES

BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

The Board of Directors relies on the standing committees to deliberate and debate issues before bringing policy recommendations forward for final consideration. This is the proverbial grass-roots process in motion at IBBA. Our IBBA committees are always hard at work.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES

AT LARGE: Josh Walker

BEN LOMOND, ARKANSAS

Josh Walker grew up in Southwest Arkansas in a rural town of 120 people. During high school, he found his love for cattle when his parents purchased his first commercial Brangus females in 1992. In ninth grade, he began showing a Red Brangus bull and heifer. That year he invested his life savings of $5/week allowances into two Red Brangus females at a local dispersal sale. And just like that, he was in the purebred Red Brangus business.

Upon graduation, he attended the University of Arkansas where he received his bachelor’s degree in animal science and a minor in agricultural business. Next, he moved on to Colorado State University for a master’s and doctorate in biomedical sciences. Dr. Walker specializes in reproductive physiology and has applied his degree into the specific field of bovine reproduction. He has worked with Ovagenix, Flying Cow Genetics, Reprologix, and Gen Plus. His company, Red Bud Genetics, assists customers with artificial insemination, reproductive ultrasound, in vivo embryo collection, embryo transfer, ovum pick up, and in vitro fertilization.

stretches from Kansas into Texas and currently markets progeny from around 1,000 head of registered females. Walker consistently works to improve the genetics of his own herd. By using production-driven genetics he is able to help his customers with their operations and continually push to make the cattle better.

He accepted the nomination for the board in order to become more intricately involved in the business and operation of the Brangus breed. Walker has always had a passion for meeting new people and visiting with ranchers to learn about their operations. He especially likes to analyze the things he learns, challenging himself and others to think outside of their comfort zone to determine if opportunities in business can increase the bottom line. Through his travels and work experience, he has had the opportunity to work with some of the industry’s best operations in a variety of breeds. Walker states, “Every operation I have visited or worked with has exposed me to new ideas and methodologies. I feel that we as Brangus breeders have a unique opportunity to show the world what our cattle can do from ranch to rail. We have a place in the industry as a major provider of genetics for

COMMERCIAL MARKETING

Chairman:

CoDy Glenn

Staff Support:

Kyle Caldwell, M.S.

The Commercial Marketing Committee’s primary goal is to add value and enhance the perception of Brangus feeder cattle produced by our IBBA member’s bull customers. Through data gleaned from the Brangus Value Project, we know that Brangus feeder calves are just as capable of growing, converting feed, grading, and providing a sound eating experience as any other breed and the committee believes we should be recognized for it.

Over the past couple of years, a large project for the Commercial Marketing Committee has been the implementation of the Brangus Vigor feeder calf program. While the program has hit a fair share of snags along the way to getting kicked off, we will be formally re-launching the program in 2024 with a renewed partnership with IMI Global to become a process-verified program, as well as entering into a new partnership with Superior Livestock Auctions to join their suite of Genetic Merit Programs. The committee also voted at Houston to increase the weaning protocol for Brangus Vigor from 45 days to 60 days, in line with recommendations from stakeholders further down the beef industry value chain; the thought being that it is better to put more “teeth” in the program so that it will carry more weight for those purchasing the calves. Our goal is to place 2,000 Brangus Vigor tags in ears in 2024.

At the Houston meeting, we also discussed IBBA’s involvement in the Genetic Merit Pricing Taskforce and Commercial Marketing’s role in helping to develop and market a Genetic Merit Scorecard for Brangus feeder cattle. The committee is dedicated to working hand in hand with the other committees to develop this scorecard when the time comes.

Also at the Houston meeting, the committee discussed exploring the Beef on Dairy segment of the industry. This year, the committee will continue to investigate those opportunities when they are applicable.

The Commercial Marketing Committee will meet formally in Fort Worth, TX on August 9th in conjunction with the 75 Years of Brangus Celebration. We encourage all members who are interested to attend.

JUNIORS - IJBBA

Chairman: Jaxon allen, iJBBa PresiDent

Staff Support: Lori Edwards-Dunkerley

The International Junior Brangus Breeders Association is looking forward to hosting the 2024 National Junior Brangus Show in Waco, Texas from June 25th through June 30th. The IJBBA Board of Directors and advisors have planned an event full week with educational contests, junior shows, and Brangus fun!

The IJBBA Board kicked off the “Living Our Legacy” webinar series this past fall and will continue to have industry professionals share their story with juniors and parents through an educational webinar. Our next webinar is scheduled for April 9th with special guest, Cheramie Viator. We recently launched the UBBA Ambassador Program for juniors age 12 -15 looking to take more of a leadership role. The International Junior Brangus Breeders Association Ambassador program is designed to provide IJBBA members the opportunity to develop and practice leadership skills related to the IJBBA and mentoring other youth. The goal is for the Ambassador Program is to prepare the youth to make a difference and become leaders within IJBBA and IBBA.

