November 2017 Brangus Journal

NOVEMBER 2017 :: Technology Issue

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IBBA CONNECTION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

AREA 2 :: Bill Davis SECRETARY-TREASURER 336-210-1223 :: bdavis@billdavistrucking.com Term: 2017 - 2020

AREA 3 :: Vern Suhn BOARD MEMBER 620-583-3706 :: vern@genetrustbrangus.com Term: 2017 - 2020 AREA 4 :: Davy Sneed BOARD MEMBER 615-904-5850 :: dsfarms1980@gmail.com Term: 2015 - 2018

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

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

AREA 7 :: Danny Farris BOARD MEMBER 325-669-5727 :: farrisranching@yahoo.com Term: 2017 - 2020

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

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

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

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

AREA 11 :: Eddy Roberts 1st Vice President 386-935-1416 :: wetfarm1@windstream.net Term: 2017 - 2020

STAFF

Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS tperkins@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231

Assistant to the EVP Bonnie Ramirez bramirez@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231

Product Manager Emilio Silvas esilvas@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231

Accountant Valerie Kopecki vkopecki@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231

Communications Coordinator Peyton Waldrip pwaldrip@gobrangus.com 830-708-3195

Field Services Representative Matt Murdoch mmurdoch@gobrangus.com 830-556-3942

Registry Services Coordinator Tullina Wilson twilson@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231

Member Relations Specialist Macee Prause mprause@gobrangus.com 210-696-8231

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

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION 8870 US HIGHWAY 87 E, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78263 | P . O . BOX 809, ADKINS, TX 78101 O: 210-696-8231 | F: 210-696-8718 INFO@GOBRANGUS.COM

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ON THE COVER >>

Graham Land and Cattle in Gonzales, Texas, with steers from Oak Creek Farms on feed.

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

The Brangus Journal is the official publication of the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA). This internationally-distributed publication provides Brangus® seedstock producers and the IBBA membership with information about news within the association and the industry. The Brangus Journal is published eight times annually, and is designed to highlight accomplishments, advancements and improvements made possible by IBBA members, staff, volunteers, and other industry leaders.

The purpose of the Brangus Journal is to serve the best interest of IBBA members by showcasing breeding programs, efforts and achievements to other Brangus® seedstock producers. Lastly, the Brangus Journal serves as an outlet for the IBBA to provide updates by directly communicating with the membership.

BRANGUS PUBLICATIONS, INC. (BPI) 8870 US Highway 87 E, San Antonio, TX 78263 P. O. Box 809, Adkins, TX 78101 P: +1-210-696-8231 | F: +1-210-696-8718 www.GoBrangus.com/brangus-publications bpi@gobrangus.com BPI Officers & Board of Directors Chairman: Brandon Belt President: Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS Secretary/Treasurer: Bill Davis Director: Doyle Miller Director: Eddy Roberts Subscriptions: Valerie Kopecki // vkopecki@gobrangus.com // +1-210-696-8231 Subscription Rates: Domestic Periodicals—1 year, $25; First Class—$55.

Foreign Periodicals—1 year, $25; air mail to Mexico or Canada, $70; air mail to other countries, $115.

The claims made by advertisers in this publication are not verified by BPI or the IBBA.

IBBA CONNECTION Stick Together..................................................................................................................6 IBBA CONNECTION Enthusiastic Service & Working Together...................................................................... 8 IBBA CONNECTION IBBA Offers New Low-Cost DNA Product.....................................................................10 IBBA CONNECTION IBBA Announces Proposed Bylaw Revision..................................................................12 IBBA CONNECTION IBBA DNA Show Rule Requirements............................................................................14 IBBA CONNECTION IBBA Board of Directors Candidates....................................................................... 16-24 EXPERT CONNECTION Ultrasound — A Valuable Tool..........................................................................26-28 EXPERT CONNECTION Q&A: Livestock Management Software.............................................................30-33 EXPERT CONNECTION Advances in Sexed Semen Production..............................................................36-39 EXPERT CONNECTION Technical Advances Improve Your Bottom Line...............................................43-46 MEMBER CONNECTION Brangus Breeders Impacted by Hurricane Harvey......................................... 48-57 JUNIOR CONNECTION Junior Member Spotlight: Quinn Carter...........................................................58-59 SALE SUMMARIES......................................................................................................................................... 60 JUNIOR CONNECTION Brangus Junior Scholarship Recipients.............................................................62-64 Show results Western National Brangus Show & Junior Brangus Show........................................... 66-67 AFFILIATE CONNECTION: SBBA A Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show Recap........................68-69 AFFILIATE CONNECTION: IJBBA Rancher Technology............................................................................. 70 AFFILIATE CONNECTION: IBA Giving Back................................................................................................. 71 AFFILIATE CONNECTION: TBBA News from TBBA.................................................................................... 71 NEW MEMBERS...............................................................................................................................................73 SERVICE DIRECTORY.....................................................................................................................................74 STATE DIRECTORY.................................................................................................................................... 75-79 CALENDAR........................................................................................................................................................81 ADVERTISERS INDEX.................................................................................................................................... 82 No v e m b e r 2 0 1 7 : : Vo l u m e 6 5 : : Is s u e 7

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IBBA CONNECTION

Stick Together

by IBBA President Brandon Belt

I struggled this month on what to write. There have been so many things happening all around our country.

Thankfully everyone that I know came through it all relatively unscathed, but I know there are many whose lives have been devastated. Those affected by all of the natural disasters and tragedies in our country have been in my thoughts and prayers, as I know they have been in many of yours.

It reminds me of the saying attributed to Benjamin Franklin, “We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” I believe that applies to our lives, our country, and our breed association. We must stick together as a people, living together in our country if we have any chance of succeeding in the future.

As a breed association, as breeders of Brangus cattle, we must indeed move forward together, if we are to move forward at all.

Fall stock show and sale season is upon us; I look forward to seeing many of y’all as we travel this fall to stock shows and sales around the country. As I have said before, our breed is full of good cattle and good people, many of which I am proud to count as friends.

Until next time, good luck to everyone this fall, and safe travels!

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Brandon Belt has been very involved in the farming and ranching business all of his life. He maintains a set of registered Brangus® cattle, as well as commercial cattle, and raises replacement females and bulls, with his father, Randy.

He was born and raised outside of Gatesville, Texas, in Coryell County. He attended Tarleton State University where he received a BBA in Accounting, and then went on to receive a J.D. from the Baylor School of Law. After a period in private practice in Gatesville, he became the County Attorney of Coryell County in 2005.

He has been married to his wife, Kari, for 15 years, and has three boys, 13-year-old Samuel, 10-year-old Charles, and seven-year-old Thomas.

Belt is the president of the Central Texas Cattleman’s Association, an organization that leases the land comprising the Fort Hood military reservation for cattle grazing. He has also served as president of the Blackland Income Growth, an organization that partners with AgriLife Extension to provide educational programs for those that farm and ranch in the Blacklands region of Texas. Belt has also served on the Tarleton Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Gatesville Boys and Girls Club Board, the Coryell County Go Texan Board, the Coryell County Ag Industry Committee, the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce and Agribusiness, and the State Bar of Texas Attorney Grievance Committee. He has been a guest speaker on outdoor burning regulations and prescribed fire around the State for extension training, county official training, and landowners.

Belt is very involved in the Brangus® cattle business. He is a past-president and current board member for the Hill Country Brangus Breeders Association, and he’s a past board member for the Texas Brangus Breeders Association. He was involved with the International Brangus Breeders Foundation, and is still serves on that board. Belt has been on the International Brangus Breeders Association’s Board of Directors for five years; he has served as treasurer and first vice president in the past.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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IBBA CONNECTION

Enthusiastic Service & Working Together

by IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS I’ve had the opportunity to participate in several Brangus sales and educational events the past month, and if you haven’t noticed, I really enjoy visiting with Brangus breeders and meeting potential new breeders during my travels. It takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to put on these events and I applaud each of you for doing so. You become the face of the Brangus breed during your event, and you always represent us well.

Speaking of excellent events, I attended the Cow Country Congress meeting put on by the Santa Rosa Ranch.

Gerald Sullivan, Kelley Sullivan, and Kent Smith did a great job with the speaker lineup and certainly out punted the coverage with the Brangus and Ultrablack cattle they had on display. You could drive a lot of miles and not find that many high-quality cattle in one location. Kent introduced the staff at Santa Rosa during his presentation, and he included me as a staff member of the ranch.

That was pretty profound if you think about it, because I really do work for all of you. If you are a member of the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA), it is my job to help you be successful. This begins with having a staff in place who understands the importance of member service with a smile. I am glad to say we have a staff that takes this seriously, and I appreciate those that have noticed.

Your kind phone calls, emails, and sticky-note messages are greatly appreciated by all the staff. With that said, I am thankful to work alongside such an enthusiastic and serving IBBA staff.

As a member of your staff, it is, also, my responsibility to provide guidance to the IBBA leadership. Again, I am honored to say that you have a very dedicated board of directors who put policy and programs in place to help make your operation successful. You may not always fully agree with them, but they seem to prove themselves correct more often than not.

Additionally, the IBBA committee structure, also, does a great job of working through policy and programming issues to vet them before being presented to the board. Sometimes it appears your work goes unnoticed or unappreciated, but that is just not the truth. The board seriously considers each of your recommendations.

On that note, I want to thank the show committee and board of directors for working together to implement an outstanding DNA parent verification rule to be followed at IBBA sanctioned shows beginning in 2018. Please review the new policy shown on page 14.

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As most of you have seen, we run our National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) monthly to provide the most current expected progeny differences (EPDs) possible. The most common phone call that I receive involves changes in an animal’s EPDs. It is important to understand that the NCE utilizes all data received by members on animals for the best prediction possible. This level of information changes every month as new data, such as weaning weight, DNA SNPs, scrotal circumference, etc., is received on a given animal, its relatives or both. Therefore, a recently-purchased animal’s EPDs may quickly decline or increase value as data and/or models are updated.

This generally causes some angst if the values change more than you desire for traits like birthweight. It is important to remember the most current EPDs are the best prediction available with the facts known at the time of the analysis. Hopefully you will find that the newest EPDs, with higher accuracy levels, will keep you from “going off the road” in your breeding decisions.

This drives home the importance of collecting as much data as you can afford to report to the association. Collecting data on every animal in the contemporary group will have the most meaning and will impact the NCE most favorably.

Monthly updates of EPDs are valuable as they only enhance the rate of genetic progress.

Do not hesitate to call us if you have any specific questions about the staff, EPDs or any other Brangus questions. For information about IBBA programs or other inquiries, please call (210) 696-8231 or visit www.GoBrangus.com. Stay connected to IBBA through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube or receive news updates by joining our email list.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS is a graduate of West Texas A&M University, where he was recognized as a Graduate of Distinction by the Department of Agriculture in 2014. He also earned his doctoral degree in Animal Breeding from Texas Tech University. He served as a professor at Missouri State University and Texas State University for nearly twenty years, where his professional career is most noted for excellence in the field of beef cattle ultrasound.

Perkins was elected to the Beef Improvement Federation’s Board of Directors and, also, serves as chairman for the End Product committee.

Additionally, Perkins currently serves on the board of directors for the United States Livestock Genetics Export Association, Texas Beef Council, Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas, and the National Pedigreed Livestock Council. He was recently elected Beef Breeds Council President.

Currently, Perkins is the Executive Vice President of IBBA, Chief Executive Officer of Genetic Performance Solutions, and President of Brangus Publications, Inc.

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IBBA OFFERS NEW LOW-COST DNA PRODUCT The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) partnered with Neogen Corporation GeneSeek Operations to offer a new ultralow density DNA panel (GGP-uLD) with a lower per-animal cost.

The new product offering and pricing began Oct. 1. In addition to parentage SNPs, the new panel will offer imputation up to 50K status for calculation of genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs). This is the same process the current GGP-LD Bovine 50K goes through but with a lower price.

While the current GGP-LD Bovine 50K is $45 per sample, the GGP-uLD is $30 per sample. An important difference to note with the GGP-uLD is that other test(s) (e.g. genetic conditions) cannot be added to the new uLD test.

DNA TESTS AVAILABLE: • GGP-uHD 150K - (parentage plus $10 genetic condition add-on per test & GE-EPDs): $80 • GGP-LD 50K - (parentage plus $10 genetic condition add-on per test & GE-EPDs): $45 • GGP-uLD 30K - (parentage & GE-EPDs): $30 10 | NOVEMBER 2017

In addition to this new DNA panel, IBBA will, also, be offering members a free replacement tissue sample unit (TSU) for each TSU used to run the new GGP-uLD test. The replacement TSU(s) will be sent to the member when the results are received from the lab and submitted to the member breeder.

The GeneSeek lab is making a big push for using TSUs instead of hair and/or blood samples. Also, effective Oct. 1 is a $1 cost for replacement blood cards, a $1 cost for replacement hair cards, and an additional $4 handling fee for any hair sample submitted for testing. It may be cost prohibitive to continue using hair for DNA testing.

TSU DNA sampler units may be ordered from IBBA for $2.25 per unit. The cost of the tissue sampling applicator unit is $45. TSUs and applicators may, also, be ordered from Igenity or Allflex.

Lastly, there is now a $1 charge for any sample pulls at the lab.

For the latest IBBA and Brangus news, visit gobrangus.com/news.

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News for the IBBA Membership

IBBA CONNECTION

IBBA Announces Proposed Bylaw Revision The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Board of Directors has approved a proposed revision to the IBBA bylaws that will now go to a vote of the IBBA membership. Due to the length of the proposed revisions, the document will not be printed in the Brangus Journal. The proposed revisions will be mailed to every IBBA member; ballots for the bylaw revision will be mailed out Nov. 10.

IBBA members have two options for casting his or her vote.

OPTION 1: Complete the ballot and return it to Akin, Doherty, Klein and Feuge,

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PC, 8610 N New Braunfels, Ste. 101, San Antonio, TX 78217 by Dec. 31.

OPTION 2: Attend IBBA’s 2018 Annual Meeting, tentatively scheduled for Fri., March 2 at the Royal Sonesta in Houston, Texas, and cast your vote in person.

Please note, the bylaw revision ballot will be mailed with your respective IBBA Board of Directors election ballot. Ballots for the IBBA Board of Directors must be returned to Akin, Doherty, Klein and Feuge, PC, 8610 N New Braunfels, Ste. 101, San Antonio, TX 78217 by Dec. 31. The in-person vote at IBBA’s Annual Meeting only applies to the bylaw revision.

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IBBA CONNECTION

IBBA DNA SHOW RULE REQUIREMENTS The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Board of Directors approved official parent verification rule modifications as submitted by IBBA’s Show Committee addressing original rule passed Aug. 19 in Okeechobee, Florida.

The following parentage verification rule will be in effect beginning May 15, 2018: Parentage verification will be required on animals shown in the following IBBA sanctioned open shows.

National Shows Brangus Futurity Western National Brangus Show National Show of Merit International Brangus Show Regional Shows California State Fair Ozark Empire Fair Greater Jacksonville Fair Arizona National Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Florida State Fair San Antonio Livestock Exposition Dixie National The rule does not apply to junior shows.

All animals are required to have completed parent verification on file at IBBA prior to the show check-in. If an animal does not have parent verification completed at that time,

they will be ineligible to show. It is strongly suggested that samples should be received by the lab at least 60 days prior to ensure that results are received in time.

IBBA reserves the right to collect DNA samples at any IBBA-sanctioned show listed.

Collection will be conducted by random draw for retesting of parentage at the association’s expense. At the four national IBBA-sanctioned shows, three random samples will be collected from Brangus and Ultrablack entries and three random samples will be collected from Red Brangus and Ultrared entries.

The only exceptions are for calves on the side of heifers and cows and cow/calf pairs. The details for each exception are the following.

Calves on the side of heifers and cows If the calf is over 60 days of age by the date of show check-in, it must have parent verification completed by show check-in. If it is under 60 days, parent verification of the calf is not required.

