The Stockman | January 2025

Australian Angus OPEN FOR INSPECTION

us for the 2025 Neogen World Angus Forum from 7th 8th May 2025 Join for all or part of the program or make your own way with our insightful directory into the exciting world of Australian Angus genetics.

LONGREACH

Welcome!

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. The Stockman (ISSN 2694-1740), Vol. 7, No.

BILL SCHERMER, Owner/Herd Consultant

641.425.2641 | bill@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.

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.

KIM BANKS, Graphics

507.530.0914

kkbanks@frontiernet.net

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.

SARAH HILL, Editorial Writer

307.274.0419

sarahhill1007@yahoo.com

Cheryl Kepes

Sarah Hill

Justin Fruechte

Dr. Vince Collison Kirk Lynch

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.

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

Send

to Makayla Flower, 1530 10th St. NW Holloway, MN 56249.

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!

TY BAYER

715.573.0153

tcreds@gmail.com

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.

JAN FORD

800.693.8048

jford17879@aol.com

CHAD AND BRANDI CLAUSSEN

563.349.5089

chad.claussen@yahoo.com

Chad Claussen and his wife, Brandi, along with their two sons, operate purebred and commercial cow herds in Stockton, Iowa. The Claussen family also enjoys showing cattle, goats, and sheep. Off the farm, Chad works in the HVAC industry and Brandi works as an inventory and harvest coordinator.

RON HINRICHSEN

785.770.0222

rlangus@bluevalley.net

For the past 30 years, Ron, his wife, Lynne, and their two children have owned and

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.

LORA HUTCHINS

615.293.3695

loralea1172@gmail.com 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.

BRIGHAM AND MEGAN STEWART

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.

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.

CARTER WARD

carterward79@gmail.com

816.261.0891

Carter resides in Plattsburg, MO, with his girlfriend, Mandi, where they help run

Ward Brothers Livestock with Carter’s family - their primary focus is Angus show cattle. Carter is also a partner in Campbell/Ward show cattle that specializes in the Hereford breed.

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.

STEVE WOLFF

701.710.1574

swolff318@yahoo.com

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.

NCC-The

TNT Simmentals has transitioned

Topp

Lakeview Angus prioritizes raising show ring

Reality hit me the other day when our crew was bundling up to get going outside. One kiddo had instructions to get water to cows on cover crop, another was to load the feed wagon and start feeding bull pens, and then the last buckaroo needed to chore the new pairs in the calving barn followed by thawing an automatic waterer. (Our four-year-old, Emmy, is a great co-pilot with all jobs, but on cold winter days she spends a lot of time making sure I stay up to speed on snacks and meals for everyone inside where it’s warm!)

So, my first thought was, ‘Wow, this is kinda nice to have some help with the daily stuff!’ - but then I thought, ‘Wait, does that mean I’m being replaced? How did these kids get so big so quick?!’ Yes, I know that I’m still needed, and I know my roles are shifting a bit, but that’s okay. Our life is becoming this wonderful whirlwind of our cow herd growing and the kids being able to step in and find their role in it all - as they grow, too. Since we’ve started homeschooling, we diligently practice running the kids’ outdoor farm education parallel to their bookwork inside. It is truly a unique blend of so many important lessons, and I thoroughly enjoy fitting all the puzzle pieces together each daywith the added challenge of no two days being alike. It will be so fun to continue watching this crew keep growing and learning in the months and years ahead!

And just like that, 2025 is right in front of us. A new year is full of hopes and dreams. Cheers to new adventures, new challanges, and countless blessings!

February 1, 2025 January 10

March 1, 2025 February 10

April 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

March 10

April 10

August 1, 2025 July 10

September 1, 2025 August 10

October 1, 2025

September 10

November 1, 2025 October 10

December 1, 2025 November 10

January 1, 2026

December 1

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Creating

By Cheryl Kepes

Connections

NCC-The Classic gives cattle producers of all ages opportunities to build relationships that will help them grow and improve their operations.

photos courtesy NCC-The Classic

he foundation of NCC-The Classic resides firmly in the philosophy of nurturing and honoring relationships within the cattle industry. What started in 1992 as a show and sale designed to shine a positive light on the beef industry in Nebraska, has grown into three annual events benefiting cattle producers across the country.

NCC-The Classic Manager, Ronette K. Bush-Heinrich, has been an integral part of the event

since its inception more than 30 years ago. During that time, she’s worked closely with staff and the board of directors to expand the original event and to provide new opportunities for youth and seasoned cattle producers alike.

“One thing we take a lot of pride in is continually trying to strive to adapt to this rapidly changing industry and come up with marketing opportunities that meet cattlemen’s needs today,” NCC-The Classic Manager, Ronette K. Bush-Heinrich, explained.

THE CLASSIC HISTORY

In the beginning, the event was called the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic. “The original classic was basically cattle shows and sales and was one event held in February for cattlemen to have a place to sell their bulls and heifers,” Ronette said. The original event quickly flourished prompting the creation of additional opportunities for cattle producers.

As the event evolved, organizers gave it a new name. It’s now known as NCC-The Classic and it consists

of three events: Winter Edition, Pop Up Edition, and Fall Edition. The three events are uniquely designed to bring cattle producers together to display and sell their genetics, network, and learn more about the beef industry. From the beginning, each event has been held at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds located in Kearney, Nebraska.

No matter which event producers attend they are sure to cultivate connections and better their businesses. “It comes back to the statement of building relationships; of being able to build relationships with new buyers, building relationships with fellow breeders who are there showcasing their genetics, or building the relationships with the businesses that are there,” Ronette shared. “Whether it be feed companies or technology companies, it comes back to that aspect of building that relationship that can help your operation or your business.”

THE ORIGINAL

The Winter Edition of NCC-The Classic holds fast to the traditions of the original event. The Winter Edition, held in February of each year, celebrates its 34th year in 2025. During the Winter Edition, more than a thousand head of cattle will be at the fairgrounds for shows, sales, judging competitions, and

breeder program displays.

Animals from eleven breeds participate in junior shows as well as open shows and sales. The Winter Edition also offers a pen bull sale, commercial heifer pen sale, educational meetings, social events, and a commercial trade show.

The Winter Edition kicks off with a livestock judging contest

open to 4-H, FFA, and collegiate competitors. The NCC-The Classic team makes it a priority to provide high-quality animals for the competitors to evaluate. Ronette says the breeders who provide heifers or bulls for the livestock judging competition take great pride in their genetics being a part of the contest.

In recent years, the NCC-The Classic organizers focused on improving the awards banquet for participants in the judging contest. The competitors receive a steak dinner and awards during the banquet at the conclusion of the judging competition.

A longstanding highlight of the Winter Edition is the commercial heifer pen sale. It’s been a staple of the Classic for 30 years. “It is an excellent venue for a cattleman if he has a set of bred heifers he is wanting to sell, and they are a commercial, crossbred set of heifers. It is a great way that he can be involved in showcasing his operation,” Ronette added.

POP UP EVENT

During COVID when county fairs were cancelling their shows and sales, the NCC-The Classic team felt compelled

to provide juniors with an avenue to showcase their livestock. Thus, the organization created an event now held each August called the Pop Up Event.

“The Pop Up is held in our outdoor horse arena under a big circus tent. We have held it for four years now and it is an event that is here to

stay. It is fun! It’s held annually the weekend before our state fair, and it is a great family event,” Ronette said.

The Pop Up Event features a junior show, open jackpot feeder calf show, trade show, and display areas for breeders to promote their operations and sales.

FALL EDITION

The event that rounds out the trifecta of NCC-The Classic happenings is the Fall Edition. This event is held the first weekend in November. Due to such a full schedule during the Winter Edition, organizers designed the Fall Edition with a focus on offering additional opportunities for juniors.

One of the most popular Fall

Edition contests is the junior fitting competition. At the Fall Edition in 2024, 25 fitting teams went head-to-head. “That is probably one of the largest fitting contests in the nation, so we are excited to expand on that,” Ronette shared. “We have the fat steer and breeding heifer show as well as the prospect show, so really excited to build on that as well.”

JUNIOR FOCUS

Throughout all the events, NCCThe Classic incorporates avenues to educate and develop the next generation of cattle producers. “The one thing that a cattleman truly takes pride in is that firm handshake and looking someone square in the eye. The Classic, myself and our leadership, we take a lot of pride in creating opportunities that help us build

that next generation to help instill and carry on those traditional traits of a cattleman that is so important to our industry,” Ronette explained.

NCC-The Classic offers a scholarship program which rewards youth who purchase a steer or a heifer. The juniors participate in a NCC-The Classic sponsored industry tour during the summer and also compete in an interview. Youth

in junior, intermediate, and senior divisions earn cash awards at the end of the process. NCC-The Classic awards $24,000 in scholarships each year.

Another opportunity developed specifically for youth is the Aspiring Young Cattlemen program. The program partners juniors with seasoned breeders on an open heifer. The two work together throughout the year and sell the heifer as a bred female the following year at the Winter Edition. They then split the proceeds. Throughout the process the youth receive mentoring and guidance from their industry partner.

With the next Winter Edition just around the corner, one can bet Ronette and the rest of the NCCThe Classic staff and board of directors will be brainstorming additional avenues for cattle producers to build lasting relationships.

learn more nebraskaclassic.org

NCC-THE CLASSIC, WINTER EDITION: February 15-23, 2025 Kearney, Neb.

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Woolover® Limited Fit N Forget (FnF™) Beef Calf Cover

Fitting the FnF™ Beef Calf Cover to a new-born increased the actual hide temperature of the calf by 32 degrees Fahrenheit in just four minutes!