We encourage all to visit www.juniorbrangus.com for more details on 2024 NJBS, the “Living Our Legacy” webinar series, and the IJBBA Ambassador program.

FINANCE

Chairman: Jeremy JaCkson

Staff Support: Brian Sadovsky, MBA

The Finance Committee works with the Controller and Executive Vice President and uses financial statements and the investment reports to monitor the financial health of the association. The committee also looks ahead to future projects and makes appropriate recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding financial concerns to ensure the continued financial health of the association. The committee also develops an association budget in response to the priorities and projects of the standing committees and consideration of the general association expenses and revenues.

In 2023, the association crossed the $1 million threshold of THR revenues for the first time. Other highlights from 2023 include the addition of brokerage accounts to better protect our assets and to take advantage of high interest rates, which yielded more than $50,000 of interest with previously dormant funds. Additional financial results are listed here:

INTERNATIONAL

Chairman:

Garrett thomas

Staff Support:

Macee Wagner, M.S.

The International Committee’s primary goal is to expand the market for Brangus genetics, both live and frozen. The committee is constantly looking at ways to improve relationships through USLGE, FIBRA, and both inbound and outbound trade missions. Many committee members will be attending the follow trade events: Rockhampton, Australia, in May for BEEF Australia’s triannual event; Costa Rica’s 200th Guanacaste show in July; and host an educational event in Mexico at the end of the year with NMDA. We are also working on our promotional advertisements and planning our 2025 events. For 2024, the committee is focused on maximizing the value of Brangus on international markets by using data from the Brangus Value Project to promote Brangus’ feed efficiency and carcass quality of Brangus. This will improve our perception on the global market and make the demand for Brangus genetics grow.

The committee will continue to encourage building international relationships and promote Brangus worldwide. Both can lead to growth of Brangus in terms of exports and imports.

Stay tuned for web-based seminars and podcasts sponsored by the International Committee. If you have a topic that you would like to see covered in a webinar or podcast, please send your idea to mprause@gobrangus.com.

LONG TERM PLANNING

Chairman:

Joe Fuller

Staff Support:

Darrell L. Wilkes, Ph.D.

As the name implies, the Long Term Planning Committee is charged with assessing the current state of the beef industry and the Brangus breed, anticipating the future, and then consolidating that vision into strategic priorities that guide the work of IBBA in the years ahead. A plan was completed in 2020 and a revised and

updated plan will be released in 2025. As was done in 2020, the 2025 draft plan will be shared with members before it is finalized and presented to the IBBA Board of Directors for approval.

Progress is apparent on many of the initiatives spelled out in the 2020 plan. For example, the first pillar of the plan is to: Embrace Technology and Innovation –Invest in Research. The International Brangus Breeders Foundation (IBBF) has done a masterful job of raising funds for research such as the Brangus Value Project, which has technical oversight from the Breed Improvement Committee. This single example shows the importance of leveraging and integrating the talent and energy that already exists within IBBA’s committee structure and, in this case, the foundation. An additional topic LTP is in process of addressing is the integration and development of the next generation of Brangus Breeders into leadership positions and encouraging them to continue on with multi-generational Brangus programs that have a lasting impact on the cattle industry.

The Long Term Planning Committee intends to meet in Knoxville, TN in June which will include a brainstorming session with the Breed Improvement Committee. This is tied to the annual Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) conference which is always a thought-provoking event.

MEMBERSHIP & EDUCATION

Chairman: karen aDamek

Staff Support: Mandie Sadovsky

The International Brangus Breeders Association’s Member Services & Education Committee has a goal to encourage growth in membership enrollment. The committee plans to have an emphasis on new enrollment along with development and retention of association members.

We are excited for new ideas and the implementation of some new avenues to access new members and to create lasting bonds and to develop the future of Brangus breeding. We plan to be continually on the lookout for new ways to educate and bring information to our members and prospective members that will provide benefits to their Brangus outfits. The long term is to expand the future of the Brangus breed that will span multi generations.

We plan to do this by distributing educational content in the form of webinars, articles, and the creation of new programs to make IBBA membership more rewarding.

PROMOTIONS

Chairman:

meGan GreenWooD

Staff Support: Jessie England

Heading into 2024, the promotions committee remains focused on promoting Brangus to cattle breeders, feeders and packers through advertising and other means, including the increasingly important tool of social media. With 11,000 Facebook followers and 3,000 Instagram followers, IBBA’s social media pages remain a cost-effective marketing platform. In 2024, look for increased social media presence aimed at engaging our current followers and attracting new ones.

