The Canadian
Shorthorn Report
Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #40019886
Fall 2020
Well, That was a Nice Run! A few days ago I was thinking that this may be the first year since 1977 that we did not sell semen from Ready Go. We purchased Ready Go at the 1977 American Polled Congress in Louisville, KY where he was the Grand Champion Bull. He cost us $5200 U.S., which at that time, was a record price at this sale. Before we had a calf born from him the next spring, we had already sold more dollars in semen that he had cost us, not including also sending 300 vials to a breeder in South Africa and another 300 vials to South America. We have sold semen for 43 consecutive years from this bull. In total, over 2900 vials have been sold. Today, as I had my morning coffee, I read an email from a breeder wishing to purchase all the remaining semen from Ready Go as well as a quantity of semen from his best son, HC Changing Times 85K. We did two flushes last year using Ready Go semen, which resulted in 21 grade 1 embryos. Twenty of these embryos sold to U.S. breeders this year. I have retained enough semen for a couple more flushes to him next spring.
With 2020 being a rather upside down year due to the Covid pandemic, we have decided that we should have a fall Frozen in Time online sale of embryos and semen. It will be held on October 22-23, 2020. We will be offering a wide variety of genetic combinations in the embryos in this sale. These genetics have been selected from around the world. We have also decided to dig deep into our vast semen inventory and offer some from some the best sires we have been gathering over a number of years. There is some semen being offered that I never thought I would part with! We invite you to take a look at the sale offering at www.edjeauctions.com and register for a bidder number. Please contact us anytime if you have any questions.
Our 14th “ Frozen in Time” Online Sale of Embryos and Semen – October 22-23, 2020
14th Sun Country Shorthorn Sale
Our bulls and heifers for the sale are now weaned and on feed. The sale will be held Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at Johnstone Auction Mart, Moose Jaw, SK. It is easy to say, but I truly believe we will be offering the best group of herd sire prospects we have ever offered. Watch for more details, and we hope you will check out our offering if you are needing a herd bull or wanting to upgrade your present bull. Just as Ready Go was for us, a good bull can be a great investment!
Horseshoe Creek Farms Ltd. Horseshoe Creek Shorthorns
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www.horseshoecreekfarms.com horseshoecreek@sasktel.net
Weyburn, Saskatchewan Grant & Chris Alexander, Gerald Alexander 306-861-5504 The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
40th Annual Sale Sunday December 6, 2020 1 PM mst Camrose, AB
The longest continuous Private Shorthorn Production Sale in the Country. Contributors: Paintearth Shorthorns Albert & Susan Oram - 403-882-2253 Six S Shorthorns - Colin & Brandi Schutz - 780-953-0649 Sharom Shorthorns - Tom & Sheri Barto - 780-307-4043 Majestic Shorthorns - Jennifer & Tanner Diegel - 403-704-6121 Peterson Family Farms - Christy Peterson & family - 780-608-6197
View catalog online at www.canadianshorthorn.com
Please pre-register for online bidding at DLMS.ca prior to sale day.
The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
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The Canadian
SHORTHORN REPORT
Box 3771, Regina, SK S4P 3N8 Phone 306-757-6133 Fax 306-525-5852 Email office@canadianshorthorn.com Grant Alexander 306-861-5504 Saskatchewan Livestock Association Belinda Wagner 306-757-6133 Publications Mail Agreement #40019886 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
The Canadian Shorthorn Report Box 3771, Regina, SK S4P 3N8
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Onwards and Upwards! By the time you read this, we will be entering month seven of this COVID pandemic and we are all well aware of the changes this has brought to all our lives. I am pretty sure that some of the things we used to consider to be normal, may never be considered normal again. I am also not sure if we are much smarter about this virus now than we were when it first arrived. It is my hope that the people in charge of the decision making have started to think about what the future will bring, as we all have to realize that this virus is going to be here for a very long time, if not forever, and we all have to learn to live in the same world with it. We hear so much about the arrival of a vaccine and this will be a big help, but it will not be a total answer. No vaccine has ever been invented that was 100% effective but the vaccine will help and that is a place to start. I am so thankful that most things have not been affected as much in agriculture. Our lives on our farms have gone on and the work we have to do from day to day has continued. The grain crops had to be tended to and harvested. Our cattle herds had to be cared for and in many ways this has helped keep me closer to being sane. The past few days, I have been looking at online sale catalogs and the thought came to me, that it appears that no one told the cows that we were in a pandemic, as they have continued to do their part. I honestly don’t think I have ever seen so many high-quality cattle as is being offered in the next few months. It would have been nice for everyone to attend the fall shows and promote our cattle, but this is not happening, at least not this year. There are a few shows that have decided to continue their events this Fall and I hope they can be successful without any major issues. Live cattle shows and sales are a part of our history but for now, we have to find other ways to promote and market our cattle. The unfortunate part of this
