Braford News | Volume 34 | Issue 1 | Spring 2020

NEWS VOLUME 34 | ISSUE 1 | SPRING 2020

Harvey rancH These Bulls Sell!

Advancing the Braford Breed Sale

LOT

NAME

HERD ID

DOB

BW

WW

YW

ADJ REA

ADJ IMF

SC

536

HR UPPER CLASS 75F5

75F5

2/24/18

60

780

1131

13.22

3.01

37.7

March 20, 2020 • 4:30 pm Kinder Livestock Market Kinder, LA

LOT

NAME

HERD ID

DOB

BW

WW

YW

ADJ REA

ADJ IMF

SC

LOT

NAME

HERD ID

DOB

BW

WW

YW

ADJ REA

ADJ IMF

SC

222

HR RUSTLER 7135G3

7135G3

11/17/18

89

772

1372

12.9

4.22

38.4

220

HR MUSCLE MAN 7152

7152G

11/15/18

66

662

1043

12.68

5.88

36.34

LOT

NAME

HERD ID

DOB

BW

WW

YW

ADJ REA

ADJ IMF

SC

LOT

NAME

HERD ID

DOB

BW

WW

YW

ADJ REA

ADJ IMF

SC

221

HR CHARLIE BROWN 550G

550G

11/15/18

84

692

1100

12.96

4.05

34.2

223

HR ROMAN 002G3

002G3

11/21/18

83

684

1241

15.28

3.3

37.5

Power and Performance Harvey Ranch • Okeechobee, Fla.

Jim & Rene Harvey, Owners • 863.697.6624 Ronnie Trythall, Manager • 863-697-2182

SPRING 2020 l BRAFORD NEWS

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NEWS VOLUME 34 | ISSUE 1 | SPRING 2020

NEWS VOLUME 34 | ISSUE 1 | SPRING 2020

CONTENTS ASSOCIATION UPDATES

Braford pair at Adams Ranch.

United Braford Breeders P.O. Box 808, Reynolds, GA 31076 www.brafords.org ubb@brafords.org UBB Registration Office P.O. Box 1177, Kingsville, TX 78364 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 by contacting the editor.

Editor: Bailey K. Herrin, bailey@brafords.org Production: Herrin Livestock Services www.HerrinLivestockServices.com 816.824.0002

Zoetis is a corporate sponsor of United Braford Breeders POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 808 Reynolds, GA 31076.

The publisher reserves the right to refuse publication of any material which we feel is unsuitable for the publication.

Although the highest journalistic ethics will be maintained, the United Braford Breeders limits its responsibilities for any errors, inaccuracies or misprints in advertisements or editorial copy. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all content of advertisements printed, and also assume responsibility for any claims arising from such advertisement made against the publisher. Advertising rate card is sent upon request. Articles from this publication may be reprinted with the permission of the publisher.

Copyright 2020 United Braford Breeders

2 BRAFORD NEWS l SPRING 2020

4

PRESIDENT’S NOTES, by dr. jim harvey

6

EXECUTIVE’S NOTES, by bailey k. herrin

6

NEW MEMBERS

8

NJBA UPDATE, by gene natali

INDUSTRY NEWS 10

ADVANCING THE BRAFORD BREED, by bailey k. herrin

14 MULTIPLY YOUR BEST GENETICS & REDUCE OPPORTUNITY COST,

by brad brundage

EXPERT ADVICE 18 VACCINATIONS, by dr. lee jones

READER SERVICES 20

SHOW RESULTS

21

UPCOMING EVENTS

21

AD INDEX

International

Braford Sale

TUESDAY • MARCH 3, 2020 • 5:30 P.M. NRG EAST ARENA • HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO

ng & OPEN HEIFERS SelliBRED BULLS EMBRYOS SEMEN PACKAGES presented by

PRESIDENT’S NOTES

BY: DR. JIM HARVEY Fellow Braford Breeders: 2019 was a long and stressful year – but I commend our officers, directors and committee members for their support and leadership that enabled the UBB to endure the trials and tribulations that made our Association stronger. I would like to personally thank John Ford and Emma Ramirez in Kingsville, Texas, for an awesome job that was done in maintaining our records and fielding our members’ telephone calls.

I truly believe that 2020 is going to be a momentous year for the UBB, especially with the addition of our new Executive Director, Bailey Herrin. Bailey comes to us not only excited for the opportunity to work with Braford Breeders, but also full of enthusiasm to take on the challenges of our Association.

I encourage our members to roll up our sleeves and prepare to work on improving our commitment to make Braford a formidable breed. It starts with the basics: maintaining a current paid inventory; registering all of your Braford calves (good or bad, purebred or Braford base); recording birth weights, yearling weights, and maybe carcass ultrasounds. We must record data for our EPDs to be accurate and useful. I foresee that in the near future, we will be seeing Brafords with genomically enhanced EPDs. If we want the UBB to grow, then we must all do our part; do not shortchange the Association. It takes all of us working together as a team; whether you show cattle or buy or sell Braford bulls and heifers, we all have a common cause: making the Braford breed better!

See you in Houston.

