The Stockman | March 2025 by The Stockman

HORSE

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. 3,

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.

Wildberry

Diamond P Ranch adds

The McCurry family, Hutchinson, Kan., is

creating warmth.

Although it’s been a relatively mild winter for us in terms of snow, we have had several stretches of some bitter cold. Every time the forecast shows frigid temps, there’s always talk in our house about hoping the waterers stay thawed and the feeding equipment keeps running. Now that the kids are getting older, they can help out more outside and I’m so thankful for that because I just can’t tolerate the cold like I used to. Well, I guess I’ve never been able to tolerate the cold - once as a kid, I went with my dad to a farm auction and I had so many layers on that all you could see were my eyes and nose, and I was mistaken for being his son! I’m still reaching for my coveralls when it’s 45 degrees, and Jared jokes that I’m usually wearing a sweatshirt on the Fourth of July. But when I see my crew out bedding and feeding in the cold and wind - as I sit at my desk drinking hot tea by the fireplace - I am so incredibly thankful they are willing to fight the elements to keep our business going. My hope is the warm soups and fresh breads I make out of appreciation are equally as heartwarming for them when they get back inside. You can’t ever go wrong with a hot cooked meal and your entire family around the kitchen table, and it’s my goal to create that as much as I can.

Bull sale season is in full swing, and if you’re still in the market for buying bulls, this issue has a ton of options to choose from. Our advertisers have an impressive set of cattle to offer, from different breeds and different locations across the U.S. Truly something for everyone!

Stay healthy and warm!

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By Cheryl Kepes

courtesy Wildberry Farms

Wildberry Farms, a Simmental and SimAngus seedstock operation, utilizes generations of performance data, concentrates on maternal traits, and develops its animals with longevity in mind.

Chaotic workdays saturated with the rapid buying and selling of futures contracts on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade consumed 31 years of Jim Berry’s professional life. During those years and now well into his retirement, Jim pursued his passion for raising beef cattle. Jim and his wife, Ann, started Wildberry Farms with 16 Simmental cows in the 1970s near their home in McHenry, Ill., about an hour outside of Chicago.

After years of growth and development, Wildberry Farms relocated to Hanover, Ill. The seedstock operation runs under Jim’s oversight and with daily direction from cattle manager Ben Lehman, as well as herdsman, Dean Elder. Wildberry Farms manages 400 Simmental and SimAngus momma cows and hosts a production sale each March, featuring as many as 70 bulls.

The cattle operation utilizes dozens of data points to direct decisions, puts a heavy focus on maternal traits, and takes a unique

photos

approach to bull and female development. “We are trying to improve the reliability of what we are raising and trying to develop a good product that meets the needs of our customers,”

Jim Berry, owner of Wildberry Farms said.

DATA DRIVEN

Jim is a numbers guy through and through. When he was 72 years old, he attended a college course and learned how to design his own cattle management software program. His system includes more than 9,000 herd records including calving scores, docility ratings, breeding dates, weaning weights, yearling weights, udder scores, and ultrasound data.

The vast amount of herd data guides Wildberry Farms in many of its operational decisions especially when it comes to breeding selections. “When I’m doing matings, I can pull up the cow, the granddam, the great-granddam,

and the great-great grandam, and go back and look and see what type of bulls that this specific cow line has worked with and then make my mating decisions off that,” Ben Lehman, Wildberry Farms cattle manager, explained.

Tapping into the data provides Wildberry Farms with a resource to increase reliability and predictability within the cow herd. “We work to have something we can stand behind and feel

good about,” Jim said.

One of the most important pieces of information gathered on the animals is a docility score. Wildberry Farms collects three docility scores on all its open heifers, bulls, and steers. Even if a bull possesses the right phenotype and genotype to become a herd bull, if he fails the docility scoring test then he doesn’t make the bull pen. “We’re in the part of the world where cows are not the main source of income for most people. Many of our customers have a job in town and run about 40 cows. So, docility has got to be on the very top of the priority list,” Ben stated.

MATERNAL STRENGTHS MATTER

Tracking the data on the cow herd helps Wildberry Farms’ managers to concentrate on developing females with strong maternal traits. Since Ben started working at Wildberry Farms 14 years ago, he’s worked to grow the herd based on solid maternal characteristics.

“The main focus since I’ve started has been building better females that adapt and survive wherever they go. The bulls are just kind of a byproduct. I’ve never made a mating thinking, ‘Well, that could be a really good bull calf.’ I always want the female side of it, so it’s maternally focused,” Ben stated.

CROPS AND HAY

Wildberry Farms owns about 1,900 acres in a region called the Driftless Area due to its soaring bluffs and rolling hills near the Mississippi River. A crop specialist assists the operation with its row crops, hay, and machinery. The operation tills and harvests 200 acres of corn and soybeans as well as bales 300 to 400 acres of hay each year.

The cracked corn is utilized to hand feed weaned calves with buckets for 45 days post weaning before they are switched to a TMR. The rest of the corn along with all the soybeans are marketed.

MANAGING THE COWS

Though rooted in a part of the country where corn is bountiful, cows at Wildberry Farms never receive silage or corn feed. The cows graze fescue-based pastures, cornstalks, and fescue hay. They must possess solid structural conformation in order to traverse an environment consisting partially of bluffs, rocks, and timber.

Wildberry Farms’ cows are required to display self-sufficiency and breed back easily. “We want the cows to work for us, not us to work for the cows,” Ben explained. About half the cow herd, which includes heifers, undergo a synchronization protocol and then are bred via AI. The remainder of the cow herd is bred natural service.

Recently, Wildberry Farms stopped breeding first-calf heifers through AI. Instead, first-calf heifers are pasture exposed to a bull in Wildberry Farms’ bull battery. The new protocol reduces additional strain on the females. “They don’t have to go through the chute an extra three times. They go right with a bull,” Ben said. “They can get comfortable on grass raising their calf, they seem to cycle a lot better, and our breed back has been significantly higher on those first-calf heifers without stressing them even more than they’re already stressed.”

After taking a decade long hiatus from embryo transfer (ET) work. Wildberry Farms decided to start flushing one proven cow a year. The animals chosen for donors are not heifers without track records, rather cows with a long history of production. “If we’re going to flush them, we want to know what they’re going to work with, and we want to know that it’s going to work for our program and our customers,” Ben shared.

