March 2014 online

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March 2014

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California Cattlemen’s Association OFFICERS PRESIDENT

Tim Koopmann, Sunol

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Billy Flournoy, Likely

SECOND VICE PRESIDENTS Fred Chamberlin, Los Olivos David Daley, Ph.D., Oroville Rich Ross, Lincoln

TREASURER

Jack Hanson, Susanville

STAFF

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Billy Gatlin

VICE PRESIDENT GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Justin Oldfield

DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Kirk Wilbur

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Lisa Pherigo

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Stevie Ipsen

ASSOCIATE DIR. OF COMMUNICATIONS Malorie Bankhead

Office Administrator

Katie Almand

PUBLICATION SERVICES OFFICE & CIRCULATION

Office: (916) 444-0845 • Fax: (916) 444-2194

MANAGING EDITOR

Stevie Ipsen stevie@calcattlemen.org

ADVERTISING SALES/FIELD SERVICES

by CCA Second Vice President David Daley, Ph.D.

With 2014 now in full swing, all of the California cattle community has been focused on the historic drought and the challenge of finding (and affording) pasture, supplemental feed and water. The recent series of storms brought welcome relief to parts of the state, although we all realize that we have not come close to solving the problem. In Butte County, east of Oroville, early February’s storms ended up bringing 10 to 15 inches of rain, with the foothills (cattle country) only getting 3-5! With that said, Lake Oroville which is a cornerstone of the California water project is at historically low levels. We can only hope that the rest of the spring can add to the total precipitation. It becomes easy to focus on the negative and quickly forget the many blessings that we have as cattle producers. Markets remain remarkably high. If you are going to have to cull/reduce/liquidate part or all of your herd—at least it is with a cattle market that few of us have ever witnessed. When you see big steer calves sell for over $1100 a head (and sometimes more), it all can’t be bad! Demand for beef products is stable and we are seeing a slight upward tick. If the price doesn’t get too high for the consumer, that demand will continue to grow. Consumers enjoy beef and the export market continues to expand, adding significant value to every animal we produce. It is not just American consumers who like our beef, it is the world! And, finally, I am optimistic about the future of our cattle business because of the bright, hardworking college students I see every day who are interested, committed and capable. They are the face of the future and that gives me great confidence. It is easy to become pessimistic when we see the challenges we face, but it is always important and humbling to put it in context.

Matt Macfarlane (916) 803-3113 mmacfarlane@wildblue.net BILLING SERVICES Lisa Pherigo lisa@calcattlemen.org

A few years ago, I stopped to feed very early one morning at one of the ranches. My parents met me there--(probably making sure I did it the right way). It was raining, muddy, cold and things looked a little bleak. Not a good day to be an optimist. My dad, who was in his early 80s at the time, pulled a paper from his worn Carhart jacket, handed it to me and said… “it’s never as tough as you think.” When I unfolded the neatly kept document, it was a receipt from 1933, when he was just a 7-year-old boy. His father (my granddad) had sold 500-pound calves that fall for 3.5 cents per pound—about $16 per animal. And the cull cows on the same tag brought 1.5 cents per pound for an 1100 pound cow—$16 again! I realize our expenses today are much higher, but if you have the privilege of knowing someone raised in the depression, they really understood tough times! When you were raised in the depression, have seen droughts, floods, highs, lows and everything in between, it certainly gives perspective. Look at the current markets, the demand, the export opportunities and the bright future of the next generation. As Dad said, we don’t have it as tough as we think. Life is not about avoiding the ruts in the road. Life is the ruts in the road. It is how you navigate them that counts. As always, you have a great CCA staff committed to working to solve your issues and promote the viability of the California cattle community. I know they welcome your calls, and if I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me or one of your CCA officers.

SERVING CALIFORNIA BEEF PRODUCERS SINCE 1917 Bolded names and businesses in editorial represent only current members of the California Cattlmen’s Association or California CattleWomen, Inc. For questions about your membership status, contact the CCA office at (916) 444-0845. The California Cattleman is published monthly except July/August is combined by the California Cattlemen’s Association, 1221 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, for $20/year, or as part of the annual membership dues. All material and photos within may not be reproduced without permission from publisher. National Advertising Group: The Cattle Connection/The Powell Group, 4162-B Carmichael Ct, Montgomer, AL 36106, (334) 271-6100. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: California Cattleman, 1221 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

4 California Cattleman March 2014


MARCH 2014

THE COVER

Volume 97, Issue 3

ASSOCIATION PERSPECTIVES

CATTLEMEN’S COLUMN optimism during unprecedented times

4

BUNKHOUSE 8 CCA staffer takes on new role

CATTLEMEN’S UPDATE 10 legislative session underway

VET VIEWS 12 new drugs on the market for beef producers

PROGESSIVE PRODUCER 14 an innovative approach to facing foothill abortion

COUNCIL COMMUNICATOR 38 FUTURE FOCUS 50 RANGELAND TRUST TALK

52

SPECIAL FEATURES

Californians represent industry in Nashville 18 Bengard Ranches holds unique history

20

The nuts and bolts of lackluster farm bill

32

Insight about the future of the beef market

36

What can A.I. do for your operation?

42

Q&A with Temple Grandin, Ph.D.

53

This month’s cover photo, taken by Kelli Toledo of Trailhead Designs, Visalia, depicts the kind of quality cattle you can find through the marketing experts at Visalia Livestock Market (VLM), Templeton Livetock Market (TLM) and RoundupCattle.com. Raised in San Luis Obispo County, Col. Randy Baxley (pictured at right) graduated from the Missouri School of Auctioneering in 1993 and has been serving California beef producers since © THD that time. Baxley has owned and operated VLM and TLM since 1994 and 2001, respectively. He has also been involved in Internet cattle sales since 2001, working as both an auctioneer and representative. Together with his partners Bill Freeman, Chris Nelson and Pete Holman, RoundupCattle.com has been off and running since 2011, holding sales five days a week on www.roundupcattle.com, with live Internet auctions held monthly. Along with his wife Beth and children Bailey and Taylor, Baxley stays busy with all facets of the livestock marketing business. The Baxleys are dedicated to customer service and pride themselves on being covering a complete gamet of services to both livestock buyers and sellers. Backed by an experienced and dependable staff, VLM and TLM customers are offered a variety of marketing options from the weekly sale barn events to special periodic bred cow and pair sales. Coupled with Internet video marketing, order buying, processing facilities and a full spectrum of value-added programs to help increase the value of your cattle. Whether it’s each Wednesday in Visalia, every Saturday in Templeton or five days a week via the Internet, be sure to give these marketing experts a try. You won’t be disappointed. For a full schedule of upcoming special sales, visit www. visalialivestock.com. If you ever need assistance marketing your livestock, don’t hesitate to contact Randy Baxley at (559) 906-9760.

READER SERVICES

Bull Buyers’ Guide 54 Obituaries 60 Index of Advertisers 61 Cattlemen’s Report & Advertisers Index

65

© THD

Randy , Taylor

, Baile

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© THD

Beth B axley


6 California Cattleman March 2014


TY YORK RANCHES

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March 2014 California Cattleman 7


BUNKHOUSE Keeping Ranchers Ranching The importance of dues dollars to your way of life by CCA Director of Government Relations Kirk Wilbur Last month I had the privilege of transitioning from the role of membership and office administrator at the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) to director of government relations. While I am excited by the prospect of advocating on behalf of CCA’s membership to protect and promote cattle ranching in the state, I have also immensely enjoyed the opportunity to work for you in a membership capacity for the past nine months. It has been a pleasure to get to know those of you who have called in with questions or concerns, and who have introduced yourselves at midyear, convention or fall tour meetings, and I greatly appreciate the warm welcome and introduction to your industry that you’ve given me. As I see it, membership in CCA is primarily important for three reasons. First, the more cattle ranchers and allies who become members, the more representative CCA is of California’s cattle industry as a whole. CCA is the only organization in California with the sole aim of protecting and preserving California’s cattle business, and as such, the work we do has the potential to impact all cattle ranchers in the state. By becoming more representative of the industry throughout California, the association is better situated to advocate on behalf

of California’s cattlemen as a whole. Secondly, larger membership strengthens CCA’s power to lobby and advocate on behalf of the industry. Ultimately, legislators are beholden to their constituencies, and the more individuals who make their support of the industry clear through membership in the association, the more likely policymakers are to recognize the importance of protecting California’s cattle industry. Finally, greater membership means increased dues revenue, and increased monetary resources for the association. Additional resources not only improve our ability to protect, preserve and promote your way of life, but also permit us to extend additional benefits to our membership. I’m largely preaching to the choir here—if you’re reading this, chances are that you’re already a CCA member. But I encourage you all to further strengthen the association by reaching out to those you know in the industry who are not members, or to those whose memberships may have lapsed, and to urge them to join or rejoin. Membership in CCA, by itself, isn’t enough. It is also vitally important that you make your voice heard. Call us to discuss the issues you’re facing and what we can do to help. Tell us what your stance is on a particular issue, so that we can better advocate on your behalf. Attend the CCA midyear meeting and convention, and take an active role in voting on and setting CCA’s policy priorities. CCA’s membership is already strong and involved—my hope is that it gets even larger and more active as we move forward. As I move into my new government affairs position, I look forward to hearing from you about how proposed laws and regulations would affect your way of life, and what I and the rest of CCA’s dedicated

8 California Cattleman March 2014

Kirk Wilbur staff can do to make your job easier. Even before I transitioned over to the government affairs role, I received calls encouraging me to focus in on particular issues important to CCA members. CCA Treasurer Jack Hanson, Susanville, called me up to discuss the importance of fighting the petition to list the Grey Wolf under the California Endangered Species Act, and I’ve been working with CCA Vice President of Government Relations Justin Oldfield to get up to speed on the issue and continue the valuable work that he and past staff have done. Similarly CCA members Mike and Matt Byrne have spoken with me about public lands issues facing their ranching operations. These kinds of calls are invaluable to me as I transition into a new position. Not only do they enrich my understanding of the issues I’ll be tackling on behalf of CCA’s members, but they also provide me with a clearer picture of how these issues impact you and what we can do to help. The more you interact with staff, the better equipped we are to defend you from burdensome legislation and regulation. So never hesitate to call and fill us in on your concerns and priorities; we’re a membership-driven organization— we’re here to serve you! Never hesitate to call and fill us in on your concerns and priorities; we’re a membership-driven organization— we’re here to serve you!