Cow/Calf Pair Cows in the cow/calf pair classes are exempt from the parent verification requirement if they are born prior to September 1, 2016. (This exemption should be noted with an asterisked footnote next to the class that it applies to on the show classifications.)

For more information about parent verification, contact IBBA Member Relations Specialist Macee Prause at mprause@gobrangus.com.

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IBBA CONNECTION

International Brangus Breeders Association Board of Directors Candidates The International Brangus Breeders Association’s (IBBA) mission is to empower its members to advance the quality, reliability and value of Brangus and Brangus-influenced cattle; to provide innovative programs and services which enhance the economic well-being of members and commercial customers. In order for the association to continue striving toward the advancement of these objectives, it is of utmost importance to maintain leadership with IBBA’s best interest at heart. IBBA counts on

its members to appoint leaders for involvement within the association and its official business.

There are four positions to be filled on IBBA’s Board of Directors. Please review the following biographies for candidates from areas four, six, seven and eight. Election ballots will be mailed to IBBA members on Nov. 10. All ballots musted be returned to the accounting firm, not IBBA’s office. Ballots returned to IBBA’s office will not be counted. Ballots must be postmarked

by Dec. 31.

Thanks to each member of IBBA’s Board of Directors for your service to the Brangus breed and our association!

AREA 4

Darrel Law

Darrel Law and his wife, Connie, along with their sons, Brad and Clint, own and operate Four L Farms located in Lafayette, Tennessee. The farm operation in North Central Tennessee and South Central Kentucky consists of commercial and registered Brangus and Ultrablack cattle.

Darrel’s career as an agricultural teacher and school director has been instrumental in establishing a good working relationship with people and organization committees.

In 1982, Darrel began his Brangus business with a plan to add vigor, disease

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resistance, and growth, along with all advantages for his existing Angus herd for the environments of Tennessee and Kentucky.

Today, Darrel and his sons run approximately 300 commercial and registered cows and continue to produce replacement females and high-quality steers.

Law is a former IBBA board member and truly appreciates the opportunity to once again represent the membership in his area.

IBBA CONNECTION

International Brangus Breeders Association

Board of Directors Candidates

AREA 4

Davy Sneed

David “Davy” Sneed is a fifth-generation cattle producer raising registered and commercial Brangus on his family’s Century Farm in McMinnville, Tennessee, with his wife, Wendy, and sixteen-monthold daughter, Riley Elizabeth. He began in the Brangus business in the mid ‘90s when he became involved with the Mid-South Junior Brangus Association. Growing up, Davy was active on both the Mid-South Junior Brangus Board of Directors and the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association Board of Directors, holding officer positions in both. He has continued his love of the show ring by working with several 4-H and FFA youth in fitting and showmanship clinics over the years, as well as assisting youth with their projects.

Following high school, Davy worked for Higgins Livestock in Woodbury, Tennessee, for four years. Higgins procures approximately 7,000 to 8,000 head of stocker cattle per year, and Davy assisted with all management aspects. Sneed then took a position with the Rutherford Farmer’s Cooperative as animal health and livestock equipment sales representative, where he stayed for the next 11 years. Davy currently works as a sales representative for Performance Feeds and Animal Health, based out of Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee, and covers 11 counties in Tennessee and most of Northern Alabama.

Davy currently serves on the International Brangus Breeders Association Board of Directors, Southeast Brangus Breeder Association’s Board of Directors, Cannon County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, serves as advisor to the Cannon County Young Farmers and Ranchers, and serves on the Cannon County Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors. In past years, he has, also, served as the Cannon County Cattlemen’s Association president, and sat on the Southeastern Brangus Breeders Association Junior Show Committee.

Davy’s wife, Wendy, is an eighthgeneration farmer raised on a dairy operation in Northwest Tennessee before accepting a position with the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program in 2007. She is currently agribusiness development consultant and livestock marketing specialist for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and serves on several state cattle organizations. As Davy manages the production side of the operation, Wendy oversees the marketing of the cattle off-farm through various methods. They have a true understanding of the big picture in not only the beef industry, but, also, all of agriculture industry.

“It has truly been a pleasure serving on the IBBA Board the past three years.

There have been issues to work through as any board term, and I believe the board did so with the best of our breed in mind.

When I joined the board, the U.S. had the lowest cow numbers in over 50 years, and to remain the power protein we needed producers in areas where it is possible to build back to and to assist those younger producers trying to get into the cattle business,” Davy said. “In Tennessee alone, we had lost 140,000 plus mama cows, and with beef as the state’s No. 1 agricultural receipts, we needed to work with producers in building their herds. As we, in the Brangus breed, realize we have the best maternal offering out there, how better to help grow our commercial numbers than to assist commercial breeders looking to expand by educating them on the benefits of Brangus-crossed cows in their herd.

Currently, two of our universities are adding Brangus genetics into their herds. We can’t wait to see even more valuable research being done to help us in our education of beef producers about the value of Brangus.”

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IBBA CONNECTION

International Brangus Breeders Association

Board of Directors Candidates

AREA 6

Greg Romans

Greg Romans and his wife, Sheryl, own and operate Romans Brangus, in Vale, Oregon. Romans raises alfalfa, wheat and corn, and he runs about 80 head of registered Brangus and Ultrablack cattle on the remaining pasture.

Romans started his registered Brangus herd in 1986 with a registered heifer he bought from Turner Brangus Ranch, 2007 Pioneer of the Year recipient. This heifer started his FFA project. Romans received his FFA State Farmer degree in 1990 and graduated from Vale Union High School.

Romans went on to college to study animal science and beef production.

Romans graduated college with an associate degree in arts and sciences. Romans completed a work study program with Thomas Angus Ranch in Baker, Oregon, and, also, with Ben Houston at Aristocrat Angus in Platteville, Colorado. At the time, Houston was the president of the National Western Denver Stock Show.

Romans purchased his farm, which consists of 180 acres of irrigated ground, in 1993. The cattle are, also, run on a large section of crested wheat grass in the spring and fall.

In 1994, Romans purchased 43 head of Brangus cattle from Ben Houston. At the

time Houston was breeding the cattle as 3/16 Brahma (Ultrablacks). Houston was trying to breed the sheath off of the bulls due to the harsh winters in the West. This was requested by his buyers at the time.

This was before anyone in the Brangus breed was even talking about breeding Ultrablack cattle. The downfall to this at the time, was Romans was just starting and wanted to maintain the expected progeny differences on the cattle. So he continued to breed the cattle as straight Brangus to build a reputation herd. Houston taught Romans many valuable lessons about Brangus cattle.

Romans, also, purchased cattle from Lettunich and Son’s dispersal in 2000. He markets 20-25 Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls every year in the West. He has served as a board member of the West Coast Brangus Breeders Association. Romans believes in, and has a passion for, Brangus cattle. He, also, believes in supporting our youth. Romans pledges to have an open ear to all of the Brangus breeders and members.

Romans, also, pledges to always do his best to represent the membership. He thanks the membership for this opportunity.

Don’t forget: When you receive your election ballot, complete it and send it to Akin, Doherty, Klein and Feuge, PC, 8610 N New Braunfels, Ste. 101, San Antonio, TX 78217 before Dec. 31.

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IBBA CONNECTION

International Brangus Breeders Association

Board of Directors Candidates

AREA 7

Garry Clem

Life for Garry Clem, in agriculture, began at a very early age. Being reared in a farming family, the Clems raised their own cattle, hogs, chickens and crops.

Having parents who went through the Great Depression, the family learned how to depend on and raise what they needed to live; they adapted to the environment.

This made being in FFA a continuation of his life’s learning to raise livestock, keep records, and promote his animals. Being president of his FFA chapter gave Garry leadership skills that have followed him throughout life. Even though Clem was an athlete, his parents made sure he and his brothers took care of their animals before and after school. That included milking, and that was not child abuse – just life for a country boy.

Fast forward to college. Clem received his masters degree in criminology and was hired as assistant personal director for the Texas Department of Corrections. Garry and his wife, Phyllis, dated for several years and married after they were fully employed. Garry and Phyllis celebrated their 48th anniversary this past August.

As a wedding gift, Clem’s parents gave the couple a Hereford cow and Phyllis’s parents gave them a commercial Brangus cow.

Garry was amazed at how productive that Brangus cow was; therefore, he researched the Brangus breed. Even though it was in its early stages, Clem found lots of positive things about the breed. The newlyweds soon purchased an animal from Matt

Syler and then Billy Harry and, “the rest is history as they say,” says Clem. Harry got them into embryo work some 40 years ago, and Robert Vineyard told Garry that quality was the only way to survive in a registered breed. Keeping their herd small allowed them to concentrate on quality only. This led the Clems to own a bull by the name of Timber Too. Handled by Garry Cross and Carl Finke, he became the winningest show bull at that time. Again, Garry and Phyllis were moving forward.

Clem says the Brangus business has allowed them to meet some of the best people they could have ever known. Most are still with them, but some are now working with the Lord. Clem says he has been blessed to own several successful companies and serve as president or CEO. He has, also, served on many cattle committees, church committees, and even served as president of the Texas Brangus Breeders Association several times.

Garry says his excitement with the Brangus animal over the past 45 years or more continues to grow. He, also, says the testing of Brangus cattle for tenderness and flavor by the International Brangus Breeders Association, The Seminole Tribe, and the University of Florida is outstanding. “As a breed, we have to prove to the consumer our end product is the best,” Clem says.

“This will take commitment from more than a few breeders. All breeders large and small need to get excited about this breed and get involved.”

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IBBA CONNECTION

International Brangus Breeders Association

Board of Directors Candidates

AREA 7

Pete DeLeeuw

Pete DeLeeuw and his family operate Pennridge Ranch in Paige, Texas, about an hour east of Austin. Pete bought his first 12 Brangus heifers in 1978 after he purchased a small ranch in Brenham, Texas. For many years he had a small registered operation with about 40 Brangus females. While he used artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET), he was constrained in time and finances as he had four children in college and business commitments that required substantial travel. In 2011, the family purchased the current ranch in Paige, and as he became semi-retired he could devote significant time and effort to his Brangus cattle. His herd is now more than 150 registered cows, and all females are either artificially inseminated or used as recips, along with commercial females, for the ET program. He has made significant genetic progress with the herd, and he is committed to doing what it takes to be one of the recognized top breeders in Brangus.

His business background has been in the chemical industry with senior executive positions with Shell and CEO of another chemical company. He has been on largeand medium-sized corporate boards. He, also, was the founder and chairman of Lion Chemical Partners, a private equity firm focused on chemicals.

He has, also, been active in his community, and he was on the Tomball School Board for nine years. In the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA), he has served on the Breed Improvement Committee for several years.

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His rationale for being a member of the IBBA Board is: 1. He has experience in being on productive, as well as unproductive, boards, and he would work hard to ensure the IBBA is one of the best in the industry.

2. He states that he is competitive and wants to aggressively promote the breed; Brangus has about the same number of cattle, with data submitted, in 2016 as it had in the early 90s.

Other breeds, such as Angus, have had considerable growth. Given the positive attributes of Brangus cattle, he believes we should be a leading growth breed.

3. The IBBA is making significant progress in being a progressive breed in the use of genomics, as well as sponsoring important research work in thermotolerance, along with the development of a “stayability” rating for our females. He would plan to continue pushing Brangus to be the clear leader in the American breeds in producing carcass, fertility, and other data that will make it easier for members to make good breeding decisions for their herd improvement.

“If elected, I will put in the time and effort to contribute toward making Brangus seen as the premier breed in all the parts of the U.S. where it can thrive,” DeLeeuw says.

“I will work toward making our case datadriven so our advantaged list of attributes is clear to any progressive cattleman.”

IBBA CONNECTION

International Brangus Breeders Association

Board of Directors Candidates

AREA 7

Gina Gill

Gina Gill and her husband, Larry Gill Jr., live in Beckville, Texas, where they run their Brangus cattle operation, G Bar Brangus. Gill has worked in the legal profession for 18 years; 14 of them being with the Law Firm of Phenix & Crump.

She was on the steering committee that founded the Beckville ISD Education Foundation, and has served seven years as the foundation’s president. Through that experience, she learned what it takes to organize and maintain a foundation. She, also, serves as chairwoman of the trustees for the Beckville United Methodist Church.

In 2005, the Gills sought to return to the cattle industry, and Brangus was the only option they considered. They started raising commercial Brangus and in 2009, when their son started showing cattle, and they jumped back into the registered side.

Their registered herd has grown, and the Gills currently market bulls to commercial and registered cattlemen and market show heifer prospects.

Gina’s passion for the breed quickly grew. She loves breeding a composite animal, and she spends her extra time studying pedigrees. Gill is not afraid to ask tough questions, and she has a great respect for not only the larger and older cattle breeders, but the small and new breeders as well.

There is not a breeder that Gill will not question about their herd bull battery. She knows that learning what bulls bring to the table and what type of cows work with him is an asset that she must have when it comes time to mate cattle. Gill says she considers herself blessed to be mentored by

Scotty Henderson on pedigrees and EPDs, which has helped in purchasing some of what she considers to be the leading cow families. She has a hunger for Brangus knowledge and a passion for the breed and its continued success.

The Gills continued showing cattle after their son graduated, and they have been successful in the show ring. In 2016, they were awarded both the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Show Dam of the Year and the IBBA Show Heifer of the Year. These acknowledgements are a powerful testament to Gina’s time spent studying pedigrees and putting that knowledge to work. Even more importantly to Gill was the announcement of G Bar Brangus as the 2014 IBBA Herdsman of the Year. The prestigious award not only recognizes a Brangus exhibitor’s participation in IBBA shows, but a vote of peers in the barns at the International Brangus Show in Houston, Texas.

“When we were announced as the winner at the 2015 show in Houston, it was an overwhelming feeling of achievement,” Gill remembers. “That award means a lot to me because it showcases the time and effort we put into it, but most importantly it is an honor from our Brangus friends – well, our Brangus family.”

Gill’s passion for the breed goes deeper than the accolades she has accumulated.

Gill is a huge supporter of the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA). In 2015, she offered IJBBA’s board of directors a legacy heifer before the heifer was born. IJBBA legacy heifers are offered at auction to raise money for

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IBBA CONNECTION

International Brangus Breeders Association

Board of Directors Candidates

GINA GILL CONTINUED scholarship funds. It was easy for Gill to be confident in the quality of the unborn progeny, as she was a full sister to the 2016 IBBA Show Heifer of the Year. She says she gave the association one of the best that G Bar Brangus and partner, 2H Brangus, had to offer. The female garnered over $40,000 and stands as one of the highest selling legacy females to date. Furthermore, the heifer demonstrated Gill’s strong commitment to the juniors and showcases her belief in the importance of growing our junior membership for the future of the Brangus breed.

While their cattle operation is what could be considered small, Gina and Larry both work full-time jobs while still handling the day-to-day duties of the cattle operation. They laugh about putting hay out at night by spotlight or getting up at 5:00 a.m. so she can artificially inseminate a heifer before they go to work. The love of the hands-on experiences working with cattle keep them going. From planning matings to artificially inseminating to palpating, and even the occasional pulling of calves, Gill is committed to her Brangus cattle.

She understands the sacrifices that small Brangus breeders make to grow their

AREA 7

herd, and she feels that the small breeder is just as important and deserves a voice just as loud as that of the large breeders.

Gill feels strongly that we need to grow our membership numbers by encouraging, educating and supporting new members.

She knows, without a doubt, that the future of the Brangus breed belongs to our juniors, and she realizes that the show ring is what gets juniors involved. However, she feels even more strongly about doing all possible to keep them involved after the show ring. She says we need to be proactive in marketing the Brangus breed both at home and internationally.