UBB DIRECTORS President | Dr. Jim Harvey | Okeechobee, Fla. | 863.697.6624 | jhbrafords@comcast.net Vice President | Jonny Harris | Screven, Ga. | 912.294.2470 | greenviewfarms@windstream.net Secretary | Rodney Roberson, PhD | Bullard, Texas | 936.569.4872 | rlr@thunderstormrcattle.com Treasurer | Bryan Alleman | Rayne, Ala. | 337.278.2586 | allemancattle@cox.net Region 1 Directors | Florida Zach Adams | Fort Pierce, Fla. | 772.215.6268 | zachadamsranch@gmail.com Dr. Jim Harvey | Okeechobee, Fla. | 863.697.6624 | jhbrafords@comcast.net Will Moncrief | Tallahassee, Fla. | 850.544.5195 | w69cracker@hotmail.com Region 2 Directors | Louisiana Bryan Alleman | Rayne, Ala. | 337.278.2586 | allemancattle@cox.net Corey Doucet | Lake Charles, LA | 337.802.5473 | coreydoucet@camtel.net Scott Harrington | Iowa, LA | 337.496.5189 | scottharrington2@yahoo.com Region 3 Directors | Texas Robert Mills | Athens, Texas | 903.676.8930 | robert@rockcrestranch.com Rodney Roberson, PhD | Bullard, Texas | 936.569.4872 | rlr@thunderstormrcattle.com Larry Stanberry | Grand Saline, Texas | 214.924.9202 | lstanberry@earthlink.met Region 1 Directors | Florida Jonny Harris | Screven, Ga. | 912.294.2470 | greenviewfarms@windstream.net Toni Meacham | Connell, Wa. | 509.488.3289 | tonipierson@rocketmail.com Bill Rainer | Union Springs, Ala. | 903.780.6455 | granjan.jr@gmail.com 4 BRAFORD NEWS l SPRING 2020

ANNUAL MEETING June 18 • 7:00 pm Brazoria Co. Fairgrounds Angleton, Texas Please note that the annual meeting is now being held in conjunction with the NJBA All American.

We look forward to seeing there!

a h t i w 0 2 0 Starting 2 ! n w o t w o C BANG in RCM 9182 CATALINA 8452 2020 Ft. Worth Stock Show Grand Champion Braford Female

RCM 8105 MATLOCK 7144 2020 Ft. Worth Stock Show Reserve Grand Champion Bull

Best Six Head 2020 Ft. Worth Stock Show As Rock Crest Ranch begins a new decade, we still stand on a firm foundation of proven genetics. Our cattle perform both in the pasture and in the show ring.

We know our cattle can help you reach your goals! Whether you’re a commercial cattleman or a purebred breeder, consider adding Rock Crest genetics to your herd!

Robert & Carol Mills • Trey Abney Athens, Texas • www.rockcrestranch.com Home: 903-489-0869 • Office: 903-489-0837 Robert: 903-676-8930 • Trey: 903-676-7055 Email: info@rockcrestranch.com Rock Crest Ranch

EXECUTIVE’S NOTES BY: BAILEY K. HERRIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR We are all familiar with the phrase, “for the common good.”

This means setting set aside our differences to work toward a common goal. One thing is certain: We do have a common goal, and that goal is to promote the Braford breed.

Everyone is different; that is what makes life exciting. If we all shared the same interests, talents and trades, we would live in a very dull world. To be successful in life and the cattle industry alike, you must maximize your talents; you should also recognize and learn from the different talents of others.

One producer may raise powerhouse bulls; another producer may be known for phenomenal females. Both producers are vital to help the Braford breed and our beloved industry survive – and thrive.

Things changes over time – people and cattle included.

Look back to the cattle of the 1940s, then to the 1980s, and finally to today. We haven’t forgotten the trends of the past, but we have learned from them. Relationships are no different. As we’ve entered a new decade, it is time for a renewed start for each of us. 2020 welcomes a fresh look for the Braford News, a new Executive Director, and an opportunity to move on from the past and build on its legacy.

Many of you have noticed some changes, such as a

refreshed website and an increased social media presence starting back in November. I have been working behind the scenes since accepting the position, to allow me to “hit the ground running” when I officially started in January. It has been a pleasure meeting many of you at the Fort Worth Stock Show and the Dixie National. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of you, and I am excited by the prospect of meeting more of our members in the coming months.

My husband, Jeremy, and I live in Reynolds, Georgia, where we have a herd of about 80 commercial and registered Angus cows. Cattle have always been a key part of my life. I started showing Santa Gertrudis when I was 8 years old and continued until I left our family farm in Missouri to attend Oklahoma State University. After graduating in 2013 with my bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Agricultural Communications, I moved to Georgia to work for the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association as their Director of Communications and Youth Activities. I was with GCA for 6.5 years until this amazing opportunity opened up to join UBB. I am honored to be the new Executive Director for the United Braford Breeders, and I look forward to seeing dynamic growth in our breed. Remember, it’s a fresh start for all of us – so let’s move forward and work toward our common goal of promoting the Braford breed.

NEW MEMBERS Abbie Henry Acadia Land & Cattle Company, LLC Adlie Grace Richard Anthony Ledoux Ashton Herring Ava Baughman Brandon R Smoot & Laura L Lindner Caden M Broussard Chad Allen Phillip Charlie Mcnabb Christin Carroll Leboeuf David A Savoie Dewey Domingues Southern Sugar, LLC Ella Mhire Ellee Jane Nunez Emma Bush 6 BRAFORD NEWS l SPRING 2020

Emma Mhire Gary Inman Gavin Mckenzie Grady William Faulk Hayden Blaze Magahee Isabelle Gonzalez Jacey Lewis Jack Vondenstein Jacob Mitchell Jamie Berry Kade Lott Kalli Briann Pardon Kami Woods Kaylee Herd Keithen Nunez Kelly Kay Vesper Kenny McDaniel

Koy McDaniel Kutter Jade Sibille Lance Thibodaux Libby A Baccigalopi Mark Freeman Mason Paul Bourque Matthew Kneeppel Morgan Meaux Paisley Taylor Ross Krielow Scott & Crystal Harrington Sutton Shields Tanner Lane Harris Therese Blanche Harris Torey Hathcoat William E & Cathy Dalton

! s U n i o J

June 17 to 20, 2020

Brazoria County Fairgrounds 901 South Downing Rd • Angleton, Texas 77515

Braford & Braford Base Bull & Heifer Shows Inspirational Speaker UBB Annual Meeting Junior & Adult Contests

Contests include: Cow Calling, Skill-A-Thon, Quiz Bowl, Cook-Off, Photo, Poster, Coloring, Sales Talk (Not all contests have an adult division)

Schedule & Additional Information Coming Soon!