In an effort to promote highly productive females, Wildberry Farms does not creep feed its calves.

above Ben Lehman Family (l-r): Aubrie, Stephanie, Ben, and Weston.

“We want to know exactly what the cow is producing year in and year out. Creep feed to me disguises the actual genetic and milking ability and rebreeding and fertility of the cow,” Ben said.

The females calve in February and March. Wildberry adheres to a tight 60-day calving window. The calves are typically weaned at the end of August or early September. This gives cows time to regain their body condition before winter arrives.

BULL DEVELOPMENT

At weaning the bulls are put into one big group and turned out on pasture to graze the stockpiled fescue well into December or January. Then, they’re sorted into pens by size and type and fed a ration developed by a nutritionist to help them grow slowly.

“We have all the feed in the world at our fingertips compared to out west and south, this is corn country. It’s really easy to just pour the feed

to them and make them look good. It’s been more of a challenge working with my nutritionist and making sure they don’t get too fat. And since we’ve gone to this, our semen checks have been 99 percent,” Ben explained.

All Wildberry Farms’ bulls undergo an ultrasound to measure their backfat, carcass quality, ribeye

area, and IMF (intramuscular fat). Ben monitors their backfat closely to keep them in proper body condition. “We ultrasound all the bulls and I really don’t want any more than a quarter inch of back fat. Every year there’s outliers, you’ll have a .3 or something, but we get a lot of .18 or .19,” Ben explained.

Most of Wildberry Farms’ bull buyers are producers running small commercial or registered beef cattle operations. Many of Wildberry Farms’ bulls are sold to customers within a 100-miles of the farm. The operation sells about 70 yearling bulls at its production sale the last Saturday in March.

Wildberry Farms offers its bull customers an added benefit after the sale. “When we have our sale at the end of March, we keep the bulls

and develop them further for the next two months and then deliver them in June. I don’t know anybody else that does that. It helps us have control of our product a little bit longer,” Jim explained.

As Wildberry Farms next production sale approaches, Jim, Ben, and Dean look forward to offering thoughtfully developed bulls in hopes of helping their friends in the cattle business reach their goals.

learn more facebook.com - Wildberry Farms Simmentals

UPCOMING SALE: Saturday, March 29, 2025

1 p.m. at the farm in Hanover, Ill.

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A PASTURE TO PLATE PROGRAM

A FULL SERVICE ANGUS & BEEF OUTFIT

Fred Linz | Owner

Ben Weis | Ranch Manager

Anthony Randall | Cattle Procurement Manager

Extension Education

Bethany Johnston, Nebraska Extension Educator University of NE - Lincoln, UNL Beef beef.unl.edu

University research you can use.

CAN PINE NEEDLES CAUSE ABORTIONS IN COWS?

an pine needles cause abortions in cows? The short answer is “yes.”

Pine needle abortion can cause significant losses for producers, but simple strategies can reduce the risk. Check and repair fences around ponderosa pine trees to prevent losses in your herd, especially during the second and third trimesters. By excluding pregnant cows, you can avoid devastating losses.

Here are two real-life examples of producers who experienced premature calf losses:

Example 1: The Prairie Blizzard. The four lone pine trees were all that remained from the pioneers who tried to settle on the prairie. During a recent blizzard that dropped over a foot of snow, it took several days for ranchers to reach their pregnant cows with hay. With drifts underfoot, the cows were tall enough to reach up and eat the pine needles out of the trees during the blizzard. A week later, half the cows prematurely lost their calves.

Example 2: The Old Farmstead. A neighbor purchased an old farmstead, which included a pasture where a shelterbelt of trees sur-

rounded the buildings - pine and cottonwood trees. The buildings and wire fence that kept the cows out of the old shelterbelt had fallen down in disrepair, so the neighbor pulled the fence. His bred heifers ran there that winter, and more out of curiosity, nibbled on the pine needles. Several heifers aborted that winter.

Both producers lost calves to pine needle abortions, as the cows and heifers “slinked” or calved too early, and the fetuses died.

WHY DO PINE NEEDLES CAUSE ABORTIONS IN COWS?

Since the 1920’s, cattlemen wondered if ponderosa pine needles were causing abortions in their herds. In the 1980’s to 1990’s, researchers were able to determine that ponderosa pine needles did indeed cause abortions in pregnant beef cows.

Compounds in the Pinus ponderosa (or ponderosa pine tree) needles interferes with blood flow to the uterus and fetus, leading to premature births or fetal death.

Both green or dried needles from ponderosa pine trees, if ingested by pregnant cows, can be harmful. Cows would need to eat 3-5 pounds of needles for several days to trigger an abortion. The later the trimester, the more susceptible cows are to “pine needle abortions.” The third trimester, especially the last 30-60 days, can cause more abortions than early in the pregnancy. Low temperatures also seemed to increase pine needle consumption.

WHAT ANIMALS ARE NOT AFFECTED BY EATING PINE NEEDLES?

Cows that are not pregnant, steers, and bulls are not affected if needles are ingested, as well as pregnant elk, sheep, or goats.

HOW TO PREVENT PINE NEEDLE ABORTIONS

What are solutions to avoid pine needle abortion? The simplest solution is to fence out ponderosa pine trees so that cattle cannot reach the needles to ingest them. Another strategy is to adjust the calving season, so cows are calving in the summer or late fall, when they are less likely to eat pine needles in their second or third trimester.

Courtesy

University of NE - Lincoln, UNL Beef

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

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By Cheryl Kepes

A True

operations to its century old farm with the goal of building a strong, diversified business capable of supporting future generations.

For more than a hundred years, row crops stole the spotlight as the crown jewel of Diamond P Ranch. However, for the past two decades, a new gem of a business has been emerging at the homestead in eastern Iowa. Diamond P Ranch owners, Scott and Kim Powell, along with their four sons are working to expand the farming operation with the addition of a registered and commercial cattle herd and a direct-to-consumer meat business.

NEW VENTURES

When Scott and Kim Powell got married 20 years ago, Kim moved from her home in Ohio to join Scott on his family’s century farm in Blue Grass, Iowa. At the time, the 400-acre operation focused primarily on raising corn and soybeans. But in the years to come,

Gem

photos courtesy Diamond P Ranch

Diamond P Ranch would cultivate new ventures.

