December 2015 Brangus Journal

Brangus December 2015

Journal

Year End Review Issue

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 1

Your SOURCE for Top Quality Registered & Commercial Brangus Cattle

Proud Members of

GO TEXAN

Circle Land & Cattle Co., Ltd. 2 | December 2015

Camp Cooley Ranch • Bobcat Bottoms Ranch • Persimmon Creek Ranch Brangus Journal Spring Valley Ranch • Windy Hill Ranch • Vista Ridge Ranch

located just off Hwy. 6 and OSR 1415 East OSR • Bryan, Texas 77808 Office: (979) 776-5760 • Fax: (979) 776-4818 Website: www.circlexbrangus.com Steve Densmore, Cattle Mgr., (979) 450-0819, cell • S.Densmore@bre.com Chris Duewall, Operations Mgr., (979) 777-6803, cell

REFLECTING UPON 2015...

(Photo taken during Spring 2015 flood)

...we remain grateful. We have been blessed by the best customers in the most virtuous industry in the world. But we are most grateful to our Lord and Savior for His blessings each and every day! We look forward to a new year as we work to develop the best Brangus and Ultrablack cattle in the world!

Santa Rosa Ranch - Making The best Breed Better!™ Santa Rosa Ranch ♦ Private Treaty Sales ♦ Bulls ♦ Replacement Females ♦ Semen and Embryo Sales ♦ Commercial Steers and Heifers

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

www.SRRBRANGUS.com Crockett & Navasota, Texas •936-624-2333 • info@srrbrangus.com Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 1

Brangus

Journal

Features & Specials 22

Preparing for the Fall Breeding Season

24

Preparing Cattle for Winter

26

Preparing Cattle Facilities for Winter and Beyond

28

2016 Cattle and Beef Markets: An Industry in Transition

Vaccinations, breeding soundness exams, body condition and libido are all factors to consider before fall breeding has begun.

With winter rapidly approaching cattle producers need to take proper precautions to winterize cows and prepare for winter calving.

24

After calves are shipped and cows are pregged, now is the time to think about some improvements to those working facilities.

2015 was a year of transitions and expansions for the agricultural industry. Dr. Derrell Peel describes trends in the cattle and beef markets for 2015 and discusses expectations going into 2016.

30

What does Diet have to do with Feed Efficiency?

32

Livestock Flight Zone Research Lays Groundwork for Drone Use

Dr. Kerley stresses the importance of providing the proper nutrients needed by the animal to meet its requirement for gain.

Technology continues to impact our industry and we must continue to embrace it. With all the talk about drone use, how will they fit in?

2 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

26 32

Ken Hughes

December 2015 Volume 63, Issue 8

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 3

Departments

6 6 6 8 16 18 20 34

Staff Connection Director Connection Regional Connection IBBA Connection

Still the Right Choice :: by Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., PAS Thanks :: by Mike Vorel A Busy Fall for the IJBBA :: by Tyler Dean 2015 IBBA Year End Review

IJBBA Connection

What a Year :: by Racheal Sharp

IBA Connection

An Investment in the Future of Brangus :: by Kay Gibson

Marketing Update

Another One in the Books :: by Kyles Dykes

Membership

Welcome New Members Committee Seeks Nominations for Award Recipients Member Benefits Get Onboard to Set Sail for San Diego IBBA Invites Members to Attend Annual Meeting State of the IBBA Advertising and Marketing Opportunities IBBA Re-Acquires Trademark Polk Creek Disperses Herd to Keenen Land and Cattle Regional Association Updates Southeast Brangus Breeders Association Presents Annual Awards

44

Sale Reports

46

Show Results

56

Industry

59 60 66 68

Service Directory

Don Thomas and Sons Big D Ranch Town Creek Farm The Oaks and Genetic Partners GeneTrust at Chimney Rock Cattle Company

The Official Publication of the International Brangus® Breeders Association.

The Brangus Journal is an international publication serving the Brangus seedstock producer.

Published eight times annually, this archive is designed to highlight accomplishments and improvements within the association. The purpose of the Brangus Journal is to serve the best interests of the members while showcasing IBBA member breeding programs, efforts and achievements to other Brangus seedstock producers. The Journal also provides a venue for the IBBA to communicate directly with their members providing updates related to the association, publishing feature stories, or announcing results.

Publication #ISSN0006-9132. Periodicals postage paid at San Antonio, Texas, and additional entries.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Brangus Publications, Inc., 5750 Epsilon, San Antonio, Texas 78249.

Subscriptions: Frances Miller, 210.696-8231 x203, frances@gps-beef.com.

Subscription Rates: Domestic Periodicals—1 year, $25; First class—$55. Foreign—1 year, periodicals, $25; air mail to Mexico, $70, Canada, $70, Australia, $115; air mail to all other countries, $115.

Brangus Publications, Inc. 5750 Epsilon, San Antonio, Texas 78249 Telephone: 210.696.8231 Fax: 210.696.8718 Web site: gobrangus.com/Brangus-publications Email: brangusjournal@int-brangus.org BPI Officers and Board of Directors Chairman : Mike Vorel (405.826.6959) President: Dr. Tommy Perkins (210.696.8231 x212) Secretary/Treasurer : Brandon Belt (254.248.5260) Director: Michael Kammerer (936.449.5744) Director: Eddy Roberts (386.935.1416) The International Brangus® Breeders Association does not verify claims made by the advertisers in this publication.

On the Cover...

Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show National Show of Merit Louisiana State Fair Junior Brangus Show IRS Audit Guide is Prejudicial Against Ranchers The Science Doesn’t Support IARC Decision Senate Acts on WOTUS; Leads to Further Litigation

State Directory Calendar of Events Advertisers Index

4 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

E.A. Collins has shared numerous pictures with BPI and we could not wait to get this amazing picture on a cover! This great shot was captured at the Miami International Livestock show last spring.

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 5

Staff Connection Executive Vice President

Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., PAS

210.696.8231 x212 :: tperkins@int-brangus.org

Director of Shows and Youth Programs, Publications Editor

405.867.1421 or 405.207.6921 :: tyler@int-brangus.org

Tyler Dean

Kyle Dykes

Commercial Marketing Coordinator

254.371.9388 :: kdykes@gobrangus.com

Jessica Johnston

Communications Coordinator

210.696.8231 x211 :: jjohnston@gobrangus.com Advertising Sales Manager

Controller

Frances Miller

210.696.8231 x203 :: frances@gps-beef.com Accounting Specialist

Patti Teeler

210.696.8231 x205 :: patti@int-brangus.org Registry Specialist

Rosanne Nelson

210.696.8231 x206 :: rosanne_sralla@int-brangus.org Product Manager

Emilio Silvas

210.696.8231 x207 :: esilvas@gobrangus.com

Melanie Fuller

979.255.3343 :: mwfuller@hotmail.com

Director Connection President

Mike Vorel

Larry Parker

Area 5

First VP

Michael Kammerer

Area 7

Eddy Roberts

Area 11

Term: 2014-2017 386-935-1416 :: wetfarm1@windstream.net Secretary-Treasurer

Brandon Belt

Area 7

Term: 2015-2018 254-248-5260 :: brandonbelt@aol.com

Chuck Sword

Area 1

Term: 2013-2016 770-468-3486 :: cnffarm@aol.com

Russ Williamson

Area 7

Term: 2013-2016 903-530-5957 :: skyhawkbrangus@yahoo.com

Danny Farris

Bill Davis

Area 2

Term: 2014-2017 870-668-3329 :: bdavis@billdavistrucking.com

Term: 2014-2017 936-449-5744 :: jlkamm@earthlink.net Second VP

Area 10

Term: 2013-2016 520-508-3505 :: jddiane@vtc.net

Term: 2013-2016 405-826-6959 :: vorelfarms@gmail.com

Area 9

Term: 2013-2016 325-669-5727 :: farrisranching@yahoo.com

Cody Gariss

Area 3

Davy Sneed

Area 4

Term: 2014-2017 417-398-2836 :: cody_gariss88@hotmail.com Term: 2015-2018 615-904-5850 :: dsfarms1980@gmail.com

Carolyn Belden Carson

Area 6

Term: 2015-2018 530-713-5111 :: cbcbeef@gmail.com

Doyle Miller

Area 8

Term: 2015-2018 615-351-2783 :: dmiller@doylemillercpa.com Contact the Director(s) from your area with any questions or concerns you have about our association.

Regional Connection Don Cullen susancullen884@centurytel.net Don Hall hallbran72019@yahoo.com Heart of America Brangus Breeders Association Jim Mussulman jmussulm@yahoo.com Hill Country Brangus Breeders Association Brandon Belt brandonbelt@aol.com International Red Brangus Breeders Association Marcos Borges marcos@mbjranch.com Louisiana Brangus Breeders Association Bob Savoie bobsavoie@charter.net Mississippi Brangus Breeders Association Bill Wells wwells@bellsouth.net Alabama Brangus Breeders Association

Arkansas Brangus Breeders Association

6 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

Danny Wells dbwells72@sbcglobal.net Doug Williams whipowill@yadtel.net Southwest Brangus Breeders Association Dr. Bart Carter bjcmd@cableone.net Texas Brangus Breeders Association Doug Muenchow cattlemandoug@aol.com West Coast Brangus Breeders Association Pam Doiron doiron@spanishranch.net West Texas Brangus Breeders Association Mark Morrow 325.798.3140 Oklahoma Brangus Association

Southeast Brangus Breeders Association

THE POWER OF A PROGRAM

BEGINS AND ENDS WITH QUALITY ASSURANCE. Highest Standards Guaranteed “Every year I’ve come to your sales, the bulls just keep getting better and better.” Comments from repeat Town Creek Farm bull customer.

Town Creek Farm continues to raise its bar and demands of proving our program and genetics through quality assurance. ✔ Cow Herd Testing. At weaning all Town Creek Farm dams and cows

owned by our bull production partners are tested for Johnes disease using both fecal and blood samples. This is far superior to testing virgin bulls in that Johnes will not exhibit clinical signs until an animal is three years and older. All cows with positive tests means that both cow and calf are immediately culled.

✔ Fertility. We are committed to proving genetics that are functional and fertile. Heifers must calve as two-year olds. All open and unproductive females are culled from herd.

✔ Bulls developed on high roughage, forage-based, low energy ration to ensure longevity and reliable travel.

✔ Efficiency bull testing with Grow-Safe System. Identifying animals that have lower maintenance requirements can have a dramatic effect on reducing feed and forage inputs.

✔ User-friendly, high maternal, low birth weight bulls to produce valuable heifers. Profit begins with a live calf.

✔ Slick haired, heat and humidity tolerant bulls.

Look for us with the IBBA booth at the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show on January 27-29 in San Diego, California.

Quality Assurance always comes first.

Total Commitment

Since 1993

Town Creek Farm

Milton Sundbeck, Owner Office 662.494.5944 • 32476 Hwy. 50 East, West Point, Mississippi 39773 Joy Reznicek 205.399.0221 • Joy@TownCreekFarm.com Ron Flake 662.509.2233 • Ron@TownCreekFarm.com www.TownCreekFarm.com

Go to our website to join our mailing list.

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 7

IBBA Connection Still the Right Choice

W

e have had a very interesting year in the beef industry. Much of the country received needed rainfall throughout most of the year and it continues to rain in many parts of the high drought areas of the countryside. Seedstock and commercial cattlemen have begun to hold back a higher percentage of their heifer crop in the cowherd rebuilding phase. This has provided opportunity for a much younger cowherd and hopefully the most current (and better) genetics available to all cattlemen. There is a lot of talk about the value of injecting heterosis back into this retained cowherd which has bode well for the Brangus world.

Brangus genetics offer the most return on investment (ROI) in the heterosis value chain. Brangus provide the optimum female that excels in every environment while still producing a highly valued feeder calf and an even more valuable carcass that ultimately ends up in the consumers meal planning.

We continue to hear great stories from industry partners on the longevity, fertility and easy maintenance of Brangus females around the world. It is just as impressive when we receive information on a set of Brangus sired calves that posted 100

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8 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

by Tommy PERKINS, Ph.D., PAS IBBA Executive Vice President

percent Choice grade and made a profit for the feeder. The feedlot industry has long witnessed the ability of Brangus sired calves to feed efficiently, dress extremely well and have fewer pulls in the feeding phase. To top that off, Brangus sired calves have the opportunity and ability to qualify for the highly sought black hided Angus premiums.

Value of the dollar has had an impact on the opportunities for livestock and end product export internationally this past year.

The decline in exported beef product has caused some overstock of frozen beef that is finding its place in the domestic market.

Additionally, feedlots are feeding cattle to a higher weight point before going to harvest. This has led to heavier carcasses and ultimately more red meat entering the food chain. All of these factors have led to an up and down cattle market. However, this pricing level has shown minimal impact on the value of purebred cattle as I have traveled to several Brangus sales this fall. It doesn’t matter if you are a purebred or commercial Brangus breeder, there appears to be a good demand for your quality genetics. I expect more roller coaster effects ahead in the market place but I think we will still be at a level higher than in years past.

All paid IBBA members should have received a voting packet recently. The ballot includes names of dedicated members seeking one of the five new director openings. Please utilize your right to cast a vote for the next set of leaders of this association as member participation is necessary for a strong association.

Your vote counts and we value your opinion. Don’t forget to send your marked and signed ballot to the accounting firm of Akin, Doherty, Klein and Feuge, PC. IBBA will soon be releasing another set of updated genomic enhanced EPDs. This will be our third run of EPDs for the year.

The inclusion of a larger number of DNA results into the analysis has allowed for four EPD updates per year as opposed to the traditional two runs per year. Member dedication to submitting DNA samples for LD (30K) and uHD (150K) testing has been a strength to this new generation national cattle evaluation (NCE) process. Keep sending in DNA samples for LD testing on your young, unproven cattle and uHD testing on your donor dams and AI sires. The increase in EPD accuracy is proving to be very helpful to buyers purchasing cattle in our sales.

Do not hesitate to call me if you have any specific questions about the genomic enhanced EPDs or quality Brangus genetics.

For information about IBBA programs or other inquiries, please call (210) 696-8231 or visit www.GoBrangus.com. Stay connected to IBBA through Facebook, Twitter, or receive news updates by joining our email list. BJ

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 9

IBBA Connection Thanks

T

he Holiday season is upon us. By the time this reaches everyone Thanksgiving 2015 is in the history books. I hope everyone had plenty of time to enjoy family, friends, a little of our competition and plenty of great beef. Just think what a great marketing tool we would have had handed to us if the pilgrims would have had some really good steaks cooked on the grill that first Thanksgiving. We have a committee or sub-committee for about everything you can imagine, so maybe we need one to research the first Thanksgiving and make sure the turkey guys haven’t tricked everyone into believing their product was the popular meat in that first meal.

Well for most of us in the purebred business we are just finishing the fall sale season and planning matings for next year’s calf crop. It takes a lot of planning to synchronize cows around holiday festivities and all the events that make this time of year special. Plus the days are shorter and I don’t know about you, but I had a hard time keeping up when daylight was 2 hours longer. Time seems to pass fast, and soon for those of us who still write checks we will have to learn to change from 2015 to 2016.

This month I’m sharing a few things I’m thankful for this year.

Topping my list this year and every year is my family and the blessing of living in this great nation where we have the right to worship when and where we please.

My family always seems to support me through whatever challenge I take on next. My parents may have asked, “You are going to do what?” but I can’t remember them saying “I don’t think you can”. It’s possible they might say I didn’t always listen. For those of you like me who choose to serve on boards, committees and be involved in sometimes one too many projects; the support of our spouses is much appreciated.

So for that, I am very thankful for my wife Robin and her support through my endeavors. I hope everyone has enjoyed his or her children and grandchildren as much as I have over the years. I have truly been blessed with the gift of family and could never completely show how thankful I am for each of them.

As cattle producers, we have to be thankful for the past couple of years and the record high values placed on beef. I can remember quite a few years ago when 400 lb. calves hit a dollar a pound and thinking “we may never see this again.” Now we hope we never see it again only coming from the opposite direction.

To go along with excellent prices for all classes of cattle most of the country has experienced good rainfalls and a very good grass-growing season. Tie to that lower grain and feed product prices and it has been a great time to be in the cattle business. For all of those things, I hope everyone in the cattle business is thankful. I hope everyone has used this time to make improvements in our product and prepare for the future.

It is a great time to be in the Brangus business. The future for Brangus is bright and the demand for Brangus genetics is growing significantly.

For that I am very thankful.

I am thankful for our IBBA staff and their efforts to improve customer relations along with promoting Brangus genetics daily.

10 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

by Mike VOREL IBBA President

I am thankful for our membership as more members become involved in committees and make a big effort to find ways to make all the strengths of Brangus recognizable and appreciated by the entire cattle industry. I have tried to attend quite a few events and sales this year and it is great to see attitudes and support amongst breeders elevated to a new high.

I am very thankful for all the new breeders joining and showing a desire and passion to become a part of IBBA as we grow.

The addition of Genomic Enhanced EPDs this year should prove to be a tremendous tool to promote growth of our breed. The dedication of our membership to invest and provide DNA for Genomics and parent verification has been amazing. We have already added in our first year thousands of animals with much higher accuracies through Genomic Enhanced EPDs. This has solidified the value of our EPDs for our membership and commercial customers in a way never possible before.

Our investment in Genomics proves our membership is very dedicated in providing our customers the best information possible to support our great Brangus genetics. I am very thankful for the dedication of our membership and Genomics for the future.

Last for this article, but for sure not the least. The IBBA has just completed the long and enduring process of re-acquiring the registration of the trademark “ Brangus®”. You can find more thorough information on this re-acquisition of trademark in this edition of the IBBA journal.

The trademark “Brangus®” once again belongs to IBBA. This process would have most likely been nearly impossible without IBBA member Ray Westall. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Ray for his time and willingness to go way above and beyond in all aspects of this very challenging situation. I would also like to thank Dr. Perkins for his diligence and ability to work with all parties involved to help insure the return of the “ Brangus®” trademark to IBBA. Also thanks to our attorney John Henderson for his guidance throughout this journey.

I can assure all members your Board of Directors now has more knowledge on trademark issues than anyone desired and we are very appreciative and thankful for Ray Westall, Dr. Perkins and the conclusion of this lengthy process.

One of my goals in life is to daily take time to acknowledge the blessings I am so thankful for everyday. We are blessed by the opportunity to live and spend our days surrounded by miracles, landscape, fresh air and green “even in manure green looks good” and cattle. I hope everyone can take some time to appreciate and show “Thanks” this holiday season.

Well Christmas is just around the corner. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and speaking of giving thanks. I believe in our business with all the miracles and creation around us it would be impossible to not believe in God. So amongst all the glitz and gifts, I hope everyone takes plenty of time to say a “Big Thanks” to Christ for his gift to all of us.

I truly hope everyone has a very enjoyable holiday season. BJ

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 11

IBBA Connection A Busy Fall for the IJBBA

by Tyler DEAN IBBA DIRECTOR OF SHOWS AND Youth PROGRAMS, Brangus Publications editor

T

his fall has been a whirlwind of shows and IJBBA events. After attending the Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show in Lake City, Fla., I was truly reinvigorated about the future of our association.

