SLS 11-12-21 Section II
11/9/21
4:19 PM
Page 1
SOUTHERN LIVESTOCK STANDARD
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021
PAGE 1B
Brought to you by American Simbrah Breeders
Practicality is the rule at 7P Ranch For just shy of 50 years, Joe Prud’homme has been raising purebred cattle to satisfy his customers’ demands for practical commercial cattle. Simbrah females are the most recent – and popular – addition to the range of genetics offered by 7P Ranch. By Sharla Ishmael One of the nicest fellas you’ll ever visit with is Joe Prud’homme, but there’s more than meets the eye with this humble gentleman. Some know him as an East Texas seedstock breeder, others as a surgeon, and if you go back in
his past, Prud’homme has been a calf roper, junior college basketball player, served in the Vietnam War and at a federal penitentiary in the public health service for a few years. But he always comes back to the cattle business.
7P offers Simbrah heifers as primarily breds and pairs.
“It’s the only thing I know anything about,” he says. Prud’homme bought his first set of cows at the tender age of 15. He bought 13 purebred Brahman heifers from a neighbor for $65 a piece. He halter-broke the set and held on to them until medical school forced his hand to sell them. Once his surgical practice was established, he and wife Mary bought a place near Tyler to restart his cattle business, however this time he bought a herd of Simmental cattle. It was in the early ’70s,
Joe Prud’homme (left), owner of 7P Ranch and manager, Tom Barker. when the Continental breeds were really hot, and the Simmental cattle of the day were really big, red and horned. As Prud’homme built his herd, commercial producers were wanting more moderate animals to work in their own environments, so he used AI and embryo transfer to breed his cows to moderate Fleckvieh bulls to meet buyers’ needs. “I was Fleckvieh before
Full Fleckvieh was cool,” Fleckvieh bulls with a he says with a laugh. “For frame score 5 to 5.5. They the last 20-plus years, we’ve work beautifully in my continued to use a lot of (Continued on page 4)
A typical 7P bred halfblood Simbrah female.
Simbrah heifers like these are bred and raised at 7P and marketed in their sales. The 7P Simbrahs are half Simmental and half Brahman.
SLS 11-12-21 Section II
11/9/21
4:19 PM
Page 2
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021
NEWS You Can Use PAGE 2B
SimGenetic steer feedout underway
including American Junior Simbrah Roundup. For additional details follow them on social media Currently the American and/or visit their website Simmental Association www.lamunecacattle.com. (ASA) is conducting a Tom Brothers SimGenetic Steer Feedout, which includes Simbrah Ranch sired steers at Graham schedules sale Land & Cattle Co., GonTom Brothers Ranch, zales, Texas. The test began early November. For addi- Campbellton, Texas, will tional information contact kick off their private treaty Luke Bowman with the bull sale on Dec. 4th. The ASA at lbowman@simm- event will be held at the gene.com or 406/587-4531. ranch and the offering will include 45+ black Simmental, SimAngus and Simbrah La Muñeca bulls. They will sell with announces performance information GIVING Thanks and interested cowmen are invited to visit their webevent site, www.tombrothers La Muñeca Cattle Co., ranch.com for photos, cataLinn, Texas, has announ- log and details. For addiced their annual LMC & tional information, contact Friends GIVING Thanks Ellen Tom at 210/313-0020 Online Sale will be Nov. 20- or ellen@tombrothersr 23rd on CattleinMotion. anch.com or Philip Tom, This sale benefits a number 512/296-6845 or philip@ of scholarships and causes, tombrothersranch.com
Simbrah Breeders Council hosts successful fundraisers At the Synergy XIV Sale, a silent auction was coordinated by Belva and Twila Johnson to benefit the Simbrah Promotion Fund. Due to the generosity of breeders, both on the donating and buying end, $2,657.50 was raised. That amount included an iron Simbrah sign, donated by the King family that was purchased by Bobby Bryan for $300. In the sale, a daughter of Smith TMP Red Jewel sold for $4,600 to Glueck Farms with proceeds going to the promotion fund and/or the American Simmental Simbrah Foundation. This female was donated by the Synergy breeders. Thank you to everyone who donated, bid and purchased.
SOUTHERN LIVESTOCK STANDARD
Superbowl once again to be held in San Antonio The annual SimbrahSimmental Superbowl will once again be held in conjunction with the San Antonio Livestock Show Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Shows. To be eligible to show, junior heifer exhibitors must have purchased their heifer from a paid sponsor and be entered in the San Antonio Junior Show. Superbowl entry deadline is Dec. 10th. Sponsorships are now being accepted and are $1,000 if paid before or on Dec. 31, 2021 and $1,250 if paid after that date. For complete details and entry form, visit www.simbrahsimmentalsuperbowl.com.
and have the sign at events of the magazine and the in your area, contact the annual Simbrah News ASA at 406/587-4531. Commercial Feature are archived on this site. Simbrah World is also very For Simbrah social. Check out our news, go online Facebook page for posts on For additional news, a regular basis. Plus, we events, updated calendar have several advertising listings, Simbrah breeders opportunities for you. and enthusiasts are encour- Contact Martha at holliaged to visit www.sim- dacompany@gmail.com or brahworld.com. In addi- call 903/316-8465 to find tion to the news, all issues out more.