pandemic is that the cattle business is not just about the cattle. There is also a human part of it, and right now, this is the part that is getting hammered the most. I am hopeful that this is just a temporary issue and that we can all find our way through this pandemic to brighter days in the future. I would urge everyone to continue to communicate with your friends and customers in this business and let’s help each other get through this together. Pandemic or not, there will always be a place for quality breeding cattle and that quality will always bring premium prices. We are also fortunate to be seeing strong market prices for cattle so this will help us all fine tune our breeding programs so that only the best possible product is being produced from each and every cow in your herd. Weaning time is a great time to look at the calves your herd bull has produced and if you think there is room for improvement, now is the time to take him to the market and start your search for a new herd sire. There is going to be a very strong group of herd sire candidates on offer in the coming months. I am hoping that we can start to find a way to get through this pandemic and come out the other side with the commencement of cattle shows and sales and larger gatherings like sporting events, conferences and weddings and funerals. They are a most important part of all of our lives. The only thing I do know is, that regardless of the rules, the cows will continue to do their part as if nothing has happened. We will get through this and we will figure out how to live in a world with COVID, just like we have learned to live with every other virus and disease that has shown up through history. Onwards and upwards! Hope you enjoy a great fall! Grant The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
OSA FALL CLASSIC SALE
OSA Saturday, November 21, 2020 - 1pm Maple Hill Auctions, Hanover, ON
Offering:
Bred and Open Females along with Show Prospects Contact Blair Williamson 519-808-0516 or ridgeviewshorthorns@hotmail.com www.ontarioshorthorns.com or Like Ontario Shorthorns on Facebook
The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
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Canadian Shorthorn Association Board of Directors
President
Dale Asser Duntroon, ON Phone 705-444-0386 Cell 705-444-9403 hillhavenshorthorns1@gmail.com
President-Elect Ray Armbruster Rossburn, MB Ph: 204-859-2088 Cell: 431-761-4477 ray.armbruster@gmail.com Directors
Bob Merkley Aldergrove, BC Phone 604-607-7733 Cell 778-240-7233 circlemshorthorns@telus.net Dan Stephenson Okotoks, AB Phone 403-938-4112 Cell 587-436-2224 djstephenson1@gmail.com Richard Moellenbeck Box 47, Englefeld, SK S0K 1N0 Ph:306-287-3420 Cell: 306-287-7904 bellmfarms@outlook.ca Dennis Cox Compton, QC Phone 819-837-2086 Fax 819-820-5080 triplejcox2018@gmail.com Marvin Peters Springfield, PE Phone 902-315-2939 mipet@yahoo.com Canadian Shorthorn Association Belinda Wagner, Secretary-Treasurer 2nd Floor, Canada Centre Building Evraz Place, Box 3771, Regina, SK S4P 3N8 Phone 306-757-2212 Fax 306-525-5852 Email office@canadianshorthorn.com Website www.canadianshorthorn.com Office hours - M-F - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
CSA Registry & Member Services Shayla Chappell & Laura Ecklund Ph: 403-717-2581 Fax: 403-253-1704 registry@canadianshorthorn.com https://csa.digitalbeef.com Page 6
2019 - Canadian Shorthorn Association Annual Report from the Board This is the CSA’s first Annual Report not delivered in person at our usual Annual General Meeting in June. We apologize for the delay in making this report available to all members however it does provide an additional opportunity to update where we are now that it is more than halfway through 2020. COVID-19 has affected all of our lives in every aspect and we have seen it affect the beef industry in several ways: the temporary and partial closing of the major processing plants, the subsequent backlog of finished cattle in the feedlots, the working from home of some of our own employees and the list goes on. In spite of all of these challenges we do have some positive developments that began in 2019 and will come to fruition in 2020 and 2021. 2019 was disappointing for revenue production which in total was down 9.6% over 2018. The downturn is due to fewer memberships (down 15%) and fewer enrolled animals (down almost 11%) for a total loss of $17,517. As you know, like all purebred breeds, the Shorthorn Association’s bread and butter revenue comes from members and cows enrolled. It is noteworthy however that we are coming off several years of good increases from 2016 to 2017 and particularly 2017 to 2018 which saw almost 10% increases in enrollments and memberships. On a brighter note, at the end of July 2020 compared to the same time in 2019, we are seeing a membership increase of 8% which is a good sign we are trending back up. The increase in 2019 expenses over 2018 was for the most part expected and budgeted for. 2019 was the first full year of the IGS contract compared to only six months paid in 2018. Also, while we expected to pay a sizable USD exchange rate on our American contracts, we did not anticipate premiums as high as 37%. Unfortunately, 2020 is not looking better and in fact the exchange difference has widened. It will be an unfortunate benefit to our 2020 expense totals that we did not hold the AGM in Edmonton and therefore
saved a good deal of expense we had otherwise budgeted for. The Board has continued to vigilantly monitor expenses and implemented additional cost savings wherever it is prudent. As always, we work towards balancing the budget by year end. Positive developments in 2019 and year to date are: The negotiation to bring our Registrar in house; Shayla Chappell will be working out of the Regina office with Belinda Wagner and Ruth Watch beginning January 1, 2021. Shayla’s responsibilities will expand beyond the Registry and that is great news for the CSA. The new CSA website should be available late in 2020; the complete redesign and update is currently in final production. Our Junior Program has grown significantly with the very successful inaugural Junior Development Forum last January; the planning is underway for the 2nd Forum this coming winter (subject to COVID-19 restrictions); and the Junior Virtual Show this summer had excellent participation across the country on somewhat short notice. The CSA Board’s main focus for the remainder of 2020 and into 2021 is you, the membership. We will be putting our combined efforts into how we can better support and assist members and provide extra member benefits through CSA programs, communication, tools and data. During this unprecedented time of social distancing and near complete upheaval of our daily lives, we hope we can all work together and someday look back on this time as a challenge we met and conquered. The complete 2019 CSA Annual Report is available on the CSA website at www. canadianshorthorn.com. Please contact a board member or Belinda Wagner at office@canadianshorthorn.com with any questions.
