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Cover photo by Kelsey Gibson, Town Creek Inside photos by Sarah Tisdel, Triangle K Ranch, Kelsey Gibson, Town Creek and Matt Roppolo
Spring ‘25
FEATURED
Update from the Field
IBBA Director of Field Services and Strategic Projects, Kyle Caldwell, talks about his latest travels and adventures while out and about with our Brangus breeders and industry professionals!
Brangus Value Project Update
About 4 years ago, IBBA decided it was time to put our genetic predictions of terminal growth and carcass traits to the ultimate test.
Driving Customer Profitability
Located in South Florida, Wynne Ranch is proudly running one of the largest Brangus herds, with a focus on developing and selling the highest quality bulls to commercial breeders.
Modern Marketing
Cattle prices are at record highs, encouraging some producers to skip preconditioning calves, but experts emphasize that value-added practices, strategic marketing, and investing in quality genetics remain crucial for maximizing profits and ensuring long-term market success.
CelebratING Community, Innovation, & Opportunity
by Shiloh Hall, International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) President
As I write this, I’m in the midst of packing for one of the biggest events of the year: the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Convention, being held in San Antonio, Texas. For those of you who have attended before, you know what a valuable and energizing experience this convention can be. For those who haven’t yet made the trip, I encourage you to add it to your list of “must-attend” for next year.
The NCBA Convention is more than just a gathering—it’s a celebration of our industry and a reminder of the vital role we all play in feeding the world. The agenda
is packed with educational sessions, industry insights, and top-notch speakers who will address both the challenges and opportunities ahead of us. Beyond the learning, it’s a chance to connect with like-minded producers, exchange ideas, and build relationships that strengthen our shared mission. It’s always inspiring to see agriculture, particularly the beef industry, celebrated on such a grand scale. I’m looking forward to seeing the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) booth in the NCBA trade show. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, ACE, Cavender’s, CDP, and Villa Ranch, we’ve pulled together a fantastic display that showcases the strength and versatility of Brangus genetics. For those who will visit the booth, it’s
an opportunity to visit, grab some materials to share with your customers, and help us spread the word about the value Brangus cattle bring to the beef industry.
The networking opportunities extend into next month as well! I want to personally invite each of you to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) in March. During HLSR, we will host our annual business meeting, where we’ll install our incoming officers and board of directors, review the progress of the past year, and set our sights on the future, all while connecting as an association.
One of the highlights of the HLSR is our awards ceremony, where we have the privilege of recognizing the breeders who have made outstanding contributions to the
Brangus breed. These awards not only honor individual achievements, but also remind us of the collective effort it takes to move our breed forward. I encourage everyone to attend and celebrate these successes—it’s an opportunity to be inspired by the dedication and innovation within our association.
Of course, the HLSR isn’t all business. The show also offers opportunities for fellowship and camaraderie. There’s something special about gathering with fellow breeders to share stories, exchange advice, and simply enjoy each other’s company…and let’s not forget the impressive lineup of Brangus cattle that will be on display. Seeing these animals in the ring is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our members, and it’s always a source of pride for me to witness the excellence our breeders bring to the table.
As we move into spring, I want to emphasize how important it is for each of us to get involved in the opportunities available at the local, state, and regional levels. Whether it’s attending events like the NCBA Convention and HLSR, participating in state and regional Brangus activities, or simply reaching out to connect with your fellow breeders, every effort you make helps to strengthen our community.
I encourage you to make 2025 the year you step out of your comfort zone. Take the time to not only say “hello,” but to truly connect with your peers. Build those relationships, exchange ideas, and find ways to collaborate. Consider serving on a committee, volunteering at an event, or promoting Brangus genetics within your local community. Every action you take—no matter how small—has a ripple effect that benefits the entire association.
I hope to see many of you in San Antonio, Houston, and beyond in the coming months. We have so much to be proud of, and we have even greater opportunities on the horizon. By working together, supporting one another, and promoting the value of Brangus cattle, I know we can continue to make a positive impact on the beef industry.
GO BRANGUS!
Embracing Change and Innovation A Promising Future for the Brangus Breed in 2025
by Rick Cozzitorto, International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) executive vice president
As we kick off February, it’s hard to believe how quickly 2025 is already moving forward. January seemed to fly by, and with it came a renewed sense of purpose and momentum for the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) and the cattle industry as a whole. Change is always present in our world, and it’s a driving force in our breed. Those who embrace and adapt to change will continue to move forward, ensuring a bright future for our industry.
On a broader scale, we are hopeful that with a new President leading the country, we will start to see the changes voters sought come to fruition. Progress at the national level has the potential to positively impact agriculture, rural communities, and the cattle industry. As we work toward a shared vision of growth and prosperity, it’s an exciting time to be part of the Brangus breed. Within our industry, we find ourselves in what can best be described as an information phase. Data is becoming the currency of value in the cattle business. The more information we can provide about our Brangus cattle, the more valuable they become at market. Traits such as being AI-sired or DNA-tested, along with other performance data, significantly enhance the marketability and profitability of our cattle.
Collecting data is not without its challenges. It takes dedication and effort to gather and submit the
necessary information. However, the rewards are evident for those who commit to the process. As the American cow herd continues to downsize, we’re seeing shifts in how cattle are marketed. With fewer cattle in the system, buyers are placing a premium on quality animals with comprehensive data to back them up.
An excellent example of this was seen in January when a set of calves with superior genetics and complete data commanded an impressive $5.54 per pound on the video auction. This record price underscores the importance of going the extra mile to collect and submit data, as well as maintaining a focus on quality genetics. These producers— who didn’t cut corners—were rewarded handsomely for their hard work and dedication.
The Brangus breed is well-positioned to thrive in this evolving marketplace. By investing in data collection, improving our genetic base, and utilizing the latest tools and technologies, we are setting ourselves up for success. The rewards are within reach for those who are willing to embrace change and do the work required to meet market demands.