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YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK CCA Works to Support Grazing on Public Lands Of the multiple facets of California’s beef cattle industry, one of the most prolific and important segments remains public lands grazing. Like other Western states, more than half of California – including many of our state’s high mountain and desert regions – is owned by the federal government. These regions provide summer forage for many of our state’s beef producers. Grazing on federal land is a historic tradition that is essential to maintain a viable operation for many ranchers. CCA has long been at the forefront of working to protect grazing on federal lands. Through partnering with the Public Lands Council (PLC) in Washington, D.C., CCA and other state livestock organizations ensure the voices of ranchers in the West are heard on Capitol Hill. Greater Sage Grouse

Recently, CCA has completed an extensive amount of work by confronting efforts by federal agencies to increase burdensome regulations on grazing permittees in Northeastern California in response to various concerns regarding the greater sage grouse and sage steppe habitat. CCA continues to fight to oppose any listing of the greater sage grouse in the West and in January provided an extensive set of comments (over 75 pages) on the most recent Environmental Impact Statement and Land Use Plan Amendment for Nevada and Northeastern California. This plan proposes new standards and guidelines that would potentially reduce the duration of use for many allotments and require additional management practices to avoid unsubstantiated conflicts between cattle and the sage grouse. CCA members stand firm in the belief that

livestock grazing is not to blame for a decline in sage grouse numbers. In fact, ranchers are actively completing on the ground projects to improve rangeland health and sage grouse habitat. Active on Capitol Hill

While much of the conversation around public lands grazing seems to be contentious and ultimately ends in litigation, CCA is working with PLC to advance positive changes to the way federal grazing allotments are permitted and administered. Recently, CCA worked to help pass legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives authored by PLC and NCBA known as the Grazing Improvement Act which extends grazing permits from 10 to 20 years, solidifies the use of a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process and permanently codifies language that allows ranchers to graze allotments without a NEPA review. CCA has been successful in ensuring Congress reauthorizes this language every two-years as without it, permittees would not be allowed to graze allotments awaiting NEPA review. A large percentage of federal grazing allotments still require their first NEPA review. The U.S. Senate has introduced its own version of the legislation that unfortunately has some adverse provisions. PLC and CCA are working to remove those provisions and focus on the success of the House to move a bill that provides real solutions for problems facing public lands ranchers. Public Lands Litigation

CCA is also there to defend federal decisions authorizing grazing

10 California Cattleman March 2014

or help permittees challenged by environmental activist groups seeking to end grazing on public lands. CCA does not shy away from lawsuits or defending your rights to graze federal lands. Over the past 10 years, CCA has intervened in several lawsuits to protect the interest of permittees. CCA is now exploring new opportunities to go on the offensive in challenging adverse decisions made by federal policy makers. Whether it’s an issue impacting all permittees being debated in Washington, D.C., or a local issue involving a specific permit, CCA is here to help. Each year CCA conducts a range ride with local permittees on a specific national forest to promote grazing with regional and local U.S. Forest Service staff and find solutions to challenges on the range. Land Management

CCA has been actively working with permittees on the Stanislaus National Forest who were impacted by the recent Rim Fire. Mismanagement, inaction, government regulations and pressing litigation by environmental groups seeking to end grazing and logging on federal lands are all to blame for the dramatic increase in catastrophic fires throughout the West. Enough is enough. As you read this, CCA is working to broadcast the lessons learned from both fires and explore and put forward legislative and regulatory strategies that will encourage quick restoration and proper forest management in the future remains a priority. As always, never hesitate to contact your CCA staff with a question, concern or to request help on a specific issue related to your federal lands grazing permit.


Romans

March 2014 California Cattleman 11


VET VIEWS Spring has Sprung Weather changes require attention to health issues from Merial Animal Health Adapting to changing weather is hard on cattle, especially in the spring when Mother Nature, it seems, can’t make up her mind. Warm days followed by a bout of cold rain, or even a spring blizzard, can throw off the health of even weaned, heavy calves. “Spring is an important season to carefully monitor health status in all sizes of cattle,” says Bruce Nosky, DVM, manager of Merial Veterinary Professional Services. “Fluctuating weather can stress newborn calves, freshly weaned fall-born stockers, replacement heifers, cattle in feedyards — everything. Producers need to take a disease prevention approach.” Spring weather stress weakens cattle immune systems, allowing opportunistic viruses, bacteria and parasites to more easily cause health problems. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), coccidiosis and footrot are all opportunistic spring problems that can be hard on the bottom line for cow/calf producers, stockers and feedyards. “A preventive approach for management of BRD and coccidiosis is a win-win for producers,” Nosky says. “It’s cost-effective and it can give producers peace of mind that they’ve prevented a time- and money-draining outbreak.” Bovine Respiratory Disease
“The best defense against BRD is to vaccinate calves with a Pasteurella vaccine before stress. However, if that window of opportunity has passed, producers can still take steps to help protect their cattle,” Nosky says. He says that if calves have not

been vaccinated before weather, weaning or shipping stress, or if a stocker or feedyard operator is taking in calves with unknown health histories, a metaphylactic treatment with a long-lasting, broad-spectrum antibiotic can help get calves through the stress in good health. Tim Starks of Cherokee, Okla., who is a livestock auction facility owner, consulting veterinarian and stocker owner, has seen the value of BRD prevention firsthand. “Prevention is absolutely critical because, regardless of how fresh, local or native the cattle we’re buying are, weather is going to hit them at some point and will challenge their immune systems,” Starks says. Starks treats low-risk calves on arrival with TETRADURE® 300 (oxytetracycline) Injection to help head off BRD problems. Usually, he uses the 300 mg oxytetracycline if the calves endured weather stress on the haul in or if he expects bad weather in the first few days after arrival — a frequent occurrence when receiving calves in the spring. Nosky recommends treating cattle — including cattle in feedyards, heavy weaned bulls, steers and replacement heifers — with a long-lasting prescription-strength product, such as TETRADURE 300, at the first sign of respiratory disease. Feedyards also have the option of treating all cattle upon arrival. Preventing Coccidiosis
 “Producers should stay on top of coccidiosis at all times. It’s a costly disease, and once the clinical signs

12 California Cattleman March 2014

appear, losses have already been incurred,” says Dale Blasi, Kansas State University beef specialist. “A preventive coccidiosis program as part of an overall health plan is the best approach. If cattle become ill, producers will have to play catch-up to get them back into shape.” Once cattle become sick, losses can be significant. Kansas State University research has indicated cattle may experience reduced feed consumption for up to 13 weeks following a clinical coccidiosis infection. Clinical cases also may result in death. Coccidia are opportunists, and fluctuating spring weather works to their advantage. But producers can head off coccidiosis problems and help keep cattle in good health by using a coccidiostat labeled for prevention and treatment, such as CORID, during spring and other periods of stress. CORID® (amprolium) can be used in drinking water or as a drench, and also is available in convenient in-feed or top-dress formulations. In addition to prevention, it is suggested to minimize stress where possible and avoid feeding on the ground so coccidia have fewer opportunities to infect new hosts. Coccidia destroy the lining of the gut, thereby decreasing weight gain and feed efficiency of cattle. For this reason, producers in the grips of drought should pay extra attention to this disease. When feed is scarce and at a premium, keeping cattle efficient goes hand in hand with maintaining profits.


Boehringer Ingelheim offers BQA Certification through April 15 For the second year, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) is excited to partner with the checkofffunded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program and sponsor BQA certification for all producers who enroll between Feb. 3 and April 15. BIVI will pick up the $25-50 certification fee for beef or dairy producers who are interested in becoming certified or recertified during this period. Visit www.BIVI-BQA.

Health

com to take advantage of the open certification period. BQA is important to the cattle industry as it gives producers a set of best practices for producing a safe and high-quality beef product. It also gives consumers the assurance that the beef they eat is both healthy and wholesome. “Some of the challenges that beef producers face is having all of their employees become BQA certified,” says Jerry Woodruff, DVM,

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orofessional services veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. “BIVI’s partnership with BQA helps offset some of those expenses, and we encourage producers and their employees to use the web-based training programs.” The BQA certification modules are customized to fit each segment of the cattle industry – cow-calf, stocker, feedyard and dairy operations. The program covers best management practices such as proper handling and administration of vaccinations and other products, eliminating injection site blemishes, and better cattle handling principles. “We have seen good evidence that a calmer animal stays healthier and provides a much better product in the tenderness of the meat,” Dr. Woodruff adds. “In addition to those practices listed above, BQA also covers better record keeping, better management of feedstuffs, etc. Those things also make for a much better product in the end. Those are all part of the very extensive best management practices that are taught in the BQA program.” More than 3,500 producers took advantage of BIVI’s BQA certification sponsorship in 2013. BIVI’s sponsorship also includes financial support of the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University, which developed the certification module. BIVI is also sponsoring the National Beef Quality Assurance awards and the Educator of the Year award. “We are honored to be able to support the cattle industry through this partnership,” says Dave Korbelik, director of U.S. Cattle Marketing for BIVI. “BQA education aligns with Prevention Works, our focus of preventing disease in cattle. We do this because it is the right thing for the animal, for the producer and for the consumer. To become BQA certified, or learn more about the program, visit www. BIVI-BQA.com. For CCA members who are due for BQA renewal, CCA honors BIVI’s program in qualifying for recertifcaion in California’s BQA Programs. Contact Malorie Bankhead in the CCA office for more information.

March 2014 California Cattleman 13


PROGRESSIVE PRODUCER A Genomic Approach using DNA to Help Combat Foothill Abortion by Bryan Welly, graduate student, University of California, Davis Epizootic bovine abortion (EBA), commonly known as “foothill abortion,” has been a persistent problem in the California beef cattle industry for nearly a century. Responsible for the loss of 45,000 to 90,000 calves per year, EBA is the leading cause of abortion in California cattle.1 The disease was first defined in the late 1950s as a result of its unique fetal pathology. In the 1970s the soft-shelled tick Orntithodoros coriaceus, referred to as the pajaroello tick, was identified as having the same geographic distribution as epizootic bovine abortion and was confirmed to be the vector that transmits EBA.2 EBA is characterized by late term abortion affecting naïve heifers and unexposed cows. EBA has no known effect on the dam, but when it is transmitted to the fetus it multiplies in the fetus, and this leads to a late term abortion or the birth of a weak calf. Once cows have been exposed to a season grazing in pastures infested with the pajaroello tick, they become resistant to foothill abortion.3 Although the tick appears to be spreading due to the increased eastward movement of cattle to neighboring states, to date incidences have only been reported in California, Nevada and Oregon.3, 4 Nearly 30 years after discovering that ticks transmit this disease, the causative agent for EBA was finally discovered to be a novel deltaproteobacteria referred to as “agent of EBA” (aoEBA).1,5 It is not possible to grow this agent of EBA in bacterial media, rather this deltaproteobacteria can only be grown experimentally in immunodeficient mice. This has limited researchers’ ability to fully characterize this bacteria, and constrained the development of effective therapies to counteract foothill abortion. Vaccine development typically consists of multiplying diseasecausing bacteria in a media and then either killing the bacteria with heat or a chemical agent (killed vaccine),

or inactivating (attenuating) the live bacteria to inhibit it from causing the disease while still enabling it to illicit an immune response (modified live). Due to the difficulty of growing aoEBA in culture, researchers have been forced to seek other approaches to vaccine development. University of California, Davis (UC Davis), researcher Jeffery Stott, Ph.D., and his research team have spent several years developing a live bacterial vaccine from aoEBA grown in immunodeficient mice. This vaccine consists of a quantifiable number of aoEBA-infected mouse spleen cells, and promises to be an effective tool to help decrease the incidence of EBA in California. However, the difficulties and costs associated with production of a live bacterial vaccine in mice stimulated researchers to investigate other approaches to help combat Foothill Abortion. The logical long-term solution for EBA abatement, from both a financial and managerial standpoint, is the development of a recombinant vaccine because it would eliminate the need to grow aoEBA in immunodeficient mice and the use of cryopreserved vaccines. A recombinant vaccine for EBA would consist of an unrelated, harmless microbe (virus or bacteria) that expresses an aoEBA gene which encodes an antigenic protein. This modified microbe would act to express the aoEBA antigen in the cow. An antigen is a foreign protein that triggers a host immune response. The major benefit to developing a recombinant vaccine is the ease of production with the ability to produce the vaccine in a laboratory setting utilizing media to grow the bacteria rather than immunodecficient mice. In general, recombinant vaccines have been shown to produce more consistent vaccine titers and are more stable than live bacterial vaccines.6,7 One step required for the development of an effective recombinant vaccine is the knowledge

14 California Cattleman March 2014

of which gene or genes from the aoEBA genome encode antigenic proteins. With that ultimate goal in mind, genetic specialist Alison Van Eenennaam, Ph.D., and her research team at UC Davis embarked on a research project to assemble a reference genome for the novel deltaproteobacterium that is the causative agent of EBA, and identify highly transcribed bacterial genes within the aoEBA genome that could be possible candidates for a recombinant vaccine. The process of sequencing the aoEBA bacterial genome starts with exposing immunodeficient mice to aoEBA to obtain tissue containing high levels of the bacteria. When the mice become highly infected, spleen tissues are collected and DNA is extracted from the aoEBA-infected tissue. The resulting DNA consists of a combination of mouse and bacterial DNA. The DNA can then be sequenced using state-of-theart genomic technology, resulting in millions of 100 base pair (bp) sequences. Specialized software programs are used to sort out millions of sequences from the aoEBA genome. First, the sequences are aligned against the mouse genome and those from mice are removed to yield a higher concentration of sequences from the aoEBA genome. ...Continued on Page 16


