SimTalk Late Fall 2014

Page 1




VOLUME 22 – NO. 5

Linking SimGenetics to Commercial Cattle

Table Of Contents

IN THIS ISSUE 6 Performance Advocate Program Enters Fifth Year By Dan Rieder

18 A Great Way of Life By Dan Rieder

24 Genetic Selection, Part 1 By Jackie Atkins, Ph.D., and Gordon Hodges

34 Economic Considerations for the Cowherd By Dr. Clay Mathis

70 Hooking Up Electronically By Hannah Wine

DEPARTMENTS 46 From The Director of Education 52 Industry Update 72 Calendar of Events 76 Rates & Policies 78 Ad Index

About the cover: Philip Tom weighs a new calf, a basic first step in the dedication to performance exhibited by Tom Brothers Ranch, Campbellton, TX.

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Linking SimGenetics to Commercial Cattle Published By the Register 2 Simmental Way Bozeman, Montana 59715-9733 USA 406-587-2778 • Fax: 406-587-8853 register@simmgene.com Business Manager Linda Kesler

CEO/Co-Editor Dr. Wade Shafer

Accounts Receivable Marilyn Roth

Co-Editor Paulette Cochenour

Production Manager Jim Largess

Contributing Editor Dan Rieder

Design & Production Joel Coleman Cynthia Conner

Advertising & Editorial Assistant Rebecca Price

ASA Publication, Inc., Board Chairman Bob Lanting Vice-Chairman Susan Russell

Dale Miller Dr. Calvin Drake Jim Butcher

Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Wade Shafer

American

Simmental Association

1 Simmental Way Bozeman, Montana 59715-9733 USA 406-587-4531 • FAX: 406-587-9301 Canada Publications Agreement Number: 1875191

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Executive Committee Jim Butcher, Chairman Bob Lanting Vice Chairman Dale Miller, Treasurer Susan Russell Dr. Calvin Drake Dr. Wade Shafer, Executive Vice President Jessie Driggers: Immediate Past Chairman

North Central Area: Roger Finke (2015) 13 14th Avenue NE Berthold, ND 58718 701-453-3157 srf@srt.com Dr. Calvin Drake (2016) 540 Deep Creek Road Manhattan, KS 66502 785-587-5968 cdrake@interkan.net JW Brune (2017) 414 E 700 Road Overbrook, KS 66524 785-865-6624 jwbrune@embarqmail.com Erika Kenner (2017) 440 6th Avenue SE Leeds, ND 58346 406-581-1188 erika.kenner@gmail.com

Eastern Area: Brian DeFreese (2015) 7643 St Rd 25 S West Point, IN 47992 765-491-7421 bdefrees@purdue.edu Jessie J. Driggers (2015) 3649 Hugh Driggers Road Glennville, GA 30427 912-237-0608 jessie.driggers76@gmail.com Bill McDonald (2015) 2147 Walnut Spring Road Blacksburg, VA 24060 540-230-6225 info@mcdonaldfarms.com Gordon Hodges (2017) 1025 Pineview Farms Drive Hamptonville, NC 27020 336-469-0489 pvfghodges@yadtel.net Cliff Orley (2017) 1486 Mt. Wilson Road Lebanon, PA 17042 717-269-0128 corley01@comcast.net

Western Area: Jim Butcher (2015) 2470 Wolverine Creek Road Lewistown, MT 59457 406-350-0467 butcher@3riversdbs.net Robert J. Lanting (2016) 2181 B. North 2300 East Twin Falls, ID 83301 208-655-4257 lant4257@filertel.com Susan S. Russell (2016) 24614 Road G Sugar City, CO 81076 719-267-3265 wwfeed@centurytel.net Dale Miller (2017) PO Box 174 Gildford, MT 59525 406-376-3109 7dm0174@ttc-cmc.net

South Central Area: Scott Cowger (2015) 9024 N. Manning Ave. Kansas City, MO 64157 816-304-0371 cowgers@aol.com Jon Willis (2015) 2876 Simmental Lane Marietta, OK 73448 580-276-4884 jonwillis99@yahoo.com Tim Smith (2016) PO Box 330 Giddings, TX 78942 512-587-7896 smithgenetics1@gmail.com Blake Nelson (2017) PO Box 172 Warner, OK 74469 918-484-2291 mblakenelson@hotmail.com



PA Program Showing Steady Growth After five years, ASA’s Performance Advocate (PA) program, which recognizes those breeders who consistently submit performance data on six different traits, continues to expand. In the first year, a single breeder reached a perfect score of 600. During the second year, perfect scores expanded to eight breeders, to 13 breeders after three years, and 19 after four years. The current listing shows 23 perfect scores.

In addition, 57 other breeders recorded scores between 500 and 599. The six traits, for which all data must be reported, are: calving ease, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, yearling hip height and ultrasound. The maximum score for each of the six traits is 100, with the PA score calculated as the sum of the scores for each trait. PA scores listed in this issue are for the Fall, 2012 and Spring, 2013 calf crops.

Following are testimonials from several breeders who have been actively pursuing Performance Advocate status for their herds.

Rick Whelan, Whelan Farms, Wadley, AL Whelan Farms is located in eastern Alabama. We are a husband and wife team that began with commercial SimAngus™ and have improved to a registered herd, with most having EPDs in the top 25% across the board. As a producer of high-quality seed stock genetics, the importance of accurate data collection is at the forefront of our operation. Collecting data begins at calving and continues throughout the year. By using the data collected, we are able to produce and market a superior product. Participating in the Performance Advocate program and utilizing the data has enabled us to continually improve our herd and has ultimately improved our profitability. Accurate record keeping is essential and benefits everyone from the seed stock to commercial producer. A positive implementation of the Performance Advocacy Program is the use of ultrasound data collection. We collect ultrasound data on every animal that has been retained throughout the year, whether they are for sale or to be kept as replacements in the herd. This ultrasound data is crucial in determining which AI sires and herd bulls we need to use in order to improve our next calf crop. In addition, this data reflects directly upon our IMF and REA, EPDs and ultimately our API and TI indexes. Our bulls are marketed on our farm through the Southern Excellence Sale held annually in November, on the Friday before Thanksgiving.

Rick Whelan weighs a new calf in front of an anxious mother.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Philip and Ellen Tom, Tom Brothers Ranch, Campbellton, TX Tom Brothers Ranch, located an hour south of San Antonio in Campbellton, Texas. has been family owned and operated since 1857. SimGenetics have been utilized in the breeding program beginning in 1969 and the herd today consists of SimAngus, SimAngus HT, and Simbrah cattle suited for the hot, humid environment of the Gulf Coast. Managed by Philip Tom and Ellen Tom, 200 females make up the cowherd with plans to grow. However, persistent drought has plagued the area for a decade, limiting expansion. Tom Brothers was collecting data and performance testing cattle before breed associations had databases to report the information to. These actions are still second nature today because not only is the data important for the advancement of the Tom Brothers cowherd, it is valuable for breeders across the country. Tom Brothers has had many firsts in the beef industry, including incorporating A.I. into a beef cowherd, building the first dry lot in south Texas for cows, and embryo transfer. Modern technology is still a large part of the operation with practices of timed A.I., embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization, carcass ultrasound, and genomic testing all being used. Performance tested bulls and females are marketed private treaty at the ranch in cooperation with a local Angus breeder, DA Cattle. Plans are to host a production sale when numbers from both operations are large enough to sustain one.

Tom Brothers cows on summer pasture.

Joe and JaNelle Garretson, Three Cedars Simmental, Sedalia, MO Hello and welcome to Three Cedars Simmentals! We, Joe and JaNelle, along with our three boys, Jensen, 9, Jackson, 6 and Jordan, 1½, operate a small farm near Sedalia, MO. I bought my first registered Simmental in 1999 from Leachman Cattle Company in Montana. In the fall of 2011, we made the decision to get more serious about seedstock and proceeded to do a flush of one of our cows proven to perform in our environment. Having been around cattle all my life, Simmentals are still my favorite. We concentrate on cows that can birth, breed back and wean a calf that weighs at least 50% of her body weight without artificial assistance. We mostly AI and do a little flushing. The cow pictured is a daughter of our matriarch cow, Erica’s Dice. A few years ago she and her three sisters were three of the top yearling weight EPD females in the breed. Today Erica ranks in the top five percentile among purebreds for yearling weight, carcass weight, rib-eye-area, and shear force. We are proud of ASA performance programs and our breed’s ability to improve carcass and convenience traits while maintaining the growth and power we are known for.

Erica’s Dice CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Chuck and Christi Miller, CLM Ranch, Columbia, MO Our main business is to provide functional, sound SimAngus bulls to commercial cattlemen. Nearly 20 years after starting in the bull business, we continue to work each breeding season to improve the cowherd and their offspring. We are founding members of Professional Beef Genetics and currently sell bulls through the New Era Bull Group in Southwest Missouri. Additionally, we are cooperators for the R.A. Brown Ranch in Throckmorton, Texas, a legendary breeder of Simmental genetics. In doing so, we pride ourselves in data collection and integrity of that data. We have a set protocol that we follow to ensure that we get accurate and meaningful information. ASA’s website makes it very easy to report and understand data. The ASA database is accurate and has a nationwide reputation for integrity. Their industry leading work in percentage Simmentals has been a huge help for us.

Red pairs from CLM Ranch.

Dr. Mikell Davis, Little Creek Farm, Starkville, MS Little Creek Farm, LLC began operation in 1992. In 1993, we purchased our first Fleckvieh Simmental heifers and thus began a 21-year journey that continues today. The records that we have kept over the years are genetic roadmaps of our journey. When we began we measured and recorded only the data that was necessary to register the calves. As we progressed, we collected additional data. We analyze the data each year to assess the performance of each calf, each dam, and the bulls we use. But more importantly, several years of data allows us to monitor the performance of each cow from year to year in relationship to the bulls to which she is mated. The combined data each year allows us to monitor the performance of each bull that is used in the herd. Ultrasound data allows us to view our breeding program from yet another prospective. It allows us to identify those yearlings that have the potential to have a positive influence on the carcass traits that can make a difference, especially to the commercial bull buyer. The sum of all data allows us to give prospective buyers a more in depth analysis of the potential of each animal. The birth, weaning, yearling and ultrasound data is made available in order for the customers to make a more informed decision about their purchase.

Little Creek Farm Manager Alex Gardner tags a new calf.

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The use of the data we collect, along with the EPD data of planned matings help us to make decisions on the continued use of a sire or whether to look for a better option for each cow. As we utilize all the data described above, it is still good to have a trump card. Ours is the visual and conformational evaluation of each and every animal. Hopefully, the end result is herd enhancement and a product that is pleasing to our customers. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12



CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Tom Hook, Hook Farms, Tracy, MN Hook Farms has been raising Simmental genetics in Southwestern Minnesota for more than 41 years, and the diversified farming operation has produced crops and livestock since it was started in 1900 by Tom’s Great Grandfather, George Hook.

Tom credits his grandfather, Bert Hook and his father, Eugene Hook for always being progressive in their efforts to improve production without compromising integrity and efficiency. Collecting performance data from birth to harvest started in the early 1970s for the Hook Farms Seedstock operation with data ranging from weight traits to the early Simmental carcass testing programs. The Performance Advocate Program was a logical extension of the decades of data collection that Hook Farms had already been documenting. Yearling ultrasound scans on both bulls and females, disposition scores, yearling hip heights, enrolling multiple sires in the ASA Carcass Merit Program (CMP) and now DNA-test of all sale bulls serve to propel one of the most research-driven herds in the Simmental data base. Hook Farms has long adhered to a balanced selection criteria, incorporating all the EPD-driven data with sound phenotype selection for hoof and udder quality, disposition, structural soundness and overall conformation. Breeding and production of high accuracy, value-added seedstock with increased profit potential for all segments of the beef industry is the driving force behind the Hook Farms operation.

The entire list of Performance Advocate scores can be found on page 14

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LaMar Farms Larry Hindman • 515-689-2761 www.larmasimmentals.com Jeff Fitzsimmons 712-790-0306 • www.fitzsimmonssimmental.com Jayme Sieren www.sierenswinefarm.com Ruble Cattle Services 515-231-3198 • www.rublecattleservices.com E&J Farms genereinert@yahoo.com Wes Stolee stoleehowhorse@netins.net Direct

Maternal

Carcass

TI

$ Index API

2

.48

.28

Available through owners

Semen: $25/unit

Fall 2014 ASA Sire Summary, as of 10.1.14

4

.49

.29

5

.34

4

.30

4

.31

10

5

.23

10

.29

20

.30 3

Video at http://youtube/tK3bkkzjs7Q

4

.39 .26

1

20

Shr

%

REA

.23 -.086 1.06 -.43 151.6 82.0

MCE Milk MWW Stay DOC CW YG Marb Fat

.38

YW

.41 .53

BW WW

ASA#: 2583410 PB SM

ACC

CE

CNS Dream On L186 Dam: Fitz POL Fantasia S601 NF Summer Fling 79H

EPD 12.4 1.5 80.3 124.3 11.8 25.3 65.4 26.0 13.8 45.8 -.42

Trait

Ellingson Legacy M229 Sire: Mr. NLC Upgrade U8676 Mr. NLC Mojo S6119 B

Homozygous Black Homozygous Polled

High-selling Simmental female at the 2014 Iowa Beef Expo for $8,300 to Heartland Simmentals.

