3
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 February, June, July and September. 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. 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. The claims made by advertisers in this publication are not verified by BPI or the IBBA. 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 // gobrangus.com/brangus-publications // pwaldrip@gobrangus.com BPI OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS // Chairman: Brandon Belt // President: Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS // Secretary/Treasurer: Bill Davis // Director: Doyle Miller // Director: Eddy Roberts SUBSCRIPTIONS // Delia Rodarte // 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.
IBBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
IBBA STAFF
AREA 1 :: Chris Heptinstall, Secretary-Treasurer 205-363-0919 | chris@salacoavalleybrangus.com Term: 2016 - 2019
Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS tperkins@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231
AREA 2 :: Bill Davis, 2nd Vice President 336-210-1223 :: bdavis@billdavistrucking.com Term: 2017 - 2020
Product Manager Emilio Silvas esilvas@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231
AREA 3 :: Vern Suhn 620-583-3706 :: vern@genetrustbrangus.com Term: 2017 - 2020
Communications Coordinator Peyton Waldrip Brangus Publications Editor pwaldrip@gobrangus.com 830-708-3195
AREA 4 :: Darrel Law 615-633-3127 :: cklaw@nctc.com Term: 2018 - 2021 AREA 5 :: Mike Vorel 405-826-6959 :: vorelfarms@gmail.com Term: 2016 - 2019 AREA 6 :: Greg Romans 541-212-1790 :: romansbrangus@yahoo.com Term: 2018 - 2021 AREA 7 :: Lee Alford 979-820-4205 :: alfordcattleco.lee3@yahoo.com Term: 2016 - 2019 AREA 7 :: Danny Farris 325-669-5727 :: farrisranching@yahoo.com Term: 2017 - 2020
Registry Services Coordinator Tullina Wilson twilson@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231 Member Relations Specialist Macee Prause mprause@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231 Registry Specialist Jessie England jengland@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231 Advertising Sales Manager Melanie Fuller mfuller@gobrangus.com 979-255-3343 For more information about IBBA’s staff, visit gobrangus.com/ibba-staff/.
AREA 7 :: Allen Goode 214-683-1600 :: allen@triocattle.com Term: 2018 - 2021 AREA 8 :: Doyle Miller, President 615-351-2783 :: dmiller@doylemillercpa.com Term: 2018 - 2021 AREA 9 :: Steve Densmore 979-450-0819 :: jsdensmore@gmail.com Term: 2016 - 2019 AREA 10 :: Troy Floyd 575-734-7005 :: tfloyd@leaco.net Term: 2016 - 2019 AREA 11 :: Eddy Roberts, 1st Vice President 386-935-1416 :: wetfarm1@windstream.net Term: 2017 - 2020 For more information about IBBA’s Board of Directors, visit gobrangus.com/ibba-board-directors/.
4
// APRIL 2018
International Brangus Breeders Association 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 gobrangus.com
@gobrangus | #gobrangus
IBBA CONNECTION A Letter From Your New IBBA President...........................................................6 IBBA CONNECTION Precautionary Measures for Spring................................................................... 10 IBBA CONNECTION Understanding DNA Parentage Verification................................................ 12-15 IBBA CONNECTION Brangus® Breeders From Around the Globe Gather in Houston................18-26 IBBA CONNECTION Torch Tour Success for Member Education......................................................28 IBBA CONNECTION Performance Data Offers Enormous Benefits............................................. 30-35 EXPERT CONNECTION Using GE-EPDs............................................................................................... 41 EXPERT CONNECTION Development of Maternal EPDs............................................................... 44-45 EXPERT CONNECTION Adoption and Use of Technologies in Global Beef Production................ 46-51 SHOW RESULTS International Brangus® Shows at HLSR.........................................................52-57 JUNIOR CONNECTION Junior Member Spotlight: Jurney Crim.................................................... 58-60 AFFILIATE CONNECTION: IBA IBA Reflections........................................................................................62 AFFILIATE CONNECTION: IJBBA Thank You.............................................................................................66 SALE SUMMARIES........................................................................................................................ 70-71 NEW MEMBERS............................................................................................................................... 73 SERVICE DIRECTORY.......................................................................................................................... 74 STATE DIRECTORY...................................................................................................................... 75-80 CALENDAR....................................................................................................................................80 AD INDEX.....................................................................................................................................82
ON THE COVER >>
Photo taken by Penny Bowie.
APRIL 2018 // VOLUME 66 // ISSUE 3
E U S S I S I H T IN
5
IBBA CONNECTION // A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
A Letter from Your New IBBA President by IBBA President Doyle Miller
We all had a good time in Houston during the rodeo. The World Brangus® Congress (WBC), the International Brangus Breeders Association’s (IBBA) Annual Convention, and related events were definitely a success. The event was well attended. I would like to thank Buck Thomason and the international committee for the work that was put into WBC. Their time and efforts are appreciated. While we were in Houston, we saw Chuck and Norma Sword be presented with the Pioneer of the Year award. Bill Davis was named Breeder of the Year, and the Harold Clubb family was recognized as the Commercial Producer of the Year. It is rewarding to see people who have worked hard be publicly acknowledged.
6
// APRIL 2018
The sale Thursday night was a standing-room-only event. The cattle were well received. The consigners had to be pleased. The 48 lots averaged $11,819. Let me talk about our board of directors. Thirteen directors represent our association. The people serving on our board come from various backgrounds. We have different opinions about how to conduct associational business sometimes, but differences are good. They help us find the best way to develop and grow our association. In the end, we all have the common desire to make our association better. I am proud and honored to serve with this group. Additionally, we have good people making up our membership, and these people have a passion about Brangus cattle. IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS stated: “Committee involvement is important to the future growth and development of the IBBA.” And the growth and development of the IBBA is what we are working toward. I am working through the volunteer applications for the breed improvement, commercial marketing, finance, international,
member service and education, promotions, and show committees. I am looking forward to working with the board, IBBA office staff, and our membership in the coming year. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Doyle Miller is the managing
partner of Miller Brangus, a registered and commercial Brangus® breeding program located in Waynesboro, Tennessee. Miller Brangus, owned by E. D., Doyle and Bert Miller, has been in the cattle business for 41 years and in the registered Brangus business for 34 years. Doyle was born and raised in Waynesboro, Tennessee. After graduating from Wayne County High School in 1980, he attended Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, where he earned degrees in accounting and computer science. As a certified public accountant, Doyle assists individuals and businesses in a range of financial aspects that include tax and business planning, strategic planning, financial analysis, and business operations. Doyle is married to the former Kathryn Pope. Kathryn has two sons, two daughtersin-law, and two granddaughters. In the past, he has served on IBBA’s Breed Improvement, Finance, Membership Education and Services, and Promotions Committees. He has also served IBBA as past-vice president and secretary-treasurer.
7
8
// APRIL 2018
9
IBBA CONNECTION // EXECUTIVE CORNER
Precautionary Measures for Spring by IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS
Congratulations to our International Committee for hosting a very successful World Brangus® Congress (WBC). Many hours of planning and hard work went into the event that had more than 300 attendees representing 14 different countries. All of the international guests represented a unique piece of the Brangus family, and we are honored to have had them participate. A special thank you to the International Brangus Auxiliary members for helping stuff goodie bags and for helping with registration for WBC and International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) events. Lastly, a huge gratitude to the sponsors of the event – both large and small. From industry partners to IBBA members, every donation was necessary to make this the successful event it turned out to be. The IBBA Annual Meeting and Convention was well attended with over 150 people present. Congratulations to Chuck and Norma Sword for winning the Pioneer of the Year award, Bill and Gail Davis winning the Breeder of the Year award, and Harold and Sylvia Clubb for being awarded the Commercial Producer of the Year. All three were very deserving of the prestigious awards bestowed upon them. I look forward to working with Doyle Miller, the newly-elected board president, new directors Allen Goode, Greg Romans, and Darrel Law, as well as the incumbent directors. I am hopeful we will continue to press forward with growing the demand for this great breed of Brangus cattle. This is always a great time of year with the green grass finally coming up, trees blooming, and the sight of newborn baby calves all over the place. With that said, I generally get several phone calls each year about calves being born with abnormal phenotypes. Most assume it is a genetic defect, but that is not always the case. I would ask anyone having such animals born to follow a few simple steps. First of all, try to capture some good photos and videos of the animal with the abnormality. Next, collect a DNA sample, preferably in a tissue sampling unit, to test for correct parentage and any genetic condition possible. You may also need to collect a DNA sample from the sire and dam if they don’t already have DNA on file with the association. If a genetic defect or genetic condition is ruled out, then we can further investigate any potential management or environmental issue. Often times, structural abnormalities and other defects can occur early during gestation in a cow
10
// APRIL 2018
when the fetus is in the beginning stages of development. For example, newly-bred cows, which are 30-days-bred or less, consuming moldy feedstuff may intake high levels of mycotoxins that can lead to birth defects in the calf. The defects are not always severe enough to cause abortion but may create Siamese twins, double-headed calves, etc. I highly recommend you contact your local large animal veterinarian to assist you with this investigation. I recently received a photo from a breeder with a calf born with an extra set of front legs protruding from its forehead. Although the calf is the result of a SimAngus mating on a commercial cow, it makes my point. I recommended they first validate parentage to rule out any genetic conditions that may be present. Just looking at the photo, it has the appearance of developmental duplication (DD). However, DNA testing should be done to prove or disprove this observation. I am encouraged that our Breed Improvement Committee has just initiated a subcommittee to evaluate IBBA’s current genetic defect policy. The subcommittee will formulate new guidelines for addressing genetic defect issues to be presented back to the Breed Improvement Committee and ultimately to the board of directors for review and approval. For information about IBBA programs or other inquiries, please call (210) 696-8231 or visit www. GoBrangus.com. Stay connected to IBBA through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube or receive news updates by joining our email list.
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 is a member of the Beef Improvement Federation’s (BIF) Board of Directors, and he also serves as chairman for BIF’s End Product Committee. Additionally, Perkins serves on the board of directors for the Texas Beef Council, Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas, and the National Pedigreed Livestock Council. He was recently elected Beef Breeds Council President. Today, Perkins is the executive vice president of the International Brangus Breeders Association, chief executive officer of Genetic Performance Solutions, and president of Brangus Publications, Inc.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
11
Photo of individual tissue sampling units (TSUs) provided by Neogen GeneSeek.
IBBA CONNECTION // DNA TESTING
Understanding DNA Parentage Verification by IBBA Member Relations Specialist Macee Prause It is important for producers to understand the basics of DNA testing, especially DNA parent verification. DNA testing provides the producer with valuable information through scientifically-proven testing methods. The more information producers have about their cattle, especially the genetic makeup of their cattle, the more knowledge they are able to apply when making selection decisions for their herd. Parentage testing, using DNA technology, can be advantageous in a variety of situations including multi-sire breeding pastures, artificial insemination (AI) versus clean-up bull situations, embryo transfers (ET), potential parents which are close relatives, calves switched at birth, and ambiguous birthdates. DNA parent verification is both a valuable tool for seedstock
12
// APRIL 2018
breeders and commercial producers as it ensures the pedigree information is accurate for calves. Moreover, it offers information for management decisions in a commercial herd. “At this point, since we single sire, we use DNA parentage in situations in which a calf is born after an AI date and before a pasture exposure,” states Joy Reznicek of Town Creek Farm. “Parentage verification is 100 percent accurate in exclusion of incorrect sires. For us, knowing for certain that we are providing our customer with correct pedigrees is our number one priority.” The basis behind DNA parentage is the fact that each animal receives one genetic marker copy of each gene, called an allele, from each parent. Therefore,
CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 14
13
IBBA CONNECTION // CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 genotyping the progeny in addition to both parents is needed for parent verification to be performed. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) testing is the newest type of parentage testing compared to previous single tandem repeat (STR) or microsatellite testing. SNP parentage panels contain anywhere from 96 to over 200 markers, which allow for a higher accuracy of parentage exclusions than the older microsatellite parentage testing. Microsatellite panels only verify against seven to 12 markers, which has a higher chance of missing excluded parents. SNP parentage markers allow for a larger number of SNP markers to be verified with a greater specificity at an equal or reduced cost to STR testing. “We use the products according to our needs and what we are trying to discover,” says Reznicek. When DNA parentage testing verifies the sire in multisire breeding pastures, the breeder can determine which sire(s) are contributing the most or least value for their specific breeding goals. Additionally, multi-sire pastures typically assume that each bull is doing the same amount of work and DNA parentage verification can show whether or not that is the case for their herd. The knowledge gained can also aid commercial producers who retain AI sired heifers as replacements or seedstock producers who rely on accurate pedigrees for expected progeny differences (EPDs). Developing a DNA program for your operation will better support your breeding goals and the objectives you wish to attain. “We generally AI our cows, then pasture expose them to two or three different bulls at one time. In an effort to shorten our calving window, we turn in the bulls the day after we AI cows and/or implant embryos,” explains Stacie Cooper with Lake Majestik Farms. “Due to the large variance of AI sires and pasture sires, we conduct DNA parentage tests to verify sires. We also use [DNA parentage] to verify that a recipient cow hasn’t been naturally serviced and has, in fact, calved an ET calf. This allows us to truly have a diverse herd and to be sure that when we market our animals, we are providing the customer with accurate information.” EPDs deliver an estimate of an animal’s genetic potential as a parent based upon pedigree and ancestral information along with records of their progeny. SNP DNA testing can provide enough information for genomic-enhanced EPDs, in which case an increased associated accuracy or reliability of an animal’s genetic potential is provided. More information collected about an animal, whether an individual’s own record and/or data from progeny, increases the accuracy. DNA marker information, when added to the genetic evaluation, allows for earlier prediction of an animal’s potential genetic value before phenotypic data is collected; thereby, providing a higher accuracy of young sires. This, in turn, decreases the generation interval where a more rapid genetic improvement can be gained. “Most importantly,” discusses Cooper, “cattlemen should realize the financial and time investment involved. 14
// APRIL 2018
Photo provided by Neogen GeneSeek.
Weigh the pros and cons for your herd. In our case, DNA parentage testing, in fact, saves us time and, in turn, money; but that may not be the case for every rancher out there.” Mary Douglass explains, “if you’re going to spend the money like a lot of us producers do, you might as well make this investment, which is cheap when you consider the value of the animals. [DNA parentage verification] allows me to preserve the value of my herd.” Reznicek reaffirms these ideas: “I believe we owe it to our customers to provide them with 100-percent accurate pedigrees. Parentage DNA testing gives you that peace of mind.” Douglass continues, “When you buy bulls, make sure you can parent verify it. I don’t use bulls that I can’t parent verify. This goes back to preserving the value of your herd – you want to always be able to tell where that animal came from.” Members can submit a variety of DNA samples for DNA testing including tail hair samples, whole blood, tissue samples from ear notches, and semen straws. For more information regarding DNA parentage verification and making DNA requests, please contact Macee Prause in the International Brangus Breeders Association’s office at (210) 6968231 or by email at mprause@gobrangus.com. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Macee Prause was raised in La Grange, Texas. She received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 2015 and a Master of Science in Science, specializing in animal breeding and genetics in 2016, both from Texas A&M University. Her agricultural background comes from her growing up assisting with her family’s beef cattle production, processing, and meat market. In college, she continued to develop and broaden her experiences in the industry through a multitude of organizations and agricultural activities. Macee is currently the member relations specialist for the International Brangus Breeders Association, where she facilitates and manages DNA testing and results.