The Central California Livestock Marketing Center

look for lArge runs of cAlves And YeArlings on TuesdAYs in Turlock! sPring sAle schedule TuesdAYs

9 a.m. • Stockers & Feeders followed by Pairs & Bred Cows 2:30 p.m. • Cull Cows & Bulls of all Breeds

wednesdAYs

11 a.m. • Cull Cows & Bulls of all Breeds

cAll for feeder sAle uPdATes dePending on The weATher. cAll TodAY To consign To uPcoMing wesTern video MArkeT sAles on APril 10, MAY 1 And MAY 22 in coTTonwood, cA

fridAY

2:30 p.m. • Cull Cows & Bulls of all Breeds

froM The sierrAs To The seA, our TeAM is AlwAYs here To AssisT You in MeeTing TlAY rePresenTATives

MAx olverA.......................... 209 277-2063 sTeve fAriA .......................... 209 988-7180 eddie nunes......................... 209 604-6848 chuck cozzi ........................ 209 652-4479 Bud cozzi .............................. 209 652-4480 John luiz ............................... 209 480-5101 BrAndon BABA................... 209 480-1267 JAke BeTTencourT ........... 209 262-4019 reed welch - honorArY fieldMAn And friend

Turlock livesTock AucTion YArd office: 209 634-4326 209 667-0811

10430 lander Ave., Turlock, cA P.o. Box 3030, Turlock, cA 95381 www.turlocklivestock.com March 2014 California Cattleman 15


...Foothill Abortion Continued from Page 14

Parts of the remaining sequences are matched to each other to extend the lengths of the sequences. These compiled pieces comprise the complete assembled genome. Known genes from other closelyrelated species are then used to determine which genes reside in the aoEBA genome and the likely functions of those genes. Upon completion of the annotated aoEBA genome, RNA sequences will be compared to the assembled aoEBA genome for discovery of highly transcribed bacterial genes that will be considered as candidate genes for a recombinant vaccine. Further immunologic studies will test the antigenicity of the candidate genes, determining whether the proteins encoded by candidate genes illicit an immune response in cows. To date, a total of 1.82 million base pairs of genomic DNA have been assembled for the aoEBA genome. To determine if the genome assembly is complete, the relative size of the most closely related genomes have been examined. The most

closely related bacteria to aoEBA is a bacteria which has a 13 million base pair genome. Although the assembled aoEBA genome is much smaller than this, it is known that some pathogenic organisms lose a lot of their genome when they transition from free-living organisms to permanent reliance on the host environment.8 The most closely related pathogen to aoEBA is a bacteria that causes the swine disease porcine proliferative enteropathy (PPE), which has a 1.72 million base pair genome.2 The similarity in genome sizes between these two pathogens suggests that the 1.82 million base pairs of assembled aoEBA DNA is likely to represent the entire deltaproteobacterial genome. The development of a stable recombinant EBA vaccine would help to combat a major problem facing California cattle producers. Although the efforts to bring a livebacterial vaccine into production will be an immediate and effective tool to decrease the incidence of EBA in the short-term, the use of genomic sequencing to enable the development

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Order frOm Or pickup at: california cattlemen’s association 1221 H Street Sacramento, ca (916) 444-0845 16 California Cattleman March 2014

of a recombinant vaccine is a logical next step in the development of a long-term solution to foothill abortion. Works Cited

1. Brooks, R.S., et al., Quantitative duplex TaqMan realtime polymerase chain reaction for the assessment of the etiologic agent of epizootic bovine abortion. J Vet Diagn Invest, 2011. 23(6): p. 1153-9. 2. King, D.P., et al., Molecular identification of a novel deltaproteobacterium as the netiologic agent of epizootic bovine abortion (foothill abortion). J Clin Microbiol, 2005. 43(2): p. 604-9. 3. Teglas, M.B., et al., The geographic distribution of the putative agent of epizootic bovine abortion in the tick vector, Ornithodoros coriaceus. Vet Parasitol, 2006. 140(3-4): p. 327-33. 4. Hall, M.R., et al., Diagnosis of Epizootic Bovine Abortion in Nevada and Identification of the Vector. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2002. 14(3): p. 205-10. 5. Blanchard, M.T., et al., Serial passage of the etiologic agent of epizootic bovine abortion in immunodeficient mice. Vet Microbiol, 2010. 144(1-2): p. 177-82. 6. Detmer, A. and J. Glenting, Live bacterial vaccines--a review and identification of potential hazards. Microb Cell Fact, 2006. 5: p. 23. 7. Hermann, J., et al., Stability of vaccinia-vectored oral rabies vaccine under field conditions:A 3-year study. Can J Vet Res. 2011. 75(4): p. 278–84. 8. Moran, N.A., Microbial Minimalism: Genome Reduction in Bacterial Pathogens. Cell, 2002. 108(5): p. 583-6.


CBCIA Presents the

2014 “Your Future’s At Stake” Tour June 22-24

Tour stops include: • California State UniverSity, ChiCo, SChool farm • KiSh BUCKing BUllS, red BlUff • troUt fly fiShing and tying demonStrationS, hat CreeK rv ParK • Bidwell ranCh Cow-Calf, hydroeleCtriCity & troUt farm oPeration, hat CreeK • Prather ranCh Cattle wild riCe, StrawBerry nUrSery, & Collagen oPeration, mCarthUr • dinner at renowned fall river golf CoUrSe • • • • •

SponSored by Fall river big valley Cattlemen

driSColl nUrSery and StrawBerry/raSPBerry growerS SightSeeing and lUnCh at BUrney fallS State ParK Bengard ranCheS’ gooSe valley ranCh, BUrney wooten’S QUeen Bee oPeration, Palo Cedro Byrd Cattle Co. SeedStoCK Beef oPeration red BlUff

...and much more!

Come enjoy the camaraderie of fellow agriculture enthusiasts and scenery second to none on this one-of-a-kind tour! $325/person or $175/student* *limited student spaces available

Tour begins and ends at California State University, Chico

Lodging, transportation & meals provided throughout tour. For a complete schedule, or to register, visit www.calcattlemen.org.

For more information contact Abbie Nelson at (916) 804-4990 or abigail5star@aol.com. March 2014 California Cattleman 17


Music City USA

Californians converge on Nashville for Cattle Industry Convention During the first week of February, more than 100 California cattlemen and women made the trek to Nashville, Tenn., to participate in the annual Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show, held a the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. The event, which attracted more than 6,000 beef enthusiasts from every state in the union, included educational Cattlemen’s College workships, exciting keynote speeches at the general sessions and a recordbreaking trade show. In addition to attending the worldfamous Grand Ole Opry and seeing the sights of Nashvile, convention goers had the opportunity to attend committee meetings and take part in the grassroots policy development. “The grassroots policy process is the backbone and the strength of NCBA. It’s important our producers voice is heard and this week cattlemen will come together to discuss policy priorities that will lay the groundwork for the next year,” said NCBA President Scott George prior to the start of the convention. “From cattle health and the environment to

Rob and Margaret Frost, Santa Paula attended the convention.

marketing and tax policy issues, there will be many critical issues addressed this week.” For Californians, legislation and regulation are no stranger and the California attendees played a vital role in helping develop NCBA policy for the upcoming year. Among the topics of concern during the meeting was the Grazing Improvement Act which passed the U.S. House of Representatives during the convention. The bill is a positive step forward for ranchers grazing on federal lands and extends a grazing permit from 10 to 20 years and permanently codifies language that allows ranchers to graze allotments that have not undergone an environmental review. Several Senators have unfortunately hijacked a bill intended to be a companion bill introduced in the U.S. Senate. This bill has several toxic provisions that need to be addressed prior to any negotiation with the House on a final bill package. California ranchers and beef promoters played lead roles in parts of the convention as newly-elected leaders for both NCBA and the

Pictured here are Lawrence Dwight, McKinleyville, and Carolyn Carey, Alturas.

American National CattleWomen (ANCW). CCA immediate past president Kevin Kester, Parkfield, was elected to the position of vice chair of NCBA’s Policy Division and California CattleWomen, Inc., immediate past president Melanie Fowle, Etna, was elected to be the next president of ANCW. “It’s a distinct honor to represent the nation’s cattlemen and beef producers,” Kester said. “The beef industry has supported my family and our ranch since 1867, and I’m proud to be working with America’s beef producers to give something back.” In addition to the new leadership roles filled by Californians, CCA also wishes to congratulate Joan Hemsted, Cottonwood, on the honor of being named ANCW’s Outstanding CattleWoman of the Year for all of her dedicated service to ANCW, CCW and our nation’s beef producers. Following the convention, CCA and CCW members returned home with a renewed optimism for their way of life as many of their ranches had received rain in their absense.

CCW President Tammie McElroy (right), Gridley, with past CCW President Jean Barton, Red Bluff.

Kevin Kester (center) was honored as NCBA’s 3rd place Top Hand for his recruitment of new NCBA members.

©NCBA

From left to right, the 2014 NCBA Officers are: Kevin Kester, policy division vice chair; Tracy Pictured here are (L to R): Melinda Koopmann, Sunol; Joan and Jerry Hemsted Brunner, vice president; Forrest Roberts, CEO; Craig Uden, policy division chair; Jennifer Houston, .Cottonwood; past CCA staff member and current Montana Beef Council Executive Federation division vice chair; Richard Gebhart, treasurer; Bob McCan, president; Cevin Jones, Director Chaley Harney, Billings; and CCA President Tim Koopmann, Sunol. Federation division chair; Scott George, past president; and Philip Ellis, president-elect.

18 California Cattleman March 2014


heritage bull sale featured sires eXAr uPshot 0562B Sitz upward 307R x iSu imaging Q 9111

$W +37.73 $F +61.38 $G +37.89 $B +111.87 EPDs

CED +10

BW +2.8

WW +59

YW +113

Milk +35

MARB +.56

RE +1.31

SC +.98

conneALy consensus 7229 Connealy Consensus x Woodhill Admiral 77K

Matt Macfarlane©

$W +43.86 $F +46.28 $G +47.51 $B +113.71 EPDs

CED +5

BW +2.2

WW +64

YW +104

Milk +34

MARB +.97

RE +.87

SC +.99

BArstoW cAsh

Sitz Dash 10277 x S A V Final Answer 0035

$W +52.01 $F +62.97 $G +27.63

Look No Further For value -added Angus Bulls

At The Heritage Bull Sale, you will see consistent quality, outstanding performance, fertility, soundness and superior EPDs. With productive cows behind every bull, each is loaded with tremendous value. For details on the 2014 offering at Five Star Land & Livestock, Wilton, Calif., featuring the sires listed at left, contact the Nelsons or the Reinhardts.

$B

EPDs

CED +13

BW +.3

WW +69

YW +118

Milk +25

MARB +.35

RE +.82

SC +1.18

conneALy cAPitAList 028 S A V Final Answer 0035 x C R A Bextor 872 5205 608 $W +49.51 $F +54.47 $G +29.92 $B

EPDs

CED +13

BW -.8

WW +64

YW +110

Milk +26

MARB +.48

RE +.79

SC +1.19

WAtch And Bid Live: WWW.LiveAuctions.tv

Sunday, September 7 Auctioneer: john rodgers (559) 730-3311

We would like to thank Jeff Ward from Wyoming, as well as these California producers: matt Griffith, Gudel Cattle Co. and Yolo Land and Cattle Co. for purchasing our bred and open females sold in the 2014 Red Bluff Replacement Female Video Sale.

Sale Manager

Bar r angus

Matt Macfarlane Marketing

Craig & J.J. reinhardt

(916) 354-2962 • Cell (916) 712-3696 barr6925@sbcglobal.net 6925 Bisbee Drive • Sloughhouse, CA 95683

(530) 633-4184 (916) 803-3113

mmacfarlane@wildblue.net www.m3cattlemarketing.com

5I I I

Five stAr LAnd & Livestock

I

+71.45

ALL BuLLS SELL PERFoRmANCE-TESTED, uLTRASouNDED & ZoETiS HD 50K TESTED.

