The Stockman | December 2023 by The Stockman

DECEMBER 2023

VOL 5 | NO 10

WSC BENTLEY J034 V A R SIGNAL 7244

GILBERT ICEMAN 110

Call Wall Street Cattle Company for your upcoming breeding season with these great Angus herd sires! DETAILS FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE PRIVATE TREATY BULL SALE COMING SOON!

WE WISH YOU A JOYOUS HOLIDAY WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS! 2

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

INGRAM RECLAIM 1021 BIGK/WSC IRON HORSE

VOSS MAXIMUS 2052

417.288.4444 Office 239.738.6295 Adam Currier 239.470.0861 Eddie Currier 14603 Highway KK, Lebanon, Missouri 65536 THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

! e m o c l We Thanks for joining us! We are a free, premier livestock publication featuring and serving seedstock and commercial beef producers nationwide. Raising cattle is so much more than a hobby; it is our livelihood and our passion. We understand that, and in every issue want you to see not only incredible cattle, but also relatable, entertaining, and informative editorial features for the producer with 5 or 500 head. To us, you are more than reader or advertiser; you are a beef producer. We are committed to doing our best for you, every day. Please feel free to communicate with us, your input is appreciated.

BILL SCHERMER, Owner/Herd Consultant 641.425.2641 | bill@stockmanmag.com

MAKAYLA FLOWER, Managing Editor 605.690.6050 | makayla@stockmanmag.com

Bill and his wife, Nancy, have made their living in the cattle industry. He has provided marketing services for purebred and commercial breeders since 1970. Schermer Angus Cattle continues to be active in the NJAA and raises quality cattle near Clarion, IA. As owner of The Stockman, Bill leads by example providing producers with the highest level of customer service.

Makayla serves as editor, graphic designer, and manager of The Stockman. Her focus and passion continues to provide high quality service and original promotional materials to cattlemen. She and her husband, Jared, raise their four kids, and together they run their family operation, JMF Herefords and SimAngus, near Morris in west central MN.

CHERYL KEPES, Assistant Editor 417.766.0990 cheryl@stockmanmag.com Working for The Stockman is the perfect combination of two of Cheryl’s favorite things: writing and cattle. Cheryl has decades of experience as a professional writer. She finds great joy in sharing stories about people in the agricultural industry. Cheryl’s family raises registered Angus, Red Angus, and Simmental cattle in Fair Grove, MO.

Contributing Writers in this Issue

Cheryl Kepes Sarah Hill Justin Fruechte

Dr. Vince Collison Kirk Lynch

KIM BANKS, Graphics 507.530.0914 kkbanks@frontiernet.net

Kim is a graphic designer with many years of design experience. Producing creative marketing materials to help others look their best is what she loves doing the most. She and her husband, Kevin, along with their son, raise grain and have a small commercial cow/calf and feeder operation on the family farm near Lynd, MN.

THE STOCKMAN MAGAZINE LLC PO Box 597, Clarion, IA 50525 605.690.6050 | office@stockmanmag.com stockmanmag.com

The Stockman (ISSN 2694-1740), Vol. 5, No. 10, is published by Makayla Flower/The Stockman Magazine LLC, 1530 10th St. NW, Holloway, MN 56249, monthly, except June and July. Periodicals postage paid at Lubbock, Texas and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Makayla Flower, 1530 10th St. NW Holloway, MN 56249.

SARAH HILL, Editorial Writer 307.274.0419 sarahhill1007@yahoo.com Sarah lives on a small hobby farm near Arlington, SD, with her husband, Braeton, and their three daughters: Harper, 8, Vayentha, 5, and Aurora, 1. She grew up on a Missouri dairy farm and has an Agricultural Journalism degree from the University of Missouri. Sarah enjoys baking, reading, and gardening. MARIA OPHEIM, Social Media Manager 507-828-1374 riawbr@gmail.com Maria, her husband Cade, and daughter Tawnee, of Mound City, S.D. currently reside on their fifth generation commercial & Limousin cattle and grain operation. Maria also works as a R.N. She is excited to promote producers through The Stockman’s social media platforms! December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

MEET OUR SALES REPS TY BAYER 715.573.0153 tcreds@gmail.com

CORBIN COWLES 270.991.2534 corbin.cowles32@gmail.com Corbin is an apprentice auctioneer and real estate professional for Schrader Real Estate and Auction company. He also helps run his family’s Angus and Simmental seedstock operation, Pleasant Hill Farms. Judging shows across the country and traveling are a couple hobbies of his as well!

BRANDON CREAMER 970.596.4965 creamer_b_150@hotmail.com Brandon owns Lazy JB Angus with his parents and sister in Montrose, CO. Raised in the cattle industry, he has a true passion for it and loves marketing quality cattle throughout the US.

MILES EDDY 507.841.1787 auctioneer2013@gmail.com Miles grew up in southwest MN raising and showing cattle, and is currently residing in MO. When Miles isn’t working cattle he loves to use his auctioneer skills. He looks forward to working and meeting other producers and helping with all their advertising and marketing needs.

JAN FORD 800.693.8048 jford.17879@aol.com

RON HINRICHSEN 785.770.0222 rlangus@bluevalley.net

LORA HUTCHINS 615.293.3695 loralea1172@gmail.com

BARRETT SIMON 316.452.1792 barrett.simon8@gmail.com Barrett comes with deep roots in both the Angus and Red Angus breeds with a growing base of customers marketing Continental based cattle as well. As an auctioneer, he represents many seedstock producers throughout the central plains. His direct ties to the commercial cattle industry are sure to be a benefit to customers of The Stockman.

BRIGHAM STEWART / MEGAN COLLISON 785.747.8028 megancollisondvm@gmail.com Brigham works alongside his parents at Mid Continent Farms, their large, multi-breed cow/calf operation in Kansas. Megan graduated from ISU as a DVM in the spring of 2021 and is a big part of her family’s Angus herd and Veterinary Clinic in Iowa.

MARK SULLIVAN 816.304.0050 marksullivancattle@gmail.com Mark Sullivan is a familiar face to many having worked for Sullivan Supply for many years. Mark brings many years of experience to The Stockman. Mark and his wife, Linda, and two children, Erin and Leo, live in Woodbine, Iowa, and have a small herd of Charolais cattle.

STEVE WOLFF 701.710.1574 swolff318@yahoo.com

Providing the

Ty works alongside his family in their purebred operations, Country Lane Farm and TC Reds near Ringle, WI. An advocate for youth programs and dedicated cow/calf man, he is excited to help producers merchandise their cattle.

Lora owns and operates Destiny Angus Farm with husband Brian and daughter Morgan in Charleston, IL. They have raised and shown cattle successfully on the national level for several years. They also have owned a production herd with as many as 200 registered cows.

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

With her passion for agriculture, Jan brings over 35+ years of advertising sales experience in the beef industry. She and her late husband Norm had a commercial Angus cow herd and grain operation near Tipton, IA, which her sons still manage today.

Steve is a third generation Hereford breeder - his family has been raising Herefords since 1951. He offers bulls by private treaty every year and has a heifer sale every fall. Steve also enjoys traveling to sales and shows whenever possible and likes camping as well.

For the past 30 years, Ron, his wife, Lynne, and their two children have owned and operated Hinrichsen Ranch, a registered Angus ranch in Westmoreland, KS. He has an extensive background in the agricultural industry and is excited to put it to work for each of his customers.

highest

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In this Issue

Feature Stories

12 | PASSION + GRIT

Bobcat Angus produces cattle built to thrive in the toughest of environments.

32 | COMBINING PERFORMANCE, MOTHERING ABILITY, AND CARCASS The Sletten family has built-up their Angus herd from scratch and achieved much success in the Angus breed.

44 | BARN BOSS

Brandee Severtson launches custom apparel business that caters to the livestock industry.

58 | CHIANINA IN THE U.S.

Ladies Auxiliary and Junior Association. Part 4 of a multi-part series.

Extension Education

24 | INVESTIGATING CATTLE ABORTIONS courtesy University of NE - Lincoln

Seeds in Season

38 | PLANNING FORAGE BUDGETS with Justin Fruechte of Renovo Seed

Veterinarian V iew

50 | EMBRYO COLLECTIONS ON HEIFERS

with Dr. Vince Collison, Collison Veterinary Services

Kitchen Stock

54 | FEATURING MATTHEWS COACH’S CORRAL in the kitchen with Becky Matthews of Fair Grove, Mo.

Sale Barn S tudy

64 | MARKETS SLOW DOWN

with Kirk Lynch, Humeston Livestock Exchange

Stockman S traight Up

72 | FEATURING JALLO ANGUS

Q&A with Jason Jallo of Fordville, N.D.

cover image by Maggie Goddard Photography Tom Goddard at Roberts Cattle Co., Daniel, Wyo.

Editor’s Note

MAKAYLA FLOWER, Managing Editor 605.690.6050 | makayla@stockmanmag.com

Scan to Subscribe! Easy. Fast. Free.

slowing down. They say the days are getting shorter this time of the year - we all know they literally aren’t, but I think less daylight is a good reminder to slow down a bit. To take some time to rest our bodies after a laboring summertime and fall, and spend some meaningful time with the ones we love. And especially now as we are on the countdown to Christmas! What a wonderful season we are able to celebrate and experience. I encourage you to slow down, rejuvenate, and take in all that the miracle of Christmas offers to us. We are thrilled to announce that we have some new and exciting things happening here at The Stockman. Maria Opheim of Mound City, S.D., is joining us once again to manage our social media platforms, and furthermore we are adding Snapchat and Twitter accounts! This means advertisers get more online exposure at no additional cost! Welcome, Maria! On behalf of the entire Stockman team, I would like to extend a Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. May you enjoy this special time of the year with family and friends, and I hope your hearts will be filled with joy this Christmas season!

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Name Raven Black Brigitte J466 Raven Priscilla J512 Raven Extra J558 Raven Henrietta Pride J303 Raven Blackbird J513 Raven Blackbird J534 Raven Extra J85 Raven Henrietta Pride J181 Raven Marsha J383 Raven Lady Jaye J144

Reg 20782372 20782176 20780783 20782374 20776713 20776714 20782123 20776712 20782016 20779421

Sire Ellingson Rider Pride 7282 Tehama Patriarch F028 Raven Valente F79 Ellingson Rider Pride 7282 SITZ Robust 717H SITZ Robust 717H E&B Plus One Raven Nevada G100 E&B Plus One Myers Fair-N-Square M39

CED BW WW YW SC HP M CW Marb RE Fat $M $W 7 1.9 70 114 1.02 15.6 20 43 .58 .48 .048 75 61 11 -1.1 67 129 .74 19.9 39 47 .43 .71 .011 91 77 6 2.8 61 115 1.77 15.8 20 56 .77 .58 .068 63 46 5 1.6 60 108 1.80 15.2 18 45 .38 .74 .033 85 53 6 .8 74 129 1.32 12.7 27 49 .79 .39 .009 64 74 10 .1 65 106 1.75 10.2 24 41 .35 .31 .062 62 66 8 1.2 63 113 .58 8.8 26 45 .61 1.05 -.003 53 62 3 2.8 86 143 .81 16.1 29 57 1.15 .94 -.008 81 80 15 -1.4 54 100 .68 11.5 27 42 .96 .75 .020 69 60 4 1.9 77 131 1.77 12.6 27 58 .27 1.04 -.028 59 72

Rod Petersek: (605) 840-1496 | RJ Petersek: (605) 840-1826 | Reed Petersek: (605) 840-1292 32554 287th St., Colome, SD 57528 • ravenang@gwtc.net

Sale will be broadcasted live on: 8

www.RavenAngus.com December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

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ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON! For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ISAIAH 9:6

WIL MAYES 304-619-9327 OR DALLAS WOLTEMATH 308-390-6400 | ZWTRANCH.COM THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

Your source for sound, athletic, thick-made bulls that will sire females with extra do-ability and longevity.