All beef ranchers are seeking to maximize their returns from their operation. A main income generator is the number of live calves that make weaning. The weather during late winter and spring can, and does, influence the number of newborn beef calves that survive some very brutal weather that can literally devastate the very survival of these new-borns.

Woolover® Ltd, based in New Zealand, is no stranger to devastating stock losses. In fact, Woolover® Ltd was “born of necessity” back in 1993 after two snowstorms, 10 days apart, claimed the lives of 2 million lambs and 40,000 calves. The answer is WOOL - Working 24/7

USDA figures suggest towards 80,000 new-born beef calves perish annually from hypothermia. Woolover® Ltd then set about designing and making a beef calf cover that was totally biodegradable, made from wool, is designed to fit an 85 lb new-born beef calf, and would simply “fall off” after 3- 4 weeks having ensured the new-born beef calf survived, was accepted by the mother, and captured some additional growth rates along the way.

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contact:

|

Extension Education

Bethany Johnston, Nebraska Extension Educator

Karla Wilke, UNL Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management

Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist

University of NE - Lincoln, UNL Beef beef.unl.edu

CUniversity research you can use.

WINTERIZING YOUR COW HERD: MANAGING COWS THROUGH COLD STRESS

attle are naturally adapted to cold weather, but their ability to stay warm depends on factors such as their winter coat, body condition score (BCS), nutrition, and staying dry. Managing cows properly during winter is crucial to maintaining health and productivity. Cold stress increases their energy needs, and without sufficient energy intake, this can lead to weight loss and decreased body condition.

EFFECTS OF BODY CONDITION SCORE (BCS)

Body condition score, based on the cow’s external fat layer, is a critical factor in a cow’s ability to handle cold stress. A healthy cow with a body condition score of 5 (on a scale from 1 to 9) has a good layer of fat that helps insulate her body and reduce the amount of energy needed to stay warm. In such cows, the lower critical temperature (LCT) - the temperature at which they begin to use extra energy to maintain body heat - is around 19°F, when they have a dry, thick winter coat. Cows in good condition can handle cold temperatures without needing additional energy supplementation

until the wind chill falls below their lower critical temperature (LCT).

Since cows will lose weight due to winter conditions on low quality feeds, producers may consider adding extra external fat to cows in the fall, to achieve body condition scores 5.5 or 6. If cold or blizzard conditions happen, cows can lose one full condition score in two weeks. By starting with “fleshier” cows in BCS 5.5 or 6, producers can avoid cows turning thin (BCS 4).

The lower critical temperature (LCT) changes depending on the cow’s body condition and the weather conditions. A thin cow (body condition score of 4) has a higher LCT of about 27°F, meaning she will need to start using additional energy to stay warm at higher temperatures than a well-conditioned cow. If thin cows are exposed to cold weather, they will lose body condition more quickly and may not have enough stored fat to keep them warm. This can be particularly problematic during late gestation or calving, as cows in poor condition may give birth to weaker calves, or face difficulties during the breeding season.

The fall of 2024 has been relatively mild in Nebraska, but winter storms are due to sweep across the Plains. Due to the unseasonably warm weather this fall, cows may also have lighter hair coats. This makes managing cattle even more important, as cows might already be in thin condition due to drought-related pasture shortages. A thin cow with a body condition score of 4, for example, could require 8% more energy than a cow in good condition (BCS 5) just to maintain body temperature at 21°F. Consider feeding thin cows slightly more energy to gain condition during the fall to early winter, so that they have less energy needs during the rest of the winter.

WET HAIR

Wet hair significantly increases the lower critical temperature (LCT), raising the critical temperature to 53°F for a cow in good condition. In wet winters, especially with freezing rain, maintaining body condition becomes challenging as cows expend extra energy to stay warm.

WIND PROTECTION

Wind increases heat loss, raising energy requirements. Providing windbreaks reduces energy needs by minimizing heat loss, helping cows maintain condition. For cows with wind protection, the ambient temperature can be used to estimate energy needs. Without wind protection, the wind chill temperature should be used to estimate energy needs.

FEEDING YOUR COWS DURING COLD WEATHER

To meet the energy needs of cattle during cold stress, it’s important not to make drastic changes to their daily rations, but to provide consistent, high-energy feed during extended cold spells. Instead over a week or two, feed more of the same ration or supplement with higher-quality hay, grains like corn, or energy-rich feeds like distillers grains. Good quality forage/hay can also help, as

the fermentation in the rumen adds internal heat to the animal.

When feeding lower quality hay, dormant range grazing or corn stalk grazing, additional feed will be needed. One option is to feed a higher quality hay source with higher total digestible nutrients (TDN), if available. Free choice high quality hay (58 to 60% TDN) can work down to temperatures of 34°F below the LCT of the cow (-15°F for cows in good condition with dry hair or 19°F with wet hair). If cows are grazing cornstalks or winter range, then supplementation with a high energy feed may be desirable. While corn can be used to provide more energy, it comes with risk. Feeding more than 2 to 3 pounds per head can decrease forage digestion, especially if the forage is lower in protein. Feeding corn with some alfalfa on low protein forages can mitigate this issue.

For corn supplementation, 3 pounds of corn (82% TDN) pro -

vides 2.5 pounds of TDN, which can offset energy requirements for a cow (BCS 5) down to 5°F with a dry coat or 38°F with a wet coat.

Distillers grains are another excellent choice-both high in energy and protein. Distillers grains can reduce forage substitution effects. Compared to corn, the decision to feed distillers grains lean more towards cost than digestion limitations. In the case of distillers and gestating cows, the pounds of TDN needed to account for energy used due to cold stress would be equal to the pounds of dry distillers that would need to be fed daily.

When wind chill temperatures are extremely cold or the cow has a wet hair coat, a lot of supplement would be needed to make up the greater energy needs and maintain body condition. For instance, if the wind chill was -10°F and the cows had a wet hair coat, then 8.9 pounds of dry distillers would be needed to account for the increased energy requirement.

However, feeding these levels can be impractical. A better approach would be to provide a smaller amount of supplemental feed and to continue to feed the extra feed after the weather has moderated to allow cows to regain energy lost during the storm.

It is also important to remember that lactating cows have a much greater energy requirement than pregnant cows. Given this, the combination of cold stress and lactation can pull down BCS quickly.

For lactating cows, the energy demand is even greater, and cold stress can have a more immediate impact on their body condition. Ensuring that these cows have adequate nutrition before they start losing condition is key to preventing further complications, particularly during the harshest months of winter.

Extension Education

(continued...)

HOW TO CALCULATE EXTRA ENERGY NEEDS FOR COWS

You will need to gather this information to figure the extra energy needs:

-the cow’s lower critical temperature (based on her body condition score)

-the outside temperature (ambient temperature) if a windbreak is provided

-OR the windchill temperature if no windbreak is provided.

Using a cow’s lower critical temperature (LCT), you can figure the percent increase in energy based on the outside temperature. Use the windchill temperature if there is no wind protection. If there is wind protection, use the ambient temperature in the formula.

There is a 1% increase in energy needs for every 1° below the LCT.

Let’s assume a cow is in body condition score 5, which means the BCS 5 cow’s lower critical tempera-

ture (LCT) is 19°F. For this example, let’s assume the ambient temperature is 21°F, and the wind speed is 10 mph, which makes it feel like 11°F (the wind chill index).

NO WINDBREAKS:

Lower Critical Temperature –Wind Chill Index = Percent increase in energy requirements

For our example: 19 – 11 = 8 percent increase in energy requirements for a cow in good condition (BCS 5) with a dry winter coat. If a windbreak is provided: Lower Critical Temperature –Ambient Temperature = Percent increase in energy requirements

For this example: 19 – 21 = No increase in requirements for a good condition cow (BCS 5) with a dry winter coat.

The energy needs of various classes of cattle can be found here. A 1200-pound dry cow in late ges-

tation has an energy requirement of 13 pounds total digestible nutrients (TDN). The cold described above in the no-windbreak situation increased this need by an additional 8% which is equal to 1 pound of TDN, for a total of 14 pounds TDN per day.

CONCLUSION

Proactive management during cold weather is essential to reduce cold stress in cattle. Monitor body condition, provide wind and moisture protection, and adjust feed to meet increased energy needs. Ensuring cows are in good condition before winter and supplementing their diets as necessary will help maintain herd health and productivity through the cold months.

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.

2025 SchEdule

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Judging Contest Auctioneer Contest

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Iowa Angus Sale

Iowa Limousin Sale

Iowa Simmental Sale

Iowa Charolais Sale

Iowa Maine Anjou Sale

Iowa Red Angus Sale

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Iowa Hereford Sale

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Junior Cattle Move-In

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Stockmen’s Market Traeshow

Junior Check-In

Sunglo No-Fit Showmanship

IJBBA Fitting Contest

IJBBA Year End Awards

Supreme Row Drive

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Expo Junior Show

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Expo Junior Show

DETAILED SCHEDULE

Iowa State Fairgrounds- Des Moines, IA

STOCKMAN’S MARKET

WEDNESDAY

SHOWS SALES

WEDNESDAY FEB 19

THURSDAY FEB 20

BULLS | BRED & FANCY OPEN HEIFERS | PEN BULL SALE

Sale Day Order: Hereford, Angus, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Charolais, Maine Anjou, Chianina, Shorthorn, Red Angus, Limousin, AOB, AYC

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MOELLER BEAR 8

Coming two-year-old Angus bull. Calving ease sire that will add pounds at weaning.

