The Lot 2 bull in the 2024 Ellingson Sale from the now deceased Pathfinder dam EA Emeblynette 6049 & Ellingson Prolific. Profile is the full brother to the $295,000 Lot 1 bull. +93 Weaning Weight, +158 Yearling Weight, and top 1% Claw, Angle & Carcass Weight
With SITZ Barricade 630F semen virtually unavailable, we added this outcross from the legendary donor, SITZ Henrietta Pride Y2. Kade offers impeccable claw and leg structure, with high fertility. Exciting times are ahead for this young sire.
Thank you to Nordal for allowing the opportunity to partner on an outstanding sire.
THE REAL WORLD
OUR COMMERCIAL MARKET PLACE
BY CHRIS POLEY
Mother nature has finally been kind to all folks in agriculture. Forage should be plentiful, and we will have lots of straw again. The lush pastures will add pounds to the calf crop and their mothers will benefit accordingly. With the shortage of beef being in placements and on the kill floor, we are looking for record prices with heavy stockers leading the way. Slaughter cows and bulls are very strong as the processors are looking for products to grind.
This market strength suggests early careful culling. The most expensive cow on the ranch is an open cow. At these price levels, one cannot afford to feed old Bessie no matter how attached she is to the family. Remember that she will consume the same amount of grass and space as her contemporaries that have calves at foot. While you are cleaning house, don’t forget to analyze your late calvers, fence crawlers and the cow that chased you out of the pen last spring. The strength and demand for beef suggests early marketing to avoid the big rush later in the fall... a wise economic decision.
The female replacement bred heifer market this past spring was strong in price but relatively low in numbers, suggesting that rebuilding of the low cow herd has not yet begun. The spring rains supplied grass and filled most ponds and dugouts and increased demand for young breeding stock. We suggest purchasing purebred seedstock in the marketplace this fall. Many of the females selling this fall are young and stem from the current industry’s leading genetics. When selecting purebred females, you will have available the genetics, ages, breeding dates and pregnancy information... young breeding individuals with a future.
For those experienced cattleman who elect to retire and have established a high-quality herd of livestock, a visit with your accountant will be very prudent... those jack-asses in the nation’s capital seem to change tax laws using your money!
- MARKET UPDATE -
July 2, 2024 | For Immediate Release
Last week’s federally inspected cattle harvest came in a bit larger at 620,000 head, the largest sum since the week of April 29. June, however, tends to be one of the largest harvest months of the year so this uptick is within seasonal expectations.
Analyst estimates of packer margins are indicating returns in the general range of plus $20/cwt. in recent days. This is a good sign for the supply chain, regardless of sector, given the importance of profitability to incentivize throughput with record-heavy carcass weights.
Fed cattle prices have been exciting lately as Nebraska and Iowa prices have topped the market in the $199/cwt. range on a live basis over the past two weeks. This level is a feature of a region that’s running short on market-ready cattle supply.
Weekly Slaughter
Fed Steer Price
Steer Carcass Wt.
CAB Cutout
Choice Cutout
Select Cutout
CH/SE Spread
CAB/CH Spread
At the same time the price spread from north to south has been exceptionally large with a $188/cwt. to $190/cwt. range capturing much of Texas and Kansas prices. Kansas has been a bit of a split market from a price perspective with some of those cattle moving north to Nebraska and consequently priced a bit higher to match the destination.
June Live Cattle futures have struggled to keep up with the cash market and as of this Monday, the contract traded at $188/cwt. That was only good enough to match the low end of the cash trading range in Texas. This Wednesday June Live Cattle shot up $2.65/cwt. with the current $192/cwt. valuation just short of the contract high set back in September.
Last Friday’s June 1 Cattle on Feed report indicated a much higher number for May cattle placements in feedlots compared to analysts’ forecasts. The average of the forecasts came in at 98.7% of a year ago but the report stated placements in May were 104.3% of a year ago. May placements are typically quite large in comparison to other months and the two prior months were quite reduced compared to last year.
Summer Turns Up with Grinds
Beef market veterans know the onset of summer brings on the “dog days of summer” for beef consumption trends. This means that middle meat steak items, perfect for grilling during spring holidays, begin to take a backseat. As temperatures heat up consumers change focus toward lighter fare, focusing beef demand trends toward ground beef for burgers, especially ahead of Independence Day.
Although carcass cutout values continue to increase in recent data, they remain several cents below a year ago. This is not so for ground beef prices, as declining domestic cull cow slaughter only pressures 90% lean grinding material supply.
Fed steer and heifer cuts, primarily from the round primal, are being called upon to lend more support than normal to the lean grind supplies. This is evidenced by many weeks of elevated values on peeled knuckles and outside round, otherwise known as bottom round flat.
As well, the Choice/Select price spread is much more narrow than in 2023, currently at $16.64/cwt. Middle meats typically drive more value differentiation between the Choice and Select cutout values in late spring/early summer. Yet grinding material demand for lean end cuts has diminished the premium for Choice carcasses.
The Certified Angus Beef premium over USDA Choice is performing as expected in last week’s summary. The $16.42/cwt. wholesale premium for carcasses certified for the brand is equal to that of a year ago with latest weekly production tonnage 3% larger than a year ago.
This is largely the reason that fed cattle trades in Nebraska and Iowa have been, on average, valued near $10/cwt. higher than those in Texas for the past few weeks. The typical percentage of USDA Prime, CAB® Prime and traditional CAB® carcasses in the northern states runs much higher than in the south. While market-ready cattle supply is a basic driver of the historically large price difference, the market is also distributing larger premiums to cattle that can achieve CAB® and Prime at high percentages, rather than simply USDA Choice.
24TH ANNUAL SHOWDOWN
Announcer Melissa Carruthers
Judges Clayton Boyert, Erin Briggs, Wyatt Burgomaster, Fede Del Castillo Silva, Kade Earley, Billy Elmhirst, Ronnie Ford, Dwayne Hartle, Ryan Hurley, Sylvia Jackson, Patty Lasby, Christy Lavallee, Scott & Elizabeth MacDonald, Tracy MacIntyre, Jamie O’Shea, Jacquie, Macey & Maggie Tomblin, Stacy Young
Ringmen Adam Smith, Kevin MacIntyre & Brad Gilchrist
Marshallers Kyle Petherick, Brian Whitwell, Kevin MacIntyre & Andy Fraser
Photographer Innovation Media
Auctioneer Lars Deleeuw
Canadian Angus Association
President Ronnie Ford, Wheatley River, PE
CEO Myles Immerkar, Calgary, AB
Ontario Angus Association
President Brad Gilchrist, Lucknow
Secretary Julie Townsend, Fergus
Mission Statement
Canadian Junior Angus will strive to present innovative opportunities to promote and educate future cattlemen dedicated to the Angus Breed.
