Murray Alcatraz 5M | MGM 5M HF ALCATRAZ 60F X BAR-H CORA 90F
Murray National 6M | MGM 6M BROOKING NATIONAL 0144 X BAR-E-L APRIL 38J
Murray National 10M | MGM 10M BROOKING NATIONAL 0144 X BAR-E-L KATHLEEN 67G
Murray Reverence 51M | MGM 51M HF REVERENCE 23K X BAR-E-L APRIL 51F
7th ANNUAL BLACK ANGUS BULL AND FEMALE SALE
MARCH 20, 2025
PARKBEG, SK 45 HEAD SELL!
HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TOMOVE YOUR PROGRAM FORWARD. PLEASE CALL OR TEXT TO BE ADDED TO OUR MAILING LIST.
Robin & Michelle Hogberg
John Hogberg & Maddie Caldwell
Langenburg, SK S0A 2A0
Robin Cell: 306-743-7490
John’s Cell: 306-496-7696
View the Catalogue at www.barh.ca
BY CHRIS POLEY
now!
As I sit and ink this editorial it was minus forty below but has moved up to minus thirty… must be a sign of global warming. What we need is several of those weather gurus to take a quick course in frozen water bowls 1-o-1. Some of these gurus are found in the National capital. Hopefully, there will be a most needed change soon.
What an amazing fall market as records were set once again. High quality breeding females, where available, were the highest in history and salvage quality cows and bulls set new highs. The calf market is wild especially on heavier stockers, so where is the market going from here… the front rows are bullish and aggressive which tells me that the market will be steady at these levels or higher. Restocking the North American cow herd has not started, and we know we have a beef shortage in North America.
and marbling…. rib eyes are still champions. We must be proud of the quality of our food as we in Canada produce one of the best products in the world. When it comes to breeding cattle, we are leaders, thanks to the ranchers and farmers in the Dominion.
Don’t look back!
Throughout my travels this past summer and fall visiting breeders, I saw, what I believe are the best set of bull calves (now bulls) that will be on offer this coming spring. Breeders need be commended for selection and quality genetics they have used over the last couple of years. But don’t stop as salvage levels are at record highs! Refresh your herd bull battery with the newest genetics available and as you make your changes remember that the Angus cow is still “Queen of the Pasture” and influences more than half the cow herd in America.
On your travels while shopping for your next lineup
• All bulls born, bred & developed right here at MRL
• Large sire groups 1/2 and 3/4 brothers Penfulls of uniform bulls in every category
• Sight Unseen Buyer’s Program (Can’t make it sale day, give us a call. Almost 25% of our bulls sell SUS. Many repeat customers year after year.)
• Semen evaluated and guaranteed
• Free Delivery in Western Canada. Cost sharing to the East
• Our trailer is most likely going right past your gate.)
• Sound rugged Bulls developed on a high roughage ration (Born, bred and fed to work and stay working)
• Extra age bulls ready to cover some ground. Offering 60 May/ June coming Two Year Olds and January/February born yearlings.
• Genetically engineered to excel for the commercial cattleman.
• Calving ease, performance and packed full of maternal traits.
For over 50 years we have been committed to and focused on providing herd bulls that will excel for commercial cowboys. The strength of our offering has always been our cowherd! 50 years in the making, 800 head strong in a competitive environment with 2 breed lines and 2 calving intervals. We have multiplied our most productive cow families based on old fashioned production merit under ranch conditions. Our breeding program is not influenced by the show ring or by the flavour of the month, but rather genetics that work for every-day cattlemen that depend on the things that pay the bills! Live, vigorous calves at birth, pounds at weaning, feed conversion and all-around maternal merit. Herdbulls designed by ranchers for ranchers. We are truly honoured to have many of the most progressive cattle outfits across North America source their herd bulls here at MRL year after year. Give us a call, text or email for a full color catalogue or plan a tour through our bull pens. Come see for yourself what keeps the commercial cowboys coming back year after year.
AT THE RANCH
CARIEVALE, SK (HEATED SALES ARENA)
CATALOGUES,
Lee: (306) 483-8067
Dave: (306) 483-8660
Jim: (306) 483-7986
Sale Barn: (306) 928-2011
F: (306)
selection tools for
By Emma Cross Director of Communications
Canadian Hereford Association
Breed associations have been working on developing and refining genetic selection tools for purebred cattle for decades, but the work is starting to branch out to further benefit the commercial sector that offers the market for purebred genetics.
The Canadian Hereford Association and Canadian Angus Association have been collaborating on the Heifer Select project to develop genomic evaluations for replacement heifer selection in the commercial herd.
Financial support for the Heifer Select project is distributed by Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), with funding from the governments of Canada and Alberta through the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP). “Commercial producers get to make their bull buying decisions based on the availability of a lot of information (breeder, pedigree, performance, EPDs and genomics),” says CAA Director of Science and Technology Kajal Latimer. “When they go to address the second part of their breeding program, there’s not a lot of information on that commercial female that’s currently available.”
Working with commercial producers, the team is collecting data on commercial progeny from parents in the CHA and CAA databases, including performance data and genotypes. Producers involved in the project retain ownership of their fed calves so that carcass data can be collected as well.
Leveraging the existing data in the CHA and CAA databases with the added commercial data, the project will generate a set of genetic evaluation tools (GEPDs) for commercial females. By incorporating commercial animals into the data set, the tools will be accurate enough to make noticeable genetic impact in the commercial herd. In essence, commercial producers will have access to the same suite of GEPDs that purebred breeders currently do to select commercial replacement females.
To develop the tools, the CHA and CAA are working with AbacusBio, an organization that specializes in developing genetic selection tools. The team is prioritizing making the tools as practical and useful as possible, focusing on the traits that matter most to a commercial producer choosing replacement females.
This project allows breed associations to offer direct value to the commercial sector. “To me, the Heifer Select project is part of our Better Your Beef strategy,” says CHA Executive Director Michael Latimer. “It’s how we’re going to connect the seedstock sector with the commercial sector in meaningful ways, and we’re really going to reinvent how breed associations interact with the commercial sector.”
“As breed associations, we need to do a better job of connecting with and providing services to our customers, the commercial sector of our industry,” says Kajal. “CAA has one of the largest tag programs globally, and we’ve spent a lot of time growing the value that commercial producers can get from their feeder calves. We want to have just as much effort go into what we can provide for them in terms of tools and services on the breeding side of things as well.”
Creating a partnership between two breed associations to create something of value for the commercial sector parallels what the commercial industry already loves about the partnership between Angus and Hereford. “We know from generations of anecdotal evidence that producers love the baldy,” says Michael. “This project helps to validate the
value in that cross, because there haven’t been the tools or data in the past to do it.”
Plus, as Kajal points out, this project will create the foundation for one unified system for commercial producers. While leveraging the commercial database TELUS Agriculture already has in place in Herdtrax for this project, the CHA and CAA are developing Hereford X and AngusWORKS. These systems are a digital herd management program to track all of a producer’s management data in one place, including feeding, breeding, animal health, performance data, and more.
While producers can choose which system they use, both Hereford X and AngusWORKS use the same interface, and producers can enter all of their cattle, regardless of breed and including commercial cattle, into one system. Plus, it can be used offline from a phone or tablet while working chute side.
“Commercial producers usually don’t have just one breed,” says Kajal, “and one of the pain points is learning all these different systems. Since we’re also working with TELUS Agriculture on Hereford X and Angus Works, which are the same core system, we’re allowing these producers to keep all of their data and all of their tools together in one place.”
While the Heifer Select project is focused on offering tangible value to commercial producers, there is value in the result for purebred breeders as well. “It contributes to customer retention,” says Kajal. “We hear from large commercial producers asking what does the breed association do for me? It makes us more relevant to a huge part of the beef industry.”
Michael adds that the project “helps create confidence for the purebred genetics working in a commercial setting.” When the data and selection tools show improved results from the purebred genetics breeders are offering, commercial producers will keep coming back.
Beyond offering added value to a breed for commercial customers, the project also offers a way for breed associations to diversify their revenue at a time when the national cowherd is declining. Traditionally, association revenue has relied on purebred cattle registrations, transfers, and breeder memberships but
offering different services to producers across the beef industry will offer a different source of income.
The success of this project relies heavily upon the involvement of the time and effort of the producers collecting the data. “We have had great response from producers to participate in this project,” says Libby Laycraft, who is the project lead from the CHA. “They’re helping us collect a lot of data and also testing our digital herd management tool, Hereford X.”
Producers who are interested in participating in the project with data on their 2024 and 2025 calf crops are encouraged to reach out to Kajal (klatimer@cdnangus.ca) or Libby (libby@hereford.ca). While these producers do need to retain ownership of their feeder calves, they will receive access to Hereford X or Angus Works at no cost, as well as genotyping (which includes parentage verification and preliminary genomic predictions for growth, production, and carcass quality traits) of their entire calf crop for no cost.
