14 minute read
Profitability Isn’t Random
By Brandi Buzzard Frobose, Director of Communications and Editor Any cow-calf producer will attest that the cow is the bedrock of the business. It’s right there in the word: cow herd. Individual cows may have a limited impact on the profitability of a herd, however collectively, when the cow herd is more productive, producers are more profitable. In a time where margins are tight and input costs are constantly rising, it’s important for every female to contribute positively to the herd. Females that don’t breed back or require extra management due to dystocia or other health challenges are ultimately wasting resources that could be utilized by other more efficient and productive females. Heifers play a significant role in the profitability of an operation and much hangs on their ability to get pregnant, wean a calf and breed back quickly in order to stay in the herd. Dr. Jordan Thomas, assistant professor and state cow-calf specialist in the Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri, attests that successful heifer development and retention isn’t just “luck of the draw.” “If we can get heifers to stay in the herd and be great cows, that’s not luck. It’s management and genetics. The cost associated with cows falling out of the herd and not breeding back is second only to feed costs,” said Thomas. “We reap what we sow as managers, and profitability isn’t random,” he added. Recognizing the importance of profitability to the sustainability of a cow herd, and to continue providing support and Jordan Thomas marketing avenues to commercial cattle producers, RAAA developed and launched the Red Choice program to promote improved heifer development, increase marketing opportunities for Red Angus females and create reliable sources of high-quality replacement heifers for cattle producers.
Red Choice embraces proven reproductive and genetic management practices which, in turn, lead to high-quality, long-lasting females that are ready to hit the ground running in commercial herds. Much of the rationale for Red Choice is based upon the success of heifer development programs like the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program from the University of Missouri.
Nolan Woodruff, RAAA commercial marketing specialist, explained the necessity for Red Choice. “Red Choice sets a standard for breeding, using advanced technology, sire selection and documentation of individual breeding. It was created to allow those producing females to be more profitable and for those who are buying Red Choice heifers to be confident that those females have been managed properly and have a higher retention rate, thus making the buyer more profitable,” he said.
“The University of Missouri has proven that females that are raised using these management practices and bred using the required criteria are more valuable producers,” added Woodruff.
To be included in the program and eligible for the Red Choice designation, heifers must meet the following minimum requirements: • Vaccinations at calfhood, weaning and prebreeding for common diseases including, but not limited to; Bangs, IBR, BVD, PI 3, BRSV, leptospirosis (5-way) and 7-way clostridia • Prebreeding examination and a minimum pelvic area of 150 cm2 • AI and bull exposure dates must be provided, as well as method of estrus synchronization (if applicable) • Pregnancy exam within 90 days of the start of breeding season
Additionally, as one of the program’s main pillars is to significantly reduce dystocia problems, genetic requirements are implemented as well. Eli-
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AUCTION
SAT, MAY 28
Live auction with interactive online bidding
COMPLETE DISPERSAL
PLANK SIMMENTAL & RED ANGUS FARM “Our cows make the difference.”
90 cow/calf pairs • 25 heifers 7 breeding age bulls 31 embryos from 6 matings 600 straws of semen
at the MCA Bull Test Sale Ring 375 Mt Hope Rd, Crystal, MI Eric Plank (989) 763-0344 Mary Gee (989) 506-2990
Questions? Call us!
(517)676-9800
gible sires must have a known ID, be April registered with the RAAA, be Category 1A, 1B or II and have complete EPD 1/3 page= $630 information. All sires, AI or natural x‘s 1 run(s) = $630 service, must be a minimum of 14 for CED and have GE-EPDS. Noticeably, the vaccination schedule and numerous exams lend themselves to multiple appointments with producer’s veterinarians, which in turn should improve the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. And while the increased touchpoints may seem burdensome at first, there is little argument to be made against the positive impacts the Red Choice management process has on the value of program heifers, both to the profitability and the sustainability of the cow herd. “Our brain tends to think of the word ‘technology’ as estrus synchronization products, long acting dewormers or the newest feed additive. However, those tools are just one kind of technology. Technology is really just knowledge applied. Management systems themselves are also a form of technology,” said Thomas. “Data collection, prebreeding evaluations, pregnancy diagnosis – those technologies of good management practices — they create the context that allows us to really capture value produced from using other tools. Looking for a tangible benefit to the increased management protocols? Thomas attests the extra touchpoints are well worth the added investment in both materials and time. “Heifers that are enrolled in ShowMe-Select routinely bring a couple hundred more per head compared to other heifers that are comparable in age, size, etc. at a sale barn,” he said. Thomas likens it to feeder calves that are profitable for being weaned, vaccinated and bunk broke. There is tremendous value to be gained by capturing and sharing information.