The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
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Updates to Growth Trait Predictions
By the International Genetic Solutions Science Team
The genetic evaluation is constantly evolving with updates to models as new science is discovered and new technologies are available. One area under recent scrutiny is the prediction of growth traits (birth, weaning, and yearling weights, and milk). The International Genetic Solutions (IGS) Genetic Evaluation Science Team is implementing the following areas of improvement for the prediction of growth traits.
reduced variation when hoof tapes were used, and likelyfabricated data with little to no variation. Some of these data are useful, but they are clearly on a different scale and need to be treated appropriately. Dr. Bruce Golden developed a way to use machine learning to recognize unique features of each class of birth weight observation and predict how it was obtained. By accounting for the various categories, the 1. Milk modeling updates. genetic evaluation is still able to use submitted The magnitude, and even direction, of the correlation between weaning weight direct and milk, has Dr. Bruce Golden records that fall out of biological expectations for developed a way most scenarios, while more accurately accounting been long debated in scientific circles. In fact, to use machine for different practices of collecting the weights. there is a wide range of estimates that exist in learning to the scientific literature. Given that, the science team developed a model that assumes milk and recognize unique Results of Updates to Growth Model features of each With these proposed changes, a considerable weaning weight direct are independent (i.e., class of birth weight amount of work went into testing if the new models genetic correlation of 0). In addi-tion, with some observation and improved growth trait predictions. One of the of the other proposed updates, it was discovered predict how it was most common procedures for evaluating updates that the evaluation solved more effectively when obtained. to EPD systems is to exclude a certain portion of genomics were removed for Milk EPDs. In light the phenotypes available, run the evaluation, and of this discovery, the IGS Milk EPD will not use compare the correlation of the EPD from two systems to the genomic information for the time being. phenotypes that were removed from the evaluation (higher correlation is bet-ter). For these updates, this procedure was 2. Different variances for different sexes. Males usually have a higher growth potential than females used where all animals born after 2018 were excluded from simply due to gender. As a consequence, the variation the evaluation system and then comparisons between the associated with their weights also tends to be greater. This current growth trait EPDs and the updated EPDs were made difference in the amount of variation between the sexes are to this phenotypic information. The results for each of the analyses are presented in the following table. set to a male scale in the up-dated growth trait predictions. 3. New DNA Marker subset. As the number of genotyped animals has increased, so has our ability to estimate marker effects and identify subsets that are more predictive. Relative to growth traits, a new (and larger) subset of markers has been identified to add more accuracy to EPD. 4. Accounting for different birth weight collection methods. When we began looking into growth trait data, we discovered that not all birth weights followed expected amounts of variation. Some of the exam-ples of reduced variation included weights rounded to the nearest 5 pounds, Page 8
Pearson correlation between parental average EPDs and excluded phenotypes from animals in the IGS genetic evaluation that were born in 2018 or later.
Trait Birth Weight Weaning Weight Yearling Weight
Updated Evaluation 0.52 0.38 0.45
Previous Evaluation 0.50 0.34 0.37
The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
The results in the table above show the evaluation updates had higher correlations to phenotypes than the previous growth trait models. This equates to more precise EPDs for Birth, Weaning, and Yearling Weight. An additional trait that is evaluated with the growth analysis is the Milk EPD. A Milk EPD represents the genetic difference in calf weaning weight based on the maternal environment provided by the dam. Due to the nature of this trait being the maternal component of weaning weight, a different validation strategy must be used to evaluate the updated predictions. To evaluate the updated Milk predictions an expected weaning weight for the excluded animals was formed using the following equation:
Predicted Weaning Weight = Calf WW EBV + Dam’s Milk EBV This predicted weaning weight was then correlated with the excluded weaning weight phenotypes. Again, the updated predictions of Milk had higher correlations compared to the previous Milk EPDs (0.42 vs. 0.39, respectively). These results show that the updated predictions more precisely predict the weaning weight of an animal than the currently published evaluation. Breeders may notice reranking of animals with the release of the growth trait updates. While the change may be unsettling, the end results by every measure have shown an improvement in the precision of the growth trait predictions.
The Next Issue Isn’t Far Off! The next issue of the Canadian Shorthorn Report will be mailed in early January 2021. This is an excellent issue to promote your bulls, heifers and bred females you will be selling early in the year. It is also the issue to remind other breeders of the semen and embryos you have available. This is the issue to thank all your buyers in the previous year. The deadline for booking advertising space is December 15th, so mark your calendar. Help us promote the Shorthorn breed while helping your own breeding program at the same time. Want to further market or promote your program or sale? We can help with that too! We will send your information by Eblast to our exclusive list of breeders/producers and add your sale catalog to the Events section of the CSA website for a nominal fee. Contact Belinda at 306-757-6133 for details.
In Memory – Eleanor (Rae) Krauter
Eleanor passed away peacefully at her home on the farm on August 2, 2020 at the age of 85. She was born on Father’s Day, June 16, 1935 into a farm family that operated a dairy and mixed farm operation outside of Chesley, Ontario. Her love of learning and children led her to Stratford Teacher’s College graduating in 1958 and returning to teach in the neighbouring one- room schoolhouses and later public school system. In 1960, she married Lloyd Krauter and moved not far from her childhood home to Elmwood, Ontario to continue her passion of farming a dairy along with mixed farm operation. They became parents to Marie. Even though Lloyd passed away in 1996, Eleanor continued on farming until her passing. She was very passionate about her Shorthorn cattle and very proud to tell the story of their lineage – Her great-great grandparents arrived in Canada in the 1850s with minimal belongings and were allowed to bring one farm animal which was a Shorthorn cow. After arriving by boat into Montreal and taking the train to Guelph, Ontario, they came by wagon with the cow walking through some 85 miles of untamed wilderness all way to the Chesley area. That cow became the basis for their future livelihood and the lineage from that first cow remains still on the farm today. Eleanor’s pioneer strength and kind heart will be deeply missed by many in her family and farming community. The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
