H Southern Adapted H H Total Performance RecordsH H 400 Registered CowsH
HR Last Call 66 to Be sure ne his o t k c e h c e... h t t a t ou
“Advan ci Braford ng the Br Sale in eed 7” October ! Birth BW Weaning Yearling Total Carc. Weight Maternal Weight Weight Milk Maternal Wt. Fat REA Marbling 5.9 0.0 21 38 3 13 24 0.090 0.21 0.13
• • •
Scan wt. 1460, Ribeye act. 14.4, IMF act. 3.03 Last calf born of the matriarch of the 66 family I am using a full brother to this bull in my herd. He’s big, bold and practical, and is not a heifer bull. He is a bull suited for the progressive commericial cow man.
HARVEY RANCH
2949 State Road 70 West Okeechobee, Florida 34972 JIM W. HARVEY — 863.697.6624 RONNIE TRYTHALL — 863.697.2182
Summer 2016 Vol. XXXI, No. 3
Cover Photo: An Adams Ranch Braford female in her element in south Florida. Adams Ranch in Fort Pierce, Florida is home to the foundation herd of the Braford breed. Photo by UBB Executive Director, Hannah Wine
Feature Story 18 2016 All American National Junior Braford Show
Events Other Features
2 M ake Your Cowherd More Profitable by 2036
Beef Industry Outlook for the Next 20 Years
4 Cutting the Bull and Keeping the Beef A look at the UBB’s Expanded Bull Development and Marketing Program
5380 Old Bullard Rd., Suite 600, Box 358 Tyler, TX 75703 904.563.1816 www.brafords.org • BrafordNews@brafords.org Like the United Braford Breeders on Facebook! UBB Registration Office P.O. Box 14100, Kansas City, MO 64101-4100 816.595.2443 UBB@abraonline.org Braford News is the official publication of the United Braford Breeders (UBB). It is published four times a year and is supported by paid advertisements and subscriptions. Advertising and subscription information can be obtained from the UBB office. We appreciate your letters, comments and any editorial material you would like considered for publication.
In Each Issue 7 President’s Notes by Robert Mills
10 From the Director’s Desk by Hannah Wine
12 Association News 13 Know your Director by Kaitlyn Alanis
14 Three Great Role Models Louisiana Scholarship Recipients Named
16 Junior Focus
Editor – Hannah Wine hwine@brafords.org Production Hereford Publications Inc./Creative Services Nicole L. Crosson P.O. Box 014059, Kansas City, MO 64101 816.842.8878 • 816.842.6931 fax ncrosson@hereford.org
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September 12 Four States Fair Braford Show (New Braford Points Show), Texarkana, AR October 5 Pre Sale Dinner and Preview, Burton Coliseum Complex, Lake Charles, LA October 6 Advancing the Braford Breed 7 Sale, Burton Coliseum Complex, Lake Charles, LA October 19 Louisiana State Fair Late Entry Deadline (Regular entries due Sept. 7) November 3 Adams Ranch Sale, Adams Ranch, Fort Pierce, FL November 5 Louisiana State Fair Braford Open and Junior Shows (Braford Points Show) Shereveport, LA November 15 Fort Worth Stock & Rodeo Entry Deadline
New Member Report R&H Cattle Company, Creole, LA Joshua & Lyla Breaux, Rayne, LA Keith A Daws Sr., Port Arthur, TX Stewart Run Ranch, Canton, TX Hailey Sheffield, Pearland, TX Makayla Joy Currie, Shepherd, TX Kylea Michelle Mansfield, Katy, TX McKinley Courville, Welsh, LA Allison Carlton, Groveton, TX
Make Your Cowherd More Profitable by 2036 “The beef industry’s outlook for the next 20 years is bullish,” Clay Mathis told the audience at the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Annual Meeting and Symposium in Kansas in June.” By Linda Bell, Freelance Writer
Mathis is a professor at Texas A&M and director of the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management. He presented a paper titled Making the Cow Herd More Efficient and Profitable by 2036: Where do we focus our efforts for the biggest impact? No one knows what the future will bring. “We can watch for trends, though,” Mathis said. “We should try to prepare for what’s likely to happen.” He noted the exceptional prices and unprecedented profits in recent years, especially for the cow-calf sector of the beef supply chain. At the same time, he said, advances in production and genetics have improved production potential. Continued global population growth and increased demand for protein are expected. “A growing population with evolving social norms and interests in agriculture, increasing costs of production, labor challenges and an uncontrollable pattern of precipitation would have topped the list of concerns for beef producers 20 years ago and still do today.” But what about 20 years from now? Mathis identified important changes and challenges the beef industry has dealt with over the past 20 years and used recent history to highlight important factors for the beef industry in the next 20 years. “Even though the prevalence and magnitude of external factors affecting the beef industry will remain largely unpredictable, there are enough trends to speculate where cow-calf managers should focus their efforts
2 BRAFORD news l Summer 2016
to maintain or improve efficiency and profitability through 2036,” he explained. LOOKING BACK “Revenues and expenses have changed greatly over the past few decades,” Mathis said. “According to CattleFax, weekly 550-lb. calf prices from 1988 to 1995 averaged $90/cwt., and increased to $165/cwt. from 2008 to 2015 — an 88% increase. However, when adjusted for inflation, the difference is only 18%.” Weaning rate and weights, calf price and cull cow value make up the revenue portion of the profit equation, but the expense side is much more complicated. More than half of expenses are depreciation (22%), labor (13%) or feed (17%). Repairs and maintenance (8%), fertilizer (5%), fuel and oil (5%), leases (3%) and vet services (4%) are important taken together (25%), but each on its own is less important. Business expenses are influenced by external factors like minimum wage and the costs of energy, grains and land. Inflationadjusted 20-year relative price changes in corn, oil, land and minimum wages are noteworthy. Between 1990 and 1995 the price of a bushel of corn was $2.40; between 2013 and 2015 it was up to $4.65, which is a 24 percent increase. During the same years oil jumped from $18 a barrel to $80, a 284
percent increase. Again, during the same time frame agricultural land rose from $793 to $2,900, a 134 percent increase. The minimum wage went from $4.25 to $7.25, a nine percent increase. And the dollar went from $1.00 to $1.56, a 56 percent increase. The magnitude of inflation in oil (284%) and land (134%) values is remarkable and makes the more moderate increase for labor (9%) and feed (24%) appear less significant. However, when considering feed and labor in the cow-calf budget, these small increases may be equally impactful. “Since the mid-90s, the beef industry has embraced technology like never before. The seedstock sector has led the charge to develop improved data-driven tools for genetic selection. For example, residual feed intake as a measure of efficiency is now relatively common, and genomically-enhanced expected progeny differences (EPDs) are available to the industry. Use of genetic tools for selection has yielded measurable gains in performance, particularly in the easily quantified growth traits.” Mathis noted data from the American Angus Association showing 2.9 lb. annual increase in weaning weight of bulls and heifers between 1995 and 2015. “In general,” he remarked, “performance advancement has occurred in the seedstock sector.” However, seedstock improvement in commercial cow-calf operation performance is not as apparent. Information on changes over the past 20 years is limited. Summaries comparing average cow-calf performance measures separated by 20 years for ranches in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico show the pregnancy rate/cow exposed was 89 percent from 1993 to 1995 and 90 percent from 2013 to 2015. Weaning rate/cow exposed during the same time frame was 84 percent and again 84 percent. Weaning weight remained at 525 lb. Pounds of calf weaned/cow exposed were both 439 lb. The sample from 1993 to 1995 included 64,881 cows, and for 2013 to 2015, 12,291 cows. “Interestingly, during this time period when seedstock weaning weights were increasing, no change was evident among the commercial operations in the SPA dataset. In fact, there was essentially no change in reproductive
do a very good job of capitalizing on hybrid vigor, but unfortunately too many continue to overlook this opportunity. Crossbreeding is a management decision that is high leverage because by improving fertility, calf age at weaning, calf weaning weight and cow longevity is enhanced,” Mathis explained. “Greater cow longevity decreases the percentage of replacements needed annually and increases the proportion of forage consumed by producing cows. The most efficient and profitable commercial cow-calf operations of 2036 will maximize the benefits of heterosis by being predominantly crossbred, and they will utilize terminal sires to the fullest potential within the constraints of meeting replacement heifer needs.”
performance or pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed.” Summaries for the Northern Plains region showed no change there. LOOKING FORWARD TO 2036 “Understanding the changes that have occurred over the past 20 years provides context for identifying where producers should focus their efforts to ensure profitability in the future. Success will come from optimizing expenses and performance by building a production system that will yield the lowest unit cost of production for the most valuable calf that can be produced in the operational environment. Excellent genetics exist and there is opportunity to better utilize advanced genetics across most of the commercial cowherd in the U.S., however, there is greater opportunity for improving efficiency and profit for more operations through management,” Mathis stated. “The greatest opportunity and leverage to cost-effective performance improvement may exist at the production system level. Many of the best cow-calf operations in the U.S.