Offering 100 18-month-old bulls on

December 13, 2023 at 1 pm at the ranch near Chinook, MT

Shipwheel Dreamer 8522 AAA 19534719

Lot 11 Shipwheel ALS Dreamer 2596 AAA 20669597

Swanson family

Klint & Lori Austin & Bree

(406) 357-2492 lori@shipwheelcattle.com

Lot 15 Lot 1 11 Lot

Shipwheel Dreamer 2521 AAA 20593612 Shipwheel Dreamer 2636 AAA 20593553

Special announcement!

100 Shipwheel bred females consigned to “Heart of the Hi-Line” Female Sale on December 16, 2023.

Open camera. Tap the code. View the website!

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

100+ Lots to Sell! 40+ Breeding Age Bull’s Sell Heavily influenced with Baldridge Genetics! Spring Bred Cows, Fall Open Heifers, Fall Pairs Sell Embryo’s and much more!

Growth Fund

Capitalist 316

SAV RainDance

Capitalist 316

Diginity 8384

versatile f-193

pending

Veracious

Blue Collar isabell

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

Passion &

By Cheryl Kepes photos courtesy Ratzburg Family

grit

anching in northern Montana, with its brutally frigid temperatures and bone-chilling wind gusts, is not for the faint of mind, body, or spirit. However, the passion and perseverance required for success in such challenging conditions exists at the very core of the Ratzburg family located near Great Falls, Montana. Brothers, Bryan and Ernie Ratzburg, along with their families, operate Bobcat Angus, a registered Angus and commercial cattle operation. The ranch name serves as a nod to Bryan and Ernie’s college alma mater Montana State Bobcats. The Ratzburg family business started with the farm division in 1917. The operation expanded through the decades creating the diverse agricultural business that exists today. 12

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

Bobcat Angus produces cattle built to thrive in the toughest of environments.

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

above The Ratzburg family (l-r): daughter-in-law Katie (holding Claira), son Cole, Bryan and Cathy, Bryan’s parents Roberta and Karl, daughter Rebecca, son Kamron, daughter-in-law Camille (holding Willa). The photo was taken at an event at Bobcat Angus during which the Ratzburg family hosted Montana State University’s president, deans, faculty members, and student leaders.

In addition to the registered and commercial cattle ranch, the Ratzburg family operates a largescale farm and two 2,500-head feedlots. The farm division grows corn silage, Sudangrass, barley, wheat, and alfalfa hay. The forages produced feeds the cattle at the ranch as well as the feedlots. The Ratzburgs sell select barley to Coors and Anheuser-Busch as well as high-quality winter and spring wheat to various grain terminals. Bryan and his wife Cathy, along with their adult children Cole, Kamron, and Rebecca focus on the ranch. While Ernie and his wife Jayne and their sons Justin, Richard, and David concentrate on the farming operation. Bryan and Ernie’s parents, Karl and Roberta Ratzburg, still play an active role in the businesses. 14

CHALLENGING CLIMATE The Ratzburgs have spent decades building a cow herd that possesses the genetic prowess to thrive in northern Montana’s harsh environment while also meeting customer demands for excellence in growth and carcass traits. Bryan and his family started the ranch division of the operation in 1992. They run 500 head of registered Angus cows and well over 1,000 commercial females. Much of the cattle operation resides in the region of Montana called the Sweet Grass Hills located near the Canadian border. In the Sweet Grass Hills the mountain ranges loom as high as 3,000 feet above the surrounding plains. The expansive skies and undeveloped land that spans for miles creates a beautiful scenery for farming and ranching.

However, amid the majestic setting, the cattle and their caretakers must be designed to handle whatever Mother Nature sends their way. “This last year we went from 80-below windchill factors, up to 100 degrees,” Bryan Ratzburg, owner of Bobcat Angus, said. “It takes a special cow to be able to survive all that temperature change and still remain reproductive through all of it and maintain body condition to survive it. It is brutal.”

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

GENETICALLY DRIVEN Building a herd of high-performing, genetically superior cattle is as much of a necessity as it is a preference. “It’s kind of like survival of the fittest up here. A lot of the things that revolve around our genetics is survivability,” Bryan said. The attention to quality genetics permeates through the commercial and registered Angus herds. The Ratzburg family produces the genetics it desires through extensive use of AI in both herds as well as through its robust ET program. Around ten years ago, the Ratzburg family purchased a nationally and internationally known bull, Musgrave Big Sky. “We sold a lot of semen out of him throughout the United States and internationally to Australia. He was our cornerstone for quite a few years,” Bryan shared. Other influential herd sires in the Bobcat Angus operation include Circle L Gus, Bobcat Blue Sky, and most recently Carter Power Surge.

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

above Bobcat Blue Sky is the leading growth sire out of Musgrave Big Sky. The Ratzburg family sold him to ST Genetics.

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

EXTENSIVE AI PROGRAM The emphasis on quality genetics drives many of the management practices at Bobcat Angus. Each spring the family breeds more than 2,000 head of cattle through AI. Cole, an embryo transfer technician with a master’s degree in cattle reproduction, and Kamron, a veterinarian, do most of the AI work at the ranch. This year the Ratzburgs bred via AI 1,200 commercial heifers, 150 registered heifers, 300 commercial cows, and 500 registered cows. “We are very cognitive of the growth factors and carcass traits. Ever since we have been able to use genomics on the registered side, we try to accelerate those genetics through the AI programs,” Bryan stated. The driving philosophy behind the AI program is to improve the genetics of the commercial herd THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

equally with the registered herd. It’s a management strategy Bryan’s been following since he started his herd after college. “We are trying to accelerate our genetics with the AI bulls we buy or identify as superior bulls, we are trying to produce commercial calves that check a lot of boxes for the feeders who buy them,” Bryan explained.

AI, also pays off when marketing their calves. They estimate they receive a 5-to-10 cent premium per head on their calf crop compared to similar types of calf groups.

When selecting matings the Ratzburgs keep in mind their end product. “I am a commercial guy at heart, I like the registered business too, but my commercial cows are special because what I started with was breeding commercial cows. So, always in the back of my mind is what my commercial cows are going to look like in the end,” Bryan said. The strong maternal genetics play a key role in the viability of the herd especially in the challenging climate of northern Montana. The extra work the Ratzburgs put into their commercial herd through 17

ET PROGRAM Bobcat Angus values its ET program. The ET work has accelerated the quality of the registered females and helped the herd maintain average or above EPDs. The Ratzburgs put in 250 embryos each year from their donor pen of five to six Angus females. They utilize Angus cows out of their own herd as their donors. Occasionally, Bobcat Angus will purchase a donor female to infuse a different set of genetics into the herd. Bobcat Angus operates with two calving seasons. Fall calving runs from the middle of August 18

through October and then the next calving season starts in February and ends in March. Each calving season requires all hands-on deck. Though Rebecca works fulltime in the healthcare industry in a nearby town, she travels home most weekends to help on the ranch. Throughout calving season, she picks up the weekend shifts to give the crew a bit of a break. When calving during the cold months, the family utilizes a large barn built seven years ago to shield the newborn calves from the elements. The barn can house up to 110 pairs at a time. The pastures

also contain calf barns and other wind breaks to protect the calves during inclement weather.

UNIQUE SALE OFFERING One of the unique aspects of Bobcat Angus resides in its diverse sale offering. When customers come to Bobcat Angus’s sale, they can view a representation of the Ratzburgs’ herd through the years. The sale is comprised of bred heifers, yearling and 2-year-old bulls, 2 and 3-yearold cows, and 8 to 10-year-old cows. Customers from Montana, Idaho, the Dakotas, Nebraska, and WyDecember 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

oming as well as other states purchase Bobcat Angus bulls and females. Bobcat Angus’s production sale in 2023 will feature 160 bulls and 900 females.

BUILDING A NAME The family takes pride in the cattle operation they have developed through the years. For more than a decade, Bobcat Angus has displayed its cattle at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS). The family participates in the NWSS as an avenue to build Bobcat Angus as a well-known name in the cattle industry.

Though those factors are critical to the family’s success, the most important ingredients in Bobcat Angus’s wheelhouse are passion and grit. Without those driving forces, it would be nearly impossible to operate a large, thriving cattle ranch in the oftentimes vicious and variable climate of Big Sky Country. learn more bobcatangus.com

Maternal power coupled with strong carcass and growth characteristics serve as the cornerstones of the Bobcat Angus operation. The commercial cattle herd serves as a proving ground for the registered operation producing consistency and reliability throughout both herds.

19TH ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE: December 15, 2023 12:30pm MST - Great Falls, Mont.

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

2021 ROV SHOW BULL OF THE YEAR!

TREMENDOUSLY SOUND WITH HAIR!

WB Pendleton Sire of high sellers & champions!

STAG Good Times Ultra Hot 24 Karat x Style x Phyllis!

Silveiras Forbes ‘21 Cattlemen’s Congress Champion!

Silveiras Haras Primal Primo’s exciting, fancy full sib!

Hill Valley Reckoning Outcross to Style & First Class with extra mass, look & structure!

Musgrave Sky High CED 8 $B 141

Mahogany Prime Exciting Style son!

Riverstone Vegas Cool KR Casino son

Lazy JB Ego NWSS Champion!

Conley No Limit Beautiful balance & HOT sire!

A MUST USE TURNING POINT SON!

S&R Stability Style son with extras!

HCL High Point B.O.B. ‘23 High Point high seller! Outcross phenom!

Collison Alpha Exciting, bold, and complete!

SAC CashIn BN46 CED -3 $B 202

Conley South Point 8362 2020 NWSS Champion Bull!

9 Mile One of a Kind CED 17 HB 212

TWG Tango CED 13 HB 185

KCW Cotton’s Yellowstone CE outcross back to Cotton

KJ BJ Landmark 210 CE 2.5 CHB $121

H Montgomery Making champions!

Bar CK Red Empire Calving ease & elite API! RED HOT!

Rocking P Private Stock ‘22 Ft. Worth and ‘21 NAILE Champ!

CLRS Guardian CE 20 API 208

SJW Exit 44 Exciting NEW sire of champs!

Reckoning Creating champs & $$ with his first crop!

WOOD Ruthless NEW Relentless son!

WLE Black Mamba Hot Copacetic son!

WLE Copacetic CE 11 API 107

W/C Night Watch CE 18 API 151

W/C Fort Knox Newly Available!

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Public Enemy NEW, powerful IGWT son!

In God We Trust

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

2022 Ft. Worth Champion!

Conley Express 7211 Exciting new sire of champs!

PVF Blacklist Ultra-stout ‘must use’ Insight son!

Bushs Wingman NEW outcross/performance/profile sire with CE!

SCC SCH 24 Karat HOTTEST sire in the land!

Silverias Convoy 2022 CC Res Champ & ROV Jr Bull of the year!

Gateway Follow Me Cool profiled & stout!

Jensen Virtual Exciting Primo son: ‘21 Champ @ IA State Fair & MN Beef Expo!

MC SSF Night Sky 2021-22 Leading Show Bull of the Year!

BNWZ Dignity NEW & exciting Insight son!

Youngdale Defiance Canada’s finest genetics!

Bieber Stockman Exciting calving ease, EPDs, & look!

MANN Pinnacle New & exciting maternal bro to Red Box!

CFCC Notorious ELITE WhoMaker son!

ECR Shameless LONG necked show sire!

Showtime No Limit 88X x TCC Diana - AWESOME!