As we move through 2025, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and commit to continuing to adapt and innovate. Together, we can ensure that Brangus cattle remain at the forefront of the industry, providing value and excellence to producers and buyers alike.
UPDATE from the Field
by Kyle Caldwell, International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Director of
The beginning of 2025 has been marked by active periods of travel, having the opportunity to see some large and wellrespected Brangus outfits across several states. We have a lot of sales lined up on the calendar while some operations have already made a splash this year.
The year began with a trip to the IBBA offices in San Antonio, Texas for some planning meetings, and then it was off to the races. The following week involved navigating snowstorms to reach Florida for a series of ranch visits, including Hayman’s 711 in Kenansville, Wynne Ranch in Fort Pierce, and Williamson Cattle Company in Okeechobee. Jessie England, IBBA’s Director of Media and Marketing, accompanied me on this trip to capture some photos for the Brangus Journal.
After finally arriving in Florida, the first visit on the list was Hayman’s 711, where owner TJ Rew graciously hosted Jessie and me. We took the opportunity to photograph their cattle for the Brangus Journal, capturing the essence of their operation. Hayman’s 711 Ranch continues to stand out for its dedication to quality genetics and management practices. Their hospitality and willingness to collaborate made this visit
Field Services & Strategic Projects
both enjoyable and productive.
The next morning we made our way to Wynne Ranch and met manager Frank Lewis on site for a tour. This ranch, established in 1985, holds the title of the secondlargest Brangus breeder in the United States. It was impressive to see the scale of their operation and the competitiveness they maintain in the Okeechobee region. We also captured photographs for the Brangus Journal during this visit, showcasing the remarkable quality of their cattle.
The final stop in the Okeechobee area was Williamson Cattle Company, where we met with Wes Williamson. Wes’s reputation precedes him as a knowledgeable advocate for the cattle industry and environmental conservation. His contributions to the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and his published articles underscore the positive role ranchers play in protecting natural resources. This visit was particularly enlightening, as Wes shared insights into sustainable ranching practices, as well as his increased utilization of Hemarthria grass. This was the first time I (knowingly) ran into this forage and Wes’s cows looked phenomenal on it.
The jaunt through Florida concluded with the Lake City invitational bull sale held at Columbia Livestock Market in Lake City Florida, which was also the 25th anniversary of
this event. The sale’s foundation lies in introducing highquality genetics from prominent Brangus operations across the Southeast to enhance local markets. This model has been highly successful, significantly improving the quality of calves sold through the sale barn. The event was well-attended and demonstrated the lasting impact of investing in superior genetics.
To wrap up the month, I attended the 3rd Annual Red-Land Cattle Sale at Woodland Ag in Bagwell, Texas. This sale and its principle partners, Josh Walker and John Purviance, specialize in performance Red Brangus, Red Angus, and Ultrared cattle. The sale was very well attended with a many new faces in the audience. From my observation point, the buyers in the audience were very active, with a vast majority getting a bull bought that day. This underscores the demand for performance-oriented Red Brangus cattle in today’s beef industry.
Looking ahead, you can find me at several upcoming events such as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association annual convention and trade show in San Antonio, the Calhoun County Cattlemen’s Meeting in Mississippi, the ACE at Wiley Ranch Sale in Effie, Louisiana, the Hunt’s H+ Brangus Sale in Calhoun, Georgia, followed by a week at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We have a fantastic spring slate ahead of us brimming with potential. Lets make it a great one!
GENE
The Value of Genetics in Bull Selection
CATTLEFAX TRENDS
by Matthew McQuagge
With the spring bull sale season ramping up, many commercial producers are currently studying sale catalogs with the goal of determining what they want in a herd sire and how much they’re willing to pay for it. The first step of this process is to identify the objectives for the cow-calf enterprise and develop a plan to achieve them. These goals are typically based on expected marketing objectives for progeny and whether or not the operation retains replacement females. Herd bulls are often expected to have a productive lifespan of around four years but, for operations that develop replacements, a new bull will have a measurable genetic impact for at least ten years.
The long-term improvements in the genetic makeup of the U.S. beef cowherd have resulted in outstanding demand for beef at the consumer level. Over the past 25 years, the industry has experienced a 55% increase in the percentage of cattle grading Choice and Prime. While part of this increase can be attributed to improvements in cattle feeding techniques and technologies, a large part of it is due to selection efforts for traits related to quality. A continuation of these efforts will be necessary for further demand growth which, in turn, translates back to additional margins in the system.
The discussion regarding the role of genetics to a producer’s bottom line is critical when considering variations in bull price. Certain components used in pricing bulls are more easily measured and include EPDs, economic indexes, and animal performance. The result of these genetic and
physical measures is a variable that is tougher to quantify in how much additional revenue a bull can generate for an operation. This applies to both direct progeny sales as well as the genetic improvements of retained breeding females. There is data from multiple sources that support the belief that utilization of superior genetics adds value to an operation’s bottom line. When evaluating results from video auctions, it was noted that lots marked with a “Progressive Genetics” label received a premium compared to those without. Across the last five years, steer calves sold on summer video for fall delivery averaged about $2.50/cwt higher with this label than did those without the feature. This equates to an additional $13.75/head for a 550-pound calf. Assuming the bull provides service for four years and covers 25 females with an 85% weaning rate, this equates to more than $1,150 in added revenue by selecting for and marketing known, proven genetics. This scenario is likely a conservative estimate as the comparison sample includes many reputation-type calves that often have other qualities that support higher values.
