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May/June 2020 www.midwestbeefproducer.com
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Midwest Beef Producer
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May/June 2020
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Midwest
Volume XXIV Number 6 May/June 2020
Beef Producer
The eye of the master fattens his cattle. Frank B Morrison Midwest Beef Producer PO Box 280, Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Phone: 651-224-1489
Celebrating 24 years of production management information for beef producers in the Upper Midwest Feature Articles
Meet Doug Ward...............................................................................................................................................................................6 If Not Now, Then When?....................................................................................................................................................................8 by Chip Kemp, ASA and IGS Commercial and Industry Operations What is Soil Rx?..............................................................................................................................................................................10 Protecting Cattle from Ticks.............................................................................................................................................................14 by Raven Ashleigh, B.S., MAEd, Consultant Bull Sale Calendar...........................................................................................................................................................................16 Responsible Hydration.....................................................................................................................................................................18 J. David Nichols..............................................................................................................................................................................22
Send advertising materials to: ads@midwestbeefproducer.com
Derek Sample New Publisher, Senior Editor, Photographer derek@midwestbeefproducer.com 651-224-1489
Tim McCray Ad Manager timm@midwestbeefproducer.com 651-917-4093
Aaron Zimmerman Design & Layout amzimmerman1994@gmail.com 715-207-5515
Doug Ward Consultant & Ring Service dward@midwestbeefproducer.com 507-273-7465
ABOUT THE COVER Just outside of Lanesboro, MN is Sunnyslope Angus. The rolling hills of south east Minnesota provide not only good farming land, but also good grazing land for livestock. Plus the hills can also make for great sliding spots be it on a toboggan or inside a tractor. Sunnyslope has had registered Angus since 1898 and hold their annual sale at the sale barn in Lanesboro the first Monday in June. Photo Taken by: Derek Sample Midwest Beef Producer (ISSN 1551-2339) is owned, produced and published monthly except for combined issues during December-January, May-June, and the Bull Buyers Guide in January and no issue in July by Midwest Beef Producer, PO Box 280, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. Printed in the U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Saint Paul, MN and other entry points. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Midwest Beef Producer, PO Box 280, Cottage Grove, MN 55016-0280
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Meet Doug Ward Tucked away in the SE corner of Minnesota is the quaint town of Mabel, just two miles from the Iowa border. Known as “Rural America’s Steam Engine Capital”, this is where you can find the family farm of Doug and Traci Ward. Doug’s parents started the farm in 1956 with 228 acres then later expanded to 674 acres, all within one parcel. Their diversity of skills showed on the farm as they milked registered Holsteins, raised hogs and chickens and even commercial Angus. Eventually the hogs and chickens operations were dissolved and then the dairy herd as well, which left their primary mission that was to become a commercial operation with a registered Angus herd. This all started with the purchase of two purebred heifers from Leary Angus in 1980. “My Dad bought one and I bought the other. That’s how I became a farmer. I love to raise cattle so I became a partner in the farm in 1992” Doug said. Since 1992 there have been several changes in their livestock and at one point, they even started producing seedstock for the commercial industry. After they started selling a few bulls here and there, they found themselves selling 50 bulls annually. The Wards also hosted various fall female and club calf sales too. The herd was then dispersed in 2004 with over 400 head selling at a final sale. Then Doug started over again in 2007 and dispersed again in 2011 on one of the coldest and most memorable days of the year. Cattle from his farm sold all over the Midwest and the world including China and Russia. A Bit of Family History Shortly after Doug became a partner in the farm, he married Traci. Being from Mitchell, SD but growing up in Tucson, AZ, Traci had experienced relatively little farm life, but she quickly learned. After raising her 2 sons, Justin and Cody, she now works in Human Resources at Northern. While growing up on the farm, her boys always worked but also had time to play sports in school. They were also involved in 4-H for a while until they found their inspiration in Rodeos. Both boys were two-time State Champions, Justin in Steer Wrestling and Cody in Team Roping. They both competed in National High school Finals numerous times as well. Then after high school, Justin attended Dickinson State in ND on a Rodeo scholarship and made the College National Finals in Steer Wrestling. In 2018 he was Bullfighters only Rookie of the Year and went on to compete in Las Vegas. Eventually, Justin settled down in Richardton, ND where has a farrier business and still competes as a Professional Bullfighter. Cody works for Springer Simmentals in Cresco, IA and trains horses on the home farm.