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MOE CONQUER 1L ET

True herd bull prospect out of SR Dominate 308F ET & tremendous donor, VinMar Mallory 544. Donor dam is a Hometown 10Y female.

XXB GOOD TIMES 204

Angus bull sired by STAG Good Times 201 ET. Double digit calving ease & great EPDs.

HH E42 0104 TRADESMAN 42ET

Polled Hereford bull sired by BR GKB Trending 0104. Stout, big boned to produce a tremendous set of steers. You’ll want to keep all his heifers.

LAFRAISE COOL CRUSH 253

True cow man’s bull here! Royally bred. Sired by Cool Dot. Performance packed pedigree.

LAFRAISE KEYNOTE 263

Charolais feature sired by CCC WC Resource 417P. Sire has produced several top selling bulls across the US.

Polled Charolais bull sired by RBM Keystone H41 out of powerhouse dam that’s produced many ring champs. Will add style and pounds to calves.

XXB IFYKYK Balancer bull sired by XXB Block Party. Polled bull that will add style and performance.

FANCY HEIFER & PROSPECT STEER SALE | FRIDAY, FEB 21 Enroll in the AWARD program. Over $24,000 back to youth!

Dedicated to Success

By

The Thompson and Erbele families from TNT Simmentals in North Dakota have transitioned one of the top Simmental operations in the U.S. to the next generation.

Sarah Hill photos courtesy TNT Simmentals

ome folks are lucky enough to inherit the ranch from a previous generation. And others have to start from scratch and work their tails off to build up their operation and ultimately, make it a success. Kevin and Lynette Thompson and their family have invested their time, sweat, blood and tears into making the TNT Simmental Ranch, Almont, N.D., one of the top Simmental herds in the U.S. Their oldest daughter, Shanon, and her husband, Gabe, are now carrying on the explosive difference of TNT Simmentals at their ranch at Lehr, N.D.

BUILDING ONE COW AT A TIME

Kevin grew up on a commercial cow/calf and feeder cattle operation in Iowa. His parents sold the farm in 1976, moving to Minnesota. Kevin went on to study animal science at the University of Minne -

sota-Crookston. While looking for an internship before graduating, he noticed an ad for ranch help in North Dakota, and moved to Berthold, N.D., in 1979.

The farmer Kevin was working for gave him a raise in the form of use of pastureland to run cattle on. This was the catalyst for buying his first cattle herd, 30 black and baldy cows and two registered Simmentals.

Kevin and Lynette married in 1980, and Kevin worked for farmers and ranchers in Iowa, North Dakota, and Montana, acquiring more Simmental cows as they went, with the goal of starting on their own ranch someday. In 1985, the Thompsons decided to return to North Dakota, renting a place south of Almont. Their Simmental herd was up to 70 cows by then. Due to the drought in Montana, two pioneer Simmental breeders were forced to sell cows.

S below

The Erbele family: Gabriel, Shanon, Trenton (20), Teagan (18), Dawson (14), Tarryn (11), Dylan (7), and Sutton (6).

above Kevin and Lynette Thompson.

Kevin selected and purchased a potload of top cows from each breeder. These cows were a valuable addition to the cows he already had, allowing them to hold their first bull sale in 1986. Four years later, they purchased the place they were renting with a farmstead, 800 acres of pasture and 1,100 acres of crop ground.

Kevin knew if they were going to make it starting from scratch, they had to produce a product that they could add value to. That is why they started in the seedstock business. Those first 10 to 15 years of building the operation were a struggle, but the Thompsons said that they learned a lot and were dedicated to the success of their herd.

“Struggles can be a good thing,” Kevin said. “So many things that happened along the way... moving here, buying cows with no collateral other than the cows we were buying, finding enough land to rent in the area, and ending up buying this place... the list just goes on and on. Prayers do get answered.”

The family held their 35th annual bull sale in 2020, which signified the official passing of the torch to the Erbeles. Shanon and Gabriel had started buying cows from her parents starting in 2014 and have continued to grow their herd ever since. In the fall of 2020, they purchased 90 of their top young cows that were all carrying bull calves and another set of 70 in 2021.

EXCELLENT COWS EMPHASIZING MATERNAL & PERFORMANCE

Today, the Erbeles own and operate the second ranch location in Lehr, N.D. In addition to the Thompson’s registered herd of 250 red and black Simmental and SimAngus cows, the Erbeles also operate a registered herd of 450 cows.

Kevin has loved Simmental cattle from day one, choosing them for their high maternal traits, milking ability, fertility, along with added growth. Kevin said, “The cow is where we make our living. We put added selection pressure on disposition, udder quality, and structural soundness.”

Shanon agrees that Simmentals

bring an outstanding set of qualities to the beef industry. “My dad always taught me that selecting for high maternal traits is what makes a cow herd special, one that will produce the top end bulls we like to offer our customers,” she said. “I believe a bull can be dead and gone and still make our customers money through their outstanding daughters.”

COMPLIMENTARY MATINGS

Early March and April are calving season at TNT Simmentals. In the past few years, the Erbeles have built six new barns on their property to accommodate calving.

But calving is also a season of celebration for Shanon, when she discovers the outcomes of her meticulous matings.

“I love calving season. There is just something special about seeing all the hours I put into working on my AI and herd sire matings come to fruition,” she said. “I evaluate

every cow in midApril, making notes on the phenotype on each cow, noting her strong points or those that need improvement. I then go through all of our sires - both AI and our bulls - and choose how to improve upon the cows’ phenotypes to produce the progeny I am after. I have the never-ending pursuit to make what we produce better.”

Shanon doesn’t rely overly much on EPDs to make her matings and looks to produce the best calf out of each individual cow. Because females are the heart of the TNT herd, the family produces over 95 percent of their own replacements. Females that

end up as culls can still serve as recips.

“We rarely purchase females, as I feel the cowherd we have is a pretty special one,” Shanon said. “We’re very strict on culling. We only keep the absolute best around.”

Two years ago, with the large purchase of cows from her dad, Shanon bought eight new herd bulls, many of which were

high-selling bulls, because they were a good fit for the strengths of their cow families. Herd bulls have to meet Shanon’s criteria of longevity and adding value through profit and performance aspects. Clemson Elite 41J is one of the recent additions that Shanon is excited about, as he was of the highest indexing bulls for feed efficiency as well as gain in the Clemson bull test.

“We also love to utilize bulls we raise as well, knowing the dam and genetic lineage of the bulls we have raised has value,” Shanon said. “TNT Assurance is a bull we raised that puts it all together, he is all we hoped he would be and so much more! He comes from a truly prolific cow family, and that is what we like to build our operation around. So much longevity and performance. We collect semen from a lot of our own bulls, like Assurance, that we sell and also to use in our program.” About 100 of the TNT cows and all of their replacement heifers were artificially inseminated this year.

Another unique aspect of the cow herd is that all weaning data on

calves is based on the cow’s performance alone, because the Erbeles don’t creep feed their calves. The Erbeles have also been using genomic testing for five years to help increase the accuracy of the calves EPD profile and they also verify all calves for color and polled status.

SELLING DEPTH & PERFORMANCE

The family typically sells both red and black Simmental bulls of various percentages from 1/8 all the way up to purebred and a handful of Red Angus bulls, as well.

Kevin’s primary advice to Shanon was to always be thinking two

looking for a purebred bull, but kept going back to the halfbloods,” she said. “And the following year, those same guys would come and buy SimAngus bulls. We have to stay ahead of what those customers are wanting.” At TNT, the half-blood and 5/8 bulls are their highest selling percentage groups year after year.

mand for more black hided cattle. “We are fortunate to live in an area with a strong demand for reds,” she said. “We will still keep a strong emphasis to breed and improve the red cattle, but we feel the need to continue to grow our black offering at the same time to meet the industry demands. We usually sell a 60/40 split, but we are breeding towards offering more black bulls in the future. Our black bulls average almost $4,000 more in the sale, and that is just due to supply and demand.”

to produce. The added depth and thickness that we breed for is a key factor.”

Another change in the industry that Shanon has noticed is the de-

“One of our bull customers complimented us that out of the 66 yearling bulls he bought that year, all three of the bulls he’d bought from us came off the pasture looking the best,” she said. “That fleshing ability - putting on weight and staying that way without getting run down in the pasture - is something we strive years ahead when buying bulls and planning matings, to keep ahead of what the customers want. “We would have half-blood bulls in the offering, and buyers would come

Customer service is another aspect that Kevin coached Shanon on. The Thompsons and Erbeles make a point to treat their customers the way they want to be treated, with honesty and integrity - and it has paid back in dividends over the years.

“Years ago, we had a buyer who couldn’t come to the sale, so we gave a friend the list of bulls the buyer was considering. The buyer’s budget was $7,000,” Shanon said. “The customer ended up getting his first choice for only $3,500 and he sent my dad a check for $7,000, telling him that the bull was worth that much. My dad ripped up the check and made him pay the $3,500, but the buyer came back again the next year and was willing to pay even more for a bull because he knows he can trust us.”

above Shanon Erbele at the North Dakota All Breeds Cattle Tour.

Photo credit: North Dakota Stockmen’s Association.

40th ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE: Friday, February 14, 2025 1:00 pm CST - Lehr, N.D.

NEXT GENERATION

Now that the current operation is at its maximum capacity, and Shanon said that they will be starting to offer more females for sale in the future.