Visit www.Brafords.org for More Details.

Questions?

Leslie Hargrove, All American Host, 409-766-0032, Lesliejhargrove@gmail.com Sandra Sheffield, All American Host, 281-433-5756, fivestarfarmpearland@hotmail.com Bailey Herrin, UBB Executive Director, 816-824-000, bailey@brafords.org

NJBA UPDATE

BY GENE NATALI, NJBA PRESIDENT

As NJBA president, I am excited about what 2020 has in store for our association. In September, our director team met at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge to plan our year. While there, Mr. Robby Mhire of Mhire Cattle Company took us on a gator hunt. We caught two alligators, then went back to his camp, where he skinned them and spoke to us about the industry.

Mr. Mhire is generously donating an exhibitor back number holder made out of alligator hide, to be auctioned off at the International Braford Sale at the Houston Livestock Show on Tuesday, March 3, as a fundraiser for us. Our team will again be serving the meal and helping out with that sale. We will also have a silent auction at the sale, so come by and take a look at what we will have to offer.

At Director’s Camp, we engaged in team-building activities, and worked on communication skills, public speaking, and presenting awards to individuals. We also planned our fundraisers and, most importantly, our 2020 National Junior Braford All American, which will be held in Angleton, Texas, June 17-20.

Our goal for the 2020 All American is to incorporate more activities and have more participation. We voted to add another contest, which will be a skill-a-thon. More information on that contest will be coming. We are also adding another contest for both juniors and adults, which is the “Cow Calling” Contest. The winners of the adults and juniors will both receive “Champion Cow Caller” buckles!

We have also started a Facebook page: “National Junior Braford Association.” Please go follow our page to keep up with what we are doing. There will also be stock show

merchandise to purchase from there soon.

I would like to take just a moment to thank everyone who supports the NJBA. We have had success in raising funds this past year, and we cannot do that without those who participate. Several breeders have stepped up and donated sale lots at different times; those help out tremendously. Our split-the-pots have also been a huge success; so even if it is just spending a dollar on one of those tickets, we appreciate you!

NJBA DIRECTORS President | Gene Natali | Iowa, La. Vice President | Kaitlyn Jonson | Iowa, La. Secretary | Miriam Hargrove | Manvel, Texas Treasurer | Kalli Smith | Gilliam, Ark. Reporter | Brady Harringon | Iowa, La.

8 BRAFORD NEWS l SPRING 2020

Director | Luke Natali | Iowa, La. Director | Luke Mhire | Welsh, La. Director | Joe Natali | Iowa, La. Director | Mason Mhire | Welsh, La. Director | Hayden Hyman | Fouke, Ark. Director | Ashlee Primeaux | Bell City, La. Director | Brynlee Boudreaux | Iowa, La.

Advancing t he

XIII

Braford Breed Friday, March 20, 2020 • 4:30 p.m.

KINDER LIVESTOCK MARKET • KINDER, L A

Selling Performance-Selected, Ranch-Ready Bulls

40 2-Yr-Old Braford, F-1, 1/4 Brahman & Braford Plus (Braford X Angus blend) Bulls 15 11/2-Yr-Old Braford & Braford Plus (Braford X Angus blend) Bulls

10 Registered Open Braford Females

Regional Sales Contacts: Rhea Shields, UBB Bull Development Program Chairman, 225.279.3212 // Jim Harvey, 863.697.6624 Bill Rainer, Alabama, 903.780.6455 // Rodney Roberson, Texas, 936.569.4872

Sale catalog & videos will be available at www.brafords.org • Email UBB@brafords.org to request a catalog.

SPRING 2020 l BRAFORD NEWS

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Advancing t he

Braford Breed

By Bailey K. Herrin

B

ull selection is a process that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

When a producer adds his heifers back to the cowherd, the genetics of a bull can be felt for several generations.

Selecting a bull that complements your herd and meets your needs is essential to a successful cattle operation.

Everyone has their own methodology for bull selection, but a healthy mix of visual evaluation, genotype and performance should be used. Folks who select based solely on visual appraisal, performance or genotype run the risk of propagating problems such as high birth weight or foot problems.

The bulls sold in the Advancing the Braford Breed sale are developed in a challenging common environment. They come out of the program with EPDs, growth performance numbers and ultrasound data to help buyers make an educated selection decision. The bulls must surpass several objective performance criteria to qualify for the sale.

Producers can buy the bulls with peace of mind, as the bulls have passed a breeding soundness exam.

Back in 2009, Rodney Roberson, former UBB Executive Director, and breeder Rhea Shields, current chairman of the Bull Development committee, saw the need for a bull development program that would provide top-quality bulls with meaningful performance data for Braford breeders as well as commercial producers.

10 BRAFORD NEWS l SPRING 2020

“Our breed is known for our females,” Shields explains.

“For us to move to the future, we’ve got to develop a market for our bulls. Mr. Rodney and I were talking about cows and how to market our bulls, and that is how it all started. We began piecing together ideas about a sale – how to do it and what options were available.”

Producers from all across the South consign to the bull development program. These consignors are putting their top bulls in the program to have them developed and fairly evaluated and ultimately to help the Braford breed advance.