FOCUSING EFFORTS FOR THE BIGGEST IMPACT Commodity prices, the price of grazing land and labor costs will always be beyond the control of beef producers, as will biological limitations to cow performance. As the world population grows, demand for food and energy will increase, raising both revenue and expenses in the cow-calf operation. Considering the changes in the past 20 years, cow-calf producers should prepare for trends to be similar in the next 20 years. “Producers should focus on high leverage interventions at the production system level. Producers should focus on optimizing labor, purchased feed and depreciation in a way that minimizes unit cost of production. “Successful operations will employ proven technology with a positive return on investment, diligently market calves and cull cows at their highest value and manage price risk effectively.” Finally, Mathis said producers should direct their attention to improving genetics and maintaining a high level of heterosis. In the future, Mathis concluded, management will be more important to success than anything else.
Summer 2016 l BRAFORD news
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Cutting the Bull and Keeping the Beef By Danielle Schlegel, Freelance Writer
With the first round of Braford steer carcass data in the books, UBB’s expanded Bull Development and Marketing program is advancing the breed.
I
n meeting the goal of producing quality Braford breeding stock for commercial cattlemen, determining how well UBB genetics finish out is important. With the expansion of the Bull Marketing and Development program to include steers, UBB members now have access to more performance data than ever before. The steer program aims “to collect carcass data on the related mates of bulls committed to the program to help further add to our database of information on our cattle,” said Rhea Shields, committee chairman of the Bull Development Program. This expansion of the original bull program allows Braford males that were not selected to keep as bulls for the Advancing the Breed sale to finish out as steers at Graham Land and Cattle in Gonzales, Texas, and upon harvest, be critically evaluated to determine carcass merit. The first set of results Recently, Dr. Joe Paschal, professor of meat science and extension livestock specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Dr. Joe Paschal Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, harvested and processed the first two groups of Braford steers in this program. Primarily, traits that are most important in overall carcass merit were evaluated, including weight, ribeye area (REA) and intramuscular fat. “The average live and sale weights were 1,412 and 1,355 lb. each and with an average carcass weight of 857 lb., and the average dressing percent was 63.2,” Paschal reported. On an average basis among the carcasses analyzed, the 12-13th rib fat thickness was 0.46 in., REA was 13.9 sq. in., REA per hundred weight of carcass weight was 1.62 sq. in., and the marbling scores and resulting quality grade was 429 (Small 29) and 697 (Select 97 or High Select), respectively. 4 BRAFORD news l Summer 2016
“There was some variation in marbling scores from Practically Devoid to Modest,” Paschal noted. “The USDA grades assigned to individual carcasses may vary. The calculated yield grade averaged 3.0, a combination of heavier carcasses, slightly higher fat and lower REA. All of these are very acceptable.” While a USDA Select marbling score might seem low, Paschal says it is a respectable score for Brafords. “I would like to see cattle that are not too big,” Paschal said. “Nine hundred pounds is a very large carcass that came from pretty big parents with average muscling and marbling. A REA per hundredweight in the range of 1.6 – 1.8 sq. in. is acceptable, [and] Braford cattle don’t need to be heavily muscled. They will still have acceptable USDA Yield Grades 2-3, and unless the breeder is selling his cattle on a quality grid, I still think that USDA Select marbling is a valid target.” Braford carcasses are not uncharted territory for Paschal. As such, these results were overall in line with his expectations. “In over 30 years of collecting carcass data on Braford crosses, including those used in my [doctoral] dissertation, the cattle were what I expected on average,” Paschal said. “Some were a whole lot better in terms of marbling and a few were worse, but that is what variation is all about.” More than just carcass data This data is a start toward giving UBB breeders a better idea of how their cattle will perform throughout their lives. “These results will begin to give UBB breeders an idea of how their cattle will perform in the feedyard under commercial conditions and how their cattle will grade and yield as beef carcasses,” Paschal said. “Knowing what the results are will allow breeders to select which cattle they prefer to meet their selection objectives.” Paschal noted, however, that carcass traits should be approached as a part of the whole, which includes more
important selection traits such as reproduction, maternal ability and growth. This steer program has the potential to assist UBB breeders in making more informed selection decisions on an individual basis. Primarily focused on carcass traits, Paschal emphasizes that this program also brings a lot more data to the table that isn’t normally available to UBB breeders. “Owners get a significant amount of feedyard performance data—average daily gains, feed efficiency, health—as well as financial data [such as] feed costs, health costs and net profit or losses in addition to carcass data,” Paschal said. A need to advance the breed “A breed has to know where all of its attributes as well as its deficiencies lie,” Paschal said. “There has not been a lot of work done with the reproduction, growth, feedyard and carcass performance of today’s modern Braford.” While there have been numerous studies conducted using Brahman and Hereford crosses over the last 75 years, Paschal noted that those animals evaluated are not the same Brafords that UBB breeders are breeding today. Because of the stigma of producing tough meat that is often associated with Braford lines, Paschal sees a clear opportunity for more performance documentation and marketing improvements. “Most purebred breeds produce far more bulls than they can sell to cow-calf producers or other breeders, and it makes sense to feed them out and get as much data as possible on them,” Paschal said. “This is Bull Development Committee especially true if the Chairman, Rhea Shields and Maurice breed has a little ear Janda of Graham Land and Cattle [Bos indicus influence] discussing program development at the since these cattle can feedyard. be undervalued in the market, but gain rapidly and efficiently and grade USDA Select Yield Grade 2 on average.” Originally, the vision of the UBB Bull Development and Marketing program focused solely on Braford bulls and advancing the breed as a whole by collecting more data. Reflecting on how the extension to include a steer development component of this program came to life, Shields noted that collaboration with industry partners was key. “Graham has a proven history of feeding cattle of multiple breeds and types,” Shields said. “They take our cattle and eliminate the guesswork of how, when and what to get the steers to a desired endpoint. They know best the feeding window and time frame for maximum performance from the quality grade and maximum dollar standpoint to the producer.”
Once the steers are finished, the cattle are sold to Kane Beef, the tenth largest independent and family-owned beef processing plant in the U.S. Early on in the Bull Development Program, there was also a need to encourage consigners to commit multiple bulls to the program that would allow quality individuals to hit targeted numbers and to meet the current demand for Braford bulls. A primary goal of this program hinges on “consistent participation with an understanding of the opportunity to increase our database of information that will assist all [Braford] breeders in the future,” Shields said. The steer program encourages participation from breeders, especially those who struggle in sorting out male cattle. The bulls are selected against specified criteria, and those that don’t hit the target numbers will be finished out with the consignor’s retaining ownership. “This program allows members that have a few bulls that may or may not be the best quality or type for the Advancing the Braford Breed sale to deliver and have the program sort them out,” Shields said. “Not all male calves are made to be bulls, but that doesn’t mean they are still not quality individuals.” Looking forward “The thing that excites me the most is the opportunity to collect the carcass data and use that information to identify the bulls and/or cow lines that provide the greatest potential gain in this area,” Shields said. Moving forward, this program has a lot of room for growth based primarily off of results from the steer carcass data. “This feeding program and its carcass measurements for muscling, fatness and marbling could be augmented by ultrasound measurements on related Braford cattle, such as the bulls and females selected to become replacements,” Paschal said. “This would allow more cattle —and more data— to be included in any performance testing program in the development of EPDs.” Alongside the active Bull Development Committee, Shields sees seemingly endless potential in the data this program will offer UBB. “As we adapt and continue to grow, there are many opportunities to increase numbers and the quality of our Braford breed through the selection of genetics being gathered through this program and the Bull Development Program,” Shields said. “[The program] can also be used to promote the carcass attributes of the breed,” Paschal concluded. “It is just a beginning.”