As with most things, higher quality genetics typically comes at a larger expense. While the most expensive bull does not always equate to the best bull, there is a correlation between price and genetic potential. Annual CattleFax CowCalf Survey results indicate that producers who pay more for bulls tend to sell calves at higher values. Over the last three years, survey participants indicate that, for every additional $2,500 spent on a bull, the average calf price increased $82
per head. Over the four-year example described above, this results in almost $7,000 in additional revenue, which is a substantial return on the initial investment.
While a projection of progeny values in subsequent years is important, it’s also necessary to select bulls that fit individual management and marketing objectives. For producers who sell calves right off the cow at weaning, the birth to 205-day growth spreads are important. Retaining ownership through backgrounding and stockering stages will place greater emphasis on post-weaning growth potential. Likewise, retaining owernership through feeding will increase the priority on carcass traits to capitalize on grid premiums. CattleFax Cow-Calf Survey results also indicated that producers who spent more on their bull battery were more likely to retain ownership to a phase past weaning to take further advantage of the value of those genetics. Whatever stage of production you own the calf crop through will likely determine what EPDs you place the greatest emphasis on.
been slow to materialize. Thus, there was a large inventory of bulls already on hand in herd bull batteries to start 2024. This was coupled with a large supply of bulls on offer relative to the number of breeding females making 2024 a buyers’ market as percentage increase in bull prices failed to match that of calves.
This may not be the case in 2025. As the U.S. beef cowherd has shifted fully into a stabilization phase, heifer retention has returned to a normal, maintenance level. This should result in improved bull demand this year while record calf prices and strong cow-calf margins have primed producers to be willing to spend more on their bull battery this year. Last fall, the CattleFax U.S. 550-pound steer price averaged roughly $308/cwt. Based on this relationship, these values would imply that bull prices this spring have the potential to average near $8,500 per head with a practical range of $8,000 to $9,000. This would be an increase of 19 percent from 2024’s prices.
A common notion is that the price of a bull is worth the value of five calves from the previous calf crop. CattleFax data largely supports this adage however the value of calves can change quickly as was noted in the last cycle high. While sales of the previous calf crop help dictate producers’ current levels of available capital, their outlook for the cattle market also determines their willingness to spend. For example, in 2022 and 2023, optimism was beginning to build leading to bull prices that exceeded this ratio. Bull buyers outpaced themselves counting on a looming herd rebuild that has since
Despite the strong economic incentives for cowherd expansion, drought and pasture conditions continue to serve as a limiting factor with a slower rebuild expected this cycle. As this develops, demand for bulls and breeding females should continue to develop leading to higher prices over the next few years. Having developed selection criteria and objectives for your bull battery, as well as a budget, becomes more important as capital requirements increase. Bulls are a significant cost to an operation but, with proper selection to fit an operation’s goals, have the potential for high returns.
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BRANGUS VALUE PROJECT Profit in the Pasture, Premium at the Plant
by Kyle Caldwell, International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Director of Field Services & Strategic Projects
Roughly four years ago, the Brangus Value Project was initiated as a collaborative effort between the International Brangus Breeders Foundation (IBBF) and the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Breed Improvement Committee. The project aimed to benchmark the terminal value of Brangus-influenced feeder steers in the feedlot and packing plant, addressing a critical need to evaluate the breed’s competitiveness in these environments.
The Why & How
To achieve this, the project selected 17 of the breed’s most impactful sires, identified based on the total number of progeny recorded in the IBBA database. These sires were bred A.I. to a common set of commercial cows, to mimic conditions for the average commercial cattleman as much as possible. The resulting steer calves were then DNA-verified to their respective sires and subsequently transported to a southwest Kansas feed yard.
At the feed yard, the steers were fed and managed until they reached their finishing point. They were then harvested at a large commercial beef packer, where comprehensive grading data was collected. Additionally, steaks were removed from each loin and sent to Texas Tech University for tenderness testing. This rigorous and systematic approach ensured the data collected represented a reliable benchmark of the breed’s terminal value potential.
The Results
The Brangus Value Project yielded highly promising results, challenging longstanding misconceptions about the performance of indicus-influenced cattle in feedlot and packing plant environments. A total of 300 steer calves were included in the project, and their performance data highlighted several key achievements, all of which challenge some established beliefs regarding the terminal value of eared cattle.
• Feeding Efficiency: In the feedyard, we can compare the performance of our Brangus steers to a “Southwest Kansas Average”. This average encompasses about 150,000 head of cattle placed in the feed yard around the same weight around the same time our calves were, across the three years the project was completed. As you can see, the Brangusinfluenced calves routinely outgained their Southwest Kansas contemporaries by around ¾ of a pound every day, while eating about ½ pound less feed for every pound of live weight gained. Short and sweet: the Brangus steers gained more while eating less. Stacked up over the course of a 150 day feeding period, we’re talking some real cash savings. “Eared cattle will not grow or be as feed efficient as other cattle”. BRANGUS CAN.
The Next Steps
• Grading Performance: The steers demonstrated exceptional carcass quality, with 90% grading USDA Choice or Prime, with nearly 40% grading Premium Choice, beating a rolling industry average of about 85% Choice and Prime. “Eared cattle are not capable of marbling as well as other breeds.” BRANGUS CAN
• Tenderness Testing: Strip loin steak samples sent down to Texas Tech University were analyzed using a Slice Shear Force machine. According to USDA-specified thresholds, 96% of the steak samples were categorized as “Tender” or “Very Tender”. “Eared cattle are not capable of making tender, great tasting beef.” BRANGUS CAN.
• Economic Value: The steers consistently outpaced commodity projections by approximately $200 per head when accounting for feed efficiency savings and grid premiums. This, quelling the final argument, “Eared cattle are not profitable in downstream segments of the beef industry”…. You guessed it, BRANGUS ARE.