// IBBA CONNECTION
There are currently four different tests that provide SNP parentage information in which three of the tests provide GE-EPDs. The four tests available are listed below along with the price, benefits of the test, limitations of the test and producers who will benefit most from a particular test. For more information, contact IBBA’s office at (210) 696-8231.
Seeksire
$15
- Provides all USDA and globally recognized ISAG SNP parentage markers for parent verification. - Does NOT provide GE-EPDs. - In commercial settings, this service is often used when using multi-sire breeding system (pastures).
GGP 50K
$45
- Provides all USDA and globally recognized ISAG SNP parentage markers for parent verification. - Offers imputations up to 50K status for calculation of GE-EPDs. - Offers 50K add-on tests (e.g. coat color, DD, etc.) at the cost of $10 per add-on. - Detects markers that have the greatest influence on economically important traits and key traits that cattle inherit from their parents. These inform seedstock selection decisions and assist bull buyers make sale day purchasing decisions.
GGP uLD
$30
- Provides all USDA and globally recognized ISAG SNP parentage markers for parent verification. - Offers imputations up to 50K status for calculation of GE-EPDs. - Does NOT allow add-on tests (e.g. genetic conditions). - Beef genomic option to assist producers to select, retain and market seedstock replacement heifers.
GGP HD150K
$80
- Provides all USDA and globally recognized ISAG SNP parentage markers for parent verification. - Offers high-accuracy calculations for GE-EPDs. - Offers 150K add-on tests (e.g. coat color, DD, etc.) at the cost of $10 per add-on - Ideal DNA solution for elite seedstock and high-impact animals such as AI sires, donor dams and key bloodlines in order to provide maximum data.
IBBA Member Relations 8870 US Highway 87 E, San Antonio, TX 78263 | P.O. Box 809, Adkins, TX 78101 | info@gobrangus.com
15
16
17
18
// APRIL 2018
BRANGUS® EVENTS IN HOUSTON // IBBA CONNECTION
®
BRANGUS BREEDERS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE GATHER IN HOUSTON by IBBA Communications Coordinator Peyton Waldrip and Contributing Author Emily Lochner
The International Brangus® Breeders Association (IBBA) hosted guests from around the world at the 2018 World Brangus Congress (WBC) event Feb. 27 through March 3 in Houston, Texas. Representatives from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, South Africa, Thailand, United States, and Uruguay were present. The official conference hotel was the Royal Sonesta Houston, where meetings and presentations were held. WBC was held in conjunction with the International Brangus Shows at the Houston Livestock Show and RodeoTM (HLSR) as well as IBBA’s Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet. There was something for every member of the Brangus community. “We were fortunate to be able to attend the 2018 [WBC] in Houston,” says David
Bondfield, Palgrove cattle operation owner from Australia. “It was a great opportunity to network with Brangus breeders from not only the U.S. but from around the world.” IBBA was proud and excited to offer its members and guests the opportunity to convene for the perpetuation of established personal and professional relationships, the development of new connections, and the culmination of new ideas. “It is hard to describe the emotions one has as you see the event come together and people begin to arrive,” say IBBA International Committee Chairman Buck Thomason and his wife, Sidney. “We were able to see and visit with many friends from other countries and make new friends from countries we have not visited. It is rewarding to know that we had people from 14 different countries attend this Congress! Several of these countries had never attended a [WBC]. In addition, we had people from three other countries that attended the Brangus show and judging that didn’t attend the Congress. This outreach to 17 countries can only help to grow the Brangus breed worldwide.” The Thomasons’ countless volunteer hours and efforts leading up to the event were crucial to the event’s success. The IBBA is grateful for the Thomasons’ service, as well as the
help from the International Brangus Auxiliary (IBA) for the execution of the event. “[WBC] was an outstanding fiveday event that offered fun, fellowship and education to all attendees,” says IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS. “There were more than 300 attendees representing 14 different countries, which included a well-attended Pre-Tour through the southeastern United States and a Post-Tour through the state of Texas.” Pre-WBC Tour Optional tours were hosted priorto and after WBC. The Pre-WBC Tour was Feb. 22-27. Participants arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, and then they traveled across the southeastern U.S. to Houston. IBBA member hosts on the Pre-Tour included The Oaks Farms in Grantville, Georgia; Salacoa Valley Farms in Fairmount, Georgia; Lake Majestik Farms in Flat Rock, Alabama; Town Creek Farms in West Point, Mississippi; and Mid South Cattle Company in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Attendees also had time to explore New Orleans during their time on the pre-tour. FIBRA Meeting Allen Goode, IBBA board member and International Red Brangus Breeders Association vice 19
IBBA CONNECTION // president, led a meeting of the Federation of International Brangus Associations (FIBRA) on Feb. 27. FIBRA members discussed the federation’s progress and trials over the last year, and they discussed ideas for moving forward. Members will work to spread federation awareness in countries where Brangus cattle are raised. Ideally, it will become an international resource for education, news and events. “The enthusiasm for Brangus worldwide is evident in the international guests that traveled to attend [WBC],” says Goode, “as well as the FIBRA delegates that represented their countries.” Kick-Off Reception A kick-off reception was sponsored by B+E Cattle Company on Tuesday evening. John Baumann played music, and guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the WBC Trade Show at the Royal Sonesta. WBC sponsors, guests and friends were officially welcomed by a local Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and the IBBA. A Day at Texas A&M Salacoa Valley Farms and the United States Livestock Genetic Export sponsored breakfast for WBC participants before they visited Texas A&M University (TAMU) on Wednesday, Feb. 28 in College Station, Texas. At TAMU, they toured the Large Animal Veterinary Center, the Rosenthal Meat Science and Technology Center, the Hildebrand Equine Complex, and saw a Beef Quality AssuranceTM vaccine injection sight demonstration at the Beef
20
// APRIL 2018
Center. H i l l Country B r a n g u s B r e e d e r s A s s o c i a t i o n , McDonald Ranches, and Triple JR Cattle Company sponsored participants’ lunch at TAMU. Cargill Animal Nutrition and GENETRUST sponsored a cocktail hour in the WBC Trade Show. Opening Ceremonies Texas Brangus Breeders Association and West Texas Brangus Breeders Association sponsored breakfast before the official WBC Opening Ceremonies took place March 1 at the Royal Sonesta. A representative from each country was invited to carry a flag for placement on the program’s stage during the ceremony. Following the entry of country representatives and a welcome from Purina Animal Nutrition’s Joe Fuller, Phillip and Cara Wildman performed the event’s proclaimed “Brangus Anthem.” The Wildmans wrote and performed the song specifically for WBC. Keynote Speaker Damian Mason made a presentation on “Ag Trends, Topics & Tomorrow.” Lake Majestik Farms and Oak Creek Farms sponsored a coffee and tea break for attendees before other educational presentations were made throughout the day by Clare Gill, PhD. of TAMU; David Williams of Informa Economics IEG; John Genho of Livestock Genetic Services; Joe Paschal, PhD. of TAMU; Ashby Green, DVM, of Neogen GeneSeek Operations; and Elisa Marquez, PhD. of Ag Front. “The WBC technical session was highlighted by a plethora of information dealing with genomic utilization in Brangus
cattle,” explains Perkins. “Parentage to coat color to genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences were discussed by the various elite speakers for the day.” Lunch was sponsored by GKB Cattle. “The speaker presentations I found very interesting and informative with lots of ‘take-home’ messages, and it was a real highlight to attend the Brangus show as well as the rodeo,” says Bondfield. “Congratulations to Buck Thomason and his committee for their hard work in making the Congress the success it was.” IBBA sponsors were satisfied with the quality of WBC’s program, as well as attendance. “Overall, we were pleased with the whole Congress,” discloses Mike Doguet of Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch. “We thought it was very well done, and the speakers were good. We had a booth at the [WBC Trade Show], and we invited visitors to come see our show string. I thought it was good that the participants were in the stands for the show.” A Night at the Rodeo Thursday evening, participants had the privilege of experiencing live rodeo events at RodeoHouston. Country representatives were included in the event’s grand entry
// IBBA CONNECTION in the rodeo arena. Blake Shelton was the entertainer afterward, and guests seemed to really enjoy the show. The International Shows at HLSR Town Creek Farm and Westall Ranches, LLC sponsored breakfast in the WBC Trade Show before attendees departed the hotel on March 2 for the International Bull Show at HLSR.
The 2018 IBBA Board of Directors is pictured above with IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS.
Thanks to Carolyn Belden Carson for her service to area six on the IBBA board.
Thanks to Brandon Belt for his service to area seven on the IBBA board, as well as for serving as board president during the last year.
Thanks to Davy Sneed for his service to area four on the IBBA board.
IBBA Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet The IBBA Annual Meeting was held Friday afternoon at the Royal Sonesta. Incumbent directors to serve in 2018 are Chris Heptinstall, area one; Bill Davis, area two; Vern Suhn, area three; Mike Vorel, area five; Lee Alford, area seven; Danny Farris, area seven; Doyle Miller, area-eight elect; Steve Densmore, area nine; Troy Floyd, area ten; and Eddy Roberts, area 11. Darrel Law, area-four elect; Greg Romans, area-six elect; and Allen Goode, area-seven elect, joined these incumbent members of the board officially during the Annual Meeting. Miller was elected to serve the IBBA membership as president in 2018. “The IBBA Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet was attended by more people than it has had in the last five years,” reports Perkins. “A highlight of the Annual Meeting was the seating of three new directors and the election of new officers for the upcoming year.” Genetic Performance Solutions (GPS) Product Manager Emilio Silvas says his presentation at IBBA’s Annual Meeting was an opportunity to update members on the progress and timeline for the upcoming launch of Regstr. “During the presentation, I offered insights on not only where we are in development, but also how we got here and [where we] plan on going. Rewriting the GPS Portal is a monumental task that has required thousands of man-hours in planning and execution. For the membership, it also afforded them an opportunity to offer suggestions and thoughts on planned functionality,” states Silvas. “Given the important role the current portal and upcoming Regstr will play in how the IBBA moves forward, I was thankful for the opportunity to update both the board of directors 21
IBBA CONNECTION //
Outgoing IBBA President Brandon Belt and Past-President Mike Vorel present Bill Davis with his Breeder of the Year award. Bill’s wife, Gail, is also pictured.
Harold Chubb, his family, and his friends are pictured during his Commercial Producer of the Year award presentation.
and membership. The IBBA has proven itself to be a leader in not only livestock management, but also software development in the agricultural sector. Our decade-plus history of managing herds online is a testament to our goal to provide the best tools for members.” President Miller says the business at IBBA’s Annual Meeting was conducted smoothly and efficiently. He says IBBA’s Awards Banquet was an excellent event with good food and good people. He also says he thinks IBBA members enjoyed both IBBA events and the [WBC] events. “Buck Thomason did an outstanding job with Congress,” Miller says. “Top shelf.”
one could have been more surprised bar high for those who follow with or appreciative.” this award in future years.” Chimney Rock is nestled in the Before he began raising cattle, mountains of northeast Arkansas, Davis built a successful trucking and it’s home to one of the most elite business and NASCAR racing team. herds of Brangus cattle. Built around Eventually, the sport became his No. many of the Brinks Brangus, Camp 1 priority, and he was honored with Cooley Ranch, and Suhn Cattle his induction into the 2016 Arkansas Company leading donors, Chimney Sports Hall of Fame. Rock’s female factory is unrivaled in “Bill and Gail Davis have been its genetic depth and strength. Today, successful in every venture they have the Davis’ strive to build a herd of ever participated in, and the Brangus functional, customer-driven Brangus business is no different,” states cattle, which meet the demands of Perkins. “I applaud the committee’s both registered and commercial selection of Bill and Gail as they cattlemen. Chimney Rock is home to serve the Brangus breed with great its leading herd sires such as Newt, passion and devotion.” Blackhawk, Troubadour, Specialist, Next Step, and Cowmaker. Commercial Producer of the Year “Bill Davis is very deserving of Harold Clubb the honor of being IBBA Breeder Harold Clubb’s achievements of the Year. He has served on the from incorporating Brangus genetics IBBA board of directors, numerous into his breeding program were committees, the junior advisory highlighted with the Commercial board, and he always strives to find Producer of the Year award. Clubb ways to improve our breed and his runs Herbert Clubb & Sons Cattle personal cattle. Bill always says, Company in Hamshire, Texas, near ‘How can I help?,’ and then he follows the Texas-Louisiana border. Clubb’s through with the task,” says GENETRUST Partner Mike Vorel of Vorel Farms in Luther, Oklahoma. “Bill is a model for others by giving his time, resources, and his thoughtfulness of others through his decision making for the improvement Harold Clubb is pictured (left) with his of our Brangus grandchildren, Jake and J. Storme. breed. Bill certainly sets the
Breeder of the Year Bill Davis The IBBA Awards Banquet was held Friday evening. The IBBA’s Awards Committee’s decision to select Bill Davis as Breeder of the Year for recognition of his successes and advancements made utilizing and promoting Brangus purebred cattle was announced. Bill and his wife, Gail, own and operate Chimney Rock Cattle Company in Concord, Arkansas. Davis is a partner of GENETRUST, a marketing alliance of Brangus breeders. “To be honored by your peers for your hard work is very difficult to put in words,” said Davis. “Any segment of our careers, Gail and I have been very fortunate to surround ourselves with great people, not only the crew at Chimney Rock Cattle, the great partners of GENETRUST, their staff, and all of the ranch managers. I feel like I’m accepting this award for a great number of people. I thank all of the breed. I assure everyone that no 22
// APRIL 2018
Outgoing IBBA President Brandon Belt, Tom Davis, and IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS present Chuck and Norma Sword with their Pioneer of the Year award.
// IBBA CONNECTION daughter, Stacie Jannise, says he is the primary overseer of the cattle operation, which consists of more than 1,000 head. The ranch has grown both in size and in improved performance through years of DNA testing and utilizing top-performing Brangus bulls. “Surviving floods and other environmental challenges has been a challenge for Harold Clubb. However, his commitment to using Brangus genetics has made his business more sustainable in such harsh conditions,” says Perkins. “Mr. Clubb’s keen use of DNA, feedlot performance, and carcass results are unprecedented in the commercial cattle industry.” Harold and his wife, Sylvia, were joined by daughter, Stacie Jannise; granddaughter, J. Storme Jannise; grandson, Jake Jannise; and other family members, Joey Bruney and Shelley Bruney at the IBBA Awards Banquet. “Over 30 years ago, the ranch purchased a top-tested Brangus bull in Oklahoma and that began the move into higher-performing and even better quality cattle. When they first began DNA testing, they tried several breeds. Through the years, [the Clubbs] have found the Brangus breed to be the best in terms of mothering ability, hardiness–particularly in their environment, and overall consistent high performance. The ability of the Brangus breed to perform in hot, harsh summers and withstand mosquitos and pests while still being able to perform has made it a proven success for the operation. These cattle are frequently in marshland and along the intercoastal canal, and their hardiness and adaptability is a necessity,” explains Stacie. “Over 95 percent of the bulls used are DNAtested. By studying DNA results and using that information to increase the herd quality, they now consistently produce some of the higher performance-tested livestock. They are testing 82-percent black hide, 63.59 dressing percent, 81.53-percent choice, 7.74-percent prime, [13.55 square inches of ribeye], and 11-percent select. They recently sold over 200 steers on the grid that earned a greater-thanfour-dollar premium. Staying at the forefront by utilizing DNA results, purchasing quality-tested Brangus bulls, and incorporating that with years of hands-on experience has resulted in a ranch that keeps up with consumer needs and maintains quality and integrity in the operation.” Pioneer of the Year Chuck and Norma Sword Chuck and Norma Sword were recognized as IBBA’s Pioneer of the Year for their service, loyalty and recognizable contributions to the Brangus breed, as well as their creativity, innovation, and inspiration to other breeders. Chuck and Norma’s Brangus operation, CharNo Farm, is located in Williamson, Georgia. The Swords are partners of Genetix Cattle Plus, a marketing alliance of Brangus breeders. “We were very honored to be selected for the prestigious Pioneer Award,” say Chuck and Norma. “It is especially humbling to be included in the list of recipients, who have previously been recognized that contributed so much to our breed. We feel very blessed for our 34 years breeding Brangus cattle and the wonderful friendships we share with fellow breeders.”