Carbon Copy 2019 NAILE Champion Charolais!

Redemption Hot Resource Son!

BOY Outlier Show Bull of the Year!

Lover boy Extremely popular calving ease Simmy!

Clear Advantage Vantage Point x Sugar C4. Awesome EPDs!

ACLL Fortune Excellent Hammer son!

TL Ledger Exciting Profit son!

W/C Red Bird Exciting Bankroll x Angel!

WHF/JS Woodford Exciting 3/4 by Firesteel x Summer donor. Multiple time CHAMP!

W/C Bet On Red Hot red sire at W/C & G-!

Onset High Percentage Chi

Quiet Man

JSF Ronan Outcross calving ease with look!

Tricked Out New Sensation by HIA!

Here 4 Good HIA son @ VanHove’s!

How Great Thou Art NEW, most exciting HIA son at Rodgers Cattle!

Chosen 1 HIA ultra-stout son

King Cobra HIA extremely fancy son

I Am Here Hot chrome!

Red Rocky 2 (Red Hot!)

Sparks will Fly with the HOTTEST Sires now available!

(573) 641-5270 for a free directory or view online at cattlevisions.com THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

PARTNER WITH THE BEST

UPCOMING SALES VISIT WITH US ABOUT THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE AT LINZ HERITAGE ANGUS THIS JANUARY

• JANUARY 3, 2024: GMC AND LINZ CATTLEMEN’S CONGRESS - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

• JANUARY 5, 2024: NATIONAL ANGUS BULL SALE CATTLEMEN’S CONGRESS - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

• JANUARY 3, 2024: DENIM AND DIAMONDS CATTLEMEN’S CONGRESS - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

• JANUARY 18, 2024: 8TH ANNUAL LINZ HERITAGE ANGUS BULL SALE - BYARS, OK

Fred linz | Owner BEN WEIS | HERD MANAGER: 312.439.0328 ANTHONY RANDALL | TIMPAS FEEDERS: 307.620.2890 22

312.439.0328 LINZHERITAGEANGUS.COM

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

Extension Education

University research you can use.

Matt Hille, DVM, MS, PhD Diagnostic Veterinary Pathologist and Nebraska Extension Specialist David Steffen, DVM, PhD, DACVP Diagnostic Veterinary Pathologist University of NE - Lincoln, UNL Beef beef.unl.edu

INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE OF CATTLE ABORTIONS When to involve your veterinarian and what happens next.

t’s fall, and for cow/calf producers throughout the region that often means it’s time to preg check. Confirming pregnancy in the herd is an important milestone in the overall cow/calf production system, but there’s still a lot that needs to go right before you’re admiring next year’s weaned calf crop. Unfortunately, reproductive losses can still happen between confirmation of pregnancy and calving. Beef producers and veterinarians often refer to any death loss before calving as an “abortion,” but in reality, true abortions only make up a portion of this loss. It is important to define some of the terms regarding reproductive losses: Early embryonic death: Loss of pregnancy in the period from conception to maternal recognition of pregnancy (implantation). This occurs approximately 17 days after initial fertilization. Late embryonic death: Fetal losses that occur from recognition of pregnancy (about 17 days post conception) until about 6 weeks post conception. Abortion: Fetal losses from 6 weeks of gestation to calving.

PRE-BREEDING CONSIDERATIONS TO MINIMIZE REPRODUCTIVE LOSSES Reproductive losses that take place earlier on in gestation usually do not result in an observed lost embryo or fetus. These cows will most often present as open or late bred cows at preg check, depending upon if they returned to heat. Diagnosing these cases can be difficult (if not impossible) since the inciting factor happened weeks or even months before the issue is identified. Early reproductive management practices can be essential in minimizing these losses. It is important to assure cows are in adequate condition by the start of breeding season. Pregnancy is a physiologic luxury, and will only happen and/or be maintained when the nutritional and physiologic needs of the dam are met, and continue to be met throughout the pregnancy. There is a strong correlation of body condition with conception rates and being on the “gain” trend if entering breeding can mitigate these early losses, particularly in second calf heifers. Low body condition score and marginal nutrition is a common

cause of infertility and early losses up to about 6 weeks. Routinely evaluating, recording, and addressing body condition scores in your cows before breeding and during early gestation is crucial. This type of methodical approach can provide useful data to troubleshoot reproductive losses when consulting with a veterinarian or herd nutritionist, should they occur. Another important pre-breeding management tool is to ensure breeding soundness exams are performed on bulls each year. Approximately ~10% of adult beef bulls will fail a breeding soundness exam each year. The timing of these exams is important. Testing bulls too early in the year creates potential for infection, fever, or injury prior to turnout. It is recommended to re-test newly purchased bulls, even if tested prior to purchase for the same reason. Testing bulls immediately before turnout can be problematic as well if there is not adequate bull power available if there is an unexpected failure rate. This means when to test bulls will vary from ranch to ranch. The ideal scenario would be to test bulls as close to turnout as possible,

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

but leave enough time to find replacement bulls if needed. This will also allow bulls to be re-tested if they failed due to a treatable issue. Performing breeding soundness exams in the breeding pasture, where bulls that pass the exam exit the chute and immediately join cows works great; until it doesn’t. I have personally had several instances where the producer had more bulls fail the exam than they anticipated, and they were left short on bull power with minimal options for immediate quality replacements. Some very basic discussions early on with your veterinarian surrounding breeding management can help minimize these issues.

WHEN TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT ABORTIONS Normal rates for reproductive losses in cattle can vary substantially between operations based on a number of factors including farm specific management, time of year, breed composition, and geographic region. Therefore, the number of abortions that should be cause for concern will vary, and published thresholds of acceptable losses range widely from ~2% - 8%. You

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

will need to develop a threshold for concern based on past experiences. Typically, we suggest a 2-2.5% rate of mid to late term abortions to be expected for the average herd in Nebraska. Regardless, knowing your own herd and your management strategies, should help define your action threshold. If in doubt, it is never a bad idea to discuss losses with your veterinarian early on and potentially even hold samples to allow for a retrospective look if more abortions occur. Your veterinarian works with numerous producers in the area, and may have insight into ongoing losses across many herds that may help explain your own. The cost-benefit ratio and a willingness to act upon any findings are important to consider before sending specimens to the lab for further diagnostics. Investigating reproductive losses when it is not warranted or without predetermined goals and action plans can be financially inefficient. Waiting too long to investigate loses opportunity for earlier interventions and potentially mitigating further losses. Thus, having a defined herd reproductive plan developed with your veterinarian can assure sample preservation and avoid the pitfalls of diagnostic inefficiency.

Developing an overall herd health plan with your veterinarian can improve the recognition of preventable reproductive losses and enable preventative management strategies. Photo credit Troy Walz.

Recording data such as breeding dates, pregnancy dates, and birth dates of calves can be helpful in addressing reproductive failure. This data will allow retrospective calculations of pregnancy rates over 21 day intervals and can help identify periods in early gestation where bull factors might be impacting the calf crop. Healthy breeding bulls can cover for “bad” bulls for a short period, but can also start to fail from overuse and this type of data can help provide a clue. Clues toward an early bull failure may help guide future bull-cow ratios or the number of cleanup bulls to use

in subsequent years. This can allow you to optimize the usage of bulls to moderate cost, but prevent catastrophic infertility and also return to your ideal calving window if it has been prolonged over time. When a dead near term calf is found, it is important to distinguish whether the case represents abortion, a stillbirth, or perinatal death. A prolonged or difficult birth (dystocia) that goes unnoticed can resemble a late term abortion. Also, a live calf that dies before rising and nursing can appear as an abortion or a stillbirth. The list of differential causes in these cases can be quite different. Meconium or fecal staining on the skin (giving rise to a brown-yellow discoloration) is an indicator of fetal distress since calves will defecate in utero during a dystocia. If you see this, it is suggestive that the particular death was possibly due to a dystocia that wasn’t noticed. Swelling of the face, neck, and tongue of the dead calf are also indications of dystocia. In the absence of these signs, a post mortem exam (i.e. a necropsy) by 26

your veterinarian can be beneficial. One important component of a necropsy is to determine if the calf died in utero or shortly after birth. Inspecting the lungs can give important clues as a live calf will usually take a breath and inflate the lungs. These inflated lungs will often appear lighter pink compared to the darker red seen in collapsed or non-inflated lungs. Partial or fully inflated lungs indicate either an issue with birthing or a failure to thrive after birth and a necropsy can help to correctly characterize these calves. Perinatal losses (death shortly after birth) can be due to dystocia and result in an oxygen deprived calf being born alive. They can also be due to inadequate nutrition during the last trimester of pregnancy. The losses can be the result of vitamin and/or mineral imbalances, particularly if the majority of gestation takes place in a dry lot with stored feed or byproducts being fed. It is critical to properly account for loss of nutrients in stored feeds in these non-grazing situations. A necropsy will often

allow proper characterization of the death, but will rarely have gross abnormalities that provide definitive diagnosis. If indicated, your veterinarian may recommend further diagnostics in an attempt to narrow down the possibilities or determine a cause for the losses. The diagnostic laboratory is useful to evaluate infectious causes of abortion, inherited anomalies, and some nutritional aspects that can impact birth rates and calf survivability. The causes within these groups are numerous, and detailing each specifically is outside the scope of this discussion. But, by either submitting the entire aborted fetus or submitting samples from specific tissues to the diagnostic lab, veterinary diagnosticians can look to confirm or rule out some of the more common causes. Diagnosticians at the laboratory will review the case, order appropriate tests, and aid in the interpretation of the results. Including a complete history improves the chances of obtaining a definitive diagnosis and can keep costs down. Most diagnosticians December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

are happy to discuss the case prior to investigation to help guide sample collection. The more common tests performed include microscopic examination of the tissues, bacterial culture, and toxicological or nutritional analysis of fetal tissues. PCR tests are also common and allow for highly sensitive detection of small amounts of nucleic acid from viruses or bacteria known to cause bovine abortions. The results are interpreted in context with the goal to assist your veterinarian in treatment or preventative management in the herd. Unfortunately, the majority of abortion workups in veterinary diagnostic labs result in a diagnosis of “idiopathic abortion”, which is a fancy way of saying we don’t know what caused the abortion. The poor success rate of obtaining a definitive diagnosis for abortions is likely due to a number of factors. One of these factors is that some of these cases are not true abortions. There are undoubtedly cases pursued as abortions that are dystocias, failure to thrive, or due to nutritional or stress factors not evident in routine lab examinations. Working cows that are very near full term can induce physiologic stress causing endogenous steroids to be released that result in pregnancy termination. The same type of stress can happen in extraordinary weather events like snow storms. These types of abortions leave no detectable evidence in the tissues of the fetus and end up being classified as idiopathic if examined in the lab. The cost of an abortion workup varies by laboratory, but it is not uncommon to end up with several hundred dollars in testing fees. This highlights the importance of working with your veterinarian to establish thresholds for intervention, a diagnostic sampling plan, and to establish goals for using the diagnostic data obtained. THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

Receiving a diagnosis of an “idiopathic abortion” does not necessarily mean the investigation was not useful. As veterinarians and veterinary diagnosticians, our goal is to promote herd health and help inform management decisions. Some causes of abortions in cattle can cause abortions rates of 50% or more, and ruling out these causes with negative test results can provide value. That is, sometimes knowing what did not cause the abortion is as important as knowing what did cause the abortion.