Offering these benefits to participating producers is a result of the generous funding provided by RDAR through Sustainable CAP. As Kajal explains, “the process of applying for the funding really helps validate that what we’re doing is right. It gives me confidence that our scientific plan is correct and robust, and because it’s reviewed by a board of industry stakeholders, there’s validation that they saw a need for this.”
Once the project has successfully generated a set of tools comparable to what purebred breeders can currently access, the doors are wide open for future expansion on the project. “The list of tools we can explore long term is endless,” says Kajal.
“When we get these systems in place we can use these foundational pieces to expand beyond this set of tools,” says Michael. “We can start addressing other issues of relevance to the entire beef industry, whether it’s environmental impacts or other things that we can hardly fathom tackling right now.”
The CHA and CAA are looking forward to seeing practical tools land in the hands of commercial producers as a result of the Heifer Select project.
“We hear from large commercial producers asking what does the breed association do for me? It makes us more relevant to a huge part of the beef industry.”
JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
JASON & LESLIE MCLAREN, NEEPAWA, MB WITH RED JAS STAR 146M
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
BRUCE, IONE, AUSTEN & KATIE ANDERSON, SWAN RIVER, MB WITH RED ACC TIBBIE 169M
RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
LOGAN MARTINSON, MIDALE, SK WITH RED LV MISS DALLAS 21M
SENIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
MAGUIRE BLAIR, DRAKE, SK WITH RED BLAIRSWEST INATEX 6M
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
KARL & KRISTINE SAUTER, WAWOTA, SK WITH RED BRIDGEWAY PRIDE 26M
SENIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
KARL & KRISTINE SAUTER, WAWOTA, SK WITH RED BRIDGEWAY LADY 10L
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
BRUCE, IONE, AUSTEN & KATIE ANDERSON, SWAN RIVER, MB WITH RED ACC TIBBIE 169L
GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
MAGUIRE BLAIR, DRAKE, SK WITH RED BLAIRSWEST INATEX 6M
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
KARL & KRISTINE SAUTER, WAWOTA, SK WITH RED BRIDGEWAY LADY 10L
JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER BULL
KODIE DOETZEL, LIPTON, SK WITH RED NUHORIZON ROCKER 419M
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER BULL
LOGAN MARTINSON, MIDALE, SK WITH RED LV REVELATION 31M
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
BRUCE, IONE, AUSTEN & KATIE ANDERSON
SWAN RIVER, MB WITH RED ACC NOZEKA 178M
SENIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
MAGUIRE BLAIR, DRAKE, SK WITH RED BLAIRSWEST MILWAUKEE 2M
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
LOIS AND BLAIR MCRAE, BRANDON, MB AND DOUBLE F CATTLE CO WITH RED MAR MAC MAJOR 2M
CHAMPION MATURE BULL
LOIS AND BLAIR MCRAE, BRANDON, MB WITH RED MAR MAC DM LANDMARK 10K
GRAND CHAMPION BULL
LOIS AND BLAIR MCRAE, BRANDON, MB AND DOUBLE F CATTLE CO WITH RED MAR MAC DM LANDMARK 10K
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL
MAGUIRE BLAIR, DRAKE, SK WITH RED BLAIRSWEST MILWAUKEE 2M
RED ANGUS PREMIER BREEDER AND EXHIBITOR
LOIS AND BLAIR MCRAE, BRANDON, MB
JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
MARK PILLER, NEUDORF, SK WITH PILLER PRETENTIOUS 2429M
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
MATTHEW GINTER, MINNEDOSA, MB WITH BASKM JUNE 6M
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
JASON FREY, OXBOW, SK WITH FREYBURN BLACKBIRD 36M
RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
JESSY MILNE-SMITH, BRANDON, MB WITH RIDEAU EVER ENTENSE 55M
SENIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
CHAD & BREANNE HOLLINGER, NEUDORF, SK WITH HLC ERICA 383M
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
ANNA-MARIE PERROT, ALAMEDA, SK WITH PERROT BELLA 6M
SUMMER BORN CHAMPION YEARLING FEMALE
ROBIN HOGBERG, LANGENBURG, SK WITH BAR-H MISS EVERGREEN 113L
JUNIOR CHAMPION YEARLING FEMALE
ROBIN HOGBERG, LANGENBURG, SK WITH BAR-H MISS EVERGREEN 43L
JUNIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING FEMALE
DARREN AND SHANNON CARVEY, ALEXANDER, MB WITH SELDOM REST SANDY 3031
SENIOR CHAMPION YEARLING FEMALE
JASON FREY, OXBOW, SK WITH FREYBURN GEORGINA 99L
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING
HEIFER
CODY NOLAN , CYPRESS RIVER, MB WITH LEGAARDEN JESTRESS 3L
TWO YEAR OLD CHAMPION FEMALE
MERIT CATTLE CO MERIT CATTLE CO., RADVILLE, SK WITH JAYMARANDY GRACE 201K
TWO YEAR OLD RESERVE CHAMPION FEMALE
MARK ANGUS, BEAUSEJOUR, MB WITH MERIT SOCIALITE 2056K
CHAMPION MATURE FEMALE
JASON FREY, OXBOW, SK WITH FREYBURN BLACKBIRD 48J
GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
MERIT CATTLE CO MERIT CATTLE CO., RADVILLE, SK WITH MERIT SOCIALITE 2056K
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
ROBIN HOGBERG, LANGENBURG, SK WITH BAR-H MISS EVERGREEN 113L
JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
ROBIN HOGBERG, LANGENBURG, SK WITH BAR-H NIAGARA 33M
JUNIOR RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALF
HOLLY MADSEN, ARDEN, MB WITH HMM MACHINE 28M
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
MAGUIRE BLAIR, DRAKE, SK WITH BLAIRSWEST HIGH DEF 32M
RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
JESSY MILNE-SMITH, BRANDON, MB WITH RIDEAU CM MAVERICK 52M
SENIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
ANDRE STEPPLER, MIAMI, MB WITH STEPPLER STUNNER 292M
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALF
ANDRE STEPPLER, MIAMI, MB WITH STEPPLER BIG SOCIAL 122M
MATURE CHAMPION BULL
ROBIN HOGBERG, LANGENBURG, SK WITH EXAR REDEMPTION 2612B
MATURE RESERVE CHAMPION BULL
CHAD & BREANNE HOLLINGER, NEUDORF, SK WITH HLC CSI ELEVATION 100K
GRAND CHAMPION BULL
ROBIN HOGBERG, LANGENBURG, SK WITH EXAR REDEMPTION 2612B
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL
CHAD & BREANNE HOLLINGER, NEUDORF, SK WITH HLC CSI ELEVATION 100K
GRAND CHAMPION PAIR OF BULLS
JASON FREY, OXBOW, SK, FREYBURN BOBCAT 88K
BLACK ANGUS PREMIER BREEDER AND EXHIBITOR
JASON FREY, OXBOW, SK
JUNIOR CHAMPION BRED HEIFER
KAY-R CHAROLAIS WITH CONLEY PRINCESS 3716
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION BRED HEIFER
JOHN DOLLIVER WITH VOS VEGAS GEORGINA 2317
SENIOR CHAMPION BRED HEIFER
GREENWOOD CATTLE WITH GREENWOOD TIBBIE 78L
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION BRED HEIFER
FREYBURN ANGUS FARMS WITH FREYBURN RALLY MISSIE 22L
SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE
JOHN DOLLIVER WITH DUSTY’S COUNTESS 2101 AND CALF JT COUNTESS 93M
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE
RILEY PASHULKA WITH CHELS LUX 37K AND CALF MR RUSYLVIA STUNNER 72M
JUNIOR CHAMPION CALF
TY ZAFT WITH TZ COREY 37M
JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
FLAT LAKE LIVESTOCK WITH FLAT LAKE ROCKY 19M
JUNIOR RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALF
BAYSHORE ANGUS WITH BAYSHORE RP RIP 100M
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
JUSTAMERE FARMS WITH JUSTAMERE 314J
REDEMPTION 176M
RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
GREENWOOD CATTLE WITH GREENWOOD KNIFEPOINT 77M
SENIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
ELLDEM CATTLE INVESTMENTS WITH ELLDEM 9213
EXCITE 408M
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALF
GREENWOOD CATTLE WITH GREENWOOD STANDOUT 34M
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION CALF
FREYBURN ANGUS FARMS WITH FREYBURN
BLACKBIRD 36M
RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION CALF
BAR SK CATTLE COMPANY WITH DUSTY’S COUNTESS 4049
SENIOR CHAMPION CALF
GREENWOOD CATTLE WITH GREENWOOD BEAUTY 6M
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION CALF
GREENWOOD CATTLE WITH GREENWOOD LUCY 2M
GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
JOHN DOLLIVER WITH DUSTY’S COUNTESS 2101 AND CALF JT COUNTESS 93M
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
GREENWOOD CATTLE WITH GREENWOOD BEAUTY 6M
JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL
TRIPLE L ANGUS WITH DFCC 78H BIG LEAGUE 32L
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL
FREYBURN ANGUS FARMS WITH BCH LEX 99L
SENIOR CHAMPION BUL
RAFTER D4 CATTLE CO AND HOLLINGER & CATTLE WITH HLC CSI ELEVATION 100K
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION BUL
FREYBURN ANGUS FARMS WITH FREYBURN BOBCAT 88K