I

+85.09

Mark & Abbie nelson & Family

12211 Pear Lane, Wilton, cA 95693 Abigail5star@aol.com

home: (916) 687-7108 ABBie: (916) 804-4990

ryan, hailey & jhett nelson: (916) 804 6861

hilario gomez, ranch operations: (916) 804-8136

March 2014 California Cattleman 19

THD ©


engard anches B R A Living Legacy

by CCA Associate Director of Communications Malorie Bankhead As Terry Bengard explains her family history, the sparkle in her eye makes it apparent that cattle ranching is much more than just a job to her. It’s her lifestyle. Together with her husband of 55 years, Tom Bengard, the two oversee Bengard Ranch, which covers 15 different locations in California and Southern Oregon with Angus cattle and a variety of other farming ventures throughout California, Arizona, Oregon and Florida as well as Canada and Mexico. Tom and Terry, who both attended University of California, Davis, married and moved back to the Salinas Valley where they eventually began their own cattle operation in 1973 on their home ranch in Salinas, where they reside now. What started out as a herd of 150 Angus and Hereford cattle has grown into a multi-faceted agricultural operation including a produce

operation and a herd of over 2,000 black Angus cattle. Though Tom and Terry’s agricultural pursuits have led them to many different ventures within agriculture, the cattle business is one of their favorites. A Way of Life

For Tom and Terry, the cattle business is a family affair. Terry’s greatgrandfather, James Bardin, was born in Monterey County in 1856, and was the son of a pioneer who ventured west in a covered wagon from Mississippi. Tom grew up in King City and worked on his family’s walnut orchard, where he enjoyed riding horses with his uncles and his grandfather, a well-known cattleman in the area and an inductee of the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Their family history is rich with the western lifestyle, and they aim to uphold those values in their own lives. Together Tom and Terry have three children: Bardin, Tracy and Tom. Tom and Terry are also blessed with 10 grandchildren, who are all interested in some aspect of agriculture. What began nearly 150 years ago on the family ranch as a cattle operation with a variety of breeds has now evolved into an Angusonly operation. Superior

Terry & tom Bengard

Bardin, Tom, Terry, Tracy (Pezzini) and tom Bengard.

20 California Cattleman March 2014

carcass quality and good maternal traits are some of the reasons Tom and Terry appreciate the Angus breed. Tom and Terry’s love of the beef cattle industry overflows into several organizations that they are a part of. They have both been members of the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) and the California CattleWomen, respectively, for 45 years. Terry was a charter member of the Monterey County CattleWomen, who were called the Monterey County Cowbells at the time. Humble Achievements

It goes without saying that people like the Bengards are appreciated by their peers for their outstanding efforts devoted to agriculture. In 2007, Bengard Ranches was honored as the California Beef Cattle Improvement Association’s Commercial Producer of the Year for their devotion to herd improvement and to the cattle business in California. This past year, both Tom and Terry were honored as the Monterey Cattleman and CattleWoman of the year for their tireless commitment to the beef industry. The couple has been honored by various other agricultural associations and charitable organizations over the years, as well.


A Working Legacy

Consistency is Key

Past CCA president Jerry When asked what her favorite part Hemsted, Cottonwood, who has of the ranch is, Terry simply states, “I been the livestock manager at Bengard like buying bulls. It’s exciting!” Ranches for 13 years, says working Tom and Terry’s daughter, with the cattle is his favorite part of his Tracy Pezzini, says her mother is a involvement in the operation. phenomenal bull buyer. Part of his role as the “herd boss” Terry buys bulls from ranchers in is to oversee the vaccination program California, and not only appreciates the comaraderie at bull sales across the and the source verification program, ensuring that the cattle are well taken state, but the genetics of the animals care of and that they are where they offered at the sales as well. Rick Blanchard, managing partner belong at any given time of production. “One of the unique features of at Firebaugh-based Silveira Bros., says Bengard Ranches is we are a one-iron he appreciates seeing folks with as ranch,” Hemsted said. “We keep our much tenacity and passion for beef cattle as the Bengards do. According to own bloodlines which is what makes our herd so consistent.” Blanchard, Bengard Ranches has been Having helped build the herd to buying bulls from Silveira Bros. for what is it today brings a huge sense of more than 15 years. pride to Hemsted “Terry knows what when he sees Bengard to look for in a bull, not cattle excel time just phenotypically, but “Ranching is and time again at genotypically, as well,” said Blanchard. my lifestyle. sales and in valueadded programs Terry studies the I’d be crazy like Certified Angus numbers that make not to love it.” Beef®. the bulls she purchases worth the buy in the long “I appreciate –Terry Bengard run. Numbers don’t lie, the Angus breed, she says. The expected because I believe progeny differences organizations like (EPDs) tell Terry what the American Angus she wants to see in the calves the bulls Association and programs like Certified will ultimately help produce. Low birth Angus Beef® are second to none,” he weight and high-performing growth are said. “Angus genetics stand out among two examples of these. other breeds, and that’s a good thing for When she buys bulls, she looks for Bengard Ranches.” EPDs that will improve features like Hemsted says the Angus mamas on marbling and ribeye, because she knows the ranch have a 97 percent successful the Angus genetics will perform. breeding rate and 96.8 percent calving “We’re sold on the Angus breed,” rate, which is pretty high according to Terry said. his standards. “Angus offer the genetic power that Another point he noted at Bengard can help the beef industry succeed,” Ranches is their exceptional awareness says Blanchard. “Terry recognizes of environmental stewardship on their that the exceptional maternal traits properties. of Angus cows will help the cow-calf “My dad always taught me that we folks, and the carcass numbers like large were to leave a ranch better than when ribeye, high marbling and lean muscle we first found it,” Hemsted said. “And help define the calves that will be sold that’s exactly what the Bengards are all later.” about.” “The Bengards are some of the The range-improvement techniques greatest people I know,” Blanchard said. and water management protocols “They are just a joy to be around.” implemented on the ranches will help

improve them for future generations to come, which is the main reason, Hemstead says, for the conservation efforts exhibited on the ranches. “The future of these ranches depends on whatever the next generation would like to do with it,” he said. “What they feel is important will determine the outcome, and I think it will be a positive one.”

...continued on page 22

March 2014 California Cattleman 21


...Bengard Ranches Continued from Page 21 Family First

Family comes first and foremost for Tom and Terry, who are pleased that their children and grandchildren have taken a strong interest in their way of life. Being a part of the ranch that has been in their family for four generations, and being a part of the family business that her parents have worked so hard for, is a big source of pride for Tracy, her brothers and their families. “We would all like to see the business grow and prosper for future generations to enjoy and make it their living,” said Tracy. There’s an underlying passion in the whole family to continue the family legacy. “When you grow up in agriculture, it becomes your way of life,” said Bardin Bengard, Tom and Terry’s son who is mostly involved on the produce side of the family business. “We have a passion for what we do every day, and we have passed that passion down to our children.” Bardin’s children are involved in

the family operation, too, helping with quality assurance and farming in theproduce program. Having her children and grandchildren interested in the ranch makes Terry happy, and after some reflection, she says they wouldn’t want it any other way. Tracy’s daughter, Haley Pezzini, says she takes pride in the way she was raised on the family ranch in Salinas. “I feel lucky and proud to have such a rich agricultural heritage,” Haley said. “Being part of a family business has kept my family close and has made them a huge part of my identity.” Growing up watching and learning from her parents and grandparents has helped shape who she and her cousins have become, Haley said. “A lot of us want to be involved in the agriculture industry,” Haley said referring to herself and her cousins. “Having grandparents like ours has given us the opportunity to pursue our dreams and keep our agricultural heritage alive for another generation.”

TEHAMA A program set upon a foundation of 70 years of breeding to improve ConsistenCy, PerformAnCe and mAternAl Ability now and for generations to come.

The Future Legacy

When asked about the future of the beef industry in California, Terry put it this way: “We need rain, and we don’t need regulations that will hurt us.” “California is not an easy state to do business in, but we love it here, and we don’t want to leave,” Terry said. Bengard Ranches is unique, because there are many different ranches involved in the operation, and Tom and Terry spend quite a bit of time traveling to each ranch. We spend a couple weeks at one ranch, and then move to another, eventually making our way to them all, Terry said. As Terry reflected on her life as a cattlewoman she mentioned how some of her friends go to the country club or get their nails painted. Some even go on trips with their husbands to places like Hawaii. Terry says she doesn’t mind being called crazy for loving the beef industry and doing what she does. “Ranching is my lifestyle,” she said. “And I’d be crazy not to love it.”

WHERE THE COWHERD MAKES THE DIFFERENCE Celebrating our 40th annual “generations of PerformanCe” bull sale friday, sePtember 12, 2014 offering 160 spring & fall yearlings at this milestone event!

TEHAMA

ANGUS RANCH Ranch - (530) 385-1570 Kevin - (530) 624-6564 Bryce - (530) 526-9404 Mike - (530) 736-3428

23820 Tehama Ave. • Gerber, CA 96035 borror@theskybeam.com • www.tehamaangus.com

Driven by Performance Since 1943

22 California Cattleman March 2014

BORROR©


Longevity, quality, performanCe, value and profitability ... these aren't just words thrown around by the black gold breeders... they are what this elite group of breeders strives to produce every day Pictured in his working clothes (below) is a bull our good friend and customer, Joe Vargas, Gilroy, Calif., purchased at the 2006 Black Gold Bull Sale. The picture was taken this winter at 9 years of age during the driest January on record. He is still working ... still sound ... still productive ... and still profitable.

Joe knows the value of good genetics and that is why he put this full brother to Sierra Cut to work for him along with many other valuable sires over the years. Black Gold bulls are the kind that will have the genetics and durability to not only keep you in business during tough times, but they will also make you money.

Thurs., sepTember 11, 2014

colusa fairgrounds, colusa, ca, 1 p.m.

Quality, affordable angus & charolais bulls

19th annual

selling 120 angus fall & spring yearlings, Plus 15 charolais bulls

This full brother to Genex sire D R Sierra Cut 7404, sold in the 2006 sale, is still working at 9 years of age.

Black Gold Bull Sale Customer Joe Vargas, Gilroy, Calif. D R Retail Product 5812 • DOB 8/3/2005 • GAR Retail Product x Bon View New Design 208 Current EPDs: BW +0 • WW +49 • YW +87 • SC +.59 • MILK +28 • MARB +.77 • RE +.66

contact any breeder for details on the 19th annual black gold bull sale:

Wulff

BROTHERS L I V E S T O C K

donati ranch oroVille, ca Tom: 530 693-1634 Rocky: 530 693-1640

Wulff bros. Woodland, ca Carl & Heidi Wulff 530 666-1534

o’connell ranch broken box ranch colusa, ca Dan & Barbara O’Connell 530 458-4491

WilliaMs, ca Jerry & Sherry Maltby 530 681-5046

THD ©

March 2014 California Cattleman 23


Angus Announces New Representative for REGION 12 The American Angus Association® (AAA), based in St. Joseph, Mo., recently announced a historic move that unifies the organization’s communications efforts and expands the marketing platform for the nation’s Angus cattlemen. AAA’s public relations department, producers of Angus TV and Angus Productions Inc. (API), publisher of Angus Journal® and Angus Beef Bulletin®, will unify to form one cohesive communications center. As part of the unification plan, longtime API President and General Manager Terry Cotton will be named vice president of sales. Cotton will also represent Region 12, serving Angus breeders in California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. Eric Grant, AAA director of public relations since 2009, will serve as API President and General Manager, effective May 1, 2014. The unification plan brings all AAA communications, advertising and public relations assets — including magazines and sale books, websites, social media and breed advertising as well as television and radio programs — into Angus Productions, Inc. The decision also brings together a team of more than 30 talented professionals — editors, writers, graphic designers, web developers, photographers and videographers — dedicated to advancing the Angus breed. Most notably, it marks the first time in AAA’s 130-plus-year history that all aspects of breed promotion and communications will be under one roof and management. “By unifying these various components, we will strengthen the Angus brand and message, eliminate confusion and improve the effectiveness of each individual media platform, all of which points back to increased strength for Angus breeders and their customers,” says Bryce Schumann, chief executive officer for AAA. The communications center will also benefit AAA’s many programs and services. “Today’s rapidly evolving genetic selection tools and other technological advancements require effective communications with members and others in the beef industry,” says Bill Bowman, Association chief operating officer. “Only through coherent communications to and from our members can we improve the understanding and application of Association programs and tools. This move toward a more unified communications effort will greatly assist us in accomplishing that goal.” Association President Gordon Stucky of Kingman, Kan., says the announcement represents the next step in a decades-old tradition in breed communications excellence. “We believe this is a pivotal move for the Angus breed — one that will allow us to better communicate the many advantages of registered Angus genetics to all sectors of the beef business, from seedstock to cow-calf producers, from feeders to consumers,” Stucky says.