PEEWEE DIVISION
Class 1a || Heifer Calf (born on or after Jan 1, 2024)
Beaudon Hedley with Hedley’s Ark Pride 1M
Class 1b || Yearling Heifer (born on or after Jan 1, 2023)
Ryan Enright with Bar S Eilazane 3238
James McNaughton with Vos Vegas Black Pearl 2310
Clare Enright with EF Annie K 2322
Jimmy Enright with EF Saras Dream 2354
OPEN DIVISION
Open Division || Grand Champion Female
REIB Phyllis 336 Exhibited by Jackson Corner
Open Division || Heifer Calf (born on or after Jan 1, 2024)
Champion Heifer Calf
HCCC Lucy 4M Exhibited by Brady Hasson
Reserve Champion Heifer Calf
HCCC Princess 5M Exhibited by Brady Hasson
Open Division || Yearling Heifer (born on or after Jan 1, 2023)
Champion Yearling Heifer
REIB Phyllis 336 Exhibited by Jackson Corner
Reserve Champion Yearling Heifer
HCCC Hugs N Kisses 5L Exhibited by Brady Hasson
Open Division || Reserve Champion Female HCCC Hugs N Kisses 5L Exhibited by Brady Hasson
Open Division || Two-Year-Old Female (born 2022, with calf born on or after January 1, 2024)
Champion Two-Year-Old Female
XCEL Kenzie 101K Exhibited by May Stanley
Reserve Champion Two-Year-Old Female
Ellsmere Tibbie 2005K Exhibited by Hope Pinkman
Open Division || Mature Female
(born prior to 2022, with calf born on or after January 1, 2024)
Champion Mature Female
EF Saras Dream 942 Exhibited by Baxter Blair
Reserve Champion Mature Female
HCCC Candy Ann 6J Exhibited by Brady Hasson
OWNED DIVISION
Owned Division || Grand Champion Female
SULL Ellie 3450L Exhibited by Susunnah Sinclair
Owned Division || Heifer Calf (born on or after Jan 1, 2024)
Champion Heifer Calf
IRCC Duke Girl 433M Exhibited by Katie Elmhirst
Reserve Champion Heifer Calf
Stoney Brook Rosebud 2M Exhibited by Kody Chowen
Owned Division || Yearling Heifer (born on or after Jan 1, 2023)
Champion Yearling Heifer
SULL Ellie 3450L Exhibited by Susunnah Sinclair
Reserve Champion Yearling Heifer
Vos Vegas Princess 2309 Exhibited by Rachel Hayes
Owned Division || Reserve Champion Female Red Double B Priscilla 121 Exhibited by Gus Reid
Owned Division || Mature Female (born prior to 2022, with calf born on or after January 1, 2024)
Champion Mature Female
Red Double B Priscilla 121 Exhibited by Gus Reid
Reserve Champion Mature Female
T/R GCC Hirsch Sophie D124 Exhibited by Katie Cox
BRED & OWNED DIVISION
Bred & Owned Division || Grand Champion Female
JDL Allegra 2H Exhibited by Lauren Irvine
Bred & Owned Division || Heifer Calf (born on or after Jan 1, 2024)
Champion Heifer Calf
KCCA Sophie 114M Exhibited by Katie Cox
Reserve Champion Heifer Calf
GCS Madame Pride Exhibited by Gus Reid
Bred & Owned Division || Yearling Heifer (born on or after Jan 1, 2023)
Champion Yearling Heifer
Gravel Lane Blackcap 7L Exhibited by Hailey Ernewein
Reserve Champion Yearling Heifer
Breezy Knoll Classy Lady 1L Exhibited by Josh Heyboer
Bred & Owned Division || Reserve Champion Female Gravel Lane Blackcap 7L Exhibited by Hailey Ernewein
Bred & Owned Division || Mature Female (born prior to 2022, with calf born on or after January 1, 2024)
Champion Mature Female JDL Allegra 2H Exhibited by Lauren Irvine
BULL DIVISION
Bull Division || Grand Champion Bull
IRCC Lifeline 387L Exhibited by Katie Elmhirst
Bull Division || Bull Calf (born on or after Jan 1, 2024)
Champion Bull Calf
FLC Mo Bamba 3M Exhibited by Cole Fallis
Reserve Champion Bull Calf
FLC Magic Man 1M Exhibited by Abby Anderson
Bull Division || Yearling Bull (born on or after Jan 1, 2023)
Champion Yearling Bull
IRCC Lifeline 387L Exhibited by Katie Elmhirst
Reserve Champion Yearling Bull
ADA Lets Roll 33L Exhibited by Anna Nesbitt
Bull Division || Reserve Champion Bull FLC Mo Bamba 3M Exhibited by Cole Fallis
Bull Division || Two-Year-Old Bull (born on or after Jan 1, 2022)
Champion Two-Year-Old Bull
Breezy Knoll Unanimous Verdict Exhibited by Ryan Heyboer
Commercial Division || Champion Female H5 Leena Exhibited by Miah Hurley
Commercial Division || Heifer Calf (born on or after Jan 1, 2024)
Champion Heifer Calf Maria Exhibited by Greyson Kiebert
Literature Competition Junior Literature Champion Corbin Reid Intermediate Literature Champion Kasey Adams
Literature Champion Baxter Blair
292140 Wagon Wheel Blvd, Rocky View County, AB T4A 0E2
Phone 403-571-3580 1-888-571-3580
Fax 403-571-3599
Email cdnangus@cdnangus.ca View results, photos, and more at https://www.cdnangus.ca/canadian-junior-angus/showdown/
Public Speaking Junior Public Speaking Champion Ruby Fox
Spirit of Youth Award
Reese Wildman
Best Herdsman Competition Herdsman Award
Nathan & Owens Dawe, Shiloh Valley Farms
Graphic Design
Angus Cook-Off
1st Place Team 4 - Beach Bums
2nd Place Team 13 - The Greasers
Senior Team Grooming Champions
Cole Fallis & Madison Ethier
Reserve Senior Team Grooming Champions
Keely Adams & Kasey Adams
Intermediate Team Grooming Champions Grace Dudgeon & Lee Shologan
Reserve Intermediate Team Grooming Champions Gus Reid & Owen Hurley
Junior Team Grooming Champions Anna Long & Konor Younker
Reserve Junior Team Grooming Champions
Emily Honey & Jordyn Petherick
BUILDING THE LEGACY FUNDRAISER
AUCTION RAISES $139,000
JUNE 10, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rocky View County, AB — The twelfth annual Canadian Angus Foundation (CAF) Building the Legacy fundraiser auction proved once again a striking finale to the Canadian Angus Association Annual National Convention held this year in Toronto, Ontario. On Saturday, June 8, supporters raised more than $139,000 for CAF programming.
The sale began with two “pick” feature lots, a pick of the 2024 Gilchrist calves donated by Gilchrist Farms of Lucknow, Ontario and purchased by Ferme Gagnon of Chénéville, Quebec for $11,500 and a pick of Tullamore 2023 Bred heifers donated by Tullamore Farms of Zephyr, Ontario and purchased by Jon-Ern Farms Ltd of Blenheim, Ontario for $10,500. Pregnant recipient EF Primrose 925 x KR Casino 6243 donated by Enright Farms of Renfrew, Ontario was purchased for $9,500 by Blairs.Ag of Lanigan, Saskatchewan.
The high-selling embryo donation was a package of two embryos from the Liebreich family, Merit Cattle Co. of Radville, SK, Merit Socialite 1028J x Belvin May City 0136 that sold for $4,500 to Lyndon Tomblin, 3rd Degree Angus of Mozart, Saskatchewan. The high-selling semen donation was two package of 5 Straws each of KT Gravity 3233 donated by Lewis Farms and Rocking Heart Range and purchased by Shiloh Cattle Company of Craigmyle, Alberta and Country Lane Angus of Vermilion, Alberta bringing a total of $5,500.