Roberson and Shields both agreed from the get-go that this would not be a contest. The bulls are all given the same chance to demonstrate their growth and carcass abilities.

The bulls are not ranked by any magic formula. Producers have varying production and market environments and different breeding priorities. Additionally, the development program cannot possibly measure maternal ability or other traits important to beef producers. The buyers decide which are the best bulls for their individual needs.

“The name of this program is Advancing the Breed,” Roberson emphasizes. “It is a multi-faceted idea. As we gather and implement information from this development program, we’ll have better cattle. Our breeders are gaining a better understanding of the type of cattle that we need to be raising and what the industry demands. This program has

kick the bulls out on cows as soon as they get home and let the bulls prove their worth.

The bulls are developed at Graham Land and Cattle in Gonzales, Texas, owned by Dr. Charles Graham and Tyler Graham. Graham is primarily in the business of customfeeding feeder calves, while dabbling in a little bit of heifer development. They originally started developing the Braford bulls about 10 years ago as a favor. This has cultivated many relationships and new customfeeding customers over the years.

Dr. Jim Harvey, UBB President, has high praise for the Graham operation: “Graham has done an excellent job. I think they’re feeding the bulls as good as it can get, costwise. The benefits far outweigh the costs. Plus, we are able to turn around and offer welldeveloped bulls that will stand the test of time.”

Maurice Janda has been the feedyard manager at Graham also expanded awareness of the Braford breed and, in turn, for 23 years; he oversees 30,000 head at any given time. advanced sales in terms of expanding our bull market.”

“The experience has been mutually beneficial to Bulls developed and produced through this program Graham Land and Cattle Company and the United Braford work for both the purebred breeder and the commercial Breeders,” Janda says. “We are able to feed and develop cattleman. The Braford breed was designed to thrive in the cattle at an economically feasible price by being able to heat and humidity and can adapt to any environment. broker commodity costs and mix the feed at the on-site “Our own breeders need to recognize the best bulls mill.” coming out of this program, and work to get them back

Janda works closely with a nutritionist to make sure into their herds,” Roberson urges. “They’ll be competing that the bulls are receiving the appropriate diet for each with the commercial producers when the sale commences. stage of development.

Commercial breeders know what they are looking for, and The bulls are initially fed and evaluated in the feedyard don’t hesitate to pay for that quality.” to give an accurate evaluation of growth performance and Many of the consignors buy their next herd sire out of to easily obtain carcass ultrasound data. The bulls are later the sale, which serves as a testament to the quality of the moved into large traps to continue to be developed on a bulls available at the sale. high-roughage diet.

“If a breeder doesn’t have a bull he’s comfortable Once the bulls are ready to sell, they are shipped to putting in the program, he should consider buying a bull Kinder, Louisiana, for the sale. This year, the sale is on March from the program,” Roberson explains. “Our bulls offer you 20, at 4:30 p.m., at the Kinder Livestock Market. The bulls a chance to buy from some of the leading genetics within will be able to be viewed prior to the sale, in addition to the breed. It’s an equal test for all the bulls, so you can rely videos being posted to the UBB website. on the numbers. As a purebred producer, it’s a no-brainer If you would like additional information about the bulls to come to the sale.” selling or how to consign in the future, please email The goal of the bull development program is to produce ubb@brafords.org. bulls that are ready to go to work. Buyers can relax, knowing that they bought a pasture-ready bull. They can

SPRING 2020 l BRAFORD NEWS

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Bill Rainer Cattle Company registered braford cattle

434 • Braford Bull • UBB Reg. 20170573

216 • Braford Bull • UBB Reg. 20181130

546 • Braford Bull • UBB Reg. 20180274

Selling 14 Performance Tested and Pasture-Ready Bulls March 20, 2020 | Advancing the Braford Breed Sale | Kinder, LA

Bill Rainer

P.O. Box 243 • Union Springs, AL 36089 903-780-6455

Selling Choice of Our Current Calf Crop Heifer or Bull! -- You Pick!

International Braford Sale • March 3, 2020 • 5:30 p.m.

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo • NRG East Arena

For Sale Private Treaty

Braford & Hereford Bulls • Braford & Hereford Heifers

Greenview Farms, Inc. 334 K-Ville Road Screven, GA 31560

Jonny Harris | 912-294-2470

www.greenviewfarms.net 12 BRAFORD NEWS l SPRING 2020

Paul Harris | 912-294-2472

INDUSTRY NEWS

MULTIPLY YOUR BEST GENETICS AND REDUCE OPPORTUNITY COST The average cattle operation includes long to-do lists, which can lead to reproductive efficiencies being overlooked and opportunity costs of the cow herd being undervalued.

W

By Brad Brundage

ith the long to-do lists of the average cattle operation, the areas of reproductive efficiencies and opportunity cost of the cow herd are often undervalued. We all know that feeding open cows is certainly not a profitable proposition, but are your pregnant cows having the most valuable calves they could have?

In general, whether we’re talking purebred seedstock or commercial cow-calf, our “product” will typically fall into the following categories: feeder calves, replacement heifers or breeding bulls. If you have a market for breeding bulls or replacement heifer sales, the questions I would ask are: 1. What did your highest-selling bull or heifers bring? Why did those bring more?

2. The bulls and heifers that sold above your average – why are you not making more of those?

Every cattleman whom I have had the opportunity to

14 BRAFORD NEWS l SPRING 2020

ride with typically points out a cow or two from their herd and brags about the value of her calves. “This cow right here weaned a $10,000 bull last year. Oh, and her over there, she weaned my best replacement heifer the past few years.”

Hopefully you’re thinking of “that cow” in your herd now.