TIPS FOR PRODUCERS DEALING WITH SUSPECTED ABORTED CALVES » Remove the dead calf from the pasture or pen to prevent predation. » Keep the carcass cool until it can be examined by your veterinarian or shipped to the diagnostic lab. » It may be desirable to freeze back select samples from early losses to be available if the threshold for action is reached. » When possible, obtain the expelled placenta in addition to the fetal carcass. Placenta is a valuable sample if additional diagnostics are pursued and increases the likelihood of a diagnosis in abortions caused by infectious agents. » Ingestion of pine needles in excess can cause abortions in cattle. Historically this has been a difficult diagnosis to make beyond speculating based on the history of access and potential ingestion. Recently, we have been able to test aborted fetuses and confirmed this as the cause in a number of abortion cases in areas of Nebraska where cows have access to pine needles. If you suspect this may be the case in an abortion, let your veterinarian know. The sample of choice to test for pine needle abortion is thoracic fluid from the aborted fetus.

TAKE HOME MESSAGES Determining the cause of embryonic losses early in gestation is extremely difficult since the losses often happen well before we’re aware there is an issue. Developing an overall herd health plan with your veterinarian can improve the recognition of preventable reproductive losses and enable preventative management strategies. Special attention should be made regarding the nutritional status of the herd, reproductive health of the bulls, record keeping, and a proactive vaccination schedule to combat infectious causes. Average annual abortion rates can vary widely from ranch to ranch. Use your own previous years’ experiences with your herd to help you decide when abortions reach an abnormal level. If in doubt, call and discuss the situation with your veterinarian to determine if investigating the losses is warranted. It is not practical to investigate every suspected abortion due to the associated costs. Confirming suspected cases as true abortions, as opposed to death loss due to a difficult birth or failure of a live calf to thrive is the first step in determining whether further investigation is warranted. Diagnostic workups for abortions historically have low rates of success in determining a definitive cause. However, ruling out causes of abortion via negative test results can provide valuable diagnostic data. There is always value in knowing what did not cause increased abortions in your herd. Courtesy University of NE - Lincoln, UNL Beef

Interviews with the authors of BeefWatch newsletter articles become available throughout the month of publication and are accessible at: www.go.unl.edu/podcast.

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o o

Combining

Performance, Mot hering Abilit y and Carcass

By Sarah Hill photos courtesy Sletten Family

The Sletten family from South Dakota has built-up their Angus herd from scratch and achieved much success in the Angus breed.

Most cattle producers want to raise a herd that has the complete package - strong carcass genetics, mothering ability, and high reproductive performance. Sletten Angus, Faith, S.D., has found the sweet spot, pro-

ducing high-quality cattle that have influenced herds across the Midwest - and even abroad.

John Sletten grew up near Faith and his father, Wayne, was a veterinarian, so he was constantly around

cattle. He worked on ranches during summers in high school, gaining experience and learning from his employers. His expertise with cattle grew even more when he became his father’s veterinary assistant—a role John held until he began ranching full time. “I always wanted to be a rancher,” John Sletten said. “There were some hard times, but giving up never was in the equation.” John also served for 20 years in the National Guard, helping to build bridges during his service in three different countries. He says he’s proud to have served his country.

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

above The Sletten family (l-r): Tammy, John, and Jessica.

STARTING A HERD “We started out in 1985 by buying seven purebred Angus cows from Tom Foley in Phillip, S.D.,” John said. “From there, we grew the herd, through buying and using our own replacement females, until we were up to 500 head in 2008. My brotherin-law, Dan Jordan, let us run cattle on his land and helped us a lot.” The Sletten family - John, his wife, Tammy, and their daughter, Jessica - leased a ranch starting in 1997 and started ranching full time. In 2012, the Slettens bought their own ranch from Gene Lund, and downsized the operation to about 200 head, which is the herd size they have maintained ever since.

above Sletten Reliable, raised by Sletten Angus.

they want to build-up the herd. In the past, they have used Rockn D Ambush 1531 and B/R New Frontier 095, whose daughters have performed very well for the family. Currently, Sletten Angus is using G A R Home Town, HCC Whitewater 9010, Crawford Guarantee 9137, Sitz Resilient 10208, Bar R Jet Black 5063, MW DNAmite, KR Incredible 8205, KR Incredible 9119, G G Raptor, and Crouch Congress daughters are looking really good. “We look for easy-keeping, big vol-

ume females with good feet and good udders that breed back every year,” he said. Females calve out from February 1 through the end of March in a calving barn. The Slettens work with an independent nutritionist to design a TMR based on how many pounds they want their females and bulls to gain. “We use hay, silage from our neighbors, wet distiller’s grains, and a pellet specially for females or bulls from Hubbard in the TMR,” John said.

EASY-KEEPING, BIG-VOLUME FEMALES John said mothering ability was what initially drew him to the Angus breed. “We have been very happy with Angus cattle,” he said. “They combine performance genetics, and we have been working on improving the carcass side of the equation, too.” The Sletten family utilizes artificial insemination for all of their females, breeding in May and retaining females as replacements when THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

as, and Wyoming. “In 2007, we even sold 50 females and one bull through a private treaty sale to Russia,” John said. The operation has had success in the show ring, too. In the late 1990s, Sletten Angus took champion bull and champion heifer honors at the Black Hills Stock Show. In 2000, the champion bred heifer was a Sletten Angus female. The operation has also taken champion pen of three at their local fair in Faith on several occasions over the decades.

BUILDING SUCCESS Bulls are identified before weaning and then sorted out for development. The operation hosts an annual bull and female sale in February, where they sell about 80 bulls and 30 females. In 2023, Sletten Angus celebrated its 35th annual sale. Over the years, the operation has sent bulls and females to California, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Tex-

This past summer, Sletten Angus was a stop on the South Dakota Angus Tour, an exciting milestone for the family. John said he wants to keep improving the operation’s efficiency and animals’ feet, udders, and performance.

“The Angus breed is getting more EPDs for everything, and we are trying to make ours the best that we can - even if it is impossible to do it all,” he said. “We want to raise docile cattle that are good performers with strong carcass numbers behind them.”

LESSONS LEARNED Along the way, the Slettens have learned many powerful lessons. One of them is the importance of keeping the ranch finances in check—a task that John credits Tammy with. “You need a wife who’s a good businessperson, and I have one,” he said. “It takes both of us, and we’ve learned to watch the bottom line closely. You don’t need to buy everything.” John added that, as a first-generation rancher, he has surrounded himself with successful people to learn from their experiences. “We’ve been blessed with people who have helped us along the way,” he shared. “That’s the only way we could’ve done it. Pray for the best. There’s a lot of things that will set you back but keep going the best you can.” learn more slettenangus.com

ANNUAL SALE: February 12, 2024 1 pm MST - Faith, S.D.

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

CLRS Guardian 317G ASA# 3563436 CE BW WW YW ADG MCE MM MWW MB REA $API $TI 14 -2.8 102 154 .32 10 27 78 .82 1.30 207 116 Adj. WW: 735 lbs..

R Plus Yuma 9087G ASA# 3979132 CE BW WW YW ADG MCE MM MWW MB REA $API $TI 7 3.4 88 135 .29 .1 21 65 -.12 .75 111 75 ADj. WW: 880 lbs.

HCC Whitewater 9010 ASA# 4034285 CE BW WW YW ADG MCE MM MWW MB REA $API $TI 19 -3 90 153 .39 13 20 64 1.17 1.29 173 102 Adj. WW: 714 lbs.

KBHR Honor H060 ASA# 3789447 CE BW WW YW ADG MCE MM MWW MB REA $API $TI 17 -2.1 81 125 .28 11 31 71 .73 1.20 191 101 Adj. WW: 819 lbs.

Friday, January 26, 2024 • 1:00 pm CST Sale Location: At the farm, Dahlen, ND

Selling:

24th Anniversary

75 Yearling Simmental and SimAngus™ Bulls 30 Open Yearling Heifers Other sires include: KBHR Gunsmoke J131, KS Net Income H433, Poss Deadwood, KS Vanderbilt G220, WS Epic E152, RFS Bulletproof B42, Brown JYJ Redemption Y1334, and Ellingson Beefmaker Y113. Bulls will be SEMEN TESTED and GUARANTEED BREEDERS. Ellingson Guardian J141 ASA# 3940047 CE BW WW YW ADG MCE MM MWW MB REA $API $TI 17 -2.5 100 152 .32 9 24 74 .73 1.16 189 112 Adj. WW: 790 lbs.

For catalogs and information:

Terry Ellingson & Family Phone: 701-384-6225 Cell: 701-741-3045

Rockin H Captivate J75 ASA# 3991776 CE BW WW YW ADG MCE MM MWW MB REA $API $TI 19 -1.7 96 140 .28 10 32 80 .11 1.05 154 95 Adj. WW: 765 lbs.

SFG Cowboy Logic D627 ASA# 3208956 CE BW WW YW ADG MCE MM MWW MB REA $API $TI 15 .6 98 152 .34 10 23 71 .47 .88 159 100 Adj. WW: 612 lbs.

WS Proclamation E202 ASA# 3254156 CE BW WW YW ADG MCE MM MWW MB REA $API $TI 13 .4 100 149 .30 8 29 79 .57 .76 176 104 Adj. WW: 768 lbs.

HHS Georgia 802G ASA# 3627373 CE BW WW YW ADG MCE MM MWW MB REA $API $TI 16 -1.3 83 123 .25 11 20 61 .52 .76 175 94 Adj. WW: 668 lbs. Donor Cow.

5065 125th Ave. NE • Dahlen, ND 58224

email: tellings@polarcomm.com Guest Consignor:

Strommen Simmentals, Arthur, ND • 701-967-8320

The catalog and updated information (homozygous polled test, ultrasound and scrotal measurements) will be available online.

EPD as of 10.16.23

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

www.ellingsonsimmentals.com or www.simmental.org 35

Selling High Quality Chianina & Chiangus Genetics Heifers | Bulls | Bred Females | Genetic Opportunities

at Cattlemen’s Congress

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December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

Seeds in Season

Functional forage and pasture.

contributed article by Justin Fruechte, Ag Product Expert Renovo Seed, Brookings, S.D. renovoseed.com

PLANNING FORAGE BUDGETS T

he end of the year always brings on thoughts of improvement for next year. For cattle producers, it means looking at this year’s numbers and crunching next year’s budgets for nutrition, health, and breeding. Controlling costs and minimizing inputs is still the easiest way to forecast a profit when raising a commodity with a value that is out of your control. Projecting a forage budget needs to start by analyzing your feeding method and feed stuff needs. I think there are three feeding methods to focus on when developing feed budgets this winter: grazing, silage, and dry hay.

GRAZING SYSTEM Grazing will always be the lowest input option. Punching in a zero for harvesting expenses such as cutting, baling, and hauling can yield big savings. You’ll also save in your budget when you factor in the costs incurred during feeding. The downside to a grazing-only budget is the low upside from high value land, and the fact that there will be a time in some areas of the country when weather doesn’t allow the cattle to graze. I mention the high value land because there does become a threshold where there aren’t enough grazing days to offset potential income 38

from cash crops in certain scenarios. However, when you just want to be a cowboy or have all your owned land paid off, plant low cash input crops and let your cows feed themselves.

SILAGE SYSTEM If your feeding system is based around wet feed, you need yield. High tons per acre will quickly lower your cost/ton of feed in a high input system. I’ve been running comparisons of low input crops such as forage sorghum versus high input crops such as corn and the differing factor of a cheaper product is December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

always tons/acre generated. This means that on land in environments where potential is low for yield, you should plant low input crops. Vice versa if you have great producing soils that’ll crank out high tonnage crops, you can afford to increase your input costs. Remember that when calculating your cost per ton of silage you should always compare value on a dry matter basis. So, if your corn calculated out to be $45/ton and is 65 percent moisture, your actual cost on a dry matter basis would be $115/ton (at 10 percent moisture). Silage crops compared to hay crops generally have less waste and shrink, which will always lower your daily feed cost.