Simbrah promotional items available The American Simmental Association (ASA) has marketing materials for the Simbrah breed. There is a brochure, as well as signs promoting Simbrahs as the crossbreeding choice. For details on how you can get copies of the brochure for distribution
SIMBRAH INFORMATION SOURCES
American Simmental Association 406/587-4531 Luke Bowman lbowman@simm.org Simbrah World Visit the website www.simbrahworld.com Simbrah World on Facebook
HE IS STILL THE ONE !!! Best Simbrah Sire We Have Ever Seen !!!
LMC Gold Medal
• 2013 National Champion • Dam - LMC WFC Ms Dream Girl, twice National Champion & International Champion. She is the best Simbrah cow we have ever seen. • Sire - LMC Rhino, International Champion & Reserve National Champion • Sire of Bull Test Winners, Sale Toppers and many champions at all levels • SEMEN & PROGENY AVAILABLE !! LMC Giving THANKS Sale VIII Nov. 20-23 at www.cattleinmotion.com. 100% of the proceeds will be donated !! HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Carlos X. Guerra Family • P.O. Box 81 • Linn, Texas 78563 956/383-7566 Office • 956/802-1641 Mobile www.lamunecacattle.com • lamunecacattle@aol.com
SLS 11-12-21 Section II
11/9/21
4:20 PM
Page 3
SOUTHERN LIVESTOCK STANDARD
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021
PAGE 3B
Graham Carcass Feedout 2020-2021 By: Lane Giess, and Joe Paschal Ph.D. The American Simmental Association (ASA) is once again coordinating with southern SimGenetic producers to enhance the ASA's Carcass Expansion Project. With similar numbers to last year, the program started Nov. 4. Here are the results from last year's feeding trials.
Anything lower than a 3.5 is desirable. Yield grade is calculated from fat thickness, percent kidney, pelvic and heart fat, ribeye area, and carcass weight. Fatter and heavier (but less mus-
The Graham Carcass Quality Grade (QG) calcu- Grade was calculated using Feedout is an American lated from the MS equalled the yield grade formula and (Continued on page 7) Simmental Association USDA Low Choice. Yield averaged 2.3 (1.0 – 4.0). sponsored event that alAverage Min Max lows ASA membership Trait located in the south and Average Live Weight 1,575 lbs 1,118 lbs 1,810 lbs southeast to learn about Average Carc Weight 931 lbs 652 lbs 1,080 lbs and participate in the Average Dressing Percent 61.6% 61% 62% process of feeding and harAverage Fat Thickness 0.39 in 0.20 in 0.65 in vesting cattle. Members Average Ribeye Area 16.2 sq in 13.8 sq in 18.30 sq in who have an interest in 457 (USDA Sm 57) 300 (Sl 00) 560 (Mt 60) retaining ownership of Average Marbling Score Average Yield Grade USDA 2.3 USDA 1 USDA 4 their own genetics can enroll calves into the program where Graham Feeders will manage calves up until the point of slaughter. These participating animals are automatically enrolled in the Carcass Expansion Project (CXP), a research genotyping initiative meant to contribute much-needed carcass and genomic data to the ASA genetic evaluation. In 2020-2021, a total of three members enrolled a total of 18 animals. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension specialist, Dr. Joe Paschal, collected all relevant carcass data on finished calves and reported those results back to the owners. Those data are summarized in the chart to the right. All animals were A maturity with no discounts or disqualifications. Generally, individual LIVE and SALE weights (4% shrink) are calculated from the average lot dressing percent. Carcass weight averaged 931 lbs. (652 - 1080). A range of 700 - 950 lbs. is recommended but there is no discount for heavier carcasses. The average dressing percent was 61.6%. The average 12-13th rib fat thickness was .39 inches (.20 - .65). It takes .40 inches of fat thickness to increase calculated Yield Grade (YG) by one score (higher scores are less desirable). Fat thickness is usually adjusted upwards slightly as rib fat may not account for fat deposition in other areas, especially in Brahman influenced breeds. This affects cutability or carcass yield. Ribeye area (REA) averaged a desirable 16.2 square inches (13.8 – 18.3). A range of 11.0 to 15.0 is recommended. For every 3.0 sq. in. of REA above 11.0, YG is reduced (more desirable) by one score. Marbling score (MS) averaged 457 (370 - 560) or USDA Small 57. The
The American Simmental Association Steer Feedout, which includes Simbrahs is conducted at Graham Feedyards.
SLS 11-12-21 Section II
PAGE 4B
11/9/21
4:20 PM
Page 4
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021
7P...
herd has changed. These cattle and a sizable herd of days, in addition to (mostly Brahman cows grazing (Continued from page 1) polled) red and black green, mostly coastal pascountry – good calving ease Simmental, you can also tures in East Texas. and numbers. The Ameri- find top-quality Sim-Angus “About 15-20 years ago, can Simmental Association (ASA) has been a real leader in EPDs. We primarily breed purebred cattle for commercial producers so the bulls we sell need to be practical with performance behind them.” To provide the genetics and traits that cattle commercial buyers want, AI has been the backbone of the 7P breeding program since 1974-75. Over the years, the makeup of the 7P Ranch offers bulls through their spring and fall sales. Offering includes black Simmentals and SimAngus bulls like this one.
we bought a set of Brahman cows to put with Hereford bulls because people wanted the Braford females. So, we bred some replacement heifers to add to our sale offering. Then about four years ago, Dr. Charles Long at the Texas A&M AgriLife Center in Overton asked me what I thought about using sexed semen.” Prud’homme went to J.D. Hudgins for top-quality sexed Brahman semen for use on Simmental cows. The Simbrah cattle produced from those matings impressed him greatly – not
SOUTHERN LIVESTOCK STANDARD the least of which because the sexed semen gave him 95% heifers. “These were the gentlest cattle on the place,” Prud’homme explains. “We don’t horse them around and you can move them all over the place just with your voice. Simbrah cattle are just dog-gentle; if you don’t want to get up close and personal with them, you better keep your window closed. “That is important to our customers, because they want gentle cattle, too. Life is too short to put up with cattle that are wild.