Chuck and Norma have been married for nearly 50 years. Established in 1969, Char-No Farm has produced Brangus cattle since 1984. In 1989, they began raising Simmental and Angus cattle. In 2017, they sold out of those breeds, remaining loyal to their Brangus and Ultrablack® steadfasts. The Swords are active in their local and regional Brangus and cattlemen’s associations, including the Southeast Brangus Breeders Association and Georgia Cattlemen’s Association. They recently hosted Brangus breeders from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia for a field day, which shows their hospitable and welcoming spirit. “Chuck and Norma Sword are very deserving of the Pioneer Award due to their continued commitment and success with the Brangus breed the past thirty-plus years,” Perkins adds. “Their leadership roles in the southeast and nationally speak to their love of the breed and both associations.” The Swords are revered by their peers, which was first proven when they were honored in 1996 with the IBBA Breeder of the Year award. “We didn’t know what we were getting into when we began,” Norma says, “but have been honored to remain devoted to the breed.” The International Shows at HLSR Genetix Cattle Plus and Purina Animal Nutrition sponsored breakfast in the WBC Trade Show before attendees departed the hotel on March 3 for the International Female Show at HLSR. The IBBA Show Committee awarded Mark Koehl of Waxahachie, Texas, with the 2017 Brangus Herdsman of the Year honor and Marvel Farms of High Springs, Florida, with the the 2017 Red Brangus Herdsman of the Year honor during the International Female Show. Winners of this prestigious award are determined by votes from their fellow exhibitors. Recipients are noted for their professionalism and excellence of skills and abilities, 2017 Brangus Herdsman of the Year Mark Koehl is pictured with IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS, IBBA Registry Services Coordinator Tullina Wilson, and IBBA Queen Holli Baker.
2017 Red Brangus Herdsman of the Year Marvel Farms is pictured with IBBA Registry Services Coordinator Tullina Wilson, IBBA Show Committee Chairwoman Sharee Sankey, and IBBA Queen Holli Baker.
23
IBBA CONNECTION // as well as willingness to deal with the public, in a positive and polite manner. Mark Koehl grew up in Fayetteville, Texas, where he started showing cattle at the age of 14. Koehl began working at Bar J Ranch in 1995, where they raised the still wellknown sire Bar J Revenue, who won all four national shows in the 20012002 show season. Unsurprisingly, Koehl received his first Herdsman of the Year award in 2002. Through the years, Mark has had the privilege of managing ranches such as Hillin Cattle Company, Scott Cattle Company, and Johnston Cattle Company. In 2013, he was named Herdsmen of the Year for the second time after acquiring seven national champion or reserve honors with DDD MISS CHARITY 88Z10 and IH RUDDER 504Z during the 20132014 show season. In June of 2016, Koehl started his own cattle service, KO’s Cattle Services, in Waxahachie, Texas. He now cares for Indian Hills Ranch and BB Brangus cattle, and he
24
// APRIL 2018
consults the show cattle for the Perry Family. Koehl says he enjoys the Brangus breed, and he always looks forward to going to cattle shows for fellowship with old friends and to meet new ones. He is looking forward to the summer of 2018, when he will help his grandson haul to his first state show and his first National Junior Brangus Show. Koehl is the first IBBA member to have received three IBBA Herdsman of the Year awards. Daniel and Sandra Marvel, of High Springs, Florida, began raising Red Brangus cattle nearly 30 years ago. The Marvels say that Red Brangus cattle have always been their choice due to their adaptability and survivability in their Florida climate. “The Brahman influence helps the cattle have heat and disease resistance, and gives the cattle longevity for a productive life,” the Marvels say they believe. “The Red Angus breed is proven to give the best quality meat for flavor and tenderness – more so than the black
Angus meat.” The Marvel family has strived to raise cattle that are sound, correct, productive, cost-effective and gentle. Clearly, they have accomplished their mission as they receive the peer-voted Herdsman of the Year award. The Marvels value the friendships, joys, trials and tribulations within the business, and they say they’ve come to love the work and lifestyle of raising Red Brangus cattle. Neogen GeneSeek sponsored the WBC Gala in the evening, where Chinatown entertained the crowd. P.J. Budler, of BrangusBreeder. net, presented the World Brangus Show Results, and Caesar Cantu led the Sale of Champions Auction. The International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA) offered Legacy Heifer RBF EVITA 175E7 for auction. See report of sale on page 70. “I think the pre-tour, the events in Houston, and the post-tour were each fantastic opportunities for Brangus breeders to showcase
// IBBA CONNECTION
their genetics, develop long-term relationships, and to continue that exchange of genetics both directions,” says Nic Cornelison of Lake Majestik Farms. He says these events are important for U.S. breeders to establish twoway relationships with customers. “The 2018 World Brangus Congress was a success for not only the longtime Brangus breeders but for several of the new faces in our breed,” explains Hi Point Sales + Marketing Owner Garrett Thomas. “Being a part of both the Pre and Post Congress Tours was an experience that I consider priceless. Our international guests were very eager to know more about the various programs they visited, and they offered excellent discussion throughout the Congress. Since the [WBC], I have had the opportunity to follow up with several attendees from all over the world, and they were impressed by the hospitality, the people, the food, and most importantly the Brangus cattle.” “Sidney and I owe whatever success there is for the 2018 [WBC] to a vast group of people,” Buck says. “It could not have happened without the help we received. It starts with the IBBA board of directors and staff. The various events of the Congress would not have occurred without our sponsors, which include many IBBA members, the work of the IBBA International Committee, and members of the [IBA] were equally a tremendous part of this Congress.” The Post-WBC Tour was March 4-9; participants traveled across Texas to see cattle in all different parts of the state. Post-Tour hosts included TAJO Ranch in Waller, Texas; Graham Land and Cattle in Gonzales, Texas; Purina Feed Mill in Gonzales, Texas; Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch in Poteet, Texas; Elgin Breeding Services in Elgin, Texas; Cavender’s Neches River Ranch in Jacksonville, Texas; and Oak Creek Farms in Chappell Hill, Texas. Guests also enjoyed other iconic parts of Texas, such as viewing cattle at the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. “We very much enjoyed the post-conference tour,” says Doguet. “We gained a lot of knowledge from the tour participants. We had interest from buyers of semen and embryos, and we may have sold a bull or two. I think
25
IBBA CONNECTION //
before it’s all said and done, we will end up with a lot of business from it.” “We are certain that this Congress will benefit the Brangus breed through the exchange of ideas and technology between participants,” say Buck and Sidney. “The Congress brought several countries here that have not been customers of our genetics, and this will lead to sales for IBBA members. In addition, many participants from countries that have used U.S. genetics had never been to the U.S. Anytime we can get customers to come here and experience our genetics it is a much easier sale than going to their country. In visiting with Brangus breeders from other countries that have held the last few [WBC events], they all said it had been a boom for the breed in their countries. We feel this will be the same for our country, and trust that the efforts from this Congress will truly benefit the Brangus breed here!” Buck and Sidney also say they encourage members to attend these events in the future to experience the enthusiasm for Brangus cattle worldwide. “The 2018 [WBC] has been a hallmark event for the IBBA.
26
// APRIL 2018
Organizing and hosting the WBC brought out the strong and generous spirit of our IBBA members through their wide-based support and dedication to making every aspect of the week a world-class event. Every member that contributed time, volunteered on committees, donated to the Congress, and attended the events made a difference that resulted in a memorable Congress,” explains Goode. “The Brangus and Red Brangus breeders who exhibited [at the International Shows] in Houston and displayed their cattle at the tour field days showed why the Brangus world continues to look to the U.S. for the leading-edge genetics. Momentum for Brangus and the IBBA is and will be strong after the Congress. Now is the time for our Brangus breeders to adopt the leading technologies and herd practices presented during the Congress, follow up and stay in contact with the introductions made, and invest in the genetics that will enhance their programs.”
THE AUTHOR: IBBA Communications Coordinator Peyton Waldrip received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Communications in 2015 and a Masters of Agribusiness in 2016, both from Texas Tech University. Her agricultural background comes from growing up on her family’s beef cattle operation, in New Braunfels, Texas. In college, she continued expanding and strengthening her passion for the industry through active involvement in a variety of agricultural activities and organizations. Prior to joining the IBBA, Waldrip worked in communications, marketing, and event planning for one of the nation’s top chambers of commerce.
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR: Emily Jackson Lochner grew up in Waco, Texas, on her family’s dairy and Brangus operation. She attended Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas, to participate on their livestock judging team; and she graduated with the Butler Hubbard Award, as one of the top four graduating associates. Afterward, she attended Texas Tech University to major in animal science. There, she was awarded part of the 2013 All-American Senior College Livestock Judging Team. After Tech, she worked for the State Fair of Texas, where she oversaw competitive events. In 2014, she moved to Columbus, Ohio, to work for the Ohio Beef Council as director of public relations developing programs in the areas of consumer advertising, retails, foodservice, and nutrition. In 2016, Emily accepted a position with the American Simmental Association as the director of youth and progress-throughperformance programs, where she oversaw all open and junior Simmental shows, the junior board, and leadership conferences.
ABOUT
27
IBBA CONNECTION // TORCH TOUR FOR BEEF SUSTAINABILITY
TORCH TOUR SUCCESS FOR MEMBER EDUCATION by IBBA Communications Coordinator Peyton Waldrip The International Brangus® Breeders Association (IBBA) hosted a Torch for Beef Sustainability Tour leading up to the World Brangus Congress (WBC) events in Houston, Texas. The tour consisted of six stops in San Antonio, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Marana, Arizona; Jackson, Mississippi; and Roswell, New Mexico. “IBBA concluded a very successful Torch for Beef Sustainability Tour that made its way to six cities in five different states in early 2018,” says IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS. “Attendees were able to see the new Regstr software in action, which will soon be released by Emilio Silvas and his [Genetic Performance Solutions (GPS)] team. Macee Prause and I provided a discussion on coat color genetics in Brangus cattle as well.” Perkins and Prause’s presentations on coat color genetics offered attendees an introductory perspective on the latest concepts for continued sustainability within the Brangus breed. The IBBA urges members to seize the opportunity for undeniable genetics through the use of DNA testing and other genomic technologies. Regstr is intended to become IBBA’s official software for member access to online registration and herd management. By presenting GPS’s progress for the development of this new software, IBBA is allowed a unique opportunity to consider feedback in the final stages of production. “The multiple Torch for Beef Sustainability Tour events offered us an opportunity to demonstrate the current
state of Regstr development and solicit comments from members,” explains GPS Product Manager Emilio Silvas. “This is critical market research, which will eventually yield a high-quality product. Without their input, we would likely make less-informed design decisions or be forced to pay for market research.” The attendees at each of the tour stops were wellreceiving of the presented ideas and new product. 28
// APRIL 2018
Prause Silvas
“Personally, I was impressed with the breeders’ willingness to understand and learn about the new product,” states Prause, IBBA member relations specialist. “Everyone was very hospitable, and it was a good opportunity for open dialogue with the breeders. We had the chance to listen to concerns and answer questions regarding the new software.” Explanation and clarification from Silvas were given in order to promote communication of the intentions of the new design and concepts. In turn, the audience was able to give direct feedback about their ideas based off of their everyday use of the software used today and different correlations they foresaw. “Many of the questions we received are practical and are based on the common experiences of our members and end users. Items such as generation interval calculations, contemporary grouping, sire/dam dropdowns, and accessibility on mobile platforms all demonstrate how informed our members have become after a decade-plus use of the existing GPS Portal,” explains Silvas. “While we may not be able to use all their ideas, they are all evaluated as we follow our development roadmap, and I thank each member for their input.”
IBBA kids enjoy their World Brangus Congress coloring books on the Torch for Beef Sustainability Tour.
29
IBBA CONNECTION // PERFORMANCE DATA
Performance Data Offers Enormous Benefits by IBBA Communications Coordinator Peyton Waldrip The International Brangus® Breeders Association (IBBA) is the worldwide resource for Brangus breeders to acquire official registrations on Brangus cattle. Its mission is to “empower members to advance the quality, reliability and value of Brangus and Brangus-influenced cattle; to provide innovative programs and services which enhance the economic well-being of members and commercial customers.” The board, staff and members of the
association accomplish these objectives in a number of ways. One way IBBA empowers its members to advance the quality, reliability and value of Brangus and Brangusinfluenced cattle is the opportunity to report performance data through the provided software created and maintained by Genetic Performance Solutions (GPS). Performance data is gathered at different points throughout an animal’s life. IBBA Registry Services Coordinator Tullina Wilson says
performance data reports are important for not only expected progeny differences (EPDs), but for larger genetic trends and the overall betterment of the Brangus breed as well. The different stages for gathering this information is at birth, weaning, yearling date, at the time of ultrasound scans, and when recording the animal’s progeny. The animal’s name, sex, private herd number (PHN), birth date, service type, and
CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 33 30
// APRIL 2018
31
IBBA CONNECTION //
32
// APRIL 2018
// IBBA CONNECTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 sire and dam registration numbers are all required when recording a new calf in one’s herd. Other specific traits and measurements to be scored and recorded are as follows. BIRTH DATA The animal’s birth weight, calving ease score, scurs score, color score, birth type, premise and pasture IDs, optional member-assigned contemporary group, and status are each considered in birth data. Additionally, its dam’s udder score may be recorded. WEANING DATA The animal’s weaning date, weaning weight, navel score, disposition score, hip height, feed code, premise and pasture IDs, and status are each considered in weaning data. Scrotal circumference should be recorded if applicable, and bulls should be re-sexed to steer status if applicable. If specific conditions for the animal have changed since birth, a weaning-weight contemporary group may be applied. The animal’s dam’s status, weight, height, and body condition score may also be recorded. YEARLING DATA The animal’s weight, sheath score, disposition score, hip height, feed code, premise and pasture IDs, and status should be recorded when the animal is one year old. Scrotal circumference should be recorded if applicable. If specific conditions for the animal have changed since weaning, a yearling-weight contemporary group may be applied. ULTRASOUND DATA The ultrasound date of measurement should be recorded in addition to the animal’s weight, ribeye-area, percentage of intramuscular fat, fat thickness, rump fat, hip height, and management code. Management codes apply to how the calves were handled up to the yearling measurement, especially
when it comes to their feed. Scrotal circumference should be recorded if applicable. If specific conditions for the animal have changed since its yearling date, an ultrasound contemporary group may be applied. Performance data pertains to the performance of a particular animal, as well as the animal’s EPDs when compared to its contemporary group mates. Even though the idea behind EPDs has been around since as early as the 1920s, it is still an intimidating topic for some. GPS Product Manager Emilio Silvas puts it plainly: “EPDs are the expectation of differences in that animal’s progeny.” Agropecuaria SV is an 18-yearold Brangus operation in Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica, owned by Juan Carlos Soto Vargas. Soto’s son, Miguel, says the operation is a family affair – every member of the family makes some contribution. Even though Miguel lives in the United States, he keeps close communication with his father, and the two take performance data very seriously. “Performance is going to be the first thing we look for,” says Miguel, “and what better way to look at it than when you have a reference [to compare], right?” To create this reference for one’s individual operation, he says a successful program requires a two-step process: step one is recording the data, and step two is reporting the data to IBBA. To record performance data, Miguel says one must understand what to record and why. One must also consider how the data will be measured. In Miguel’s opinion, a scale and a good corral, or managing facility, is vital. He says the producer should be hypothesis-driven. “Any operation that wants to stay ahead of the game and that wants to stay profitable – you need to be performance-based. Phenotype is going to help you only so much, but the majority of the operation should be based on performance and the meat market.