Escalade x Cammy

■ Escalade sired the top-selling bull of all breeds at all three of the Iowa Cattle Association’s Bull Test sales. ■ Escalade is number 14 of active purebred sires for $TI. ■ Top-selling Sire Group at the 2014 Iowa Beef Expo. ■ Extremely sound, gentle and powerful. ■ Considered by many to be Upgrade’s most complete son. ■ BW: 89 lbs. ■ Adj. WW: 987 lbs. ■ Adj. YW: 1,604 lbs. ■ Scrotal: 39 cm ■ Ribeye: 17.1 ■ IMF: 5.21


Peformance Advocate Scores Spring, 2013

Fall Calf Crop, 2012 Breeder Irvine Ranch, Manhattan, KS

Score 600

Breeder Hook Farms, Tracy, MN

Score 600

600

Bridle Bit Simmentals, Walsh, CO

Tom Brothers, Campbellton, TX

600

Michael E. Dikeman, Manhattan, KS

600

Jimmy Holliman, Marion Junction, AL

600

Char-No Farms, Williamson, GA

600

Ralph E. Brooks, Manhattan, KS

600

Jones Ranch, Telephone, TX

600

Tommy J. Brown, Clanton, AL

600

Craig L. Hays, Maryville, MO

600

Craig L. Hays, Maryville, MO

600

Driggers Simmental Farm, Glennville, GA

600

Little Creek Farm, LLC, Starkville, MS

600

Joe Garretson, Sedalia, MO

600

Driggers Simmental Farm, Glennville, GA

600

Lonesome Pine Farm, Prattville, AL

600

Red Hill Farms, LaFayette, TN

600

Red Hill Farm, LaFayette, TN

594

Whelan Farms, Wadley, AL

600

McDonald Farms, Blacksburg, VA

587

Lovaas Farms, Canton, GA

600

Ralph E. Brooks, Manhattan, KS

585

Rocking W Cattle Co., Hollywood, AL

600

Salinas Farms, Marion, MI

581

Bush Farms, Eufaula, AL

597

Katie’s Simmentals, Wytheville, VA

575

Bar CK Cattle Co., Culver, OR

588

Ellingson Simmentals, Dahlen, ND

565

Char-No Farm, Williamson, GA

582

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

564

7L Farms & Land Co., Long Beach, MS

577

Clear Springs Cattle Co., Starbuck, MN

564

Dixon Farms, Thomasville, AL

572

University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE

563

Gibbs Farms, Ranburne, AL

558

RX Simbrah, Ballinger, TX

557

Jeff Broadaway, Monroe, NC

555

Bar CK Cattle Company, Culver, OR

550

Pinedale Farms, Clanton, AL

555

R.A. Brown Ranch, Throckmorton, TX

549

Rotert/Harriman, Montrose, MO

552

S. Dakota State University, Brookings, SD

547

CLM Ranch, Columbia, MO

542

102 River Ridge Cattle Co., Bedford, IA

546

Saxe Farm, Thompsonville, IL

532

T&T Cattle, LLC, Riverton, WY

545

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

525

Bata Brothers, Adams, ND

544

CK Cattle, Hope Hull, AL

524

Tyrell Rousey, North Platte, NE

543

Calloway Cattle Co., Hogansville, GA

523

Dancin’ Deer Ranch, Foresturg, TX

542

Russell Gunter, Thomasville, AL

522

Jeff & Sherry Feight, Breezewood, PA

540

Flying H Genetics, Arapahoe, NE

512

J-C Simmentals, Clare, MI

538

Massey Farms, Burlington, KS

510

Little Creek Farm, Starkville, MS

535

River Creek Farms, Inc., Manhttan, IS

500

Trinity Farms, Ellensburg, WA

504

Dale Werning, Emery, SD

500

Mari Simmental Breeders, Holyoke, CO

500

R&R Cattle Company, Chamberlain, SD

500

Saxe Farm, Thompsonville, IL

500

Smoky Valley Farm, West Finley, PA

500

Rocky Hill Farms, Dawsonville, GA

500

Deer Creek Farm, Lowesville, VA

500

Daniel H. Anderson, Roseau, MN

500

Lodestar Simmentals, Wellington, MO

500

Smoy Valley Farm, West Finley, PA

500

Select Cattle/Pigeon Mt., Rome, GA

500

Lodestar Simmentals, Wellington, MO

500

M/S Stavick Simmental, Veblen, SD

500

Double B Acres, Sterling, OH

500

Landis Farms, Homer, MI

500

Kevin Bolding, Maplesville, AL

500

Michael E. Dikeman, Manhattan, KS

600

ST

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A Great Wayof Life

A commercial Simmental breeder based in Kansas is a firm advocate for rural living. By Dan Rieder

J

im Zwonitzer (pronounced Swan-knit-sir) is a farmer/rancher whose operation is located near Horton (population: 1,800), Kansas. He’s the third generation to work the land, which originated on his mother’s side of the family. “After high school, I went to Kansas State and earned a degree in Agriculture,” he recounted. “I taught high school vocational agriculture for seven years at a couple of nearby towns, but my goal was always to go back to farming. I’ve always appreciated the challenges and rewards of farm life — it has been in my blood forever.” He is critical of those activists who want to limit the chores and involvement of children on the farm. “They don’t want kids to do farm work until they’re 18 — our own son had learned about farm life by the time he was five, from riding in the cab of my combine with me. There is no better place to raise children than where we come from in these rural areas,” he states.

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Jim and Sharon Zwonitzer. “If you meet another farmer, you have an immediate attachment,” he continued. “Once we were in Tucson for a meeting and met a couple from Montana who told us that they sold their calves to a buyer from St. Joseph, Missouri. Well, it turns out that buyer had been a neighbor of ours and we knew him well.” Zwonitzer is saddened by the continued US population shift from rural to urban. “It is too bad that our rural communities are shrinking. The city dwellers are too many generations removed from the farm and don’t understand what we’re trying to do. Our city cousins don’t appreciate that each farmer now produces enough food for 155 people,” he says. When he was being interviewed for this article, Zwonitzer was recovering from a freak accident that left him battered and bruised. “We’d had an overnight rainfall and I went out to bucket-feed our yearlings. It was a full half hour after the storm had ended when a totally unexpected bolt of lightning struck nearby – and a deafening clap of thunder spooked the cattle. They stampeded right over me. No broken bones, but I’m awfully lucky not to have been much more seriously injured,” he explained. Jim and his wife, Sharon are the parents of two grown children. Their son, John, is a seed corn breeder with the Mycogen Company, a partner of Dow AgroSciences. John is married to Martha, who is


working on her Ph.D. in agricultural research. They’re the parents of four daughters, ranging in age from seven to 14, and reside in Lubbock, Texas. Their daughter, Jeanne, lives not far from the farm, and is married to Clifford Lowe, Jr. “Junior” is employed by a petroleum company. After two daughters, Jeanne and Junior produced Jim and Sharon’s first grandson. “Number seven was lucky for us, we finally got that grandson-farmer I’ve been looking for,” Jim laughed. Junior’s brother, David, has spent 22 years as the Zwonitzer’s hired man. “He lives on the home place and we live just down the road. David, Sharon and myself comprise our labor force,” he added. The livestock sector of the operation includes 275 Simmental/Angus cows, while the farming aspect consists of 1,200 acres of dry land soybeans, corn and wheat. His grandfather ran beef cattle and hogs, while his own parents operated a more diversified farm, utilizing beef, dairy and even chickens for a while. “When I went away to college, my dad lost his milking machine — me — and by the time I came home for Thanksgiving, the dairy cattle were gone,” he chuckles. “We moved directly to Angus in the early 1960s and have been beef-only ever since.” In the late ‘70s, the Zwonitzers incorporated the value of hybrid vigor. Jim went to the Beloit Bull Test and purchased a Simmental bull, the first of several performancetested Simmentals he acquired from that sale. “Then, we got acquainted with the Irvine family at Manhattan, and

have been buying their bulls since then. We do not use A.I. — we breed the ‘old-fashioned way’,” he said. “I have complete trust in the Irvine family. One time, John Irvine picked out two bulls for me from their sale and I wasn’t even in attendance. They know the kind of bulls I like and then they take good care of me. They provide great service, quality bulls and rely on genetic technology,” he said. Because their cowherd is based on a balanced mixture of Simmental and Angus genetics, they’re breeding primarily to SimAngus™ bulls in order to maintain that ratio. — the primary exception being use of calving ease Angus bulls on 30 to 35 replacement heifers each year. He points out that Simmental influence provides increased size, stretch and growth, helping to produce a more ideal feedlot product. He prefers a bull that has a frame score of at least 6.0, while also giving extra attention to selection for feedlot gain and calving ease. A large majority of the cowherd calves in the spring. After weaning in the fall, calves are backgrounded and then sold through the local auction barn at 10-12 months of age and 750 to 800 pounds in March. “We get a premium there from the standpoint that those buyers recognize what our cattle have done. A good many of our feeder cattle go to repeat buyers,” he said. “We used to take a few cattle to Decatur County Feedyard, retaining ownership and receiving some valuable feedlot and carcass data back. We have not done that recently.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Zwonitzer cattle on northeast Kansas grass

CONTINUED ON PAGE 00

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A Great Way of Life Zwonitzer focuses heavily on efficient feed utilization. Among other avenues, he leases pasture in the grass-rich Flint Hills; puts up Brome grass hay; uses a vertical mixer to blend wheat straw and corn silage; chops corn; and uses 14 miles of electric fence to enhance consumption of cornstalks and soybean stubble for winter grazing. In addition, he supplements cows and weaned calves with free-choice Loomix liquid protein. “We intend to continue to maintain our level of Simmental and Angus genetics — not too much Simmental and not too much Angus. That combination has worked very well for us over a long period of time,” he concluded.

An International Flavor Zwonitzer also exhibits a philosophic side on occasion. He has served on the Kansas Soybean Commission (KSC) for the past decade. Through that connection, and because he is one of the few soybean producers who also had a history of beef production, he was presented with the opportunity to represent the KSC on the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and has gained an appreciation for exporting agricultural products. “The KSC has provided me with some very rewarding experiences. I’ve been able to travel to Panama, Hong Kong, China, and the country of Georgia, not to mention many US cities. For a country boy, those are some special privileges,” he acknowledged.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

He feels a frustration that city folks here in this country are so poorly informed about key agricultural issues. “They don’t understand organic farming or antibiotic use in livestock production. GMOs have a black eye and all those things are just political footballs,” he exclaimed. “The KSC and USMEF have worked very hard to maintain and open trade avenues, whether it is for grain and livestock. I realize that there are world problems and issues between countries. Too often, food and agricultural products are used for leverage in negotiations between governments, when it is the people who suffer the consequences,” he said. “One-on-one with agricultural citizens of other countries, whether they might be Russian or Chinese, we can understand each other. If the governments stayed out of it, we could cut trade agreements in short order, but governments too often use exports and imports to gain political advantage,” he says with obvious passion. “I met a Russian Trade Representative who was just like us. If he could do the negotiating without government interference and we could do our representing without government oversight, we’d get those deals done,” he summarized. “The possibilities are unlimited. It has been shown that beef exports add $285 for each animal we sell. No matter how small a person’s paycheck is, the first item they need and want is food.”

ST



Card Uproar 49Y

SS/PRS Gunslinger 824X

WS A Step Up X27

Mr. Hoc Broker C623

By Mr. NLC Upgrade EPDs: CE: 8 $API: 128 $TI: 77

By STF Shocking Dream SJ14 EPDs: CE: 14 $API: 133 $TI: 74

By SS Ebony’s Grandmaster EPDs: CE: 9 $API: 129 $TI: 63

By Steel Force EPDs: CE: 3 $API: 101 $TI: 58

Long’s Shear Envy Y34

STF Shocking Dream SJ14 Remington Secret Weapon 185 OBCC King Pin W42Y

By Hooks Shear Force 38K EPDs: CE: 14 $API: 143 $TI: 75

By CNS Dream On L186 EPDs: CE: 20 $API: 155 $TI: 72

By Trademark EPDs: CE: 8 $API: 105 $TI: 62

By RC Club King EPDs: CE: 9 $API: 111 $TI: 68

SimAngusTM

SimAngusTM

CSCX Bandwagon 513A

TLLC One Eyed Jack 15Z

WC No Remorse 763Y

W/C Lock Down 206Z

By TJSC Optimus Prime EPDs: CE: 8 $API: 106 $TI: 62

By Long’s Shear Pleasure EPDs: CE: 9 $API: 121 $TI: 71

By Yardley High Regard W242 EPDs: CE: 11 $API: 116 $TI: 58

By Lock N Load EPDs: CE: 9 $API: 132 $TI: 78

SimAngusTM

SimAngusTM

SimAngusTM

SimAngusTM

GCC Whizard 125W

Long’s Steel Shot X21

W/C United 956Y

By SVF Steel Force S701 EPDs: CE: 9 $API: 100 $TI: 57

By SVF Steel Force S701 EPDs: CE: 8 $API: 118 $TI: 53

By TNT Tuition By 3C Macho M450 BZ EPDs: CE: 15 $API: 155 $TI: 94 EPDs: CE: 6 $API: 108 $TI: 71

SimAngusTM

WLTR Renegade 40U ET

SimAngusTM

SimAngusTM

R Plus Reload 2006Z

KLS Halfblood X217

R&R Chamberlain X744

WLE Quota U547

By R Plus Hard Rock (outcross) EPDs: CE: 9 $API: 128 $TI: 71

By SP The Answer 813 EPDs: CE: 15 $API: 144 $TI: 73

By Mr. NLC Upgrade EPDs: CE: 5 $API: 102 $TI: 80

By SVF/NJC Built Right N48 EPDs: CE: 13 $API: 119 $TI: 67

Angus

Angus

Angus

TJSC 152A

S S Incentive 9J17

Silveiras Style 9303

SP The Answer 813

By Flying B Cut Above EPDs: CE: 5 $API: 107 $TI: 62

SS Objective T510 0T26 EPDs: CE: 17 $API: 135 $TI: 75

By Gambles Hot Rod EPDs: CE: 19 $API: 146 $TI: 65

By SAV Final Answer 0035 EPDs: CE: 21 $API: 148 $TI: 70

2014 Fall EPDs pulled 8.20.14


GLS/JS Sure Shot Y18

LLSF Pays To Believe ZU194 K-LER Make It Rain 696S

By GLS/GF Brigade 31R By CNS Pays To Dream T759 EPDs: CE: 10 $API: 130 $TI: 73 EPDs: CE: 11 $API: 135 $TI: 69

By Foundation 724N EPDs: CE: 1 $API: 84 $TI: 58

STF Royal Affair Z44M By Lock N Load EPDs: CE: 9 $API: 114 $TI: 63

LLSF Addiction AY792

Long’s Damien A37

FBF1 Supremacy Y93

GWS/SCF Rendition T310

By Top Grade EPDs: CE: 10 $API: 138 $TI: 73

By Hooks Shear Force 38K EPDs: CE: 15 $API: 155 $TI: 82

By STF Dominance T171 EPDs: CE: 11 $API: 112 $TI: 62

By Trademark EPDs: CE: 7 $API: 112 $TI: 61

FBF1 Combustible Y34

Wheatland Mr. Bojangles 97X

FBFS Warsaw 068W

SS/PRS Tail Gater 621Z

By Steel Force EPDs: CE: 7 $API: 119 $TI: 59

By Wheatland Bull 680S EPDs: CE: 8 $API: 103 $TI: 61

By Sure Bet EPDs: CE: 17 $API: 140 $TI: 61

By HTP/SVF Duracell T52 EPDs: CE: 13 $API: 130 $TI: 72

Westfall Voyager 721P

W/C Catchin A Dream 27X Rubys Wide Open 909W

WAGR Dream Catcher 03R

By Power Surge EPDs: CE: 13 $API: 104 $TI: 56

By Dream Catcher By The Foreman EPDs: CE: 10 $API: 134 $TI: 66 EPDs: CE: 7 $API: 103 $TI: 65

By Dream On EPDs: CE: 12 $API: 147 $TI: 71

GLS New Direction X184

HTP/SVF Duracell T52

Yardley High Regard W242

Wheatland High Octane 169Y

By Better Than Ever EPDs: CE: 8 $API: 108 $TI: 60

By Dream On EPDs: CE: 14 $API: 144 $TI: 76

By Yardley Impressive T371 EPDs: CE: 2 $API: 80 $TI: 55

By Wheatland Predator EPDs: CE: 4 $API: 96 $TI: 63

Call for your free book

866-356-4565 SimAngusTM

AJE/PB Montecito 63W

GLS Yahoo Y106

SAS Big Bruzer Y131

By Steel Force EPDs: CE: 6 $API: 97 $TI: 64

By LMF Movin Forward EPDs: CE: 7 $API: 114 $TI: 66

By King of the Yukon (outcross) EPDs: CE: 8 $API: 109 $TI: 63

2014 Fall EPDs pulled 8.20.14

Entire lineup online at:

www.cattlevisions.com Semen available on the best Angus and Clubbie sires too.