Plus, they all had perfect udders and the calving ease was built into them. And you just can’t beat that hybrid vigor you get from crossbreeding,” he adds. “The market for Simbrah heifers in this area is real strong.” The halfblood Simbrahs are registered with the ASA and can be used in a breeding up program to a purebred status and are eligible to be Golden Certified registered with the American Brahman Breeders Association. When customers buy cattle from 7P Ranch, no matter the breed, they can be sure what they see is what they’re going to get at home. That’s because their sale cattle are not put on feed before the sale (with one exception in 2011 during an extreme drought). He wants customers to be able to turn his cattle out on grass without falling to pieces. The calves also don’t get creep feed, for two reasons: a) fall-born calves at 7P have been known to gain 3-3.5 lbs. on overseeded winter pasture and b) the menace of feral hogs make creep feeding impractical. Having just hosted his 43rd annual sale in October, Prud’homme can back up his management philosophy with plenty of repeat buyers over the course of four decades. The ranch has two sales a year. They have an annual production sale in October with yearling to 2-year-old red and black Simmental and SimAngus bulls, plus bred heifers and bred commercial F-1 Simbrah heifers. The annual bull sale is held in February. After Mary passed in 2009, their youngest daughter, Shelia, stepped up to the plate to help fulfill Mary’s sale duties and she now helps with marketing and advertising. Daughterin-law Martha helps with the sale these days, too. The rest of the 7P family includes daughter Carol who lives in New York and daughter Sharon, a kindergarten teacher in Arlington. Plus, two sons, Steven and Joey who coached together at Nolan High School in Fort Worth for 26 years (Steven in basketball and Joey in football). Today, Steven is the associate director of Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TA PPS), and Joey is the head football coach Texas Wesleyan University hired (Continued on page 7)
SLS 11-12-21 Section II
11/9/21
4:20 PM
Page 5
SOUTHERN LIVESTOCK STANDARD
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021
PAGE 5B
Bull breeding soundness evaluation By Lew Strickland, DVM Are your bulls fit for service? Failure to properly evaluate bulls prior to and during the breeding season can result in huge economic losses, yet it is estimated that only about 10 percent of beef bulls in the nation undergo a bull breeding soundness evaluation. A bull’s fertility can be considered fertile, sub-fertile or sterile. Sub-fertile bulls may eventually get cows
pregnant, but they will take much longer than fertile bulls to settle a group of cows. The result is that subfertile bulls produce fewer calves and a poorly matched group of calves that are born later, and are therefore younger and lighter at weaning. In either situation, sub-fertile bulls produce fewer pounds of beef per exposed cow, affecting the economic profitability of a cow-calf
Simbrah - SimAngusHTT M Red & Black SimGenetic Hybrids The ones that can take the heat, humidity, insects and also perform!
Herd Bull Prospects Opens & Bred Replacement Heifers to LBW SimAngusHTTM Bull For Sale Private Treaty
327 CR 459 Lott, TX 76656 Home/Office: 254-984-2225 Cell: 956-802-6995
www.filegoniacattle.com bethmercer1974@gmail.com
operation. A bull breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) is a uniform method of assessing a bull’s likelihood of establishing pregnancy in an appropriate number of open, healthy, cycling cows or heifers in a defined breeding season. A bull BSE includes the following four components: 1. Physical exam Evaluates the physical characteristics of a bull necessary for mobility in the pasture, structural soundness, and overall internal and external reproductive tract development. 2. Scrotal circumference. Evaluates testicular size and health, as well as estimating the bull’s spermproducing capacity. Bulls must meet minimum scrotal circumference measurements based on age in order to pass a BSE. The required measurements are less than or equal to 15 months 30 cm, greater than 15-18 months 31 cm, greater than 18-21 months 32 cm, greater than 21-24 months 33cm, greater than 24 months 34 cm. 3. Sperm motility Ensures that the bull is producing sufficient numbers of live motile sperm. Bulls must have at least 30 percent progressively motile spermatozoa to pass a BSE. 4. Sperm morphology Ensures that the bull is producing sperm that are properly shaped and capable of fertilization. Bulls must produce at least 70 percent normal sperm out of a count of 100 to pass a BSE. The recommended minimum requirements for scrotal circumference, sperm motility and sperm morphology are outlined by the Society for Theriogenology (therio.org). Additional factors influencing the number of cows a bull can breed in a season include pasture size and terrain, physical soundness, age of the bull, libido, number of bulls in the group, etc. Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation Based on the results of the BSE, a bull is then assigned to one of three classifications: 1. Satisfactory potential breeder (fertile). (Continued on page 7)
POWER
Smith Got To Move 29H-This female, owned with Smith Genetics, is destined for the donor pen. We're excited to have her, as she is a daughter of Crockett (also pictured). He is functional, sound and delivers power and performance. He has some top ranking EPDs and his daughters are in demand.