Other sale highlights include a World Angus Forum 2025 Registration for Two donated by the Canadian Angus Association and purchased by Ranch Covey Hill of Havelock, Quebec for $9,000; a seafood package donated by Intercity Packers Meat and Seafood and purchased by MWC of Darwell, Alberta for $1,200; a $1,000 DLMS/ Cattle Vids service voucher that sold for $1,600 to 66 Ranch of Duchess, Alberta; and a ski, accommodation, gift card and sale credit for the Bluewater Angus Sale donated by the Bluewater Angus Club that sold for $1,100 to Rob Roy Angus of Singhampton, Ontario.
Building the Legacy was launched in 2012 to support the CAF in preserving and expanding the Angus breed for future generations through education, youth development, scientific and market research and historical preservation. The CAF extends sincere gratitude to all the sale officials and staff who donated their time and expertise, as well as to the donors and buyers.
The Canadian Angus Foundation was incorporated in 1993 and is the charitable arm of the Canadian Angus Association.
For more information, please contact:
Tina Zakowsky Director of Communications 403-571-3584 || tzakowsky@cdnangus.ca
Belinda Wagner
Canadian Angus Foundation Executive Director 306-537-1518 || bwagner@cdnangus.ca
CANADIAN ANGUS FOUNDATION
292140 Wagon Wheel Boulevard
Rocky View County, AB T4A 0E2
Phone 403-571-3580 || Fax 403-571-3599
cdnangus.ca/foundation
By Ted Serhienko
Breeders of purebred livestock contribute immeasurably to beef production in North America producing a highquality product that combines flavor, taste, tenderness, and shelf life. The product is nutritionally safe and extremely popular worldwide. But have you ever taken the time to sit back and consider how beef evolved in North America?
When we look back, the first stock on the Western plains of North America were semi-wild critters, long horned, long-legged descendants of Spanish stock brought to Mexico in the late fifteenth century. By 1845 the critters had roamed north, so the Republic of Texas declared them to be public property; anyone could catch and brand them, but because they had little value, and no one had the incentive to establish personal claims on them, the wild herds continued to multiply.
By 1866, a quarter million of these wild Texas Cattle were driven to Sedalia, loaded onto freight cars and sent to St. Louis for slaughter. This was the start of cattle drives and speculators moved the longhorns North to Montana and into the Northwest Territory terminating at High River and Fort McLeod. The Territorial government was offering lease land packages in this new wilderness, the news spread and with it came an influx of opportunists from among the Scottish and English elite. More cattle drives continued and crossed the border to take advantage of the rich prairie grass, which was well favored at that time as the Royal Mounted Police needed meat and horses. Many of the cowboys who came with the cattle drives stayed and homesteaded in the area just east of the Rockies.
In this new grass country, the stock did very well in the summer months and steers were grown to three and four years of age before slaughter. But winter was a different story as the Longhorns did not do well with the cold and blizzards. Several progressive cattlemen went back to Ontario and the old country to acquire soft fed bulls with less frame and lots of hair to cross with the Texas longhorns. Imports included Durham, Angus, Hereford and Galloway.
Although there was plenty of opportunity for those who ventured into the west, it was a risky, lonely life. Ranches were large, and the nearest neighbor was ten to fifteen miles away, one had to manage on one’s strength and wits.
Of these pioneer ranchers several developed into leading ranches, foundation builders that are still an influence today, Bar U Ranch, OH Ranch and A7 Ranch to mention a few. Settlers and their barbed wire came to the area, which irritated the ranchers, but as time and the region matured, the foothills flourished.
Long before the Texas cattle were herded into the grasslands of the Territories, several breeds were introduced and imported by settlers who ventured to the new country of Upper and Lower Canada and along the Atlantic shores. Durham (Shorthorns) appeared in 1825 from England, they were dual purpose, used for milk, meat and along with their docile temperament made excellent oxen. In 1853 Galloway made their way from England followed by Aberdeen Angus from Scotland imported by Sir George Simpson, Governor of Hudson Bay, a major fur trader, and a supplier of goods and services. A year later, William F. Stone imported Herefords to the Eastern farming operations. They were ideal for the small plots of newly built farms, easy feeding, had gentle dispositions and lots of hair.
In 1956 imports of European cattle were led by Charolais, along with Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Blonde Aquitaine and Salers from France, Simmental and Braunvieh from Switzerland and Gelbvieh from Germany. Since 1956 several of these imported breeds have had a strong influence on beef production.
The first fair or exhibition in North America was held in 1765 in Nova Scotia and they have continued since, to assist and promote agriculture through competition. Livestock shows were established in the late 1900’s at stockyards that were owned by railroads, Chicago, Kansas City, Toronto and Brandon in the west, just to mention a few. Livestock was transported to these events by rail and herdsmen slept in box cars along with the cattle which became known as “Riding the rail”.
Fairs were gala events and attracted ranchers, farmers and wealthy businesspeople who were looking to invest, it was fashionable and hence increased the value of pedigreed stock. Government programs were established to increase the purebred population and the “Hays Classification’ was developed to subsidize Agricultural Fairs and producers to exhibit and display their breeding stock of beef, dairy, sheep and swine. The first 4-H club began in 1913 in Roland, Manitoba and since 4-H has been a source of teaching young boys and girls the development of agriculture and their products until this very day. In many cases of livestock 4-H clubs, the project leaders were also purebred breeders.
During the war years, both the Great War and World War II, beef was rationed with the main concern being the feeding of the troops. In World War I, the packing plants of Chicago, Kansas City and Green Bay processed beef for the troops. Quantity rather than quality was a watch word in production. Corn ration was added to increase the quality of carcasses and added muscle and marbling, while achieving rapid gain. Governments called for increased production but the “Dirty 30’s” and the Wars put pressure on small farm families in the Midwest and western states and provinces.
The 1950’s brought growth and prosperity to the agriculture sector. Box-car frames were being selected by all judges, especially college judges, a fad that would change in the 60’s.
Sir George Simpson
“Riding the Trail” || “Box-Car Frame”
The marketplace and the college judges were asking for a leaner product. Beef selection changed overnight to a tall, lean animal which would have more yield, no doubt, the influx of European breeds stirred the pot and judges selected cattle by frame score. Beef performance test centers were established for ROP (record of production) where cattle from many breeds were tested on weight gain over a specific period.
From the ‘70s to this present day, the changes have been monumental. A new grading system was developed based on cuts and grades and made a more efficient and higher quality meat product for the restaurant trade, worldwide export and the consumer. Embryo transfer was developed and is a major tool in producing high quality seedstock. Universities along with breed associations have developed EPDs as a tool by which pedigree estimates are used to determine future progeny, measuring birth, growth and maternal qualities. EPDs can be used by breeders in other countries, especially for embryos and semen.
Purebred breeders are the cornerstone of high-quality beef production. They feed people worldwide with an outstanding protein product. Consider this common fact, Canadian breeding cattle are the finest breeding cattle in the world, and we lead by example.
These cattle are produced by high quality seedstock breeders, who teach their children about livestock, and are 4-H club leaders, they are members of the community providing for others. Every livestock show, or breeder tour, or breed director are drafted from purebred breeders in a voluntary role, whether it be a junior show or national event and through all of that, they still have the time to breed the best darn seedstock in the world.