Summer 2016 l BRAFORD news
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REGISTERED BRAFORDS
u at See yoows! fall sh
THE FUTURE OF OUR BREED! Wade and Lynette Granger 675 Grangerville Rd. • Bell City, LA 70630 337.598.2759 • grangercattleco@camtel.net
Sells October 6 at ADVANCING THE BRAFORD BREED 7
Lot 135
6 BRAFORD news l Summer 2016
President’s Notes
by Robert Mills
A
s I am starting to write this article, Carol and I have just returned from the 2016 All American Junior Braford Show in Laredo, Texas. My hat is off to the Montemayor family for hosting a first-class event for our Juniors and their families. For those who chose not to attend, you missed one of the best All Americans in recent history. I realize that our youth program is not the highest priority for some of our members. No matter what you believe about the value of shows when pertaining to the junior programs, it is not who won Champion Bull or Champion Female that is important; it is the integrity, values and principles that we instill in our young people today by investing our time and presence. In the past few days, several current events dealing with violence against the police/law enforcement both in Texas and Louisiana are very concerning. While watching a TV interview after the Baton Rouge attacks, I heard one of the supervisors giving a news conference in which I thought he summarized our world correctly. To paraphrase, his comment was, “The violence here is not a gun control issue, but
an issue of what’s in men’s hearts.” We must teach our young people values, responsibility and respect if we are ever to begin to change what’s in men’s hearts. The All American may seem to be a small, inconsequential way to influence our Juniors, but we must start. These Junior Braford members are some of the best young people around, but they still need our support and guidance. Without the proper influence from the UBB membership and leaders, these youth could have other people offering them the wrong influences that possibly lead them on a less desirable path for their lives. These young people worked hard on their projects and spent untold amounts of money to exhibit our Braford breed, and we must honor and respect them with our support. Our Junior UBB members will soon be adults who take their place as UBB directors, committee members and breeders of the future. We currently have Juniors from the past serving us in those roles today. This tells me that our investment of time and money is NOT wasted. A special thanks to those who supported this event financially with donations and those families who attended to let these youth know that they definitely matter to our Braford breed. Many thanks to those who assisted in so very many ways when asked. The Junior Committee did an outstanding job of helping the Montemayor family make this a very successful event. I don’t think anyone heard one complaint from anyone who attended. Plans for the bull sale
UBB Board of Directors this fall are in full swing. This is the Seventh Annual Advancing the Breed Bull Sale. All performance information and data are available on each bull consigned. Take time to study this information which continues to prove this Bull Sale Committee is doing everything possible to advance our breed. All of the data and information may be found on the UBB website. Remember to start making your selections now for the 2017 National Braford Sale to be held at the Houston Livestock Show next March. That time will be here before we know it. Please contact someone from the Sale Committee to let them know you have chosen one of your best to consign. The Braford World Congress Committee will meet the end of July to begin the final scheduling process for the 2018 event. This event needs all of our membership to support and assist this committee to make our UBB genetics and cattle shine for Braford breeders from around the world. It will take each of us to make this Congress a success for our breed. Thanks to all the UBB committees that continue to be active and working on each of the tasks at hand. Please feel free to contact these committee members with any of your ideas. Hope everyone has had a great summer. Please join us as we move our Braford breed into a busy, exciting fall.
President - Robert Mills 15535 C.R. 1123 Athens, TX 75751 Office: 903.489.0837 Home: 903.489.0869 Mobile: 903.676.8930 Email: robert@rockcrestranch.com Vice President - Bill Rainer P.O. Box 243 Union Springs, AL 36089 Alabama: 334.738.2205 Texas: 800.729.7790 FAX: 903.683.9830 Mobile: 903.780.6455 Email: granjan.jr@gmail.com Secretary - Will Moncrief Running M Ranch 10006 Journeys End Tallahassee, FL 32312-3710 Office: 850.385.4489 Mobile: 850.566.6070 Email: w69cracker@hotmail.com Treasurer - Larry Stanberry LS Brafords 996 VZ C.R. 1805 Grand Saline, TX 75140 Home: 903.962.7219 Mobile: 214.924.9202 Email: lstanberry@earthlink.net Region 1 Director - Jim Harvey Harvey Ranch 2949 Hwy. 70 West Okeechobee, FL 34972 Office: 863.763.2523 Mobile: 863.697.6624 Fax: 863.763.7524 Email: jimharveybrafords@ embarqmail.com Region 1 Director - Zach Adams Adams Ranch Inc. 25501 Orange Ave. Fort Pierce, FL 34945 Mobile: 772.215.6268 Email: ZachAdamsRanch@gmail.com Region 2 Director - Chris Herpin Herpin Cattle Company 20102 Herpin Circle Kaplan, LA 70548 Mobile: 337.652.8125 Fax: 337.643.3382 Email: aherpin@sfbcic.com Region 2 Director - Heather Green 3313 Trailer Town Rd. Jennings, LA 70546 Mobile: 337.540.1748 Email: gran3290@aol.com Region 2 Director - Shannon Harrington 7068 N. Harrington Rd. Iowa, LA 70647 Home: 337.478.7637 Mobile: 337.485.2442 Email: sjhfarm@aol.com Region 3 Director - Scott McCullough 3226 C.R. 3115 Greenville, TX 75402 Mobile: 903.274.7799 Email: wmscottmcc@hotmail.com Region 4 Director - Paul Harris Greenview Farms 334 K-Ville Rd. Screven, GA 31560 Mobile: 912.294.2472 Fax: 912.586.6991 Email: Greenviewpaul@yahoo.com Region 4 Director - Jim Smith JS Land & Cattle Co. P.O. Box 487 Magnolia, MS 39652 Home: 601.783.7045 Mobile: 601.551.7045 FAX: 601.276.7675 Email: jimsmith@agup.co
Summer 2016 l BRAFORD news
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Look for our breed changing ¼ blood bulls at the ATB VII Sale on October 6, 2016
LOT 301 - 130941 - 1/4 BLOOD BW WW YW MM TM BWM FAT REA MAR 1.2 14 21 5 12 2.5 0.03 0.15 0.01 YW Adj SC REA Adj IMF Adj REA Adj 953 31 12 3.3 0.25
…and don’t miss out on Lot 237, this high performing and exciting new generation Braford bull out of one of our Elmo cows!
LOT 402 - 130950 - 1/4 BLOOD BW WW YW MM TM BWM FAT REA MAR 0.4 10 16 3 9 1.7 0.03 0.15 0.01 YW Adj SC REA Adj IMF Adj REA Adj 1080 32 11.13 3.57 0.15
JNJ Ranch James Noel, Jr.
409 E. Lafayette Street, Abbeville, LA 70510 337-898-1166 Office • 377-652-6260 Cell • jamesnoeljr@gmail.com
LOT 237 - 130952 - BRAFORD
BW WW YW MM TM BWM FAT REA MAR 0.2 11 19 3 9 1.8 0.04 0.18 0.01 YW Adj SC REA Adj IMF Adj REA Adj 1030 34 12.56 5.08 0.31
JNJ - THE FOUNDATION OF THE NEXT GENERATION - JNJ
• Maternal Grandsire: JDH Mr Elmo Manso 309/4
Running
Ranch
Our goal is to produce maternal, moderate framed cattle with lots of growth at weaning and yearling ages. We do not creep feed. We keep replacement heifers from those that were born in the first 60 days of our calving season. We look for structural soundness and use our records, EPDs and ultrasound in making mating decisions. We would like to show you our cattle!
Running
Ranch
4686 N.W. C.R. 150, Greenville, FL 32331 8 BRAFORD news l Summer 2016
Call for more information
Payne Midyette Will Moncrief Kit Storey 850-566-6070 850-544-5195 850-464-0893
Join us for the fall Advancing the Braford Breed Sale, Thursday, October 6, 2016 12 p.m. Lake Charles, Louisiana Selling 10 Bulls Lot 129 - RCM MR MARTIN MANSO 6930 x DH DOMINO 302 • Top 1% of the breed for weaning weight and yearling weight!