“When we got married, he had nine cows, just average cows. And I said, ‘If we’re going to have cows, we’re going to have good cows,’” Kim Powell shared with a chuckle. Since Scott had an affinity for the Hereford breed, the newlyweds purchased a Hereford cow named “Sally” at the Iowa Beef Expo thus launching their cattle herd in a new direction.

Over the years, the crop ground and the herd grew from the original nine commercial cows plus “Sally” to 75 momma cows and 1,200-plus acres. Diamond P Ranch’s herd consists mostly of registered Hereford cows (polled and horned), as well as a few registered Red Angus, Limousin, and black Angus. The remainder of the herd is commercial cows and F1 crosses.

Scott and Kim added Red Angus, Limousin, and black Angus to the

herd in recent years to give each of their sons a different breed to show at competitions. “It’s hard to have your kids all show the same breed. We tried that for a while, but it is really hard when your kids are in exactly the same class, doing the exact same thing,” Kim said.

The Powell boys: Owen (18), Cody (16), Levi (14), and Reed (11), buy or raise heifers to show but after competition season ends the heifer must incorporate into the herd and produce. Though the Powells enjoy working with show cattle it takes a backseat to the rest of their operation.

All four Powell boys play an integral role in Diamond P Ranch. In addition to their involvement in school and sports, they dedicate time to help with day-to-day chores.

MEAT BUSINESS

For years, Diamond P Ranch, solely managed the herd as a cow/ calf operation, backgrounding the calves and then selling them. But in recent years, the Powells diversified their operation even further by finishing their own beef adding a meat business with individual cut sales.

What started as feeding out a few calves for their family and a couple of neighbors quickly grew into a viable income generating business. Diamond P Ranch Meats, LLC., processed 30,000 pounds of beef for its customers in 2024 alone.

Though Diamond P Ranch Meats offers half and whole beef for sale, most of the Powells’ customers prefer to purchase bundles of separate cuts of beef. Customers order beef from the Powells’ website and pick up their beef bundles at specified locations in the area.

The meat business started taking shape in 2020, becoming fully operational by 2021. Kim selected local, family-owned, state and USDA certified facilities to process their animals. Working with other family-owned businesses is very important to the Powells. The animals in Diamond P Ranch Meats’ program are developed to about 1,300 to 1,400 pounds. The Powells strive for an 800-pound hanging weight.

In addition to working to provide a quality product, the Powells

strive to educate their customers about the agriculture industry. Kim shares candidly on social media platforms and writes a blog posted on the ranch website.

“I think one of the things that sets us apart is, I’m not just here to sell you beef. I’m here to make sure you understand why we do what we do because I think there’s a big disconnect on what the consumer understands and what our industry understands,” Kim said.

CATTLE NUTRITION

The animals in the beef program are raised on pasture until weaning and finished in a feedlot with grain and other feedstuffs. A local company custom mixes a ration for Diamond P Ranch’s feedlot animals utilizing corn produced and harvested by the Powell family. A nutritionist helps determine the ration mixture to ensure the animals receive all their nutritional requirements.

The feeder calves are also offered free choice hay. The Powells produce their own hay that’s comprised primarily of grasses: timothy, orchard grass, and a small percentage of alfalfa. The rich alfalfa hay is typically fed to the cows right after they calve. The rest of the corn and all the soybeans produced at Diamond P are sold to a nearby grain cooperative. The Powells work closely with Scott’s dad, Rich, and local agronomists in the row crop part of the operation.

UPDATING INFRASTRUCTURE

Developing a cattle operation on a century farm where the barns and other facilities show every bit of their age posed a challenge for the Powells. The barn built in 1931 started as a milking barn for dairy cows. Today it still has the original milking stanchions, bull pens, and horse stalls; it’s less than ideal for calving beef cows. It didn’t take long before the Powells needed larger, newer infrastructure. The family added a hoop barn system to assist them during calving season and to serve as a sanctuary for the feeder calves during inclement weather.

The hoop barn system includes stalls, a warming room (equipped with a hot box, veterinary supplies, and hot water), barn cameras, and chute. The Powells stall the momma cows in the hoop barn prior to calving. The momma cows are monitored and pampered up until 24 hours post calving. “We’re fairly labor intensive because those calves are very important to us,” Kim explained.

The hoop barn isn’t large enough to accommodate all the females during calving. As a work around, the Powells stagger their breeding windows. The heifers and cows are bred in groups that are two-weeks apart. This allows the Powells to

bring the females into the barn in shifts during calving, giving every female the opportunity for TLC at calving. Diamond P also splits the herd into spring and fall calving seasons.

BREEDING STRATEGIES

The bulk of the cow herd is bred via natural service with a registered herd bull of the same breed. However, the cream of the cow crop gets bred through AI. Then seven to ten days later the Powells turn in herd bulls with the AI group. With these females, the Powells utilize black cleanup bulls on the red cows and red bulls on the black cows.

This strategy eliminates the need for DNA testing of the potential AI calves to determine parentage.

“When the calf arrives, if get we a black-white face, then we know we

didn’t catch that cow AI,” Kim said. “So, for us it has worked out. Either they got caught AI and we have new genetics, or they didn’t. Either way, we are not wasting a whole bunch of time. Because when we’re trying to AI, that’s also when Scott’s itching to get into the crop fields. We like to keep our calving window tight and this certainly helps.”

FUTURE OF THE OPERATION

Currently, Diamond P Ranch retains most of its replacement females. Scott and Kim’s goal is to grow their herd to 150 to 200 momma cows. In addition, the Powells plan to add more facilities and update old ones.

Part of the reason for the emphasis on expansion is due to the demand for their product; the rest lies in Scott and Kim’s desire to develop their operation to a point in which it is sustainable in the future. Their hope is for Diamond P Ranch to endure and thrive for their children and many generations to come.

CATTLE THATlast!

Sired by Dahlke Rockefeller 009H. 12 EPDs in the top 20% of the breed!

CED: 17 BW: -2.3 WW: 80 YW: 132 DAHLKE YOU BETCHYA 403M #4931906

DAHLKE OUTCOME

428M #4931964

Sired by Dahlke Outcome 016H

CED: 19 BW: -6.7 WW: 60 YW: 109 DAHLKE LIVIN’ RIGHT 402M #4931968

DAHLKE SHAMELESS

453M #4931918

Sired by U2Q Shameless 2151K

CED: 10 BW: 0.8 WW: 80 YW: 130

Maternal brother sold to Twedt Red Angus last year.