BASE LEVEL UP TO $250
- Business name would be included in program distributed to all tour guests
BRONZE $250 - $499
- Base Level +
- Business name would be posted on social media once leading up to the event
- Business name would be posted on signage at the event
SILVER $500 - $749
- Bronze Level +
- Business name would be posted on social media three times leading up to event
GOLD $750 - $999
- Silver Level +
- Business name would be posted on social media five times leading up to event
- Two free registrations for your company
PLATINUM $1000 OR GREATER
- Gold Level + - 10” x 10” display area available at last stop on tour
EARLY IN THE YEAR BULL SALES, SEMEN EVALUATIONS AND RECHECKING YOUR BULLS
Purebred bull sales in all breeds appear to be getting earlier and earlier in the year some even happening in December. This is months before many cattlemen are going to be use them in their breeding programs. It sometimes creates great difficulty for veterinarians getting these bulls semen evaluated ahead of time. Both sellers and buyers of these bulls may need to take this into account when it comes to getting them ready for breeding season or to be delivered.
For some breeders that have moved their sales earlier we must consider now how old the bulls are when tested and the climatic conditions around the time the breeding evaluation is performed. You cannot move the sales date earlier and expect younger bulls that are just a year or younger to pass the soundness exam. This is why many breeders are calving later themselves and going to off-age bulls that may be eighteen months of age and will test like two-year-old bulls. Plus, at breeding season for most owners they have the breeding capacity of a two-year-old bull. One still may have the awkwardness and take a bit to get their ability to breed so it is vital with any virgin bull to observe them for the ability to breed and do a test mating if possible. This is all valuable information for helping determine breeding capacity.
A few breeders are even then picking a more appropriate time to semen test when weather is not a problem. Also marketing the younger bull from a meat and feeding perspective is a better idea. It is good if you can have a good market for the cull bulls. I think castration is hard on them the bigger they are but depending on the technique it can be safe and relatively pain free if using local freezing and NSAID’s. The beef code insists on this for a reason to any bulls over six months of age. I wish there was more of a market for intact yearling bulls or older which have failed their breeding soundness exams Banding of larger bulls eliminates the worry of bleeding, but one must make sure a multivalent clostridial vaccine containing tetanus is given. Semen retests a long time before a sale can then be given more time, as the sale is still a way off. If problems like warts, frenulum’s, hair rings or cuts on the penis are found adequate time can be given for healing and rechecking.
I have always said even though the same age, testing a February bull calf in March gives on average poorer results than testing an April calf in May even though they are both 13 months of age. Much better to test any yearling at fifteen months of age as sexual maturity scrotal size has improved and towards spring sexual activity increases as well. All veterinarians would prefer if activity were increased but riding, pacing the fences,
By Roy Lewis, DVM
observing cycling females, although logically may help the evaluations it is fraught with other problems such as injuries of the feet and legs. Also, back or penile injuries from excessive riding or being ridden are issues. Bulls need playthings and distraction in their pen from brushes to oilers to large boulders to keep them occupied. Just like feedlot animals, overcrowding or empty bunks may lead to boredom and excessive riding. Areas where bulls can get away from each other and not get cornered in pens also help. Good bedding preventing tag and potentially scrotal frostbite can also save problems at breeding soundness times.
Breeders with early sales (some already do this) may need to test later before delivery. Several issues are that bulls failing the test need to be replaced requiring more spares by the breeder. Bulls could only be insured for death after the sale as they have not passed a breeding soundness exam. Testing, if done just before the breeding season and if failed, is hard to find the equivalent valued bull and may be too late to go to other sales. Before these early sales breeders should have their veterinarian at least scrotal measure, palpate the testicles, and even palpate the bulls internal sex glands. This may identify problems. Seminal vasculitis, if not too advanced, may be treated and small testicles or problem testicles or bad frostbite can be pulled at that time. That way it can eliminate the obvious culls and minimize sold bulls being culled later.
Even though breeders can get good at scrotal measurement I always think it is better to get the objective opinion of their veterinarian and it perhaps looks better in the purchaser’s eyes. Again, transparency and communication might be measurements on young bulls which if under a year of age could grow from 1-2 cm a month between 10 and 15 months of age. This all should be taken into account so one is comparing apples to apples when it comes to scrotal circumference and knowing the averages for the breeds. Different breeds and age written on the back of the WCABP (Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners) semen forms. All very good information to know.
As a final note if the purchase of your bull comes with many months before being turned out most veterinarians and producers would recommend retesting to be sure nothing has happened in those months in-between. I have seen everything from testicular degeneration to frenulum’s that were missed, which can happen to warts that appeared. Also, if there is any potential illness, swelling in the sheath, tag sticking to the bottom of the testicles or anything that has you worried as a buyer or seller retest the bull. This gives peace of mind because at the end of the day the goal is getting more females pregnant in a short period of time. Have a close look at the bull’s semen evaluation and make sure they are provided at the bull sales.
CANADIAN ANGUS ASSOCATION
2024 CONVENTION AND AGM HIGHLIGHTS
JUNE 10, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rocky View County, AB—Over the weekend, more than 100 Angus enthusiasts gathered in Toronto, Ontario for the Canadian Angus Association (CAA) National Convention and Annual General Meeting.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
• Ronnie Ford of Oyster Bed, PEI was elevated from the position of President Elect to President. Tom deWaal of Prince George, BC moved into the Past President position, and Greg Pugh of Edgerton, AB was chosen as President Elect. In addition, the Board welcomed Paula Cornish of Indian River, ON who replaces retiring director and Past President Graham MacLean of Watford, ON.
• CEO Myles Immerkar presented the 2023 audited financial statements at the AGM. He reported a successful year. The CAA posted a positive income of $265,757 of revenue over expenses for the 2023 calendar year, taking on market challenges head on. He also reported 50,590 registrations, memberships increasing 2.5 percent over 2022 and totalling 2,646; and 18,638 transfers, an increase of 10 percent over 2022. The Association’s annual report can be viewed online at https://www.cdnangus.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023Annual-Report.pdf
• After announcing at the 2023 Convention that the CAA would explore the market value for Angus Central through an active market listing, no offers acceptable to the CAA were presented over the past 12 months due to the softer current commercial real estate market in the Calgary area, higher interest rates and CAA expectations. The CAA board is more comfortable with our firmed-up interest rates and business activity so Angus Central will be taken off the market at the expiry of the listing term and will remain our home for the foreseeable future. The CAA board will remain open minded to all opportunities that are presented in the future.
• The CAA board will explore a more aggressive strategy and options to further pay down longterm debt quicker providing the best return on investment on active revenue.
• The Canadian Angus Association’s commitment to research was highlighted. In March, it was announced that Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) awarded $3.8 million to the Canadian Angus Association to increase Canadian cattle producers’ ability to make data-driven decisions based on genomics to economically benefit their commercial livestock operations. The investment will be used to develop a genetic selection tool to equip producers with breeding data to select the best replacement heifers to improve their herds. On June 7, it was announced that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) will support the Canadian Angus Association on a four-year $4.2 million project in collaboration with Holstein Canada to develop new long-term phenomic systems to collect information on traits that impact producer profitability, animal health and welfare, and environmental sustainability. These two projects are the largest research projects awarded to a Canadian breed association.
• Immerkar announced the launch of AngusWORKS, a white labelled form of Telus Agriculture’s HerdTrax farm management program. Later this year, CAA will launch AngusHOME, a new database program for managing the Canadian Angus Association herdbook. More information on both programs will be shared this summer.