Gamma Rho, Block and Bridle Club and the Livestock Judging Team. He was also team member of the Reserve National Champions in which he became a Champion Individual Judge in 1989. When his boys were in school, Doug took some time away from the farm to watch his sons compete in Rodeos from a young age and even became an announcer himself at numerous rodeos. Recently, Doug graduated from Western College of Auctioneering at Bozeman in 2017 and then the Professional Ringmen’s Institute in Kansas City in 2019. Along with these accomplishments, he was also the Junior Varsity and Asst. Varsity Basketball Coach at the Mabel-Canton School District from 2011 to 2015. For the last few years he still remains in the School District while teaching Agriculture at the local high school. Looking Ahead These days Doug maintains a small beef cow herd while growing corn and soybeans and his bigger cash crop of hay and forage. He offers various Cattle services too which includes Artificial Insemination, Freeze Branding, and Photography for Cattle sales, which he plans to expand on. Not only that, he also provides livestock insurance for breeding stock as a Licensed Insurance Agent for Dakota Ag. Doug is really looking forward to working with the staff at Midwest Beef Producer Magazine and helping Producers market their livestock.
Doug graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1990 with a degree in Animal Science. He was a member of various fraternities and clubs such as Alpha 6
Midwest Beef Producer
Doug Ward 13396 Antler Drive Mabel, MN 55954 507-273-7465 dward@midwestbeefproducer.com May/June 2020
LIVESTOCK POLICY COVERAGE OPTIONS 1. Mortality Only Coverage Coverage: Pays 100% of the value of the cow or bull in the event of death or humane destruction as a result of a life-threatening injury. Term: 30 day, 90 day, 6 month or Annual Policy Options.
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Coverage: Covers all the above plus Total and Permanent Infertility due to any Accident, Sickness or Disease. 4. Mortality + Comprehensive Infertility Coverage: Covers all the above options (1-3) plus Frozen Testicles, Testicular Degeneration and Infertility caused by abnormalities. Also
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Ward, Agent • dakotaaginsurance.com Office: 605-990-5355 • Fax:Doug 605-996-7507 13396 Antler Drive ● Mabel, MN 55954 livestock@dakotaaginsurance.com • 721 W. Havens • Mitchell, SD 57301 507-273-7465 ● dw@dakotaaginsurance.com For immediate assistance please call Jared Mohnen/Owner - 605-999-4475.
May/June 2020
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If not now, then when? In 2020, can you leave anything to chance when marketing your calves? By Chip Kemp, ASA and IGS Commercial and Industry Operations The current climate breeds concern, fear, and uncertainty. But it also provides greater time and appreciation for our faith, our families, and our farms. Those are of much greater importance and will ultimately be the positives that move us forward to take advantage of new approaches and innovative ideas that make us and our businesses stronger! As a recent post stated — “Look fear in the face and press on!” We must and we will. We have cows to tend to and calves to sell. And for many of us, we will use the major summer calf sales to garner premiums associated with high-knowledge feeder calves. And that single sale will be responsible for a major chunk of our annual revenue. In today’s marketplace, can you leave anything to chance? This is your family’s paycheck for a year’s worth of work. It is time to pull out all the stops! It is time to explore the IGS Feeder Profit Calculator™ (FPC). The FPC is a powerful tool that highlights quality management and responsible breeding and crossbreeding decisions to feedlot buyers in a manner they admire — dollars and cents! You share knowledge with buyers they need and desire. Facts. Not hype. Not opinion. Not useless slogans. But facts. Those
that indicate long-term health and fitness, feedlot efficiency, and carcass merit. In return, you position yourself to potentially bring home a few more dollars as you provide your customer what he/she needs. Some truth in the midst of lots of empty promises. Allow price differentiation to do what it does — pay more for calves with higher potential. Zero. There is zero cost for you to use the FPC. No charge. Never has been. Never will be. This is a no-cost service that allows serious, focused producers to do what they always do. To make thoughtful decisions and give themselves a leg up on the competition. This is more important now than ever. Lots of folks want to “advise” you. Many want to tell you how things should or shouldn’t be. Some even want to suggest that you sell yourself short by avoiding using the best tools available.