Understanding the value of Brangus cattle in a multitude of climates, the committee will continue to work with IBBA staff to produce regionally focused advertising campaigns which highlight the Brangus female’s ability to preform anywhere from fescue country to the arid desert. Of course, the cornerstone of great marketing is high quality visuals. Our committee has added a few talented photographers to our ranks who are passionate about capturing the essence of Brangus cattle and sharing those images for use in promotional materials. Further, renewed emphasis is to be placed on developing opportunities for IBBA members to share their appreciation for Brangus cattle to help educate potential customers through “Featured Rancher” interviews. These interviews will be focused on producing content that chronicles the power of Brangus cattle and the people that stand behind them.

SHOW

Chairman: mark Perry

Staff Support: Lori Edwards-Dunkerley

As chairman, I would like to begin by saying a huge “thank you” to Allen Goode for his leadership with this very passionate committee over the past years and Lori Edwards-Dunkerley for her support and organization. I would also like to thank IBBA President, Shiloh Hall, for the opportunity to Chair this committee for the upcoming year. I am very excited with the opportunity to seat five new committee members. I would also like to thank the members that are rotating off for their dedication. With the addition in 2023 of the New Mexico State Fair, there are now eight National IBBA Standard of Excellence Point Shows in five states. Although there are challenges in having this schedule, it allows many great cattle to participate. The show committee is exploring options to expand the show schedule to other State Fairs and Stock Shows that would like to have Brangus Show. This is something that the committee will be discussing at our first meeting. I would like to invite everyone to come and enjoy the experience and meet additional Brangus families. I am excited to see some new faces participating and would like to welcome everyone interested in joining us either showing or just appreciating the quality of Brangus cattle.

EPD-OLOGY Weight Adjustments

by Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D., International Brangus Breeders Association

(IBBA) executive vice president things considered in making adjustment are Age of Dam and Age of Animal.

In order for data to be useful in comparing the genetic differences between animals, their weights and ultrasound data are adjusted for non-genetic sources of variation. It is obviously foolish to compare the raw weaning weights of two calves that are 40 days different in age when they are weaned. The calves can only be fairly compared after their actual weights are adjusted to the same weaning age. This is intuitive and obvious, but sometimes the adjustments confuse people. The objective of this issue of EPDology is to explain and, hopefully, simplify the process so that it makes sense.

If you were to study the equations used for adjusting individual animal weights, it might make your head spin. It’s just algebra and, honestly, it looks more complicated than it really is. There are only two things considered when adjusting animal weight, scrotal or ultrasound results. The two factors are: 1) Age of Dam, and 2) Age of Animal. The equations are different for heifers vs bulls, but it is still true that the only

Age of Dam is considered when computing adjusted Birth Weight and adjusted Weaning Weight. Cows that are on either end of the age spectrum (very young or very old) are expected to give birth to lighter calves compared to mid-age cows, all else being equal. Therefore, in order to adjust BW for age effect, the adjusted BW on calves from very young or very old dams will be higher than their actual BW. In addition, young cows are expected to wean lighter calves because their mammary system is still in development. Therefore, their adjusted weaning weight get a boost.

The table on the next page shows the adjustments for BW and WW for cows of different ages. The actual formula uses cow age in days, but the table below only shows the adjustments for cows by year of age. So, the adjustments listed below will not match the adjustments you see on your animals

unless they are exactly the same age as those shown in the table. The relationships are not perfectly linear but, for instance, if a cow is 2.5 years old when she calves, the adjustment will be about half way between a 2 year-old and a 3 year-old.

• The weaning weight adjustment is affected by the actual weaning weight. In the table above, the adjustments are for a bull calf with an actual weaning weight of 600-lbs at exactly 205 days. In the real world, the adjusted weaning weight would include adjustments for dam age and calf age. The adjustments shown in the table are for bull calves. Heifers are slightly different.

Age of Animal is the most common adjustment and is applied to virtually every animal. Very few calves are weaned and weighed at exactly 205 days of age. Likewise, very few animals are exactly 365 days old when their yearling weight is captured.

Cowboy common sense says that one can only adjust just so far before you start getting “out of bounds”. While I was in graduate school, my major professor would tell his students that “you cannot extrapolate beyond the bounds of your data.” In plain English, this means that if you try to adjust too far, you get junk data. That is why there are age limits for computing adjusted weaning weight, yearling weight, scrotal and ultrasound data.