Smith Got To Move 29H
CODY TRIESCH 219 Peaceful Lane Blanco, Texas 78606 512/750-2338
Smith WLTRS Crockett
SLS 11-12-21 Section II
11/9/21
4:21 PM
Page 6
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021
PAGE 6B
Don’t let “feed price sticker shock” paralyze your management By Kevin Laurent, University of Kentucky Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Extension specialist The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only constant in life is change” and boy have things been changing lately. Given all the negativity that seems to catch the headlines, there has been some positive changes in the cattle markets. The late summer price rise in heavy feeders is historically normal. What’s not so normal is heavy
feeder prices have held their ground and, in some cases, strengthened as we have entered the fall runs. This contra-seasonal move in the market is good news for beef producers, especially for folks backgrounding or preconditioning calves this fall and winter. This recent market move along with a generally favorable market outlook was a one of several
sticker shock” when making management decisions. We all know that feed areas that Dr. Kenny prices are higher this fall Burdine covered in his than they were this time keynote presentation at the recent Stockmanship and Stewardship School in Bowling Green, Kentucky. However, as good and informative as this presentation was, the one statement my good friend Kenny made that stuck with me the most was when With current feed prices, if there he warned producers not to was ever a time to test your hay it fall victim to “feed price is this year!
SOUTHERN LIVESTOCK STANDARD last year. But what we need to remind ourselves is that the biology of our cows has not changed since last year, meaning that we still need to provide balanced nutrition for desired outcomes. So how do we overcome “Feed Price Sticker Shock” and avoid management paralysis? Inventory your feed resources and test your hay/forage. With current feed prices, if there was ever a time to test your hay it is this year. Many county extension offices provide this service free of charge. Once you get those results back, plug the numbers
into the UK Beef Cow Forage Supplement Tool forage-supplement-tool. ca.uky.edu to determine what supplement you will need. You may find that some of your poorer hay will still meet the needs of a dry cow in mid gestation. Those are the cows you just weaned. Consider closing some gates and feeding weaned dry cows hay now and saving stockpiled forage for closer to calving.. Maintain body condition and supplement cows if needed. Make sure cows are in body condition score 5-6 by calving time. This means no visible backbone, hooks/hip bones or middle ribs. Supplementing hay this fall and winter and having cows in proper condition at calving will result in stronger calves at birth and higher quality colostrum. After calving, continue to meet nutritional needs. For spring calving herds, the February/March period can be the most challenging time to maintain body condition. Use any available stockpiled fescue and/or supplement hay diets with the proper concentrates. Don’t try and make it on hay alone. Obviously, if your hay is good enough to maintain body condition you can just feed hay. But we know most of the time our hay is not sufficient to get this done. Let’s use a 30 cow herd and a decent hay that tested 9% protein and 54% TDN on a dry matter basis for an example. We know that lactating cows need a diet that is roughly 11% protein and 60% TDN to maintain condition. We plug the hay numbers into the UK Beef Cow Forage Supplement Tool and it recommends either 4 lbs. of dried distillers or 5-6 lbs. of 50:50 soyhull:gluten. So, what will that cost? Let’s say feed is $300 per ton. If we feed 5 lbs. for 60 days (February/March) that will cost $45/cow or $1350 total. Remember how you manage prior to and after calving also affects breed back rate and the 2023 calf crop which could be the highest value calves we have sold in recent years. Proper feeding may be the difference between a 70% 2023 calf crop and a 90% 2023 calf crop. In a 30 cow herd, that could be a difference of six additional higher value calves to sell in the fall of 2023. The $1350 you spend on supplement this winter could reap huge dividends in 2023. (Continued on page 8)
SLS 11-12-21 Section II
11/9/21
4:21 PM
Page 7
SOUTHERN LIVESTOCK STANDARD
Evaluation... (Continued from page 5)
This classification indicates that the bull: •Passed a physical exam. •Met the minimum requirements for scrotal circumference.
7P...
(Continued from page 4)
in 2017 to restart their football team after a 76-year hiatus. During their marriage, the Prud’hommes received several awards, including in 2004 the highest honor bestowed by the World Simmental Foundation, the Golden Book Award. This award recognized them for making noteworthy contributions to the Simmental and Simbrah breeds. They also served in numerous volunteer leadership organizations, including the Texas Simmental/Simbrah Association, East Texas Beef Industry Roundtable, East Texas Piney Woods Cattle Women, the Texas Beef Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Today, Prud’homme still does surgeries, even
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021
•Has at least 30 percent sperm motility. •Produces at least 70 percent normal sperm. 2. Unsatisfactory potential breeder (sub-fertile or sterile). The bull did not pass at least one of the four components of the BSE. This
does not mean this bull cannot impregnate cows. It means that this bull will not efficiently breed cows, and it is not recommended to use these bulls. 3. Deferred. The bull did not pass at least one of the four components of the BSE due to a
after an injury to one of his hands. But his volunteer time is limited to serving on the board of Tyler Junior College, where he once played basketball. On the ranch, his righthand man is Tom Barker who has been the ranch manager at 7P since 2009. Tom, wife Laurie and son Thomas live on the ranch. Warren Garrett has also been involved in the ranch’s promotional efforts for many years. He also mentioned that he has had great respect for the Carlos Guerra family and the impact they have made on youth and youth programs in the beef industry. You might wonder if there are any commonalities between practicing medicine and breeding seedstock cattle. “You do have to be somewhat self-confident to
be a surgeon, but I hate arrogance,” Prud’homme says. “You just have to believe that you can do it as good as anybody else can to be successful. That might sound arrogant, but I sure don’t mean it that way. You also need that confidence to be successful in ranching. “You also have to be something of a risk taker. It takes a lot of money to develop land and I am board certified in borrowing money,” he jokes. “You have to be creative, and you get to see if what you did qualifies as a success or not. I’ve made my share of mistakes over the last 50 years, but one thing I do know is you don’t go all in on one bull. Prud’homme adds, “There are sacrifices in ranching, like your standard of living, but it’s just a very satisfying business.”