One simple question. In 2020, can you leave anything to chance?
If not, then visit the IGS homepage to learn more about how you can market with knowledge. Internationalgeneticsolutions.com ◆
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WHAT IS SOIL RX?
Soil Rx Inc. is an Ag Consulting firm that was developed to help farmers and ranchers throughout the U.S. to make positive changes in the way they operate, specifically: increased water infiltration, almost zero white mold, earlier maturing crops and appropriate carbon-nitrogen ratios to name a few. Soil Rx specializes in improved soil health, incorporating cover crops and increasing plant diversity for large and small farms will improve profits and land resiliency. Cody Nelson, the founder of Soil Rx, has spent his life in a cow-calf operation where his main goal
had been to extend and improve the grazing of his own cow herd. This motivated him to discover how to better maintain his land and cattle and now he can offer his knowledge to help refine land management between landowners and farmers. By applying Soil Rx, most farms discover improved cattle health, a decreased need for fertilizer and improved profits. Soil Rx can be followed on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram. Follow them on the Youtube channel “Cover Crop Kings� where they show weekly videos focusing on cover crops and alternative cattle management systems.
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Find a Breeder near you, at:
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Midwest Beef Producer
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Midwest Beef Producer
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Protecting Cattle From Ticks By Raven Ashleigh, B.S., MAEd, Consultant
At the end of each winter, when the snow has finally melted and the grass has begun to grow, the cattle can again openly graze. When the livestock are let out to pasture a question arises in the mind of every rancher: “How am I going to protect my herd from disease spreading insects?” In order to maintain healthy cattle, there are various protective measures that can be done in order to guard them against disease. Examples include mowing tall grass, spraying, visually inspecting, moving cattle from one field to another, maintaining fences, increasing distances between pasture and wooded areas, incorporating genetics, or using certain types of fowl. According to Kentucky Pest News, managing the wooded areas such as mowing the tall grasses or moving shrubbery outside the cattle-grazing pasture will help prevent the movement
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of the ticks while they are on the ground.[1] Since each farm or ranch has specific needs and mowing may not be an option, set aside excess shrubs, or using farm equipment to move large shrubs to a separate area. If shrubbery cannot be effectively moved then a possibility of a controlled burning of the infested shrubs might be an effective endeavour. After the newly burned area has cooled, cattle instinctively gravitate to it, which now contains a minimal amount of ticks.[2] Spraying cattle or using particular rubs for the control of not only ticks but other types of detrimental insects will help control the spread of possible diseases. While using sprays or rubs it is important to follow the directions on the label of the particular product. Some labels look like this: “Not for use in outdoor residential misting systems. Apply
Midwest Beef Producer
To: Lactating and Non-Lactating Dairy Cattle, Beef Cattle, Calves, Horses (Not intended for human consumption). Target Species: Lice, Horn flies, face flies. Aids in control of Horse flies, Stable flies, Mosquitoes, Black flies, and Ticks. Dosage: Apply 3 mL per 100 lbs body weight of animal up to a maximum of 30 mL for any one animal. Pour along back and down face. Back Rubber Use: Mix 100 mL per gallon of #2 diesel oil or mineral oil. Keep rubbing device charged. Results improved by daily forced use. For cattle, horses, sheep, and goats, repeat treatment as needed but not more than once every two weeks.”[3] If the cattle in an individual group all weigh about
May/June 2020
