2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Page 1

H Tri-State Livestock News H 2011 Horse Edition

H Tri-State Livestock News H 2011 Horse Edition

MARTIN RANCH 24th ANNUAL ANGUS BULL SALE Monday 

Jan 23rd 2012

Connealy Right Answer 746

 1 pm

Ogallala Livestock • Ogallala Nebraska

100 Registered Yearlings

CED

BW

+15

-.5

Marb

RE

+.53

Connealy Right Answer • Sitz Dash • TC Aberdeen

WW +67

+.21

YW

$F

+115

Milk

$B

+28

+48.20 +60.80

Sitz Dash 10277

HARB Pendleton • Connealy Reflection Connealy Impression

Past 3 years of mates harvested to our 2009-2010 & 2011 Sale Bulls 68.7 % CAB ™ 99.2 % Choice or Better 54.4 % Vision yield grade 1 & 2 Less than 1 % Vision yield grade 4 & 5 96.8 % PREMIUM PAID

CED

+11

BW

Marb

-.5

+.38

WW RE

+.66

+51

YW

$F

+92

Milk $B

+24

+30.76 +56.61

TC Aberdeen 759

Sale broadcast live @ C A T T L E U S A .com TJ, Kristy, Tanner & Ty Martin 1361 Keystone Sarben N Rd • PO Box 260 Keystone NE 69144

Office: 308-726-2855 Cell: 308-883-2333 Martin@lakemac.net

www.martinangusranch.com

CED +9

BW +.8

Marb +.62

RE

+.76

WW +59

$F

YW

+106

$B

Milk +38

+41.94 +66.81

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 1

#SZDF 'PPT $" ". /) '3&&

r 64 )XZ /JTMBOE 4%

Foos 914 Hero 50

Foos Windy 916

Reg# 17059996 Sire: PRA Hero 914 MGS: NF Windy 667

Reg# 17060018 Sire: Crook Mt. Windy 17 MGS: NF Tracker 667

BW -.7

WW +48

Milk +22

BW -.1

WW +52

Milk +25

YW +76

BW 81

205 Wt. 640

YW +81

BW 78

205 Wt. 702

Foos Right Time 637

Foos Windy 920

Reg# 1760036 Sire: VDAR Right Time 3045 MGS: NF Supreme 628

Reg# 17059985 Sire: Crook Mt. Really Windy 8834 MGS: NF Tracker

BW +1.2

WW +46

Milk +18

BW -2.6

WW +37

Milk +22

YW +67

BW 86

205 Wt. 658

YW +65

BW 71

205 Wt. 633

Reference Sires: VDAR Right Time 3045, Foos Alliance 09, NF Tracker 45, Crook Mt, Really Windy 8834, Crook Mt. 17, PRA Hero 914

GPPTBOHVT!TEQMBJOT DPN r GPPTBOHVT DPN 2 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Gill Red Angus February 21 , 2012 Timber Lake, SD

150 Commercial Open Heifers 100 Commercial Bred Heifers (Mar. & Apr. Calvers)

LMG Dynette 3041 15 Sons Sell!

You Buy Our Bulls We Bid On Your Calves! Gill Red Angus HC 64 Box 146 Timber Lake, SD 57656

www.gillredangus.com

Follow Gill Red Angus on Facebook!

! " !"

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 3

–– Sires Represented ––

–– Sale Features ––

–– Sale Features ––

Adj. 205: 668 –– WW Ratio 104

Adj. 205: 804 –– WW Ratio 125

Adj. 205: 703 –– WW Ratio 114

Adj. 205: 681 –– WW Ratio 106

Adj. 205: 701 –– WW Ratio 109

Adj. 205: 708 –– WW Ratio 110

4 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 5

6 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

th Production Sale 109 February 11, 2012

SAV Brand Name 9115

Saturday

10 am at the ranch

SELLING 600 REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS & FEMALES ! =$ # " = # "

Y O !

PREWEANING SNAPSHOTS - PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE DESIGNED FOR THE COWMAN...

SAV 707 Rito 9969

SAV Revere 1180

SAV Revelation 1024

# = 7

# = 7

SAV Iron Mountain 8066

,-6 )5( 326'7 &< -72 6)/ - %7,*1()5 0 5 :)%1-+ 572* '/96(,

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) 6)/ ,-6 32:)5,86 &< -72 7%.)6 ,2156 %6 7,) ,)%9 &2( -1 67)5 *8/ % -6 (0 '%/*523 ,-6 &8/ :)%1-+ %1( -6287*:+)5 0&/< ,

SAV Bismarck 5682

-)67

5)(20-1%7

SAV Carhartt 1061

SAV Versatile 1030

# = 7

# = 7

SAV Pioneer 7301

SAV Providence 6922

) 6)/ ,-6 5%1( %0) 621 -6 /2%() :-7, 7,-'.1)6 92/80) 3)5*20%1' 7,) .-1( 5%1',)6 ()0%1 ) :)%1( *2 ,-6 <)% (%0 21

5 2/(

11 %7 /&6

%1( -()%/ &*8 6 0<1752

) 6/ 83)5 '20/7 5%1( 0) 621 :-7, %/ 7,) 48%/-

SAV American 1209

)6 2* %1 1%7

SAV Reliance 1207

# = 7

# = 7

SAV Heritage 6295

()*-1%768 '/ &< 5 %0) -6 1' )16-7< (%0 5)'2(6 % :)%1-+ 5%7-2 2*

SAV Net Worth 4200

SAV Final Answer 0035

" 27)1-%/ :6,9+( &527,) " %/) 6(72 1; 7,)

,) " %/) *)%7856 /%5+) 6-5) +52836 %1( % 92/80) 6)/'7-21 2* 6)(72'. " &8/6 ,%9) )%51( % 5)387%-21 *25 %(-1+ 7,-'.1)6 :,-/)%91+ 2806'(5 *&7< 02()5%7 &8-*/ 352('79) *0%/6 ,)< %5 7,) .-1(5%'60*2>+38 72 <285 '%/*523 0%7)51/ 675)1+, 72 <285 '2:,)5( %1( (2/%56 7<8&0-1)

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’s &8/ < -72 6 58+)( 32:*/%1

-+,7 % 2*

af*25(%&/) 72 7,) '2:0%1

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 7

★ Tri-State Tri-State Livestock Livestock News News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal 88 ★

Mc Cumber Angus Ranch COW HERD KNOW FORfor OUTSTANDING MATERNAL TRAITS “ Cow herd known outstanding maternal traits”

Annual Bull Sale: March 28, 2012

Selling 110 yearling Angus bulls and 25 select registered heifer calves Sale will be broadcast live on RFD-TV

Sinclair Extra 4X13 4X13 is very sound, has excellent feet and is a proven sire for calving ease, outstanding daughters and marbling with adequate muscle. Many sons and grandsons will sell.

Sitz JLS Emula on EXT536P is proving to be a sire of outstanding females, that have excellent udder quality .536P is wide based, long bodied and possesses excellent muscle.

48 years of breeding Angus ca le 1000 mile free delivery 70% of the bulls, will be suitable for heifers. Semen tested. Freeze branded. Registra on papers transferred .

Other sires include: OCC Missing Link 830N (all sons selling are out of 4X13 daughters) OCC Paxton 730P McCumber Missing Link 9112 McCumber Angus Ranch is well known for ca le that have years of selec on for maternal traits. They are moderate framed ca le that will work in a forage only based environment. Selec on for feminine, wide based and deep ribbed females with excellent udder quali es has been ongoing for genera ons. You will find genera ons of like kind ca le in the McCumber pedigrees that will stamp and create a uniform calf crop for you. We look forward to showing you our calf crop and the dams that produce them.

Sinclair Entrepreneur 8R101 Entrepreneur has proven to be a very constant sire, stamping his calves with length, depth and muscle. He is siring herd bulls, you will be impressed.

OCC Tremendous 619TA Sire of muscle, capacity and calving ease. These ca le work well in a strictly forage based environment.

First me ever.

McCumber 4X13 Extra 829 829 is an outstanding son of 4x13 that sires length,muscle and wide based ca le. He sired the high selling sire group in our 2011 bull sale and his first daughters are the type of females that will be produc ve.

We will be selling 25 select yearling heifer calves in our spring bull sale, of the same quality as the heifers pictured below. They will be members of the well known McCumber cow families. The Miss Wix’s, Rose a’s, B Pride’s and Lassie’s that have been iden fied for their phenotype and produc vity. These will be founda on quality females.

Mc Cumber Angus Ranch 8675 37th Ave, Rolette, ND 58366 Chuck: (701) 246-3366 or Matt: (701) 246-3847 Email:mccumber@utma.com Web site: mccumberangus.com

Please contact us to receive our Newsletters or Bull Sale catalog. 2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 9

10 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

CONTENTS

2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Sale Day Savvy

ON THE COVER

14 Avoiding data overload A plethora of tools awaits bull customers in selecting their new stud

By Loretta Sorenson

30 Tools of the trade Technology creates new tools for ranchers to use – or ignore – when purchasing bulls

By Heather Hamilton

42 It’s your bid Things to consider when buying bulls as an absentee bidder By Gayle Smith

54 Online buyer beware When purchasing cattle online, do your homework before placing a bid By Amanda Radke

A group of bulls owned by Dave and Peggy Nolz and Amanda and Tyler Radke relax on freshly laid straw on a cool, crispy winter morning at NOLZ Limousin, Mitchell, SD. Photo by Amanda Radke

Tri-State Livestock News SERVING THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY FOR FIVE DECADES

311 N. 27TH ST. SUITE 1 SPEARFISH, SD 57783

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

1-877-347-9100

XXX UTMO DPN F NBJM TVCTDSJQUJPOT!UTMO GSF DPN 'FFEJOH GPPUCBMM QMBZFST

Newborn Calf Health

&RVJOF &YQFSJFODF 3FDPSE DSPXET BUUFOE &BTU )FMFOB /3" 3PEFP

Page A2

Page B1

$SBJH .JMMFS

64 Calving season challenges Warming cold calves and assisting calves that don’t breathe at birth By Heather Smith Thomas

Saturday, July 23, 2011 Vol. 49 • Iss. 30

Hot and cold leads to checkmate

By Alaina Mousel, Editor Tri-State Livestock News

By Gayle Smith

O

Three deadly weather conditions were felt across the region this past week: high heat, high humidity, and almost no breeze.

Cows prefer a very stable body temperature. Page A5

SS BeneďŹ ts Your questions, Social Security’s answers Page A6

6/- )JHI 1MBJOT "H -BC 'JFME %BZ JT "VH Page A8

75 Eating for two A successful calving season begins with proper nutrition before and after calving

2 Sections

Excessive temps incur livestock losses

4% CFFG QMBOU XJMM IBWF NVMUJ CJMMJPO EPMMBS JNQBDU Page A9

$PSO 1BMBDF 4UBNQFEF 3PEFP DSPXOT B OFX RVFFO

.JLF /VTT PG .JOBUBSF /& TPME IJT XBZ UP B 3FTFSWF $IBNQJPO Ă OJTI BU UIJT ZFBS T *OUFSOBUJPOBM -JWFTUPDL "VDUJPOFFSJOH $POUFTU IFME +VMZ JO DPOKVODUJPO XJUI UIF $BMHBSZ 4UBNQFEF 1IPUP CZ )FBUIFS )BNJMUPO

Sold!

Mike Nuss talks his way to Reserve Champion Auctioneer at 2011 ILAC

By Heather Hamilton for Tri-State Livestock News

,PVSUOFZ )BVHF

Page B1

The 2011 International Livestock Auctioneer Competition (ILAC) was held July 15-16 in conjunction with the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, AB. Twenty-one contestants from Canada, the U.S. and Australia gathered to showcase their skills in the twoday competition. When the last animal had been sold, Minatare, NE auctioneer Mike Nuss, who

sells for Torrington Livestock of Wyoming, Crawford Livestock of Nebraska and Platte Valley Livestock of Nebraska, walked away with the Overall Reserve Champion Auctioneer title. He followed champion Rodney Burnette, of Armstrong, BC, by less than three points. “It was a pretty tough competition, and it was close. I thought I did as good a job as I could, and after that it’s in the judge’s hands. Everyone has their opinion, and you

*WBO 3VTI

By Amanda Radke for Tri-State Livestock News

By Heather Smith Thomas

1SPGFTTPS &NFSJUVT 6OJWFSTJUZ PG /FCSBTLB

By Ivan Rush for Tri-State Livestock News

O The morning chores were ďŹ nished long before a group of ranchers showed up at the starting line the morning of the 2011 Beef and Eggs 5K Fitness Road Race and Fitness Walk held on July 9 in Brookings, SD. The event featured more than $800 in prizes, Tshirts and a complete beef and eggs breakfast after the race. With close to 200 competitors, the event celebrated health and ďŹ tness, and that’s exactly what one group of ranchers was there to do, as well.

- See Excessive temps on Page A6 -

Consider your weaning options

- See Sold! on Page A2 -

Ranchers run to promote beef

84 Mothering up Assisting the bonding process between cow and calf

As of Thursday, July 21, an estimated 1,700 cattle died in South Dakota due to extreme weather conditions, said Russ Daly, South Dakota State University extension veterinarian. “It’s rare that we actually get this combination of factors for such an extended period,� said Dustin Oedekoven, South Dakota state veterinarian, noting that it wasn’t just high daytime temperatures, but prolonged temperatures that didn’t abate at night, paired with added humidity because of previous wet conditions. “So far only cattle deaths have been reported, and almost all cases have been fat cattle, along with a few year-

Dannica Callies, Winfred, SD; Kim Jensen, Lake Preston, SD, Danielle Mikkelson, Watertown, SD; Kaley Nolz, Mitchell, SD; and South Dakota Cattlemen’s Auxiliary member, Courtney Nolz, also of Mitchell, competed in the event, running as a part of Team ZIP. This

- See Ranchers run on Page A9 -

,BMFZ /PM[ .JUDIFMM 4% %BOOJDB $BMMJFT 8JOGSFE 4% $PVSUOFZ /PM[ .JUDIFMM 4% %BOJFMMF .JLLFMTPO 8BUFSUPXO 4% BOE ,JN +FOTFO -BLF 1SFTUPO 4% SFQSFTFOUFE DBUUMF SBODIFST BT NFNCFST PG 5FBN ;*1 JO UIF #FFG BOE &HHT , 'JUOFTT 3PBE 3BDF BOE 'JUOFTT 8BML IFME PO +VMZ JO #SPPLJOHT 4% 1IPUP CZ "NBOEB 3BELF

POINT OF VIEW Alan Guebert Lee Pitts

A4 A4

Fortunately the Northern inter-mountain region has received excellent moisture this year so plenty of forage is available for most cowcalf pairs. The heat has certainly set in, so cool season growth grass has ceased. A couple of random thoughts on heat and grass: During this heat it is critical that cattle have plenty of good quality water available at all times so more fre- See Rush on Page A5 -

INSIDE THIS WEEK LMA M&A

B5 B6

AG Calendar B10 Classifieds B7-D10

AUCTION REPORTS *O $IVSEBO *PXB B UPSOBEP UPVDIFE EPXO BOE NPWFE OPSUIXFTU PQQP TJUF UIF OPSNBM QBUUFSO

Belle Fourche .. A10 Miles City ......... A8 Crawford ........... A6 Philip ................ A8 Faith ................. A9 Sheridan........... A9 Ft. Pierre.......... A7 St. Onge ............. A3 Gordon ............. A8 Torrington ......... A5 Lemmon ........... A6

On the Edge of Common Sense A4

The Outside Circle

B2

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 11

Mentor - ./%' #)$/'-#& Mentor is in high demand — siring strong, correct, big-

Prophet - ./'% 1#,'(),$$ Bextor son spreading out BW and growth with high-

Selective - .'-$ #)#'(,#Extreme calving-ease, super females, high-marbling

middled cattle that ranchers love! Top 4% YW, REA and $F, Top 10% WW

performance calves Top 1% CED (+12), WW (+70) and $W, Top 10% BW, Marb, $G and $B.

and high $W. Top 1% CED (+15), CEM, Marb (+1.02), $W and $G, Top 2% BW (-2.3) , Top 15% REA, Top 20% WW

2 3 - ./'- #,&-,()' Protege son who’s moderate, thick and balances

Limelight - ./## #,%-/),& Sought-after data for calving ease with powerful growth and carcass. Top 1% WW (+70) and CW, Top 2% CED (+13), YW, SC, Marb, $W and $B (+71)

numbers as well as any. Top 2% WW and YW, Top 10% BW, $W and $B

Predestined • 7AN222 • 13395344 ‘Vern’ - ./', #&)'$%-$ High extreme for length, musclemoderates and The bestWW beefbull bullthat’s in the business. Predestined performance. Use Vern to add pounds and cattle dollars! frame, adds superior carcass merit and sires that Top 1% WW, YW andSuper $F, Top 4% -$W cattlemen appreciate. value Super sons & daughters - Predestined is unparalleled!

-# - .'(( #)$/')-( Becoming the ‘go-to-guy’ for moderate, easy-keeping

Game On - .'$) #)&$'#(, Balanced strength from calving to carcass with excellent

quality calves and cows. Top 10% for WW, YW, $W and $F, Top 15% BW

females. Top 2% YW and $F, Top 3% $B, Top 5% $W, Top 10% WW and $G.

! " # $%% &'# ('&) Tim Olson - SD/WY 605-641-5966 * + ,%) ,&# )(,, Jay Nansel - MT/WY 406-698-6711

Calving ease. Sterling - .//# #,)%)&$' Carcass. Cows. Stunning young sire that excels for Every $Value Index Top 2% WW and $B, Top 3% YW and $W, Top 4% Marb and $F.

Select Sires Mid America 1-800-421-9245

www.selectsiresbeef.com

Beef Specialists Stuart Rasmussen – NE/WY 308-360-1362

12 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Jay Hill – CO/NE 970-520-1555 Jerald Raymond – ID/UT 208-317-8777

CONTENTS

Genetics & Reproduction 98

Getting her bred again Ranchers share management strategies that influence two year old conception rates

By Heather Hamilton

2012 Winter Cattle Journal Tri-State Livestock News SERVING THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY FOR FIVE DECADES

Editor: Alaina Mousel 877-815-4125 editorial@tsln-fre.com

112 Sorting for sex Sexed semen can be economical in most areas of the cattle industry

Layout Design: Sharla Hayford

126 A rancher’s guide to economics Genomics research enhances traditional EPDs, helps identify genetic defects and more

NE Sales Rep/ Cattle Marketing Assistant: Carissa Lee 877-347-9114 clee@tsln-fre.com

By Gayle Smith

By Gayle Smith

138 Proving young sires Olsen Ranches progeny-test Hereford sires for more than a decade By Alaina Mousel, Editor

Producer Features 158 Blair Brothers Angus “You can have it all!” – valued-added cattle backed by quality research, data By Amanda Radke

172 Hebbert Charolais Producing top-quality genetics while preserving and enhancing the land By Gayle Smith

186 Mt. Rushmore Angus Rypkema and Uhrig brothers continue tradition on this Angus operation By Jan Swan Wood

SALES DEPARTMENT: Cattle Marketing Manager: Doug Hogan 877-347-9117 dhogan@tsln-fre.com

CATTLE MARKETING EXECUTIVES: Dan Piroutek 605-544-3316 dpiroutek@tsln-fre.com Scott Dirk 605-380-6024 sdirk@tsln-fre.com SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR: Dianna Palmer SD - Pierre & North of I-90 West of the River 877-347-9112 dpalmer@tsln-fre.com MARKETING EXECUTIVES: Susan Cable SD - South of I-90 Rosebud East Territory Midwest & Eastern NE Territory 888-648-4449 scable@tsln-fre.com Steve Bass 2009 Coyote St - PO Box 597 Pierre, SD 57501 800-439-0416 sbass@tsln-fre.com Sarah Swenson MT, WY Territory and Major Accounts Manager 303-710-9254 sswenson@tsln-fre.com CLASSIFIEDS: 877-347-9122 classifieds@tsln-fre.com COPYRIGHT. All Rights Reserved.

198 TC Ranch Three generations raise registered Angus with sound, balanced genetic traits By Gayle Smith

ERRORS:

The Tri-State Livestock News & Farmer & Rancher Exchange shall be responsible for errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement only to the extent of the space covered by the error. Opinions stated in letters or signed columns do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of Tri-State Livestock News.

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 13

Avoiding

OVERL “As an industry, we’re kind of stuck on one-breed rotation right now,” says Steve Paisley, University of Wyoming beef specialist. “Looking at any type of crossbreeding program would help there.” Photo by Loretta Sorenson

14 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

A plethora of tools awaits bull customers in selecting their new stud

LOAD

By Loretta Sorenson

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 15

“Seedstock producers need to know what kind of environment their client works with and what they hope to get out of their herd,” says Scott Keith, Wyoming seedstock marketing specialist. “Genetic traits need to match that environment and production goals. A cattleman in South Dakota will want different traits than one grazing cattle in Wyoming.” Photo by Loretta Sorenson

W

hether you’re a beef producer or seedstock producer, bull evaluation is an important skill. Steve Paisley, beef cattle specialist at the University of Wyoming, has completed extensive research related to bull

“M

ost producers don’t thoroughly understand expected progeny differences (EPDs), residual feed intake (RFI) and DNA,” Keith says. “A balance of traits is what people need to look at. Keep in mind that everyone’s trait balance will be somewhat different. If you’re a commercial producer and selling calves at optimum price is your

evaluation. Scott Keith, Wyoming seedstock marketing specialist, also has insight on the topic. He believes it’s important for beef producers to avoid information overload when they’re researching bulls.

goal, your balance of traits are different than someone breeding for carcass quality. With recent technologies and capabilities in the genetic industry, we’ve created information overload. It’s okay to study some of that data, but don’t forget the basics, the tools we’ve always used.”

O

Relationship is key

ne of the simplest tools Keith recommends using

16 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

is a solid relationship with a seedstock producer. He believes a buyer will purchase with confidence and be able to find the right genetics when the supplier understands his production goals. “Seedstock producers need to know what kind of environment their client works with and what they hope to - See Avoiding data overload on page 18 -

Back by Popular Demand! Join us at the Ranch for our March 2nd Production Sale! 110 Bulls • 100 Commercial Heifers • 20 Registered Heifers

Sons of these Sires Sell! HXC CONQUEST 4405P • 5L NORSEMAN KING 2291 • RED NORTHLINE FAT TONY 605U SIX MILE UNLEADED 561U • 5L EXPRESS 237-5545 • 3C CHEROKEE SQUALL 04W BASIN HOBO 79E • SCHULER FLAT IRON 5204R • RED SIX MILE SAKIC 832S SUTH BETTER HUCKLEBERRY 76W

BigSky.BigGenetics. They go Hand in Hand at Sutherlin Farms!

Sutherlin FarmsRed Angus Bob & Laurie Sutherlin • 415 Spooner Creek Lane • Stevensville, MT (406) 642-3487 • Cell (406) 369-1202 • Email suthfarm@dishmail.net

www.sutherlinfarms.com Contact us today for your catalog!

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 17

SPRING PERFORMANCETHSALE MONDAY, APRIL 9 , 2012 1 P.M. MDT • ST. ONGE LIVESTOCK

Total Performance Bulls & Heifers By our outstanding herd sires & AI Sires

Final Answer 0035

Great calves sell from this sire OTHER SIRES:

HARB Windy 702JH • Onward 724 • Galaxy Objective OT 26618 HARB Headliner 737 • Whitestone Objective X047 • HA Aberdeen 932 TC Aberdeen 759 • HA Program 5652 • HARB Pendleton 765 HARB Denali 788 • LA Packer 78 • Lemar Dakota Gold 18T

BREEDING ANGUS CATTLE FOR 60 YEARS!

LEO J. BAKER

MIKE BAKER 11446 Angus Lane 605-642-5793 St. Onge, SD 57779 605-642-9785 www.bakerlemarangus.com • msbaker@dishmail.net

Avoiding data overload - Continued from page 16 -

get out of their herd,” Keith says. “Genetic traits need to match that environment and production goals. A cattleman in South Dakota will want different traits than one grazing cattle in Wyoming. You have to take time to build that relationship of trust. And talk to more than one seedstock producer. Get the perspective of several different people, then make the decision that’s best suited to your production goals. You can’t just go on the Internet and look at numbers, or work through a catalog and then make a decision. You need to know that seedstock producer’s goals, too. Why is he producing the genetics that he has? Do his goals match yours?” Keith also cautions buyers against focusing solely on the bulls that seem to possess the top-rated numbers. He says many bulls, rated just below the top animals, can provide equally good genetics at far less cost. “Don’t overlook the lower-level animals,” Keith says. “You don’t necessarily need the newest, biggest thing in the industry to successfully produce beef. If you’re a producer who does have a thorough knowledge of bloodlines, it may be important to study the bloodlines and review all the data. However, you can still select a quality bull without analyzing all that information. Numbers may not always be what they seem to be. If you’ve done your homework and you have a relationship with your seedstock - See Avoiding data overload on page 20 -

The Benefits of Eary Weaning: So how do I “Early Wean”: Extra carcass quality (up to 25% more Choice and Prime) when the calf is introduced to starchy feeds (corn) at an earlier age. Healthier than calves weaned at normal weaning.

77 North 6th Ave. Belle Fourche, SD 57717

Start calves on creep feed early. Calves that are aware that there is ‘food’ in the creep feeder can be ‘weaned’ any time that the markets or weather dictate.

What are the products and when should I use them? Impact Starter Complete (32S6)

Backgrounder (32MJ) Calves from 300 lb toImpact 650 lb. Mix 25% with 75% corn. Accuration (3394) Calves of any size. Fed with free choice roughage.

Contact Armin: Ph. 605-723-3333 • Fax: 605-723-1333 • Cell: 605-210-1650

18 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

1946-2012 — 66 years of dedication to beef improvement!

The Premier Performance Sale Saturday, Feb. 11, 12,2012 2011 3 0 ‡ DW WKH UDQFK QRUWK RI 5DSLG &LW\ 6'

Where Quality Runs Generations Deep!