GENETIC SELECTION PART I USING INDEX THRESHOLDS:

WITH INSIGHTS FROM GORDON HODGES By Jackie Atkins, Ph.D. (ASA Director of Science and Education) and Gordon Hodges (Gibbs Farms) Note: This is the first in a series of articles providing various breeders’ methods of genetic selection using EPDs and economic indexes.

A

t the fall educational session and ASA board meeting in Bozeman, Marty Ropp (CEO, Allied Genetic Resources) made a powerful statement. Twenty years from now you may still have daughters from the bulls you pick this year. Take a moment to let that sink in. Think of all the things that change in 20 years. Think of where you were 20 years ago (1994) and what has happened in your life since. Think of how the people around you have changed in 20 years. In 2034, you will likely have gone through a few vehicles, several computers, maybe a new home or a different job, society will have new generations of young adults to try to name, but you may still have the genetics in your herd that you selected this year. In light of the importance of this decision, we would like to devote this and subsequent articles to the methodical process of bull selection from respected breeders. Gordon Hodges, genetic and marketing manager at Gibbs Farms in Alabama, selects genetics that are commercially and low input-oriented. Gordon has a simple but successful process when screening AI sires for Gibbs Farms. Hodges uses the EPD search tool on Herdbook Services through the American Simmental Association (www.herdbook.org). Gordon sets a minimum threshold for both the All Purpose Index ($API) and Terminal Index ($TI) at the top 10% for the breed type (for Gibbs Farms this is either SimAngus™ or Purebred Simmental). Gordon sets a minimum EPD accuracy of 0.6 in one of three traits that he emphasizes (Calving Ease [CE], Yearling Weight [YW], and Marbling [Marb]). By setting the accuracy at 0.6 for the trait of emphasis, this ensures the ensuing list contains bulls with enough information in the database that their EPD is a close reflection of their true breeding value. Gordon’s search resulted in the six lists included here. These lists represent Gordon’s picks for the top calving ease, yearling weight, and marbling bulls in the Purebred and SimAngus populations that have significant accuracy and are in the top 10% of the respective breed for both $API and $TI.

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Atkins

Hodges

With respect to marbling, there were only six SimAngus and 13 Purebred bulls in the ASA database that reached threshold search parameters. This is a good example of setting search parameters so high that limited choices can be found. It is also a good example of why testing bulls through the ASA Carcass Merit Program (CMP) is so important. Very few bulls ever have enough actual progeny carcass data to reach a .60 accuracy level for carcass EPDs. Even combining DNA HD and large numbers of progeny ultrasound scan data will not reach the accuracy level of .60, actual progeny carcass data is needed. By customizing a list with the above thresholds, Gordon feels he gets the security of using proven sires with the benefits of multiple trait selection eliminating the risk of extremes in any one trait. You can use similar methods to tailor a search that best suits your operation. Think about which thresholds make sense for your operation. You can find the corresponding EPD/Index numbers for these thresholds by going to Herdbook Services at www.herdbook.org. Hover your mouse over the “Data Search” tab and click on the “% and EPD avrgs” option. This will pull up percentile tables for Purebred Simmental (or you can select Fullblood, Simbrah, or Hybrids on the left). Once you know your threshold levels, follow the link under the “Data Search” tab to the “EPD Search”. Here you can customize a sort with threshold levels and accuracies that fit your comfort zone and operation. The default settings will sort registered bulls with progeny born in the last two years (active parent). You can change this at the bottom of the page if you want a list for cows, non-registered animals, or non-active parents. You can also change how the list is sorted (default is by birth year) and select breed type at the bottom of the page. Take some time to think about where your genetics will take your operation in the next 20 years and use the customizable sorting tool on Herdbook Services to ensure you select the right bulls for your herd. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26



GENETIC SELECTION PART I CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Data for the following tables was pulled on 8/28/2014

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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27


www.southdakotasimmental.com

Eichacker Simmentals

Benda Simmentals Jim and Jay Benda 26106 366th Ave. Kimball, SD 57355 605-778-6703

Jim: 605-730-6703 (Cell) Jay: 605-730-0215 (Cell) bendaranch@midstatesd.net

Black and Red Breeding Stock

www.coloradosimmental.com

25446 445th Ave • Salem, SD 57058 Steve & Cathy Eichacker 605-425-2391 or 605-421-1152 email: es@triotel.net Annual Bull Sale • March 6, 2015

TRAXINGER

Reds, Blacks • Bulls and Females Private Treaty Sales

“Mark of Performance”

Mike and Terri Traxinger 11176 – 406th Avenue Houghton, SD 57449 Home: 605.885.6347 Mike’s cell: 605.294.7227 mtrax@nvc.net www.traxinger.com

Kipp Julson • 605-351-9088 48672 252nd St • Garretson, SD 57030 doublejfarms@alliancecom.net www.doublejsimmentals.com Females by Private Treaty in the Fall. Bulls Sale January 31, 2015 at noon.

ES

www.oregonsimmentalassociation.com www.missourisimmental.com

LUCAS CATTLE CO. Registered Simmentals, SimAngusTM & Angus Cattle Forrest & Charlotte Lucas, Owners Cleo Fields 417-399-7124 RT 91 Box 1200 Brandn Atkins Cross Timbers, MO 65634 417-399-7142 Office 417-998-6878 Jeff Reed Fax 417-998-6408 417-399-1241 www.lucascattlecompany.com Visitors Always Welcome

L

Mike, Margo, Crystal, & Katelyn Alley 8925 SW Green • Culver, Oregon 97734 Home: 541-546-8171 • Cell: 541-948-3521 E-mail: mike@barckcattle.com • Fax: 541-546-6420 www.barckcattle.com

www.alabamasimmental.com

Timberland Cattle

Registered Simmental, SimAngusTM and Angus Spring Female Sale, 1st Saturday in May Fall Bull Sale, 3rd Saturday in November Sales will be held at the Farm, 15281 Co. Road 49, Vernon, AL Bill Freeman, Owner • Thomas Pennington, Mgr. www.timberlandcattle.com • timberlandcattle@centurytel.net 205-695-6314 or 205-712-0359

Pine Ridge Ranch Pine Ridge Ranch Pine Ridge Ranch ATHENS, TX

Jane and Bill Travis billtravis@bigplanet.com

www.simbrah.com

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9876 PLANO RD. DALLAS, TX 75238 Office: 214-369-0990 Cell: 214-850-6308


K

R

ENNE

Roger, Jeanette, & Erika Kenner

5606 57th St. NE Leeds, ND 58346 Phone 701-466-2800 Erika 406-581-1188 erika.kenner@gmail.com Fax 701-466-2769 www.kennersimmental.com

SIMMENTALS

www.northdakotasimmental.com

SRF Simmentals Roger Roger and and Susan Susan Finke Finke family family 35500 35500 114th 114th Ave. Ave. NW NW • • Berthold, Berthold, ND ND 58718 58718 701-453-3157 701-453-3157 Roger Roger • • 701-453-3105 701-453-3105 Todd Todd email: email: srf@srt.com srf@srt.com

Edge of the West Bull & Female Sale February 9, 2015 Phone: (701) 384-6225

Terry Ellingson & Family

SIMMENTALS T TN Kevin & Lynette Thompson

5125 53rd St. Almont, ND 58520 701-843-8454 www.tntsimmentals.com Annual Bull Sale • Friday, February 13, 2015 Visitors always welcome. Only 15 miles off I-94

SYS SIMMENTALS Gary Sys 9400 205th Ave. SW Douglas, ND 58735 701-722-3244

Curtis Olafson 13043 84th St. NE Edinburg, ND 58227 701-993-8240 or 8450 Performance colafson@polarcomm.com Predictability www.bataolafson.com Personal Service

5065 125th Ave. NE • Dahlen, ND 58224 tellings@polarcomm.com • www.ellingsonsimmentals.com Annual Production Sale, February 21, 2015

Prickly Pear Simmental Ranch Birthplace of the first Polled Black Simmental Bull Made in Montana Sale • February 7, 2015 Troy Wheeler, Cattle Manager: 406-949-1754 Don and Nancy Burnham • Gary Burnham 2515 Canyon Ferry Road • Helena, MT 59602 ASA No. 174 E-mail: burnhams@mt.net

Hill’s Ranch Simmentals

Breed of Excellence

Box 186 Stanford, MT 59479 406-566-2479

www.oklahomasimmental.com

Lazy U Ranch

Peck Simmentals

Bull Sale • March 2, 2015

hillssimmentalmt@yahoo.com • www.hillsimmental.com

Dave & Debbie Umfleet 20858 West 10th St N • Haskell, OK 74436 918-693-9420 • davelazyu@aol.com

Available by Private Treaty SimAngus™ Bulls, Bred Cows and Heifers Bill & Marianne Peck 129 Yellowstone Trl • Whitehall, MT 59759 406-287-5669 • pecksimm@gmail.com www.pcksimm.8m.net

Simmental Simmental & SimAngus Bulls Bulls & & Females Females TM TM

Willis Simmentals W S

2876 Simmental Lane Marietta OK 73448 willissimmentals@arbuckleonline.com

Quality Simmental Breeding Cattle

10 miles east on Hwy. 32, 1/4 mile north on Enville Road.

Bobby 580-276-2781(ph. & fax)

5831 Highway 7, Wibaux, MT 406-588-3371 nlcsim@midrivers.com www.nelsonlivestockco.com

Jon 580-276-4884

Watch for our Annual Bull Sale April 18, 2015.

www.washingtonsimmental.org

Angus • SimAngusTM • Simmental Mike & Paulette Forman Ellensburg, WA 98926 509-968-4800

Robb & Debbie Forman Ellensburg, WA 98926 509-201-0775

Generations of Excellence Sale March 7, 2015

www.trinityfarms.info

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GENETIC SELECTION PART I CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

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Triangle J Ranch Darby & Annette Line 35355 Arrow Road • Miller, NE 68858 308-627-5085 Darby Cell Just 30 minutes of I-80 www.trianglejranch.com

Annual Production Sale last Sunday in January

Just 20 minutes off I-80

Verlouis Forster Family 74096 Road 434 Smithfield, NE 68976-1039 Ph/FAX 308-472-5036 Verlouis Ph 308-876-2316 Alan Email: alan_forster@hotmail.com

Loren & Peggy Berger 308-532-0939 9339 E. Autogate Rd. 308-520-3836 Stapleton, NE 96163 berger@nque.com www.bergersherdmaster.com

JC

Berger’s HerdMasters Angus x Simmental Hybrids Both Red and Black

FORSTER FARMS

JC

www.nesimmental.com

J&C SIMMENTALS

Black Simmental Bulls & Females Purebred to Percentage Jay & Kim Volk Clark & Leslie Volk Bob & Jeanette Volk 402-478-4565 402-478-4503 402-478-4350 volkjk@aol.com • 20604 US Hwy 30 • Arlington, NE 68002

Online Female Sale — December 9-10, 2014 Bull Sale — January 31, 2015

“Red and Black, Polled, Pigmented Simmentals”

James, Merlin, and Delores Felt, Renee & Matt Schulte

Foxy Ladies Bred Heifer Sale November 29, 2014 • West Point, NE Ohlrich/Felt Farms Bull Sale February 7, 2015 • Norfolk, NE

)

Western Cattle Source

JF

(

57977 857 Road • Wakefield, NE 68784 402-287-2488 home • 402-369-1069 cell delores@feltfarms.com • www.feltfarms.com Herdsman, James Felt 402-369-0513 cell • jamesfelt02@gmail.com

Jock & Brenda Beeson 100 Wohlers Drive Crawford, NE 69339 308-665-1111 (home) 308-430-2117 (mobile) 308-430-0668 (mobile) Email:wcsbeeson@bbc.net

402-643-4429 402-641-2936 Cell 303 Northern Heights Drive • Seward, NE 68434 a.sloup@juno.com Nick, Andrea, www.sloupsimmentals.com Shane, Shelbi, Brevin, Natalie Join us at the Farm, October 18, 2014 and Haylie for our 20th Annual Production Sale.

www.illinoissimmental.com Owner: Jim Berry

Commercially Targeted Seedstock

Cattle Manager: Robbie Duis 815-858-4129 6502 Rt. 84 South Hanover, IL 61041 815-591-3731

www.breedingcattlepage.com/ TNSimmAssoc/ www.wildberryfarms.net

Our Business Is Bulls Larry and Suzy Rhodes Anthony Rhodes 9350 Rte 108 Carlinville, IL 62626 217-854-5200 rhodesangus@royell.org

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Slate Farms &

C

A T T L E

C

O M P A N Y

Female Select Sale/Herd Bull Select Sale Visitors Always Welcome

Steve Slate 4437 Highway 49 W Vanleer, TN 37181 931-206-5026 slatefarms@att.net www.slatefarms.com


SIMBRAH Sarah J. (Sally) Buxkemper

2617 CR 400 Ballinger, Texas 76821 325-442-4501 sbuxkemper32@gmail.com www.rxsimbrah.com

www.breedingcattlepage.com/ INSimmAssoc/index.htm

Mark, Jame, Anna & Peter Krieger PO Box 145 Universal, IN, 47884 www.kriegerfarms.com

Heat Adapted Cattle Simbrah TM SimAngusTM TM SimAngusTM HT Simmental

www.texassimmentalsimbrah.com

812-239-5102, Mark mark@kriegerfarms.com 812-208-0956, Jame jame@kriegerfarms.com 269-470-7553, Anna 812-208-8224, Peter

Annual Sale First Sunday in October

www.kansas-simmental.com

Kaser Brothers Simmental Stephen Kaser www.breedingcattlepage.com/ Simmental/iasimmassoc/

Jass Simmentals Reds and Blacks Available

H 785-346-5181 • C 785-346-6077 629 County 388 Drive Osborne, KS 67473

Dixson Farms, Inc. Carol Dixson, Kevin Dixson, & Lyle Dixson, D.V.M.