PAGE 7B
condition that may resolve with time or treatment. A “deferred” bull should be rechecked at a later date recommended by the examining veterinarian. A BSE does not evaluate a bull’s libido, nor does it ensure that a bull will remain a satisfactory potential breeder the entire
breeding season. An injury to a bull’s hooves, legs or reproductive tract may render a bull incapable of breeding your cows. Therefore, it is still extremely important to observe your bulls regularly to ensure they are doing their job. A BSE also does not guarantee that bulls are free of
infectious diseases, so consult with your veterinarian on what diagnostic tests may or may not be appropriate for your bull(s). The extra pounds of beef per exposed cow will more than pay for the BSE, so contact your veterinarian for a bull BSE prior to the next breeding season.
Feedlot...
Select (28%), and 1 graded standard (5%). The USDA YG averaged 1.9 (1 – 4). Higher USDA YG is often caused by heavier carcass weights, fatter carcasses, and smaller REA (or lower muscling relative to FAT). These results indicate the relative success this group of cattle performed relative to the national beef cattle average, particularly for the region in which these cattle were raised and developed. Carcass data is
the fuel that drives a successful carcass genetic evaluation, and also allows members to showcase their genetics are providing value to the industry in the form of real dollars. For more information regarding ASA carcass programs and to inquire about Graham Carcass Feedout participation, please contact Lane Giess at lgiess@simmgene.com or Luke Bowman at lbowman@simmgene.com.
(Continued from page 3)
cular) carcasses have higher (less desirable yield grades). The USDA grader assigns the QG and YG at the plant. Differences between marbling score and USDA QG and between carcass measurements and YG do exist for various reasons as is seen in a few of these cattle. Of the 18 head, 12 graded Choice (66%), 5 graded
Cattle on feed at Graham Feedyards.
SLS 11-12-21 Section II
11/9/21
4:22 PM
Page 8
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021
PAGE 8B
Next generation cattle innovation By Kindra Gordon The global pandemic is being blamed for several negative influences in the world, particularly related to economic and social issues. But, one positive outcome emerging is the accelerating adoption of technology disruptors to make enhancements to industries, businesses and everyday lives.
Dan Thomson, chair of the Iowa State University Animal Science Department, pointed out during a virtual webinar this past year that the world was “going to wait a generation or two before adopting some technology, but now technology is being used,” and as a result, Thomson says, “It’s made us younger
Simbrah-Available in Quantity Bulls, Bred Heifers and Yearling Heifers
as a country and a world.” Likewise, international tech guru Aidan Connolly has said, “Waiting for it [the pandemic] to be over is a mistake.” Instead, his advice to business and industry is “start thinking about embracing change and doing things differently. It’s going to make us better in the end.” Connolly is CEO of Cainthus, an Ireland-based computer vision technology company that develops products for monitoring feeding events and cow behavior. Ultimately, technology is creating a “new frontier” and agriculture is a beneficiary. Connolly points to video conferencing like Zoom, as essential tools to communicate, educate and provide telemedicine services, particularly when the pandemic and other factors prevent in-person visits. Technology to host cattle sales – or buy food for takeout from a favorite restaurant – is also being credited with keeping the world’s economy afloat during the past year. And most economists agree that these technology changes and differ-
Sticker shock... (Continued from page 6)
Call us and we will be happy to visit with you about our program and the individuals we have for sale.
Jud & Margie Flowers 12111 North Bryan Road • Mission, Texas 78541 956/207-2087 • judf@lonestarcitrus.com FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
Don’t abandon preconditioning and backgrounding programs. Currently, price spreads between unweaned bawling calves and weaned value added calves has narrowed dramatically. Average prices for the week of 10/17/2110/23/21 for medium and large 1-2 525-575 lb. steers were $154.11 – $146.35, whereas 675 to 825 value added steers ranged from $153.13 – $151.58. With this value of gain, preconditioning and backgrounding budgets still look favorable even in the face of higher feed costs. Remember, calves need to gain to make these programs work. Feeding at 2% body weight of a 14-16% protein concentrate feed is still the best practice for the 60-90 day preconditioning programs. Finally, try and stay positive. There is lots of negativity out there, so try and filter the negative and concentrate on the good. Its times like these that challenge us to do a little better and rethink some of our habits and practices. Market dynamics are good so let’s negotiate our way through these high input times so we can be there to reap the benefits of better prices and times.