$Q HQWLUH KHUG OLQH EUHG IRU SUHGLFWDELOLW\ SELLING: 85 BULLS 2XU EHVW FURS RI EXOOV HYHU DQG QHDUO\ KDOI RI WKH EXOOV VHOOLQJ ZLOO ZRUN RQ KHLIHUV

A breeding program with Focus • Focused on birth weights... live calves are a must here. • Focused on maternal traits... a cow herd that milks and re-breeds. • Focused on pay weights... weaning and yearling weights and EPDs right for today’s markets. • Focused on meat and muscle... something you will appreciate in this offering. Lot 76 KB L1 Domino 1165Y

Lot 19 KB L1 Domino 121Y

Sire: 935W • BW 92 • 205 wt 680

Lot 77 KB L1 Domino 1170Y EPD’s: BW 2.9 WW 69 YW 106 MM 30 M&G 65 WDA 3.56

EPD’s: BW 4.5 WW 53 YW 88 MM 36 M&G 62 WDA 3.43

Sire: 7110T • BW 83 • 205 wt 861

Lot 31 KB L1 Domino 154Y

Sire: 7110T • BW 77 • 205 wt 670

Lot 15 KB L1 Domino 115Y EPD’s: BW 2.0 WW 44 YW 68 MM 32 M&G 53 WDA 3.30

Sire: 6001S • BW 83 • 205 wt 715

Lot 26 KB L1 Domino 143Y EPD’s: BW 4.4 WW 50 YW 83 MM 27 M&G 52 WDA 3.33

Sire: 842U • BW 89 • 205 wt 755

Lot 3 KB L1 Domino 0186X 2 Yr Old EPD’s:

- See Selecting on page 20 -

EPD’s: BW 4.7 WW 57 YW 73 MM 33 M&G 62 WDA 3.57

Sire: 842U • BW 89 • 205 wt 798

Lot 7 KB L1 Domino 0193X 2 Yr Old EPD’s:

BW 3.3 WW 44 YW 69 MM 31 M&G 53 S.C. 37.5

Sire: 6001S • BW 85 • 205 wt 736

EPD’s: BW 2.1 WW 55 YW 86 MM 28 M&G 55 WDA 3.51

Lot 9 KB L1 Domino 0197X 2 Yr Old EPD’s:

BW 5.1 WW 46 YW 79 MM 27 M&G 50 S.C. 36.0

Sire: 6001S • BW 90 • 205 wt 723

BW 4.6 WW 47 YW 85 MM 29 M&G 53 S.C. 37.0

Sire: 6001S • BW 89 • 205 wt 789

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Avoiding data overload - Continued from page 18 -

producer, you’re going to know how much faith you can put in the numbers you’re reviewing.”

Performance versus efficiency aisley’s latest research project involved studying RFI. He says research outcomes were interesting. “We had two bulls who both gained 3.1 pounds per day. If you were evaluating them in a standard manner, based on performance, you’d say that both bulls gained an equal amount of weight

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“A balance of traits is what people need to look at. Keep in mind that everyone’s trait balance will be somewhat different. If you’re a commercial producer and selling calves at optimum price is your goal, your balance of traits are different than someone breeding for carcass quality. With recent technologies and capabilities in the genetic industry, we’ve created information overload. It’s okay to study some of that data, but don’t forget the basics, the tools we’ve always used,” says Scott Keith, Wyoming seedstock marketing specialist. Photo by Loretta Sorenson

and should be evaluated similarly,” Paisley says. “However, if you look at the RFI, one bull ate 17 pounds of feed per day to gain 3.1 pounds. The other bull ate 34.5 pounds of grain to gain the same weight. This illustrates the difference of evaluated bulls based on performance instead of efficiency. We haven’t had RFI data in the past. It could prove to be valuable tool in the future. “In my mind there are two, maybe three types of efficiencies,” Paisley adds. “I may be over simplifying it, but production efficiency for the cowherd and feed efficiency are critical. Feed costs and those associated costs are 6570 percent of yearly expenses, so feed efficiency is very important.” The immediate reaction to technology such as RFI is that it will be a great tool to use and should be capitalized on. However, Paisley notes beef producers still need to do their homework before diving

20 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

into the “newest and best” in technologies. “Feed efficiency is important, but you also need to keep in per-

spective what is making your ranch profitable as well. Production efficiency is also important. A lot of different things come

into play, such as the fertility of your cows. Do they breed back every year? If not, then you put - See Avoiding data overload on page 22 -

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 21

Avoiding data overload “I do think feed efficiency should be in that mix. I - Continued from page 21 -

feed into that cow for almost a year and if she stays open, that creates a big inefficiency in your herd,” Paisley says. “Longevity is also important to production efficiency. So you need a broad overall perspective on what makes your ranch profitable.”

Crossbreeding still valuable hile it may sound like a broken record, Paisley believes one of the best methods to improve herd fertility and cow longevity is a crossbreeding program.

W

believe that trait is going to be critical to production success as we move forward. Beef producers should be aware of how their animals are rated in regard to feed efficiency and move toward efficient bloodlines.” – Steve Paisley “As an industry, we’re kind of stuck on one-breed rotation right now,” Paisley says. “Looking at any type of crossbreeding program would help there.” Performance, feed intake, feed efficiency and RFI are four areas

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Paisley advises buyers and breeders to evaluate when examining the traits of a bull. While negative RFI can be a positive trait, that alone won’t guarantee satisfactory performance in any animal. “The first cardinal rule of genetic selection is don’t single-trait select.” Paisley says. “The dairy industry did this for milk production and they ended up with a bunch of different problems because of it. There are a lot of factors that go into play when looking for the efficiency in your herd. The big question is how effective are your cows already? By selecting a bull that doesn’t match the environment of your current herd, you could take several years of progress and end up going backwards with the wrong bull.” Paisley affirmed Keith’s insight, noting that every beef operation will have a different focus that aligns with production goals. “I do think feed efficiency should be in that mix,” Paisley says. “I believe that trait is going to be critical to production success as we move forward. Beef producers should be aware of how their animals are rated in regard to feed efficiency and move toward efficient bloodlines.”

How much is a bull worth? aisley admits that one hard question to answer in searching for an efficient bull is how much is the bull worth? Purchase of the highest-priced animal is no guarantee of reaching production goals. Since 2008, Montana State University extension beef specialist John Paterson has compiled information gathered from the Midland Bull Test, which was developed by the McDonnell family in Columbus, MT. The test calculates true feed

P

- See Avoiding data overload on page 24 -

22 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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Avoiding data overload - Continued from page 22 -

utilization, measuring differences in metabolic efficiencies. Paterson has used his collected data to compare RFI scores (as well as other traits) to the actual sale

price of bulls to determine if there is a premium for negative RFI bulls, and what that premium is. “That data would suggest that buyers do recognize the value of negative RFI, but in perspective of all traits, buyers valued growth, birthweight and age

traits more than RFI,� Paisley says. “I think this demonstrates that there is definitely value with improved feed efficiency, but it needs to be used in the context of overall production efficiency.�

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“Prior to the sale, talk to one of the breeders and ask questions, voice any concerns you may have,� Paisley says. “Consider the recommendations they may have. All of this is valuable information when making bull selection.�

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Paisley agrees with Keith that buyers should not rely on data or visual evaluation alone. A longtime important component of bull evaluation is talking directly with seedstock producers and breeders. It’s wise to talk to more than one seedstock producer to help make accurate bloodline/sire selections for a herd. “Prior to the sale, talk to one of the breeders and ask questions, voice any concerns you may have,� Paisley says. “Consider the recommendations they may have. All of this is valuable information when making bull selection.�

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26 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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“Some guys say they’re not going to buy over the Internet because if they’re going to spend $3,000-$5,000 on a bull, they want to see him and look at all of them and buy the one they like best. Others enjoy having so many more sales available through the television or Internet, and are comfortable watching and bidding that way,” says auctioneer Lex Madden on the different mindsets regarding the various ways to purchase bulls in today’s seedstock marketplace. Photo by Heather Hamilton

30 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 2011 Winter Cattle Journal

Technology creates new tools for ranchers to use – or ignore – when purchasing bulls

TOOLS of the TRADE By Heather Hamilton

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 31

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urchasing bulls in today’s world is vastly different than it was a few decades ago, or is it? As the average age of producers continues to increase, some gladly incorporate every tool made available when purchasing livestock, while others

improve their herds with tried-andtrue selection methods used for generations. “The biggest change I’ve seen in the last 5-8 years is advances in technology. It’s about like going back to school there’s so much information available on bulls today, and ways to

32 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

find that information. With the evolution of [expected progeny differences, EPDs] and other forms of technology there is significantly more studying for the rancher, but, he also has a lot more to work with. Then, of course, he still has to figure in budget and if the bull will fit his operation. People of

all ages use those tools, and some customers also say they’ve never owned a computer, and don’t want one now,” notes Torrington Livestock Auction and Cattle Country Video co-owner and auctioneer Lex Madden of what bull buyers have available today. - See Tools of the trade on page 34 -

Technology and the sheer volume of information available on bulls today are overwhelming to some cattlemen compared to a few decades ago. Regardless of whether producers embrace or ignore all the new information at their fingertips, they find ways to sort through all the programs and bulls out there to find what works best for their operation. Photo by Heather Hamilton

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 33

Tools of the trade

- Continued from page 33 -

Research makes it easier e use all the information and tools we can for our

“W

MYTTY IN FOCUS

program. I think it’s getting easier and easier to purchase bulls and breed the type of cattle that will work for you and the people you’re marketing them to. Any-

thing that gives us more information is good,” comments Lance Creek, WY rancher Monty Finley - See Tools of the trade on page 36 -

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34 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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Tools of the trade

- Continued from page 34 of his approach to all the information available on bulls today. “I get on the Internet and go to the Angus Sire Directory, and try to go back in a bull’s pedigree and see how the females in his pedigree bred back, where their milk EPD is at, what traits the sires in his pedigree were known for, and anything else I’m interested in,” continues Finley of the research he conducts when considering a bull purchase. “I like to keep milk at about breed average, and on the rest of

– Morece Dillon the EPD traits I like to select bulls that are a little above average, especially on scrotal circumference and ribeye area (REA). If there

40th Annual Genetic Advantage Bull Sale

“...if you buy from someone you trust and that is reputable, you can probably get the facts from him without having to be a master of numbers. Talk to the breeder about things like calving ease, and he will probably level with you, because he won’t last long by giving out false information,”

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36 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

are 100 bulls in a sale, I’ll probably have eliminated 75 of them prior to showing up through research and selecting for various traits. Then I look at those remaining bulls and further narrow my selection based on eye appeal and structural correctness. I have a real good idea of what I’m going to buy if the price fits my budget before the sale even starts, and that’s a huge change from how I used to do things,” notes Finley of his approach to bull buying today. He adds that he has also purchased several of his bulls off the Internet in recent years. He picks them based on the same criteria, and then uses those prices and bulls as a comparison tool when he does attend a live sale. “With the Internet and some production sales being on TV, you get to see so much more of what’s out there in terms of purebred livestock, and we’re very blessed to have the quality of cattle we have in the Plains and Rocky Mountain regions. Those people have survived until now by treating their customers right and giving them the product they want, and buyers do business with who they trust and have a relationship with. They will sometimes call those breeders directly and tell them what they want, and put an order in to buy however many bulls they need,” notes Madden of additional ways to make a bull purchase.

Relationships and a good eye orece Dillon of Sundance, WY, is a producer who relies on the relationships he’s created with seedstock producers, and a good eye, to make his bull purchases each year. “When I’ve bought bulls in the last several years, I did look

M

at EPD numbers, but it certainly wasn’t very in-depth. They tell you all this new stuff you have to do, but the old-fashioned ways do still work. It may be getting harder, but they do still work. It’s about using tools that fit your program and how you were brought up. If your dad and grandfather did it a certain way, it’s harder to buy into some changes,” says Dillon of his thought process on integrating new technologies and tools into his selection methods. Dillon has focused on buying bulls from breeders he knows, or at the Black Hills Stock Show (BHSS). He has purchased several bulls from Mt. Rushmore Angus of Rapid City, SD, in recent years, after first purchasing one of their bulls at the BHSS. “I liked the first bull I purchased through the BHSS that was theirs, so I went to their sale,” he says of how his relationship with the program began.

“I believe in using people you know, and looking at their cowherds – not just their bulls. Look at their cows and their calves. Realizing the quality of cattle is pretty easy; it’s the problems that occur behind the scenes that you don’t see that are the ones you need to know about. I would say that if you buy from someone you trust and that is reputable, you can probably get those facts from him without having to be a master of numbers. Talk to the breeder about things like calving ease, and he will probably level with you, because he won’t last long by giving out false information,” explains Dillon. “You either have a good eye, or you don’t. If you have an eye for cattle and know what you want, you can look at some of the basic, crucial numbers and the cattle themselves, and make it work,” he continues on the subject of what tools he relies on for selecting quality bulls.

“The modern numbers are a huge part of what has changed the cattle business, and probably for the better. But a lot of that technology is stuff I turn a cold shoulder too, and lots of older ranchers feel the same way. That doesn’t mean that’s a good thing, it just means that’s that way we are. Science definitely has a place, but a lot still comes down to eye, and what you like, and what you want to see in your cattle,” Dillon states. “Our seedstock producers have done an excellent job of rising to the top of the technology challenge in recent years,” notes Madden. “They are providing that information to customers, and also hitting niches like high-elevation, calving ease or carcass-oriented programs, and that’s a big change from 20 years ago. But these people have survived in the purebred business by treating their customers right and giving them the product they want, and people of all ages always appreciate that.”

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 37

45th Annual Production Sale Sunday, February 12, 2012 1:00 pm MST ~ Auctioneers: Scott Weishaar & Seth Weishaar Bowman Auction Market ~ Bowman, North Dakota 110 Coming 2 Year Old Hereford Bulls 6 Yearling Hereford Heifers - Show Prospects 115 Yearling Hereford Heifers - 80 Registered & 35 Commercial 200 Yearling Black Baldy Heifers • 20 Yearling Red Baldy Heifers

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38 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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Neal and Amanda Sorenson Arvada, Wyoming 307.736.2260 (H) 307.680.7359 (C) nasorenson@rangeweb.net www.powderriverangus.com

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 39

Thorstenson Gelbvieh & Angus... Cutting Your Hay Costs…. Hay or feed accounts for more than 60% of the cost of owning a cow each year… Montana State University (MSU) has been doing extensive research with Residual Feed Intake (RFI) measured cows and heifers. MSU research indicates low RFI cows consume an average of 10 lbs./ day less than high RFI cows, with feed conversion 28.6% lower for low RFI cows compared to high RFI cows. Research by Dr. John Basarab has shown hereditability to be near 40%. Purchasing seedstock with proven RFI numbers has the potential to put more dollars in your pocket than any other measured trait. Research has shown that a 5% improvement in feed conversion has an economic impact four times greater than a 5% improvement in average daily gain. (Gibb and McAllister 1999)

Bale Less Hay

Run More Cows

ANNUAL BULL SALE Saturday March 3rd 2012 Mobridge Livestock - Mobridge, SD

Selling 200

Feed Efficiency Tested Bulls Balancer • Angus • Gelbvieh 12980 Cedar Road, Selby SD 57472 Vaughn: 605/649-6262 Brian: 605/649-9927 Fax: 605/649-7361 E-mail: vwthor@sbtc.net

Clip and Mail for FREE 2012 Catalog Name _______________________________________ Address _____________________________________ City _________________________________________ State _________ Zip _________________________ email ________________________________________ Mail to: Thorstenson Gelbvieh & Angus • 12980 Cedar Rd., Selby SD 57472

Balancerbulls.com 40 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

4

th

100 BULLS 75

YEARLING HEIFERS

DISPOSITION • CALVING EASE • GROWTH • CARCASS • MATERNAL

12:30 PM

SALE

MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME

Faith Livestock Commission Faith, South Dakota

ONLY TOP 50% OF BULL CROP SELLS GUARANTEED FIRST YEAR BREEDING NO CREEP

• Birthplace of Mr. JT Highlight. The #3 bull in the breed for weaning & yearling EPD’S

HOOVER DAM No. 2 Bull for Docility

CC&7 No. 1 Bull for Docility

Featured Lots:

Sires Used Gardens Prime Star Connealy Thunder Limestone Jupiter JT Rib Eye GAR Ultimate Connealy Consensus Sitz Valubull Mr. J.T. Camp Rock 813 Mr. J.T. Magnum Force 826

MYTTY IN FOCUS

110 - CC&7 x Connealy Packer 547 BW+.5 WW+58 YW+107 MILK+40 Beef+64.32

Join our long list of satisfied and successful customers. SALE DAY PHONE: (605) 967-2200

128 - In Focus x TC Total 410 BW+2.3 WW+59 YW+107 MILK+28 Beef+66.26 100 - CC&7 x Connealy Onward BW+1.9 WW+58 YW+111 MILK+40 Beef+65.32 114 - JT Rock x TC Total 410 BW+1.8 WW+56 YW+99 MILK+27 Beef+61.40 111 - CC&7 x Summitcrest Complete BW+.1 WW+53 YW+97 MILK+37 Beef+66.87 140 - Hoover Dam x Northern Improvement BW+.3 WW+49 YW+93 MILK+35 Beef+63.07

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 41

It’s your

BID

Things to consider when buying bulls as an absentee bidder By Gayle Smith

42 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Most of the time, ranchers can take a day off to attend a bull sale and find that next great herd prospect. However, sometimes the weather becomes severe, calving starts or other emergencies occur that make it impossible to attend the sale.

Producers evaluate a bull prior to the sale. Sometimes producers attend the sale, but ask a third party to bid for them to retain anonymity. Courtesy photo

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 43

Many bull sales offer buyers the option of purchasing an animal absentee by placing bids ahead of time with either the breeder, auctioneer, ringman or a thirdparty, depending on the sale.

L

} }

ouisa Krebs of Whitestone-Krebs near Gordon, NE, says absentee bidding is an option they’ve given their customers for a long time. “Even before there was Internet technology available, we accepted bids by phone,” she explains. “I think there are a number of reasons people can’t make it to a sale – weather, travel distance, and time constraints Bill Pelton often purchases bulls seem to be the most for absentee bidders. common. Most of the Courtesy photo people who buy bulls from us have been here, seen them, and made their decisions. They feel comfortable buying the bulls this way.” Jerry and Sharon Connealy of Connealy Angus of Whitman, NE, have offered absentee bidding since 2008. Although they like to see customers at the sale, they believe if the weather or workload keeps them away, it is good for buyers to have the option to bid off-site.

“I usually have a conference call set up so buyers can call in. “That way they know what is going on and can follow the sale.” A conference call last year had as many as 16 buyers on the line at one time. – Bill Pelton

Ranchers who can’t attend the day of the sale sometimes visit the ranch to evaluate bulls ahead of time. Courtesy photo

44 ★ ★ Tri-State Tri-State Livestock Livestock News News ★ ★ 2012 2012 Winter Winter Cattle Cattle Journal Journal 44

oe Yedlicka of Fromberg, MT, has purchased a few bulls absentee in the last couple years. “Distance was one factor of why I couldn’t attend the sale,” he says. “We were also in the middle of fall work, which is a really busy time around here. We were gathering cattle, and I just couldn’t get away. I placed an order after doing my homework and studying the catalog.” Bill Pelton, who purchases bulls for absentee buyers, explains: “There are two types of buyers I typically work with. One is the commercial bull buyer, who is a rancher looking for a bull to breed his cows. He usually doesn’t have to

J

travel to sales quite so far away because he can find the genetics he is looking for fairly close to home. The other is the herd bull buyer. He is looking to purchase one of the top bulls in the sale, and usually has to travel farther to obtain the genetics he is looking for.” Anonymity can be important to a herd bull buyer. “I purchase a number of herd bulls for seedstock producers,” Pelton explains. “When a seedstock producer walks into a sale and raises his hand, they know he is willing to pay a pretty fair price. When I walk in and raise my hand, they don’t know if I’m there to pay $2,000 or $10,000,” Pelton says. - See It’s your bid on page 46 -

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 45

It’s your bid

- Continued from page 45 -

W

Trust is key

homever an absentee bidder decides to place a bid with, it needs to be someone trustworthy. “My dad always told me, ‘If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember what you said.’ I always tell a guy that once he tells me what he wants to pay, he and I are the only ones that know that number,” Pelton explains. “If I can buy the bull for half that, I will. Unfortunately, I have seen others use every bit of what they are given, but it is important to me to use just what I have to. It comes down to experience, trust and integrity.” Most of the customers Pelton works with are familiar. “If I am doing a conference call at a bull sale, my process is for the proposed buyer to call the breeder and register for a buyer number, or qualify with the breeder,” he explains. “I want them to have a conversation with the breeder, so on sale day, I at least know the buyer is legitimate. On occasion, I’ve had phone bidders who play games, but we do our best to prevent that from happening,” he adds. Connealy explains that since they use a video service for their auction, buyers are required to register prior to the sale, and are prescreened by the video company to eliminate any problems. Yedlicka says he’s purchased bulls after evaluating them firsthand as well as sight unseen. “I think it is very important to have confidence in the breeder and trust

(Above) Many bull sales offer buyers the option of purchasing an animal absentee by placing bids ahead of time with either the breeder, auctioneer, ringman, or a thirdparty, depending on the sale. Courtesy photo

(Left) This bull was purchased sight unseen for two breeders in northeast Montana. Courtesy photo

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Stop in or give us a call • Locally owned & operated 46 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

“We have some long-time customers who know our cows and operation, or have seen the bulls at other times. They know what they are looking for and are comfortable with a third-party buying the bulls for them.” – Louisa Krebs operation, or have seen the bulls at other times,” Krebs explains. “They know what they are looking for and are comfortable with a third-party buying the bulls for them.” Many customers who purchase bulls from Connealy Angus also view the bulls before sale day in person, or by viewing bulls via video on the Northern Livestock Video site, Connealy notes. Since buyers can research records and EPDs themselves, Pelton is usually asked to evaluate bulls for soundness, depth, muscling, - See It’s your bid on page 48 (Above, right) This Red Angus bull was purchased through absentee bid for a rancher. Courtesy photo

in what he is offering,” Yedlicka says. “Since I couldn’t look at the bulls, I really studied their [expected progeny differences, EPDs], picking out the above average bulls. I feel comfortable buying sight unseen because I had purchased bulls from this breeder in the past.”

Get to know the sale offering ost buyers who can’t be at a sale either go to the ranch to look at the bulls ahead of time, or look at video of the bull online and talk to the breeder. “They usually have a good idea if that bull fits the description of what they are looking for,” Pelton says. “Sometimes a buyer will ask me to look at the bulls for him, but he might also ask two or three other people, and then compare what we all had to say. I have learned that if I am asked to look at the bulls, I make sure to really look them over. I try to give an accurate opinion of what I see. I don’t try to overrate or oversell the bulls to a buyer – I try and tell them as I see it.” “We have some long-time customers who know our cows and

M

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 47

Friedt Herefords Production Sale Sale Date: Feb. 9, 2012 • 1pm Stockmens West, Dickinson, ND Where you can buy with confidence, this may be our first solo sale, but we’ve been selling bulls at auction for over 25 years.

Selling: 30 yearling bulls • 10 bred registered heifers 5-10 commercial Hereford heifer calves • 10-15 black baldy heifers

BW 95 • WW 654

BW 92 • WW 678

FH L1 Domino 106 43217839 One of the standouts who puts it all together.

FH L1 Domino 122 MD 43217842

FH L1 Domino 695 MF 42800413 BW 3.3 WW 53 YW 89 MM 21 REA .23 IMF .02 CHB $ 22

FH L1 Domino 902 43034275 He topped the 2010 sale to Boehnke Herefords, weaning ratio on first 20 head 102 BW 3.4 WW 57 YW 100 MM 29 REA .50 IMF .04 CHB $30

Shortmarked with extra eye pigment, really correct in his structure.

Sires represented:

H5 001 Domino 819 42886234 Used on heifers with great successhe still provided plenty of perfomance when bred to cows. BW -0.4 WW 44 YW 64 MM 29 CJH Harland 408 42536808 Top ABS sire BW 1.7 WW 54 YW 98 MM 34 REA .27 IMF .61

HH Advance 7056T A top AI sire, his daughters a fabulous and his son,902, is passing on his performance genes. BW 2.5 WW 64 YW 95 MM 34 REA .26 IMF .15 CHB $31

For more info or catalog contact:

Friedt Herefords Gary, Kirsten, Lindsey, and Aaron Friedt • Megan and Dusty Dukart 8733 55th St SW Mott, ND ND 58646 • 701-824-2300 cell 701-290-7231 www.friedtherefords.com

videos at www.HerefordAmerica.com after January 1

48 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

It’s your bid

- Continued from page 47 thickness and correctness of feet and legs. “Birth weight and weaning weight are usually the most important factors to a commercial buyer, because that is what he is selling in the fall. They are also concerned with thickness, growth, thriftiness and soundness. Seedstock producers are looking for all those things, plus other important traits like testicle size and scrotal measurements which are highly-related to fertility,” Pelton explains. “After I placed the order, I depend on (my buyer) to look at the bulls and scratch any with traits like poor disposition or confor- See It’s your bid on page 50 -

When Bill Pelton is asked to evaluate bulls for a rancher, he looks for soundness, depth, muscling, thickness and correctness of feet and legs. Courtesy photo

“After I placed the order, I depend on (my buyer) to look at the bulls and scratch off any traits like poor disposition or conformation that I wouldn’t want in my herd,” says Joe Yedlicka. Courtesy photo

“All they have to do is say their number, and I am yelling ‘yes’ at the auctioneer. If they are the winner, all they need to do is give me their bidder number,” – Bill Pelton 2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 49

It’s your bid

- Continued from page 48 mation that I wouldn’t want in my herd,” Yedlicka adds.

P

Make a phone call

elton says he encourages buyers to be on the phone during the sale if they can’t attend themselves. “I usually have a conference call set up so buyers can call in,” he explains. “That way they know what is going on and can follow the sale.” A conference call last year had as many as 16 buyers on the line at one time. The conference call can offer buyers anonymity because when

they join the conference call, all they need to say is their bidder number. Pelton says it also allows them to bid instantly. Buyers have shared experiences with Pelton of when they attempted to bid through an Internet service, failing to get their bids placed in time due to a delay in the system. “All they have to do is say their number, and I am yelling ‘yes’ at the auctioneer. If they are the winner, all they need to do is give me their bidder number,” he says. Multiple buyers can be bidding on the same bull through the conference call. “It can be a challenge

50 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

to keep them apprised of what is going on at the sale, and what the auctioneer is asking for, but through lots of experience, I am able to keep up with everything,” Pelton says. Yedlicka encourages buyers to purchase bulls absentee as long as they feel comfortable with the breeder, and have done their homework ahead of time. “I would always prefer to go to the sale myself, but if that isn’t possible, this is a nice option to have. I have been very pleased with the bulls I have purchased sight unseen,” he says.