the same then it might be more advantageous to spray the designated cattle in one sitting or have them walk through a spraying system. It is also important that all people who are helping treat the cattle are protected from the insecticide by wearing the appropriate gear. Moving cattle from one pasture to another is a mandatory process to preserve the growth of the grass itself but this can also help control the tick population. [4] During the move, inspection of each cow, especially in and around the ears, eyes, folds of skin, tail, udders or other areas of concern, will help to identify which livestock need assistance in the removal of these insects. Using specific ear tags infused with insecticide will abet the process of controlling not just the adult ticks but the nymphs, which could remain in the ears of the cattle for up to four months. If the nymphs are not eradicated the possibility of a whole herd infestation could arise.[5] In addition to visually checking the livestock during a pasture move, analyzing the integrity of the fence is a must during this time. Repairing, maintaining or reinforcing any weaknesses that are found along the fence will be beneficial in this process. Certain types of fences can be purchased specifically for inhibiting ticks. In conjunction with fencing adjustments, spraying the fence with a pyrethrin insecticide will help to contain blacklegged ticks for a few weeks. Furthermore, increasing the barrier between wooded areas and the fence line, while removing any vegetation that deer are attracted to will help minimize the tick presence. What’s May/June 2020
interesting to note is that sawdust made from Alaska yellow cedar proved to work well in repelling ticks.[6] One of the more fascinating scenarios is a recent study that was conducted on Braford cattle in regards to activating certain genes that are key to playing an important role with being resistant to ticks. These genes included the making of specific proteins, white blood cells, red blood cells, and various other structures that help in the building and signaling of the inflammatory response of an animal. The resistant host cow showed that it was more difficult for the tick to stay attached to the animal and therefore not be able to feed successfully.[7] While this study was limited to Braford cattle, it could just be a matter of time before this becomes a common practice with most breeds. An all-natural method that many ranchers have implemented throughout the history of farming are fowl, specifically chickens and more recently guinea fowl. According to Modern Farmer, “guinea fowl are valued as one of the best exterminators of pest insects...they are tick-eating machines.�[8] Since they free-range feed, guineas will graze throughout your property feeding on not
Midwest Beef Producer
just ticks but other insects, small rodents and snakes.[9] If your cattle are not frightened by these noisy creatures, your land may soon be free of most adult ticks. No one thing seems to be a cure-all when it comes to fighting insects, so implementing several strategies would be a good gamble. Depending upon your needs, what your property dictates, what you can afford to implement, and what works best for your situation will, in effect, steer your efforts toward your best outcome. So when the cooler fall temperatures arrive and winter settles upon us again, another tick season comes to an end. [1] https://kentuckypestnews.wordpress. com/2014/06/03/ticks-on-cattle/ [2] https://beef-cattle.extension.org/ using-prescribed-fire-to-control-ticks/ [3] https://valleyvet.cvpservice.com/ product/view/basic/1047203 [4] https://www.wikihow.com/GrazeCattle-on-Pasture [5] https://www.uaex.edu/publications/ PDF/FSA-7027.pdf [6]https://www.npr.org/sections/healthshots/2016/07/20/486635116/taking-thebattle-against-lyme-disease-ticks-to-thebackyard [7] https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/ A610318592/PPGS?u=mnsminitex&sid=PPGS&xid=005ce701 [8] https://modernfarmer.com/2014/10/ get-watch-bird/ [9] http://www.guineafarm.com/guinea-farm-products/guinea-fowl/
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2020 May 1 Knoxville ICA Bull Test Sale, Knoxville, IA May 2 Emerald Lane Angus Sale, Edgar, WI May 2 Flying W Ranch 45th Annual Production Sale, Pequot Lakes, MN May 2 Grand Hills Cattle Bull Sale, Eaton, Colo. May 3 Baxter Angus Bull Sale at the ranch Rockham, SD May 4 Spickler Ranch South, Glenfield, ND May 6 McDonnell Angus SD Bull Sale,Bowman, ND May 7 Kopriva Ranch, Raymond, SD May 7 Paint Rock Angus, Hyattville, WY May 8 Duppong‘s Willow Creek Farm, Glen Ullin, ND May 8 Spur Ranch Female Sale,Vinita, OK May 9 Country Lane Farm, Ringle, WI May 9 Mead Farms Female Sale, Versailles, MO May 11 Gardiner Angus Ranch Bull Sale, Ashland, KS May 11 Wendel Livestock, Lamoure, ND May 17 Heuchert‘s Willow Creek Ranch, Devils Lake, ND May 23 Soaring Eagle Farms, Springfield, MO May 30 Lorenzen Farms Production Sale, Chrisman, IL May 30 Shaw Cattle Co. Female Sale, Caldwell, Jun 1 Bruner Angus, at Rugby Livestock, Rugby, ND Jun 1 Sunnyslope Angus. Lanesboro, MN Jun 7 Hawkeye Country Angus
“DUAL PURPOSE”— Haul it or Feed it, Wherever you Need it — Quick & E-Z!