ent ways of doing business are here to stay. As well, technologies of the future may help address and enhance supply chain challenges, lack of labor, and individual animal (or acre) management. Here, Connolly highlights many of the technologies being explored within the ag sector. On the horizon Sensors. The use of sensors and wearable technologies are advancing to monitor individual animals, instead of working from herd averages. Wearable sensors on an animal’s ears, neck, legs or tail can now track and manage a cow’s health, detect illness or disease, and monitor cow comfort and welfare. As this technology progresses, the goal will be to circumvent negative effects before they impact performance and production. Artificial intelligence. Precision agriculture tools have already helped agriculture collect data, but without the ability to interpret and manage the data it can be useless. Artificial intelligence is being developed to sort through data and highlight the information that is important for
SOUTHERN LIVESTOCK STANDARD the producer – and eventually may have the ability to automate some decision making based on benchmarks that are set by the producer. As well, facial recognition technology is being explored to dispense feed and specific nutrients to livestock as they come to the bunk or water trough. Companies like Connolly’s Cainthus are developing algorithms that can monitor cow activity, feeding, drinking and cow movement. On the crop side, artificial intelligence is already being used to determine maturity of some fruit crops, and thus, could be useful for grain production and harvest as well. Robots or autonomous. Robotic milking machines are a well-known application for robots in the dairy industry, and are increasing efficiencies and replacing human labor needs. As well, driverless tractors and equipment are moving toward reality. For the future, as robots are developed for additional livestock sectors, opportunities for medical and health assessments using transponders or sensors are also being explored. Several experts believe that
because these tools are a labor and time saver – they may get fast-tracked in agriculture. 3-D printing. Printing machine parts is likely one of the most anticipated applications for rural producers and small businesses. Virtual reality. Defined as an environment that can be interacted within a seemingly real way through electronic equipment, virtual reality applications in agriculture include farm tours and veterinary (or employee) training. For instance, some veterinary students are using virtual reality to learn the reproductive and rectal tracts of the cow, enabling them to practice fertility examinations such as pregnancy detection or determine reproductive concerns, which can be safer for both animal and student. Virtual reality films of farms are also becoming more popular, with the potential to allow consumers to better understand where their food comes from. Blockchain. As consumers increasingly become interested in where their food comes from and how it is produced, (Continued on page 10)
SMITH DESIGNATED HITTER 71FSenior herd sire for our program
He is sired by Smith Shortstop, a Dream On Son and out of Smith JCC Accessorized, a Smith Satisfies daughter that traces back to Smith Nu Wave II and the great Oprah, maternally. He is polled and he’s transmitting superior weaning weights to all his calves. He’s knocking it out of the park for quality, pounds and growth! Visit our website, or better yet come see our program and our Designated Hitter calves.
Mark Melson P.O. Box 1085 Caldwell, Texas 77836
979/777-0771
melsonsimbrah@gmail.com
www.melsonsimbrah.com
SLS 11-12-21 Section II
11/9/21
4:22 PM
Page 9
SOUTHERN LIVESTOCK STANDARD
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021
PAGE 9B
Five tips to keeping livestock vaccines viable on farm By Igrow Vaccines are crucial to keeping livestock healthy and productive. While vaccines do not provide absolute protection, the “added insurance” helps stimulate the animal’s immune system and increases its ability to fight off an infection or lessen the impact of disease if it should occur. However, with timing, labor constraints and the necessity for boosters, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Veterinarian and State Public Health Veterinarian Russ Daly says there are several factors to consider before implementing a vaccination program. “Herd history, vaccine type, method of administration and age of animal all come into play, so it is critical for producers to work with their local veterinarian in developing a vaccination program,” Daly says. “They have experience with and knowledge of the many different vaccines, as well as the disease issues in area herds.” Most vaccines are either modified-live virus (MLV) or inactivated “killed.” MLV vaccines contain whole germs that have been altered such that, while they are able to multiply within the body, their ability to cause disease has been taken away. Inactivated vaccines contain bacteria or viruses that have been inactivated by heat or chemicals. Whether the producer/ veterinarian team chooses an inactivated or MLV vaccination program, Daly says it’s important that the vaccines don’t go past their prime. “Proteins are the major components of the organisms that make up both killed and MLV vaccines, and they disintegrate according to two major factors: time and temperature. As time passes, the proteins that make up the vaccine organisms break up into smaller parts. Eventually, given enough time, there will no longer be enough intact organisms to effectively stimulate an immune response,” Daly says. “Also, storage temperatures higher than label recommendations will result in a quicker rate of disintegration and will reduce the effectiveness of any vaccine, whether inactivated or MLV. At the other extreme, freezing tempera-
tures will also adversely affect vaccines.” In addition to time and temperature, common disinfectants and ultraviolent light can reduce the viability of modified-live organisms. “Modified-live vaccines will only remain viable for an hour or two following their rehydration, even if they are kept cool,” Daly says. Daly recommends the following tips for handling, storing and using vaccines: 1. Purchasing vaccines and equipment: Observe
expiration dates prior to purchase. Purchase the appropriate type and sufficient number of needles for the job. Plan on replacing needles when they become bent, dull or dirty, and before drawing up vaccine into the syringe. 2. Transporting and storing vaccines: Keep boxes and bottles cool and out of sunlight while in transport. Use frozen ice packs in an insulated box in the summer and prevent vaccines from freezing in the winter. Prior to use,
store vaccines in a properly working refrigerator. 3. Equipment and work area: Use clean syringes, but not those that have had internal parts cleaned with soap or chemical disinfectants, including alcohol. Set up an area for syringes such that they are shaded and kept cool and dust-free while working. 4. While working: Keep vaccine bottles in a closed cooler with ice packs (summer) or hot packs (winter) until they are needed. When using MLV vaccines,
rehydrate the vials either one at a time as they are needed or as many as you will use within an hour. Always use a brand-new needle to draw vaccine into the syringe. Protect syringes from heat, light and freezing while working. When using needlefree injection systems, or syringes that draw doses from a tube attached to the vaccine bottle, care should be taken to assure the bottle and tubing stay cool and shaded from sunlight. 5. After the job is com-
plete: Discard any unused MLV vaccine that has been reconstituted. Discard any partial bottles of inactivated vaccine that have been contaminated by dirty needles. Return unmixed MLV and unused inactivated vaccines to a properly working refrigerator as soon as possible. Clean syringes, transfer needles and tubing. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on proper cleaning and maintenance of needlefree injection systems. SLS
SLS 11-12-21 Section II
11/9/21
4:22 PM
Page 10
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021
PAGE 10B
Generation...