From its humble restart five years ago this event has blossomed into over 80 head of Brangus cattle being exhibited by juniors from across the Southeast. The Western National Show was the following weekend followed by the Show of Merit a few weeks later and the IJBBA Annual Fall Meeting the end of October.

Through it all, I have been very impressed with the leadership from the IJBBA Board of Directors. We have an impressive group of young women who are working extremely hard to not only promote the Brangus breed, but also to ensure that they leave the IJBBA in better shape than they found it. At the IJBBA Annual Fall Meeting on October 30-31, 2015 in Hattiesburg, Miss., the IJBBA Board of Directors worked vigilantly on several important details for the 2016 National Junior Brangus Show.

The most pressing agenda item was the discussion of adding an Ultrablack and/or Ultrared show to the NJBS. After hours of deliberation and discussion the IJBBA Board of Directors unamiously passed the following resolution. An OWNED Ultra female show will be added on a trial basis for NJBS 2016, 2017 and 2018. Ultrablack and Ultrared females will show in a COMBINED Ultra Female Show and will follow the posted NJBS division list for NJBS Owned Females found in the NJBS Entry Booklet. Additionally, all Ultra females must follow all rules and regulations of NJBS including, but not limited to, the respective Ownership Deadline and all IBBA Show Eligibility and Inspection of Exhibit Rules. 2018 must have a minimum of 15 head of Ultra females entered or the show will be canceled for future years.

Shows past NJBS 2018 as well as individual color shows, Ultra bull shows and Bred & Owned shows will be evaluated based upon levels of participation during the 3 year trial period by the IJBBA Board of Directors and such shows will be discussed by the Board when Ultra female participation levels indicate the need for them.

Changes to the IJBBA’s “Source of Champions” sale were also a major topic for the IJBBA Board. The “Source of Champions” Sale Committee presented ideas for improvement. The Board approved two major changes to the sale – the addition of show bulls as well as the addition of embryos. The Committee was charged with and will be working to incorporate these additions as well as develop a complete marketing plan in the near future. Watch upcoming issues of the Brangus Journal as well as IJBBA’s Facebook page for a complete explanation of the IJBBA “Source of Champions” sale as well as information on deadlines for consignments. The Committee as well as the entire IJBBA Board of Directors has dedicated themselves to improving this sale and making it one of the most prestigious sales available to Brangus breeders.

12 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

The IJBBA Executive Committee along with the IBBA Junior Advisory Committee and the IBBA Director of Youth Activities have worked to develop a comprehensive Policy Manual for the IJBBA Board of Directors. The Board was presented the current edition of the Manual; however, several suggestions were made and a final version will be voted upon in the future. This Manual will help serve as a complete guide for future IJBBA Board Members.

Additionally, some minor bylaw revisions were discussed and after Board approval will be presented at the Annual Meeting in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Several modifications were discussed in regards to NJBS policies as well as contests. NJBS policies passing the Board include: • No dogs in the stalling barn or arena.

• No bikes and/or scooters in the stalling barn or arena.

• No playing in the arena.

• No golf carts and/or ATV’s in the stalling barn or arena.

NJBS Contest changes passing the Board include: • Exhibitor Orientation is Mandatory and exhibitors will be required to sign in. Participation points will be awarded for orientation.

• The Costume Contest will return for 2016.

• The Photography and the Computer Generated Advertisement Contests will require exhibitors to submit not only their hard copy at Contest Check-In, but also a digital copy via email no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday the week of NJBS. • Senior Speech time limits will range from three to six minutes.

• Team Fitting will be for participation points only. Judging will be changed to 60 percent Teamwork, 20 percent Fitting and 20 percent Showing.

• Quiz Bowl – aka “Brangus Jeopardy” – will have questions that come from Fact Sheets. Fact Sheets will be made available via the IJBBA Facebook page and IJBBA website no later than May 15, 2016.

Outside of NJBS, the IJBBA Board of Directors discussed the future of the Legacy Leadership Conference. The Conference Planning Committee discussed some ideas and the Board approved hosting the 2017 IJBBA Legacy Leadership Conference in Haines City, Fla., at the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center, April 6-9, 2017. Details on a final schedule will be forthcoming as well as sponsorship opportunities and travel arrangements.

The IJBBA Board of Directors is very dedicated to not only to the junior membership, but also to the future of the Brangus breed. They put in a lot of hours before, during and after every event to ensure its success as well as the success of future events. Improvements can always be made and suggestions for improvements along with constructive criticism is always welcomed. Please feel free to contact me anytime to discuss any ideas you might have to improve the IJBBA! BJ

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 13

IBBA Connection 2015 IBBA Year-End Review Top 10 States by IBBA THR Assessments State # on THR Texas 14,965 Florida 3,506 Alabama 2,473 Arkansas 2,289 Oklahoma 2,210 Mississippi 2,034 Louisiana 2,003 Georgia 1,281 New Mexico 1,062 Tennessee 772

Top 10 IBBA Members by THR Assessments Ranch # on THR Wynne Ranch, Fort Pierce, FL 916 Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranches, Arabela, NM 689 Santa Rosa Ranch, Navasota, TX 603 Salacoa Valley Farms, Fairmont, GA 551 The Branch Ranch, Mansfield, LA 492 Cavender Brangus, Jacksonville, TX 463 Chimney Rock Cattle Co, Concord, AR 417 Town Creek Farms, West Point, MS 399 JLS International, Robertsale, AL 378 Doguet Diamond D Ranch, Poteet, TX 372

Top 10 States for Membership Senior Members Junior Members State # State # Texas 478 Texas 289 Alabama 83 Florida 62 Florida 73 Louisiana 49 Louisiana 69 Oklahoma 30 Oklahoma 61 Mississippi 28 Mississippi 60 Arkansas 19 Arkansas 39 Misssouri 10 Georgia 35 Alabama 9 Missouri 33 Tennessee 8 Tennessee 26 Georgia 6 Kansas 6

Top 10 States for Transfers Bull Transfers Female Transfers State Qty State Qty Texas 1,262 Texas 1,283 Florida 464 Florida 261 Mississippi 245 Alabama 217 Alabama 217 Georgia 193 Arkansas 185 Arkansas 164 Oklahoma 178 Louisiana 155 Louisiana 163 Mississippi 150 Missouri 129 Missouri 139 Georgia 99 Oklahoma 107 Kansas 68 Arizona 69

14 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

IBBA Connection Top 10 States for Data Reporting Weaning Yearling Ultrasound State # State # State # Texas 5,759 Texas 2,486 Texas 1,657 Florida 1,167 Georgia 545 Florida 485 Arkansas 1,034 Florida 537 Arkansas 485 Alabama 952 Arkansas 526 Georgia 475 Mississippi 882 Alabama 408 Mississippi 367 Louisiana 774 Mississippi 381 Alabama 338 Oklahoma 738 Oklahoma 377 Tennessee 258 Georgia 693 Louisiana 327 Kansas 241 Tennessee 457 Tennessee 321 Oklahoma 201 Kansas 381 Kansas 257 New Mexico 183 25 Most Used Bulls (Based on Calves Recorded in 2015)

Rank

Calves

Name

Reg No

CED

BW

WW

YW

Milk

TM

CEM

SC

REA

IMF

FAT

1 2

207

CB PASSPORT 803Y11

R10216038

1.3

2.6

29

55

9

23

5.3

0.7

0.31

0.04

-0.034

147

CRC GUARDIAN 9U8U5

R10122023

3.5

1.8

30

55

9

24

7.7

1.8

0.50

0.15

-0.064

3

139

STONEWALL OF RRR 222W6

4

138

ATLANTA OF SALACOA 488Z

R10150860

5.4

-0.7

21

38

7

18

4.3

0.7

0.70

0.07

-0.026

R10210625

3.6

0.1

35

59

9

26

5.7

0.4

0.53

0.16

-0.038

5

127

TJM THREE D 302A

6

116

NEW VISION OF SALACOA 209Y2

R10244716

6.2

-1.3

31

59

11

27

3.0

0.6

0.73

-0.05

-0.055

R10204856

3.6

1.1

29

57

8

22

4.6

0.9

0.80

-0.04

7

100

-0.037

BWCC POWER SOURCE 192Z42

R10227219

-2.4

6.7

39

71

14

33

4.9

-0.1

0.61

0.12

-0.028

8 9

94

CSONKA OF BRINKS 30R4

R10004209

0.6

4.7

41

84

16

36

3.7

1.6

0.67

0.19

-0.052

92

CB FINAL CUT 924X

R10168212

7.0

-1.2

39

77

11

31

2.8

0.3

0.83

0.03

-0.045

10 11

87

101 CONSENSUS 99Y12

R10223695

5.9

-0.7

26

52

10

23

3.6

1.1

0.56

0.01

-0.044

78

VF-OAKS ONLINE 918Y3

R10193636

5.7

1.0

31

53

-1

14

4.4

1.6

0.59

0.07

-0.037

12

77

SKYHAWKS PRESIDENTE

R10025207

4.2

0.5

37

61

6

25

3.1

0.4

0.45

-0.12

-0.041

13

76

TJM CORONADO 535X

R10180470

9.2

-3.5

8

8

12

15

4.3

-0.4

0.15

0.05

-0.049

14

69

CRC LANDAU 263X2

R10189274

3.7

1.7

29

64

9

23

4.6

1.7

0.64

-0.09

-0.030

tie 15

66

CCR INTEGRITY 355S4

R10084480

6.8

-2.0

-3

-14

9

7

4.7

1.2

-0.04

-0.01

-0.022

tie 15

66

SUHN'S FOUNDATION 331Z28

R10227112

0.9

3.0

45

79

8

30

4.1

0.7

0.61

-0.01

-0.021

17

64

SCC SLUGGER 331X10

R10174169

0.1

2.9

29

54

5

19

4.1

0.9

0.44

0.02

-0.043

18

61

SUHN'S NEW CONCEPT 30Y24

R10204747

3.0

2.3

38

78

11

31

3.0

1.1

0.46

-0.11

-0.019

tie 19

55

MC ONSTAR 924W4

R10154395

3.1

3.2

27

43

-4

9

4.6

1.2

0.44

0.08

-0.008

tie 19

55

RB REAL DEAL 233Y

R10188921

6.5

0.1

35

77

5

22

4.1

0.8

0.56

-0.11

-0.045

21

54

SRR TAILOR MADE 361Y12

R10203561

1.9

3.2

33

61

6

22

4.5

0.8

0.50

0.19

-0.025

22

53

BRB RAPIDREWARD 99W11

R10174448

1.7

1.9

40

74

9

29

5.2

0.2

0.89

0.11

-0.026

23

51

HALL'S LBS. 468X3

R10185106

3.3

2.1

38

75

9

28

4.5

0.4

0.59

-0.13

-0.046

24

48

DOGUETS HERCULES 88S3

R10048645

0.9

3.8

37

59

6

24

3.3

0.4

0.48

-0.06

-0.065

25

45

DIRECT IMPACT 331Z25

R10217483

4.6

0.3

27

47

12

26

2.3

0.5

0.40

0.05

-0.043

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 15

IJBBA Connection What a Year!

2

015 is quickly coming to a close. I for one, can honestly say it was one of the best! It is a wonderful time to be a part of the Brangus breed. Both the junior and adult associations have been working very hard this past year to improve and promote Brangus genetics.

Houston always kicks off a new year of Brangus activities and is where committee meetings are held and important decisions are made by the IBBA Board of Directors. For the IJBBA, in Houston this year we were beyond blessed by the generosity of the breeders and businesses that make up this great breed. The 2015 IJBBA Legacy heifer once again set a new benchmark for amount raised to support the IJBBA. Without all of the support from our great breeders and businesses the IJBBA Board of Directors would not be able to offer so many opportunities to the IJBBA membership. Most recently, the IJBBA added the Legacy Leadership Conference to its list of member benefits and the IJBBA Legacy Heifer’s success is a primary reason the Conference is possible.

Held in March 2015 in College Station, Texas, the IJBBA Legacy Leadership Conference was a huge success! There were over 100 participants and many of which had not been involved with the Brangus breed. IJBBA achieved two goals with those participants – a successful Conference as well as an increase in IJBBA membership as all participants had to become IJBBA members. The Conference started off at Texas A&M University’s Rosenthal Center for a Beef 706 Short Course. The following morning we traveled to McDonald Ranch where McDonald Ranches and Triple JR Cattle Company filled everyone’s stomach with a hearty breakfast. From there, participants were informed on the proper way to show a heifer and the techniques involved in picking a champion. After we concluded at McDonald Ranches we traveled to Navasota, Texas and toured Sexing Technologies’ ET/Sire Division as well as their Genetic Development Center.

Diamond K Ranch was the next stop on the tour and started with a Purina representative showing participants some products and what works best in certain situations. A hayride around the ranch, a look at donors and a Stock Show U Clinic filled the rest of the time at Diamond K Ranch. A long bus ride brought the group to Circle X Land and Cattle Company, where participants moved over to three school buses and toured through the vast ranch.

A guide on each bus explained Circle X’s day-to-day operations and philosophies. The Legacy Conference was a huge success because of all the hard work, time and gracious donations that our breeders contributed to our junior association.

After the Legacy Conference came the event that junior Brangus exhibitors look forward to every summer – the National Junior Brangus Show! This year’s NJBS was held in Duncan, Okla. Duncan sits on the historic Chisholm Trail, so it was only 16 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

by Racheal SHARP IjBBA Ex-officio

fitting that the theme for this year’s NJBS had a western flare.

The opening ceremonies kicked off the weeklong event, where two cowgirls carried the state flags on their horses for the parade of states, Indian Tacos were severed for dinner, and Chickasaw Stomp Dancers performed and shared their culture. This year at the Futurity Show marked the very first Ultrablack and Ultrared Show. NJBS was a fun packed week and everyone is already looking forward to next year.

The end of September started a busy month for the IJBBA Board of Directors. Half of the Board members attended the Western National Show on September 26 in Oklahoma City, Okla., while the other half represented the IJBBA at the Show of Merit on October 25 in Shreveport, La. While in Oklahoma City, Board members had the chance to see Donald Trump speak on his tour. The Show of Merit marked the second show for the Ultrablack and Ultrared cattle.

The weekend after the Show of Merit the IJBBA Board of Directors had their annual Fall Meeting in Hattiesburg, Miss., where NJBS 2016 will be located. The board toured the facilities where the show will be held along with the banquet hall. At the fall meeting the board also made several important decisions for upcoming events. Look for more information as it becomes available on IJBBA’s Facebook page as well as junior.gobrangus. com.

This year has been a blast! Here’s to next year being even better! BJ

2015-2016 IJBBA Board of Directors

President Quinn Carter, Haines City, FL quinn.carter95@yahoo.com

Ex-Officio Racheal Sharp, Konawa, OK racheal.sharp.rs@gmail.com

Vice President Allyson Polston, Lakeland, FL goober4141@gmail.com

SOC Sale Chair Meghan Pickett, Robeline, LA meghanpickett14@gmail.com

Secretary Emilee Garza, Spring, TX garza.emilee1@gmail.com

Reporter McKenzie Posey, Wayne, OK posey_mckenzie@yahoo.com

Director Kendra Brull, Atchison, KS kendrabrull20@gmail.com

Director Dana Patterson, Alachua, FL dpatterson.2016@gmail.com

Director Director Dakota Williams, Ash Flat, AR Andreya Mitchell, Seminole, OK dakotaawilliams549@gmail.com andreya1998.am@gmail.com IBBA Queen McKenzie Posey, Wayne, OK posey_mckenzie@yahoo.com

Introducing

y c a Leg Female The 2016 IJBBA

offered by: Diamond K Ranch

Diamond K’s Miss Legacy 915C4 January 29, 2015 R10284133 Sire: Doguet’s Hercules 88S3 Dam: Miss JLS Grace 915Z

www.diamondkranchtexas.com Diamond K Ranch Wayne and Shawn Knox Paul and Katy Wunderlich (979) 571-7498

She sells at the 2016 CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SALE Houston, TX Watch the Brangus Journal for more information!

T

he IJBBA is excited to introduce the 2016 Legacy Female. Designed to help fund the IJBBA Legacy Leadership Conference, the IJBBA Board of Directors, and the National Junior Brangus Show as well as build upon the legacy of proven Brangus leaders that the IJBBA is known to produce.

Coming from a ranch with a proven record of dedication to the future of our great breed, Diamond K’s Miss Legacy 915C4 exemplifies the committment Diamond K Ranch has to the success of the junior program. With a past IJBBA Director in the family, Diamond K knows first hand the benefits of our strong junior association.

Miss Legacy is the second heifer Diamond K Ranch has offered to the IJBBA in the past 5 years and is a solid statement to the type and kind of cattle that keeps Diamond K Ranch returning to the picture backdrop. Incrediby feminine fronted, deep made, strong topped and beautifully built, she will make a powerful addition to anyone’s program and probably find her way to anyone’s donor pen!

You are invited to participate in a group effort to purchase this female. For more information, please contact Tyler Dean (405)867-1421. All proceeds go to benefit the Brangus juniors! Don’t miss this unique buying opportunity that supports a great cause. We’ll see you in Houston!

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 17

IBA Connection An Investment in the Future of Brangus

by Kay GIBSON IBA Membership Chairwoman

T

he International Brangus Auxiliary (IBA) was founded in 1977 to provide educational scholarships to young Brangus breeders and promote the Brangus breed. Scholarships are awarded annually to members of the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA) for their scholastic excellence and involvement in their community.

IBA is an organization within the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) that supports junior breeders throughout the year by providing financial support to the Hospitality Room during the National Junior Brangus Show, by raising funds through the sale of Brangus promotional items and their $25.00 annual membership dues. The members of IBA meet twice a year, in March in conjunction with at IBBA Convention and in July during the National Junior Brangus Show.

Membership has its benefits… the greatest of these are the “Thank You’s” we receive throughout the year and the pride we have in our young people when they step on the stage and receive their scholarship. They know the IBA has made a difference in their future.

If you are looking for an opportunity to get involved and make a difference in the lives of our youth and the Brangus breed, consider becoming a member of IBA. Join us, a group that supports the future of our next generation and Brangus.

Feel free to contact me anytime with questions about IBA membership at jimk.gibson@sbcglobal.net or 281-705-7647. BJ

Mail to: Kay Gibson, 2321 Schulze Road, Muldoon, Texas 78949

BJ

18 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 19

Marketing Update Another One in the Books!

I

t is hard to think that it has already been over a year since I started this job. I guess time flies when you’re having fun! Needless to say it has been an exciting year for the cattle business. Many cattlemen are back in the black and the Brangus breed is very strong, with a growing census each and every month. As cattle prices have backed off just a notch from this time last year, Brangus cattle still demand top dollar at market.

Sales across the country have been very impressive. We may have gotten a touch spoiled to the peak prices from 2014 and early 2015, but the current market is still better than it was leading up to the boom. Bulls are still in great demand and are being bought at premium prices. As for females, the same advice of maintaining quality over quantity holds true because the good cattle out there are not backing down price-wise anytime soon.