GRAND CHAMPION BULL
RAFTER D4 CATTLE CO AND HOLLINGER & CATTLE WITH HLC CSI ELEVATION 100K
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL
FREYBURN ANGUS FARMS WITH FREYBURN BOBCAT 88K
SENIOR CHAMPION BRED HEIFER
MCGOWAN FARMS WITH RED MCGOWAN TRUE 15L
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION BRED HEIFER
KOPPER LC RED ANGUS WITH RED KOPPER LC POCOHONTUS 85L
SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE
TRIPLE L ANGUS WITH RED WRIGHTS 137E COPPER 6K
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE
BROOKE FAMILY FARM WITH RED SHILOH DYNA 78K
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION CALF
IRON SIGHT RANCHING LTD WITH RED ISR SHOWGIRL 124M
JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
TRIPLE L ANGUS WITH RED TRIPLE L TAURUS 61M
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
BROOKE FAMILY FARM WITH RED BROOKE MARLBORO 5M
RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
MCGOWAN FARMS WITH RED MCGOWAN MONARCH 77M
SENIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
PIRO RED ANGUS WITH RED PIRO GROUNDSHAKER 405M
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
PIRO RED ANGUS WITH RED PIRO SIDEPIECE 423M
RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION CALF
TRIPLE L ANGUS WITH RED J BAR DEE PRIDE 11M
SENIOR CHAMPION CALF
TRIPLE L ANGUS WITH RED TRIPLE L FAVORITE 10M
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION CALF
PIRO RED ANGUS WITH RED PIRO ECHETA 412M
GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
TRIPLE L ANGUS WITH RED WRIGHTS 137E COPPER 6K
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
BROOKE FAMILY FARM WITH RED SHILOH DYNA 78K
JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL
PIRO RED ANGUS AND ROYAL ROCK ANGUS WITH RED PIRO ADDICTION 370L
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL
MCGOWAN FARMS WITH RED MCGOWAN LARIAT 29L
SENIOR CHAMPION BULL
TRIPLE L ANGUS WITH RED WOOD COULEE TAURUS
805K
GRAND CHAMPION BULL
TRIPLE L ANGUS WITH RED WOOD COULEE TAURUS
805K
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL
PIRO RED ANGUS WITH RED PIRO GROUNDSHAKER
405M
By Roy Lewis, DVM
Farmers and veterinarians since the beginning of time have pondered over the proverbial downer beef cow. This article will attempt to cover some of the causes and their modern-day treatments.
Typically, a downer cow surprises the farmer. It is often a perfectly healthy cow with no presenting history suddenly found down and unable to rise. Because cattle, especially mature ones, are such heavy beasts after being down even a short time several complications can ensue. Pressure sores, stiff muscles from trying to rise or cattle becoming spread-eagled are common sequelae. It is these complications which the veterinarian must also treat in order to arrive at a favourable outcome.
With the advent of lots of in-house blood testing now available at most veterinary clinics several tests may be performed on downer cattle to determine the cause. While “milk fever” is often implicated deficiencies of either calcium, phosphorus or magnesium can resemble one another greatly. With dairy cattle the true “milk fever” results from a shortage of calcium generally at parturition when the demand for milk and thus calcium is greatest. Beef cattle can have milk fevers show up at different times either before calving or late into the lactation. Often poor mineral utilization or improper feeding is the root cause. Veterinarians now will often take a blood sample so those three minerals can be tested for. If deficient, then the diagnosis is made and treatment is initiated to alleviate the situation. In my experience the grass tetany downer from magnesium deficiency is less likely to recover once down. Phosphorus leads to the proverbial “creeper” cow, which can take along time to get up. As with all these mineral deficiencies one must think these cases may be the tip of the iceberg. The rest of the herd should be closely scrutinized and some cows possibly randomly checked (blood tested) to confirm the herd status and prevent other cases from developing. With free choice minerals keep in mind some cattle simply don’t eat much minerals.
Injuries to the neck or peripheral nerves can cause downer animals and these can present as a great diagnostic challenge to your veterinarian. Once an animal is down, doing a thorough clinical exam can be difficult. Ambulation is better to check out severe lameness or trauma cases. A blown stifle (knee) or broken leg can present as a downer animal. It is important as a downer your veterinarian rolls the animal over and closely examines all four legs closely. Lightning strikes where the animal has survived damages, the peripheral nerves and a downer may be the end result.
With parturition a difficult birthing can cause pressure on the obturator nerves where they run through the pelvis resulting in knuckling and weakness to the hind end. If caught early enough anti-inflammatory drugs as recommended by your veterinarian may help significantly. One must be careful bad mastitis; metritis (infected uterus) or cases of tetanus brought on by retained placentas can fool even experienced practitioners. They can occur just after calving and if sick enough cows will be unable to rise simply because of weakness and toxemia. Any condition, which results in dehydration: septicemia or toxemia may result in downer animals. These may be sudden or occur over several days. If the cattle appear sick and depressed a large number of maladies will cause enough weakness or toxemia to cause a downer situation. Severe electrolyte imbalances (as an example too much potassium (K) in the bloodstream) can cause cattle to go down. Again, most of these electrolytes can be tested for by your veterinarian to make sure the proper ailment is being treated.
Very excitable cattle if they get out and are run for a considerable period will go down subsequent to this because of the muscle damage it causes not unlike white muscle disease in young calves. This is called “capture myopathy” and happens when zoo animals are captured. Selenium may help but once down prognosis is poor.
You can see downers are caused by a multitude of medical conditions, most with entirely different treatments. With some: treatment results in a very favourable prognosis others offer a poor prognosis. The important thing is getting them looked at immediately by your veterinarian to determine the cause. In the meantime provide soft footing to prevent pressure sores developing. Roll the downers side to side several times daily to help prevent further nerve damage. Hobbling the feet together to avoid splay legging and where indicated anti-inflammatory drugs may also be in order. Of course the essentials of life good quality water and feed must be provided. Shade on very hot days is essential. Watch for fly strike around the rectal and vaginal areas.
Some cases such as broken legs or stifle injuries may warrant emergency slaughter so do not rush in and treat unless the exact cause is known. The transport of large downers is really frowned upon from an animal rights issue so best to emergency slaughter right on site. We see some downers from very thin cows late in pregnancy carrying twins. The increasing weight of a large calf or twins and cows can get thin enough they are simply unable to rise. Hopefully, the cow was close enough to calving and calves or could potentially be induced to alleviate the cow of all that weight and drain on her nutritionally. Each decision with these downer cows becomes a decision and plan with your veterinarian to arrive at the best outcome. If medical care is given it is best to get them on a well bedded area that has traction and gives them the best chance at getting up.
Hip lifters and slings can be employed to lift cattle but I only suggest this if certain criteria are met. Cattle must be trying to rise and when lifted must bear some weight themselves. If just hanging there is no point in lifting. Only lift for 15 to 20 minutes twice daily. The hiplifters also cause muscle bruising so you want the benefits to outweigh the negatives. Certain practitioners are having some success with acupuncture for the nerve-damaged cases.
I am hopeful this article has lessened the frustration and mystique associated with dealing with downer cattle. Patience is a virtue and if in doubt get the downer checked by your veterinarian, as it could be one of a number of maladies that must be ruled out.