This is how we base our operation: The entire selection is based on producing meat. If the animals are profitable at that level, and they perform, then you select the best performing animals out of that. And then we identify the truly superior animals.” After selection for meat animals, Miguel explains the next selection is for animals that adapt, and he says performance is the way to know. “Brangus is the breed that can go everywhere, but every single Brangus cannot go every place. Costa Rica, I would say, is an example of a very harsh environment.” His family must make selection decisions based off of which animals are able to thrive in the hot, humid environment. Following the recording of data, Miguel says you need to not only find a way of keeping that data, but a method to also analyze the data: “You need to be very good at keeping a spreadsheet or [navigating] a recordkeeping program; these help you to keep record and better understand your data.” He says a hypothesisdriven mindset is necessary since a producer’s end goal should be about analyzing results. “I need to understand how my animals are performing until weaning and then until a year.” The suggested hypothesis would answer a question similar to, “What is the benefit, and what is the benchmark that I’m going to establish with that data?” “[When you] help build the benchmark against which you are comparing your herd and your data,” Miguel explains, “of course you’re going to get better.” Producers have to understand that when they record and report data, they are making a contribution to building that reference. In addition to a contribution to the breed as a whole, producers will be making a contribution to their own operation as well. Miguel gives an example of the knowledge gained: “I know my animals are giving birth heavier or easier than the average in the breed. I know what the breed can
33
IBBA CONNECTION // do in general terms; I know what an outstanding animal is; I know what a low-performing animal is within the breed, and then I can compare where I am sitting. That’s the beauty of reporting data and having that data and having access to that reference.” Miguel admits he knows some producers don’t take the time to make performance data a priority in their operation: “One of the things that prevents most people to record data is the work required.” For those producers, who don’t necessarily value the recording and reporting of data, Miguel asks several questions. “How do you know you’re moving forward if you’re not comparing what you’re doing from year to year? How do you know if you can’t benchmark yourself against other competitors? How do you know if you could do better? How do you know if you could be more profitable? How do you know what your advantages are over [another breeder’s cattle]? When you [talk to] your customers, how do you know what you offer?” In addition to the unknown, Miguel shares another large concern: “One of the things that concerns us the most is a lot of selections, still today, are based on phenotype, or how beautiful the animal is. Unfortunately, [a lot] of the most beautiful animals are not the best performers.” Miguel goes back to his questions to nonrecording producers. “How do you know? You chose a beautiful bull this year; you had your calf crop. If you don’t measure, you don’t know if your calf crop was better or worse; [you don’t know] if you should keep your replacement heifers or if by keeping those replacement heifers you’re actually downgrading the quality of your herd.” “I grow beef cattle,” says Winston 8 Ranch Manager Paul Wood, “and the days of the so-called fender trading on cattle are long gone. We have far surpassed the levels of information that we thought we needed, and that’s all because we have found what we were looking for.” Miguel points out that – what
34
// APRIL 2018
Wood refers to as fender trading – poses a problem for more than the producer; it is problematic for a producer’s sale, too. “In the long run, when you sell those animals, you will be selling a lower-quality product, and you wouldn’t even know it. The beauty about information is it helps you to know where you are and where you are going. In this case, if you can measure, you know where you need to focus your efforts. If you know [which specific traits] you need to improve in your herd, [you can concentrate your efforts there]. It’s a two-way street: ‘Now I know what I need, and I know where to look and what to look for. Easy because I have the information to select. Otherwise I just have phenotype.’” “I think everybody down the line – past me, and even before – can agree,” Wood says. “growing the best beef cattle I can [grow] benefits everyone all the way to the dinner table.” While Wood admits commercial producers can get away without doing as much data collection, he says, “They will find themselves standing on the sidelines while the rest of the market flies right by them if they don’t. To be able to use genomic-enhanced EPDs and programs for trait prediction, it’s just so valuable to us; not only for retained heifers and keeping the most productive – be it their maternal EPDs or their overall beef-quality EPDs – it affects it so [much more] down the line.” Miguel says performance is important no matter the type of producer. Performance should be considered in both the feedlot and in the pasture, from a reproductive standpoint. Overall, his assessment of benefits from considering data is the following. “We were able to focus our efforts where we needed them the most. The clear benefit is more pounds and more money. [From a customer perspective,] we are able to offer information. We can say, ‘This animal performed better than these animals in this environment. This animal is valuable; in the pasture, he was in the top five performers.’ Now I have facts. My customers know what
they’re getting. It’s better than saying, ‘This is a beautiful bull.’ I know it’s difficult to see for some people. I believe, as a group, we will be able to develop the breed to be better by recording and sharing. I can’t think of an operation that wouldn’t want that.” “You get out of things what you put into it,” Wood says. “A lot of us, especially commercial producers, have wanted more. [With programs such as Igenity® Brangus, the association says], ‘We can now give you those things, but you have to put that information in.’ The EPDs and things of that nature have become so much more reliable [with] the more cooperation we get from these producers – doing those DNA tests and turning in those carcass records, birth records, maternal records, all those things. Now, we’re getting out of it what we’re putting in.” Miguel says he knows Brangus genetics outperform other breeds. He invites producers to help prove the genetics by participating in recording and reporting data, because he says the benefits are enormous. Wood offers an analogy: “Let’s put it this way: Do you like flies on your cattle? Very few people do. The way that progressed was [cattlemen] saw flies on their cattle a long time ago, and then waited for a product that would take the flies off. Someone came along and said, ‘Hold on, let’s get to the bottom of this. Let’s figure out what these flies are, what they do, what drives them, how they survive, what these pesticides do to their system – let’s research this.’ Here we are, years down the line, and the people that are progressive – that really care and that really want to be involved – they’re doing things the right way. They’re rotating the class of pesticides they use in their ear tags or spray-on from year to year. They’re doing research on their ranch to figure out which areas of their ranch seem to be higher-populated with flies. All of that happened because companies teamed up and said, ‘We need [your] help to figure out what we’re going to do with these flies.’ This is the same
// IBBA CONNECTION thing with these EPDs and DNA tracking. [Your association is] only as good as the information [your members] give you to begin with, but your organization was smart enough to come out with a system you could use to track these things, and that motivated these ranchers.” Furthermore, Wood claims that if a ranch is not technology-driven and hands-on, it will not be able to make the improvements its owners want to make. “It’s real simple, Wood says. “Can you stand in a pasture, and pick out a heifer that is going to be a non-assist calving heifer just by standing there, looking at her eating grass? No, you cannot. What if you could eliminate a percentage of those that will need assist?” “Be it 10 percent more accurate or 90 percent more accurate,” he adds, “it’s sure a whole lot more accurate than we were. [IBBA approached the membership] and said, ‘What if I could help you predict a better maternal heifer – one that, per percentage consistency, would produce a low-birth-weight calf, be unassisted, provide good, consistent milk at whatever level you desire. Some people just use [DNA testing] for sire identification – that in itself is important – don’t take that for granted. Track a heifer three generations off the wrong sire, and see where it gets you.” Winston 8 Ranch has reaped the benefits of recording and reporting performance data with its feeder cattle, too. In recent years, they experienced growth from 83-percent-choice or higher to 87-percent-choice or higher in one year’s time. The next year, when the animals were sold to the feedyard, the cattle graded 97-percent-choice or higher. In regard to IBBA programs, such as Igenity Brangus or the Carcass Merit Excellence Challenge, Wood says they help producers to narrow down their selections. Essentially, the recording and reporting of performance data, the effects of the data on EPDs, and the way both correlate with pedigrees, all work together for the good of Brangus herds all over the world. The more information we have, as producers and as the association, the easier it will be to prove the valuable traits the Brangus breed offers.
35
38
39
40
EPDS // EXPERT CONNECTION
USING GE-EPDs by Megan Rolf, PhD., Kansas State University When genomic testing first became available, one of the big concerns was how to weight that information against other selection tools available, including expected progeny differences (EPDs). With the availability of genomically-enhanced EPDs (GE-EPDs), we no longer have to worry about this issue. Read on to learn more about GE-EPDs and how to use them. What are GE-EPDs? GE-EPDs are very similar to the EPDs that you know and hopefully love, which is what makes them so appealing. Traditional EPDs are a great resource. They use statistical models to incorporate performance information on the animal itself like weights and weight ratios; data on relatives using the pedigree of the animal, which is why accurate pedigrees are so important; and performance records from progeny to generate the best estimate possible for the genetic merit of that animal. To get a GE-EPD, what we do is add the genetic test into the genetic evaluation, which serves as one additional piece of information in the evaluation that helps us better predict the animal’s genetic merit. The genomic test doesn’t replace any of the information in the traditional evaluation like weights and ultrasound records, which remain critically important and should not be discounted. It simply augments it with another source of data to help determine the genetic merit of the animal. How do I use GE-EPDs? Because GE-EPDs are produced within the same framework as the
genetic evaluation of animals that have not been genomically tested, you can utilize GE-EPDs in much the same way you can traditional EPDs. EPDs – whether genomically enhanced or not – are essentially a comparison tool. One way to utilize EPDs is to compare two animals. For example, if you’re comparing two potential herd sires, one with a weaning weight EPD of 45 and one with a weaning weight EPD of 40, you’d expect the first bull to sire calves who are, on average, about five pounds heavier at weaning than the second bull. One of my favorite tools for comparison of EPDs is comparing EPDs to the percentile rankings for the breed. It provides so much more information than just comparing an animal to breed average. You can see where a particular animal’s EPD ranks within the entire breed in addition to comparing animals to each other. It is a big help in finding the right animals to improve genetic merit or limit changes in a trait that might be important due to labor or resource constraints. You can find the percentile rank tables for Brangus here: https://gobrangus.com/breedaverages-and-percentile-ranks/. Provided you used EPDs for selection in the past, you can incorporate GEEPDs into your selection decisions seamlessly using the same tools with which you are already familiar. What can I expect when I use GEEPDs? When you use GE-EPDs, you can generally expect to make selection decisions with more confidence. With additional data in the evaluation, the GE-EPDs provide additional confidence in predictions. Research
in the dairy and pork industries also suggests that we should see an acceleration in our ability to make genetic change in a population. It’s important to remember that genetic change is not always desirable, as it depends on your breeding objective. For example, you may want to keep milk or mature weights fairly constant while increasing genetic potential in other traits. GE-EPDs can help you do that effectively. As with any genetic selection enterprise, it takes time and commitment to see the results of your efforts. A single selection decision can have ramifications in your herd for several generations, particularly if you keep replacement females out of a herd sire. When selection decisions are this important, GEEPDs provide an improved tool that will help you make the best decisions possible. Megan Rolf, PhD. was raised on a cow-calf operation in east central Kansas; she has been involved with livestock her entire life. She received a bachelor’s degree in animal science at Kansas State University and a master’s degree in animal science at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She also earned her doctorate in genetics at the University of Missouri, where her research focused on the implementation of genomic evaluations in crossbred beef cattle. After graduation, Megan was on faculty at Oklahoma State University for four years, where she served as a state extension beef specialist. She joined the faculty at Kansas State University in 2016 as an assistant professor of animal breeding with a 60-percent research and 40-percent teaching appointment. Today, she teaches genetics and maintains an active research program in the use of genomics for genetic improvement in livestock.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
41
42
43
EXPERT CONNECTION // NEW PERSPECTIVE ON SELECTION INDICES
DEVELOPMENT OF MATERNAL EPDS by Livestock Genetic Services Owner John Genho For several years now, the Brangus® association has had optional whole-herd reporting. Recently, we analyzed this dataset to see what maternal expected progeny differences (EPDs) could be produced, and we found several that can add value to selection programs for Brangus cattle. Before we go through those EPDs though, it’s helpful to review an important concept in genetic selection. We can generally divide traits into two types: those with economic relevance and those that are indicators of economically-
44
// APRIL 2018
relevant traits. Ideally, we would select entirely for economicallyrelevant traits. However, they can, at times, be problematic to measure. For instance, calving ease is economically relevant, as anyone who has pulled a calf on a cold, wet night can tell you. There is a cost associated with dystocia that most of us would really not like to bear. But calving ease is also difficult to measure since dystocia problems don’t happen very often and dystocia is a binary trait – either pulled or not, there’s no almost pulled. Because of these difficulties, we use birth weight
as an indicator trait to increase our calving ease EPD accuracies. Although birth weight is a good indicator of calving ease, it’s not perfectly associated with it. Sometimes the 110-pound calf is born without problems, and sometimes we pull the 70-pound calf. As a geneticist, I’m constantly looking for genetic correlations between traits to see how well one trait predicts another. In this case, there is about a less-than-65-percent genetic correlation between calving ease and birth weight. In the genetic evaluation, we run both a calving
// EXPERT CONNECTION ease EPD and a birth weight EPD to allow for this correlation to work. Now back to the maternal EPDs. There are several EPDs that have been developed from the whole-herd reporting data. Mature Cow Weight is a prediction of how much a cow will weigh at five years of age. It is adjusted for age and body condition score (BCS) since these are clearly associated with a cow’s weight. As such, only cow weight records with a date and BCS are used in the calculations. Days to Calving is a prediction of what age a heifer will have her first calf relevant to the average of her contemporary group. Cows calving earlier in the season with their first calf are much more likely to remain in the cow herd. Heifer Pregnancy is a prediction of whether or not a cow will breed and have a calf within her first 30 months of life. Stayability is a prediction of whether or not a cow will remain in the herd until six years of age. The first two traits, cow weight and days to calving, are moderately heritable – 0.25 and 0.22, respectively – and easy to measure. However, they are not directly tied to economics but, instead, are
predictors of the last two traits. Heifer pregnancy and stayability are very important economically, but are less heritable – 0.12 and 0.16, respectively. They are also more difficult to measure since they are binary traits. Plus, stayability isn’t collected until later in life, making it a more difficult trait to collect data on. The first two EPDs will therefore be used as indicators of the last two EPDs. Scrotal circumference, milk, and back fat are also good predictors of these EPDs and can help in their generation. With the addition of these EPDs, the International Brangus Breeders Association now publishes a total of 14 EPDs. While these results have the ability to provide excellent information to breeders, it also has the potential of causing data overload to breeders attempting to make selections. Because of this, we’ve developed two indices to simplify selection. These indices are calculated in units of dollars with higher being better. The Fertility Index weights the new maternal EPDs into a single number. This number should be used by those hoping to make progress in maternal traits in a cow herd. The Terminal Index weights the current growth traits and carcass
traits into a prediction of how well an animal will perform through the feedlot and on the rail. It should be used by those who want to improve the final products they sell. It should be noted that these indices are completely additive. Breeders wanting to use both can simply add the two together to come up with total value. EPDs on the other hand are not additive since they are often in different units collected in different times in life. With these new tools, Brangus breeders are in a position to make improvements to their herds that should more directly impact commercial producers’ bottom lines. And ultimately, that is where the beef business ends. John Genho is a geneticist and beef producer based in Sperryville, Virginia. His company, Livestock Genetic Services, runs genetic evaluations for multiple breed associations including IBBA, commercial ranches, and other entities throughout the world. He has a Masters of Science in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Cornell University, a Master of Business Administration from Duke University, and a Bachelors of Science in Animal Science from Brigham Young University. In addition to his education, he has spent his life in commercial beef production.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CONFIDENT SELECTION FOR YOUR REPLACEMENT FEMALES The Igenity Brangus giveaway prize consists of 25 free Igenity Brangus Profiles for replacement heifers ($625 Value) and 25 free Allflex tissue sampling units and one Allflex tissue applicator ($100 Value) when a non-member, commercial bull buyer makes a Brangus, Red Brangus™, Ultrablack®, or Ultrared bull purchase at one of the following sales. Qualifying sales were determined based on sale establishment and non-association affiliation. Southern Excellence Sale at Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch in Poteet, Texas, on April 14 GENETRUST at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch in Jacksonville, Texas, on April 28 JLS International Winning Tradition XVI Sale in Devine, Texas, on May 5 Non-member, commercial bull buyers will be entered to win with each Brangus, Red Brangus, Ultrablack, or Ultrared bull purchase at these sales. With each bull purchase, the buyer’s name will be submitted for a chance to be drawn as the giveaway winner. A giveaway winner will be informed and announced following sale transfer completion via IBBA’s electronic communication channels.