For weaning weight, the age window is 110-280 days of age. If an animal falls outside of this window when weaning weight is taken, it will be placed in a single-head contemporary group which means that the data will have no effect on its EPD calculation for weaning weight, and it will not get a bump up in accuracy for WW EPD. In effect, the data becomes trivia. For yearling weight, scrotal circumference and ultrasound, the age window is 320-410. In addition to the age window, IBBA requires that there are at least 90-days between weaning and yearling weights. Bear in mind also that Adjusted Yearling Weight cannot be computed without an Adjusted Weaning Weight because Weaning Weight is part of the Yearling Weight equation.

Ultrasound and scrotal measurements are all adjusted to one year of age and have the same age window as yearling weight.

IBBA once allowed two “long yearling” weight ages of 452-days and 550-days. However, EPDs for these traits have never been computed and there is virtually no data to compute EPDs even if we wanted to. The Breed Improvement Committee recently recommended that these data points be dropped and the Board of Directors agreed. There is no sense allowing these and implying that they have value in IBBA’s genetic evaluation when they do not.

Finally, it is notable that IBBA’s adjustment formulae were developed by analyzing our own data. We did not use generic adjustments published in the scientific literature. Instead, we used our own data to determine the appropriate adjustment factors.

To summarize, the purpose of weight adjustments (and scrotal and ultrasound adjustment) is to sort out sources of variation that are not due to genetics. This results in standardized data that can be used to estimate true genetic differences, which are expressed as EPDs.

National SOE Point Show

February 2024 | Tampa, Florida | Judge: Brandon Cutrer, Texas

Female Divisions

Junior Heifer Calf Champion: CHAMP MS

BRIANNA 789L1, Champions Valley Brangus

LLC., Schulenburg, TX

Reserve Junior Heifer Calf Champion: KK MISS

MOVIE STAR 924L9, Railee Steele, Lake Butler, FL

Senior Heifer Calf Champion: CT LADY

KENNEDY 814K2, Carlee Taylor, Lakeland, FL

marvel's sWeet Jasmine 1621 Marvel Farms, High Springs, Florida

Reserve Senior Heifer Calf Champion: SB PRADA 148K, Railee Steele, Lake Butler, FL

Summer Champion Heifer: CT MS KAREN 25K, Aubrey Beatty, Davenport, FL

Reserve Summer Champion Heifer: VCC KAROL G, Isabella Carrillo, Okeechobee, FL

Yearling Champion Heifer: JP MS PROFIT SEEKERS REBEL, Jesse Pinkston, Seffner, FL

Reserve Yearling Champion Heifer: W5 MISS LADY KYRA, W5 Cattle, Christmas, FL

Senior Champion Heifer: BANDI MS SURGE 155J, Lillie Bandi, Okeechobee, FL

reD Female Divisions

Red Junior Heifer Calf Champion: CLF MS

EILEEN 38L9, Circle Lee Farms, Baton Rouge, LA

Red Reserve Junior Heifer Calf Champion: M&M LEIGHTON 702L1, Carlee Taylor, Lakeland, FL

Red Senior Heifer Calf Champion: CLF MS

TNT 175K6, Circle Lee Farms, Baton Rouge, LA

Red Reserve Senior Heifer Calf Champion: M&M 10K, Lane Walker, Haines City, FL

Red Summer Heifer Champion: CLF MS ASHY 38K5, Circle Lee Farms, Baton Rouge, LA

Red Reserve Summer Heifer Champion: CLF

MS RED DYNASTY 225K1, Circle Lee Farms, Baton Rouge, LA

GranD ChamPion Female ChamP ms Brianna 789l1 Champions Valley Brangus LLC., Schulenburg, Texas

reserve ChamPion reD Female m&m leiGhton 702l1 Carlee Taylor, Lakeland, Florida

GranD ChamPion reD CoW-CalF Pair marvels sWeet FanCy 116 Marvel Farms, High Springs, Florida

reserve ChamPion Female JP ms ProFit seekers reBel Jesse Pinkston, Seffner, Florida

GranD ChamPion CoW-CalF Pair Farris ms tank 07h2 Alexis Bandi, Okeechobee, Florida

GranD ChamPion reD Female ClF ms eileen 38l9 Circle Lee Farms, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

reserve ChamPion CoW-CalF Pair tCr BelinDa 302J8 Railee Steele, Lake Butler, Florida

reserve ChamPion reD CoW-CalF Pair

GranD ChamPion Bull mr CheeCho 767J5 Rilee Bennett, Lake Wales, Florida

GranD ChamPion reD Bull m&m 237k

maDison stokes, lake Wales, FloriDa

Red Yearling Champion Heifer: JTC ANGEL'S RED DEVIL 122, Joyce Teague, High Springs, FL

Red Reserve Yearling Champion Heifer: HRG MS OMAHA, Francesca Gonzalez, Dade City, FL