HAY SYSTEM In a hay feeding system your priority should be minimizing waste to lower your feed budget. Minimizing waste always starts with having a highly palatable product. Palatable hay starts with using a product with fine soft stems. Feeding hay with coarse stalks that aren’t utilized as feed increases shrink and increases your feed ration cost. Harvest costs for haying versus chopping are lower especially when yield is lower. This is one of the key reasons why high-quality low yielding crops should be hayed and low-quality, high yielding crops should be chopped. When calculating hay budgets, I really like to compare your cost/ton of hay produced to the value of hay purchased. Currently, we are in a high valued feed market, which now means we can likely produce hay under the market value.

Analyzing your feed crop acres and budgeting them for next year will get you in line with your livestock budgets. Eliminating and decreasing inputs on grazing scenarios will yield a higher return per cow. But, on the contrary, increasing inputs to increase yield will lower your cost per ton generated per acre. Understanding these dynamics and capitalizing on each side of the spectrum is what will keep your cows around with your forage budget. Photos courtesy Renovo Seed learn more renovoseed.com Renovo Seed, Brookings, S.D. The team of folks at Renovo Seed have roots that run deep in farming, agriculture, and in the overall respect for the landscape. They opened their doors in 1987 and continue to walk alongside farmers, ranchers, and landowners across thousands of acres throughout the Midwest.

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

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December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

45th Annual Production Sale

12249 55th St NE, Fordville, ND 58231 • Home: 701-384-6182 Darrell: 701-331-2587 • jarangus@polarcomm.com Jason: 701- 331-1164 • jalloangus@gmail.com @JALLOANGUSRANCH THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

By Cheryl Kepes photos courtesy Brandee Severtson

Boss

Brandee Severtson launches custom apparel business that caters to the livestock industry. I f someone would have told Brandee Severtson three years ago about the life she would be living today, there’s a good chance she wouldn’t believe them. A handful of years ago, Brandee was running her massage therapy business and enjoying her grandkids in Minnesota.

Now her life looks completely different, but equally rewarding. Brandee works side-by-side her significant other, Dean Volk, at his cattle operation in Butler, Mo. In May, she started her own custom T-shirt design business and boutique. “I would have never imagined it, but

I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason, and I feel like for some reason this was supposed to happen in my life, and I am 100 percent going with it,” Brandee Severtson shared.

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

CATTLE CONNECTION After an introduction by a mutual friend two and a half years ago, Brandee and Dean have forged ahead in life and business. “I met him, and we really hit it off and I kind of really fell in love with his cattle and thought that he was okay too,” Brandee lightheartedly joked. Though Brandee didn’t have a background in the livestock industry, it didn’t take long for her to make a strong connection with the Simmental and SimAngus cattle gracing the pastures at Volk Livestock. “I just really got into the whole love of cattle, and it has blossomed from there,” Brandee explained. “I jumped in with both feet and helped him a lot with his cattle operation.”

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

The couple relocated Volk Livestock from Nebraska to Missouri in November of 2022. Volk Livestock specializes in producing Simmental and SimAngus cattle that are competitive in the show ring. Additionally, Dean and Brandee travel the country to torch cattle hair and trim feet.

BARN BOSS BOUTIQUE Due to the long stretches of time Brandee and Dean are on the road for work, she wanted to find a way to drum up additional income yet have a flexible schedule. After contemplating various ideas, she landed on a custom T-shirt and apparel business called Barn Boss Boutique. “I wanted to do something that generated income outside of cattle, but I didn’t want to be away from home,” Brandee said.

The name for the business stems from the nickname she has acquired from the time she spends breaking weaned calves and working with Volk Livestock show cattle. “The whole name behind Barn Boss Boutique is, Dean always joked about the fact that I was his show barn boss because I took care of the cattle in the show barn. So, that is how I came up with the Barn Boss Boutique name,” Brandee stated. 45

STARTING THE BUSINESS Before launching the business, Brandee poured time into finding all the information required for startup, design, and execution. “It has been a lot of research. There is a lot more to it than I thought there would be. You don’t just buy a heat press and make a T-shirt,” Brandee said. The laborious amount of research paved a smooth path for the fledgling operation. “I haven’t run into anything that has been a big struggle. I think a lot of that has to do with when we first decided to do this, I sat for hours and researched and researched. And I think that helped,” Brandee shared.

GROWING THE BUSINESS Brandee operates the business out of her basement. She takes custom orders for T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other promotional items. Ranchers, farmers, sports teams, businesses, and organiza46

tions reach out with specific design requests and Brandee brings their ideas to life. She also works with agricultural producers to come up with unique, customized items they can give to people who attend their sales or visit their operations.

FUTURE PLANS While her focus is squarely on growing the custom promotional items and apparel sector of Barn Boss Boutique, expansion plans are already in the works. Currently, Brandee is creating an online boutique where she sells clothes, handbags, and accessories.

Though it may seem as if Brandee has taken on many new roles and ventures in recent years, there’s still one more priority in play. “If I am going to do all the work in the show barn then I think I should be able to show the cattle at the shows. My project this winter is to learn everything I need to learn to be able to show a cow,” Brandee shared. And that friends, was spoken like a true barn boss. learn more barnbossboutique.com

After the online boutique is in full swing, the next step is to take it on the road. When Brandee and Dean travel to cattle shows, eventually she would like to bring a pop-up boutique to sell her inventory. But for now, the business plan is to focus primarily on the custom promotional items while growing the other portions of Barn Boss Boutique. December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

Armstrong Angus Ranch

70 Private Treaty Commercial Bred Heifers Available starting the end of October

December 13, 2023 online bull sale ends 70 Forage developed 18 month bulls 8 hand picked heifer yearling bulls Join us at ranch for lunch on the 13 for closing bids Society says this is obese and unhealthy.

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CHAD & TRISTA ARMSTRONG Home: 406-287-3212 Cell: 406-224-0586

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December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

Annual Production Sale

JANUARY 14, 2024 2:00 PM CST - AT THE FARM - COOPERSTOWN, ND

Selling 2 REGISTERED OPEN HEIFERS

65 TWO-YEAR-OLD RED ANGUS BULLS 100 COMMERCIAL BRED HEIFERS

RLC Maximizer 137K RAAA#: 4695669

RLC Ambition 201K

DOB Act. BW Adj. 205 03/28/2022 86 700

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RLC Maximizer 136K

DOB Act. BW Adj. 205 03/28/2022 93 758

RLC Maximizer 134K

DOB Act. BW Adj. 205 03/27/2022 93 785

RLC Cold Front 110K

DOB Act. BW Adj. 205 03/18/2022 97 697

RLC Fantastic 116K

DOB Act. BW Adj. 205 03/19/2022 75 721

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DOB Act. BW Adj. 205 05/23/2022 92 729

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DOB Act. BW Adj. 205 05/15/2022 71 706

RAAA#: 4695665

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RAAA#: 4695587

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Veterinarian View

Health & Reproduction questions answered and explained.

contributed article by Dr. Vince Collison Collison Embryo and Veterinary Services, Rockwell City, Iowa collisonembryoservices.com

CONSIDERATIONS FOR EMBRYO COLLECTIONS ON HEIFERS O

ne of the things we recently have been asked about by several clients is, “What do you think about collecting a heifer?” While there is really no right answer, there are several things to consider based on our experience of collecting heifers. With either IVF or conventional flushing, we recommend that the heifer has had at least two natural heats before proceeding.

CONVENTIONAL COLLECTIONS We have performed conventional flushes on virgin heifers with good success. You improve your odds of success by having the heifer well grown out and in a normal body condition. We have conventionally collected some show heifers that are over-conditioned, and this can be detrimental to superovulation response. Also, when heifers are over-conditioned it can make the collection process more difficult to perform. As mentioned before with cows, if the heifers are on a high concentrate ration, it can also have a detrimental effect on the superovulation response. Try to have it so the heifers have access to grazing or grass hay to increase their fiber intake. Energy derived from fiber versus concentrate seems to work the best.

SHOW HEIFER ISSUES Often the heifer that is to be flushed is a show heifer. One of the issues we’ve found is that when they are stimulated with FSH they will tend to want to shuck hair, which can be very counterproductive when trying to get a heifer ready for a targeted show. The other issue is that the heifers will go off feed sometimes or at least not eat as well. This is probably due to getting the heifer off her routine from getting injections twice daily during the setup process. Also, the ovaries are going to swell up during the superovulation process and this probably causes some abdominal discomfort to the heifer.

SINGLE EGG FLUSHES One way we have gotten around this is to do single egg flushes on show heifers. Basically, there is no superovulation done to the heifer, but when she comes into a natural heat we go ahead and AI her and then collect the single embryo. This has worked very well to at least get something going on a show heifer with minimal risk of her shucking hair and getting her out of her routine.

We have found embryos collected from single egg flushes to have very high pregnancy rates. This helps compensate for the expense involved with going after a single embryo. We have found that the recovery of a single embryo is higher if performed eight days after the standing estrus rather than seven days after heat as done with simulated cows. Also, we have found that the embryo collected on day eight tends to have the same development rate (stage) as an embryo collected from a stimulated cow on day seven. So do not be concerned with the embryo being too advanced when collecting at day eight on a non-stimulated collection.

RISKS The other thing about collecting a show heifer is there is always the risk of something going wrong. Although it is rare, there is always the possibility that there could be an infection from blocking the tail or an injury occur while in the chute for collection, to name a few. So, it is important to weigh the risk of something going

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

wrong versus the reward of getting something started early on a show heifer. My personal opinion is to give the heifer the very best chance of doing well in the show ring, it is best to wait to perform collections after the show career is over.

IVF COLLECTION The other option for collecting heifers is IVF. Producers will often want to pursue this option on heifers rather than conventional flushing. It is probably a good option for a heifer that is going to be sold in a sale and the owner wants to collect embryos prior to selling her. We have found that collecting these younger open heifers probably result in lower-than-average numbers being collected. Also, pregnancy rates on these embryos might not be as high versus if the heifer was a little older. Many of these collections are performed as non-stimulated aspirations, so possibly stimulating prior to collection would help to improve that. Probably a better option on heifers is to get the heifer pregnant first before performing any IVF collections. It varies heifer to heifer, but generally we can collect them via IVF until they are around 100 days pregnant.

STICKING TO A SCHEDULE To me it is a priority to get the heifer pregnant on schedule, so she calves at your targeted calving date. If you are wanting to collect a heifer prior to breeding and then she doesn’t get pregnant on schedule, there is always the issue of did collecting her push her back or is it really a case of the heifer was pushed back because of her

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

lack of inherent fertility or just poor timing on AI, etc. This is probably even more of a concern when doing conventional flushes on virgin heifers. This is where I feel getting a heifer pregnant first and on schedule is the bigger priority and then we can come in later and collect oocytes while she’s pregnant with IVF and still get some calves on the ground for next year out of the heifer. This is probably also a good option for someone that still wants to collect a show heifer. She will be bred up on time so she will look the part in the show ring and IVF can be performed without stimulation to reduce the risk of shucking hair. If you decide to collect embryos from a heifer these are some of the things to consider. As stated earlier, there is no right answer but we’ve learned from experience what may go wrong, especially

when it comes to show heifers. For some operations it is important to collect from heifers before they are sold, but maybe expectations for results may need to be lowered for younger heifers. If you are wanting to collect a replacement heifer, consider using IVF so that you can get her pregnant on time for her to calve with the herd. Then you can collect the heifer after she is 30 days pregnant. IVF is perfect for donor heifer collections because it gives you the best of both. Your donor heifer can calve on time and yet you can get some embryo progeny that are born within one to two months after the donor calves. learn more collisonembryoservices.com Dr. Vince Collison is co-owner of Collison Embryo and Veterinary Services PAC in Rockwell City, Iowa.