Sired by Bieber Jumpstart J137

CED: 12 BW: -2.1 WW: 87 YW: 140

DAHLKE OUTCOME

435M #4931900

Sired by Dahlke Outcome 016H CED: 17 BW: -3.8 WW: 70 YW: 124 DAHLKE TT KICKSTART

412M #4933670 Bieber Jumpstart J137 x TAC Drifter from the Flo Marie cow family. 14 EPDs in the top 20% of the breed! CED: 17 BW: -5.5 WW: 84 YW: 137

Checotah

Seeds in Season

Functional forage and pasture.

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

GROW THE FEED - GROW THE HERD

t’s no secret that cattlemen have enjoyed a bullish market over the last two years, and could even pocket some profits. As a forage specialist, I won’t pretend to be a market economist, but I do know that this trend tends to continue until we hit higher supply numbers from a larger cow herd. Many variables impact goals for herd expansion, but the one thing that needs to happen is an increase in forage production.

When we think about raising livestock, the first thing we think about is gaining more grazing acres to grow our herd. Typically, the poorest producing and most inconvenient acres are the most logical to use for grazing. This entire model is formed around a low input system coming from minimal inputs, labor, and low value to the land. Cattle are a phenomenal converter of low value land to higher value protein, and I don’t believe that has changed.

But, what if rather than focusing on the poor farms, we focus on maximizing output from high quality farms? This would allow much of the corn belt to diversify their crop rotation by utilizing forages that can be grazed and harvested. In a downturned cash crop cycle, this starts to make more sense. On quality, fertile soil with good management, stocking rates for perennial grass can carry a half pair per acre.

Rotational grazing and consistent rainfall are key for this as well, but that gets you forage production for 120 to 150 days of the year.

If you are starting a brand-new pasture in the Midwest on good soil, some of the grass species I recommend are orchard grass, endophyte-free tall forage fescue, meadow brome, perennial ryegrass, meadow fescue, and intermediate or pubescent wheatgrass. These cool-season introduced grasses have been developed for persistent yield and quality grazing that can push production.

There is also an annual forage production system that can build forage faster, without tying up acres if commodity cycles change. We can create a plan that allows producers to harvest feed, but also provide a short season of grazing to fill a pasture void. A common double cropping scenario for early spring plantings would be to plant oats and peas with the goal to hay or chop in June. This popular combo can make palatable silage with 11 to 13 percent CP and yield 10 to 12 tons per acre.

The next plant-

ing opportunity is aimed to graze in late fall when your pasture acres are used up. The highest yielding forage for summer planting is sorghum-Sudangrass. It is extremely heat and drought tolerant and will shine through the summer months. It will, however, die with the first frost. To maintain better quality for grazing in the winter, you should add brassicas or legumes with the sorghum-Sudangrass. Brassica and legume species like turnips, rapeseed, radishes, cow peas, and mung beans are very palatable and have higher levels of digestible protein.

The other annual forage system that can build on-farm forage reserves and fill a grazing void is utilizing winter triticale and winter

cereal rye in the fall after silage harvest. If you are annually chopping corn silage, you’ve created a perfect home to plant those winter annuals in September and October. Rye and triticale are the first species to break dormancy in the spring and provide fast spring growth. These fields are perfect for young cow/calf pairs prior to pasture turnout.

There are forage options to fit into every crop rotation depending on the season. A growing herd can continue to be profitable by maximizing production.

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.

ZWT Man In Black 4001 AAA +*21053717

This powerful individual has Herd Bull written all over him. He is a maternal brother to Montana Judgement 1083 and Mill Brae Benchmark 9016. Be sure to look him up sale day!

ZWT Barricade 377 AAA +21160891

A very attractive son of Sitz Barricade 632F. His 11 year old Emblynette Dam has been a model of consistency.

ZWT Big Country 4173 AAA +*21120642

A powerful Herd Sire prospect for your appraisal. He is a maternal brother to Baldridge Highlander, Baldridge Harness, and Baldridge Limitless. Take a serious look here!

ZWT Galactic 4079 AAA +*21053726

A high performing son of Sitz Galactic 723G. This high quality bull excels in growth and structural soundness.

H Female sexed semen $18 or less when CSS approved

aking a Name M

in the Angus Breed

By Sarah Hill photos courtesy McCurry family

The McCurry family, Hutchinson, Kan., is building on their Angus roots.

The McCurry Ranch, Hutchinson, Kan., is one of the Angus breed’s up and coming breeders, producing moderate-framed, stout seedstock and bulls for commercial cattlemen.

EVOLVING AND EXPANDING

John McCurry’s roots in the Angus breed run deep. He’s a fourth generation Angus breeder, and his great-grandfather McCurry started in the Angus business in 1928. McCurry’s parents, Andy and Mary, both came from cattle families who also raised Angus.

John’s maternal grandfather was a director on the American Angus Association board when Certified Angus Beef® was formed. Andy and Mary met at Kansas State University where Andy was completing his animal science degree and Mary pursued a master’s in meat science/food science.

Approximately 90 percent of the current herd goes back to six cow families that the couple combined when they married in 1977 as a first generation start up operation. Initially renters, they purchased their home place in 1981.

Both Andy and Mary had off-thefarm jobs in addition to the cattle

herd. Andy went back to school and became a pharmacist at age 40, while Mary worked in research and development for a precursor of Tyson Foods and Cargill. The last 20 years of Mary’s career, she transitioned to human pharmaceuticals. All the while, Andy and Mary were working to expand their cattle herd to around 100 head and sell bulls through private treaty, while John and his sister showed cattle as they were growing up.

“The operation just kept evolving,” John McCurry recalled. “They kept artificially inseminating and marketing cattle. In the early 1990s, my parents sold some cattle through the Kansas Beef Expo and Angus Futurity.”

McCurry returned to the farm in 2004 and knew what he wanted to do - create more market and awareness. He sold some females and show heifers to help cash flow his expansion into the commercial bull market.

John and Melody got married and became parents to Aubree, Molly, and Drew, who are 13, 10, and 8 now. In addition to the ranch, John works part time brokering distiller’s grains, while Melody works in crop insurance sales through the Farm Credit system.

FOCUS ON STRUCTURE

Today, McCurry Ranch is home to 700 total head, including 100 commercial recips. McCurry selects cattle for disposition, udder structure, doability, and phenotype. He said he likes resilient, fault-free, low-maintenance cattle, and their customers have gravitated to them because of that approach.

