April 2017 Brangus Journal by International Brangus Breeders Association

APRIL 2017 :: Performance Issue

2 :: APRIL 2017

www.SRRBRANGUS.com

Kent Smith, General Manager (979) 540-8338 | kent@srrbrangus.com Billy McClure, Manager (870) 613-1518 | billy@srrbrangus.com Gerald Sullivan, Owner Kelley Sullivan, Owner

Crockett & Navasota, Texas •936-624-2333 • info@srrbrangus.com

♦ Private Treaty Sales ♦ Bulls ♦ Replacement Females ♦ Semen and Embryo Sales ♦ Commercial Steers and Heifers

Santa Rosa Ranch

Santa Rosa Ranch - Making The best Breed Better!™

As the largest breeder in Texas, Santa Rosa Ranch is your single source for premium Brangus and UltraBlack genetics! We work one-on-one with our customers so we can learn more about their programs and select bulls and females that will be most successful for them! Stop by the ranch – we look forward to your visit!

SINGLE SOURCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AREA 1 :: Chris Heptinstall BOARD MEMBER 205-363-0919 | chris@salacoavalleybrangus.com Term: 2016 - 2019

AREA 2 :: Bill Davis SECRETARY-TREASURER 870-668-3414 :: bill@billdavistrucking.com Term: 2014 - 2017

AREA 3 :: Vern Suhn BOARD MEMBER 417-425-0368 :: cody_gariss88@hotmail.com Term: 2014 - 2017 AREA 4 :: Davy Sneed BOARD MEMBER 615-904-5850 :: dsfarms1980@gmail.com Term: 2015 - 2018

AREA 5 :: Mike Vorel PAST-PRESIDENT 405-826-6959 :: vorelfarms@gmail.com Term: 2016 - 2019

AREA 6 :: Carolyn Belden Carson BOARD MEMBER 530-713-5111 :: cbcbeef@gmail.com Term: 2015 - 2018

AREA 7 :: Danny Farris BOARD MEMBER 325-669-5727 :: farrisranching@yahoo.com Term: 2014 - 2017

AREA 7 :: Brandon Belt PRESIDENT 254-248-5260 :: brandonbelt@aol.com Term: 2015 - 2018

AREA 7 :: Lee Alford BOARD MEMBER 979-820-4205 :: alfordcattleco.lee3@yahoo.com Term: 2016 - 2019

AREA 8 :: Doyle Miller 2nd Vice President 615-351-2783 :: dmiller@doylemillercpa.com Term: 2015 - 2018 AREA 9 :: Steve Densmore BOARD MEMBER 979-450-0819 :: s.densmore@bre.com Term: 2016 - 2019

AREA 10 :: Troy Floyd BOARD MEMBER 575-734-7005 :: tfloyd@leaco.net Term: 2016 - 2019

AREA 11 :: Eddy Roberts 1st Vice President 386-935-1416 :: wetfarm1@windstream.net Term: 2014 - 2017

STAFF Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS tperkins@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231 Assistant to the EVP Bonnie Ramirez bramirez@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231 Product Manager Emilio Silvas esilvas@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231 Accountant Valerie Kopecki vkopecki@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231 Director of Registry Services Rosanne Nelson rnelson@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231 Data Specialist Jenny Pieniazek jpieniazek@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231 Communications Coordinator Peyton Waldrip pwaldrip@gobrangus.com 830-708-3195 Field Services Representative Matt Murdoch mmurdoch@gobrangus.com 903-327-5759 Receptionist & Accounts Receivable Raime Preston rpreston@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231

Director of Youth Programs Tyler Dean tdean@gobrangus.com 405-207-6921 8870 US HIGHWAY 87 E, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78263 P.O. BOX 809, ADKINS, TX 78101 O: (210) 696-8231 F: (210) 696-8718 info@gobrangus.com www.GoBrangus.com

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Advertising Sales Manager Melanie Fuller mfuller@gobrangus.com 979-255-3343

ABOUT THE BRANGUS JOURNAL The Brangus Journal (ISSN 0006-9132) is published by Brangus Publications, Inc. (BPI), 8870 US Highway 87 E, San Antonio, TX 78263, monthly except June and July. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Antonio, TX and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Brangus Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 809, Adkins, TX 78101.

BRANGUS PUBLICATIONS, INC. (BPI) 8870 US Highway 87 E, San Antonio, TX 78263 P. O. Box 809, Adkins, TX 78101 P: +1-210-696-8231 | F: +1-210-696-8718 www.GoBrangus.com/brangus-publications bpi@gobrangus.com

The Brangus Journal is the official publication of the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA). This internationally-distributed publication provides Brangus® seedstock producers and the IBBA membership with information about news within the association and the industry. The Brangus Journal is published eight times annually, and is designed to highlight accomplishments, advancements and improvements made possible by IBBA members, staff, volunteers, and other industry leaders. The purpose of the Brangus Journal is to serve the best interest of IBBA members by showcasing breeding programs, efforts and achievements to other Brangus® seedstock producers. Lastly, the Brangus Journal serves as an outlet for the IBBA to provide updates by directly communicating with the membership.

BPI Officers & Board of Directors Chairman: Brandon Belt President: Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS Secretary/Treasurer: Bill Davis Director: Doyle Miller Director: Eddy Roberts Subscriptions: Valerie Kopecki // vkopecki@gobrangus.com // +1-210-696-8231 Subscription Rates: Domestic Periodicals—1 year, $25; First Class—$55. Foreign Periodicals—1 year, $25; air mail to Mexico or Canada, $70; air mail to other countries, $115. The claims made by advertisers in this publication are not verified by BPI or the IBBA.

IBBA CONNECTION A Note from the President.......................................................................... 8 IBBA CONNECTION International Affairs..................................................................................10 IBBA CONNECTION Tag, You’re It!.............................................................................................12 IBBA CONNECTION Ramirez Joins Brangus Team................................................................... 36 EXPERT CONNECTION Commercial Producers Can Use Crossbreeding to Improve Profit and Sustainability......... 16-22 MEMBER CONNECTION The Brangus Project........................................................................ 26-27 MEMBER CONNECTION Dawn of a New Age..........................................................................28-29 MEMBER CONNECTION Freshness Guaranteed.................................................................... 32, 39 MEMBER CONNECTION Who Are We – Really?.................................................................... 26-27 AFFILIATE CONNECTION IBA...................................................................................................... 38 AFFILIATE CONNECTION IJBBA.................................................................................................. 39 SERVICE DIRECTORY.................................................................................................................. 42 NEW MEMBERS........................................................................................................................ 42 STATE DIRECTORY...............................................................................................................44-49 CALENDAR.............................................................................................................................. 49 ADVERTISER’S INDEX................................................................................................................. 50

Ap r i l 2 0 1 7 : : Vo l u m e 6 5 : : Is s u e 3 5

IN THIS ISSUE: 16 26 28 32

Commercial Producers Can Use Crossbreeding to Improve Profit and Sustainability The Brangus Project

The Dawn of a New Age Freshness Guaranteed

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A Note from the President by IBBA President Brandon Belt It seems like spring is upon us. Hard to believe we are already a fourth of the way through the year. We have been busy at my house sorting cattle, getting yearling weights, and kicking out bulls for next year’s crop. Most of our babies are on the ground, and it sure is fun to watch them grow. I know many of you came to Houston to participate in the various events that took place March 8–11, but for the rest of you, here is a recap: The All Breeds Commercial Female and Range Bull Sale was a success, a wonderful success for Brangus breeders. Once again Brangus® bulls and females were in high demand, and sold at a premium. I would like to invite more of you to participate in this event, and the all-breeds sales around the country. It is a great place to showcase your genetics and the Brangus® breed. Participation in these events will get your ranch name and cattle in front of many producers that you would not otherwise reach, and is a great place to show off our cattle mixed in with all of the rest; and our cattle stand out! We have a great product; let’s get it out there to be seen. We had a very productive all-day meeting with our Federation of International Brangus Association members while we were in Houston. I, personally, had a great time visiting with fellow Brangus® breeders from Australia, South Africa, Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, and points in between. The excitement is already building for the World Brangus Congress which we will be hosting next year. Our international friends are making plans now for the trip to America. The meeting included a visit to the host hotel for World Brangus Congress 2018, the Royal Sonesta Hotel. It is very nice, and I think all of our guests will enjoy their stay there. The international Brangus® and Red Brangus bull and female shows were well attended again this year. If you have never been, I would suggest you make the trip. There are so many good cattle on display, and breeders from across the country come to Houston to exhibit their animals, visit, and talk Brangus cattle. The Brangus® booth saw more activity and had more visitors this year than ever before. Houston wrapped up on Saturday night with the Genetic Edge XXII Sale. The sale was an exciting event that brought together Brangus® and Red Brangus breeders with champion lots from the show, donor pick lots, calf crop pick lots, semen, embryos, flushes, and haltered cattle. The International Junior Brangus Breeders Association 2017 Legacy Female, donated by JLS International, sold as the first lot and brought $38,000, to support the juniors this coming year. Thanks to all of the donors that made this possible. In closing, it looks like the calf market is edging its way forward. The fed cattle market is recovering, and the 8 :: APRIL 2017