Lot 214 - HBF MR 1201 x BR DOMINO 6008
Bill Rainer Cattle Co. REGISTERED BRAFORD CATTLE
P.O. Box 243 Union Springs, AL 36089 Alabama: 334-738-2205
New Summerfield, Texas Cell: 903-780-6455 Texas Home: 903-683-1086
From the Director’s Desk
T
his summer at the All American in Laredo we had an eight-yearold exhibitor named Luke Mhire who taught us all a lesson while he was showing a Braford heifer. It was show day, and Luke’s heifer was antsy and giving him a fit in the ring. It got to the point that he enlisted some help from the ringman, Hayden Hyman. Luke, Hayden and the heifer survived the class and were catching their breath in the ready ring when the heifer fired off a kick and nailed Luke in the by Hannah Wine back pocket of his jeans. She caught him just right, ripping UBB Executive Director off the pocket and tearing the side of his jeans open as he stood in front of the entire crowd of All American exhibitors and spectators. For a second, Luke just stood there in a daze. He looked around to see the audience staring at him and quickly shrugged his shoulders. A smile broke out across his face, and the arena erupted with laughter. Despite all the commotion in the ready ring, the show went on. Before the laughter had even subsided, it was time for Luke and his first place heifer to go back in the ring for the division. As the announcer called the division into the ring, Luke looked at his heifer, looked down at the gaping hole in his pants and walked right back into the ring. We all learned a good lesson in perseverance from Luke that day. It was a fitting time, too, as we near the one-year mark of cattle prices beginning to fall from record highs. In this issue you’ll find a 20-year forecast that gives careful consideration to what’s to come and what you can and can’t control, and what you need to focus on to make your operation profitable; a recap of a one-of-akind Braford summer trip our Juniors took; promotion for the upcoming Advancing the Breed sale, which is your opportunity to sort some of the best bulls in the breed for the genetics that will carry your herd into the future. With all of the opportunity that lies ahead, this stage in the cattle cycle is the prime time to consider what works and what you need to do differently in the future. In the words of basketball great Pat Summit, “It is what it is. But it will be what you make it.” As a kid, I was a basketball fanatic. Every day after the cattle were fed I spent my evening pounding that Spalding on the free-throw line (made from a rubber stall mat atop the dirt) under the backyard flood lights. When I was a third grader in basketball camp, the varsity coach had us write down three goals. He emphasized that by focusing on the end goal that you want to achieve, the steps along the way to reach that goal become crystal clear and a top priority.
Lesson Learned
10 BRAFORD news l Summer 2016
Luke Mhire and his heifer back at it in the showring after the kick
Though the handwriting leaves something to be desired, that piece of paper with my third grade goals is something I’ve hung onto. 1. Work harder on left-handed layups; 2. Foul less; 3. Make cows better. I’m not sure if all three goals were supposed to be about basketball or not, but I imagine my coach was a little bewildered about why an eight-year old was thinking about breeding better cattle during basketball camp. Regardless, the importance of putting your goals on paper has stuck with me. I’ve written down a lot of goals over the years and have likely had just as much experience not meeting goals or changing plans as I’ve had with reaching them. But, it’s an effective tool for direction, to figure out where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. I encourage each of you to write down goals for your cattle operation. The daily care and maintenance of cattle is more than a full-time job, and for many it’s a job on top of another job. But for cattlemen and women, to keep moving ahead means doing more than just the day to day. On top of the regular must-do list each day, breeders should be doing one thing that is focused on reaching their goal.
Association News
Welcome to the World!
We are happy to warmly welcome two new future Braford cattlemen into the world. Rhea and Katy Shields of Iowa, Louisiana, are proud to announce the arrival of Rhett Michael Shields, June 30, 2016, 7 pounds 13 ounces and 21 inches.
Chris and Heather Greene of Jennings, Louisiana, are pleased to share that William Christopher Greene arrived May 6, 2016, weighing in at 9 pounds 14 ounces and 19 inches long.
2018 World Braford Congress to Be Held in USA
United Braford Breeders are gearing up to host the 2018 World Braford Congress. The Congress is scheduled for March of 2018 in Fort Worth, Texas. A meeting point for Braford breeders from around the world, this event will include both pre- and post-conference tours of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, plus many Braford operations and ranches. The UBB is encouraging all members to take part in this event. The World Braford Congress Committee will be looking for volunteers, sponsors and farm/ranch hosts. If you are interested in helping, contact UBB Executive Director Hannah Wine at 540.272.1682 or hwine@brafords.org.
Great Attendance at the 2016 Florida Cattlemen’s Convention
In June, United Braford Breeders teamed up with Adams Ranch for a booth at the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention in Orlando. Cattlemen from across the southeast gathered at the event. Make plans to join us for the 2017 event on Marco Island.
International Braford Sale in Houston Slated for March of 2017 | Consignments Accepted Until November 1
UBB members are invited to consign cattle to the 2017 International Braford Sale at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Due to the confines of the Houston sale facility, all cattle consigned must be halterbroke. Visit www.brafords.org/ houstonsale for consignment forms and more information.
UBB Member Jonny Harris Awarded Master Farmer Honors by Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
The ABAC 2016 Master Farmer Award was presented to UBB member Jonny Harris by the ABAC Alumni Association. The award is a recognition of alumni who have distinguished themselves as outstanding farmers. A 1971 ABAC graduate with a degree in agriscience, Harris and his family manage Greenview Farms near Screven, Georgia, on 3,500 acres of land,
focusing on registered seedstock Hereford and Braford cattle, timber, annual forages, hay, haylage, cotton, corn, soybeans, peanuts and pecans. Congratulations, Jonny!
Braford Breeders Invited to Use the One-Stop Resource for Finding Requirements to Move Animals Across State Lines
The NIAA and USAHA have partnered to create a website called InterstateLivestock.com, which provides current rules and regulations for anyone shipping cattle across state lines. The site features cattle movement regulations for all 50 states,
and is designed to provide quick results. Best of all, it’s free! Anyone involved in moving cattle can easily prepare to meet the necessary requirements. No more reading through regulations or waiting until normal business hours to call the state – the information is available 24/7 at your fingertips.
Congratulations all around!
Heifers, Low Birth Weight Bulls and Semen Available 12 BRAFORD news l Summer 2016
Know Your Director
A Word From Florida Director Zach Adams By Kaitlyn Alanis
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easons for breeding Brafords vary from breeder to breeder and no two stories are exactly alike. Region One Director Zach Adams of Fort Pierce, Florida, considers himself very privileged to have been born the grandson of Alto (Bud) Adams Jr., founder of the breed, and he is now looking for ways to grow his grandfather’s work. A Need for Brafords Much like other nationally recognized breeds, Brafords were born out of someone seeing a need for improvement. “My grandfather knew he needed to develop a breed that can handle the Florida climate with heat, insects and wet conditions,” Zach Adams said. His grandfather experimented with various BrahmanHereford crosses before identifying Braford bulls that had the stamina to meet the extreme climate conditions of Florida in the mid 1900s.