2023-2024 Canadian Angus Association Board of Directors
Front row, left to right: Dallas Johnston, Manitoba; Myles Immerkar, CEO; Darren Ippolito, Saskatchewan Second row, left to right: Tom deWaal, past president; Paula Cornish, Ontario; Ronnie Ford, president; Greg Pugh, president elect Third row, left to right: BJ Scheirlinck, Alberta; Robbie Garner, Saskatchewan Back row, left to right: Blake Morton, Alberta; Mona Howe, Alberta; Roger Reynolds, Saskatchewan; David Sample, Quebec
• The CAA board moved to change the commercial and member transfer fee for under 30 days to the same fee to prevent market confusion. This is the same fee that existed between 2014 and 2022.
• At the Convention banquet, three awards were presented for 50 years of continuous CAA membership to Harprey Farms and Melmac Angus Farms of Ontario and to Justamere Farms of Saskatchewan.
• CAA Past President (1996) Gary Harron was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Angus Hall of Fame.
• The Board of Directors made a surprise presentation to Betty Lou Scott of Upper Mount Thom, NS of a special lifetime achievement award in recognition of her nearly 50 years volunteering with the Nova Scotia and Maritime Angus Associations.
• The Certified Angus Beef Canadian Commitment to Excellence award was presented to Gilchrist Farms, Grant and Denise Gilchrist; Brad and Kristie Gilchrist; and Jess and Neil Froats of Lucknow, ON.
• The Ontario Angus Association arranged tours of western and eastern Ontario that included the Elora Beef research station, cattle displays and social time at Walkerbrae Farms, Kawartha Ethanol Plant and Drain Bros feedlot, cattle displays and social time at Whiskey Lane Livestock, which also included the second annual Verified Angus Barbecue Competition on Friday, June 7.
The competition featured five teams that paired a barbecue pitmaster and a cattle producer or industry program representative that generously supplied the beef. A team of secret judges and attendees voted, and in a very close race, chose team In It To Win It that paired Gilchrist Farms/Beefway and Rusty’s Smoke.
MORE INFORMATION
CANADIAN ANGUS HALL OF FAME
Gary Harron and his father started their Angus herd in 1954 with the purchase of the Angus heifer Pride Morvette of Kincardine, a direct import from Scotland. Gary owned and bred Angus his entire life and still owned six purebred Angus females when he passed away in January 2023. Gary was Canadian Angus Association president in 1996. He and his daughter Tammi are the only father and daughter to serve as presidents of the Canadian Angus Association and chairs of the Canadian Angus Foundation.
Gary’s contribution to the Angus breed in Canada was his ability to promote the breed everywhere and to everyone. He always wore an Angus shirt and hat so he was recognizable as an Angus breeder. Even waitresses at every restaurant that served Gary were educated about the quality and benefits of Angus beef.
The Canadian Angus Association Hall of Fame launched at Convention in 2023. Designed to recognize members who have made significant contributions to the Angus breed in Canada, the Canadian Angus Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have invested time, energy and resources promoting the Angus breed in Canada; who have served as a role model and encouraged youth to participate in Angus activities; who have invested in genetics and/or research to improve the breed; who have in any way improved the position of the Angus breed in Canada and left a legacy.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
For nearly 50 years, Betty Lou Scott has volunteered in the Canadian Angus community and has attended countless events, including every annual general meeting. After 35 years of service, Betty Lou recently retired from her position as the Maritime Angus Association Secretary-Treasurer. She also held most executive positions for the Nova Scotia Angus Association including serving as president and for 39 years as secretary-treasurer. She volunteered as a director for the Canadian Angus Foundation for 25 years.
VERIFIED ANGUS BARBECUE COMPETITION
Five teams competed in this year’s event: finishing in second place was team Carnivore Cowboys, Heatherlea Farm Shoppe and Mean Moe’s BBQ. In third place, team Keeping it Lit paired Ontario Harvest Farms and Stuttering John’s Smokehouse. Finishing fourth is team La Chinas Con Gauchos, pairing Fancy Farm Girls and BBQ Worx, and in fifth place is team The Feast and the Furious, a pairing of Deacan Ridge Farms and Broken Antler BBQ.
CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF CANADIAN COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AWARD
Certified Angus Beef will share an article and feature video on the Gilchrist family this fall.
LONG-TERM RECOGNITION AWARD RECIPIENTS
Harprey Farms—the Hargrave families: Harprey Farms is owned and operated by the Hargrave families: Laura, Don and Cindy and family and Allan and Dianna and family. Don and Allan’s greatgrandfather purchased his first Angus bull in 1947 to breed commercial cows and the progeny topped the fat cattle sale at the Ontario Stockyards in 1949. The first purebred Angus cows were purchased in 1972 as 4-H projects from the Colbeck Brothers in Grand Valley, Ontario, and from John Willmott. The family took out a membership with the Canadian Angus Association and the first home-bred animals were registered under the name of GW Hargrave and Sons.
Members of the Hargrave family have served on the Ontario Angus Association Board of Directors and Heather and Michael both served as Canadian Junior Angus President. The family has joined provincial Angus and 4-H clubs and have attended as many Angus events and sales as possible. Through 4-H, showing cattle became a hobby and interest that led to many successes in the show ring. Justamere Farms—Jon and Shelly Fox and family: Justamere first started in the Angus business when Jon’s father Lyal purchased the famous Waco females from the legendary Lloyd Pickard in 1975. At that time, Justamere was a dominant force in the North American Polled Hereford scene. Lyal selected Angus as the next breed to add to the Justamere portfolio. Starting with those 30 Waco females, the Justamere Angus herd developed slowly over the first 20 years. Over the last 25 years, the Angus business has been the main focus at Justamere. The Fox family at Justamere believes in promoting and exhibiting cattle across North America. They have dedicated many hours, days and months to showing, leading to much success in the show ring. The fifth generation is playing a huge part in day-to-day operations at Justamere Farms. Jon says that they will continue to market Angus at Justamere because, quite simply, there is no other breed that can compare to this one.
The dominance is everywhere, from the pasture to the plate. Melmac Angus Farms—Graham and Murray McLean and families: Graham and Murray McLean operate Melmac Angus Farms near Melbourne, Ontario. Their father Ronald K. McLean started the herd after selling his Holstein herd in 1974. Ronald loved his Herefords as he had Champion Hereford Steer in the Queens Guineas in the early 1950s but he thought there was more opportunity in the Angus breed. Ronald bought a few cows and a herd sire, Early Sunset 80E. He loved supporting the local fair circuit. One year, he hit 26 fairs to show his cattle. Murray and Graham became partners in 1996 and today they have 40 cows with a small cash crop enterprise. They both have full-time jobs off the farm. They also grow corn and soybeans. Murray has three children, Taylor, Rachel and Ryan, who are all employed with Burnbrae Farms. Karen and Graham have two girls, Shauna and Jenna. Graham has also dedicated many years volunteering for both the Ontario Angus Association and Canadian Angus Association boards of directors.
ABOUT THE DIRECTORS
Paula Cornish along with her husband Scott and their two children Jason (16) and Shelby (14) own and operate Whiskey Lane Livestock, a 90 cow/calf operation in Indian River, Ontario consisting of both Angus and Hereford cattle. Paula grew up on a farm that background fed stocker calves and got into the Angus business in 1992. She attended the University of Guelph and graduated with a bachelor of commerce specializing in ag business. She works as a relationship manager for TD Bank.