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Appreciation - Why it matters... It’s that time of year as we move into the holiday season that we reflect on the year and are thankful for the many things we have in life whether it be our health, our family, our friends, or our business. In agriculture we are thankful for rains, a successful crop, or strong cattle markets, in agri-businesses, it may be a profitable year in sales. No doubt this year 2020, we are looking at the things we are thankful for in a new light, appreciating more than ever before the people on the frontlines who have gone above and beyond to help the country through this unprecedented time and our health. I wanted to share with you an experience I had that has an application to how our actions and our words impact the people around us. It is not based in the context of agriculture but demonstrates how the little things we do make a difference in the results we will experience. I contacted two national hotel chains to discuss gifting points from one person to another to gather information over the phone on learning the steps of how to do such a process. I dialed the first hotel chain and started to explain why I was calling and providing information such as account numbers, etc. Right away I could tell the person on the other end of the phone was either not having a good day, or not going to be easy to work with. They were abrupt, didn’t seem to understand my question, and I started to wonder if they wanted Page 10
to help me. They made me repeat my information several times and each time their tone was more pointed. In fact, they were unprofessional and I did my best to keep my calm to get through the call and garner what information I could about how to transfer the points. When the call ended I took a deep breath and said — I hope the next call is not like that one. Next, I dialed up the second national hotel chain on my list and right away got a friendly voice on the phone. I explained, basically in the exact manner as I did to the first company, why I was calling, and started providing the information. The person was polite, professional, and a breath of fresh air. Not once did she raise her voice at me or make me repeat what I was trying to do but took the time to reiterate my request to make sure she understood it
correctly. When the process was nearly complete I said to the employee, “Miss, I just did this same process with another national hotel chain and I barely could stay on the phone the person was so unpleasant to deal with, I want to thank you for your courtesy during this process.” I expected a — ‘well, thank you back’, but instead I got more, she went on to say, “I learned a long time ago, you treat people the way you want to be treated.” Wow, I thought, this person understands customer service. She knows if she is pleasant, calm, and professional her mannerisms will carry through to the client even in the case she may have an upset client on the phone. She understood that her
By B. Lynn Gordon pleasant demeanor would rub off on the caller and the result would be a more positive experience. I wanted to contact her company or supervisor and say, give this person a raise! Which of these two customer service representatives would you want representing your cattle operation or organization? Think about the businesses you do work with or the breed association office you often call. How is their customer service projected to you? What about you? When you are visiting with a bull buyer are you short and abrupt because you are busy and they are interrupting your hectic schedule or do you take the time to answer their questions or let them know you can’t talk right now but will call them back at a certain time or follow up by sending them an email with the details they were looking for? What about family members working with you or employees, the number one element to their happiness is ‘Appreciation.’ As the insightful customer service representative said, “I learned a long time ago, you treat people the way you want to be treated.” As we enter this holiday season, if you have been too busy to take the time to appreciate those around you or who you do business with — I challenge you to do so between now and the end of the year.
The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
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The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
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Comments on Breeding Methods Editor’s Note The following article was written by the late Professor G. E. Day and it first appeared in the September 1948, Canadian Shorthorn News. Professor Day was a leading educator, livestock leader and humanitarian who continued to write articles on livestock issues until his death in 1950. Many of his articles have relevance today as they did over 50 years ago. We thought it would be good to take a look back. I once met a man who was in search of a bull, who held views which were new to me. He told me he didn’t want an Augusta bull because the bull he had been using belonged to a Augusta family and he wished to avoid inbreeding. If there had been a prize for the breeder who attached the greatest importance to family, surely this man would have deserved the award. I tried to show him that two bulls belonging to the same family might not be so closely related as a pair belonging to different families, but: “Convince a man against his will, he’softhe same opinion still.” I don’t know what kind of bull he bought but I hope he had good luck. Then there was this man I knew who had no use for the Browndales, claiming they were too closely in-bred. Anything with a considerable infusion of Browndale blood was anathema to him and this inspite of the proud record made by Browndales and the prominent place they occupy in Shorthorn history. Perhaps he regarded in-breeding as immoral and wished to maintain a high
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standard of morality in his herd. Oh well, there is little one can do in a case of this kind. I have been much interested in a series of articles written by Mr. James B. Davidson for the Shorthorn World. Mr. Davidson is a competent judge of Shorthorns and I do not know any man whom I would rather trust to buy breeding stock for me. His articles deal with line breeding, and what he says is based upon experience, observation and historical facts. I hope that anything I may say will not be construed as criticism of Mr. Davidson’s article nothing is further from my intention. It has occurred to me however, that perhaps the subject could be clarified in some respects, but it may be that my attempt to clarify will result in further confusion of thought yet this is a risk I must assume.
By G. E. Day hopelessly out of date, I would like to give the definitions we were taught in those distant days, hoping it may be some use to those not familiar with the subject. In-breeding In-breeding consists in mating closely related animals, such as full brother and sister, half brother and sister or other closely related mating, such as a cow with her son or a bull with his daughter. The progeny resulting from these close matings are said to be in-bred. If an inbred animal is a healthy and desirable representative of the breed, there can be no objections to its use for breeding purposes. The fact that it is in-bred may even prove to be of advantage.