Steve, Alan & Mark Jass 1950 Quincy Avenue • Garner, Iowa 50438 641-587-2348 or 641-587-2174 641-860-0645(c) or 515-689-6219(c)

13703 Beaver Creek Rd • Atwood, KS 67730 785-626-3744 • drlyle@live.com www.dixsonfarms.com

www.jassimm.com • email: jassimm@comm1net.net

DX Annual Production Sale March 20, 2015

Simmental Angus SimAngusTM

Steve & Mary Gleason • Jake, Becky, Ben, Joe & Sam 12410 Blazingstar Rd • Maple Hill, KS 66507 Phone: 785-256-6461 • Steve: 785-640-8060 • Jake: 785-640-8062 www.Sunflowergenetics.com

ROCK CREEK RANCH B L A C K , P O L L E D S I M M E N TA L S

Cow Camp Ranch Kent, Mark and Nolan Brunner 3553 Upland Rd. Lost Springs, KS 66859-9652 785-466-6475 Kent 785-466-1129 Nolan 785-965-7168 Mark Black and Red Purebreds brunccr@tctelco.net Angus • SimAngus Halfbloods

Spring Bull Sale - Friday, February 27, 2015

Joe Mertz 785-456-9650 Bob Mertz 785-456-9201 Harold Mertz 785-456-9605 7160 Zeandale Road Manhattan, KS 66502 www.rivercreekfarms.com

25th Annual Production Sale February 11, 2015

THE MOSER RANCH SimAngus • Simmental • Angus

M

Harry & Lisa Moser & Family Wheaton, KS 66521 Phone 785.396.4328 www.moserranch.com

23rd Bull Sale • November 8, 2014

Ralph Brooks Cassidy Brooks 7440 Lake Elbo Rd. Manhattan, KS 66502 C: 785-556-0385

Jim & Jean Houck, 250 Road 392, Allen, KS 66833 • 620-443-5700 Jeff & Lori Houck, 3031 Road G, Americus, KS 66835 • 620-443-5751 Toll Free 866-687-4656 • www.houckrockcreekranch.com

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ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE COW HERD

By C.P. Mathis, C.T. Braden, R.D. Rhoades, and K.C. McCuistion King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management, Texas A&M University-Kingsville This article originally appeared in the proceedings from the 2014 Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Annual Meeting (June 18-21, 2014 in Lincoln, NE).

Introduction Cow-calf producers are continually challenged to maintain the profitability of their operations despite the dynamic nature of weather patterns, cattle markets, and the cost of input commodities and services. Good managers make a multitude of small decisions to collectively keep costs low relative to the value of the weaned calves they produce. However, the real separation between “good” and “excellent” management is that the very best managers also understand and find leverage in the production system that have long-standing systematic benefit to the operation. Those producers with a clear view of the financial position of the ranch and the drivers of net income and return on assets will be best prepared to make the high leverage decisions with long-term benefit to the operation. This paper discusses the impact of key cowherd performance criteria on the net income of cow-calf enterprises, and is intended to help managers prioritize the areas in their unique operation that will likely yield the largest improvement in profitability if altered. Standardized Performance Analysis (SPA) benchmark information is used as a basis to estimate the impact of some management decisions on key cow herd performance criteria and net income.

What is Driving Net Income? Benchmark data from the SPA database offers some historical insight into the key performance and financial measures affecting profit of cow-calf enterprises. It is also noteworthy that current SPA benchmark information only offers regional information from the Southwest (TX, OK, and NM; Stan Bevers, personal communication). Table 1 is the Southwest SPA Key measures summary for 44 herds from 2008 to 2013. These herds ranged in size from 44 to 2,963 head and represent 17,196 cow years. Calf prices in 2013 and 2014 have reached exceptionally high values, and these high prices are not reflected in the dataset. In fact, the average weaned calf price at 507 pounds was only $119/cwt; and is much lower than current prices. This does not discount the information for those interested in maximizing profit because drivers of profit remain the same regardless of the actual price of calves. Average net income during this period was below breakeven (-$65/ cow exposed). It is discouraging that operations in the benchmark dataset were not profitable on average, but upon closer evaluation there are still a portion of the operations that were profitable. In fact, some cow-calf enterprises were highly profitable (figure 1). Production systems can vary greatly; however, those herds in the top net income quartile (average profit = $159/cow exposed) generated not only greater gross income from calf sales relative to the other three-fourths of the 44 herds (figure 2), but also

Mathis

had the lowest production costs. The bottom line is that highly profitable herds typically return more income and have lower costs. Producers interested in being amon the top net income quartile are encouraged to continuously ask themselves: 1) What are the most profitable herds doing that makes them different? 2) How can I improve profit the most in my operation?

A Closer Look at Revenue The two sources of revenue for cow-calf operations are calf sales and cull cow and bull sales, with calf sales being the most important. Calf income is a function of quantity (number sold), quality (genetics and condition), and marketing. Table 2 shows calf weaning measures and revenues by net income quartile to provide insight into some of the differences that exist among profitable and unprofitable operations. Weaning percentage does not show an upward linear trend parallel to rising net income. This does not mean that weaning percentage is unimportant, but emphasizes that top net income quartile operations have a balance between cost and performance that maximize net income. The top quartile does not have the highest weaning percentage, but these operations have weaned the largest calves by 58 pounds over the second highest profit quartile. The advantage in weaning weight primarily results from calves in the top quartile being approximately 20 days older at weaning (data not shown). Although not quantifiable from SPA data, it is likely that calves from the top quartile operations also have an additional advantage in genetics for growth and/or end product value. The overall average weaning rate and weight were 83.8 percent and 507 pounds, respectively (table 2). Using these values as a foundation, and assuming that 507-pound calves are worth $119/cwt (average SPA price from 2008-2012), the value of a single percentage unit change in weaning rate is about $6/cow exposed (calculation: 507 lbs @ 1% @ $119/cwt = $6.03). If a more current 507-pound calf price of $200/cwt is assumed, a single unit increase in weaning percentage raises profit by more than $10/cow exposed. Therefore, any management change that cost less than $10/cow exposed to implement and increases weaning rate by one percentage unit or more will increase net income.

A Closer Look at Expenses Total cost before non-calf revenue adjustment averaged $608/cow exposed (table 1), but when evaluated by net income quartile, the quartile average ranged $451 to $700. The top quartile producers simply wean and market more pounds of calf/cow exposed at a much lower cost than the less profitable operations. Figure 3 shows that over half of the expenses to a cow-calf enterprise CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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Genetics That Work

JRW Farms, LLC Richard Woolwine, Owner 562 Marson Trigg Road Seminary, MS 39479 1103 Artesia Road Starkville, MS 39759 Home: 662-323-0744 Cell: 662-418-0686 Office: 662-324-7721

Mikell & Mary Cheek Davis, Owners

Farm Manager: Alex Gardner 662-769-2577

Brad Woods 601-441-0539 Johnny Ingram 601-408-4186 www.jrw-llc.com

www.littlecreekcattle.com

www.breedingcattlepage.com/ vsa/index.htm www.mnsimmental.com Dr. Lynn Aggen Office: 507-886-6321 Mobile: 507-421-3813 Home: 507-886-4016

Lanting Enterprises, LLC

Performance with Quality

Matt Aggen Mobile: 701-866-3544 Home: 507-772-4522 Email: mattaggen@hotmail.com

Harmony, MN 55939 www.oakmfarm.com

Sargeant Farms Simmental Cattle BULLS

AND FEMALES AVAILABLE BY PRIVATE TREATY

Owner • Howard E. Sargeant Box 400, Forest Lake, MN 55025 651-464-3345 • 651-464-2662

Farm Manager: Adam Trest 52309 Fleming Logging Road Sandstone, MN 55072 320-245-2830 • 320-630-3608

Contact us about our Private Treaty Sales.

2181 B N 2300 E Twin Falls, ID 83301-0643 208-655-4257 208-731-6646 Bob’s Cell 208-655-4371 John’s Home lant4257@filertel.com

Promise Land Ranch Mike & Cathy Stoltey Family 374 Promise Lane • Plummer, ID 83851 208-686-1515 (H) • 208-699-2335 (M) michael_stoltey@yahoo.com

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ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE COW HERD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

can be categorized as depreciation, labor, or feed. In most cow-calf enterprises these three expense categories offer opportunity for high leverage change to the production system that can yield significant financial improvement. Other expenses like repairs and maintenance, fertilizer, fuel, leases, and veterinary services are important when taken together, but independently are generally not high leverage expenses. Feed and labor expenses are typically well understood, but depreciation is an expense often more difficult to grasp. The result is a considerable amount of unaccounted expense in livestock, equipment, and infrastructure depreciation. Managers should be aware of the effect depreciation of livestock, equipment, and infrastructure has on the long term equity of an operation. The ways to decrease livestock depreciation are: reducing purchase price of breeding stock, increasing salvage values, or increasing longevity of cows and bulls. Reducing equipment depreciation may be accomplished by sharing, renting, leasing, or contracting equipment. However, each of these options has some tradeoffs in convenience and control.

is no silver bullet or prescription that is most effective at accomplishing the perfect balance because of the vast differences in resources and goals from one ranching operation to the next. The key is to evaluate potential changes based on unit cost of production. This measure will merge inputs and outputs into a single value. In reality, only a small portion of cow-calf enterprises have an accounting and performance measurement system in place to accurately calculate unit cost of production. Implementation of a managerial accounting system should be the initial step to improving profit because a clear picture of the current financial status of the operation is needed to make the best business decisions for the future. It will take many small decisions across all facets of the business to keep cost low, yet still achieve performance goals. However, in most systems there are a few high-leverage interventions that can make a big impact. These changes will not be the same on all operations, but all managers should seek to find these areas in the operation that if changed could yield dramatic improvement. Table 3 lists examples of changes that may have a significant long-standing benefit to an operation. These interventions are included as examples only, and are not intended to be generalized recommendations for all operations. Notice that labor, depreciation, and pounds weaned are all affected in almost every intervention. A number of other examples could also be included, especially those that affect genetic makeup of the cowherd, which is always a long-standing change. Cash Flow. Without minimizing the importance of previously discussed financial principles, operating capital is essential. A yearly financial plan with projected monthly cash flows adjusted according to operational plans is invaluable in preventing un-expected asset liquidation out of necessity. Not being able to service short-term liabilities can lead to the liquidation of revenue producing assets, resulting in long-term reduced profit potential. While the value of cows liquidated today is capitalized on, the value of future production is lost. The importance of not liquidating assets in order to operate cannot be overemphasized.

Conclusions Unlike livestock depreciation, which is a direct cost, the expense of equipment, buildings, and fences depreciation is an indirect or overhead cost. While capital purchases and improvements may have the potential to improve efficiency and production, the increase of the associated depreciation expense may offset the gain in efficiency from the improvement. The most profitable operations generally find ways to reduce this depreciation burden as much as possible.

Putting the Performance and Financial Pieces Together A cow calf enterprise is a complex biological system where inputs and outputs are interconnected. Managers interested in maximizing profit are encouraged to focus on optimizing weaning rate and weaning weight, as well as feed, labor, and depreciation expenses. However, there

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The most profitable cow-calf operations are efficient, generally weaning the most pounds of calf per cow exposed with the lowest breakeven. More importantly, these operations yield the greatest return on assets. Success in the cattle industry does not happen on accident. Decision makers at the most profitable operations have built production and marketing systems that, most importantly minimize labor, feed, and depreciation expenses relative to weaned calf value. Producers interested in improving the profitability of their cow-calf operation are encouraged to utilize a managerial accounting system that maintains a clear picture of the operation financials and allows measurement of unit cost of production. Furthermore, managers should seek practical, high leverage alterations to the production system with a keen focus on optimizing weaning rate and weaning weight, as well as feed, labor, and depreciation expenses. CONTINUED ON PAGE 38



ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE COW HERD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

($100) ($200) ($300) ($400)

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

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ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE COW HERD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

“Genetic Trends for Fullblood, Simbrah, and Hybrid Simmental Populations: — Genetic Trends for Fullblood, Simbrah, and Hybrid Simmental Populations (1993-2013) By Jackie Atkins, Ph. D., Director of Science and Education In the April edition of the Register, we published an article reviewing the genetic trends of Purebred Simmental cattle from 1993 to 2013. Due to space restraints we were unable to dig into similar data for Fullblood, Simbrah, and hybrid Simmental populations but wanted to showcase this data here on the tREG blog.

An extended electronic version of the Register going beyond the bounds of print to delve deeper into the stories of Simmental and SimGenetics’ producers, programs, and happenings.

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Spotlight on the Connors State College Beef Show Team — “Responsibly developing the next generation of cattle enthusiasts is a process, much like halter-breaking a weaned calf. Little, slow steps eventually become big, sure strides.”


PO Box 646 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 With over 100 years of history under our belt, Branch Ranch has been at the forefront of the cattle industry. It is with that heritage and history that we proudly announce the newest member to our team, Brett Acuna! Brett comes to us with a lifetime of experience in the livestock industry. Whether it’s managing cattle at the NMSU Livestock Research Center, or his time as ranch foreman for several large-scale operations; he has dialed in his focus to growing superior cattle. Coupling his experience and Branch Ranch’s record of proven performance, we can make your cattle go from good to great! Brett will be managing our cattle feeding operation, Branch Ranch Mills, and we want to be your partner in achieving your goals with your cattle. Some of the services we offer: • Custom Cattle Feeding All Natural and GAP Certified • Commercial and Registered Performance Bulls Angus, SimAngusTM, Hereford and more • Breeding Synchronization • Artificial Insemination • Pregnancy Testing • Ultrasound Data Collection • Gain Testing • Freeze Branding • DNA Testing Come visit us at the ranch or contact us at 575-398-6208 and let’s build a lasting foundation. Looking forward to hearing from you.

www.brbeef.co


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FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION By Jackie Atkins, Ph.D. As I write this, we are still in the afterglow of a very successful first annual educational session and open forum fall board meeting in Bozeman. We had nearly 150 attendees for the day-long educational event that included talks from Drs. Bob Weaber (Kansas State University), Matt Spangler (University of Nebraska), Dorian Garrick (Iowa State University), Bruce Golden (CalPoly), John Hall (University of Idaho), and Marty Ropp (Allied Genetic Resources). We were so impressed by the quality of talks from the speakers and the level of engagement from the audience. The presentations ran overtime mainly because people asked discussion generating questions all day long. Mark your calendar for next fall as these educational

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and open forum meetings will be an annual event rotating to different parts of the country. Thank you to our sponsors, Gibbs Farms, Bar CK Cattle Company, Pine Ridge Ranch, McDonald Farms, Trinity Farms, and Circle M Farms, whose donation to the ASA Foundation helped make this event so successful. State associations, which may be interested in hosting one of these meetings, can fill out an application to schedule the meetings in their state (watch our homepage for more information on how to apply). If you are interested in sponsoring this event next year, you can donate money tagged to support the fall educational session and board meeting (contact Paulette Cochenour or Nancy Tom for more information). If you missed these talks or would like to review them, you can find a link to video recordings and PowerPoint presentations on our homepage (www.simmental.org).