“We like cows that are dense, deep and stout while emphasizing

structure and feet and legs,” McCurry said. “Structure leads to longevity. We also use embryo transfer and keep as many replacement heifers as we can. We want to give them a chance, but we do cull based on fertility and performance.”

Every female gets a shot at AI, but clean-up bulls are used to keep all calving within a strict 60-day window. While most calves are natural, the McCurry family has about 50 ET calves per year.

“When you look at the core of

our cow herd, they’re out of SAV Final Answer 0035, SAV 8180 Traveler 004 and Connealy Countdown,” McCurry said. “Currently, we’re using Sitz Barricade 632F 1AN1476, Sitz Stellar 29AN2025, KG Justified 3023 AN1348, SAV Checkmate 8158 1AN01467, B&J Cavalier, and DB Iconic G95.”

Half of the purebred cows calve from October 1 to December 1, with the other half calving starting March 1, along with the commercial cows.

above John McCurry of Burrton, Kan., was presented with the American Angus Association’s inaugural Young Breeder Award. Pictured (from left) are Kelsey Theis, Miss American Angus; Drew, Molly, Aubree, Mary, Melody and John McCurry; and Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO.

NATIVE GRAZING AND COVERS

The McCurry herd grazes on native pastures, including brome, fescue, Jose tall wheatgrass, Bermuda, and crabgrass. The family plants a cover crop blend in the summer to extend the grazing season, such as triticale, rye, millet or Sudan grass for either grazing or hay.

The herd is rotated through parcels based on water or shelter. In the fall, crop residue and wheat pasture are grazed as well. Developing bulls are reared on a diet supplemented with corn, dried distiller’s grains and free choice Bermuda hay, while heifers receive stockpiled Bermuda and crabgrass and protein supplements.

A DECADE OF BULL SALES

McCurry hosted open houses and continued selling bulls through private treaty until 2015, when the family hosted their first bull sale, which is a tradition they’ve maintained. The 2025 sale will include 125 yearling bulls, with an additional 75 more bulls sold through private treaty and at the sale barn.

“We stay in contact with our customers, so we know if there’s ever any issues with our cattle,” McCurry said. “We want to be the first to

know so we can make it right.”

McCurry said that the bulk of their clientele are return customers that bring a neighbor or friend. The McCurry Ranch sells bulls consistently in the central region of the U.S., encompassing about 15 states.

“Word of mouth is still our best marketing tactic,” he said. “A lot of our bulls end up going West into very tough, arid climates with limited forage or resources. Those herds require an easy fleshing, moderate-framed, sound structured bull with plenty of power.”

SUCCESS IN AND OUT OF THE SHOW RING

The McCurry family has enjoyed quite a bit of success in the show ring, including winning the National Junior Angus Show in 2003 and reserve in 2004 with heifers and taking champion bull in 2005.

A McCurry heifer won at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in 2008 and the American Royal in 2010. The family received reserve pen of heifers at the National Western Stock Show in 2015, 2016, and 2017. John and Melody’s children are now beginning to show at junior shows.

The beef industry has taken notice of the McCurry family’s hard

work. The family was recognized in 2015 as the Seedstock Producer of the Year by the Beef Improvement Federation, and last year, was named the inaugural Young Breeder of the Year by the American Angus Association.

“We’re always wanting to make our cattle better and try to do as much customer service as we can,” McCurry said. “We want to keep

ANNUAL BULL SALE: Thursday, March 13, 2025 Burrton, Kan. - Bid online at cci.live

connecting the dots between commercial customers and feeder cattle to give our customers the most premium we can to help keep them in business.”

John and Melody hope that they can build up their operation enough so that if any or all of their kids want to return to the farm, the opportunity is there for them as fifth generation Angus breeders.

learn more mccurryangus.com

SSAUK VALLEY ANGUS

Veterinarian View

AHealth & Reproduction questions answered and explained.

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

DIAGNOSING SICK NEONATAL

CALVES

s we start the calving season, there are always going to be calves that need extra attention. The most common diseases are usually related to respiratory or enteric (diarrhea) causes. Navel infections can also cause a variety of symptoms which can also progress to arthritis, diarrhea, or septicemia. When we are called out to examine sick baby calves, symptoms can vary widely but it is always a good time to review what to look for so that calves can be treated as early as possible and issues addressed, so a game plan can be formed for prevention and treatment.

CALF IS SLOW

This is probably one of the most common symptoms but can tend to be ignored because it is a symptom that doesn’t easily relate to a direct cause. When I see a calf that is not active within the first 10 days, I will assume that this calf is septic, unless there are other symptoms going on related to respiratory causes.

Septicemia is a fairly common thing to see in this age of calf and it just means an infection that is in the blood and causing symptoms of depression. Probably the most likely source of septicemia is when

bacteria enter through the newborn’s fresh navel. This can cause symptoms right away, but I’ve seen it take up to 10 days to develop. This does not necessarily have to be related to a swollen navel. One of the tip offs can be that the cow has a swollen bag due to the calf not nursing.

CALF IS THUMPING

When a calf is having rapid exaggerated respiratory efforts, producers can assume it is pneumonia. Many times, this is caused by pneumonia, but there are two other causes to consider as well.

When calves get diarrhea, they will lose a lot of sodium bicarbonate from their system. This causes the calf to go into a secondary condition called metabolic acidosis. This means that the blood is becoming more acidic than normal, and the normal physiological response is to breath more rapidly.

By breathing more rapidly, they are trying to blow off carbon atoms through the respiratory system via CO2 to balance the body pH back up to a normal level. When we see this in conjunction with diarrhea, it’s important to use an electrolyte product that contains sodium bicarbonate to help balance the pH back to normal.

I find that a lot of producers are using electrolyte products that do not have anything to correct for acidosis and do not see improvement in conditions. Acidosis will also cause the depression on the diarrhea calves. Usually, you will see rapid improvement from the depression once the acidosis is corrected.

The third cause of rapid breathing is from vitamin E/selenium deficiency. When a calf becomes deficient it causes white muscle disease and one of the first muscles it affects is the diaphragm. This weakness in the diaphragm leads to rapid breathing.