In-and-in Breeding When the practice of mating closely related animals is followed generation after generation, it is called “in-andThree Methods in breeding”. That is to say, in-bred When I attended college, These three methods are animals are mated with nothing was known of in-bred animals of the (1) line breeding, (2) in-breeding and genes and hormones and same blood lines for the other mysterious organisms (3) in-and-in breeding. purpose of concentrating which play a necessary role the blood and fixing the in connection with heredity and life type of the animals in question because functions. We were taught, however when the mated animals possess nearly that were three distinct methods which the same blood in common there is less could be employed in the mating of likelihood of variation in the progeny. related animals. These three methods In other words the progeny are more are (1) line breeding, (2) in-breeding likely to resemble their parents. and (3) in-and-in breeding. I know that this classification belongs to the “horse Robert Bakewell was born in 1726 and buggy day,” but it seems to me, it and died in 1795. He accomplished can be used to promote clearer thinking. remarkable work improving English Therefore at the risk of regarded as Long-horn cattle, English Leicester
The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
sheep and English cart horses. He introduced the practice of in-and-in breeding. Two young men, Robert and Charles Colling, sons of a Shorthorn breeder, became interested in Bakewell’s methods and used to visit him occasionally. When they settled on their own farms about 1783, they decided to apply Bakewell’s methods to the breeding of Shorthorns, and thus it was that in-and-in breeding gained a foothold among Shorthorn breeders. The Colling’s practiced in-and-in breeding to an extraordinary degree. The bull Comet (155), bred by Charles Colling was one of the most intensely in-bred Shorthorn bulls in history. Incidentally he was the first Shorthorn bull to sell for 1000 guineas. Comet was sired by Favourite (252). Omitting much of the in-breeding which preceded the production of Favourite, suffice it to say that Favourite’s sire and dam were nearly full brother and sister. Favourite was then bred to his dam, and the produced was a heifer called Young Phoenix, so this heifer was Favourite’s sister as well as his daughter. To cap the climax, Favourite was then bred to this sister-daughter of his and result of this mating was Comet (155). Here we have a striking example of intensive in-andin breeding. Thomas Bates was born in 1776 and died in 1849. At Charles Colling’s sale in 1810, he bought a heifer which he called Duchess 1st. From this female’s descendants, he developed his famous Duchesses tribe. The cow was bred by Charles Colling and her sire was Comet (155). She was the product of in-andin breeding, so it will be seen that Bates founded his Duchesses family on a closely in-bred foundation. Bates thought so much of his Duchesses that he believed no bull outside the family was good enough to mate them. Of course he had other families, but Duchesses are of special interest. The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
We are told however, that there came a time when his Duchesses began to show signs of sterility and Bates decided it was time to introduce fresh blood. This decision resulted in the purchase of Belvedere, whose breeding met with approval of Mr. Bates and it is said that the use of Belvedere had a decidedly beneficial effect. Bates also secured fresh blood through the purchase of Matchem Cow, distantly related to his Duchesses. He bred her to his Duchess bulls and her progeny still further strengthened the Duchess tribe. This fact will receive further comment a little later.
Therefore this high-priced young bull gets the blood of Balmuchy Jasper twice through his sire and once through his dam. In spite of the concentration of Balmuchy Jasper blood, Killeam Max Ian is not in-bred because fresh blood has been introduced through the dams in each generation so that his sire and darn are not really closely related.
From it’s nature, line breeding admits a wide variation. For example, if Killeam Max 5th had been merely a greatgrandson, and Killearn Rosewood 2nd a great grand daughter of Balmuchy Jasper, we still could say that Killeam Max Ian was line bred, though the Line Breeding blood of Balmuchy Line breeding does not As I understand it, line Jasper would have been present the dangers breeding means that diluted considerably. In which accompany inmating of more or less breeding because fresh some cases it is difficult blood is introduced distantly related animals. to draw the line between in practicably every The animals are related, in-breeding and line generation. but not so closely related breeding, while in other as to warrant calling that cases the sire and dam mating an example of in-breeding. have so little blood in common that it Perhaps this point can be made clearer seems like stretching the point to call it by means of a diagram showing the line breeding. blood lines of Killeam Max Ian, topselling bull in Mr. Claude Gallinger’s Significant Facts sale in Edmonton last May. We have noted that the Collings The diagram follows: followed a remarkable system of in-and-in breeding and so far as we Sire: Killeam Max know they encountered no disaster. (by Balmuchy Jasper) We must remember however that the Sire: Killearn Max 5th Collings started with hardy, vigorous Dam: Peter’s Nonpareil cattle which never had been in-bred. (by Peter of Killearn Apparently, such cattle were able to by Balmuchy Jasper) withstand any evil effects which might Killearn Max Ian result from generations of close inDam: Killearn Rosewood 2nd breeding. On the other hand, when (by Balmuchy Jasper) Bates bought the in-bred Duchess 1st in Charles Colling’s sale, he started Balmuchy Jasper was a great sire and where Colling’s had left off; and when it is not surprising that Mr. Gallinger he attempted to carry on the process should wish to retain his blood. It will of in-breeding with the foundation, he be noted that Killeam Max 5th, the eventually reached the point where he sire of the young bull in question, is a was compelled to introduce fresh blood. grandson of Balmuchy Jasper on the It would seem therefore that there is a side of his sire and a great grandson on limit beyond which it is unsafe to go in the side of the dam. Then Killeam Max mating closely related animals. 5th is mated with Killeam Rosewood 2nd, a daughter of Balmuchy Jasper and the result of Killeam Max Ian. Continued on page 16 Page 15
Comments on Breeding Methods I have stated that the more blood the parents have in common the less likelihood there is a variation in the progeny. In this respect therefore, continued in-breeding (in-and-in breeding) is beneficial since it tends to produce uniformity of type. But suppose there should exist in some of the animals a slight tendency towards sterility or towards weakness of constitution or some other weakness which cannot be detected by inspection then these weakness will become intensified the concentration of blood resulting from in-breeding and disaster
may follow. Whether this explanation is correct from a scientific standpoint I cannot say but it is a reasonable one. Even the great Thomas Bates claimed that the average breeder would do well to avoid the practice. Line breeding does not present the dangers which accompany in-breeding because fresh blood is introduced in practicably every generation. It is practiced by a great many of the most successful
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Continued from page 15
breeders of today and in the right hands it produces good results. But here again skill and experience are necessary and it is not every breeder who possesses these qualifications. Line breeding is best adapted for the use in large herds and it does not seem probable that it ever will become general among our breeders.
The use of a bull which is not related to the females is called an outcross. This method is the one most commonly followed especially in smaller herds. If the females are well bred and good individuals, it is an advantage if a good bull can be secured which possesses a certain amount of blood in common with most of the females.
Summary In-and-in breeding was practiced by early cattle improvers to fix type and desirable qualities. Now that the breeds have been improved so greatly the practice has been discontinued. Quite frequently we run across a case of inbreeding but it seldom extends beyond one generation.