Bull Divisions

Junior Bull Calf Champion: HCT MR LEGEND 789L, W5 Cattle, Christmas, FL

Reserve Junior Bull Calf Champion: CAPO'S ZEUS 918L17, Isabella Carrillo, Okeechobee, FL

Senior Bull Calf Champion: LB MR KINGPIN, Lettelier Branugs, Citra, FL

reserve ChamPion Bull lB mr kinGPin Lettelier Brangus, Citra, Florida

reserve ChamPion reD Bull

marvels kalel PriDe 1922 Marvel Farms, High Springs, Florida

Reserve Senior Bull Calf Champion: LB MR DOM, Kyndal Akins, Haines City, FL

Yearling Champion Bull: LB MR. BLACK SMOKE, Savanna Jerrels, Bronson, FL

Reserve Yearling Champion Bull: GKB FEDERAL RESERVE 38K24, Truman Taylor, Lakeland, FL

Senior Champion Bull: MR MS CHEECHO 767J5, Rilee Bennett, Lake Wales, FL

Reserve Senior Champion Bull: KHR MR. MATER 3J1, Greg Kight, Christmas, FL

reD Bull Divisions

Red Junior Bull Calf Champion: MARVELS

SUPER 223 ET, Marvel Farms, High Springs, FL

Red Reserve Junior Bull Calf Champion:

MARVELS MR 323, Marvel Farms, High Springs, FL

Red Summer Champion Bull: MARVELS KALEL

PRIDE 1922, Marvel Farms, High Springs, FL

Red Yearling Champion Bull: M&M 237K, Madison Stokes, Lake Wales, FL

Red Reserve Yearling Champion Bull: MARVELS

ROCKY PRIDE 1222, Joyce Teague, Branford, FL

Red Senior Champion Bull: MARVEL'S MR

CRUZ, W5 Cattle, Christmas, FL

Red Reserve Senior Champion Bull: TR JE

OMEGA RED 616J, Madyson Carter, Haines City, FL

GrouP Divisions

Champion Produce of Dam:

Kinley Ward, Christmas, Florida

Champion Senior Get of Sire: Kinley Ward, Christmas, Florida

Champion Breeders Herd:

Isabella Carrillo, Okeechobee, Florida

Red Champion Produce of Dam: Kinley Ward, Christmas, Florida

National SOE Point Show

February 2024 | Tampa, Florida | Judge: Brandon Cutrer, Texas

ultra Female Divisions:

Ultra Junior Heifer Calf Champion: GRT MS 6847G-MONEY 804L2, Carlee Taylor, Lakeland, FL

Ultra Reserve Junior Heifer Calf Champion: MNR MS CARDI 535L3, Madilyn Nichols, Kathleen, FL

Ultra Senior Heifer Calf Champion: LAZY 3

KARMA UR 841K, Truman Taylor, Lakeland, FL

Ultra Reserve Senior Heifer Calf Champion:

CAPO'S MS ABSTRACT 30K4, Lourdes

Capote-Dishaw, Bradenton, FL

Ultra Summer Heifer Champion: JP

BLACKBIRD ATLANTAS DIXIE, Jesse Pinkston, Seffner, FL

Ultra Yearling Champion Heifer: MNR MS

SHAKIRA 617K2, Madilyn Nichols, Kathleen, FL

Ultra Reserve Yearling Champion Heifer: RLJ

MISS JULIET 6K, Jadyn Lucas, Brandon, FL

Ultra Senior Champion Heifer: CT MS FINLEY 108J2, Carlee Taylor, Lakeland, FL

Ct DeeP PoCkets 108k2

Carlee taylor,

reserve ChamPion ultra Bull

ChamP mr limitless 150J7

ChamPions valley BranGus llC., sChulenBurG, texas

ultra Bull Divisions:

Ultra Junior Bull Calf Champion: SB TITUS 302L, Railee Steele, Lake Butler, FL

Ultra Reserve Junior Bull Calf Champion: MNR

MR 535L, Madilyn Nichols, Kathleen, FL

Ultra Summer Champion Bull: MNR MR

MERLE 535K3, Kyndal Akins, Haines City, FL

Ultra Yearling Champion Bull: CT DEEP

POCKETS 108K2, Carlee Taylor, Lakeland, FL

Ultra Senior Champion Bull: CHAMP MR

LIMITLESS 150J7, Champions Valley Brangus LLC., Schulenburg, TX

GranD ChamPion ultra Female Grt ms 6847G-money 804l2 Carlee Taylor, Lakeland, Florida

reserve ChamPion ultra Female mnr ms shakira 617k2 Madilyn Nichols, Kathleen, Florida