Gill brings an unrivaled passion for Brangus, a desire for growth, cow sense, hands-on experience, honesty, fairness, and a strong business sense to the table as an IBBA board candidate. She stands up for what she believes, and is not afraid to get involved. She says she will strive to increase communication between all breeders while encouraging the growth of membership, both junior and senior. Gill would consider it an honor to be the voice of the breeders of area seven, and she says she will work diligently to serve and represent the members.

Allen Goode

“Working together for the greater good of all.” This is the reason that Allen Goode says he is running for the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Board of Directors.

Allen has embraced this mantra for 10 years as he served on committees for the IBBA and on the board of directors for the International Red Brangus Breeders

22 | NOVEMBER 2017

Association (IRBBA). For the IBBA, he has served on the Show Committee, International Committee, Breed Improvement Committee, Membership Committee, and Junior Advisory Board.

Additionally, he serves as an IBBA delegate to the Federation of International Brangus Associations and as a board member for the International Brangus

IBBA CONNECTION

International Brangus Breeders Association

Board of Directors Candidates

ALLEN GOODE CONTINUED Breeders Foundation. Allen serves the IRBBA as vice president, and he has served as chair of the marketing, scholarship and sales committees over the years. He is, also, on the board of directors for the IRBBA Memorial Scholarship Foundation.

Through these activities, his commitment has always been to do what will do the most good for the most membership and further the Brangus breed as a whole.

A South Texas native, Allen grew up in San Benito down in the Rio Grande Valley. His passion for the purebred cattle industry was ignited as a junior raising heifers and steers in FFA and 4-H. Allen received a Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Scholarship to attend Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. While at A&M, he was on the 1992 Livestock Judging Team.

He returned several years later to complete a Masters of Business Administration. The years that have followed have been dual roads in the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds. His professional career as a consultant and analyst has taken him to both international and domestic assignments. Currently he is employed with Morgan Stanley in Dallas, Texas.

Allen’s passion and interest in the beef industry has never waned. In 2002, a unique gift brought him into the Red Brangus breed. Through this, a partnership developed that became TRIO Cattle & Genetics. The TRIO brand has grown to become synonymous throughout the Brangus world for the highest quality Red Brangus and Brangus seedstock.

TRIO was founded on the principals of partnership and working together for common goals and objectives. To market and develop their genetics and cattle, TRIO is an active participant in Brangus exhibitions across the country. The TRIO herd prefix can be found on numerous National Red Brangus Grand and Reserve

Grand Champions, including five Grand Champion Females, two Grand Champion Bulls, two Reserve Grand Females, and five Reserve Grand Bulls. Several of these individuals went on to garner Show Bull, Female, Sire and Dam of the Year honors.

TRIO genetics can be found in progressive herds across the U.S., South Africa, South America, Central America, and Australia.

Allen understands the needs of commercial and registered bull buyers.

He has worked to build domestic and international markets for TRIO and Red Bud Farm’s bulls. With this, he realizes that Brangus seedstock demand is ultimately driven by the commercial cattleman. Allen has, also, promoted Brangus genetics through his partnerships on bulls with ABS GLOBAL, Select Sires, and Genex Beef.

From the start, Allen has appreciated the global reach of Brangus genetics and worked to promote and bring the Brangus world closer together. He has represented U.S Brangus breeders at four World Brangus Congresses (WBC) in Paraguay, Australia, Mexico and South Africa. He has been, and is, actively involved in the planning and promotion of the 2018 WBC to be hosted by the IBBA. Allen’s experience in business management, leadership roles, and Brangus marketing experience would all lend to his ability to serve as an effective and progressive-minded IBBA board member.

With ideas to fulfill his objective of “working together for the greater good of all,” Allen will listen to the needs and ideas of all IBBA members and industry constituents. He believes that when an issue arises, a solution should follow that will create more opportunity for all Brangus breeders. He wants to serve Brangus breeders across all of the region and work to build the future of the Brangus breed.

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IBBA CONNECTION

International Brangus Breeders Association

Board of Directors Candidates

AREA 8

Doyle Miller

Doyle Miller is the managing partner of Miller Brangus, a registered and commercial Brangus breeding program located in Waynesboro, Tennessee. Miller Brangus, owned by E. D., Doyle, and Bert Miller, has been in the cattle business for 41 years and in the registered Brangus business for 34 years. Miller Brangus strives to breed a superior seedstock cow herd using proven stockman principles in combination with the technologies of artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and ultrasound technology.

Doyle was born and raised in Waynesboro, Tennessee. After graduating from Wayne County High School in 1980, he attended Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. In the summer of 1984, he earned degrees in accounting and computer science.

Moving forward, Doyle is a long-time certified public accountant, and he has assisted individuals and businesses in a range of financial aspects that include tax and business planning, strategic planning, financial analysis, and general business consulting.

Doyle is married to the former Kathryn Pope. Kathryn has two sons, two daughter in-laws, and two granddaughters.

In the past, he has served on the International Brangus Breeders Association’s (IBBA) Promotion Committee, Finance Committee, Breed Improvement Committee, and Membership Services Committee.

If re-elected to serve on the IBBA Board of Directors, Doyle would like the

24 | NOVEMBER 2017

members to know that the following areas will continue to be of importance to him: 1. The IBBA is a member organization.

When major decisions need to be made, the board of directors will try to get input from as many members possible.

2. The general membership should be encouraged to attend most board meetings and standing committee meetings during the convention and fall meetings.

3. The general membership should be encouraged to communicate concerns that are important to them to board members.

4. We continually promote our breed as the black-hided cattle breed of choice for the more southern climates due to its heat tolerance, maternal traits, and ability to produce a carcass comparable in quality to Angus. If we, as an association, promote these facts at an appropriate level, we will increase the demand for our breed.

5. As an association, we strive to grow our membership and the number of cattle we register.

6. As a director, I will stay in contact with the members we serve.

7. As an association, we periodically review the total herd reporting fee structure in an effort to treat all members as economically fair as possible.

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EXPERT CONNECTION

Ultrasound A Valuable Tool

by Jessica Hoerster

Barbed wire. Vaccines. Cattle trailers. Embryo transfer. At one point in time, all of these were considered new technology. Some were simply improvements on techniques or tools that were currently in use, while others had the potential to fundamentally change the industry. With so much innovation at our disposal, to use how we see fit, it is not surprising that there are virtually no two operations that are alike. Despite this, every operation has the potential to be profitable even with completely different ranching practices.

It is one of the things that makes our industry so unique, and so dynamic.

As these technologies are introduced, producers who consider implementing them must weigh the risks, and the rewards, and decide if it will improve the overall efficiency and profitability of their operation. In 2013, we were faced with this dilemma when we learned about pregnancy testing using ultrasound, and considered whether or not it would be an improvement over the palpation and blood testing we had previously been doing.

We ultimately decided that it would, and made the decision to purchase our own machine, a Reproscan XTC, that same year. It is a decision that we would absolutely make again if the need arose.

Essentially, ultrasound combines the accuracy and early-testing ability of blood testing with the chute-side sorting and aging capability of palpation, which is a real “win-win.” Most pregnancies can be seen at 35 days, and in some cases even as early as 27 days. In our operation, we use artificial insemination (AI) along with short, defined breeding seasons. Being able to check our cows soon after pulling bulls is important to us, along with being able to determine whether a calf is AI-sired or the result of natural service. By

checking our spring-calving heifers in July and our cows in August, we are able to market our opens at the optimal time and maximize our profits.

Additionally, by having accurate due dates for all of the cows, we are able to check for new calves more efficiently by focusing on finding cows that are close to calving. Ultrasound can, also, be very beneficial in herds with longer breeding seasons or that calve year-round as short-bred cows can be identified easily, as well as long-bred cows all the way up to calving.

In recent years, ultrasound machines designed specifically for pregnancy testing have become increasingly user-friendly, and hold up to chute-side work very well. It is important to decide what the primary use will be, as some are more suited for one job over another due to image quality and scanning depth. After researching all of the different models available, we decided on the XTC for several different reasons. First of all, we preferred its large field of view since we would be using it exclusively for aging and pregnancy determination. Secondly, it uses an extension arm with the transducer, or probe, as opposed to being hand-held. The transducer is fitted into the end of the extension arm, and is used rectally to obtain the image. Pregnancy checking is now faster and easier; work that used to take most of the day can be finished in a fraction of the time, provided the cows are cooperating. It is, also, safer for both the person scanning, as they don’t have to get as close to the cow, and the fetus, as it doesn’t have to be manipulated to get an image. In addition, the XTC is completely battery-powered and is very easy to set up at the chute. While we chose to use the bright LCD monitor that mounts onto the chute, there are, also, the options of using a regular-sized monitor, or goggles, if mobility is a priority.

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EXPERT CONNECTION

ULTRASOUND - A VALUABLE TOOL CONT’D FROM PAGE 26

When faced with the prospect of learning how to use new technology, it can be intimidating.

To ensure their customers have the best chance of success, many different companies have made a wide array of YouTube videos available demonstrating technique and how to interpret images seen on the screen. For those who need a more hands-on approach, there are an increasing number of clinics and trainings available throughout the country. In my experience, when comparing the learning curve of ultrasound to palpation it is possible to acquire a much higher level of accuracy in a much shorter period of time.

We had no problems identifying bred cows the very first day we used our XTC. While some may be better than others at palpating, ultrasound levels the playing field and gives everyone the same chance at success.

It is an industry-accepted fact that identifying bred and open cows can sometimes greatly influence an operation’s bottom line. There are

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numerous methods available to accomplish this, with each having their own advantages and disadvantages. Due to the fact that ultrasound is becoming increasingly more affordable and easier to use, I believe that the technology is here to stay.

It is the producer’s decision to make regarding whether or not it is a good fit for their operation.

Ultrasound was definitely a good fit for us.

Jessica Hoerster graduated from Texas A&M University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science.

She was, also, a member of several successful judging teams at A&M. Together, Jessica and her husband, Sam, own and operate Hoerster Cattle Company in Edna, Texas, where they raise both registered and commercial Brangus. The Hoersters have been members of the International Brangus Breeders Association since 2009. They have had the opportunity to host field days and local ag groups at their ranch demonstrating ultrasound. The pair was, also, invited to speak at Texas A&M University’s 2015 Beef Cattle Short Course. Jessica is currently employed by Ranch Hand Analytics.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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EXPERT CONNECTION

QUESTION & ANSWER:

Livestock Management Software WITH EMILIO SILVAS (GENETIC PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONs)

GENETIC PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS

According to its website, Genetic Performance Solutions (GPS) is a livestock association management provider with corporate offices in San Antonio, Texas. Since 2007, GPS claims to have delivered a means for standardizing the collection, evaluation and reporting of data across multiple breed associations.

Q: The software products GPS offers give customers peace of mind and ongoing support. How does GPS offer more time for managing the association, rather than its software?

ES: Our software is designed to eliminate repetitive tasks which would otherwise be managed by staff.

Wherever possible, we consider the downstream implications of how a feature is designed, keeping in mind not only the design requirements, but also the end user’s interaction. Our preference is for automated operations performed at the software level.

When both the design and preference lean toward less user interaction, the end result is more time for (association) staff to focus on business rather than our software.

Q: What tools are available in regard to customer support?

ES: We take customer support seriously and recognize end users, staff and association members alike, have different learning styles and comfort levels with technology. With that in mind, we have built several levels of customer support from the deepest levels of our software to more overt online help.

Within the software itself, members can contact their association staff. This may seem simple enough, 30 | NOVEMBER 2017

but it is an often overlooked means for members to receive help.

We have, also, implemented wizards in Regstr so end users can become familiar with a particular page or feature. These can be accessed on demand and supplemented to address ongoing questions or new features.

The main repository of information is a dedicated online Regstr Documentation site (https:// docs.goregstr.com) where users have access to multiple support sources.

First, we have a Knowledge Base with introductory documents on how to use Regstr as well as our legacy application, the GPS Portal. Second, we have stepby-step Documentation so users can read and follow along how to perform a specific action. Third, we have created supplementary Videos with some of the content being identical to the step-by-step Documentation for those who are visual learners. Finally, we have a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section for quick answers.

All together, we want to provide at least one, if not multiple, sources of information for end users to answer their question. Each of these can stand on their own, but together, they provide a strong customer support network for users.

Q: GPS advertises its product, Regstr, as a flexible and purpose-built software designed for livestock association

management. Livestock association members can use the software to register, transfer and manage herds of animals based on individual needs.

GPS’s Regstr product has already launched for the Texas Longhorn Cattle Association (TLCA) and Florida Cracker Cattle Association (FCCA).

What opportunities do you have for growing your product?

ES: Our first opportunity will be current users of our first-generation product, the GPS Portal. These associations, International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA), Braunvieh Association of America (BAA) and Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America (TLBAA), have collectively used our software for over two decades and are well versed in its use. However, the next generation, Regstr, has been rewritten from the ground up and will present even these experienced users a new opportunity to see what we have to offer.

The biggest change we have made is allowing each association’s staff to fully manage the software. They will no longer need to contact Regstr staff regarding new business rules, service offerings or changes to individual data entries. These can all be managed on data screens specifically designed for editing existing records, and no aspect of an animal’s record will be exempt.

In this way, the association can enact

EXPERT CONNECTION

COMING SOON TO IBBA: immediate change without delay, thereby maintaining its own level of customer service.

However, this really only touches on recreating the existing functionality with some upgraded options. The real opportunity for growing our product will be in entirely new features we plan to deliver in the future. We expect as breed associations become more accustomed to managing not just their registry, but all aspects of their organization in our software, these new features will meet their ongoing needs and thereby provide more growth opportunities.

Q: GPS’s Regstr will launch for Brangus at the end of this year.

What changes will users experience, different from the GPS Portal software?

ES: In a word, it’s simpler.

We took the overall design requirements and broke them down into their constituent pieces and imagined how we can help the user accomplish their task. Each page on Regstr is designed to accomplish a single purpose and perform it with high efficiency. This is a departure from our first gen product which offered several items on a single page.

End users can become confused and do not know how and where to submit data, especially since a data entry form can be repeated on several pages. Instead, we have sought to create a series of Single Page Applications (SPA) each with a

specific focus. In this way, the user can be confident they are on the right page and we can focus on making sure the data is properly managed.

Q: Your website says, “Registering livestock is at the application’s core, but it is a full-featured product suite with the ability to manage data from birth onward. Entering performance data, DNA results, certificate generation, show management, and everything in between has never been easier.” Tell us about the features offered.

ES: We started by imagining the smallest unit a breed association might possibly need, a simple registry, and took it from there.

Regstr allows for the entry and management of Performance data from birth (registry) to, weaning, yearling and ultrasound. Each of these data points has unique requirements and the software makes allowances for them. In addition, we can calculate adjusted performance values, identify contemporary groups and assign ratios as needed.

Our DNA module has been revamped so association staff can manage the entire process from beginning to end. We have introduced a Vendors module to track which third party is providing the service. Once they are designated as a DNA Vendor, staff can enter products and related items. These items are automatically added to the DNA Request form. Since multiple vendors can be entered, the same form will allow members to

order from each vendor. Once a DNA Result is received from the laboratory, it can be uploaded to the system where other automated processes take over, including parent verification and billing.

The Show Module has been rewritten and allows staff to manage show seasons, shows, sub-shows and class structure. This will allow associations greater freedom to make changes in season or from year to year.

The Assessments Module is augmented with additional data tracking to include non-reporting codes and sub-codes. In the past, disposal, non-reporting and animal status data shared data fields. But, we have segmented them out so each can provide insight into an animal’s current disposition. When this information is coupled with historical data, a member can view a better picture of breeding and longevity within their herd.

Our intent is to create modules that not only meet data requirements throughout the animal’s life and breeding cycle, but also to provide the association and member insight into trends within and across the entire herd.

Q: GPS has removed clutter to make data entry front-and-center. Why do you feel it is important for data entry to be the focus for association members?

ES: It’s important for members to have a clear path to data entry because it increases the likelihood they will

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EXPERT CONNECTION

QUESTION & ANSWER: submit data. Every association’s main focus is record keeping. Removing barriers to entry are foremost in accomplishing that goal.