The Erbeles have six children, who are all a huge help in the operation. Trenton, 20, will be graduating soon with an electrical technology and business financing degrees from North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, and is anticipated to return to the ranch, possibly to take over the Almont location. Teagan, 18, is studying animal science and agriculture education at North Dakota State University and is currently serving as a North Dakota State FFA officer. Dawson, 14, Tarryn, 11, Dylan, 7, and Sutton, 6, are all still at home. Dawson has eight of her own cattle already and has ambitions to take over the operation someday.

The Thompson and Erbele families have been recognized numerous times for their outstanding support of the Simmental breed, North Dakota beef industry, and the agriculture industry. Kevin and Lynette have received the North Dakota Simmental Pioneer Award; the American Simmental Association Golden Book award; North Dakota Simmental Promoters of the Year; North Dakota Society of Range Managers of the Year; FFA Regional Citations Award (twice); Morton County Soil Conservationist of the Year; and Lynette won Country Woman of the Year in 2011. Shanon learn more tntsimmentals.com

was recognized as a Top 10 Cattle Industry Leader Under 40, and the Erbeles also were recipients of the NDSU Harvest Bowl Award.

“I have such a passion for cattle and truly enjoy this life I get to live. We wouldn’t be able to do what we love without our faith and the support of our family. With your faith leading you and your family behind you, the possibilities ahead of you are limitless,” Shanon said. Big things are sure to come from this operation that focuses on faith, family and the Simmental cow.

CER

Stop lice before they take a toll on your herd, with a fall application of BRUTE®.

Winter is tough enough on your cattle without the added stress of biting and sucking lice. That’s why it makes sense to protect your cattle with the proven performance of BRUTE® Pour-On for Cattle. With its concentrated killing power, BRUTE® delivers up to eight weeks of effective lice control. Plus, BRUTE® comes ready to use, with no need to be diluted or mixed.

To discover how BRUTE® can reduce your stress level this winter for less than a penny per head per day, see your livestock products supplier or visit us at www.y-tex.com.

Saturday, February 1, 2025 Private

100 YEARLING BULLS

• 33 years of carcass traits, ultrasounding since 1993

• Calving ease

• Performance

• Disposition

• Uniform, thick and easy-fleshing

• Priced from $3,800, $4,000 and $4,200

Heifers will be o ered private treaty in the fall as bred heifers.

50 Years Strong – Your Partner in Success!

Visitors are welcome to visit the farm before the sale to view the bu s.

We are happy to assist you in your bull selections to help you reach your cow herd profitability goals.

For half a century, Loonan Stock Farm has been more than a source of quality bulls – we’ve been a partner in your success. Our legacy is built on the loyalty of customers who year after year raise profitable, high-performing cattle. It’s your trust and dedication that have made this five-decade milestone possible.

At Loonan Stock Farm, we specialize in breeding low-birthweight bulls that grow fast and calve easily. Our Red Angus, Simmental and hybrid bulls bring the benefits of heterosis, delivering extra growth and vigor to your calves. With carefully selected genetics, we ensure your calves weigh up at weaning, excel in the feedlot, and yield top carcass quality.

As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary Bull Sale on Feb. 1, we remain committed to providing the reliable genetics you’ve come to expect.

Loonan Stock Farm – Genetics for the Cow-Calf Producer

Red Angus Hybrid Simmental

Seeds in Season

Functional forage and pasture.

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

TO CHORE OR NOT TO CHORE?

The holiday season has come and gone, and it’s always the best time to slow down and spend time with family and friends. For all cattlemen, that time away really only comes in short increments or requires more work ahead of leaving to get things lined up for chore help. Daily feeding is completely necessary for folks in a backgrounding or feedlot operation. But, if the hol-

idays had you thinking about how you could lower your time spent with the cow herd, I have some ideas for you.

Now, I know it’s handy to use the choring excuse to leave the family gathering early. And, if you decide to change your cow feeding tactics, you can still claim to work harder. The paradigm shift is still in prog-

ress to think differently about how much our cows can do on their own versus how much we need to help them.

I recently read an article from the Canadian Beef Cattle Research Council that outlined adaptive winter grazing strategies. The focus was comparing swath grazing and bale grazing to crop residue graz-

ing. I won’t do the article justice describing the details of managing each practice, but what I can do is break down the forage planting options for swath grazing. Ultimately, both practices are options for cattlemen to extend their grazing season. Coincidentally, that extended season could get you through the holidays! But more importantly, it could lower your labor, fuel, and machinery costs – all while having better manure distribution and gestating cows that exercise.

Swath grazing is the practice of wind-rowing the forage and allowing the cattle to graze an allocated amount. Allocation is calculated by knowing the total pounds of consumption for your group and the days that will be given, then temporary fence is set for the number and length of windrows.

The most common forages used for swath grazing blends are a combination of cereal grains and brassicas. Forage oats, barley, and triticale along with forage peas make for a great base in the blend. Barley is used in shorter growing seasons or saline soils. Triticale works great on lighter soils and environments that get dry. Oats work best in higher rainfall areas or on heavy soils.

When you’re practicing swath grazing, it is best to have the grains reach the dough stage before cutting. The forage peas will definitely add crude protein and palatability to each swath. Leafy, cold tolerant brassicas such as Winfred or Goliath hybrid rape are excellent choices for swath grazing blends. A couple of pounds per acre is adequate in boosting the overall quality of grazing in the swath. These are highly digestible plants that grow under the canopy of the tall grains.

This practice works best in lower rainfall environments that freeze up solid for the winter. The frozen ground will ensure less trampling waste, and less rain in the fall tends to keep the swath higher quality. This practice won’t be your entire winter-feeding strategy, but if you want to prolong the daily feeding of your cow herd, this is a great option to try.

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.

40TH ANNUAL “CARRYING ON” THE EXPLOSIVE DIFFERENCE SALE

Friday, FEBRUARY 14, 2025

1 p.m. CST • At the ERBELE RANCH, Lehr, ND Your COMMERCIAL BULL HEADQUARTERS, along with BREED-LEADING HERDSIRES! ey are THICK and DEEP – All backed by the TNT 100% GUARANTEE!

• Volume discounts!

• Performance data and genomic-enhanced EPDs!

• No creep feed!

• Majority homozygous polled!

• All reds are non-diluters!

• All blacks will be homozygousor heterozygous-black verified!

‘23 ROV Show Bull of the Year

RANCH

Common Sense Approach to Genetic Excellence

» Sound, dependable, proven genetics

Progressive, no-nonsense approach produces genetics that are deep, balanced and high quality—in large contemporary groups.

» Real-world data

Fed cattle performance data, direct feedback from semen companies and documented results from clients to guide breeding decisions to what is making money in commercial production.

» Large numbers of ET and AI siblings for consistency

» Wintering and delivery options

» Feeder calf marketing

Capture the added value of your THsired calf crop through a variety of Topp Herefords alliance programs. Multiple marketing options suited for your operation’s needs:

» Conventional bids—forward contracts, retained ownership, spot pricing;

» NHTC-forward contract;

» Buyer Support at sale barns and video auctions.

» Replacement-quality heifer solutions

Premium pricing buy-back program for replacement quality F1 heifers sired by Topp Herefords bulls. In seven years we have purchased back over 13,000 head of TH-sired replacement quality heifers.

BULL SALE

At the Ranch, Grace City, ND 1 PM (CST) February 14, 2025

info@toppherefords.com

Topp Herefords—Crossbreeding Solutions

» Topp Herefords makes crossbreeding easy—consistently improving net profits in commercial Angus herds.

On average, commercial Angus herds can expect a 5 percent increase in weaning weights from heterosis. If the average cow raises seven calves, in today’s market that’s an additional $488 in gross revenue. Multiply that by a herd of 250 cows and you are adding $122,000 to the bottom line without additional inputs. Can you afford not to crossbreed?

» Curious about how other cattlemen are making crossbreeding work at scale? Call Topp Herefords, 701.674.3152.

Sandy (3040 Sandy x King Pin)

Lakeview Sandy – Owned by Cora Habien

The North Dakota-based herd has invested in producing high-quality Hereford genetics and customer service.

If there was ever such a thing as a “universal” beef breed for crossing, it would be Herefords, according to Ryan Topp, Topp Herefords, Grace City, N.D.

“Herefords offer longevity, which is the most profitable trait in the beef business,” he said. “They cross really well with several breeds, and you’ll still have a female that’s very maternal, useful and as a feeder calf, adds extra pounds.”

Topp Herefords is truly a family operation. Ryan’s wife, Prairie, manages the office. Their son, Logan, is a senior at Kansas State University and will be managing the May calving herd when he returns this spring. Both daughters, Lauren and Mariah, have their own cattle and help between their full-time jobs. Lauren’s husband, Jordan Staton, manages the commercial heifer development program. Employees Keith Herberg and Jannes de Wet

By Sarah Hill photos courtesy Topp Herefords

Quality Top-Notch

manage the January calving herd and farming/nutrition, respectively. Megan Halvorson works as an office administrator for the operation. The operation includes 1,000 acres of hay and 800 acres of corn for silage. De Wet works with a nutritionist for winter rations.

SIMPLE BREEDING STRATEGY

“Our breeding strategy is very simple. We listen to our commercial customers and what they want,” said Ryan. “Commercial cattle producers are the most savvy, astute cattlemen in the beef industry. If more seedstock providers would listen to them, we’d have a better industry overall. Their goals are pretty much the same - they want fewer problems, better quality and more pounds, all with using fewer inputs.”

Topp Herefords keeps their com-

above The Topp family (l-r): Jordan, Lauren, Ryan, Prairie, Mariah, and Logan.

mercial customers in mind when breeding their cattle, because they know how fertility, longevity and efficiency can add value. All of the females at Topp Herefords are implanted with CIDRs and then artificially inseminated. If their one shot at AI doesn’t work, then they’re turned out with the clean up bulls. The operation also includes 300 recip cows. The January calving group is about 500 head, while the May calving group is about 625. Only the best 15 females get to be flushed each year.