general cattle market appears to be moving in an optimistic direction. I think this is evidenced in the recent bull and female sales. Although not at the record-high levels of years past, they are at a sustainable level, and everyone seems to have a positive attitude moving into spring. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Brandon Belt has been very involved in the farming and ranching business all of his life. He maintains a set of registered Brangus® cattle, as well as commercial cattle, and raises replacement females and bulls, with his father, Randy. He was born and raised outside of Gatesville, Texas, in Coryell County. He attended Tarleton State University where he received a BBA in Accounting, and then went on to receive a J.D. from the Baylor School of Law. After a period in private practice in Gatesville, he became the County Attorney of Coryell County in 2005. He has been married to his wife, Kari, for 15 years, and has three boys, 13-year-old Samuel, 10-year-old Charles, and seven-year-old Thomas. Belt is the president of the Central Texas Cattleman’s Association, an organization that leases the land comprising the Fort Hood military reservation for cattle grazing. He has also served as president of the Blackland Income Growth, an organization that partners with AgriLife Extension to provide educational programs for those that farm and ranch in the Blacklands region of Texas. Belt has also served on the Tarleton Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Gatesville Boys and Girls Club Board, the Coryell County Go Texan Board, the Coryell County Ag Industry Committee, the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce and Agribusiness, and the State Bar of Texas Attorney Grievance Committee. He has been a guest speaker on outdoor burning regulations and prescribed fire around the State for extension training, county official training, and landowners. Belt is very involved in the Brangus® cattle business. He is a past-president and current board member for the Hill Country Brangus Breeders Association, and he’s a past board member for the Texas Brangus Breeders Association. He was involved with the International Brangus Breeders Foundation, and is still serves on that board. Belt has been on the International Brangus Breeders Association’s Board of Directors for five years; he has served as treasurer and first vice president in the past.

International Affairs by IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS

The Brangus® cowherd continues to be a great factory driving profitability in many operations. Likewise, the Brangus Built program has been a shining star for the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) the past couple of months. Commercial Brangus® females wearing the Brangus Built eartag have been named the overall Grand Champion pen of females at the 2017 San Antonio All Breeds Sale and named the overall Reserve Grand Champion pen of females at the 2017 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo All Breeds Sale. Not only did the judges identify them as having more value, the buyers also bid more money for them than non-tagged Brangus® females. Congratulations to all commercial cattlemen that continue to have confidence in Brangus® genetics in their ranching entities. Quality Brangus® females are possible because of the production and use of outstanding Brangus® bulls. We all know commercial cattlemen count on seedstock breeders to produce the best breeding bulls possible by using the most accurate selection tools available. IBBA has consistently been a leader in ultrasound data collection, total herd reporting, single-step genomic-enhanced expected progeny difference estimates and other technologies to improve this selection process. I commend the IBBA members that have embraced whole herd parentage verification protocols to improve all expected progeny difference calculations. It has been a year since the board approved a rule requiring parentage verification of all artificial insemination sires and donor dams. This continues to lower the error rate of misidentified parentage utilized in national cattle evaluations. Although the rule became effective Sept. 1, 2016, many IBBA members are still surprised when their embryo transfer calves can’t be registered for failure to abide by this rule. The IBBA International Committee hosted leaders from several foreign countries during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Key leaders from Australia, Costa Rica, Panama, and South Africa participated in a day-long training for the Federation of International Brangus Associations (FIBRA) prior to the Brangus® shows. Product branding, export and import regulations, marketing, and genomics were highlighted by the speakers. The FIBRA meeting ended with a trip to the Royal Sonesta Hotel for an outstanding steak dinner. The Royal Sonesta will serve as the host hotel for the 2018 World Brangus Congress. Sixty-five guests from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, and South Africa attended an appreciation dinner on Friday evening after the Brangus®

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Bull Show in Houston. IBBA International Committee Chairman Buck Thomason made a presentation about the upcoming World Brangus Congress to be hosted by IBBA in 2018. A big thank you to our sponsors, President Brandon Belt and the International Committee members for attending these very important events. Congratulations to winners in the Brangus® and Red Brangus Shows. Although the show cattle process can be frustrating at times, it is an excellent opportunity to market your cattle on both the domestic and international scene. It is also that time of year when we ask members to sign up as IBBA committee volunteers. Your participation and leadership are the life blood of the association. Please complete and return the committee volunteer form found on the IBBA website at https://gobrangus.com/wp-content/ uploads/2016/03/Committee-Volunteer-Form-2016.pdf if you would like to serve on a committee. Do not hesitate to call me if you have any specific questions about the Brangus Built tagging program, DNA parent verification, Brangus® bull selection, committee volunteerism, or any other Brangus® issue. For information about all IBBA programs and other inquiries, please call (210) 696-8231 or visit www.GoBrangus.com. Stay connected to IBBA through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or receive news updates by joining our email list.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS is a graduate of West Texas A&M University, where he was recognized as a Graduate of Distinction by the Department of Agriculture in 2014. He also earned his doctoral degree in Animal Breeding from Texas Tech University. He served as a professor at Missouri State University and Texas State University for nearly twenty years, where his professional career is most noted for excellence in the field of beef cattle ultrasound. Perkins was elected to the Beef Improvement Federation’s Board of Directors and, also, serves as chairman for the End Product committee. Additionally, Perkins currently serves on the board of directors for the United States Livestock Genetics Export Association, Texas Beef Council, Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas, and the National Pedigreed Livestock Council. He was recently elected Beef Breeds Council President. Currently, Perkins is the Executive Vice President of IBBA, Chief Executive Officer of Genetic Performance Solutions, and President of Brangus Publications, Inc.

Tag, You’re It! by IBBA Field Service Representative Matt Murdoch

As commercial cattlemen, one of our goals is to increase profit revenue while limiting the input cost of a herd. Brangus® genetics provide production of females and bulls that maximize the benefits of heterosis. Once cattle are ready to be productive members of a herd, the next challenge is marketing that herd. By using Brangus Built tags, we can control that challenge and increase the marketability of those cattle to ultimately make the rancher more money for his pocket. The Brangus Built tagging program is for the commercial producer that has cattle who are the progeny of at least one registered Brangus® parent. Utilizing Brangus® parentage in your program will improve consistency and longevity in your herd. Brangus® are adaptable, disease tolerant, and set the standard for stout, sound livestock that excel in maternal characteristics. This breed has repeatedly proven to the commercial producer that they are one of the most sought-after, low-maintenance and profitable breed selections in the industry. Being in the field and traveling as often as I do, I meet with cattle ranchers that believe in the Brangus Built program. Through all the sales I’ve had the honor of attending, this program consistently proves that these tags offer marketing value and profit margins for Brangus® cattle, compared to other breeds, as well as those within the breed, that do not use the tags. The pens of females sold that come into the ring with Brangus Built tags displayed consistently sell

higher than those without. Buyers have begun to recognize that beautiful, bright yellow Brangus Built tag, and they are more confident in their purchase knowing the cattle will get into production and do their job the right way. One prime example of Brangus Built cattle succeeding and excelling was at the San Antonio Livestock Exposition All Breeds Bull and Commercial Female sale. Jasik Hay Farms exhibited the Grand Champion pen of females and first place pen of Brangus® cow/calf pairs, and Jackson Family Brangus took first place with their pen of open heifers. If you are ready to take the next step in adding value to your cattle come sale day, and out performing your neighbor, Brangus Built tags are the way to do it. As previously mentioned, the animal must have one registered Brangus® parent. Brangus Built ear tags are sourced from Temple Tags/Z-tags in Temple, Texas. All tags must be ordered through the International Brangus Breeders Association, and be sure to inquire about customizing your order with your ranch phone number or logo. Each Brangus Built ear tag has a unique identification number for tracking ease and continuity. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the Brangus Built program or about Brangus® cattle, in general. Again, thank you to everyone I have had the pleasure of meeting, and I look forward to those that I will meet in the future.

BRANGUS BUILT THE TAG THAT WORKS FOR YOU! Brangus Built is the ultimate commercial female tagging program. Brangus Built tags can raise your profit, set your commercial females apart from others on sale day, and add value to your commercial brand within the Brangus breed. Brangus Built tags come in the form of a Temple Tag or a Z-tag and must be ordered from the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA). There is a unique identification number for ease of traceability, and space is allotted on the tag to allow for customization (i.e. private herd numbers). The cost of the tag is competitive, and adopting this tagging system adds value on sale day. Orders may be placed over the phone or online, at GoBrangus.com. For more information, contact the IBBA today.