Office
Office
JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
THAXTER CATTLE COMPANY, MANILLA, ON WITH TCC FLORA 306M
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
HASSON LIVESTOCK, GUELPH, ON WITH HASSON ELLIE 65M
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
PREMIER LIVESTOCK, MILVERTON, ON WITH PREMIER NORTH HURON BARABARA
RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
UPPER GLEN ANGUS, GEORGETOWN, ON WITH RL BLACKBIRD 62M
SENIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
MAC ANGUS FARMS, HAVELOCK, QC WITH THE MAC QUEEN 8M
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
DUDGEON CATTLE COMPANY, DOBBINTON, ON WITH DDGN SUZY 409M
JUNIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
BLUE SHOE INVESTMENTS, MAIDSTONE, ON WITH REIB PHYLLIS 336
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
CLAIR LANE STOCK FARM, FERGUS, ON WITH SULL ELLIE 3450L
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER & GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE/COL. D.B. WELDON MEMORIAL AWARD
HASSON CATTLE CO/ RAIL LINE FARMS, EAST GARAFRAXA, ON WITH SCC PHYLLIS 3201
RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
HASSON CATTLE COMPANY, EAST GARAFRAXA, ON WITH HCCC HUGS N KISSES 5L
SENIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER & RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
ENRIGHT FARMS, RENFREW, ON WITH EF PRIMROSE 2314
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
PREMIER LIVESTOCK, MILVERTON, ON WITH PREMIER HASS DERRER BARBARA
SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE
MORGAN MACINTYRE, RUSSELL, ON WITH EF SARAS DREAM 942
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE WALKERBRAE FARMS, GUELPH, ON WITH WALKERBRAE RUBY 803J
JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
ELM HOLME CATTLE COMPANY, KINBURN, ON WITH ELM HOLME MAC DADDY 1M
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
VOS VEGAS FARMS, PLAINFIELD, ON WITH VOS VEGAS WALK THIS WAY 2444
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
HASSON LIVESTOCK, GUELPH, ON WITH HASSON WOODBINE 2024
RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CAL F
VOS VEGAS FARMS, PLAINFIELD, ON WITH VOS VEGAS MY TIME 2410
SENIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
HARPREY FARMS, PROTON STATION, ON WITH HARPREY ALCATRAZ 23M
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
FALLIS LAND & CATTLE, SELWYN, ON WITH FLC MO BAMBA 3M
CHAMPION JUNIOR YEARLING BULL & GRAND
CHAMPION BULL/COL. D.B. WELDON MEMORIAL AWARD
DON HEAD CHALLENGE TROPHY & SUPREME
CHAMPION OF THE SHOW
CLARKE FAMILY FARMS INC., BLENHEIM, ON WITH CONLEY WILLARD 3319
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION YEARLING BULL & RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL
VANCISE CATTLE COMPANY INC., STAYNER, ON WITH RED VANCISE LEXUS 325L
CHAMPION TWO BULLS BRED AND OWED
ENRIGHT FARMS, RENFREW, ON CHAMPION BREEDER’S HERD
ENRIGHT FARMS, RENFREW, ON CHAMPION JUNIOR GET OF SIRE
HASSON LIVESTOCK, GUELPH, ON CHAMPION PROGENY OF DAM
ENRIGHT FARMS, RENFREW, ON
CONLEY WILLARD 3319
• Big, Solid Bulls that can Cover Pasture
• Lots of Hair – Full of Meat • More Bull for Your Dollar
• Semen Tested and Ready to Work! • Performance Tested
• Good Feet, Structurally Sound, Easy Fleshing
Walker Box 235, Hudson Bay, SK S0E 0Y0 T 306-865-3953 C 306-865-6539 diamondw@sasktel.net
This Red Wheel Stark 67G son is a highly maternal bull that blends the best of low birthweight and high growth and has been doing an amazing job. One of his sons was Grand Champion Red Angus at Denver National. We are offing the walking rights on this amazing herdbull.
Angus & Simm/Angus bulls for sale including these powerful herd bull prospects starting at $5,500.00plus a group of January born replacement heifers, call for details.
SPRING CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Brooking Angus with BROOKING BEAUTY 4197 sired by GATEWAY FOLLOW ME F163
RESERVE SPRING CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
MJT Cattle Company Ltd. with MJT 041H Sarita ET 201M sired by Coleman Glacier 041
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Rusylvia Cattle Co with MISS RUSYLVIA 101M sired by RUST FORGED IN FIRE
INTERMEDIATE RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Rideau Angus Farm with RIDEAU EVER ENTENSE 55M sired by SQUARE B ATLANTIS 8060
SENIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Greenwood Cattle with GREENWOOD BEAUTY 6M sired by S A V PANTHER 1906
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Ter-Ron Farms with TER-RON JAYBIRD 64M sired by TERRON KNIFEPOINT 99K
JUNIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Boss Lake Genetics with BOSS LAKE MS MARTHA 307L sired by SILVEIRA’S CONVOY 0340
JUNIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
KAY-R Land & Cattle Ltd with CONLEY PRINCESS 3716 sired by CONLEY DS CLEAR CUT 0510
INTERMDIATE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Jacobson Cattle with RLF TIBBIE 303L sired by HILL VALLEY RECKONING 931
INTERMEDIATE RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Compass Ranch with COMPASS BLACKCAP 132L sired by BC ROBUST 0807
SENIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER AND RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
Brooking Angus with BROOKING BEAUTY 3068 sired by BROOKING EMERALD 9179
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Miller Wilson Angus with DMM BLACKBIRD 44L sired by SAV MISSOURI RIVER 8025
CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD FEMALE AND GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
Six Mile Ranch with SIX MILE LADY LEE 281K sired by YOUNG DALE HONOUR 16H
RESERVE CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD FEMALE
Ter-Ron Farms with TER-RON FOREVER LADY 56K sired by S A V RENOVATION 6822
CHAMPION MATURE FEMALE
Miller Wilson Angus with DMM GEORGINA 7H sired by BAR S RANGE BOSS 4002
RESERVE CHAMPION MATURE FEMALE
Merit Cattle Co with MERIT SOCIALITE 1028J sired by U-2 COALITION 206C
SPRING CHAMPION BULL CALF
Northline Farms with NLF SUNDAY SINNER 404M sired by PVF MARVEL 9185
RESERVE SPRING CHAMPION BULL CALF
Pieschel Farms with PF MOHAVE RLP 89M sired by SAV JESSE JAMES 0968
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
Rideau Angus Farm with RIDEAU CM MAVERICK 52M sired by SQUARE B ATLANTIS 8060
RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
Lone Star Angus with LONE STAR ROBUST 10M sired by Bar E-L TITANIUM 10K
SENIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
Brooking Angus with BROOKING NEXT GENERATION 4064 sired by BROOKING NEXT GENERATION 1038
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALF
Miller Wilson Angus with DMM REVENGE 92M sired by DMM GT LAST CALL 200J
JUNIOR CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Boss Lake Genetics with BOSS LAKE CONVOY 319L sired by SILVEIRA’S CONVOY 0340
JUNIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Smithers Land & Livestock with JT FRICTION 77L sired by KT BRAVO 1032H
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Arda Farms & Freeway Angus with LT GRAND JUNCTION 3183 sired by KOUPALS B&B JUNCTION 0124
INTERMEDIATE RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Riverside Angus with RIVERSIDE MAJOR 130L sired by SITZ MAJOR 707F
SENIOR CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Brandl Cattle Co. with BCC MR. INCREDIBLE 82L 48J sired by COMPASS MR TIBBS 11J
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Miller Wilson Angus with DMM SNAPBACK 13L sired by SAV FINAL ANSWER 0035
CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD BULL AND GRAND CHAMPION BULL
Wheatland Cattle Co. with MICH WHEATLAND COALFIELDS 217 sired by ELLINGSON THREE RIVERS 8062
RESERVE CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD BULL AND RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL
Wilbar Cattle with MUSGRAVE DEXTERITY 1502 sired by SITZ FEAT 729H
SUMMER CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Cinder Angus with RED CINDER FREYJA 229M sired by RED CINDER VISION 93H
SPRING CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Lone Star Angus with RED LONE STAR BONNIE 117M sired by RED DUFF RED BLOOD 18114
RESERVE SPRING CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Northline Farms with RED NLF EVA 409M sired by RED NORTHLINE TUCKER 54E
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Cinder Angus with RED CINDER FREYJA 1129M sired by RED W SUNRISE BANKNOTE 284G
RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Redrich Farms with RED REDRICH ER RUBY 193M sired by RED REDRICH KUJO 270K
SENIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Ter-Ron Farms with RED TER-RON MISTY 143M sired by RED PIE CAPTIAN 057
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Brandl Cattle Co. with RED BCC RENEE 435 sired by RED TER-RON RIDDLER 57F
JUNIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Cinder Angus with RED CINDER GAMMER 349L sired by RED CINDER VISION 93H