According to Ryan, TH 122 71I Victor 719T is one of the Topp Hereford bulls that’s had the most impact on their herd. As the No. 1 registered Hereford bull for several years in the early ‘10s, 719T provided calving ease, growth and power.

“He changed Herefords as we know them today,” Ryan said. “His daughters lasted forever, with beautiful udders.”

The same calf crop included TH 223 71I Victor 755T, another Topp Hereford bull that’s left his mark on the Hereford breed. TH Frontier 174E and TH Masterplan 183F were also bred by Topp Herefords and have gone on to have successful stud careers as well as being used by their home herd.

This year, Topp Herefords has used TH Innovation 105H, Chur-

chill W4 Sherman 2157K ET, and Harvie Smoke Stack ET 195B. Ryan said that they prefer to use just a handful of bulls for breeding each year, resulting in large contemporary groups that are consistent in type.

Another perk of Topp Hereford bulls is that they come with a fouryear genetic guarantee.

“That guarantee allows our customers to buy with confidence,” Ryan said. “It’s well communicated. But a bull purchase from us is just the beginning.”

MARKETING PROGRAMS

With all of the genomics and technology available in the beef industry today, Ryan wanted to create a full circle program that would mitigate risk for cattle producers. Their system allows cattle feeders to market cattle the same way that grain farmers market their crop and lock in profits. And that’s exactly what they’ve done.

The ranch was an early adopter of genomic testing, because they

recognized the practical application of genetic improvement. Topp Herefords has been DNA testing their full calf crop since 2014. However, the Topps have never wavered on the importance of phenotype, real-world performance and practical visual appraisal. The combination of the two, instead of extremes in either direction, is what Topp Herefords relies on to produce the optimal product for the heifer development program and the feeder buyers they contract their customers’ calves with.

“We implemented a feeder calf buyback program 15 to 20 years ago,” he said. “If cattle producers buy our bulls, we make offers to buy calves through 10 to 12 forward contracts per year, starting late February. We’re focused on volume and quality, placing calves with one of seven different feedlots.” If the producer prefers the sale barn or video auctions, Topp Herefords participates there as well.

Topp Herefords also offers their customers a heifer buy back program in conjunction with partner Bill Pitz, Farley, Iowa. Some 90 percent of their customers sell back their black baldy, red baldy or commercial Hereford heifers to the Topp Herefords program. Topp Herefords

then develops those heifers, gets them bred and preg-checked and sells them in the fall. “We buy back around 2,500 head per year,” Ryan said.

All eligible females must be vaccinated, and sellers receive a premium for heifers that have been weaned for 45 days. A representative from Topp Herefords visits the producer’s ranch to choose the top of their potential replacements. Some 60 to 85 percent of

that elite group end up in the TH Pitz Heifer Development Program. They’re looking for heifers that will make profitable cows -easy-doing, big-middled females that will forage well and maintain condition.

“The results we’ve seen with these heifers is that their disposition and fertility are better,” Ryan said. “They average 15 percent better on AI.”

ONLY AS STRONG AS THE WEAKEST LINK

In looking ahead, Ryan hopes to facilitate continued growth of Topp Herefords and is always looking for ways to expand their portfolio. For Ryan, being a seedstock producer isn’t enough - they want to see their customers succeed with their genetics and realize added value.

“You can’t be content, you’ve got to embrace technology while still keeping your feet on the ground

with solid beef production principles,” he said. “A superior cow is the start of the beef industry, and she must be great uddered and good producing for several years, weaning eight or nine calves.”

Ryan is confident that Topp Herefords is poised for success with the next generation, particularly with how they’ve divided up the responsibilities of the ranch.

“I’ve guided them and strengthened them to understand how to

work together,” he said. “You’re only as strong as your weakest link, and everyone takes their roles very seriously. It gives Prairie and I satisfaction to know that the ranch is in good hands moving forward.”

learn more toppherefords.com

ANNUAL BULL SALE:

Friday, February 14, 2025 1:00 pm CST - Grace City, N.D.

NEW YEAR, SAME COMMITMENT TO QUALITY.

With over 85 years in the livestock equipment industry, our products are made to last a lifetime, so your operation can too. SCAN TO FIND A DEALER NEAR YOU

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15

Schedule of Events

10:00 am Educational Sessions Sponsored by Colorado Angus Association

10:00 am - 10:30 am 10:30 am - 11:00 am 11:15 am - 12:00 pm 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm

• Marbling, Feet and Fertility. Are they related? | Kara Lee, Director of Producer Engagement, CAB

• Tools to help with selection | Dr. Paige Pratt, Neogen

• Panel Discussion: Where do you put genetic emphasis? | Moderated by Kevin Oschner Panelists: Oakley Kelley • Anton Hermes • Darrell Stevenson • David Brown

• The Value of a Baldy Cow | Kevin Murnin, American Hereford Association

2:00 pm Maternal Merit Elite Commercial Bred Heifer Sale

• AI-Bred to ABS calving ease bulls such as TRUE NORTH, DYNAMIC, REPUBLIC, STOCKYARD, and DEFINITIVE

• Consignors: Hermes Livestock, Valhalla Ranch, Warner Beef, Livingston Ranch, Bar S

• Breeds represented: Angus, F1 Black Baldies, Red Baldies, Red Angus, Balancers, Sim-Angus

Mark your calendars, you won’t want to

event! BOBBY STRECKER | ABS District Sales Manager | 970.571.2722 ANTON HERMES | Hermes Livestock | 970.554.0996 DON MACLENNAN | Valhalla Ranch | 303.906.4374

DAN WARNER | Warner Beef Genetics | 308.962.6511

Web www.focusmarketinggroup.net

Email office@focusmarketinggroup.net

Contact 785-213-5435 / 605-870-9072

Kyla Fawcett Owner / Field Staff

Kensie Meredith Project Manager

Amanda Holt Graphic Design

Alexis Rumford Field Staff Social Media Mang.

Alexis Radun Field Staff Magen Tol Field Staff

Veterinarian View

PHealth & Reproduction questions answered and explained.

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

BOVINE TRICHOMONAS

robably one of the most devastating causes of bovine infertility is an infection called Trichomonas foetus (Trich). This is a protozoan organism that infects the genital tract of both bulls and cows and is transmitted between cattle via sexual activity. Trich infection is spread primarily by an infected bull to a cow at the time of service. Once infected, a cow can be a source of infection to a noninfected bull when they mate. There are no approved treatments for Trich and once a bull is infected, it will be infected for life. The reason for this is there are many crypts in the mucosal lining of the bull’s sheath. The protozoan that causes

Trich will invade these crypts and makes the infection impossible to clear via natural immunity. If a cow becomes infected, they can clear the infection since their genital tract does not have these crypts on the mucosal lining of the vagina and uterus.

TRICH SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of Trich are only related to infertility. A bull or cow that is infected will not present any signs that will identify them as a Trich carrier. When a cow becomes infected after mating with an infected bull, it will take some time

for the infection to colonize her genital tract. For that reason, a cow can and often will become pregnant after mating with an infected bull. As the infection becomes more established in the cow, she will typically go on to abort the pregnancy at two to three months of gestation. A cow can clear the infection by four months after being infected provided there is no re-exposure. Therefore, cows can become rebred after losing an early pregnancy. This leads to cows having increased calving intervals and more calves being born late in the calving season. Herds that have been infected will also have more open cows and occasionally a cow with pyometra.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PREG CHECKS

This is one reason that it is important to pregnancy check cows. It is the earliest way to identify if there is a problem. Herds that have been infected by Trich will have more cows calving in the later part of the breeding window and experience more open cows than is normally acceptable. If an infected cow develops a

pyometra (pus in the uterus), it will feel like a 75-to-100-day pregnancy but can easily be differentiated from a pregnancy with an ultrasound.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES

There are various biosecurity measures to prevent Trich infection from entering your herd. This would include:

1) Buying only virgin bulls. This is probably the best way of preventing Trich from entering your herd. Virgin bulls should have no exposure to Trich, and this information should be provided by the seller.

2) If you buy a nonvirgin bull, inquire if the seller has tested it for Trich and that the results are negative. Especially if the bull is coming from a part of the country where Trich is more common. If the bull has not been tested, request that the seller of the bull will have it tested before you take possession. As a precaution, it may be a good idea to retest the bull once it is in your possession and keep it in isolation until negative results can be confirmed.

3) Buy only cows or heifers that are four months pregnant or more. It takes that long for a female to clear the infection, so if they are at least four months pregnant they can be assumed to be free of Trich infection. This is why many states require a statement on a health certificate that females are four months or more pregnant when entering the state. There are rare occasions where a cow can become persistently infected and go on to deliver a live calf, but these cases are rare.

4) If your bull breeches the pas-

ture fence and gets in with another herd or another bull enters your herd, it would be a good idea to Trich test your bulls at some point to ensure that Trich has not entered your herd.

5) Use semen for artificial insemination that has been collected from bulls tested free from Trich. This is one of the requirements for CSS certified semen.

TRICH TESTING

Testing for Trich requires collecting a sample from the sheath of a bull. Cows are not typically tested since they will clear the infection on their own by four months after exposure. The most commonly used test is the PCR test which is very sensitive. Samples can also be cultured instead but may need to be repeated two to three times to fully verify a bull is negative.