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 809, ADKINS, TX 78101 O: +1 (210) 696-8231 | F: +1 (210) 696-8718 INFO@GOBRANGUS.COM | GOBRANGUS.COM

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Commercial Producers Can Use Crossbreeding to Improve Profit and Sustainability by Kansas State University Cow-Calf Extension Specialist Bob Weaber, Ph.D. The dramatic changes and volatility cow-calf production system input costs and calf values have many producers wondering about the value of heterosis in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beef industry pricing structure. Many producers are seeking ways to improve cow-calf production efficiency and profitability. Profitability may be enhanced by increasing the volume of production (i.e. the pounds of calves you market) and/ or the value of products you sell (improving quality). The reduction of production costs, and thus breakeven prices, can also improve profitability. Better yet, improving the input:output ratio should enhance profit. Moreover, the improvement of production efficiency from crossbreeding improves beefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sustainability. A variety of production metrics and sustainability measures benefit by producing more head and calves and pounds of beef per unit land area 16 :: APRIL 2017

or calorie consumed at the enterprise level. Positive changes in cow longevity, reproductive rate and calf performance from heterosis effectively reduces maintenance energy requirements per pound of beef produced. Dilution of maintenance costs of the cowherd improves sustainability in both the environmental, through more efficient land use, and profitability areas. For commercial beef producers, the implementation of technologies and breeding systems that increase the quality and volume of production and reduce input costs is essential to maintain or improve the competitive position of the operation. Some producers are thinking of establishing a more conventional straight breeding system to improve end-product value traits and want to understand the value they are giving up as they sacrifice heterosis, while other

producers are considering the establishment of a planned crossbreeding system to capture the value of hybrid vigor. Either way, to make an informed decision, producers need to know the value generated in their herd by heterosis or hybrid vigor. To fully understand the trade-offs, it is essential to know what it is you sell and how you sell it. The lure of premiums for high-quality beef carcasses is appealing; it gets a lot of trade publication promotion and it can be profitable. No doubt growing the top-line of the beef value chain and satisfying customers is important. That said, if you are a producer that sells calves at weaning, you have very limited opportunity to capture the value of selection pressure you place on end-product quality at the expense of other traits or loss in heterosis. It is also true that even if you own the cattle to harvest and are paid on a grid, you only get a fraction of the value of the improvement, albeit bigger than the calf premium. Conversely, the value of heterosis affects every cow on your outfit and it is value that you can capture every year no matter how you sell calves. More importantly, it’s not a $20 or $40 or $60 premium per head you might get for selling calves or carcasses – the heterosis premium is much, much more.

Why crossbreed?

The use of crossbreeding offers two distinct and important advantages over the use of a single breed. First, crossbred animals have heterosis or hybrid vigor. Second, crossbred animals combine the strengths of the parent breeds. The term ‘breed complementarity’ is often used to describe breed combinations that produce highly desirable progeny for a broad range of traits.

What is heterosis?

Heterosis refers to the superiority of the crossbred animal relative to the average of its straight bred parents. Heterosis results from the increase in the heterozygosity of a crossbred animal’s genetic makeup. Heterozygosity refers to a state where an animal has two different forms of a gene. It is believed that heterosis is the result of gene dominance and the recovery from accumulated inbreeding depression of pure breeds. Heterosis is, therefore, dependant on an animal having two different copies of a gene. The level of heterozygosity an animal has depends on the random inheritance of copies of genes from its parents. In general, animals that are crosses of unrelated breeds, such as Angus and Brahman, exhibit higher levels of heterosis, due to more heterozygosity, than do crosses of more genetically similar breeds such as a cross of Angus and Hereford. Inclusion of a Bos indicus fraction in a crossbreeding system generates about three fold as much heterosis for some traits as does a comparative Bos taurus breed. Heterosis generates the largest improvement in lowly heritable traits. Moderate improvements due to heterosis are seen in moderately heritable traits. Little or no heterosis is observed in highly heritable traits. Heritability is the proportion of the observable variation in a trait between animals that is due to the genetics that are passed between generations and the variation observed in the animal’s phenotypes, which are the result of genetic and environmental effects. Traits such as reproduction and longevity have low heritability. These traits respond very slowly to selection since a large portion of the variation observed in them is due to environmental factors and a small percentage is due to genetic differences. Heterosis generated through crossbreeding can significantly 17

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Lot 44 - DAM OF THREE D

improve an animal’s performance for lowly heritable traits. Crossbreeding has been shown to be an efficient method to improve reproductive efficiency and productivity in beef cattle. Improvements in cow-calf production due to heterosis are attributable to having both a crossbred cow and a crossbred calf. The two tables below detail the individual (crossbred calf) and maternal (crossbred cow) heterosis observed for various important production traits. These heterosis estimates are adapted from a report by Franke and others, 2001 and 2005, and summarize crossbreeding experiments conducted in the southeastern U.S.

productivity of the cow factory. Crossbred cows maybe the only free lunch in the world. The effects of maternal heterosis on the economic measures of cow-calf production have been shown to be very positive. Scientists have understood the value of heterosis for some time. Using prices from the 1990s, the added value of maternal heterosis ranges from approximately $50/cow/ year to nearly $100/cow/year depending on the amount of maternal heterosis retained in the cowherd (Ritchie, 1998). Maternal heterosis accounted for an increase in net profit per cow of nearly $75/cow/year (Davis et al., 1994). Their results suggested that the benefits of maternal heterosis on profit

Table 1. Units and percentage of heterosis by trait for Bos taurus by Bos Indicus crossbred calves. 1 TRAIT Calving Rate, % 1 Calving Assistance, % 1 Calf Survival, % 1 Weaning Rate, % 1 Birth Weight, lb.1 Weaning Weight, lb. 1 1

HETEROSIS UNITS 4.3 4.9 -1.4 1.8 11.4 78.5

Adapted from Franke et al. 2005; numeric average of Angus-Brahman, Brahman-Charolais, and Brahman-Hereford heterosis eliminates.

Table 2. Units and percentage of heterosis by trait for Bos taurus by Bos Indicus crossbred dams.1, 2 TRAIT HETEROSIS UNITS PERCENTAGE (%) Calving Rate, % 1 15.4 Calving Assistance, % 1 -6.6 Calf Survival, % 1 8.2 Weaning Rate, % 1 20.8 1 Birth Weight, lb. -2.4 Weaning Weight, lb. 1 3.2 Weaning Wt. per Cow Exposed, lb. 2 91.7 31.6 1 Adapted

from Franke et al. 2005; numeric average of Angus-Brahman, Brahman-Charolais, and Brahman-Hereford heterosis eliminates.

2 Adapted

from Franke et al. 2001.

Why is it so important to have crossbred cows?

The production of crossbred calves yields advantages in both heterosis and the blending of desirable traits from two or more breeds. However, the largest economic benefit of crossbreeding to commercial producers comes from having crossbred cows. Maternal heterosis improves both the environment a cow provides for her calf as well as improves the longevity and durability of the cow. The improvement of the maternal environment a cow provides for her calf is manifested in the improvements in calf survivability to weaning and increased weaning weight. Crossbred cows exhibit improvements in calving rate of nearly 15% (table 2) and an increase in longevity. Heterosis results in increases in an increase in weaning weight per cow exposed of more than 30% (table 2) for crossbred Bos taurus by Bos indicus cows. Crossbreeding can have positive effects on a ranch’s bottom line by not only increasing the quality and gross pay weight of calves produced but also by increasing the durability and 20 :: APRIL 2017

were primarily the reduced cost per cow exposed. Crossbred cows had higher reproductive rates, longer productive lives, and required fewer replacements than straightbred cows in their study. All of these factors contribute to reduced cost per cow exposed. Further, they found increased outputs, including growth and milk yield, were offset by increased costs. A variety of crossbreeding systems yield 20-30% improvements in weaning weight per cow exposed not including the additional value generated through sire selection within breed. This represents a substantial change in output given relatively constant input. Simple examples using current calf pricing and a conservative 23% increase in weaning weight per cow exposed using a terminal sire/F1 (two cross) cow can generate approximately $150 additional revenue per cow per year. I’m not aware of any set of calves that have generated carcass premiums of $150 premium per cow exposed regardless of breed or grid. In today’s calf prices the value of heterosis for a herd of 100 cows is roughly

$15,000 per year and represents a decrease in breakeven costs of more than $28/cwt on 600 lb calves.

Manhattan, KS 66506. I can be reached by phone at 785532-1460 or email at bweaber@k-state.edu.

How can I harness the power of breed complementarity?

Breed complementarity is the effect of combining breeds that have different strengths. When considering crossbreeding from the standpoint of producing replacement females, one could select breeds that have complementary maternal traits such that females are most ideally matched to their production environment. Matings to produce calves for market should focus on complementing the traits of the cows and fine tuning calf performance (growth and carcass traits) to the market place. Inclusion of Bos indicus breeding via a cross or composite system adds substantial amount of heterosis generating capacity, but also adds thermal and other stress tolerance. There is an abundance of research that describes the core competencies (biological type) of many of today’s commonly used beef breeds. Traits are typically combined into groupings such as maternal/reproduction, growth and carcass. When selecting animals for a crossbreeding system, their breed should be your first consideration. What breeds you select for inclusion in your mating program will be dependent on a number of factors including the current breed composition of your cow herd, your forage and production environment, your replacement female development system, and your calf marketing endpoint. All of these factors help determine the relative importance of traits for each production phase.

What are the keys to successful crossbreeding programs?