As we round out 2015 be thinking of the ways you felt you improved your operation and prepare for the upcoming tax season! You may have made more money than you have in previous years. If you have some extra spending to do get it done prior to the first to get some sort of a break. This may be a chance to get a last minute purchase on a high quality animal that you want to utilize or improvements on working facilities, etc.

Take this time to analyze the previous year and develop a game plan to make the next one even better. There are many things you can do to be proactive in the cattle business. The biggest one that I can think of is to be involved in the association first and foremost. We hope to see you at upcoming meetings and sales to work together and get to know fellow breeders. One of the best ways to improve is to associate yourself with other successes. There are a lot of wise and experienced members out there that are willing to help you along the way. The next piece of advice I would like to give from a commercial standpoint is to really cater to your customers. When you sell a bull it is very important to transfer the papers to the buyer. Not only does it get them in contact with us here at the office, but it is also a way to promote Brangus Built cattle. For every transfer, we take it upon ourselves to reach out and try to get that commercial producer to participate in the Brangus Built tagging program. Not only does this add merit and value to their product, but it is also a reflection of the quality of genetics that buyer received from you as a trusted breeder. When they benefit, you benefit as well!

Going forward into 2016 I would like to see the membership pushing this program to new heights. The Brangus Built program has a ton of potential and has increased in popularity across the country in the last few months during sale season. This is because more and more members are telling their commercial customers about the benefits it can bring and the credentials it offers within the marketplace. We still have a limited number of 20 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

by Kyle DYKES IBBa commercial marketing Coordinator

free tags available to send out to customers that you the breeders feel would benefit from them.

We hit a dry spot this fall but hopefully some of the late rains reached your pastures. The rains on the gulf coast were pretty harsh but very much needed in late October and early November. Now going into the winter months it is crucial that you are following proper nutrition protocols. Be sure and read Dr. Johnson’s article in this issue on “Preparing for Fall Breeding Season” to make improvements in this department. This is a crucial part of your management and requires different planning for different situations. Whether you are a full time producer or are the common weekend rancher, breeding season and the proper management of cows through the winter must be taken seriously.

Education is key, whether you are working to learn new innovative ways of running your operation or you are trying to inform customers about certain opportunities they have raising Brangus cattle. The best way to stay informed is to get involved in every cattlemans gathering possible. What better opportunity to meet up and learn with other ranchers than to attend the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade show each year? This year it will be held in San Diego, Calif., from January 27-29. Last years location in San Antonio, Texas brought many cattlemen and women from all parts of the country and we don’t expect any less at this event. This is a great way to make contacts and build a network with like-minded producers and learn new ways to take your business to the next level. The International Brangus Breeder Association will have a booth at the event as always and we look forward to having you come and visit with us!

In addition to NCBA Trade Show, the IBBA Annual meeting will take place March 3 through the 5, in Houston, Texas during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This has always been a great opportunity to get up to date on current Brangus events, meet new members and share ideas on building our breed of cattle.

Overall, as we approach the holidays, I hope that you are in a great place within the cattle business. The demand for beef is expected to increase during this time of year according to previous trends and market reports. This should serve to help lay the foundation for yet another great year in 2016. Keep up the great work and as always don’t hesitate to give us a call at the office or schedule a ranch visit. We are thankful for what the 2015-year has done for our industry and are excited to move into the next year of business. I think we are on track to have another great year as long as we continue putting our best foot forward and showing the rest of the cattle industry what the Brangus Breed can achieve. BJ

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 21

Feature Article Preparing for the

Fall Breeding

Season

I

t pays to be prepared. We carry life jackets and buy insurance always hoping that they are never needed, but very much relieved if they are used. The available literature contains reports of 10 percent to 30 percent of large groups of mature bulls failing a given breeding soundness exam yet NAHMS 2007-2008 survey data indicate only 27 percent of U.S. beef operations elect to have breeding soundness exams conducted on mature bulls. Often the presence of an infertile bull is not evident in multiple-sire breeding groups with low bull to cow ratios. We do know bulls are capable of servicing many cows; as observational studies in multiple sire pastures have shown multiple sires mating with 60 to 90 cows during a 21-day period.

As producers strive for greater production efficiency in an increasingly limited resource environment this inefficiency may be less acceptable.

To manage risk, all bulls regardless of age should undergo a complete breeding soundness exam prior to each breeding season. The exam includes an evaluation of the bullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physical ability to successfully mate, including a check of feet, legs, eyes, teeth and body condition. Both internal and external portions of the reproductive tract are palpated or examined for abnormalities or injuries. A measurement of scrotal circumference is included as an indicator of the production of high quality sperm. A semen sample is also evaluated for sperm motility and morphology. The exam will classify bulls as satisfactory potential breeders, deferred or unsatisfactory. All components of the exam are important.

Bulls with good semen quality may still lack the necessary desire. A bullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest in mating or ability to successfully achieve intromission can be measured by some type of libido or 22 | December 2015

by Sandy JOHNSON, Ph.d.

K-State research & Extension extension beef specialist

Brangus Journal

Dr. Gary Warner

Salacoa Valley Farms

Dr. Gary Warner

Feature Article

serving capacity test. While the tests are similar, a libido test generally involves introducing a pre-stimulated bull to a single restrained animal and scoring the number of attempts at mating and an assessment of overall sexual interest. A typical serving capacity test uses at least two restrained females and four to six bulls. The number of mounts and successful services are recorded for a set period of time (often 20 minutes). Observation of a bull with one or more estrus females before the breeding season in a less structured test can still be informative.

Some studies have shown a strong relationship between a libido/serving capacity test and conception rates but others have found no relationship. This discrepancy likely reflects our lack of understanding of all the social, behavioral and other management issues that impact the overall fertility evaluation.

This type of testing in yearling bulls has not produced consistent results most likely because they are still learning. If multiple bulls will be in a breeding group the impact of social hierarchy and subsequent fertility cannot be determined. In other countries with more extensive production environments where libido or serving capacity tests are used more frequently, the main value was suggested as the ability to see penile and gait problems and eliminate bulls with low libido.

Sexual behavior does have a genetic component and increasing Brahman content was shown to reduce scores in serving capacity tests. Brahman bulls are often characterized as shy breeders and in some cases failure to observe mating behavior may be due to extended postpartum anestrus periods in the cows. When bos taurus and bos indicus bulls were compared for ability to service estrus-synchronized females, bulls were equally effective in terms of pregnancy rate although bos indicus bulls serviced females less frequently.

Because of social dominance effects, it is preferable to not mix age groups of bulls during the breeding season, particularly for yearlings. Give bulls several weeks to establish their social order prior to the start of the breeding season.

A Breeding Soundness Evaluation can evaluate a bullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s semen quality; however, bulls with superior semen quality can still lack the necessary desire to mate. Especially during the sometimes brutal elements that accompany fall breeding season.

When bulls are handled for the breeding soundness exam, parasite control and vaccinations for Vibrio and Leptospirosis as well as a respiratory complex should be given. Depending on the area and risk, a Trichomoniasis test may be warranted.

Bulls should be in a body condition score of five at breeding and preferably for several weeks prior to breeding. Overconditioned bulls have been reported to have reduced libido, and fat in the scrotum can interfere with thermoregulation and thus negatively impact fertility. Bulls will expend considerable energy during a breeding season so thin bulls will be at a distinct disadvantage.

Prepare for the breeding season by ensuring bulls have received necessary vaccinations, are in adequate body condition and have passed a complete breeding soundness exam. Once the breeding season begins, monitor breeding activity and watch for any injury. BJ ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Sandy Johnson is an Extension Beef Specialist for K-State Research and Extension located at the Northwest Research and Extension Center in Colby. Dr. Johnson was raised on a diversified livestock farm in Northeast Nebraska and received a B.S. degree in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska. She went on to receive a M.S. degree from the University of Missouri and a Ph.D. degree from West Virginia University, both in Reproductive Physiology. She held a teaching position at Fort Hays State University before beginning her current position with Kansas State University in 1998. Dr. Johnson conducts research and extension programs in the areas of estrous synchronization, breeding systems and cow/calf management. She provides leadership for the K-State Beef Program Focus Team. Johnson is a member of the Beef Reproductive Task Force whose multi-state efforts were recognize by USDA-NIFA in the form of the 2013 Partnership Award for Multistate efforts. The first Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop was held in Manhattan in 2002 under Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guidance and she continues to work with the Beef Reproductive Leadership team to conduct these educational meetings throughout the U.S.

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 23

Feature Article

Preparing Cattle for

L

by Melanie JACKSON oklahoma state UNIVERSITY Agricultural communications senior

Winter

“Body condition scoring is an effective way to do this.”

The ideal body condition score is a five or six on a nine-point scale, Llewellyn said. The body condition score of each cow or heifer determines the feeding program, he said.

“If the cows going into the rigors of the winter feeding season are in compromised body condition, additional feed may be required so the cows do not get too thin and have problems returning to estrous cycles in the spring,” Llewellyn said.

Currently, most cattle are on warm-season grass systems, said Blake Wilson, Oklahoma State University assistant professor in ruminant nutrition. These grasses are declining in nutrient quality; therefore, producers need to make decisions concerning their forage programs, he said.

“If you have forage, even if it is poor in quality, you want to supplement that,” Wilson said. “Right now, you should feed a highprotein supplement on dormant, warm-season forage that isn’t high in quality. If you do not have forage due to drought or overgrazing, you need to substitute with a harvested forage.”

These forages are also decreasing in mineral content, Wilson said. He recommends providing cattle a free-choice mineral with high protein content, he said.

“We feed 20-percent-protein cubes to help supplement the cows at the purebred range,” said Asa Kirby, assistant manager of the Oklahoma State University Purebred Beef Center. “We typically feed around 5 pounds per head, per day before calving and bump those cows up to around 7 pounds once we get them calved out.”

Cold weather increases cattle’s nutritional requirements, Wilson said.

“If cows get rained or snowed on and then it gets cold, realistically, we may have to feed cows 50 to 75 percent more feed just to meet their maintenance requirements,” Wilson said.

Cattle’s hair coat plays a vital role in their ability to combat cold weather, Llewellyn said.

Penny Bowie

eaves in vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow fall to the ground. The morning air is crisp, and the high temperature is declining each day. Autumn is ending and winter is rapidly approaching.

For cattle producers, this means preparing their herd for snow, rain, wet calves, cold temperatures and muddy conditions, said Don Llewellyn, Washington State University extension regional livestock specialist Effective winterization of cattle begins well before the onset of winter weather, Llewellyn said.

“I always suggest producers evaluate the nutritional status of their cow herd late in the summer and early fall,” Llewellyn said.

24 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

Salacoa Valley Farms

For cattle with a dry winter coat, “increase the total digestible nutrients of the diet by one percent for every 1 degree Fahrenheit below freezing,” Llewellyn said.

Producers also need to consider water in their winterization plans, because cold weather does not eliminate the possibility of dehydration, Llewellyn said.

“A constantly available supply of clean water is of paramount importance,” Llewellyn said. “If water is limited, feed intake will also be limited, and delivery of energy to the cow will be compromised, resulting in lower performance.”

Wes Dotson operates a 150-head cowcalf operation in Enid, Okla., with 50 registered Brangus. Dotson said he has ponds in several of his pastures, which require special attention during freezing temperatures.

“We have to keep an eye on the ice and try to keep holes cut to give cattle access to water,” Dotson said.

“If we do not have a hole for them to have a consistent place to drink, then they may try to get on the pond to find water, which can turn into a disaster.”

Preventing cattle from wind exposure is imperative during winter months, Dotson said.

“We may take some round bales and put up a temporary wind break,” Dotson said. “Then they will have something to get behind if they do not have natural protection.”

A working relationship with a local veterinarian benefits cattle producers during winterization and calving processes, Dotson said.

“A good health protocol worked out in consultation with a veterinarian will go a long way in protecting cattle when the weather gets tough,” Llewelyn said. “Making sure vaccinations are up to date for all classes of cattle wintered on the ranch will go a long way to ensure they are able to have resistance when disease challenges occur during times of stress.”

Calving during winter months is challenging, but planning beforehand aids the process, Kirby said.

“Be ready for calving difficulties, even if they are not a big problem in your herd,” Llewellyn said. “They do happen and calves are far too valuable to lose if it is avoidable.”

Having emergency equipment in a designated, easily-accessible location helps prepare for calving challenges, Kirby said.

“Before calving season starts, I like to make sure I have everything I will need in an emergency ready to go,” Kirby said.

“I make sure OB chains, tube feeders, bottles and nipples are all clean.”

Calving time plays an important role in a cold calving season, Kirby said. Kirby said he prefers to start feeding cows at night so they calve during the day when it is warmer.

Calving location should also be considered, Kirby said.

“I like to calve cows out in a pasture where you can drive around easily and check your cows, but still have places for them to get out of the elements,” Kirby said. “I like an open pasture with a group of trees or a hillside they can get behind to help

Aubrey Pigg

Feature Article

keep the wind off them and their calves.”

Dotson said his calving area depends on whether the mother is a cow or heifer.

“If they are first-calf heifers, we have them up in an area where we have a round-bale wind break, and we usually have pens, traps and access to our barn to slip them in if the conditions require it,” Dotson said. “We usually have our cows in a pasture that has enough natural cover and protection.”

Changing calving areas throughout the season is important for reducing diseases, Llewellyn said.

Providing facilities for cattle to enter during a difficult calving, along with having facilities to warm calves, is vital to surviving a cold calving season, Llewellyn said.

“Make sure you have a readily available supply of supplemental colostrum for weak calves,” Llewellyn said. “These considerations are especially important for first-calf heifers, as they may take more time to exhibit strong maternal instincts.”

Although winterizing cattle is a time commitment, it is beneficial for long-term success, Kirby said.

“If your cows are putting energy into raising a calf and they are in poor condition, you are going to run into problems when you are trying to get your cows rebred,” Kirby said. “Your calves will not reach their full potential because they are not getting the required nutrients. This is ultimately going to lead to poor weaning weights and decreased prices when you sell your calves.”

Preparing for a cold calving season ensures a producer’s hard work is not a wasted effort, Kirby said.

“Although you cannot have a 100 percent calving rate, you want to be prepared to assist when necessary and do everything possible to give every calf the best odds,” Kirby said.

Cattle producers are responsible for taking proper care of their cattle, even during the cold, unpleasant weather, Llewellyn said.

“Preparation for the unthinkable will help protect our greatest assets – our cattle,” Llewellyn said. “We owe it to them.” BJ ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Melanie Jackson is a senior at Oklahoma State University studying agricultural communications. Jackson grew up in Delaware breeding, raising and showing pigs. She hopes to someday work for an agricultural publication as a writer.

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 25

Feature Article

Preparing Cattle Facilities for Winter and Beyond

I

by Del Williams technical writer

Durable hay conserver feeder and custom cattle working equipment dramatically cut hay cost and ease the safe, efficient handling of cattle.

n the brief, post-harvest, fall season before daylight grows short and the first frost prevents cattle from grazing in the pasture, farmers and ranchers running cow-calf operations finally have the time and labor available to prepare their facilities for the long winter ahead.

This effort goes well beyond the important task of properly and efficiently preparing hay and feed for cattle during the winter, and is also the time when many farmers and ranchers work to maintain and even upgrade cattle working equipment in preparation for spring calving, cattle inspection, and doctoring.

Preparing for winter

required no maintenance and would be fine in any bull pen. I’m more efficient too since I don’t have to baby them; I can drop a bale in one without worrying about damage.”

For feeding grain or silage to cattle, ranchers and farmers sometimes use feed bunks or troughs with light tubular frames and plastic or thin gauge pans. But these often break or rust out prematurely.

“I had some troughs with plastic pans, but they don’t last because cows will step on them or calves jump across them,” says Williams. “They’ve got to be built strong because cattle will push hard to get the last bit of grain.”

Williams recently turned to a durable, high-volume “super bunk” model designed to feed cattle ground hay, silage or other high volume forage. To ensure that feed and supplements will not get trapped into square edges or corners and wasted, the sides of the trough are sloped inward toward the bottom. The bunk has skids and a tow bar for easy transport around the pasture.

“The 14 gauge plate steel will last and the high-volume, easy clean design makes feeding more efficient,” says Williams.

Since Williams plans to build some bull pens next year, he is also considering a heavy-duty, “half pipe” metal feeding bunk as an efficient alternative to plastic or concrete pasture bunks. Constructed of a 20-foot metal pipe split in half, these feed bunks are plated to seal the ends, with metal legs welded

With winter approaching, farmers and ranchers must now consider how to stretch their winter hay. Simply going with traditional hay rings can cost thousands of dollars per winter in wasted hay and labor; premature maintenance and replacement; and even preventable livestock accidents.

“If you don’t mind throwing away about 30 percent of every bale, up to 50 percent depending on the cow, then maybe you don’t need a hay saving feeder,” says Randy Williams, who owns a 286-acre registered Hereford cattle ranch near Fairland, Okla. that focuses on breeding bulls, with about 80 momma cows.

As for Williams, he says, “Every time a cow drops half the hay in her mouth and stands on it I lose money because she won’t put it back in her mouth. I was losing about $10 in hay every time I set out a round bale in my older hay feeders. That’s not counting lost time in maintenance and repair. I’ve had cows tear up some of my hay rings.”

To reduce hay use and equipment maintenance, Williams bought several Hay Monster feeders from GoBob Pipe and Steel, the supplier that first introduced “Hay Conserver” feeders about 10 years ago and has shipped over 10,000 such feeders across the U.S. Unlike traditional feeding rings, where cattle stand outside the feeder, tear the hay out, and let the excess fall from their mouths to be trampled and wasted, “Hay Conserver” feeders force cattle to place their heads through metal bars to get the hay. Any feed the cows drop falls back into the feeder to be eaten later.

“I’m saving about $50 per cow every winter in lost hay alone with my Hay Monster feeders,” says Williams. New large square bale “conserver” hay feeders force cattle to place their heads through “Since they’re made of such heavy duty pipe, they’ve metal bars to get at the hay so it doesn’t fall on the ground and get wasted. This can save a farmer roughly a third of his existing hay resources.

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Feature Article using smooth rotary adjustment.

“Custom alleys and gates are almost required because ranch layouts are unique and everyone works cattle a little differently,” says Williams. “Custom equipment can be particularly important to part-time ranchers, who may need to adjust alley angle to use existing barns or pens.”

For added safety, alley height can be customized from 3 to 6 feet or more, catwalks added, and even special combo alleys provided.

According to Williams, cattle can get excited and stressed when you get them in an alley or head them into a chute. “By using versatile equipment you can adjust to your set of cows, whether it is a higher alley, a double alley, or adding catwalks, you make it safer and easier for yourself, your help, A highly efficient and practical alternative to plastic and concrete pasture bunks is the “half pipe” metal feeding and your cattle.” bunk. They are virtually indestructible and are too heavy for cattle to move.

“I buy heavy duty cattle working equipment and prefer to customize underneath for durability. The product is also available by the equipment when possible because it only takes one preventable foot for constructing long, fence line bunk systems. accident to make you wish you’d done it right,” says Williams.