Data entry and management are important and should not be minimized in achieving the overall goal of improving a breed’s marketability. However, associations must rely on members to submit data in a timely manner and on relevant traits. Software can be a key driver of data submission and is best when the user has few, if any, issues when doing so.

In order to make individual breeding decisions and whole herd breed improvement policy, you need to start with the most complete data set possible. Incomplete or partial data and breeding records will not paint a complete picture.

We built Regstr to help users not only submit data, but encourage them to do so.

Q: The software is not breed-specific, and it can be tailored to meet each association’s data requirements.

In what ways does data differ from association to association? How does GPS cater to these differences?

ES: Data requirements can vary widely from one association to another, but can share commonality. For example, a beef cattle breed will focus on performance data and DNA results.

Another breed may have a greater focus on show management. Each will still need to manage members and register animals, but then diverge.

In each case, they may use DNA or Show Management Modules, but to a greater or lesser extent. They may both use the Accounting module for QuickBooks integration, but not in the same way.

The size of each association also affects the type of data we collect.

Smaller groups may not need breed prefixes or performance data, but they will track ownership. A larger association will need both alongside the full suite of tools we offer. We can 32 | NOVEMBER 2017

Livestock Management Software

accomplish all of this because each module is aware, but not dependent on, each other.

In order to allow maximum flexibility, we first begin by creating the basic functionality with no business rules consideration. This allows us to be certain it works for the largest possible target audience.

Once that has been accomplished, we add successive layers which serve to limit data entry based on business rules and basic validation. By limiting data entry based on each association’s preferences (business rules), we create an inclusive rather than exclusive framework. We can easily widen the possible data set and do not have selfmade barriers to overcome.

A good example of this flexibility is registered versus commercial livestock. Registered livestock are the primary beneficiaries of registry systems and their information is meticulously maintained. However, commercial animals also have inherent value which may not immediately be recognized by the association. Once an association decides those interests are valid, it is a simple matter to allow additional animals to be tracked because Regstr placed no limits on the initial functionality. The only limitations are those imposed by the breed’s business rules.

Q: Regstr was built with modularity in mind; therefore, associations don’t pay for features unused. Can you expand on the idea behind modularity, and how that benefits individual associations?

ES: Cost control is very important when considering an enterprise application. They often come with multiyear commitments and ongoing maintenance costs. It might seem simpler, and preferable, to pay one price for access to the entire suite of tools. However, this comes with a certain value proposition for both the vendor (GPS) and our client. Namely, we both have to live with the price.

We can offer a client access to well-made software that meets their need and maybe their price point. But if we have to consider the overall cost of the entire suite and must recoup it each time, we will have to sell it at a higher price. For the client, they have decided to pay this higher price in order to gain access to the tools they need. But, they may not have an immediate need for much of the suite.

However, because they paid for it, the feel an overwhelming need to use it, even if it is a bad fit for their data gathering requirements.

Instead, we have chosen a modular pricing scheme that takes into account their actual need and data set size among other factors. By focusing on the specific tools necessary for them to get going, we can lower the price point and put a fantastic tool in their hands.

And, because we made Regstr flexible and not association specific, we are not required to recoup the entire cost each time.

Regstr’s flexibility and modularity allow GPS to satisfy the needs of a wide range of possible customers based upon size, data gathering requirements and breed.

Q: Your custom business rules can be implemented with a few changes.

Can you give some examples of these business rules, and how they are implemented within the software?

ES: The best example of business rules implementation in Regstr is breed prefix determination during the registration process. Think of it as the gatekeeper on whether a specific animal is allowed into the herd book.

Breed associations have varying criteria for assigning a prefix. The criteria can be based in part from any of the following: sex, breed makeup, breed percentage, parent prefix, generation, color score, scur score, horn score, twin/birth code, service type and the registering association.

We have developed a mechanism that allows us to update relevant parts of this information and identify

EXPERT CONNECTION

WITH EMILIO SILVAS (GENETIC PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONs) the appropriate breed prefix for each animal presented for registration.

When a member (or staff on behalf of a member) submits registration data, Regstr will identify which breed prefix(es) are possible. Based on the answer, the animal will be allowed to continue or the user will be notified why it may not.

In the past, managing all these possible scenarios for each association meant hard coding them and watching for outliers. Now, we can apply each scenario whenever an animal is registered or one of the constituent criteria is updated. In this way, we can inform the user which prefix is appropriate, or if they do not qualify for one or even more than one prefix.

In addition, we can make updates to the breed prefix requirements very quickly compared to hard coding, which can take weeks and may yield false results. We don’t assume an animal is automatically eligible for registration. We use the association’s business rules to confirm its eligibility and proceed accordingly.

Q: Everyone is on their way to being an expert. Can you tell us about the easy-to-navigate structure of this user-friendly software? What makes this software so easy to use? Why do you believe this product is a great fit for every association in the business?

ES: When we began designing Regstr, we took to heart the biggest comment from current users. Namely, they did not know where to begin.

We decided to start with an empty navigation tree and asked one question, “Is this feature important enough to be on every page?” If it is, we added it to the main menu. If not, it was placed on a secondary menu.

This same process led us to create a QuickLinks menu for the most commonly used pages for users based on their role and access level.

In short order, the navigation structure revealed itself.

When that easy to digest navigation is coupled with Single Page

Applications (SPAs), a user can not only identify where to begin, but what comes next. Once the user has learned how to use one page, and begins working on another, say performance data, they will find a page similar to the last. Common building blocks allow the user to learn how data entry works and helps them anticipate where to go next.

As for Regstr’s fitness for every breed association, I would go back to the basic registry application. It starts out as a one size fits all garment. When we apply business rules, validation and breed specific data requirements, it is now tailored to that group and that group alone. It won’t fit anyone else, but it doesn’t have to. That’s the point.

The software will meet your needs and no one else has to try and shoehorn their data into your structure.

We also recognize that inherent in any organization are Subject Matter Experts (SME) whose primary focus is a specific aspect of association management, e.g. registry or DNA. However, when those staff are unavailable, the organization may be limited in its ability to provide customers with answers or services.

In order to mitigate and multiply their capability, Regstr’s business rules implementation codifies the SMEs knowledge so other staff, who are not as familiar with the specific rule or practice, can still complete the task. In this way, the association can leverage its staff’s knowledge to maximize customer support.

Q: What does the term “cross platform” mean? Why is this feature so important?

ES: As anyone with a smartphone these days will attest, access to a resource on a mobile device is important.

Every platform, desktop, tablet and smartphone, comes with their screen size requirements and best use case.

We designed Regstr to not only render on each device, but also present the content users are likely to seek.

For example, an animal can be

registered on a laptop without the user’s screen size being an issue. But, while it can be done on a smartphone, the experience would be less than ideal. We have used technologies that take screen size into account and present the user with the same page, formatted to that experience. Where appropriate, we must limit visibility for items which do not easily translate to a small screen.

The overall result is a better user experience and we do it all without the user having to go anywhere else.

Emilio added: “We often get asked how modern software development fits within the agricultural industry.

The inference being it is not expected or perhaps needed.

Our response is that breed associations definitely need quality software to manage their interests.

Whether its registry, DNA, ownership or accounting records, the modernday requirements for an average breed association is increasingly complex. At GPS, we believe every association, large or small has unique data requirements that can be met by Regstr.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of San Antonio, Emilio Silvas is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Originally intent on attending medical school, Emilio conducted basic research and codeveloped a novel image analysis application. He has spent the remaining years co-founding a web development agency and serving in a number of other software development roles.

A volunteer at heart, Emilio has been an American Red Cross instructor trainer, member of the San Antonio Ethics Review Board, and a youth minister.

Emilio and his wife, Katherine, have three children. They live in Converse, Texas.

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EXPERT CONNECTION

Advances in Sexed Semen Production

by STgenetics Director Global Quality Assurance Leonardo F. C. Brito

Although use of sexed semen used for artificial insemination (AI) is rightfully considered a reproductive biotechnology, it could be argued that it should, also, be considered genetic selection since gender is a genetic trait. Most genetic traits can be manipulated through selection, but before sexed semen was available, producers had to accept the 50/50 probability for obtaining females and male calves. Due to the impact that gender has on animal production systems, it has been described as “the most important genetic trait.” As such, sexed semen will continue to be one of the main drives of cattle production efficiency and sustainability.

Sexed semen production has greatly improved since the beginning of commercial application, but still continues to evolve rapidly.

Incorporation of the most recent advancements into the production of sexed semen resulted in a differentiated product, SexedULTRA 4MTM, that now allows producers to obtain fertility rates comparable to those obtained with conventional semen and more than 90 percent calves of the desired gender.

Brief history of sexed semen technology

Sexed semen technology was initially developed at United States government research centers, initially at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the 1970s, where scientists developed techniques that allowed precise measurement of sperm DNA content, and later at the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in the 1980s and 36 | NOVEMBER 2017

1990s, where further advancements in cell separation technology led to breakthrough research resulting in the producing live offspring obtained after insemination with sexed semen.

In 2007, Sexing Technologies (ST) acquired all technology rights and refocused the commercial approach to allow bull studs access to growing amounts of sexed semen of consistent quality at reasonable costs. Today, all of the world’s largest bull studs use ST technology to offer sexed semen from a diverse group of top bulls as an essential and important portion of their product portfolios.

Overview of sexed semen production

Gender in mammals is determined by the pair of sex chromosomes individuals carry in their genome. There are two types of sex chromosomes, X and Y; females carry two copies of the X chromosome (XX) and males carry a copy of each

chromosome (XY). When gametes (egg and sperm) are formed, the pair of sex chromosomes is split; eggs always carry a X chromosome, whereas sperm carry either a X or Y chromosome. Therefore, offspring gender is determined by the sex chromosome carried by the sperm that fertilized the egg. Sexed semen production is based on the difference in size and DNA content between Xand Y-sperm (approximately 4 percent in bulls).

After collection and evaluation, semen must be prepared for sorting.

This involves extension with appropriate buffers, removal of seminal plasma, and adjustment of cell concentration to optimal range.

The sample is then incubated with optimal concentrations of a DNAspecific fluorescent dye. Stained sperm are then processed and sorted using a flow-cytometer (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Sex sorting procedures involve pumping sperm in a stream in front of a laser beam. The fluorescence emitted is measured as the sperm flow single-line. Specialized software is used to analyze the relative fluorescence of the X- and Y-sperm populations and select the population to be captured. A crystal vibrator is used to break the fluid stream into individual droplets containing a single spermatozoon. Sperm are then sorted by placing opposite electrical charges on droplets containing X-sperm from those containing Y-sperm. The droplets fall past positive and negative electrical fields that separate the droplets into two streams for collection.

CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 38

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advances in sexed semen production CONT’D FROM PAGE 36

Sorted sperm are collected into tubes containing appropriate buffers to protect cells during the sorting and cooling processes. After sorting, tubes are slowly cooled to 5oC, additional extenders containing cryoprotectants are added, and tubes are centrifuged to obtain concentrated sperm pellets.

The number of recovered sperm is determined and extenders added to obtain the desired concentration.

After a period of equilibration, semen is loaded into straws and frozen in a programmable freezer using the optimal freezing curve. Post-thaw quality control involves evaluation of sperm motility and acrosome integrity after three hours of incubation at 35oC, analysis of purity, concentration, and bacteriology. Altogether, sexed semen production involves over 20 subprocesses.

SexedULTRATM

Continuous research and development investment in sexed semen production technology have resulted in significant improvements in semen quality and fertility, so much so that a new product label was created. The SexedULTRATM label was officially launched in 2013 as the culmination of a series of innovations that combined to create a product significantly different from that produced using XY Inc. legacy technology. Some of these innovations included developments in flowcytometry technology and complete redesign of equipment, optimization of media and extenders, large scale media and extender production for global distribution, optimization of staining conditions, and worldwide adoption of modern, standard equipment (Figure 2 and 3).

Figure 3. Cytonome/ST, LLC. is specialized and dedicated to flow cytometry technology. The most recent advances made at Cytonome resulted in the GenesisTM sexed semen sorters. The new equipment is compact and easy-to-operate with integrated fluidics and all digital controls; this technology marvel is ushering a new era of large scale, industrial sexed semen production.

Results from field trials conducted by ST and commercial partners demonstrated that conception rates in dairy herds were greater when SexedULTRATM product was compared with product produced using XY legacy technology (Table 1). In addition, data compiled by researchers from the USDA on sexed semen usage for Holstein females in the United States demonstrated a consistent reduction in conceptional rate differences between sexed and conventional semen coinciding with global introduction of SexedULTRATM in 2013 (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Conception rates in Holstein females in the United States. Only inseminations from 2007 through 2015 with confirmed outcomes were included: 5,963,876 heifer inseminations (1,323,721 to sexed semen) and 42,232,502 cow inseminations (253,586 to sexed semen). From: Hutchison &, Bickhart. Sexed-semen usage for Holstein AI in the United States. J Dairy Sci 2016;99(Suppl. 1):176.

Figure 2. SexedULTRATM technology was the culmination of a series of innovations that combined to create a superior product. Substantial investments in research and development ensure the continuous cycle of innovations to improve product quality.

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EXPERT CONNECTION

SexedULTRA 4MTM

Prior to introduction of SexedULTRATM production technology, increasing insemination dosage from the 2.1 million sperm used as the industry standard resulted in little-to-no-significant gain in conception rates. However, a study conducted in collaboration with a commercial partner demonstrated that fertility rates obtained with SexedULTRATM 4M (4 million sperm per straw) resulted in conception rates comparable to conventional semen (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Effect of SexedULTRA 4MTM on 56 days non-return rates (NRR) recorded at German Genetics International (n = 5 bulls). a,bBars with different superscripts differ (P < 0.001). From: Lenz RW et al. SexedULTRA™, a new method of processing sex-sorted bovine sperm improves conception rates. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016;29:203-4.

STgenetics officially launched SexedULTRA 4MTM in 2017. Some bull studs, also, conducted internal trails and have recently announced the release of similar products (see SELECTed™ SexedULTRA™ 4M from Select Sires and GenChoice™ 4M from Genex). Several other bull studs are currently conducting trial and the expectation is that SexedULTRA 4MTM will soon become the new industry standard for sexed semen.

SexedULTRA 4MTM use in beef cattle

Exciting results have recently been reported with the use of SexedULTRA 4MTM semen in beef cattle in Brazil, Argentina and the U.S., demonstrating that conception rates approximately 85 percent of that obtained with conventional semen can be obtained (Tables 2-5). Research aimed at adapting fixed-time AI protocols and developing specific recommendations for breeding time and strategies for sexed semen are expected to further improve results. Sexed semen from Brangus and other beef breeds is available at stgen.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Leonardo Brito is the Global Director of Quality Assurance at STgenetics. He has 10 years of experience in the cattle artificial insemination industry in roles involving research and development and semen production. Brito holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Federal University of Uberlandia in Brazil and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. He has chaired the Semen Quality Control Committee of the National Association of Animal Breeders Certified Semen Services and served as a board member of the Association for Applied Animal Andrology. Brito is currently, also, an associate editor of the scientific journal Theriogenology and a board member of the American College of Theriogenologists.

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Technological Advancements Improve Your Bottom Line

by IBBA Communications Coordinator Peyton Waldrip

Ray Westall bought the land that is Brinks Brangus at Westall Ranches in Arabela, New Mexico, about 10 years ago. In 2011, he added registered cattle to the operation. Today, Tate and Kelli Pruett help with everyday operations on the ranch.

“When Ray [Westall] bought this place 10 years ago, it was overgrown with cedar and cactus, and we didn’t have a whole lot of grass or natural forage for the cattle,” Tate Pruett explains. “We’ve probably worn out two dozers and two excavators, and now we pay someone to [continue clearing].” Kelli says a front-end loader is used on a daily basis to move and load feed into feed truck to feed cattle. From the time the ranch was bought until now, Tate says, they have increased carrying capacity by 30 percent in the past seven years.