“Buyers appreciate quality but also really appreciate information. These are high information and high-quality heifers and buyers are willing to pay for it.”
Woodruff shared his excitement about the program and the potential it has to aid commercial producers with their herd improvement goals.
“The need for Red Choice is simple: documented long-term fertility. When you have more data to make an informed decision, it makes the decision easier.
“By utilizing the Red Choice management practices in the development and breeding of heifers, both buyers and sellers can be extremely confident in the reproduction efficiency of heifers enrolled in the Red Choice program,” said Woodruff.
“This efficiency results in cows staying productive in the herd longer and in turn being more productive and profitable for producers.”
Woodruff encouraged producers who are wary about starting out in the program to contact members of the Red Angus commercial marketing team.
“We are here to answer any questions about the program. This program is available for use by anyone who is breeding heifers to help make them even more valuable than they already are and we are happy to answer any questions about the program.” //
By Kaytlin Hokanson, Top Dollar Angus Analyst/Field Representative With the calving season in full swing, ranchers are put to the test with long days and even longer nights, hoping for nice weather while praying for moisture. Although the weather isn’t as dependable as every rancher hopes, there is one thing they know that won’t let them down – the commercial Red Angus female. Ranchers across the country have leveraged the strengths of these females to bring value to each diverse operation. On most all operations, not only are steers marketed, but a portion of their heifer counterparts are sold as well. A valuable female will produce valuable feeder cattle, and through astute bull selection, balanced genetics and good health management, the Red Angus female produces a uniform and highly marketable calf crop come market time. “The efficiency, fleshing ability and mothering ability of commercial Red Angus cows are just a few of the many traits that make this breed thrive on our Sandhills operation. The Red Angus breed truly works on their own without requiring lots of extra inputs – they simply do it naturally,” said Robert Jones, a Top Dollar Angus producer. “The performance, structure, and longevity are ideal in any environment,” added Jones, who owns the Diamond Bar Ranch in Stapleton, Nebraska. There are multiple traits that combine to make a productive female. Specific traits that come to mind are heifer pregnancy, stayability, frame size and feed efficiency. It takes at least two years on the feed bill before a rancher sees a profit from his replacement heifers. Based on that reality, it’s clear that a female must be fertile to stay in the herd for the long term. High conception rates and heifer pregnancy associated with the HPG EPD predisposes the female for success to produce a live calf with little to no help, before breeding back to maintain a calving interval no greater than 365 days. Stayability is another very important trait for producers to consider when assessing the longevity in the herd. Stayability is defined as the probability of a bull’s daughters remaining productive until at least 6 years old. Why six years? Research shows that it takes approximately six years to see a positive return on investment for each cow in the herd. By choosing sires with high Stayability EPDs, ranchers can produce sustainable cows that will remain in the herd, while also bringing value by raising heavy, highly marketable calves each year. Good livestock are evaluated not just on paper but from the ground up. Feet and legs stand at the front of any producer’s priority list. Functionality always aids longevity in an operation. A productive cow herd must be comfortable and athletic in its movements in all environments. Lack of locomotion impacts a herd’s bottom line, leading to production and reproduction losses and lowering the overall value of the herd. The Red Angus female has always been known not just for her mothering ability, but also for her ability to convert feed efficiently. The price of hay and corn has all ranchers agreeing on one
Top Dollar Angus Team
www.topdollarangus.com Nate Smith, General Manager (620) 546-4839 nate@topdollarangus.com Kaytlin Hokanson • (307) 461-7687 kaytlin@topdollarangus.com Jake Feddes • (406) 581-8157 jake@topdollarangus.com Jason Gagnon • (559) 723-6362 jason@topdollarangus.com Andy Albrecht • (402) 922-1000 andy@topdollarangus.com
thing: efficient females are a must to be sustainable. Uniformity in a cow herd through similar frame scores is desirable, along with fleshing ability in a foraged-based environment to keep costs under control. Such females benefit the producer’s check book, by passing down feed efficient genetics to future calf crops, which feeders recognize and find more value in.