Tom deWaal of Prince George, BC was raised on a dairy farm. He attended the Reich World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa and started his auctioneering career selling livestock. In 2003 he purchased his first registered Angus cattle which has grown into today’s Harvest Angus herd consisting of 150 mother cows. Tom and his wife Carolyn also run Central Interior Auctions Ltd.
Ronnie Ford farms with his father, Glen Ford, on Wheatley River Farm in Wheatley River, PEI. Ronnie, Glen, nephew Kyle Younker and son Logan have a herd of 35 Black and Red Angus influenced females.
Ford is a past president of the Maritime Angus Association and has been involved in the Maritime Angus Association for 20 years. Each summer he exhibits his Angus cattle at different livestock shows in the Maritimes. Ford also works as the accountant at Phillips Agri Services in Charlottetown.
Graham McLean and his brother Murray operate a purebred Angus cow herd, Melmac Angus Farms near Melbourne, Ontario with 40 cows. Their father Ron started the herd in 1974. They also grow corn and soybeans. McLean has served as president of the Melbourne Fair Board, Lambton County 4-H Association, Watford Optimist Club, Watford Silver Stick Hockey Tournament, Western Ontario Angus Association and Ontario Angus Association.
Greg Pugh with his wife Amanda and parents Jim and Linda operate Pugh Farms in the Battle River Valley north of Edgerton, Alberta. They run Black and Red Angus, Hereford and Charolais purebred cows as well as commercial cattle and background their commercial production.
The Canadian Angus Association (www.cdnangus.ca) is a not-for-profit association incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act. The Association represents 2,600 members across Canada for the purposes of registering and recording the pedigrees of purebred Angus cattle and promoting the breed across Canada. Its member-approved mandate is to maintain breed registry, breed purity and provide services that enhance the growth and position of the Angus breed.
For more information, please contact: Tina Zakowsky Director of Communications Canadian Angus Association 403-571-3584 tzakowsky@cdnangus.ca
miles to Keys to GROUP TRAVELS Unlock Unlock
BEEF VALUE CHAIN
JULY 2, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact: HOLLY MARTIN Director of Communications 816-383-5143 hmartin@angus.org
From pasture to plate, it takes multiple links in the value chain to bring Americans the hamburgers they are throwing on the grill this 4th of July. And each link is integral to the success of the others. That was one of many takeaways for the 25 Angus producers selected to attend the 2024 Beef Leaders Institute.
“To tour other parts of the industry, like a large packing plant, and hear about the challenges and how we, as producers, can help reduce those challenges, that is very valuable,” said attendee Rob Phillips of RL Valley Ranch in Athens, Ohio.
The American Angus Association®, in partnership with Certified Angus Beef ® brand and the Angus Foundation, hosts the annual program to develop young cattlemen and women as industry leaders.
“Our Angus breeders are the very beginning of the food chain. They are raising the high-quality Angus genetics that are the very start of things,” said Kara Lee, director of producer engagement at Certified Angus Beef. “However, sometimes producers can be so focused on executing that it can prevent them from having a better understanding of how they impact every step along the way to the consumer.”
The five-day tour started at the American Angus Association® in St. Joseph, Missouri, and traveled to six states before wrapping up at the Certified Angus Beef headquarters in Wooster, Ohio. Attendees toured Tyson-Dakota City, Weborg Feedyard, Buckhead of Ohio, STgenetics, and a Meijer Grocery Store along the way.
The whirlwind of a travel week still allowed time for the attendees to get to know one another. This year’s group came from a wide range of operations that vary in size and kind, representing 16 states and two Canadian providences.
“Being a part of this really diverse and awesome group of people has been amazing,” said attendee Alli Fender of Flying F Ranch near San Diego, Cali. “It’s nice to now be able to pick up the phone and call any one of these producers to pick their brain about the industry.”
2024 BEEF LEADERS INSTITUTE ATTENDEES:
Alex Acheson, Kansas
Jacy Bapst, Ohio
Annie Benzine, Wisconsin
Michaela Blevins, Montana
Adeleen Bolduc, Alberta, Canada
Kevin Bolduc, Alberta, Canada
Austin Brandt, Iowa
Callie Carson, North Carolina
Kevin Chaffin, Oklahoma
Alli Fender, California
Cole Gardiner, Kansas
Gabby Glenister, New York
Jed Hallstrand, Wisconsin
Amy Higgins, New Brunswick, Canada
Tyler Lulloff, Montana
Jake McCaleb, Tennessee
Blake McDonald, Missouri
Ruben Mendoza, Idaho
Derek Penz, Oklahoma
Rob Phillips, Ohio
Emily Richard, North Dakota
Courtney Stelzer, Wisconsin
Jeff Stokes, Mississippi
Andrew Swanson, Minnesota
Madeline Taylor, Arkansas
Applications for the 2025 Beef Leaders Institute will open in late fall to American Angus Association members between the ages of 25 and 45.
Written by Jessica Hartman, Angus Communications
Office
ontario ONTARIO
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ANGUS BEEF
ANGUSLINK RELEASES MATERNAL SCORE AS MARKETING TOOL FOR REPLACEMENT HEIFERS
Written by Sarah Kocher, Angus Communications
AngusLink’s Genetic Merit Scorecard (GMS) adds a fourth score option, Maternal, to demonstrate the maternal weaned calf value to aid in the selection of replacement females.
As the cattle industry prepares for herd rebuilding, a new tool for objectively describing the genetic potential of replacement females hits the market and with it an opportunity for producers selling replacement females to market their added genetic value.
The AngusLinkSM Genetic Merit ScorecardSM (GMS) draws on the industry’s largest database to evaluate the genetic merit of a pen of feeder cattle, and starting in June, its new Maternal Score demonstrates an enrollment group’s maternal weaned calf value to aid in the selection of replacement females.
"The Maternal Score is becoming available at a perfect time with herd expansion on the horizon," said Troy Marshall, director of commercial industry relations with the American Angus Association®. "Maternal traits are generally more difficult to quantify because of the need to match cows to their environment, so it’s going to be a valuable tool for producers marketing or purchasing replacement females."
The Maternal Score will be displayed alongside other scores – Beef, Feedlot and Grid – on the GMS as females are marketed.
Marshall continued, "This new tool provides a reliable way to compare cattle’s performance potential across our industry and rebuild with better genetics that are more closely aligned with targets that the marketplace has clearly defined: increase in efficiency and increase in the consumers’ eating satisfaction, primarily through increased marbling and quality grade."
John Dickinson of Parnell Dickinson Inc., Auburn, California, is one of the Association’s board members.
"I see the same evolution coming with the Maternal Score that we have witnessed the past few years with Beef, Feedlot, and Grid scores already on the GMS," Dickinson said. "In today’s marketing landscape, reputation and historical data are still very important, but buyers also want more tools they can use to mitigate risk."
Information about individual component traits, specifically for mature size and milk production, will also be shared alongside an enrollment group’s Maternal Score; so, producers can better understand how a group of cattle would match with their environmental conditions. Dickinson said this appeals to both buyers and sellers because they can dive into individual maternal components.
"This is really exciting as the GMS Maternal Score is not only the first predictor of its kind in the industry, but also can you think of a better time for this tool to become available than when we have the smallest inventory numbers in over 50 years?" Dickinson said. "We
will see a re-build and retention soon, and the Maternal Score can play a large role in moving you to the front of the market."
To enroll, a producer must be AngusVerifiedSM through IMI Global, providing a list of sire registration numbers. Unique to the Maternal Score, the cattle must also have a predominantly Angus cow base.