BREED !NGUS #HAROLAIS (EREFORD 'ELBVIEH 3HORTHORN 2ED !NGUS ,IMOUSIN -AINE !NJOU 3IMMENTAL #HI )NmUENCE

DATE -ON *AN 4UES *AN 7ED &EB 4HUR &EB 4HUR &EB 4HUR &EB &RI &EB &RI &EB 3AT &EB 3AT &EB

SHOW TIME 3HOW s AM 3HOW s AM 3HOW s AM 3HOW s AM 3HOW s AM 3HOW s AM 3HOW s AM 3HOW s AM 3HOW s AM 3HOW s AM

SALE TIME 3ALE s PM 3ALE s PM 3ALE s PM 3ALE s PM 3ALE s PM 3ALE s PM 3ALE s PM 3ALE s PM 3ALE s PM 3ALE s PM

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 51

Heifer calves now in production at Schauer Angus

!

878 daughter with a Final Answer bull calf

FEATURED SIRES Kesslers Frontman • SAV Final Answer Mytty In Focus • TC Aberdeen Garretts Nation Wide

TC Aberdeen x SAV Density BW: 96 • Act WW: 849

Kesslers Frontman x Final Answer BW: 85 • Act WW: 932

52 ★ ★ Tri-State Tri-State Livestock Livestock News News ★ ★ 2012 2012 Winter Winter Cattle Cattle Journal Journal 52

Final Answer x TC Aberdeen BW: 68 • Act WW: 848

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 53

BEW “You don’t have to make fast decisions at a sale if you do your homework first,” says Jim Krantz, South Dakota State University Extension (SDSU) cow-calf field specialist. Courtesy photo/SDSU Extension

54 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal 54 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

“Do your homework. Whether it’s online or at a cattle auction, producers should think about several factors before buying calves.”

WARE

– Jim Krantz

When purchasing cattle online, do your homework before placing a bid

O

nline cattle sales are all the rage these days, as club-calf and seedstock breeders market their cattle using Internet-hosting sites, where buyers can register online, obtain a bidding number and place their bids with just the click of a button. These sites allow cattlemen to view photos and videos, watch the bids increase and provide ample time to make decisions before upping the bid on a particular animal. Unlike an auction barn, buying cattle can now be accomplished in the comfort of one’s own home. Simply get cozy on the couch with a laptop and click away. There’s

By Amanda Radke no travel expense and time away from home. Sounds easy, right? Think again.

- See Online buyer beware on page 56 -

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 55

Online buyer beware - Continued from page 55 -

There are certain considerations to make, whether buying cattle in-person or online, and Jim Krantz, South Dakota State University Extension cow-calf field specialist located in Mitchell, SD, offers advice for making decisions when purchasing cattle online. “Do your homework,” Krantz says. “Whether it’s online or at a cattle auction, producers should

think about several factors before buying calves.” Key considerations involve asking several questions of the cattle and the rancher: Who is the family behind the business? What values do they have? What guarantees do they offer of the cattle after the sale is complete? Will they deliver? How long will they keep the cattle? Are there genetic defects in the cattle offering? What are the expected progeny differences (EPDs)? What are your own

“Evaluate the breeder’s program first. With technology and social media, we can gather a lot of information about a program before we even go to the sale or purchase cattle. Facebook tells a lot about the breeder’s family life. Work with people who have honesty, integrity and a good reputation. There’s no reason to buy cattle from someone who doesn’t have those values.” – Jim Krantz

56 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

“One of the easiest things to do, whether looking at cattle online or in a sale catalog, is to scratch off the ones you won’t buy first,” says Jim Krantz, South Dakota State University Extension cow-calf field specialist. “Cattle who are carriers of genetic defects, or ones with poor EPDs can be eliminated first. This will help keep your focus on your goals, so you don’t fall in love with something just because it looks good on sale day or in the picture or video. Stick to your priorities and narrow down the selection.” Photo by Amanda Radke

personal goals for your operation? Which cattle offered on the sale might help you reach those goals? And, do you have a market for the cattle you are purchasing? “Evaluate the breeder’s program first,” Krantz recommends. “With technology and social media, we can gather a lot of information about a program before we even go to the sale or purchase cattle. Facebook tells a lot about the breeder’s family life. Work with people who have honesty, integrity and a good reputation.

There’s no reason to buy cattle from someone who doesn’t have those values.�

O

Evaluate the cattle

nce trust in the operation has been established, the next step is to evaluate the cattle offered in the sale. “One of the easiest things to do, whether looking at cattle online or in a sale catalog, is to

scratch off the ones you won’t buy first,� Krantz says. “Cattle who are carriers of genetic defects, or ones with poor EPDs can be eliminated first. This will help keep your focus on your goals, so you don’t fall in love with something just because it looks good on sale day or in the picture or video. Stick to your priorities and narrow down the selection.�

Buying cattle can now be accomplished from the comfort of home through online cattle auctions. Regardless, buyers should do their homework before they place their bid. Photo by Amanda Radke

The next step is to take a hard look at the sale cattle that remain. “If there are calves that you are interested in, don’t just buy based off the photo or video,� - See Online buyers beware on page 58 -

The Ribstones are Here!

Offering our Ribstone calves and two-year olds

43rd Annual Sale •

Sat., February 18, 2012 • 1:00 PM (MST) at the ranch, Meadow, SD Also selling progeny of these Line One sires:

' , 3JCTUPOF $&% #8 88 :8 .JML

SELLING 40 Coming 2 Yr Olds 14 Bull Calves

+$ - %PNJOP 3 r $- %PNJOP 5 &5 )) "EWBODF / &5 ,$ - %PNJOP )) "EWBODF 6

Also SELLING 1 Ranch Broke Saddle Horse Sale Day!

4% )XZ r .FBEPX 4% & NBJM CSJDL!TEQMBJOT DPN ,FJUI $BSNJDIBFM r $FMM

Carmichael Herefords 7JFX WJEFPT BU XXX IFSFGPSEBNFSJDB DPN 'PS DBUBMPHT DPOUBDU

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 57

Online buyer beware - Continued from page 57 -

Krantz warns. “Go view the cattle first or have another set of eyes take a look at the calves if they are a long distance away. Buying sight-unseen is risky business. An average calf can take a great photo, and a great calf can take an awful picture. I also recommend folks stick to local producers they trust, instead of purchasing cattle from a breeder across the country. This allows buyers to view the cattle, get to know the breeder and understand their program be-

“Aging ranchers need to have cows that will calve without assistance and be easy to work around. I would never buy bulls or females that didn’t have good dispositions. It’s just not worth the headache.” – Jim Krantz fore jumping into something they shouldn’t.” Social media is certainly changing the way cattle are bought and sold, making the world a much smaller place in the beef business.

“Facebook is a great information source that helps market cattle,” Krantz says. “The younger generation, particularly, pays attention to breeders who post photos and videos on this social networking outlet. Facebook allows ranches to share sale cattle information, as well as their family story. This is definitely the future of cattle marketing.”

Focus on what’s important ith so much to consider – EPDs, genomic data, rateof-gain, genetic defects, previous history, etc., Krantz cautions buyers not to get overwhelmed with all of the information offered by a breeder. “I call it information overload,” he says. “For the average commercial cattleman, I recommend just sticking to the basics; don’t get bogged down with all the extras. How will this new herd sire or heifer help your operation? Look at the important factors such as milk, disposition, birth weight and weaning weight. These are the fundamentals; leave the rest to the seedstock producers. Be comfortable with your own priorities and use your goals to help make your purchasing decisions.” As the age of the U.S. rancher increases, Krantz says calving ease and disposition should be top priorities for the seasoned cattleman. “Aging ranchers need to have cows that will calve without assistance and be easy to work around,” says Krantz. “I would never buy bulls or females that didn’t have good dispositions. It’s just not worth the headache.” Ultimately, whether purchasing cattle online or at a live-sale, Krantz says buyers should never feel rushed to make these big decisions with their money.

W Annual Production Sale

Tuesday, May 1, 2012 • Philip Livestock

HERD BULL

HERD BULL

CO Ll Domino 847U Born: March 26, 2008 Reg. #: 42941187 BW +2.9 WW +51 YW +75 Milk +23

TH L1 Domino 6002 Born: April 11, 2006 Reg. #: 42775288 BW +5.0 WW +38 YW +63 Milk +17

Why Not Very Even Set of Bulls

• Focuses on moderate birth, good growth & high bag score • Bulls wintered on a high roughage ration • Free heterosis on black cows • Selling both yearlings and virgin 2’s that have never been offered for sale

Doug & Nancy Thorson • (605) 859-3538 Philip, SD • Visit us at: www.ThorsonHerefords.com

58 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

“You don’t have to make fast decisions at a sale if you do your homework first,” he says. “It all goes back to homework. With a few clicks, you can find plenty of information online. We no longer need to make breeding decisions based on trial and error. Ranchers shouldn’t be afraid to ask advice from other breeders, older men-

Selling: • 27 Yearling Angus Bulls • three 2-Year Olds Offering includes: sons of TC Aberdeen, GDAR GameDay; grandsons of Right Time 338, GAR Solution, and others. Bred and managed to survive, thrive and produce in a tough environment.

tors or the seller themselves. A good operation will help you find the cattle that fit your needs first. Asking for advice is the best thing producers, both young and old, can do for their own operations. Take the time to look at calves out of a sire you are looking at using. Take the guesswork out of it, and do your homework.”

Online video sales seem to be a fast-growing trend that isn’t likely to go away. Before clicking that bid, however, research the breeder, the cattle and your personal goals and priorities. The information is available at the simple click of a button.

Stomprud Angus s s a r G d Haerneticasle G Bull S al

8th Annu

Larry Stomprud

605-484-3758 stomprudangus@gwtc.net

Monday, April 23, 2012 1:00 p.m. • Faith Livestock, Faith, SD

2 Year Old Bulls (Available Now)

35 Yearling Bulls These are moderate frame, calving ease, easy fleshing, efficient and high marbling bulls.

1RTR Bando Red Rocker 701 (Semen Available) Act. BW 74

Act. WW 720

CED BW WW YW MILK TM ME 9 -1.5 14 28 23 30 3 HPG CEM STAY MARB REA 7 5 13 0.28 -0.12

Other Sires: Basin Hobo 79E SIXE Norseman King Milk Creek Capstone Brown Commitment

605-490-1900 • 605-347-5119 14061 E. Hwy 34 Sturgis, SD

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 59

60 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 61

22ND ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE

5IVSTEBZ 'FCSVBSZ 1:00 P.M. Mountain Time At Stockmen’s West Dickinson, North Dakota

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62 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 63

Calving season challeng

64 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

g

Warming cold calves and assisting calves that don’t breathe at birth

ges

By Heather Smith Thomas

A

calf born during a snowstorm or cold weather may become severely chilled. Any calf with a body temperature below 100 degrees F. needs warming. There are several ways to safely warm calves. Dr. Robert Callan with Colorado State University says that first and foremost the calf needs colostrum for energy, so it can produce body heat. “If he’s too cold to suck, give it by tube,” he says. A cold newborn calf only has about two hours worth of stored energy in brown fat and what was left in the stomach from amniotic fluid. When those stores are used up, the calf can’t keep warm enough to sustain life in cold weather. Colostrum is the best thing to feed the calf because it is easy to digest and contains twice the fat energy of regular milk. The next step is to warm the calf externally. The quickest way to thaw a frozen calf is with warm water because it warms extremities and body surface quickly. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot – if it’s much above normal body temperature, it may damage the skin, which is already compromised if it’s frostbitten. Rapid thaw at moderate temperatures (100-105 degrees F.) is best. Heat injury is a risk if water is above 115 degrees. - See Calving season challenges on page 66 -

Another common cause for breathing failure is a hard birth as the calf’s nose and tongue may be swollen and its airways constricted by swelling. Photo by Heather Smith Thomas

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 65

To get a calf breathing, first clear the airways. Use fingers to strip fluid from the calf’s mouth and nose in a suction-like action, or use a suction bulb.

Calving season challenges - Continued from page 65 -

Warming a calf with water is labor intensive. The calf must be dried before returning to outdoor conditions, or it may chill again. Be sure to avoid washing off all the amniotic fluid from a newborn calf; if it’s perfectly clean and dry when returned to its mama she may not recognize the calf’s smell and refuse to believe it’s her calf! Callan prefers to use a warming box. “You need electricity, but a small ceramic electric heater in a small, enclosed crate – where you can regulate temperature – works well. You are not only warming the cold body surface, but the calf is breathing warm air into the lungs, which helps raise his core temperature. All his blood goes through his lungs,” Callan says. In situations where electricity isn’t available, a cold calf could be placed on the floor of a pickup with the heater running.

If a calf isn’t breathing a birth, clear fluid away from its nose and tickle the inside of one nostril with a clean piece of hay or straw. Photos by Heather Smith Thomas

Hot water bottles wrapped in towels, or electric blankets, can also be helpful for a calf that’s just chilled and not frozen. Some warming stalls have electric blankets for calves. A warm blanket, rubbing and stimulation, can help increase body circulation. If a calf didn’t get licked dry because the cow couldn’t get up or didn’t have any interest in it may result in the calf freezing to death without intervention. In extremely cold weather, even a well-mothered calf may freeze if shelter isn’t available. Ears and tails may freeze and eventually slough off, but the calf itself can be saved if found in time and returning its core body temperature back to normal. Callan recommends rechecking the calf’s temperature every few hours to make sure it’s rising. “The energy provided with one feeding of colostrum or milk can be used up in 4-6 hours and the calf may need more,” he says.

66 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

“You need electricity, but a small ceramic electric heater in a small, enclosed crate – where you can regulate temperature – works well. You are not only warming the cold body surface, but the calf is breathing warm air into the lungs, which helps raise his core temperature. All his blood goes through his lungs,” – Dr. Robert Callan

Frostbite f body tissues become too cold, ice crystals form inside cell membranes and the cells rupture, killing the tissues. If it occurs in superficial skin layers, they become discolored and slough away, similar to a sunburn peeling off. Damage to deeper layers and small blood vessels near the surface may lead to more extensive tissue death. If legs, tail and ears are completely frozen, the calf may eventually lose those parts. Pricking the frozen extremity with a pin to see if there is any blood supply or sensation/ feeling in the tissues can be a clue whether the tissue has a chance of returning to proper function. If the skin is frozen, don’t rub the extremities too vigorously since it may cause further damage to the skin. If the tissue has not completely died, the frozen area may swell as blood returns to the area.

I

Many cold-stressed calves have been warmed near a wood stove in the house. Before returning a calf outdoors, make sure it is completely dry, or it may chill again. Photo by Heather Smith Thomas

Getting a newborn to breathe n a normal, unassisted birth, the calf is stimulated to start breathing as soon as its umbilical cord breaks and/or its face and nose are uncovered by the removal of the amnion sac. There are several causes for breathing failure in a newborn calf. These include the sac not breaking, a hard birth in which the calf becomes exhausted or unconscious from too much pressure and too much time spent in the birth canal, or the placenta detaching too soon. Some calves are born with the amnion sac intact, often with fluid still in it. If it doesn’t break, and membrane or fluids remain over the calf’s nostrils, preventing its first breath. This immersion reflex keeps the calf from drawing fluid into its lungs, but also means some calves die soon after birth – unless the cow gets up immediately and starts licking the sac off and nudging the calf to promote movement.

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If the calf goes too long without position for birth or delivery oxygen it will suffocate. takes too long. The sac often remains intact in In most normal births, the calf a quick, easy birth. If the membegins to breathe within 30-60 secbrane is thin and easily broken, onds. If its not breathing, clear the the calf can lift or shake its head fluid away from its nose and tickle to break the sac. If the membrane the inside of one nostril with a is thick, however, the calf can’t clean piece of hay or straw. This break it alone. The cow’s instinct usually makes the calf cough and is to get up and lick her calf as take a breath. If its unconscious soon as its born, generally resolvand won’t start breathing, give aring the problem. But if she’s tired tificial respiration. from labor, or a heifer, she may Traditionally, compromised not get up quickly. Most birth calves were held up by their hind losses due to failure of the sac to legs to allow fluid to drain from break are in first-calf heifers. the airways, but now many vetAnother common cause for erinarians don’t recommend this. breathing failure is a hard birth. Most of the fluid that drains from The calf’s nose and tongue may an upside-down calf is stomach be swollen and its airways confluid, important to health. Holdstricted by swelling. The calf may ing the calf by its hind legs also be unconscious if the cord was puts pressure on the diaphragm pinched off or broken before it from abdominal organs, interferwas fully born, leaving it short of ing with normal breathing. It’s oxygen. The placenta may start better to use a suction bulb to to detach if the cow took a long clear the airways. time getting the calf into proper - See Calving season challenges on page 68 -

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 67

Calving season challenges - Continued from page 67 -

If a calf was stressed during birth and doesn’t begin breathing immediately, it may be suffering from acidosis – a pH imbalance in its body caused by stress and shortage of oxygen during birth

– which has an adverse effect on proper function of heart and lungs. It may take several hours or several days for the calf’s body to correct this. One way to tell if a calf is normal or compromised is whether it tries to raise its head and become upright rather than

continuing to lie flat. If the calf just lies there and hasn’t tried to raise its head within 2 minutes, prop the calf up and rub briskly to stimulate circulation. The calf can breathe better if its upright. Lung function and ribcage movement are impeded when the calf is lying flat.

Giving artificial respiration f the calf’s heart is still beating, it’s still alive. In a limp, unconscious calf the heart may be hammering so loudly it is audible, as the body struggles to survive without oxygen. If the calf doesn’t start breathing soon, however, the heartbeat becomes weaker, slower and very faint. Heart rate drops as the body is deprived of oxygen. Normal heart rate in a newborn calf is 100-120 beats per minute. Place a hand over the lower left side of the ribcage, just behind and above the elbow. If heart rate has dropped as low as 40, the calf’s condition is critical; it needs to start breathing immediately. If the calf’s gums are gray, blue, or colorless instead of pink, it is in serious trouble. To get a calf breathing, first clear the airways. Roll it onto its breastbone in an upright position with chin resting on the ground and nose as low as possible; this position allows fluid

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22 Annual Production Sale Friday April 20th, 2012

1:00 PM MT Faith Livestock Comm. Co., Faith, SD Selling

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LYLE & MIRIAM WEISS 17013 Maurine Road • Faith, SD 57626 • (605) 748-2217 • pcar@gwtc.net

68 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

to drain from its nostrils. Use fingers to strip fluid from its mouth and nose in a suction-like action, like squeezing a tube of toothpaste – or use a suction bulb. Rub and massage the calf, moving its legs to help stimulate lung action. If the calf won’t take a breath even after tickling its nostril, it’s necessary to blow air into its lungs. Lay the calf on its side with head and neck extended. Cover one nostril tightly with a hand, holding the calf’s mouth shut to prevent air from escaping and gently blow a full breath into the other nostril, forcing air into windpipe and lungs. Don’t blow rapidly or forcefully as it’s important not to rupture a lung. Blow until the chest rises. Then let the air come back out. Blow in another breath until the chest rises again. Continue filling the lungs and letting them empty until the calf starts breathing on its own. Usually, once the body tissues become less starved for oxygen, the heart rate will rise, the calf will regain consciousness, and start to breathe.

A very cold calf warms up in the kitchen. Calves can be warmed using a warming box, or even the floor of the pickup truck with the heater on. Photo by Heather Smith Thomas

29th Annual Production Sale

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Friday, January 27, 2012 1:00 p.m. MST Selling 70 Yealing Bulls

Charolais-cross calves will bring $2-$5 higher per hundred at the market.

Why? Today’s buyers demand cattle that are feed efficient with gain-ability carcass traits and breed identity –– traits Charolais-cross progeny posses! Actual feedlot data shows that with larger framed steers that grow fast and efficient to heavier finishing weights are worth more. With better conversion rates and higher average daily gains, a Charolais-cross steer will out-gain lighter-weight steers and be more profitable.

SCR Sir Spur 944 PLD Sire: RCB Dakota Spur S022 MGS:LT Polled Value 9089 205: 651 Index: 106 365:1340 ADG:4.77 WDA: 3.67 EPDS BW: 3.6 WW: 39 YW: 59 TM: 5.3 Carcass Data: BF:0.18 REA: 14.18 IMF: 3.22 EC Without a Doubt 3023 PLD Sire EC No Doubt 2022 P MGS:EC New Trend 6G 205: 845 Index: 110 365:1418 ADG: 3.6 EPD’s: BW: 1.3 WW: 35 YW: 66 TM: 30 Carcass Data: BF: 0.21 REA: 15.8 IMF: 2.70

Charx calves top market 99 head of Charolais cross steers owned by Jerry Kling of Morristown SD all sired by Soreide Charolais Bulls topped the market at $1227 per head at an average weight of 876#.These March born calves were sold Dec 7th at Lemmon Livestock!

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 69

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70 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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Angelo Cattle Co., Drumond, MT Beef Unlimited, Bridger, MT Cabernet Cattle Co, Pomeroy, WA Chaney Red Angus, Belgrade, MT Clark Red Angus, Fishtail, MT Double Tree Red Angus, Sand Coulee, MT Feddes Cattle Co., Manhattan, MT Franz Ranch, Sidney, MT Glacier Red Angus, Polson, MT

March 2 March 3 March 8 March 9 March 10 March 13 March 14 March 17 March 19 March 20 March 24

Hamilton Ranch, Twin Bridges, MT Jansma Red Angus, Park City, MT Christensen Red Angus, Park City, MT Kelly & Sons Red Angus, Grand Island, NE Lazy J Red Angus, Hillsboro, OR Lost Creek Red Angus, Park City, MT Mars Red Angus, Kinsey, MT Mees Ranch, Forsyth, MT Nissan/Corey A Reds, North Plains, OR

Sutherlin Farms and 3C Cattle Co., Stevensville, MT Redland Red Angus, Hysham, MT Fritz Red Angus, Brady, MT Leland Red Angus, Sidney, MT Strawberry Ridge Reds, Livingston, MT Larson Red Angus, Big Timber, MT Heart River Ranch, Medora, ND Milk Creek Reds, Plevna, MT Sun River Red Angus, Great Falls, MT Green Mountain Red Angus, Three Forks, MT Fischer Red Angus, Harlowton, MT

Orchard Cattle Co., Berthoud, CO Ostendorf Red Angus, Powderville, MT Ott Red Angus, Reedpoint, MT Owings Cattle Co., Powell Butte, OR Peacock Red Angus, Covington, TX Raisland Red Angus, St. Ignatius, MT Red Fork Red Angus, Kaycee, WY Rimrock Ranch, Sisters, OR Roberts Red Angus, Hilger, MT

March 27 March 28 April 3 April 5 April 5 April 13 April 14 May 10 Oct. 20 Nov. 10

Rock Creek Red Angus, Joliet, MT Rosebud Red Angus, Forsyth, MT Shepard Red Angus, Billings, MT Shoco Red Angus, Augusta, MT Sixty Six Ranch, Havre, MT Triangle Ranches, Ekalaka, MT Wiseman Red Angus, Glasgow, MT

Joint Bull Sale, Manhattan, MT Feddes Red Angus, C-T Red Angus Westphal Red Angus, Grass Range, MT TJS Red Angus, Buffalo, WY Bowles J5 Reds, Glasgow, MT Midland Bull Test, Columbus, MT 5L Red Angus, Sheridan, MT Ludvigson Red Angus, Park City, MT Koenig Ranch, Winnet, MT NILE Prestigious Sale, Billings, MT Laubach Red Angus, Big Timber, MT

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 71

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Eating for two A successful calving season begins with proper nutrition before and after calving By Gayle Smith

(Above) A cow needs to be at a body condition score of five at calving, which allows them the best opportunity to breed back quickly and provide good nutrition to their calf. Courtesy photo/ Steve Paisley

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any factors can play a role in whether or not a producer has a successful calving season, but management is the key. According to Steve Paisley, extension beef cattle specialist with the University of Wyoming, making sure a newborn calf gets up and nurses within six hours of birth is critical to its future health. “It is very important to make sure the calf gets adequate colostrum,” he explains. “Old data indicates the calf needs colostrum within 12 hours of age, but new data says it may be closer to six hours. As the calf get older, in hours and minutes, the small intestine starts to mature and develop, limiting its ability to absorb those [immunoglobulin] antibodies.” Rick Rasby, beef specialist with the University of Nebraska, adds, “Colostrum is the defense mechanism for the calf early on. It is full of immunoglobulins. If the calf doesn’t get up and nurse quickly after birth, I tell producers to be prepared to give the calf colostrum. It is that important.” - See Eating for two on page 76 -

“It’s a total package. Nutrition is particularly important the last trimester because that is when most of the fetal growth is occurring. Their nutritional needs at that time are extremely high.” (Left) Nutrition prior to calving can play a role in how soon the cow and calf both get up after birth. Courtesy photo/Steve Paisley

– Rick Rasby

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 75

Eating for two

- Continued from page 75 -

Adequate body condition utrition prior to calving can play a role in how soon the cow and calf both get up after birth. “There is data from clear back in the ’70s that indicates a cow with proper nutrition will calve easier and get up quicker,� Paisley explains. “It also indicates the calf will be born with more vigor, and get to its feet sooner and nurse, which is 90 percent of the battle.� Cows should be in a body condition score (BCS) of five prior to calving. Rasby says he likes to see first-calf heifers in a BCS of six. “They are calving and lactating for the first time,� he says. “They are also trying to repair their reproductive tract so they can breed back for the second time, and in addition to all of that, they are still trying to grow. Nutrition is very important for them. “Having a cow in good body condition depends on how well you met the requirements of protein, energy, vitamins and minerals,� Rasby continues. “It is a stressful time for the cow. She needs to be able to get up after calving, lick that calf off, and provide colostrum to support that calf. The

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“We have seen cows that will wean a calf off and look good through November and early December because there is plenty of forage available. However, as we move closer to calving, the ability to find forage can decrease in winter pasture, in addition to enduring colder weather, and occasional storms.� – Steve Paisley

Good management of the cowherd, nutrition and taking preventive measures can pay off for a producer at weaning time. Courtesy photo/Steve Paisley

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76 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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A cow will reach her peak energy requirements approximately 60 days after calving, when she reaches peak milk production. Courtesy photo

amount of immunoglobulins available at calving is a function of body condition and nutrition at calving.”