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

There are some regulatory aspects to Trich as well. Currently, it is not a federally regulated disease, but many states have their own requirements regarding Trich for movement. As the incidence and awareness of Trich has increased, more states have implemented regulations specific for their state. Since the individual state rules can change based on new policy, it is important to always check the state of destination if selling a bull out of state to be sure you’ll be in compliance with its entry requirements.

If you are buying a bull, it is the seller’s responsibility to meet the requirements for cattle entering your state. Some shows and consignment sales may also have their own rules on Trich which may exceed the requirements for their state.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

One aspect to consider is that if you are acquiring open cows for recipients, it would be best to let them sit for four months before using them, especially if they come from a part of the country where Trich is more common. This type of cow usually does not have any history and may have had bull exposure right up until the time of purchase. If they will be going to bulls after receiving embryos, this time frame of no sexual activity will greatly reduce the chance of a Trich infected cow entering the herd.

Work with your herd veterinarian to establish a good biosecurity plan to keep Trich from entering your herd or to help eliminate it if your herd is already infected. Your veterinarian will also work with you to make sure you have the proper testing done prior to moving cattle to another state. These regulations can vary from state to state, so give yourself an early enough start to allow enough time to get all of the proper testing done prior to movement.

learn more collisonembryoservices.com

Dr. Vince Collison is co-owner of Collison Embryo and Veterinary Services PAC in Rockwell City, Iowa.

Maximize your hay utilization with the Behlen Country HaySmart Feeder. Its elevated design keeps bales off the ground, boosting efficiency to over 96%. Built to last with premium powder coat paint—smarter for your operation and your bottom line.

H

H

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By Cheryl Kepes

TiesFamily

Lakeview

Angus prioritizes raising show ring champions and building family bonds.

Family. Whether Tari Hoagland is talking about her children and grandchildren or her cows, her focus is family. Her heart clearly revolves around her tight network of loved ones as well as the cow families she’s integrated into Lakeview Angus headquartered in Mead, Colorado.

Tari and her brother, Rick Smith, rekindled the family Angus cattle operation more than a decade ago. The revival of Lakeview Angus came on the heels of an unexpected heartbreak. Tari’s husband passed away in 2012 when her son and daughter were entering college. Just a few years shy of an empty nest, the loss hit especially hard.

Tari and her late husband, Larry, ran their registered purebred Angus operation for years. They hauled their children and Angus show heifers to competitions all over the country. “We did everything together and as a family,” Tari Hoagland recalled. “But once he passed away, I looked in the mirror and thought, ‘Oh my gosh, what am I going to do?’ That is where the Angus operation re-evolved, was at that point.”

photos courtesy Lakeview Angus

SIBLINGS RESTART OPERATION

Shortly after her husband’s passing, due to drought and other factors, Tari sold most of their Angus herd. But soon her brother Rick stepped in with an idea. “My brother said, ‘I am going to give you a project.’ He said, ‘I think we should restart our Angus program,’” Tari recollected.

Tari and Rick grew up showing cattle. Their parents encouraged and mentored them in their pursuits of 4-H cattle projects and showing Angus at various competitions. Fast-forward many years to adulthood where within no time the sibling duo was buying genetics and building Lakeview Angus.

“He (Rick) loves it, and it is in his blood as well. It has created a really special bond between us so that has been really fun. We already had a good relationship but now we have a common thing to talk about every day,” Tari shared.

LAKEVIEW ANGUS BEGINNINGS

It didn’t take long for the operation to soar to success. Tari and Rick started with purchases of embryo pregnancies. They searched for cow families they wanted to invest in to utilize as the foundation of the Lakeview Angus herd.

“He (Rick) is the one who is willing to take a chance on new cow families. We buy a lot of pregnancies to improve our herd. He tends to buy pregnancies to get us on the fast track of new cow families and he just watches and talks to people, that is how we have developed more cow families within our herd,” Tari explained.

Not long into the partnership the siblings hit a grand slam. Their Lakeview Lady C 2119 “Dorothy” female took on the show circuit with a storm, winning the Angus show at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), National Western Stock Show (NWSS), and the American Royal – all in 2023.

Lakeview Angus’ donor cow

DPL Lady 8448 produced “Dorothy.” Now another progeny Lakeview Sandy 2334 “Whiskey,” is being campaigned with much success. Tari and Rick raised a percentage Simmental female, Lakeview Bonnie, that is also collecting bigtime show ring wins. Many other of Lakeview Angus’ genetics have garnered success on the show circuit.

RAISING CHAMPIONS

The sibling team focuses on cow families. They search for genetics that will continue to produce year after year. “Cow families are extremely important to us. We want to have a variety of cow families. And our goal is to try to build our cow families around our program,” Tari said.

They evaluate pedigrees, study what other operations are doing, and keep an open ear to what is happening in the industry. Phenotype is a strong driver when they select new genetics for their program.

Tari and Rick also value excellent conformation and longevity. “The feet and legs and overall performance are terribly important to us. That is probably one of the biggest things that we pay attention to. We try to evaluate the cow family in general and what they have produced,” Tari shared.

Lakeview Angus utilizes ET, IVF, and AI in their program to breed the next champion. The operation runs around 70 momma cows,

a little less than half are recipients. Tari calves out the cows at her operation in Mead, Colorado. She keeps the donors and show calves at her farm, then sends the rest to leased land in Kansas where a family friend manages them for part of the year.

GETTING IT DONE

Tari relies on help from her son, Landan, who lives nearby. Her daughter and son-in-law, Kylee and Grant Frevert, are also always ready to assist. But in reality, the day-to-day work primarily falls to Tari, who holds a fulltime job in sales off the farm.

Though it can be a challenge on some days, Tari finds satisfaction in the resolve she has mustered to take on building a champion Angus herd. “I have learned how to be independent. Since all of this life change, I have had to learn how to

run a skid steer, how to give shots and tag, and calve. I have had to learn how to do it all,” Tari shared. “It has been quite a learning curve for me, but it is pretty awesome that I have been able to do that.”

MARKETING GENETICS

Lakeview Angus markets its genetics at consignment sales and by private treaty. Tari and Rick are working to host their own online sale next year. They sell their top 7 to 10 show heifers each year. Tari does the bulk of the work to get the females show ring ready. Their bulls are developed in Kansas to 18-months of age and then marketed private treaty.

Her favorite aspects of the business are the family connections, and the relationships developed with the families who purchase Lakeview Angus genetics. “I love being able to cheer on the juniors and becom-

ing part of their family, watching them blossom and become young adults. To me that is very rewarding. Standing on the sidelines and watching them have success is very rewarding,” Tari said.

LAKEVIEW’S FUTURE

Tari’s fortitude seems to be unending, so who knows what additional success is ahead for Lakeview Angus. The next generation of Lakeview Angus is on the horizon. Tari’s already teaching her young grandchildren about the farm and sharing her love of family (cows and otherwise) with them.

PRIVATE TREATY OFFERINGS:

Bulls and females available at the farm near Mead, Colo.

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Left to right: Colton Tobin, Katie Williams, Amy Puepke, Eric Audiss, Shelly Kutilek-Olson, Ray Trudeau, Randa Dean, Kristen Velez, Chris Nelson

In the kitchen with

Heather Werner

Werner Family Angus - Diagonal, Iowa

I am a mom of four wonderful children (wonderful most of the time). Two boys ages 12 and 11, and two girls ages 9 and 8. When the kids were younger, I stayed home and also cared for Joe’s (my husband’s) grandmother in our home. She passed away peacefully last year at the age of 101, and I decided I would try going back to school and get my nursing degree. I am currently in my second year, and if I survive this semester,

The family operation runs the same as it always has... smooth as silk some days and ready to blow apart at the seams on others. We sell over 200 registered Angus bulls each year by private treaty. We are starting to bring back the next generation into the operation as much as they are willing. My kids are getting old enough that they have started helping more when they are not in school or when we are not running from one sport to the next. If they had it their way, I would be homeschooling them so they can work full time. Joe and Clint would be on board with this as well, since it would mean early retirement for them!”

“

Where did you learn to cook? ”

STOCK Kitchen

I used to work in the kitchen at a care facility that served about 100 people, including patients and Meals-on-Wheels that delivered meals to the elderly in the community. I started working there when I was 15 and worked alongside my mom, who taught me a lot. My boss was a farm wife who cooked and delivered meals to the field, and she taught me so much about field meals as well as farm wife life. I wouldn’t be me without her.

What is your favorite thing to make in the cold winter months?

I love chili in the cold winter months. I never get tired of eating chili, and the best thing about it is the next day I can serve a baked potato bar and put chili on top, or have chili cheese fries, chili pie, or chili dogs. I always make plenty so I can stretch it out to another meal!”

What is your favorite cooking tip/trick?

If you are cutting up thin slices of meat, do so frozen. If they are not in for meals on time (which happens often), put the oven as low as it will go and set your food in there to keep warm. Don’t stress - they’ll like it, because they know if they complain about it then they’ll just have to cook next time, and they don’t want to do that!”

Cowboy approved recipes used by our favorite country cooks.

How do you plan meals to feed a large ranch crew?