Conclusion This is not a scientific dissertation, far from it. What I have written represents only one man’s opinion and is intended primarily for beginners or those whose ideas may be somewhat confused. I realize that there are many breeders who know more about breeding cattle than I should ever know but they do not put their views in print. A poet said that “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread,” and I may belong to the class of people he had my mind. Never the less, I know there are certain fallacies existent in the minds of many breeders and though some may not agree with me, I hope that what I have said may help to clear the air. I also hope that those who disagree will come forward with an expression of their opinions on this important subject.
The fact that an animal is in-bred should not in itself be regarded as an objection. It could be an advantage iftl1e blood lines are good and the animal is a satisfactory representative of this breed. Line breeding is practiced in many prominent herds in order to retain the blood of outstanding bulls. It calls knowledge of pedigrees and skill in making selections.
The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
Canadian Junior Shorthorn Association 2020 Board of Directors President: Royce Moellenbeck Englefeld, SK royce.moellenbeck@outlook.com Secretary: Sadie Anwender Radville, SK menmyshorthorns@hotmail.com Directors: Taylor Carlson Elm Creek, MB lilupthecreek@yahoo.ca Samuel Dempsey West Brome, QC samdempsey87@icloud.com Sarah Height Arthur, ON sarah.height123@gmail.com Samantha Lundy Collingwood, ON samilundy2@gmail.com Evan Patriquin Thorhild, AB doublearrowstockfarm@gmail.com Brooke Van De Voorde Meeting Creek, AB brooke3vandevoorde@gmail.com
Canadian Shorthorn Association Belinda Wagner, Secretary-Treasurer 2nd Floor, Canada Centre Building Evraz Place, Box 3771, Regina, SK S4P 3N8 Phone 306-757-2212 Fax 306-525-5852 Email office@canadianshorthorn.com Website www.canadianshorthorn.com Office hours - M-F - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
CJSA Update... Fall is upon us - it is hard to believe we are almost done with 2020 and I think everyone is hoping 2021 will be a positive year. Not too much is planned for the fall with the Junior Association, however there are many sales that are taken place and I urge juniors to take time and look at the offerings. Give consigners a call or an email to let them know you are interested in the offering, as with most fall shows cancelled breeders will not be able to connect with junior’s face to face. These connections are valuable to the future of the breed. Thank you to everyone who participated in the CJSA Virtual Show, we are proud to have had almost 50 juniors from across the country take part in this event. Congratulations to conformation show, marketing and photography winners. A huge congratulations to Austin Krieger of Saskatchewan on winning the first prize draw of $750 towards travel to a national CJSA event, and congratulations to Sydnee Stewart of Ontario on winning the second prize of $500 towards travel. Thank you to Brigitte Herrema of Ontario for judging the Marketing and Photography and thank you to Jill & Ryley Mader of Alberta for judging the conformation classes. As well, we cannot forget to thank all the sponsors for this show, your support is graciously accepted and appreciated by all the junior members.
By Royce Moellenbeck We also hosted a virtual AGM at the conclusion of the show, and you can check it out, along with show results on the CJSA YouTube channel. With fall here, that means that the Canadian Junior Shorthorn Association Ian McRae Memorial Scholarship Applications are due November 1. We recommend our senior members that are pursuing post-secondary education to apply. There is a first prize of $1000 and a second prize of $500. If you are passionate about the Shorthorn industry and youth programs in the industry, this scholarship is calling your name. Do you or do you know of a junior that is passionate about the CJSA or have some great ideas for the association and is a strong leader? Nominations to be part of the CJSA Board of Directors are due January 31st. Being part of the board expands your connections, allows you to make impactful decisions with the CJSA and helps build life skills. For more information contact a current board member and send your nomination to juniors@canadianshorthorn.com. Finally, a reminder that in a time like now when we’re going back to school or college, our stress and anxiety levels are high because of rules, homework, responsibilities, and other aspects, make sure to take some time for your mental health. Going outside for a walk to check the cows and calves, breathing in the crisp fall air can really relax your mind.
Good luck to everyone with school and work and have a great Thanksgiving. Stay tuned for more updates and information with the CJSA on social media Back row L-R Royce Moellenbeck, SK, Evan Patriquin, AB, and eblasts – we are Samuel Dempsey, QC, Taylor Carlson, MB, Sadie Anwender, hoping for a return to our SK, Jamie Blenkiron, Ontario Shorthorn Association. Front Row L-R: Belinda Wagner, Canadian Shorthorn in-person events soon! Secretary-Treasurer, Brooke VanDeVoorde, AB, Sarah Height, ON, Samantha Lundy, ON, Dale Asser, Canadian Shorthorn President. Page 17