Pre-calving nutrition he cow’s diet prior to calving is critical. She needs a balanced ration to meet not only her protein and energy needs, but also her vitamin and mineral requirements. “It’s a total package,” Rasby says. “Nutrition is particularly important the last trimester because that is when most of the fetal growth is occurring. Their nutritional needs at that time are extremely high.” Paisley says producers need to have a good nutritional program in place prior to calving. “They don’t need to gain weight or be excessively fat, but it is critical that they are healthy,” he explains. During the last 6090 days prior to calving, protein and energy requirements for the cow increase 30 percent, he notes. “We have seen cows that will wean a calf off and look good through November and early December because there is plenty of forage available. However, as we move closer to calving, the ability to find forage can decrease in winter pasture, in addition to enduring colder weather, and occasional storms.” Paisley says he encourages producers to provide an ade-

T

quate supplement of protein to cows prior to calving. “It helps the cow make better utilization out of the existing forage,” he says. “Because she can process

and digest the forage better, she will consume more forage. She will pick up that energy deficiency on her own. It is also important to make sure there is adequate mineral available to the animal, especially if a lowquality forage is being fed.” Paisley points out that producers should feed a mineral that is high in phosphorus, which is important for calf health. “Many times, a protein supplement will carry a lot of phosphorus with it,” he says. “Meeting the cow’s mineral requirements and mak- See Eating for two on page 78 -

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 77

Eating for two

- Continued from page 77 ing sure mineral is available is not only important to the calf’s health, but will also improve the cow’s ability to repair her reproductive tract so she will cycle,” pointing out “her breed back and fertility is

enhanced by having adequate mineral available.”

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Post-calving nutrition

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energy requirements approximately 60 days after calving, when she reaches peak milk production. “Her energy requirements increased at calving, and then increased another 30 percent at her peak lactation,” Paisley says. For at least three to four weeks after birth, the calf gets 100 percent of its nutrition from the cow. Producers also need to pay particular attention to the weather to determine if the cows or pairs may need a little more supplement. “On colder days they will need more energy and nutrient intake to compensate for that colder temperature,” Paisley says. “It is also a good idea to feed them some extra hay in an area protected from the wind so they have some bedding and a place to lay down. Anything that will keep live calves from getting sick will show some benefits in weaning weight and decreased health costs. Producers do benefit from some of the preventive measures they take,” he adds. Rasby says if calves are cold, producers should have indoor facilities set up well ahead of time to bring the cow and calf in. “I recommend they make sure their calf warming box is functioning, and has been tested ahead of time,” he explains. “I also encourage producers to clean out and rebed stalls with clean material after each pair has passed through to cut down on disease problems.”

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78 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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JANUARY 2012 Colorado Angus Foundation Female Sale, Denver, CO Van Newkirk Herefords Bull & Female Sale, 1 p.m., Oshkosh, NE; 308-778-6049 Miller Angus Ranch, Kist Livestock, Mandan, ND Mc Pherson Angus, Philip (SD) Livestock Urlacher Angus Annual Bull Sale, 1 p.m. (MST), Bowman (ND) Auction Market; 701-824-4129 Severance Diamond Charolais & Angus, Kist Livestock, Mandan, ND Joseph Angus Ranch, Valentine (NE) Livestock Redland Black Angus ‘Range Calved – Range Raised Calving Ease Genetics’ Sale, 1 p.m. (MST), Buffalo (WY) Livestock Auction; 307-347-2270 Martin Ranch 24th Annual Angus Bull Sale, 1 p.m., Ogallala (NE) Livestock; 308-726-2855 Middleswarth Herefords Bull Sale, Torrington, WY Badlands-Severance Annual Production Sale, Stockmen’s Livestock Exchange, Dickinson, ND; 701-586-3435 Weigel Angus Ranch, Kintyre, ND Silbernagel Angus Farms, Farmers Livestock, Bismarck, ND Marcy Cattle Co. Angus Bull Sale, 12:30 p.m. (MST), Gordon (NE) Livestock; 308-638-7587 Mill Bar Angus Production Sale, Hay Center, NE Soreide Charolais Ranch 29th Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m., Bowman, ND; 701-523-5355 TK Angus Annual Bull Sale, Gordon, NE Sandage Angus Bull Sale, Sheridan Livestock, Rushville, NE 21 Angus Ranch, New England, ND Thompson Angus Ranch, Kintrye, ND Baldridge Bros. Performance Angus Bull Sale, North Platte, NE Jauer Dependable Genetics 35th Annual Bull & Female Sale, 12:30 p.m., Hinton, IA; 712-947-4357 Triangle J Ranch Simmental & SimAngus Bull Sale, Miller, NE BHSS Commercial Heifer Sale, Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, SD BHSS Angus Show & Sale, Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, SD Black Hills Gold Rush Cattle Genetics Sale, 7:30 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn, Rapid City, SD; 605-545-1521 BHSS Charolais Show & Sale, Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, SD FEBRUARY BHSS Hereford Show & Sale, Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, SD Maher Angus Ranch, Lemmon (SD) Livestock Stroh Hereford Ranch 22nd Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m. (MST), Stockmen’s West, Dickinson, ND; 701-764-5217 Ridder Hereford Ranch Annual Sale, 1 p.m., Callaway, NE; 308-836-4430 BHSS Gelbvieh Show & Sale, Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, SD BHSS Red Angus Show & Sale, Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, SD BHSS Shorthorn Show & Sale, Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, SD Vandeberghe’s Flying V Angus, Farmers Livestock, Bismarck, ND BHSS Limousin Show & Sale, Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, SD BHSS Maine-Anjou Show & Sale, Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, SD

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Boeckel’s Registered Angus Ranch 57th Production Sale, 1 p.m. (CT), Kist Livestock, Mandan, ND; 701-748-6540 Ellingson Angus Production Sale, 1:30 p.m. (CT), St. Anthony, ND; 701-445-7309 Bartos Angus 19th Annual Bull Sale, 1 p.m., Verdigre, NE; 402-668-2665 Valley View Angus ‘Cattlemen’s Kind’ Bull Sale, 1 p.m., Gothenburg (NE) Livestock Auction; 308-325-1370 BHSS Simmental Show & Sale, Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, SD BHSS Chiangus Show & Sale, Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, SD Upstream Ranch Commercial Cattlemens Bull Sale, 1 p.m. (CT), Taylor, NE; 308-942-3195 Mike Sitz Angus Bull Sale, Burwell (NE) Livestock Windmill Angus Ranch 38th Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m. (MT), Haigler, NE; 308-297-3368 Johnson Black Simmental 33rd Annual Bull Sale, 1 p.m., Bull Palace, Baker, MT; 406-775-6678 Topp Polled Herefords Bull Sale, Kist Livestock, Mandan, ND Wicks Cattle Sim-Angus Bull Sale, Richardton, ND Deering’s Cheyenne Charolais Bull Sale, Philip (SD) Livestock; 605-993-3151 Spruce Hill Angus Ranch, at the Rotenberger Ranch, Ludlow, SD Foos Angus Ranch 22nd Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m., Belle Fourche (SD) Livestock; 605-257-2391 Friedt Herefords Production Sale, 1 p.m., Stockmen’s West, Dickinson, ND; 701-824-2300 Booth’s Cherry Creek Angus Annual ‘Progress Through Performance’ Bull Sale, 1 p.m., Veteran, WY; 307-837-2994 Mohnen Angus, Platte (SD) Livestock McConnell Angus Annual Bull Sale, Noon, Dix, NE; 308-235-5187 Schaff Angus Valley 109th Production Sale, 10 a.m. Saint Anthony, ND; 701-445-7465 Baker Hereford Ranch Bull Sale, 1 p.m., Rapid City, SD; 605-923-2925 Goldammer Angus Family Annual Bull Sale, 1 p.m. (CT), Mitchell (SD) Livestock; 605-996-1331 Wilkinson Angus Open House Private Treaty Bull Sale, Manchester, SD Sodak Angus Ranch, 1 p.m. (MT), Reva, SD; 605866-4426 Mrnak Hereford Ranch 45th Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m. (MST), Bowman (ND) Livestock; 701-574-3172 Logterman Family Hereford & Angus Bull Sale, Valentine (NE) Livestock 24th Annual Sletten Angus Ranch Sale, 12:30 p.m. (MST), Faith (SD) Livestock Commission; 605-967-2238 Fawcett’s Elm Creek Ranch Hereford Bull Sale, Ree Heights, SD Benda Ranch Simmentals & SimAngus Bull & Bred Heifer Sale, Kimball (SD) Livestock Reppe Ranch, Watertown, SD Werning Cattle Co. 31st Annual Production Sale, 12:30 p.m. (CT), Mitchell (SD) Livestock; 605-825-4219 Carlson Angus Ranch, Stockmens Livestock, Dickinson, ND Hilltop Angus Farm 34th Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m., Bowdle, SD; 605-285-6279 Barenthsen-Bullinger Red Angus 13th Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m. (CST), Powers Lake, ND; 701-464-5741 Slagle Angus Bull Sale, Sargent, NE Dale Sprunk & Jeremy Erdmann Sale, Lisbon, ND Whitestone-Krebs Annual Production Sale, Gordon, NE

80 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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Olson’s Red Power Hereford & Red Angus Bull Sale, Argusville, ND Roy Cranston Herefords 21st Annual Sale, 1 p.m., St. Onge (SD) Livestock; 605-866-4423 Blacktop Farms Angus & Hereford, Mitchell, SD R&R Cattle Co. Annual Simmental & SimAngus Production Sale, Chamberlain, SD Powder River Angus Annual Bull Sale, 1 p.m. (MST), Buffalo (WY) Livestock; 307-736-2260 Carmichael Herefords 43rd Annual Sale, 1 p.m., Meadow, SD; 605-788-2962 Ekstrum Simmentals Bull Sale, 1 p.m., Kimball, SD; 605-778-6185 Varilek Angus Ranch, Geddes, SD Reich Angus Ranch, Zap, ND Schiefelbein Angus Farms, Kimball, MN Kappes Simmental & Angus Bull & Female Sale, Aberdeen, SD Minert/Simonson Angus Bull Sale, Dunning, NE Curtis Polled Herefords Final Bull Sale, Huron, SD Bruner Angus Ranch, Drake, ND Tokach Angus Ranch, Kist Livestock, Mandan, ND Koupal Angus 35th Annual Bull Sale, 12:30 p.m. (CST), Dante, SD; 605-384-5315 Rausch Herefords 2nd Revolutional Bull & Female Sale, 1 p.m. (CST), Hoven, SD; 605-948-2146 Gill Red Angus Annual Bull & Commercial Heifer Sale, Timber Lake, SD; 605-865-3288 Bar JZ Ranches 61st Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m., Thomas Ranch Sale Facility, Onida, SD; 605852-2966 Forgey & Graesser 3rd Annual Angus Production Sale, 1 p.m., Winner (SD) Livestock Auction; 605835-8675 Cedar Top Ranch Bull Sale, Burwell (NE) Livestock Spring Valley Angus, LaMoure, ND Best of the West Red Angus Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m., Stockmen’s Livestock, Dickinson, ND; 701-983-4292 Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Hereford Show & Sale, Kearney, NE Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Red Angus Show & Sale, Kearney, NE TC Angus Ranch Production Sale, Freemont, NE Raven Angus Annual Bull Sale, 1 p.m. (CST), Colome, SD; 605-842-2919 Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Angus Show & Sale, Kearney, NE Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Charolais Show & Sale, Kearney, NE Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Simmental Show & Sale, Kearney, NE Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Royal Ice & Pen of 3 Heifer Sale, Kearney, NE Bear Mountain Angus Ranch, Palisade, NE Gant Hereford & Angus, Platte (SD) Livestock Grunewaldt Angus Ranch, Miller (SD) Livestock Peterson Angus/Maple Valley Angus, Sioux Falls Regional, Worthing, SD Jamison Herefords Total Performance Bull Sale, Noon (CST), Quinter, KS; 785-754-3639 Wieczorek Limousin 32nd Annual Production Sale, Corisca (SD) Sale Barn Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Limousin Show & Sale, Kearney, NE Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Shorthorn Show & Sale, Kearney, NE Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Gelbvieh & Balancer Show & Sale, Kearney, NE Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Pen of 5 Heifer Sale, Kearney, NE Bush Angus, Britton, SD Chestnut Angus, Pipestone, MN Kreth Angus & Hereford Sale, Mt. Vernon, SD Brenner Angus Annual Production Sale, 2 p.m. (CST) Farmer’s Livestock Exchange, Bismarck, ND; 701-522-3335 Profit Maker Bulls Sale, Paxton, NE

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Carlson Angus, Thief River Falls, MN Hart Farms, Frederick, SD Foxhoven Angus Production Sale, Crofton, NE; 402-388-2478 JC Heiken Angus & Sons, 1 p.m., Miles City (MT) Livestock Commission; 406-861-1020 Deep Creek Angus Ranch & Millar Angus Ranch Annual Production Sale, Noon, Philip (SD) Livestock, Philip, SD; 605-567-3327 Johnson-Rose Angus Ranch 40th Annual Genetic Advantage Bull Sale, 1 p.m. (CST), Mobridge (SD) Livestock; 605-845-3221 Larson Families Ranch 43rd Annual Production Sale, 12:30 p.m., Presho (SD) Livestock Auction; 605-842-3749 MARCH Fuoss Angus Ranch, Draper, SD Bieber Red Angus 2012 Bull & Female Sale, Leola, SD; 605-439-3628 Kammerer Livestock 6th Annual Bull Sale, 1 p.m., Belle Fourche (SD) Livestock Exchange; 605-923-6381 Carl Dethlefs & Sons Angus 44th Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m. (CT), Rockville, NE; 308-372-3200 Lewis Bros. Angus, St. Onge (SD) Livestock JK Angus, Montrose, SD Sutherlin Farms Red Angus Production Sale, Stevensville, MT; 406-642-3487 Sandmeier Charolais Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m. (CST), Bowdle, SD; 605-285-6179 Wilde Angus Ranch, Shevlin, MN Thorstenson Gelbvieh & Angus Annual Bull Sale, Mobridge (SD) Livestock; 605-649-6262 Big Rok Angus Ranch, Detroit Lakes, MN Hall Red Angus Annual Production Sale, 1:30 p.m., North Platte (NE) Livestock Auction; 308-654-3220 20th Annual Hojer Gelbvieh & Balancer Production Sale, 1 p.m., Magness Livestock Pavilion, Huron, SD; 605-847-4155 Edgar Bros., Hub City Livestock, Aberdeen, SD Campbell Red Angus, Mobridge Livestock, Mobridge, SD Jindra Angus 12th Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m. (CT), Creighton (NE) Livestock Market; 402-920-3171 LaGrand Scotchcap West, Bison, SD Broken Heart Ranch Red Angus 34th Annual Production Sale, Firesteel, SD; 605-865-3190 Split Diamond Ranch 21st Annual Angus Bull Sale, Beaverhead Livestock Auction, Dillon, MT; 406498-3005 Bruns Angus, Madison, SD Class ‘A’ Bull Sale, Bismarck, ND De Vries Angus, Cavour, SD Leland Red Angus Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m. (MT), Sidney, MT; 701-565-2347 Mogck Angus Farm, Tripp Livestock, Tripp, SD Strawberry Ridge Reds Annual Production Sale, Livingston, MT; 406-333-9506 Lucky 7 Angus ‘Cowboy Bulls’ Sale, Riverton (WY) Livestock; 307-850-2514 Fast Angus Ranch & Dohrmann Cattle Company, Kist Livestock, Mandan, ND Muldoon Angus, Aberdeen (SD) Livestock RBM Livesock, Florence, SD Schauer Angus Ranch 22nd Annual Angus Bull Sale, 1 p.m. (MT) Faith (SD) Livestock Commission Co.; 605-739-5621 Holden Herefords 46th Annual Production Sale, Valier, MT; 406-279-3301 Cooper Hereford Ranch 46th Annual Production Sale, Willow Creek, MT; 406-285-6985 Styles Plainview Angus Farms, Brentford, SD Sitz Angus Ranch 10th Annual Spring Production Sale, Dillon, MT Heart River Genetics & Open A Angus, Medora, ND Harrison Land & Livestock 3rd Annual Angus Production Sale, Belt, MT; 406-738-4310 Evenson Angus, Lemmon (SD) Livestock

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3C Christensen Ranch & NLC Ranch 41st Annual Bull & Heifer Sale, 1 p.m. (CT), Wessington, SD; 605-458-2458 Blake Angus & 4 W Land & Cattle, Northern Livestock, Minot, ND Scherbenske Angus Ranch, Wishek (ND) Livestock Double Diamond Ranch, Douglas, ND White Angus Ranch, Bowman (ND) Livestock Baxter Angus Farm Annual Bull Sale, Rockham, SD; 605-472-3253 Jallo Angus Ranch, Fordville, ND Bob Miller Family Angus, Faith Livestock, Faith, SD Wheeler Mountain Ranch 10th Annual Bull Sale, 1 p.m., Whitehall, MT; 406-287-9234 Van Beek Ranch, Mobridge (SD) Livestock Moore Angus, Artesian, SD Eagle Pass Gelbvieh & Angus, Highmore, SD Lau Angus, Corsica, SD Strohschein Angus 3nd Annual Production Sale, Belle Fourche (SD) Livestock Exchange; 307660-5117 Roth Angus, Mitchell Livestock, Mitchell, SD Sinclair Cattle Company, 11 a.m., Buffalo, WY; 1800-761-2077 Mt. Rushmore Angus 46th Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m., Rapid City, SD; 800-363-4386 Hanneken Angus, Pierz, MN Leary Angus, Caledonia, MN Rishell Angus Annual Bull Sale, North Platte, NE; 530-604-5096 Iron Mountain Cattle Co. 3rd Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m., Belle Fourche (SD) Livestock; 605-892-2039 Amdahl Angus ‘Performance Plus’ Bull & Female Sale, 1 p.m., Mitchell Livestock, Mitchell, SD Littau Angus Ranch, Carter, SD Mc Cumber Angus Ranch, Rolette, ND; 701-246-3366 Rossow Angus Ranch, Herreid (SD) Livestock Roberts Angus, Farmers Livestock, Bismarck, ND Brozik Angus Ranch Black Angus Production Sale, Winner (SD) Livestock Auction; 605-842-3229 Pieper Red Angus Annual Performance Leader Production Sale, Hap Springs, NE; 308-638-4557 Mertens Cattle Co., Watertown, SD Minnesota Angus Association Annual Sale, Fergus Falls, MN APRIL J&J Sonstebo, Watertown, SD Curt Miller Angus, Presho (SD) Livestock Auction; 605-516-0044 Slovek Angus Ranch, Philip Livestock, Philip, SD Diamond J Ranch, Kist Livestock, Mandan, ND Schelske Angus, Magness Livestock, Huron, SD TNT Angus, Lake Region Livestock, Devils Lake, ND Brooks Chalky Butte Angus Ranch Annual Sale, 1 p.m., Bowman (ND) Auction Market; 701-523-5391 3rd Annual Cowboy Classic Angus & Sim-Angus Bull Sale, 1 p.m., Buffalo (WY) Livestock; 307736-2327 Kraye Angus Production Sale, Kraye Sale Facility, Mullen, NE; 308-546-2524 Scott Wieseler, Miller Livestock, Miller, SD Bakers LeMar Angus Ranch Spring Performance Sale, 1 p.m. (MDT), St. Onge (SD) Livestock; 605642-5793 Nelson Angus Ranch, Sitting Bull Livestock Auction, Williston, ND Thomas Ranch, Harrold, SD NJW Polled Herefords Spring Bull Sale, Sheridan, WY; 307-672-3248 Trask Angus Ranch & Peterson Angus, Philip Livestock, Philip, SD Cotton/Doyle/Hyland Sale, Madison, SD Reich Charolais Ranch, Belle Fourche (SD) Livestock Exchange; 605-892-4366 5L Red Angus ‘Right for the Times’ Spring Production Sale, Sheridan, MT; 406-842-5693 Red Western Red Angus Bull Sale, Crawford (NE) Livestock; 605-459-5518

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Kukuchka’s Bar 69 Angus 24th Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m., St. Onge (SD) Livestock; 605-892-2875 Mogck & Sons Angus, Olivet, SD Hebbert Charolais 30th Annual Bull Sale, Hebbert Sale Facility, Hyannis, NE; 308-458-2540 Sonstegard Cattle Co. 8th Annual Bull Auction, Montevideo, MN; 320-226-2340 Thorstenson Hereford Ranch Bull Sale, Selby, SD; 605-649-7940 LaGrand Angus Ranch, Canova, SD Washburn Angus Ranch, Sitting Bull Livestock Auction, Williston, ND Lehrkamp Livestock 39th Annual Production Sale, 1:30 p.m., Caputa, SD; 605-933-6171 Medicine Rocks Ranch Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m., Bowman (ND) Auction Market; 406-775-6478 Jorgenson Angus, Winner Livestock, Winner, SD Derflinger Ranch, Faith Livestock, Faith, SD Lazy W Angus, Lake Region Livestock, Devils Lake, ND Luhman Angus, Stockmens Livestock, Dickinson, ND DeVries Angus Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m., Bales Continental Commission, Huron, SD; 605-352-8486 TLC Ranch, Kist Livestock, Mandan, ND Ponca Creek Cattle Co., Bonesteel, SD RLV Gelbvieh & BV Ranch ‘Generations at Work’ Bull Sale, 1 p.m. (MDT), Belle Fourche (SD) Livestock Exchange; 605-257-2113 Pine Creek Angus Ranch 22nd Annual Production Sale, 1 p.m., Faith (SD) Livestock Commission Co.; 605-748-2217 Lindskov & Thiel Ranch 31st Annual Bull Sale, Isabel, SD; 605-466-2392 Don Miller Angus, Bales Livestock, Huron, SD Feiring Angus Ranch & Ash Coulee Angus Ranch, Powers Lake, ND Frey Angus Ranch, Granville, ND North Dakota Angus Association Bull Test Sale, Stockmens Livestock, Dickinson, ND Stomprud Angus Ranch 8th Annual Hard Grass Genetics Bull Sale, 1 p.m., Faith (SD) Livestock Commission Co.; 605-484-3758 Rafter U Cross Ranch, Philip Livestock, Philip, SD Steve Silbernagel Angus, Napoleon Livestock, Napoleon, ND Opp Angus, Stockmens Livestock, Dickinson, ND Mangen Angus Ranch, 1 p.m., Belle Fourche (SD) Livestock Exhange; 800-442-9545 Prairie Pride Angus, Jamestown (ND) Livestock Dikoff Ranch, Onaka, SD WR Bar Angus Ranch, Pequot Lakes, MN Ma & Pa Angus 15th Annual Bull Sale, Presho Livestock, Presho, SD MAY Philip Bull Days, Philip (SD) Livestock Thorson Herefords, Philip (SD) Livestock; 605-859-3538 Vollmer Angus Ranch, Wing, ND Boeckel Angus Ranch, Kist Livestock, Mandan, ND Flying W Ranch, Pequot Lakes, MN Wicks Angus, Carpenter, SD Spickler Ranch Annual Bull Sale, 1 p.m., Glenfield, ND; 701-674-3170 Hoyt Angus Ranch, McHenry, ND Nold Family Angus, Hub City Livestock, Aberdeen, SD Wendel Livestock, LaMoure, ND Kopriva Angus, Raymond, SD Willow Creek Farms, Glen Ullin, ND Reppe Ranch, Hub City Livestock, Aberdeen, SD JUNE Sunny Slope Farms, Lanesboro Livestock, Lanesboro, MN Editor’s note: For more a complete listing of ag sales and events, visit www.tsln.com

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 81

82 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

I

t’s no secret that pounds pay. At Wheeler Mountain Ranch we offer some of the most efficient poundmaking cattle found anywhere. Environment serves

WMR Timeless 458 AAA# 16226527

as the best sorting stick as we range on 40,000 acres of short-grass and sagebrush country at elevations of up to 7,500 ft. In these challenging conditions, we require a mature cow to wean a minimum of 50% of her weight. We have found moderation to be key, as large frame cows struggle weaning 50% and small frame cows generally lack the performance we require. As a result, our bulls are long, thick, easy fleshing and structurally correct. Our program ensures customers the problem free, efficient-gaining, easy calving and powerfully performing cattle they demand.

BW: +3.0 WW: +92 Milk: +20 YW: +162 Currently leased to Accelerated Genetics and co-owned with Harrison Land & Livestock. We own his sire and maternal grandsire,making him a prime example of the genetics we strive to produce in our program.

Apex Windy 078 AAA# 16237970

Ron & Kathy Van Dyke

129 Ridder Ln. Whitehall, MT 59759 406.287.9234 Home 406.490.2734 Cell wheelermt@hotmail.com David: 406.490.6520 Phillip & Jacquie: 406-580-1390 Brett & Stacy: 406-925-2806

BW: +1.6 WW: +70 Milk: +23 YW: +118 Calving ease coupled with explosive performance has made 078 calves popular in athe herds in which he was used. Additonally his sire group topped our 2011 sale. If you like thick, well-muscled cattle in a moderate frame you will like 078. Proudly co-owned with Heuchert Angus, Hensel, ND and Apex Angus, Valier, MT.

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 83

Assisting the bonding process between cow and calf

Motherin 84 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

A newborn calf is assisted in the process of nursing, while its mother is restrained in a headcatcher with a foot tied back to she can’t kick at her baby. Photo by Heather Smith Thomas

ng up By Heather Smith Thomas

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 85

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fter a cow gives birth, she starts sniffing and licking her newborn calf. In this bonding process, she learns to recognize her calf, and commits to caring for it and protecting it. Her actions are a complex blend of hormonal-induced and Hormones are key xperience is part of the equation, since older cows tend to be more consistent mothers than heifers, but hormones are the key factor. “A cow is most receptive to wanting her newborn

E

learned behavior. Mature cows that have had calves before are more apt to quickly and successfully mother their offspring than first-time heifers. It’s important to understand maternal behavior and how to help prevent confusion or stress at calving time.

calf at the time of birth,” says Dr. Joseph Stookey with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. “Some cows become receptive up to a week before they calve. Their hormone pump is already primed,

and reaching a level that makes them receptive to any new calf, even if it’s not theirs,” he says. “At the other end of the spectrum are cows that don’t have proper hormone profile or levels, and they don’t want their calf.