CALF HAS EAR DOWN

When a calf has an ear down, it is probably fighting an inner ear infection, but there is almost always a respiratory component going on as well. The most common infections related to dropped ears are Mycoplasma bovis, Mannheimia hemolytica, and Histophilus somnus. All of these are very common in respiratory infections as well. I will usually treat these with the same antibiotics that are commonly used for pneumonia. If we see these infections move into the ear, we assume they will move into the lungs as well.

CALF HAS DIARRHEA

This is something that can vary quite a bit in severity. Many of these calves can be treated with a minor treatment and will respond well. If the calves get very loose and have watery diarrhea, they probably will need some fluid therapy with electrolytes. As stated earlier, if the calf is very depressed, it probably has acidosis that needs corrected as well. Causes of diarrhea are kind of related to the age of the calf at onset. E. coli and Clostridium perfringens type C are some of the first infections you will see and can start within one or two days of birth and can be seen at any age of calf.

Rotavirus is usually not seen until 10 to 14 days of age and Corona virus is seen around three weeks of age. Coccidia is something that won’t be seen until the calf is about 30 days old, this is how long the life cycle of Coccidia takes to become symptomatic in calves. If you see blood in a calf’s stool at less than 30 days of age, there is probably something else causing the symptoms other than Coccidia.

Cryptosporidium is an infection we will see in any aged calf. E. coli, Clostridium and Cryptosporidium can all show flecks of blood in the diarrhea they cause, and all of these infections can get misdiagnosed as Coccidia in some of these younger calves because of the blood.

CALF HAS A SWOLLEN NAVEL

T his is often due to navel infection that starts at birth in the umbilical cord. Calves may also show a wet weepy navel asso -

ciated with umbilical infections. Usually these are hard and swollen and the calf will show pain when you squeeze the navel. This type of infection needs to be treated with antibiotics and usually requires some duration of treatment to get cleared up.

The other thing you will see with swollen navels is an umbilical hernia. These will be very soft and full of intestines. When squeezed, the intestines will go back up into the abdominal cavity and the opening of the hernia can easily be felt. There is really no treatment for these other than surgery to correct the hernia.

Success with hernia surgery is probably best when the calf is younger and will have less body weight on the surgical site. As these calves get bigger it becomes more challenging to correct these hernias due to increased size and body weight. It is possible to see hernias concurrent with navel infections and is probably the cause of the hernia due to the infection preventing the closure of the umbilical stump after being born.

The key to recovery is to treat as early as possible. Symptoms can start out very subtle so recognizing issues early can make a big difference in treatment success.

learn more collisonembryoservices.com

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

CONLEY RANSOM WHEELER

LASSO COLBURN ICON

BELLRINGER

fronted out of Ward’s Princess donor! Cowboy Kind Angus!

2nd Annual

BULL SALE

In the kitchen with Julie Landgren Landgren Ranch - Bartlett, Neb.

I am a wife of 42 years and a mother of four. Mark and I are joyously awaiting our sixteenth grandchild in May. Through the years my role at the ranch has been, “Keeping everyone in line.” Lol! Sometimes that is a hard task. When not keeping everyone in line, you can find me enjoying grandkids, cooking, cutting cedar trees, helping in the hayfield, or working in my garden. Landgren Ranch’s annual bull sale will be March 10. It will consist of 30 yearlings and 10 coming 2-year-olds. The offering will feature our 2025 Reserve Champion Carload of Bulls at the National

Where did you learn to cook? ”

My Mom. I grew up in a family of nine. I always had to help cook with produce out of a big garden. Cooking for a crowd was something I grew up doing.

What is your favorite cooking tip/trick?

Cooking from the heart! Always include that special ingredient of LOVE.”

What is your most requested dish or what is your favorite thing to make?

Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, and gravy.” “

What is your least favorite job in the kitchen? Clean-up of course!”

STOCK Kitchen

Cowboy approved recipes used by our favorite country cooks.

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

Julie Landgren

4 large cube steaks

3 eggs ½ c. milk

PEA SALAD

Julie Landgren

1 pkg. elbow macaroni

1 large bag frozen peas

2 c. cubed cheddar jack cheese

1 large red onion

10 slices of bacon

2 c. real mayonnaise

½ c. sour cream

¾ c. Dorthy Lynch salad dressing

¼ c. sugar

1 T. vinegar

salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Cook package of elbow macaroni until tender. Drain and cool. Step 2: Add one large bag of frozen peas and two cups of cubed cheddar jack cheese to the macaroni. Chop red onion and cook bacon. Step 3: Make the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, Dorthy Lynch salad dressing, sugar, and vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste. Step 4: Add chopped onion and chopped bacon to dressing. Pour over macaroni and mix well. Refrigerate until served.

This is a family favorite!

3 c. flour

½ c. Montreal Steak Seasoning (divided)

Step 1: Create marinade with egg, milk, and half of the Montreal Steak Seasoning. Marinate cube steaks in seasoned egg and milk mixture. Step 2: Combine flour with remaining Montreal Steak Seasoning. Step 3: Coat steaks in seasoned flour. Fry in hot oil in cast iron skillet until crisp and brown on both sides. Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy.

ANNUAL BULL SALE: Monday, March 10, 2025 Hosted on AgSaleDay.com

SALAMI

Julie Landgren

5 lb. raw hamburger

5 rounded tsp. Morton Tender Quick Salt

2 ½ tsp. mustard seed

1 ¼ tsp. black pepper

2 ½ tsp. garlic salt

1 tsp. hickory smoke salt

Day 1: Mix all ingredients together well and refrigerate in a covered container. Day 2: Mix again. Knead and refrigerate. Day 3: Mix again. Day 4: Mix and form into three rolls. Place on broiler pan and bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for six hours. Turn rolls every two hours.

Note: We cook this on our smoker. If you want, add high temperature cheese and jalapenos on day four when forming into rolls. This is a favorite over the holidays!

(#4579185)

Dahlke Working Class 231K x A&R TJ 113H

Dahlke Working Class 231K x McCann Shoshone 1010

Dahlke Outcome 016H x Dahlke Ms Hilton 263C Bieber Driven F427 x NSFR TJ B115

Pie Quarterback 789 x LSF SRR COV GIRL D6448 H0189

Bieber CL Stockmarket E119 x Bieber Sam 358Z

Red U2 Township 17G x Bieber Laura 158W

All successful buyers entered in Free Yearling Heifer Drawingfollowingimmediately the sale.

Sale Barn Study

As 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. Either way, it is safe to say that winter is upon us!