(Continued from page 8)
blockchain can connect the supply chain from producer to consumer and allow for food traceability and safety. Drones. Ag applications for drones include inspecting the herd or fences or aiding in herding cows. Some cattlemen in Australia are reportedly already doing this. Combining drones with visual sensors can then survey land and measure pasture growth. According to research conducted in
Belgium and reported in the Remote Sensing research journal, drones outfitted with sensing equipment were accurate at predicting forage height, biomass and forage quality. Additionally, drones with thermal imaging may allow locating and tracking cows in fields with dense cover, or to track animal temperatures and identify abnormal behavior. Augmented reality. Defined as the integration of digital information with the user’s environment in real time, this technology may allow producers an
alternative way to monitor and evaluate livestock. For example, wearing specialized tech googles may allow a farmer to immediately see stats relating to each individual cow overlaid through the glasses into the farmer’s field of vision. This technology may especially benefit the veterinary field. It also has applications for training employees or even guiding machinery repair. One projection calls for augmented reality to rise from $2.4 billion in 2018 to $48.2 billion in 2025. SLS
SOUTHERN LIVESTOCK STANDARD
Calendar of Events...
• Nov 20-23-LMC & Friends Giving THANKS Online Sale VII • Dec. 4-Tom Brothers Opening Day Private Treaty Bull Sale, Campbellton, Texas • Jan. 24-Fort Worth Stock Show Junior Simbrah Show, Fort Worth, Texas • Jan. 30-Fort Worth Stock Show Open Simbrah Show, Fort Worth, Texas • Feb. 5-Fort Worth Livestock Show Commercial Female Sale, Fort Worth, Texas • Feb. 10-San Angelo Stock Show Junior Simbrah (ARB) Show, San Angelo, Texas • Feb. 12-San Antonio Stock Show Open Simbrah Show, San Antonio, Texas • Feb. 16-San Antonio Stock Junior Simbrah Show, San Antonio, Texas • Feb. 16-San Antonio Livestock Show All Breed Bull and Commercial Female Sale, San Antonio, Texas • Feb. 17-Simbrah-Simmental Superbowl, San Antonio, Texas •Feb. 19-7P Ranch Annual Spring Sale, Tyler, Texas • Mar 2-Houston Livestock Show Open Simbrah Show, Houston, Texas • Mar 11-Houston Livestock Show Junior Simbrah Show, Houston, Texas • Mar 24-Austin Livestock Show Junior Simbrah Show, Houston, Texas
For updated Simbrah dates and events, please refer to the home page on www.simbrahworld.com.
CHRIS BAKER A member of Smith Genetics Kentucky Division Chris Baker 1560 Spillman, Morning View, Kentucky 41063 859/630-3052 For more information contact Tim Smith, consultant 512/587-7896
KENTUCKY DIVISION Quarter Horses, Simmental and Simbrah Cattle
Calves on their way out of Smith Diva's Dancing Queen
WLE Smith Big Wig H39 A black polled Simmental bull with a top 15% ranking for weaning and top 20% for TI.
Jason Smith, Aimee & Andy Nienaber, Lisa & Nathan Naive, William & Beth Smith For information contact Tim Smith, smithgenetics1@gmail.com • 512/587-7896
B & M Cattle has a really simple mission, we want to produce the type of cattle that perform well in the pasture, yet still compete in the show ring. With an aggressive AI program, utilizing some top genetics of both the past and present and females from top breeders, we strive to have calves that are functionally correct. Our herd sire, Smith Gaston, a son of RFI Real Deal, is loading his calves with power, mass, and muscle. His calves are showing a lot of style and performance.
GIVE US A CALL FOR YOUR SHOW CALF PROJECTS, HERD SIRES OR REPLACEMENT FEMALES.
Brandon and Mary Hebert 7500 Harris Road • Bell City, LA 70630 • 337/370-8864 Brandonhebert60@gmail.com
SLS 11-12-21 Section II
11/9/21
4:23 PM
Page 11
SOUTHERN LIVESTOCK STANDARD
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021
PAGE 11B
American Simbrah - The World’s Breed Please Contact These Progressive Breeders Floyd Goodwin
SIMMENTAL AND SIMBRAH GENETICS
PUREBRED SIMBRAH CATTLE
Utilizing the genetics of Smith Bella Bella
Bob and Tammy Maiorano 678 Moss Rose Lane • Driftwood, Texas 78619 Tim Smith Consultant 512/587-7896 smithgenetics1@gmail.com
Cattle located in Caldwell, Texas 512/659-0218 Consultant: Mark Nelson 979/777-0771
6899 Rossignol Road Bell City,LA 70630 Doug Schultz • 337.540.8901 Craig Schultz • 337.802.2173 Email:lazysfranch@live.com
Robertson Farms
Grinstead Dan & Kris Grinstead Iowa City, Iowa
Smith Bella Kris 08A-A daughter of Smith Matt N Black and Smith Bella Bella.