The proof is in the data when looking at a commercial Red Angus female. Feed efficient cattle cut costs in all management systems. Coupled with superior functionality and a strong combination of other profitable traits, Red Angus females’ progeny bring higher returns.
The longevity of a producer’s herd needs to be evaluated at least once a year, if not more often, to find those superior females that help establish the value of the herd. Backing these females with Top Dollar genetics will always improve value when marketing both steer and heifer progeny. Feel free to call a Top Dollar Angus representative to find out more. //
Position your ranch for profitability with Red Angus-sired calves.
BADLANDS RED ANGUS
Bill Ceynar • Arnegard, ND 701/586-3435 • 701/570-4578 badlandsredangus@gmail.com BARENTHSEN-BULLINGER RED ANGUS
Mark & Kathy Barenthsen Jeremy & Jessica Bullinger Powers Lake, ND • bbredangus.com 701/464-5741 • 701/339-1834 701/464-4893 mkbar@nccray.com • jbullinger@nccray.net BAUMAN RED ANGUS
Dave, Kathy, Wayde & Jake Bauman Linton, ND • bb.ranch@hotmail.com 701/336-7201 • 701/321-1994 BRADEMEYER FARMS
Mike Brademeyer • Verona, ND 701/742-2598 • 701/710-0445 kbrademeyer@drtel.net BRENNER ANGUS
Sidney & Melva Brenner • Carson, ND 701/522-3335 • 701/471-9135 BROKEN HEART RANCH
Gary & Chad Pederson • Firesteel, SD 605/865-3190 • 605/850-9878 bhrredangus@lakotanetwork.com www.pedersonbhr.com CAMPBELL RED ANGUS
Robert Campbell • McIntosh, SD 701/422-3721 • 605/845-4812 campbellra@westriv.com www.campbellredangus.com CARGO STOCK FARM
Seth, Laci, Dylon, Preston, Ritch Cargo Arnegard, ND 701/586-3010 • 701/537-3320 cargostockfarm@RTC.coop badlandsgeneticsplus.com
DAHL LAND & CATTLE CO.
Jeff Dahl • Gackle, ND • 701/485-3762 jldahl@daktel.com • www.dahlcattle.com DAHLKE RED ANGUS
Bryantt Bolduc /Arlan Dahkle Bagley, MN • dahlkeredangus.com 218/533-0259 • 218/556-5896 dahlkeranch@gvtel.com
DIAMOND C ND
Chase Furstenau • Cavalier, ND 701/520-0671 chasefurstenau@gmail.com www.diamondcnorthdakota.com DK RED ANGUS
Scott Kueffler • Grenora, ND 701/694-3620 • 701/641-0519 redangus@nccray.com DUKART ANGUS RANCH
Derrick or Angie Dukart, Manning 701/573-4324 • 701/260-2422 ddukart@ndsupernet.com www.dukartangusranch.com FORSTER RED ANGUS
Kenneth Forster • Richardton, ND 701/974-2450 • 701/290-2450 forsterredangus@yahoo.com www.forsterredangus.com GRASSY MEADOW RANCH
David & Karissa Daws Michigan, ND • 701/270-1524 grassymeadowranch@gmail.com HEART RIVER RANCH
Chuck & Annette Steffan • Belfield, ND 701/575-8145 • 290-9745 • 260-4630 heartrivergenetics@yahoo.com HUBER EY RED ANGUS
Bryan & Emmy Huber • Jud, ND 701/685-2687 • 701/320-8054 emmy@drtel.net www.hubereyredangus.com JACOBSON RED ANGUS
Gary & Val Jacobson • Hitterdal, MN 218/962-3360 • 701/361-3189 gjrangus@feltontel.net www.jacobsonredangus.com KAL-KOTA RANCH
Ed Kalianoff • Steele, ND 701/475-2694 • 701/471-4006 kalkota@bektel.com KOESTER RED ANGUS
Steve & Tracey Koester • Steele, ND 701/400-1611 koester@bektel.com www.koesterredangus.com KUHN’S RED ANGUS