With accurate records of your herd, you are most likely able to tell which cows are underperforming in terms of generating income. Or, at least which cows had calves that sold below your sales average. This group of cows genetically has a record of productivity but also lower-valued progeny. These are healthy cows that raise calves, but their genetics do not produce progeny that increase the average sale price of your calves.

This group of cows in your herd has the highest opportunity cost. They produce a lower-valued product, when fundamentally they could have gestated and weaned a higher-

valued product – and also a product with a higher return on investment. By investing in genetics and embryo transfer, there is a way to keep these cows while greatly reducing their opportunity cost. This portion of cows could gestate and wean embryo transfer calves of higher-value genetics: for example, selecting donor cows of higher-valued genetics in your herd, or someone else’s, and producing embryos on those cows through IVF technology.

You can then utilize your lower-end genetic cows to carry embryos of your higher-end genetic cows. This concept can be used not only to increase the average sale price of your calves, but also to increase the quality of the average replacement you put back into your herd.

In addition, embryos can be produced either sexedmale or sexed-female, allowing you to produce progeny on specific matings that you know will be more valuable to your customers. Now, it’s less about high-sellers and low-sellers and more about increasing the average sale price. Simply put, make more good ones by investing in your best genetics.

Below is an example of a producer who utilized cows B, C and D to gestate and wean embryo calves produced from donor cow A – with genetics on donor cow A in higher demand because of their quality phenotype, genotype or both.

This greatly increased this producer’s average sale price for his product, while utilizing assets (cows B, C and D) that he already owns.

The average cost per pregnancy when using embryo transfer in comparison to the average cost per pregnancy in a natural service or AI program can result in a substantially higher return on investment – not only by increasing the average value per calf and total revenue, but also by reducing the opportunity cost per cow in your herd.

To most, efficiency probably means high live calf rates and low input costs. You market feeder calves at weaning or shortly after into a highly variable market. There are a few ways for you to increase consistency and value of your calves with preconditioning programs and marketing; however, those tools cannot change your product from, let’s say a black, crossbred feeder steer into an F1 tiger stripe replacement heifer.

What is the most valuable calf sold in your area? What is the main reason you are not raising and selling those?

For example: For a high percentage of cattlemen in the southeastern United States, the answer to the first question would most likely be “a true F1 tiger stripe heifer,” and the answer to the second question would most likely be “because I do not have Brahman or Hereford cows.” Do not let having crossbred cows keep you from producing high-quality F1 tiger stripe replacement heifers to help you breed up to Brafords.

ProGentus, the genetics division of Trans Ova Genetics, produces sexed heifer F1 tiger stripe embryos and sells them to commercial cattlemen at an economical price. These embryos are sourced from elite purebred genetics with proven performance records of high-quality, long-lasting females. These embryos are strong building blocks for you to start your own breed-up program.

ProGentus GenPlus F1 tiger stripe embryos are the X factor for many equations in the cow-calf business in the Southeast. Making F1 heifers in addition to your feeder calf crop can greatly reduce your herd’s opportunity cost as well as increase revenue. A percentage of your calf crop is now worth a premium utilizing the same cows in your herd.

Implementing this concept, the hybrid vigor in your herd is consistently high by repopulating with F1 heifers. This is a more economical, consistent way to acquire F1 females and the volume you need.

By making your replacements with a sexed heifer F1 embryo, your sire selection for the cows not carrying embryos can put less emphasis on traits to make females – allowing the producer to select terminally focused bulls that will sire more consistent profitable feeder calves.

The terminally sired calves and their performance can then create a reputation of profitability and consistency down the chain, feedlot and packer. This can increase the marketability and value of your terminally sired feeder calves. To discuss embryo transfer, investment cost, F1 embryos, cost per pregnancy, and how embryo transfer can work to improve your bottom line, call or email me at: Brad Brundage, 979-587-1920, or brad.brundage@transova.com.

SPRING 2020 l BRAFORD NEWS

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Herd Sires HR LAWMAN 638 F | UBB 20170712

Top Quality Cattle Only the Best Bloodlines Elliott Stanton

124 Mann Rd | Poteet TX 78065 Cell 832-291-8349 | Office 210-331-8727 www.stantonbrafordranch.com TR MT DIRIGIBLE E117P ET | UBB 132874

She sells March 3, 2020 in the

International

Braford Sale

Selling Registered Braford Bred Cows and Pairs Private Treaty

HNH 1501 Big Red is sired by HB Mr. 1501, sire of the Grand Champion Bull at Ft. Worth, NPH 1501 Final Drive. 1501 is the half sibling to the 2019 National Grand champion female, HB Miss Hazel 0317.

This ring-eyed, light red tiger stripped beauty stands on a big foot and bone, she’s extended and super feminine in her front 1/3 and has plenty of power from behind, not to mention that level top line. Lots of neat breeding pieces here - Big Red will be able to bring value to a herd regardless of production goals.

903-701-0146 | Hayden Hyman | Fouke, AR 16 BRAFORD NEWS l SPRING 2020

Quality genetics for the Braford and commercial industry!

Bryan Alleman, Owner 337.278.2586 • allemancattle@cox.net 2709 Abbeville Hwy. • Rayne, LA 70578

We’re selling M & M in the Advancing the Breed Sale!

Milk & Marbling Selling March 20, 2020 • Kinder, LA

Our breeding program is more than 35 years old and throughout those years, we’ve never lost our maternal focus.

Download the spreadsheet of the sale offering. Sort by MILK EPD. You’ll quickly recognize that of the highest 26 MILK EPD bulls in the offering, 15 were bred by Thunderstorm R or Wayne Boozer. We didn’t raise the high-ranking MILK bull but we did breed and retain an interest in his sire. 5 of those top 26 from other consignors were sired by our bulls or bulls bred by us. Yes, we’ve got milk.