Many of the challenges that have been associated with crossbreeding systems in the past are the result of undisciplined implementation of the system. With that in mind, one should be cautious to select a mating system that matches the amount of labor and expertise available to appropriately implement the system. Crossbreeding systems range in complexity from very simple programs such as the use of hybrid genetics, which are as easy as straight breeding, to elaborate rotational crossbreeding systems with four or more breed inputs. The biggest keys to success are the thoughtful construction of a plan and the sticking to it! Be sure to set attainable goals. Discipline is essential. A well-constructed crossbreeding system can have positive effects on a ranch’s bottom line by not only increasing the quality and gross pay weight of calves produced but also by increasing the durability and productivity of the cow factory. As you make your decision to straight-breed or cross-breed make sure you don’t give away a couple hundred dollars per cow to make a $20-60 premium per calf sold at market or on the rail when you can go for both! Should you need more information or advice on the merits of various crossbreeding systems please download the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortiums ‘Beef Sire Selection Manual’ and see chapters on breed and composite selection and crossbreeding systems. It is available in its entirety or by individual chapters here: http://www.nbcec. org/producers/sire.html. You may also contact me directly at my office: 227 Weber Hall, Kansas State University, 22 :: APRIL 2017

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bob Weaber, Ph.D., joined the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry faculty in August 2011 as the cowcalf extension specialist and K-State’s Purebred Unit Faculty Coordinator. Weaber, also, serves on the faculty management team for K-State’s Beef Cattle Institute. He is active in several other professional affiliations. He currently serves as the central regional secretary of the Beef Improvement Federation and co-coordinator of the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium Education Programs. In the past, Weaber served as a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Policy Division Board of Directors. Previously, Weaber served in the Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri as an extension specialist in beef genetics and was responsible for the educational programming of beef cattle genetics. The focus of Weaber’s extension and research programs have been to broaden the availability, use and understanding of genetic selection tools, such as expected progeny differences, DNA markers, and selection indexes, as well as performance data collection schemes implemented by cattle producers. Weaber grew up on a cow-calf operation in southern Colorado. He pursued his higher education at Colorado State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a Master of Agriculture in the Beef Industry Leadership Program. He completed his doctoral studies in the Animal Breeding and Genetics Group at Cornell University. While there, he served as the interim director of performance programs for the American Simmental Association for three and a half years. Previously, Weaber was the director of education and research at the American Gelbvieh Association. Weaber is the recipient of the Midwest Section of American Society of Animal Science Young Animal Scientist Extension Award in 2013, Beef Improvement Federation’s Continuing Service Award in 2011, University of Missouri Extension’s J.W. Burch State Specialist Award in 2011, and the University of Missouri Provost’s Award for Creative Extension Programming by Young Faculty in 2010. Bob and his wife, Tami, and their children, Maddie, Cooper and Wyatt, reside near Wamego, Kansas.

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The Brangus Project by IBBA Field Service Representative Taylor Shackelford

There is no right or wrong way to raise livestock. Many would agree, one of the best things you can do is learn from the successes of others. If that doesn’t work, if you don’t learn what you need, or if you see a trending flaw, start back at the basics. Build your own program the only way possible, from the ground up. The Brangus Project is just a title given to the actions that are making waves in the purebred and commercial Brangus® circles. Kallion Farms, Bull Bay Farms, and Schaff Angus Valley are working on creating Brangus® cattle from the original Brahman and Angus crossbreeding. The process of breeding up from half-blood to the eventual first generation of 3/8 crosses gives Brangus® cattle their competitive edge in the beef cattle market. The heterosis gained in crossing Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle adds dollars almost directly to the bottom line in the form of growth, performance, hybrid vigor, weather tolerance, and disease resistance. These producers are taking a traditional approach to the perpetual question: Are genetics becoming saturated with the same bloodlines and would it just be easier to start over? This new bloodline will be comprised of Kallion Farms Brahman genetics, Schaff Angus Valley cows, and a host of the industry’s leading Angus bulls. Scott Addison, a contractor from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, began the initiative when he decided to raise beef cattle after Hurricane Katrina wiped out his successful endeavors in hunting, fishing, tree farming, and raising Tennessee Walking Horses. Cattle were a way for Addison to get back to his roots in production agriculture and build an investment for his son outside of the construction business. Addison said he is “a student at everything [he does],” and thus the search began at the university level with council from Mississippi State University and Texas A&M University. Before long, Addison began seeking advice from veterinarians and cattlemen across the nation. Driven by economics and strategy in his personal entrepreneurialism, 26 :: APRIL 2017

the Business Breed was a natural place to start. Yet, Angus cattle don’t thrive on the coast and marshlands. Eared cattle, like the ones Addison grew up around, are whom he credits for frame and hardiness. Grant Vassberg, owner and operator at Kallion Farms in College Station, Texas, runs one of the most progressive Brahman operations in the country. Kallion Farms was an investment started by Vassberg’s father and a business partner. From the beginning, they tracked carcass traits and kept diligent records of expected progeny differences (EPDs). More impressive is their dedication to real-world characteristics, like utter properties, sheath/navel scores, foot quality, temperament, and intelligence. When Vassberg took over operations and breeding decisions, he did so with a raw, out-of-the-box mindset. He had no preconceived notions on how to raise cattle. “I chose to partner with Grant because he, too, is a selfstarter. He’s sharp-minded and knows the industry,” said Addison. “Plus, he has access to facilities where we can separate half-bloods from quarter-bloods, etc.” Finally, Kelly Schaff came on the scene to provide Angus cows from Schaff Angus Valley in North Dakota. For over 100 years, this top-producing purebred Angus outfit has had some of the best genetics around with the qualitative and quantitative numbers to back it up. Of Kelly Schaff, Addison said, “he’s a top-notch breeder, gentleman, and a man of integrity.” “While we were looking through cattle, Kelly said to simply pick a type and he would make it happen,” Vassberg said regarding his cattle buying experience. “He was just as eager to work together as we were excited to work with him.” All parties involved have attended Brangus® sales and studied purebred and commercial Brangus herds, but a shortcut is not what they’re after. Addison’s plan is to take the time to create a quality product with his guarantee behind it. His money is where his mouth is, because he is

prepared to loan cattle out if that’s what it takes to test their worth. “I’m not looking to get rich quick,” Addison said. “This project is a major investment and I understand most wouldn’t take it on as a hobby.” The Brangus Project is, sort of, too big to fail. The passion for challenge and improvement is evident across all parties involved. When selecting Angus sires, Vassberg researched over 3,000 bulls from the breed’s most popular genetics. Kallion Farms will be performing much of the embryo transfer (ET) work and that is how the majority of calf crops will be produced. In large part, the Kallion females will be moderate and fleshy, more non-typical of the Brahman breed. However, there are some with more frame. Vassberg aims at this non-typical, versatile kind of cow in the over-arching goal of Kallion Farms. He culls quickly, believing in faster generational change leading to greater progress. “I haven’t hit the limit for fertility traits, so why hold back?” Vassberg said. “I’m only performing in vitro flushes (IVF) on the virgin heifers, but that’s how I can change the look and data of my herd with more efficiency.” Each breed’s improvement is evident and commendable when comparing the quality of livestock 30 years ago to today. In and outside of the show ring, producers are pushing each other to be more critical with selection and demand quality. Addison said, “In the cattle industry, you either produce quality or you induce failure.” However, Addison doesn’t see other producers as his competition. The Brangus Project will also carve out a niche market for fresh genetics. The first generation will be roughly 50-100 head and all steered progeny retained through slaughter. Given Kallion Farms’ history with GrowSafe technology, custom finishing, and success in producing

prime-grading purebred Brahman cattle, this project will undoubtedly generate useful data. There is a legitimate cause for concern when crossing Bos indicus genetics with Bos taurus. The unpredictability of genetic various is an obvious risk. Still, Addison respects the similar superiority of Kallion Farms and Schaff Angus Valley bloodlines. “I understand most wouldn’t take this on,” Addison said. “I’ve taken numerous ventures in my life. Whether that’s been tree farming, bird dog breeding, Tennessee Walking Horse breeding, or my 52-acre bass fishing lake.” All parties involved are invested because of the common vision. This is a chance for them to explore a science long dismissed. They will revisit the same problems of the pioneers in the Brangus® breed. This time, the cattle are better, the market is changing, and the possibilities are endless. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A ninth generation beef-cattle-raising Texan, Taylor Shackelford grew up in a small town called Prosper. Much of his upbringing revolved around the stock show and rodeo world, exhibiting many species all over the country. As the product of two educators, he often fell into extracurricular pastimes like 4-H and FFA. Both of which, he credits for his extroverted personality, leadership ethics, and interest in agricultural advocacy. Taylor studied agricultural communications at Texas Tech University, where he was overinvolved in everything from the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity to the 2015 National Champion Collegiate Livestock Judging Team. In addition, he worked for Texas Tech’s Offices of the Chancellor, President, and Undergraduate Admissions and completed a congressional internship in Washington D.C. for Congressman Michael Conaway – TX11 and Senator John Cornyn. Given his love for travel, he is eager to hit the road representing Brangus and all its successful breeders. 27