Pulling a calf in a sled is a good way to bring a calf in from the field, allowing the mother to follow and keep smelling her young one. Photo by Heather Smith Thomas

- See Mothering up on page 96 -

86 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

We see this most often in first-calf heifers, or in some of the females we assist with birth, or those with calves delivered by C-section. If it’s a rodeo getting the cow in for assistance, or she undergoes too much trauma, she may be less interested in the newborn calf. Other hormones may be overriding the system due to stress, pain, or some of the drugs used during a C-section,” Stookey says. Changes in progesterone and estrogen levels initiate the birth process,

but rising oxytocin levels trigger maternal behavior. Oxytocin is released in the brain during birth. “Its presence in the olfactory bulb of the brain helps explain the role of smell and the importance of odor in the bonding process,” he says. “Cervical stimulation is crucial for proper hormonal triggers,” Stookey explains. Release of oxytocin is caused by stretching/stimulation of the cervix and birth canal. Gradual dilation of the cervix as the feet

and head of the fetus push against it with each uterine contraction, and passage of the fetus through cervix is one of the main triggers for oxytocin release. “If you do a C-section there isn’t much cervical stimulation, since the fetus doesn’t come through it. This could be a factor when the cow doesn’t mother her calf very well. Analgesic drugs used during a Csection to block pain can also interfere with oxytocin release,” Stookey says. - See Mothering up on page 88 -

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 87

/% "//6"- 130%6$5*0/ 4"-& LARSON FAMILIES RANCH Hamill, SD 90% Repeat Buyers

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 Presho Livestock • Presho, SD -12:30 PM BULLS SELLING:

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Yrlg Charolais Bulls • Yrlg Angus Bulls • Yrlg Red Angus • Yrlg Maine Anjou • 4 Yrlg Shorthorn Bulls • Yrlg Simmental • 5- VIRGIN (2 year olds) 1st Breeding Season Guarantee. Will winter free until April 25th, 2012.

140- Commercial Angus AI’d Angus • (3) day Breeding Periods 30- Commercial Red Angus Heifers AI’d Red Angus 40- Pedigreed Angus 20- Charolais Heifers 10- Maine Anjou Heifers • Tested Negative BVD • *pelvic measured All Scour shots, 3VL6 HB • Poured • Wormed • Vacc for - IBR BVD, Preg Gard 10, micro plasma • 7 way • Syncitial • Hemopholus

Bulls will have been carcass scanned • Preg Guard 10 • Pinkeye Shot • Foot Rot Shot • Internasal • Pasturella • Express 5 PHM • microplasma • Syncitial • 7 way • Poured • Wormed • Johnes class 1 free herd • Put on a test • Breeding Season Guarantee Darrell & Monty Dennis & Audie & Holly Joel & Vicki Frances Larson Larson Larson Susan Larson Stuart $FMM

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We Will Stand Behind the Cattle Working on this program into the future

Mothering up

- Continued from page 87 -

Milk production and let-down irst-calf heifers produce less oxytocin than cows that have had previous calves. This may be why some heifers reject or abandon their calves. “Giving birth seems to prime the system and allows for release of larger quantities of oxytocin with subsequent births. Heifers are less experienced than cows, and also have lower levels of oxytocin release in the brain during calving,� he says. A few heifers seem indifferent to their calves, but within 12-24 hours become motherly. In some instances, a heifer may not have much milk, and then as her milk starts to come in, she becomes interested in her calf. Oxytocin is associated with milk let-down, and is also closely tied to maternal behavior. If a heifer is indifferent, or rejects her calf, she may become more receptive to motherhood by assisting the calf in nursing. The act of suckling stimulates release of oxytocin. “If you stimulate milk let-down a few times by helping the calf nurse, the hormone comes on board and improves maternal behavior. Oxytocin can switch off aggression, reluctance or fear, and turn it into interest and mothering,� Stookey says.

F

T

Sensory clues

he cow or heifer reacts to sensory clues provided by the calf and birth fluids. If she’s lying down as the calf slides out of the birth canal, she will generally raise her head to get a glimpse of the calf. “Any movement of the calf at this stage (raising its head or shaking its head) is a strong stimulus to the cow to get up and turn around to smell the calf and start licking it. Calves that are vigorous elicit a stronger response in the cow; they are more attractive to the cow than a weak or dead calf,� Stookey says. “The smell and taste of birth fluids is another strong attractant that stimulates the cow to lick the calf. - See Mothering up on page 90 -

88 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

A young cow named “Hot Rod” is hobbled so she can’t kick her calf. After a few days in a small pen, hobbled, she accepted the calf. Photo by Heather Smith Thomas

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 89

(Left) A first-calf heifer gets up after giving birth to sniff and lick her calf. Photo by Heather Smith Thomas

specialist at Colorado State University, says allowing cows and heifers plenty of room can help prevent problems. “Then the calf and its mother are not distracted by herdmates or dominant individuals that might disrupt the bonding process,” Whittier says. “There are always a few, particularly heifers, that don’t have a strong mothering instinct right away. Allowing them to calve out in the field by themselves is best, and then moving them into a pen by themselves with their calf if they don’t bond quickly, can sometimes work – so they can continue the bonding process without interrup(Below) Hobbles can be made from baling twine for hobbling a cow or heifer that won’t let her calf nurse. Photo by Heather Smith Thomas

Mothering up

- Continued from page 88 If the mothering process is interrupted before she licks the calf, the likelihood for rejection increases,” he says. If the calf is pulled, birth fluids should be smeared across the muzzle and tongue of the dam following delivery. “This seems to jump-start the maternal response. Simply putting the newborn in front of the mother may not be sufficient stimulus to start maternal behavior, especially for first-

calf heifers. Pouring feed onto a newborn calf may entice some reluctant mothers to approach the calf and come in contact with birth fluids as they eat the feed. Any attractant that stimulates the cow to lick the calf would be useful,” Stookey says.

Location a factor ows too closely confined don’t get a chance to leave the herd and find a private place to calve. Jack Whittier, extension beef

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Ainsworth, Nebraska • www.bejotfeedlots.com (402) 387-2236 • Feedlot • (800) 333-3568 90 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

“There are always a few, particularly heifers, that don’t have a strong mothering instinct right away. Allowing them to calve out in the field by themselves is best, and then moving them into a pen by themselves with their calf if they don’t bond quickly, can sometimes work – so they can continue the bonding process without interruption by herdmates. Getting from point A to point B can be a challenge, however, and may confuse a heifer more and make it worse than if you’d left her alone,�

close to one another. Often if you just give the heifer a little time, things work out.� “If a cow is very aggressive, kicking or hitting the calf with her head, restraint may be needed so she won’t hurt the calf. This is better than beating on her. I’ve seen cows overly abused when they kick the calf. Hurting the cow does more harm than good.� It won’t im-

prove her attitude, and may make her harder to handle. If a first-time mother is confused or aggressive, ignoring her calf or attacking it, she will often change her mind after nursing. It may be necessary to tie her or put her in a headcatcher, with a side that swings away, for restraint while the calf finds a teat. - See Mothering up on page 92 -

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– Jack Whittier tion by herdmates. Getting from point A to point B can be a challenge, however, and may confuse a heifer more and make it worse than if you’d left her alone,� he says. If weather necessitates confinement for shelter, diligent monitoring and quietly moving each calving female to a private place to calve – her own barn stall – will prevent problems. It’s best to move the female before she calves. Trying to move her and the calf afterward can be disruptive, especially for a heifer. Older cows are more likely to follow their calf, while heifers may become confused, especially if they haven’t had much time to lick and bond with the calf. Often the heifer or cow will run back to the birth site, looking for the calf.

Tips for changing her mind here many tricks to get a cow to claim a calf,� Whittier says. “Proximity is important, keeping them

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 91

Mothering up

- Continued from page 91 Often it just takes one nursing to change her mind. But some heifers

are still determined to attack the calf. The calf should be protected during the transition period, in a small pen next to the cow’s pen,

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or a paneled off corner of her stall – letting it out to nurse while the mother is supervised. Feed the cow only at nursing time so she’ll focus on eating rather than attacking her calf or moving away from it. Stand guard while the calf nurses, then put it back in a safe corner. It may be necessary to hobble the cow so she can’t kick the calf. If the cow won’t stand still, leave a halter on her, dragging the halter rope. She can then be tied or held while she eats hay, enabling the calf to catch up with her and nurse. After dragging the rope and stepping on it a time or two, she quickly learns to respect this restraint. It may take two days or two weeks to change her mind about being a mother, but she will eventually accept the calf. Once she starts showing interest in it, mooing at it or licking it as it nurses – no longer trying to hurt the calf – the pair can be left together. Keep the cow hobbled, however, until its clear she won’t kick the calf. Another trick that often works with an aggressive heifer is to lightly tranquilize her during the first day. This may change and mellow her attitude enough that

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the calf will be able to nurse. Ask a veterinarian about proper use of tranquilizers. For a heifer that ignores her calf, sometimes bringing a dog to her pen or stall will stimulate her mothering/protective instinct and she’ll suddenly become interested in protecting the calf.

This may jump-start more motherly behavior. “Patience, good husbandry, astute observation and being in tune with the cattle are key. Look for ways to overcome the various problems,� Whittier says. Sometimes a physical problem is the reason a cow or heifer is slow to mother

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the calf. A heifer with a swollen, painful udder (with hard edema or “cake�) may kick at her calf because it hurts. An injured teat or frostbitten teats may be too sore for the cow or heifer to allow her calf to suckle.

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96 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 97

98 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Getting her bred again By Heather Hamilton

Ranchers share management strategies that influence two year old conception rates 2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 99

Getting every first-calf heifer to breed back is a critical step in transitioning her from an investment to a source of income for any operation. While the concept of doing it “right” is a moving target depending on a variety of factors, ranchers have found certain management practices successful in boosting two-year-old conception rates.

Getting two-year-old cows to breed back is often considered the most challenging aspect of fertility and reproduction for ranchers to manage. It’s also a costly time in a cow’s productive lifetime to be open. By investing in her nutrition and breeding partner early in life, ranchers can significantly increase the odds of a successful breeding season year after year. Photos by Heather Hamilton

“H

eifer and cow development starts when they’re in their mothers. We try to keep the best mineral program in those mother cows as possible, so when those heifer calves hit the ground, they’ve got all the nutrients we think they need. Then we keep them on a quality mineral program from then until she is sold as a killer cow,” explains Sundance, WY rancher Jerry Mobley of when he starts thinking about pre-

paring heifers to breed successfully. “Then, when we wean, we keep every heifer calf and put them on about three to four pounds of grain a day, basically until they quit us the following spring, and we try to have those yearling heifers ready to breed at 750-800 pounds,” Mobley continues. Mobley puts bulls in for 42 days prior to pulling them, noting that only leaving them in two cycles is another way he selects for fertility in his - See Getting her bred again on page 102 -

100 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 101

Getting her bred again - Continued from page 100 -

cowherd. In the fall he selects replacements from what was bred, and keeps them on a high-quality, 15 percent protein hay ration over the winter. “As first-calf heifers, we keep them separate, and run them on our better summer pastures. She’s losing her teeth around that time, and if you put her out in rough country like a regular old cow, she’ll go downhill with that calf on her like you wouldn’t believe, and she won’t breed up. “We breed them back to low birthweight bulls again so there is zero stress on her as far as calving is concerned her second time around. We keep our coming three’s on the same mineral program as our older cows, but we run them separately through the entire summer. We winter them with our yearlings to ensure they get plenty of quality feed to eat, and don’t have to compete with older cows,� continues

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605-847-4155 • 605-854-2019 • 860-0139 (Blake) or 860-1326 (Alan) 102 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

“We try to feed yearling heifers a balanced ration to where they will gain a 1-1.5 pounds a day prior to calving. We’re not trying to get them fat – we’re trying to hold their condition through early lactation, and it makes a whale of a difference through their entire lifetime,” says Sturgis, SD seedstock Angus producer Rich Blair on the success of a higher energy and protein ration Blair Brothers Angus implemented in the early 1990s that is still used today. The result is significantly better conception rates in two year old cows. Photo by Heather Hamilton

Mobley on how he manages his operation to get those young females to breed back. “This year we had two opens out of 51 two year olds. Right around that 1-2 head open is essentially where we usually are. There were also no late calvers in our coming three’s this year,” he says of the success of his program.

A change in the feeding program Sturgis, SD rancher Rich Blair of Blair Brothers Angus, lists nutrition, gestation length and eliminating calving problems as the three most important things he focuses on to get his two-year-old cows to breed back. “In the early 1990s, on one of those drought years where hay was in short supply and corn was cheap, we went to substituting corn for hay and tried feeding the bred heifers a balanced ration of around 12-14 pounds of hay and 6-8 pounds of corn a day. We would do that from around the middle of January or first of February until the first of April, and we started calving those heifers on February 15. “The key is a balanced ration to get her gaining 1-1.5 pounds per day through early lactation. We use corn because it is available, but using a least-cost ration program is the key to gain weight at the cheapest price,” notes Blair. “We [artificially inseminate, AI] everything, and when we changed feed programs, we were just detecting heats naturally and AIing. Prior to switching programs, we were detecting between 70-75 percent of those two year olds with their first calf in 24 days. Then, we would stick about 50 percent of what we detected. After switching programs, we went to detecting 99 percent, and sticking between 7075 percent,” says Blair of the immediate response to changing feed programs.

“We still feed our heifers that way today. I think it’s a big deal to give them a shot of energy before calving, and while they have that calf on them. It’s made that much difference in conception rates for us, and in getting them bred early. Those cows have also stayed in better condition the rest of their life,” Blair continues.

“We probably run about 3 percent open in our wet two’s on a 60day breeding period today. We’ve gone from sticking a total of 35 percent AI to 85 percent AI, and it has sure changed them from getting bred at the back of the season to the front of it,” he explains.

Does more feed cause calving problems? Blair adds that he doesn’t believe feeding replacement heifers causes calving problems. Blair Brothers assess heifer condition

- See Getting her bred again on page 104 -

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 103

Getting her bred again - Continued from page 103 -

on Jan. 1 each year and manages their feed program so those heifers are a body condition six by calving time. “I think cold temperatures, birth weight and pedigree of the heifer and bull have way more of an effect than feeding heifers. To me it makes sense that a bigger heifer can have a bigger calf. If you don’t feed her enough, she will be too weak, and I’ve never experienced dystocia as a result of feeding them,” he says. The Blairs run their heifers separate from older cows until breed-

ing time as two year olds. They also calve their first-calf heifers three weeks earlier than their cowherd, just to give those coming two year olds a longer post-partum interval to breed back with their second calf. Calves are weaned mid-September allowing cows to gain condition prior to winter. “The other huge thing is using calving ease and short-gestation bulls on those yearling heifers. If you use short-gestation bulls that will have heifers calving at 265 days, you’ve just bought yourself another two weeks to get them bred back. Two weeks is huge in getting her bred back and getting

her bred at the front of the group,” Blair states. Mobley also pays careful attention to the bulls he uses on his firstcalf heifers and two year olds, and tests his bulls for “everything you can test for,” each year. “If a two-year-old heifer shows up in the open pen, it will be for a lot of management reasons, and isn’t normally her problem. Making sure bulls are in good condition and tested, keeping her in the best body condition score possible and making sure they’re always on a good mineral program can really help your luck,” Mobley notes.

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Call Mick Strohschein 307-660-5117 104 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Running two-year-old cows separate from older cows reduces competition for feed, and provides a better opportunity for those young cows to maintain condition, which in turn increases their odds of breeding back. In addition to managing the heifer herself, using short-gestation, low birthweight bulls that have been semen tested can also greatly increase the odds of a successful breed up following her first calf. Photo by Heather Hamilton

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 105

106 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 107

108 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 109

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110 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 111

Sorting fon By Gayle Smith

Sexed semen can be economical in most areas of the cattle industry Vogler Semen Centre’s semen storage facility can hold 2 million-plus units of semen for shipping both in the U.S. and internationally. Courtesy photo

112 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

nSex The use of sexed semen in the beef cattle industry may only be in the infancy stages, but it’s growing in popularity as ranchers weigh the economic benefits of using it. Sexed semen could play an important role in how ranchers produce cattle in the future.

L

es Vogler of Vogler Semen Centre in Ashland, NE, says cattle producers of all breeds and niches from registered, commercial, to club calf breeders, are experimenting with sexed semen.

“It is more expensive to collect semen and sort it for sex of calf, but producers can use the Sexing Technologies Web site to access a calculator with formulas to help them determine if it would be economical for their operation,” he explains. - See Sorting for sex on page 114 -

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 113

A jump steer and an Angus bull in collection area. Semen must be collected on site for sexed semen sorting, it cannot be previously collected and shipped. Courtesy photo

Sorting for sex

- Continued from page 113 There are many benefits to using sexed semen. Obviously, it allows producers to produce cattle of a specific gender to meet current needs and markets. However, it can also give producers the ability to raise more heifers from high-quality cows, resulting in superior replacement females and donors. In addition, higherquality bulls can be produced for cleanup. Producers can also breed their first-calf heifers not only to light birthweight bulls, but so they produce heifer calves. The lighter birthweight heifer calves reduce calving difficulties and the labor costs associated with it, in addition to potential death loss, Vogler says. Also, since less stress is placed on heifers, they should breed back sooner.

Commercial producers may use sexed semen when there is a gender value difference in marketing, such as the premium for steer over heifer calves, Vogler explains. “The benefits from crossbreeding to capture increases in weaning weights and calves in greater market demand are well documented. “Using sexed semen in terminal cross production will increase the percentage of higher-valued steer calves,” he adds. An increased spread in feeder price between steers versus heifers could make the use of sexed semen very economical.

Chris Beutler from Bancroft, NE, summarized, “Sexed semen has changed the way we do business, and also the way we select herd sires. Now we focus on maternal bulls with calving ease. This allows us to breed heifers, not only for calving ease, but for replacements. Furthermore, it has helped ‘kickstart’ the promotion of many of our [artificial insemination, AI] bulls, allowing us to gain customers all across the U.S. Also, through the use of embryo transplant, we decide what we - See Sorting for sex on page 116 -

“The benefits from crossbreeding to capture increases in weaning weights and calves in greater market demand are well documented.”

114 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

– Les Vogler

In addition to collecting bulls, Vogler Semen Centre can collect stallions. They also offer mare breeding, cooled semen collection and shipment, and frozen semen storage and shipment. Courtesy photo

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 115

Sorting for sex

- Continued from page 114 want for offspring, whether it is females, or terminal show stock.”

Sexed-semen sorting procedures Since sorting their first batch of semen in December 2010, the Voglers have collected and sorted semen from bulls in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota. Being centrally located has been a big plus for the company. Bulls must be brought to the facility for collec-

“The bull is collected here, then the semen is evaluated and an extender and buffer is added before it is delivered to the Fullerton facility. Temperature control during that period is very important,” – Les Vogler tion, Vogler says. Semen cannot be shipped to the Voglers to be sorted. “The bull is collected here, then the semen is evaluated and an extender and buffer is added before it is delivered to the Fullerton facility. Temperature control during that period is very important,” he adds.

116 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Once the ejaculate arrives at the Fullerton facility, it takes several hours for the machine to sort the semen. The machine can only sort one bull at a time. “Sexing Technologies strives to put out a high-quality product with rigid QC standards,” Vogler explains. “Pre-

The Vogler Semen Centre is located in Ashland, NE. Bulls must be brought to the facility for collection. An additional facility in Fullerton, NE sorts semen. Courtesy photo

sexed specimens must be 6-7 mL with a concentration of no less than 1.1 billion sperm per mL, and motility over 70 percent. A random straw of every batch is analyzed post-freeze at zero and three hours. Motility greater than 45 percent and 30 percent, respectively, are required and a minimum of 87 percent of the desired gender is necessary to approve the release of the batch. Studies have shown that producers may see a 10-15 percent reduction in pregnancy rates in sexed semen as compared to conventional semen.” Vogler says this is due to the concentration of the semen. “When the semen is sorted for X and Y, the dead and abnormal sperm are also sorted out. In the end, the concentration is lower, but it is purer.” Producers can expect sexed semen to be at least 87 percent accurate. “It can be sorted more accurately,” - See Sorting for sex on page 118 -

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 117

Sorting for sex

- Continued from page 117 Vogler explains, “but 87 percent was determined to be the most cost-effective break-off point. Bull owners should be able to expect, on the average beef ejaculate, 120 units of female 2.1 million dose straws and 75 units of male 2.1 million dose straws. The semen is packaged in ¼ cc straws as opposed to the ½ cc straws used for conventional AI. This should not require different equipment if technicians are using ½ cc or a universal AI gun,” he explains. The Voglers have collected semen with favorable results. Dave Zeis of Zeis Simmental in Valley, NE reports: “We had excellent results with the female sexed semen collected at the Voglers. Ultrasound results on 76 head of heifers showed nearly 75 percent conception for the sexed semen, which was equal to or better than the conventional semen on this same group. I will definitely use more in the future. The marketability of the heifers bred to female sexed semen should be outstanding, and calving ease will be improved with 90 percent heifer calves born.” (Right) Les, Loren, Rosalyn and Lloyd Vogler. Courtesy photo

118 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

“Weather has a huge impact, as well as nutrition and the amount of stress the bull is under. We have had bulls that at times have produced a high-quality sort, and at other times won’t.” – Les Vogler Not all bulls are good candidates

Vogler cautions that not all bulls can be collected for sexed semen. “Each individual is different,” he says. The time of year can influence whether or not a bull can be successfully collected. “Weather has a huge impact, as well as nutrition and the amount of stress the bull is under. We have had bulls that at times have produced a high-quality sort, and at other times won’t.” Dr. Dustin Dean of Sexing Technologies further explains: “A bull that freezes conventional semen may not always successfully produce sexed semen. While every bull’s cells do either have an X-bearing or Ybearing chromosome, this does not mean those cells will survive the sorting process. Most of the time, if a bull freezes conventional, he will produce sexed - See Sorting for sex on page 120 -

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 119

Sorting for sex

- Continued from page 119 semen. Still, you never know until the bull’s ejaculates have been sorted. The sorting process can be stressful, and some bull’s semen is

more vigorous than others. About 20 percent of the beef industry’s bulls cannot be sorted, mainly because of variations in semen quality between bulls. However, the more sexed semen is used in the

beef industry, the more we will see bulls with high semen quality. A bull’s semen quality can vary throughout the year and throughout the month. The bulls that usually do the best are the ones just

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120 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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coming off cows or ones that are not in a heavy condition,” he says. Once the semen is sorted for sex of calf, both the heifer and bull semen sort can be used. The semen can also be frozen indefinitely like conventional semen, as long as it is not thawed and refrozen. In addition to sexed semen, the Voglers also offer other services at their company. They can custom collect bulls and stallions, they offer mare breeding services, and ship equine semen either cooled or frozen. Sexing Technologies can also sort stallion semen for sex, but the Voglers don’t currently offer that service. They can also store semen for customers, and ship it anywhere in the U.S. and internationally. Editor’s note: For more information about sexed semen, see the Vogler’s Web site: voglersemen.com, or Sexing Technologies at sexing technologies.com.

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 121

122 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 123

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124 ★ ★ Tri-State Tri-State Livestock Livestock News News ★ ★ 2012 2012 Winter Winter Cattle Cattle Journal Journal 124

2/3 SIMMANGUS AND 1/2 BLOOD BULLS

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 125

A rancher’s guide to genomics Genomics research enhances traditional EPDs, helps identify genetic defects and more By Gayle Smith

“When genomics first came into the marketplace, bull sale catalogs were filled with a plethora of information,” says Matt Spangler. “A lot of that information was useless, because the ratios, EPDs and accuracy were too low.” Photo by Susie Thompson

126 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

T

he added value of genomic information to expected progeny differences (EPDs) in beef cattle may produce more accurate EPDs, especially in young, unproven bulls. The evolution of genomic information isn’t designed to replace EPDs, but will make EPDs more accurate says Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska beef geneticist. Spangler discussed the implementation of marker-assisted

EPDs during the 2011 Range Beef Cow Symposium in Mitchell, NE. His take-home message to seedstock producers was to continue to collect and routinely record phenotypic information, even if they collect genomic data. “If you are a seedstock producer, you still need to weigh your calves at birth,” he says. “Genomic technology only makes these tools stronger; it does not replace them.” - See A rancher’s guide to genomics on page 128 -

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 127

A rancher’s guide to genomics - Continued from page 127 -

S

pangler says he sees genomic predictions being particularly valuable to seedstock producers with young, unproven bulls. Before genomics were available, producers used EPDs to select a sire and wait for his offspring to be born to improve the accuracy of his traits. “Genomics and the corresponding marker-assisted or genomic-enhanced EPD, have become a reality,” Spangler explains. “Within a breed, genomic predictions based on 50K genotypes have proven to add accuracy for several traits, particularly to young bulls.”

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“Genomics and the corresponding marker-assisted or genomic-enhanced EPD, have become a reality,” explains Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska beef geneticist. “Within a breed, genomic predictions based on 50K genotypes have proven to add accuracy for several traits, particularly to young bulls.” Photo by Alaina Mousel

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128 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

“Genomics work, but how well it works is the question. The adoption of this technology follows the breeding pyramid. Unfortunately, it isn’t as well accepted in beef cattle as it is in other species, like swine and poultry.” – Matt Spangler

(Right) Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska beef geneticist, spoke at the 2011 Range Beef Cow Symposium in Mitchell, NE. Photo by Gayle Smith

of variation, and were deemed inaccurate, he says. The American Angus Association (AAA) leads the pack in developing and providing this genomic technology for their members, Spangler says. AAA currently focuses on correlated traits, which means developing genomic information and correlating that data to the trait of interest, such as weaning weight. The American Hereford Association (AHA) is also in the forefront of utilizing this new technology by working to develop a database

of genomic information for their members. AHA focuses on blending genomic information with an index of EPDs currently available. A third option of implementing this technology, which is currently used by the dairy industry, is the genomic relationship. Markers are used to help supplement pedigree information. No relationships are based on genomic information, he says. “In order to do that, the industry would have to have access to those genotypes.” Spangler tells producers if their breed association isn’t looking

- See A rancher’s guide to genomics on page 130 -

Breed-specific results

The problem with genomic testing, Spangler says, is it tends to be breed specific. “If a test was developed for Angus, it will work best for Angus cattle. The test will not be as accurate if it is used in other breeds. An Angus test used on Charolais will not work as well, and you will be really disappointed if you use it in Bos indicus cattle,” he explains. Spangler highlights a study where the application of a 50Kbased genomic prediction test developed for Angus was used on closely-related Red Angus. The results showed a substantial amount

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 129

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A rancher’s guide to genomics

- Continued from page 129 into how to develop genomic information specific to their breed, he would be very concerned about the long-term viability of the breed. “Genomics work, but how well it works is the question,” Spangler says. “The adoption of this technology follows the breeding pyramid. Unfortunately, it isn’t as well accepted in beef cattle as it is in other species, like swine and poultry.”