GranD ChamPion ultra CoW-CalF Pair mnr ms. liZZo 535h maDilyn niChols, kathleen, FloriDa

reserve ChamPion ultra CoW-CalF Pair

CF BlaCkBirD atlanta 378F Jesse Pinkston, Seffner, Florida

GranD ChamPion ultra Bull

lakelanD, FloriDa

GACC DATA BANK 102H3

PROVING TO SIRE CONSISTENCY AND THE HIGH DOLLAR KIND

CB MASTERPIECE 2051F

CONTINUES TO LEAVE HIS MARK AS A CURVE BENDER

SUHN’S BLUEPRINT 2H

VOREL ABSTRACT 25E9

THE

CALF MARKETING METHODS

We are at that point in the year where many operations are focused solely on getting through the calving season. However, it is never too early to begin considering different options for how this calf crop will be sold. This issue of Trends will highlight the different marketing options available to producers and the factors influencing each option.

Much like selecting risk management strategies, it is critical for producers to recognize the seasonality of the markets when considering the various options for selling their calves. In a typical year, weaned calf values peak in the spring before trending downward to the fall lows when large numbers of calves hit the market. Previous results from the CattleFax Cow-Calf Survey show that, over the last five years, between 50% and 60% of calves are sold in the spot fall cash market. A majority of these calves are marketed through a regional auction barn. However, the seasonality of the cash market would not suggest that the fall is the ideal time to sell calves.

The historical pattern suggests that, in 8 out of every 10 years, cow-calf producers would be better off forward contracting during the summer months. For many, this means marketing calves through a summer video sale for fall delivery. The following chart shows that, over the last 10 years, summer video sales for fall averaged $13.60/cwt, or $75/head, premium to the fall spot market. Looking back, the two years where it made more sense to hold onto calves and sell them in the fall occurred during the bull market run of 2013 and 2014. In this current uptrending market, calves are continuing to appreciate in value and display less of an annual seasonal pattern.

CATTLEFAX TRENDS

This will continue to be driven by reduced weaned calf inventories creating increased competition among calf buyers. We do not expect a significant drop in weaned calf values in the fall and anticipate that this year, much like 2013 and 2014, could be a good year to defer marketing until the fall. For producers who typically utilize video auctions, this could mean waiting until closer to fall and advertising calves for immediate delivery instead of forward contracting. It is recommended to watch the futures markets during that summer timeframe though as optimism in the fall prices

will be reflected in the November and January feeder cattle contracts.

Some producers may be asking whether this is a good year to retain ownership on their calf crop. In this transition stage of the cattle cycle, upward trending prices favor owning calves longer to capture increasing value further down the line. Retaining ownership through the backgrounding and stocker phases can be profitable if you are able to acquire or access additional

feed sources. The lingering drought has made it a challenge to find additional grazing access, particularly for winter and spring turnout, that is not crop residue. However, fall calvers might have better luck finding summer grazing this year due to the expected moisture this spring. That said, softening grain prices support the buildup of feed or hay inventories which can be used to background cattle. Another challenge for some is the current high interest rates making the cost of capital more expensive while limiting the ability for some to defer their cash inflows to the next fiscal year.

While every operation’s cost of gain is different, the market patterns suggest that it will be profitable to hold cattle through these segments.

However, it is not recommended to retain ownership through the feeding phase at this point. The prolonged herd liquidation has resulted in an environment where feedlot operators will be chasing a limited supply of available feeders, meaning that leverage remains on the side of the sellers.

The up-front profits from the feeder sale prices will be substantial enough for producers to accept. At these high prices, the increases in value from feeding the cattle out will not be enough to offset the risk associated with increased death loss or potential market downturns.

potential buyers for the calves. This is compared to video auctions, which typically draw large audiences, and private treaty sales, which often are only presented to a few potential purchasers. Private treaty sales often benefit from maintaining established relationships.

Other considerations within the marketing process focus on the management of calves. Calves

The accompanying chart shows the difference in revenue between various marketing options based on data from the CattleFax Cow-Calf Survey. The dollar values have been indexed to allow for simpler comparisons, both between strategies and across years. This chart demonstrates advantages that can be had from selling through different avenues as well as at different times (forward contracting vs retained ownership). Different marketing options have unique advantages and disadvantages. Transportation, commission, shrink, and the number of potential buyers is different for each strategy. Selling and shipping calves directly off the ranch can reduce the seller’s transportation costs and the percentage of shrink depending on what is penciled in on the contract. This comes at the cost of typically requiring larger, more uniform lots which can be a challenge for producers with smaller herd sizes. Groups of calves with greater differences in weight and size may benefit from the sorting process at sale barns which can pare them down to smaller, more uniform lots. The size of the sale barn can also influence the number of

should be dehorned, and bulls castrated, to avoid receiving discounts. The markets typically offer substantial premiums for calves that have been vaccinated and weaned for a minimum of 45 days. Further management decisions, such as that to enroll in value-added, verification programs can offer added premiums. Video auctions are often the best marketing avenues to capture premiums associated with these programs. Please see the October 2023 issue of Trends for a more detailed analysis of the role value-added programs play in the overall value of calves.