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DRIVEMidwest LIKE A BOSS. Beef Producer
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Responsible Hydration emergency or something goes unexpectedly wrong. To manually deliver water or rely on leading your animals to natural sources like ponds or streams is to accept a level of risk that could put their lives in danger.
A lot goes into caring for cattle, and it’s important to remember the most valuable nutrient to keeping them healthy— fresh water. Making sure our cattle have a daily source of clean water to drink is an involved task on its own, but maintaining our water sources in a sustainable way is vital to protecting the environment and preserving our lifestyles as cattle owners. One of the biggest steps a cattle owner can take in responsible hydration is using automatic waterers. With benefits ranging from improved health and performance to environmental protection, there really is no good reason to do it any other way. The Comfort of Knowing It’s Done Daily water requirements for cattle vary depending on age, size, activity, pregnancy, lactation, air temperature, time of year, location of the water source and dry matter intake. Anywhere from six to 35 gallons can be needed per animal depending on the circumstance. “Cattle have very little ability to adapt to any type of water restriction,” said Daniel Loy, Ph.D., professor of animal science at Iowa State University and director of the Iowa Beef Center. “In general terms, cattle need to drink about a gallon of water for every one pound of dry matter consumed. When water is restricted cattle simply don’t eat as much and your daily rate of gain is reduced, and production goals will be impacted.” Because our cattle need so much water to stay hydrated, it can be stressful to provide—especially when there is an
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By using automatic waterers, we can establish a peace of mind that isn’t possible otherwise. Knowing our animals will always have access to a steady supply of clean, fresh, temperature-appropriate water is a literal and metaphorical weight off our shoulders. An Environment in Need You might not immediately think of environmental impact when you think of cattle watering, but the way we water makes a huge difference for the wellbeing of our land and our planet. The days of cattle accessing streams and ponds are dwindling for many reasons, including water quality concerns and environmental impact. By leading animals to and from these natural sources of water, we’re doing damage to the streambanks and land areas around ponds. This leads to dirtier water downstream and promotes the growth of algae and other harmful bacteria. There’s also the spillage associated with refilling standard troughs or buckets. Automatic waterers help us to preserve water by delivering a constant supply that never needs to be manually refilled. Better Water. Better Health. The right amount and type of water is vital for the health and performance of our cattle, and keeping it clean can help prevent illness associated with bacteria and insect activity. When the quality of our water stays consistent, it reduces worry associated with the wellbeing of ourselves and our animals. One of the most obnoxious and potentially dangerous insects to both humans and cattle are mosquitos. These bloodsuckers become more of a nuisance during warm weather, and while
Midwest Beef Producer
May/June 2020
they’re difficult to avoid, there are ways to reduce their numbers, especially on your land where you and your animals are most vulnerable. Mosquito eggs require standing water to hatch into successful larvae, and all mosquitos must have water to complete their life cycles. Breeding happens in stagnant, standing water, and as little as a teaspoon or bottle cap’s worth that’s been standing for a week or more is enough for eggs to develop into adult mosquitoes. Because of this, one of the places you’ll find the most insect activity is around your cattle’s water source. When buckets are used or animals are led to natural water sources, they will be exposed to more mosquitos, so it’s advantageous to use automatic waterers instead. The smaller water surfaces and fresh, flowing water means breeding ground for insects. The water stays cleaner for longer and with less maintenance. There’s also the risk of our cattle not getting the proper hydration based on water temperature. Cattle like it very specific—not too warm and not too cool. Because of this, some won’t drink the proper amount in extreme temperatures. This is especially risky when it’s cold outside and the water freezes. The Weight of What You Save At the end of the day, automatic waterers pay for themselves, and not just monetarily. While the initial installation may seem complicated, these units prevent loss of water, expensive cattle and human health treatments, lost production cost and damage to the environment. But perhaps most importantly, they provide us with a peace of mind that our animals— our livelihoods—are healthy, happy, and always have access to the exact right amount of what’s most important. Thanks to Carlson Wholesale, as a corporate sponsor of the Midwest Beef Producer!