These metal bunks feature a 5/16-3/8 in. thick trough, making The livestock equipment supplier’s crowding tubs can similarly them virtually indestructible and impervious to rusting out be customized by the angle cattle enter or exit to make ranchers’ despite harsh winter conditions. At a little over 1000 pounds, cattle working operations more efficient. they are too heavy for cattle to move, but easy enough for the Using pre-manufactured radius panels for easy permanent farmer. installation, ranchers can custom build their traditional or “When we start taking bulls up to 22 months, for safety I don’t cornerless crowding tubs to turn cattle 90 degrees, 180 degrees, want to get in the pens with them,” says Williams. “We plan to or something in between because the panels and even the feed them over the fence with GoBob Forever bunk line feeders, crowding gate are sold separately. Instead of limiting crowding which should last decades.” tubs to standard 90 or 180 degrees, the custom crowding tubs can vary tub angle to suit ranchers’ layouts.

For greater versatility, the supplier’s loading chutes can be constructed for both semi and stock trailers, with the loading Now is the peak time for farmers and ranchers to build, add sides reversed at the rancher’s discretion. Such dual purpose to, or improve their cattle corrals and working facilities – where cattle loading chutes allows loading semi’s or stock trailers from cattle are branded, de-horned, vaccinated, doctored, or sorted one location by simply changing the position of the loading gate.

– before winter sets in. But merely settling for standard cattle Safety features from catwalks, to access gate, sheeted sides, plate working equipment without considering if better options exist floor, and anti-slip bars can also be added. can be costly.

“Buying quality equipment in the cattle business makes sense When cattle working equipment is required, until recently because you buy it once and it works as intended when you a rancher’s only choice was costly, portable, lightweight, bolt need it,” concludes Williams. “Your ROI can be surprisingly together units or very expensive custom made units built on site. quick when you avoid premature replacement costs, equipment But permanent custom units that improve cattle working safety downtime, safety issues, and operate more efficiently.” and efficiency are now available at an affordable price.

Whether farmers and ranchers take advantage of durable hay For instance, GoBob’s adjustable cattle alley is constructed saving feeders or operate more safely and efficiently with custom from all new schedule 40 pipe so it is heavy, built to last, and cattle working equipment, the time to improve their operation is comes complete with four gates, though gate size and number now – before the first frost of winter sets in. B J can be customized.

While traditional alleys are 20 feet long, the livestock equipment supplier offers custom lengths from 10 to 40 feet and ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Del Williams is a technical writer based in Torrance, Calif. For more product adjusts from 30 in. wide down to 18 in. without pins and levers,

Preparing for spring

information, call 866-532-9123 or visit www.gobobpipe.com.

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 27

Feature Article 2016 Cattle and Beef Markets:

An Industry in Transition

by Derrell S. PEEL, Ph.d. oklahoma State UNIVERSITY extension livestock marketing specialist

2

015 has been a year of transition for cattle markets.

Beef herd expansion, which began in 2014, led to a slightly higher calf crop in 2015 and will lead to increased beef production starting in 2016. Cattle prices, which peaked short term a year ago, were above year ago levels through the first half of 2015 before beginning the long erosion that will accompany herd rebuilding and increased beef production in the coming years. The market has been challenged by numerous shock in 2015, including a port closure;

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a strong dollar; global unrest over China; larger than expected pork supplies (due to lack of PED virus impacts); larger than expected domestic broiler supplies (due to avian influenzainduced export reductions); and a self-inflicted fed cattle market wreck due to overfeeding feedlot cattle. Nevertheless, cattle and beef markets remain strong. Based on annual averages, 2015 will be the highest cattle prices ever and the lowest beef production since 1994. As the transition continues, changes will occur in the coming years.

Beef cow herd expansion will continue from 2015 through 2016 and likely through 2017 before stabilizing.

The January 1, 2016 beef cow herd will likely be between 30 and 31 million head. The stronger and longer than planned herd liquidation prior to 2014 took beef cow numbers significantly lower than intended by the industry. Evolving domestic and international market factors will determine just how big the cattle industry needs to be; but a beef cow inventory approaching 32 million head is anticipated. It will take at least until 2017 and more likely 2018 before herd expansion is complete.

Beef production, which began year over year increases in the fourth quarter of 2015, will begin growing in 2016 but will take until 2017 or 2018 to reach pre-drought levels. Total beef production is expected to increase 3-4 percent from the 21 year low in 2015. Beef production will likely increase for the remainder of the decade. If the rapid increase in cattle carcass weights in 2014 and 2015 continues in 2016, total beef production will grow faster than currently anticipated and could limit the amount of herd expansion needed.

Beef retail prices increased to record levels in 2015 before declining in the last part of the year. The ratio of beef prices to pork and poultry have been at record levels despite ample supplies of pork and poultry. Anticipated beef production increases in 2016, combined with expected growth in pork and poultry supplies, will continue to add to total red meat and poultry supplies; though increased expected meat exports will moderate the increase in domestic meat supplies. The demand challenge for beef will grow as beef supplies increase relative to the other meats in coming years. Retail beef prices will erode and the ratios of beef to pork and poultry price will adjust, relatively slowly, to more typical levels in the coming months.

Feature Article

The U.S. and global market situation has presented challenges for U.S. beef trade. The strong dollar exchange rate has made imported beef more attractive and exported beef more expensive. Beef imports jumped sharply in 2014 and again in 2015 as markets responded to high U.S. beef prices and relative shortages of certain beef products. Imports were up from all major sources, but especially from Australia who coincidentally has seen a surge in drought-forced beef production and exports.

Major sources of U.S. beef imports are Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Mexico. U.S. beef imports are expected to decrease sharply in 2016. Conversely, 2015 beef exports have struggled against the challenges of high prices and limited supplies.

Exports are down sharply to most major destinations including Japan, Canada, Mexico and Hong Kong. Only exports to South Korea were still up year over year through the first three quarters of 2015. Beef exports are expected to stabilize and may rebound modestly in 2016. The strong dollar will likely continue to be a headwind for U.S. beef exports.

Feed and forage conditions look to be favorable for the cattle industry in 2016. Drought recovery in all but the far West means that most of the country has good pasture conditions to support continued herd expansion. U.S. hay production in 2015 was at the highest level in five years ensuring adequate winter-feed and

reasonable prices. The 2015 corn crop appears to be the second largest in history implying adequate supplies and favorable feed costs.

The U.S cattle and beef industry in is transition from liquidation to growing cattle inventories and increased beef production. Though this implies lower cattle and beef prices over time, strong returns, especially for the cow-calf sector, are expected in 2016. Stocker, feedlot and packer margins have been volatile and are in flux as feeder and fed cattle prices, along with boxed beef prices all adjust to the changing supply and demand conditions. However, these margins should rebalance over time.

Cost and risk management will play a bigger role in helping to maintain margins the coming years as producers see revenues erode from the recent historic levels. BJ ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Derrell Peel is the Charles Breedlove Professor of Agribusiness in the Department of Agricultural Economics. He has served as the Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist since he came to Oklahoma State University in 1989. His main program areas at Oklahoma State University include livestock market outlook and marketing/risk management education for livestock producers. Derrell also works in the area of international livestock and meat trade with particular focus on Mexico and Canada and the North American livestock and meat industry.

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 29

Feature Article What does DIET have to do with Feed Efficiency?

A

n axiom of golf is that you drive for show and putt for dough. Average daily gain and feed efficiency are much the same for cattle producers, average daily gain is what wins three-point ribbons at county fairs and feed efficiency makes profit. If producers can do both they are genetic suppliers.

Feed efficiency is a simple measure of feed consumed divided by gain. In feeding cattle we are not feeding to promote gain but rather we are providing nutrients needed by the animal to meet its requirement for gain. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feed an animal to do more than it is genetically programmed to do but I can however feed an animal to prevent it from achieving its genetic potential. This is why cattle have higher average daily gains on a grain diet than a forage diet; they can get more energy from a grain diet.

Maximum feed efficiency cannot be reached until all required nutrients are supplied to the animal.

As a seedstock supplier your goal is to provide the best possible test to evaluate and select top performing genetics for cattle producers to use. Are you doing that? An energetic hypothesis we have believed for some time is that animals eat to meet energy needs, and once energy needs are met satiety is reached.

I believe this hypothesis is supported by research findings, but I also believe that research has led us to conclude that satiety is dependent on meeting the requirement of additional nutrients

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Brangus Journal

by Monty Kerley, Ph.d.

UNIVERSITY of missouri professor

besides just energy. Research with rodents, poultry and swine have shown that satiety was not reached until amino acid consumption needed to meet growth requirements was met even though energy consumed was in excess of the amount needed to meet growth requirements. I believe the same to be true in ruminants. If this is the case, in a diet fed to a calf that is deficient in an amino acid relative to the growth potential supported by the energy in the diet, a calf will eat to meet its requirement for the amino acid instead of its requirement for energy because the amino acid is the most limiting nutrient.

We began conducting research several years ago studying effects of balancing energy and amino acid supply to animal requirements. Through that research we found most diet formulations undersupply amino acids. When amino acid supply was balanced to meet the gain supported by the energy density of the diet, feed efficiency was improved. Average daily gain stayed the same or may have improved slightly, but feed intake was reduced. Since feed intake was reduced and gain stayed the same, feed efficiency was improved. On average we have seen improvements in feed efficiency of 10 percent or greater.

Table 1 shows data from an experiment where calves were fed a typical corn-based diet (13.5 percent crude protein, 10 percent roughage) and a treatment diet balanced to meet amino acid and energy requirements for maintenance and growth. Calves fed the control and treatment diets had similar beginning weights and similar average daily gains, but calves fed the treatment diet balanced for amino acid supply to meet requirement consumed 15 percent less feed and improved feed efficiency 12 percent. I believe balancing a diet to meet amino acid requirements as well as energy required for growth is important to beef production because cost of production can be reduced. I believe it is also important to seedstock producers because it enables them to identify genetic potential for efficiency in their cattle and make selections based on a calf â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s genetic potential.

Our approach in balancing a diet first determines effective energy density of the diet. Effective energy was shown to be more descriptive of biological energy use than net energy. Effective energy density is then used to predict energy-potential growth of the diet. Amino acid supply is then balanced to meet energy-potential for growth by including rumen undegradable protein or rumen-stable amino acids in the diet to complement amino acids provided by rumen microflora and rumen undegraded

Feature Article Table 1. Effect of Balancing Amino Acid Requirement on Steer Growth Performance.

Initial Weight, Lbs. End Weight, Lbs. Intake, Lbs. Average Daily Gain, Lbs. Feed to Gain

Control Diet 671 1076 3.5 17.7 5.1

protein from the diet. We have found that feed efficiency is not maximized until amino acid supply is balanced with energy consumed.

Research conducted that developed effective energy concept reported the only difference between energetic efficiency of swine and cattle, at the same tissue composition of gain, was energy lost as methane. On a grain-based diet, this accounts for approximately 0.5 Lbs. of feed per Lb. of gain. Using rough estimates for fat and lean differences between a grow-finish pig and a calf, we should see feed efficiencies considerably less than 5-to-1 in feedlot cattle. When we have combined our diet formulation approach with selection for efficiency, we have routinely measured calves with feed efficiency around 4-to1. It is my observation that cattle have the genetic potential to be considerably more efficient than we believe is possible, but

Amino Acid Balanced Diet 662 1032 3.4 19.9 5.8

deficient nutrient supply will prevent their genetic potential from being realized. Does your nutrition maximize genetic potential for feed efficiency? BJ ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Monty received his Ph.D. in Animal Sciences emphasizing in Ruminant Nutrition in 1987 from the University of Illinois. Monty is a Professor at the University of Missouri where he has been on faculty since 1987. His research is focused upon understanding how nutrition influences and is influenced by metabolic efficiency in cattle. He teaches undergraduate and graduate ruminant nutrition courses. Monty is actively involved in cooperative research with beef production, feed additive and feed companies. He is also the co-owner of nutrition research, consulting, forage development and genetic testing companies. Dr. Kerley received the CAFNR Outstanding Researcher Award in 2005 and Graduate Student Mentor Award in 2011, ASAS AFIA Ruminant Nutrition Award in 2006 and ASAS Animal Management Award in 2011.

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 31

Feature Article

Livestock Flight Zone Research

by Sarah Lenkaitis for progressive dairyman september 1, 2015, vol. 29, no. 15 reprinted with permission

Lays Groundwork for Drone Use

T

he use of drones (also known as unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs) has taken off in crop production, providing an easy way to survey land and scout crops. However, among all of the chatter surrounding crops, there’s also another sector of agriculture uncovering practical applications for the futuristic technology: livestock farmers.

At this year’s joint annual meeting held by the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) and American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), Dr. Marcy Beverly presented research on the flight zone for different species of livestock associated with the use of a drone. An animal science professor at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, Beverly said the research project resulted from an afternoon brainstorming session with a member of the physics department.

“They had purchased the drone and wanted to discuss potential uses,” Beverly said. “We began discussing potential applications for livestock monitoring but quickly realized we needed to work backward and first look at the flight zone of each species.”

Beverly, and colleague Dr. Stanley Kelley, along with students Phillip Urso and Reid Tipton, led the study utilizing cattle, goats and horses. They had six test groups: 1. A pasture of 30 Angus-cross cows with their calves 2. A drylot with three pens of Angus-cross cows; each pen contained five cows 3. A pasture of 50 weaned Angus-cross heifers 4. A pasture containing 40 goats, along with a donkey and a dog (to provide predator protection) 5. Pairs of horses in round pens on pasture 32 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

6. Four horses grouped in round pens within an arena When conducting the research, Urso emphasized it was important to begin by starting far enough away that the animals couldn’t see or hear the drone or any people. In addition, environmental influence was minimized by utilizing the same zone and making sure conditions, including barometric pressure, wind speed and temperature, were all similar during each test.

Conducting each test required a team of three individuals – a controller operating the drone, a second person monitoring the elevation of the drone via a phone application that paired with the drone and a person evaluating the behavior of the animals in the test group. Beverly explained that operating the drone required some practice ahead of time to be able to make the incremental drops smoothly.

Except for the arena test group that had a height limitation, the drone began at 75 feet and was dropped in 5- to 10foot increments. At each new height, a behavioral score of 1 (representing the animals were calm and displayed no difference in behavior) to 5 (for an animal exhibiting extreme distress or panic) was assigned.

Urso noted that only the indoor horses recorded a behavioral score of 5, as the drone was only lowered to a height where animals became slightly restless.

Feature Article It was determined that the drone was entering the animal’s flight zone when the animal began to move out from under the drone. In addition to measuring the flight zone, the research also looked at habitualization. However, following seven sequential days of interaction with the drone, the animals showed no changes in behavior.

The results of the tests showed a 15-foot flight zone for the cows with calves on pasture, heifers on pasture and goats on pasture, and a 25-foot flight zone for cows in the drylot, horses in the round pens and horses in the arena.

“We’ve presented the research at three meetings so far, and it’s been very well-received,” Beverly said. “From an animal welfare standpoint, it provides information about an option for livestock farmers to monitor animals without disturbing the environment.” Instead of having to go on foot, by truck or by horse, drones offer farmers the ability to monitor animals from a non-invasive distance.

While the most practical applications include checking on animals for illness or difficulties during calving, Beverly sees additional opportunities arising as the technology progresses and is more widely adapted by livestock farmers. For example, she mentioned that if the logistics can be worked out, one day drones could be utilized to carry and apply dewormers or fly repellent – without entering the animal’s flight zone or having to work livestock through a chute.

Of particular interest to Beverly and Sam Houston State University is the ability for the drone to carry an infrared camera to monitor the temperature of livestock. According to Beverly, while determining flight zones of different species of livestock was the first drone project at the university, it will not be the last. They are looking at future studies, including purchasing a larger drone with larger payload to be able to carry a camera. By adding an infrared camera, livestock farmers would be given a less invasive option to monitor temperature and diagnose illness and begin treatment ahead of seeing physical signs. Beverly noted this could be of particular benefit

to cattle in a feedlot setting.

“First, we needed to understand if livestock would accept the presence of a drone, and how close we would be able to get,” Beverly said. “Now that we have an understanding of the flight zones for each species, we can take a deeper look at potential applications.” The subsequent research and discovery by Beverly and others will uncover new ways to utilize the technology to benefit both livestock and farmers. BJ ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sarah Lenkaitis is a freelance writer and dairy farmer in Saint Charles, Illinois.

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 33

Membership Welcome New Members DR GEORGE KIDD :: SAN SABA, TX

LUCKY PENNY RANCH, LAVION KEITH ALLISON :: HECTOR, AR

DAVID AMES :: MARSHFIELD, MO

OUTFIT 8, DIVISION OF BAYVUE, STEVE AND KYLE SWANSON :: HERMANN, MO

MELVIN GUERREY :: MOORE HAVEN, FL

SUNSET LAKE FARM, JEFF JOHNS :: SPARTA, MO

J J WIGGINS MEMORIAL TRUST, GREG BOND :: MOORE HAVEN, FL

EAGLES REST CATTLE CO., LLC, RODOLFO MURO :: FLINTSTONE, GA

SEWELL CATTLE CO. :: EL DORADO, AR

LAS PALOMAS RANCH, JOSE L MEDINA :: MARIETTA, GA

CIRCLE A RANCH, MATT ANDERSON :: LIVINGSTON, TX

Committee Seeks Nominations for Award Recipients

T

he International Brangus Breeders (IBBA) Awards Committee is taking nominations for deserving recipients of the three awards given annually by the IBBA- Breeder of the Year, Commercial Producer of the Year, and Pioneer of the Year.

The Pioneer of the Year award recognizes an IBBA member, past or present, for his/her service, loyalty and recognizable contributions to the Brangus breed. Breeder of the Year recipient is a current member of the IBBA deserving of recognition for his/ her successes and advancements made utilizing and promoting Brangus purebred cattle. The Commercial Producer of the Year award highlights a commercial producer’s achievements

incorporating Brangus genetics into their breeding program.

These awards are meant to showcase the achievements and contributions these breeders have made to the Brangus breed and the beef cattle industry.

If someone you know is a deserving candidate of one of these prestigious awards, submit your nomination by Thursday, December 31, to Robert Field, chairman of the IBBA Awards Committee, by email at calyxstar@aol.com or by phone at 662435-4885. You may also contact an IBBA Director. Visit IBBA’s website at gobrangus.com/ibba-board-directors/ for contact information. BJ

Member Benefits

W

ith over 1,500 active members, the IBBA provides innovative programs and services, which enhance the economic well-being of members and commercial customers.

Members are eligible to participate in a variety of livestock shows, industry conferences, association activities, and educational meetings.

Membership includes: The ability to register cattle with the IBBA :: Online portal access to your herd Subscriptions to both the Brangus Journal and the Frontline Beef Producer Voting rights for the association business :: 10% Discount at La Quinta Hotels Biweekly Brangus News :: Chute Side App Access to Genomically Enhanced EPDs BJ

34 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

Membership

T

Get Onboard to Set Sail for San Diego!

he 2016 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Tradeshow is getting closer! Last year was a great year, as the NCBA Trade Show came to IBBA’s hometown of San Antonio, Texas. We had great participation and members were successful in making great contacts and building their network at the Brangus booth. This year we don’t expect anything less! The IBBA will have another great booth and is excited to represent the Brangus breed on the West Coast.