The success of the Brangus Value Project provides a strong foundation for future initiatives aimed at promoting the Brangus breed’s value proposition. By the time you read this, the steers for Round 4 will have entered the feedyard and slated for a harvest date sometime this summer. As the project continues to grow, we aim to increase the number of sires tested, and as a result, the number of steers on feed, to gather as much data as quickly as possible. As we continue this trend of favorable results, we’ll need to be evangelizing the beef industry and spreading the good word that Brangus bulls not only sire the best cow to eat grass but will also provide steer calves capable of mashing down the scales with high grading, premium quality beef. Maybe our new tagline should be “Brangus: Profit in the Pasture, Premium in the Plant”.
These results not only dispel the traditional belief that indicus-influenced cattle struggle to compete with those without ear or from northern climates but also emphasize the economic and practical advantages of Brangus. Producers operating in heat-stressed environments, where Brangus and Ultra cows thrive, can achieve remarkable results by using high-quality Brangus and Ultra bulls. The project’s data highlights the potential to produce feeder cattle that turn the long discussed “Eared Discount” into a “Brangus Premium”.
The Brangus Value Project is the first project of its kind within the walls of the association with the results ready and available for any breeder that chooses to use it. The Brangus Value Project challenges the status quo that eared cattle are not capable of growing, feeding, and grading as well as their counterparts in other breeds or in more northern areas of the U.S. Thanks to the continued innovation of progressive Brangus breeders across the country, the Brangus breed will be solidified as the beef industry’s swiss army knife: maternal and terminal excellence wrapped in a single package.
by Lindsay L. Allen
WYNNE RANCH Driving Customer Profitability
Located in South Florida, Wynne Ranch is proudly running one of the largest Brangus herds, with a focus on developing and selling the highest quality bulls to commercial breeders. “Our goal at Wynne Ranch is simple - maximize our customers profitability! This drives everything we do. Profitability is why we chose Brangus cattle,” their website states, and the resulting profitability of their customers is the reason why they have a two-decade history with most of them.
“We produce our cattle the same way our customers will use them, on South Florida forages with limited supplementation. Most of our customers are within 100 miles of our operation in Fort Pierce, Florida. Our cattle are raised cow-side in cypress swamps, pinelands, and hammock lands with no supplemental feed. After weaning, sale bulls and heifers start receiving grain, but remain on a primarily foragebased diet. This produces a very hardy, well adapted animal who will get the job done,”
Frank Lewis, Wynne Ranch manager since 2002, said. Lewis continued, “I must raise a female that will raise a bull that will go and hold up for our customer and perform. I also need to keep that female in the 1200-1300-pound range so that she will make a living for me and not require a lot of
inputs. It’s a balance to keep females moderate and able to raise a son that I can sell to commercial producers. We’ve built a reputation with our customers, many of whom buy 10-25 bulls each annually for the last 20 years, and often bought sight-unseen…. they just wait for me to ship them bulls.”
The ranch strives to produce bulls which combine all the fundamentals - rugged, muscled, high volume with good conformation. Wynne Ranch calves about 1,000 head annually and from that, sells 250-300 bulls annually, all private treaty, and markets their heifers as commercial females, while retaining the top end of females to register and add to the herd.
The ranch was established in 1994 when owner, Matthew Wynne, purchased land and eventually Brangus cattle. Like most, Matthew was drawn to the diversity of the breed, the powerhouse combination of Angus profitability and adaptability of Brahman. He believes that the traditional Brangus composition is the optimal blend of these two breeds and as a result, Wynne Ranch cattle maintain the 3/8th Brahman and 5/8th Angus breed composition.
Frank echoes that and loves that the Brangus cattle
“Brangus can go any where and you can do so many things with them. You can breed your Brangus females to a Brangus bull or a Hereford bull; you aren’t tied to a corner with her,” he continued, “In our part of the world, you have to have Brahman influence and I’d be willing to say we need a tick more of that influence than other southern parts of the country and Brangus meets our environmental need. We believe in giving our customers a big dose of hybrid vigor when they buy our bulls.”
Frank says that improving the genetic base is always the focus for the operation.
“Recently we have been crossing some of our Duke
ISN'T ROCKET SCIENCE
New Blood and Cash. These are first generation 3/8th5/8th Brangus bulls whose parents are some of the best in the Angus and Brahman breeds and represent genetics not seen elsewhere in Brangus. This is one example of our focus on continuous improvement of our herd through genetic advancement,” he continued, “We have a different philosophy than most, in that we don’t chase cow families, but we chase sire families. I’ve been at the ranch for 22 years and we are on our fifth sire line – in addition to the sires I just mentioned, we also have Transformer genetics too.”
WR MR Duke 228/F is a founding sire of Wynne Ranch and well known for ranking number one for weaning weight, yearling weight, and scrotal circumference, in addition to an excellent birth weight expected progeny difference (EPD), giving him the largest spread between birth weight and weaning weight EPDs than any other bull in the breed.
“We are proud to give our customers bulls that will have the lowest chance of calving issues that can also produce high weaning and yearling weights,” Frank shared.
He also adds that DNA sampling has been the greatest thing that happened for their operation because it enabled Wynne Ranch to run more efficiently (and utilize their grass better) as they could run larger groups of cattle with multiple sires instead of one sire per 20 cows. “Our entire herd, including all calves, are DNA sampled, and parentage verified through the International Brangus Breeders Association. We utilize performance data with complete and accurate record-keeping of every animal on our entire ranch and all our Brangus bulls have passed a breeding soundness exam,” Frank stated.
The Wynne Ranch way is to focus on the entire package of the animal, not just one trait, and give customers the performance they need for their own operation. Because of the bulls they produce year-after-year and the quality they deliver; the ranch has been selling bulls purely by private treaty for decades and developed a loyal customer base primarily in the Florida region. The ranch operates at a high quantity, quality and performance and has established a prominent position in the Brangus breed.