45
EXPERT CONNECTION // BEEF TECHNOLOGY
Adoption and Use of Technologies in Global Beef Production by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Livestock Specialist Joe C. Paschal, PhD.
INTRODUCTION
It seems like there is a modern technology introduced for use in the beef industry almost every day. Sometimes it is just an app for your phone or a new product or delivery system for parasite control. With the advancement in genomics new expected progeny differences (EPDs) and selection indices are introduced. I wonder what the adoption rate is for many of those as well as some of the older technology. One time I recall reading an article that stated that the poultry industry used about 90 percent of the technology available to it, that dairy and swine production utilized about 70 percent, cattle feeding about 50 percent, and cow/calf production only about 10 percent. I doubt that that is accurate, but it does indicate that the fewer people or operations involved in the production process, the more likely they are to utilize as much of the technology that can make them more profitable. For the purposes of this paper, technology will include knowledge, techniques, methods or processes used in the production of goods or services, in this case beef and beef cattle. Not all technology is adopted. There are many reasons for this; it may not be beneficial to the production system, it might be too expensive, there is
46
// APRIL 2018
a lack or expertise or knowledge of the technology, or there is a lack of access or equipment or facilities, or even time. In 2013, BEEF magazine, a beef production publication in the U.S., asked its readers to rank what they considered the top 10 new technologies in the beef industry at that time. The results were: 1. Round/square bales 2. Artificial insemination 3. Knowing consumer attitudes 4. Pour-on insecticides 5. Video feeder markets 6. Grain co-products 7. Real time market data 8. Tagging and ID systems 9. Food safety interventions at packing plants 10. Low stress cattle handling. (BEEF 2013) This was before genomic-enhanced EPDs (GEEPDs) were offered, but not before genetic tests for marbling and tenderness as well as other traits were available. In reviewing this list, it is obvious that many,
// EXPERT CONNECTION
but not all, of these were commercial cow/calf producers who raise non-purebred or registered cattle. I would have put the internet or world wide web near the top, as well as cell phones that are more than phones now, but they didn’t make the list. On the other hand, I can see why round bales did. Although I have travelled widely, I don’t represent myself to know how beef cattle are produced in every country of the world. My list of technologies used by beef cattle producers, including dual-purpose, is a general one and will vary from location to location, climate to climate, and operation to operation. There are many technologies in use in beef cattle around the world today, but for the purposes of this paper, I will touch on those I consider important for reproduction and genetic improvement. I know I have left many other valuable technologies out, including those associated with health, nutrition and marketing.
TECHNOLOGIES Animal Identification National animal identification
(NAID) in beef cattle is used by nearly every country in the world except the U.S. In most countries, it is used as a method of identifying animals in disease eradication and control programs, but is also useful in identifying individual animals by producers. Most use a combination of either a radio frequency and/or a bar code using a unique number including a three-digit number code assigned to the country plus nine or more numbers to create an animal identification. Most countries require NAID, and in many, only animals with NAID can be moved or sold. In the U.S., it is not required, but most beef cattle are identified by their owners using numbers on tags or brands, for use in selection and ownership. However, these numbers are not unique across the country or even state to state, making potential disease tracebacks difficult.
Weight Scales The simplest, most necessary technology for beef production is a scale to weigh cattle. There is no linear measurement that accurately estimates the weight of an animal, only scales can fulfill that function. Weights are valuable for several reasons: to measure progress in genetic selection, to determine weights for sale or breeding, and even to measure shrink or weight loss in cattle movements from remote locations. Load cells to place under a squeeze chute or an area designed to weigh several head of cattle were a significant technological advance. Pregnancy Testing Pregnancy testing is one of the most important technologies that should be adopted by cattle producers everywhere. It is one of the few technologies that hadn’t seen much change until recently. In the 1940s, pregnancy was determined by rectal palpation by hand; then in the 1980s, the use of rectal ultrasound was introduced. Rectal palpation could determine early pregnancy at
around 45 days with an experienced palpator, relative size of the fetus, length or month of gestation, and even twins. Ultrasound reduced the age at pregnancy detection to around 35 days and added the benefits of measuring fetal size accurately and sexing the fetus. Ultrasound can also be used to evaluate ovarian structures and aid in embryo transfer (ET). It does not increase pregnancy loss because of its use. In recent years, blood tests determining the presence of placental-forming hormones have been introduced, which are very accurate in heifers, as there is no placentalforming hormone circulating unless they are bred. The accuracy is less so in cows, but still very useful. The advantages are that the producer can collect whole blood in a red-top tube and either send it off unrefrigerated to be analyzed or have their veterinarian conduct the analysis if he or she has the equipment. The disadvantage of this is that it only indicates if the female is pregnant – not how long, nor does it give any indication as to why she is not bred. A follow-up visit by the veterinarian would be needed. The value of pregnancy testing declines over time; it’s one of the few technologies that do. The reason for the loss of value is that less-fertile, or open, females are culled quickly and can be replaced by more fertile females.
Breeding Soundness Examination Breeding soundness examinations (BSE) of bulls have been conducted since the early 1950s. For beef producers to get the most of the highvalue genetics of their bulls, they should be used to breed as many cows as possible. Young, fertile bulls can often breed many more cows than they are assigned; older bulls can exhibit a reduction in semen quality. Unless bulls are tested well before breeding season (60 days), their fertility level is unknown. A BSE can also detect other problems that might impair a bull’s ability to mount and breed cows successfully the first time. A BSE is not a libido test, it is a fertility test. Bulls passing a BSE should still be observed at breeding to ensure they are checking heat and breeding females. Reproductive Tract Scoring Although there is not a similar test in females, the reproductive tract scoring (RTS) of heifers prior to breeding (around 14 months) is a valuable tool. The tract is palpated through the rectum to evaluate its relative size and then assigned a score from one, meaning infertile, to five, meaning cycling. First introduced in the early 1990s, it was slow to be incorporated but is gaining acceptance. In my own experience, about 20 percent of heifers have a score of one or two, meaning underdeveloped. RTS of heifers can be improved somewhat by good nutrition, but not totally. Body Condition Scoring Completing the basic reproduction technologies is body condition scoring (BCS) to measure the fat level or condition of cows and heifers CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 50 47
48
EXPERT CONNECTION //
CONTINUED FROM PAGE47
60 days prebreeding. In the U.S., a BCS system was created in the 1960s using a simple three-point system: thin, average or fat. Cows that were average or higher in BCS had significantly greater pregnancy rates. This was later developed into a nine-point system, with one meaning emaciated and nine meaning obese, for use in the U.S. beef industry, a five-point system is used in other countries and in dairy. A cow with a BCS of four (U.S.) or two (international) has less fat cover over the last two or three ribs, and they can be easily seen. Those ribs are fully covered in a cow with a BCS of five (U.S.) or two-and-a-half (international). Usually a prebreeding BCS of five (U.S.) or two-and-ahalf (international) is recommended for cows while a BCS of six (U.S.) or three (international) is recommended for heifers. Cows in better BCS have healthier calves at birth, produce more and higher quality colostrum, and return to estrus and get rebred more quickly in the breeding season. BCS can be used in bulls to assess their level of fatness or condition. In both bulls and females, a change in BCS represents an 8-percent change in body weight between two scores. BCS score can be learned and applied by any beef producer.
Artificial Insemination Artificial insemination (AI) is not
used as much by commercial beef producers as by purebred producers, regardless of location. As a tool for genetic improvement it does require additional training, labor and cost; but when used for genetic improvement, its benefits greatly outweigh those factors. A single collection, properly packaged, transported and inseminated, can create many offspring either from AI on natural heat or with estrus synchronization at a fraction of the cost of purchasing, and possibly importing, the same genetics in a live bull. Beef producers interested in genetic improvement all over the world understand the value of AI.
Estrus Synchronization Estrus synchronization (ES)
attempts to adjust the natural estrus cycle of the cow with hormones to have a majority ovulate and express estrus, or heat, with a short period of time. Depending on the ES protocol and the type of the cattle, ES can result in an 80-percent average response rate. Most ES protocols were developed for Bos taurus cattle, and results for Bos indicus cattle can be lower due to difference in the levels of hormones, physiological size of ovaries and ova, and seasonal effects. Used with AI, most of these females can be inseminated and become pregnant within a single day, making calving easier to manage and providing a more uniform calf crop in weight and age. ES can also be used with natural service by bulls to create a shorter breeding season, but more bulls will be needed to service the larger number of cows in estrus but for a shorter period.
Embryo Transfer ET currently has the greatest potential to improve genetics world-wide at the least cost. Embryos or
50
// APRIL 2018
eggs later fertilized externally collected from superior dams and sired by genetically-superior, or desirable, bulls can be transferred into native cows or surrogate mothers where their adaptability improves the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. The resulting calves are all full-siblings if from the same sire and same dam, and on average are related by 50 percent to each other – meaning on average, they have 50 percent of the same genes. Care should be taken to collect a large sample of unrelated donor parents for ET to avoid inbreeding, which can reduce adaptability, including reproduction, growth, and resistance to parasites, to the local environment. Donor animals should have a desirable genetic background of proven genetics when selected.
Sexed Semen Sexed semen is a relatively recent technology that has had wide acceptance by producers already engaged in AI and ET. The possibility of having a single sex to increase the number of females of a desirable genotype or to produce male progeny for slaughter has been a goal for many. Although the technology is costly to access and is best used in heifers, the potential for even a 30-to-40-percent-success rate is acceptable. Actual use of sexed semen is no more difficult than using conventional or unsexed semen. Improvements in sexing technologies will increase its use worldwide. Crossbreeding It is difficult to consider that slightly
more than 50 years ago, crossbreeding was undesirable to most cattlemen. The movement, especially in the U.S., to “stamp out” or eliminate the “scrub” or indiscriminately crossbred animal to improve beef production had been highly successful. Today, the benefits of a well-designed crossbreeding system for commercial cattle producers are well known. Several breeds and production systems around the world are beneficiaries of breeders who understood the need for combining two or more breeds to fit an environment or a market. Several new breeds were created. These new breeds, many – but not all – with Bos indicus genetics, provided stable production and some level of retained hybrid vigor from the earlier cross. It is well known that crossbreeding benefits traits that are most affected by the environment including adaptability, fertility, growth, milk production, and longevity. Carcass and later-in-life traits are less affected. The breeds, and individual animals selected within those breeds, are more important than the effect of hybrid vigor overall and should be emphasized in any crossbreeding program.
Record Keeping Record keeping is often overlooked as an important technology. Knowing what was done, or happened, to a given animal or animals, and when, can be vital. Individual records are important for dayto-day operations, even in small herds. In the past, purebred registries relied on records for parentage, many currently require specific records for registration, some require records on the whole herd, including some
// EXPERT CONNECTION genetic information. Records can be kept on paper or on a computer spreadsheet, but to be useful they need to be used.
Ultrasound Ultrasound was previously mentioned in
pregnancy testing, but in beef cattle its initial use in the 1970s was in determining loin eye, or ribeye, size and fatness either in finished beef cattle for slaughter or to select breeding animals, particularly young bulls. In the early 1990s, software was developed to estimate percent intramuscular fat which was associated with USDA marbling score in the U.S. Ultrasound for carcass merit has many advantages over feeding and slaughtering progeny of selected bulls. For instance, less time and expense. Ultrasound has had wide acceptance in the purebred sectors. Some breeds have EPD-based ultrasound measures for ribeye area, fat thickness, rump fat thickness, and percent intramuscular fat.
Expected Progeny Difference EPD is not a modern technology; it evolved from a slightly older one, estimated breeding value, and has been around since the 1970s. EPD is defined as a prediction of how future progeny of an animal are expected to perform, relative to the progeny of other animals it is compared against. Most purebred breed associations, or other groups, calculate them at least annually for all animals in their registry – some monthly – and publish the results online or on paper in a summary. All EPDs have an associated accuracy (ACC). ACC is a measure of the reliability that can be placed on the EPD. ACC close to 1.0, which is possible only in animals with many progeny, indicates higher reliability. ACC is affected by the number of progeny and records of relatives included in the analysis. EPD cannot be compared directly across breeds, but there are adjustments that can be used to create across-breed EPD (AB-EPD). The accuracies of these adjustments are not known. Several breeds are using combined databases, where the performance of specific crosses is well-documented, to create EPD for their crosses. Initially, most EPDs included growth traits and one or two maternal traits. Later, carcass merit traits were added, and then many other traits followed as records were kept on calving ease, age at first calving, and even stayability. To aid breeders and buyers, the purebred associations began to combine some trait EPD into specific selection index EPD, weighted by economic importance of the traits included in the index. For example, in a maternal or cow index, calving ease would be more important and therefore have more emphasis than weaning weight. In breeds that have these indices, they have been generally widely-accepted once it is proven they accurately represent the overall performance of the animals for those combined EPD. Recently, the use of breed-specific genetic markers has been used to improve the ACC of young animals with no or few progeny as well as improve the genetic relationships of close relatives. These are called GE-EPDs. With past
EPD calculations, average genetic relationships between relatives were used. For example, half-sibs and full-sibs share, on average, 25 percent and 50 percent of their genes due to one or two parents, respectively. In reality, but rarely, the range in relationship can vary from zero-to50-percent for half-sibs and zero-to-100-percent for fullsibs. GE-EPD includes thousands of genetic markers to identify a much closer relationship than that average and will increase the ACC as a result.