Dawn of a New Age

by IBBA Field Service Representative Taylor Shackelford

Each year brings women and men closer to equals in the workplace. 2016 saw massive crowds and high traffic in the mainstream media celebrating women. In today’s current job market, women are taking a larger share of entry-level career positions and leadership platforms. In rural America, there is an equally exciting, grassroots revolution stirring. With the rampant influence of social media, the United States is seeing increasing numbers of young people getting involved in the agricultural conversation. Many times, the ones leading these efforts in advocacy are talented young women. Social media is a living, changing marketing landscape. More importantly it’s an ongoing conversation and the way the Lettelier women came to my attention. Planning a series of ranch visits through the northern half of central Florida via Facebook trails, Lettelier Brangus seemed an obvious stop just 30 minutes southeast of Gainesville, Florida, and promoting a consistently highperforming set of cattle. Joe Lettelier is the family patron, serving the Brangus® breed, the livestock industry, and youth stock shows on several boards. However, it’s when Joe and his wife, Beverly, had their two daughters, Lauren and Emily, that a flame of pure entrepreneurialism was started, and as a family they’ve continued to fan the flames. Tucked back in the Spanish Moss and just down the road from where American Pharaoh trained to win the Triple Crown, Lettelier Brangus began in the 1980s. The family has called Citra home for generations. Joe and Beverly live just inside the regal, green iron gates in a beautiful home on the hill, while Lauren and Emily reside just a quartermile to the west in the original homestead; both homes built by Joe, by hand, stand as testaments of hard work and determination flowing through the Lettelier blood. Their agricultural roots run deep as well. Both girls grew up exhibiting Brangus® cattle. Their herd has since grown 28 :: APRIL 2017

from a show string, to a full-fledged premier seedstock operation. They retain a percentage of bulls and females to progress the herd, but make their profit selling show-quality cattle and maintaining a perennial bull market. Though they’re almost all purebred, there are a few token diversities like white-faced bulls and club calf genetics running around, at the request of customers. Lettelier Brangus is a premier exhibitor in the Florida open show circuit but during their junior show days, Lauren and Emily made several trips west to succeed in International Brangus Breeders Association’s (IBBA) national shows. Due to their success in the ring and presence on social media, the Letteliers have a healthy market for their cattle and their preparation doesn’t hinder. On the farm, cattle run on irrigated Tifton 85 in clean pastures with multiple sources of water and mineral. Cows must make their own way in the pasture, but while they’re on the show string, the family produces a custom ration with a cottonseed/molasses base for them. Lettelier Brangus’ dedication to genetic performance speaks for itself with more than a few ex-show heifers at a mature weight over 1,500 pounds wearing their age and frame well. Lauren attended the University of Florida in Gainesville and now works for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office as their Public Information Officer, charged with releasing breaking news to the public. Prior to being the face of crime fighting, she served as the 2008 IBBA Queen, and exhibited champions up and down the Florida show circuit. Younger sister, Emily, attended Santa Fe College in Ocala, FL before taking on the role of owner/operator at Lettelier Brangus. Today, Emily calls many of the shots regarding breeding decisions, production methods, and sales.

The Lettelier entrepreneurial spirit is most evident in Emily’s endeavors. At just 24 years old, she’s artificial insemination (AI) certified, exhibits cattle annually on the open show circuit, maintains the family hay sales, runs a 200-head cattle operation, and somehow finds time to train three german shorthaired pointers (GSP) for her blooming bird dog business. At Lettelier Brangus, everything has a purpose and generates profit. With Florida’s climate, the grazing pastures make ideal hay fields. Even in the drought experienced by the Southeast this year, Lettelier Brangus produced several cuttings of horse-quality coastal grass from their Tifton 85. In the horse capital of Florida, that means money. While every cow on the farm has a name and a story, Emily does have three actual pets. Her GSPs are her hobby. She and several Brangus® breeders raise these dogs to be hunting companions; it’s practically a miniature community within the already close-knit Brangus® family. It is not shocking that so many beef producers raise other species. It’s a market that they already know and when it comes to selling quality animals, the right genetics and proper management will go a lot further than all the money in the world. For this reason, Emily is just as careful with her calves as she is with her puppies. From the moment they hit the ground, the family is involved and watchful, day and night. Like any operation, there are cows who possess that fiercely protective maternal instinct. However, the time put forth results in docile, show-ring-ready cattle.

No concern to consistency is the capability of Lettelier cattle to produce the red gene. This recessive trait has surfaced twice in the show string since the beginning of the operation. As with the young leadership of Lettelier Brangus, so is the modern embrace of change and diversity. Emily and Lauren are excited by the chance to raise and exhibit red cattle. Similarly, Lettelier Brangus welcomes people from stark, non-ag backgrounds to tour the farm or join them at the stock show. In fact, one family moved from their suburban life on the coast to be nearer to the farm and the cattle they are investing in for their young son to show. This influence is a direct result of the encouragement emitted by Emily and Lauren at a stock show when a young boy walked behind a show animal and got kicked. Rather than let the situation get out of control, the Lettelier women nurtured the situation into an opportunity for education and animal husbandry. For this reason, Joe and Beverly have full confidence in the girls to take the operation and cultivate it’s reach as the next generation.

Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show

Thank you! and the 2016 Donation Heifer Buyer Group

Addison Brangus Alex & Liz Johns Andrew Conley B2K Brangus Bar J R Rivers Farm Blackwater Cattle Co. Char-No Farms Clover Ranch Coddington Cattle Enterprises Cow Creek Ranch

Dasher Farm David & Susan Vaughan DS Farms E C Fams Garrett Thomas Genetrust, LLC Greuel Family Brangus Hayford Brangus JJB Brangus Johnston Brangus

JRT Brangus K C Farms Lake Majestic Farms LETO Farms Little Creek Farms Longino Ranch Inc Lowery Brangus McCreary Farms Rafter Double C Brangus River Bend Ranch

Salacoa Valley Farms Stonewall Farm The Oaks Farms Town Creek Farm Truitt Brangus Farms Vanna Farms W O Cattle Company W.E.T. Farms Woodham Cattle Company

30 :: APRIL 2017

Freshness Guaranteed by IBBA Field Service Representative Taylor Shackelford

How do you stay current? Does anyone read the newspaper for their daily update on the world anymore? Many probably listen to a morning radio broadcast or watch the local evening news. At Starwood Brangus, herd size isn’t everything. Especially if you embrace the shift in mediums toward the internet, a simple Google may be enough to keep you at the top of the list. An apple a day will keep the doctor away and always take the stairs. This is advice passed from my grandmother to my mother to me. In this day and age, you can have food delivered in perfectly measured proportions to your front door and the doctor’s office is a simple trip to the computer. Naturally, you can buy Brangus cattle without ever stepping foot on a ranch. Paul Willett at Starwood Brangus in McKinney, Texas is practically banking on that concept. In 1995, Paul got into the cattle business with commercial Brangus females. Soon after, he purchased his first registered Brangus in 2002. He has never been interested in running a high volume of cattle. He is dedicated to quality despite his disinterest in quantity. His first registered stock and his success in the 2000s were driven by the 803 cow family of Camp Cooley. Though he has barely been registering Brangus for 15 years, Willett raised a summit cow, SW MS BURTIN’S 15P80, and consigned several top-sellers to Camp Cooley. Since the dispersal of Camp Cooley, Willett and his son got more creative with their marketing tactics. Willett said he loves helping people get into the business, but he always asks them, “how do you plan to market yourself?” Otis Elevators, Willett’s career employer, began at the 1854 World Fair in New York and Elisha Otis cut ropes one by one with him onboard his elevator to demonstrate his new safety break. This ultimately lead to the skyward expansion of the city and the possibility of skyscrapers worldwide. Willett pulls his marketing tactics and dedication to quality from this mentality. 32 :: APRIL 2017

“It’s not always possible to get to the sale barn or stock show,” said Willett. “You have to make yourself available and always try to have good grass to showcase your stock on.” He markets cattle by showing people around his place and being as engaging as possible online. Willett’s son, an employee at Otis as well, is a sort of self-made IT guy. Willett’s son is the one responsible for the online presence. Starwood Brangus’ website has every calf born and every victory the operation earned on the site. Because of this widespread coverage, Starwood Brangus has words like ‘Brangus’ and ‘sale’ listed at maximum volume. Therefore, if you Google ‘Brangus for sale’ you’ll find Starwood Brangus at the top of your results. More than internet presence keeps Starwood Brangus producing top quality. Willett isn’t interested in having the most cattle, but he is determined to provide maximum attention the ones he owns. Cows at Starwood Brangus run on Tifton 85 and receive a ryegrass/cottonseed mixture with salt and mineral licks. There is concern about supplementing being expensive. Starwood Brangus makes it reasonable by taking care of the land. Best management practices offered by the local soil and water conservation district representatives help to study soil content and protein levels in his grazing forage as well as controlling invasive weeds. “When cows are getting all they need from grass, you can really stretch supplement,” Willett said. No doubt, cows at Starwood Brangus are in fantastic condition and it’s proven by their conception rates and calves on the ground each calving season. Willett is aiming to do 70-80 percent of his breeding by Embryo Transfer (ET) work. He doesn’t use a clean-up bull. If you remember his summit cow, Willett said “I never had to use a second straw.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

SHOW OFF YOUR SKILLS! t s e t n o c o t o h p a b ib What photos are you taking on the ranch? Share them with us on social media! IBBA is on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. Use the hashtags, #BuildWithBrangus and #GoBrangus, on your posts. Interact with IBBA and other IBBA members by sharing photos. You might even find your photo featured in a Brangus publication!