Not only is the NCBA Trade Show a great opportunity to meet with other producers across the country, but it is also

a great time to gain knowledge and educational information about the industry you work in. There are great workshops and demonstrations that take place each year that bring new ideas and technology to make you more efficient and ultimately more successful in the cattle business. As a sponsor, you receive passes, meals, access to trade show events and the opportunity to promote your cattle. If you are attending on your own then you are more than welcome to hang out at the IBBA booth and enjoy the show. BJ

IBBA Invites Members to Annual Meeting The IBBA is excited to host everyone in Houston for the Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet March 4, 2016, and encourages every member to attend. This year’s events will be back at the Holiday Inn at NRG Park to improve convenience in attending events both at the hotel and the barn where international Brangus shows will be on March 4 and 5.

The IBBA will have a booth at the barn to accommodate guests, network with members, and provide information on programs and services. Feel free to come by the booth during the week and make sure to visit the booth in the International Room as well.

We look forward to seeing you in Houston!

Hotel Reservations

Contact the IBBA office to make hotel reservations: 210-6968231 or by email at frances@gps-beef.com.

• Holiday Inn – NRG Park, 8111 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas 77054 • $229+tax/night (minimum 3 night stay/no refunds)/ free parking • The IBBA room block will close February 1, 2016, and credit cards will be charged at this time. No changes or refunds will be allowed after February 1.

• If reserving a room on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, you must reserve the room for all three nights.

Sponsorship

Members as well as organizations outside the breed will have the opportunity to provide sponsorship for the events conducted at this year’s annual meeting and awards banquet. Increase your brands exposure and be highlighted as a contributing partner.

Contact Jessica Johnston at 210-696-8231 or by email at info@ int-brangus.org or jjohnston@gobrangus.com to find out more.

Tentative Schedule

Thursday, March 3, 2016 2:00 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 p.m. – Member Social

Friday, March 4, 2016 7:30 a.m. – IBA Meeting 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. – EVP Report, Annual Meeting,

Seating of New Directors 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. – Awards Banquet 3:00 p.m. – Brangus Bull Show 6:00 p.m. – Ideal Video Productions Customer Appreciation Sale Saturday, March 5, 2016 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. – International Meeting 1:30 p.m. – Brangus Female Show 7:00 p.m. – Genetic Edge Sale A complete schedule will be posted and released as soon as more details are finalized. BJ Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 35

Membership State of the IBBA The Cattle Industry

The countryside has seen many drought stricken areas replaced with green grass due to the much needed rainfall in 2015. Even more rainfall is being projected for the remainder of 2015 and into the spring of 2016. This should bode well for the cattle industry if we don’t get too much cold to go with the moisture. Although some of the rainfall fell at times that were detrimental to quality hay production, most were able to get enough hay bailed to fill the hay barns or hay lots.

Cattlemen have experienced a slight downturn in the value of all classes of livestock through the end of 2015. The 2015 feeder calf prices have dropped below the historically high prices of 2014. However, the current prices are still well ahead of prices received prior to 2014. The cattle industry is still early into rebuilding the cow herd which has led to continued good prices for replacement heifers and cull cows.

The much needed rainfall and continued good prices for cattle have made 2015 another good year for Brangus breeders across the country. It appears that a comparison of 2014 versus 2015 prices have only shown a slight decline for purebred Brangus, Red Brangus and Ultrablack bulls. I believe the decline in female values has been even less than those seen in bulls. The beef industry is capitalizing on the value of heterosis that Brangus cattle bring to the table without comprising the carcass attributes of the fed cattle by product. Brangus influenced females acclimate to all areas of the country, have the most perfect udder quality and add years of longevity to the cowherd.

The Organization

The IBBA developed and implemented the current Long Range Plan in 2013. The plan, adopted by the membership, the board of directors and the staff, has been the driving force behind new programs and policies approved by the leadership.

The five major goals established in the plan are shown below for your review.

1. Invest in research to measure and improve the value of Brangus Genetics.

2. Establish pull-thru demand programs for Brangus Genetics.

3. Grow market share with targeted commercial cattlemen.

4. Unify members around organizational priorities.

5. Capitalize on global growth opportunities.

The past year was prosperous for the International Brangus Foundation in its first year of existence. Over $110,000 has been donated to the foundation with 99 percent being designated for research. Therefore, the organization is focused on investing in research to measure and improve the value of Brangus Genetics.

DNA has been collected on 140 Brangus, Ultrablack and Angus sired calves for parentage verification for collection of individual 36 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

by Tommy PERKINS, Ph.D., PAS IBBA Executive Vice President

carcass data being supplied by a commercial cattleman in East Texas. The cattle will be harvested in late 2015 and early 2016.

The Commercial Marketing Committee implemented a newly developed tagging program to identify Brangus influenced replacement heifers in the industry. Nearly 5,000 tags were donated to commercial cattlemen for use in identifying replacement heifers for sell that were produced from registered Brangus bulls. The tags are very noticeable in the market place and have generated notable premiums in heifers bearing the “Brangus Built” tags. This program has jump started growth of the Brangus market share in the commercial cattle industry.

Unification of the membership around organizational priorities has been a work in progress. I think this started with a positive and caring attitude by the staff toward the membership on a daily basis. I also believe the reverse is just as true – the membership is more thoughtful and kind when contacting the office for things. I am also confident that various policy changes by the board of directors has led to members having more confidence in the association. Some of these programs include the amnesty program, the release of genomic enhanced EPDs and a sound genetic conditions testing policy. The Breed Improvement Committee has worked hard on implementing the industry leading “single step” derived genomic enhanced EPDs along with soon to be released “removal codes”, data query analysis and national cattle evaluation (NCE) guidelines for these EPDs. The global growth of Brangus cattle continues to be strong. The presence of international guests have been noticeable throughout the major Texas Stock Shows, the various Brangus shows and sales all over the United States. The International Committee has participated in reverse trade missions in Australia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama and South Africa this past year. IBBA participates in the programs with the United States Livestock Genetic Exports, Inc. to carry out these very important missions that get international guests to ranches in the United States and get IBBA members in foreign countries promoting the attributes of Brangus cattle in their market.

Continued Growth

The IBBA has had a positive financial balance for two straight years. This is certainly been accomplished by watching our expenditures each year. However, much of the progress can be attributed to the membership. For the second year in a row we are on a pace to have an increased membership revenue stream as well as an increase in THR fees. Membership will be up about $10,000 (or approximately 100 members) and THR fees will be up about $40,000 (or about 1,900 registrations) at the year end. This is a positive trend that we have witnessed for two consecutive years.

Membership Expenses have increased in areas of need in addition to the positive direction of income in the past years financial statement.

You will note that the IBBA is continuing to work understaffed (while still increasing output) as we have come under budget for salary the last two years. You will also see that advertising expenditures have doubled in the past two years. The Promotions Committee has implemented a stronger presence in the digital media area along with the traditional print media campaign.

The Future

I think it will become more important in the future for our regional organizations to realize their importance to the growth of the IBBA. Whole hearted buy-in of the parent organization, its leadership, staff and policies will be a must for the Brangus breed to continue to be a leader in the beef industry. I will continue to plea for more involvement and direction from each and every regional organization associated with the IBBA. It is important that members and leaders within these regional groups understand how much these positive partnerships mean to the overall success of the IBBA. More involvement generally leads to a more unified membership.

As the regional organizations become more involved, the committee structure will become a bigger part of the association.

A membership that is highly engaged at the committee level will provide a stronger foundation for the basis of this organization.

Therefore, your participation on a committee will be greatly

T

appreciated in the coming years. I understand that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t travel to every meeting throughout the year. However, with the advent of electronic technologies it has become very easy to participate in committee meetings from your home base. The will can make the entire committee experience more positive than you may have experienced in the past.

Participation in the 501(C)3 foundation will also lead to much needed research using Brangus cattle. We know how great the breed is but we need to continue to prove this in head-to-head research projects with other breeds. This research may include feed efficiency, genomics, fertility, etc.

We as a breed also need to find a way to make it easier for international members to be a part of the IBBA. This will only open more opportunities for all members. It will also afford the need for a larger database for future NCE sire summaries. The International Committee is busy planning activities for the 2018 World Brangus Congress to be held in the United States.

Although not directly mentioned in the Long Range Plan, the junior program must continue to be an important part of reaching young people for our organization. The IJBBA leadership has done a great job in pulling in non-Brangus youth into our fold with a highly attended leadership training program this year.

They are planning a similar training program for 2016. As an organization, we must continue to engage people, particularly young people, through available social media options.

More good times are ahead for the beef industry and even better times are ahead for the Brangus industry. BJ

Advertising and Marketing Opportunities

he IBBA offers a variety of advertising and marketing opportunities from print ads in the Brangus Journal and the Frontline Beef Producer to a variety of electronic options to get your program in the inbox of thousands of Brangus enthusiasts.

Published eight times annually the Brangus Journal provides the optimum opportunity to reach your fellow Brangus breeders and share the latest news and information of genetics coming out of your program. The Frontline Beef Producer offers an impressive opportunity to put your program in front of over 20,000 cattlemen and cattlewomen across the nation.

Commercially focused, this publication strives to be a lasting

publication that serves as a unique reference for everyone in our industry.

Do you want to reach your customers directly? E-mail blasts work great for upcoming sales or any ad that runs in the Brangus Journal. E-mail blasts can be directly linked to your website or sale catalog. E-mail blasts are $200 each and sent out biweekly.

Card ads are also being offered in the biweekly Brangus News.

These ads can be a great tool for advertising your operation and any upcoming sales. Card ads can be directly linked to your website or sale catalog. The ads are $100 per week.

Contact IBBA today to get more information and work with us to get your program the maximum visibility possible! BJ

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 37

Membership IBBA Re-Acquires Trademark

I

am pleased to report that IBBA has re-acquired the registration of the mark “Brangus®.” It has been a long and complex process, but we now have the registration and the value that comes with that registration. A brief history of the occurrences that led to the need to re-register the mark is necessary to explain.

The original registration of the Brangus® mark occurred on October 10, 1950 and was obtained by Clear Creek Ranch, specifically Frank Butram and Raymond Pope. Butram and Pope then transferred the ownership of the Brangus® mark to the IBBA in November of 1994. IBBA kept and maintained the registration until September 27, 2012 when the registration for the mark was abandoned due to nonrenewal and nonpayment of the required renewal registration fees.

The loss of the registration of the mark was solely due to lack of action on the part of the then acting board or representative of IBBA. Once, notice of abandonment was received by the acting representative, they filed for re-registration of the mark, however, during the time after the loss of the registration and before the refilling on April 12, 2013, Ray Westall filed to register the mark, “Brinks Brangus.” Westall filed this request for registration on May 15, 2012. This placed Westall’s registration ahead of IBBA’s re-filing.

His filing was published for opposition on October 29, 2012 and two oppositions to that filing were filed. One opposition was filed by the “Brinks” companies and one by Ensar, LLC. At that time, in May of last year, IBBA began opening dialogue with Westall and Ensar, hopeful to preserve the mark for the Association and all of its’ members.

It is important to note that the registration of the Brangus® mark has inherent value to the association and its’ members to prevent the use of the name Brangus by third parties which could lead to confusion in the marketplace as to what constitutes Brangus beef.

In an attempt to preserve that value, we held numerous meetings and conference calls with all parties and their legal representatives for a period of over 12 months. We were able to come to terms with Ray Westall and Ensar whereby, Westall agreed to allow IBBA’s registration to move forward ahead of his and he agreed that if IBBA received the registration for the Brangus® mark, he 38 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

by John M. HENDERSON HENDERSON LAW FIRM, LLC

would withdraw his filing for “Brinks Brangus.” In return, IBBA granted Ray Westall an exclusive right to use the term “Brinks Brangus,” without a prefix, suffix or ranch identifier for a period of five years. After that five-year period, IBBA will not have any outstanding agreement or license that offers any exclusive rights.

However, in an attempt to preserve the registration of the Brangus® mark, IBBA will now issue licenses to any active member who desires to use the Brangus® mark in any publication, advertisement, or written material offered within the public prevue. This should have been occurring as far back as 1994, when Butram and Pope assigned the rights to the Brangus® mark to IBBA. However, we cannot change the past, so we must move forward and progress in the future. This will not be a difficult process.

I will discuss the logistics of the licensing process in the next edition of this journal.

I, the current board and leadership do want to take the time to thank Ray Westall for his help, understanding, and dedication in the settlement process.

His willingness to go over and above what would reasonably be expected of any member in his position was the driving force in the end result that we achieved. Ray has acted in a manner that has resulted in the re-registration of the Brangus® mark and has led to the re-acquiring of the benefit of said mark for each and every member of the IBBA. His help is greatly appreciated.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve as counsel for the association and I look forward to addressing the membership in the next edition with a more specific description of the licensing process. BJ ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Growing up raising cattle in Odessa, Texas, John participated in agriculture through 4-H. He graduated from Odessa Permian High School in 1987. He then graduated magna cum laude from University of Texas at the Permian Basin with a B.A. in Communications in 1991. In 1994 he graduated from St. Mary’s Law School with JD and since that time has practiced law in San Antonio, Texas.

John is the founder of the Henderson Law Firm and his practice is made up of general litigation with an emphasis on business transactions and business litigation. Still responsible for the operations of the Henderson Ranch, in Ector and Crane Counties, John his wife, Elizabeth and their three children continue to raise Angus Cross Cattle. John is currently serving as the Chairman of the Livestock Committee for The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.

Membership Polk Creek Farms Disperses Herd to Keenen Land and Cattle

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fter 15 years developing some of the highest quality Brangus genetics in the country, R.C. Smith is dispersing the entire Polk Creek Farms herd to Keenen Land and Cattle. Owners Grant and Heather Keenen will continue to develop the 100 head of registered Brangus cattle using the fundamentals on which Smith based his operation while incorporating their own successful tactics to the operation.

“I’ve come to a crossroads in life which leads me away from the cattle business,” Smith said. “This has been a very difficult decision, but throughout the decision process one thing became very clear to me. I wanted to keep the herd together and find someone who would continue to build upon the legacy of Polk Creek Farms. Grant and Heather bring integrity and a wealth of knowledge to the business and will only advance the genetics previously offered by Polk Creek Farms.”

Smith has won several accolades and bred numerous show ring winners including International Champion Brangus Female and the 2008 International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Show Heifer of the Year. The Show Heifer of the Year was also

the first Brangus female to win three of the four eligible shows at Houston- Junior Show the first year, and Junior and Open shows as a two-year-old. Polk Creek has built a very loyal bull customer base and show heifer clientele. The Keenens will continue servicing those loyal customers and breeding elite females.

“We recognize the quality and productivity built into these genetics,” Grant said. “This is a great opportunity for us to expand on the tremendous efforts and solid foundation that R.C. has built over the years. We jumped at the chance to incorporate the high potential of these Brangus cattle into our ranching program.”

Keenen Land and Cattle has locations in northwest Arkansas and Carthage, Missouri, where they maintain an established herd of commercial cattle and also farm wheat, corn and soybeans.

Operating in both states will allow them to continue serving devoted Polk Creek customers as well as increase their customer base and Brangus bull and female market share.

For more information about Polk Creek genetics and Keenen Land and Cattle, contact Grant at 417-540-6570 or info@ keenenlandandcattle.com. BJ

Don’t miss your opportunity to include your herd sire in the 2016 IBBA Semen Directory.

DEADLINE:

DECEMBER 20, 2015 For more information,contact:

Melanie 979.255.3343 Kyle 254.371.9388 Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 39

Membership Regional Association Updates International Red Brangus Breeders Association

Executive Committee President: Marcos Borges Vice President: Allen Goode Secretary: Bruce Buffaloe Treasurer: Gary Markham The formation of the IRBBA was the result of 10 long time Red Brangus breeders realization that the breed had to transform itself from the half-blood breed it had been for forty years to a purebred 3/8 Brahman by 5/8 Angus breed considered the standard for American breeds. Many of the other half-blood Red Brangus breeders at the time had not realized the need to change.

Determined to move Red Brangus into the mainstream of the beef cattle business, each of the breeders contributed one thousand dollars to form the IRBBA. The decision to change took place in 1991, the organization of the IRBBA by the ten charter members followed by two years. Eight of the original ten members remain active in the breed with most serving on the board or special committees. Jim Hunt served as President in the two years prior to the official formation of the IRBBA. After the association was formed, Pete Keeling served as President for the first three years. He was followed by Don Cox and Dennis Kmiec for three years each. Pete Keeling returned as President for one more year. Marcos Borges, a Brazilian citizen and rancher in Wharton, Texas was recently elected President. This continues a trend to make the organization truly international by electing Marcos, a Brazilian, and Guillermo Zambrano, a Mexican citizen, to the board of directors.

In September of 2003, the first board meeting outside the United States was held in Monterey, Mexico in conjunction with Mr. Zambranoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual production sale. The commitment from the charter members was to use the best of Angus, Red Angus, Brahman, Brangus, and Nelore to breed the best beef cattle in the world for tropical and subtropical climates. The first few years were devoted to breeding quarter-bloods to be crossed with the half-blood herd to produce the purebred Red Brangus IRBBA breeders targeted. In 1996, the membership decided to have itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first breed sponsored sale. The sale was named the Genetic Edge Sale and planned for March in Brenham, Texas. The first sale had bidders from four states and the Republic of South Africa.

The thirty-three lots brought ninety-nine thousand dollars for a thirty-three hundred dollar average. This started a string of successful sales that continues today. In the year 2000, the sale was moved to Houston and held the first weekend of the Houston Livestock Show. This was done to accommodate the many international Red Brangus breeders that like to attend both events.

The commitment to quality cattle, successful breeders, and the opportunity to market through the Genetic Edge Sale are three 40 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

of many reasons to breed Red Brangus and join the IRBBA. The charter members made a commitment to the breed and to each other to work hard, breed smart, and help each breeders (new or old) be successful in the purebred Red Brangus business. We are no better than our weakest breeder has always been the boards motto and all a breeder needs to do is ask and help will be given.

Oklahoma Brangus Association Officers; President: Danny Wells Secretary/ Treasurer: Betty Wells VP of Promotions: Shiloh & Amy Hall VP of Sales: Mike Vorel VP of Junior Breeders: Chris Sharp Officer at Large: Jack Gorczyca

We have a sale in the fall and in the spring. Or next sale will be March, 26 2016 in Ada, Oklahoma. Visit or website for more information http://www.okbrangus.org.

Southeast Brangus Breeders Association Officers President: Doug Williams Vice President: Carol Anne Bailey Secretary/Treasurer: Sharron McCreary

The Southeast Brangus Breeders Association is comprised of breeders from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Each year in January, we have a board meeting as well as a general meeting to plan the events for the year. A field day is planned as well as our annual female Showcase Sale. This past year Town Creek Farms hosted the field day at their ranch in West Point, Miss. The ranch was a beautiful setting to enjoy being with Brangus friends and seeing a fine operation.