Today, Brafords are still in demand for the same reasons. “Brafords hold up to other climates everywhere just as well as they do in Florida,” Adams said. “I just recently took a trip to Australia, which is very different from the ranch here in Florida. It was hot and very dry, and the Brafords handled the environmental stress there very well.” The adaptability of Brafords may keep them in the market, Adams remarks, but it is the maternal instincts that make them so valuable to producers. “They make really good mama cows,” Adams said. A Family Tradition Zach Adams says he is very lucky to have been raised around his grandfather. “He took me to shoot my first deer and has taught me a great deal about the cattle business,” Adams said. “Not many people have the opportunity to work with their family on a cattle operation this large.” Raising Brafords is a tradition the Adams family is proud to uphold. For more than 30 years, the Adams Family Ranch has hosted a bull sale during the first week of November, started by Adams’ father, Mike Adams. “As the president of the company, my father continues to teach me about the different business aspects of a diversified agriculture operation,” Adams said. “Now, this is the Super Bowl of our ranch. My grandpa lives for it.” In addition to the family sale, Adams has had countless opportunities to learn from and work
with family mentors. “I learned from my Uncle Lee when he managed the Lake Marian Ranch, and I continue to work alongside three of my cousins, John, Leeann and Stew, as we take on a more active role in the company,” Adams remarked. “While a family business can be challenging at times, the different points of view can really be a blessing.” A Change in the Breed The Adams Ranch original Braford bloodlines first crossed in the 1900s are still around today with very subtle overall changes in the breed. However, overtime Brafords have begun to lose some of the hybrid vigor they once had due to a period of years with no outcrossing. “My grandfather originally had the Brafords split into different families with their own respective Hereford bull,” Adams said. “Each family had its own very distinct look to them. But with the passing of time during the last 20 or so years, the looks of each family has merged into one.” Now, to add more strength and vigor into the breed, Adams has brought in outside blood lines and has begun crossing his Brafords with Red Angus and Gelbvieh.
than us,” Adams remarked, “but I know we can get there. The merit this breed has is enough alone.” Adams claims that with the new Braford-Red Angus crosses combined with our younger generation of cattleman, the UBB can grow exponentially. “We as a group need to promote the breed, appeal to more people and focus on the adaptability and profitability of Brafords. That is how we will grow,” Adams said. The Perfect Time If you are just starting out with Brafords, Adams said you could not have picked a better time. Adams concluded “Looking at the market, this is the time to buy. You won’t be anything but happy with your choice of raising Brafords.”
Hope for the Future On top of bringing more hybrid vigor to the breed, Adams hopes to generate more growth in the association as a board member. “Brafords are a commercial breed with merit and this breed needs to be more nationally recognized,” Adams said. “To be honest, I think other associations have been doing a better job
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Three Great Role Models LJBB Scholarship Recipients Named By Kaitlyn Alanis, UBB Intern
Three young men who have led the Louisiana Junior Braford Breeders Association (LJBB) and represented the work ethic and leadership qualities of the association were recently selected to receive LJBB scholarships. They are Christian Doucet of Sweetlake, who received a $500 scholarship; Jade Herpin of Kaplan, $250; and Dilan Comeau of Abbeville, $100. “These three have been great role models for the younger generation of Braford breeders,” said Angelia Conner, LJBB state advisor. “Christian, Jade and Dilan have been true leaders in the junior organization.” Christian Doucet joined the United Braford Breeders seven years ago when he was asked to help show his aunt and uncle’s Brafords. “I loved it so much,” Doucet remarked. “So much that I decided to start my own herd of Brafords and join the LJBB.” He went on to win many shows, including the Louisiana State Show his second year. “Christian has grown from a shy young boy to a young man with a lot of ambition,” Conner commented. “He is always so serious and well groomed. But MR GUMBO LEGACY, one of Christian’s Brafords, had other plans for him. He dragged Christian through the dirt, over picnic tables and through the LSU ring, giving him the weathered look.” Of all his memories with the juniors, Christian said his favorite was the Braford Family Summer Sunday that the association hosted. “This summer Sunday gave us another opportunity to bond on a family level outside of the showring. It proved to me just how much of a family we all are,” he said. Doucet will attend Louisiana State University to study pre-veterinary science for both large and small animals. He plans to keep his herd and go to as many shows as he can while in school.
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Jade Herpin was also fortunate to have family introduce him to the Braford breed. “My cousins showed Brafords and it made raising and showing Brafords a family interest,” Herpin said. “It gives a whole new meaning to the family atmosphere LJBB has where everyone Scholarship recipients Christian Doucet, Dilan Comeaux and knows everyone.” Jade Herpin at the 2016 LJBB Summer Show Banquet Helping others in the showring has been a big part of Herpin’s time with LJBB. “Jade is the one that, when a bad calf enters the ring, everyone looks or smiles at him to help,” Conner said. “He just grins and heads to the rope. Doucet, Comeaux and Herpin together at the Jade has shown more 2008 LJBB Summer Show calves and been on the end of more bad calf “The thing I love about Dilan is ropes than anyone else in the ring.” his smile,” state advisor Conner Herpin served as president for said. Comeaux could always be three years. He is grateful for the found helping fellow showmen with opportunity to learn to lead and encouragement and support, while communicate with people from always keeping everything upbeat. “I different backgrounds. need to give him an overdue thank Herpin will major in agricultural you for helping load our show box at business at McNeese State University. the State Fair. I just wish he hadn’t He plans to continue to grow his dumped it over on the way to herd while in school. the trailer!” Dilan Comeaux was introduced to Comeaux will attend SOWELA the LJBB by Herpin in sixth grade. “I Technical College to study industrial was super nervous and very scared instrumentation technology. He the first time I showed,” Comeaux plans to continue to work with the said. “I am so glad I stuck with it breed and raise his own herd. though, as I have met great people “The Louisiana Junior Braford and made amazing memories.” Breeders have been well represented From going to state shows to making by the winners of the LJBB lifelong friendships, Comeaux said Scholarship,” Conner concluded. he could not imagine his life without “They will be truly missed in the the LJBB. ring. But I know they will always be there with encouragement for our future showmen and support of the breed.”
Danny Boudreaux 337-905-2330 Cell 337-249-9066 3475 Grand Chenier Hwy. Grand Chenier, LA 70643 boudreauxandson@camtel.net
Michael Boudreaux Cell 337-303-4167 162 Eugene Rd. Lake Charles, LA 70607 mlbbrafords@yahoo.com
Robert and Carol Mills Trey Abney 15535 C.R. 1123 • Athens, TX 75751 903.489.0869 • 903.489.0837 info@rockcrestranch.com Heifers, Bulls And Semen Available
For information on sale cattle, see our website at
www.redoakbraford.com Joe, Marshall and John Ellis 1676 Anderson C.R. 323 Palestine, TX 75803
Joe 903.876.3334 903.330.1257 Cell hollywoodjellis@aol.com
Summer 2016 l BRAFORD news
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Junior Focus
Meet Newly Elected NJBA President, Jamie Davis NATIONAL JUNIOR BRAFORD ASSOCIATION
Hello! My name is Jamie Davis and I am so excited to be able to serve as the 2016-2017 president of the National Junior Braford Association. I live on Chocolate Bayou in Alvin, Texas, and I am homeschooled. My dream is to attend Texas A&M University and become a veterinarian. This is my second year of being a part of the United Braford Breeders (UBB) and I am having a blast! I am so grateful to have been elected into this office. I am serving as the vice president of the TJBA, as well. Along with these exciting opportunities, I am excited to be serving as a UBB ambassador, so I will get the chance to see everyone in the show arena throughout the season. I am looking forward to working together with everyone to make this a year to remember! Last year was so much fun and I know we will all continue to have a good time getting to know one another and promoting the Braford breed. This July, we had the awesome opportunity to travel to Laredo, Texas, to show in the Junior National Show, which was aptly titled “Brafords on the Border.” Thanks to the hard work of the UBB leadership and the Montemayor family, the NJBA Nationals show was an amazing event and left me with awesome memories. Everyone who is a part of this organization 16 BRAFORD news l Summer 2016
is so talented and brought bring to the table that will 2016-17 such beautiful cattle; make for a great year for OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS the Braford breed was the National Junior Braford OFFICERS represented incredibly well. Association. President The Montemayor family My goal for the year is to Jamie Davis Pearland, Texas really went above and get more people involved beyond in hosting such a by sharing information Vice President Hayden Hyman fantastic event; from the about the Braford breed as Fouke, Arkansas beginning to the end it was much as possible. Through Secretary tons of fun! Despite being showing in as many shows Kylea Mansfield in such a hot climate that as possible and inviting Katy, Texas most of us were not used my friends and loved ones Treasurer to, we spent much of the to come and watch, I get Ryan Danos week in the air-conditioned an opportunity to share Iowa, Louisiana facility. The show was this impressive breed Reporter a great experience, and of cattle with others. Bailee O’ Brien the top-notch location Furthermore, both of my Fort Worth, Texas made the show run super scramble heifers this year smoothly. The contests are Brafords, which means UBB AMBASSADORS and prizes were awesome. that more people will get Maeleigh Conner Weaver Show Supply put on to experience our awesome Grand Lake, Louisiana a clinic that was very fun breed while I am competing Jamie Davis and educational. I am so in the scramble shows. Pearland, Texas glad they were there and Another goal of mine is Hayden Hyman that I took part in the event. to get to know everyone Fouke, Arkansas I learned a lot from them. in the UBB better, while The trip to Laredo was an making sure that we are Bailee O’ Brien Fort Worth, Texas adventure and I got to see all having a good time. We a part of Texas that I had get a unique opportunity Kylea Mansfield never seen before. I got to to travel to different areas Katy, Texas see wildlife and landscapes and compete with our that were new to me and cattle, and often we get to I got to spend time bird do these things together. with everyone soon. I watching, which is one of It is important to me to love traveling through the my favorite pastimes. The get to know everyone who states and celebrating this sights were beautiful and I am blessed to be able to outstanding breed of cattle. the food was great. The be around and learn from. Our next show is the Four trip home was not quite I would love to help others States Fair in Texarkana, as eventful because I slept by sharing my experience, Arkansas, on September 12, the whole way. However, too, and together we can all 2016. I hope to see that just shows how much learn from one another. everyone there! fun I had at the State and I am so grateful to have National shows! been able to experience I would also love to such a wonderful year, and introduce the rest of the I am looking forward to NJBA officers: Hayden being back in the showring Hyman - Vice President (Fouke, AR); Kylea Mansfield – Secretary (Katy, TX); and Bailee O’Brian – Reporter (Ft. Worth, TX). Together we make up the leadership of the NJBA and I am proud and excited to serve with others who are so very talented in so many Outgoing NJBA Secretary, Ari Montemayor with newly elected NJBA ways. I know that we all Vice President, Hayden Hyman; President, Jamie Davis; Secretary Kylea have something special to Mansfield; and reporter Bailee O Brien
Summer 2016 l BRAFORD news
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2016 ALL AMERICAN National Junior Braford Show HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
For many, cattle shows don’t seem like much of a vacation, and Laredo, Texas, isn’t a typical vacation hotspot, but many National Junior Braford exhibitors discovered that the 2016 All American in Laredo was one of the best family vacations yet.