Who are we — Really? by Linda Jordens Galayda, Texas Rancher Girl

I had another story lined up to share, but yesterday an event occurred that changed everything. I received a phone call from one of my dearest friends that her family ranch in Kansas had been devastated by the fires that have been sweeping across the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, and Kansas. I say my friend called, but I think of her and her family as my family. And isn’t that part of who we are, a community of ranchers, that thinks of our friends and our neighbors as family? The Giles family and the Gardiners lost their homes, cattle, horses, and suffered indescribable property damage. These historical ranch families have some irreplaceable losses and some losses that only time and hard work can fix. In the days and weeks ahead, they will have to make decisions and perform acts of humane kindness that will only lead to more heartbreak. But although their spirits may be dampened, their souls are intact. Their hearts may be broken, but not their resilience or determination. I want to talk about a few things in this day and age. In today’s fast-paced, aggressive, competitive world we have become fixated on technological advances, marketing strategies, forage production, genetic advances, and so much more. The wealth of information now is overwhelming. Our ability to connect is vast and unlimited. But at times I think all that information and social networking only isolates and disconnects us as human beings. Now don’t get me wrong, I see the benefit and the value, but not when it robs us of our heart-to-heart connectivity, compassion or kindness. It is the people that make it all work; and yet, we talk about all our advances as if they just happened by some stroke of good fortune. So let’s not forget about the people – I’m just saying! Ranching takes courage. It takes hardworking people who act with urgency, kindness and compassion. And

sometimes that compassion takes the most difficult action, like having to terminate the life of a suffering animal. Yes, we grieve, but we know that ranching requires persistence, determination and fortitude. But here is the best part of who we are: no matter what difficulties we face, we know that we are part of a community – a family of other farmers and ranchers. It will be other ranchers who arrive in difficult times with comfort, food, and a good work ethic. We will arrive with the needed supplies, equipment, hay and water for livestock. We will bring our knowledge, expertise and our ability to get the job done. We will go to work without hesitation, working tirelessly behind the scenes until the job is finished. And the best part of who we are is that we are not looking for payment, gratitude or recognition. When the fires are out, ranches are restored, and hearts are mended, there will be plenty of time for shared good times, such as a good cup of coffee and a home cooked meal. Love and laughter will be in the air, stories will be told, memories will be shared, and life will be celebrated. Those are the times that build the foundation that makes us grab hold of each other so tightly when adversity comes. No, it won’t be Facebook, Twitter or Snapchat; it will be arms to hold, a voice to comfort, hands to help out, and the courage to step up. So that’s who we are: a community of farmers and ranchers that understand and are ready and willing to stand with you. We are your neighbors and your friends; we are your family. We will be the ones who answer your call to come home.

Ramirez Joins Brangus Team The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) has announced the hiring of Assistant to the Executive Vice President Yvonne “Bonnie” Ramirez. Originally from the small south Texas town of Encino, Ramirez now resides in La Vernia, Texas. She joins the IBBA team after most recently working for Producers CO-OP Association – La Vernia Country Store. Prior to co-managing and marketing for the CO-OP, she served as director of communications for the Texas Animal Health Commission. Her other work experience is comprised from the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, D&D Farm and Ranch, Wilson County News, and Ultimate GeneticsSire Services. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, with an emphasis in animal science and a minor in communications, from Sam Houston State University. Ramirez’s experience is accompanied by much nonprofit volunteer service and extracurricular involvement. She is a committee member for the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Ranch Rodeo Finals, social media coordinator for La Vernia CrossFit, founder and president of Forget Me Not Benefit Alzheimer’s Team Roping Fundraiser, member of the Texas Beef Team, and a freelance writer for The Ag Mag. Ramirez said she enjoys CrossFit, jogging, and announcing at team ropings in her spare time. Her past involvement includes public relations and marketing for CrossFit Orion, judging multiple public speaking and skill contests at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, member of the State Agency Council, partner in South Texas Women’s Ranch Rodeo Association, freelance and feature writer for Texas High School Rodeo Association, communications committee member for San Antonio American Marketing Association, advertising, promotions, and public relations committee member for the International Association of Fairs and Expos, and director on the South Central Texas ICA Chapter of the Independent Cattlemen’s Association. “I’m extremely excited to join the IBBA family. I have a special place in my heart for the Brangus community as I used to work with Ultimate Genetics’ Bull Stud Center. It is there that I learned the importance and greatness of Brangus cattle; likewise, I had the distinct privilege to meet some amazing folks within the Brangus family. I am enthusiastically looking forward to reuniting with past Brangus friends and making new ones. Elated to embark on this new journey with IBBA is simply an understatement,” said Ramirez. “I look forward to great things and above all, I look forward to serving you, our members, the heart and 36 :: APRIL 2017

soul of our association. Together let’s market Brangus and tell our story.” She has, also, attended and participated in several career-building trainings and conference such as Executive Women in Texas Conferences, LBJ School of Public Affairs’ Write to the Point Course, Governors Center for Management Development Program, Communication Officers of State Departments of Agriculture Conference, Incident Command Stimulation Training for Public Information Officers, and other media and crisis trainings. “Being goal oriented and passion driven, I’m both eager and excited to apply my skills, abilities, enthusiasm and experience towards my career with IBBA,” Ramirez said. “There’s a quote that I hold dear to my heart, and I truly believe it holds significant truth: ‘Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.’ Here’s to never working a day in my life.” Ramirez can be contacted in the IBBA office at (210) 696-8231 or by email at bramirez@gobrangus.com.

Bonnie joined the IBBA during the events at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

IBA Holds Meeting in San Antonio

by IBA President Sami Roop

The International Brangus Auxiliary (IBA) moved its meeting this year to coincide with the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) meeting in San Antonio. We had a great business meeting, enjoyed assisting the IBBA office with various aspects of their conference, and loved participating in the ribbon cutting for the new IBBA headquarters in Adkins, Texas. Thanks to Tina Gardner, the IBA was able to provide many new items for sale this year. Items ranged from coasters to throw blankets to car fresheners to bibs and onesies. During the IBA business meeting, we listened to a presentation from Buck Thomason, who requested our help with the 2018 World Brangus Congress. We are looking forward to helping with this event. It should be an exciting time for the IBBA as the international group travels throughout the southeastern parts of the U.S. and to areas in Texas.

On another fun side note, the IBA decided to host a pancake breakfast for the junior exhibitors at the National Junior Brangus Show (NJBS) this summer in Texarkana. The IBA supports the hospitality suite each year with a $350 donation and decided to take it one step further this year. Be sure to join us early Friday morning for pancakes during the NJBS. And, finally, new IBA officers were elected. The officers will serve a two-year term, which will expire in 2019. Newly elected officers are President Sami Roop, First Vice President Tina Gardner, Second Vice President Ginger Pritchard, Treasurer Janet Greuel, Secretary Mary Beth Farris, Historian Jodi Jackson, and Brenda Brull, Rebecca Cowan, Melanie Fuller, and Membership Chair Kay Gibson were elected to serve on IBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Directors. See you in Texarkana for pancakes, our next IBA meeting, and the announcement of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IBA scholarship recipients.

JOIN THE IBA TODAY!