Canadian Junior Shorthorn Association 2020 Virtual Show Class 1 – Female, born 2020
Split 1 1st: Gabriela Kott, Caistor Centre, ON 2nd: Samantha Lundy, Collingwood, ON 3rd: Peyton Woods, Arthur, ON Harleigh Carlson, Elm Creek, MB Peyton Donais, Arthur, ON Katherine Possberg, Humboldt, SK Kate Reinders, Georgetown, ON Sara Reinders, Georgetown, ON Elizabeth Schaub, Leduc County, AB Jarod Scott, Milverton, ON Isabella Tisdale, Collingwood, ON Split 2 1st: Samantha Lundy, Collingwood, ON 2nd: Madi Bott, Belwood, ON 3rd: Hailey Moyer, Elora, ON Ava Den Haen, Fergus, ON Logan Hargrave, Dundalk, ON Evan Patriquin, Thorhild, AB Mia Veilleux, Ayres Cliff, QC Champion Heifer Calf Samantha Lundy, Collingwood, ON Reserve Champion Heifer Calf Gabriella Kott, Caistor Centre, ON
Class 2 – Female, born 2019 - Split 1 1st: Samantha Lundy, Collingwood, ON 2nd: Samantha Lundy, Collingwood, ON 3rd: Sydnee Stewart, Arthur, ON Morgan MacRae, Brigdon, ON Lucy McNiven, Oro-Medonte, ON Katherine Possberg, Humboldt, SK Claudia Veilleux, Ayres Cliff, QC Samantha Whyte, Bashaw, AB
Photo Competition Champions
Split 2 1st: Archer Den Haen, Fergus, ON 2nd: Nate Rigney, Westlock, AB 3rd: Spencer McKay, Meaford, ON Brody Blenkiron, Belwood, ON Harleigh Carlson, Elm Creek, MB Katherine Possberg, Humboldt, SK Elizabeth Schaub, Leduc County, AB Connor Schaub, Leduc County, AB Jarod Scott, Milverton, ON Sakura Whyte, Bashaw, AB Split 3 1st: Gabriela Kott, Caistor Centre, ON 2nd: Kaitlyn Broughton, Silver Springs, NY 3rd: Peyton Donais, Highgate, ON Sveinna Bjarnarson, Gladstone, MB Carson Blenkiron, Belwood, ON Kymberly Keller, Glenavon, SK DJ Lawernce, Acton, ON Royce Moellenbeck, Englefeld, SK Ellena Senetza, Smoky Lake, AB Alisha Volkes, Georgetown, ON Champion Yearling Heifer Archer Den Haen, Fergus, ON Reserve Champion Yearling Heifer Gabriela Kott, Caistor Centre, ON
Class 3 – Female, born 2018 and earlier, with calf at side
Champion Cow/Calf Pair Samantha Lundy, Collingwood, ON Reserve Champion Cow/Calf Pair Jarod Scott, Milverton, ON 3rd: Evan Patriquin, Thorhild, AB Vikram Chouhan, Okotoks, AB Katherine Possberg, Humboldt, SK Evan Patriquin, Thorhild, AB Connor Schaub, Leduc County, AB
Grand Champion Female – Cow/Calf Pair Samantha Lundy, Collingwood, ON Reserve Grand Champion Female – Yearling Heifer Archer Den Haen, Fergus, ON Class 4 – Bull, born 2020 Champion Bull Calf: Jarod Scott, Milverton, ON Reserve Champion Bull Calf: Evan Patriquin, Thorhild, AB 3rd: Jarod Scott, Milverton, ON Taylor Carlson, Elm Creek, MB Brayden Mills, Bittern Lake, AB Tristan David Mills, Bittern Lake, AB Connor Schaub, Leduc County, AB Daphney Schaub, Leduc County, AB Kingsley Whalen, Meeting Creek, AB
Class 5 – Bull, born 2019
Champion Yearling Bull: Connor Schaub, Leduc County, AB
Grand Champion Bull – Yearling Connor Schaub, Leduc County, AB Reserve Grand Champion Bull – Bull Calf Jarod Scott, Milverton, ON
Class 6 – Shorthorn Plus Female, born 2020
Champion Heifer Calf: Summer McKay, Meaford, ON
Class 7 – Shorthorn Plus Female, Born 2019
Champion Yearling Heifer Summer McKay, Meaford, ON Reserve Champion Yearling Heifer Jessica Davey, Saskatoon, SK
Grand Champion Shorthorn Plus Female – Yearling: Summer McKay, Meaford, ON Reserve Champion Shorthorn Plus Female – Heifer Calf: Summer McKay, Meaford, ON
Supreme Champion - S/F Lily 394 HC Samantha Lundy, Collingwood, ON Reserve Supreme Champion Glen Islay A Veronica Archer Den Haen, Fergus, ON
Champion - PeeWee Reserve Champion - PeeWee Page 18
The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
Canadian Junior Shorthorn Association 2020 Virtual Show Marketing Competition
Peewee 1st Kingsley Whalen, Meeting Creek, AB 2nd Vikram Chouhan, Okotoks, AB Junior 1st Nate Rigney, Westock, AB 2nd Brayden Mills, Bittern Lake, AB 3rd Gabriella Kott, Caistor Centre, ON Intermediate 1st Katherine Possberg, Humboldt, SK 2nd Austin Krieger, Jansen, SK 3rd Kaitlyn Broughton, Silver Springs, NY Senior 1st Sadie Anwender, Radville, SK 2nd Royce Moellenbeck, Englefeld, SK 3rd Jessica Davey, Saskatoon, SK
Photography Competition
Peewee 1st Ava Den Haen, Fergus, ON 2nd Vikram Chouhan, Okotoks, AB 3rd Logan Hargrave, Dunkalk, ON Junior 1st Sara Reinders, Georgetown, ON 2nd Kate Reinders, Georgetown, ON 3rd Daphney Schaub, Leduc County, AB Intermediate 1st Ellena Senetza, Smoky Lake, AB 2nd Madi Bott, Belwood, ON 3rd Elizabeth Schaub, Leduc County, AB Senior 1st Jessica Davey, Saskatoon, SK 2nd Sadie Anwender, Radville, SK 3rd Morgan Lehmann, Rosthern, SK
Champion - Intermediate
We have some really talented Juniors! Reserve Champion - Intermediate
Champion - Junior
Champion - Senior
Reserve Champion - Junior
all Congratulations to r participants in ou ! CJSA Virtual Show Reserve Champion - Senior The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
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Peterson Family Farms Meeting Creek, AB Christy 780-608-6197 Steven & Danielle 780-281-0569
R.R. 3 Mannville, AB T0B 2W0
Doug & Karen Hess & family
Ph/Fax: (780) 763-2209 6 1/2 miles South of Mannville karenahess@hotmail.com on Hwy 881
Half Diamond
George & Elizabeth Procter RR #5 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0
PH 519-887-9206 FAX 519-887-9880 email - bodmin@hurontel.on.ca