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Wilbar Cattle with RED BLAIRSWEST FEATURE 48L sired by RED DUFF RED BLOOD 18114
INTERMEDIATE RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Ter-Ron Farms with RED TER-RON DIAMOND MIST 165L sired by RED ALLISON SMACK 17J
SENIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Redrich Farms with RED REDRICH HAILEY 385L sired by RED REDRICH JAGUAR 180J
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Olds College with RED OCCI MADONNA 3L sired by RED SIX MILE CUSTOM MADE 505C
CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD FEMALE AND GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
Blairs.Ag Cattle Co with RED BLAIR’S YANKEE 129K sired by MANN RED BOX 55C
RESERVE CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD FEMALE AND RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
Triple L Angus with RED WRIGHTS 37E COPPER 6K sired by RED MRLA RESOURCE 137E
CHAMPION MATURE FEMALE
Airam Farms with RED AIRAM DIAMOND MIST 23J sired by RED TER-RON RESOURCEFUL 136F
RESERVE CHAMPION MATURE FEMALE
South View Ranch with RED SVR RUBY 170D sired by RED SVR KODIAK 213Z
SPRING CHAMPION BULL CALF
Southland Cattle Co. with RED SOUTHLAND AMPLIFY 117M sired by RED DUFF RED BEAR 18154
RESERVE SPRING CHAMPION BULL CALF
Cinder Angus with RED CINDER ROGER THAT 383M sired by RED TWG TOMMY JACK 166A
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
PIRO Red Angus with RED PIRO CYPRESS 4153M sired by RED PIRO CYPRESS 272K
RESERVE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
Airam Farms with RED AIRAM RED Box 46M sired by RED AIRAM RED BOX 07K
SENIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
Wilbar Cattle with RED WILBAR STRANGLEHOLD 814M sired by RED WILBAR HENNESSY 3K
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALF
Airam Farms with RED AIRAM EMINENCE 02M sired by RED WILBAR EMINENCE 91K
JUNIOR CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Cinder Angus with RED CINDER GREASE MONKEY 1601L sired by RED CINDER VISION 93H
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
PIRO Red Angus with RED PIRO ADDICTION 370L sired by RED DURALTA 167 MOMENTUM 11H
INTERMEDIATE RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING
BULL
McAleer Ranching with RED MCALEER LOCK N LOAD 10L sired by RED EYE HILL MAMA’S BOY 23J
SENIOR CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Shiloh Cattle Company with RED SHILOH LET’S RUMBLE 54L sired by RED DMM RUMBLE 74J
CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD BULL AND GRAND CHAMPION BULL
Wilbar Cattle with RED WILBAR HENNESSY 3K sired by RED WILBAR HIGHLIGHT 624H
RESERVE CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD BULL AND RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL
Six Mile Ranch with SIX MILE COLD OPEN 82K sired by RED WHEEL STARK 67G
780-675-0112 Residence: 780-675-3445
Thursday, July 24, 2025
11 am • Move in complete • CJA Annual General Meeting & Orientation
12 noon • Lunch
12:30 pm • Judging (individual competition – written reasons)
1:30 pm • Team Grooming
5:30 pm • Supper & Extravaganza
Friday, July 25, 2025
8:30 am • Group Photo
9:00 am • Showmanship
9:00 am–1:00 pm • Print Marketing
12 noon • Public Speaking
1:00–4:00 pm • Sales Talk
2:00 pm • Team Judging (must qualify from individual competition)
6:00 pm • Cook-off & BBQ
Saturday, July 26, 2025
10:00 am • Conformation Classes
5:00 pm • Banquet, Awards Presentations, Auction & Dance
MOVE IN BEGINS JULY 23 AT 1 PM
The Canadian Angus Foundation will provide travel and trucking bursaries to attend Showdown as well as significant cash prizes and scholarships for the Aggregate Winners. There will also be three draws made for vouchers to purchase Angus females—one at $3,000 and two at $2,000. All exhibitors will automatically be entered to win!
Visit the Canadian Angus Foundation website at www.cdnangus.ca/foundation for more information and to apply for the bursaries.
SimmAngus are the cornerstone of the Canadian beef industry.
The reputation of the Simmental breed is built off the International Genetic Solutions (IGS) genetic evaluation model which incorporates both Simmental and Angus data.
The Canadian Simmental Association is the ONLY place to register your half-blood Simmental/Angus calves and receive that information, and as a bonus they can be upgraded over the generations to purebred Simmental status.
Contact the CSA office for details.
New in 2024, The Canadian Red Angus Promotion Society invited Junior Red Angus members from across Canada that are showing Canadian Registered Red Angus Females to apply for the program. CRAPS set up 3 Regions within Canada and awarded Jackets to the winner in each region. In order to qualify Juniors could accumulate points at 4-H shows at any level, jackpot shows, Regional Junior and Angus shows. Points were awarded for participation and Champions.
In addition, the 32 participants were entered in a draw for a $1,500. Sale credit at Red Roundup October 12, 2024. The winner was Lexie Dietrich of the $1,500. And she purchased a female at the 2024 Red Roundup with the help of these funds.
HEART OF THE VALLEY ANGUS, BC DONATED THE JACKET TO...
Swayzie Bootsman, Rapid City Manitoba with her heifer Red JJL Mati 9L. Swayzie is a young Red Angus producer just getting started in the business.
Thanks to everyone who applied, and we hope to give out more awards in 2025. Great to see Juniors from all across Canada being able to participate in this program. Watch for more details on the 2025 program in the New Year.
TOWAW CATTLE CO., AB DONATED THE JACKET TO... Heidi Pas, Mayerthorpe, Alberta on Red Redline Rosalie 71J and calf at side.
Heidi had purchased her female out of Red Roundup Sale and along with winning Show Female of the Year she also won Grand Champion Owned and the Legacy Class at Red Roundup. It is great to see the Roundup cattle out working in the industry.
MAR MAC FARMS, MB DONATED THE JACKET TO... Corbin Reid, Moorefield, Ontario on Red Covey Hill Lauryn 5L. Corbin is busy expanding his Red Angus herd.
Connealy Craftsman records over 4,000 progenies.
By Amber Wahlgren, Communications Assistant
For over 150 years, the popularity of Angus cattle has grown, making over 80% of America’s cowherd influenced by Angus genetics. Influential sires have made their mark and during the 2024 American Angus Association® Awards Dinner and Reception on November 3rd, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas, the Association recognized the sire registering the most progeny.
Connealy Craftsman owned by Select Sires Inc., Plain City, Ohio, and Sexing Technologies, Navasota, Texas, sired 4,014 calves registered into the Angus herd book, the most in fiscal year 2024.
“We were interested in this bull for a variety of reasons, but it was phenotype that set him apart for us. His $M index and foot scores were excellent, and his pedigree was something different for us,” Brian House of Select Sires Inc. said. “When our team set their eyes on him, they very quickly selected him as the ‘special bull,’ in that sale.”
Recognizing these sires highlights the breeders dedicated to providing top-quality Angus bulls.
“Our members enjoy wide diversity in genetics to achieve whatever their breeding goals are,” said Mark McCully, chief executive officer of the Association. “We’re thankful for these cattlemen committed to breed improvement.”
NOVEMBER 12, 2024 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The top 10 sires are recorded from October 1 through September 30.
2. GB Fireball 672, ABS Global Inc., De Forest, Wis.; Goode Angus, Pampa, Texas; and Grand Bayou Farms, Ruston, La., 3.500 calves
3. Deer Valley Growth Fund, Deer Valley Farm, Fayetteville, Tenn., 3,368 calves
4. Sitz Resilient 10208, Bar J V Angus Ranch, Fairview, Mont.; Dan Ingalls, Casper, Wyo.; and Lunds B Bar Angus, Wibaux, Mont., 3,332 calves
5. Tehama Tahoe B767, Midwest Genetics, Long Island, Kan.; Tehama Angus Ranch, Gerber, Calif.; and VanDerVeen Farms, Phillipsburg, Kan., 2,411 calves
6. LAR Man in Black, ABS Global, De Forest, Wis., and Larson Angus Ranch, Sharon Springs, Kan., 2,292 calves
7. DB Iconic G95, Douglas Booth Family, Torrington, Wyo., and Genex Cooperative, Shawano Wis., 2,273 calves
8. Sitz Stellar 726D, ABS Global, Inc., De Forest, Wis., and Sitz Angus Farm, Dillon, Mont., 2,165 calves
9. Poss Rawhide, Danny Poss, Scotia, Neb., and Sexing Technologies, Navasota, Texas, 2,090 calves
10. GAR Home Town, Gardiner Angus Ranch Inc., Ashland, Kan., 2,068 calves
Connealy Craftsman owned by Select Sires Inc., Plain City, Ohio, and Sexing Technologies, Navasota, Texas, sired 4,014 calves registered into the Angus herd book, the most in fiscal year 2024. Pictured from left are Lauren Wolter, Miss American Angus; Sharon, Jerry, Hannah, and Gabriel Connealy of Connealy Angus Ranch; Lorna Marshall and David Thorbahn of Select Sires Inc.; Aaron Arnett, and Juan Moreno of STgenetics; and Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO.
JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Brooking Angus Ranch - Radville, SK and Tres Marias, El Sauz, San Martin, Resolano with BROOKING ROYAL LASS 4207 sired by BROOKING RADVILLE 2208
RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Boss Lake Genetics - Parkland County, AB with BOSS LAKE MS DONNA 452M sired by SCC SCH 24 KARAT 838
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Grylls Cattle Co. - Neudorf, SK with GRYLLS ROSEBUD 2426M sired by PVF BLACKLIST 7077
INTERMEDIATE RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Six Mile Red Angus - Fir Mountain, SK and Hollinger Land & Cattle, 719 Cattle, R+ And Elk Ridge. with SIX MILE EMPRESS 98M sired by WOODHILL HELIX
SENIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Grylls Cattle Co. - Neudorf, SK with GRYLLS EMPRESS 2421M sired by PVF BLACKLIST 7077
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Jayden & Jaxon Payne - Lloydminster, SK with GREENWOOD LUCY 2M sired by GREENWOOD GAME NIGHT JJP 74G
JUNIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Swindon Ranch - Alexander , MB with SELDOM REST SANDY 3031 sired by BNWZ DIGNITY 8017
JUNIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Boss Lake Genetics - Parkland County, AB and Brynne Yoder, Brooklynn Boulter with BOSS LAKE MS MARTHA 307L sired by SILVEIRAS CONVOY 0340
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Grylls Cattle Co. - Neudorf, SK with GRYLLS EMPRESS 2324L sired by CONLEY DIECKMANN PROWESS
SENIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Brooking Angus Ranch - Radville, SK and Duff Cattle Co., Lindskov’s LT Ranch with BROOKING BEAUTY 3068 sired by BROOKING EMERALD 9179
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
INTERMEDIATE RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Jayden & Jaxon Payne - Lloydminster, SK with GREENWOOD TIBBIE 78L sired by GREENWOOD HIGH CLASS JJP 87H
Justamere Farms Ltd. - Lloydminster, SKand with Lee Shologan JUSTAMERE 278F BLACKCAP 743L sired by HLC GQ 278F
CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD FEMALE
Boss Lake Genetics - Parkland County, AB with BOSS LAKE MS DONNA 273K sired by EXAR CLASSEN 1422B with calf at side BOSS LAKE GOLD STANDARD 417M
RESERVE CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD FEMALE
Six Mile Red Angus - Fir Mountain, SK and Laramie Greenwood with SIX MILE LADY LEE 281K sired by YOUNG DALE HONOUR 16H with calf at side SIX MILE LDG
OVECHKIN 8M
CHAMPION SENIOR FEMALE
Merit Cattle Co. - Radville, SK with MERIT SOCIALITE 1028J sired by U-2 COALITION 206C with calf at side MERIT
JOHN WAYNE 4063M
RESERVE CHAMPION SENIOR FEMALE
Six Mile Red Angus - Fir Mountain, SK with SIX MILE LASSIE 230H sired by BAR-E-L NATURAL LAW 52Y with calf at side SIX MILE LASSIE 285M
GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
Merit Cattle Co. - Radville, SK with MERIT SOCIALITE 1028J sired by U-2 COALITION 206C with calf at side MERIT
JOHN WAYNE 4063M
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
Swindon Ranch - Alexander , MB with SELDOM REST SANDY 3031 sired by BNWZ DIGNITY 8017
JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
Blairs.Ag Cattle Co. - Lanigan, SK and Roots and Wings
Cattle with BLAIR’S RW BARRICADE 548M sired by SITZ BARRICADE 632F
JUNIOR RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALF
Merit Cattle Co. - Radville, SK with MERIT WHITE WATER 4105M sired by ELLINGSON BIG RIVER 0052
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
Brooking Angus Ranch - Radville, SK with BROOKING GLACIER 4155 sired by COLEMAN GLACIER 041
INTERMEDIATE RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALF
Jayden & Jaxon Payne - Lloydminster, SK with GREENWOOD KNIFEPOINT 77M sired by TER-RON KNIFEPOINT 99K
SENIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
Brooking Angus Ranch - Radville, SK with BROOKING SOUTH AMERICA 4022 sired by HUMMEL SOUTH AMERICA
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALF
Murray Ranches - Tilley, AB with MURRAY INCREDIBLE 63M sired by MERIT INCREDIBLE 1020J
JUNIOR CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Boss Lake Genetics - Parkland County, AB with BOSS LAKE CONVOY 319L sired by SILVEIRAS CONVOY 0340
JUNIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Jaymarandy Livestock - Beausejour, M Band Mike Ducherer with JAYMARANDY GOOD MEDICINE 340L sired by JAYMARANDY THE LION 125J
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Freyburn Farms - Oxbow, SK with BCH LEX 99L sired by W SUNRISE BRAVO 26J
INTERMEDIATE RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Eastondale Angus - Wawota, SK with BRANDY’S BLACK TIE 211L sired by HF ROPER 27F
SENIOR CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Brooking Angus Ranch - Radville, SK and ZWT Ranches, Greenwood Cattle, Ter-Ron Farms with BROOKING CONTINENTAL 3105 sired by BROOKING EMERALD 9179
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Hamilton Farms - Rocky View County, AB and SW Cattle Co., Emde Land & Cattle, 606 Livestock Ltd. with HF PROSTAR 97L sired by SITZ PROFOUND 680G
CHAMPION SENIOR BULL
Hollinger Land & Cattle - Neudorf, SK with Rafter D4 Cattle Company, CSI Angus with HLC CSI ELEVATION 100K sired by S A V BLOODLINE 9578
RESERVE CHAMPION SENIOR BULL
Wilbar Cattle Co - Dundurn, SK with MUSGRAVE DEXTERITY sired by SITZ FEAT 729H
GRAND CHAMPION BULL
Hollinger Land & Cattle - Neudorf, SK with Rafter D4 Cattle Company, CSI Angus with HLC CSI ELEVATION 100K sired by S A V BLOODLINE 9578
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL
Brooking Angus Ranch - Radville, SK and ZWT Ranches, Greenwood Cattle, Ter-Ron Farms with BROOKING CONTINENTAL 3105 sired by BROOKING EMERALD 9179
CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Six Mile Red Angus - Fir Mountain, SK and KT Ranches with RED SIX MILE DIXIE 290M sired by RED SIX MILE JOHN WICK 882E
RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
South View Ranch - Ceylon, SK with RED SVR COCA 71M sired by RED ALLISON CLASH 13K
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Six Mile Red Angus - Fir Mountain, SK and Corbin Reid with RED SIX MILE MS LASS 208M sired by RED PIE LONG HAUL 1344
INTERMEDIATE RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
L83 Ranch - Westhope, ND and Lee Red Angus with L83 TINK 493M sired by MCKY 8731 ET
SENIOR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Double B Angus - McLean, SK with RED DOUBLE B MONIQUE 404 sired by DUFF BLACK INK 1710
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF
Ter-Ron Farms - Forestburg, AB with RED TER-RON MISTY 143M sired by RED PIE CAPTAIN 057
JUNIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Zane Lodoen - Westhope, ND with L83 JILLIAN 328L sired by RED WILBAR INTUITION 832J
JUNIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
RK Cattle Co. - Moorefield, ON with RED SIX MILE QUEEN 552L sired by RED WEBR BRANDO J113
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Wilbar Cattle Co - Dundurn, SK and Owen Willms with RED BLAIRSWEST FEATURE 48L sired by RED DUFF RED BLOOD 18114
SENIOR CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Rosewin Farm - Chatsworth , ON and Brian Newman with RED PATCHELL TESLA 24L sired by RED MANN RED BOX 55C
INTERMEDIATE RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Ter-Ron Farms - Forestburg, AB with RED TER-RON DIAMOND MIST 165L sired by RED ALLISON SMACK 17J
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER
Kenray Ranch - Redvers, SK with RED KENRAY EW BARONESS 7L sired by RED SIX MILE FIFTH SENSE 43F
CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD FEMALE
Blairs.Ag Cattle Co. - Lanigan, SK and Carlos Ojea with RED BLAIR’S YANKEE 129K sired by RED MANN RED BOX 55C with calf at side RED BLAIR’S CARLOS YANKEE 116M
RESERVE CHAMPION TWO YEAR OLD FEMALE
Wheeler’s Stock Farm - Saskatoon, SK and Maryka CraggFortin with RED WHEEL ANNIE OAKLEY 22K sired by RED WHEEL STARK 67G with calf at side RED MCF ANNIE OAKLEY 50M
CHAMPION SENIOR FEMALE
South View Ranch - Ceylon, SK with RED SVR RUBY 170D sired by RED SVR KODIAK 213Z with calf at side RED SVR PANORAMA 4M
RESERVE CHAMPION SENIOR FEMALE
Double B Angus - McLean, SK and Baxter Blair with RED DUFF LADY 2X 1620 sired by RED PZC TMAS FIRESTORM 1800 ET with calf at side RED DOUBLE B LADY 401
GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
Blairs.Ag Cattle Co. - Lanigan, SK and Carlos Ojea with RED BLAIR’S YANKEE 129K sired by RED MANN RED BOX 55C with calf at side RED BLAIR’S CARLOS YANKEE 116M
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE
South View Ranch - Ceylon, SK with RED SVR RUBY 170D sired by RED SVR KODIAK 213Z with calf at side RED SVR PANORAMA 4M
JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
Double B Angus - McLean, SK with RED DOUBLE B BAYWATCH 433 sired by RED DOUBLE B REDWATCH 129
JUNIOR RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALF
South View Ranch - Ceylon, SK with RED SVR COVENANT 74M sired by RED ALLISON CLASH 13K
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION BULL CALF
Blairswest Land & Cattle Ltd. - Drake, SK with RED BLAIRSWEST METRIC 63M sired by RED RAINBOW METRIC 106K
INTERMEDIATE RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALF
Steen Angus - Dundurn, SK with RED STEEN ROULETTE 78M sired by RED DUFF HD 2046
SENIOR CHAMPION BULL CALF
Wilbar Cattle Co - Dundurn, SK with RED WILBAR STRANGLEHOLD 814M sired by RED WILBAR HENNESSY 3K
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION BULL CALF