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For more information, contact: David Brown, Managing Director of Woolover® Limited | 214 Rutland Street | Papanui, Christchurch 8052 | david@woolover.co.nz THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

Tell us about yourself.

“

My husband, Edsel, and I have been married for 59 years. We have three children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. I spent the majority of my professional career working as a third-grade schoolteacher. The farm name of Matthews Coach’s Corral stems from Edsel’s long and successful career in athletics. He has close to four decades of experience in coaching and athletic administration. We are both retired and enjoy our time together and working on our registered cattle operation. We operate a cattle herd that includes Simmental, SimAngus, and Red Angus. The small herd is comprised of high-performance females. At Matthews Coach’s Corral we retain a core group of genetically proven cows and use selective AI to produce quality animals for ourselves and our customers. The “must have” qualities we require our females to possess include strong EPDs, structural soundness, and excellent phenotype. We sell most of our females and bulls via private treaty. Through the years we have developed a wonderful network of customers. In addition, we typically participate in the Missouri Simmental and Missouri Red Angus annual breed association consignment sales.

”

Where did you learn to cook?

In the kitchen with

Becky Matthews

“

Matthews Coach’s Corral - Fair Grove, Mo.

n e Kitch

STOCK

I learned to cook when Edsel and I first got married. It was just trial and error - thankfully he never complained.

”

What is your favorite thing to make?

“

Cowboy approved recipes used by our favorite country cooks.

My family loves my lasagna and it’s always a request for birthday celebrations. I make a big batch and my kids and grandkids always appreciate taking home any leftovers.

”

What is your favorite cooking tip/trick?

“

I try to find recipes that I can prepare before everyone arrives for family gatherings.

”

What is your least favorite job in the kitchen?

“

My least favorite job in the kitchen is trying to come up with new recipe ideas.

”

learn more matthewscoachscorral.com for printable recipes stockmanmag.com 54

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

LASAGNA

Beck y Matthews 1 lb. ground sausage 1 lb. ground hamburger 2 c. small curd cottage cheese 1 large pkg. shredded mozzarella 1 medium onion, diced 2 lb. can diced tomatoes ½ c. Parmesan cheese, grated 1 pkg. dry spaghetti seasoning mix 1 package lasagna noodles 2 eggs toBrown meat and onions, drain excess fat. Add diced and onions and meat to ning seaso etti spagh and s matoe simmer for 30 minutes until thickened. Meanwhile, cook . In the lasagna noodles accor ding to package instructions the Line e. chees ge cotta and eggs mix a separate bowl, es. bottom of a 9x13 inch pan with a single layer of noodl re, mixtu e chees ge Cover noodles with a third of the cotta t Repea es. chees esan Parm and meat sauce, mozzarella, de350 at a lasagn the Bake . layers more to make two grees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly. if I Note: I make this recipe with 2 pounds of hamburger do not have sausage.

NOODLE AND LETTUCE SALAD Becky Matthews

1 pkg. Ramen beef flavored noodles 1 (16 oz.) pkg. shredded lettuce ½ c. sliced almonds ½ c. sunflower seeds 1 /3 c. white vinegar ½ c. vegetable oil ½ c. sugar Flavor packet from Ramen noodle package

Combine vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar and flavor packet and shake. Refrigerate overnight. Right before serving breakup the Ramen noodles. Add noodles and dressing to lettuce and serve immediately.

SALE OFFERINGS: Sales by private treaty and consignments to breed association sales.

SAUSAGE BALLS Becky Matthews

1 lb. pkg. ground sausage 3 c. Bisquick pancake and baking mix 1 (8 oz.) pkg. shredded cheddar cheese ¼ c. water Combine sausage, Bisquick, and cheese in mixing bowl. Slowly add water a little at a time until the mixture is sticky enough to form balls. Make 2-inch balls and place on a cookie sheet. Bake sausage balls at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, until lightly brown on top.

Note: These are good to make in advance of having company. My family loves these for breakfast.

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

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THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

American Chianina Association 50th Anniversary Series By Heather Smith Thomas photos courtesy American Chianina Association

Part 4 - Ladies Auxiliary and Junior Association Reprinted with permission from the American Chianina Association

arly on, most of the women whose families took Chianina to Louisville weren’t actively involved in the care and fitting of cattle at the National Show. “It was exciting to watch and get to know people from all over the country,” recalls Deb Guens, who with her husband Ken, raise Chianina.

member when I started helping with the Auxiliary, we hauled all the merchandise down to Louisville for our booth,” Sue says. For several years, it required a trailer to haul all the merchandise from show to show. Dana Schrick from Texas and Sue Comer (and their spouses) did a great share of the hauling.

Wanting to be more involved, an enthusiastic group of women held their first organizational meeting in November of 1980. The first Chianina Ladies Auxiliary committee consisted of Kay Burk (Chair), Caren Jacobson, Frances Greenwell, Jane Freytag and Cindy Monroe.

“Ladies of the Auxiliary helped run the booth for the week,” says Sue. “I remember all of us standing on the cement in the barn all day to help raise money. We sold all kinds of merchandise to raise money for the Auxiliary - everything from glasses, shirts, jackets, pins and hats. Sometimes we’d leave there with $8,000 to $10,000 from the merchandise we sold. Now it is impossible to have a booth but we do sell T-shirts and we did a cookbook. We also auction off items at times to raise money to support our National Queen and Princess. Each year we hold a queen contest during the National Junior Heifer Show.” The auxiliary has been a great influence in supporting and encouraging youth.

The newly formed Auxiliary had several goals. “They wanted to help promote the breed, provide scholarships to young people and have a National Queen to represent them at the shows. To earn money for their programs they sold T-shirts, jewelry, handmade items, all featuring the flying bull with the American flag and the name Chianina on it,” Deb says. Sue Comer was president of the Auxiliary in 1983 and 1984. She and her husband Terry have been involved with Chianina for 43 years and reside in Lynn, Indiana. “I re58

“When I first started doing the Auxiliary merchandise I needed some place to ship it to, so I con-

tacted the NAILE office and asked if I could send it to them. Jan in the office said that I could send it there, so Jan and I quickly became friends. To this day we have lunch whenever I am in town,” says Sue. The most successful moneymaker was the auction of heifer bronzes created by artist Galen Struve. Auctioneer Stanley Stout sold 15 bronze statues on July 9, 1983, at the banquet during the ACA National Junior Heifer Show at Platte City, Mo., in conjunction with the dedication of the new ACA building. The 15 bronze heifer statues, signed and numbered, were designed to complete matched sets with the 15 bronze bull statues which were sold

above The flying bull was the first logo of the American Chianina Association. The Ladies Auxiliary sold pins with diamonds as the stars to raise money for the scholarship and queen programs.

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

on the cattle and were able to show them. A few of the ladies were awarded the high honor of Herdsman of the Year. They include Caren Jacobsen, (1989), Barb Ohlrichs, (1991), and Jill Boddicker Miller, (2005).” Jill also served several stints on the ACA Board as a Director and a term as Chairman of the Board. Julie McHale Hanson served as the ACA Board Secretary for many years.

team. Luncheons got smaller, but the friendships remained. We sold anything you could imagine. Our booth went from three or four tables of items that had to be hauled all over the country, to one or two tables of silent auction items,” Deb says.

Funds from sale of the heifer statues created a base which earned enough interest in those early years to annually award three or four $1,000 scholarships. The ACA Ladies Auxiliary continues to award at least two $1,000 scholarships each year along with some smaller scholarships, depending on the number of applicants. “We’ve given more than 80 scholarships over the years,” says Deb. The purpose of the scholarships is to assist junior members with their educational goals, whether in the field of agriculture, veterinary medicine or something else.

The big event for the Ladies Auxiliary each fall was the luncheon meeting and the day trips. “We went to Churchill Downs, Silvertowne, did some shopping excursions and more. Some of us had children in tow, and they became honorary Auxiliary members. This created some of the relationships that continue today,” Deb says.

Due to schedule changes at the show and the cost of things, the luncheon isn’t held anymore, but the Auxiliary has implemented some events at other shows to allow the group to get together.

In 1982, the first American Chianina Queen Committee was formed with Peggy Buck and Sue Comer heading it. The national Queen was selected from Chianina Queens representing the various regions. “We always had 8-10 contestants back then and the competition was fierce. It was a real honor to be asked to interview and select the future National Queen,” Deb says.

below ACLA members on one of many trips they took during shows. These day trips created relationships that have lasted over the years.

above 2001 ACA royalty candidates.

at auction during the 1981 National Western show in Denver.

“As time went on, it was difficult to get our members out of the barn to get together because more and more of the women had become an integral part of their families’ show

“At that time our meetings and luncheon were held at the Executive Inn across the road from the fairgrounds. Eventually we changed our format and started holding a “Come As You Are” luncheon and meeting in the west hall of the NAILE so the ladies in the barn could just come in their jeans to the meeting. We usually had 25 to 30 women at the luncheon.” This changed as time went on.

Deb joined the Ladies Auxiliary in 1986 and held a board position until about 3 years ago. “I was Secretary-Treasurer at the time. We have some younger women now who are stepping up with some fresh ideas. They sold T-shirts with the brands of a lot of Chi breeders’ farms on them. They’ve also started

“There were a few Auxiliary members who blazed the trail for the rest of us. Kay Burk served on the ACA Board of Directors from 1986 to 1988. There were others we admired because they also worked THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

American Chianina Association 50th Anniversary Series and we found her across the aisle, hugging the hind leg of Chiarrow Illustrator. The big white bull stood stock still, waiting to be rescued. That gentle giant reminded me of the old Arabian geldings my family had when I was young. I was hooked on this great cattle breed from that point on.”

above 2023 ACLA Scholarship Recipients. To date, the ACLA has awarded over $80,000 in scholarships.

getting together again at the National Junior Heifer Show. COVID set everyone back a little from the business at hand, but we are now raising funds again, promoting the cattle and keeping up with our good friends.” To illustrate some of the personal memories, Deb recalls that when her daughter Christina was little, the guys would go off to the barn very early to get all the cattle into the wash rack and be ready for the day and she and the toddler would do their own thing. “I would load Christina in the stroller along with anything else we might need for the day. We walked over to the barn from the old Executive Inn. One day Christina escaped from her stroller

Currently Sue Comer is trustee for the scholarships the Auxiliary gives to graduating seniors of the Junior association. “Each year juniors can apply for a scholarship and these range from $500 to $1,000. To date we have given 95 scholarships - a total of $82,000. This past year we had 4 junior members who applied for scholarships,” Sue says. “The Association used to have a banquet and had a live band come in. They’d give away awards and honor various members. A fun time was had by all who attended. We have a lot of good memories, and made a lot of friends from all over. My kids were with us at the show in Louisville from the time they were born and now have lifelong friends all over the country that they met originally at these shows. Now their kids are showing against the kids of people they showed against. Traditions carry on,” she says.

below For many years, the ACLA hosted a silent auction during the ACA National Show in Louisville, Ky. Money raised from this auction supported the national queen. Today, they utilize other fundraising opportunities to continue the queen program.