More than genetic defects

Genomics were originally developed to help researchers pinpoint genetic defects like marble bone. Before genomic testing was available, Spangler says animals were purged based on their pedigree. “We can now use genetic testing to pick out the carriers and determine what to do with them,” he explains. “Without this testing, some breeds would have been decimated in the past few years.” Genomic testing has also been used as parentage testing to ensure animals have the correct pedigree, but has now evolved into collecting data for complex traits, which are traits controlled by numerous genes that impact EPDs.

- See A rancher’s guide to genomics on page 132 -

130 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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Matt Spangler sees genomic predictions being of value to seedstock producers with young, unproven bulls. Before genomics were available, producers used EPDs to select a sire and wait for his offspring to be born to improve the accuracy of his traits. Photo by Susie Thompson

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A rancher’s guide to genomics

- Continued from page 130 “When genomics first came into the marketplace, bull sale catalogs were filled with a plethora of information,” Spangler says. “A lot of that information was useless, because the ratios, EPDs and accuracy were too low.” For breeds like Angus, who have developed a test for their specific breed, a DNA sample can be collected and sent to the breed association. The breed association sends the sample to a genetic lab for evaluation, and that data is sent back to the breed association, where it is incorporated into a database to produce genomic-assisted EPDs.

Implementing the tool

Nucleus breeders that produce seedstock for other seedstock operators need to be the first to implement genomic information into their programs, Spangler says. “Within each breed, the nucleus population is what drives genetic change,” Spangler explains. “Seedstock producers can utilize this information to make genetic change quicker. They can use fewer animals because they have more accurate data and more confidence in the animals they use.” Spangler also sees the use of genomic information being useful to commercial cattlemen in evaluating nearly identical yearling bulls. If additional genomic information is available that shows one bull has a calving ease of +11,

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132 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

while the other is -2, that producer could have made a serious mistake without genomic-enhanced additional information, he adds. This technology can really be useful in younger animals that don’t have much EPD data available. Spangler says he sees genomic information expanding in the future to not only improve accuracy of EPDs, but also identify more complex traits. Data may soon be available for disease susceptibility, feed efficiency, adaptation, reproduction and environmental traits. “We need phenotypes to be able to develop these tests,” he explains. “We also need to be able to validate the data before we can use it. Collective phenotypes are critical for this to happen.” Spangler says genomic testing will also continue to be developed and used to identify genetic defects in cattle. “There are many more genetic defects out there,” he says. “We just haven’t identified them all yet.”

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 133

BALANCED PERFORMERS 46th Annual

PRODUCTION SALE

MARCH 12, 2012

Selling 110 Big, Thick Hereford Bulls ™xĂŠ*ÂœĂœiĂ€vĂ•Â?ĂŠ9i>Ă€Â?ˆ˜}ĂŠ Ă•Â?Â?ĂƒĂŠUĂŠÂŁxĂŠ Ă?ĂŒĂ€>ĂŠ-ĂŒÂœĂ•ĂŒĂŠÂŁnĂŠ Âœ°ĂŠ"Â?`ĂŠ Ă•Â?Â?Ăƒ

20 Top Quality Yearling Heifers 40 plus years of consistent selection for: HH Advance 8050U ET Tremendous sire of calving ease, growth, and maternal traits with loads of thickness and fleshing ability. 8050 ranks in the top 5% of the breed on BW EPD and the top 25% or better on WW, Milk, and M&G EPD’s. 25 sons sell! EPD’s: BW WW YW Milk M&G REA MARB +.5 +50 +80 +26 +50 +.21 +.03

Performance Pigment Milk Calving Ease Fertility Fleshing Ability Backed by a unique linebreeding program that enhances predictability and uniformity.

HH ADVANCE 9144W Outstanding length, muscle, volume and eye appeal combined with powerful EPD’s that rank him in the top 5% of the breed on WW, YW, Milk, and M&G. Sons sell! EPD’s: BW WW YW Milk M&G REA MARB +2.3 +59 +100 +36 +65 +.35 +.13

olden Herefords H

HH Advance 4055P Great combination of fleshing ability, thickness, maternal, and carcass strength. 4055 is a trait leader for all four $ indexes. Sons sell! EPD’s: BW WW YW Milk M&G REA MARB +3.1 +53 +71 +18 +44 +.15 +.44

L1 Domino 03571 One of the greatest sires ever produced at the Miles City Station! 571 is an exceptional sire of growth, muscle, carcass, eye appeal and udder quality. He is a trait leader for WW, YW, M&G, and MARB EPD’s. Many grandsons sell! EPD’s: BW WW YW Milk M&G REA MARB +2.7 +58 +93 +22 +51 -.1 +.25

Assisted By: HH Advance 7034T ET BW +4.2

WW +61

BW +4.0

WW +42

BW +7.3

WW +65

BW +6.1

WW +60

BW +4.0

WW +51

YW +97

Milk +23

M&G +54

REA MARB +.17 +.09

CL 1 Domino 7128T YW +60

Milk +23

M&G +44

REA MARB +.11 +.01

HH Advance 8203U ET YW +86

Milk +17

M&G +49

REA MARB +.17 +.37

CL 1 Domino 886U

Visitors Always Welcome

YW +92

Milk +33

M&G +63

REA MARB +.13 +.05

HH Advance 9169W YW +83

Milk +32

M&G +57

REA MARB +.74 -.04

6ALIER $UPUYER 2D s 6ALIER -ONTANA *ACK 4RESHA s *AY $ %VANS E MAIL JTHOLDEN RIVERS NET s MOBILE WEBSITE WWW HOLDENHEREFORDS COM

134 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

BIG, THICK AND POWERFUL #VMMT PO 5FTU "WH EBZ XU MC 1SPKFDUFE TBMF EBZ XU MC

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CE 1.8; BW 4.3; WW 62; YW 101; MM 27; M&G 59; REA 0.45; MARB 0.21

CE 1.1; BW 4.6; WW 62; YW 113; MM 25; M&G 56; REA 0.23; MARB 0.07

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Other Sires Represented: CE GB L1 Domino 175E {CHB,DLF,HYF,IEF} 5.2 CL 1 Domino 732T {CHB,DLF,IEF} 3.7 CL 1 Domino 7139T {CHB,DLF,IEF} 6.5 CL 1 Domino 862U {DLF,IEF} 2.5 CL 1 Domino 929W {DLF,HYF,IEF} 1.8 CL 1 Domino 955W {DLF,HYF,IEF} 3.4 CL 1 Domino 993W {DLF,HYF,IEF} 3.2 CL 1 Domino 9105W {DLF,HYF,IEF} 3.2 HH Advance 9016W ET {DLF,HYF,IEF} 1.9 CL 1 Domino 9125W 1ET {DLF,HYF,IEF} 2.1

BW 1.6 1.9 -0.3 4.4 4.8 3.3 2.0 2.3 1.8 3.0

WW 56 58 43 56 58 53 53 59 42 57

YW 93 95 66 89 93 88 95 98 70 90

MM 33 30 30 22 27 26 25 29 29 33

M&G 61 59 52 50 56 52 52 58 50 61

REA 0.37 0.30 0.20 0.50 0.29 0.48 0.31 0.54 0.13 0.06

MARB -0.02 0.28 0.12 0.45 0.22 0.10 0.05 0.05 0.15 0.15

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Call, email or write for a catalog Mark, Cristy and Kelsy 0ĆDF t $FMM 1 0 #PY t 8JMMPX $SFFL .5 NBSL!DPPQFSIFSFGPSET DPN t www.cooperherefords.com 2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 135 2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 135

136 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 137

Proving young sires

A

fter the Super Bowl outcome has been decided, football fans turn their attention to the NFL Combine, where more than 300 athletes from across the country seek to prove themselves and continue their dream of playing professional football. - See Proving young sires on page 140 138 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Olsen Ranches progeny-test Hereford sires for more than a decade By Alaina Mousel, Editor

Olsen Ranches, located near Harrisburg, NE, have progeny tested 146 Hereford bulls and submitted performance data on a resulting 7,623 progeny. Photo by Alaina Mousel

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 139

Proving young sires - Continued from page 138 -

“The Combine brings all these players to Indianapolis and runs them through a battery of tests. It’s not necessarily to find future ProBowlers or Hall of Famers, but it attempts to project them out,” explains Craig Huffhines, American Hereford Association (AHA) executive vice president. Similarly, AHA runs their own version of the NFL Combine – the National Reference Sire Program (NRSP) – to progeny-test unproven sires that will make an impact on

the Hereford breed. In 2011 alone, 2,500 commercial cows were exposed to Hereford bulls for research purposes. The value in progeny-testing unproven bulls is in the data. “To benchmark animals we need a history; a lot of progeny with tremendous accuracy to use as our reference point,” Huffhines explains. “So if we can get 20 calves out of a young bull and compare them to 20 calves from a highly-proven reference sire, it will drive that young sire’s accuracy higher.”

39th Annual Production Sale

Lehrkamp Livestock Sunday, April 15, 2012 1:30 pm at the ranch

Sires Represented • SAV Pioneer 7301 • BC Eagle Eye 110-7 • DB Aberdeen • WW Image Maker • PRA Windy • GS Freedom • WW Enterprise

Art and Douglas Olsen of Olsen Ranches, Inc. near Harrisburg, NE, is one of a handful of cattle operations that made the decision to test unproven bulls in their herd through the NRSP. “We love and enjoy genetics,” Douglas Olsen says plainly. “We strive to manage the resources the Lord gave us to manage and to improve the beef industry.” The Olsens operate an 850-head commercial cow-calf herd comprised of Hereford and Red Angus genetics. Since their decision in 1999 to participate in the NRSP, the Olsens have tested more than 146 Hereford bulls, submitting performance data on a resulting 7,623 progeny.

Selecting potential sires

CALL FOR A CATALOG: Mike & Jodie Lehrkamp Home: 605-993-6171 Cell: 605-441-5532 • Carl: 605-993-6541 EMAIL: grammyj02@hotmail.com Ranch located 35 miles southeast of Rapid City on Hwy. 44 or 6 miles northwest of Scenic on Hwy. 44. Ranch signs on Hwy. 44.

140 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

To find test candidates, AHA continually combs through their performance and expected progeny difference (EPD) database for potential stand-out sires. “It’s an on-going process trying to find the curve benders,” Huffhines says. Genetic evaluations are released in January and July each year. Young bulls’ EPDs can fluctuate after data is submitted on their first, second and even third

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Art and Douglas Olsen, Olsen Ranches, Inc., located near Harrisburg, NE. Photo by Alaina Mousel

calf crops. It’s not uncommon for AHA’s Web site that houses an online searchable EPD database to receive more than 1 million visits when January’s genetic evaluation data becomes available. “That’s breeders looking up EPDs on their own cattle, researching herd bulls to use and young bulls to purchase.�

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- See Proving young sires on page 143 -

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 141

Selling Sons of:

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BC Raven 7965

and other industry leading sires

142 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

also not much emphasis on phenotype. “We’d rather just have good genetics.” Sixty-five cows from the Olsen herd are randomly selected to breed to each NRSP selection. At a 70 percent conception rate for mature cows, approximately 40 prog-

eny are born to a young sire – half steers, half heifers. Birth, weaning and yearling information on these progeny, as well as feed efficiency data and actual carcass results, are collected and submitted to AHA. More recently, DNA samples on - See Proving young sires on page 144-

Young pairs on display at the Olsen Ranches headquarters. Photo by Alaina Mousel

Proving young sires - Continued from page 141 -

cover labor and expenses associated with progeny testing. About 25 potential bulls make the NRSP short-list which cooperator herds then pick from. On average, Olsens select 15-16 NRSP bulls to use within their cowherd. Douglas says their bull selection process begins with EPDs – highlighting both the good and the bad of each prospective sire. “A live calf is the most important thing we need on our ranch, so we focus on birthweight and calving ease,” Douglas says. Other important criteria for Olsens are yearling weight, marbling, ribeye and cow families in the bull’s pedigree. Douglas says they’re not always looking for extremes in those areas, sometimes “just middle of the road.” “We want progeny growth without the cows getting bigger,” he explains. Weaning weight is something Olsens pay little attention to. “We don’t brag about weaning weight because we sell fi nished steers,” Douglas explains. There’s

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144 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Proving young sires - Continued from page 143 -

progeny have been added to the collection criteria. “It’s a data-driven business,” Huffhines says. “People always want to analyze the data coming out of Olsens to see whose bull did what on test.”

Collecting genomic information AHA has placed a high priority on collecting genomic information as part of the breed’s strategic plan, which Huffhines describes as the “driver of our business.” “So far, scientists have not been able to identify gene markers that

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work to predict performance across breeds and in fact they may be unique to breeds,” Huffhines explains as to why AHA decided to invest in genomics research. For every cooperator herd that progeny tests Hereford sires, DNA samples in the form of blood or hair are collected and stored. DNA samples will be incorporated into a genomics research project as part

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- See Proving young sires on page 146 -

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 145

Proving young sires - Continued from page 145 -

into our genetic evaluation longterm,” he says.

of the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium USDA feed efficiency grant. “At the minimum, we archive the DNA sample,” Huffhines says. “When funding is available, we will run a high-density genotype on those hair and blood samples.” By collecting their own genomics data, Huffhines explains it will benefit the entire breed without proprietary restrictions. “The information will be AHA property and we’re hopeful these tools will be useful, affordable, public information that we can incorporate

Huffhines says AHA couldn’t have a picked better partner than Olsens to work with in the NRSP. “They operate like scientists,” he says. “The data is clean and they operate in a real world commercial environment that give us a true picture of how various Hereford genetics perform.” The Olsen cowherd begins their production cycle by wintering on cornstalks on both rented and owned ground. In April the herd grazes native rangeland that was ungrazed the previous year. “April

Operating like scientists

146 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

a CIDR for 7 days, pulling calves from their mothers for 48-60 hours and artificial insemination (AI) breeding on detected estrus. There is no timed-AI work. Culling decisions are made before AI work is done, not weaning time. Douglas explains, “If she’s going to calve at 12, she has to have done a really good job and calve early. Anything over 10 years old is looked at pretty hard based on when they calve.” Their heat detection rate is 97 percent, utilizing Kamar Heatmount Detectors to assist in detect-

ing estrus. Mature cow conception rate is 70 percent, heifers is 75 percent, Douglas says. Cows get only one AI service and the group is run with a Red Angus bull for 10-14 days following AI work to clean up any missed in their first heat cycle. After 14 days, a Hereford bull is used for cleanup. Calves are weaned in November and have an electronic identification (EID) device placed in their ear. “We do not write weights down alongside the chute,” Douglas explains. Calves will then graze on - See Proving young sires on page 148 -

An animal’s eye view of the GrowSafe system, which Olsen Ranches use to collect feed efficiency data. Photo by Alaina Mousel

is the hardest month to fill for grazing,” Douglas says. The average age of their cowherd is 5.2 years old at calving. Young females calve near the ranch’s headquarters; older cows calve out on grass. Winter annuals are planted for young stock to graze. Heifers start calving May 20; cows on May 25. When calves are born, they’re weighed and tagged with the sire identified (Hereford or Red Angus). Bull calves are castrated at birth and the dam is udder scored.

“They operate like scientists. The data is clean and they operate in a real world commercial environment that give us a true picture of how various Hereford genetics perform.” – Craig Huffhines

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 147

Proving young sires - Continued from page 147 -

winter stalks during the winter and return to grass in April and May as they approach yearlings, returning to feeding corrals by June 1.

Two years ago, Olsen Ranches installed GrowSafe systems to collect feed efficiency data. Using the animal’s EID tag as a trigger, GrowSafe electronically records when an animal came to eat, the

duration of the visit and how much feed disappeared. The Olsens weigh cattle approximately eight times through a chute during a 70day gain test to accurately record average daily gain.

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148 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

In addition to collecting feed efficiency data, Douglas says GrowSafe technology alerts him to potential health problems by documenting when animals stop eating, a common indicator that an animal isn’t feeling well. With GrowSafe technology the Olsens can diagnose and treat problems before visible signs are evident. Their attention to detail, structured production system and environment all make Olsen Ranches an ideal place to progeny test bulls. From birth to slaughter, Huffhines explains AHA’s relationship with Olsen Ranches as having “layers of strategies.” “What we’re doing here is a grassroots approach for discovery (of genomics) in our population,” Huffhines says. “The influence of Art and the Olsen family, their impact on the breed – it is immeasurable,” he says. “They’ve added tremendous value to the Hereford breed.”

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Cattle Sales on Thursday Special Feeder Sales Fall, Winter & Spring Greg Arendt, Mgr. 402-376-3611 • 800-682-4874 www.valentinelivestock.net Internet & Private Placements Available

150 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal 150 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Cattle Sale Every Tuesday

• GLASGOW, MT

GLASGOW STOCKYARDS, INC.

P.O. Box 129 • Glasgow, MT 59230 (406) 228-9306 E-mail: gsi@nemont.net www.glasgowstockyards.com Linda & Mark Nielsen, Owners Iva Murch, Manager Field Representatives Dean Barnes: 406-263-1175 Ed Hinton: 406-893-4462 Representatives for Northern Livestock Video Auction Sale Day Every Thursday

• PLATTE, SD

Call Today to list your Sale Barn in the Tri-State Livestock News

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Sale Barn: 605-223-2576

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KIMBALL LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE Selling Fat Cattle the Auction Way

605-778-6211 • 800-859-2346 Cattle Sell Every Tuesday OWNER: Wayne Tupper 605-778-8211 Eddie Houska: 605-234-5633 • (C): 605-680-0666 Dick Deffenbaugh: 605-680-1324 Check out our website at: www.wesellcattle.com

• GORDON, NE

• BOWMAN, ND

MILES CITY LIVESTOCK COMMISSION

877-211-0600 Regular Sale Every Monday

Regular Cattle Sales Tuesday Special Feeder Sales In Season Horse Sales As Advertised Home of Frontier Stockyards

P.O. Box 58 Bowman, ND 58623

Marketing Cattle, Horses, Sheep & Hogs Harry Kerr, Mgr. 701-523-5922 701-523-5666 (h) Wayne Miller Field Rep 701-523-6885

Dick Minor 308-282-2655 • 308-360-0427 www.gordonlivestock.com

www.frontierstockyards.com

Office • 406-234-1790 800-755-5177 Bart Meged • 406-421-5377 Cell 406-951-3005 Rob Fraser • 406-234-2066 Cell 406-853-2066 www.milescitylivestock.com

• CRAWFORD, NE

• RUSHVILLE, NE

SHERIDAN LIVESTOCK AUCTION CO., INC. Regular Sales Wednesday Office (308) 327-2406

Horse Sales Every Month As Advertised Hogs Sell at 9:30 a.m. Weigh-ups & Bulls Sell at 11:00 a.m. Stock Cattle Sell at 1:00 p.m. Owner: Dan Otte Fieldmen: Wayde Bolden, Kirk Otte Link Thompson • Galen Voss

• TORRINGTON, WY

Sales Every Friday Office: 308-665-2220 Fax: 308-665-2224

Toll Free: 866-665-2220

Horse Sales As Advertised Owners: Jack & Laurel Hunter: 308-665-1402 • Cell: 308-430-9108

www.crawfordlivestock.com e-mail: clm@crawfordlivestock.com

HERREID LIVESTOCK MARKET

All Classes – Every Friday Yearlings & Calves – Wednesday Bred Cow Specials Go to www.torringtonlivestock.com for current listings, sale schedules & results

Shawn Madden 307-532-1575 Lex Madden – 307-532-1580

800-337-2655 Cattle Sale Each Wednesday Feeder Pigs Monday 12:30 pm Butcher Hogs Monday 1:00 pm Sheep Sales Every Monday 1:30 pm Co-Owners: Scott Kirsch, Sheep & Cattle Rep. 605-337-2616 Marshall Ringling, Sheep & Cattle Rep. 605-243-2328 Alvie Timmermans, Auct. & Mkt. Rep. 605-243-2235 John Dean: (C) 605-680-1972

• PRESHO, SD

PRESHO LIVESTOCK AUCTION SALE EVERY THURSDAY Presho, SD is located on Interstate 90, 175 miles east of Rapid City, SD Toll-Free: 800-753-6455 Ronald Volmer Res.: 1-605-895-2378 • 605-381-2501 Cody Volmer Res.: 1-605-895-2393 • Cell: 1-605-222-9270 Sam Stoddard Res.: 605-837-2363 • Cell: 308-360-0609

www.presholivestock.com • BILLINGS, MT

BILLINGS LIVESTOCK COMMISSION

• HERREID, SD

626 West Valley Rd. Torrington, WY 307-532-3333

New Ownership & Management 308-282-1171

• MILES CITY, MT

BOWMAN AUCTION MARKET

PLATTE

LIVESTOCK MARKET

Regular Cattle Sales Every Friday Special Sales by Appointment 605-437-2265

Owners/Managers Hermann Schumacher Joe Vetter J.R. Scott

Cattle Sales Every Thursday Monday IN Season Northern Livestock Video Auction Horse Sale the 4th weekend of each month For Information or to Consign Call: 1-800-635-7364 or call: Ty Thompson 406-698-4783 Dan Catlin 406-671-7715 Bill Cook 406-670-0689 website: www.billingslivestock.com

• BASSETT, NE

Bassett Livestock Auction, Inc. 402-684-2361 Regular and Special Feeder Cattle Sales on Wednesdays Owners: Arlen (Bim) Nelson • 402-684-3922 Donnie Painter • 402-684-2221 Office Manager: Jeri Nelson • 402-684-2361

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 151 2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 151

152 152★★Tri-State Tri-StateLivestock LivestockNews News★★2012 2012Winter WinterCattle CattleJournal Journal

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 153

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154 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Goldammer Angus Family Annual Bull Sale Saturday February 11 2012 Mitchell Livestock Barn 1:00 pm Selling 35 Registered Angus Yearling Bulls Featuring 17 calving Ease Heifer Bulls Selling Registered Angus Bulls from Superior Genetics Such AS: SAV Bismark 5682, CRA Bextor 872 5205 608, Syngen CC&7, Connealy 044 062, BCC Bushwacker 41-93, Salt Creek Bob 7003, Koupals B&B Rest EZ 801 He Sells

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 155

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156 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 157

Angu By Amanda Radke

158 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

us

“You can have it all!”

– value-added cattle backed by quality research, data

Being involved in the beef industry is important to Blair Brothers Angus. Brothers Rich and Ed Blair, left, operate the ranch with Ed’s son Chad, and Rich’s son Britton. Courtesy photo/Dede Long

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 159

The rolling prairie of Western South Dakota is the perfect location to raise quality cattle. Just North of Sturgis is home to Blair Brothers Angus, a family-owned operation backed by top-notch research, data and value-added cattle.

S

tarted by Enos Blair and purchased by Veldon Blair, the third generation to invest in the operation are brothers Ed and Rich, who started a new partnership and revived the name Blair Brothers, after the original Hereford op-

eration was dissolved in the 1940s. After trials and tribulations passing the ranch from generation to generation, the commercial Angus herd started to develop in 1989 when the duo bred their first heifers to Tehema Bando 155 and QAS Traveler 23-4.

Brothers Rich and Ed Blair are the third generation to invest in the operation. Together they started a new partnership and revived the name Blair Brothers, after the original Hereford operation was dissolved in the 1940s. Courtesy photo/ Dede Long

160 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

“In the last few years, we have started our calf buy-back program. These calves are all sent to the feedyard and marketed through U.S. Premium Beef. This allows us to get back data on the progeny of our customers’ cattle, so that we can continue to make improvements in our herd, as well as the herds of our customers.” – Ed Blair

“In 1993, we had a dozen bulls that were sons of an [artificial insemination, AI] bull out of Traveler or Bando daughters,” says Ed Blair who handles the day-today operations on the ranch. “These bulls had solid [expected progeny differences, EPDs] who offered calving ease, growth and fleshing

ability. Their daughters could milk, too. At that time, the Angus breed was breeding for growth and frame and had lost a lot of maternal traits and fleshing ability.” During this time, the Blairs decided they were giving up too much value by simply selling calves at the auction market, and

they opted to feed out their own calves instead. Blair Brothers enrolled their first pen of calves into the South Dakota State University Calf Value Discovery program, where they received valuable data on how the calves performed in the feedlot and on the rail. - See Blair Brothers Angus on page 162 -

Cattle graze pastures of Blair Brothers Angus, located north of Sturgis, SD. Courtesy photo/Don Ravellette

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 161

Blair Brothers Angus - Continued from page 161 -

“We took the information gained through the research project and applied it to cattle feeding on a larger scale,” explains Rich Blair, who oversees herd selection and marketing. “We started retaining ownership on all of our steer calves, as well as our open heifers and sent them to feedlots in Kansas. All of these cattle have been processed through U.S. Premium Beef (USPB), and we have received carcass data on these fed cattle since 1995. The program uses a valuebased marketing grid to award premiums to the producer which gives incentives to raise the type of beef that the consumer is demanding.” The Blairs have a motto they believe in – “You can have it all.” Through their progressive feedlot program with USPB, many of their neighbors started to request bulls to use in their own breeding progams. The operation has always paid close attention to detail,

162 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Blair Brothers Angus aims to breed cattle that will excel in the pasture, feedlot and on the dinner plate by selecting for calving ease, maternal characteristics, adequate growth, moderate frame, efficiency, gain, and the ability to marble extremely well in one package. Every bull they sell is out of an artificial insemination (AI) sire, and his dam is a direct daughter of a proven AI sire. Courtesy photo/Dede Long

quickly identifying trends and investing in research and genetics to improve their cowherd. As a result, their customers truly can have it all, and today, they market more than 300 bulls annually by private treaty. “In the last few years, we have started our calf buy-back program,” says Ed. “These calves are all sent to the feedyard and marketed through USPB. This allows us to get back data on the progeny of our customers’ cattle, so that we can continue to make improvements in our herd, as well as the herds of our customers. We have the data to prove the calves out of our bulls are worth a premium, in both grid value and feedlot performance.”