Genomic
Tests Although in use before GE-EPDs, genomic tests for genetic markers – either actual genes or pieces of DNA on a chromosome inherited with the gene of interest – have been available commercially since the 1990s. Some of these have been incorporated into GEEPDs, and some purebred breed associations offer them singly or in packages along with several commercial companies conducting the tests. Some genetic markers have been shown to have large effects, others less, and few traits of interest are affected by a single gene, except for the deleterious or lethal recessives and polledness or black hair coat color. Most of the validation of the tests were conducted in Bos taurus breeds, and research has indicated that some are not well represented in the Bos indicus breeds.
Whole Genome Sequencing Whole genome sequencing
(WGS), the process of identifying the exact sequence or order of an animal’s DNA on every chromosome, offers great promise for discovering genes that affect the animal throughout its life. Most genes have more than one variant, so dozens of animals need to be sequenced so that every possible genetic variant will be known. This will take time. Even though the human genome map was first completed in 2003 (begun in 1990) and the cattle genome – a Hereford cow – completed in 2009 (Holstein was sequenced in 2018), they represent a small fraction of all the animals and their gene frequencies in their respective populations. WGS offers an exciting insight to all the genetic effects on reproductive, growth and nutritional health in beef cattle production.
SUMMARY
There are many technologies available to beef producers, some require very little training or expertise to yield significant economic returns. Of the 16 reviewed here, most are available to any producer in the world. The application of them will depend on the profitability of their use. Joe Paschal, PhD. has been the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension livestock specialist for South Texas and the Gulf Coast Regions since 1988. He works with county agents and purebred and commercial producers, feeders and processors within the beef cattle industry to provide practical information to improve production efficiency and profitability.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
51
SHOW RESULTS // INTERNATIONAL SHOWS AT HLSR
INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS SHOWS AT HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO INTERNATIONAL BULL SHOW
Grand Champion Bull DDD DOZER 804D8 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Poteet, Texas
Grand Champion Bull SJCC TRIO’s CEO 175C5 TRIO Cattle & Genetics Dallas, Texas
Grand Champion Bull MC LOW RIDER 101D2 Traci Middleton Puryear, Tennessee 52
// APRIL 2018
TM
INTERNATIONAL SHOWS AT HLSR // SHOW RESULTS
INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS SHOWS AT HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO
TM
INTERNATIONAL BULL SHOW
Reserve Grand Champion Bull SANKEYS SPECIAL OP 108E Chris Sankey Council Grove, Kansas
Reserve Grand Champion Bull DOS XX’s PRIME TIME’s T-N-T Dos XX’s Cattle Company Washington, Texas
Reserve Grand Champion Bull BROKEN A 116E1 Broken A Ranch Madisonville, Texas 53
SHOW RESULTS // INTERNATIONAL SHOWS AT HLSR
INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS SHOWS AT HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO
TM
INTERNATIONAL FEMALE SHOW
Grand Champion Heifer KK MISS RELENTLESS 157E Diamond K Ranch Hempstead, Texas
Grand Champion Heifer CT SOMETHING SPECIAL 698E TaylorMade Cattle Company Lakeland, Florida 54
// APRIL 2018
Grand Champion Heifer MCC ELLIE MAY 72E Maxwell Cattle Co. Dallas, Texas
INTERNATIONAL SHOWS AT HLSR // SHOW RESULTS
INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS SHOWS AT HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO
TM
INTERNATIONAL FEMALE SHOW
Reserve Grand Champion Heifer KM JASMINE 302C Triple Crown Ranch Angleton, Texas
Reserve Grand Champion Heifer MS MARIA CLARA MBJ-FAGAN004U-ET GKB Cattle Waxahachie, Texas
Reserve Grand Champion Heifer DDD EVANGELINE 4D4 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Poteet, Texas 55
SHOW RESULTS // INTERNATIONAL SHOWS AT HLSR
INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS SHOWS AT HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO
TM
DIVISION RESULTS
BRANGUS RESULTS Junior Heifer Calf Champion KK MISS RELENTLESS 157E Diamond K Ranch Hempstead, Texas Reserve Junior Heifer Calf Champion TCR DREAMGIRL 222E1 Triple Crown Ranch Angleton, Texas Senior Heifer Calf Champion MISS JLS MIA 767D12 KO’s Cattle Services Waxahachie, Texas Reserve Senior Heifer Calf Champion DDD FOR THE GLORY 150D11 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Poteet, Texas Summer Champion Heifer IH MS SIDNEY 81D3 KO’s Cattle Service Waxahachie, Texas Reserve Summer Champion Heifer CHAMP MS SWEET T 804D3 Blayze Saltzman Lake Charles, Louisiana Yearling Champion Heifer JCC MISS RUBY LEE 209D Pack Ponderosa Boyd, Texas Reserve Yearling Champion Heifer DDD MISS MIA 488D Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Poteet, Texas
56
// APRIL 2018
Senior Champion Heifer KM JASMINE 302C Triple Crown Ranch Angleton, Texas
Summer Champion Bull PP PRINCE ROY Pack Ponderosa Boyd, Texas
Reserve Senior Champion Heifer GKB KATHY KAY 149C3 GKB Cattle Waxahachie, Texas
Reserve Summer Champion Bull MC THUNDER 101D Traci Middleton Puryear, Tennessee
Grand Champion Cow/Calf 2H BELLES AND WHISTLES 50C Two Hearts Brangus Seguin, Texas
Yearling Champion Bull DDD DOZER 804D8 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Poteet, Texas
Reserve Grand Champion Cow/Calf TCR BELLE OF THE CALL 302A Triple Crown Ranch Angleton, Texas
Reserve Yearling Champion Bull MR TF RYAN 72D Taylor Faul Rayne, Louisiana
Junior Bull Calf Champion SANKEYS SPECIAL OP 108E Chris Sankey Council Grove, Kansas
Senior Champion Bull MR L FULL THROTTLE 157C5 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Poteet, Texas
Reserve Junior Bull Calf Champion DDD TANK 468E Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Poteet, Texas
Reserve Senior Champion Bull CHAMP MR MAD MAXX 804C Gary Adamek Schulenburg, Texas
Senior Bull Calf Champion DDD FINAL SOURCE 38D21 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Poteet, Texas
RED BRANGUS RESULTS
Reserve Senior Bull Calf Champion DIAMOND K’S YOUNG GUN 157D17 Diamond K Ranch Hempstead, Texas
Junior Heifer Calf Champion MCC ELLIE MAY 72E Maxwell Cattle Co. Dallas, Texas Reserve Junior Heifer Calf Champion TJR MS SHOWSTOPPER 504/E5-ET Clark Cattle Services Friendswood, Texas
INTERNATIONAL SHOWS AT HLSR // SHOW RESULTS
INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS SHOWS AT HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO
TM
DIVISION RESULTS
Senior Heifer Calf Champion DOS XX’s MOLLY’S DARLING Dos XX’s Cattle Company Washington, Texas
Reserve Grand Champion Cow/Calf MARVEL’S KISSIMMEE 513 ET Marvel Farms High Springs, Florida
Reserve Yearling Champion Bull BUFFALOE’s BANDITO 181D Buffaloe Cattle Victoria, Texas
Summer Champion Heifer BROKEN A MISS 14D Broken A Ranch Madisonville, Texas
Junior Bull Calf Champion TJR CLASSIC EMPIRE 504/E6-ET Clark Cattle Services Friendswood, Texas
Senior Champion Bull SJCC TRIO’s CEO 175C5 TRIO Cattle & Genetics Dallas, Texas
Reserve Summer Champion Heifer MISS JLS NICOLE 334D3 GKB Cattle Waxahachie, Texas
Reserve Junior Bull Calf Champion DOS XX’s MR BODACIOUS Dos XX’s Cattle Company Washington, Texas
Reserve Senior Champion Bull DOS XX’s PRIME TIME’s T-N-T Dos XX’s Cattle Company Washington, Texas
Yearling Champion Heifer
ULTRA RESULTS
GKB Cattle Waxahachie, Texas
Senior Bull Calf Champion EE MR HOMBRE OUTLAW 124/D Double E Show Cattle Hockley, Texas
Reserve Yearling Champion Heifer CX MS PROMISE KEEPER 177/D Cox Excalibur Brangus Katy, Texas
Reserve Senior Bull Calf Champion MBJ DAX APACHE 59D MBJ Ranch Wharton, Texas
Senior Champion Heifer MISS JLS 23T 826C5-ET Shelbie Van Beveren Victoria, Texas
Summer Champion Bull 5M DOUBLE BARREL 214D 5M Cattle Co. Dallas, Texas
Reserve Senior Champion Heifer RB AMBER 85/C1 Shelbie Van Beveren Victoria, Texas
Reserve Summer Champion Bull CX DREAM FOREVER 204/D Cox Excalibur Brangus Katy, Texas
Grand Champion Cow/Calf OB MS CRISTAL 204C2 Red Bud Farms & MBJ Ranch Dallas, Texas
Yearling Champion Bull TX HOME RUN 76/D Tanecka Ranch Columbus, Texas
MS MARIA CLARA MBJ-FAGAN004U-ET
Junior Heifer Calf Champion CT SOMETHING SPECIAL 698E TaylorMade Cattle Company Lakeland, Florida Reserve Junior Heifer Calf Champion MISS BROKEN A 841E31 Broken A Ranch Madisonville, Texas Yearling Champion Heifer DDD EVANGELINE 4D4 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Poteet, Texas Junior Bull Calf Champion BROKEN A 116E1 Broken A Ranch Madisonville, Texas Summer Champion Bull MC LOW RIDER 101D2 Traci Middleton Puryear, Tennessee
57
JUNIOR CONNECTION // JURNEY CRIM
JUNIOR MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
J URNEY CRIM
by IBBA Communications Coordinator Peyton Waldrip
Twelve-year-old Jurney Crim is a member of the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA). She exhibits Brangus cattle and participates in junior Brangus activities. Jurney attends First Christian Academy in her hometown of Alachua, Florida. She says her future educational goals are to go to college and play volleyball in college. Following graduation, she says she would like to be a specialist in DNA and forensics sciences or a volleyball coach.
58
// APRIL 2018
Her involvement in Brangus began in 2014, when she was nine years old and in the fourth grade. In 2015, she joined IJBBA, but her family’s history in the Brangus association was nowhere near its beginning. Jurney’s grandfather Russell “Tommy” Taylor has been a member for about 27 years. “My grandfather has been involved with the Brangus breed since 1988,” she explains. “He purchased his first heifer for my mother to show when
// JUNIOR CONNECTION
she was about 10 years old. He has also been on the board of directors for [the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA)] and Southeast Brangus Breeders [Association]. Our farm currently has about 300 head breeding-age females. His focus is raising Brangus bulls for the commercial cattlemen.” “I am a new participant in our family’s cattle farm,” Jurney says. “My immediate family lived out of state for several years; therefore, I was unable to start showing Brangus until we returned to Florida in 2014.” Vicki Hayford of Hayford Brangus in Bonifay, Florida, says Jurney first showed at the Southeast Junior Regional Brangus Show in 2015. “She was scared to death of her heifer; you could see it on her face, but she made it through the show after being run over by a heifer outside the ring. She was nine years old then, but she has made such a great showman winning second place this year at the 2017 show.” “She also likes to compete in the Costume Contest with some very unusual digs for herself and her calf,” says Hayford. “Her best was when she was Si and her calf was Willie from the show Duck Dynasty. I can still see her in that costume.”
59
JUNIOR CONNECTION //
She says her favorite memory is when she went to the Legacy Camp for a week with her cousins. “We had a lot of fun.” Jurney says her advice to her peers for when it comes to showing and participation in IJBBA is to have fun. She also says it doesn’t hurt to always smile at the judge in showmanship, too. “Jurney is very quiet,” admits Hayford, “but [she’s] always a hard worker – tending her cattle and helping others. Every year we see her improve and grow. It paid off this year [when she won] Reserve Champion Bull and Grand Cow Calf. That put quite a smile on her face!” 60
// APRIL 2018
“I was extremely impressed with Jurney and the group of juniors from Alachua County with their fundraising ideas to help financially support their trips to the National Junior Brangus Show,” says Past-IJBBA President Quinn Carter of Rafter Double C Brangus. “They sold donuts, BBQ chicken dinners, and sold tickets for a heifer to be raffled off. I see so much potential in her. In time, I see her growing in the ag industry and carrying on the family legacy of Little Creek Farms.”
61
AFFILIATE CONNECTION // IBA
Left to rig ht Tina Gardn : Mary Beth Farris, Sami Roo er pictured p, and Brangus C in IBA’s booth at th e ongress Tr ade Show World (above).
IBA REFLECTIONS by IBA President Sami Roop While working at the International Brangus Auxiliary (IBA) booth at the World Brangus Congress (WBC) in Houston, I took time to look through some of our scrapbooks. They go all the way back to the very first meeting of the IBA in 1977. It was amazing to me how so many things are the same today as they were in 1977. Bylaws have been updated over the years, but we still have the two designated meetings per year – spring in conjunction with the Brangus Summit, and summer in conjunction with the Futurity and National Junior Brangus Show (NJBS). Luckily, we were able to squeeze in our spring meeting during WBC – even if we had to do it at 7:30 in the morning! We talked fast, and we made great plans for our summer meeting this year in Hutchinson, Kansas. IBA is still a major supporter of the junior exhibitors with our scholarship program. We have
revised the application process by changing the deadline to April 1, and we made the application available online. We still sponsor the NJBS illustration contest and junior exhibitor art on the notecards we sell.
IBA NOW
We have now added so many new items available for purchase in the IBA booth. Yes, we do have an official booth now, thanks to Tina Gardner! These items promote the Brangus breed in so many ways. This year we have made a few changes in the NJBS Illustration Contest to allow contest entrants to use not just pencil for their illustration, but all other mediums as well. The contest was updated to allow more creativity among the juniors. Last year, we held a pancake breakfast on Friday at NJBS for all junior exhibitors and their families.
The breakfast was so successful, IBA will do it again this year in Hutchinson. We are currently planning a few other fun things that we are hopeful to pull off at the NJBS. More news on this later. But, most of all, through the many years of IBA, I noticed the friendships and camaraderie that have continued over the years. I know I truly value the friends I have made through IBA, and I look forward to making new friends at each meeting or event. We look forward to seeing you in Hutchinson. Come join us, and make some new Brangus friends!
Mary Beth Farris working in the IBA booth at WBC.