Double R Ranch
Renwick’s
Purebred
BODMIN
Shorthorns
Orville, Eleanor & Family Box 607, Melita, MB R0M 1L0 204-522-8686 Email: ojemr@mts.net
Birdtail Shorthorns
Ray & Susan Armbruster
Box 597, Rossburn, MB. R0J 1V0 Phone/fax 204 859 2088
shorthornsue@gmail.com www.birdtailshorthorns.com
DAVID & JOANNE CURRIE & FAMILY 2878 King St, Caledon, ON L7C 0R3 David’s Cell: 647-400-2844 david.flightpath@gmail.com Jessica’s Cell: 519-400-3160 jesscurrie@hotmail.com Joanne’s Cell: 416-274-7124
This Space Could Be Yours! $180/Year or $65/Issue
Triple J Farms J
JJ
Dennis & Marlene Cox, Jeremiah, Joseph, Jessica Ph: 819-837-2086 triplejcox2018@gmail.com
Prospect Hill SHORTHORNS
RAISING QUALITY SHORTHORNS FOR OVER 50 YEARS
Les & Shelley Peterson
780-877-2444 Box 64 Visit us at the farm or at Meeting Creek, AB www.prospecthillshorthorns.com T0B 2Z0
This Space Could Be Yours! $180/Year or $65/Issue
For all your printing needs
(306) 525-8796 GRANT ROLSTON Box 1562 Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0
PHOTOGRAPHY
Phone: 403-593-2217 grantspix@gmail.com www.grantspix.com
Kettleview Shorthorns Est. 1901
The Shelley’s Ronald, Carol and family 4631 Perth Road 178, RR #2 Gorrie, ON N0G 1X0
Fax: (519) 335-3939
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Tel: (519) 335-3679
Embryo Transplants Ltd. P.O. Box 590 Crossfield, AB T0M 0S0 Ph: 403.946.4551 Fax: 403.946.5093 embryos@davis-rairdan.com www.davis-rairdan.com The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
TAMARACK
SHORTHORNS Alvin Johnson Box 27 Brownvale, AB T0H 0L0 Ph/Fax 780-618-9044
Dr. Christine Ewert Hill christine.ewert@gmail.com
Green Philip Burgess and Family Grove
(306)452-7867 (C) • (306)452-3803 (H) Box 31, Redvers, SK S0C 2H0
This Space Could Be Yours! $180/Year or $65/Issue
1519 Highway #1 Falmouth, NS B0P 1L0 902-798-5174 (h) 902-790-2985 (c) pattyburgess1974@hotmail.com
“Committed to Shorthorns”
Coming Events ...
Index of Ads ...
Oct 8-10 ......Hill Haven Online Sale, Duntroon, ON Oct 18............The Girls of Glenrothes Online Sale, Beaverton, ON Oct 23............Horseshoe Creek 14th “Frozen in Time” Online Embryo ...................... and Semen Sale Nov 4-7 .........Lloydminster Stockage Roundup, Lloydminster, SK Nov 4.............Shorthorn Show, Lloydminster, SK Nov 21...........Ontario Fall Classic Sale, Hanover, ON Nov 21...........All Star Classic Sale, Lacombe, AB Dec 6.............40TH 4’s Company Sale, Camrose, AB Dec 17...........Shorthorn Alliance Sale, Saskatoon, SK
4’s Company Sale........................................................... 3 All Star Classic Sale.......................................................11 Canadian Junior Shorthorn Association.............. 12,13,17 Canadian Shorthorn Association..................................... 6 Cedar Grove Shorthorns............................................... 22 Charles McAlear............................................................ 16 Crawfdown Farms......................................................... 22 Horseshoe Creek Farms................................................. 2 Ontario Fall Classic Sale................................................. 5 Prospect Hill Cattle Company.......................................... 7 Saskvalley Stock Farm.................................................. 23 Shadybrook Shorthorns................................................ BC Shorthorn Alliance Sale................................................... 7
10/2020
The
Canadian Shorthorn Report Subscription Form
Name ______________________________________ Farm Name ______________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________________ Street/Box # City/Town Province Postal Code
Phone # _______________________________
Date _______________________________
Email Address __________________________________________________ Subscriptions: 1 Year (Canada) $25.20 GST Included BN # 10795 6021
Mail to: Box 3771, Regina, SK S4P 3N8 The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
Check your Mailing Label for Expiry Date
1 Year (U.S.) $30.00 US
1 Year (Foreign) $55.00
Phone 306-757-6133 Fax 306-525-5852 Email: office@canadianshorthorn.com Page 21
Crawfdown Farms
will be consigning to the Ontario Shorthorn Association FALL CLASSIC SALE November 21, 2020 at Maple Hill Auctions, Hanover, ON
*7 Heifer Calves
Crawfdown Augusta Pride 01G was the High Selling animal in the 2019 Fall Classic, more like her to sell!
*9 Bred Heifers
Crawfdown Fast Rider 1F, service sire to bred heifers along with LSF Gold Coast & ARG Hector
Glencoe. Ontario Gordon & Sally Crawford Reed, Jane, Shelby & Josie Crawford 519.287.3837 C: 519.870.2396 C: 519.857.7333 gordcrawford@sympatico.ca • riverpointcc@hotmail.com
www.crawfdownfarms.com
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The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
6 GOOD REASONS TO USE A SASKVALLEY BULL NEXT SUMMER
AEN 103A
AEN 262E
AEN 226E
AEN 5Y
AEN 112C
AEN 12D
These cows will all have sons in the 2021 "Who's You Daddy" bull sale. Shouldn't your next herd sire have a dam like this?
SASKVALLEY STOCK FARM
barry 306 212 0240 • murray 306 232 7131 • carl 306 232 3511 • wes 306 232 7725 barrylehmann15@gmail.com www.saskvalleyshorthorns.com The Canadian SHORTHORN REPORT - Fall 2020
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