There is no additional cost associated with the GMS program or AngusVerifiedSM, aside from IMI Global’s Age and Source verification enrollment, which includes an EID tag.
"There’s a lot of science behind this scorecard," said Rafael Medeiros, geneticist with Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI®).
Scores are determined by the average EPDs of the bulls used to sire the current enrollment group and the cow herd’s genetic makeup. To raise cattle’s Maternal Score, a producer would want to select for higher Maternal Weaned Calf Value ($M) on registered Angus sires.
Medeiros, who led the technical development of the new score, said this prediction tool uses similar rationale to other genetic prediction tools managed by AGI®, and is supported by Angus sire data and data from the USDA’s U.S. Meat Animal Research Center breed averages.
"If you’re not genotyping, this is the best estimate and the best value," he said.
Medeiros added it is important to know that like the other GMS values, the Maternal Score characterizes the enrolled group, not individual animals. In this way, the program can also serve as an instrument to track a herd’s genetic progress to make sure the next calf crop is better than the last.
As a seedstock producer, Dickinson said he sees the Maternal Score as another profit-minded program he and other members of the Association can offer their customers.
"This is yet another service we are providing for our commercial customers and those continuing to pay a premium for registered Angus bulls," he said. "We are committed to their success and profitability being a pathway to our own. When they build back, we want them to build back with Angus – not necessarily because of reputation or nostalgia, but because we can provide them with the highest quality and most accurate tools for production and management in the industry today."
For more information or to enroll cattle, call 816-383-5100, or contact AngusLinkSM via email at anguslink@angus.org. IMI Global can also be reached to help start an enrollment at 303-895-3002, or producers can complete its contact form at www.imiglobal.com/contact.
saskatchewan SASKATCHEWAN
NEWS RELEASE
FROM: AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA
Minister MacAulay announces support to advance genetic evaluation of Canadian cattle
June
7, 2024 – Rocky View County, Alberta – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The Canadian cattle industry is one of the country’s largest industries and a major economic driver. Canadian cattle and dairy producers hold themselves to the highest standards for quality and sustainability, which is why their genetics continue to be sought-after around the world.
Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced up to $1,627,270 to the Canadian Angus Association (CAA), through the AgriScience Program – Projects Component, to help improve genetic evaluation tools for Canadian beef and dairy cattle.
Genetic selection tools allow producers to increase their return on investment, while accurately predicting traits that benefit the environment and respond to consumer preferences. With the development of these tools, the challenge of collecting large volumes of data and managing the complexity of the collected data has increased.
With this federal support, the CAA will leverage cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, camera and computer vision systems to capture large volumes of accurate data on traits that impact producer profitability, animal health and welfare, and environmental sustainability. This research work will provide beef and dairy producers with valuable knowledge on genetic selection and support the development of new systems and technologies to further advance breeding tools. These advancements in genetic evaluation tools will further position Canada as a well-renowned country for genetics within the global cattle industry.
Investing in innovation to advance efficient and sustainable genetic traits in Canadian cattle will help maintain the quality of herds, while supporting a more productive and profitable industry for the future.
Quotes
“Canada’s world-class cattle industry contributes significantly to our country’s economy. By investing in new innovations and technologies, we can enhance the industry’s economic and environmental sustainability –putting more money in the pockets of producers, and more top-quality Canadian products on tables around the world.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“The Canadian Angus Association exists to preserve and expand the breed for Canadian cattle producers and beef consumers, doing so in part by leading research and development projects. We are very grateful to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for supporting our project through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Through this project, and in partnership with Holstein Canada, our goal is to leverage cutting-edge camera and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to develop new ways to measure traits for Angus and Holstein cattle. These traits impact producer profitability, animal health and welfare, and carcass quality.”
Myles Immerkar, CEO, Canadian Angus Association
Quick facts
As of January 1, 2024, the Canadian herd totaled 11.1 million cattle and calves (including both beef and dairy), on 70,490 Canadian farms and ranches.
In 2023, farm cash receipts from the sale of Canadian cattle and calves totaled $15 billion, in addition to the $8.6 billion generated from milk and cream sold from dairy farms, all while supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs directly and indirectly.
The AgriScience Program, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, aims to accelerate innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector, and Canadians.
The AgriScience Program – Projects Component is currently accepting applications.
The Canadian Aberdeen Angus Association, operating as the Canadian Angus Association (CAA), is a notfor-profit association incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act and represents members from across Canada for the purposes of registering and recording the pedigrees of purebred Angus cattle and promoting the breed across Canada.
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa, Ontario
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NEW EDUCATION PLATFORM LAUNCHES FOR ANGUS JUNIORS
BEEF Academy, a new online learning platform hosted by Angus University, teaches juniors about the beef industry through interactive, 10-minute modules
JULY
23, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact: HOLLY MARTIN Director of Communications || 816-383-5143 hmartin@angus.org
A new online learning platform, BEEF Academy, launched in July for members of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA). In the future, the platform will be available to other young people interested in learning more about the beef industry.
“I hope to see this program thrive within the ag industry,” said NJAA member Lyle Perrier of Eureka, Kansas. “I think this program can do a phenomenal job of giving people a good overview of the beef industry. It shows the information in a way that makes sense.”
BEEF Academy was created with support from the Angus Foundation, Ingram Angus and the American Angus Association®.
“The academy blends these organizations’ missions into an online learning experience built especially for young people interested in our industry,” said Jaclyn Boester, executive director of the Angus Foundation.
The launch was celebrated all week long at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) July 1-6 in Madison, Wisconsin. Exhibitors were encouraged to “Take the Pledge” and commit to taking advantage of BEEF Academy’s online learning modules. There was also a fun display in the trade show area that attendees of NJAS used for a selfie backdrop and for a chance to win prizes. Then, a ceremonial ribbon cutting was held on July 6 with representatives from supporting organizations.
“It was a really rewarding experience growing up in the junior Angus association,” said Jason Upchurch, a managing partner at Ingram Angus who took part in the ribbon cutting. “It was just an honor to be able to stand there and give back to the program that built the Angus relationships I have today.”
Upchurch said their decision to support the project was truly a team effort.
“Orrin [Ingram], David [Cagle] and I all work as a team at everything we do,” he said. “Orrin is very giving person, who loves youth and loves hardworking kids that put forth effort to make something out of themselves. With that combination along with Dave and I’s background, being part of the Angus juniors as we grew up, we felt like it was important to combine forces. We put our minds and resources together to have the ability to do something like this that gives junior members another tool to be able to gain knowledge about our industry.”
Bracie Cagle cuts the BEEF Academy ribbon in celebration of its launch during the National Junior Angus Show on July 5 in Madison, Wis. Pictured left to right are Jimmy Stickley and Jaclyn Boester of the Angus Foundation; and Hadley Jordan, Collin Cagle, Jamie Cagle, David Cagle, Bracie Cagle and others with Ingram Angus; and representatives from the American Angus Association®.
In the first set of modules, junior members learn about the five beef industry segments, and how they both compete and work together as part of our dynamic beef industry. Later this year, new topics will be added, including beef breeds & genetics and beef science.
Perrier, who helped pilot the program in the spring of 2024, said the content easily builds connections with learners.
“There’s a lot of visual parts within the program that do a good job of catching your eye and giving you something that sticks with you,” he said. “It’s not just a bunch of quizzes or lecturing. It’s actually graphic models, facts and stuff that shows regions it affects, which I think even amplifies the ties it builds with the people using it.”