James & Stephanie Kuhn Napoleon, ND 701/332-6378 • 701/426-6921 kuhnsredangus.net
L83 LODOEN RANCH
Ben Lodoen • Westhope, ND 701/201-0477 lodoencattle@gmail.com lodoencattle.com LARSON’S LOST RIVER LIVESTOCK
David Larson • Clearbrook, MN 218/766-3323 david.larson.lrl@gmail.com www.lostriverlivestockmn.com LAZY D RED ANGUS
John & Sara Berg / Cody Berg NW Williston, ND 701/826-4211 • 701/826-4231 701/570-9788 • 701/570-0730 lazydredangus@yahoo.com LELAND RED ANGUS
Melvin & Luella Leland Todd & Carla Leland • Sidney, MT 701/565-2347 • 406/489-1466 lelandra@restel.net lelandredangus.com MISSOURI RIVER RED ANGUS
Blake & Whitney Wold • Watford City, ND 701-770-4105 NAMKEN RED ANGUS
Jared Namken • Lake Norden, SD 605/881-3845 jarednamken@hotmail.com www.namkenredangus.com NORDLUND STOCK FARMS LLC
Mike & Sam Norlund Clearbrook, MN • 701/799-0943 nordlundstockfarm@gvtel.com www.nordlundstockfarms.com OHR RED ANGUS
Edward, Jeanne & Carl Olson Argusville, ND 701/484-5779 • 701/238-3601 olsoncandc@aol.com PRESSER RED ANGUS
Troy Presser • Turtle Lake, ND 701/447-2855 • 701/220-0189 tpresser@westriv.com RESSLER LAND & CATTLE
Mark or Bryan Ressler • Binford, ND 701-789-0191 • 701-789-7294 contact@resslerlandandcattle.com www.resslerlandandcattle.com
SCHRIEFER RANCH LLC
Marc, Jodi, Riley, Cheyenne & Cassi Schriefer • Golden Valley, ND 701/870-4292 • 701/879-2609 marcjodi@icloud.com schrieferredangus.com SEEGER & RUSCH RED ANGUS
Brandon & Dixie Rusch New Salem, ND 701/843-7191 • 701/226-5479 701/426-9443 ruschvet@gmail.com seeger-ruschredangus.com SEVERANCE RED ANGUS
Brian & Mary Severance • Palermo, ND 701/862-3681 • 701/898-3681 redcows@restel.net SPUR M RED ANGUS
Doug & Darcy McGee • Bowman, ND 701/523-3635 • 701/523-6086 ddmcgee@ndsupernet.com spurmredangus.com TNT SIMMENTAL & RED ANGUS
Kevin & Lynette Thompson • Almont, ND 701/843-8454 • 701/391-1631 www.tntsimmentals.com TURTLE RIVER CATTLE CO.
Ron & Ryan Clemetson • Grand Forks, ND 701/739-0639 • 701/739-6407 trreds@hotmail.com TWEDT RED ANGUS
Sam Twedt • McHenry, ND 701/262-4768 • 701/388-4035 twedtredangus@hotmail.com www.twedtredangus.com VALNES RANCH RED ANGUS
Emit Valnes • Eden, SD 605/698-6596 • 605/228-8857 valnesranch@hotmail.com valnesranch.com WASEM RED ANGUS
Chris & Jolyn Wasem • Halliday, ND 701/938-8365 • 701/260-1513 jolyn.wasem@gmail.com wasemredangus.com WEST BRANCH RANCH
Greg Bailey • Baldwin, ND 701/255-2424 funditos2@gmail.com
Watch for more exciting events in North Dakota!
April 4 Presser Red Angus, Ranch, Mercer, ND April 6 Missouri River Red Angus, Sidney Livestock Market Center, Sidney, MT April 27 Gill Red Angus, Ranch, Timberlake, SD April 29 Kuhn’s Red Angus and Huber EY Red Angus, Napoleon Livestock, Napoleon June 4-5 ND Junior Red Angus Field Day, Carrington, ND
ND Red Angus Association
President: Sam Twedt Vice President: Bryan Ressler Immediate Past Pres.: Scott Kueffler Directors: Ryan Clemetson,
Ben Lodoen, Annette Steffan & Chris Wasem
Sec./Treas.: Karissa Daws
701/270-1524 ndredangus.com ndredangusassociation@gmail.com
RED ANGUS Magazine | April 2022 59