Heavy equipment has helped the operation, especially in bulls’ development stage, because cattle can be turned out to get the best grass possible. Kelli says, too, that the use of heavy equipment has “led to many more acres of grassland for cattle to feed on and an increase in water supply for cattle and other wildlife.”

Ultrasound for carcass evaluation and pregnancy checking, embryo transfer (ET), artificial insemination (AI), DNA testing, heavy equipment, computer software, drones, videography, and social media are just some of the tools that help to ensure success at Westall Ranch. Tate and wife, Kelli, agree that each of these technologies adds value to the overall operation, its efficiency, and its functionality.

“Our carcass merit has shot through the roof,” exclaimed Tate, as he explained the benefits of

ultrasound for carcass. “We can select certain sires for marbling or ribeye size.” Kelli says ultrasound for carcass analysis gives the team “a true picture” of each animal’s carcass merit. Because they utilize ultrasounding, she says they are able to better decide which genetics to continue using and which genetics to cull. These decisions are important, because Kelli says they aim to “develop marketable cattle for the beef industry.” The more one knows about the cattle for sale, the better one may market the cattle. “We’re able to tell our buyers the size of the steak they’re getting and the quality,” Tate says. “We utilize the carcass merit ultrasound on an individual basis.” Furthermore, he says because the cattle at Westall aren’t on a fancy feeding program – that when they utilize ultrasound technology – they get a more true evaluation of the animal and its progeny.

By utilizing ultrasound technology to diagnose pregnancies, the Westall team has been able to diagnose pregnancies earlier and identify cattle that are bred by AI more quickly. “Ultrasounding for pregnancy checking is one thing we have implemented that has helped us tremendously,” says Tate. At one point in the interview, Pruett said ultrasound was one the most beneficial technologies he is using. Kelli echoed those claims, “Ultrasounding for pregnancy

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allows us the ability to determine pregnancy early on so if they are open, we have time to AI again or turn out with bulls to be sure they get bred back year after year.” Additionally, Kelli said ultrasound helps them to know if a cow has undesirable reproductive qualities or other health issues, which may make calving difficult and may even make her unfit for breeding. When those animals have been identified, they can be treated or even culled to optimize breeding efficiency within the herd.

Kelli says AI is a large part of the breeding program for Brinks Brangus at Westall Ranches. She says AI helps them to better plan for calving season. Tate says AI is used much more frequently than ET now on the Westall Ranch. “Although we are not using ET as much now, this technology allowed us the ability to produce some very uniform groups of cattle,” says Kelli. “A lot of the calves out of our embryo transfer program are still in production at the ranch. We still have a large inventory of frozen embryos that we can use in the future to bring back some of the older genetics in our herd if we feel it is necessary.”

On the subject of DNA testing, Kelli says they primarily utilize parent verification. “I don’t know how anyone could not DNA their cattle,” says Tate.

On Westall Ranch, Tate says they have 700 cows on 35,000-40,000 acres. With parent verification as a tool, they can confidently turn out multiple sires. When calving comes around, they can utilize a parentage test to know who the sire is of each calf. Tate says, in his opinion, that’s the only way for them to operate.

“There’s too much country for us to AI everything,” he adds. Kelli says in addition to parentage, their herd’s top producers have genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences.

“Maintaining an accurate database for our cattle is a must,” Kelli says. “While we do utilize [IBBA’s online member portal], we, also, have several other breeds of cattle. The use of an additional software program gives us the ability to track breeding, calving, and performance information effectively, and helps us maintain a customer mailing database, as well as track sales, rainfall, income and expenses.”

First and foremost, an effective and efficient cattle operation is important. Furthermore, effective and efficient communication and marketing efforts are of second-most importance. Tate and Kelli utilize several tools in this area. Drones, Tate says, are mostly used for commercial purpose; drone coverage conveys what the ranch is really like at high elevation. “Drones allow us to take aerial videos to show the rough, rocky country our cattle are raised on,” Kelli adds. “A picture sometimes, isn’t able to convey that.” The cattle raised on Westall ranches, Tate says, travel a mile or more to water every day. Drones and videography are useful tools in showing people what the country is really like.

“We use video photography a lot,” says Kelli.

“It allows us to show our cattle to more people, via social media, email, website, online sales, etc.” Tate CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 46

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MEMBER CONNECTION TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE CONT’D FROM PAGE 44

says social media has presented huge opportunity to Westall in delivering messages to potential buyers.

With Westall Ranches being in remote areas, buyers are not finding the Brangus breeders from seeing them on Main Street. The Westall team has to be proactive and intentional in its marketing efforts. “[Social media is a] valuable tool in marketing our cattle. Being in a remote area somewhat limits the number of people who see our cattle,” Kelli says. “Using videos and photos of cattle on our Facebook page has opened up many doors to potential customers, both in the U.S. and Mexico.” Tate says the team has made an effort to post multiple times a week. They even post digital versions of print advertisements before printed publications are released. Social media has alleviated the need for an in-town farm location to be able to show cattle in person. Customers are able to view cattle online.

“The availability of being able to video and put stuff out there,” Tate says, “is something we can’t do without.” Once a video is recorded, it can be Facebookready within hours, depending on how much editing is necessary. Tate admits that the more technical tools, such as ultrasound and DNA, are vital to an operation.

However, he says video and online marketing are the most valuable to them right now.

“It would be difficult to do without any of [these] technological advances,” Kelli says. “The use of each one increases the usefulness of the others and vice versa.” Tate and Kelli agree that these new technologies improve the bottom line of the operation. “Don’t be so scared of technology that you keep yourself from using a valuable tool,” says Kelli. “Culling a non-producing animal early on helps with feed costs. Identifying an

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animal who is short-bred rather than culling what appears to be an open cow keeps your animals in production. Use of social media increases customers and the sale of cattle.”

Even though different machinery and technology is implemented on the ranch, traditional ranching still exists within the everyday life on Westall Ranches. “We still gather cattle with horses and work at being good stewards of the land,” says Kelli. “We still turn bulls out in pastures with cows.” Tate’s way of saying this is, “We let them be cows.” By this, the implication is that he means not utilizing AI in all instances and not always putting embryos in – letting Mother Nature run her course. “No matter what we do,” Tate says, “they’re still cattle.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: IBBA Communications Coordinator

Peyton Waldrip received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications in 2015 and a Masters of Agribusiness in 2016, both from Texas Tech University.

Her agricultural background comes from growing up on her family’s beef cattle operation, in New Braunfels, Texas. In college, she continued expanding and strengthening her passion for the industry through active involvement in a variety of agricultural activities and organizations. Prior to joining the IBBA, Waldrip worked in communications, marketing, and event planning for one of the nation’s top chambers of commerce.

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From Floods - Family, Friends and Fellowship Triumphed Fellow Brangus Breeders Impacted

by Hurricane Harvey

Two words â&#x20AC;Ś Hurricane Harvey.

Those words have an astounding resonation. Harvey was a Category 4 hurricane with a top wind speed of 132 mph, as recorded in Port Aransas, Texas. Harvey rampaged through South Texas and Louisiana claiming lives, homes, schools, businesses, pets and livestock, just to name a few.

Human lives were lost, and peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s livelihoods were washed away within a matter of hours. There were at least 72 48 | NOVEMBER 2017

fatalities as a result of Harvey. More than 210,700 homes were damaged or destroyed, according to the Associated Press. Harvey has been regarded as one of the worst natural disasters to strike the United States in recorded history. The economic impacts of this storm are yet to be determined.

According to CNN, Harvey is the first Category 4 hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. since Hurricane Charley in 2004. Hurricane Harvey is the first

major hurricane to strike South Texas since Celia in 1970. Hurricane Harvey is the first hurricane to strike the Texas Coast since Ike in 2008.

Hurricane Harvey raged through cities and took homes, business, schools, and so much more in its path.

Many people, pets and livestock were displaced. Numerous lost everything they had. Hurricane Harvey, without a doubt, wreaked havoc along the Texas Coast.

by IBBA Assistant to the Executive Vice President Yvonne “Bonnie” Ramirez According to a Forbes contributed article, the amount of rainfall that fell on parts of Southeast Texas set a new record of 51.88 inches, breaking the former record of 48 inches, which was set in 1978. Currently, Harvey is believed to exceed that of any other flood event in the continental U.S. of the past 1,000 years, according to an analysis by the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies and Dr. Shane Hubbard.

Unfortunately, agricultural communities are all too often prone to a number of risks, including natural disasters. Aug. 25 is a day that many Texans will never forget. The floods not only impacted human health, they impacted livestock health, as well.

It has been reported that Texas agricultural officials fear thousands of cattle may have died as a result of Harvey’s influence. Ranchers may potentially face losses that could run

into the tens of millions of dollars, reports announce. The counties that sustained the most damage when Harvey first came ashore were home to 1.2 million head of cattle. That is representative of one in four of all beef cows in Texas. Texas is the nation’s largest producer.

“This is going to hurt,” said Robert Vineyard, DDS, owner of Vineyard Cattle Company and a retired dentist from Wharton. “This is going to hurt

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Texas a lot! Wharton County is one of the largest beef-producing cattle counties in Texas. It is, also, ranked high for its cotton and grain production. Wharton County lost a lot of ag commodities. It’s terrible. It looks like a bomb went off. It’s going to hurt economically,” Vineyard added. “It’s going to hurt agriculture. There’s a lot of people hurting. In two days, facilities were destroyed that have been here for decades. It’s going to hurt.”

“Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) inspectors who responded during Hurricane Harvey used various tools and technology to geolocate lost or deceased cattle,” said TAHC Public Information Officer Thomas Swafford.

“Tools that were literally in the palm of their hand. They were able to use apps on their smartphones that allowed them to take photos with the GPS coordinates attached and could tie into a map feature, providing them with instant directions to where the photo was taken later on.”

“The TAHC acted as a central hub of information regarding all animals that were affected during Hurricane Harvey,” added Swafford. “Our Animal Response Operations Coordination Center was activated and staffed with various agency partners representing small animals all the way to the federal level with USDA-APHIS. Field crews set up incident command points in some of the hardest hit areas where they were able to conduct animal assessments in over 40 counties.”

CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 52

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Photos courtesy: Diamond D Ranch, Logan Goudeau, and Vineyard Cattle Co.

BRANGUS BREEDERS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE HARVEY CONT’D FROM PAGE 50

The cleanup and recovery for Hurricane Harvey will be an ongoing effort for months to come. When disaster strikes in the form of a natural disaster such as a Hurricane Harvey; not only were human lives at risk, ranches were, too. For many, ranches are their livelihood, and they are threatened when hurricanes hit.

“All but about 300 acres of our 4,000-acre ranch was under water,” said Matt Willey, Mike Doguet’s sonin-law. Matt oversees the Nome, Texas, location, which is the headquarters of Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch. Nome has a population of about 588, and it is 20 miles from Beaumont. Willey, also, owns L Ray Ranch with his wife, Michelle. “By under water, I mean anywhere from one foot to five feet under water on almost the entire ranch,” said Matt. “The water came so fast. Nome was kind of an island.”

Even though they were heavily impacted by Hurricane Harvey, the Doguets were fortunate in experiencing only minimal loss. “We were very lucky,” Willey exclaimed. He shared that sentiment many different times throughout the interview. “We did not lose one cow during the storm,” Willey added. They did a lot of work for a lot of days to accomplish that feat; but all said and done, it was worth it for the Doguet ranches in Beaumont and Nome. “We moved everything we had on this ranch for two days straight,” Willey said. “The first day we probably moved about 200 head, which is about half of the herd, to higher ground – or what we thought was higher ground.”

The morning after they moved half of the herd, Matt received a call from Mike Doguet at 4 a.m. “I got a phone call from Mike saying that overnight the water had come up about another two-to-three-feet over the entire ranch.” Mike told Willey, “If we are going to save [the cattle], we got to get going pretty quick.” They waited until sunlight to get boots on the ground and start moving the remainder of the cattle to higher and safer ground.

“Next thing you know, I was getting picked up by the biggest tractor we had,” Willey stated. “You couldn’t get out with a truck. The water was about three-feet-deep by then.” The crew made their way to the highway, got CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 54

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Brangus Built tags come in the form of a Temple Tag or a Z-tag and must be ordered from the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA). There is a unique identification number for ease of traceability, and space is allotted on the tag to allow for customization (i.e. private herd numbers).

The cost of the tag is competitive, and adopting this tagging system adds value on sale day. Orders may be placed over the phone or online, at gobrangus.com.

For more information, contact IBBA Field Service Representative Matt Murdoch at mmurdoch@gobrangus.com.

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MEMBER CONNECTION

BRANGUS BREEDERS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE HARVEY CONT’D FROM PAGE 52

on horseback, and then they started working on cutting fences to let cattle out of the pastures. “By the end of the day we had moved all the cattle we had to about 300 acres.” That translates to 400-450 head of cattle packed into 300 acres of somewhat-dry land.

The cattle work was done by tractor and horseback mostly. “We had to swim some out,” Willey mentioned.

“We had an aluminum boat that we ended up launching right from our driveway.” Doguet’s staff made makeshift halters and anything needed to get the job done.

Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch ended up receiving approximately 50-60 inches of rain in a mere three days. According to Willey, most of that rainfall came at night. “This [Hurricane Harvey] was the highest flood waters anybody in our area has ever seen,” Willey stated. The ranch did end up having a hay loss of about 300 Tifton round bales. They had only done one cutting of the hay field prior to the storm. Two weeks after the rain ceased, the Doguet Diamond D Ranch 54 | NOVEMBER 2017

These photos, provided by Vineyard Cattle Co., were taken with a drone.

crew had to treat about 140 calves and 40 cows for pneumonia.

Vineyard Cattle Company was fortunate, too, not to suffer a huge loss. “I was lucky,” Vineyard said.

“My office didn’t get hurt. My house didn’t get hurt. It was just my ranch.”

Two-thirds of Vineyard’s 1,500-acre ranch was covered in water. The ranch was three-to-four-feet under water, and cattle were belly deep in it. “We opened gates, went in on tractors, and called in our cattle to headquarters,” said Vineyard, who runs about 400 head of mostly registered Brangus cattle, with some commercial Brangus cattle. “Some of them I couldn’t get to.” They had about 300 head of cattle on 50 acres. “It was that way

for a week,” Vineyard said. Though they didn’t get the brunt of the havoc Hurricane Harvey wreaked, Vineyard did lose eight calves due to calving season, and several of his fences were demolished. “We won’t know the complete devastation [of Harvey] for another six-to-nine months,” Vineyard added. As of early October, Vineyard said they had not taken inventory. “Our cattle went through a lot of stress. We were finally able to put up enough temporary fences to get the cattle back in pastures. We were giving them the month of September to try to regain their strength and get back to normal,” Vineyard said. “Here soon, in October, we will start giving them their fall workout of vaccinations

MEMBER CONNECTION

and everything else. We will also do inventory at that time.”

Joe Jones, general manager of Briggs Ranches, echoed Vineyard’s and Willey’s sentiments, saying, “We were very, very fortunate that we didn’t lose anymore than what we lost.” That thought was definitely the consensus amongst the three Texas ranches. Briggs Ranches is comprised of three ranches, and they run about 1500-2500 head of cattle between the three. On their headquarters in Victoria, Texas, they run registered Brangus cattle. Their journey with Brangus started about five years ago. The Briggs Ranch headquarters suffered some loss of cattle that were on the Guadalupe River and one stud horse. The property damages included four barns that were totally destroyed, according to Jones; three damaged homes, one of which was extensively damaged; and several trees down and many trees over fences. “This [Hurricane Harvey] is one of the worst storms I’ve ever been through, and I’ve been through several hurricanes in my lifetime,” Jones said. “The water came up almost as high as when it flooded in 1998.” They were without power for 12 days. “I’ve been through about four hurricanes,” Jones commented, “and this is the longest we have been without power while I’ve lived in the Gulf Coast area.”