Our annual Showcase Sale is usually held in September. The past several sales have been in Lake City, Fla. Another event that takes place in conjunction with the Showcase Sale is the Southeast Junior Breeders Association Regional Show. John Willis, owner of Columbia Stockyard, has been instrumental in the success of the show juniors by letting the juniors use part of the area.

For more information about the Southeast Brangus Breeders Association, or to join the SBBA, you can visit us at www. sebrangus.com . We can also be found on Face Book, as Southeast Brangus Breeders Association.

Membership Southwest Brangus Breeders Association West Coast Brangus Breeders Association Officers President: Dr. Bart Carter Secretary: Jeanette Pierce

Looking for a good Brangus bull? How about some Brangus heifers? Mark your calendars for February 13th!

The Southwest Brangus Breeders Association will be having its 8th annual sale at the Marana Stockyards, in Marana, Arizona.

We have some really nice bulls consigned. We also have bred and ready to breed heifers consigned for the sale...

BEST IN THE WEST BRANGUS BULL AND REPLACEMENT FEMALE SALE Saturday February 13, 2016 @ Noon Marana Stockyards - Marana, AZ

Officers President: Pamela Doiron Vice President: Frank Lima Secretary/Treasurer: Rex Hunt

From Hawaii to Oregon, California and beyond, the West Coast Brangus Breeders Association invites all Brangus breeders and their commercial customers to be members of a group dedicated to the promotion of Brangus cattle in the West. Whether you are a long-time feedstock producer or a first-time buyer, we encourage you to benefit from the advertising, marketing and sales opportunities available through WCBBA. We also invite junior breeders and foster their participation.

WCBBA meets twice a year, in January in conjunction with the Red Bluff Bull Sale in Red Bluff, Calif., and in July during the Western Region Brangus Classic at Cal Expo, Sacramento, Calif.

Cooperative advertising in key journals keeps Brangus in front of customers along with your ranch. Current opportunities include a proposed research program in 2015. Browse WCBBA website at www.westcoastbrangus.com for a membership application and more information, including newsletters and photos. BJ

Brangus Beef Chart Rib

Other Cuts

Sirloin

A 1347-pound, Yield Grade 2.18 Brangus steer yields 785 pounds of retail cuts from an 911-pound carcass (67.6% dressing percent).

Of the 785 pounds of retail cuts: • 62% are roasts and steaks • 38% are ground beef and stew meat

Loin

Round

Chuck

Chuck

Brisket

Loin Rib

Sirloin Plate

Round

Flank

Brisket Plate& Flank

Key to Recommended Cooking Methods

Meat cut photos and key to recommended cooking methods courtesy of The Beef Checkoff.

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 41

Membership Southeast Brangus Breeders Association Presents Annual Awards

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he Southeast Brangus Breeders Association presented their awards at the banquet in Lake City, Fla., on September 18, 2015. The gathering of SBBA members continued on its upward track as more members than ever packed into the banquet hall for a great meal and exciting evening of fellowship and fun.Each year the SBBA hosts the annual banquet in conjunction with the Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show and the SBBA Showcase Sale.

Above: Dr. Bill and Maude Hayman accepting the 2015 SBBA Hall of Fame Award presented by SBBA Awards Chair, Janet Greuel (far left) and SBBA President, Doug Williams (far right).

Right Top: The entire Hayman family was on hand to enjoy the honor.

Right Bottom: Jim Wannamaker gives a touching acceptance speech.

Below: 2016 SBBA Award of Excellence Winner, Jim Wannamaker with award presenter and SBBA President, Doug Williams.

42 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

The third ever SBBA Hall of Fame inductee was Dr. Bill Hayman from Hayman’s 711 Ranch in Kenansville, Fla. Dr. Hayman, his wife, their two daughters, son-in-law (manager of the Ranch) and grandchildren were present. To honor Dr. Hayman, this year’s sale was dedicated to him.

The Award of Excellence is to honor long time SBBA members who have served the association and the breed with distinction over the years. Jim Wannamaker from J Bar M Brangus Ranch in Swansea, S.C., received this award. Jim is the third generation to farm his home land raising registered Brangus cattle the past 25 years. Active in numerous civic organizations, the Methodist church, the state and local cattlemen’s associations, SBBA and the SBBA board, he retired from the state DOT. Tommy Taylor from Little Creek Farm near Alachua, Fla., won the second Award of Excellence. Tommy started out as a vo ag teacher but gave that up after a couple years to go back to the family farm as the fifth generation to carry on raising tobacco, vegetables, and commercial cattle. About 25 years ago, he bought his first Brangus bull and Brangus heifers for his children to show; now his grandchildren are in the show ring.

Tommy has been involved in Farm Bureau, cattlemen’s associations, and all levels of Brangus Associations having served on the boards of FBBA, SBBA, and IBBA. The Achievement Award was established to allow our members to recognize a member of their staff for their service. Josh Brooks from Salacoa Valley Farms at Fairmont, Ga., as Director of Operations is living his dream. As a fifth-grader, he wrote about being a cowboy and was involved in high school rodeo going all the way to International Finals in Oklahoma. Josh and his wife, Dawn, have three children-Cole, 8, Josie Beth, 3, and Hazer, 10 months. Josh was nominated by Chris Heptinstall.

Membership The Achievement Award was also presented to Bo Huddleston from Char-No Farm at Williamson, Ga. Bo has been at Char-No for the past five years after previous jobs in construction and agriculture. Bo will tell you that now he feeds bulls instead of riding them. Bo married Mo earlier this year and is the chairman of the Young Cattlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Council in the Georgia Cattlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association. Bo was nominated by Chuck and Norma Sword.

Overall there was a great set of nominees who have dedicated a lot of time and effort to the business we are all so passionate about. It is because of people these that the cattle industry and especially the Brangus business, is thriving so well. We encourage all cattleman to strive to meet the standard that these nominees have set for our industry. The cattle business is a competitive market; therefore in order to find success you must set yourself apart in the way you conduct business. Customers notice when we go the extra mile to take care of their needs and fellow breeders notice when we are working to make the highest quality cattle possible. It all pays off in the long run and is a reflection of our effort. The effort shown by these nominees is much appreciated by the association and we would like to congratulate them on their accomplishments!

In addition to these three awards, the SBBA recognized the juniors for their accomplishments at the Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show (SRJBS), which was hosted earlier in the day. Details and winners from the SRJBS can be found in the show section of this issue. The evening wrapped up with the traditional SBBA Fun Auction where numerous items from members were auctioned for the benefit of the SBBA. BJ

Tommy Taylor accepting the 2015 SBBA Award of Excellence presented by SBBA Awards Chair, Janet Greuel (far left) and SBBA President, Doug Williams.

Josh Brooks and family accepting the 2015 SBBA Achievement Award. SBBA Awards Chair, Janet Greuel (far left), SBBA President, Doug Williams, Nominators Chris Heptinstall and Alex Johns joined in the picture.

Through the night, multiple heartfelt thanks were given by the award winners for not only the awards bestowed upon them, but also for the opportunities to be involved in such a great group of people such as the SBBA.

Bo Huddleston accepting the 2016 SBBA Achievement Award. Huddleston is joined by nominator Chuck Sword (far left) and award presenter, SBBA President, Doug Williams.

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 43

Sale Reports Don Thomas and Sons Sale

Madison, Missouri September 12, 2015 Gross Average Registered Brangus Females

17 3N1’s & Pairs $64,500 $3,794

21 Bred/Exposed Heifers $89,750 $4,774

11 Open Heifers $36,250 $3,295 49 Total Registered Females $190,500 $3,888 Registered Brangus Bulls 6 Total Brangus Bulls $27,250 $4,542 Commercial Brangus Females 216 Total Commercial Bred Heifers $513,350 $2,377 • High Selling Bull – DTS Big Casino 291B sold for $10,000 to S-5 Land and Cattle, Justin Smith.

• High Selling 3N1 – Ms Thomas 331S11-3Y and her bull calf sold for $8,000 to Schuler Farms, Kenneth Schuler of Walnut Grove, MO. • High Selling Bred – Miss JLS Affirmed 915B5 sold for $8,000 to Skyhawk Brangus of Tyler, TX. • High Selling Bred – Ms Thomas Honbre 240A sold for $7,250 to Salacoa Valley Farms of Fairmont, GA. • High Selling Bred – Southern Blackcap 36698 sold for $6,750 to Chimney Rock Cattle Company of Concord, AR. • High Selling Open – Ms Thomas Passport 222B7 sold for $6,250 to JLS International, Jeff Smith and Myron Saathoff.

• 67 buyers registered from 11 states.

Above: Luke and Phillip welcome everyone to the Inaugural Big D Ranch Sale.

Right: The stands were packed for the Town Creek Farm Sale in West Point, MS.

Big D Ranch Sale

Center Ridge, Arkansas October 10, 2015 Gross Average Registered Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls

Coming Two’s $4,800 Yearlings $3,500 Commercial Brangus Females

Bred Heifers $3,200

Open Heifers $1,850 • High Selling Bull – BDR Yellowstone 541B sold to Wahrmund Farms of Springfield, AR • High Selling Bull – BDR 419 Ultra Sleepy 1632B sold to Marshall Kaufmann of DeRidder, LA. • High Selling Bull – BDR 419 Sleepy 4B4 sold to Marshall Kaufmann of DeRidder, LA • High Selling Commercial Breds sold to Honeycutt Farms of Austin, AR. • Volume buyers were Wahrmund Farms of Springfield, AR, and Dixon Cattle Company of Russellville, AR. • Special thanks to Terry Rushing of Fox, AR for purchasing the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Class Bull. 100% of the proceeds went to help support the YCLC. • Attendees from 5 states.

Town Creek Farm Sale

West Point, Mississippi October 17, 2015 Gross Average Registered Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls

150 Bulls $6,672 150 Total Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls $6,672 Customer-owned Commercial Bred Heifers

263 Bred Heifers $2,801 263 Total Commercial Bred Heifers $2,801 415 Total Lots $1,737,350 • High Selling Bull – TCF Ultrablack 271B sold for $29,000 to Drawdy Brothers of Florida.

• High Selling Bull – TCF Integrity 53B sold for $14,500 to Wells Cattle Co. of Mississippi.

• Volume buyers were from Florida, Arkansas and Louisiana.

• The crowd included more than 200 buyers, bidders and spectators from 10 states and Brazil and Paraguay, South America.

Have a sale you need to report?

44 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

Sale Reports The Oaks Farms and Genetic Partners Sale

Grantville, Georgia October 30-31, 2015 Gross Average Brangus Females 67 Total Brangus Females $5,400 Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls 153 Total Brangus Bulls $5,000 • High Selling Donor – Oaks Ms Patton 302X2 sold one-half interest for $18,000 to Scott Farms of Roopville, GA. • High Selling Female – Oaks 302B8 sold for $19,000 to Cold Creek Ranch of Marietta, GA. • High Selling Bred Heifer – Oaks All Dat X6010 209B10 sold for $17,000 to Lake Majestik Farms of Flat Rock, AL and High Rock Farm of Horton, AL. • High Selling Pick – Pick of the Granite 834B Calves from The Oaks, Cold Creek Ranch or Char-No Farms sold for $10,500 to Miller Brangus of Franklin, TN. • High Selling Flush – Flush on 803T6 offered by Lake Majestik Farms sold for $13,250 to Miller Brangus of Franklin, TN. • High Selling Embryo Interest – Interest in Ms NSR 541Y61 sold for $15,000 to Gunsmoke Ranch and Lazy MM Bar Farms.

• High Selling Bull – Oaks Passport 209B50 sold one-half interest for $15,000 to L.G. Herndon Farms of Lyons, GA. • High Selling Bull – Oaks Step Ahead 468B8 sold for $10,000 to L.G. Herndon Farms of Lyons, GA. • 143 buyers represented 13 states.

GENETRUST at Chimney Rock Cattle co.

Concord, Arkansas November 6-7, 2015 Gross Average Registered Brangus Females

40 Open Heifers $5,513

26 Bred Heifers $7,769

18 3N1’s $9,236

6 Donors $16,208

2 Bred Cows $4,000 92 Total Registered Females $7,543 Registered Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls

34 Coming Two’s $6,941

106 Yearlings $6,519 140 Total Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls $6,621 Commercial Brangus Females

33 Fall Pairs $3,389

102 Bred Heifers $2,733

65 Open Heifers $2,252 200 Total Commercial Females $2,685 • High Selling Female – Suhn’s Miss Augustus 30B9 offered

by Suhn Cattle Company sold one-half interest for $18,500 to Genesis Ranch of Columbus, TX and Cross F Cattle Company of Lubbock, TX. • High Selling Female – Ms DMR Conversion 468B4 offered

by Draggin’ M Ranch sold for $25,000 to Ruben Millan or Senora, Mexico.

• Volume registered females buyers were Ganaderia Millan of Magadalena, Senora, Mexico; Lynn Gravely or Frisco, TX; and Dustin Cross of McNeil, AR. • High Selling Bull – DMR Coronado 30B15 offered by Draggin’ M Ranch sold ½ interest and full possession for $27,000 to JRT Brangus, Jeff Thomas of Cumming, GA. • High Selling Bull – Suhn’s Landau 30B19 offered by Suhn Cattle Company sold for $19,000 to Todd Garrett of Midlothian, TX. • Volume bull buyers for the day were Los Jaboncillos Ranch of Sarita, TX and Alico Inc. of Fort Myers, FL. • High Selling Commercial Females – 5 Ultrablack Fall Pairs offered by Sanders Ranch of Marshall, AR, sold for $3700/ pair to Paul McCarthy of Sherman, TX. • 149 buyers registered from 13 states and Mexico. BJ

Above: An overhead view of the sale proceedings at The Oaks and Genetic Partners Sale in Grantville, GA. Right: (L to R) Buyers at the GeneTrust at Chimney Rock Cattle Sale - Roger and Lynn Richardson, Lynn Gravely, and Jimmy Acker.

Contact IBBA today for the form!

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 45

Show Results Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Sees Record Numbers

by Tyler DEAN IBBA director of shows & youth Programs

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ho would believe five short years could result in a complete restoration of an event? Proof that such things do happen was displayed on Friday, September 18, 2015, in Lake City, Fla. From non-existence just over five years ago, the 2015 Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show (SRJBS) rivaled IBBA National Point Shows in terms of entries and participation. Fueled by an aggressive and passionate group of committee men and women along with the solid support system of Southeast Brangus Breeder Association (SBBA) members, the SRJBS has continued to gain momentum every year since it’s re-establishment in 2011.

Hosted again in conjunction with the SBBA Annual Showcase Female Sale at the Columbia Livestock Market in Lake City, Fla., the SRJBS continued to build upon the solid foundation set the last four years and grew in terms of both junior exhibitors and head of cattle. Twenty-two juniors from three states including Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee brought 87 head of Brangus and Red Brangus cattle to Lake City, Fla., for the show. At the end of the show, 43 females, 8 cow-calf pairs and 36 bulls were brought before Judge Chris Hardee for evaluation.

Hardee, who is from Chiefland, Fla., is no stranger to the Brangus breed. Hardee served as President of the IBBA in 19981999 and brought his kids up through the Southeast Junior

Association as well as the International Junior Association. As the 1997 IBBA Breeder of the Year and the 2011 IBBA Commercial Marketer of the Year, Hardee brought a unique perspective to the ring with his experience in all sectors of our association. Many thanks go out to the numerous sponsors and donors who made the show such a success.

Continued evidence of the dedication to the future of the SRJBS shined bright during Saturday’s Showcase Female Sale. Owners of Clover Ranch, Oscar Juarez and Pepe Medina of Marietta, Ga., donated CLVR Ms New Vision 192B, a tremendous New Vision daughter that was auctioned off for $16,000 to benefit the 2015 SRJBS! Forty-six buyers from across the nation teamed up to participate in a buyer group to purchase the female. The Sullivan Family of Santa Rosa Ranch in Crockett, Texas, had their lucky ticket pulled from the hat and decided to re-donate the heifer back to the juniors to auction again. Quail Creek Brangus, Johnny and Donna Vines of Steele, Ala., had the bid when the gavel fell to raise a total of $22,500 for the future of the SRJBS. Many thanks go out to the numerous sponsors and donors who made the show such a success. An extra special thank you goes to the members of the planning committee who gave their time and resources to make the show come together and run smoothly for all participants and spectators. BJ

Grand Champion Owned Female

Reserve Owned Female

R3P MS COAL TRAINS CAROLINE 32C CASSIDY POLSTON, LAKELAND, FL

46 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

MARVEL’S TAYLOR 214 KATELYNN BAYLES, ALACHUA, FL

Show Results

Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female

Reserve Bred & Owned Female

Grand Champion Cow-Calf Pair

Reserve Cow-Calf Pair

R3P MS COAL TRAINS CAROLINE 32C CASSIDY POLSTON, LAKELAND, FL

MARVEL’S KISSIMMEE 513 DANA PATTERSON, ALACHUA, FL

Grand Champion Bull

SK MR. BOLT ACTION 37B GUS MURRY, OVETT, MS

LB MS FINAL GRACE 78A6 EMILY LETTELIER, CITRA, FL

TJ’S MS HOMBRE DOLL QUINN CARTER, HAINES CITY, FL

Reserve Grand Bull

LB MR BLACK GOLD 78B6 EMILY LETTELIER, CITRA, FL

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 47

Show Results Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show Contest Awards

Novice Showmanship

(L to R) IBBA Queen McKenzie Posey, 1st Elijah Lasseter

Intermediate Showmanship

(L to R) 3rd Elizabeth Dodson, 1st Rustin Anderson, 2nd Dana Patterson,

Photography Contest

(L to R) IBBA Queen McKenzie Posey, Gus Murry, Megan Abram

Novice Showmanship

(L to R) IBBA Queen McKenzie Posey, 2nd Railee Steele, 3rd Jurney Crim

Senior Showmanship

(L to R) 3rd Paige Eaves, 1st Quinn Carter, 2nd Emily Lettelier

Appreciation Award

The Willis family, John and Beth Willis, donates use of the Livestock Market every year for the SRJBS.

Junior Showmanship

(L to R) IBBA Queen McKenzie Posey, 1st Rowdy Anderson, 2nd Sarah Pereles, 3rd Kameron Steele

Computer Generated Advertisement

(L to R) IBBA Queen McKenzie Posey, Dana Patterson, Megan Abram

Appreciation Award

Doug and Belinda Cheney give a lot of time helping secure anything needed locally for SRJBS.

Not Pictured Pee-Wee Showmanship 1st Grey Murry 2nd Harlan Taylor 3rd Kinley Lawson 4th Cason Hayford 5th Emery Crim

Appreciation Award

Sharron McCreary spends a lot of time as SBBA Treasurer and helps maintains all financial information for SRJBS.

48 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

Appreciation Award

Tyler Dean has helped SRJBS the last four years in any capacity needed including announcing the show.

Congratulations to ALL juniors who participated in the 2015 SRJBS!