607L DON JUAN X 607H3
1912L8 TOP GUN X 1912J10
1912L19 TOP GUN X 1912C
9U8L11
Value-Added Programs Are Worthwhile Even When Calf Prices are High
by Heather Smith Thomas
Cattle prices are at an all-time high and continuing to rise, so some cow-calf producers are just sending calves to market right off the cows, rather than put time and money into vaccinations and preconditioning. Yet these are still good ways to add more value to calves if producers want top dollar.
Derrell Peel, Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist at Oklahoma State University, says cattle prices will likely move even higher for a while due to the shortage of beef animals in the U.S. but value-added programs still pay off. “I remind producers that if profit maximization is your goal, regardless of how high the average prices are, you still want to do things to maximize revenue and control costs,” he says.
There is no indication yet that people are retaining very many heifers to rebuild herds. “Even if people start herd rebuilding now, it’s a 3 or 4-year process so we will probably see high prices for the foreseeable future,” Peel says.
Strategies to add value haven’t changed, however. “Calves, including heifers, are worth a lot, and that’s why most producers are selling heifers rather than retaining them. We will continue to see smaller cow inventories and higher cattle prices,” he explains.
Some of the smaller niche markets (that tend to be higher than average prices when cattle prices are down) may not rise as high as quickly as the average market. “The specialty niche markets maybe haven’t gone up as much proportionately, so this premium has narrowed, but producers in these programs will probably continue to sell cattle this way,” he says. Once you establish a market and a reputation, you don’t want to quit—because you will continue receiving a better price when the general market drops again. You
Modern Marketing
don’t want to undo the progress you’ve made in developing a program.
With tighter beef supplies supporting higher prices all the way to the consumer level, the niche markets may keep up with the higher regular prices this time, just because the demand for beef is greater than the supply. “People selling direct or into niche markets may have to think more about how much and how fast to raise their prices to keep up with the underlying market, but they may have the ability to do that,” says Peel.
In traditional marketing channels, premiums for preconditioned calves are as strong and in some cases even stronger when cattle prices are high. Buyers don’t want to take the risk with a bawling calf right off the cow, when spending so much for calves.
“When buying a preconditioned calf, buyers are basically buying health insurance on those calves—and that insurance is worth a lot more when calves are so valuable. We have plenty of data to verify this,” he says.
“If I were buying calves, a pre-conditioned calf becomes even more valuable in this kind of market.” If the calves that weren’t properly preconditioned get sick, they may cost a buyer too much in treatments or even death loss, and he probably won’t want to buy your calves again.
“There is still value in preconditioning; our data shows that certified (verified) preconditioning programs bring an even bigger premium,” he says. Genetics that have proven performance will also bring a premium.
“As supplies get tighter, there is probably less discrimination on the bottom end for average or mediocre cattle simply because feedlots need to maintain their numbers.
They are chasing cattle of all kinds, but the really good cattle are still worth more, since there is less risk involved,” Peel says.
If a producer is down in numbers because of drought, it is even more important to get as much value as possible from the ones you do sell. “You might want to think about a certified preconditioning program of some kind. This can add additional value if a third party certifies that you did those things and you sell those calves through an appropriate sale that recognizes this,” says Peel. The buyers have confidence in what you are selling, and know they are getting their money’s worth. Preconditioning improves calf health and reduces likelihood of health problems.
“Our sales this last fall had very strong premiums, despite the fact cattle prices were at near record levels. A calf today is a big investment, and adding a little bit more to that price to improve the health of those expensive calves is worth it,” he says.
The International Brangus Breeders Association offers a value-added feeder calf marketing program called BRANGUS VIGOR for all producers who are BQA-certified and utilize registered Brangus and Ultrablack bulls. Calves eligible for the program will be age and source verified, weaned 60 days with 2 rounds of modified-live vaccinations.
BRANGUS CALVES - “Our data shows that Brahman-influenced cattle sometimes receive something of a discount in the market, but in terms of net returns to the producer, if those cattle fit the environment and thrive where other cattle won’t, it all balances out,” says Peel. Animals that can’t make it in your environment will never be profitable; you won’t have a good calf crop to sell. Ranchers make a deliberate choice to pick the best animals for their environment, and in southern areas this often includes Brangus. This enables them to produce optimally, and then it is very important to manage them for the best sales opportunities.
Garrett Thomas started a business called Hi Point Sales and Marketing in 2017, in Waxahachie, Texas, focused on service and a personal touch for sales management. “We wanted to become more of a one-stop-shop regarding service in livestock marketing. Our emphasis has always been on American breeds like Brangus, but we’ve also ventured into a few others like Red Angus and Simmental. Our main
emphasis, however has been on Bos indicus cattle,” he says. “We manage about 60 sales each year that are either live or online sales. Many production sales today no longer run cattle through the ring.” Buyers at the sale can look at the cattle outside, but watch a video when they are bidding on them in the sale barn.
“A small portion of our business is the online-only sales in which people can bid on their phones. This is one more tool with modern marketing,” says Thomas. These are various ways producers can present and market their cattle. Online sales have been a great outlet for smaller breeders who don’t physically have the numbers to do a big production sale, but have the genetic quality people want.
“My business deals mostly with seedstock breeders but we also do some buying and selling and contracting of commercial calves and commercial replacement heifers. To help people market their calves, I always emphasize the importance of bull selection,” says Thomas. Investing in genetics that will produce good-quality calves is a big part of getting them marketed to best advantage. Behind all the calves that bring top dollar are good bulls— to produce the kind of calves feedlot buyers want. “That’s probably my piece of the equation, trying to put together a commercial producer with the right bull suppliers or outlets, so they can produce those top-of-the-market calves,” says
Thomas.
This is part of the whole picture—the right genetics as well as the management programs to keep those calves healthy and properly weaned and conditioned. You have to start with something that can do it! “Having reputable genetics and a good reputation for having cattle with a good health track record are important pieces.”