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osted by the Montemayor family, Braford exhibitors and their families from Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas were welcomed to the Laredo International Fair and Expo Center. This was the farthest west the All American has ever been, and the location provided the opportunity for many Juniors and their families to travel to this part of the U.S. for the first time. New and experienced members gathered for fun-filled days packed with contests and cattle. Twenty-seven NJBA members exhibited 60 head of Braford and F1 females and bulls. The All American would not be possible without the support of sponsors. A huge thank you to all the sponsors for their continued support of the All American.
ON THE BORDER 2016 NJBA ALL AMERICAN JULY 7-9 • LAREDO, TEXAS
Whether this was a family’s first year or fifteenth year at the All American, Juniors joined together as a Braford family for Brafords on the Border. On the pages that follow, check out the highlights from this year’s All American.
2016 ALL AMERICAN SPONSORS
s
THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE NJBA ALL AMERICAN IBC Bank Weaver Leather Livestock Boudreaux & Son Brafords Chris Dimas Harvey Ranch Lowes of Laredo MLB Brafords Rock Crest Ranch San Gregorio Ranch The Sheffield Family CVS of Laredo Wal-Mart of Laredo Academy Sports of Laredo
THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTERS OF THE ALL AMERICAN AUCTION Ashlee Primeaux Ben Lockart Ben Welch Karen Potts Kylea Mansfield Mary Martin Mike Graham Robby Mhire Rock Crest Ranch Shelby Welch
Teresa Boudreaux The Boudreaux Family The Dooley Family The Hyman Family The McCullough Family The Montemayor Family The Sheffield Family Tim Edwards Wade & Lynette Granger
THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR HELP We’re certain we’ve forgotten someone—please forgive us in advance and know that while we may have missed your name, we still greatly appreciate your time. Amanda Lee • Ari Montemayor • Bailee O’Brien, TJBA Queen • Ben Welch Deacon Ruben & Imelda Maldonado • Hayden Hyman, NJBA Ambassador • Jamie Davis, NJBA Ambassador Karen Potts • Katlyn Hyman • Lori & Scott McCullough • Madalyn Jennings • Melanie Jennings • Mary Martin Melisa & Adrian Montemayor • Michael Boudreaux • Mike Graham • Peri & Nathan Hyman • Robert & Carol Mills Sandra & Curtis Sheffield • Shelby Welch, LJBB Queen • Tim Edwards • Wade & Lynette Granger
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2016 All American National Junior Braford Show Results Laredo, Texas • July 7–9, 2016 • Judge: Ryan Cummins, Katy, Texas
Braford Bulls
Class 6 - HNH MUSCLES 1054 MR 662, Hayden Hyman, Fouke, AR Class 7 - NPH MUSCLES 1054 MR 61, Mason Mhire, Welsh, LA CHAMPION FALL BULL CALF - HNH MUSCLES 1054 MR 662, Hayden Hyman, Fouke, AR RESERVE CHAMPION FALL BULL CALF - NPH MUSCLES 1054 MR 61, Mason Mhire, Welsh, LA Class 11 - LEM 1703 FLOYD 5001, Lainey McCullough, Greenville, TX Class 13 - B/S DREAM CATCHER 2415, Brynlee Boudreaux, Lake Charles, LA CHAMPION YEARLING BULL - LEM 1703 FLOYD 5001, Lainey McCullough, Greenville, TX RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING BULL - B/S DREAM CATCHER 2415, Brynlee Boudreaux, Lake Charles, LA Class 18 - Mr HDG RED BULL 14034, Emillee Keller, Bell City, LA CHAMPION SENIOR BULL - Mr HDG RED BULL 14034, Emillee Keller, Bell City, LA GRAND CHAMPION BRAFORD BULL - LEM 1703 FLOYD 5001, Lainey McCullough, Greenville, TX RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BRAFORD BULL - B/S DREAM CATCHER 2415, Brynlee Boudreaux, Lake Charles, LA Grand Champion Braford Bull
F1 Braford Bulls
Class 23 - MISTER LANGFORD SUCCESS, Victoria Dooley, Jackson, LA CHAMPION BULL CALF - MISTER LANGFORD SUCCESS, Victoria Dooley, Jackson, LA Class 29 - MILL PRIME DIESEL, Jace Roussell, Lake Charles, LA CHAMPION FALL BULL CALF - MILL PRIME DIESEL, Jace Roussell, Lake Charles, LA Class 32 - MILL SPADE, Jaselyn Rousell, Lake Charles, LA CHAMPION YEARLING BULL - MILL SPADE, Jaselyn Rousell, Lake Charles, LA Class 40 - MILL FOUR RUNNER, Kaleb Styron, Lake Charles, LA CHAMPION SENIOR BULL - MILL FOUR RUNNER, Kaleb Styron, Lake Charles, LA GRAND CHAMPION F1 BULL - MILL FOUR RUNNER, Kaleb Styron, Lake Charles, LA RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION F1 BULL - MILL PRIME DIESEL, Jace Roussell,Lake Charles, LA
Braford Females Reserve Grand Champion Braford Bull
Grand Champion Braford Female
Class 45 - CK MISS DANNI 4286, Hailey Sheffield, Pearland, TX Class 46 - KSH CAPT’S LADY 6661, Maegan McCarley, Grannis, AR Class 47 - HNH MUSCLES 1054 BABE, Hayden Hyman, Fouke, AR CHAMPION HEIFER CALF - HNH MUSCLES 1054 BABE, Hayden Hyman, Fouke, AR RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER CALF - NPH MUSCLES 1054 MS. PRISSY, Emily McCarley, Grannis, AR Class 50 - SAVELL’S L 254/3, Hailey Sheffield, Pearland, TX Class 51 - NPH MUSCLES 1054 MS WOOZY 2.0, Luke Mhire, Welsh, LA CHAMPION FALL HEIFER CALF - SAVELL’S L 254/3, Hailey Sheffield, Pearland, TX RESERVE CHAMPION FALL HEIFER CALF - NPH MUSCLES 1054 MS WOOZY 2.0, Luke Mhire, Welsh, LA Class 54 - CK SOUTHERN GYPSY, Jamie Davis, Alvin, TX Class 55 - SJH MISS LIL ANNIE 1520, Ashlee Primeaux, Bell City, LA Class 56 - AAM DS KILLER QUEEN C1, Ari Montemayor, Laredo, TX Class 57 - MRS NUNEZ, Shelby Welch, Grand Chenier, LA CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER - SJH MISS LIL ANNIE 1520, Ashlee Primeaux, Bell City, LA RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER - CK SOUTHERN GYPSY, Jamie Davis, Alvin, TX Class 60 - AAM DS PLATFORM SUEDE B6, Ari Montemayor, Laredo, TX Class 62 - RCM 9182 COCOA 4839, Will McCullough, Greenville, TX Class 63 - RLR CK MISS WYLIE, Jamie Davis, Alvin, TX CHAMPION SENIOR YEARLING FEMALE - RLR CK MISS WYLIE, Jamie Davis, Alvin, TX RESERVE CHAMPION SENIOR YEARLING FEMALE - AAM DS PLATFORM SUEDE B6, Ari Montemayor, Laredo, TX GRAND CHAMPION BRAFORD FEMALE - SJH MISS LIL ANNIE 1520, Ashlee Primeaux, Bell City, LA RESERVE CHAMPION BRAFORD FEMALE - CK SOUTHERN GYPSY, Jamie Davis, Alvin, TX
F1 Heifer Show
Reserve Grand Champion Braford Female
Class 68 - MISS LILY LANGFORD, Garrett Dooley, Jackson, LA Champion Heifer Calf - MISS LILY LANGFORD, Garrett Dooley, Jackson, LA Class 79 - JP SWEET LADY J575, Jace Roussell, Lake Charles, LA Class 80 - JP SWEET DAISY 73, Jaselyn Roussell, Lake Charles, LA CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER - JP SWEET DAISY 73, Jaselyn Roussell, Lake Charles, LA RESERVE CHAMPION YEARLING HEIFER - JP SWEET LADY J575, Jace Roussell, Lake Charles, LA Class 83 - MIKELYN, Victoria Dooley, Jackson, LA Class 86 - ABBY 71, Garrett Dooley, Jackson, LA CHAMPION SENIOR YEARLING FEMALE - ABBY 71, Garrett Dooley, Jackson, LA RESERVE CHAMPION SENIOR YEARLING FEMALE - MARLEIGH, Victoria Dooley, Jackson, LA GRAND CHAMPION F1 BRAFORD FEMALE - JP SWEET DAISY 73, Jaselyn Roussell, Lake Charles, LA RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION F1 BRAFORD FEMALE - ABBY 71, Garrett Dooley, Jackson, LA