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Spring Ahead by IJBBA Board Member McKenzie Posey Wow! Can you believe is already March and spring is just around the corner? Everywhere you look, new life is happening and things are turning green. Spring is definitely a busy time for the International Junior Brangus Breeder’s Association (IJBBA). The IJBBA Board of Directors just returned from Houston, Texas and the International Brangus Show. What an amazing week it was for those who attended the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. First and foremost, I want to say a huge thank you to all who participated in the 2017 IJBBA Legacy Female Buyer Group. With your support, we raised $38,000 to go toward the National Junior Brangus Show (NJBS), travel costs for the directors to promote the breed, and the IJBBA Legacy Leadership Conference that we hold every odd year. The 2017 Legacy Female, Miss JLS Classy 915D44, was donated by JLS International and was auctioned off on Saturday night at the Genetic Edge Sale. The Buyer Group won the bid and PumpJack Cattle Company’s number was drawn to take the incredible female home with them. The IJBBA is blessed with the amount of support received by our wonderful Brangus breeders. The IJBBA would not be where we are today without you. The IJBBA Legacy Leadership Conference is coming up April 6-9 in Haines City, Florida. We will have the opportunity to tour various ranches in Florida, including Desert Ranches, the largest cow/calf operation in North America. Touring the Syfrett Feed Company and the Seminole Tribe of Florida are other stops on the agenda. There also will be an assortment of guest presenters that will speak to the group. A favorite of the 2015 Legacy Leadership Conference, Eddie Slowikowski, will be back to kick off the events on Thursday evening. And a current IBBA member, past IJBBA member, and past National FFA Secretary, Victoria Maloch, will close out the weekend Sunday morning. This year’s Legacy Leadership Conference is shaping up to be a good one. i

Looking a little further ahead, this year’s NJBS will be held in Texarkana, Arkansas, July 23-29. This is a big year because it is the 40th anniversary of the IJBBA and the 35th anniversary of NJBS. The directors have started forming ideas to make this the best NJBS yet. We have countless contests from which each exhibitor may choose to participate. The speech contest, team fitting and showmanship, and salesmanship are just a few of what will be offered. The best part of NJBS is getting to be around your Brangus family for the week. Nothing else compares to making new friends, seeing old ones, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Start making plans to head to Texarkana to have the best week of your life at NJBS. The weeklong event is one you do not want to miss. Again, I want to reiterate my thanks to each and every one of our supporters. IJBBA exists to develop the next generation of Brangus enthusiasts and the encouragement and dedication shown by supporters to the junior association does not go unnoticed. I hope to see everyone at the Legacy Leadership Conference in April or at NJBS in July.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: After two years serving as an IJBBA director and one year serving as the IBBA queen, McKenzie Posey was selected as the 2016-2017 IJBBA president. Posey is no stranger to leadership positions. A 2015 high school graduate, she spent the last two years of high school serving as the president of her local FFA Chapter and has served multiple terms as Oklahoma Junior Brangus Breeders Association president. Posey is eager to take the reins of IJBBA and says, “I want to use the leadership skills I have learned the past three years and guide this amazing organization.” Now in her freshman year at East Central University, Posey plans to obtain an agribusiness degree and continue operating and expanding her family’s registered Brangus operation.

Freshness Guaranteed, continued from page 32 Members of the herd at Starwood Brangus are either top-producers or younger females. Generational evolution is driven by a focus on Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) that positively contradict weaknesses in the current herd average. Reflective of his entire operation, Willett pays closest attention to his females during their first month of gestation. A believer in fetal programing, he watches cow kidney health and understands the importance of fostering a pregnancy in which the calf acquires maximum muscle development. Theory becomes truth when babies hit the ground.

The herd at Starwood Brangus are stout from day one. Then when calves start switching to solid diets, Willett puts out creep feeders to aid in maturity. By weaning, most of Willett’s females are sold and many go home to his faithful buyers of the internet generation to be shown at stock shows across the nation. Willett exemplifies customer service. Attention to detail coupled with the execution of his online marketing strategy lend to fresh successes. And remember: if you keep track of every victory no matter how large or small, you’ll see the online hits start to roll in. 39

40 :: APRIL 2017

Col. Luke Mobley Auctioneer Livestock Marketing 205.270.0999 | www.LukeMobley.com

Brangus Publications, Inc. offers many opportunities for you to promote yourself. For a full list of opportunities, visit www.GoBrangus.com/2017-mediaguide/. You may also contact IBBA Advertising Sales Manager Melanie Fuller.

WELCOME NEW IBBA MEMBERS 2G Cattle Company, Laredo, TX 3-R Ranch, Tyler, TX Agerico De Jesus Aguilar, Masbate City, Masbate, Philippines Aimee Adamek, Schulenburg, TX Bailye Foltyn, Wharton, TX Bonnie & Mark Fenn Ranch, LLC, Navasota, TX Chad Mason, Sayre, OK Chandler Farmer, Tarkio, Mo Christopher Franklin, Ladonia, TX Clayton Lyons, Glen Saint Mary, FL Cody R Crews, Glen St Mary, FL Courtney Callaway, New Cuyama, CA Dale & Lanette Lowden, Wimberley, TX David and Victoria Gochnour, Anderson, TX Doss Cattle & Baling LLC, Coupland, TX Dustin & Brandi Hulsey, Red Oak, OK Dylan Ayres, Alvin, TX East Ridge Cattle, Valley Head, AL G 4 Brangus, West Columbia, TX Gilberto Martinez, Harwood, TX Gulf Haven Brangus, Purvis, MS Harold Baxley, Madison, FL Holley Farms, Elba, AL Hugh Duncan, Heavener, OK Jacob Michael Brosh, Arkadelphia, AR James Worley, Elkland, MO Jensen Farms, Alachua, FL John Bennett, Elmer, LA John Mark Johnson, Guntown, MS Johnson Ranch, Soper, OK Jon Hickman, South Greenfield, MO Kaitlin A Mccool, Woodsboro, TX Katlyn Leigh Gardner, China Spring, TX Kourtney Lane Gardner, China Spring, TX Lane Neckar, Bruceville, TX Lane Shifflett, Frost, TX

42 :: APRIL 2017

Lauren Savoie, Jennings, LA Leah Perry, Leighton, AL Logan Gilbert, Needville, TX Lynnwood Baxley, Madison, FL Mackenzie Scoggin, Richmond, TX Madelaine Pack, Boyd, TX Madison Young, Eupora, Ms Matthew Joseph Whipple, Burton, TX Matthew Strickland, Buna, TX McAngus Cattle Company, Johnson City, TX Michael Chance Pitts, Lott, TX Mike Nelis, Riverview, FL Morgan Maxwell, Ponder, TX Nicole N Rosier, Tampa, FL Paige Eaves, Lake Butler, FL Peanut Carr, Columbia, La Poverty Ridge Cattle, Ennis, TX Rachael McIntyre, Angleton, TX Rachel McConnell, Dublin, TX Randy Bailey, The Woodlands, TX Robert L McCormick, Houlka, MS Rodney J Rascoe & Debbie Rascoe, Converse, LA Rolando D Garza II, Laredo, TX Ryan & Lori Scott, Clovis, NM Ryan Brandt, Weimar, TX Rykel Ranch, Hallettsville, TX Sarah Helen Davis, Okeechobee, FL Terry J Bunch, Calhoun, Ga Tina Marie Deshotels, Mamou, LA Travis & Krista Armstrong, Opp, AL Triple Theriot Ranch, Bell City, LA Tristan Pfeil, Floresville, TX Troy Mitchell, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia Zach Kalina, Flatonia, TX Zachary X. Yanta II, Rungee, TX

RAPIDREWARD PERFORMANCE • PHENOTYPE • POWER • PROVEN • MATERNAL

TCF RAPID REWARD 145Z3 R10243006 • DDF • Homo Black • DOB: 9/21/2012 Sire: BRB RapidReward 99W11 Dam’s Sire: CCR Integrity 2716S6

GENOMIC-ENHANCED EPD BIRTH WEAN YEAR MILK TM SC REA IMF FAT 2.6 (.73) 30 (.60) 54 (.39) 8 (.33) 23 .69 (.43) .61 (.50) -0.03 (.40) -0.037 (.47)

Semen Registered Use $40/unit; Commercial Use $20/unit CSS Health Certified Semen available for export. Contact TCF for pricing.

RAPIDREWARD combines power, performance, eye-appeal and maternal traits in a balanced, practical pack-

age. The bottom side of his pedigree carries layered generations of proven maternal strength and efficient genetics from Cow Creek Ranch, and is paired with performance, muscle expression and structural soundness of his sire 99W11. His first sons sell in the Town Creek Farm Sale, October 21, 2017. We’ve taken progeny guesswork out of the equation and proven this bull through three calf crops.

3 Quality Assurance always comes first. Total Commitment

Since 1993

Town Creek Farm

Milton Sundbeck, Owner • Office 662.494.5944 32476 Hwy. 50 East, West Point, Mississippi 39773-5207 Joy Reznicek 205.399.0221 • Joy@TownCreekFarm.com Clint Ladner 662.812.8370 • Cladner@TownCreekFarm.com South American Representative• Ing. Agr. Federico Maisonnave • (011) 595 981 362 898 Skype: federico.maisonnave• Email: Maisonnave.Federico@gmail.com www.TownCreekFarm.com 43

FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU ALABAMA

ALABAMA

Michael Candler, President 386-208-3881

ARIZONA

ARKANSAS

CALIFORNIA

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

ARKANSAS

To place your ad in the State Directory, email Melanie Fuller (mfuller@gobrangus.com). 44 :: APRIL 2017

GoBrangus.com/breeder-search/ FLORIDA

FLORIDA

Matthew Lyle Wynne (772) 201-7500

Frank Lewis (772) 201-7503

Fort Pierce, Florida | www.wynneranch.com

GEORGIA

KANSAS

LOUISIANA

To place your ad in the State Directory, email Melanie Fuller (mfuller@gobrangus.com). 45

FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU LOUISIANA

MISSISSIPPI

MISSOURI

NEW MEXICO

NORTH CAROLINA

OKLAHOMA

To place your ad in the State Directory, email Melanie Fuller (mfuller@gobrangus.com). 46 :: APRIL 2017

GoBrangus.com/breeder-search/ OKLAHOMA

TENNESSEE TRAIT LEADERS AND

MONEY MAKERS

TEXAS Doyle Miller

615-351-2783 doyle@millerbrangus.com

Bill Felton

Sales & Marketing

901- 494-0554 bill@millerbrangus.com

Bart Pope

Ranch Manager www.millerbrangus.com

931-722-0244 bart@millerbrangus.com

TEXAS

Drake Land & Cattle 398 Drake Road Quanah, Texas 79252

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

TEXAS

est. 1924 Quanah, Texas

To place your ad in the State Directory, email Melanie Fuller (mfuller@gobrangus.com). 47

FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU TEXAS

TEXAS

JLS International, Inc. Where winning tradition and performance collide Registered Red Brangus & Ultrareds show heifers, herd sires, and replacements available Megan (713) 492-6158 John (281) 740-0572 greenwoodcattleco@yahoo.com

Brangus bulls and heifers available year-round at private treaty.