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!

contributed article by Kirk Lynch Lynch Livestock Inc. and Humeston Livestock Exchange, Humeston, Iowa humestonlivestockexchange.com

MARKET IS AT FULL THROTTLE

s the temperatures have de creased the markets have increased and continue to be on fire. Just like the past several months it has been an enjoyable time to be in the cattle business with what seems to be re cord setting prices about every day. The feeder cattle continue to be high. The lighter cattle especially seem to be on fire, I would attribute this to the board being a little better later in the year and some producers rounding up some of these lighter calves, so they have some inventory when the grass turns green to turn out. Overall, the bigger 750-to-800pound cattle are still bringing in the high $2’s and the lighter 500-to600-pound cattle bringing $3 or more.

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.

The cull cow and bull market has lagged the fat market, as from all reports there have been around six

Kirk Lynch, Lynch Livestock Inc., Waucoma, IA

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).

Fat cattle shot up during the months of December and January and we seem to have plateaued a little in February and found our top for the time being. There have been several tops in the barns in the high teens and some extreme tops in the $20s. Most cash cattle in the country have been bringing around $210 range. The cash market is well ahead of the board and has been for some time and with the tight num-

Humeston, Iowa 641-877-6092

percent more last year, making supply of cows. down, which be into next year, cow and bull with the same market.

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

Hopefully, the next time I am talking to you we will be talking about how spring is right around the corner. Wishing everyone a prosperous calving season and a safe winter, until next month!

Annual “Black Friday” Production Sale every November. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for daily updates on our program. Visit our website:

www.AngusCattleGenetics.com

Josh Scheckel | 21582 Hwy 62, Bellevue, Iowa call: 563.872.4112 | email: josh@jjscheckel.com

-Jim Strand, CA - "We really like our catcher

In the News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JOHNSON JOINS AHA AS COMMERCIAL MARKETING REP

Trevor Johnson, Centerville, S.D., joined the AHA as a commercial marketing representative on Jan. 2. Johnson is a lifelong Hereford enthusiast and a southeast South Dakota native. He has a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from Kansas State University (K-State), where he was also a member of the national champion meat animal evaluation team and involved with the Center for Risk Management Education and Research and the Beef Cattle Institute. Johnson completed two internships with Adams Land and Cattle, working in both the cattle operations and the corporate office.

He found a passion for the commercial cattle industry at a young age with help from the National Junior Hereford Association and programs like the Fed Steer Shootout. Upon graduation from K-State, Johnson returned to his family’s seedstock, feedlot and row-crop operation.

In his role with the AHA, Johnson will work alongside Association staff to advance the Hereford breed in the commercial sector through multiple outlets. From identifying and expanding marketing opportunities for feeder cattle and commercial females, to developing relationships with cattle feeders, order

buyers and auction market representatives, Johnson will work to strengthen Hereford’s place in the commercial beef industry.

“It is an honor to work alongside Team Hereford in serving commercial producers utilizing Hereford genetics,” Johnson says. “As the cattle industry navigates changes such as the national cow herd inventory or emerging sustainability-based revenue streams, I am optimistic that the breed is well poised to find opportunity for producers and remain a leader. I look forward to building connections with and serving commercial producers and breeders alike.”

Additionally, Johnson will represent the AHA at video sales, sale barn feeder specials and other industry events.

“We are excited for the opportunity to work with Trevor to develop and grow opportunities within the commercial industry,” says Trey Befort, AHA director of commercial programs. “I look forward to having such a bright young mind with a passion for Hereford genetics as a part of the team.”

Johnson can be reached at tjohnson@hereford.org.

- Taylor Belle Matheny, American Hereford Association

2025 ANGUS FOUNDATION SCHOLARHIP APPLICATIONS

Youth can apply for Angus Foundation scholarships until May 1.

Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has championed the success of Angus youth by investing in their education. In the past 27 years, the Foundation has awarded more than

$4.9 million in scholarships including $388,500 in 2024 alone. These scholarships help support students in their educational endeavorswhether pursuing undergraduate, graduate or trade degrees. Applications opened February 1 and are due by May 1, offering an opportunity for Angus youth to receive financial support for their education.

“Thank you to the Foundation for your unwavering commitment to supporting our aspirations and for fostering an environment that promotes growth and opportunity,” said Addison Cotton, a past Angus Foundation scholarship recipient. “Your generosity has not only given me the resources to pursue my educational goals but has also inspired me to strive for excellence in everything I do. While it may seem unconventional to aspire to be a registered nurse that raises cattle, I am excited to combine these passions into a fulfilling future where I can work hard at what I love.”

For many junior members, like Addison, the impact of the Angus Foundation extends beyond financial support; it helps to shape young leaders in the Angus breed. Whether it is exposing youth to unique career paths or exploring new opportunities, the Foundation’s support is felt far and wide.

“Raising the Bar and LEAD have allowed me to experience agriculture in different regions and form

In the News

(continued...)

friendships with Juniors from all over the country,” said Allison Davis, a past Angus Foundation scholarship recipient. “The Foundation scholarships are allowing me to attend an out-of-state university. I know that I would not be able to attend an out-of-state school and have the experiences I have without the support of the Foundation and its donors.”

The Angus Foundation undergraduate and graduate scholarship applications are available to National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members through their American Angus Association® login.

In addition to offering scholarship opportunities to National Junior Angus Association members, the Foundation also offers opportunities to youth from a commercial cattle operation background, through the Commercial Cattlemen’s scholarship program.

The Foundation’s Certified Angus Beef®/National Junior Angus Association and commercial cattlemen scholarships can be accessed at angus.org/foundation and submitted through email. The website also offers more information about the scholarship program.

“This scholarship program is designed to support students with a commercial cattle background in the beef industry,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “Supporting youth in their education is an important part of the Foundation’s mission.”

Boester elaborated on the scholarship program noting, “The Angus Foundation scholarships are one of the most prominent and consistent ways our donors support Angus youth. Our scholarships pave the way for a bright future for our industry by ensuring young people can reach their full potential.”

Undergraduate and Graduate Angus Foundation Scholarships

Applicants for undergraduate and graduate scholarships must have, at one time, been a member of the NJAA and currently be an active junior, regular or life member of the American Angus Association®. The following documents are required to be considered for a 2025 undergraduate or graduate scholarship: the 2025 scholarship application; three letters of recommendation; a copy of current high school/college/university transcript; and the applicant’s Association member code.