MORE ABOUT TERRY COTTON Cotton was named general manager in 1986 by Dick 24 California Cattleman March 2014

Spader, Association executive vice president, following a successful tenure as a regional manager and as manager of API Special Services. Under Cotton’s watch, API’s revenue has grown by nearly 500 percent since 1986, reaching a peak of $9.7 million in FY 2008. Today, the Angus Journal (circulation 14,000) and the Angus Beef Bulletin (circulation 68,000) are collectively the industry’s largest-single source for information, producing more than 1,500 pages of editorial, 600 breeder sale books brochures, and nearly 4,000 pages of advertising each year. Angus Productions Inc. also manages nearly 300 breeder websites, and each day distributes news updates through its various digital channels. “We would not be here today without Terry’s leadership and record of achievement,” says Schumann. “It is because of Terry that we are now unifying these entities – and preparing to meet the opportunities of the future. We are deeply grateful for his service to the Angus breed and fortunate that we will continue to benefit from his leadership.”

2014 California Angus Association President Darrell Hansen, Elk Grove..................... (707) 328-9349 Vice President Brad Worthington, Modesto................. (209) 613-0723 Secretary J.J. Reinhardt, Sloughhouse................... (916) 712-3696 Treasurer Betsy Cardoza, O’Neals.......................... (559) 822-2386 Directors Darrell Hansen, Elk Grove..................... (707) 328-9349 Ty Byrd, Red Bluff................................... (530) 200-4054 Matt Avila, Visalia................................... (559) 967-4599 Doug Wisecarver, Hanford.................... (559) 583-8747 Amanda Schnoor, Chowchilla ������������� (559) 223-1891 Carole Silveira, Firebaugh...................... (559) 240-6004 Jeanene Dal Porto, Brentwood ������������� (925) 634-0933 Justin Schmidt, Stevinson...................... (209) 585-6533 Brad Worthington, Modesto................. (209) 613-0723 Jamie Traynham, Maxwell..................... (530) 438-2709 Susan Perry, Prather............................... (559) 287-0653 Hadley Pitts, Bentwood.......................... (801) 361-0898 Junior Advisors

Amanda Leo, Snelling............... (209) 563-6931 Casey Gudel, Wilton................. (530) 514-2562

American ANgus Association NAtional Director Darrell Silveira..................... (559) 217-1504

P.O. Box 40, O’Neals, CA www.californiaangus.com


THD PHOTOS ©

‘commitment to Performance’ Bull sale

saturDaY, sePtemBer 6, 2014

escalon liVestock market, escalon, california SALE MANAGER: Matt Macfarlane, (916) 803-3113 • Auctioneer: Rick Machado, (805) 501-3210 RAy & MARy ALGER: (209) 847-0187 • BRENt ALGER: (209) 988-2567 • tRAviS tRuELock: (209) 559-0555

Find out more about our range-tested bull program at: Ray and MaRy algeR (209) 847-0187 • BRent algeR (209) 988-2567

www.raymarrancHes.com tRavis tRuelock (209) 559-0555 • RayMaRRanches@velociteR.net

THD ©

raymar turning Point 1c94 coNNEALy coNSENSuS 7229 x GAR PREdEStiNEd

SEMEn: $30 PEr uNit. voLuME diScouNtS AvAiLABLE. cALL 1-866-867-4436.

Play Yer Bets AQHA 2007 Stallion

Early booking, Multiple Mare and Money Earning/ Producing Mare Discounts: Travis Truelock, (209) 559-0555. Smart Little Lena Bet On Me 498 Bet Yer Blue Boons Play Yer Bets Grays Startlight Starlight Playmate Saturdays Playmate

March 2014 California Cattleman 25


CAB is not only recognized but CAB. The results also show that nearly regarded by consumers as the best 8 in 10 consumers say restaurants of any grade or brand of beef. The offering the brand are perceived as brand’s logo outranked other Angus better in quality than those that don’t. brands and received the highest quality In a separate 2013 web study A nationwide study confirms that rating by 75 percent of consumers surveying 999 U.S. consumers, nearly the premium quality of the Certified surveyed. And when it comes to the half would be willing to drive up to 30 Angus Beef® brand brand’s name, nearly minutes to purchase a CAB offering (CAB) resonates 6 in 10 say they at a restaurant and another 1 in 10 with consumers. expect beef items would travel longer. For purchases at a Seventy-five marked with the grocery store, 3 in 10 would travel up percent of those CAB name to be to 30 minutes and nearly 1 in 10 would interviewed by the “best or top travel longer. Firebox Research quality beef.” “This a valuable message for the & Strategy of “Positive thousands of retailers and restaurateurs Beachwood, perception is dedicated to featuring the Certified Ohio, ranked essential,” says Angus Beef® brand,” adds Erickson. the CAB logo Tracey Erickson, “When it comes to beef, premium quality wins consumer loyalty.” as representing the brand’s CAB is proudly featured by the highest vice president more than 14,000 restaurants and quality Angus of marketing. retailers around the world. For beef available. “Consumers Moreover, they have a very strong more information, visit www. certifiedangusbeef.com, follow the said they would pay perception of the more for it in restaurants and grocery brand’s quality and associate it with the brand on Facebook and Twitter, or stores. logo when dining out and shopping at read the brand’s blog at www.GoRare. com. The research builds on findings grocery stores.” from 900 in-store intercepts in 2007 The web study yielded nuggets for and focus groups in 2010. The latest retailers, with information adds results from 900 U.S. more than 4 out store intercepts in 2013, as well as a of 5 grocery onsalves anch web survey of 1,100 consumers from shoppers No flash...No Glitz the United States and Eastern Canada. willing to pay Participants in the studies were age 35- at least $1 more just hard-working, problem-free cattle 54, 75 percent women and 25 percent per pound to from an operation that has stood the test men, with annual household income of upgrade to CAB. of time over four generations. $50,000 or more, who consume beef at And, when come see how gonsalves ranch angus and least once or twice per week. consumers were simangus genetics can work for you! “The studies provide two very hypothetically different views of the consumer,” says given $20 for Sir es Michael Schiller, managing director their next beef Simmental Angus of Firebox Research & Strategy and purchase, they • Gw lUcky mAn • • SAV FinAl AnSwer • the primary researcher on the studies. preferred the • Gw premiUm BeeF • • SAV BiSmArck • eXAr UpShot • • tJ ShArper imAGe • “The web survey allows us to look at brand by 2-to-1 conneAly FinAl prodUct• • mcm top GrAde • • GAr new deSiGn 5050 • the consumer market for premium over competing beef, while the in-store survey gives us brands. Bulls Eye Breeders Angus Bull Sale great insight into customers who shop Similar Mark your calendar for at stores carrying CAB in their meat results for Sept. 17, • Oakdale, CA! case.” foodservice The brand’s logo advanced to 94 indicate that percent consumer recognition, more nearly 70 than double the closest ranking brand percent of onsalves and 3 percentage points higher than restaurant 7243 Maze Blvd in 2007. Given a list of beef grades patrons are Ranch Modesto, CA 95358 and brands by name, awareness for the willing to pay $3 Joey and Kristy .............................(209) 765-1142 Certified Angus Beef ® brand name more to upgrade Mike and Stacy ............................(209) 531-4893 rose to 92 percent, which is 5 points an $18 beef Joe and Debbie ........................... (209) 523-5826 higher than in 2007. menu choice to

CAB RESONATES WITH BEEF CONSUMERS

g

g

26 California Cattleman March 2014

R


O’Neal RaNch

Performance Plus Bull Sale Tuesday, sepTember 2, 2014 At the Ranch, East of Madera, California Selling BullS Out Of theSe leading ai SireS and MOre:

SAV Iron Mountain 8066 • SAV Bismarck 5682 • Sitz Upward 307R GDAR Game Day 449 • Connealy Right Answer 746 • SAV Pioneer 7301 SAV Pioneer 7301

Sitz Upward 307R

SAV FINAl ANSweR 0035 X BOyD New DAy 8005 Bw +2.0

ww yw +61 +109

MIlK Re +34 +1.07

MARB $B +.38 +73.71

SAV Iron Mountain 8066

CONNeAly ONwARD X SItz VAlUe 7097

Bw +2.5

ww yw +71 +133

MIlK Re +41 +.73

MARB $B +.40 +105.14

tC GRIDIRON 258 X SAV 8180 tRAVeleR 004 Bw +3.5

ww yw +60 +104

MIlK Re +10 +.28

MARB $B +.89 +90.38

Our bulls are bred with traits that matter to you

— the commercial cattleman —

high weaning and yearling weights with maternal traits for replacement heifers

O'neal ranch BullS Offer the cOMplete package

growth • performance • adaptability • carcass

O’neal ranch a Special thankS tO Our 2013 Bull cuStOMerS!

Since 1878

Only the BeSt

Gary & Betsy Cardoza PO Box 40 • O’Neals, CA 93645 (559) 822-2386

will Sell tueSday SepteMBer. 2nd!

March 2014 California Cattleman 27


Western stockman's market

Early spring runs are here!

Take advantage of this record high market!

.

Special Sales Every Monday! Slaughter cows at 10 a.m. Stockers & Feeders at noon

Make us your market of choice, not chance.

• Look for special bred cow sales in June and July • • Famoso All-Breed Bull Sale October 18, 2014 • Dwight Mebane (661) 399-2981 Bennet Mebane (661)201-8169

Western Stockman’s Market

Justin Mebane (661) 979-9894 Frank Machado (805) 839-8166

31911 HWY. 46 • MCFARLAND, CA • (661) 399-2981

www.westernstockmansmarket.com

28 California Cattleman March 2014


23rd Annual

Rancho casino/dal PoRto livestock Bull Sale Thursday, sepTember 18 • denair, Ca • 1 p.m.

on sept. 18, 2014, you will have the opportunity to buy genetics that will improve your bottom line. both recognized with Certified Angus Beef’s 2011 Seedstock Committment to Excellence Award, Rancho Casino and Dal Porto Livestock each have more than 40 years breeding sound, functional Angus cattle that will perform.

Producing the kind right for the industry like our 2013 top-sellers! DPL DASH N08

Casino Daybreak J32

Sitz dash 10277 X Sitz upward owned with Wp Livestock, Livermore, Calif.