ST



The ASA Science Forum has two main purposes: • To provide information on timely topics and subjects our readers want to better understand. • To provide a platform for our readers to ask questions, comment, or communicate with one another about the topics posted.

We currently have multiple posts in the following forums:

• Genetic evaluation

Examples: “Where can I find percentile ranking tables?”, “Using a Punnett square for genotype frequency in offspring”, and “Genomically enhanced EPDs”

• Genetic conditions

Examples: “What is Developmental Duplication?”, “What does it mean to be a carrier, free, or affected for different genetic defects?” and “Using a defect carrier in your herd.”

• DNA testing

Examples: “Coat color dilution in Simmental cattle”, “How do I know if my black cow/bull is homozygous black?”, and “What is a SNP?”

How to use the forum: Visit www.simmental.org/forum. Select “Science Forum” which contains forums on a variety of subjects. Click on any of these forums to pull up a list of individual posts. When you click on a specific post you can read more about the topic, read replies, or post your own reply by clicking the “postreply” button. We sincerely hope our readers will use this forum to communicate with us and one another about important scientific topics that affect beef cattle production. If you have an idea about a topic you would like to see posted, please send an email to jatkins@simmgene.com.

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To receive a free subsription of SimTalk: • Subscribe on-line — www.simmental.org or • Complete and fax — 406.587.9301 or • Drop in the mail

Stay informed. Subscribe for free to receive the SimTalk Magazine.

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Profit Through Science

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We do the science, you make the profit.

Check out these blogs and forum at www.simmental.org


Published four times annually, SimTalk is a glossy, full-color publication with a circulation of 50,000+ and targets commercial users of SimGenetics. Advertising in SimTalk provides a unique opportunity to brand and trademark your program to thousands of potential customers. If you are serious about communicating with the commercial beef business, consider an advertising presence in every one of our four annual issues.

January 2015 March 2015 Breeder Directory 2015 Early Fall 2015 Late Fall 2015

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Dec 5 Jan 23 May 1 July 24 Sept 21

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c/o the Register 2 Simmental Way Bozeman, MT 59715-9733 USA

Return today to receive your free subscription.

ASA Publication’s SimTalk Production Schedule Deadlines


%

.34

Maternal

Carcass

SVF Steel Force S701 Dam: Long’s Miss Sweet Treat Long’s Miss Sweets

.25

9.2

Sexed Heifer Semen $125/5ml

.24

25.4

.27

60.2

7.5

.15

.28 .19

31.1 -.31 20

.34

.14 15

.23

.27 -.034 .97

REA

4

.27

-.54

Shr

TI

121.1 71.2

API

$ Index

ASA#: 2668223 PB SM

Conventional Semen $50/unit Semen available through owners and Cattle Visions

MCE Milk MWW Stay DOC CW YG Marb Fat

Fall 2014 ASA Sire Summary, as of 8.21.14

.33

.30 .38

YW

8.6 1.9 69.7 99.0

BW WW

EPD

CE

ACC

Trait

Direct

Hook’s Shear Force 38K Sire: Long’s Shear Pleasure MCM 514R

AKA Andy and Katy Allen

Grand View Cattle Co. Jeff and Christa Wiarda

Trennepohl Farms Jeff 765-620-0733 Scott 765-620-1700

Long’s Simmentals Rob Long 641-344-3028 or 641-344-5085

Jared Royer 573-489-2900

KA Cattle Co. Roger and Koty Allen 715-684-9222 or 217-552-8558

Jack x Broker Sister

■ Ranks in Top 4% for SHR; Top 15% for REA, Top 20% for MB, Top 25% for MWW. ■ Has that rare ability to produce both high quality bulls and females. ■ His first calf reports are overwhelming with satisfaction. ■ Majority of offspring are cool looking baldies. ■ Most impressive sire group this year, powerful with great eye appeal!

STCC Cinderella 4039 BD: 3/27/14 Jack x Matlock Miss S031 (Cinderella) ½ interest sells

Selling at the Trennepohl Farms Right By Design Sale on November 29, Middletown, IN

STCC ML Misty 4014 Jack x Dream On Cow Top seller in 2013 RBD ¾ Blood, March 2014

Homozygous Black Homozygous Polled

One Eyed Jack

KA Ultimate Beauty ASA#: 2880654 May Granddaughter of Shamoo

KA Full House ASA#: 2880652 April out of Shamoo’s mother, Lily.


INDUSTRY UPDATE MARC Celebrates 50 Years Fifty years ago, Congress approved legislation that transferred a Naval Ammunition Depot to the US Department of Agriculture, thus creating the US Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) at Clay Center, NE. Over the ensuing 50 years, MARC has become the gold standard for impartial, reliable information and data on beef cattle breeding. The USDA Agricultural Research Service and scientists from the University of Nebraska have overseen the genetics program and germ-plasm evaluation project, which has evolved to be the largest breed comparison study. The current center director is Dr. John Pollak, who was instrumental in developing ASA’s much-admired cattle evaluation program.

Extension Service Reaches 100 During 2014, the 100th anniversary of the federal Smith-Lever Act will be celebrated. That is the Act that created the national Cooperative Extension Service and the partnership between the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and landgrant universities that extend research-based outreach and education. For 100 years, the Smith-Lever Act has stimulated innovative research and educational programs for farmers, their families and youth through a progres-

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sive system that has improved the lives of many rural Americans.

Beef Production Forecast Raised USDA, in its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, higher beef production more than offsets lower pork, broiler and turkey production. The report showed an increase in 2014 beef production, as lower slaughter in the first quarter was more than offset by higher slaughter in the second quarter. USDA raised its expectations of beef imports, as demand for processing-grade beef remained strong for Asian markets. Cattle price expectations for 2014 have also been raised, reflecting continued price strength for fed cattle.

COOL Appeal Denied A federal court has rejected a legal challenge to the Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) law. The challenge, which asked for a preliminary injunction while a lawsuit continues, was led by the American Meat Institute, supported by the American Association of Meet Processors, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, the Canadian and US Pork Councils, the North American Meat Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54



INDUSTRY UPDATE The US court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld a lower court’s opinion and denied the plaintiff’s request allowing COOL to remain in place while the original lawsuit is pending.

Carcass Weights Increase Although total red meat production was down slightly in 2013, live carcass weights increased by 12 pounds, weighing in at an average of 1,314 pounds. Overall red meat, which includes beef, veal, pork, lamb and mutton, totaled 49.3 billion pounds in commercial plants and another 95.6 million pounds through on-farm slaughter. With regard to beef, production was down 1% from 2012, to 25.8 billion pounds. Cattle processed during the year amounted to 32.5 million head, also down by 1%. Beef steers comprised 50.1% of the total, following by beef heifers at 28.6%, dairy cows at 9.8%, and the balance of 11.5% described as “cows and bulls.”

CONTINUED

Reduced Beef Board Proposed USDA’s Marketing Service is proposing to reduce the size of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB) by four members, a move designed to reflect the shift in cattle inventory levels. By law, every three years, the CBB must evaluate whether or not the board’s membership is proportional to the cattle inventory in each state. The law requires that a review be conducted on the geographic distribution of cattle to assure that membership, by state, remains in synch with the cattle inventory — similar to “one-man, one-vote” laws which govern legislative and congressional representation.

Nutrition Labels Revised After 20 years, the nutrition facts label on the back of food packages is getting a major overhaul. Such knowledge has evolved since the 1990s and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled that the information and labels need to be updated. Among the changes: the number of calories needs to be more prominently displayed; and the amount of sugar and percentage of whole wheat should also be included. Also being considered is more clarity on serving sizes. CONTINUED ON PAGE 56

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Watch for Consignments to: Olrichs/Felt Bull Sale 2/7/2015 Norfolk, NE Gonsiors Simmental Production Sale 3/14/2015 Fullerton, NE

For semen contact:

402-944-2758

KRIZ/SVF Mile High ASA# 2675068 JF Milestone 999W x SVF NJC Ebony Antoinette P45 Co-owned with Sunset View Farms, KY Check out our website for updated videos of our sale cattle.

Dean Volk 84184 545th Ave. Battle Creek, NE 68715

Phone: 402-992-9997 Email: volk.livestock@hotmail.com Website: www.volklivestock.com


INDUSTRY UPDATE

CONTINUED

Grilling With Beer Beneficial? Many experienced cooks apparently use beer in cooking of meat. Researchers based in Portugal and Spain are reporting that marinating meat in beer prior to grilling could reduce formation of substances suspected of being harmful. Grilling meats at high temperatures creates polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which have been associated with risk of colorectal cancer. According to the research, dark beer showed the highest inhibitory effect, reducing formation of PAH by 53%, followed by non-alcoholic Pilsner beer with a 25% reduction.

Good Numbers for Beef Since the turn of the current decade in 2010, when income from the average beef cow was “in the red,” cow-calf producers have shown a steady increase in their bottom lines. Currently, according to figures from the North Dakota Farm Management Education Program, the average cow, brings in $176 annually. To get to that figure, $713 represents the amount of cash that a cow has been able to generate after adjusting for replacements. A figure of $537 indicates what it costs to keep a cow for one year. Thus, $713 $537 = $176. The value of the product (feeder calves) reflects short supplies and a desire of the market to make strong bids to fill the marketing chain.

Red and Black Heat Tolerant SimGenetic Cattle Simbrah – SimAngus™HT – SimAngus™ and Simmental

Bulls and Replacement Heifers for Sale Private Treaty.

Our Cattle are bred to take the HEAT, HUMIDITY and INSECTS in challenging environments while maintaining fertility, performance and carcass quality.

ZZ

CATTLE COMPANY

327 CR 459 Lott, TX 76656

ASA

Beth Mercer

Home/Office: 254-984-2225 Cell: 956-802-6995

www.filegoniacattle.com • bethmercer1974@gmail.com

Truck drivers hauling livestock received an exemption from the Department of Transportation (DOT), when it was announced that they would get a oneyear reprieve from a government regulation. That regulation stipulated that drivers take a half-hour break every eight hours of service, in addition to refueling and other breaks. In granting the exemption, a DOT spokesperson said the waiver “was necessary to ensure the wellbeing of the nation’s livestock during interstate transportation.” Agricultural groups were pleased with the one-year moratorium, but continue to advocate for a permanent solution.

Ag Census Counts Farmers

FILEGONIA Joe Mercer

Livestock Haulers Gain Exemption

PERFORMANCE R E C O R D S

The newly released Census of Agriculture shows that there were 2.1 million farms in 2012, but nearly 900,000 had gross sales of less than $5,000. Farms with sales of over $1 million made up just 4% of the total, but produced 66% of the total ag market value. The average age of farmers topped out at 58.3 years, up from 57.1 reported during the last census in 2007. More than 20% of farmers have been farming for less than 10 years, suggesting an infusion of younger people may be getting into the industry. CONTINUED ON PAGE 58

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INDUSTRY UPDATE

CONTINUED

43% of Food Budget to Foodservice

Climate Change Hurts Agriculture

The average American household budget spent 43% on food consumed away from home, a figure that has grown substantially from 30% in 1977, according to a study by the USDA’s Economic Research Services. Limited-service restaurants (those where customers pay at a register before eating) were on average, onethird as costly as full-service restaurants. Sandwiches were the most expensive limited-service item, averaging $6.74, while Mexican food was the cheapest at $3.27.

The National Climate Assessment report indicates that climate change is affecting every region of the US and critical sectors of the economy, especially agriculture. The rapidly changing climate is being blamed on many risk factors for farmers and ranchers as well as many rural communities. The report points to an increase in risks to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners due to fires, increases in invasive insects, droughts and floods. In the Midwest, growing seasons have lengthened, while the fire season in the West is now longer and more severe. Although there is overwhelming belief that global warming is occurring, causes remain a contentious political issue.

“Healthiness” Gains in Survey Healthfulness is closing in on taste and price among the leading priorities for consumers when making food/beverage purchasing decisions. That’s according to the Food Information Council’s latest survey on consumer attitudes. The annual survey found that 90% of consumers still reported taste as the number one factor, while priced followed at 73%. Both taste and price percentages were unchanged, but healthfulness gained a full 10 points to 71% in the 2014 poll of 1,005 Americans. Interestingly, convenience dropped 5 points to 51% from a previous high of 56%.

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Organic Sales Rise to $35 Billion Sales of organic products in the US rose to $35.1 billion during 2013, up 11.5% from 2012, when the total was $31.5 billion. It was the fastest rate of increase in more than five years. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) projects growth rates in the immediate future equal to or more than the 2013 pace. CONTINUED ON PAGE 60



INDUSTRY UPDATE Organic foods, at $32.3 billion accounted for 92% of total sales. Non-food items, such as flowers, fiber, household products and pet food, make up the balance and are increasing even more rapidly than foods. Among food products, fruits and vegetables are the leading items.

$20 Million to Control Feral Pigs The US Department of Agriculture has announced a $20 million program, to be led by the Wildlife Service of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) designed to help states combat the rapidly expanding population of feral swine. According to Texas A&M AgriLife, feral hogs are the most prolific large mammals, typically having their first litter at 13 months and averaging 1.5 litters per year. Their booming population has now been confirmed in 39 states, causing billions in damage by rooting and wallowing in areas of high-value crops and destruction of natural resources.