Southland Cattle - Shaunavon, SK with RED SOUTHLAND YOUNGBLOOD 55M sired by RED SIX MILE MOSSY OAK 175H
JUNIOR CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Cinder Angus - Barrhead County, AB and Tavianne Yoder with RED CINDER FOOLIN’ YA 1601L sired by RED CINDER VISION 93H
INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
Six Mile Red Angus - Fir Mountain, SK with Red Six Mile Showman 87L sired by Six Mile Showman 580H
INTERMEDIATE RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING BULL
McAleer Ranching - Unity, SK with RED MCALEER LOCK N LOAD 10L sired by RED EYE HILL MAMA’S BOY 23J
SENIOR CHAMPION YEALING BULL
Shiloh Cattle Company - Craigmyle, AB and CD Land and Cattle with RED SHILOH LET’S RUMBLE 54L sired by RED DMM RUMBLE 74J
SENIOR RESERVE CHAMPION YEALING BULL
Kenray Ranch - Redvers, SK with RED KENRAY NINJA 11L sired by RED WHEEL STARK 67G
CHAMPION SENIOR BULL
Wilbar Cattle Co - Dundurn, SK and Rohrich Cutting Edge Ranch with RED WILBAR HENNESSY 3K sired by RED WILBAR HIGHLIGHT 624H
RESERVE CHAMPION SENIOR BULL
Six Mile Red Angus - Fir Mountain, SK and Handhills Farming Co. Ltd. with RED SIX MILE COLD OPEN 82K sired by RED WHEEL STARK 67G
GRAND CHAMPION BULL
Wilbar Cattle Co - Dundurn, SK and Rohrich Cutting Edge Ranch with RED WILBAR HENNESSY 3K sired by RED WILBAR HIGHLIGHT 624H
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL
Six Mile Red Angus - Fir Mountain, SK with Red Six Mile Showman 87L sired by Six Mile Showman 580H
If I could take everything I have learnt in the process of applying, travelling to Australia, and being part of the World Angus Forum Competition, I would strive to give back to juniors and breeders in Canada. Sharing my experience and knowledge with junior members in Canada in hopes of influencing whomever I can, to take advantage of any opportunity presented because you never know about the small connections that could influence your life.
Listening to global leaders will offer fresh ideas applicable to my own operation and future career in agriculture, which I can also share with my peers. I am particularly interested in learning how other countries address climate resilience and herd improvement—both areas that are becoming increasingly critical to sustainable agriculture.
To me, the people that are chosen to go are not only there to represent themselves, but more importantly, they are there to represent the Canadian Angus Association in the most professional way to further promote Canadian Angus genetics and producers.
The 2025 Zoetis World Angus Youth Competition will provide me with the opportunity to make my own memories and connections, as well as be an advocate and representative for Canadian Angus on the world stage…. In between the competitions I want to talk to and befriend people from across the world. I especially want to meet my fellow competitors from the other countries and learn their perspectives.
This event is more than just a platform to showcase skills; it’s also an incredible opportunity to connect with young people from around the world who share my passion for the cattle industry. If selected, I have three main goals that I hope to achieve: share my knowledge of Canadian cattle ranching practices, expand my understanding of the Australian cattle industry, and build connections with other young leaders in agriculture.
The most meaningful and lasting relationships in my short life have been built at CJA events such as the GOAL conferences and Showdown. These friendships are the kind I want to build with other Angus Breeders and enthusiasts from around the globe.
Representing Canada in the Zoetis World Angus Competition has been a dream of mine since a very young age. I vividly recall hearing about my mentors competing in the competition and thinking “I want to be like them one day”.
Challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and land availability are present on a global scale. As someone who plans to pursue a career in agricultural soil health upon university graduation, exposure to how these challenges are at play in another country would make me better able to address them in the future. As a producer, exposure to agricultural practices in another country would provide me with ideas that may be helpful to implement in my operation.
Based on their commitment to historical preservation and restoration, the Canadian Angus Foundation is recognizing members who have shown 75 and 100 years of family dedication with a custom farm sign. A number of signs have been presented this fall to honour these families.
Canadian Angus Foundation representatives will be delivering signs to
• Southern Angus Farm;
• Dalrene Farms—The Flint Family;
• The Bradshaw Family—D.C. Bradshaw/Aberlynn Angus;
• C.H. Richardson Family—Willow Park;
• Old Valleymere Angus;
• Valleymere Angus Ranch; and
• Willabar Ranch Ltd Presentations are also scheduled for Sandy Bar Angus— Switzer Family and Parkwood Farm—Burkell Family in the spring.
In 1998, the Canadian Angus Association introduced a long-term recognition award program to recognize those individuals and families that have demonstrated a long-time commitment to the Angus breed in Canada by maintaining a continuous membership in the Association for at least 50 years. The program was expanded in 2011 to also recognize families with 75 and 100 years of continuous membership.
Congratulations to these Angus enthusiasts who have maintained continuous family memberships for generations.
We thank you for your commitment and endurance.
Bell Angus, Early Sunset Ranch, Arda Farms, Minburn Angus, Anderson Cattle Co., Kenwaw/ Eastondale Angus, Heatherbrook Farms and Kenosee Park Angus were presented at Canadian Western Agribition in November
By Paul Dykstra
The past two weeks have brought about further escalation of record-high January fed cattle prices. In the five-area reporting regions Nebraska and Iowa/Minnesota were, once again, the highlights with last week averages just over $210/cwt. These regions also reported the bulk of the negotiated fed cattle trade volume. Kansas feedyards sold just near 7,500 head last week in the negotiated market at $202/cwt. with the Texas/Oklamoma/ New Mexico region trading just 1,690 head at $201/cwt.
The supply of harvested cattle remained fairly tight as the weekly total slipped down to 599,000 head, a 4,000 decline on the week prior. The fed steer and heifer portion of weekly harvest head counts have been very near those of a year ago in the past two weeks while cull cow throughput has been 12% smaller than a year ago.
Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle futures prices have been forced higher as Live Cattle contracts had been lagging negotiated values until recent days.
Boxed beef pricing in the past week saw prices in an up-and-down trend with the overall theme this month showing a rapidly higher adjustment to carcass cutout values.
Quality price spreads are narrowing in seasonally appropriate fashion with middle meat demand fading from fourth quarter highs. Even so, supplies of steak items and briskets are more head-count dependent than end meats, which benefit greatly from heavy carcass weights. As such, quality price spreads may be more sensitive as smaller fed cattle head counts are realized in 2025.
New records in carcass weights are currently being recorded, suggesting that quality grades will remain quite rich for the time being. The likelihood of this is only going to increase as we move toward expected annual quality grade highs in March.
Carcass cutout values are calculated using the weighted price of each subprimal beef cut, summarized in a single price per hundredweight for the entire carcass. Seasonal demand shifts for different cuts constantly change the percentage of total carcass value that each cut represents. Often those changes are subtle, but January is typically characterized by more dramatic adjustments with contribution from several cuts shifting total carcass value.
As the name suggests, the “comprehensive cutout” value is a simplified single price for fed steer and heifer carcasses combining prices for all quality grades and product delivery periods. So far this month the
comprehensive cutout has averaged $326/cwt., a 14% increase for the same period a year ago.
The expected rapid decline in key middle meat prices has taken shape this month with CAB ribeyes dropping $4.38/lb., down 28%. Tenderloins are priced $2.53/lb. cheaper since January 1, down 16%. Perhaps surprising to many, wholesale tenderloin prices are $2.53/lb. cheaper than a year ago. The other popular middle meat steak and roasting cut, the 0x1 strip loin, is slightly less favored for December holidays and consequently has begun the last three years at just 92% of it’s annual average price. The upswing for strip loin demand has begun ahead of Valentine’s Day, with the smaller volume spot market buyers capitalizing on lower prices for this cut relative to the other two premium middle meats.
Just as two featured middle meats are retreating to lower prices, sharply higher values for chuck and round cuts are generating all of the upward pressure for total carcass cutout values. While consumers tend to shift demand to cheaper end roasting cuts after Christmas, the market has been sharply higher on several end cuts. One example from the chuck
includes CAB shoulder clod roasts up 18% this month; typically January only increased 4% in the last three years. Prices on round cuts have risen faster this month than those from the chuck with the total CAB round cutout up 17.8% so far.