I wish I could say there is planning behind it, but I wing it most days. It’s a good thing I have a freezer full of beef and my mother-in-law keeps a well-stocked pantry just in case! If the day turns out to be beautiful and all hands-on deck are available to help work cattle, I get told last! I usually see the cattle walking through my yard before I get the heads up that I will be feeding the crew that is following that group of cattle. It really doesn’t bother me, because this way I have no time to stress over the small details!

learn more wernerfamilyangus.com

for printable recipes stockmanmag.com

BEEF ENCHILADAS

Heather Werner

1 ½ lbs. ground beef

1 15 oz. can refried beans

1 10 oz. can red enchilada sauce

10 burrito style tortillas

SPAGHETTI SAUCE

Heather

Werner

1 lb. ground beef

1 15 oz. can tomato sauce

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

Lawry’s garlic salt

Italian seasoning

Worcestershire sauce

Parmesan cheese

Step 1: Brown ground beef, season as desired. When finished, add the tomato sauce and tomato paste with a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Step 2: This is where it may get a little tricky. The garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese I go by whether it smells right. If I were to guess, I would say about 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, ½ tsp. garlic salt, and at least 1 to 2 big dashes of Parmesan cheese. Step 3: Serve this sauce over noodles, or even add it to lasagna.

2 c. of Colby jack cheese (shredded)

Sliced black olives (optional)

Diced green chilies (optional)

Step 1: Brown ground beef, and season as desired. When it is finished, add the refried beans. Step 2: Put a spoon full (about ½ cup) in a tortilla. Then wrap it like a burrito and put in the baking dish. Step 3: When you have your 8 to 10 tortillas filled lined up in your baking dish, pour enchilada sauce over all the stuffed tortillas. Sprinkle cheese over all of it and then add black olives and green chilies if desired. Step 4: Bake on 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes. Feeds 8 to 10.

BULLS AVAILABLE BY

PRIVATE TREATY:

Available the beginning of January WernerFamilyAngus.com to view listings

BEEF SAUSAGE GRAVY

Heather Werner

1 lb. beef sausage ¼ c. flour

2 c. milk

Step 1: Brown the sausage, season with salt and pepper as desired. Step 2: Add the flour to make your roux (I had to look up how to spell roux). Add milk, constantly stir until thickened. I usually add just 1 ½ cups of the milk to start with and add more till it’s at the right consis- tency. Serve over biscuits.

Note: If you haven’t yet, you should ask your butcher if they can make some beef sausage because it is my favorite! My kids love it and even just making sausage balls and serving it with grape jelly has been a huge morning success.

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Sale Barn Study

COLD WEATHER BUT HOT CATTLE

contributed article by Kirk Lynch

Lynch Livestock Inc. and Humeston Livestock Exchange, Humeston, Iowa

humestonlivestockexchange.com

s I wrote this article, we have received our first snowstorm of the winter and my four little ones could not wait to throw on their snow pants and go play in the white stuff! Me on the other hand, not so excited about leaving the warmth and comfort of my office. It is because they are looking forward to joy and fun and I am dreading frozen waters and/or sick cattle.

this fat cattle deal to continue an upward trend going into the new year and into spring. How high we can go, that is the million-dollar question!

NEW YEAR BRINGS GREAT PROMISE

elcome to 2025! The year 2024 was great for cattle markets and it sure appears like we are sitting in a great situation going into 2025 and hopefully beyond. Now, let us get into what we are seeing in the barns and markets.

As I write this article, we have just recently had a favorable de velopment with the suspension of importing live cattle from Mexi co. The disruption of imports from Mexico has boosted the feeder cat tle market and will continue to do so if there are no imports coming from the south. Mexico accounts for a little over 3 percent of the an nual calf crop and with already tight numbers the longer we have zero or limited cattle from the south the stronger the feeder market will get.

Now to look at some of the market reports that we have been seeing in the barns. The fat cattle market has been on a hot streak for several weeks, until this past week, when we experienced a slight dip in the market. We have seen some highs in the mid to high forties, but these have been some extremes. Most cash cattle in the country have been trading at forty level or slightly higher the past couple of weeks. I expect there to be a few bumps in the road, but I expect

The higher fat cattle market is driving a higher price for the feeder cattle market as well, even with the higher feedstuff inputs. We have seen some front end big strings of 800 pounds bringing well into the sixties and some 600-pound cattle bringing into the seventies and eighties. Once again these are some extreme tops. We have been trying to fill up our own lots as fast as possible, as I am not sure the feeder cattle are going to get any cheaper. We have been able to find cattle at cheaper prices than that and so when we do projects they are in the black.

Kirk Lynch, Lynch Livestock Inc., Waucoma, IA

I do not know if it will last 10 days, a month, or six months but feeders will be in high demand during this time. In the first week, we have seen feeder cattle jumping in the barns $5 to $10. I would also think there will be a flood of feeder cattle coming north as soon as this screwworm issue is resolved af fecting the feeder market to go the other way.

Kirk is the Beef Division manager for Lynch Livestock Inc. and oversees all aspects of their backgrounding and cattle feeding operations throughout Iowa and Kansas. He is also deeply involved in the newly reopened Humeston Livestock Exchange in Humeston, Iowa. In addition, Kirk and his wife Mary own and operate Heartland Simmentals in Northeast Iowa, which is a seed stock operation that consists of 500 registered Simmental and Angus cows. They have four children: Gabrielle (8), Brayden (7), Vivian (5), and Bianca (1).

Humeston, Iowa 641-877-6092

The breeding been up and cently, I heard commercial pairs $2,000 and then can buy all the I want for $1,200 are looking to now is the time reasonably priced with increased are going to be ply over the next Wishing everyone Christmas and

The cull cow and bull market has lagged the fat market, as from all reports there have been around six percent more last year, making supply of cows. down, which be into next year, cow and bull with the same market.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WINTERPROOF YOUR FARM TIRES: ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR THE COLD SEASON

Winter is here, and with it comes colder temperatures, wet or icy ground, and snow in some areas. Despite the changing weather conditions, you still need to get work done, and farm tire maintenance is crucial to staying productive, no matter the weather.

“Livestock still needs to be fed. In some areas, snow needs to be moved, or fieldwork finished,” says Greg Jones, senior manager of global field engineering, Firestone Ag. “Regardless of where you live, winter brings challenges. In the north, it snows. In the south, it rains. You need your tires to keep up throughout the season.”

Taking steps to safeguard your tires from harsh winter weather and conditions can help you avoid needing replacement tires come spring. Here are four practical tips to help you make the most of your farm tires and equipment this winter.

Tip 1: Maintain tire pressure when temperatures drop

Regularly checking and adjusting your tire air pressure is one of the most effective ways to extend tire life and carry heavy loads efficiently. Checking tire pressure in the winter is especially important since it is directly related to temperature.

“As temperatures rise, so does tire inflation pressure, and vice versa,” says Jones. “You need to be extra aware of your tire air pressure at this time since the colder weather causes drops in tire inflation pressure.”

Check your tire pressure daily or weekly, depending on your equip -

ment usage. This helps to avoid underinflation or overinflation, which can both damage the tire and affect performance.

Tip 2: Be cautious of rough, frozen ground

Take extra care driving over rutted and rough frozen ground and stubble, especially for livestock operations and when clearing snow.

“When temperatures drop, mud can freeze into hard clumps, and stubble gets harder,” says Jones. “Driving over these is like driving over a sharp rock in the field. These frozen obstacles, which are common for northern U.S. farmers, can cause punctures or breaks in your tires.”

Whenever possible, minimize driving over rough surfaces and smooth out main driving paths to protect your tires from sharp, frozen debris.

Tip 3: Safeguard your tires during winter storage

For equipment that won’t see regular use during the winter, proper storage can help keep tires in good condition. Whenever possible, store equipment inside. Tires left outside on ice or snow are more prone to cracks as the rubber stiffens in low temperatures.

“When temperatures get cold enough, the elasticity of the rubber stops working as usual,” explains Jones. “Instead of stretching and relaxing, it becomes brittle and can crack.”

For equipment in winter storage, adjust tire inflation pressure to avoid finding a flat tire come spring. Due to permeation, a tire will typically lose around 1 PSI per month. To account for this natural, slow loss of PSI over time regularly check the tire pressure of your tires

in storage and adjust to account for this change.

Tip 4: Optimize your tires for winter conditions

Winter across the country can create conditions that challenge tire traction. Tires built for fieldwork might not perform well in snow and ice. In the south, wet ground from winter rains can reduce a tractor’s traction in the field. If you need to put your equipment to work, these tips can help make them more efficient.

Adjust a tire’s footprint: Wet ground can heighten soil compaction and rutting, while reducing a tractor’s traction. Ensure your tire inflation pressure is optimized for the weight of the tractor. Properly inflated tires allow tractors to create an ideal footprint, spreading the machine’s weight over a larger area to minimize soil compaction and enhance traction.

Add weight: Adding weight to your equipment can help improve traction on icy or snowy ground. Extra weight can prevent slipping and help maintain stability. “Adding weight carefully and optimizing your tire pressure to the new weight can give you extra grip for winter work,” says Jones.

Use tire chains: Tire chains can be a good option in winter conditions by providing extra traction on icy surfaces. Tire chains can give your equipment the extra grip it needs in slippery conditions. Work with your local tire dealer and experts to ensure you are getting the correct chains for your tires and are installing them correctly to avoid unnecessary damage.

In the News

(continued...)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRODUCERS DISCUSS TOOLS, GENETIC PROGRESS IN BEEF

Colorado and Oklahoma cattlemen share lessons learned from data and genetic tools at 2024 Angus Convention in November in Fort Worth, Texas.

Breeding and raising cattle is big business with risk and seasons of opportunity, and a rebuilding of the industry’s cowherd will be one of those times producers have the chance to make gains from financial and genetic perspectives.

A series of educational sessions at the 2024 Angus Convention in November focused on the theme of herd rebuilding. Nevil Speer, an industry consultant, said the U.S. beef cow herd is expected to decline to around 27.8-28 million head by early 2025, as producers have been slow to move toward rebuilding the herd after the recent drought period.