Mike Doguet, owner of Doguet Diamond D Ranch, received tons of phone calls asking if they needed feed

and supplies. It sparked the idea of setting up a distribution point at the Doguet Turf Farm in Nome. They had the equipment to load and unload supplies; it only made sense for them to help their fellow ranchers in need.

Texas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA) Executive Director Sara Green is a longtime Brangus friend, and she was one of the first to call and offer aid. Willey said donations were in abundance from people everywhere, far and near, alike. They had hay coming in from Michigan and Tennessee. “It was amazing,” Willey said. “The first day of the drop-off location being open, we handed out 1,100 square bales and 400 round bales.” Doguet’s was able to help people in three counties: Jefferson County, Hardin County, and some of Chambers County. Supplies received and provided at the donation dropoff location ranged from lead ropes to halters to chicken feed to goat feed to alfalfa to cattle feed to coastal hay.

“The supplies donated weren’t just your run of the mill feed items. It was good-quality hay and feed that people were sending to us, and they never batted an eye about it,” Willey said. “[Donations weren’t] wasted; everything had a home.”

“We intend to continue helping our veterinary community until they tell us they don’t need it. We know many of these communities are years away from normal life.” Green added, “We intend to support veterinarians,

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and through them, the animals and people of the small towns that are suffering, as well as the bigger cities.”

Green, also, says many agree that the success of this relief effort has certainly been enhanced by the availability of social media and cell phones. She added that TEVA member, Sam Williamson, DVM, of Victoria, Texas, acknowledged that some storm problems were seemingly unrelenting but knows that things could have been worse for his clinic and clients, with most animals in his area weathering well. Dr. Williamson credited communication advances for making evacuations easier.

Willey gained a lot of respect for the animals during this ordeal. “It’s like the animals knew what to do,” he said. “Horses were deep in high water, and it’s like the cattle knew we were there to help. I tell you what, after being in nonstop rain to that extent for that amount of time, you get a new respect for life in general, and I’m talking about the animals, trees, plants – everything!”

“The world doesn’t look so pretty all the time on TV and the media that’s going on now, but there’s a lot of inspiration in these hard times,” Willey exclaimed. From text messages to phone calls to Facebook and Instagram comments or messages, Willey was receiving them by the dozens. “It was very humbling – all the support that we received,” Willey proclaimed. “It sure means a lot when everything looks real dark; there’s light at the end of the tunnel.” The emotional support that Doguet’s received during this scary event was overwhelmingly positive and encouraging.

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey involves efforts of “things slowly getting back to normal,” Willey

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Posts (left and below) taken from Doguet’s Facebook page.

MEMBER CONNECTION

said. “There’s a problem with army worms, but a lot of people are back at it. We will start weaning and gearing up to get ready for breeding season.”

“I’ve been in the cow business for 46 years, and I have never experienced something like this,” Vineyard stated. “[Hurricane Harvey impacts are] just a shame. You feel so bad for all the people who worked themselves to death to get what they had and then their homes were gone overnight,” The longtime Brangus breeder, dating back to 1972, said. “It’s just terrible.

It’s heartbreaking.” “[Seeing the aftermath in person brings] it to a whole new level to see the devastation that’s here,” Jones said. “People have lost everything they had. The devastation is pretty bad.

It’ll take a long time to rebuild a lot of this,” Jones said.

Despite the devastation that came from Hurricane Harvey, Texans prevailed! From the rubble, Texans [and Americans] rallied together and rushed to help fellow friends, neighbors, ranchers and strangers in need. It never fails, when tragedy strikes, mankind reveals their selflessness as they unite to render aid to one another. From the floods – family, friends and fellowship triumphed! Our continued thoughts

and prayers go out to all those affected by the terrible storms that changed the lives of human kind worldwide.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Yvonne Ramirez, better known as Bonnie, is a South Texas native who graduated from Sam Houston State University (SHSU) with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture with an emphasis in animal science, coupled with a minor in communications. Her spirited passion runs deep within the agricultural world. Ramirez’s roots stem from growing up in a small, rural community, being active in both 4-H and the National FFA Organization, and showing market swine and breeding heifers. During her collegiate career, Ramirez was enthusiastically involved in both SHSU’s junior and senior livestock judging teams.

Some of her prior professional experience includes serving as the Texas Animal Health Commission’s director of communications, San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo’s assistant livestock director and marketing coordinator and Ultimate Genetics - Sire Services customer relations.

Ramirez was recognized by the Texas Farm Bureau in 2005 with an Excellence in Journalism award. Being an avid supporter of 4-H and FFA programs, and wholeheartedly believing in the future of agriculture, she has enjoyed judging several public speaking contests at both the Houston and San Antonio stock shows. Currently, she is on the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Ranch Rodeo Finals Committee and a BEEF TIP on the Texas BEEF Team. In loving memory of her grandmother, Ramirez founded the annual Forget Me Not Benefit Alzheimer’s Team Roping fundraiser. In her spare time, Ramirez enjoys announcing at team roping events. Ramirez currently serves as assistant to the executive vice president for the International Brangus Breeders Association.

57

JUNIOR CONNECTION

JUNIOR MEMBER SPOTLIGHT > >

Quinn Carter

Twenty-two-year-old Quinn Carter, of Haines City, Florida, not only is an active member of the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA), she is, also, a student at the University of Florida. She is pursuing a degree in food resources and economics. Quinn has been an IJBBA member for eight years. Her future plans include staying in the agricultural community, and she is considering a future in animal nutrition.

Quinn’s involvement with the Brangus breed started when she was in high school, and she became involved with FFA. She started showing pigs and poultry. After her first county fair Quinn knew she wanted to start showing cattle. Her family had raised commercial cattle up until that point. A friend and neighbor, Lindsey, had a family who raised and showed Brangus. Carter’s journey with Brangus cattle began when they offered to take her to a Brangus show.

“By the end of the night, I was walking calves into the show ring,” Quinn said, “and that was the moment I developed a love for not just showing, but for the Brangus breed. I came home that night and asked my parents if I could show Brangus and two weeks later I bought my first bull. It wasn’t long when my dad sold all our commercial cattle and I replaced them with registered Brangus.”

The Carter homestead is a family-owned operation.

“Both of my parents have sacrificed to take me to several Brangus events and shows,” Quinn mentioned. “I have two older brothers that help me at home working the ranch.

Me and my family are involved with Southeast Brangus Breeders Association, and both of my parents are on the Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show (SRJBS) board.”

Over the years as a Brangus breeder, Quinn built her herd to not only suit the show ring, but to, also, produce in the pasture. “I have learned so much in, and out of, the show ring with my cattle, but now I’m eager to help the juniors,” Quinn said. “I have enjoyed helping the southeast juniors the past four years and watching them grow. I hope

58 | NOVEMBER 2017

to be the role model that my predecessors have been for me and to keep representing and supporting the juniors as they continue to achieve great things.”

An anonymous spectator at the 2017 SRJBS said, “This young lady was such a delight to watch. Not only did she take care of her own animals, but I watched her help other kids showing. I met a gentleman who said this was his grandson’s first time showing, and this young lady helped him more in that short time than he did all summer at home. She helped the adults who were putting on the show and just made an impression on me that I won’t forget.”

Quinn’s favorite junior program event that she participated in was the board’s attendance at the annual Houston Livestock show. “It’s a stressful few days for us with working the show and selling tickets for the Legacy heifer,” Quinn commented, “but even with all the craziness that can happen during our time there, the Junior Board always knew how to make the best of it.”

Carter recalls her IJBBA experiences fondly. “My time on the junior board the last four years was a time I will always remember and cherish,” she said. “I learned a lot about the cattle industry and met many people who have impacted my life. I got to experience many things, such as traveling, being part of an amazing group and making many friends. I got to advertise the Brangus breed and support our juniors in many levels, but the one thing I am most proud of is the growth of our junior association within the southeast and at NJBS.” “My advice to the juniors in the show ring is to have fun. My time showing, I always stressed about making a mistake or my cow not cooperating with me. At the end of the day, winning or losing, take a second, even if it’s while you are washing your cows or in the makeup arena,” Quinn advised, “take a moment to breathe, and enjoy that you have great cattle, friends and family in and out of the show ring and enjoy it.”

Photos provided by Kimberly Carter.

“My advice [regarding participation in IJBBA] is don’t be afraid to take chances.” Quinn added, “I’ve always felt that helping the kids at any event has always been a good way to be a mentor. If you really want to get involved as a junior, apply for the junior board. It’s a great way to be involved. You get the opportunity to travel, meet Brangus breeders, promote the Brangus breed and the junior organizations. During my time as a director, I hope I was able to leave an everlasting impression, with not only the breeders, but the junior exhibitors that I met, as well. I may no longer be a director or a junior exhibitor, but I will always be a supporter to the junior programs.”

Some of Quinn’s other hobbies include being a member of the Polk County Cattlewomen’s Association, Florida Cattlewomen’s Association, Polk County Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Cattlemen’s Association, and Florida Junior Cattlemen’s Association.

Quinn stays very busy with her involvement with different organizations and committees. Currently, Quinn is the chair on the Florida State Fair Beef Committee for the Brangus breed. She, also, serves on the Polk County Youth Fair Steer Committee.

“I met Quinn Carter for the first time at the old [International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA)] office in 2015, she was the IJBBA president at the time,” said Dianne Parker, of Parker Brangus. “I was very impressed with how she conducted herself in a very professional and respectful manner that made me proud of our future IBBA

breeders. I saw her again in Houston, March 2016, Quinn conducted herself in a very professional and respectful manner, as well as her appearance. I am very proud of Quinn and her accomplishments to the point of having her come show my cattle at Arizona Nationals in December 2017. She is a young lady that is very driven and will be successful in everything she decides to do through out her life.”

“We have often heard that leadership is about unlocking someone’s potential to become better, and that is exactly what I think of when I hear Quinn Carter’s name,” says former IJBBA president, Laura Lee Taylor.

“She is by-far one of the most ‘go-getter’ IJBBA members that I have seen in a very long time. She is persistent, hard-working, and looks for ways to move the ball forward and accomplish goals for the greater good. She loves the kids, and the kids love her. Quinn’s leadership is one of the reasons I wanted my eight-year-old daughter to get involved in the IJBBA; not to mention, Quinn would send me letters about sponsoring the National Junior Brangus Show that finally prompted me to get back involved. Quinn is a great role model and has definitely left her mark and legacy on the IJBBA, Brangus breed, and beef industry, and she is one that you positively want to replicate.”

This “Junior Member Spotlight” is comprised of interview feedback from Quinn Carter, quotes from Dianne Parker, Laura Lee Taylor, and an anonymous source. IBBA’s Yvonne “Bonnie” Ramirez compiled these sources.

59

SALE SUMMARIES

Cox Excalibur’s 2017 CX Advantage SALE OCT. 14 - WEIMAR, TEXAS submitted by Cox Excalibur Brangus Brangus Females • 37 Red Bred Heifers grossed $158.000 and averaged $4,270 • 9 Black Bred Heifers grossed $24,750 and averaged $2,750

Brangus Bulls • 16 Red Bulls grossed 72,950 averaged $4,559 • 1 Black Bull grossed 3,100 averaged $3,100

High Selling Females: Tajo Ranch & Red Bud Farms bought CX MS DREAM FOREVER 10/D4 $9,000, out of CX DREAM DREAM FOREVER 365A and CX MS HOME RUN 10/Z1, sold buy Cox Excalibur Brangus.

High Selling Bulls: Rafter D purchased CX MR LEGENDS DREAMAKER 107/D2 $13,500 from Cox Excalibur Brangus.

Alfonso Alvarez, of San Angel Brangus, bought MR JLS GUNNER 71/C $7,500 from JLS International.

Embryos Five embryo lots grossed $42,300 and averaged $8,460.

High Selling Embryo Lots: Geraldo Alanis bought six embryos $12,000, out of CX MS HOME RUN 67/W, sold by Cox Excalibur Brangus.

Volume buyers included Geraldo Alanis, of Laredo, Texas; Rafer 2, of San Antonio, Texas; Jorge Damm, of Hidalgo, Texas; and Juan Romo, of Tajo Ranch in Waller, Texas.

Featured Lots: CX Excalibur offered Pick of 2017 Show String • 1A-Pick of Herd Sire and own-½ semen interest bought by High Star Ranch for $18,000.

• 1B-Pick of Donor Show String and own-½ embryo interest bought by Tajo Ranch for $17,000.

DO YOU HAVE SALE RESULTS TO REPORT? Sale managers may submit a half-page (7.5 x 4.5 inches) of content to be published in the Brangus Journal for each sale. Content should be no more than 400 words, photos, or some combination of text and photos.

Submit sale summary content to IBBA Field Service Representative Matt Murdoch. He can be contacted by phone (830-556-3942) or email (mmurdoch@gobrangus.com).

don’t miss a minute!

For a complete, up-to-date list of sale summaries, visit us online. Find the latest information at gobrangus.com/sale-summaries.

60 | NOVEMBER 2017

LIVE AUCTION HANDMADE 1/4 FLORAL-CARVED RANCH CUTTER built on a buster Welch tree wITH a 16-3/4" seat, all chestnut leather for a deep rich color right from the start

FORMER IBBA BOARD MEMBER MIKE KAMMERER WON THE 52-CHANCES CARD DRAWING AND DONATED THE SADDLE BACK TO BE AUCTIONED OFF FOR THE FOUNDATION. IBBA BOARD MEMBER BILL DAVIS WON THE BID AT GENETRUST'S SALE AT THE CAVENDER'S NECHES RIVER RANCH AND GENEROUSLY DONATED THE SADDLE PRIZE BACK TO THE INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS BREEDERS FOUNDATION TO BE AUCTIONED OFF AT GENETRUST'S SALE AT THE CHIMNEY ROCK CATTLE COMPANY ON NOV. 4.

SADDLE MADE BY PAYTON FARRIS, OF PAYTON FARRIS CUSTOM LEATHER PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS BREEDERS FOUNDATION 61

JUNIOR CONNECTION

Scholarship Recipients

BRANGUS JUNIORS

The International Brangus Auxiliary (IBA) and other friends of the breed realize the importance of supporting the youth within our organization. Several scholarships are awarded to Brangus youth every year. Thanks to members of the International Brangus Breeders Association for the support offered to fundraising groups, such as IBA and others.

The IBA funded four of the seven scholarships awarded at the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association’s (IJBBA) Annual Membership Meeting and Banquet, which was held July 28 in Texarkana, Arkansas. The IBA

Dana Patterson

Photo courtesy of Facebook

62 | NOVEMBER 2017

doubled the maximum award per scholarship this year.

IJBBA members may now be awarded up to $5,000 per scholarship. This year, IBA awarded a total of $16,500 in scholarships. This brings the total historic award amount to $427,500.

This year, IBA scholarship winners are Dana Patterson, Allyson Polston, Cassidy Polston, and Casey Harper. Other scholarship winners are McKenzie Posey, Joe Reznicek Memorial Leadership Scholarship recipient; Casey Harper, Pat Pinch Memorial Scholarship recipient; and Cassidy Polston, Terry Dean Memorial Scholarship recipient.

This year was the first for the Suzy Graven Memorial Founder’s Scholarship to be awarded. This new memorial scholarship honors the contributions of our founder Suzy Graven. Only the first-ranking scholarship applicant each year will receive this prestigious scholarship.

Dana Patterson, of Alachua, Florida, will receive $5,000 as the recipient of the first Suzy Graven Memorial Founder’s Scholarship.

Dana is a sophomore at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. She is an animal science major, and she plans to transfer to a university to study veterinary medicine. Her goal is to specialize in large animal medicine with an emphasis in bovine genetics and reproduction. In her spare time, Dana enjoys backpacking, kayaking, and riding horses. After exhibiting commercial cattle for several years, Dana began to exhibit Brangus cattle six years ago. She has served on the

IJBBA board as a director for two years and, most recently, as vice president. Dana was re-elected to the board in July at the IJBBA Annual Meeting in Texarkana. She competed in numerous speech contests while serving in leadership positions for the Santa Fe FFA Chapter. Her speaking skills paid off when she placed first in the NJBS senior extemporaneous speech contest this July.