We’ve highlighted the importance of ground beef pricing for several months, given the much smaller domestic cull cow harvest. This remains a driving factor for fed cattle carcass values as grinding material from the younger cattle supply replaces a portion of the more typical source of lean cow beef.
January ground beef demand tends to increase as consumers look for lower priced proteins. The upcoming Super Bowl is also often cited as a ground beef demand driver, although chicken wings capture the limelight for the event. Wholesale prices for 85% lean ground beef are already up 20% this month, with CAB ground chuck and round each quoted from 10% to 15% higher.
With dressed fed cattle prices and the Choice carcass cutout value both very near $3.33/lb., the packer margin position is dismal. Rising input costs are typically followed by increased product pricing. However, the recent upward price trajectory of what we’d typically call “cheaper” end meats has already been eye-watering. As wonderful as beef demand has been in recent months, the near-term market leaves much to question.
BCK Livestock Financial is located in Peebles, Saskatchewan. We are proud to assist cow/ calf and feedlot operations with obtaining the capital needed to accomplish their goals in an ever changing landscape, of which we are proud to have extensive expertise in. Please get in touch with us for more information on our feed advance options, customized lending limits, competitive rates, flexible lines of credit, and flexible marketing solutions!
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By Courtney Weekley
Boots crunch in snowy pastures. Aprons tied tight in the kitchen. And conversations of beef fill the air. Bringing together the next generation of cattlemen and women and chefs, the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Connecting the Culinarian and Rancher event fosters a deep connection between opposite ends of the beef supply chain.
Two worlds collide, with one focused on raising the best beef and the other crafting dishes that honor it. This innovative program unites students from Johnson & Wales University (JWU) and ranchers from across the United States, offering an immersive look at the beef industry.
The event emphasizes collaboration, storytelling, and a shared commitment to sustainability. By engaging the next generation of culinary and beef professionals, CAB builds a unified community based on mutual respect and a common purpose for the future of beef.
Participants began in the meat lab exploring beef fabrication. There, they discovered the cuts that often go overlooked but can be just as flavorful as a ribeye or filet mignon.
Chef Vinnie Cimino, operating partner and executive chef at Cordelia, joined the group to share his perspective on the intersection of food and storytelling.
“It’s our duty to appreciate the things farmers and ranchers do,” he said. “Without them, we wouldn’t have the great beef we serve today.”
Through Chef Cimino’s guidance, students learned how to carry the story of the ranch into their dishes, elevating their culinary creations by honoring the source of their ingredients. It was here that a mutual appreciation began to form between ranchers and chefs, each gaining a deeper understanding of the other’s craft.
The group then traveled to a local Angus farm. There, culinary students learned from the family raising purebred Angus seedstock what it takes to meet customer demand. They shared sustainable practices and the ranchers’ commitment to animal and environmental stewardship. For many culinary students, including JWU sophomore Caleb Brown, this was their first in-depth look at how ranchers care for their land, cattle and resources.
“Seeing the connection between ranchers and their land really opened my eyes,” Brown said. “It’s not just about raising cattle; it’s about ensuring we care for the environment and the animals so future generations can continue the tradition.”
Katie Scheiv, also a student at JWU, relayed a similar perspective.
“I previously thought most ranching was always on large-scale operations, but now I understand the process spans a longer timeline,” she said. “Through conversations with ranching students, I realized it’s not just a job, but a lifestyle.”
The event concluded with a collaborative cooking session, where attendees worked together to prepare a shared meal using the cuts they explored earlier. The process brought their respective skills to life, blending culinary artistry with a profound respect for the work that begins on the ranch.
“It’s amazing how similar ranchers and chefs really are,” said Olivia Rooker, agricultural communications student at Oklahoma State University. “We both put in the hours, take pride in our work, and share the goal of creating something meaningful for others to enjoy.”
At its core, the event was about relationships. By sharing meals, stories and experiences, participants found common values: hard work, long hours and commitment to quality.
Through programs like Connecting the Culinarian and Rancher, CAB is building bridges between cattle ranchers and chefs who create memorable beef dishes.
“I never thought I would get an opportunity to engage in an experience like this,” Rooker said. “The knowledge I’ve gained has fueled my fire and passion for working in the agricultural industry and to share my story with others to do the same thing.”
Together, they are shaping a stronger, more connected beef community.
Pursuing premiums takes honest, hard-work for Kansas rancher and his family.
By Lindsay Graber Runft
In 2008, after breeding with registered Angus bulls for four years, Walt dipped his toe in retained ownership. The first year it was 25 percent, the next year twice that and by year three he was all in.
“Until I finished cattle, I don’t think I understood what it took to be profitable in this industry,” he says.
After five years, loads were grading 85 to 90 percent Choice but grade had plateaued. Unsatisfied, he looked for ways to improve quality and profitability.
and plans
Brian Walt works smart.
The commercial Angus rancher from Collyer, Kansas, came back for daily homework in 1999 after a year at college. For 25 years now, he’s studied all the ways to grow his family’s W6 Cattle cow-calf herd with Angus at the base.
“He studies the data; decisions aren’t made on a whim,” says Dominic Stephens, manager and part-owner of Beef Belt feedyard, Scott City, Kansas. “Brian has a very structured program. Nine years ago, he started feeding his calves at my yard and got a taste for higher premiums. Economics drive his program.”
Guided by data, Walt worked to improve the herd from zero Primes to averaging 60 percent. While some are content with matching the national Certified Angus Beef (CAB) average of 35 to 40 percent, today he regularly sees 85 to 90 percent CAB and Prime in his carcass data.
Learning what drives premiums prompted improvement.
“I started researching different seedstock producers and kept coming back to Gardiner Angus Ranch,” Walt says. “I was drawn to them because of all the data they provided and the information I found on marbling and its heritability.”
Results came with his first calf crop from Gardiner genetics and continued to improve. Today, he expects 60 percent Primes in a load. Next year, he anticipates more.
“Our goal is to reach 100 percent Prime, have the best cattle we possibly can and always feed the best,” says his son Quintin Walt.
Selection for profitability means looking at tangible metrics: growth, performance, pounds and quality. But there is one Walt insists is even more critical.
“One of the most important traits people leave out is the consumer,” he says. “The quality of the product that we’re producing needs to be what they want. If the consumer isn’t willing to pay a premium for it, we’re not where we need to be.”
When carcass data arrives, Walt gets to work. Progress with fed cattle was fast, but it started with the right foundation.
“I want the same maternal traits as everyone else,” he says. “I want that cow to be a good female, easy fleshing and breed back, but I want a premium on the other side of it. I don’t think she can be a really good female unless she can also produce a Prime carcass.”
From breeding season, it’s at least two years before knowing
if you made the right decisions for genetic progress based on carcass data or replacement heifers getting bred. DNA testing speeds that up by more than half. Phenotype and structure matter, but Walt’s priority is keeping the freshest genetics in his herd. That’s why DNA tests determine replacement heifer selection.
“I’ve seen the progress we’ve made from it in a short amount of time,” he says, noting the return on investment.
His goals are clear, and he’s figured out how to hit his target.
“The quality is bred into them,” Stephens says. It’s up to the Walts and Beef Belt to manage the cattle in a way to reach their full genetic potential.
For their unwavering and successful quest to improve carcass quality while maintaining a strong maternal base, W6 Cattle was presented the 2024 CAB Commercial Commitment to Excellence Award at the brand’s Annual Conference in Verona, New York, in September.
“It doesn’t matter how hard you feed them, if those cattle aren’t genetically capable of hitting high Choice, Prime or Certified Angus Beef, they just won’t,” Walt says from years of feeding cattle from across the U.S.
Still, he carefully manages his own calves to allow them to achieve their genetic potential.
When calves are weaned, they’re backgrounded for at least 90 days. The first 30 days to let them settle in, then the feed ration changes to push daily gains to 2.5 pounds. Heifers are fed for slower growth to prepare them as replacements, but any that don’t make the cut after DNA tests are fed out with the steers.
“Brian ships me a 900- to 950-weight animal,” Stephens says. “His approach improves their health, and if you don’t have health issues, you can get better performance on feed.”
Looking at the W6 calves, Stephens sees them exceed 4 pounds a day in the feedyard.
Not only does nutrition help reach high-quality grades, but Walt’s seen better vigor from calves on a good mineral supplement.
Hard work isn’t reserved for sweaty brows and long days laboring to complete tasks. Sometimes the hardest work is being efficient, so you have time to make it to your daughter’s ballgame. Or deciding which direction to take your herd to improve profitability so your son has the opportunity to return to the ranch. The Walts have achieved both.
“I hope our kids learn from Brian and I that it always takes hard work,” says wife Jana. “You should never be satisfied in what you’re doing. Always look to improve and grow in whatever they choose to do.”
And enjoy what you do.
“Brian is probably the one person I know who loves to go to work,” she says. “He loves to get out there with his cows and find ways to get better.”
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