“We built our new ABS Global Calf Facility in the summer of 2016. This was the first time we utilized anything except steel at one of our facilities and it was a hard sell to the staff. However, after meeting with Travis at TJ’s Fencing in Harpers Ferry, and having him bring a gate home to show the staff, we were sold. We utilize more than 200 different sizes of gates, all purchased from TJ’s Fencing and installed by Cliff ’s Incorporated from Friesland, WI. The gating is holding up very well. We intend to expand our calf facility this summer and will definitely continue utilizing TJ’s Fencing for the gating.” - Jim Meronek, Health Assurance, Production and Supply Chain Director ABS Global, Inc DeForest, WI
Call or check our website for dealers & all our other products!
FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 30 YEARS! May/June 2020
Midwest Beef Producer
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Ad Index American Foods Group............................... 8 Blue Lake Plastics..................................... 10 Callicrate Banders..................................... 20 Carlson Wholesale.......................................2 Dairyland Supply....................................... 22 Dakota Ag Insurance................................... 7 EZ Trail Inc................................................16 Herbster Angus Farms.......................... 12-13 Highway Sales Inc.....................................17 Martin Precast............................................10 MLS Tubs................................................... 9
Nichols Farms........................................... 23 OK Enterprises.......................................... 20 Rawhide Portable Corral.............................5 Schweiss Doors......................................... 20 Smucker Manufacturing............................20 Soil Rx........................................................ 9 Sunnyslope Angus.....................................24 TJ‘s Fencing.............................................. 19 Westway Feed Products.............................. 3 Wisconsin Hereford Association............... 11
800-858-5974 MARKETPLACE
CallicrateBanders.com
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• Buying & Selling JD 5400,5830 & 6000,7000 Series Cutters & Parts • Selection of Hay, Corn & Kemper Heads Available • 40 & 56 Knife Dura Drums Conversions • Check our Website for more Equipment!
OK Enterprises LLC, Mountain Lake, MN 507-427-3520 • www.ok-enterprise.com
Use Less Chemical OK Enterprises.indd Wipe out Johnson Grass, Burdock, Smut Grass and Thistle
1
4/22/2016 3:48:17 PM
800-333-4503
www.smucker.net
Midwest Beef Producer
May/June 2020
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May/June 2020
Midwest Beef Producer
21
J. David Nichols Iowa seedstock producer Dave Nichols has been a performance pioneer for over 60 years. This started with his winning the national FFA public speaking contest in 1956 discussing performance testing bulls, and he remained on the cutting edge of objective selection since that time. This included qualifying bulls for Performance Registry International’s Certified Meat Sire program starting in the early 1960s. When Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) was formed in 1968, he served on its first board of directors and later as president. It was through BIF that performance practices and terminology were standardized. With the onset of sire summaries, he had bulls represented in Angus, Simmental and Polled Hereford’s first analysis. He was also involved in the development of numerous technologies including ultrasound and genomics, and his herd was the site of numerous Land Grant research projects. By taking advantage of the over 70 objective data points Nichols Farms keeps on each animal, this database was the basis of countless genetic research projects. He was Artex SB Series Spreader
900T Supreme TMR Mixer
This is quite simply the most advanced, best built manure spreader you’re ever going to see. Now, do you want one this tough? Well, that all depends on how often you like to buy them.
The World’s Best TMR Processor. Supreme offers a full line of pull-type, stationary, and truck-mount mixers from 285 to 1,585 cu. Ft. with every unit custom designed and built.
Dairyland Supply Off I-94 on the corner of Hwy. 28 & 71 So. Sauk Centre, MN
also a pioneer in the transition of Simmental to black hided and polled cattle instead of the traditional color pattern. Modern Simmentals are now over 90 percent black and polled. He then led the industry in the development of hybrid and composite seedstock, which allowed commercial customers to take advantage of heterosis and breed complementarity in easy to use breeding systems. In addition, Nichols service to the industry through his work on various boards and committees has been tremendous and impactful. This has included serving on the board of directors for the American Simmental Association and American Angus Association. Through his service on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, he played a critical role in the development and implementation of instrument carcass grading. Overall, it was through the efforts of Nichols, and the small group of other performance pioneers, that the industry switched from the showring to performance testing as the primary means of selection.