The commercial cattlemen’s choice Ed and Rich are strong believers in the Angus breed and believe the breed’s bulls and females are the perfect choice for the commercial cattleman. - See Blair Brothers Angus on page 164 -

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 163

Blair Brothers Angus

BOWMAN AUCTION MARKET APRIL 16, 2012 • 1:00 P.M. MT BOWMAN, ND

SELLING 90 BULLS

ALSO SELLING 45 OPEN REGISTERED 1/2 SISTERS CALVED 2011. BULLS CAN BE VIEWED AT MIDLAND BULL TEST, COLUMBUS, MT, UNTIL APRIL 12, 2012. SIRES REPRESENTED: Hoover Dam • Cole Creek Black Cedar 46P • Willekes Converter 4402-9 by Rito 1I2 2536 • High Prime 4037 by Future Direction • Big Rok Ole by GDAR Traveler 044 Bovagene Sprint by CC&7 • Kesslers Frontman and others

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- Continued from page 163 “We aim to breed cattle that will excel in the pasture, feedlot and on the dinner plate,” Rich says. “Calving ease, maternal characteristics, adequate growth, moderate frame, efficiency, gain, and the ability to marble extremely well can be put into one package, and we have the data to prove it. Every bull we sell is out of an AI sire, and his dam is a direct daughter of a proven AI sire. Most of our sale bulls are stacked three to four generations deep and many five or six deep in AI pedigrees. The cowherd we have built allows us to offer bulls in volume that will give you the most reliable source of predictable genetics.” “No beef breed can compare to the Angus breed on their volume and accuracy of data,” Ed adds. “We believe in high-accuracy EPDs because we have proven that they work. By stacking several generations of proven bulls for a specific trait or a number of traits at once, you are going to get cattle that consistently express that trait. By stacking generations of elite marbling bulls, we have raised heifers that have graded 40-50 percent Prime in a commercial feedyard situation after being implanted and on feed less than 110 days.” Today, Blair Brothers are focused on breeding for calving ease, carcass traits and docility, selecting bulls that excel at producing dams with good udders, reducing yearling height and increasing heavy carcass weight, as well. “Angus offers the commercial cattleman true value,” Rich sum-

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164 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

“Angus offers the commercial cattleman true value. The cows combine fertility, longevity, and marketability in a more moderate-sized, efficient package. The feeder cattle are sought after because of their performance and grid excellence.”

We have railroad ties including 13-14 switch ties and guard rail in stock

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marizes. “The cows combine fertility, longevity, and marketability in a more moderate-sized, efficient package. The feeder cattle are sought after because of their performance and grid excellence. The Certified Angus Beef Program (CAB) has been an extremely successful brand, and I want to produce cattle that qualify for CAB because they will pay a premium for them. Our target is USDA Prime, Yield Grade 3 cattle with 990-pound carcasses, which is worth around $2,000 today. Angus genetics can achieve these results consistently with the least amount of input costs, in our experience.”

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- See Blair Brothers Angus on page 166 -

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 165

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166 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Blair Brothers Angus - Continued from page 165 -

Industry involvement

The Blair brothers are always looking outside their pasture gates to the feedlot, packer, grocery store and global markets. One of their top priorities, outside of raising quality genetics, is to be involved in the beef cattle industry and serve in leadership roles where they can be engaged in important conversations about the business. “Being involved in your industry is very important to us,” says Ed, who has served on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) as the chairman for the International Marketing Committee. “You have to be involved so that you are aware of issues that are facing your industry and to help steer your industry in the right direction.” Ed also serves on the U.S. Meat Export Federation, the Federation of State Beef Councils, and is the newly-elected president of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council. Ed’s wife, Wanda, is the vice president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau, president of the school board and serves on the South Dakota Brand Board. Their son, Chad, is currently the president of the Black Hills Cattlemen’s Association. Rich’s son, Britton, serves as chairmen of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association (SDCA) Young Producer’s Council. “Being involved has offered us tremendous networking opportunities and has allowed us to make contacts across the beef industry,” Ed says. “The contacts made through SDCA and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has helped us to be successful in our operations. Through involvement in organizations, you develop relationships with the people who are trying to attain the same goals as you, and these relationships develop into business opportunities.” While the future of the beef industry looks bright, the Blairs recognize the challenges facing producers today and echo the sentiments of many ranchers across the country.

“The cattle industry is changing and those who can adjust and change with it will have great opportunity,” Rich explains. “Technology has made the world smaller, and exports and imports are having a greater effect on our markets than ever before. The long generational interval in cattle makes it a challenge, because as a breeder of seedstock, we are planning a long way down the road and the beef industry and ranchers have not traditionally been very good at long-range planning. As input costs rise, we will have to get more creative, and raise cattle that can efficiently thrive in any environment.” At Blair Brothers Angus, commercial cattlemen can truly have it all and be a part of a program that offers more than just a bull to use on the cowherd. “We want to give our customers a program, not just a bull,” Ed and Rich conclude. “We believe that you can add tremendous value to cattle with the use of the right genetics. An animal can be designed to do it all. We are in the cattle business, but ultimately, we are in the beef business. We want to produce cattle that the feedyard, packer and consumer want because they will pay a premium for them.” Editor’s note: For more information on Blair Brothers Angus, visit www.blairbrosangus.com.

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 167

168 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal 168 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

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Purebred Simmental - Homozygous Black /Homozygous Polled • “Ollie” x GLS Mojo M38 Upgrade has exceeded our expectations. Truly a performance king that distributes the weight the right way. Birthweights are right and the calves are vigorous at birth. It’s like an atomic explosion in mid-summer and they continue to gain! Top 1% of breed for weaning, yearling, marbling, ribeye, back fat, API, and TI. The first set of bulls sold in 2011 and took the Simmental breed by storm! He’s practical for everyday use and has that touch of class for those special occasions. We have ½ bloods to purebreds for sale at the ranch. Owned by the Upgrade Group.

SAv FinAl AnSWeR

The calving ease & female maker. We sampled Final Answer on our heifers and used him heavily for the coming year. There isn’t much more that needs to be said about this breed patriarch other than its as good as it gets. Percentage Bulls for Sale Privately.

3C MeloDy M668

Purebred Simmental - Homozygous Black • Hurt Subzero x Meyer 734 This picture was taken at 9 years of age. Words don’t describe what this cow has done. She has herd bulls working in some of the best operations in the country. She has proved her value and worth the old fashioned way. She earned it! The dam of WAGR Driver, WAGR Dream Catcher, W/C American Dream, WAGR Upside, WAGR Update, and WAGR Ante Up. Her grand dam lived to be 17; her dam is 18. She has exceeded over $800,000 in sales. We are building our herd with her influence.

• bUllS FoR SAle AT The plACe noRTh oF hiGhMoRe by pRivATe TReATy • beGinninG AFTeR JAnUARy 15Th, 2012 • CoMpleTe peRFoRMAnCe DATA & epD’S • FiRST yeAR bReeDinG SeASon GUARAnTee. • volUMe DiSCoUnTS

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A ★★ 170 Tri-State Tri-State Livestock Livestock News News★★2012 2012 Winter Winter Cattle Cattle Journal Journal

Your Success is Our Goal!

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ A 2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 171

Producing top-quality genetics while preserving and enhancing the land A 172★ ★ Tri-State Tri-State Livestock Livestock News News★ ★2012 2012 Winter Winter Cattle Cattle Journal Journal

Hebbert Charolais

By Gayle Smith

Customers find Hebbert Charolais cattle easier to handle because they are used to being worked from horseback. Courtesy photo

2012 2012 Winter Winter Journal Journal★★Tri-State Tri-StateLivestock LivestockNews News★★173 A

At Hebbert Charolais, the family works together to not only produce top-quality genetics for the registered and commercial producer, but to preserve the land that has been in their family for over 125 years.

ab

(Above) Since every cow has one brand – and has been bred, born and raised on the ranch – Hebbert Charolais has been able to stack generations of pedigrees with genetics selected for calving ease, disposition, total performance and structural soundness. Courtesy photo (Right) Hebbert Charolais only keeps the best mother cows. They look for problem-free cows that are consistent and high in maternal traits such as udder structure, fertility and calving ease. Courtesy photo

174 H Tri-State Livestock News H 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

M

ose and Merla Hebbert, along with their son, Dave and his wife Mickie, are partners in the operation. Dave and Mickie’s three sons, Matt, Jake and Josh, are the sixth generation to live on the ranch that has been in the family since 1886. Their oldest son, Matt, is married and actively involved in the ranching operation. His wife, Lacy, is an ag teacher in Hyannis, NE, and they have a one-year-old child, Dillon. Hebbert Charolais is located in the heart of the Sandhills in Grant County near Hyannis, NE. What started out as a commercial cow-calf operation transitioned into a purebred Charolais operation beginning in 1978. The last of the commercial cows were sold in 1982, and since that time, the family has focused on improving and increasing their registered herd. “Years of experience in the commercial cow business played a key role in the decision to raise Charolais cattle,” Dave explains. “The breed is noted for adding growth and performance to their progeny. For the commercial cattlemen, using Charolais as a terminal cross allows them to benefit from hybrid vigor and having more pounds of beef to market.” Mose and Matt Hebbert represent the fourth and sixth generation of the Hebbert family. Courtesy photo

Since then the family has selected only the best sires and dams to produce the most functional offspring they can offer. “Every cow in the herd has been born on the ranch, and only the best mamas are kept,” Mickie explains. “We want cows that are problem-free. They have to be consistent, and high in maternal traits – particularly udder structure, fertility and calving ease.” Sires are also carefully selected. “The list of criteria we use to select herd sires is long, and - See Hebbert Charolais on page 176 -

2012 2012 Winter Winter Journal Journal★★Tri-State Tri-State Livestock Livestock News News★★175 A

Hebbert Charolais - Continued from page 175 -

there are a number of criteria we are not willing to compromise on,” Dave says. “Calving ease is critical, along with structural soundness and disposition. Pedigrees are also very important. We want to know about the fertility, longevity, udder structure and phenotype of the mother and grandmother of each sire. Performance information is also considered,” he continues. “When using expected progeny differences (EPDs) as a selection tool, we look for a balance of traits.”

T

Resourceful cattle

he cattle on the operation are expected to utilize the resources they have available to them. “Functional cows are the foundation of the Hebbert Charolais operation,” Dave explains. They synchronize and artificially inseminate (AI) their heifers the first of June. At the same time, they AI the older cows in the pasture. First- and second-calf heifers are sorted into groups to be pasture-bred to specific herd sires. “Our feeding program is constantly being evaluated,” Dave

Boeckel’s Registered Ranch 57thAngus Production Boeckel’s Registered Angus Ranch

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in North Dakota For more live calves & greater calving ease, try a Boeckel bull!

Saturday, February 4, 2012 • 1:00 pm (CT)

Kist Livestock Auction, Mandan, ND • 701-663-9573 or Toll Free 1-800-732-1163

HARB Pendleton

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500 Bred Com. Heifers

Weight approximately 1200 lbs. Mar. 15th calving - watch future ads for more details. Large groups - uniform in kind and calving. Ultra sounded with data available sale date.

5% Discount on 5 or More Bulls

to one individual purchaser

Free delivery on bulls up to 250 miles to central stockyard points or get $50.00 off if you haul your own purchased bulls.

Registered Performance Angus Bulls Sell:

HARB Denali 788 JH

These are ranch-working cattle run in large groups with no extra care. These Bulls come from an excellent selection of numerous bloodlines. They are the kind the ranchers prefer with their stretch and muscle, not overfed. All the bulls guaranteed to be breeders. The majority of these bulls are low birth weight, calving ease, bulls that should work well for heifers! These bulls were run on grass during the summer months. They are thick and long, some of the best to be found.

Bull Sires Include these sires plus others:

Connealy Packer

Connealy Right Answer

HARB Pendleton 21 AR Roundup 21 AR Coal Bank 21 AR Outfitter Sitz Alliance 6595 Sitz Rainmaker 6169 Woodhill Foresight ALC Big Eye Connealy Reflection Connealy Packer Connealy Right Answer HARB Denali 788 JH

For more information contact:

LEROY BOECKEL

Hazen, ND 58545 • 701-748-6540 Cell Phone: 701-748-6541

Auctioneer: AL CONOVER DELIVERY ARRANGEMENTS AVAILABLE Email: barangus@westriv.com Herdsman: Jeff Thomas Hazen, ND 58545 • (701) 748-5705

66 Years of Breeding Quality Angus Low Birth Weights • Top Bloodlines

176 H Tri-State Livestock News H 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

says. “The cows are not pampered, but expected to utilize the grass native to the area. We have found it is critical to know your cows. They are fed hay beginning in the middle to late January, depending on the weather, and are provided with a protein supplement during winter months. We are always looking for the most cost-efficient protein and mineral supplements.” The bull calves are weaned in early fall and turned out to graze on meadows. “They are later trailed 25 miles by horseback to the Storer’s Ranch east of Arthur,” Dave explains. “There they are developed on a high-roughage growing ration with a target gain of about three pounds per day.” The Hebberts also performance test all the bulls as one group in identical environmental conditions. “Within the herd, we use ultrasound to measure carcass traits of the bulls on test,” Dave says. “Ultrasound data that is submitted to the American International Charolais Association is used to determine carcass EPDs. As the carcass information database continues to grow, the carcass EPDs

become a more reliable tool that can be used in the selection process. It is important to be aware of the fact that the environment will always have a significant impact on carcass quality.”

Marketing their crop

None of the bulls are sold prior to their annual spring bull sale in April to allow their customers to select from the top of the crop. “Bulls are selected for the sale using performance data, a breeding soundness exam and critical evaluation for soundness, structure and disposition,” Mickie says. In 2012, the family will host its 30th annual sale, featuring some - See Hebbert Charolais on page 178 Hebbert Charolais performance tests their bulls in one group in identical environmental conditions. “It is important to be aware of the fact that the environment will always have a significant impact on carcass quality,” says Dave Hebbert. Courtesy photo

2012 Winter Journal H Tri-State Livestock News H 177

g Offerin HEREFORD BULLS HEREFORD HEIFERS

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EFFICIENCY HETEROSIS MATERNAL LONGEVITY

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Carcass, Calving Ease, Growth

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Our Cattle are raised in Montana’s harsh, high mountain conditions. They are very hardy and will work in programs anywhere.

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September 27, 2012

Mark, Della, Lacey and Jane’a Ehlke www.ehlkeherefords.com info@ehlkeherefords

P.O. Box 178, Townsend, MT (406) 266-4121 (406) 439-4311

178 H Tri-State Livestock News H 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

(Above) These bulls sold in Hebbert Charolais’ 2011 sale. Courtesy photo

Hebbert Charolais - Continued from page 177 -

of the best bulls they have produced yet. “As the size and depth of our cowherd has increased, we are able to offer more bulls for sale each year,” she explains. “This allows us to respond to the strong market demand for more quality Charolais bulls. We depend on repeat buyers for our customer base. New buyers come primarily through word of mouth references from our customers, or from order buyers familiar with our cattle. We are thankful for that support.” “We appreciate the diversity of our customer’s cattle operations, and recognize that what works for one, may not be the best method for another,” Dave continues. “Many good cattlemen don’t rely on a computer, but they know a good bull, the condition and needs

(Right) “Sometimes, it is easy to get caught up in mounds of information, and overlook the basics of what cattle are really supposed to do – calve easy, breed back and sell pounds,” says Dave Hebbert. Courtesy photo

of their cattle. Sometimes, it is easy to get caught up in mounds of information, and overlook the basics of what cattle are really supposed to do – calve easy, breed back and sell pounds.”

S

Stacking generations

ince every cow has one brand – and has been bred, born and raised on the ranch – the family has been able to stack generations of pedigrees with genetics selected for calving ease, disposition, total performance and structural soundness. The Hebberts enjoy horses, and use them in all phases of cattle work. “In feedback from our customers, many comment that our bulls are easier to handle because they have been handled horseback,” Mickie explains. “Each year, we host cuttings for the Western Nebraska - See Hebbert Charolais on page 180 -

“We appreciate the diversity of our customer’s cattle operations, and recognize that what works for one, may not be the best method for another,” – Dave Hebbert

YOUR CUSTOMERS at your next sale

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Caps, jackets, sorting poles, string gloves, custom silver, notepads, pens, coffee mugs, calving books

THE MOST COMMITTED BRAND IN BANKING www.SandhillsState.com 202 Clark Steet Bassett, NE 68714 402.684.3301 132 North Main Street Valentine, NE 69201 402.376.2211 803 South Dewey Street North Platte, NE 69103 308.534.0101 Loan Production Office 201 Main Street Harrison, NE 69346 308.668.9450 Loan Production Office 131 North Main Street Hay Springs, NE 69347 308.638.7171 Member FDIC

2012 Winter Journal H Tri-State Livestock News H 179

livestock equipment built to last

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• Gates

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• Handling SystemsPortable & Stationary

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Hebbert Charolais - Continued from page 179 -

Cutters. Weaned bulls are used for the cutting held in October, and replacement bred heifers are used for the Labor Day cutting.” The Hebbert family hopes to continue to preserve and adapt their operation so future generations can continue to live the ranching lifestyle previous generations have enjoyed. “Our goal is to continue to expand our cowherd in response to the increased demand for Charolais cattle,” Dave explains. “Our

180 H Tri-State Livestock News H 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Front End Replacements

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The look of our product is created to match the vehicle it mounts upon. Now available at:

WILLRODT MOTOR CO. Chamberlain, SD • 605.734.5584 • Toll Free 1.800.520.4749

Dave and Mose Hebbert move a group of cattle on horseback. Bull calves are weaned in the fall and turned out to graze meadows. Courtesy photo

www.willrodtmotor.net

Jangula Post Pullers

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mission is to produce top-quality genetics while preserving and enhancing the land and natural resources intrusted to our care.” Editor’s note: Hebbert Charolais will host their 30th annual bull sale on April 14 at the Hebbert Sale Facility in Hyannis, NE. To learn more about Hebbert Charolais, visit hebbertcharolais.com. Dave and Mickie can be reached at 308-458-2540.

Common Sense Manufacturing, Inc.

www.commonsensemfg.com CONTACT KELLY MELIUS for dealer nearest you 16008 357th Ave., Faulkton, SD 57438 • 605-598-4157 office • 605-216-0687 cell

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 181

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Extended Bull Keep • Free Delivery on Bulls • Feeder Calf Marketing 2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 183

184 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

3rd Annual Production Sale

March 26, 2012 1:00pm

at Belle Fourche Livestock Exchange Selling: 100 Yearling Bulls • 6 18-Month Old Bulls Featuring: 70 calving ease bulls

SAV Bismarck 5682

BW .1 WW 58 YW 99 Milk 27

SAV Net Worth 4200

BW 4.6 WW 59 YW 112 Milk 29

SAV Final Answer 0035 BW -1.0 WW 62 YW 105 MILK 24 INTRODUCING OUR NEW JR. HERDSIRES

SINCLAIR GRASSMASTER BW 1.7 WW 57 YW 101 MILK 19

SAV Pioneer 7301

BW 1.8 WW 60 YW 113 MILK 31

SAV Potential 0205

BW 2.7 WW 69 YW 119 MILK 34 SEMEN AVAILABLE

Iron Mountain Beauty 1020

Sired by Mytty In Focus BW 72 WW 702 lbs Adj 205 wt 771 lbs BW 0.7 WW 50 YW 93 Milk 24 This heifer sells at lot 9 at the Black Hills Stock Show. All proceeds to benefit the Black Hills Angus Association.

For catalog or information contact Mike Davis 605-892-2039 ironmountain@dakotablue.net www.ironmountaincattle.com

IMC Cutting Edge 0166 BW 1.7 WW 57 YW 102 Milk 30

WATCH FOR OUR CONSIGNMENTS AT THE BLACK HILLS STOCK SHOW

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 185

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“I just think it’s so neat that Dad and his brother worked together, then me and my brother, and now two more brothers manage the ranch. I don’t think that happens too often. Especially where it all runs so smoothly and they get along so well.” – Eddie Rypkema

186 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

}

Mt. Rushmore Angus

Rypkema and Uhrig brothers continue tradition on this Angus operation

By Jan Swan Wood estled in the broad Spring Creek valley between Rapid City and Hermosa, SD, Mt. Rushmore Angus is a cowman’s dream country. A live creek winds through winter pastures, banks well populated with trees and brush for protection. Full to bursting stackyards populate the meadows adjacent to the creek, giving the ranch’s cattle assurance that their winter feed supply is safely laid in. With a clear view of Mount Rushmore, naming the Angus ranch was easy. “You can see the faces from the hills on the ranch,” explains Eddie Rypkema, who along with his brother, Marty, co-own Mt. Rushmore Angus. The ranch on Spring Creek runs bulls, heifers and some of the cows, while another ranch near Fairburn runs the older end of the cowherd. “Dad (Milo) bought his fi rst registered cows in 1966,” Eddie explains. “Dad’s brother Eddie was in the cattle business, and they were really close, so Eddie brought Dad into it. Dad had a ranch down by Hermosa and Eddie’s ranch was in Boulder Canyon back in those days. “We bought the Spring Creek ranch in 1999 and have built the sale barn and calving barns since then,” he explains.

N

(Left) The very successful management team at Mt. Rushmore Angus is, from left: Justin Uhrig, Eddie Rypkema and David Uhrig. Photo by Jan Swan Wood

W

A brotherly tradition

ith a business to run in Rapid City for Rypkema, working management of Mt. Rushmore Angus falls on the capable shoulders of brothers David and Justin Uhrig, which pleases Eddie to no end. “I just think it’s so neat that Dad and his brother worked together, then me and my brother, and now two more brothers manage the ranch. I don’t think that happens too often,” Rypkema states. “Especially where it all runs so smoothly and they get along so well.” - See Mt. Rushmore Angus on page 188 -

Moderate frames and a matronly profile are common traits in the cowherd at Mt. Rushmore Angus. Photo by Jan Swan Wood

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 187

Mt. Rushmore Angus - Continued from page 187 -

Mt. Rushmore Angus cows cross the creek and move toward the feed ground where they will be fed three-year-old hay to supplement lush winter pasture. Photo by Jan Swan Wood

Short on years but long on experience, David, 29, and Justin, 26, were well prepared for the roles they play at Mt. Rushmore Angus. David was hired first, and came to the job with a degree in diversified agriculture from the University of Nebraska. Three years later his brother Justin was brought on board with an animal science degree from University of Wyoming. David married Rachael Edoff, a teacher, during the summer of 2011. The Fairburn ranch is run by Shane Lyon, under David and Justin’s directions. The Uhrig brothers credit much of their motivation to involvement with 4-H and FFA while growing up. “It gave us the drive to do things better,” Justin says. - See Mt. Rushmore Angus on page 190 -

Sonstegard Cattle Co., L.L.C. 8th Annual Bull Auction, At the River Ranch in Montevideo, MN April 14th, 2012 Selling 70 Yearling and Two Year Old Bulls

View a list of sale bulls online at www.riverranchredangus.com The Bulls are:

Performance Tested • Fertility Tested • Ultrasounded for Carcass • Large Contemporary Groups Delivered Free within 400 miles • Kept until delivery for Free • Backed by a family operation Gary, Elaine, Tory, and Tyler Sonstegard Cell 320-226-2340 * Cell 320-291-9384 Email:tjsonstegard@riverranchredangus.com Website: www.riverranchredangus.com Call or Email to be a part of our mailing list!

Bull Sires Include Beckton Epic R397, 3SCC Lince U157, 3SCC Zepplin S99, Beckton Dominor T122, BHR Golden Boy 854, HXC Jackhammer 8800U Badlands Net Worth 23U, Basin Trend Setter 45S5,

Thank you to all our customers who made our December sale a big success! 188 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Justin Uhrig clips a bull in preparation for a photo shoot at the ranch. He and his brother David gained experience prepping bulls for other registered operations before becoming managers at Mt. Rushmore Angus. Photo by Jan Swan Wood

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 189

Mt. Rushmore Angus - Continued from page 188 -

Both young men had been on traveling artificial insemination (AI) teams, plus had experience preparing bulls for sales, and a solid base of working with their father on their own registered operation in western Nebraska. The registered business was their forté and they brought that experience and knowledge to the ranch, much to the delight of Rypkema. “My Dad loved this business, but he never had the kind of guys working here as we do now. These guys know what to do and how to do it,” Rypkema says. “Dad would be most impressed with what these guys are doing.” Daily ranch decisions are made by David and Justin but major decisions are made along with Eddie, who gets to the ranch about once a week and connects with David on the phone daily. “They make their recommendations, we talk about it and it’s done,” Eddie states.