Marketing the calf crop does not have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Transition years in the cattle cycle can create volatility in the markets which could suggest a good year to split market calves. For example, sell heifers in the fall cash market and retain ownership on steers through the stocker phase. In addition to creating potential for added margins, split marketing also serves to aid in managing risk in case of market downturns.

Selecting the best calf marketing strategy is an important step in maintaining the long-term health of an operation. It’s a process that should be reevaluated each year in order to match an operations’ characteristics with market trends based on stage of the cattle cycle.

SOUTHEAST BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

SBBA HALL OF FAME 2023

The Southeast Brangus Breeders Association inducted Ginger Clayton from Florida into our Hall of Fame in September, 2023. Ginger and her late husband, Russell, owned and operated Clayton’s Flying C Ranch in Kenansville, FL. In the 1990’s and early 2000’s, she was active in Florida Brangus Breeders Association, SBBA and IBBA and local and state cattlemen’s group plus 4H. Ginger was sales manager, fun auction coordinator, treasurer for NJBS in Tampa to helping IBBA start their first computer system. Ginger attended the SBBA events in Raymond, MS and enjoyed “ole’ home week” reminiscing with her Brangus family. Thank you, Ginger!

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS AUXILIARY

The International Brangus Auxiliary met on Thursday, March 29, during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. They discussed upcoming events such as the National Junior Brangus Show in June at Waco, TX, and the 75 Years Brangus Celebration in August at Fort Worth, TX.

Members present included Rebecca Cowan, Melanie Fuller, Pam Doiron, Belinda Lavender, Sami Roop, Tina Gardner, Connie Smart, Tami Jones, Jodi Jackson, Tammy Perry, and Jennifer Walker.

The IBA was founded in 1977 as a promotional and educational organization to help promote interest in the Brangus breed.

Pictured Ginger Clayton receiving her award from Janet Greuel

FRIENDS WE WILL MISS

PATSY SUE WILLETT preceded in death by her son, Timmy Willett, and sister, Harriett Hardman.

Patsy Sue Willett passed away on February 16, 2024, in McKinney, Texas at the age of 82. She was born to Walker and Sue (Jowers) Newland on October 9, 1941, in Jonesboro, Arkansas

Patsy married Paul James Willett on February 14, 1959 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She was of the Catholic Faith and was a member of St. Michael the Archangel in McKinney, Texas.

Patsy is survived by her husband, Paul J. Willett; daughter, Suzanne Beasley and husband, Harrison; son, Jeff Willett and wife, Paula; son, Tony Willett, five grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. She was

The funeral home would like to convey the family’s deepest gratitude towards Nurse Michello Brown and her dedicated team at Comfort Heart Hospice for their extraordinary compassion and care. In the face of the challenging time, they exemplified what it means to go above and beyond in every aspect of their service. Their unwavering support, kindness, and professionalism bestowed peace and solace upon the family. The family is profoundly thankful for the heartfelt dedication and exceptional care received. It is clear the commitment to excellence in hospice care by Nurse Brown and her team has truly made a significant difference in their lives. For this, the family is eternally grateful.

SALESummaries

Cavender Bull Sale

March 9, 2024 | Jacksonville, Texas

CUT ABOVE SALE, CULLMAN, AL – APRIL 30, 2022

Buyers From 12 States

Snap up Cavender Bull Offering

59 Brangus & Ultra lots grossed $239,350 to average $4,057

11 commercial lots grossed $11,200 to average $1,018

The total sale grossed $250,550

6 - sets of Embryos grossed $25,750, to average $4,292

3 -3-N-1 grossed $13,950, to average $4,650

99 Coming 2-Year-Old Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls grossed $578,000 to average $5,838

7 - bred cows grossed $25,400 to average $3,629

14 – bred heifers grossed $42,350 to average $3,025

11 – pairs grossed $74,500 to average $6,773

54 Yearling Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls grossed $325,000 to average $6,019

20 – open heifers grossed $50,250 to average $2,512

2 – bulls grossed $7,150 to average $3,575

153 total Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls Grossed $903,000 to average $5,902

Buyers from 6 states were on hand to compete for the high quality lots consigned by 20 breeders across the Southeast.

The highest selling lot MS. Boulder 000F16 with a heifer calf at her side, consigned by Vanna Farms, was purchased by L & K Farms for $26,000.