Selection for marbling gets strongly emphasized in our selection not only because it drives carcass value but because we believe it is strongly related to easier fleshing and easier keeping attributes of the cowherd. 15 of the top 37 marbling bulls (MARB EPD) are our bulls and another 8 of that 37 were sired by our bulls or bulls we bred and sold.

NOTE: Don’t be concerned if the first generation Braford (and Braford Plus) bulls don’t have EPDs that are at the level of our good multiple generation Brafords. The genetic inputs are tops but our EPD computations are not yet capable of properly evaluating these new generation cattle. Buy with confidence.

Lot 529 Top actual REA with top REA EPD and top Marbling EPD in offering. Low BW and high Growth herdsire prospect.

Lot 451 High MILK and Marbling just like the headline.

Low BW in a polled, stout Hereford-marked bull.

Additional Highlights:

Lot 208 First generation Braford by the consistently good Hereford bull R LEADER 6964. We love his sister flushmates. His EPDs don’t reflect his breeding potential as with other first-generation bulls. Big, polled female maker.

Lot 715 Powerful, polled Braford Plus bull. Big testicles, lots of power and growth in this half Red Angus.

Complete and out of a great young ET Braford cow.

Lot 450 is stout and soggy. He should be a very good female producer.

Lot 456 Clean with great growth and marbling, this a one of those predictable Critical Mass sons and out of what we think is Wayne Boozer’s best cow.

Lot 459 is another good Critical Mass with great milk and a big ribeye.

Lot 531 is a true herdsire prospect. EPDs indicate low BW, good growth, excellent Milk and very good carcass attributes.

We are offering a very good set of Braford bulls, but we just don’t have room here to describe them all. They were sired by Critical Mass, Ribeye, Genesis and others. We are also selling a half dozen red Braford Plus bulls sired by Takeover, Profitbuilder and an outstanding Premier son. Please consider our bulls in this sale and don’t hesitate to call and ask questions or look us up at the sale if you want to ask about any of the offering.

Thunderstorm R Cattle Co. 4980 US HWY 69 N • Bullard, Texas 75757 936.569.4872

Cattle in Bullard & Douglass, Texas

Wayne Boozer Brafords 850 CR 796 • Douglass, Texas 75943 936.569.6062

EXPERT ADVICE

VACCINATIONS: Essential Part of the Herd Health Program

By Dr. Lee Jones, University of Georgia

C

ow herd vaccination programs can be confusing. It is best to work through this with your veterinarian and design a program specific to your operation. In this article, I will try and sort through some of the considerations and details of what diseases to vaccinate against, which types of vaccines to use and when to use them. Have you ever read the label of a vaccine to see what the label claim actually is? Not all vaccines actually claim to protect the vaccinated animal from disease.

Some label claims are: “….as an aid in the prevention of disease caused by…”; “…for the prevention of disease caused…”; and “…to reduce the severity of disease caused by…”. In reality, vaccines can’t protect every animal in all circumstances because there is a lot more to preventing livestock from getting sick than just using vaccines. Using the right vaccine at the right time and giving it correctly so it works like it is supposed to are critical for vaccine effectiveness, but that is only part of the herd health equation. A complete herd health program includes: an adequate, balanced diet; a good preventive health plan including biosecurity, well designed vaccination strategy and parasite control; treatment plans to speed up healing and reduce the spread of diseases; records of all herd procedures and events including treatments.

Additionally, adequate facilities that aid low-stress handling and processing as well as a clean environment with sufficient space to prevent overcrowding are equally important.

There are a lot of cattle vaccines out there. Not only 18 BRAFORD NEWS l SPRING 2020

is there a variety of vaccine options, but then you have to decide who needs to be vaccinated, when they need it and with what. Some vaccines stimulate immunity to viruses.

Some viral vaccines contain killed virus, some contain a modified live version, and some contain both killed and modified live viruses. Then there are the bacterin/toxoid vaccines. These vaccines stimulate immunity against toxins produced by certain bacteria that cause disease in livestock.

Some vaccines require mixing contents of two bottles while others don’t, but all need to be kept cool until used. Some vaccines are meant to be injected under the skin (according to Beef Quality Assurance guidelines), some are intranasal, and some calf vaccines are given orally.

Immune System The immune system is our natural defense system against things that would cause disease (pathogens, also commonly called germs) such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, toxins and parasites. It is a complex system made up of cells, organs, molecules and proteins working in harmony to identify and destroy harmful material that enters the body.

In the newborn calf, early immunity comes first through the mother’s colostrum. This is referred to as passive immunity.

The dam’s colostrum contains antibodies, immune cells, and other proteins and molecules produced by the dam’s immune system, as well as nutrients for the newborn calf.

If a calf doesn’t receive adequate quality or quantity of colostrum in the first 24 hours after birth, it is at greater risk of calfhood diseases such as scours and pneumonia. This is called failure of passive transfer (FPT). Within 3-4 weeks, the calf’s own immune system becomes more active, and it is capable of fighting disease on its own or responding to vaccination. Natural immunity or innate immunity is the general immunity and the first line of defense. Specific or acquired immunity is generated to a specific disease organism called a pathogen. The acquired system is further classified into humoral (antibodies) and cellular (cell-mediated) systems.

Vaccines help the body develop acquired immunity against common diseases. Acquired immunity also occurs after an animal recovers from a disease. Killed virus and bacterin/ toxoid vaccines usually stimulate the humoral immunity – i.e., produce antibodies; MLV vaccines stimulate the cell-mediated immunity – i.e., produce T lymphocytes called Killer T cells.