MCC daybreak X Boyd new day 8005 owned with grissom Cattle Co., hilmar, Calif. doB: 2/21/12

doB: 1/30/12

$W

$W

+36.92

+35.43

$F

$F

+29.81

+59.65

$g

$g

+38.39

+53.30

$B

$B

+79.22

+101.29

CEd

BW

WW

YW

MILK

SC

MARB

RE

CEd

BW

WW

YW

MILK

SC

MARB

RE

+11

+.6

+50

+86

+19

+1.14

+.60

+.71

+17

-1.0

+57

+111

+22

+.54

+.94

+1.04

Bulls Sell This Fall Sired by These Outstanding Sires and More! SIRE

ConnEALY ConSEnSuS 7229 ConnEALY ConFIdEnCE 0100 SITz dASh 10277 ConnEALY RIghT AnSWER 746 ToKACh updATE 9009 SITz upWARd 307R SYdgEn TRuST 6228 TC TouChdoWn 772 dpL AnARChY M05 dpL upWARd L70 CASIno ABERdEEn h64 CASIno MoRE VALuE F03

BW +2.2 -3.1 -.2 -.2 +2.5 +2.5 -.3 +1.0 +1.5 +1.6 -.3 -1.5

WW

+64 +48 +51 +68 +66 +71 +58 +61 +63 +67 +58 +43

YW

+104 +89 +84 +122 +117 +133 +98 +106 +104 +127 +103 +76

MILK +34 +28 +27 +35 +39 +41 +24 +26 +27 +35 +32 +25

CW +52 +18 +32 +19 +53 +79 +34 +35 +46 +61 +22 +17

MARB +.98 +.55 +.45 +.47 +.39 +.41 +.84 +.33 +.57 +.61 +.68 +.40

RE

+.87 +1.16 +.80 +.07 +.42 +.73 +.75 +1.01 +.87 +.61 +.87 +.44

FAT

-.002 +.032 +.025 +.020 -.004 -.007 -.028 +.005 +.011 -.002 +.023 -.005

$W

+43.86 +44.44 +58.59 +50.10 +40.16 +62.75 +47.29 +41.82 +51.13 +46.32 +40.02 +35.56

$B

+114.60 +73.87 +81.33 +65.11 +94.05 +105.55 +100.31 +84.92 +99.13 +108.30 +81.52 +62.11

Call to be added to our mailing list: (209) 632-6015

David & Jeanene Dal Porto

5730 Balfour Rd • Brentwood, CA 94513 • (925) 634-0933

david & Carol medeiros

2800 Half Rd • Denair, CA 95316 • (209) 632-6015

March 2014 California Cattleman 29


To Lead the Breed Twig Marston selected as Red Angus Association CEO from the Red Angus Association of America, San Antonio, Texas The Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) Board of Directors announced the hiring of Twig Marston, Ph.D., of Norfolk, Neb., as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the national association. Marston assumed the leadership role in late January. “Twig has built a grounded, practical, well-informed knowledge and appreciation for the RAAA and its principles through his combined experienced,” said Tim Whitley, RAAA president. “As an industry leader, communicator and team builder, he is excited to work with RAAA staff and membership to further the goals and visions of the association.” Marston was born and raised on a diversified ranching outfit in Kansas where his family raised both commercial and purebred cattle. He earned an animal science degree at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., and returned to his family’s operation before working on a ranch in Nebraska. He earned his masters in Animal Breeding and Genetics at Kansas State, and later, his doctorate at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla., in Ruminant Nutrition. Marston worked as a senior beef nutritionist at Hubbard Milling Co. in Minnesota then returned to Kansas State as an extension livestock specialist and instructor of undergraduate beef classes. For the past five years, he led the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Northeast Extension Center as its research and extension director. From 2002 to 2010, Marston served as the executive director for the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) assisting with the standardization and application of performance data. During his tenure he played a role in revising BIF guidelines, developing the udder scoring system, incorporating genomics into genetic evaluation and began work on residual feed intake. He also played an active role in planning and implementing the research symposium and annual meeting each year. “My vision is to evaluate the opportunities that continue to position Red Angus in a relevant role in the beef industry,” said Marston. “Relevance creates demand and demand creates opportunities for Red Angus members and stakeholders.” “I believe the foundation of the Red Angus breed is defined in the association’s core policies,” he said, “to seek out and implement new technologies based on sound, scientific principles. In addition, the true measure of the

breed’s success lies in the financial well being of its customer – the cow-calf producer. These core policies define and identify Red Angus breeders and their dedication to the industry.” While at Kansas State, his research program targeted increasing cowherd productivity, health and profitability. Studies on EPD verification, heifer development, reproduction and fertility, weaning systems, TWIG MARSTON, Ph.D. winter supplementation, disease prevention and post-weaning management were integrated into providing system-based information to producers. Marston had an extensive Extension program which targeted beef producers and consumers on a national basis. Marston also spent a significant amount of time in the cooler collecting carcass data. “We would use ultrasound technology to determine harvest dates,” he said, “then quantify that information with the actual carcass data.” “Red Angus has an extremely good product that fits many facets of the industry,” he continued. “Their maternal characteristics and environmental adaptability combined with consumer acceptance make Red Angus a very soughtafter product.” Marston and his wife Mary have two grown children. Daughter Katie is a senior sensory scientist for ConAgra Foods in Omaha, Neb., and son Andee and his wife Robin live in Pikeville, Tenn., where Andee works for Burns Farm. Their son, Trig, is the Marstons’ first grandchild. In addition to enjoying their grandson, Marston enjoys a good game of golf and Mary is a culinary artist and works in continuing education. “I’m excited to rekindle with people I’ve worked with in the industry over the years as well as establish new relationships within the Red Angus breed,” said Marston. “I have a strong desire of service toward the beef industry – from conception to consumption – and I look forward to helping Red Angus stakeholders recognize and expand on the opportunities for the breed.”

©RAAA

30 California Cattleman March 2014



The 2014 Farm Bill:

Like a Swiss Army Knife? by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Immediate Past President Scott George, Cody, Wyo. Up until early February, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), with offices in Centennial, Colo., and Washington, D.C., had been working on a farm bill, in part or in full, for over three years. It began in earnest when NCBA started working on the 2012 Farm Bill, which became the 2013 Farm Bill and was eventually signed by President Barack Obama as the 2014 Farm Bill. In that time, NCBA members had one very central guiding principal: We wanted a farm bill that would give rural America the certainty needed without impeding our members. That was it. There were a number of regulatory issues the House-passed farm bill provided to rural America. The original House version would have revised the Freedom of Information Act provisions and prevented the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from releasing livestock producer’s personal information. We have long maintained that producers and their families live at their places of business and to turn addresses, telephone numbers and, in some cases, geographic coordinates over to anyone who has a computer is in effect reckless and poses serious agro-terrorism threats. Legislation preventing EPA from implementing the Spill Convention Control and Countermeasure rule was included that would put an end to forcing costly containment plans on all agticultural producers regardless of size. It also included language that would have ended the debate on the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Act (GIPSA) provisions from the 2008 Farm Bill, leaving producers the freedom to operate and market in ways that serve their bottom line. The King

Amendment to protect interstate commerce and prevent states from implementing costly production mandates on agricultural production methods was also included. Additionally, both bills included disaster assistance, providing relief for states hard hit by floods, drought, snow. Wildfire was also an area where NCBA staff worked hard to provide some certainty. Our heavy lift in the U.S. Senate came not on what was in their bill, but what was not in their bill. Namely, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)/UEP agreement or “egg-bill” that would have, for the first time, allowed U.S. Congress to mandate production standards on a segment of animal agriculture. Our membership strongly believes that producers are the best care-takers for their livestock and the ability to adapt and improve management practices cannot continuously improve if they are mandated in statute. This agreement had no place in legislation and would have handed the HSUS a major victory in the Farm Bill. As the authorization of a new five-year farm bill progressed over four years, so did the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute Canada and Mexico filed against the United States over mandatory Country-ofOrigin Labeling (COOL). COOL has been a conversation in D.C. since the 2002 and 2008 farm bills. In 2012, the WTO determined that the U.S. COOL law violates our international trade obligations and prejudiced two of our largest trading partners – Canada and Mexico. Together, these countries accounted for $2.1 billion in U.S. beef exports, about one-third of all beef exports in 2013. Shortly after the ruling by the

32 California Cattleman March 2014

SCOTT GEORGE WTO, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an amended COOL rule, which requires all fresh meat products in the U.S. to be labeled with born, raised and slaughtered information. This amended rule was presented as a resolution to the WTO dispute, but it is nearly identical to language that was rejected by the USDA in the initial implementation of the COOL rule. It prompted an immediate reaction from both Canada and Mexico that this new rule does not resolve their concerns; and in fact heightened their concerns. Canada has created a list of U.S. products that will be subjected to retaliatory tariffs should Congress not fix this problematic regulation that has only increased costs throughout the meat industry. On Feb. 18, the WTO began hearing the oral arguments on the USDA new rule. Every day that passes without a Congressional fix to COOL is one day closer to retaliation from two of our largest export markets for our U.S. producers. In the end, the 2014 Farm Bill that emerged from the House and Senate Conference, in the form of a conference report, did not contain our regulatory priorities and did not fix the problematic COOL regulation. Some of the programs in the farm bill are important to the cattle industry – specifically the disaster and conservation programs. These


programs benefit some cattle producers in certain parts of the country at certain times of the year. However, when you consider the retaliatory tariffs or losing market share in two of our largest export markets, the costs of this regulation will be felt by every single cattle producer in the U.S. It was unfortunate the farm bill conference report failed to fix COOL and therefore, our producer leadership made the difficult decision to oppose the conference report and ultimately oppose final passage of the farm bill. By opposing the conference report, we were hopeful the conference would go back. In his speech in Michigan, where he signed the farm bill into law, President Obama compared this legislation to a “Swiss Army knife” and said, “It’s like Mike Trout — for those of you who know baseball. It’s somebody who’s got a lot of tools.” What regulatory tools does it have for cattlemen? It’s a Swiss Army knife without the blade, its Mike Trout with a lame arm. It’s a vehicle that could have delivered regulatory certainty to rural America, but came up short.

PRODUCER’S LIVESTOCK MARKETING ASSOCIATION

Madera, California

Look for large runs of calves & yearlings in March and April ! Featuring quality stocker and feeder cattle from reputable Central Valley ranches!

Tuesdays • 1 p.m.

1022 souTh pine sTreeT • madera, Ca

(559) 674-4674

Tim SiSil (209) 631-6054 Sonny BorBa (559) 283-6950 larry JohnSon (559) 474-7257 www.producerSliveSTock.com

What’s In the Farm Bill? The Agricultural Act of 2014 was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Feb. 7 – ending a two-year gap the country went without a farm bill. The 2014 Farm Bill will spend over $956 billion over the next 10 years. By far, the largest program funded under the Farm Bill is the Nutrition Title which accounts for almost 80 percent of the total spending. The Nutrition Title includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides financial assistance to purchase food for low income families. While the U.S. House of Representatives offered a bill that would reduce government spending on SNAP by $39 billion over the next 10 years, Congress ultimately voted to only cut $8 billion over the same period. At the same time, Congress also cut farm and commodity programs by $14.3 billion over the next 10 years.

*Numbers based on Congressional Budget Office and may not sum due to rounding.