CONTINUED

Convenience Stores Adding Produce A new partnership has been formed which is designed to significantly increase the sales of fresh produce in convenience stores. Involved in the effort are the United Fresh Produce Association and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). With more than 150,000 locations across the US, convenience stores are increasingly seen as a destination for consumers looking to buy fruits and vegetables. The movement, which has seen modest growth over the past few years, reached total sales of $328 million in 2013, but studies have shown that there is potential for much greater expansion.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Increase According to a new United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry and fisheries have nearly doubled in the last 50 years. Emissions from crops and livestock rose 14% in the decade from 2001 to 2011 with the largest increase in developing countries. Methane gas from livestock production is listed as the largest source of greenhouse gas, which accounts for nearly 40% of the total. Emissions generated during fertilizer application are the fastest growing source, rising by 37% in the last decade alone. CONTINUED ON PAGE 62

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John, Becky, Scott and Jordan Cowger Manager, Andrew Lautt: 620-767-2156 10000 County Road 222 Savannah, MO 64485 John: 816-262-2607 Scott: 816-304-0371 Billy Greabe: 812-786-0807 rsnt_mgr@aol.com www.breedingcattlepage.com/rs_t_simmentals/index.htm

ASA#: 2837010 • BD: 9-02-2013 CE

BW WW YW MCE Milk MWW DOC

16 -1.1 64 96

10

20

52

CW

YG

MB

BF

REA $API $TI

9 25.1 -.32 .33 -.044 .83 141 73

Fall 2014 ASA Sire Summary, as of 10.14.14

ASA#: 2863678 • BD: 2-22-2014 CE

BW WW YW MCE Milk MWW DOC

11 0.9 72 112

7

23

59

CW

YG

MB

BF

REA $API $TI

9 37.6 -.12 .46 .001 .71 130 77

Fall 2014 ASA Sire Summary, as of 10.14.14

Semen Available from Owners or

ASA#: 2619439 • Dream Catcher x STF Too Red CE

BW WW YW MCE Milk MWW DOC

9 1.8 61 82

9

29

59

Fall 2014 ASA Sire Summary, as of 10.14.14

CW

YG

MB

BF

REA $API $TI

10 20.5 -.51 .48 -.093 1.02 144 75

ASA#: 2547976 • SVF Steel Force x Maximus CE

BW WW YW MCE Milk MWW DOC

6 1.0 67 113

6

22

55

Fall 2014 ASA Sire Summary, as of 10.14.14

CW

YG

MB

BF

REA $API $TI

10 39.1 -.06 .05 .003 .60

97

64


INDUSTRY UPDATE CONTINUED

Wanted: More Ag Scientists

NIVERSAL SEMEN SALES, INC. 2626 Second Avenue South Great Falls, MT 59405 800-227-8774 406-453-0374 406-452-5153 Evenings 406-453-0510 Fax unisemen@universalsemensales.com

www.universalsemensales.com

Together Allied’s breeder owners market over 5,000 SimAngusTM, Simmental, Angus and Red Angus bulls annually. Our commercial customer base includes 600,000+ females, resulting in your best supply of commercial replacement females and quality feeder cattle. Allied’s full circle approach assists in selecting the right genetics for your operation and offers the marketing opportunities and flexibility needed to profit from them. Our value proposition begins with superior genetics but won’t end there. For further information on our mission, services and detailed sale listings visit:

Marty Ropp • 406-581-7835 Clint Berry • 417-844-1009 Garrett Thomas • 936-714-4591

WWW.ALLIEDGENETICRESOURCES.COM

3485 Nancy Lane Clinton, Illinois 61727

lmcs 2000@yahoo.com www.larrymartinlivestock.com

Mobile: 217-433-0242

Check us out on facebook or visit us at

www.sekgenetics.com • Semen, A.I. Schools & Supplies • Semen Volume Discounts • No Minimum Straw Orders • No Packing & Handling Fees • BVD Testing for P.I.’s

Semen Available on Today’s Hottest AI Sires 866-356-4565 www.cattlevisions.com

• bioPRYN Pregnancy Testing (bovine, sheep, goat, and bison) • Neospora & Johne’s Testing • Complete Embryo Facility

According to a study conducted by Readix Research, there is a short supply of qualified agricultural scientists. Scientists trained in the fields of biotechnology, crop protection and seed technology are in greatest demand. The comprehensive report by Readix was compiled based on survey responses from Bayer Crop Science, Dow Agro Sciences, Dupont Pioneer Hi-Bred, Dupont Crop Protection, Monsanto and Syngenta.

Cow Benefits By Calf Removal Cows that are in marginal body condition score at calving may benefit from a rebreeding standpoint, from the management practice “short term calf removal.” That term refers to the temporary physical separation of the calf from the dam, removing the nursing stimulus for about two days. That process has been shown to allow some cows to return to heat cycles earlier than expected. In general, cows in body condition 6 or higher can be expected to return to estrus earlier in the breeding season and should have higher rebreeding rates, without early calf removal. Short-term calf removal has no significant advantage for well-conditioned cows.

Disposition Affects Fertility Producers who AI their cows realize that unruly and nervous animals are less likely to conceive. Now it seems that even in the serenity of a natural breeding pasture, cows with bad dispositions are less likely to conceive. University of Florida scientists analyzed blood samples for cortisol concentrations, a hormone released when mammals are stressed or excited. They also scored cows with a score of 1

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 64



INDUSTRY UPDATE

CONTINUED

equaling a calm disposition, on up to 5 for excited and/or aggressive. Results suggest that excitable temperaments and the consequent elevated levels of cortisol are detrimental to reproductive function.

tions, along with 4,200 hospitalizations and 80 deaths during 2013. Salmonella accounted for 38% of those infections, with campylobacter ranked second at 35%.

Bacteria Control by Virus Food Safety Report “Mixed” Some foodborne illnesses have declined, while others have increased, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The incidence of salmonella infections decreased by 9% during 2013, but campylobacter infections, often linked to dairy products and chicken, increased by 13%. The data, which cover 10 states with 15% of the US population, found 19,056 cases of culture-confirmed bacterial and laboratory confirmed parasitic infec-

CE

BW WW YW MCE Milk MWW DOC

12 -1.2 81 125 12

21

61

Fall 2014 ASA Sire Summary, as of 10.9.14

CW

YG

MB

BF

REA $API $TI

11 41.7 -.18 .09 -.056 .56 129 81

Treating food products with select bacteriophages — viruses that target and kill bacteria — could significantly reduce concentrations of E. coli, according to researchers at Purdue University. In one case, an injection of bacteriophages nearly eradicated a toxinproducing strain of E. coli in contaminated spinach and ground beef.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 66

CE

BW WW YW MCE Milk MWW DOC

16 -3.0 58 81

15

20

49

CE

BW WW YW MCE Milk MWW DOC

9

26

57

Fall 2014 ASA Sire Summary, as of 10.9.14

SIMTALK

YG

MB

BF

REA $API $TI

Fall 2014 ASA Sire Summary, as of 10.9.14

10 0.0 61 101

64

CW

7 13.1 -.46 .05 -.094 .75 138 69

CW

YG

MB

BF

REA $API $TI

11 29.9 0.01 .46 -.009 .26 128 72



INDUSTRY UPDATE

CONTINUE

“Bacteria have viruses, just as other organisms do,” researchers explained. “We’re taking what already exists in nature and concentrating it to have an impact on these harmful bacteria. Applying this kind of therapy to contaminated foods will make them safer.”

Lean Beef Reduces Heart Risk

belief. The study adds to a growing body of research that indicates that beef, consumed in moderate amounts, actually provides health benefits. The research indicates lean beef can be enjoyed as the predominant protein source in a diet along with fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products to effectively help lower blood pressure, which helps lower risk for cardiovascular disease.

Research from Penn State University has found that eating lean beef can actually reduce risk factors for heart disease, in direct contrast with popular

Voters Ban GMO Crops

SF Atlas Z38

Two-year-old herdsire

Mike and Lyne Wells 70 County Road 824 Selma, AL 36701-0311 334-412-2280 wellsfs@yahoo.com www.cattletoday.com/wells_farm/ Sales: Southern Excellence Sale and Private Treaty Sales.

Wells Farm’s goal is to supply commercial cattlemen with a large group of quality Simmental and SimAngus™ bulls to choose from in a relaxed setting at the farm. We pay special attention to disposition, carcass traits, and conformation. We would like to invite you to become one of our repeat customers who use us each year for their bull purchases.

Lanting Enterprises, LLC Bob, Jim, and John Lanting 2181 B N 2300 E Twin Falls, ID 83301-0643 208-655-4257 Bob’s Home 208-731-6646 Bob’s Cell 208-655-4371 John’s Home lant4257@filertel.com

■ Quality Red and Black Simmental and SimAngusTM Cattle. ■ Private treaty bulls and heifers. ■ 90 Bulls raised each year on high-desert range.

Contact us about our Private Treaty Sales.

Voters in Jackson County, OR, have passed a ballot initiative mandating what crops farmers can or cannot grow. The initiative, which passed by almost a 2 to 1 margin, bans county farmers from growing any genetically modified (GMO) plants. The issue remains contentious in the state and even among the organic, non-GMO community, some see the decision as a bad idea. An official representing the Oregon Farm Bureau organization said: “regrettably, ideology defeated sound science and common sense in this case.”

“Supershedders” Scrutinized Although it is impossible to identify them visually, some cattle grazing in a pasture, may be “supershedders” – meaning that they shed high levels of pathogenic bacteria in their manure. The condition could increase the amount of E. coli 0157 that makes its way from feedlot into packinghouses onto meats that ultimately reach the supermarket. The “0157,” bacterium is apparently harmless to cattle, but can cause vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea or other illnesses such as kidney failure in humans. An estimated 95,000 cases of E. coli infections are reported annually.

Atypical BSE Case Confirmed A second case of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed by Brazilian authorities, one year after a number of countries had banned that country’s beef when a similar case was discovered. A laboratory has confirmed that the latest case is a “spontaneous case of atypical BSE, with no link to contaminated food.” The 12-year-old cow, which was found dead at a slaughterhouse in Mato Grasse state, had never left the farm where she was born and was fed only on grass and mineral salts. The diseased animal was immediately incinerated. CONTINUED ON PAGE 68

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INDUSTRY UPDATE Largest Wind Farm for Wyoming The Power Company of Wyoming has submitted necessary paperwork for an industrial siting permit application for what

CLASSIFIEDS ◆ Simmental, SimAngus™ Bulls: Galant Ltd., HMF D.S., 4 straws: Dakota Sabat, Sovereign, Simbrah or SimGenetics; 5 straws: Extra 8J; 10 straws: Zottel, Black Shield Ltd., others. Embryos. 316-799-2477. ◆ It Pays to Advertise! Cost: $2.00 per word, $24.00 minimum, must be pre-paid. Copy: Must be submitted in writing, along with full payment. Count as one word each: entire address number; entire street; entire phone number; entire name. Mail your classified ad copy and your payment to: the SimTalk Classifieds, 2 Simmental Way, Bozeman, MT 59715.

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has been called the “largest wind energy project in the US.” The Power Company, a wholly owned affiliate of Denver-based Anschutz Corporation, proposes to install 1,000 turbines that would generate enough electricity to power one million homes. The wind farm will be located in the Chokecherry/Sierra Madre region south of Rawlins in southern Wyoming, an area known for its continuous, strong winds.

South Korea Accepts Zilmax South Korea is now allowing certain levels of animal feed additives, thus opening the door to meat containing the growth enhancer, Zilmax, and its sale domestically. Previously, the country had a zero tolerance policy on zilpaterol-based drugs such as Merck and Company’s Zilmax. The feed additive has been under global scrutiny ever since

CONTINUE

a video emerged in the US, which show animals struggling to walk and with other signs of distress after allegedly taking a growth drug. A number of Asian and European countries continue to ban import of such beef due to concerns about side effects.

Harris-Teeter Offers Very Tender Beef The Harris-Teeter grocery chain is the first retailer in the country to offer USDA Certified Very Tender beef. The new certification guarantees consumers the highest-quality tender tasting experience, according to a company press release. Cargill Meat Solutions, which is the major supplier of beef for Harris-Teeter, was the first processor to have its tender program certified by USDA. Cuts eligible for certification include: ribeye, striploin, shortloin, tenderloin and top blade.

ST


Yon Family Farms Angus & SimAngus™ Bull & Female Sale Saturday, November 1 - Ridge Spring Contact: Kevin Yon - 803-622-4140

Southern Excellence Bull Sale Friday, November 21 - Wadley, AL Contact: Rick Whelan - 404-473-6797

Pigeon Mountain Beef Builders Fall Bull Test Sale Saturday, November 1 - Rome Contact: Bruce Van Meter - 770-547-1433

Callaway & McCravy Angus & SimAngus™ Bull & Commercial Female Sale Saturday, November 22 - Carrollton Contact: John Callaway - 770-355-2165

Bull Power Sale Friday, November 7 - Colbert Contact: Adam Verner - 706-474-0091

Calhoun Performance Tested Bull Sale Friday, December 5 - Calhoun Contact: Jason Duggin - 706-624-1403

Gibbs Farms Simmental & SimAngus™ Production Sale Saturday, November 8 - Ranburne, AL Contact: Gordon Hodges - 336-469-0489

Driggers’ Bull Sale Saturday, December 13 - Glennville Contact: Jessie Driggers - 912-237-0608

Timberland Cattle’s 4th Annual Black Angus & SimAngus™ Bull Sale Saturday, November 15 - Vernon, AL Call:205-695-6314 or view catalog @ www.timberlandcattle.com

Pigeon Mountain Beef Builders Spring Bull Test Sale Saturday, February 28, 2015 - Rome, GA Contact: Bruce Van Meter - 770-547-1433

Looking for Simmental/SimAngus™ Bulls? Visit our website to find a breeder near you!

www.georgiasimmental.com


Hooking Up Electronically! How to gain the most benefits from ASA’s expanding electronic media program. By Hannah Wine, Director of Media, Youth and PTP Operation

Even though the world is virtually drowning in information, that information is getting harder and harder to actually use. The ASA’s electronic media is here to answer your questions and provide you with reliable information. Our blogs and forums offer great solutions to benefit you as a reader.

Blogs How they work: A blog is a regularly updated web page designed to quickly provide you with information. The ASA blogs are designed to provide commentary on particular subjects for example the Have You Herd? blog focuses on Total Herd Enrollment and DNA services. ASA’s blogs: • Have You Herd? The latest updates on Total Herd Enrollment and DNA Services. • tReg: An extended electronic version of the Register. Launched in 2013, TREG goes beyond the bounds of print to delve deeper into the stories of Simmental and SimGenetics producers, programs, and happenings. • Herd Data Makes Cent$: The go-to blog for ASA data submission, news, deadlines, and events. Get the information delivered to you: All you need is an email address. Signing up as a blog follower allows you to receive email updates when new stories are posted. Visit the blog you want to follow (links are available at www.simmental.org), on the right hand side of the page you will find a place to enter your email address and click “Follow”; by doing so you will be all set to get email notifications when new pieces are posted. Not to worry, you are not going to start getting tons and tons of emails, the ASA blogs are updated a few times a month and you will only receive emails when there’s something new for you to read.