Designing the Vaccine Program Vaccination programs have three main goals: increase immune resistance against common diseases in livestock; protect the fertility of the cow herd; and provide protection for calves marketed off the ranch. Other considerations may include a select marketing program that requires specific types of vaccines and specific antigens. Typically, the calf vaccination program is the most aggressive since the calf is naïve – i.e., the calf hasn’t developed acquired, specific immunity – and it is the basis for adult protection. Likewise, replacement heifers require different vaccines than grazing feeder cattle of the same age. The cow herd is different yet.

The two main goals of a good cow herd vaccination program are to protect the cow herd fertility and enhance colostrum for the calf’s protection.

Cow Herd At a minimum, a cow should be vaccinated against BVD, IBR and Lepto to protect her during breeding and protect the developing calf after she is bred. Many ranchers like to vaccinate with a scours vaccine and 7-way clostridial vaccine at preg check time to boost colostrum for the calf. Including a vibrio (Campylobacter fetus) vaccine prior to breeding may be beneficial if there is a concern that the cows could be exposed to infected bulls. Bulls should also be vaccinated annually with the same products used in the cow herd. MLV vaccines are usually safe to use in bulls, especially if they have been previously vaccinated. It is best to vaccinate bulls at least two months prior to the breeding season.

Replacement Heifers Replacement heifers should be vaccinated for the same things as the cow herd. It is a good management practice to vaccinate heifers with a pre-breeding MLV including vibrio and lepto. Retained replacement heifers should get a weaning vaccine and a pre-breeding vaccine and can be revaccinated annually thereafter with either a killed or an MLV vaccine.

It is important to find out what vaccinations purchased replacements have received. Hopefully, the seller can give you the product and date of vaccination. If the vaccination status is unknown or not specific, then it is best to vaccinate them with a killed vaccine (if they are pregnant) and keep them separate from the cow herd until they can be safely incorporated into the herd’s vaccination program.

Vaccinate According to Label Directions Vaccines are most effective when used according to label directions. MLV vaccines require mixing prior to use. Vaccine should be used within one hour of mixing, and should be kept cold until use and out of direct sunlight for maximum Calves effectiveness. Most vaccines are approved for subcutaneous Calves can be effectively vaccinated after one month of injection and should always be administered in the neck age. Calves should receive a 5-way vaccine containing the 4-6 inches below the top of the neck for an adult animal. respiratory viruses (IBR, BVD types 1 and 2, PI3 and BRSV) Whether or not to use a killed, MLV or a combination and a 7-way clostridial (commonly called blackleg) vaccine product depends on your management program. If your herd by 3-4 months of age. Mannheimia and Pasteurella (shipping has a controlled breeding season, an MLV can be incorporated fever) may be beneficial in some cases, as well as a pinkeye rather easily. If the bulls stay out with cows year-round, a vaccine if that has been a problem in the past. However, killed vaccine may be the most convenient choice since the vaccines alone will not control pinkeye outbreaks in herds. pregnancy status of the cow herd is probably unknown. It Additional management practices are recommended. A good may also be less risk to use a killed or combination vaccine weaning program is to vaccinate calves with a respiratory in the calves as well. It is best to avoid giving too many viral vaccine and clostridial three weeks prior to weaning, antigens at one time. Too many antigens can interfere with with an additional respiratory vaccine +/- Mannheimia/ the system’s ability to respond and may result in inadequate Pasteurella at weaning. This is called preconditioning. Calf immune protection. It is common for calves to experience preconditioning programs effectively prepare the calf to go a mild fever 3-4 days after being vaccinated. While this is into a backgrounding program or directly to the feedlot. usually temporary, it is always best to observe the calves and Preconditioned calves that have been vaccinated and examine any that appear sick. Consult your veterinarian if any dewormed this way should be worth more at sale time. calves experience disease following vaccination. Most killed Actually, recovering that added value often requires marketing vaccines require two doses the first year – the initial dose and through special calf sales. a booster 3-4 weeks later – followed by annual boosters. For best protection, MLV vaccines should have at least two doses prior to breeding heifers or marketing calves.

SPRING 2020 l BRAFORD NEWS

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SHOW RESULTS

for full results visit www.Brafords.org

FOUR STATES FAIR & RODEO BRAFORD OPEN SHOW Grand Champion Heifer: TR LD CHAIRWOMAN 902, Exhibited by Audreanna Richard Reserve Grand Champion Heifer: GPN CM MISS SALLY 0402, Exhibited by Darrell Pitchford Grand Champion Bull: RCM 8105 MATLOCK 7144, Exhibited by Robert & Carol Mills Reserve Champion Bull: NPH 1501 FINAL DRIVE, Exhibited by Hayden Hyman Produce of Dam: Exhibited by David & Dianne Owens

BRAFORD BASE OPEN SHOW Grand Champion Heifer: MISS DAISY, Exhibited by Jayden Nunez Reserve Grand Champion Heifer: HNH 1054 ALL ABOUT DAT BASE 93, Exhibited by Hayden Hyman

STATE FAIR OF LOUISIANA

BRAFORD OPEN SHOW Grand Champion Heifer: GPN CM MISS SALLY 0402, Exhibited by Darrell Pitchford Reserve Grand Champion Heifer: MISS LEGACY 574, Exhibited by Ryann Landry Grand Champion Bull: SGB FORMULA ONE E37, Exhibited by Hayden Hyman Reserve Champion Bull: RCM 355 MR SMART STEP 8459, Exhibited by Robert & Carol Mills BRAFORD BASE OPEN SHOW Grand Champion Heifer: X MS 4T TOPLINE 78, Exhibited by Andon Baccigalopi Reserve Grand Champion Heifer: X MS 4-T 168, Exhibited by Jaxon Smith Grand Champion Bull: MR AN103, Exhibited by Karlee Nunez Reserve Champion Bull: RCM 755 RAZOR 9443, Exhibited by Robert & Carol Mills

FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO

BRAFORD OPEN SHOW Grand Champion Heifer: RCM 9182 CATALINA 8452, Exhibited by Robert & Carol Mills Reserve Grand Champion Heifer: GPN CM MISS SALLY 0402, Exhibited by Darrell Pitchford Grand Champion Bull: NPH 1501 FINAL DRIVE, Exhibited by Hayden Hyman Reserve Champion Bull: RCM 8105 MATLOCK 7144, Exhibited by Robert & Carol Mills Produce of Dam: Exhibited by David & Dianne Owens Best-Six-Head: Exhibited by Robert & Carol Mills

FWSS Grand Champion Heifer RCM 9182 CATALINA 8452

DIXIE NATIONAL

FWSS Grand Res. Champion Heifer GPN CM MISS SALLY 0402

FWSS Grand Champion Bull NPH 1501 FINAL DRIVE

BRAFORD OPEN SHOW Grand Champion Heifer: RCM 5139 CHARLI 9438, Exhibited by Robert & Carol Mills Reserve Grand Champion Heifer: GPN CM MISS SALLY 0402, Exhibited by Darrell Pitchford Grand Champion Bull: RCM 355 SMART STEP 8459 Exhibited by Robert & Carol Mills Reserve Champion Bull: SGB FORMULA ONE E37, Exhibited by Hayden Hyman Produce of Dam: Exhibited by David & Dianne Owens

Dixie National Grand Champion Heifer Dixie National Grand Res. Champion Heifer RCM 5139 CHARLI 9438 GPN CM MISS SALLY 0402 20 BRAFORD NEWS l SPRING 2020

Dixie National Grand Champion Bull RCM 355 SMART STEP 8459

FWSS Photos by Next Level Images

FWSS Grand Res. Champion Bull RCM 8105 MATLOCK 7144

Dixie Photos by Richmond Photography & Video

Dixie National Grand Res. Champion Bull SGB FORMULA ONE E37

UPCOMING EVENTS March 3, 2020 UBB Board of Directors Meeting Houston, Texas

April 1, 2020 Commitment Deadline for Summer Issue of Braford News

International Braford Sale Houston, Texas

April 2-4, 2020 Georgia Cattlemen’s Convention, Expo & Trade Show Perry, Ga.

March 4, 2020 National Braford Base Show at Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Houston, Texas

National Braford Show at Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Houston, Texas March 14, 2020 JM Hayes Cattle’s 5th Annual Cattlemans Classic Hugo, Okla.

March 20, 2020 Advancing the Braford Breed Sale Kinder, La. March 27-29, 2020 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo Fort Worth, Texas

April 30, 2020 Louisiana Junior Braford Summer Show Entry Deadline May 17, 2020 NJBA All American Entry Deadline May 31, 2020 NJBA All American Late Entry Deadline

June 17-20, 2020 NJBA All American Brazoria County Fairgrounds Angleton, Texas June 18, 2020 UBB Annual Meeting Brazoria County Fairground Angleton, Texas June 22-25, 2020 Florida Cattlemen’s Convention Marco Island, Fla. July 1, 2020 Commitment Deadline for Fall Issue of Braford News

June 4-6, 2020 Louisiana Junior Braford Summer Show Dewitt Livestock Facility Alexandria, La.

Remaining Activity Fees Due

June 9-12, 2020 Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium & Annual Convention Kissimmee, Fla.

August 3-5, 2020 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course College Station, Texas

July 15, 2020 Bull Development Commitment Forms Due

send calendar additions to ubb@brafords.org

Corey & Jodie Doucet 120 Tans Rd. Sweetlake, LA 70607

337.802.5473 doucetbrafords@yahoo.com

AD INDEX Adams Ranch............................................... BC Advancing the Braford Breed Sale..........9 Alleman Cattle Co...................................... 16 Bill Rainer Cattle Co.................................. 12 Doucet Brafords.......................................... 23 Greenview Farms........................................ 12 Harvey Ranch.............................................. IFC Hayden Hyman Brafords.......................... 16 International Braford Sale...........................3 NJBA....................................................................7

JM Hayes Cattle..............................................1 Lazy Acre Cattle Ranch........................... 23 LS Brafords..................................................... 23 NJBA....................................................................9 Rock Crest Ranch..........................................5 Stanton Ranch.............................................. 16 Thunderstorm R Cattle Co.................... 17 Trans Ova Genetics.................................... 13 Wayne Boozer Brafords........................... 17

Interested in advertising, email bailey@brafords.org.

SPRING 2020 l BRAFORD NEWS

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UNITED BRAFORD BREEDERS HERD NO. 1

ABEEF Bull

ABEEF Cow and Calf ABEEF速, ARBRA速, ARRAB速, & ARGEL速 are registered trademarks that identify Adams Ranch Braford, Red Angus, and Gelbvieh cross cattle that meet criteria for a sound production animal that is free from genetic flaws. Adams Ranch is the Certifier.

Braford Bull

Adams Ranch Office (772) 461-6321

Office Fax (772) 461-6874 P.O. Box 12909, Fort Pierce, Fla. 34979-2909 Adams Ranch website: www.adamsranch.com Call Billy Adams for Bulls (772) 370-0114 Call Buddy Adams for Heifers (772) 201-4966

Braford Cow and Calf

UNITED BRAFORD BREEDERS HERD NO. 1