Marketing is a big factor. Many cattle producers do a good job of raising the calves and keeping them healthy, but fall down on the marketing end of it. It pays to take advantage of your options. “Information is key, when trying to market feeder calves. The more information you can provide to the buyer, the better--having information readily available about the genetics, the health records and past history. If you’ve fed cattle out before, having data on how those cattle have done, etc. is also very helpful. Providing more information is the key to generating more value on the feeder calf side of things.” Then a buyer has more confidence that these cattle will do what they need to do.
“Producers need to promote what they have, and get that information in front of more buyers,” Thomas says. Even with today’s high prices, ranchers need to get as much for their calves as they can.
Mark Cowan agrees. He was president of Camp Cooley Ranch for 10 years and then for another 12 years
he and two partners—Trey Kirkpatrick and Richard Hood—owned American Market Services, a purebred sales management company. “We marketed not only seedstock but also commercial females and semen,” he says.
For the past 3 years Cowan has been helping Cavender Ranches (a Brangus program in Texas with more than 30 years producing registered and commercial cattle) with their marketing program. “Cavender Ranches sells about 1000 replacement commercial females each year and 250 registered females. They also sell about 550 bulls annually— Brangus, Ultrablack, and Charolais,” he says.
“One of the first things to think about when marketing calves would be health protocol, using some type of Vac-45 or a 60-day-weaned preconditioning program with all the necessary vaccinations.” This should be verified, so the buyer has confidence that these calves have actually received those vaccinations at the proper time.
Also it’s important to try to put together load lots, since this is what buyers prefer, rather than having to bid on small groups of calves. “If you are not big enough by yourself to offer load lots, consider getting together with some of your neighbors who have similar cattle,” says Cowan. “Then you can sell load lots through a video auction and are not at the mercy of the local sale barn. Even though most of the auction yards do an outstanding job, they are still selling cattle one at a time or small groups at a time and sometimes
those calves don’t bring the premium they might deserve,” he says.
“If you look around, there are also many seedstock producers who are willing to assist their bull customers in marketing the calves. When it’s time to make bull-buying decisions, look at some of those programs that might add value to your product. When you buy reputation seedstock from people who are in tune with the needs of the commercial industry, they can help you market your calves. If the seedstock producer can provide even one or two more bidders on your calves, this automatically drives the price up,” says Cowan.
“We have a calf buy-back program for calves sired by Cavender Ranch bulls. With today’s market we can’t always top the market to own those steers, but we can make sure our customers’ calves will be at the top of the market; if we don’t get to own them ourselves, we make sure somebody else pays more for them.” Competition is always good.
“This ranch has been feeding cattle for 40 years. We know what these cattle will do, and what we are able to do with the cattle. We can add value, doing this, and many other seedstock operations do this same thing. It’s a great way to promote their genetics, to have good-quality calves in the marketplace.” This can be mutually beneficial; the commercial producer gets a better price for those calves and the seedstock producer can know how the calves from his bulls perform.
There are times it’s advantageous to retain ownership through the feeding period, and other times when it’s better to sell those calves as backgrounded feeder calves. “It’s important for commercial producers to get their house in order, with enough flexibility to have that option. If you buy good bulls to use on your commercial cows, you have the option to retain ownership and know these cattle are capable of performing in the feedlot. If you are not investing in good genetics, however, retaining ownership is probably not as beneficial,” Cowan says.
Climate conditions and markets (high or low prices for calves) may also affect your decision—whether you go with what you can get today for weaned calves, or whether you want to keep those cattle through finishing. It’s always good to have flexibility to take advantage of the best option.
“I think that a lot of times many commercial cattlemen don’t explore all their options. One is to sell calves off the cow in a backgrounded program, another is to retain ownership, a third option is to team up with your seedstock provider to place those cattle, and a fourth option is to put together a load lot. This may be more complicated, but can be accomplished if you have like-minded commercial cattlemen as your neighbors.”
SALESummaries
Cavender Ranches 20th Annual Sale
November 16, 2024 | Jacksonville , Texas
CUT
ABOVE SALE, CULLMAN, AL – APRIL 30, 2022
Lots Average
125 Registered Lots grossed $723,250 to average $5,786 Commercial Females
Las Palomas Ranch, Marrietta, GA paid $50,000 to own full possession and ½ semen interest in Lot 118, CB Lineman 1363L7. This powerful, yet moderate son of Empower boasted elite growth and big carcass values.
112 Coming 2 Brangus & Ultra Bulls
$11,741
59 Brangus & Ultra lots grossed $239,350 to average $4,057
74 Yearling Brangus & Ultra Bulls
11 commercial lots grossed $11,200 to average $1,018
$ 8,412
The total sale grossed $250,550
6 - sets of Embryos grossed $25,750, to average $4,292
3 -3-N-1 grossed $13,950, to average $4,650
324 Commercial pairs with Brangus and Ultrablack calves at side grossed $890,500 to average $2,748
59 Brangus and Super Baldy Bred Heifers grossed $140,950 to average $2,389
186 Total Brangus & Ultra Bulls Grossed $1,937,500 Averaging $10,417
7 - bred cows grossed $25,400 to average $3,629
14 – bred heifers grossed $42,350 to average $3,025
11 – pairs grossed $74,500 to average $6,773
20 – open heifers grossed $50,250 to average $2,512
32 Coming 2 Charolais Bulls Grossed $228,000 Averaging $7,125
2 – bulls grossed $7,150 to average $3,575
Buyers from 6 states were on hand to compete for the high quality lots consigned by 20 breeders across the Southeast.
The highest selling lot MS. Boulder 000F16 with a heifer calf at her side, consigned by Vanna Farms, was purchased by L & K Farms for $26,000.