Show Results Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show Donation Heifer Thank You

H

osting an event the calibur of the SRJBS takes a lot of time and support. The past two years, a major source of funding for the SRJBS has been the Donation Heifer. The 2015 SRJBS Donation heifer was graciously donated by Clover Ranch Oscar Juarez and Pepe Medina of Marietta, Ga. CLVR Ms New Vision raised a total of $22,500 for the future of the SRJBS. Many thanks go out to the numerous sponsors and donors who made the 2015 SRJBS Donation Heifer such a success. BJ

2015 SRJBS Donation Heifer Buyer Group

Addison Brangus Farms Alex & Liz Johns Bar J R Farm Belt Brangus Blackwater Cattle Company Char-No Farms Cheney Farms Cliff Coddington Cow Creek Ranch D S Farms David & Susan Vaughan Doug Williams Draggin M Ranch E C Farms Galloway Brangus Farms Genetrust Greuel Family Brangus Hardee Farms Hayford Brangus K C Farms Lake Majestic Farms Lazy One Farm Lettelier Brangus

Lightning Ridge Brangus Little Creek Farms Longino Ranch Lowery Brangus McCreary Farms Miller Brangus M-M Brangus Murry Farms Parker Brangus Persimmon Creek Brangus Quail Creek Brangus Rafter Double C Brangus River Bend Ranch Robert Yates Ranch Salacoa Valley Farms Santa Rosa Ranch Schmidt Farms Skyhawk Brangus The Oaks Farm Town Creek Farm Truitt Brangus Farms Vanna Farms W.E.T. Farms

2015 SRJBS EXHIBITORS

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 49

Show Results Champions Named at 2015 Brangus National Show of Merit

by Tyler DEAN IBBA director of shows & youth Programs

B

rangus exhibitors from six states including Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas brought 109 head of Brangus cattle to Shreveport, La., for the 2015 Brangus National Show of Merit on Saturday, October 24. Ed Richardson, owner and operator of Richardson Cattle Company, judged the event. Richardson has spent 30 years in the Custom Fitting Services as well as breeding, raising and showing Hereford, Angus and Chi-Angus cattle. He has raised and exhibited numerous Champions and exhibited at numerous prestigious shows. Richardson brought a list of success with show cattle as well as extensive experience with him as he evaluated the 106 head brought before him.

Coming from the Senior Heifer Division, DDD Silver Lining 804A63 took the Grand Champion Female title home for Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch of Poteet, Texas. The November 2013 female is a daughter of Suhn’s Augustus 416Y14. Reserve Grand Champion Female honors went to JLS International of Hondo, Texas. Miss JLS Abby 89C, a January 2015 daughter of Mr

JLS Presidente 86Y6, first captured the title of Champion Junior Heifer Calf. Miss MCR 821B, owned by McDonald Ranches of Bryan, Texas, and Triple JR Cattle Company of Friendswood, Texas, was named the Grand Champion Red Female. 821B is a February 2014 daughter of Dos XX’s Chief ’s Mr Stretch and was first named Champion Red Junior Heifer. The Reserve Champion Red Junior Heifer, Dos XX’s Stretch’s Stardust was named the Reserve Grand Champion Red Female. A full sister to 821B, Stardust is an April 2014 daughter of Dos XX’s Stretch’s Stardust and was exhibited by Dos XX’s Cattle Company of Washington, Texas and McDonald Ranches of Bryan, Texas.

In the cow-calf show, Grand Champion honors went to Daisey Mae’s 99A2 and her October 2015 heifer calf 1 Cup’s Annabelle 99C6. Exhibited by Russell Savoie of Iowa, La., 99A2 is a July 2013 daughter of DDD Walks Alone 193W6.

After first winning the Junior Bull title, Mr JLS Ice T 915B29 was named the Grand Champion Bull. Exhibited by JLS International of Hondo, Texas, Ice T is a March 2014 son of

Grand Champion & Champion Senior Heifer

Reserve Grand & Champion Junior Heifer Calf

Grand Champion & Champion Red Junior Heifer

Reserve Grand & Reserve Red Junior Heifer

DDD SILVER LINING 804A63 DOGUET DIAMOND D RANCH, POTEET, TX

MISS MCR 821B MCDONALD RANCHES, BRYAN, TX &, TRIPLE JR CATTLE, FRIENDSWOOD, TX

50 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

MISS JLS ABBY 89C JLS INTERNATIONAL INC, HONDO, TX

DOS XX’S STRETCH’S STARDUST MCDONALD RANCHES, BRYAN, TX &, DOS XX’s CATTLE, WASHINGTON, TX

Show Results Skyhawks Presidente. Following closely behind, CS Train of Thought 2056UA, a May 2013 son of SBR Coal Train 222WR, was named Reserve Grand Champion Bull after first winning the Intermediate Senior Bull Division. Train of Thought was exhibited by Deep Down Ranch of Jennings, La. Again in the Red Brangus Show, both overall champions emerged from the same division, the Intermediate Senior Bull division. CX Dream’s Hombre 31/A exhibited by Cox Excalibur Brangus of Katy, Texas, claimed the title of Grand Champion Red Brangus Bull. Hombre is a June 2013 son of CX Legend’s Dream 610/

U1. Trio’s Aristotle 175A followed closely behind and claimed the title of Reserve Champion Red Brangus Bull for Trio Cattle and Genetics of Dallas, Texas. Aristotle is a September 2013 son of Trio’s Yucatan 175Y. In only the second outing for Ultra cattle in the show ring, DDD New Horizons 4B took the Grand Champion Ultrablack Female title for Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch of Poteet, Texas.

The January 2014 female is a daughter of Duff Hobart 8302 and first captured the Junior Heifer Champion. Sankey’s 6N Ranch (continued on page 52)

Grand Champion Cow/Calf

DAISEY MAE’S 99 A 2 RUSSELL C SAVOIE, IOWA, LA

Grand Champion & Champion Junior Bull

Reserve Grand & Champion Intermediate Senior Bull

Grand Champion & Champion Red Intermediate Senior Bull

Reserve Grand & Reserve Red Intermediate Senior Bull

MR JLS ICE T 915B29 JLS INTERNATIONAL INC, HONDO, TX

CX DREAM’S HOMBRE 31/A COX EXCALIBUR BRANGUS, KATY, TX

CS TRAIN OF THOUGHT 2056UA DEEP DOWN RANCH, JENNINGS, LA

TRIO’S ARISTOTLE 175A TRIO CATTLE & GENETICS, LLC, DALLAS, TX

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 51

Show Results (continued from page 51) of Council Grove, Kan., captured Reserve Grand honors with Sankey’s Abigale 698C. Abigale, an April 2015 daughter of Sankey’s Abilene 313 first won the Junior Heifer Calf division.

Grand Champion Ultrared Bull honors went to Katy Knox Wunderlich of Hempstead, Texas. Diamond K’s Valentino 317C5, a February 2015 son of WR Mr Valentino 7502 first won

the Junior Bull Calf Division.

In the group classes, Russell Savoie of Iowa, La., exhibited progeny of Jethro’s 99K Ellie May to win the Produce of Dam. Triple JR Cattle Company of Friendswood, Texas, Dos XX’s Cattle Company of Washington, Texas, and McDonald Ranches of Bryan, Texas, exhibited full sisters and daughters of Miss Clark Cattle 821 to win the Red Brangus Produce of Dam class. BJ

Grand Champion & Champion Ultrablack Junior Heifer

Reserve Grand & Reserve Ultrablack Junior Heifer Calf

DDD NEW HORIZONS 4B DOGUET DIAMOND D RANCH, POTEET, TX

SANKEYS ABIGALE 698C SANKEY’S 6N RANCH, COUNCIL GROVE, KS

Grand Champion & Champion Ultrared Junior Bull Calf DIAMOND K’S VALENTINO 317C5 KATY KNOX WUNDERLICH, HEMPSTEAD, TX

Reserve Junior Heifer Calf

KK MISS SANGRIA 157C2 KATY KNOX WUNDERLICH, HEMPSTEAD, TX

52 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

Champion Red Junior Heifer Calf CX MS CHIEF’S APACHE 314/C MARCELA GARZA, SPRING, TX

Reserve Red Junior Heifer Calf

CHAMP MS SHOWBOATING 504C3 AIMEE ADAMEK, SCHULENBURG, TX

Show Results

Champion Senior Heifer Calf

MISS JLS CLAIRE 915B65 JLS INTERNATIONAL INC, HONDO, TX

Reserve Senior Heifer Calf

SANKEYS CALLIE 108B3 KENDRA KAY BRULL, ATCHISON, KS

Champion Red Senior Heifer Calf

Champion Summer Heifer

STASSI ROSALIE 204B3 BKC RANCH, LLC, MAGNOLIA, TX

SANKEYS STARBURST 108B2 SANKEY’S 6N RANCH, COUNCIL GROVE, KS

Reserve Summer Heifer

MISS MS BRILYNN 291B2 LAUREN SAVOIE, JENNINGS, LA

Champion Red Summer Heifer

Champion Junior Heifer

Champion Red Senior Heifer

Reserve Junior Bull Calf

CX MS LEGENDS DREAM 59/B4 LAUREN SAVOIE, JENNINGS, LA

MS 2H/GBB HAYLEY 915B4 TUCKER GAMBLE, JOAQUIN, TX

DOS XX’S MS GABRIELLA DOS XX’S CATTLE COMPANY, WASHINGTON, TX

SMART IRON HEAD 122C CLAIRE SMART, RUNGE, TX

Champion Red Junior Bull Calf

Champion Senior Bull Calf

Reserve Senior Bull Calf

SMART GHOST 204C CAITLYNN SMART, RUNGE, TX

1 CUP’S HERCULES 99 B 5 RUSSELL C SAVOIE, IOWA, LA

SKYHAWKS TEDDY 915B6 SKYHAWK BRANGUS, TYLER, TX

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 53

Show Results

Champion Red Senior Bull Calf

Reserve Red Senior Bull Calf

MR JLS RED MAN 23B4 JLS INTERNATIONAL INC, HONDO, TX

MR JLS KING 23B6 JLS INTERNATIONAL INC, HONDO, TX

Reserve Junior Bull

Champion Senior Bull

Champion Red Summer Bull

CX MR LEGENDS DREAM 3/B1 COX EXCALIBUR BRANGUS, KATY, TX

Reserve Senior Bull

CMR EROS 488B AIMEE ADAMEK, SCHULENBURG, TX

3R NITE TRAIN ANDREYA L MITCHELL, SEMINOLE, OK

QMC MR GRIT OF LAMBERT 192Z CASEY DELONA HARPER, HAINES CITY, FL

NOT PICTURED Reserve Red Senior Heifer Calf

NOT PICTURED Champion Junior Bull Calf

NOT PICTURED Reserve Red Junior Bull

TJR MS SPECIAL 504U/B3 TRIPLE J-R CATTLE CO, FRIENDSWOOD, TX

CCC MR GUNSMOKE 915C RYON MORGAN CHANEY, WINDOM, TX

CX APACHES DREAM 71/B COX EXCALIBUR BRANGUS, KATY, TX

Reserve Red Summer Heifer

Reserve Red Junior Bull Calf

Champion Red Senior Bull

MS LAZY 3 STATESMAN 53/B TANKECKA RANCH, COLUMBUS, TX

CX CHIEFS APACHE 010/C COX EXCALIBUR BRANGUS, KATY, TX

Reserve Junior Heifer

Champion Summer Bull

DDD SPECIAL EFFECTS 246B RYON MORGAN CHANEY, WINDOM, TX

MCC MR GOLIATH 468B ASHLYN TURNER, BERNICE, LA

Reserve Senior Heifer

Champion Red Junior Bull

DDD MS PENELOPE 804A53 GARRETT R CHANEY, WINDOM, TX

TJR RED DYNASTY 198/A TRIPLE J-R CATTLE CO, FRIENDSWOOD, TX

Reserve Red Senior Bull

TX CHIEF ADVANTAGE 76/A TANECKA RANCH, COLUMBUS, TX

DOS XX’S SUPER MAGNUM MCDONALD RANCHES, BRYAN, TX &, DOS XX’s CATTLE, WASHINGTON, TX

Louisiana State Fair Junior Brangus Show Results

O

n Friday, October 23, 2015, junior breeders from across Louisiana participated in the Louisiana State Fair Junior Brangus Show. Blake Bloomberg of Stillwater, Okla., evaluated 15 Brangus females and 12 Brangus bulls.

In the female show, Ms TF 72B rose to the top to claim the 54 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

titles of Grand Champion Female and Champion Louisiana Bred Female for Taylor Faul of Rayne, La. Kilee Pickett of Robeline, La., exhibited Miss JLS Myra 33B2 to claim the Reserve Grand Female honor. Addison Gautreaux of Rayne, La., led Ms TF 468B to claim the Reserve Champion Louisiana Bred Female title.

Show Results

Grand Champion Female & Champion Louisiana Bred Female

In the bull show, Taylor Faul captured another title by leading JOJ’s Potus to claim Grand Bull. Sarah Ellis of Castor, La., followed closely behind with TCR Sergeant 313B1 taking home Reserve Grand Bull. Champion Louisiana Bred Bull honors went to Ashlen Turner of Bernice, La., with MCC Mr Good Shepherd 2B. Capturing another banner for Kilee Pickett of Robeline, La., the Reserve Champion Louisiana Bred Bull was Mr. MP Mickolow. BJ

MS TF 72B TAYLOR FAUL, RAYNE, LA

Reserve Grand Female

MISS JLS MYRA 33B2 KILEE PICKETT, ROBELINE, LA

Grand Champion Bull

Reserve Champion Louisiana Bred Female MS TF 468B ADDISON GAUTREAUX, RAYNE, LA

Reserve Grand Bull

JOJ’S POTUS TAYLOR FAUL, RAYNE, LA

TCR SERGEANT 313B1 KILEE PICKETT, ROBELINE, LA

Champion Louisiana Bred Bull

Reserve Champion Louisiana Bred Bull

MCC MR GOOD SHEPHERD 2B ADDISON GAUTREAUX, RAYNE, LA

MR. MP MICKOLOW LEE PICKETT, ROBELINE, LA

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 55

Industry News IRS Audit Guide is Prejudicial Against Ranchers

A

resolution has been introduced in the U.S. House to impeach IRS Commissioner John Koskinen for violation of the public trust, failing to comply with a congressionally issued subpoenas, and misleading the public over the IRS’ practices of targeting conservative groups in audits. The last time Congress tried to remove a public official via impeachment was in 1876, when Secretary of War William Belknap was impeached on allegations he had helped himself to war funds. He resigned under pressure from President Grant.

IRS agents are often viewed with disdain by people subjected to audits in the livestock industry because agents frequently do not understand the intricacies of the industry. When conducting audits of livestock ventures, revenue agents usually rely on an IRS tax audit guide pertaining to the livestock industry. The guide is loaded with “gotcha” questions and prejudicial commentary.

For example, the guide states: “As in every business, the means for underreporting income is as varied as those who choose to undertake such ventures. The most successful rancher may fail to disclose all income because of the accompanying income tax benefits. Farmers having a very good year with a sudden turnaround just before filing time may be dealing with a cash flow crunch.”

If you are audited in connection with your livestock activity your auditor will be looking for the following red flag situations: 1. Sales of animals through atypical sources.

2. Bartering that may account for some sales; swapping of equipment or services for breeding stock.

3. Use of multiple bank accounts with reliance on the bank records for reporting purposes. The IRS thinks this lends itself to misreporting due to exclusion of some records. Revenue agents also watch for transfers to or from savings, money market, and investment accounts.

4. Personal expenses deducted as farm expenses. This is the most common form of misreporting among farmers and ranchers.

Farming is a lifestyle that takes tremendous dedication and focus. All aspects of a farmer’s life are centered on the animal and therefore nearly all aspects of a farmer’s life can be easily considered to be financially related to the business. Customarily revenue agents find personal expenses in insurance, gasoline, interest, taxes, utilities, and repairs itemized along with other ordinary and necessary farming expenses.

Revenue agents need to understand that the livestock industry is dynamic, and that various elements in the economy may dramatically tilt a taxpayer’s activity toward profit or loss.

Changes in supply and demand for the particular animals can run the prices up or down. An oversupply of animals can push prices down. The weather impacts on profits as well, with 56 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

by John Alan COHAN Attorney at law

drought, flood, heat spells and blizzards that can result in feed cost increases, reduced availability of grazing pasture, or outright death to animals through heat exposure, drowning, or isolation with subsequent starvation.

Health considerations can affect profits. For instance, reaction to England’s “mad cow disease” hit the cattle market quickly and hard for a short period of time. Diseases and illnesses can affect long range efforts to rebuild markets.

The audit guide recognizes that if undesirable market conditions begin to appear, this may trigger the need to sell breeding stock and then later acquire fresh stock from further breeding or direct purchases.

The IRS guide also asks revenue agents to watch out for taxpayers who conduct more than one activity, and to take into consideration the “material participation test.” The manual states that if a taxpayer is engaged in a full time occupation outside of the livestock activity, that raises a question of how the taxpayer has sufficient time in which to “materially” participate in the activity. If the IRS finds that you are not materially participating, it could deny you the right to deduct losses against outside income.

If you are audited, it is helpful if you can show that you are either making a profit in the activity or that you are in the middle of a profitable year, or at least that your losses are declining. It is usually prudent to have an experienced taxpayer representative handle the audit on your behalf. The main consideration in any audit concerning livestock industry or other farming activity is whether the taxpayer has an honest intention of engaging in the activity with a view towards making a profit, rather than as a hobby. This is shown by objective as well as subjective evidence.

Many of my clients have been successful in withstanding IRS scrutiny because they have made it a point to get professional legal guidance early on. BJ ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Alan Cohan is a lawyer who has served the livestock and farming industry since 1981. He serves clients in all 50 states, and can be reached for legal consultation at (310) 278-0203 or via e-mail at johnalancohan@aol.com.

Industry News

by Phillip ELLIS NCBA PRESIDENT

W

The Science Doesn’t Support IARC Decision

e learned this week that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has voted to tell the world that they believe processed meats are a human carcinogen.

Similarly, they have decided red meat is a “probable carcinogen.”

Let me be clear, this group did not conduct new research during their meeting, they simply reviewed existing evidence, including six studies submitted by the beef checkoff. That evidence had already been reviewed and weighed by the medical and scientific community. The science reviewed by IARC simply does not support their decision.

We know that there isn’t clear evidence to support IARC’s decision because the beef checkoff has commissioned independent studies on the topic for a decade. In fact, countless studies have been conducted by cancer and medical experts and they have all determined the same thing: No one food can cause or cure cancer. But that hasn’t prevented IARC from deciding otherwise.

Since IARC began meeting in 1979, these experts have reviewed more than 900 compounds, products and factors for possible correlation with cancer. To date, only one product (caprolactam, which is a chemical primarily used to create synthetic fibers like nylon) has been granted a rating of 4, which indicates it is “probably not carcinogenic to humans.”