The volume buyer was Eagle Ridge Farms, Cottondale, Al -purchased 12 lots

120 registered buyers from 12 states snapped up the offering of Brangus and Ultrablack bull from Cavender Ranches at their Neches River sale facility in Jacksonville, Texas. Guests and customers were greeted with a steak dinner the evening before and a stellar offering of highquality bulls.

All consigners and buyers are greatly appreciated.

The 2023 Cut Above Sale will be in Cullman, AL on April 29, 2023 at 10:00 am

CAVENDER DRAGGIN’ M AND PARTNERS SPRING SALE

Registered Female Sale

The day's high seller was Lot 104, CB Big Town 60L3 at $30,000 for one half semen interest and full possession. This big ribbed, long sided calving ease prospect went to Peanut Carr, Columbia, LA. His dam is the $40,000 donor sold last fall, 60G43. Peanut Carr also paid $20,000 for full possession and

1 Registered Brangus Herd Sire grossed $15,000 to average $15,000

7 Brangus and Ultrablack 3N1’s grossed $67,500 to average $9,643

10 Brangus and Ultrablack Donors grossed $79,500 to average $7,950

14 Spring Pairs grossed $45,750 to average $3,268

25 Fall bred Brangus and Ultrablack Heifers grossed $183,250 to average $7,330

65 Open Brangus and Ultrablack Heifers grossed $318,500 to average $4,900

3 Fall Pairs and Pregnant Recipients grossed $13,750 to average $4,583

one-half semen interest in the day's second high selling bull, Lot 2, CB No Doubt 817K39. This deep bodied herd sire prospect is a maternal brother to the $70,000 New Standard.

125 Registered Lots grossed $723,250 to average $5,786 Commercial Females

324 Commercial pairs with Brangus and Ultrablack calves at side grossed $890,500 to average $2,748

59 Brangus and Super Baldy Bred Heifers grossed $140,950 to average $2,389

Lot 12, ETX Blount 103K15, consigned by East Texas Cattle, Bullard, TX was the third high selling bull. This big growth, picture perfect prospect fetched $17,000 to Townsend Brangus, Milburn, OK.

66 Open Brangus Heifers grossed $140,050 to average $2,122

449 Commercial Females grossed $1,171,500 to average $2,609

Arturo Benevides, Laredo, TX paid $16,500 for Lot 14, CB Capital Gain 5V61K who was the day's fourth high selling bull. This elite growth prospect boasts calving ease and big REA.

163 buyers from 12 states and Mexico were greeted by pleasant spring weather, mild temperature and welcoming hospitality from the hosts at Cavenders Neches River Ranch.

Mid-South Cattle Co, Morganza, LA purchased the day's next high seller when they gave $14,500 to own Lot 1, CB Modelo 1062K22. Full possession and onehalf semen interest sold in this heavy boned, long bodied prospect.

at the 2nd annual CDP Spring Female Production Sale. The sale featured Registered Brangus and Ultrablack cattle from the CDP group as well as customers and included 450 commercial cattle, many with calves at side sired by CDP bulls. The bidding was fast paced and furious as demand for quality Brangus seedstock ran high.

The next high selling bull was Lot 112, CB Big Town 60L. Sweet Johns Cattle, Okeechobee, FL paid $12,500 to own this full brother to the day's high selling Lot 104. Like his brother he boasts calving ease, growth and carcass in an impressive package.

The day’s top selling female, at $25,000 was Lot 85, PR MS Crossroads 129J7. This powerful open heifer was consigned by Pennridge Farms, Paige, Tx. Her dam is a full sister to the dam of Modello and Herndon Farms, Lyons, Ga was the winning bidder.

Briggs Ranch, Bloomington TX and Harris Riverbend Farms, Cleburne, TX teamed to eran the bid of $24,000 for Lot 107, MS DMR Resource 415J52. She was another stout open heifer and was consigned by CDP Partner, Draggin M Ranch, Eldorado, Arkansas.

B/K Beef LLC, Boerne, TX was the purchaser of the next high selling lot when they paid $22,500 to own Lot 42, MS DMR Empire 222H5. This bred heifer, safe to Growth Fund, was also consigned by Draggin M.

B/K Beef also purchased the day’s next high seller when they paid $20,000 to on Lot 41A, CB MS Capital Gain 117H20, another stylish bred heifer this time safe to Masterpiece. She was consigned by CDP Partner Cavender Brangus, Jacksonville, TX.

El Granizo De San Juan, Durango, Mexico purchased the next high seller when they paid $19,000 to own Lot 43, MS

HURLA FARMS HURLA FARMS FEEDLOT FEEDLOT

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED IN PAXICO, KANSAS