The 2014 Farm Bill reauthorizes drought and disaster assistance programs that will help ranchers struggling with the drought to purchase hay and other forage supplements. With current rainfall levels severely below average, ranchers have turned to purchasing hay and other feed products that are in short supply to keep their herds intact. Unfortunately, many ranchers have had to make the tough decision to liquidate cattle due to the shortage of feed. The Farm Bill renews the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) for eligible ranchers who operate in areas declared to be in moderate, severe, extreme and exceptional drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor. LFP is not a subsidy and ranchers must have previously paid their annual premium to the federal Non-insured Crop Assistance Program (NAP) in order to be eligible for payments under LFP. The Farm Bill also includes $57 billion to fund conservation programs over the next 10 years including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Federal funding is made available under EQIP to assist farmers and ranchers with projects that improve irrigation efficiency, develop new sources of water for livestock, improve wildlife habitat, construct perimeter and cross fencing and other practices that improve overall farm and ranch management and protect natural resources. March 2014 California Cattleman 33


2014 Rangeland Summit Building Relationships to Keep Rangelands and Ranches Viable

On Jan. 21, 362 ranchers, representatives of agencies, colleges and organizations and others with rangeland interests met in Oakdale for a dialogue about “Keeping Rangelands and Ranches Viable for Wildlife, Wetlands, and Water” hosted by the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition and its co-host, University of California (UC) Agriculture and Natural Resources. Western hospitality and heritage set a friendly tone and by the end of the day there was new understanding about challenges and opportunities for California’s rangelands, as well as new and renewed relationships. “Once again, I came away with fresh ideas for solving a rangeland issue. I always enjoy running into peers and seeing folks that I mostly only see at the Summit,” said Denise DeFreese, acting wildland vegetation manager for East Bay Regional Park District. The diversity of speakers provided interesting and useful information and personal experiences in the rangelands. Current and long-term challenges were discussed by California Cattlemen’s Association Second Vice President Dave Daley, Ph.D., a fifth-generation rancher who teaches animal science at California State University, Chico. He cited the water problems, hay prices, government regulations and other issues facing ranchers. But Daley also talked of a “generational land ethic” that could keep family operations going. UC Cooperative Extension livestock and range advisors Larry Forero, Ph.D., and Roger Duncan, Ph.D., described the economic realities of the cattle and almond industries, illustrating the business choices facing some ranchers. Other speakers talked about the habitat and water risks of rangeland conversion, rangeland conservation and emerging ranching enterprise opportunities. This included a new program, Habitat Exchange, led by the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, and The Nature Conservancy’s Matador Ranch Grassbank in Montana for its ranching community. “As a rancher and as the Executive Director of Sequoia Riverlands Trust, I so valued obtaining factual information and analysis on the challenges facing rangeland and ranching’s economic viability. I was moved to tears of humor and tenderness by Russell Davis’ Mountain Plover Story,” says Soapy Mulholland, executive director

34 California Cattleman March 2014

of Sequoia Riverlands Trust. Russell Davis, a Colorado rancher, described how the bird changed his life on the ranch and in his community. ‘Ranch tourists’ visited three ranches on Jan. 22 to see first-hand the issues and perspectives of the families who hope to remain in ranching. On cue a herd of deer, a bald eagle and a bobcat watched the caravan at Bill Fogarty’s ranch in Oakdale. The drought was evident at the Ichord Ranch near Oakdale with the lack of vegetation and the need to truck in livestock drinking water since there has been little wind for his windmill-generated wells. Coalition Steering Committee member Dan Macon summed up the Summit well in his Closing Remarks. “Rangelands and ranching face very complicated issues. Economics are driving conversion. Fragmentation is more than just splitting up ranches. It’s splitting up services, support, etc., and changing communities. Things change – the only true constant. There’s nothing like caring for a group of cows or ewes on rangeland (and trying to make a living doing it) to humble you and realize how little you control. “For the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition and for me, the future will depend on relationships between grazing animals and the landscape, and between habitat and stewardship. Also, our collective passion for the land brings us together, and that’s what will help us find solutions that work for all of us. Perhaps most important are the relationships we’re developing here! The process of looking for answers together is as important as the answers we eventually discover. I encourage us all to continue these conversations.” The summit hosts sincerely appreciate the valuable support of everyone who contributed – speakers, sponsors, photography, poster and booth exhibitors, participants and many volunteers. The Oakdale Cowboy Museum provided local western heritage. Ranch hospitality and food was provided by the San Joaquin – Stanislaus CattleWomen and Cattlemen, California Beef Council, McCormack Ranch and numerous ranchers. For speaker presentations and other information, visit http://www.carangeland.org/ or call Pelayo Alvarez at (916) 313-5800, ext. 107.


It pays to have your cattle drinking clean water. With cattle prices soaring, keeping your herd healthy is more important than ever before. Fresh water on demand is critical to the health of your cattle. Make sure it’s always available when you rely on Ritchie waterers. To learn more, or to find a dealer or installer near you contact us at www.RitchieFount.com

March 2014 California Cattleman 35


an inside view the silver lining in the market forecast by Commodity Markets Council President Gregg Doud, Washington, D.C.

half of 2013 that we really began to As a Kansan who is pretty keenly familiar with the term “drought,” I am see how big this tiger had grown and how fast he could pounce. well aware that a discussion focusing Suddenly “Greater China” (China, on these current record high cattle Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam) is prices isn’t very soothing. In fact, it an importer of about $1 billion worth can be perceived as downright rude of U.S. beef and they’re able to pay if you catch folks in the wrong mood essentially what U.S. consumers pay and it is little consolation when you’re for our product. The retail price of parting with genetics that in many beef in China is now $4.80 per pound. cases have taken decades to build. Here in the U.S., we recently set a new The size of the U.S. beef cattle record high of just over $5 per pound. herd is the lowest since 1951. We’ve During the past two years, beef prices heard that one before as well and in in China have increased 83 percent. 2014 the rubber is really going to hit Since January 2012, U.S. beef prices the road with a staggering 875 million are up less than 20 percent. pound cut in U.S. beef production Last year the U.S. was bounced triggering what is expected to be a 7 out of its seat as the world’s largest percent gain in retail beef prices. Anyone with a working knowledge beef importer. During the last half of the beef, pork and poultry complex of 2013, “Greater China” was the world’s largest beef importer with 80 knows what happens next. Per capita percent of these imports coming from beef consumption shrinks by 2 to the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, 3 pounds per person, profitability Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay). soars for the poultry and pork sectors Greater China bought about 100,000 and competing meat supplies race to metric tons of beef per month last capture market away from the beef complex with moderate success. It also summer compared to about 40,000 metric tons per month during the means that over time, beef producers previous year. are left fighting for a thinner slice of In comparison, total U.S. beef the overall meat consumption pie. At exports to all countries are currently this point, you’re probably thinking running about 70,000 metric tons per if there is a silver lining to this article month. Since the beginning of this (and there is), I had better get to it decade, U.S. short ribs and chuck rolls, quickly! the staple in South Korea and Japan, For the last 10 years many have gone from mostly out of reach economist types, including myself, for middle-class Chinese consumers have been preaching the gospel of who were dining out to very much in exports and their importance to vogue. This phenomenon has to be the future direction of cattle prices. one of the biggest things to happen – We did this knowing that economic possibly ever – to ranchers all around growth in Asia, and particularly in China, would eventually mean a boost the world. By 2020 it is projected that China in the demand for meat in that part of will be home to 600 million middle the world. But it wasn’t until the last 36 California Cattleman March 2014

class consumers, up from 300 million today. With Chinese incomes at roughly one-sixth of our income, $4.80 per pound. roughly translates to $28 to $29 per pound, in terms of a U.S. consumers’ pocketbook. Yet even at this price, Greater China demand has pushed the wholesale price of U.S. short ribs $2 per pound. or $20 per head higher than it would be otherwise. This market alone is suddenly thought to be worth $60 per head for U.S. fed cattle prices. Yes, pork producers will do what they can to expand despite this PEDv disease, and yes, poultry producers will put the hammer down on production as well. But in 2014, demand will outpace production and lead to a 3 to 4 percent increase in poultry prices and probably a 5 to 6 percent increase in pork prices. If you want to see a livestock economist make a funny face, ask him to draw a trend-line on where meat prices might be headed based upon this surging global demand for animal protein. The point is that for years to come, the demand for beef from consumers all around the world will be providing enormous encouragement for U.S. beef producers to get back into the game as soon as the grass is once again green, and it will be, so start planning for it today. The old-timers back in Kansas have a saying during times like this – “Every day of a drought is just one day closer to the next time it rains.”


Escalon livEstock Annual MarkEt

rEcrEational roping cattlE salE Saturday — March 22 — NooN

FeaturiNg FreSh aNd ready-to-rope

LoNghorN & corrieNte SteerS & heiFerS

Also Selling:

LoNghorN pairS Bred cows Breeding sTock

consignMEnts WElcoME!

miguel a. machado (209) 595-2014

If you are a buyer of roping stock, don’t miss this event!

Joe vieira (209) 531-4156 Thomas Bert (209) 605-3866 dudley meyer (209) 768-8568

25525 Lone Tree rd, escaLon, ca 95320 • Phone: (209) 838-7011 Fax: (209) 838-1535 • www.escaLonLivesTock markeT.com

March 2014 California Cattleman 37


COUNCIL COMMUNICATOR Checking in on your Beef Checkoff

CBC efforts keep beef on California Dinner Tables by the staff of the California Beef Council Persevering in Trying Times

California’s beef producers are nothing if not resilient, and this year is testing even the most tenacious cattlemen and women. As beef producers throughout the state are dealing with the near-term effects of our unprecedented drought—and no doubt pondering what the longterm effects will be—the California Beef Council (CBC) will not slow its pace on working to raise the profile of California’s beef and the ranchers behind it. Though we recognize there are many challenges on the minds of producers, we would like to share some of the CBC’s recent results and activities to offer some good news—if only to take a brief break from our seemingly constant rain dance. The CBC ended 2013 on a positive note, wrapping up several retail and consumer campaigns in various parts of the state. Here’s a glimpse at just a few of the things that were accomplished. Serving up Tasty Bites With Costco

Last fall, the CBC partnered with Costco on the retail chain’s popular in-

store food demonstrations. On the menu were succulent samples of beef Tri Tip, giving customers at Costco’s 116 California stores a chance to savor “California’s cut,” and hopefully pick up a package or two. The food demos took place over the duration of a fall 2013 weekend, and included two six-hour demonstrations in each store. If you’re counting, that’s 232 total demonstrations, or 1,392 hours of beef taste testing in one of our state’s most popular wholesale chains. Over that singular weekend, the Costco stores saw a nearly 8 percent jump in Tri Tip sales alone. What’s more, the CBC put producers’ dollars to use on providing funding for the staff and promotional signage, but Costco provided all beef product for the demonstrations, making it a cost-effective promotion in addition to a successful one. Please Pass the Beef!

Just how many households like to enjoy a delicious beef roast for Christmas dinner? According to FreshLook Marketing Group’s retail scanner data, a lot! In 2013, fourth quarter sales of some of the most popular oven roasts (including Tri Tip, ribeye, sirloin tip, bottom and top rounds, and others) totaled 13.3 million pounds in California, and 100.9 million pounds nationally. That’s a year-over-year increase of 84,000 pounds in California, and over 5.6 million pounds nation-wide. This year, the CBC helped educate consumers about how to properly prepare, cut and serve a delicious beef roast by providing useful educational brochures and display

38 California Cattleman March 2014

materials to over 1,400 retail locations throughout the state. “We understand that for many, a quality beef roast can represent a significant part of a grocery bill. We wanted to help consumers feel confident with the preparation of their holiday roasts, and make sure they have a satisfying experience with beef, every time,” said Christie Van Egmond, the CBC’s manager of channel marketing. In addition to the statewide outreach effort, the CBC partnered with Stater Bros. and its 167 Southern California stores on a two-week promotion to offer shoppers even more incentive to include beef on their holiday menus. Among the elements were a 60-second radio spot in Southern California markets featuring the “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner” messaging. On top of this, the CBC partnered with CBS radio to send 100,000 female customers 25 and older residing in the Riverside and San Bernardino areas a promotional e-mail that clicked through directly to the chain’s weekly circular highlighting beef items. During the two-week promotion, the stores saw a 112 percent increase in the seven beef cuts on feature!


Those seven cuts, which included chuck roast, T-bone, Tri Tip and sirloin tip, among others, continued to see strong sales the two weeks following the promotion, as well. Ask a Nutrition Expert

The CBC’s Registered Dietitian and in-house nutrition expert James Winstead gets a lot of questions when it comes to beef as part of a healthful lifestyle. “How much fat really is in beef, and is it necessarily bad for me?” “How can I incorporate beef into a heart-healthy lifestyle?” Even questions about lifestyle in general are posed. “What can I do to lose weight and keep it off ?” And it seems that no question is off-limits. At one community event he attended, Winstead was asked if the powerful nutrients found in beef like zinc, iron, omega-3 fatty acids and others had to be injected into the meat. Sometimes, even the most discerning consumer has a hard time believing all the nutrients found in beef can get there naturally without additives and significant processing! In late 2013, the CBC began encouraging consumers to pose their nutrition questions to Winstead. By visiting www.calbeef.org and clicking “Ask a Nutrition Expert,” you can ask the CBC’s own dietetic expert anything you want to know about beef nutrition – or a healthy lifestyle in general. This feature will provide yet another way for consumers to engage in a dialogue with us about just what their beef is made of.