800-338-6455 or 320-352-3987 www.dairylandsupply.com Financing Available
5290 Hagedorn Hydra-Spread Spreader Hydraulic push gate and end gate. Poly floor and side boards. Replaceable beater paddles. High ground clearance. Simple hydraulics. Infinite push gate speed adjustment. Sizes range from 285-550 Bu.
Ritchie Waterers Most models on hand. Parts on hand.
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Midwest Beef Producer
May/June 2020
150 bulls
to pick from
P r i vat e T r e at y B u l l S a l e Good - $3500
Better - $4000
Best - $4500
PB Angus - PB Simmental - PB South Devon - SX-1 & DX1 Hybrids - DAX-2 Composite
Top Ten Reasons
To Buy a Nichols Bull This Year ! 1. Maximize heterosis to take your calf crop and cows to next level.
6. Buy sons from the same hard work ing cows that have had 40 AI sires the past 60 years.
2. Early adopter of (1987) of ultrasound and genomic profiles.
7. Health, Loss of use and Death Warranty available.
3. Can’t attend? Take advantage of our sight-unseen guarantee. 4. We will notify our network of feedlots when you sell your calves. 5. Whether buyers or sellers we will help you buy or sell Nichols sired bred heifers or heifer calves at No cost to either buyer or seller.
Large or small we appreciate our customers as friends. Their feeder calves and hard working cows are our best advertisements. Don’ t hesitate to give Ross or me a call: Bull Sale Catalog - www.nicholsfarms.biz
May/June 2020
8. Volume discount and free delivery in Continental United States. 9. $100 discount if you pick up and pay for your bulls WHEN YOU ARE READY for them. 10. For 69 years we’ve been open for business every day except Sunday
Daves Cell (641) 745-5730 Dave Home (712) 762-3810
Bull Barn (641) 369-2829 Ross Cell (641) 745-5241
2188 Clay Ave - Bridgewater, Iowa 50837
Midwest Beef Producer
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122 Years of Producing Registered Angus Cattle
S U N N Y S L O P E
Monday • June 1, 2020 • 1 pm Lanesboro Sales Commission • Lanesboro, MN Previewing Sunday May 31 at the farm
Selling bulls and heifers that cover all the bases! SS Enforcer E812 • Reg. No. 19274932
Last year’s top-selling Bull!
CED BW WW YW RADG SC Doc Claw Angle HP CEM Milk CW Marb RE $M $W $F $G $B $C
+13 -.1 +77 +151 +.38 +1.35 +28 +.44 +.38 +10.6 +10 +33 +74 +.96 +1.09 +80 +90 +143 +76 +219 +364
CED BW WW YW RADG SC Doc Claw Angle HP CEM Milk CW Marb RE $M $W $F $G $B $C
+8 +1.1 +87 +159 +.35 +1.29 +32 +.40 +.37 +9.5 +11 +26 +89 +1.22 +.80 +69 +89 +152 +85 +237 +377
Co-owned by Spruce Mountain Ranch LLC • Judson & Denise Baldridge • Al & Jeanne Conover
SS Enterprise E84 • Reg. No. 19274918
Last year’s second highselling bull!
Co-owned by Valley View Angus Sale cattle will be sired by SydGen Enhance • SS Odyssey H71 • Black Magic • SS Absolute B66 SS Rampage 6R1 • SS Hoover Dam H27 • Thomas Edison 6764 • GAR Scale House • SS Great Northern H52 SS Endeavor V65 • Woodside Rito 4P26 of 0242 All animals in this sale have had genomic and ultrasound tests with all bulls having a breeding soundness exam
Sale will be on DVAuction
Visit our website: 24
23227 County 21 Lanesboro, MN 55949 Philip Abrahamson (507) 467-3701 or Keith Ekstrom (507) 676-7763 ssangus@acegroup.cc
www.ssangus.com and see our strongest lineup yet! Midwest Beef Producer
EPDs as of 3/24/20
Request a sale book
A N G U S May/June 2020