Forums How they work: A forum is like a message board — it’s an online archival of discussion among members that can be read by anyone and registered users can contribute their thoughts and questions. Think of it like sitting around the counter at your local sale barn over coffee as everyone throws in their two cents to the conversation, only this one is online. ASA’s Science Forum: The Science Forum is designed for cattlemen to exchange ideas and views on science related topics as Drs. Jackie Atkins and Lauren Hyde moderate the forum give you the facts and answers. The link to the forum is accessible from the homepage of www.Simmental.org. ASA’s Science Forum has two main purposes: 1) To provide information on timely topics and subjects our readers want to better understand 2) To provide a platform for our readers to ask questions, comment, or communicate with one another about the topics posted. Get in on the discussion: Anyone can read along with the forum, but in order to contribute to the forum you have to register. If you find a topic on the forum that you want to comment on, you can register by clicking on the register button and creating a user name. Your username can either reveal your identity if you choose so for example, JackieAtkins, or not, SimmentalFan123, that part is up to you. Once you follow the steps of registration you can post replies on the forum to continue discussion with fellow forum users. T

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CALENDAR OCTOBER 24 24-26 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 26 26 27 28 31

Buckles & Banners Sale — West Point, IA Simbrah Synergy VII — Giddings, TX 7P Ranch Annual Fall Bull & Female Sale — Tyler, TX Fliehman Family and Guests New Edition Fall Female Sale — Richmond, IN Flying H Genetics Fall Bull Sale — Lowry City, MO McNeill Farms Performance Bull and Female Sale — Seagrove, NC Midwest Made and Friends Simmental Sale — Prairie City, IA Pennsylvania Fall Classic Sale — Waynesburg, PA Tanner Farms Pasture Performance-Tested Bull Sale — Shuqualak, MS (pg. 11) Heartland Performance with Class Sale — Waverly, IA The 2nd Annual Social Simmental Sale — Urbana, OH (pg. 59) Rust Mountain View “Queens of the Pasture” Sale — Turtle Lake, ND Williams Cattle Company’s Show Heifer and Donor Prospect Sale — Follett, TX 20th Annual Hokie Harvest Sale — Blacksburg, VA

NOVEMBER 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 7 7 8 8 8 8 13-15 15 15 15 16 19 21 21 22 22 22 22-25 22 23 23 28 29 29 29 30 30

Irvine Ranch 10th Annual Production Sale — Manhattan, KS Jones Show Cattle’s High Standards Female Sale — Harrod, OH) Lady Diva Production Sale — Centerville, IA Land of Lincoln Sale — Altamont, IL Michigan Simmental Association’s Fall Sale — St. Louis, MI (pg. 63) Pigeon Mountain Simmental’s Fall Bull Test Sale — Rome, GA (pg. 69) Professional Beef Genetics Bull Sale — Windsor, MO Yon Family Farms Bull and Female Sale — Ridge Spring, SC (pg. 69) Hawkeye Simmental Sale — Bloomfield, IA Bull Power Sale — Colbert, GA (pg. 69) NLC Simmental Female Production Sale — Wessington, SD Deer Creek Farm Simmental Sale — Lowesville, VA (pg. 66) Gibbs Farms’ 9th Annual Bull & Replacement Female Sale — Ranburne, AL (pgs. 88-89) Moser Ranch 23rd Bull Sale — Wheaton, KS (pg. 33) Western Showcase Sale — Moses Lake, WA Two Fast Nickels Online Bull Sale — www.cattleinmotion.com JRW Farms’ 2nd Annual “Fall Harvest” Private Treaty Bull Sale — Seminary, MS (pg. 67) Timberland Cattle’s Best-of-the-Black Angus & SimAngus™ Bull Sale — Vernon, AL (pgs. 28, 69) Trauernicht Simmental Nebraska Platinum Standard Sale — Beatrice, NE Hudson Pines Farm The Living Legacy X Sale — Campbellsburg, KY North American Select Simmental Sale — Louisville, KY (pg. 61) RJ Cattle Company’s Online Sale — www.breedersworld.com “Southern Excellence” Bull Sale — Wadley, AL (pgs. 71, 84) Callaway and McCravy Angus & SimAngus™ Bull and Commercial Female Sale — Carrollton, GA (pg. 69) Missouri Simmental Association’s Fall Roundup Sale — Springfield, MO Shenandoah’s Shining Stars — Quicksburg, VA (pg. 52) LMC “Giving THANKS” Donation Online Sale — www.cattleinmotion Yardley Cattle Company’s Focus on the Female Sale — Beaver, UT North Central Simmental Fall Classic — Hubbard, IA Red Dirt Divas Female Sale — Marshall, OK Ruby Cattle Co. “Livin’ The Dream” Production Sale — Murray, IA Foxy Ladies Bred Heifer Sale — West Point, NE (pg. 32) Genetic Perfection Sale — Fremont, NE Trennepohl Farms Right By Design Sale — Middletown, IN (pg. 51) Cow Time Sale — Wahoo, NE The Chosen Few at Janssen Farms — Gilmore City, IA

DECEMBER 5 5 5-7 6 6 6 6 8 9-10 10 13 13

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All Black and White Bull & Female Sale — Montgomery, AL Calhoun Performance Tested Bull Sale — Calhoun (pg. 69) Hoosier Beef Congress Junior Show and Sale — Indianapolis, IN Jewels of the Northland Sale — Clara City, MN Montana’s Choice Simmental Sale — Billings, MT (pg. 57) Next Step Cattle Company’s Annual Bull Sale — Auburn, AL (pg. 73) Pleasant Hill Farms "December to Remember" Sale — Rockfield, KY (pgs. 12, 80) Dakota Made Production Sale — Salem, SD J&C Simmentals Female Sale — DPonlinesales.com (pg. 32) Double Bar D Farms Simmental “She’s Got The Look” Female Sale — Grenfell, SK Strickland - Driggers Bull Sale — Glennville, GA (pg. 68-69) Hartman Cattle Company’s 19th Annual Customer Appreciation Sale — Tecumseh, NE CONTINUED ON PAGE 74



CALENDAR

CONTINUED

DECEMBER

(Cont.) 13 North Alabama Bull Evaluation Sale — Cullman, AL 13 North Dakota Simmental Association’s Showcase/Classic Sale — Mandan, ND (pg. 58) 13 Pride of the Prairie Simmental Sale — Seymour, IL 13 Purdue Golden Girls Cow Sale — West Lafayette, IN 13 Value By Design Female Sale — Anita, IA (pg. 65) 20 Season Finale XII — Hillsboro, OH 20 South Dakota Simmental Source Sale — Worthing, SD

JANUARY 2015

The purpose of the Have You Herd blog is to: ■ Provide up-to-date information on Total Herd Enrollment (THE) and DNA services. ■ Be able to communicate instantly with members on related topics.

Topics posted so far include: ■ Total Herd Enrollment • Inventory submission, how to enroll females • Staying in compliance, how to report calf data • Billing announcements ■ DNA • How to order a DNA kit • DNA requirements • Invoicing • Expected testing timeline • TraitTrac guide

How to follow the blog: Stay up-to-date and receive an email notification for each blog post by visiting www.simmental.org/haveyouherd and selecting the +Follow option at the bottom right of the screen. Enter in your email address and select sign me up. We’re hoping that the blog will be a great resource for members to access with any questions regarding THE and DNA services. If you have an idea for a blog post, please email to lwells@simmgene.com.

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3 10-25 10 16-2/7 17 17 19 20 24 25 26 28 30 31

Royal Edge Sale — Ames, IA (pg. 39) National Western Stock Show — Denver, CO Tanner Farms Pasture Performance-Tested Bull Sale — Wiggins, MS (pg. 11) Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo — Fort Worth, TX SimMagic On Ice — Denver, CO University of Florida Bull Test Sale — Greenwood, FL National Western “The One” Simmental Sale — Denver, CO Wild Wild West Sale — Brighton, CO Forster Farms 36th Annual Production Sale — Smithfield, NE Triangle J Ranch Annual Production Sale — Miller, NE Fort Worth Stock Show Junior Simmental/Simbrah Shows — Fort Worth, TX Sioux Empire Simmental Show & Sale — Sioux Falls, SD Fort Worth Stock Show Open Simmental Show — Fort Worth, TX Double J Farms’ 41st Annual Private Treaty Simmental Bid Bull Sale — Garretson, SD (pg. 28) 31 J&C Simmentals Annual Bull Sale — West Point, NE (pg. 32)

FEBRUARY 1 2 4 5 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 14 14 14-22 14 15 16 16 19 19-22 20 20

Traunernicht Simmental Nebraska Platinum Standard Bull Sale — Beatrice, NE 35th Annual Gateway “Breeding Value” Bull Sale — Lewistown, MT (pg. IBC) Begger’s Diamond V Big Sky Genetic Source Bull Sale — Wibaux, MT Stavick Simmental’s 15th “King of the Range” Bull Sale — Aberdeen, SD Black Hills Stock Show and Sale — Rapid City, SD Dixie National Simmental Sale — Jackson, MS Olrichs/Felt Farms Bull Sale — Norfolk, NE (pg. 32, 55) Prickly Pear Simmentals Made In Montana Sale — Helena, MT (pg. 29) Ruby Cattle Co. & RS&T Simmental Performance Bull Sale — Lamoni, IA Springer Simmentals Sale of Value Based Genetics — Decorah, IA Blue River Gang’s 33rd Annual Simmental, SimAngus™ & Angus Production Sale — Rising City, NE Hartman Cattle Company’s Simmental Bull Sale — Tecumseh, NE Rydeen Farms 17th Annual “Vision” Sale — Clearbrook, MN Annual Iowa Simmental Sale — Des Moines Edge of the West Bull and Female Sale — Mandan, ND (pg. 29) Bata Brothers/Olafson Brothers 18th Annual Joint Simmental Bull and Female Sale — Rugby, ND Werning Cattle Co. Production Sale — Emery, SD River Creek Farms 25th Annual Production Sale — Manhattan, KS (pgs. 9, 33) Traxinger Simmental Annual Bull Sale — Claremont, SD 10th Annual Bichler-Johnson “Quality Not Quantity” Production Sale — Linton, ND Hart Simmental Beef Builder Bull Sale — Frederick, SD (pg. 53) Lassle Ranch Simmental’s 22nd Annual Production Sale — Glendive, MT Anchor D Ranch Simmentals Bull Sale — Rimbey, AB Hook Farms’ “Bred for Balance” Sale — Tracy, MN (pg. 79) Mader Ranches’ 26th Annual Bull Power and Select Female Sale — Carstairs, AB (pg. 77) TNT Simmentals’ 30th Annual “Genetic Explosion” Sale — Almont, ND (pg. 29) Watertown Winter Farm Show and Sale — Watertown, SD Bar CK Cattle Company’s Money Maker Bull Sale — Culver, OR Berger’s SimAngus™ Hybrid Bull Sale — North Platte, NE (pg. 15) Grass-Lunning Bulls-Eye Bonanza Sale — LeRoy, MN JRW Farms’ 2nd Annual “Spring Round-Up Bull Sale — Seminary, MS Kenner Simmentals’ 19th Annual Sale — Leeds, ND Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Simmental Show and Sale — Kearney, NE Rhodes Angus Open House Bull Sale — Carlinville, IL Houck Rock Creek Ranch, Spring Private Treaty Bull Sale — Allen, KS Bulls of the Big Sky — Billings, MT (pg. 25) Dakota Power Bull Sale — Valley City, ND Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale — Springfield, IL Illinois Beef Expo — Springfield, IL Dakota Xpress Annual Bull and Female Sale — Mandan, ND (pg. 29) R&R Cattle Company’s Annual Bull and Female Production Sale —

ST



Rates and Policies Ad Sales Staff For All Your Advertising Needs

S

imTalk is an 8 1/8 x 10 7/8 inch publication produced by the Register, the official publication of the American Simmental Association. Published four times annually, SimTalk is a glossy, full-color publication with a circulation of 50,000+ and targets commercial users of SimGenetics. Advertising in SimTalk provides a unique opportunity to brand and trademark your program to thousands of potential customers. If you are serious about communicating with the commercial beef business, consider an advertising presence in every one of our four annual issues. Space and four-color rates for SimTalk: Space Rates

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Subscriptions • Domestic $50/year • First Class $100/year • All International $100/year (US)

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May 8

May 22

June 8

Send all ad materials to: register@simmgene.com or Fax: 406-587-8853 A non-refundable fee of $50.00 will be assessed if a client does not meet deadlines or if the client commits to advertising and cancels after the deadline or if the ad must be dropped to ensure on time publication. Advertising materials (including photos) must be in SimTalk office by the dates listed above. SimTalk, which mails by bulk rate, assumes no responsibility for actual receipt date. Design Charges Advertising rates are for camera-ready ads only. Additional design charges will apply to any ad that is designed by ASA Publication, Inc. Layouts & Proofs Although every effort will be made to provide proofs on all ads, proofs are guaranteed only if all ad material arrives in SimTalk office prior to deadline. Terms All accounts are due and payable as invoiced. Interest charges of 1.5 percent per month (18 percent APR) will be added to accounts 30 days past due. If an account becomes 60 days delinquent, all ASA Publication, Inc. work may be suspended until full payment is made. After review by the ASA Executive Committee, ASA privileges may be denied to those with accounts over 90 days delinquent.