Access to Application: AAA login (www.angusonline.org/Account/ Login), “Programs” tab

Submission: Through AAA login

Deadline: May 1, 2025

Certified Angus Beef®/National Junior Angus Association Scholarship

Since 1990, the NJAA has teamed up with Certified Angus Beef® (CAB) to help Angus youth pursue their higher education goals. The selected applicant will receive a $1,500 scholarship. A separate application from the Angus Foundation scholarship application is required for the CAB/ NJAA scholarship.

Access to Application: Download application at angus.org/foundation

Submission: Email to scholarships@angus.org

Deadline: May 1, 2025

Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship

The Angus Foundation will award five $1,500 scholarships to undergraduate students who use Angus genetics in a commercial cattle operation’s breeding program or whose parents use Angus genetics. Emphasis will be placed

on applicants’ knowledge of the cattle industry and perspective of the Angus breed. The applicant or their parent/guardian must have transferred or been transferred an Angus registration paper in the last 36 months (on or after May 1, 2022) and must be considered commercial and not seedstock in their operation. The scholarship applies to any field of study.

Access to Application: Download application at www.angus.org/ foundation/apply-for-scholarships/ commercial-scholarships

Submission: Email to scholarships@angus.org

Deadline: May 1, 2025

- By Molly Biggs, Communications Specialist, American Angus Association

Thank you to our Advertisers!

2K Cattle Enterprises

605 Sires & Donors

7N Ranch Simmentals

A&B Cattle, LLC

A&R Red Angus

Alpha Syndicate

American Dorper Society

Behlen Country

Berwald Red Angus

Blue Lake Plastics

Breeder Link

Brinkley Angus Ranch

BritAmerica Mgmt. Group

Cannon Valley Ranch

Caraway Red Angus

Cattle Visions

Clear Choice Bull Sale

Collison Embryo

Conover, Al

Conover, Jeanne

Crawford, Scott

CSL Auctions Inc.

D&D Longview Farm

Dahlke Red Angus

DaKitch Farms

DBL, Inc.

De-Su Angus

DLCC Ranch

Fox’s Angus Farm

Frenzen Angus & P. Herefords

Friedrich, Parker

Genetic Options Live Event

Gilchrist, Kyle

Gold Buckle Cattle Services

Graham Angus

Hamilton Farms

Hawkeye Breeders

Hilltop Farms

Integrity Stock Shots

J.J. Scheckel Angus

Jacobson Red Angus

K7 Herefords

Kenny Angus

Koch Angus

Koester Red Angus

Landgren Ranch

Layton, Dustin

Leary Angus

Leland Red Angus

Linz Heritage Angus

Lowderman, Monte

Lowderman Auction Options

Matthews Coach’s Corral

McCurry Angus Ranch

Meinders Stock Farms

Meyer Cattle

Money Maker bull

Musgrave Angus

Nolin Red Angus

Panther Creek Ranch

Paternal Power Bull Sale

Pembrook Cattle Co.

Pladsen Red Angus

Pride of the Midwest Sale

Rawhide Portable Corral

RCO, Inc.

Red Reckoning Sale

Reid Angus

Renovo Seed

Rockin H Cattle Co.

Rogers Cattle Co. Red Angus

Rudow Family Cattle

Safety Zone Calf Catchers

Sauk Valley Angus

Schilling Cattle

Schooley Cattle Co.

Sealpro Silage Barrier Films

Show Time Premium Feeds

Slate Group

Snowshoe Cattle Co.

Sonstegard Cattle Co.

Stockman Design Services

Summit Ag Group

The Judge Source

TWG Ranch

Voss Angus

Wall Street Cattle Co.

Weishaar, Seth

Wiese & Sons

Wildberry Farms

Y-Tex Corporation

ZWT Ranch

STOCKMAN traight

About the Stockman.

I started showing in 4-H in 1974 at the age of 8. I have been actively involved in the cattle industry since then. Although my wife and I live in Missouri, we remain partners with my brother and his family in our family operation, Rocking P Livestock, in Maysville, Kentucky. I also serve as the general manager for Circle M Farms.”

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

I enjoy a Sunday afternoon of golf. Although I’m not very good at it, it is about the only thing that I do that doesn’t involve cattle.”

Your go-to sorting apparatus?

I like the way our cattle respond to a flag whip; it’s a nice easy way to sort cattle.”

What is your least favorite job on the farm?

Taking sale pictures and videos. For whatever reason it is always stressful trying to make sure that we get the best picture and video of each animal. I guess I’m a little OCD when it comes to this. There are also factors that we have no control over including the weather and lighting.”

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

The most important lesson I have learned in terms of breeding cattle is to rely on proven cow families. This helps make their offspring more predictable. Also, remember that they are forage animals and need to be big-middled with a lot of capacity to remain efficient and low-cost animals.”

A conversation with everyday Stockmen, Chan Phillips

Circle M Farms / Rocking P Livestock of Mt. Vernon, Mo.

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

RP/MP Built To Love A021 has made the most impact in recent years on our program and is one of the most influential cows in the Simmental breed. She is backed by three generations of Rocking P Livestock genetics. She has produced successful progeny for our program as well as many others across the country.”

What about the beef cattle industry excites you the most?

Definitely the people. I enjoy building relationships with cattle enthusiasts from everywhere. It has been so rewarding watching our two children, Morgan and AK, grow up having the same passion for the cattle industry that I do. They are now instilling the same values in their own children. I look forward to someday watching them compete in the show ring.”

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

Our JD skid steer. It is used everyday for things such as dirt work, feeding, fencing, manure removal, stacking hay, etc. Although it is only 3 years old, it has several thousand hours on it.”

Describe your best day.

To me the BEST day on the farm is when you have a healthy newborn calf born and everything has gone according to plan.”

learn more rockingplivestock.com

SALE OFFERINGS:

Multiple sales each year, including private treaty sales

above Pictured is BCII Henning Sandy 0223. She was bred by Coldar Cunningham, and was the Champion Angus heifer in the Junior Show at the 2025 Cattleman’s Congress and then Reserve Supreme Champion Heifer. She is shown by my niece, Josie Phillips.

Thank you to all who helped make our 10th Annual Production Sale such a huge success. We look forward to building relationships with each and every one of you in the future.

Mark your calendars now, we’ll see you next year!