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

251-947-5688 210-218-4804

TEXAS

To place your ad in the State Directory, email Melanie Fuller (mfuller@gobrangus.com). 48 :: APRIL 2017

FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU TEXAS

TEXAS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY 2017 6 JLS International Sale, Devine, TX 15 National Junior Brangus Show Entry Deadline 20 West Coast Brangus Breeders Association Spring Field Day, Coulterville, CA 28 National Junior Brangus Show Ownership Deadline 30-31 Beef Improvement Federation Convention, Athens, GA JUNE 2017 1 Futurity Entry Deadline 1 National Junior Brangus Show Late Entry Deadline 1-3 Beef Improvement Federation Convention, Athens, GA 9-10 Arkansas Junior Brangus Breeders State Show, Arkadelphia, AR 14-17 TJBBA State Show, Bryan, TX JULY 2017 10 Content Deadline for August Brangus Journal 23-28 National Junior Brangus Show, Texarkana, AR 27 IJBBA “Source of Champions” Sale, Texarkana, AR 28 IJBBA Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet, Texarkana, AR 29 Brangus Futurity, Texarkana, AR AUGUST 2017 31 Salacoa Valley Cattle Country Replacement Female Sale, Brighton, FL

UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL 2017 1 Stockmen’s Choice Elite Brangus Female Sale at Mid-Tex Livestock, Navasota, TX 6-9 IJBBA Legacy Leadership Conference, Haines City, FL 7-8 IRBBA Annual Meeting, Salado, TX 7-8 TBBA Annual Meeting, Salado, TX 7-8 TBBA IRBBA “Miss America Sale,” Salado, TX 8 Texas Best Brangus Sale at Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch, Poteet, TX 10 Content Deadline for May Brangus Journal 22 GENETRUST at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch, Jacksonville, TX

SEPTEMBER 2017 16 Mid South Bull Sale and Neal Family Commercial Female Sale, St. Francisville, LA

Advertiser’s Index 5K Cowbelle Ranch..................................................................................... 46 Amrich Ranch............................................................................................. 46 Big D Ranch................................................................................................ 44 Blackwater Cattle Co...............................................................................9, 45 Bobby and Bobbie Brangus........................................................................ 46 Brinks Brangus @Westall Ranches.......................................................37, 46 Burke Brangus Farm...................................................................................45 Bushley Creek Cattle Company...................................................................45 Calyx Star Ranch........................................................................................ 46 Carter Brangus............................................................................................ 44 Cavender Ranches........................................................................7, 18, 19, 47 Champions Valley Brangus.................................................................. 24, 25 Char-No Farm..............................................................................................45 Chimney Rock Cattle Co. ........................................................................... 44 Circle X Land & Cattle Co....................................................................IFC, 47 Clark Cattle Services................................................................................... 42 Clover Ranch.............................................................................................. 44 Col. Luke Mobley........................................................................................ 42 Cox Excalibur Brangus................................................................................47 Cross N Farms.............................................................................................45 Diamond K Ranch.......................................................................................47 Dillard Land & Cattle...................................................................................47 Doak Lambert............................................................................................. 42 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch.................................................................47, BC Don Hall Brangus....................................................................................... 44 Don Thomas & Sons................................................................................... 46 Double Creek Brangus Ranch.....................................................................47 Double W Ranch......................................................................................... 46 Draggin’ M Ranch................................................................................. 23, 44 Drake Land & Cattle....................................................................................47 E3 Ranch LLC..............................................................................................47 El Sendero Brangus.....................................................................................21 Elgin Breeding Service, Inc........................................................................ 42 Farris Ranching Company...........................................................................47 Galloway Brangus....................................................................................... 44 Garry Clem Brangus....................................................................................47 GENETRUST.................................................................... 7, 14, 15, 18, 19, 23 Genesis Ranch.............................................................................................47 GKB Cattle.............................................................................................33, 47 Greenwood Cattle Co. .................................................................................47 Greuel Family Brangus................................................................................45 Hardee Farms..............................................................................................45 IJBBA.....................................................................................................40, 41 JLS International.......................................................................... 40, 47, IBC Johnston Brangus....................................................................................... 44 K & L Brangus..............................................................................................47 K & R Broken Bar Ranch............................................................................ 46 Lack-Morrison Brangus............................................................................. 46 Lake Majestik Farms.....................................................................................7 Lakeside Brangus........................................................................................45

Lakin Oakley............................................................................................... 42 Lawman Ranch........................................................................................... 46 Little Creek Farms.......................................................................................45 Maxwell Cattle Co........................................................................................21 Midsouth Cattle Company.......................................................................... 46 Miller Brangus.............................................................................................47 MLS La Victoria...........................................................................................21 MO Brangus.................................................................................................45 Mound Creek Ranch....................................................................................47 Neogen GeneSeek........................................................................................13 Oak Creek Farms.........................................................................................47 OK Farms.....................................................................................................47 Parker Brangus........................................................................................... 44 Pennridge Ranch.........................................................................................47 Perry Ranch................................................................................................ 46 Peterson Brangus........................................................................................ 46 Quail Creek Brangus................................................................................... 44 Red Bird Meadows Ranch...........................................................................47 Red Bud Farms......................................................................................21, 44 Robbs Brangus............................................................................................ 44 Roop Cattle Co.............................................................................................47 Salacoa Valley Farms.......................................................................30, 31, 45 Santa Rosa Ranch....................................................................................3, 47 Schmidt Farms............................................................................................47 Shooting Star Land & Cattle........................................................................47 Southeast Brangus Breeders Association................................................... 44 Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show................................................. 29 Southern Jewel Cattle Co......................................................................21, 33 Spanish Ranch............................................................................................ 44 Suhn Cattle Company..................................................................................45 Sunshine Acres........................................................................................... 44 T3 Brangus.................................................................................................. 46 Telpara Hills Brangus....................................................................................7 Terry Reagan.............................................................................................. 42 Texas Best Sale........................................................................................... 24 The Oaks Farms..................................................................................... 11, 45 Town Creek Farm....................................................................................... 43 TRIO Cattle & Genetics......................................................................... 21, 47 Triple Crown Ranch....................................................................................47 Triple JR Cattle Company...........................................................................47 Valley View Ranch...................................................................................... 46 Vineyard Cattle Co...................................................................................... 48 Vorel Farms.................................................................................................47 Ward Brangus............................................................................................. 48 Wes Dotson................................................................................................. 42 WET Farms..................................................................................................45 Wolf Point Ranch....................................................................................... 33 Wynne Ranch..............................................................................................45 Zottarelli Ranches....................................................................................... 48 BC: Back Cover, IBC: Inside Back Cover, IFC: Inside Front Cover

50 :: APRIL 2017

WHERE PERFORMANCE meets Style! 2017 INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS SHOW GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

DDD

Unforgettable 150B12

SIRE: DDD MASTERPLAN 1019W10 DAM: DDD AMBROSIA 150Y10

2017 INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS SHOW RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

DDD

Ms Jana

150B22

SIRE: DDD STOCK OPTION 38Y DAM: DDD AMBROSIA 150Y10

2017 INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS SHOW RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL

DDD

Rockefeller

804B25

SIRE: CSONKA OF BRINKS 30R4 DAM: DDD FRANCEE 804X41

MORE INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS SHOW CHAMPIONS... GRAND CHAMPION ULTRABLACK FEMALE

Evangeline 4D4 RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION ULTRABLACK FEMALE DDD Ms New Horizon 4C2 DDD

Mike & Lisa Doguet, Owners

Mike Cell: (409) 790-0345 ï&#x201A;&#x17E; Mike Office: (409) 866-8873 Poteet/McCoy Locations - Eric Otto: (210) 834-0034 Beaumont Location: (409) 790-5465 Genetics Consultant - Timmy Lucherk: (210) 834-1247 Ranch Records - Mary Douglass: (210) 269-3220

www.doguetranch.com

52 :: APRIL 2017

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE HARDWORKING JUNIORS...

CMR

GRAND CHAMPION BULL - AIMEE ADAMEK

Eros 488B SIRED BY: DDD BLACK GOLD 804S25 RESERVE DIVISION CHAMPION - HALLE WEBB DDD Miss Mia 488D