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2016 CONTEST RESULTS H SHOWMANSHIP H JUDGE, RYAN CUMMINS
Grand Champion F1 Braford Bull
CHAMPION SENIOR: JAMIE DAVIS CHAMPION INTERMEDIATE: ASHLEE PRIMEAUX CHAMPION JUNIOR: LUKE MHIRE
H QUIZ BOWL H INTERMEDIATE DIVISION: 1ST PLACE TEAM SHELBY WELCH, BRYNLEE BOUDREAUX, ASHLEE PRIMEAUX, JACELYN ROUSSELL Reserve Grand Champion F1 Braford Bull
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION: 2ND PLACE TEAM LUKE MHIRE, KALEB STYRON, MASON MHIRE, JACE ROUSSELL
Grand Champion Braford F1 Female
Reserve Grand Champion Braford F1 Female
SENIOR DIVISION 1ST PLACE TEAM ARI MONTEMAYOR, LAINEY MCCULLOUGH, MADALYN JENNINGS, HAYDEN HYMAN
SENIOR DIVISION 2ND PLACE TEAM JAMIE DAVIS, BAILEE O’BRIEN, KYLEA MANSFIELD, HAILEY SHEFFIELD
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2016 CONTEST RESULTS H JUDGING H INTERMEDIATE DIVISION 1ST MASON MHIRE, 2ND ASHLEE PRIMEAUX, 3RD SHELBY WELCH
JUNIOR DIVISION 1ST LUKE MHIRE, 2ND HAILEY SHEFFIELD
SENIOR DIVISION 1ST JAMIE DAVIS, 2ND MADALYN JENNINGS, 3RD HAYDEN HYMAN
ADULT DIVISION - 1ST ROBBY MHIRE, 2ND KELLY MANSFIELD 3RD MICHAEL BOUDREAUX
H SALES TALK H
JUNIOR DIVISION 1ST HAILEY SHEFFIELD
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION 1ST BRYNLEE BOUDREAUX SENIOR DIVISION 1ST MADALYN JENNINGS, 2ND ARI MONTEMAYOR, 3RD HAYDEN HYMAN
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2016 CONTEST RESULTS H PHOTO CONTEST H INTERMEDIATE DIVISION
JUNIOR DIVISON
1ST HAILEY SHEFFIELD, JUNIOR 1ST BRYNLEE BOUDREAUX, INTERMEDIATE 2ND BRYNLEE BOUDREAUX, INTERMEDIATE
SENIOR DIVISION
2ND HAILEY SHEFFIELD, JUNIOR
1ST KYLEA MANSFIELD, SENIOR
3RD JAMIE DAVIS, SENIOR
2ND MADALYN JENNINGS, SENIOR
ADULT DIVISION
3RD KATELIN HYMAN 1ST KELLY MANSFIELD 2ND KELLY MANSFIELD
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2016 CONTEST RESULTS H POSTER CONTEST H JUNIOR DIVISION 1ST HAILEY SHEFFIELD INTERMEDIATE DIVISION 1ST BRYNLEE BOUDREAUX SENIOR DIVISION 1ST MADALYN JENNINGS 2ND MEGAN MCCARLEY 3RD ARI MONTEMAYOR
H COLORING CONTEST H 1ST MADDY MCCARLEY
H ALL ROUND POINTS H JUNIOR DIVISION 1ST HAILEY SHEFFIELD 2ND LUKE MHIRE INTERMEDIATE DIVISION 1ST BRYNLEE BOUDREAUX 2ND ASHLEY PRIMEAUX 3RD MASON MHIRE SENIOR DIVISION 1ST HAYDEN HYMAN 2ND JAMIE DAVIS RD 3 ARI MONTEMAYOR
H NJBA OFFICERS H JAMIE DAVIS, PRESIDENT HAYDEN HYMAN, VICE PRESIDENT KYLEA MANSFIELD, SECRETARY BAILEE O’BRIEN, REPORTER
H NJBA AMBASSADORS H JAMIE DAVIS, TX KYLEA MANSFIELD, TX HAYDEN HYMAN, AR BAILEEY O’BRIEN, TX MAELEIGH CONNER, LA
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ON THE BORDER
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2016 NJBA ALL AMERICAN JULY 7-9 • LAREDO, TEXAS
BRAFORDS ON THE BORDER By Kaitlyn Alanis, UBB Intern
Braford youth loaded their trailers and hauled many miles down to Laredo, Texas, for the All American National Junior Braford Show. The theme was Brafords on the Border and exhibitors prepared themselves for dry weather, lots of cactus and submersion into another culture. “One of my favorite parts of Brafords is their ability to survive anywhere in any climate,” Hayden Hyman, an exhibitor from Arkansas, said. Brafords were bred to withstand harsh climates — from the humid weather of Arkansas to the dry heat experienced on the border. Twenty-seven exhibitors from Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana participated in more than 10 contests, ranging from showmanship, judging classes, sales talks and photography. Each showman entered the ring with his or her own story, but all made it to the border to show off the breed they know and love. BORDER SWEET BORDER
Born and raised in Laredo, Ari Montemayor was honored to be a member of the host family for the 2016 All American. “Laredo has always been a very special place for me,” Montemayor said. “I know many people were very hesitant traveling to a show so close to the border, so I was really excited to introduce them to a place I have loved getting to experience.” From the colorful history of Laredo, the authentic Mexican cuisine, to the many historical sites, Ari said one of her favorite parts of the All American was the opportunity to share Laredo culture with other NJBA members. “I got to experience the Sister Cities Festival in Laredo, and that
24 BRAFORD news l Summer 2016
was a cool cultural experience,” remarked Jace Roussell, of Iowa, Louisiana. “It was the people and the cultural experience on the border that made this show unique,” Roussell said. The Sister Cities Festival featured nearly 200 exhibitors from both Mexico and Central America. “I had never seen so many cactus before and I also got to do some really cool bird watching,” Jamie Davis, of Alvin, Texas, said. “It was really hot on the border, so having the air conditioned arena was a relief,” Davis added. While most exhibitors were packing trailers and getting their Brafords ready, Ari was also spreading dirt in the arena, setting up photo booths and searching for donor support. “The real credit, though, should go to my mom, Melisa Montemayor,” Ari said. “She was behind the scenes of the whole show. She deserves real kudos for all the prep work that she made happen.” New to the All American this year was a breakfast each morning for the exhibitors and their families. “Our family started this breakfast in hopes of taking the pressure off the competitors each morning,” Ari explained. The breakfast provided an opportunity for the young people to get to know each other and share a meal before starting each day.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH “This show was cultural, competitive and fun,” Ari said. “I started showing Brafords about five years ago and I haven’t looked back since, thanks to the breed, the people and the shows.” ARKANSAN CARAVAN