Beef industry professionals help ensure the platform’s information is relevant and uniquely tailored to be a goto resource. Experts including meat scientists, geneticists, and animal science professors continue to aid in the development of additional courses.
“It’s a great way to learn and do more and become more involved in the Angus breed or cattle business,” said NJAA member Cooper Murnin of Pompeys Pillar, Montana. “I enjoyed the imagery of it. It all tied in really well.”
The online learning experience caters to youth ages 8-21 and breaks content into 10-minute modules within three age categories.
Briella Humpert of Windthorst, Texas participated in the pilot test in the youngest age category. She said she thinks it is important for her and her peers to know about the beef industry for themselves, and the interactive knowledge checks were her favorite.
“I like how you had to match what you heard,” Humpert said.
All National Junior Angus Association members can now access BEEF Academy free-of-charge using their AAA login information at beefacademy.com.
“The BEEF Academy platform is really fulfilling a need for high-quality beef industry education targeting juniors,” said Caitlyn Brandt, director of events and junior activities. “It is complimentary to the events and inperson education we offer through the National Junior Angus Association and adds value to all of our members”
To learn more about BEEF Academy, visit https://qrco.de/about-beefacademy
— Written by Sarah Kocher, Angus Communications
About the NJAA
The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle while also providing leadership and self-development opportunities for more than 4,500 active members nationwide.
About the Angus Foundation
Established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1980, the Angus Foundation remains focused on its mission to support Angus education, youth, and research. The organization has distributed more than $4.2 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.3 million in beef cattle research in the past decade.
For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100. AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION
3201 FREDERICK AVENUE, SAINT JOSEPH, MO 64506
816-383-5100 WWW.ANGUS.ORG
british columbia BRITISH COLUMBIA
PRESS RELEASE RDAR HELPS DELIVER $3.8 MILLION
RDAR helps deliver $3.8M combined investment by the governments of Alberta and Canada, Alberta Cattle Associations, and TELUS Agriculture into bovine genomics aims to boost producer profitability
The Canadian Angus Association will receive $3.8M to increase Canadian cattle producers’ ability to make data-driven decisions based on genomics to economically benefit their commercial livestock operations.
March 22, 2024 – The Canadian Angus Association will receive $3.8M to increase Canadian cattle producers’ ability to make data-driven decisions based on genomics to economically benefit their commercial livestock operations. The investment will be used to develop a genetic selection tool to equip producers with breeding data to select the best replacement heifers to improve their herds.
Using the selection tool, producers will have access to reliable genetic data to select for desired traits such as growth and fertility. This will improve the overall genetic potential of Canadian cattle herds, which has the potential to translate into increased profits across the value chain and more exports.
RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research) facilitated a contribution of $978,000, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership — funded by the governments of Alberta and Canada. The Canadian Angus and Hereford Associations, together with TELUS Agriculture, contributed to the balance of the $3.8M.
“Canada’s beef industry is known around the world for its high quality and commitment to sustainability. It’s vitally important that we invest in new innovations and technologies, like this genetic selection tool, to help producers grow their businesses sustainably while remaining competitive, both globally and here at home.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Alberta is known for having some of the best beef products in the world. We are pleased to help fund this innovative project which will enable Alberta’s cattle producers to make more informed, data-driven decisions about their herds and help us maintain our world-class reputation.”
RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
“Data-driven genetic decisions and the adoption of genetic technologies will benefit the whole Canadian beef production value-chain. Using accurate genetic data is essential to ensuring Alberta beef continues to be known worldwide as the best. This genomic technology will drive sustainable growth across the cattle industry.”
Dr. David Chalack DVM, Chair, RDAR Board of Directors
The principal investigator Dr. Kajal Latimer, Director of Science and Technology for the Canadian Angus Association, sees the industry benefits of this genetic selection tool project to be far-reaching as it uses extensive Canadian seedstock and commercial data collected by both Cattle Associations and TELUS Agriculture.
“From a geneticist’s perspective, the opportunity to lead this project is a dream come true. Thanks to the project partnerships and support from RDAR, we can link animal performance information from all parts of the Canadian beef industry to create genomic predictions that work for our commercial sector. Nothing is more rewarding than having the opportunity to develop science and systems that support our commercial producers.”
Dr. Kajal Latimer, Director of Science and Technology, Canadian Angus Association
Using the selection tool, producers will have access to reliable genetic data and replacement female information at the same depth that has been available for breeding bulls. By expanding access to heifer genetic information, the industry can improve animal health outcomes while reducing producer input costs.
Dr. Latimer’s team is working to develop an easy-to-use animal record management system and training staff to help on-farm with DNA sampling and data recording.
“With this genomic heifer selection tool, we’re emphasizing the replacement heifer. She’s carrying the herd’s most valuable cargo—the next generation to advance the herd for Canadian beef production.”
Kee Jim, DVM, TELUS Agriculture Alberta
CATTLE PRODUCER QUOTES
“If genomic data were available to effectively sort heifers for performance, maternal traits, and carcass quality, the longterm dream of advancing herds would be possible. Marketable data would also give producers a competitive edge in domestic and export markets, and buyers at different points in the animals’ cycles would have more insight into what they are buying.”
Austin Cross, Cross Cattle Company, Alberta
“For me, this is going to be another tool that I can utilize to identify genetics that are superior for traits that I can’t see or measure easily, like feed efficiency and carcass quality. I want to know which females can perform better on less input without having to build progeny and production proofs.”
Greg Pugh, Pugh Farms, Edgerton, Alberta
It’s invaluable to know ahead of time which heifers are going to produce calves that grow well, stay healthy, and have excellent carcass quality. We owe that to our customers and consumers. We require genomic information on all the bulls that we buy. We want to be able to access the same type of information for our females. This is going to help the whole beef business, no matter what size of operation, or where it is in Canada.”
Rob Garner, Nordal Farms, Simpson, Saskatchewan
About RDAR
RDAR’s mandate is to target strategic investments in producer-led, results-driven agriculture research to power the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of Agriculture in Alberta. A not-for-profit corporation, RDAR’s funding comes from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. www.rdar.ca
About the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable-CAP) is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 percent federally and 40 percent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
About the Canadian Angus Association
The Canadian Angus Association (www.cdnangus.ca) is a not-for-profit association incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act for the purposes of registering and recording the pedigrees of purebred Angus cattle and promoting the breed across Canada. The Association represents approximately 2,600 seedstock breeders and 16,000 commercial producers across Canada. Its member-approved mandate is to maintain breed registry, breed purity and provide services that enhance the growth and position of the Angus breed.
About the Canadian Hereford Association
The Canadian Hereford Association was incorporated in 1890 and is one of Canada’s oldest and largest beef breeds. It serves over 1,600 beef producers across Canada by providing genetic improvement programs, member services, and market development initiatives.
TELUS Agriculture
We help connect the agribusiness value chain: farmers, trusted advisors, retailers and manufacturers. TELUS Agriculture works to deliver integrated digital solutions and data insights to enable you to optimize your business and connect to customers upstream and downstream. https://www.telus.com/agcg/ agribusiness
RDAR Media Inquiries:
Janada Hawthorne || Communications Lead RDAR | Results Driven Agriculture Research 1-877-503-5955 | janada.hawthorne@rdar.ca
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Bryan Kostiuk Editor
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