“Terry and I made many friends over the years. Some of our best friends don’t even live close to us; we’ve met them through cattle. In 2022 we attended the NAILE to watch our granddaughter, Claire show cattle. There is a special network of friends when cattle people get together, with common interest. We have come full circle,” says Sue. Many families have been deeply involved with Chian-

ina cattle, with the women being a part of the Ladies Auxiliary and their children involved in the Junior Association. Ken Culp III, Ph.D. (Department of 4-H Youth Development, Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Family Sciences, University of Kentucky) says his wife Nancy was on the board of directors of the Ladies Auxiliary at one time, and his daughter Kelsey is now president of the Ladies Auxiliary. “She is also the Queen coordinator. Our son-in-law Derek Evans is also serving on the ACA board of directors; he just began the first year of his second term. Our family has been very active in the ACA and all three of our girls received a $1,000 scholarship from the Ladies Auxiliary,” Ken says. Jill Boddicker Miller has been involved with all aspects of the breed. “My family in Iowa where I was raised had Chianina cattle that we showed. My parents got started with Chianina in the early 1980’s and my brother and I showed at the 1982 Junior National held in Waterloo, Iowa. I remember showing cattle with some of the early breeders and a lot of the local Iowa people, and even with 5J Chianina who is still active in the breed today. All of us kids grew up showing Chianina cattle together,” Jill says. Jill adds that the Ladies Auxiliary has been an integral part of it all, with scholarships for junior members and all they do for the kids. “This is the main purpose of our Ladies Auxiliary. Sue Comer, from day one, has supported that program and still supports it. These women are very dedicated and probably don’t get enough recognition. Some of them have put a lot of time, effort and thought into the junior program, and have done a lot over the years with the scholarships and money they have given,” Jill says. December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

AMERICAN JUNIOR CHIANINA ASSOCIATION In 1978, the ACA Board of Directors approved the establishment of a Junior Association (ACJA). Young cattlepersons under the age of 22 were eligible to become AJCA members. To encourage their participation in ACA activities, an annual National AJCA Heifer Show program was begun. The first AJCA National Heifer Shows were held in conjunction with the ACA National Open Show at the North American Livestock Exposition. In the summer of 1980 the AJCA National Heifer Show was held at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia, Mo.

many other chara ct e r-bu i ld i ng events. These AJCA Junior National events have grown from a 1-day heifer show to an entire week’s activities, becoming the largest yearly ACA show (the 2023 NJHS bosted more than 350 head of cattle exhibited by more than 400 exhibitors).

above 2007-2008 AJCA Board of Directors. Back Row: Shane McGlothlin, Andy Higgins, Blair Bryant, Jared Givens, Haley Hettmansperger, Segayle Foster. Front Row: Josh Nelson, Senee Foster, Ashley Quiggins, Katie Lehnert, Caleb Elrod.

Bob Vantrease, who was the third CEO for the ACA, says the Chianina Association has always had a good junior program. “The Junior Association is still probably the major part of it today. It is as good, or better, than the adult program, since so many kids are involved in showing Chianina cattle,” Bob says.

Ken Culp III says the junior program is part of what attracted his Every year since then a stand- family to this breed. “We chose alone AJCA National Junior Show the Chianina Association because has been staged each summer at we liked the cattle, but also bevarious venues across the U.S., cause they had such a good junior with expanded opportunities for program. I am a 4-H Youth Develjunior members to exhibit steers opment Specialist by occupation, and bulls, as well as participate in so working with kids and valuing youth development programs is very importbelow The stockman’s contest was one of the many contests offered to junior national exhibitors. Today, juniors can participate in public speaking, salesant to me,” he says. manship, team fitting, quiz bowl, photography, videography, showmanship and livestock judging.

It’s great when a breed association has a strong youth program. “The junior members are both the future as well as the life-blood of any breed association. We want to do our part to support the junior program,” says Ken. “Wayne and I don’t have children of our own but we are firm be-

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

lievers in the junior program,” Jill Miller says. “I was brought up in it. The young people are the future of our breed, especially in today’s world. At the shows in Louisville there used to be big breeders like Black Champ, Horsley, Beller, etc. with large strings of cattle, plus all the junior cattle. Those days are gone. So the success of our junior program is very important to our breed,” she says. “I am a firm believer in the junior program; our youth need guidance and help and we all need to provide that to them because they are paying attention - especially the younger ones. This is the age to get them interested and developing a good work ethic and focused on something like this. We need the junior members, so we must help them along as much as we can,” Jill says. Editor’s Note: This is Part 4 of a multi-part series. Watch for Part 5 coming soon. learn more chicattle.org

above Exhibitors at the 2001 NJHS - Kewanee, Illinois. 61

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this fat cattle deal to continue an s I wrote this article, we have upward trend going into the new received our first snowstorm of the winter and my four little ones could year and into spring. How high we canthe go,current that is the million-dollar not wait to throw on their snow A review of cattle market. pants and go play in the white stuff! question! Me on the other hand, not so excitThe higher fat cattle market is about leaving the warmth and contributed article ed by Kirk Lynch driving a higher price for the feeder Lynch Livestock Inc.comfort and Humeston Livestock Humeston, Iowa of my office.Exchange, It is because cattle market as well, even with the humestonlivestockexchange.com they are looking forward to joy and higher feedstuff inputs. We have fun and I am dreading frozen waseen some front end big strings ters and/or sick cattle. Either way, it of 800 pounds bringing well into is safe to say that winter is upon us! the sixties and some 600-pound

Sale Barn Study

percent more last year, mak supply of cow down, which be into next y cow and bull with the sam market.

The breedi been up and d cently, I hear commercial p $2,000 and th can buy all th I want for $1, are looking to now is the tim reasonably pr with increase are going to b ply over the n

cattle bringing into the seventies Now to look at some of the and eighties. Once again these are market reports that we have been some extreme tops. We have been seeing in the barns. The fat cattle market has been on a hot streak for trying to fill up our own lots as fast several weeks, until this past week, as possible, as I am not sure the when we experienced a slight dip feeder cattle are going to get any cheaper. We have been able to find in the market. We have seen some KirkatLynch, Lynch Livestock Inc., Waucoma, All good things must come tohighs an in month ago to and nowforties, we arebut seeingcattle cheaper prices than that IA the mid high Kirk is the beef division manager for Lynch Liveend, and it appears that has hapseveral cattle bringing in the mid and stock so when do projects these have been some extremes. Inc. andwe oversees all aspects ofthey their backpened in the last month in the cattle 70’s.cattle Once in again is all relative asare in grounding and cattle feeding operations throughthe black. Most cash the itcountry Wishing ev out Iowa and Kansas. He is also deeply involved markets. While things seem gloom last trading year at this time,level we were have been at forty or see- The in the newly re-opened Humeston Livestock cull cow and bull market hasEx- Christmas an and doom, I think we need to take ing fat cattle in the low 60’s. slightly higher the past couple of change in Humeston, Iowa. In addition, Kirk and his lagged the fat market, as from all it all in perspective and realize that fed there cow and bull market has wife Mary own and operate Heartland Simmentals weeks. I The expect to be a few thereIowa, have been aroundoperation six in Northeast which is a seedstock we are still in pretty good times held together probably as well asreports bumps in the road, but I expect that consists of 500 registered Simmental and with some excellent promising

MARKETS SLOW DOWN

anything. Still seeing some cows bringing $1.10 to $1.20 and seeing We have seen a dip in all the some bulls up to $1.30. Thinner and Lynch Livestock Inc., Waucoma, IA categories of the cattle business.Kirk Lynch, leaner cows and bulls are a differKirk is the Beef Division manager for Lynch Livestock The most notable is probably on ent story as there are plenty of them Inc. and oversees all aspects of their backgrounding the feeder calf side. While we areand cattle coming pasture and are feedingoff operations throughout Iowabeing and He is also deeply involved in the newly reseeing calves still bringing pret-Kansas. discounted pretty substantially. Livestock Exchange in Humeston, ty solid prices, we have seen themopened Humeston BeforeKirk theanddip Iowa. In addition, his in wifethe Marymarket own and we back off anywhere from $20 to $40.operate Heartland Simmentals Northeast were seeing some infall bredsIowa, and And honestly they needed to backwhich pairs is a seed stock operation that consists of 500 selling very well but that narSimmental and Angus cows. They have off for feeders to make them workregistered rative Gabrielle has changed as well and (5), that children: (8), Brayden (7), Vivian in the feedlots. Back in Septemberfour market and Bianca (1). is now all over the board. and the most part of October there We have seen just the start of some was not much of a dock for balling bred cows and heifers start to sell. calves. But just like every year as This market has been pretty soft, soon as the calendar hits Novem- but that market is nowhere near 112 ber and if your calves are not long established as no one is looking time weaned with a round or two of for bred stock to feed for the winshots in them, you are going to take ter compounded with the dip in the a pretty big hit. And that has been market. never truer than this year. Wishing everyone happy holiOn the fat cattle side of things, days - have a Merry Christmas and we have seen around a $10 dip in Happy New Year! the cash markets in the country but probably more along the lines of $15 to $20 in the barns. We were seeing several bringing $1.90ish a times ahead.

Angus cows. They have four children: Gabrielle (9), Brayden (8), Vivian (6), and Bianca (2).

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December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

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In the News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HEREFORD JUNIORS AWARDED OVER $180,000 AT THE AHA ANNUAL MEETING

the work ethic young people learn growing up in the Hereford breed sets them apart in today’s workforce. The foundation is proud to carry on Jack and Donna’s legacy through this prestigious scholarship program. The 2023 Vanier Scholarship recipients are:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ten National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members received the prestigious $10,000 Vanier Family Scholarship during the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting and Conference in Kansas City, on Oct. 20. Since 2008, the Vanier family of CK Ranch in Kansas has awarded scholarships to Hereford youth, and since 2016, they have annually given $100,000 in HYFA scholarships, totalling more than $800,000 to assist NJHA members as they work hard to better their education. “The Vanier Family name and HYFA are synonymous with supporting Hereford youth and over their lifetimes, the late Jack and Donna Vanier gave so much to so many, in the most humble way,” said Amy Cowan, director of youth activities and foundation for the AHA. “The foundation is built on the pillars of scholarship, leadership, research and education, and we are so grateful to the entire Vanier family for all they have given and all they have done to pave the way for youth in agriculture through scholarship and education.” The Vanier family is proud of the NJHA members and believes 66

• • • • • • • • • •

Molly Biggs, Dixon, Ill. Blake Bruns, North Platte, Neb. JW Cox, Flemingsburg, Ky. Lauren Gatz, Fairview, Kan. Clayton Hayes, Ada, Okla. Trevor Johnson, Centerville, S.D. Lauren Jones, Darlington, Wis. Savay Sexton, Cost, Texas Logan Topp, Carrington, N.D. Rusty Wolf, Alexandria, Ky.