An 11-hour road trip and two caravan pick-up stops separated Hayden Hyman from his hometown of Fouke, Arkansas, and Brafords on the Border. “Traveling to the border was a once in a lifetime type of trip,” Hyman said. “We went from pine trees to mesquite bushes and humidity to very dry heat. And we got to share it with other Braford families in a caravan.” The Hyman family picked up two first-year exhibitors from the state of Arkansas, and then at a pit stop in Texas they met up with a Texan showman to travel the rest of the way together. “Showing the ropes to people new to the breed was a lot of fun, especially since those we picked up had not traveled much before,” Hyman said. “Nobody really knew what to expect the farther along we got and everyone was soaking the whole trip in.” Hyman has been involved with Brafords for 10 years and has been to many shows throughout that time. “This was not the largest show, but it was the best,” Hyman said. “There weren’t many of us, so all of the kids got to know each other really well. The Montemayor family was great at making that happen.” For Hayden, the best part of showing Brafords in Laredo was the Brafords themselves. “Brafords are a breed that you can stand confidently behind, and the people who are also behind the breed are your best friends.” CAKE AND POTATOES
Jamie Davis of Alvin, Texas, turned 16 while on the border. Everyone sang Happy Birthday to her at the opening session. “We had cake and it was a lot of fun,” Davis said. “It made for a very memorable sixteenth birthday.” “I started showing Brafords just two years ago, when some friends asked me to help show some of their cows at a local fair,” Davis said. “And since then I have held numerous leadership roles, including reporter for both the NJBA and the TJBA, as well as president for NJBA and vice president for the TJBA.” Davis said she was introduced to Brafords by friends and has only continued to make more friendships since being involved with NJBA. The people of the Braford breed are what make shows so much fun for Jamie, and having those people there to celebrate her birthday made it an even more special day. “One of my favorite parts of this show was the food,” commented Brynlee Boudreaux of Lake Charles, Louisiana. “The banquet had yummy steak and potatoes. The Montemayor family hosts chose great food.”
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HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Not only was the food great but it brought exhibitors and families together to celebrate their time in Laredo. “Showing the Braford breed is an amazing way for kids to grow up,” Boudreaux said. “I am about to be 13 and I have already met so many people, traveled to many shows and have been taught responsibility in the best way possible.” Boudreaux is a third generation Braford breeder and her father was also a NJBA exhibitor. “My dad showed really, really well,” Boudreaux said. “I joined him as soon as I could when I turned 9 years old because that was when I could join 4-H and start showing Brafords. It has just been an amazing time.”
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Looking for Brafords? Check out the UBB Membership Map
www.brafords.org/findamember
Whether you’re on the road and want to make a stop to look at some Brafords or you’re at home and curious who has Braford cattle near you, put the UBB interactive membership map tool on the UBB website to work for you! The map allows you to zoom in and out, search for a member by name or city, see the member’s address and contact information. Access the map under the Members tab at www.brafords.org.
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Show Results
Louisiana Junior Braford Breeders State Show Results Judge: Brett Barber, Channing, TX • June 10-11, 2016, SugArena, New Iberia, LA
Showmanship Champions Super PeeWee: Jayden Nunez Junior: Mason Mhire Intermediate: Leah Thibodeaux Senior: Maeleigh Conner
Champion Braford Base Bull — BIG SUGAR SWEET, John Warner, Grand Chenier, LA
Reserve Champion Braford Base Bull — CAJUNS MR 150, Tyleigh Canik, Grand Lake, LA
Outgoing 2016-2016 LJBB Queen, Brynlee Boudreaux with newly crowned 2016-2017 LJBB Queen, Hannah Doucet
Champion Braford Bull — TR DC RECTANGLE 548, Brynlee Boudreaux, Lake Charles, LA
Reserve Champion Braford Bull — MR HDG RED BULL 14034, Emilee Keller, Bell City, LA
Princess Shelby Welch, Queen Hannah Doucet and Princess Emily Deshotel
Champion Braford Base Female — MISS CHERIE LAMBEAU, Ashton Smith, Creole, LA
Reserve Champion Braford Base Female — MISS FC MAMIE, Karlee Nunez, Creole, LA
Champion Braford Female — RAE KA, Ali Fontenot, Ville Platte, La
Reserve Champion Braford Female — SJH MISS LIL ANNIE 1520, Ashlee Primeaux, Bell City, LA
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Show Results
Texas Junior Braford Breeders State Show Results July 7, 2016, Laredo, Texas — Judge: Monte Williams, Altair, TX
Braford Bulls
Grand Champion Braford Bull: LEM 1703 FLOYD 5001, Lainey McCullough, Greenville, TX Reserve Grand Champion Braford Bull: HNH MUSCLES 1054 MR 662, Hayden Hyman, Fouke, AR
Braford Females
Grand Champion Braford Female: RLR CK MISS WYLIE, Jamie Davis, Alvin, TX Reserve Grand Champion Braford Female: CK SOUTHERN GYPSY, Jamie Davis, Alvin, TX
Showmanship Champions Junior: Hailey Sheffield Senior: Lainey McCullough
2016-2017 Texas Junior Braford Association Officers with UBB Executive Director, Hannah Wine (L) and State Advisor, Mary Martin (R)
Grand Champion Braford Bull Lainey McCullough, LEM 1703 FLOYD 5001 Greenville, TX
Reserve Grand Champion Braford Bull HNH Hayden Hyman, HNH MUSCLES 1054 MR 662, Fouke, AR
Grand Champion Braford Female Jamie Davis, RLR CK MISS WYLIE Alvin, TX
Reserve Grand Champion Braford Female Jamie Davis, CK SOUTHERN GYPSY Alvin, TX
Newly crowned Texas Junior Braford Association Queen, Bailee O’ Brien
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Selling 10 Bulls at Advancing the Breed VII Thursday, October 6, 2016 12 p.m. Our bulls are consistent in their quality and performance
Offering a strong set again this year! 5 Braford Bulls • 3 F1 Bulls • 2 ¼ Brahman X ¾ Hereford Bulls
Lot 305
Lot 306
¼ Brahman X ¾ Hereford -Churchill Sensation 2110Z ET son
Alleman Cattle Company
F1 -- H5 9131 Domino 2185 son
2709 Abbeville Hwy • Rayne, LA 70578 Baryan and Rosanne Alleman, Owners • Cell 337-278-2586 • allemancattle@cox.net Neil J. Alleman, Owner • 337-581-3171 • nja8836@cox.net
Bar
Brafords
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Look for our Hulk and Leroy grandsons this fall in the Advancing the Breed 7 sale.
October 6, 2016 Burton Coliseum Tom and Amanda Gross (Amanda Lee) Folsom, LA Amanda.lee08@yahoo.com 985-630-6882 cell 985-796-3659 home
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2016 Braford News Production Schedule
Issue date February May September December
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Hereford Publications Inc. produces Braford News. For questions or advertising content, contact Nicole Crosson at Creative Services: 816.218.2283 816.842.6931 fax nwoods@hereford.org U.S. mail at P.O. Box 014059, Kansas City, MO 64101
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