62
// APRIL 2018
63
01 8 2
Free
Land of the Home of the
Brangus National Junior Brangus Show Hutchinson, Kansas
July 1-7, 2018
Kansas State Fairgrounds
64
Make plans now to celebrate the 4th with us in Hutch
Accommodations Host Hotel
AtrIum Hotel & ConferenCe Center (620) 669-9311 1400 North Lorraine Street, Hutchinson, KS $72 Double Queen Block cut-off date: June 15th Comfort Inn & Suites (620) 669-5200 1601 Super Plaza Dr., Hutchinson, KS $99.99 Double Queen or King Block Cut-Off: June 15th
Hampton Inn (620) 665-9800 1401 1/2 E. 11th St., Hutchinson, KS $109.95 Double Queen or King Block Cut-Off: June 15th
Days Inn (620) 663-5700 1420 N. Lorraine, Hutchinson, KS $79.95 Double Queen; $69.95 King; $89.95 Suites Block Cut-Off: June 8th
Fairfield Inn & Suites (620) 259-8787 1111 N. Lorraine, Hutchinson, KS $109 Double Queen or King Block Cut-Off: May 30th Holiday Inn express (620) 259-8656 911 Porter St., Hutchinson, KS $109 Double Queen or King Block Cut-Off: May 30th
Room blocks available under
“national Junior Brangus Show”
We are extremely excited to be bringing NJBS to this one-of-a-kind facility located just 45 minutes off of I-35! There will be fireworks, cookouts, car races and so much more Brangus Family Fun!!!! Plus, Hutchinson, Kansas is home to the Cosmosphere and Strataca, two must see places. So make plans now to spend the 4th of July Holiday with your Brangus family in Hutch!
Follow IJBBA on Facebook for the most current information including schedule, important dates and entry information!
65
AFFILIATE CONNECTION // IJBBA
THANK YOU With spring calving season underway, spring junior livestock shows over, high school graduation just around the corner, and the National Junior Brangus Show (NJBS) coming on fast, I would like to take a minute to thank my parents, family, National FFA Organization advisors, and all other advisors and directors of the junior cattleman organizations, including Tyler and Jessica Dean. Without the amazing people working behind the scenes, many of the opportunities that I, and many others like me, have had would not be possible. Being a junior cattleman and Oklahoma Brangus breeder is my life – from breeding and calving to the show ring and everything in between. Many young people do not have the support or opportunities that I, and my fellow International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA) members, have. I would also like to thank the people responsible for managing, organizing, sponsoring and working the fairs, junior livestock shows, and junior cattlemen’s leadership events. These events take a lot of planning, organization and patience from the people responsible for hosting them. The fair staff, members and volunteers provide my fellow junior beef exhibitors numerous days of awesome experiences in the beef barns at locations like the Oklahoma Youth Expo, the Tulsa State Fair, the Texas Junior Majors, and many others nationwide. Likewise, the Oklahoma State Fair staff and volunteers, along with the International Brangus Breeders Association staff and IJBBA board of directors, always provide a great show experience at the Western National, in conjunction with the State Fair of Oklahoma. Without the great partnerships and sponsors, none of these events would 66
// APRIL 2018
be possible. Thanks to everyone who plays a role in any of these great events across the nation! Last summer at the NJBS in Texarkana, Arkansas, I was chosen to serve on the IJBBA board of directors. However, my story of success started in 2016, when I tried and failed to make it onto the board. After that experience, I did not want to run again for fear of failure. Thanks to my mom and dad, who told me if I did not apply again I would regret it for the rest of my life, here I am today – a member of the prestigious IJBBA board of directors. Wow, what a great thing and opportunity to have! It has been a blast, and I have grown in ways that I never would have imagined. My fellow board members are now my second family. I love spending time with them working and having fun. I enjoy going to Brangus sales and other events representing the Brangus breed and the IJBBA board. Serving as a director has given me the opportunity to get to know more people in the Brangus breed. You see some of the same people at the sales that you see at shows, but the atmosphere is so different. It’s always great to see another side of the people you know competing in the show ring. Thank you to the IJBBA board and advisors for allowing me the opportunity to join your family. I look forward to working with all of you at the NJBS in Hutchinson, Kansas, this summer. As a senior in high school and Oklahoma FFA member, I have started the year of the “last time.” The 2018 Stillwater Local Show, Payne County Junior Livestock Show, and Oklahoma Youth Expo were my last as a junior exhibitor. This fall will be my last Oklahoma and Tulsa State Fairs as a junior exhibitor. Caring for and grooming my show cattle,
by IJBBA Director Jacob Jones
traveling to jackpots, and county and state shows have been a big part of my life for the past 10 years. It has taught me responsibility and helped me mature into the person I am today. What’s next? My career options and future will be in the agriculture industry. Many of my fellow class members are involved in athletics and other extracurricular activities. Very few of them will have the opportunity to advance to the collegiate or pro level in their sport or other activity. However, those of us that have chosen to be active in 4H, FFA, IJBBA, and other youth agricultural organizations will have the opportunity to build on our education and exposure to agriculture and the beef industry in college and in our choice of careers. We all have the opportunity to go pro in the agriculture industry! For me, I plan to continue being an Oklahoma Brangus breeder and serving on both the Oklahoma Junior Cattleman’s Association and the IJBBA board of directors while attending college. I am proud to be an American, an Oklahoman and a Brangus breeder. Thank you to all that make it possible for me and other youth to be involved in the Brangus cattle industry. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jacob Jones continues Oklahoma’s long-running streak of representation on the IJBBA board of directors. In his senior year at Stillwater High School, Jones has been very active in his FFA chapter, Boy Scouts, the Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen’s Association, the Oklahoma Club Calf Association, the Oklahoma Junior Brangus Breeders Association, and the IJBBA. He recently completed all requirements to receive the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts and a solid attribute to Jones’s desire to excel in all he does. Jones brings a unique perspective to the IJBBA board as NJBS ranks as a favorite, because it’s not only about showing cattle. He looks forward to being a director and having an impact on the planning and execution of NJBS activities and events.
67
u o Y k n a h T To the 2018 IJBBA
Legacy
Female Buyer Group
42,500!
$ 68
rbf EVITA 175e7 February 20, 2017 RR10362090 offered by: Red Bud Farms
Red Bud Farms
2018 IJBBA Legacy Female Buyer Group Participants 1 Cup Ranch 2 Hearts Brangus 3B Ranch 4L Farm 5K Cowbelle Ranch A2K Cattle Alford Cattle Company Annie Viator Baker Cattle Company Bar J Ranch Bar JR Farms Belt Brangus Blackwater Cattle Company Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranches Broken A Ranch Broken Bar Brull Brangus Brushley Creek Cattle Caitlynn Smart Calyx Star Ranch Cavender Ranch Champions Valley Brangus Chimney Rock Circle Lee Farms Circle X Land & Cattle Cow Creek Ranch Cox Excalibur Brangus Crimson Springs Cross F Cattle Cross N Farms D Bar D Brangus Dean Designs Diamond K Ranch Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Dos XX’s Cattle Company Double W Ranch
Dr. Moore Draggin’ M Ranch DS Farms E3 Ranch Farris Ranching Company Faul Cattle Foster Lanie Gamble Cattle Genesis Ranch GKB Cattle Greuel Family Brangus Grigg Farms Harris Brangus Hengst Brother Brangus Hussy Cattle Company J Hardy Jackson Family Brangus Jax Lee John McKnight K & L Brangus KALM Cattle Company Kayden Mascheck Kent Stewart Kholee Potts L Ray Ranch Lakeside Brangus Marvel Farms Maxwell Cattle Company McDonald Ranches Michael Pritchard Midsouth Cattle Company Mill Creek Land & Cattle M-M Brangus Monte Williams MP Brangus Murry Farms
Neel Cattle Company NeoGen Oak Creek Farms Octavio Cavazos OvaGenix Pershall Cattle Company Pumpjack Cattle Company River Bend Ranch Robb’s Brangus Rocking 3P Ranch Roop Cattle Company Ryan Cummins S&S Cattle Salacoa Valley Farms SC Cattle Southern Jewel Cattle Company Southern Livestock Standard Steve Roop Stofa Rosa Ranch T. Dean Cattle Company T3 Ranch Tanecka Ranch Telpara Hills The Janish Family Three Sisters Cattle Company Thunder Bird Ranches TMAC Farms Town Creek Farms Trademark Genetics Trio Cattle & Genetics Triple Crown Ranch Triple JR Cattle Company Twin Spires Farm Wolf Point Ranch Wymann Creek Cattle
Thank you to all the ranches, breeders, and businesses that participated in the 2018 IJBBA Legacy Female Buyer Group. By joining forces, this group was able to purchase this year’s Legacy Female for $42,500! Your investment in the future of our breed and the junior association is greatly appreciated. Congratulations to Wymann Creek Cattle for winning this amazing female! A very special thank you goes to Red Bud Farms, the Walker family, for their continued dedication to the junior association and their donation of the 2018 IJBBA Legacy Female, RBF Evita 175E7.
The IJBBA Board of Directors
SALE SUMMARIES //
GENETIX CATTLE PLUS RANGE READY PLUS BRANGUS AND ULTRABLACK BULLS
FEB. 24 – NAVASOTA, TEXAS
submitted by Mark Cowan, American Marketing Services
Genetix Cattle Plus Bull Sale Snappy 94 Brangus® and Ultrablack® Bulls grossed $322,300 to average $3,429 An excellent crowd of Brangus and Ultrablack bull buyers were on hand at Navasota Livestock, Navasota, Texas, for the third Genetix Cattle Plus Bull Sale on Feb. 24. Sixty-five registered repeat customers and new buyers from four states absorbed the nearly 100-head offering at a snappy pace throughout the day. The day’s top-selling lot was MB MILLHOUSE 000D12, at $6,000. He is an easy-fleshing, big-topped Millhouse son who posts seven EPD traits in the breed’s top 25 percent or greater. He was bred by Miller Brangus and sold to J&J Cattle Co, Snook, Texas.
J&J Cattle continued their quest for the top bulls when they paid $5,500 for Lot 2, GL HIGH CHOICE 541D87 a bull from Gunsmoke and Lazy MM Bar. He is a High Choice son out of the great 541Y61 donor and posts six EPD traits ranking in the breed’s top 30 percent or greater. Leland Sutton, Anderson, Texas, purchased the day’s third high seller when he paid $5,250 to own Lot 9, COLD CREEK GRANITE 782D. This calving ease specialist records eight EPD traits ranking in the breed’s top 20 percent or greater. Five bulls sold for $5,000, and 26 bulls sold for $4,000 of greater.
HUNT’S H+ BRANGUS PROFESSIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BULL AND FEMALE SALE
FEB. 24 – CALHOUN, GEORGIA
submitted by Jamey Hunt
Hunt’s H+ Brangus® would like to thank all our family and farm friends for your support of the Hunt’s Brangus Bull and Female Sale. We had a great day with heavy interest shown by the 55 registered bidders from seven states. The high-selling lot was Lot 2, CATAWBA D122, a TCB CATAWBA WARRIOR R532 son, purchased by the Southern Cattle Company of Marianna, Florida, for $8,500. The second highest bulls were Lot 45, H+ FINAL CUT D026, a CB FINAL CUT 924X son purchased by Teague Farms of Siler City, North Carolina, for $5,250 and Lot 5, MOHICAN D134, a TCB CATAWBA WARRIOR R532 son purchased by Hibberts Brangus of Calhoun, Georgia, for $5,250. All sales listed are actual sales with all listed bulls selling between $8,500 and $2,500. A total of 30 bull lots sold for an average of $3,417. The heifer offering was topped by Lot 56, H+ APACHE LADY D041, a MC ABRAMS 468T22 grand-daughter artifically-inseminated-safe to Hunt’s H+ Brangus’s resident herd sire, MC SOMETHING SPECIAL 889Y2. This beautiful heifer brought $3,100, and she will reside at Burton Family Farms in Westminster, South Carolina. The heifer lots averaged $2,227 on 15 heifers sold.
IJBBA LEGACY HEIFER MARCH 1 – HOUSTON, TEXAS
Bulls grossed $102,500 on 30 lots. Heifers grossed $33,400 on 15 lots. Total sales grossed $135,900 on 45 lots for a $3,020 average. Thank you to our sale-day staff, cooperators, and to our auctioneer, Andrew Conley, for contributing to the great success of this sale. Additional thanks goes to our International Brangus Breeders Association, Southeast Brangus Breeders Association, and Red Carpet Cattlemen friends, who were present to show support on sale day. Hunt’s Brangus donated one percent of gross sales to the Trent Thomason Memorial Agriculture Scholarship Fund in memory of our neighbor, cattleman and friend, Trent Thomason. $1,360 was donated to the fund, which will be given in scholarships to those seeking higher education in the field of agriculture. To learn more about Hunt’s H+ Brangus operation, visit www.huntsbrangus.com.
submitted by Mark Cowan, American Marketing Services The International Junior Brangus Breeders Association’s Legacy Female, RBF EVITA 175E7, an outstanding Red Brangus open heifer donated by Red Bud Farms, Ben Lemond, Arkansas, sold for $42,500 to a consortium of Brangus breeders at the Genetic Edge XXIII Sale in Houston, Texas. For a full list of buyers, see page 69. The IJBBA board pictured at the World Brangus Congress Gala Event on March 3.
RBF EVITA 175E7
70
// APRIL 2018
// SALE SUMMARIES
GENETIC EDGE XXIII SALE MARCH 1 – HOUSTON, TEXAS
submitted by Mark Cowan, American Marketing Services
Elite Cattle in Genetic Edge Sale Attract Standing-Room-Only Crowd 3 Brangus® Donors grossed $93,000 to average $31,000 1 Brangus Spring Pair grossed $15,000 to average $15,000 2 Brangus Pick-of-the-Calf-Crop Lots grossed $33,000 to average $16,500 14 Brangus Open Heifers grossed $ 167,000 to average $11,929 19 Brangus Embryo and Flush Lots grossed $171,950 to average $9,397 1 Brangus Bred Heifer grossed $4,000 to average $4,000 1 Brangus Semen Lot grossed $42,750 to average $42,750 2 Brangus Bulls grossed $23,000 to average $11,500 1 Lot of Show Champions semen/flushes/embryos grossed $44,400 to average $44,400 44 Total Brangus Lots Grossed $600,700 to average $13,652 A standing-room-only crowd packed in to NRG Center for the Brangus breed’s premier sale, The Genetic Edge, held annually in conjunction with the International Brangus Breeders International Show in Houston, Texas. The sale drew widespread interest and torrid bidding from the crowd gathered to take part and witness the auction of elite genetics from the nation’s top Brangus herds. The afternoon’s top-selling lot at $42,750 was Lot 43, 100 units of semen out of TJM THREE D 302A, consigned by Schmidt Farms, Sims, Texas; Cavender Ranches, Jacksonville, Texas; and TJ Moore, Laredo, Texas. Lot 3, RBM MS JETHRO 924W5, was the high-selling donor in the offering at $37,000. She sold to Bushley Creek Cattle Co., Olla, Louisiana, and was consigned by Draggin M Ranch, El Dorado, Arkansas.