The volume buyer was Eagle Ridge Farms, Cottondale, Al -purchased 12 lots
177 buyers from 12 states and Mexico gathered at Cavenders Neches River Ranch for the 20th annual Bull sale hosted by Cavender Ranches. A well prepared and well presented set of Brangus, Ultrablack and Charolais found ready acceptance from the large crowd participating. The quality ran deep throughout the sale bulls and bidders snapped up the offering at a scorching pace.
All consigners and buyers are greatly appreciated.
The 2023 Cut Above Sale will be in Cullman, AL on April 29, 2023 at 10:00 am
The top selling bull was CB True Balance 60L30, Lot 115. This phenotypically flawless, calving ease prospect is sired by Big Town. Full possession and ½ semen interest sold for $61,000 to Pump Jack Cattle Co, Victoria Texas.
CAVENDER DRAGGIN’ M AND PARTNERS SPRING SALE
Registered Female Sale
1 Registered Brangus Herd Sire grossed $15,000 to average $15,000
7 Brangus and Ultrablack 3N1’s grossed $67,500 to average $9,643
10 Brangus and Ultrablack Donors grossed $79,500 to average $7,950
14 Spring Pairs grossed $45,750 to average $3,268
25 Fall bred Brangus and Ultrablack Heifers grossed $183,250 to average $7,330
65 Open Brangus and Ultrablack Heifers grossed $318,500 to average $4,900
3 Fall Pairs and Pregnant Recipients grossed $13,750 to average $4,583
Lot 124, CB Tanker 75L6 was the third high selling bull when full possession and ½ semen interest sold for $32,000. Williamson Brangus, Laurel, MS was the winning bidder on this smoth made calving ease prospect.
66 Open Brangus Heifers grossed $140,050 to average $2,122
449 Commercial Females grossed $1,171,500 to average $2,609
Skull Creek Brangus, Columbus, TX purchased full possession in CB Finished Product 63L10 for $26,000. This elite growth prospect is sired by Big Lake.
163 buyers from 12 states and Mexico were greeted by pleasant spring weather, mild temperature and welcoming hospitality from the hosts at Cavenders Neches River Ranch.
Selling for $25,000 was Lot 137, CB Empower 1363L8. He is a full brother to CB Lineman 1363L7 and full interest and full possession sold to Fenco Farms, Floral City, FL.
at the 2nd annual CDP Spring Female Production Sale. The sale featured Registered Brangus and Ultrablack cattle from the CDP group as well as customers and included 450 commercial cattle, many with calves at side sired by CDP bulls. The bidding was fast paced and furious as demand for quality Brangus seedstock ran high.
The very uniform and powerful set of Charolais bulls were topped at $9,000 when Hardee Farms, Calvert, TX paid the bid price for Lot 322, CR Frontline Y12L4.
The day’s top selling female, at $25,000 was Lot 85, PR MS Crossroads 129J7. This powerful open heifer was consigned by Pennridge Farms, Paige, Tx. Her dam is a full sister to the dam of Modello and Herndon Farms, Lyons, Ga was the winning bidder.
Briggs Ranch, Bloomington TX and Harris Riverbend Farms, Cleburne, TX teamed to eran the bid of $24,000 for Lot 107, MS DMR Resource 415J52. She was another stout open heifer and was consigned by CDP Partner, Draggin M Ranch, Eldorado, Arkansas.
B/K Beef LLC, Boerne, TX was the purchaser of the next high selling lot when they paid $22,500 to own Lot 42, MS DMR Empire 222H5. This bred heifer, safe to Growth Fund, was also consigned by Draggin M.
B/K Beef also purchased the day’s next high seller when they paid $20,000 to on Lot 41A, CB MS Capital Gain 117H20, another stylish bred heifer this time safe to Masterpiece. She was consigned by CDP Partner Cavender Brangus, Jacksonville, TX.
El Granizo De San Juan, Durango, Mexico purchased the next high seller when they paid $19,000 to own Lot 43, MS
SALESummaries
Texas Drovers Bull & Commercial Female Sale
December 14, 2024 | Weimar, Texas
CUT
ABOVE SALE, CULLMAN, AL – APRIL 30, 2022
Brangus & Ultra Bull Lots
9 2 Year Olds
Average
$8,111
59 Brangus & Ultra lots grossed $239,350 to average $4,057
125 Registered Lots grossed $723,250 to average $5,786 Commercial Females
54 Coming 2-Year-Olds
11 commercial lots grossed $11,200 to average $1,018
$8,750
324 Commercial pairs with Brangus and Ultrablack calves at side grossed $890,500 to average $2,748
29 Yearling
The total sale grossed $250,550
$7,414
6 - sets of Embryos grossed $25,750, to average $4,292
Lot 1, Let it Ride of ACE 594L4 led off the sale and was the highest selling bull at $40,000 to Fenco Farms, Floral City, Florida. He is an outstanding and much sought after yearling son of the MC Sho Time 313H30 sire and out of a Perfect Fit daughter out of 594 cow family from American Cattle Enterprises.
59 Brangus and Super Baldy Bred Heifers grossed $140,950 to average $2,389
3 -3-N-1 grossed $13,950, to average $4,650
92 Total Brangus & Ultra Bulls
7 - bred cows grossed $25,400 to average $3,629
66 Open Brangus Heifers grossed $140,050 to average $2,122
Averaging $8,266
14 – bred heifers grossed $42,350 to average $3,025
11 – pairs grossed $74,500 to average $6,773
449 Commercial Females grossed $1,171,500 to average $2,609
Commercial Female Lots
Average
20 – open heifers grossed $50,250 to average $2,512
18 First Calf Pairs
2 – bulls grossed $7,150 to average $3,575
225 Spring Bred Heifers
53 Open Heifers
$3,922
$3,140
$2,968
Buyers from 6 states were on hand to compete for the high quality lots consigned by 20 breeders across the Southeast.