Molly Biggs, Dixon, Ill., is a senior at Kansas State University majoring in agricultural communications and journalism with dual minors in animal sciences and industry and mass communications. She has career goals of communicating with consumers and increasing transparency between producers and consumers. “Wherever I go, I aim to impact the industry through communication and consumer education. I dream to be a lifelong Hereford breeder and advisor to a junior association, giving back to an industry that has given me so much,” said Biggs. Blake Bruns, North Platte, Neb., is a junior at Kansas State University studying animal sciences and industry while competing on the livestock judging team. Following his bachelor’s degree, Bruns wants to pursue a master’s in beef cattle nutrition and aspires to work for a university and eventually manage a purebred beef unit in the future. He says a career focused on these goals would combine his interests in the production aspects of the purebred

industry as well as give him the opportunity to work with young people, leaving a lasting impact on those that he interacts with. JW Cox, Flemingsburg, Ky., is in his first year at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, with goals of following in his late step-father’s footsteps to become a large animal veterinarian and start his own practice with a focus on embryology. He has worked with 4-H, FFA and other youth organizations, assisting with showmanship and animal care techniques. “Just working as a group leader and getting to help out all of those kids was one of my favorite things. Just getting to be involved and help hopefully shape these young people into showmen, breeders and great leaders in this industry that we all love so much,” Cox said. Lauren Gatz, from Fairview, Kan., is a junior at Kansas State University studying agricultural communications and journalism. Having previously served as the National Hereford Queen and currently serving her first year on the NJHA board of directors, she is extremely involved in the Hereford breed. “I’m positive that I will stay connected through my involvement in the local 4-H program and the NJHA,” Gatz said. “In my future career, I aspire to advocate for the agricultural industry, bridging my passion for service with my chosen profession.” Clayton Hayes, Ada, Okla., is a freshman at Oklahoma State University studying natural resources ecology and management, with future career goals of working for the state of Oklahoma as a game warden. He says, “Oklahoma is an ecologically diverse state and rich in wildlife habitats. Training and educating December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

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THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

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(...con t inued)

individuals to be good stewards of Oklahoma’s resources and upholding wildlife laws is important.” Trevor Johnson, of Centerville, S.D., is a senior at Kansas State University studying agribusiness. Johnson’s dedication to Herefords and the beef industry starts with the commercial sector and feedlot industry, where he participated in the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout and has spent his summers interning for feedyards. Johnson says, “Since high school, I have had career aspirations of working into a feedlot management career with the intent of making a lasting impact on both the cattle and beef industries and earning induction into the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame.” Lauren Jones, Darlington, Wis., is a junior working to receive her degree in animal science with a concentration in livestock merchandising from Oklahoma State University. She has completed several internships, including a Simmental National Classic Show internship and a communications internship with Tanbark Consulting, while serving her final year on the NJHA board of directors. “I have interest in multiple potential careers including nutritionist, embryologist and veterinarian. I am focused on taking classes that push me towards my degree, but also keep my foot in the door of each career avenue that I am exploring,” Jones says. Savay Sexton, Cost, Texas, is a freshman at Texas A&M University studying agriculture leadership and development. “My career goal is to work in international agritourism, bringing people together to have agricultural experiences to grow their understanding of agriculturists’ dedication to creating a safe and wholesome food supply,” Sexton says. “I will do this by coordinating 68

tours across the United States and Europe, showcasing agriculture entities and how the effects of policy, culture, technology, history and legacies weave together.” Logan Topp, Carrington, N.D., is in his junior year at Kansas State University studying animal sciences and industry with a business option. His goal is to return to the family ranch operation after gaining experience in the cattle feeding and packing industries. Topp says, “Knowing more about how the whole industry works can help us improve how we manage our ranches.” He is also hoping to bring back more hands-on experience in finance management and cattle merchandising. Weston Wolf, Alexandria, Ky., is in his sophomore year working towards a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky. His future goals are to work alongside farmers and ranchers in their financial management and marketing. Wolf is active in different programs supporting those with autism, and has learned from those programs himself, stating, “The most important traits that I have acquired that will help me through college and my career are patience, communication, empathy and compassion. I know that whatever career I choose, I will have to communicate and work with others and I am grateful that the lessons I have learned through those who battle autism will assist me in all of my endeavors.” “The foundation takes great pride in our scholarship program and the opportunities we are able to provide to assist our young people throughout their college journeys,” Cowan says. “The selection committee continues to be impressed by the high caliber of applicants and are

confident that today’s NJHA members will be tomorrow’s leaders in whatever industry they pursue.” The scholarship fund is the bedrock of HYFA and countless youth are benefactors of its mission. This last fiscal year, the foundation celebrated net assets reaching $6.3 million and in total $221,500 was given back to Hereford youth to assist with their college educations. -FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANGUS GENETICS, INC. RELEASES FUNCTIONAL LONGEVITY RESEARCH EPD Now available in a research EPD format, functional longevity (FL) evaluates how long Angus cows stay in the herd and how many calves they produce. The Functional Longevity (FL) research expected progeny difference (EPD) was released by the American Angus Association® for breeders on October 25. The trait’s purpose is to help further characterize relevant maternal traits, which aim to increase the long-term success of breeders and profitability of cow-calf herds. The Angus Genetics Inc (AGI®) research team, which conducts the breed’s development of EPDs, leveraged the dataset from Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®) Inventory Reporting as a base for FL. “I want to applaud the membership, because those data submissions on those traits that we needed have really ramped up,” said Smitty Lamb, Association board of directors’ member and AGI® board chairman. “You’ve allowed us to provide this tool.” At its most basic, functional longevity looks at not only how long December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

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In the News

(...con t inued)

a sire’s daughters will stay in the herd, but also how many calves they will produce during their lifetime. The unit of the trait is number of calves produced by six years of age, with a higher EPD meaning on average sires’ daughters are predicted to produce more calves by six years of age, compared to a lower EPD.

heritability of the trait also presents modeling challenges.

Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of AGI®, said she and her team are eager to observe how well the FL research EPD aligns with expectations.

He encourages producers who aren’t participating in Inventory Reporting already to submit their data. This helps ensure accurate EPDs across the board and contributes to the fine-tuning of FL in its initial research state and the production stage in the future. Garcia said genetic correlations between functional longevity and other traits are of interest and will be explored in future research, especially as more and more data is collected.

“We know members have been out there breeding cattle for generations upon generations, so their feedback will be important to hear as we continue to make this tool the best it can be,” she said. Brady Larson of Larson Angus Ranch, Sharon Springs, Kansas, said he has been looking forward to analyzing the initial research EPD results. He is enrolled in Inventory Reporting and his herd gained MaternalPlus® recognition. For his efforts, he and others enrolled in Inventory Reporting have first access to the FL research EPD. “We can learn from it and have better selection criteria in the future,” he said. “I’m glad that a lot of these maternal issues are getting looked at, and I’m more than happy to keep turning in as much data as I can through MaternalPlus® to help.” A research EPD is a prelude to a production EPD. A research EPD does not get updated weekly but can be updated periodically as more data flows into the database. Once more data is collected, the evaluation will become even more robust, and the research EPD can be moved to production. Andre Garcia, a geneticist with AGI®, said one difficulty with the FL EPD model was accommodating and using as much breeder-collected data as possible without sacrificing EPD accuracy. The low 70

“Some people may ask, ‘Heritability is low, so what’s the point?’ but there is a point,” Garcia said. “You’re not going to make genetic progress as fast. However, as soon as you start, the more progress you can accumulate over time.”

Larson admits it is a challenge to account for each animal and collect every recommended data point. Regardless, he will continue to submit data and utilize EPD tools as they are developed, because he said he wants to be part of the solution for opportunities he sees. “On the cow side of it, there’s so much more that goes into it that needs studied and applied,” Larson said. “I want to make the best cow that I can that will last a long time.”

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As a research EPD, FL will not be incorporated into the maternal weaned calf value ($M). Current research is ongoing to learn more about how the EPD could potentially play in $M when FL moves to a production stage in the future. The research report for the FL research EPD is available at https:// www.angus.org/. – Written by Sarah Kocher, Angus Communications

#thestockman #morethanahobby

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

Thank you to our Advertisers! 36 American Chianina Assn. 47 Armstrong Angus Ranch 52 Barn Boss Boutique 67 Bittersweet Acres 65 Blue Lake Plastics 75 Bobcat Angus 20-21 Cattle Visions 65 CJ Brown Studios 65 Clear Creek Farms #2 65 Collison Angus 69 Crawford, Scott 76 Cross Diamond Cattle Co. 69 CSL Auctions Inc. 35 Ellingson Simmentals 37 Frenzen Angus & P. Herefords 69 Friedrich, Parker 69 Gilchrist, Kyle 69 Gold Buckle Cattle Services

67 Graham Angus 67 Horseshoe M Dezines 67 Humeston Livestock Exch. 40 Ingram Angus 74 Iowa Beef Expo 43 Jallo Angus 31 JMF Herefords & SimAngus 56 Koupal’s B&B Angus 65 Liberty Mutual Insurance 22 Linz Heritage Angus 69 Lowderman, Monte 69 Lowderman Auction Options 67 Matthews Coach’s Corral 56 Maggie Goddard Photo. 8 Petersek’s Raven Angus 42 Pleasant Hill Farms 28 Rawhide Portable Corral 67 Renovo Seed

49 Ressler Land & Cattle 65 Safety Zone Calf Catchers 41 Shearwell Data 10 Shipwheel Cattle Co. 52 Slate Group 63 Soaring Eagle of the Ozarks 69 The Judge Source 62 The Stockman LPC Awards 48 Top Shelf bull 65 Volk Livestock 30 Voss Angus 2-3 Wall Street Cattle Co. 69 Weishaar, Seth 23 Westway Feed Products 11 Wheeler Angus 53 Woolover Limited 29 Y-Tex Corporation 9 ZWT Ranch

Index The Stockman hereby expressly limits its liability resulting from any and all misprints, errors and/or inaccuracies whatsoever in the advertisement and editorial content published by The Stockman and its said liability is here by limited to the refund of the customer for its payment for said advertisement, or the running of the corrected advertisement, or editorial notice. Notification by the customer of any error must be made within 30 days of the distribution of the magazine. Advertising copy received after the deadline may not be returned for proofing. Changes to advertising copy made after the deadline date will be allowed only if time permits, and will incur the appropriate charges according to time and materials involved in the changes. The opinions or views expressed in the editorials are those of the persons interviewed in the article and not The Stockman magazine. The Stockman does however reserve the right to edit or refuse all material which might be objectionable in content. No material or part thereof may be reproduced or used out of context, without prior specific approval of a proper credit to The Stockman.

THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

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traight What is the most used tool on your farm? How old is it? About the Stockman. I grew up showing cattle with my sisters in 4-H and junior shows. That was when I started getting calves. After college I moved back to the farm to work full time with my parents. Together we run a registered Angus cattle operation. We also farm wheat, oats, corn, soybeans, and edible beans, along with millet and forage barley for the cow herd. We have two sales a year. A production sale in January selling bulls and bred females. And a turnout bull sale the first part of June. We strive to produce consistency and completeness in our bull sale offerings. All the bulls are raised at our operation and developed by us. For the past decade, we have genomic tested all offspring which gives us improved and accurate comparisons and data into each animal individually as well as from a herd development standpoint.”

Your favorite non-ranch activity to do in your free time? In the summer I enjoy spending time on the boat or going to concerts.”

I’m going to go with the feed wagon because it’s used every day. Whether it’s to feed cows in the winter or feedlot cattle in the summer. I think the feed wagon is five years old.”

December 2023 | THE STOCKMAN

A conversation with everyday Stockmen,

Jason Jallo Jallo Angus Ranch of Fordville, N.D.

Describe your best day. What about the beef cattle industry excites you the most? The advances we are making in production and with genomics. We are raising cattle that are higher performing while remaining feed efficient without giving up carcass quality.”

Best day is sale day. We get to see how our hard work pays off and see the people who show up to support our program. The night after the sale is nice when you get a breath of relief before you start all over again the next day.”

Your go-to sorting apparatus? Just a normal sorting stick.”

UPCOMING SALE:

Annual Production Sale January 21, 2024 - Fordville, N.D.

learn more facebook.com/jalloangusranch

What is your least favorite job on the ranch? Cleaning the old barn. Because we get to do it the fun way - by hand.”

The most important lesson you’ve learned in this business? Everyone has a different way to do the same job. Pick what works for your operation.” THE STOCKMAN | December 2023

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Son of Reyce for Time Reyce N Roan Ranger AQHA 60315323 Reyce N Roan Ranger is a stout made 3 year-old Red Roan gelding with tremendous eye appeal. He has a good start and continues to sort cattle along with daily ranch work. He travels great and will be ready for calving and branding season. He is 100% gentle and sound with perfect feet. Stands 14.2 hh and weighs 1,000 pounds.

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