“We are not building a cowherd today,” Speer said. “If we do get into that point in which we’ve just started rebuilding like crazy and the market swings back the other way, guess who gets left behind? It’s the people that sell commodity cattle.”

Speer said he sees market trends continuing to shift toward cattle and beef quality, transparency and an appetite for data, and efficiency

in production.

“That’s really what’s driving the business,” he said. “So in the next wave of whether it’s herd rebuilding or business transition, that’s what becomes important.”

He added that he’s more interested in the business decisions producers are making to stay profitable or increase their profitability than he is in short-term market conditions. Two commercial producers shared their stories with attendees and answered questions about how they made genetic improvements and increased their herds’ profitability.

Ryan Noble of Noble Ranch, Yuma, Colorado, was one of those and is well-known for his heifer development program. Unfortunately, his family had to rebuild their cow herd in 2019 to 2020 more recently than most due to drought.

“God had a plan for us, and we sold every cow for every dollar we asked for them,” Noble said. “It was an opportunity for us. We went out seeking high-quality heifer calves. We knew what we wanted to raise.”

He said their ranch shifted to being a service provider, developing heifers and building back their herd, aiming for what he calls “an apology-free cow herd.”

Noble’s ideal set of females would be docile; healthy with good feet and eyes; and fertile, calving once a year with a good udder.

“She’s got the appropriate amount of growth for your environment,” he said. “She is going to go garner premiums through the next two stages. You put her on feed, she’s going to get it done. You hang her on the rail, she’s going to get it done. That’s an apology-free cow, and she’s going to do it with a minimal amount of inputs and a minimal amount of labor.”

In pursuit of this stockman’s dream of a cow herd, Noble has come to place great value on known genetics and strategic nutrition investment. He uses genetic testing tools and makes heifers prove they have what it takes to go work for him in his sometimes-unforgiving environment.

“I figure by the time we end up with a bred heifer, she’s probably lived through five or six sorts on our range,” he said. “If she can make it through all that and become pregnant, that’s when we are ready to invest more money.”

Investing in the right females pays dividends, Noble says, because he expects them to have longevity enough “until you’re so old that everybody knows your number.”

(continued...)

Jimmy Taylor of Taylor Ranch, Cheyenne, Oklahoma, has his own ideal cowherd and he has dove into the data to help it become closer and closer to reality. The Taylor Ranch began transitioning to its current model of backgrounding their own calves on the ranch, retaining ownership through the feedyard and selling them on the grid in 2005.

“I wanted something where I could get a bonus or premium on every calf,” Taylor said. “So I looked around and decided that the best route to do that would be raising carcass cattle while raising good replacement heifers.”

He said his first set of steers were 13% prime in 2012. Today their range is typically between 50 to 75% prime.

Taylor’s carcass data and 10-plus years of genetic data on his females shows his system is working.

“What really got us into high gear was when what I called enhanced GeneMax® Advantage™ happened in 2016, where they had 10 traits and [percentile rankings

for each animal] in those traits,” Taylor said. “Now I can target traits and I can make rapid improvement doing that.”

Taylor said individualized data with trait-by-trait analysis has helped him use a more diverse pool of sires and “match specific females up to my bulls’ strong points and weak points.”

GeneMax Advantage now has 19 traits, and the American Angus Association® continues to crank out expected progeny differences (EPDs) as tools for genetic selection with registered bulls.

Both Taylor and Noble said it is worthwhile work to get a handle on their own herd’s data and identify clear targets.

“What gets us from point A to point B are these tools,” Noble said.

Seedstock and commercial producers are not the only ones paying attention to genetics. Industry Insights powered by Angus Media and CattleFax summarizes survey data from cattle feeders across the United States, representing around

3.3 million head of feeding capacity.

“Sixty percent of the feedlot respondents said that genetics play a bigger role in their purchase decision today (than they did five years ago), and that’s going to continue to grow,” said Esther Tarpoff, the Association’s director of performance programs.

Tarpoff says tools like GeneMax Advantage can help commercial producers find the females in their herd that are going to be the most profitable, and there are programs like AngusLinkSM to assist with marketing their calves to build more margin into their herd.

These tools also help seedstock and commercial producers align their genetic selection goals and create a common language for marketing Angus genetics throughout the beef production system.

She says ultimately the focus on genetic merit and quality at each of these levels continues driving value through the supply chain.

- By Sarah Kocher, Communications Specialist

2K Cattle Enterprises

605 Sires & Donors

Alpha Syndicate

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Froelich Quarter Horses

Gilchrist, Kyle

Gilchrist Auctions

Gold Buckle Cattle Services

Graham Angus

Gutwein Angus

Hawkeye Breeders

Humeston Livestock Exch.

Integrity Stock Shots

International Angus Forum

Iowa Beef Expo

J.J. Scheckel Angus

Red Angus

Jallo Angus

Janssen Angus

Jindra Angus

JMF Herefords & SimAngus

Kenny Angus

Klain Simmental Ranch

Lakeview Angus

Layton, Dustin

Linz Heritage Angus

Lone Tree Simmentals

Loonan Stock Farm

Lowderman, Monte

Lowderman Auction Options

Martens Angus Farms

Martin-Trudeau Insurance

Matthews Coach’s Corral

Melby Simmentals

Money Maker bull

Musgrave Angus

Nagel Cattle Co.

National Western Stock Show

NCC-The Classic

NGN Red Angus

Nolin Red Angus

Nordlund Stock Farm

Petersek’s Raven Angus

Pladsen Red Angus

Pleasant Hill Farms

Poss Angus

Powder River

Rawhide Portable Corral

Raymond Sutton Ranch

Renovo Seed

Ressler Land & Cattle

RL Fleckvieh Limerock Ranch

Rohrich’s Cutting Edge Ranch

Safety Zone Calf Catchers

Sauk Valley Angus

Schaff Angus Valley

Schooley Cattle Co.

Sealpro Silage Barrier Films

ShowMe Genetics

Slate Group

Sletten Angus

Soaring Eagle of the Ozarks

Stockman Design Services

Summit Ag Group

The Judge Source

TNT Simmentals

Topp Herefords

Twedt Red Angus

Udder Tech

Upstream Ranch

Valley Creek Ranch

Valley Oaks Angus

Voss Angus

Wall Street Cattle Co.

Wangen Cattle Co.

Warner Beef Genetics

Weishaar, Seth

Werner Family Angus

Wheeler Angus & Auctions

Wiese & Sons

Wilde Angus Ranch

Woolover, LTD

Y-Tex Corporation

STOCKMAN traight

About the Stockman.

I’ve been addicted to cattle since I can remember. I grew up backgrounding steer calves in the winter months and ran yearlings on grass. In the mid-1980s, we bought some commercial cows and started with registered cows in 1998. We bought cattle from Glacier Red Angus and Seeger Red Angus as our base. We built up to 265 registered cows with our son Cody. We had a so-called dispersal in 2019 with Cody selling his cows to Rivers Edge Cattle Company - which is now a cooperator of ours. So, we still will calve 220 cows with 70 embryo cows coming. Our bull sale is March 20, 2025, at the ranch in Hitterdal. We will be selling 70 plus bulls along with 20 to 25 top end heifer calves.

Val and I got married in 1976. She has worked hand-in-hand with me through it all; raising three boys: Beau, Cody, and Kirby. We now have nine grandkids ranging from ages 4 to 22. There are five girls and four boys with all the girls bringing up the rear, from ages 4 to 14, which keeps us busy and thankful.”

Which animal (any species) has left the greatest impact on you?

It started with our Heidi 2099 cow. But we have some black/ red carrier cows that give us some top red genetics such as our 7122 cow, our 9225 cow and her red 2021 daughter that you will be hearing from in the near future.”

What about the beef cattle industry excites you the most?

We still believe in making mother cows, something that is easy to feed, look at, and is fertile – if the cow is right your bull calves are there.”

Describe your best day.

When the last of the AI and embryo work is done!”

What is your least favorite job on the farm?

Hauling sh*t!”

above Gary and Val Jacobson with their 9 grandkids.

Gary Jacobson

Your favorite non-farm activity to do in your free time?

Going to our lake camper.”

Your go-to sorting apparatus? A sorting stick.”

The most important lesson you’ve learned in this business?

How many great people you meet and the respect you develop for them. Also, that your word and a handshake still matter.”

What is the most used tool on your farm? How old is it?

Our TMR mixer wagon - a KUHN 144V. It’s 16 years old.”

learn more jacobsonredangus.com

ANNUAL BULL SALE: Thursday, March 20, 2025 At the farm near Hitterdal, Minn. A

Jacobson Red Angus of Hitterdal, Minn.

The Brand You Believe In

featured in this event.

SAV Revelation 4125 He sells!

Renovation x SAV Abigale 9118. Commanding herdbull presence with phenotypic power, performance and maternal attributes to be a major breeding force. His productive Pathfinder dam by President records a weaning ratio of 113 on 4 calves.

SAV Authority 4311

Architect x SAV Emblynette 0435. Represents all the qualities of an ideal breeding bull with authentic Angus type, shape, soundness and true herdbull authority. His dam by President x Renown x Net Worth x EXT stacks an elite maternal pedigree loaded with real-world production merit.

SAV Maternal Gold 4081 He sells!

Renovation x SAV Madame Pride 3145. Represents a landmark flush that has captured the attention of the Angus world from a maternally-inspired mating. His 12-year-old Pathfinder dam is a herd favorite and current top income-producing cow, recording a weaning ratio of 107 on 9 calves.