Most other factors or products that have been examined by the body, including glyphosate, aloe vera, nightshift work and sunlight have fallen into three categories: 2B “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” 2A “probably carcinogenic to humans,” or 1 “carcinogenic to humans.”

It seemed likely from the beginning that we’d find ourselves here. We knew the deck was stacked against us, so the beef industry and others have long been working on providing credible research that would support what many others outside our industry have already verified: A full, fair and unbiased examination of the entire body of research does not support a finding that red or processed meats cause cancer. This conclusion isn’t mine alone and you can evaluate the information for yourself. We’ve posted the studies reviewed by IARC on the website: factsaboutbeef.com. At NCBA, our team of experts has also been working with our state partners and other industry organizations to mount a full-scale defense of beef.

As just one example of the work we’ve done, we commissioned a study with the same body of research reviewed by IARC. Our study engaged a panel of 22 epidemiologists from the United States and abroad who were recruited by a third-party research group. Participants in the study averaged 22 years of experience and the full panel had a combined total of 475 years of experience.

They were provided with a meta-analysis graph which showed data for a specific exposure and a specific human disease outcome, but the specific human disease outcome and exposure were not revealed. In other words, they plotted the results of the study findings on a graph, without telling the participants what product the studies examined. Of the 22 participants in the study, 21 (or 95 percent) said their assessment of the magnitude of the association was weak. Of the 22 epidemiologists, only 10 (or 45 percent) said there was even a possible association. Perhaps most

Cancer is a complex subject and no one understands fully what causes it or how it can be prevented. Despite billions of dollars spent on research, we only know that no one food can cause or prevent cancer. importantly, the epidemiologists agreed that, given the evidence provided, there is not sufficient evidence to make public health recommendations.

Cancer is a complex subject and no one understands fully what causes it or how it can be prevented. Despite billions of dollars spent on research, we only know that no one food can cause or prevent cancer. We also know, thanks in part to decades of producer-funded work on the subject, that when people lead overall healthy lifestyles and maintain a healthy weight, they reduce their risks for chronic diseases, such as cancer, and our team and our state partners are hard at work on this topic to be certain that consumers and their influencers know and understand that beef should remain in their diets, regardless of what IARC might say. BJ Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 57

Industry News Senate Acts on WOTUS; Leading to Further Litigation

T

his week, the Senate finally took up a series of votes on the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers’ “waters of the United States” rule. A major priority for cattle producers and all land-use stakeholders, this rule would place millions of additional acres of private and state property under federal jurisdiction. Cattle producers have pointed to the rule as ambiguous, further muddying the waters of the Clean Water Act and vastly overreaching the intent of Congress and extending beyond Supreme Court precedent. The Army Corps of Engineers have also expressed their concerns that Corps’ data was incorrectly used and applied out of context in crafting the final rule, going so far as to ask that their name and logo be removed from the final rule.

Beyond the concerns expressed by producers and the Corps, the Courts have also pointed to several flaws in the rule, leading first to an injunction on implementation of the rule from the Federal Court in North Dakota for 13 states, and finally a nationwide stay on implementation from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. In granting the stay, the Court of Appeals cited a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of the challenge to the rule and the facially suspect nature of the EPA’s rulemaking process. Echoing the concerns of the Corps, the Court found the determinations made by the EPA in the final rule had little relation to the information in the proposed rule that was released for public comment.

Additionally concerning is the EPA’s grassroots lobbying campaign to solicit public comments in favor of the rule, pointed out by the New York Times and the House Oversight Committee hearing into the process EPA followed in crafting this rule. All this supports cattle producers’ contention that this flawed rule came from a flawed process, fruit of a poisonous tree.

While the Senate did not have the votes to overcome a filibuster and move to debate the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, sponsored by Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the vote and the bill’s sponsors showed the bi-partisan support in the Senate against the rule. Without 60 votes to debate the bill, the Senate turned to consideration of a joint resolution of disapproval sponsored by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). Again the vote in support of the joint resolution showed bi-partisan support and the resolution passed 53-44. The joint resolution must still be considered by the House before it will inevitably be vetoed by the President in support of his administration’s regulatory rampage.

Unfortunately, this action by Congress and the administration only sets cattle producers up for years of litigation and millions of dollars in expenses to defeat this regulation. Moreover, with dozens of states also engaged in litigation, this inaction will also cost taxpayers litigation expense because Congress could not muster the votes to act against a regulation that so many find to be so seriously flawed. BJ

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State Directory 1

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13465 Brooklyn Rd. Evergreen, AL 36401

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Alabama

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Sean Parker, President

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Arizona

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To place your ad in the State Directory,contact: Melanie at 979.255.3343 or Kyle at 254.371.9388

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California Arkansas

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2 BRANGUS John and Sherry Milam 753 Hinson Road El Dorado, AR 71730 Grady Green, Registered Cowherd Manager 870-314-3673, grady@dragginmranch.com Danny Roberson, Commercial Cowherd Manager 870-310-8134 www.dragginmranch.com

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Your Source for Brangus, Angus and Ultrablack Genetics in the West.

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THE DOIRON FAMILY Daniel & Pamela Doiron 805-245-0434 Cell doiron@spanishranch.net www.spanishranch.net

Bill Davis • OWNER • (336) 210-1222 Ed Slisher • maNagER • (870) 612-4117 GinaJackson Mynatt • OfficE maNagER • (870) 668-3414 Kelsey www.chimneyrockcattle.com

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THE LARGEST REGISTERED BRANGUS BREEDER IN AMERICA

www.wynneranch.com Matthew Lyle Wynne Cell: (772) 201-7500 Ft. Pierce, Florida matthew@wynneranch.net

Mo Williams, Owner (407)869-5866 :: Sorrento, Florida

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Registered and Commercial Brangus Mike Coggins • 229-­232-­3096 • mike@bwcattle.com Tracy Holbert • 979-­255-­4357 • ctlbroker@suddenlink.net

www.blackwatercattlecompany.com Ranch is located just off I-­75 at the Georgia-­Florida line.

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Joe & Catherine Kassler, Owners

41

3

5

4810 Smokey Road Newnan, GA 30263 770-251-6522 Home 770-502-1510 Fax www.theoaksfarm.com www.theoaksfarm.com Vince Roberts, CellCell Cobus Coetzee,Farm FarmManager Manager678-378-4697 - 678-378-0598 Scott Barkley,Asst.

Herdsman 678-378-0598 Cell Dex King-Williams, Farm Manager - 678-378-4697 Cell

5

Georgia

3

6

2

6

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 61

State Directory

Vernon & Vicki Suhn

Vernon & Vicki Suhn

1647 200th St - Eureka, KS 67045 (620) 583-5923 - (620) 583-3706 M suhn@wildblue.net www.suhncattlecompany.com

1647 200th St - Eureka, KS 67045 (620) 583-3706 - (620) 583-4240 suhn@wildblue.net www.suhncattlecompany.com

Kansas

1

Vernon & Vicki Suhn vern@genetrustbrangus.com • (620) 583-3706 1647 200th St • Eureka, KS 67045 www.genetrustbrangus.com

1

Louisiana

1

2

1,2

Tony & Lolita Westbrooks 683 Hwy 459 Olla, La 71465 Office: 318-992-5948 Cell: 318-481-8142

1

2

David Wood Magnolia, MS 713-539-5715

Mississippi New Mexico Missouri

To place your ad in the State Directory,contact: Melanie at 979.255.3343 or Kyle at 254.371.9388

dwood@woodcorporation.com

HOME OF SINGLETARY, 30T AND FOUNDATION.

3 3

1

2

1

62 | December 2015

To place your ad in the State Directory,contact: Melanie at 979.255.3343 or Kyle at 254.371.9388

1

2

1

2

2

2 1

Lack-Morrison Brangus Bulls, Females, Semen and Embryos Bill Morrison 411 CR 10 Clovis, NM 88101 (575) 482-3254 (575) 760-7263 Cell bvmorrison@yucca.net

Joe Paul & Rosie Lack P.O. Box 274 Hatch, NM 87937 P (575) 267-1016 F (575) 267-1234

www.lackmorrisonbrangus.com

Brangus Journal

State Directory To place your ad in the State Directory,contact: Melanie at 979.255.3343 or Kyle at 254.371.9388 2

3

4

1

5

3 4

1 2

Oklahoma

1

North Carolina

1

5

LAWMAN RANCH

To place your ad in the State Directory,contact: Melanie at 979.255.3343 or Kyle at 254.371.9388

— Shiloh Hall — Okmulgee, OK • 918-798-1337 www.lawmanbrangusranch.com • Shiloh518@yahoo.com

To place your ad in the State Directory,contact: Melanie at 979.255.3343 or Kyle at 254.371.9388

Tennessee

1

1

To place your ad in the State Directory, contact Melanie at 979.255.3343 or Kyle at 254.371.9388 Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 63

State Directory 1

DILLARD LAND & CATTLE

Joe & Elise Dillard 4206 Leaflock Lane · Katy, TX 77450 Ranch: 2013 N. FM 609 · Muldoon, TX 78949 (713) 201-3305 - Mobile · (281) 395-3343 - Home Gary D. Prause · Consultant · (979) 830-7819

13 9

21

Texas

11

17

6

12

2

15

23 2

10

Where winning tradition and performance collide

7

9

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

3 20 16 4 19 1,8, 22 14 18

JLS International, Inc.

5

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

3

251-947-5688 210-218-4804

Circle C Land & Cattle Co., Ltd.

Steve Densmore Cattle Manager (979) 776-5760, Office (979) 450-0819, Cell s.densmore@bre.com

4

7

Mound Creek Ranch

5

6

8

9

11

12

Eddie & Cindy Blazek Leona, Texas featuring

The Stockman’s Kind Registered Brangus Bulls & Females Contact for more information: Eddie Blazek (713) 829-9908 moundcreekranch@cs.com Tracy Holbert (979) 255-4357 ctlbroker@suddenlink.net Tim Sparkman (214) 460-0498

www.moundcreekranch.com 10

Beaumont Ranch (409) 866-8873

McCoy & Poteet Ranches Records (210) 269-3220 Eric Otto (210) 834-0034

Timmy Lucherk, Genetics Manager  (210) 834-1247

64 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

1415 E. OSR Bryan, TX 77808 www.circlexbrangus.com

State Directory 13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

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Randy Schmidt â&#x20AC;˘ 903-278-7777 91 CR 2308 â&#x20AC;˘ Texarkana, TX 75503

To place your ad in the State Directory,contact: Melanie at 979.255.3343 or Kyle at 254.371.9388

To place your ad in the State Directory, contact Melanie at 979.255.3343 or Kyle at 254.371.9388

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 65

Upcoming Events 5 10

December 2015

Alabama Brangus Breeders Bull Sale :: Uniontown, AL

Space Deadline for January Brangus Journal

27-31 Arizona National Livestock Show :: Phoenix, AZ

5

January 2016

Space Deadline for February Frontline Beef Producer

18

Fort Worth Open Brangus Show :: Fort Worth, TX

18

South Florida Open & Junior Brangus Show :: West Palm Beach, FL

22

Little Creek Farm Friends Black & White Bull Sale :: Okeechobee, FL

23

Fort Worth Junior Brangus Show :: Fort Worth, TX

27-29 NCBA Convention and Trade Show :: San Diego, CA

February 2016

Space Deadline for March Brangus Journal

TBBA Annual Convention :: Salado, TX

2

TBBA Miss America Sale :: Salado, TX

8

Space Deadline for May brangus Journal

23

GeneTrust at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch Sale :: Jacksonville, TX

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Entries Due

8

1

1-2

April 2016

7 9-13

May 2016

JLS Winning Tradition XIV Sale :: Devine, TX World Brangus Congress :: South Africa

15

NJBS Entries Due

22

NJBS Ownership Deadline

1 1

June 2016 NJBS Late Entries Due Futurity Entries Due

15-18 TJBBA State Show :: Bryan, TX

July 2016

4

Florida State Fair Open Brangus Show :: Tampa, FL

5

Florida State Fair Junior Brangus Show :: Tampa, FL

13

Marana Brangus Sale :: Marana, AZ

14

San Antonio Open Brangus Show :: San Antonio, TX

21

IJBBA “Source of Champions” Sale :: Hattiesburg, MS

15

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Late Entries Due

22

IJBBA Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet :: Hattiesburg, MS

15

Dixie National Open Brangus Show :: Jacksonville, MS

23

Brangus Futurity :: Hattiesburg, MS

17

San Antonio All Breeds Sale :: San Antonio, TX

19

San Antonio Junior Red Brangus Show :: San Antonio, TX

19

San Antonio Junior Brangus Show :: San Antonio, TX

20

Yon Family Farms Sale :: Ridge Spring, SC

27

Spitzer Ranch and Hunts H+ Professional Cattlemen’s Brangus Bull and Commercial Female Sale :: Fair Play, SC

28

Silver Anniversary Roswell Brangus Sale :: Roswell, NM

4

March 2016

International Brangus Bull Show :: Houston, TX

8

Space Deadline for August Brangus Journal

17-22 National Junior Brangus Show :: Hattiesburg, MS

10

9

August 2016

Space Deadline for Fall Frontline Beef Producer

September 2016

Space Deadline for October Brangus Journal

10

Thomas and Sons Sale :: Madison, MO

11

West Texas Fair & Rodeo Junior Brangus Show :: Abilene, TX

October 2016

4

IBBA Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet :: Houston, TX

8

4

Ideal Video Productions Customer Appreciation Sale :: Houston, TX

8

Big D Ranch Sale :: Center Ridge, AR

10

Space Deadline for November Brangus Journal

5

International Brangus Female Show :: Houston, TX

15

Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Sale :: Poteet, TX

5

Genetic Edge Sale :: Houston, TX

22

Miller Brangus Sale :: Waynesboro, TN

10

Space Deadline for April Brangus Journal

22

Oak Creek Farms Sale :: Chappell Hill, TX

12

WTBBA Springtime Sale :: Abilene, TX

12

Houston Junior Red Brangus Show :: Houston, TX

13

Oklahoma Youth Expo Junior Brangus Show :: Oklahoma City, OK

13

Houston Junior Brangus Show :: Houston, TX

19

Tested by Time Sale at Mound Creek Ranch, Leona, TX

22

GeneTrust at Suhn Cattle Company Sale :: Eureka, KS

26 Oklahoma Brangus Association Sale :: Ada, OK 66 | December 2015 Brangus Journal

28-29

CX Advantage Sale :: Weimar, TX

The Oaks & Genetic Partners Proven Performance Sale :: Newnan, GA

Sales and Events in bold are advertised in this issue.

For the most current listing of upcoming events visit

gobrangus.com/calendar

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 67

Advertisers Index AmRich Ranch.........................................................................................63 Blackwater Cattle Co.............................................................................61 Brian Martin Show Cattle....................................................................... 3 Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranches, LLC..........................................62 Burke Brangus Farm..............................................................................61 Bushley Creek Cattle Company.........................................................62 Calyx Star Ranch.....................................................................................62 Carter Brangus.........................................................................................60 Cavender Ranches.................................................................................64 Char-No Farm...........................................................................................61 Chimney Rock Cattle Co......................................................................60 Circle X Land & Cattle Co............................................................ IFC, 64 Clover Ranch.....................................................................................13, 60 Covered M Cattle Company.................................................................. 3 Cox Excalibur............................................................................................64 Cross N Farm....................................................................................... 5, 62 Diamond K Ranch............................................................................17, 65 Dillard Land & Cattle Ltd......................................................................64 Doak Lambert..........................................................................................59 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch....................................................... 64, BC Don Thomas & Sons........................................................................21, 62 Double Creek Brangus Ranch............................................................65 Double W Ranch.....................................................................................62 Douglass Cattle......................................................................................... 3 Draggin’ M Ranch.............................................................................. 5, 60 E 3 Ranch...................................................................................................64 El Rancho Espanol de Cuyama..........................................................60 Elgin Breeding Service..........................................................................59 Farris Ranching Company...................................................................64 Garry Clem Brangus........................................................................19, 65 Genesis Ranch.................................................................................... 5, 64 GeneTrust............................................................................................. 5, 67 Greuel Family Brangus..........................................................................61 Hardee Farms...........................................................................................61 JLS International.....................................................................................64 Johnston Farms Brangus.....................................................................60 K&R Broken Bar Ranch..........................................................................63

68 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

Lack-Morrison Brangus........................................................................62 Lake Majestik......................................................................................... IBC Lakeside Brangus....................................................................................61 Lakin Oakley.............................................................................................59 Lawman Ranch........................................................................................63 Little Creek Farms............................................................................31, 61 Lucherk Cattle............................................................................................ 3 Miller Brangus..........................................................................................63 MO Brangus..............................................................................................61 Mound Creek Ranches..........................................................................64 Parker Ranch............................................................................................60 Pennridge Ranch....................................................................................65 Perry Ranch...............................................................................................63 Quail Creek Brangus..............................................................................60 Red Bird Meadows Ranch....................................................................65 Robbs Brangus........................................................................................60 Robert Yates Ranch LLC........................................................................63 Roop Cattle Co.........................................................................................65 Salacoa Valley Farms......................................................................11, 61 Santa Rosa Ranch.............................................................................. 1, 65 Schmidt Farms.........................................................................................65 Shooting Star Ranch..............................................................................65 Southeast Brangus Breeders..............................................................60 Suhn Cattle Company...........................................................................62 T3 Brangus................................................................................................62 The Oaks Farms.................................................................................. 9, 61 Town Creek Farm...................................................................................... 7 Triple Crown Ranch................................................................................64 Triple JR Cattle Company.....................................................................65 Valley View Ranch...................................................................................62 Vineyard Cattle Co., Inc.........................................................................65 Vorel Farms...............................................................................................63 W.E.T. Farms..............................................................................................61 Wes Dotson..............................................................................................59 Wynne Ranch...........................................................................................61 Zottareli Ranches....................................................................................64

Brangus Journal

December 2015 | 69

 THANK YOU

to all of our buyers!

63 TOTAL BRANGUS FEMALE LOTS GROSSED $345,350 TO AVERAGE $5,482 110 COMING TWO AND YEARLING BULLS GROSSED $576,800 TO AVERAGE $5,244 224 TOTAL LOTS GROSSED $1,061,245 TO AVERAGE $4738



Chaney Cattle Company

Buyers of the High Selling Female Lots, DDD Ms Merritt 804C13 and DDD Ms Lottie 103C2, both Stock Option daughters

•••• Volume Buyers ••••

Mike & Lisa Doguet, Owners Mike Cell: (409) 790-0345  Mike Office: (409) 866-8873 Poteet/McCoy Locations - Eric Otto: (210) 834-0034 Beaumont Location - Ronny Kolander: (409) 790-5465 Genetics Consultant - Timmy Lucherk: (210) 834-1247 Ranch Records - Mary Douglass: (830) 569-5836 (office)  (210) 269-3220 (cell) www.doguetranch.com 70 | December 2015

Brangus Journal

Strunk Brothers • Weimer, TX KL Bar Ranch, Keith Lewis • Okeechobee, FL Triple R Cattle Co. • Mission, TX Las Tres Hermanas, Larry Franke • Karnes City, TX Cesar Rosales • Mission, TX