While Dana believes in the effectiveness of building relationships with breeders and customers through face-to-face contact, she, also, promotes the use of social media to give customers a direct method to communicate with the breeder. Social media offers an opportunity for the breeder to share with supporters such things as performance, sales, and available product. She believes that using technology is the key to promoting an operation and to successfully reach potential clients.

JUNIOR CONNECTION

Scholarship Recipients

BRANGUS JUNIORS

Allyson Polston

Allyson is the daughter of Rick and Debbie Polston, of Lakeland, Florida. She is currently a student at the University of Florida studying agriculture education, communications and leadership.

Allyson is the IJBBA president for the 2017-2018 year. She has served the junior membership in the capacity of director, secretary, and, most recently, as the IBBA queen. As a Florida cattlewoman, Allyson has learned to navigate the challenges of urban encroachment by housing and retirement developments and the unpredictable, and sometimes extreme, weather of Florida. She has learned to adapt her management

Cassidy Polston

Cassidy is the daughter of Rick and Debbie Polston, of Lakeland, Florida. She is a current student at Hillsborough Community College and plans to transfer to the University of Florida to complete a degree in agribusiness and leadership. An active member of the Southeast Brangus Breeders Association, Cassidy has raised and exhibited Brangus cattle for 13 years. As a Polk County 4-H member, she served the membership as secretary. One of the lessons she has learned during this time is to

practices to ensure a profitable cow herd operation. Allyson was active in Polk County 4-H when she was younger, and she is still active in the Polk County Cattlewomen Association.

Her belief is that by using social media you can make contact with many cattle producers to market cattle, but you must follow up with a personal contact.

She has been successful in marketing her cattle in and outside the state of Florida. Allyson is looking forward to leading the IJBBA board this year and increasing the junior presence at IBBA sales and events, improving communication between members and increasing the awareness of junior members to the opportunities available through the IJBBA.

keep accurate records of expenses and income in order to keep expenses down to sustain a functional cattle operation.

Cassidy is beginning her second term as a director for the IJBBA board, and she is serving as co-reporter this year.

Her responsibilities include taking pictures, writing articles, updating the IJBBA Facebook page, and compiling an annual report. She shares this responsibility with Director Kendra Brull so that all events, nationwide, are covered and members can keep abreast of all IJBBA activities.

63

JUNIOR CONNECTION

Scholarship Recipients

BRANGUS JUNIORS

Casey Harper

Photo courtesy of Facebook

Casey is the daughter of Don and Susan Harper, of Haines City, Florida.

She is a student at Polk State College in Winter Haven, Florida, studying animal science. Casey has been very successful in exhibiting her cattle in Florida, and she earned the Premier Brangus Exhibitor Award. She has exhibited her cattle in many Brangus point shows throughout the country.

A dedicated IJBBA member, Casey has attended both Legacy Leadership Conferences and attends the National Junior Brangus Show (NJBS), where she participates in many events. She most recently earned the American Farmer Degree, the highest award you can earn through the FFA. She

McKenzie Posey

Recipient of the Joe Reznicek Memorial Leadership Scholarship, McKenzie, is the daughter of Jay and Cindy Posey, of Wayne, Oklahoma.

She studies business at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.

McKenzie has served the IJBBA as director and president, and she was the 2015 IBBA queen. She serves the board as ex-officio for 2017-2018.

McKenzie has produced registered and commercial Brangus for over ten years. She has been to NJBS every year since beginning her breeding program. McKenzie has been a steady hand on the wheel for the IJBBA

64 | NOVEMBER 2017

was active in speech and debate and the ITV Tech Team in high school, producing student-made television and school news. She, also, served Haines City FFA as a chapter officer.

Casey believes that smart cattle operations should include a look, name and program that makes them stand out from the rest in order to have effective marketing. She, also, believes that Brangus breeders should utilize social media and take advantage of the marketing tools that are provided for breeders through the IBBA such as the Semen Directory, printed marketing materials, and the electronic and print versions of the Brangus Journal.

board, tasked with keeping them focused and moving forward toward accomplishing their set goals. It is fitting that McKenzie is the recipient of the Reznicek Leadership Scholarship as she has shown great leadership while in high school, serving as Wayne FFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reporter, treasurer and president. Most recently, McKenzie served in several positions on the IJBBA board. In addition, she has taken at least six trips to Suriname on mission trips building churches, dorms, and mess halls.

65

SHOW RESULTS

WESTERN NATIONAL BRANGUS SHOW & JUNIOR BRANGUS SHOW

GRAND CHAMPION BRANGUS FEMALE GKB KATHY KAY 149C3 GKB Cattle Waxahachie, Texas

RESERVE CHAMPION BRANGUS FEMALE DDD SHINING EXAMPLE 150C Two Hearts Brangus Seguin, Texas

GRAND CHAMPION BRANGUS PAIR PP ELEANOR’S JADE 915C1 Pack Ponderosa Boyd, Texas

GRAND CHAMPION RED BRANGUS FEMALE MS MARIA CLARA MBJ-FAGAN 004U-ET GKB Cattle Waxahachie, Texas

RESERVE CHAMPION RED BRANGUS FEMALE CX MS PROMISE KEEPER 177/D Cox Excalibur Brangus Katy, Texas

GRAND CHAMPION RED BRANGUS BULL TRIO’s MLS CORTEZ 175C6 TRIO Cattle & Genetics Dallas, Texas

JUNIOR BRANGUS SHOW RESULTS GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE Jaycie Bice Hempstead, Texas

66 | NOVEMBER 2017

RESERVE CHAMPION FEMALE Faith Bice Hempstead, Texas

SHOW RESULTS

at THE

Oklahoma State Fair

Sept. 23, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

GRAND CHAMPION BRANGUS BULL DDD DOZER 804D8 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Poteet, Texas

RESERVE CHAMPION BRANGUS BULL DDD FINAL SOURCE 38D21 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Poteet, Texas

GRAND CHAMPION ULTRABLACK BULL MC LOW RIDER 101D2 Mill Creek Land & Cattle Puryear, Tennessee

RESERVE CHAMPION RED BRANGUS BULL DOS XX’s PRIME TIME’S T-N-T Dos XX’s Cattle Company Washington, Texas

GRAND CHAMPION ULTRABLACK FEMALE DDD EVANGELINE 4D4 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Poteet, Texas

RESERVE CHAMPION ULTRABLACK FEMALE FARRIS MS ULTRA NETWORK 382D Victoria Parkey Archer City, Texas

Promote your show, sale or operation in the Brangus Journal!

Contact Melanie Fuller or Matt Murdoch to learn more about the advertising and promotional oppotunities IBBA offers.

Melanie | mfuller@gobrangus.com | 979-255-3343 Matt | mmurdoch@gobrangus.com | 830-556-3942

67

A Southeastern Regional Junior Brangus Show Recap

by IBBA Registry Services Coordinator Tullina Wilson

The Southeast Brangus Breeders Association (SBBA) held their annual Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show and Showcase Sale Sept. 21-23 in Lake City, Florida. The festivities kicked off Friday with the junior show, judged by David Prichard, PhD. Pritchard placed 58 head of cattle exhibited by 21 exhibitors from across the Southeast region.

The show was followed by a banquet recognizing the outstanding youth achievements. The 2017 Hall of Fame Award & Showcase Sale Dedication was presented to Johnny and Donna Vines of Quail Creek Brangus. Grady Green, ranch manager 68 | NOVEMBER 2017

of Dragginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; M Ranch, was awarded the 2017 SBBA Achievement Award.

Andrew Conley concluded the evening with the Fun Auction held to raise funds to support the association and youthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities throughout the upcoming year. The auction raised just over $4,000 and was deemed a great success.

Following the Fun Auction was a raffle and the auction of the second of eleven pieces of art to benefit the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA). The piece of art was donated by Carlton and Laura Lee Taylor. John Spitzer, of Spitzer Ranch, won the raffle, and he

requested to donate the piece back to the youth for auction. The art was then purchased by Nic Cornelius of Lake Majestik Farms. The IJBBA is grateful for the continuous support members provide. The Southeast Brangus Showcase Sale was held Saturday to conclude the events.

The SBBA continues to exemplify quality Brangus cattle and true herdsmanship as breeders from the area gathered to continue to improve Brangus genetics and support the future of the Brangus breed and its youth. Members and breeders commented on the success and achievements of the upcoming

AFFILIATE CONNECTION: SBBA

generation of Brangus breeders and understand the importance of supporting and continuing to educate the youth of the industry.

The SBBA invites you to attend their annual field day to be held next August at Black Water Cattle Company.

SHOWMANSHIP

Cason Hayford won the PeeWee Showmanship competition. Harold Baxley won second place. Lindsleigh Carte won the Novice Showmanship competition. Railee Steele won second place. Maddie Carte won the Junior Showmanship competition. Jurney Crim won second place. Elizabeth Bazemore won the Intermediate Showmanship competition. Kameron Steele won second place. Megan Abram won the Senior Showmanship competition. Quinn Carter won second place.

ULTRABLACK FEMALES

Grand Champion UltraBlack Female, WAT MS THREE D 917D1, was exhibited by Trevor Haney.

Reserve Champion UltraBlack Female, RLJ MISS HULK 83E, was exhibited by Railee Steele. Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female, QMC MS SJ LAMBER 3268E, was exhibited by Quinn Carter. Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Female, SX MS PUMPKIN 956E, was exhibited

by Carson Derrick. Grand Champion Owned Brangus Female, WAT MS ROLL TIDE 823D4, was exhibited

by Trevor Haney. Reserve Champion Owned Brangus Female, LB MS

PHOENIX 78C9, was exhibited by Elizabeth Bazemore. Grand Champion Brangus Cow/Calf Pair, LCF MS ONLINE 2B, was exhibited by Jurney Crim. Reserve Champion Brangus Cow/Calf Pair, MARVEL’S SWEET DIXIE 215, was exhibited by Cody Emerson. Grand Champion Owned Brangus Bull, MARVEL’S GATOR HOSS 715, was, also, exhibited by Cody Emerson. Reserve Champion Owned Brangus Bull, LCF ON LINE 449B1, was exhibited by Jurney Crim.

COSTUME CONTEST

Allysa Taylor, Emery Crim, and Harold Baxley won first, second and third place in the costume contest respectively.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

Railee Steele, Jurney Crim, and Kayla Garman won first, second and third place in the junior photography contest respectively. Elijah Lassiter, Quinn Carter, and Elizabeth Bazemore won first, second and third place in the junior photography contest respectively.

COMPUTER GENERATED ADVERTISEMENT

Trevor Haney and Maddie Carte won first and second place in the computer-generated advertisement contest respectively.

Outstanding Overall Exhibitor honors were awarded to Quinn Carter.

Photos courtesy of Out 2 Pasture Photography.

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AFFILIATE CONNECTION: IJBBA

Rancher Technology

by IJBBA SOC Sale Chair Laura Zibilski

Smartphones, iPads, laptops – the list of technology available in today’s world could go on forever, and the list of how many different things we could use it for would be even longer. Howdy, my name is Laura Zibilski; I am 16 years old, and I am serving my second year on the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA) Board of Directors.

If your life revolves around the cattle industry, like mine does, then you will agree that it only seems better in the long run to have the most upto-date technology to use in your operation. Such things as mobile applications let ranchers track the market, view expected progeny differences (EPDs) instantly, be able to view artificial insemination information, check weights on cattle, and even watch how much they are eating at a time and how much they have gained from each feeding. Technology is becoming a valuable resource in today’s lifestyle for the everyday rancher and farmer.

One big piece of technology that has really become big this past year is the use of drones.

Drones have really changed the agriculture industry for the better. It allows ranchers to monitor their cattle’s activity, help with their daily herd counts, and even monitor things such as the heart rate of the animal.

Granted, drones have their pros and cons just like anything else. One pro is that the drone has less impact on the land than a tractor, truck, or any other utility vehicle. Therefore, they help in saving the land for longer and optimal productivity. Drones, also, save the rancher time and daylight. They are able to tend to more things around the farm while the drone is checking the cattle. Drones equipped with thermal, hyperspectral, or thermal sensors can identify the parts of the field that have become dry. This way the identified areas can be attended to, making irrigation precise and timely.

70 | NOVEMBER 2017

A con of the drone is that most drones have a short flight time, between 20 minutes and an hour. This limits the acreage that it can cover for each charge. The flight range, also, limits the radius that can be covered during every flight time. Drones that offer longer flight time and longer range are relatively costly. Drones with the features that qualify them for use in the agricultural industry are quite costly. Therefore, taking money out of a rancher’s pocket that could be used toward the herd of cattle. Drones are much more prone to climatic conditions, unlike traditional aircraft, so if it is very windy or rainy outside you may not be able to fly them.

Technology is all over the world, and is progressing every day. Go out, and select your type of technology to make your ranch better!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: No longer the youngest IJBBA

board member, Laura Zibilski is a junior at Connections Academy and has been involved in the Brangus breed her entire life. She began her show career at the age of seven, attended every Texas Junior Brangus Breeders Association (TJBBA) State Show since and the National Junior Brangus Show (NJBS) for the last six years. Zibilski’s leadership ability is apparent in the various officer positions with her local 4-H club, TJBBA, and the Texas Junior Livestock Association on her resume. This past year, Zibilski was a member of the Source of Champions Sale Committee. Moving up to chair was an automatic choice for her. Together, the committee put together a sale that raised over $20,000 for IJBBA and NJBS, and Zibilski is pleased to lead a new committee to new and exciting goals.

AFFFILIATE CONNECTION

Giving Back

by IBA President Sami Roop

It is the time of year when we all generally think of giving back to our community. However, for many, giving back comes naturally. We have seen this over and over with all of the natural disasters we have suffered this year from the raging wildfires to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

I have been thinking about this topic since our summer International Brangus Auxiliary (IBA) meeting, when one of our members mentioned that she felt the need to give back to IBA after her children received college scholarships from the Brangus Auxiliary. She joined IBA and became a very active member. That was her way of giving back to this organization.

The IBA works hard to support the junior Brangus exhibitors. We try to show our support by issuing scholarships to deserving applicants, and we want to support their families as well. Therefore, at the National

Junior Brangus Show (NJBS) in Texarkana, Arkansas, we hosted a pancake breakfast for everyone in the barn. We had a great time and look forward to making this an annual tradition in giving back to the Brangus community.

We invite you to join us as we continue to give back to our Brangus family. IBA membership is only $25 per year. Our bylaws require us to have two meetings per year, one in conjunction with the IBBA meeting and one at the NJBS. There is not a huge time commitment, but we do work hard at these meetings in planning programs to support the juniors and the Brangus breed.

Our next meeting will be in Houston as we volunteer to support the World Brangus Congress. Please consider joining us as we continue to support the Brangus community.

News from TBBA

submitted by Jodi Jackson

The Texas Brangus Breeders Association (TBBA) has set the date for the 2018 convention and Miss America Sale. Dates for the upcoming year are April 6-7. We want to invite Brangus breeders to mark their calendar and try to attend. There will be the TBBA Annual Meeting, an evening of food and entertainment, and a fine offering of cattle for sale. The webpage is getting a make-over; details will be posted soon at txbrangus.org.

The TBBA is proud to be a part of several different promotional efforts during the year. We are pleased to sponsor both the Texas Junior Brangus Breeders State

Show and the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA) National Junior Heifer Show.

In addition, TBBA is a gold-level sponsor of the 2018 World Brangus Congress.

To get involved with the TBBA, membership information can be found on our webpage txbrangus. org.

71

DO YOU KNOW THE BENEFITS OF AN

IBBA Membership?