Ryan Robertson
Contact Tim Smith, Consultant 512/587-7896 - smithgenetics1@gmail.com
Heart of Texas Simmental/Simbrah Association Keith Strack, President Cell: 281/455-5896 keith.strack@yahoo.com
TAYLOR SIMBRAH JASON TAYLOR
14846 South Hwy 183 Luling, TX 78648 512-217-6205 rtfarms@gmail.com
jctaylor9619@gmail.com 281/830-2222
SHALLOW WATER RANCH
Anthony Lopez
Your Leading Source for Black Simbrah Cattle - Since 1993
REGISTERED BLACK SIMBRAH BULLS FOR SALE
Bobby & Jeanne Thornhill 21501 CR 496 Rising Star, TX 76471
SWR Black Chief Homozygous black, purebred Simbrah.
Ranch 254-643-6715 Cell 325-647-4030
Jeff and Erin Glueck 4079 Cat Spring Road Cat Spring, Texas 78933 979/733-4544
KATHY HUTTO
Cattle located in Houston area
281/414-6187 Incorporating genetics like this Smith Just anthonyphiliplopez@gmail.com Because x Smith Makin Moves daughter
Ronnie Reeves 9660 FM 713 Dale, Texas 78616
512/507-5719 rrtransport@gmail.com Senior Herd Sire Smith Born To Dare
9660 FM 713 Dale, Texas 78616 512/507-5718
Percentage sire sired by WHF Devil’s Cut and out of the great Oprah. He is polled and has a top 3% ranking for API and 4% for TI.
Embryos for sale sired by Charismatic
Simmental and Simbrah
Breeding High Quality Simbrah Cattle
BURCH CATTLE
Smith I’m Priceless 037Ea feature donor in our program
361/563-3124 Address 44408 Moccasin Trail Rd • Meeker, OK 74855
For cattle information contact Tim Smith, 512/587-7896
Smith Charming N Lively at work in our program. Inquiries Welcomed.
LOTT, TEXAS • 254-721-9615
The Sansom Family
SIMMENTAL AND SIMBRAH CATTLE
Don, Anika, Kayla and Jakob 2103 Tigerpoint, Brenham, Texas 77833 Don: 979/203-6583 • Anika: 325/200-8543
Fisher Family Cattle 979.255.0332 Simmental • Simbrah • SimAngus Genetics
SLS 11-12-21 Section II
11/9/21
4:24 PM
Page 12
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021
PAGE 12B
SOUTHERN LIVESTOCK STANDARD
Control what you can control
2) Certain truths are truth – NO ONE BREED By Chip Kemp, director of American Simmental Association/International pant as too many have forgot the value of responsible nearly never spoken about corners the market on all Genetic Solutions commercial and industry operations Many have written endless articles on the varying pitfalls of our chosen profession. In the interest of full disclosure, I’m guilty of that exact thing. But, in truth, we can boil it down to controlling those things we can control to set ourselves up to better navigate the challenges of those things we cannot control. Complex? Yes. But, at the
same time it can often be elegantly simple as well. Reality. If I’m addicted to shiny metal and wheels this business gets hard. If I’m trying to build a profitable beef business while paying suburban property prices this business gets hard. In a commoditybased business model long term profits force to zero. What are you doing to buck
that trend? On the other hand, there are some easy and evident truths. 1) The “short-term cow” is a long-term problem. Lack of female longevity will cripple an outfit. She can’t make a fancy enough calf or a heavy enough calf to make that okay. Lack of cow “stayability” has become ram-
crossbreeding as they chase terminal benefits without regard for a whole enterprise profit picture. Maybe this isn’t true at your ranch. However, I’d wager if most of us did a thorough business analysis we’d realize that we have built an unsustainable business trajectory as we’ve deluded or deceived ourselves about the maternal merit of our cow herd.
in our business. They are taboo. We know them to be true, but we live in a world where blue ribbons abound and as such everybody bites their lip and side steps the truth. One such truth – some breeds struggle to provide the feedlot performance, or carcass merit, or consumer measurables that are presently demanded to get top dollar for feeder calves. Another
those traits. Yet another fact. Responsibly crossed cattle prove to be the most consistently profitable cattle. I can pile up numerous academic articles, papers, and research summaries. But maybe it is more meaningful when we realize where the industry puts its dollars. In 2020, calves from Continental sires (SimAngus and Charolais) topped the large Superior Livestock Auction summer sales. Or, when one dissects the Tri County Carcass Futurity data from Iowa those same sire groups (Simmental influenced and Charolais influenced) generated terminal calves that garnered larger checks from the packer than any other sire group. To be clear, these two things are linked. When feedlots make more on responsibly crossed cattle, they tend to pay up to get more of those calves into their yard. Simple business sense. 3) Neither #1 or #2 happen by accident. It takes serious commitment to data collection and credible and humble scientists to analyze the data. You can benefit from those efforts by demanding multi-breed EPDs that allow you to directly compare bulls of different breed types. Additionally, demand a credible whole life cycle index and a reliable terminal index so that you have the appropriate tools to fit your management approach. Use the whole life cycle index if you are retaining daughters. If you purchase your females, put the terminal index to work. Indexes make the complex straightforward. 4) Ask your seedstock provider how they can help you balance breed complementarity and heterosis to add female longevity in your environment and feeder calf value to your family’s business. If your seedstock provider ignores these facts or denies the benefits of crossbreeding to your commercial program, then ask them to defend their position. If they can’t suitably do that, then why are they your seedstock provider?
210/524-9697 slivestock@southernlivestock.com