Kindred Ranch, Brookshire, Texas, purchased the day’s second high-selling donor when they paid $31,000 to own Lot 4, MS SALACOA PATTON 541Z4, consigned by Salacoa Valley Farms, Fairmont, Georgia. Triple T Brangus Farms, Fayette, Alabama, purchased the high-selling open heifer, when they gave $33,000 to own Lot 16, MS MAJESTIK LEGACY 803E4, consigned by Lake Majestik Farms, Flat Rock, Alabama. Triple T Brangus Farms also bought the second high-selling open heifer paying $30,000 to own Lot 12, MS DMR FOUNDATION 30E5, consigned by Draggin M Ranch. The day’s high-selling flush fetched $18,000 as La Trinidad, Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico, paid the bid price for Lot 7, the right to flush any donor in the powerful Cox Excalibur Brangus herd from Weimar, Texas. The Genetic Edge high-selling bull was Lot 45, SANKEY’S SPECIAL OP 108E, the International Reserve Champion Bull, consigned by Sankey’s 6N Ranch, Council Grove, Kansas. Genex Cooperative, Shawano, Wisconsin, paid $16,000 to own him.
DO YOU HAVE SALE RESULTS TO REPORT? Sale managers may submit a half-page (7.5 x 4.5 inches) of content to be published in the Brangus Journal for each sale. Content should be no more than 400 words, photos, or some combination of text and photos. To purchase additional space, contact IBBA Advertising Sales Manager Melanie Fuller by phone (979-255-3343) or email (mfuller@gobrangus.com). Submit sale summary content to BPI Publications Editor Peyton Waldrip. She may be contacted by phone (830-708-3195) or email (pwaldrip@gobrangus.com).
don’t miss a minute! For a complete, up-to-date list of sale summaries, visit our website. Find the latest information at gobrangus.com/sale-summaries.
71
DO YOU KNOW THE BENEFITS OF AN
IBBA Membership? Junior Programs (Junior Membership) Association Business Voting Rights Select Hotel Discounts Chute Side App for Handheld Mobile Devices Performance Data Collection Using THR National Cattle Evaluation – EPDs for 11 Traits Genomic-Enhanced EPDs Performance Trait Leaders Breed Averages DNA Data Processing Analysis and Storage Animal (EPD) and Member Search Tools Breed Improvement Research through IBBF Educational Webinars Brangus-Specific Commercial Heifer Selection DNA Chip (GeneSeek)
Registration Privileges Hybrid Registration Ownership Transfers Online Herd Management Software Documented Pedigrees Monthly Genetic Evaluation Summit Animal Lists Eligibility Performance Leader Award Eligibility DNA Parentage Verification Marketing & Advertising Opportunities Membership Networking Brangus Publications Subscription eNewsletter Subscription
...and more !!
IBBA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION DATE: ____________________________
SENIOR MEMBERSHIP
JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP (UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE)
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
MEMBER NAME: _______________________________________________________________________________________ RANCH NAME: _________________________________________________________________________________________ PRIMARY MAILING ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE: _________________________________________________________________________________ PHYSICAL RANCH ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE: _________________________________________________________________________________ HOME PHONE: ____________________________________ WORK PHONE: ______________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: ___________________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH (JUNIORS): _____/_____/_______ PARENTS’ MEMBERSHIP NO. (JUNIORS): _______________________ Application is hereby made for membership to be issued in the name given above. I agree to be bound by and abide by the rules, regulations, constitution and by-laws of the association as amended from time to time and to keep a written memorandum of breeding and exact birth dates of my (our) Brangus cattle. Further, that I (we) will furnish promptly any information concerning same at any time requested to do so by the association. Eligible cattle owned at present are ______ (bulls over 36 months of age) and ______ (females over 24 months of age). FEES ---- Senior Membership: Jan-Dec $125, Apr-Dec $100, Jul-Dec $75, Oct-Dec $50 (Senior Renewal Dues received after Dec. 31 will be $145.)
Junior Membership: $25 annually Associate Membership: $35 annually PAYMENT INFORMATION (Indicate Method of Payment) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CREDIT CARD (BELOW)
ENCLOSED CHECK
ENCLOSED CASH
CARD TYPE (VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS): _________________________________ CARD NUMBER: _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ EXP DATE: _____ _____ / _____ _____
SECURITY CODE: _____ _____ _____ _____
CARDHOLDER’S NAME: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ BILLING ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
72
AUTHORIZE TRANSACTION (SIGNATURE): ________________________________________________________ DATE: ____________________________ INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION, P.O. BOX 809, ADKINS, TX 78101 | INFO@GOBRANGUS.COM | FAX: 210-696-8718
// NEW MEMBERS
WELCOME!
NEW MEMBERS
ADAM POTTS – Wichita Falls, Texas BRYAN POPE – Stoney Point, North Carolina DON LISKA – Beeville, Texas DRU PRISOCK AND MCKENNA PRISOCK – Sturgis, Mississippi FAYSAL ABHEM RODRIGUEZ VALENZUELA – Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico FENCO FARMS – Floral City, Florida GARY AND MARY LUTTRELL – Windyville, Missouri JAMES M. KING – Calhoun, Georgia JOHN O. LYNN, JR. – Blackshear, Georgia KRISTEN LUCE – Cat Spring, Texas KURT TRAMMELL – Gonzales, Texas LANEY AND JUNE RONGEY – Hallettsville, Texas LEROY ROOKS – Groveland, Florida MARTIN GILL – Cypress, Texas MICHELLE HIGDON – Central, South Carolina NATHAN JOSEPH BUCEK – Yoakum, Texas PAUL SORENSEN – New Ulm, Texas PETE AND VICKY WESTMORELAND – Bryant, Alabama RALPH REAL – St. Hedwig, Texas ROBERT PRITCHETT – Highlands, Texas SUSIE THOMAS – Forreston, Texas WAYNE AND TOY HUNTER – La Mesa, New Mexico
73
SERVICE DIRECTORY //
Col. Luke Mobley Auctioneer Livestock Marketing 205.270.0999 | www.LukeMobley.com
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS OR OPERATION To learn more about the advertising opportunties offered by Brangus Publications, contact the IBBA today.
MELANIE FULLER: (979) 255-3343
mfuller@gobrangus.com
ADD VALUE TO YOUR HERD. Brangus Built is the tag that works for you.
IBBA | 210-696-8231 | GoBrangus.com 74
// APRIL 2018
// STATE DIRECTORY
FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU ALABAMA
ALABAMA
ALABAMA
GALLOWAY BRANGUS BRANGUS SINCE 1978
LARRY
cell 256-603-1945 gallowaybrangus@comcast.net
LANCE
cell 256-924-5571 gallowaybrangus@gmail.com
Farm located at Gallant, AL 35972
ALABAMA
ALABAMA
ALABAMA
Michael Candler, President 386-208-3881 ALABAMA
ARIZONA
ARIZONA
ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS
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, contact Melanie Fuller via phone (979-255-3343) or email (mfuller@gobrangus.com).
75
STATE DIRECTORY //
FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU CALIFORNIA
FLORIDA
FLORIDA
FLORIDA
FLORIDA
FLORIDA
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
GEORGIA
HOME OF OAKS MANNING 30T 541Z71 GEORGIA
GEORGIA
GEORGIA
GEORGIA
GEORGIA
KANSAS
To place your ad in the State Directory, contact Melanie Fuller via phone (979-255-3343) or email (mfuller@gobrangus.com).
76
// APRIL 2018
// STATE DIRECTORY
gobrangus.com/breeder-search/ LOUISIANA
LOUISIANA
LOUISIANA
MISSISSIPPI
MISSISSIPPI
MISSISSIPPI
MISSOURI
MISSOURI
NEW MEXICO
NEW MEXICO
NEW MEXICO
NORTH CAROLINA
OKLAHOMA
OKLAHOMA
OKLAHOMA
To place your ad in the State Directory, contact Melanie Fuller via phone (979-255-3343) or email (mfuller@gobrangus.com).
77
STATE DIRECTORY //
FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU OKLAHOMA
OKLAHOMA
TENNESSEE TRAIT LEADERS AND
MONEY MAKERS
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
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
931-722-0244 bart@millerbrangus.com
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, contact Melanie Fuller via phone (979-255-3343) or email (mfuller@gobrangus.com).
78
// APRIL 2018
// STATE DIRECTORY
gobrangus.com/breeder-search/ TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
JLS International, Inc. Where winning tradition and performance collide Brangus bulls and heifers available year-round at private treaty.
Registered Red Brangus & Ultrareds show heifers, herd sires, and replacements available
www.jlsbrangus.com
Megan (713) 492-6158 John (281) 740-0572 greenwoodcattleco@yahoo.com
Jeff Smith, Owner Myron Saathoff myronsaathoff@yahoo.com
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
251-947-5688 210-218-4804
MIKE SHELTON C: 713.560.8333 Colita Loop, Colita, TX 77351 www.brangusprofit.com Registered Brangus and Ultrablack Cattle
TEXAS
TEXAS MikeShelton-DirectoryCard.indd 1
TEXAS
TEXAS 10/19/17 7:32 AM
TEXAS
TEXAS
To place your ad in the State Directory, contact Melanie Fuller via phone (979-255-3343) or email (mfuller@gobrangus.com).
79
STATE DIRECTORY //
FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU TEXAS
TEXAS
TEXAS
CALENDAR APRIL 6-7 6-7 7 14 14 28
2018 IRBBA/TBBA Annual Meetings, Salado, TX TBBA Spring Sale, Salado, TX Stockmen’s Choice Elite Brangus Female Sale, Navasota, TX Southern Excellence Sale at Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch, Poteet, TX Jackson’s Double J Field Day, Bentonville, AR GENETRUST at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch, Jacksonville, TX
MAY 2018 5 JLS International Winning Tradition XVI Sale, Devine, TX 12 Genetix Cattle Plus She and Her Mature Cow Dispersal, Grantville, GA 19 Texas Best Sale, Weimar, TX 28 IBBA Office Closed (Memorial Day) JUNE 2018 16 Salacoa Valley Belles of the South Customer Appreciation Sale, Fairmount, GA 20-23 Beef Improvement Federation 2018 Annual Convention, Loveland, CO 20-23 Texas Junior Brangus Breeders Association State Show, Bryan, TX JULY 2018 1-7 National Junior Brangus Show & Brangus Futurity, Hutchinson, KS 4 IBBA Office Closed (Independence Day) AUGUST 2018 6-8 TAMU Beef Cattle Short Course, College Station, TX 30 Salacoa Valley Farms Cattle Country, Brighton, FL 80
// APRIL 2018
SEND YOUR IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES TO PEYTON WALDRIP AT PWALDRIP@GOBRANGUS.COM.
81
AD INDEX //
ADVERTISERS INDEX
5K Cowbelle Ranch..........................................................77, IBC American Marketing Services............................. 11, 29, 81, IBC Amrich Ranch..........................................................................77 Arvest.......................................................................................31 Asana Ranch............................................................................ 11 Big D Ranch.............................................................................75 Blackwater Cattle Company................................................... 76 Bobby and Bobbie Brangus.....................................................77 Bovine Elite, LLC.................................................................... 74 Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranches..................................67, 77 Burke Brangus Farm.............................................................. 76 Bushley Creek Cattle Company...............................................77 Carter Brangus.........................................................................75 Cavender Brangus................................................. 16, 17, 42, 78 Char-No Farm.................................................................... 11, 76 Chimney Rock Cattle Company...............................................75 Circle X Land & Cattle Company................................... 78, IFC Clark Cattle Services............................................................... 74 Clover Ranch.....................................................................27, 75 Cold Creek Ranch.................................................................... 11 Cox Excalibur Brangus......................................................78, 81 Cross N Farms.........................................................................77 Diamond K Ranch.................................................................. 78 Doak Lambert......................................................................... 74 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch.............................................78, BC Don Hall Brangus....................................................................75 Don Thomas & Sons................................................................77 Double Creek Brangus Ranch................................................ 78 Double W Ranch......................................................................77 Draggin M Ranch.....................................................................75 Drake Land & Cattle............................................................... 78 Elgin Breeding Services.......................................................... 74 E3 Ranch................................................................................. 78 Far Niente Farms...............................................................63, 75 Farmers Co-Op Cooperative....................................................31 Farris Ranching Company...................................................... 78 Galloway Brangus....................................................................75 Garry Clem Brangus............................................................... 78 Genesis Ranch........................................................................ 78 Genetix Cattle Plus.................................................................. 11 GENETRUST........................................................ 36-40, 42, 43 GKB Cattle..................................................................48, 49, 78 Great Mark Western................................................................ 11 Greenwood Cattle Company................................................... 79 Greuel Family Brangus........................................................... 76 Hardee Farms......................................................................... 76 Hi Point Sales + Marketing.................................................... 63 High Rock Farm........................................................................7 Indian Hills Ranch................................................................. 79 Jacksons Double J Brangus............................................... 31, 75 JLS International...............................................................13, 79 Johnston Brangus....................................................................75
K&L Brangus........................................................................... 79 K&R Broken Bar Ranch...........................................................77 L.G. Herndon, Jr. Farms................................................... 11, 76 Lack-Morrison Brangus..........................................................77 Lake Majestik Farms........................................................ 7, IBC Lakeside Brangus................................................................... 76 Lakin Oakley........................................................................... 74 Lawman Ranch........................................................................77 Little Creek Farms.................................................................. 76 Luke Mobley........................................................................... 74 Marshall Farms........................................................... 42, 43, 75 Mid South Cattle Company...............................................63, 77 Miller Brangus........................................................... 11, 78, IBC MO Brangus............................................................................ 76 Mound Creek Ranch............................................................... 79 Oak Creek Farms.................................................................... 79 OK Farms................................................................................ 79 Old Colita Ranch..................................................................... 79 Parker Brangus........................................................................75 Pennridge Ranch.................................................................... 79 Perry Ranch............................................................................ 78 Peterson Brangus.....................................................................77 Phillips Ranch.......................................................................... 11 Purina......................................................................................31 Rancho El Sendero..................................................................61 Red Bud Farms........................................................................75 Roop Cattle Company............................................................. 79 Salacoa Valley Farms........................................ 8, 9, 29, 76, IBC Santa Rosa Ranch............................................................... 3, 79 Schmidt Farms....................................................................... 79 Seminole Tribe of Florida............................................. 8, 9, IBC Southeast Brangus Breeders Association................................75 Spanish Ranch........................................................................ 76 Suhn Cattle Company............................................................. 76 Sunshine Acres........................................................................75 T3 Brangus.........................................................................29, 77 Terry Reagan.......................................................................... 74 Texas Best Sale........................................................................81 TRIO Cattle & Genetics.......................................................... 79 Triple Crown Ranch............................................................... 79 Triple JR Cattle Company...................................................... 79 Truitt Brangus Farms........................................................... IBC The Oaks Farms......................................................... 11, 76, IBC Valley View Ranch...................................................................77 Vineyard Cattle Company......................................................80 Vorel Farms............................................................................ 78 Ward Brangus.........................................................................80 Wes Dotson............................................................................. 74 W.E.T. Farms.......................................................................... 76 Wynne Ranch......................................................................... 76 Zinpro......................................................................................31 Zottarelli Ranches...................................................................80
To place your ad in the Brangus Journal, contact Melanie Fuller via phone (979-255-3343) or email (mfuller@gobrangus.com).
82
// APRIL 2018
83