Junior Programs (Junior Membership) Association Business Voting Rights Select Hotel Discounts Chute Side App for Handheld Mobile Devices Performance Data Collection Using THR National Cattle Evaluation – EPDs for 11 Traits Genomic-Enhanced EPDs Performance Trait Leaders Breed Averages DNA Data Processing Analysis and Storage Animal (EPD) and Member Search Tools Breed Improvement Research through IBBF Educational Webinars Brangus-Specific Commercial Heifer Selection DNA Chip (GeneSeek)

Registration Privileges Hybrid Registration Ownership Transfers Online Herd Management Software Documented Pedigrees Monthly Genetic Evaluation Summit Animal Lists Eligibility Performance Leader Award Eligibility DNA Parentage Verification Marketing & Advertising Opportunities Membership Networking Brangus Publications Subscription eNewsletter Subscription

...and more !!

IBBA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION DATE: ____________________________

SENIOR MEMBERSHIP

JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP (UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE)

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER NAME: _______________________________________________________________________________________ RANCH NAME: _________________________________________________________________________________________ PRIMARY MAILING ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE: _________________________________________________________________________________ PHYSICAL RANCH ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE: _________________________________________________________________________________ HOME PHONE: ____________________________________ WORK PHONE: ______________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: ___________________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH (JUNIORS): _____/_____/_______ PARENTS’ MEMBERSHIP NO. (JUNIORS): _______________________ Application is hereby made for membership to be issued in the name given above. I agree to be bound by and abide by the rules, regulations, constitution and by-laws of the association as amended from time to time and to keep a written memorandum of breeding and exact birth dates of my (our) Brangus cattle. Further, that I (we) will furnish promptly any information concerning same at any time requested to do so by the association. Eligible cattle owned at present are ______ (bulls over 36 months of age) and ______ (females over 24 months of age).

FEES ---- Senior Membership: Jan-Dec $125, Apr-Dec $100, Jul-Dec $75, Oct-Dec $50 (Senior Renewal Dues received after Dec. 31 will be $145.)

Junior Membership: $25 annually Associate Membership: $35 annually PAYMENT INFORMATION (Indicate Method of Payment) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CREDIT CARD (BELOW)

ENCLOSED CHECK

ENCLOSED CASH

CARD TYPE (VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS): _________________________________ CARD NUMBER: _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ EXP DATE: _____ _____ / _____ _____

SECURITY CODE: _____ _____ _____ _____

CARDHOLDER’S NAME: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ BILLING ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ AUTHORIZE TRANSACTION (SIGNATURE): ________________________________________________________ DATE: ____________________________ INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION, P.O. BOX 809, ADKINS, TX 78101 | INFO@GOBRANGUS.COM | FAX: 210-696-8718

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NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME

New Members!

ALYSSA HUETT – Danbury, Texas ANDERSON CATTLE – Thomasville, Alabama AVILA FARMS – Mize, Mississippi BLAKE JEDLICKA – East Bernard, Texas BRANDON HOBSON – Harrison, Arkansas BRYSON GRESHAM – Rhome, Texas BURTON BRANGUS – Nancy, Kentucky CAIDEN PICKETT – Liberty, Texas CHANDLER LOVELACE – Beaumont, Texas DIAMOND P RANCH – Weatherford, Texas FRIDAY SAN SABA RANCH LTD – Uvalde, Texas GRETCHEN SCHULZE – Brenham, Texas HADDEE WEBB – Carrizo Springs, Texas HALLEE RAYNE WEBB – Carrizo Springs, Texas KAMI MEANS – Rosharon, Texas

KAYLEE ANN HENSLEY – La Grange, Texas KELSEY ANN FARLEY – Weatherford, Texas LANA WELCH – Troy, Texas MIKE GRISHAM – Kiln, Mississippi MONICA REYNA – East Bernard, Texas MOORES B+ – Quitman, Mississippi PATRICK DEROUEN – Ville Platte, Louisiana RANCHO EL GATO – Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico RONNIE MELTON – Pattison, Texas RONNIE SETLIFF – Mathis, Texas SLADE SMATHERS – Llano, Texas TRISTEN BRIEDEN – Rhome, Texas WOODEN CROSS RANCH – Marion, Texas ZEB SMITH – Cullman, Alabama

73

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS OR OPERATION To learn more about the advertising opportunties offered by Brangus Publications, contact the IBBA today.

MELANIE FULLER: (979) 255-3343 MATT MURDOCH: (830) 556-3942

DO YOU HAVE AN IBBA LID? Official caps from the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) are available for purchase. Caps are $20, plus shipping. Contact the IBBA office to place your order today. These caps are a perfect stocking stuffer with the holiday season just around the corner! Or a great treat for yourself. Wearing these caps is a great way to promote Brangus cattle and the Brangus association.

International Brangus Breeders Association 8870 US Highway 87 E, San Antonio, TX 78263 (210) 696-8231 info@gobrangus.com

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STATE DIRECTORY

FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU ALABAMA

ALABAMA

ALABAMA

GALLOWAY BRANGUS BRANGUS SINCE 1978

LARRY

cell 256-603-1945 gallowaybrangus@comcast.net

LANCE

cell 256-924-5571 gallowaybrangus@gmail.com

Farm located at Gallant, AL 35972

ALABAMA

ALABAMA

ARIZONA

ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS

Michael Candler, President 386-208-3881

ARIZONA

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

ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS

california

FLORIDA

FLORIDA

To place your ad in the State Directory, email Melanie Fuller (mfuller@gobrangus.com) or Matt Murdoch (mmurdoch@gobrangus.com).

75

STATE DIRECTORY

FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU FLORIDA

FLORIDA

FLORIDA

FLORIDA

GEORGIA

GEORGIA

Matthew Lyle Wynne (772) 201-7500

HOME OF OAKS MANNING 30T 541Z71

Frank Lewis (772) 201-7503

Fort Pierce, Florida | www.wynneranch.com

GEORGIA

GEORGIA

GEORGIA

GEORGIA

KANSAS

LOUISIANA

LOUISIANA

LOUISIANA

MISSISSIPPI

To place your ad in the State Directory, email Melanie Fuller (mfuller@gobrangus.com) or Matt Murdoch (mmurdoch@gobrangus.com).

76 | NOVEMBER 2017

STATE DIRECTORY

GOBRANGUS.COM/BREEDER-SEARCH MISSISSIPPI

MISSISSIPPI

MISSOURI

MISSOURI

NEW MEXICO

NEW MEXICO

NEW MEXICO

NORTH CAROLINA

OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA

TENNESSEE

TEXAS

TRAIT LEADERS AND

MONEY MAKERS

Doyle Miller

615-351-2783 doyle@millerbrangus.com

Bill Felton

Sales & Marketing

901- 494-0554 bill@millerbrangus.com

Bart Pope

Ranch Manager www.millerbrangus.com

931-722-0244 bart@millerbrangus.com

To place your ad in the State Directory, email Melanie Fuller (mfuller@gobrangus.com) or Matt Murdoch (mmurdoch@gobrangus.com).

77

STATE DIRECTORY

FIND A BREEDER NEAR YOU TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS Drake Land & Cattle 398 Drake Road Quanah, Texas 79252

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

est. 1924 Quanah, Texas

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

Registered Red Brangus & Ultrareds show heifers, herd sires, and replacements available Megan (713) 492-6158 John (281) 740-0572 greenwoodcattleco@yahoo.com

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

JLS International, Inc. Where winning tradition and performance collide Brangus bulls and heifers available year-round at private treaty.

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

251-947-5688 210-218-4804

To place your ad in the State Directory, email Melanie Fuller (mfuller@gobrangus.com) or Matt Murdoch (mmurdoch@gobrangus.com).

78 | NOVEMBER 2017

STATE DIRECTORY

GOBRANGUS.COM/BREEDER-SEARCH TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

TEXAS

MIKE SHELTON C: 713.560.8333 Colita Loop, Colita, TX 77351 www.brangusprofit.com Registered Brangus and Ultrablack Cattle

TEXAS MikeShelton-DirectoryCard.indd 1

10/19/17 7:32 AM

To place your ad in the State Directory, email Melanie Fuller (mfuller@gobrangus.com) or Matt Murdoch (mmurdoch@gobrangus.com).

79

80 | NOVEMBER 2017

CALENDAR

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 2017 3-4 GENETRUST at Chimney Rock Cattle Company, Concord, AR 4 International Red Brangus Breeders Association Fall Membership Meeting & Scholarship Presentations, Wharton, TX 6 The Branch Ranch Sale, Mansfield, LA 10-11 Blackwater Cattle Co. They’re Not Ordinary Annual Bull and Female Sale, Lake Park, GA 11 Hill Country Brangus Breeders Association 42nd Annual Brangus Bull & Female Sale, San Angelo, TX 11 Open Brangus Show at Jacksonville Fair, Jacksonville, FL 15 Arizona National Livestock Show Entry Deadline 15 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Entry Deadline 17 Skyhawk’s Presidente Bonanza, Tyler, TX 17-18 Salacoa Valley Annual Production Sale, Fairmount, GA 18 GENETRUST at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch, Jacksonville, TX DECEMBER 2017 1 San Antonio Livestock Exposition Entry Deadline: Junior Brangus Show 2 Union Town Bull Sale, Union Town, AL 15 W.E.T. Farms and Friends, Little Creek Farms and Sabal Ridge Sale, Madison, FL 15 San Antonio Livestock Exposition Entry Deadline: Open Brangus Show 29 The Alex Dees Brangus Show at Arizona National Livestock Show, Phoenix, AZ JANUARY 2018 5 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Entry Deadline: Open Brangus Show 17 Open Brangus Show at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Fort Worth, TX 19 Little Creek & Friends, W.E.T. Farms and Sabal Ridge, Okeechobee, FL 20 Junior Brangus Show at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Fort Worth, TX FEBRUARY 2018 10 Marana “Best of the West” Brangus Sale, Marana, AZ 11 Open Brangus Show at San Antonio Livestock Exposition, San Antonio, TX 14 San Antonio Livestock Exposition All Breeds Sale, San Antonio, TX 15 Junior Brangus Show at San Antonio Livestock Exposition, San Antonio, TX 17 Yon Family Farms Spring Sale, Ridge Spring, SC 24 27th Annual Roswell Brangus Sale, Roswell, NM 24 Hunt H+ Brangus Professional Cattlemen’s Bull Sale, Calhoun, GA 24 Genetix Cattle Plus Range Ready Plus Brangus and Ultra Black Bulls, Navasota, TX 27 - 3/3 World Brangus Congress, Houston, TX 28 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo All Breeds Sale, Houston, TX MARCH 2018 2 International Bull Show at Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Houston, TX 2 IBBA Annual Meeting & Convention, Houston, TX 3 International Female Show at Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Houston, TX 10 Southeast Brangus Breeders Association’s Cut Above Sale, Cullman, AL 17 Tested by Time Sale at Mound Creek Ranch, Leona, TX 24 24th Annual West Texas Brangus Breeders Asssociation Springtime Sale, Abilene, TX 24 Oklahoma Brangus Association Spring Brangus Sale, Ada, OK 27 GENETRUST at Suhn Cattle Company, Eureka, KS APRIL 2018 6-7 TBBA Miss America Sale, San Antonio, TX 14 Doguet’s Texas Best Brangus Bull & Female Sale, Poteet, TX 21 GENETRUST at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch, Jacksonville, TX

SEND YOUR IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES TO PEYTON WALDRIP AT PWALDRIP@GOBRANGUS.COM.

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AD INDEX

ADVERTISERS INDEX 5K Cowbelle Ranch............................................................. 76 American Marketing Services............................................ 32 Amrich Ranch......................................................................77 Asana Ranch......................................................................... 9 Big D Ranch.........................................................................75 Blackwater Cattle Company............................................... 76 Bobby and Bobbie Brangus.................................................77 Bovine Elite......................................................................... 74 Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranches..............................45, 77 Burke Brangus Farm.......................................................... 76 Bushley Creek Cattle Company.......................................... 76 Carter Brangus.....................................................................75 Cavender Ranches................................................... 13, 29, 77 Char-No Farm................................................................. 9, 76 Chimney Rock Cattle Co. ....................................................75 Circle X Land & Cattle Company............................... IFC, 78 Clark Cattle Services........................................................... 74 Clover Ranch................................................................. 15, 75 Cold Creek Ranch................................................................. 9 Cox Excalibur Brangus....................................................... 78 Cross N Farms.................................................................... 76 Diamond K Ranch.............................................................. 78 Doak Lambert..................................................................... 74 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch............................................... 78 Don Hall Brangus................................................................75 Don Thomas & Sons......................................................65, 77 Double Creek Brangus Ranch............................................ 78 Double W Ranch..................................................................77 Drake Land & Cattle........................................................... 78 Draggin M’ Ranch................................................................75 DV Auction......................................................................... 23 E3 Ranch............................................................................. 78 Elgin Breeding Service..................................................27, 74 Farris Ranching Company.................................................. 78 Galloway Brangus................................................................75 Garry Clem Brangus........................................................... 78 Genesis Ranch.................................................................... 78 Genetix Cattle Plus............................................................... 9 GENETRUST............................................... 13, 15, 29, 40-42 GKB Cattle.......................................................................7, 78 Great Mark Western............................................................. 9 Greenwood Cattle Company............................................... 78 Greuel Family Brangus....................................................... 76 Hardee Farms......................................................................75 Hi Point Sales + Marketing................................................. 11 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo......................................12 Indian Hills Ranch............................................................. 78 JLS International................................................................ 78 Johnston Brangus................................................................75 K & L Brangus..................................................................... 78 K & R Broken Bar Ranch.....................................................77

L. G. Herndon Jr. Farms, Inc............................................... 9 Lack-Morrison Brangus......................................................77 Lakeside Brangus................................................................75 Lakin Oakley....................................................................... 74 Lawman Ranch....................................................................77 Little Creek Farms.............................................................. 76 Luke Mobley....................................................................... 74 Mid South Cattle Company................................................ 76 Miller Brangus.................................................................9, 77 MO Brangus........................................................................ 76 Mound Creek Ranch........................................................... 79 Neogen GeneSeek............................................................... 47 Oak Creek Farms................................................................ 79 The Oaks Farms.............................................................. 9, 76 OK Farms............................................................................ 79 Old Colita Ranch............................................................ 11, 79 Parker Brangus....................................................................75 Pennridge Ranch................................................................ 79 Perry Ranch.........................................................................77 Peterson Brangus.................................................................77 Red Bud Farms....................................................................75 ReproScan Veterinary Ultrasounds................................... 28 Roop Cattle Company......................................................... 79 Salacoa Valley Farms..........................................34-35, 51, 76 San Angel.............................................................................15 Santa Rosa Ranch........................................................... 3, 79 Schmidt Farms............................................................. 29, 79 Shooting Star Land & Cattle............................................... 79 Skyhawks Brangus.............................................................. 25 Southeast Brangus Breeders Association............................75 Spanish Ranch.....................................................................75 Spur*S Cattle.......................................................................51 STgenetics........................................................................... 37 Suhn Cattle Company....................................................15, 76 Sunshine Acres....................................................................75 T3 Brangus..................................................................... 51, 77 Tajo Ranch...........................................................................15 Terry Reagan...................................................................... 74 Town Creek Farm............................................................. IBC TRIO Cattle & Genetics...................................................... 79 Triple Crown Ranch........................................................... 79 Triple JR Cattle Company.................................................. 79 Valley View Ranch...............................................................77 Vineyard Cattle Company.................................................. 79 Vorel Farms.........................................................................77 Ward Brangus..................................................................... 79 Wes Dotson......................................................................... 74 WET Farms......................................................................... 76 Wynne Ranch..................................................................... 76 Zotarelli Ranches................................................................ 79

To place your ad in the State Directory, email Melanie Fuller (mfuller@gobrangus.com) or Matt Murdoch (mmurdoch@gobrangus.com).

82 | NOVEMBER 2017

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