Satisfied customers

W

ith a customer base that goes back nearly 46 years, there are now second- and third-generation customers buying bulls from Mt. Rushmore Angus. “They wouldn’t keep coming back if they didn’t like what they were getting, both in the bulls and in the customer service and relationship,” Rypkema - See Mt. Rushmore Angus on page 192 -

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190 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

“[Customers] wouldn’t keep coming back if they didn’t like what they were getting, both in the bulls and in the customer service and relationship, [David and Justin] have earned the respect and trust of our customers, along with that of Marty and I and the neighbors. Our biggest focus is customer satisfaction, communication, and follow-ups with customers. These guys do a good job of all of it.” – Eddie Rypkema

(Above) David and Justin Uhrig sort off a bull to be clipped, showing the quiet disposition that is bred into Mt. Rushmore Angus bulls. Photo by Jan Swan Wood

(Left) The heifer calves are weaned and then turned back out on grass and fed two-year-old hay. The ability of the Mt. Rushmore Angus heifers to grow and develop on a roughage diet speaks well of the easy maintenance of the cattle. Photo by Jan Swan Wood

Tim Olson & Chandy Olson, DVM 605.641.5966 or 605.641.2325 Bob Merten 608-558-3322

www.catlresources.com

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 191

Mt. Rushmore Angus - Continued from page 191 -

Production Sale Monday, February 27th At the Farm - Crofton, NE Offering: Black Registered Angus Cattle 60 Yearling Bulls, 30 Open Heifers, 15 Bred Heifers, and 20 Bred Cows. We feel that everything we sell is something we would put back into our own herd. Selling QUALITY cattle is something we take great pride in. SIRES REPRESENTED T.C. Aberdeen • Mainline • Sitz Alliance 6595 • SAV NetWorth 4200 Sitz Wisdom • Sitz Upward • KCF Benett Performer • T.C. Freedom 104 Genetics by Design 049 • Rito Revenue 5M2 • CC & 7 CALL FOR COMPLETE RECORDS. Free wintering/ Semen Tested Galen Foxhoven

Brock Foxhoven: 1-402-388-2478 Cell: 1-402-640-5386 brock_foxhoven@yahoo.com

Justin Foxhoven 1-402-640-8648

www.foxhovenangus.com Sale Location: Gerald Foxhoven’s 55314 887 RD • Crofton, NE 68730

points out. “[David and Justin] have earned the respect and trust of our customers, along with that of Marty and I and the neighbors. Our biggest focus is customer satisfaction, communication, and followups with customers. These guys do a good job of all of it.” “We emphasize the maternal values that the bulls carry,” David says. “We want bulls that work for the producer.” Justin explains, “Our ideal bull is in our mind and we try to balance that with the breeding of the cattle. Like on a big cow, we’ll use a more moderate bull and on a moderate cow, a bigger bull.” David adds, “We use a wide variety of AI sires to satisfy our customer’s needs.” David and Justin make most of the decisions on which sires to use on the operation; Rypkema believes they are so knowledgeable that he really can’t add anything to the process. “We’re always so excited to see the new set of calves, to see

Friday, April 13, 2012 Crawford Livestock • Crawford, NE SELLING 50 RED ANGUS BULLS Yearlings • Fall Yearlings Not many sire lines can withstand the “real world test” we put them through in order to make efficient and productive tough country bulls. These are just a couple of the sires we have chosen to produce bulls putting you one step ahead in the cattle business.

Flashback is the most asked about herd sire at Grill Cattle Co. While his sons keep with the Red Western tradition of true moderation (5.0 frame) growth and power, his daughters are turning more heads than we originally

Willie is a 4 frame bull that pushes the scale down at nearly a ton. Extremely correct bull that stamps every one of his calves with his thickness and spring of rib. Offering an outstanding group of Willie sons.

Contact us for more information and to get on our catalog list! GRILL CATTLE CO. Jeff Grill • (605) 459-5518

B LAZY T RANCH Brad Grill • (605) 673-5518

192 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

how it worked, then before they’re even weaned we’re on March 24, 2012 at the ranch. Contact Eddie Rypkema looking forward to the next set,� David says. at 605-343-7805 or David Uhrig at 605-342-2449. The goal is to have sale bulls reach maximum maturity as yearlings so calving starts in the dead of winter. “We believe an older yearling bull holds together better and are better able to stand up to the rigors of breeding,� Justin explains. Heifers are synchronized and AI-ed to start calving Jan. 7, and the cows Jan. 15. The hope is that the bulk of the heifers will finish calving before the main 4424 cowherd begins, but it’s quite a labor-intensive 60-day Verm dustinkcarter@gmail.com marathon for the crew. 5 Herd health is important at Mt. Rushmore Angus, 4424 E Main St so the cows are given Scourguard prior to calving and Vermillion S.D. breed-back shots in the spring. At branding time, the calves are vaccinated with a five-way pasturella and 57069 a seven-way, which is repeated at pre-conditioning time. At weaning they are given /PSUIXFTU 4PVUI %BLPUB T #VMM 1PXFS 4PVSDF another five-way shot. Everything is poured twice a year with an ivermectin product. Once weaned, bull calves are put on a 48 mega calorie diet ration in a small pasture. David explains, “We Selling 45 Two do that with the customer in mind. Year Old Bulls It makes the bulls grow out without For Quality Bulls at and 40 2011 getting too fat, so they’re ready to an Affordable Price. Attend our Heifer Calves go to work.� The heifer calves are 21st Annual Sale fed hay out on pasture. St. Onge Livestock St. Onge, South Dakota The 46th bull sale will be March 24, 2012 at the ranch, and will feature about 140 head. “I’d like to $)63$))*-be able to increase the numbers 43 4"(" %0.*/0 to about 250 bulls in the future,� 6 states Rypkema, which fits in with Justin and David’s goal of increasing the numbers in relation to de3$ mand and customer support. $)63$)*-- An established Angus operation (0-% %",05" such as Mt. Rushmore Angus has %0.*/0 3 a rich legacy, but all involved are looking toward the future. Young men like David and Justin Uhrig 2012 SALE BULLS! are a big part of that. “They take such good care of the place and have made it a show place. It’s just so great how they work together to make this place run like it does. I hope they’re here for the long haul,� Eddie says. “We just run this place like it’s #8 88 :8 .*-, . ( )&3% 4*3&4 $IVSDIJMM %BLPUB 3

our own,� says David. “We can do 3$ (PME %PNJOP

what we do here because Eddie

3&13&4&/5&% */ $IVSDIJMM /FPO 5 &5 43 4BHB

trusts us,� Justin adds.

5)& 4"-& $IVSDIJMM %PNJOP 6 43 $BMJCFS 8

Good country, good cattle and good management are always a 'PS GVSUIFS JOGPSNBUJPO DPOUBDU winning combination, and Mt. 3PZ +BOFU $SBOTUPO m 8FMMT 3E Rushmore Angus has all of that 1SBJSJF $JUZ 4% and more.

Dustin Carter Auctioneer 712-898-9972

HEREFORDS

Editor’s note: Mt. Rushmore Angus will host their 46th bull sale

Feb. 17th 2012 1:00pm

r SDISBODI!TEQMBJOT DPN

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 193

UPSTREAM RANCH Commercial Cattlemens Bull Sale Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012 @ the ranch 1:00 p.m. CST Selling 230 Horned and Polled Hereford bulls Featuring 100 Two-Year-olds and 130 Fall Yearlings

UPS About Time 0342 Birth BW WW YW M M&G 4/21/10 2.3 54 83 19 46

UPS Domino 0504 REA 0.53

MARB 0.20

REA 0.38

MARB 0.27

BW WW YW M M&G 4.1 51 89 31 56

REA 0.44

MARB 0.26

REA 0.52

MARB 0.16

UPS Spartan 0723

UPS Navarro 0596 Birth 9/8/10

Birth BW WW YW M M&G 8/20/10 1.2 54 87 30 57

Birth BW WW YW M M&G 9/20/10 3.4 66 100 25 59

• FIRST BREEDING SEASON GUARANTEE • FREE DELIVERY, OR $100/HEAD TRUCKING DISCOUNT • FERTILITY, PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS TESTED • RANGE DEVELOPED, SOUND NOT OVER CONDITIONED BULLS

UPSTREAM RANCH BRENT AND ROBIN MEEKS 45060 UPSTREAM RD TAYLOR, NE 68879 308-942-3195 WWW.UPSTREAMCATTLE.COM UPSTREAMRANCH@GMAIL.COM

194 194 ★ ★ Tri-State Tri-State Livestock Livestock News News ★ ★ 2012 2012 Winter Winter Cattle Cattle Journal Journal

UPS Tug 0843 Birth BW WW YW M M&G 10/12/10 3.8 52 79 24 50

REA MARB 0.29 0.24

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$%/Ǝ%* %2% 1 (Ǝ(! /Ǝ *Ǝ%),.!//%2!Ǝ/!0Ǝ+"Ǝ/0.+*#Ǝ #! Ǝ 1((/Ė 2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State 2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock Livestock News News ★ ★ 195 195

196 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 197

TC Ranch Three generations raise registered Angus with sound, balanced genetic traits 198 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

By Gayle Smith

W

hen Dru Uden discusses his family’s ranch, he does so with a lot of pride. “My grandfather started this ranch in the 1940s, and passed it down to my father, Vance Uden, when he married my mother. Today, my mother, Connie, and I run the ranch,” he says. TC Ranch is an 8,000-acre ranch located in south central Nebraska in the Republican Valley near Franklin. The operation was built from 20 head of registered Angus Trueman Sterner started with, to more than 750 pairs that went to grass last spring. The family has built their herd through embryo transfers and keeping a number of quality replacement heifers back each year. - See TC Ranch on page 200 Cattle at TC are freeze branded at a year of age when the replacement females have been selected. Courtesy photo

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 199

TC Ranch

- Continued from page 199 Dru says the operation’s goal is to offer registered Angus bulls to their commercial customers with sound, balanced genetic traits. To do this, he focuses on performance and growth traits. “Angus has really been the only breed I’ve ever known,” he explains. “What I like about the breed is the versatility. There are several segments within the industry to focus on from show cattle, to raising bulls, to marketing registered females. I like that I don’t necessarily have to follow one trend within the breed. I can focus on what I like to do.”

Developing bulls for sale Ranch hosts a production sale each year on the fourth Wednesday in February that is broadcast live on RFD-TV and the Internet. During the sale, approximately 220-240 bulls are offered. “We also sell about 50 private treaty bulls after the sale each year,” Dru adds. The bulls offered during the sale represent the top 65 percent of their bull crop. “We try to pick the front end,” he explains. “Those are usually the older, heavier bulls. We develop them ourselves on the ranch. They are weaned in September in large lots, and developed on a highroughage ration.” Bulls are produced from their top sires. “We raise many of our sires ourselves, and I purchase some of the top bulls across the country year in and year out,” he notes. “We try to [artificially inseminate, AI] a good percentage of our cows to bulls we own or have raised. We don’t AI too often to outside bulls.” The bottom 35 percent of the bull crop, which are often the younger and lighter bulls, are steered and placed into a feedlot until they are finished. Carcass data is collected on these cattle,

TC

(Right) TC Ranch is an 8,000-acre ranch located in south central Nebraska in the Republican Valley near Franklin and has expanded from 20 registered Angus cows to 750 cow-calf pairs as of last spring. Courtesy photo

200 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

(Above) TC Ranch customers buy into reputation cattle on sale day, reflecting 60-plus years of collecting data and raising bulls. Courtesy photo

“We try to select cattle that will perform really well on feed with a lot of ribeye... We just try and balance traits the best we can with a lot of emphasis on performance and growth. – Dru Uden

Three generations are involved in TC Ranch. From left: Dru Uden, Tavin Uden, Vance Uden, seated, and Hannah Uden. Tavin and Hannah are Dru’s children. Courtesy photo

which is used for a variety of purposes. “We have no set protocol of what we do with this data,” Dru explains. “Sometimes, we use it to evaluate sires and identify traits that are good and bad. We also look at what they produce as far as marbling, backfat and ribeye area, among other traits.” Dru says they also collect ultrasound data on all the bulls and heifers each year. “We want to maintain balanced traits, both maternal and carcass. By collecting this data, we can evaluate how we are doing,” he says. The cattle on TC Ranch are bigger than average, coming in at a frame score of six to seven. “We

try to select cattle that will perform really well on feed with a lot of ribeye size,” he says. “We don’t put a lot of emphasis on marbling, since Angus cattle are already known for that. We just try and balance the traits the best we can with a lot of emphasis on performance and growth.”

Grazing strategies

During the first week of November, the cows are turned into cornstalks to graze during the winter. In late January, heifers start calving on winter pasture, followed by the cows in February. Around the first of April, the cattle are moved - See TC Ranch on page 202 -

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 201

TC Ranch

- Continued from page 201 into AI pastures, which are mostly native grass. The pairs are moved into the breaks of the Republican Valley around the first of June for summer grazing. The family has used a rotational grazing system for the last 20 years, which was set up by Dru’s father. “We manage each grazing area individually,” he explains. They basically put a set of cows with a bull into one pasture, and move mid-season to a second pasture, then later return to the first pasture, and possibly the second pasture depending on moisture and regrowth. Dru says the system has worked really well, enabling the ranch to graze more cattle with the resources they have, in addition to controlling weeds and increasing protein in their grasses. It also requires very little labor. “Most of the time, it involves opening a gate. A few days later, we come back to make sure they have all moved to the new pasture, and to shut the gate,” he explains.

(Above) Each grazing area on TC Ranch is managed individually. Basically a bull is put with a set group of cows in one pasture, moved to a second pasture mid-season, and will return to the first pasture depending on moisture and regrowth. Courtesy photo

Buying reputation cattle

Dru says when customers purchase cattle from them, they are buying reputation cattle. “I think that is one thing that sets us apart in the business,” he explains. “We have name recognition, which helps us market our cattle. We have been raising bulls for 60-plus years and collecting data. We know what our cattle are capable of, and we try and maintain a wellbalanced animal all the time. We don’t get into fads. “Our bulls can add performance and feed efficiency to the commercial cattleman’s herd,” he continues. “We also stand behind our cattle and offer a guarantee. If a bull buyer has a problem with our bulls, (Right) “We raise many of our sires ourselves, and I purchase some of the top bulls across the country year in and year out,” Dru Uden says. Courtesy photo

e nks t e r onc d Bu

Conc

Complete with concrete ends

10 foot long sections Comes with or without fence post Poured with 4500 PSI concrete mix Also available 10 foot yard bunks 4 Inch thick construction

Call for current pricing 605-863-1154 • Located in South Eastern South Dakota

202 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

E AV AI LA BL ER Y

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Will Build On Site!

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“Our bulls can add performance and feed efficiency to the commercial cattleman’s herd,� – Dru Uden we replace them with no questions asked. We always give a guarantee on our cattle, which isn’t something every breeder can offer.� Three years ago, Dru made the decision to expand the business in another direction. He purchases commercial heifers from his bull customers, develops them, breeds them in the spring, and sells them privately in the fall as commercial bred heifers. “It is not only another source of income for us, but also another way to develop a relationship with our customers and give something back,� he says of the venture. Most of the time he tries to purchase the entire heifer crop from some of the commercial producers who purchase his better bulls each year.

!

' $ ) %#( "

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Make It Last. Make it Reaves.

Pre-engineered Buildings Built to Code Whatever you’ve got—swine, Whatever you’ve got—swine, cattle, cattle, horses, poultry, or horses, poultry, or equipment— equipment—we’ve got it covered we’veaffordable, got it covered with affordable, with customizable customizable buildings buildings made to last.made to last.

To learn more about the beneďŹ ts a Reaves Comeofsee us at engineered building, our Dakotafestvisit usbuilding on the website or call location: one of Reaves professional LOT #231. staff. We look forward to visiting with you.

Editor’s note: For more information about TC Ranch, visit tcranch. com or contact Dru Uden at 308-4700740.

2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 203

204 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

A

2012 Winter Cattle Journal

dvertiser’s GUIDE

n 5L Red Angus.................................................... 95 n Ag & Industrial Equipment............................ 103 n Agri-Best Feeds............................................... 128 n American Shorthorn Association.................. 136 n APT Technologies........................................... 205 n Arnold Realty.................................................. 120 n Assman Implement 3 ads......................... 78, 130 n Auman Mack/MultiMin.................................. 177 n B & B Sales......................................................... 21 n Badlands Red Angus......................................... 29 n Baker Hereford Ranch..................................... 19 n Bakers Lemar Angus Ranch............................. 18 n Bar 69 Ranch................................................... 208 n Bar JZ Ranches................................................. 23 n Barenthsen/Bullinger Red Angus.................. 152 n Bartos Angus.................................................... 115 n Baxter Angus Farm......................................... 162 n Bejot Feed Lots................................................. 90 n “Best of the West”............................................ 53 n Bieber Red Angus............................................... 8 n Bill’s Volume Sales......................................... 119 n Black Hills AI Service....................................... 24 n Black Hills Stock Show..................................... 51 n Blair Brothers Angus........................................ 96 n Boeckel Angus................................................. 176 n Booth Cherry Creek Ranch............................ 156 n Brad & Trixie Grill - Red Western................. 192 n Brenner Angus................................................. 121 n Bridger Steel...................................................... 22 n Broken Heart Ranch....................................... 171 n Brooks Chalky Butte Ranch............................. 26 n Brozik Angus...................................................... 92

n Butler Machinery Co....................................... 157 n BV Ranch - Eve and Brent Vavra.................... 10 n Cammack Ranch Supply.................................. 48 n Carls Trailers..................................................... 47 n Carmichael Herefords -Keith........................... 57 n CATL Resources.............................................. 191 n Cattle Range...................................................... 68 n Cattlemen’s Choice Loomix........................... 122 n Cheyenne Charolais.......................................... 79 n Christensen 3C Ranch.................................... 168 n CHS Nutrition.................................................. 153 n Churchill Cattle Company............................. 110 n CK Cattle and Wager Cattle.......................... 169 n Clay Creek Angus Ranch................................. 25 n Common Sense Mfg........................................ 181 n Conover Auction Service................................ 182 n Cooper Hereford Ranch................................. 135 n Country Pride Coop.......................................... 77 n Cowboy Classic................................................ 142 n Cranston Hereford.......................................... 193 n Crystalyx............................................................ 63 n Curt Miller Angus............................................... 6 n Dethlefs & Sons Angus................................... 203 n DeVries Angus................................................. 144 n Divine Concrete.............................................. 166 n Dubas Cattle Co - Silencer Chutes................ 131 n Dustin Carter................................................... 193 n Ehlke Herefords.............................................. 178 n Ekstrum Simmental - Clay............................. 121 n Ellingson Angus.............................................. 183 n Farmers National Company........................... 165 n Finkbeiner Feeds.............................................. 18

n FMG Feed & Seed............................................. 46 n Foos Angus Ranch............................................... 2 n Forgey & Graesser Angus................................. 92 n Foxhoven Angus Farm.................................... 192 n Friedt Herefords............................................... 48 n Genex - Dakota Sire Service.......................... 124 n Gill Red Angus.................................................... 3 n Goldies Auto & Trailer Sales Gold Ammer Angus........................................ 155 n Grossenburg Implement................................... 93 n Gunderson Palmer Nelson & Ashmore Law 2 ads.................................. 35, 56 n Hall Red Angus................................................. 89 n Harrison Land & Livestock............................ 170 n Heavy Set Concrete - Dan Kuhlman............. 202 n Hebbert Charolais Bulls................................... 88 n Hersruds of Sturgis......................................... 143 n High Plains Genetics........................................ 27 n Hills View Ranch.............................................. 78 n Hilltop Angus.................................................. 184 n Hipke Welding................................................ 132 n Hoffman Herefords......................................... 123 n Hojer Gelbvieh Ranch.................................... 102 n Holden Herefords........................................... 134 n Hutchinson Western......................................... 25 n Iron Mountain Cattle Co................................ 185 n Iverson Chrysler.............................................. 156 n J & P Grain Solutions LLC............................. 149 n Jamison Herefords & Quarter Horses........... 196 n Jauer Dependable Genetic.............................. 93 n Jindra Angus................................................... 197 n Johnson Black Simmentals............................ 125 n Johnson-Rose Angus......................................... 36 n K & A Implement.............................................. 21 n Kammerer Livestock........................................ 37 n Koupal Angus.................................................... 94 n Kraye Angus.................................................... 148 n Larson & Sons.................................................... 88 n Lehrkamp Livestock....................................... 140

- See Guide on page 206 -

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2012 Winter Journal H Tri-State Livestock News H 205

■ Leland Red Angus.......................................... 106 ■ Lindskov Implement ........................................ 60 ■ Lindskov - Thiel Ranch.................................... 72 ■ Linn Post and Pipe ......................................... 145 ■ Lucky 7 Angus ................................................ 109 ■ Lynn & Seth Weishaar ................................... 118 ■ M & J Auto ........................................................ 92 ■ Mangen Angus Ranch .................................... 132 ■ Mark McNamee Land & Auction Co ............ 131 ■ Martin Angus Ranch .......................................... 1 ■ McCumber Angus Ranch................................... 9 ■ McKie Auto ....................................................... 50 ■ Medicine Rock Ranch.................................... 164 ■ Meyerink Farm Service ................................. 166 ■ MGR Marketing Tools 3 ads ........... 35, 133, 179 ■ Midwest Liquid Feeds ................................... 190 ■ Millar Angus ....................................................... 5 ■ Miller Family Angus ...................................... 117 ■ Montana Red Angus Assoc.............................. 71 ■ Mount Rushmore Angus .................................... 4 ■ Mrnak Herefords Ranch.................................. 38 ■ Natur’s Way Inc / Dinklage Ranch ............... 149 ■ Newsam Angus Ranch ..................................... 34 ■ NJW Herefords............................................... 108 ■ No Bull Enterprises........................................ 141 ■ NutraLix .......................................................... 145 ■ OLS - Orwig Livestock Supplements Inc. .... 146 ■ Palmer Cap-Chur Equip .................................. 35 ■ Parasal Manufacturing .................................... 20

■ Pearson Livestock Equip............................... 163 ■ Pieper Red Angus .......................................... 207 ■ Pine Creek Angus Ranch ................................ 68 ■ Pinnacle Bank................................................. 107 ■ Platte Power Sports ....................................... 153 ■ Powder River Angus ........................................ 39 ■ Premier Equipment ......................................... 97 ■ Ranchers Workshop ....................................... 141 ■ Rausch Hereford .............................................. 61 ■ Raven Angus Ranch......................................... 91 ■ Raymond Doherty - RDF Aluminum Troughs . 148 ■ RCC Western Stores 3 ads .............. 49, 129, 163 ■ Real Tuff Inc................................................... 180 ■ Reaves Building Systems .............................. 203 ■ Ridder Hereford Ranch................................. 107 ■ Rockingtree Ranch .......................................... 59 ■ Rowse Rakes Inc ............................................ 164 ■ Sandhills State Bank...................................... 179 ■ Sandmeier Charolais ....................................... 73 ■ Schaff’s Angus Ranch ........................................ 7 ■ Schauer Angus.................................................. 52 ■ Schuchards Westside GMC ........................... 154 ■ Scott Manufacturers ...................................... 167 ■ Select Sires ....................................................... 12 ■ Sioux Nation Ag Center................................. 147 ■ Sletten Angus ................................................... 41 ■ Sodak Angus Ranch ......................................... 70 ■ Sonstegard Cattle Co ..................................... 188 ■ Soreide Charolais Ranch ................................. 69

■ Spickler Ranch ............................................... 111 ■ Split Diamond Ranch..................................... 204 ■ Stomprud Angus............................................... 59 ■ Strawberry Ridge Reds ................................... 82 ■ Stroh Hereford Ranch ..................................... 62 ■ Strohschein Angus ......................................... 104 ■ Sutherlin Farms ............................................... 17 ■ Thorson Herefords ........................................... 58 ■ Thorstenson Gelbvieh & Angus ...................... 40 ■ Thorstenson Herefords .................................. 206 ■ Tri-State Livestock News .................. 28, 60, 137 ■ Upstream Ranch ............................................ 194 ■ Valley View Angus......................................... 167 ■ Vitalix.............................................................. 120 ■ Wenzel Construction...................................... 165 ■ Werning Cattle Co ......................................... 195 ■ Wheeler Mountain Angus ............................... 83 ■ Wilkinson Ranch .............................................. 28 ■ Willrodt Motors .............................................. 181 ■ Windmill Angus.............................................. 122 ■ YC Inc - Bentz and Sundance .......................... 76 ■ Z Tags North America L.P............................... 24 ■ Livestock Market Directory ................... 150-151 Cover ■ McConnell Angus ....................Inside Front ■ Reich Charolais ........................ Inside Back ■ Sinclair Cattle Company .......... Back Cover

at the Ranch

BW +2.9 | WW +58 | YW +111 | M +23 | M&G +52 | REA +.79 | Marb +.14 | CHB $32

www.thorstensonherefordranch.com

Powerful Bulls by THOR JDF AH 25L Wrangler 13T SR Oracle 108 THR Thor 9004W HH Advance 9023 HH Advance 8019 SR Saga 529W

Bill & Paula Thorstenson • (605) 649-7940 Cell Phone (605) 845-6108 wpthorstenson@venturecomm.net Darin & Danielle Thorstenson (605) 649-1972 30491 131st Street, Selby, SD 57472

206 ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 2012 Winter Cattle Journal

Pieper Red Angus ANNUAL PERFORMANCE LEADER

There are several reasons the world’s best ranchers keep coming back to Pieper Red Angus for their bulls. ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

Predictable Performance Consistent Carcass Traits Extra Muscle Moderate Birth Weights Good Feet, Hair & Bone Great Disposition Backed Up by a Family Program that’s Sold Bulls for Over 35 Years

Mark, Deb, & Tate Pieper H: 308-638-4557 C: 308-430-0989 Hay Springs, Nebraska

PRODUCTION SALE March 30, 2012

$W WKH 5DQFK +D\ 6SULQJV 1HEUDVND

Performance Tested Red 0 13 Angus Yearling Bulls Registered Replacement 0 5 Heifers Commercial Red Angus 100 Ready to Breed Heifers

Pieper Red Angus

Tate’s Cell: 308-430-1777 www.pieperredangus.com pieperra@haysprings.net 2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 207 2012 Winter Journal ★ Tri-State Livestock News ★ 207

KUKUCHKA’S

Offering

e bred Angus Pur

APRIL 13

Bred to Survive and Excel in a Commercial Cowman’s Environment

Powerful Yearling Angus Bulls

Fancy Commercial Replacement Heifers

INDUSTRY LEADING SIRES INCLUDE: W ! "

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Craig and Deb Kukuchka 11591 US Highway 212 Belle Fourche, SD 57717

208 ★ ★ Tri-State Tri-State Livestock Livestock News News ★ ★ 2012 2012 Winter Winter Cattle Cattle Journal Journal 208

Phone 605-892-2875 Email: bar69angus@dishmail.net www.bar69angus.com

REICH CHAROLAIS RANCH WE HEARD THE STOCK MARKET WAS A MESS! BUT IT’S NOT THE REAL ONE.

GOOD CATTLE ARE ALWAYS A GOOD INVESTMENT Pasture proven over 55 years

Please plan on attending our Charolais bull sale. You’ll be glad you did!

THURSDAY, APRIL 12TH, 2012 BELLE FOURCHE LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE, BELLE FOURCHE, SD

Females for private treaty sale anytime. Stop in anytime if you are in the area.

TIM & REE REICH

1007 Kingsbury Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605.892.4366 • cell 605.580-2393 timreich@rushmore.com

H Tri-State Livestock News H 2011 Horse Edition

H Tri-State Livestock News H 2011 Horse Edition

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