296 Total Brangus, Super Baldie & F1 Females
Averaging $3,157
The highest selling lot MS. Boulder 000F16 with a heifer calf at her side, consigned by Vanna Farms, was purchased by L & K Farms for $26,000.
The volume buyer was Eagle Ridge Farms, Cottondale, Al -purchased 12 lots
All consigners and buyers are greatly appreciated.
The 2023 Cut Above Sale will be in Cullman, AL on April 29, 2023 at 10:00 am
CAVENDER DRAGGIN’ M AND PARTNERS SPRING SALE
Registered Female Sale
1 Registered Brangus Herd Sire grossed $15,000 to average $15,000
The 3rd Annual Texas Drovers Bull & Commercial at Caroleta Ranch near Weimar, Texas saw a great crowd of cattle folks who appreciated the strong set of bulls and fancy commercial females. The sale offering was anchored by bulls from American Cattle Enterprises along with other select consignments as well as a large group of outstanding commercial females from wellknown Kaechele Ranch. Joe Fuller and Bunge Halla produced the sale and were pleased with the over 100 bidders from 7 states that attended live and online. Buyers were looking for strong EPD profiles on the bull offering and quality commercial Brangus orientated females.
7 Brangus and Ultrablack 3N1’s grossed $67,500 to average $9,643
10 Brangus and Ultrablack Donors grossed $79,500 to average $7,950
14 Spring Pairs grossed $45,750 to average $3,268
25 Fall bred Brangus and Ultrablack Heifers grossed $183,250 to average $7,330
65 Open Brangus and Ultrablack Heifers grossed $318,500 to average $4,900
3 Fall Pairs and Pregnant Recipients grossed $13,750 to average $4,583
Lot 2, CFC Power Wagon 7139L2 sold to Hickory Sand Ranch, Mason, Texas for $20,500 and is a strong son of QVF Empower and out of the prolific donor, CB Ms Three D 7139E43. He was offered by Cross F Cattle of Willow City, Texas.
163 buyers from 12 states and Mexico were greeted by pleasant spring weather, mild temperature and welcoming hospitality from the hosts at Cavenders Neches River Ranch.
Lot 10, Big Lake 820L3, an impressive son of BWCC Big Lake 111F4 and offered by Don Grubaugh of Corpus Christi, Texas sold for $20,000 to a duo of breeders, Stalwart Ranches of Grapeland, Texas and Allen Cattle Co. of Crockett, Texas.
at the 2nd annual CDP Spring Female Production Sale. The sale featured Registered Brangus and Ultrablack cattle from the CDP group as well as customers and included 450 commercial cattle, many with calves at side sired by CDP bulls. The bidding was fast paced and furious as demand for quality Brangus seedstock ran high.
On the commercial female side of the sale, 14 Super Baldie first calf heifer pairs topped this section at $4,000 per pair. Two pens of Kaechele Ranch Bred Heifers topped that category at $3,900. Possibly the most active part of the female sale was the open heifer category as it topped out on a pen of 3 Super Baldie open heifers selling for $4,200 per head.
The day’s top selling female, at $25,000 was Lot 85, PR MS Crossroads 129J7. This powerful open heifer was consigned by Pennridge Farms, Paige, Tx. Her dam is a full sister to the dam of Modello and Herndon Farms, Lyons, Ga was the winning bidder.
Briggs Ranch, Bloomington TX and Harris Riverbend Farms, Cleburne, TX teamed to eran the bid of $24,000 for Lot 107, MS DMR Resource 415J52. She was another stout open heifer and was consigned by CDP Partner, Draggin M Ranch, Eldorado, Arkansas.
B/K Beef LLC, Boerne, TX was the purchaser of the next high selling lot when they paid $22,500 to own Lot 42, MS DMR Empire 222H5. This bred heifer, safe to Growth Fund, was also consigned by Draggin M.
B/K Beef also purchased the day’s next high seller when they paid $20,000 to on Lot 41A, CB MS Capital Gain 117H20, another stylish bred heifer this time safe to Masterpiece. She was consigned by CDP Partner Cavender Brangus, Jacksonville, TX.
El Granizo De San Juan, Durango, Mexico purchased the next high seller when they paid $19,000 to own Lot 43, MS
Grady Green, Ranch Manager
870-314-3673 | grady@dragginmranch.com El Dorado, Arkansas www.dragginm.com
2nd
Joe Cavender, Owner
Justin Matejka, General Manager | 903-521-1070
Mark Cowan, Marketing & Customer Service | 903-810-2413 1200 CR 4716 • Troup, TX 75789 | CavenderRanches.com Certified Free Herd # D80550202
14148 N State Highway 16, Willow City, TX 78675 C. 979-255-7747 E. jw.fuller@yahoo.com
ADVERTISING INDEX
HOW TO MAXIMIZE HETEROSIS WITH TRUE BRANGUS AND ANGUS!
Brangus were created 75 years ago to blend two desirable breeds to create a new one. Unlike breeding value or EPD, Heterosis is not passed from generation to generation in a crossbreeding program without a loss in its level unless a stable breeding program is established (as has been done in Brangus and at OCF). Heterosis has the greatest effect on traits most affected by environment... adaptability, longevity, fertility, maternal ability, resistance to parasites and diseases, etc. OCF is widely known for their True Brangus and increased Heterosis allowing their genetics to perform better in most environments. Long-time customers and repeat buyers tell the real story at Oak Creek Farms
SALE CONTACTS
Owner: John Kopycinski 979-251-2530
Consultants: Gary Bruns 830-391-0766
Kent Smith 979-540-8338
Mike Arnold 979-732-7679 • Charlie Tiner 713-252-4662
Auctioneer: Troy Robinett 817-995-7509 Collectively Representing