Advertising Content SimTalk and its staff assume no responsibility or obligation to verify the accuracy and truthfulness of advertising copy submitted to SimTalk. However, SimTalk reserves the right to reject any advertising copy or photo which SimTalk deems unsuitable for publication for any reason, including copy or photographs which are false or misleading. SimTalk assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of submitted print ready ads. Advertisers shall indemnify and hold harmless SimTalk for any claims concerning advertising content as submitted. Advertising containing pedigrees or statements regarding performance must conform to records kept by the American Simmental Association. Copy deviating from official records may be changed as necessary without advertiser consent. Editorial Policy Opinions expressed are the writers’ and not necessarily those of SimTalk. Photographs are welcome, but no responsibility is assumed for material while in transit or while in the office.

c/o the Register 2 Simmental Way Bozeman, Montana 59715-9733 USA 406-587-2778 • Fax 406-587-8853 register@simmgene.com



AD INDEX Alabama

Arkansas

Genex Custom Collection . . . . . . . . . 62 Gibbs Farms . . . . . . . . . . 85, 87, 88, 89 Moore Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Next Step Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Southern Excellence . . . . . . . . . . 71, 84 Timberland Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Wells Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Whelan Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

E&J Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

California

Bridle Bit Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Lechleiter Simmentals. . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Premium Sourced Cattle, LLC. . . . . . 83 SRS Red Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Bruin Ranch Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Circle Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Georgia

Colorado Altenburg Super Baldy Ranch LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 28

Boyett Angus Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Davis Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Driggers Simmental Farm . . . . . . . . . 68 Georgia Simmental Simbrah Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Strickland Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition . . . . . 71

Idaho H&H Livestock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Lanting Enterprises, LLC. . . . . . . . . . 66 RYMO Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Illinois AKA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Allied Genetic Resources . . . 1, 7, 9, 21, 37, 41, 47, 56, 57, 62, 65, 75, 78, 79, 82, 85, 86, 87, 88, IBC Dwyer Cattle Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Hopewell Views Simmentals . . . . . . . 32 KA Cattle Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Martin Cattle Sales, Larry . . . . . . . . . 62 Rhodes Angus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Saline River Cattle Company . . . . . . 54 Wildberry Farms Simmental Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 85

Indiana Clover Valley Simmentals . . . . . . . . . 71 Krieger Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Trennepohl Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Iowa Brink Fleckvieh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Denning Farms Simmentals . . . . . . . 39 E&B Arthur Land and Cattle . . . . . . . 39 Fitzsimmons, Jeff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Grand View Cattle Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . 51 HRM Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Jass Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 JonyRoc SimAngus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 LaMar Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Long’s Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Ruble Cattle Services . . . 13, 63, 71, 84 Sieren, Jayme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Springer Simmental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Steinbronn Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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AD INDEX Iowa (continued) Stolee, Wes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 The Royal Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Timber Ridge Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Value By Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Willie Morris Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Kansas Cow Camp Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . 85, 87 Hofmann Simmental Farms . . . . . . . 20

CONTINUED

Pelton Red Angus • SimAngus • Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 River Creek Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 SEK Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Cow Camp Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Dixson Farms, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Gold Bullion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Hofmann Simmental Farms . . . . . . . 33 Kaser Brothers Simmental . . . . . . . . 33 Moser Ranch, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

River Creek Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Rock Creek Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Sunflower Genetics LLC . . . . . . . . . . 33 ART-JEN Simmental Farm . . . . . . . . 90 Jensen Simmentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Kentucky DP Sales Management . . . . . . . . 52, 61 Pleasant Hill Farms . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 80 Sunset View Farms . . . . . . . . . . . 55, 71

Louisiana Genex Custom Collection . . . . . . . . . 62 Global Fleckvieh Genetics . . . . . . . . 90 Rugged R Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Robinson Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Michigan Freedom Run Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 J Bar J Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 J/C Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Michigan Simmental Association. . . . 63 Salinas Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Triple Z Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Minnesota Clear Springs Cattle Company . . . . . 79 Eberspacher Enterprises. . . . . . . . . . 48 Hook Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Mueller Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Oak Meadow Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Polzin Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Sargeant Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Mississippi Fenton Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 JRW Farms, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35, 67 Little Creek Farm, LLC . . . . . . . . 35, 90 Rockhill Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Tanner Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 35

Missouri Cattle Visions. . . . . . . 22, 23, 51, 61, 62 Flying H Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Genex Custom Collection . . . . . . . . . 62 Lucas Cattle Company . . . . . . . . 28, 72 Rotert Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Royer, Jared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 RS&T Simmentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

CONTINUED ON PAGE 82

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AD INDEX Montana Bulls of the Big Sky . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 41 Gateway Simmental & Lucky Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . 85, IBC Genex Custom Collection . . . . . . . . . 62 Hill’s Ranch Simmental . . 16, 17, 57, 29 Koch Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Konesky Simmentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Lassle Simmental Ranch . . . . . . . . . 57 Little Bitterroot Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

CONTINUED

Miller Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 57 Montana’s Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Nelson Livestock Company. . . . . 29, 57 Open 8 Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Open Gate Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 ORIgen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 75 Peck Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Prickly Pear Simmental Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 57, 64 Roberts Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

TSR Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Universal Semen Sales, Inc. . . . . . . . 62 Yurian, Dennis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Nebraska Berger’s Herdmaster Bulls . . . . . 15, 32 Felt Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Flying H Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Forster Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Gengenbach Cattle Company . . . . . . 32 J&C Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Nebraska Platinum Standard . . . . . . 48 Neuman, Chris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Sandy Acres Simmental . . . . . . . . 4, 32 Sloup Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 State Line Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Trauernicht Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . 48 Triangle J Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Volk Livestock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Western Cattle Source . . . . . . . . . . . 32

North Carolina Fred Smith Company Ranch . . . . . . . 85

North Dakota Dakota Xpress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Ellingson Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 James Creek Simmental . . . . . . . . . . 90 Keller Broken Heart Ranch . . . . . . . . 29 Kenner Simmentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 North Dakota Simmental Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Olafson Brothers Simmentals . . . . . . 29 SRF Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 SYS Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 TNT Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Oklahoma Lazy U Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Morris Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Willis Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Ohio Hearthstone Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Phelps Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Scheiderer Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Select Sires . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 68, 75, 85 Strausbaughs Black Simmental . . . . 59 The Social . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Oregon Bar CK Cattle Company . . . . . . . . . . 28 CONTINUED ON PAGE 84

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AD INDEX

CONTINUED

Pennsylvania

Texas

Washington

SVJ and D & D Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Bois d’Arc Land & Cattle Co. . . . . . . . 33 Branch Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Brush Country Bulls. . . . . . . . . . . 33, 56 Burch Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Diamond RF Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Filegonia Cattle Company . . . . . . . . . 56 Flying F Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Fullblood Simmental Fleckvieh Federation . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Palmore, Sophie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pine Ridge Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Reavis Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 RX Simbrah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Shipman, Jered, Auctioneer . . . . . . . 62 Smith Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Southwestern Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Trinity Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

South Carolina Baxley Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

South Dakota 3C Christensen Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Benda Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Double J Farms Simmental Cattle. . . 28 Eichacker Simmentals. . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Genex Custom Collection . . . . . . . . . 62 Hart Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 NLC Simmental Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . 47 S/M Fleckvieh Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 South Dakota State University . . . . . 87 Traxinger Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Werning Cattle Company . . . . . . . . . 28

Tennessee Martin Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 R&R Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Red Hill Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 86 Slate Farms & Cattle Company . . . . . 32

Virginia Deer Creek Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Rocky Hollow Farm Simmental Cattle 35 Shenandoah Valley Simmentals . . . . 52

Wisconsin ABS Global, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 28 Accelerated Genetics . . . . . . . . . . 5, 62 Genex Cooperative, Inc. . . 9, 62, 81, 87 KA Cattle Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Canada Double Bar D Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Mader Ranches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Associations American Chianina Association . . . IFC American Gelbvieh Association . . . IFC American Maine-Anjou Association IFC American Shorthorn Association . . IFC American Simmental Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC, 60 Canadian Angus Association . . . . . IFC Canadian Gelbvieh Association . . . IFC Canadian Limousin Association . . . IFC Canadian Shorthorn Association . . IFC CONTINUED ON PAGE 86

84

SIMTALK


■ Ranks high for a long list of traits. ■ Combines Regis and Stetson — two solid cowmaker sires. ■ Use to boost maternal strength without sacrificing performance.

Semen: $20/unit Semen available through Select Sires SELECT 614-873-4683 www.selectsiresbeef.com

SIRES INC.

Homozygous Black Homozygous Polled S A V Final Answer 0035 Sire: Coleman Regis 904 Coleman Donna 714 Direct Trait

CE

BW WW

RCR Stetson T17 Dam: GIBBS 9128W Mabelle N341 BF N341 BSD Mabelle BG32 Maternal

YW

ASA#: 2657403 1/2 SM 1/2 AN

Carcass

MCE Milk MWW Stay DOC CW YG Marb Fat

$ Index REA

Shr

API

TI

EPD

12.7 -0.8 80.1 120.3 11.2 30.0 70.0

11.3 39.8 -.16

.57 .009 .94

-.26 152.8 88.0

ACC

.51 .68

.28

.43 .31

.41

.26

15

15

%

.54

.51

.26

.27

.34

2

5

20

10

1

.34

.33 5

10

2

Fall 2014 ASA Sire Summary, as of 10.8.14

Hanover, Illinois Jim Berry 815-777-1107 www.wildberryfarms.net Clayton, North Carolina Fred Smith 919-422-4092

■ Incredible numbers for $API and $TI. ■ Attractive, sound and muscular with an expansive midsection. ■ Offers an impressive combination of Calving Ease, Growth and Carcass Merit.

Semen: $25/unit Semen available through Select Sires SELECT 614-873-4683 www.selectsiresbeef.com

SIRES INC.

Homozygous Black Homozygous Polled G A R US Premium Beef Sire: GW Premium Beef 021TS GW Miss Lucky Charm 410P Direct Trait

CE

BW WW

GW Predestined 701T Dam: GW Miss GPRD 123X GW Miss Maternal 523P

Maternal YW

ASA#: 2694778 5/8 SM 3/8 AN

Carcass

MCE Milk MWW Stay DOC CW YG Marb Fat

$ Index REA

Shr

API

TI

EPD 14.7 0.9 73.1 129.8 10.7 25.1 61.7

14.0 49.2 -.23 1.00 -.016 1.09 -0.53 174.4 94.2

ACC

.52 .72

.41

.44

.29

.17

%

15

10

2

20

Fall 2014 ASA Sire Summary, as of 10.8.14

.27

.31 15

10

.38 .27 2

.40 1

.26

.31

.20

1

10

2

1

Lewistown, Montana Jim Butcher 406-350-0467 www.gatewaysimmental.com

Cow Camp Ranch Lost Springs, Kansas Kent, Mark & Nolan Brunner785-983-4483 www.cowcampbeef.com


AD INDEX Associations (continued) Canadian Simmental Association . . IFC Fullblood Simmental Fleckvieh Federation . . . . . . . . . . 90 Georgia Simmental Simbrah Association . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Michigan Simmental Association. . . . 63 North American Limousin Foundation . . . . . . . . . IFC

CONTINUED

North Dakota Simmental Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Red Angus Association of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC

Livestock Services ABS Global, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 28 Accelerated Genetics . . . . . . . . . . 5, 62 Allflex USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Allied Genetic Resources . . . 1, 7, 9, 21, 37, 41, 47, 56, 57, 62, 65, 75, 78, 79, 82, 85, 86, 87, 88, IBC Cattle Visions. . . . . . . 22, 23, 51, 61, 62 CattleInDemand.com . . . . . . . . . 12, 80 CattleUSA.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 DP Sales Management . . . . . . . . 52, 61 DVAuction . . . . 17, 37, 41, 52, 58, 57, 65, 79, 88 Dwyer Cattle Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Eberspacher Enterprises. . . . . . . . . . 48 GeneSeek a Neogen Company . . . . 60 Genex Cooperative, Inc. . . 9, 62, 81, 87 Genex Custom Collection . . . . . . . . . 62 Great Plains Livestock Consulting, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 International Genetic Solutions (IGS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC LiveAuctions.tv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 39 Loomix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Martin Cattle Sales, Larry . . . . . . . . . 62 ORIgen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 75 R&R Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Ritchey Livestock ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Ruble Cattle Services . . . 13, 63, 71, 84 SEK Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Select Sires . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 68, 75, 85 Shipman, Jered, Auctioneer . . . . . . . 62 Silo & Co Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Superior Productions . . . . 1, 21, 75, IBC Universal Semen Sales, Inc. . . . . . . . 62 Zoetis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Miscellaneous ASA DNA HD . . . . . . . . . . 13, 51, 85, 87 ASA Performance AdvocateFC, 6, 14, 29, 32, 33, 86 ASA Publication, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 49, 50 ASA Science Forum . . . . 35, 48, 49, 62 BFI Producer of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Carcass Merit Program (CMP). . . . . . . . 28, 32, 62, 85, 86, 87 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Data=Cent$. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Have you Herd? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33, 49 Sales Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 29 SimGenetics Profit Through Science . . . . . . . . . . IFC, 60 SimTalk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49, 50 Total Herd Enrollment (THE) . . . . . . . . . . 28, 29, 32, 33, 35, 56, 66 tReg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 42, 49

ST 86

SIMTALK


■ “Slam-Dunk” calving ease heifer bull for all breeds. ■ Combined CE and BW EPDs rank #1 for all SimAngusTM bulls over 80 lb. YW EPD and also for all SimAngusTM bulls with BW accuracy .80 or higher. ■ Unique combination of calving ease, muscle, structural soundness and eye appeal. ■ Sired the high-selling sire group at the recent Cow Camp Ranch 2014 Bull Sale where 20 sons averaged $7,260.

Semen: $18/unit Semen available through Genex 888-333-1783 • www.crinet.com

Homozygous Black Homozygous Polled Nichols Legacy G151 Sire: Hooks Shear Force 38K C&D Tracy Direct Trait

CE

BW WW

ALC Big Eye D09N Dam: S D S Queen 814U S D S Queen 443P Maternal

YW

ASA#: 2548143 5/8 SM 3/8 AN

Carcass

MCE Milk MWW Stay DOC CW YG Marb Fat

Shr

API

TI

12.8 32.6 60.1

15.3 14.4 -.41

.25 -.012 1.23 -.66 164.5 74.8

ACC

.35

.35

.45

.59

.56

10

3

20

%

1

.76

.76

1

.56 .44

3

Brookings, SD 605-688-4025 www.sdstate.edu

$ Index REA

EPD 20.8 -6.7 54.9 90.6 .68 .83

South Dakota State University

.51

2

.51

.37

1

1

Cow Camp Ranch Lost Springs, Kansas Kent, Mark & Nolan Brunner 785-983-4483 www.cowcampbeef.com

4

Fall 2014 ASA Sire Summary, as of 10.8.14

■ The very popular, high-selling bull from the 2013 Gibbs Farms Sale, he was admired by good cattlemen from every sector of the industry. ■ Enormous dimension of body in a smaller frame size, traveling with such softness is nearly impossible to find in a Purebred Simmental bull. ■ Bullet Proof truly is that unique Purebred Simmental sire the industry has been looking for, the one that needs to be bred to a lot of cows.

Semen: $25/unit Semen available through Genex 888-333-1783 • www.crinet.com

Homozygous Black Homozygous Polled Ellingson Legacy M229 Sire: Mr NLC Upgrade U8676 Ms. NLC Mojo S6119 B Direct

Maternal YW

ASA#: 2723103 PB SM

Carcass

CE

EPD

9.4 1.5 73.8 108.5 10.5 33.0 69.9 16.7 10.3 36.2 -.40

.58 -.055 1.14 -.25 144.4 86.6

ACC

.31 .37

.39

.33

.35

15

15

MCE Milk MWW Stay DOC CW YG Marb Fat

$ Index

Trait

%

BW WW

BF L115 Stars-N-Stripes Dam: WDG Ms. P342 WDG Miss DC Stock M444

.26

Fall 2014 ASA Sire Summary, as of 10.8.14

.28

.30

3

1

.09

.16

.29 .25 20

15

1

.25

REA

.31 3

Shr

API

TI

.22 10

1

290 Cow Path Lane Georgetown, SC 299440 Lloyd & Connie Baxley Home: 843-527-144 Cell: 843-325-8821 Jessie Baxley: 843-325-6146 gocutacow@yahoo.com







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