Want to Learn More?

Visit us at www.calbeef.org, find us on Twitter and Facebook, or call us at 916-925-BEEF (2333).

ATTENTION Central Valley Feeder Council MemberS! IT’S TIME FOR THE BIENNIAL BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE TRAINING.

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March 2014 California Cattleman 39


America's Convenient A.I.Brand Connealy Consensus 7229

Connealy Consensus X Woodhill Admiral 77K BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +2.2 +64 +106 +36 +.77 +.71 +96.14 Super first calf reports!

HF Prowler 43U

PVF Windfall SCC 9005

Barstow Cash

HF Kodiak x Riverbend Powerline PVF ALL Payday x Leachman Explorer Sitz Dash 10277 x SAV Final Answer 0035 BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +.6 +57 +95 +18 +.54 -.12 +63.56 +4.7 +48 +92 +19 -.37 +.65 +33.57 -.5 +67 +115 +28 +.34 +.78 +74.99 Exciting power, mass and body shape! First calf reports are extra stout, fancy and deep! Calving ease with look!

RB Tour Of Duty 177

SP The Answer 813

SAV Final Answer X 878 son BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B -2.2 +53 +83 +33 +.23 +.18 +28.74 Calving-ease with style.

Bushs Unbelievable423

TC Grid Topper 355

Bushs Sure Deal

EXAR Upshot 0562B

SAV Bismarck X Bushs Lit Up BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +0 +54 +94 +26 +.58 +.44 +64.12 A fancy, deep, correct, calving ease prospect with loads of look.

Grid Maker X Dividend BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +4.0 +57 +108 +15 +.32 +.71 +53.15 Awesome power with style.

O’Reilly Factor x VRD BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B -.2 +65 +119 +19 -.01 +.77 +65.26 Exciting ORF son who topped 2012 Bush sale. First progeny looking great!

Werner War Party x 6807 BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B -.7 +89 +143 +34 +.16 +.59 +78.97 Super EPD spread-unequalled performance!

MCATL By-Product 269-1394

PA Power Tool 9108

Mohnen South Dakota 402

Bushs Triple Threat 851

Final Product x Bando 1961 BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +3.9 +60 +101 +31 +.37 +.17 +65.67 Producing outstanding profile!

Predestined x New Design 208 BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +.9 +67 +116 +45 +1.15 +.64 +94.23 Big time calving-ease and EPD combination!

Silveiras Conversion 8064

WK Bobcat

Hoover Dam

Bear Mtn George W 1069

Duff Hobart 8302

BT Crossover x BR Midland BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +3.8 +70 +122 +23 +.63 +1.00 +98.21 Big-time performance sire!

Connealy Right Answer x 2500 BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B -.3 +55 +107 +40 +.69 -.03 +64.21 Covers all the bases of beef!

CC&7 x Gridiron BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +.1 +50 +95 +40 +.63 +1.12 +81.23 Extremely popular country-wide.

WK George X EXAR New Look BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +1.8 +54 +101 +26 +.55 +.80 +79.83 He’s siring the best calves at Bear Mountain

New Edition x Dixie Erica 001 BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B -1.3 +61 +90 +21 +.26 +.44 +48.63 Progeny are “all-purpose” winners!

HF Tiger 5T

JSAR Titan

Koupals B&B Identity

Schiefelbein HD 1241

EPDs as of 2-8-2014

Sire: Rodman x F.D. son BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B -3.4 +65 +94 +28 +.18 +.38 +62.92 Extreme calving ease and vigor!

EPDs as of 11/22/2013

40 California Cattleman March 2014

SydGen CC&7

Mohnen Density x TC Aberdeen WMR Timeless 458 x Bushs Big Time 452 SAF Connection x SydGen Corona BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +3.6 +55 +102 +30 +.40 +.31 +68.79 +3.8 +75 +130 +29 +.38 +.61 +88.50 +1.1 +53 +106 +43 +.43 +.87 +92.62 One of the stoutest bulls to sell in 2013! Added power, muscle and size! SydGen’s go-to bull for improving docility and outline.

EPDs as of 2-8-2014

HF Kodiak 5R x TC Freedom BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +.6 +64 +124 +32 +.21 +.08 +63.70 Many-time Grand and Supreme Champion in Canada!

Sitz Upward x ISU Imaging BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +2.8 +59 +116 +40 +.72 +.91 +100.86 Super carcass combined with profile.

EPDs as of 2-8-2014

Sitz Upward x GAR Exaltation BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +1.3 +69 +131 +34 +.39 +.95 +94.82 Extra complete Upward son with carcass.

Sire: Upward x In Focus BW WW YW MILK Marb RE $B -2.9 +53 +102 +30 +.64 +.26 +93.04 Extreme calving ease with length!

Semen available on today’s hottest sires — call for a free directory or view online!

MO (866) 356-4565 WI (800) 774-0437 cattlevisions.com


BW +1.8

SS Incentive 9J17

Soo Line Motive 9016

Objective x Basin Franchise

HF Kodiak 5R x Rainmaker

WW +57

YW MILK Marb +111 +38 +.56

RE +1.35

$B +86.72

BW +.5

WW +52

YW +96

MILK Marb +25 +.57

Varsity V Warrior Stevenson CE Deluxe x B/R Ambush 28

RE $B +.27 +68.49

Canada’s finest genetics!

Silveiras Style 9303

SAV Best Interest 0136

BW +3.0

BW +3.0

WW +66

YW MILK Marb +116 +34 +.79

YW +90

MILK Marb RE $B +32 +1.33 +.64 +101.01

DAJS Shockwave 612

Gambles Hot Rod x New Design 878

Bismarck x Net Worth

$B +65.15

WW +55

Note these leading EPDs and genetics!

Incentive is the thickest Obj. son to date with unmatched EPDs! EXTREMELY DOCILE!

Gambles Hot Rod x E161 WW YW MILK Marb RE +43 +83 +15 +.49 +.52

BW -.9

RE +.26

$B +86.89

BW +3.6

WW +33

YW +58

MILK Marb +21 +.28

RE +.35

$B +66.50

His first progeny are dominating the show ring just like he and his siblings did!

His progeny were featured at Soo Line’s dispersal!

Shockwave looked phenomenal when he was crowned Grand Champion Angus Bull at both the 2011 National Western Stock Show and at Fort Worth! Shockwave has incredible base width and muscle shape backed by a great cow family from Satree’s in TX.

Dameron First Impression

Silveiras Watchout 0514

Vin-Mar O'Reilly Factor

BW +1.9

SAV Brilliance x Raptor x EXT WW YW MILK Marb RE +53 +95 +34 +.02 +.19

$B +38.82

This 2012 NWSS champion has cattlemen excited with his very first progeny surpassing extremely high expectations! EPDs as of 11/22/2013

BW +2.5

BC Lookout x Style’s full sister WW YW MILK Marb RE +45 +91 +16 +.41 +.35

$B +66.74

BW +.6

SAV Final Answer x 216 son WW YW MILK Marb RE $B +64 +119 +30 +.29 +.29 +54.32

Watchout tremendously combines two of the breed’s Super calving ease and performance with a great look! most popular bloodlines! Watchout’s full sister dominated Progeny are must see’s at Bush’s, Vin-Mar’s and Jac's Ranch! the show ring this year and Watchout himself performed wonderfully in his division. A notch bigger scaled than his sire with the same rib shape and quality!


Is A.I. Right For Your Herd?

The Costs and Benefits That May Surprise You by Dan Drake, Ph.D., for the University of California Cooperative Extension Favorable beef cattle prices have softened the blow of rising input costs but incentives to expand are still low. Increasing regulatory costs and restrictions in land, water and labor continue to dampen expansion efforts. Artificial insemination (AI) may provide a cost effective method to increase output of beef. AI has been used in the cattle industry since the 1940s but for the beef herd it remains little used at an estimated 6 percent of the herd, and mostly in the purebred sector. For the commercial beef producer AI has been perceived as too costly, too labor intensive and requires a high degree of technical knowledge. These perceptions along with changing costs may be wrong. Costs for natural service breeding continue to rise. The major factors involved are original purchase price, annual costs of feeding and maintaining bulls, often high injury and death rates, along with potential facility repairs associated with bulls. Fortunately, salvage value for bulls has been historically high. Nonetheless, the cost of natural service breeding is likely about $75 to $90 per calf born. A range or matrix of potential cost per calf can be estimated for either a 10 percent or 20 percent death loss rate, purchase price ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 and annual costs of $500 to $900 per bull. A bull costing

$4,500 with annual costs of $700 and 15 percent death loss siring 20 calves per year results in a cost per calf born of $92. The work and skills for successful AI have been reduced in recent years with the use of timed AI. Timed AI involves synchronizing cows or heifers so all of the candidates are inseminated at the same time on a schedule. Specialization in the industry allows commercial produces to hire professional in AI that perform the actual inseminations. Ranch labor does the preparatory work for the scheduled breeding. A variety of synchronization protocols have been developed with an example provided for cows and heifers. Costs will vary but costs to AI for cows are estimated at $37 for materials and $13 for labor. This includes $20 for semen and ranch labor at $20 per hour. Heifers are about the same total cost at $24 for materials and $15 for labor. The total cost per insemination is just under $50 per female. Anticipated conception rates should be at least 50 percent but could range as high as 60 percent or 70 percent. But even at 50 percent, the cost is about $100 per calf, competitive with natural service breeding. Advantages of AI AI compared to natural service breeding offers superior bulls that are highly accurate in their traits, wider

42 California Cattleman March 2014

access to bulls and breeds, easier implementation of crossbreeding, increased uniformity of calves, older and heavier calves and focused labor at calving. A small demonstration was conducted with a commercial rancher in Siskiyou County evaluating AI for crossbreeding in a predominantly black cow herd. Fifty-two adult cows were bred by timed AI by a hired AI professional to Polled Hereford semen selected for maternal traits. The primary goal was quality crossbred black white faced replacements. Twenty-six (50 perecnt conception rate) calves from the single timed insemination (determined by DNA paternity analysis) were compared to 135 Angus-sired herdmates. Weights were taken at about 200 days of age for the calves and adjusted to a same sex basis. AI calves were older by 10 days and weighed 60 pounds more, with nearly two- tenths of a pound-per-day weight gain advantage for the AI calves. AI calves were expressing both superior gain as well as hybrid vigor (heterosis). When the weights were adjusted to the same age the AI calves still outgained the natural service calves by 30 pounds. For this demonstration AI costs were estimated at $97 per calf (total AI costs divided by 26 calves) compared to $79 for natural service. Using a sale price of $1.25


per pound for the calves and including the breeding costs, AI calves returned $57 more than natural service calves at the time of weighing. The calves were actually sold at a later date (weights unavailable) and if the weight gain advantage continued the AI-sired calves would have been even more advantageous, perhaps in the area of another 20 pounds ($25) more. Producers often are concerned that timed AI with all females inseminated on the same day will result in a big headache with too many calves born at one time. Typically, calves are born from a single insemination over a 20-to-25-day period with most calves during a 10-day period. In this demonstration most AI calves were born on day 10 to 20 of the calving season. The demonstration’s primary goal was not AI for superior growth but rather quality crossbred replacements, which occurred. But it demonstrates the superior performance due to a variety of reasons stemming from using AI. The replacement heifers raised from the AI breeding should be superior mother cows for many years to come, positively impacting the ranches’ bottom line. There are few alternatives to make a major change in cattle production that require relatively small changes in practices. New AI techniques allow ranch labor to be maximized without large increases in labor while utilizing a new cadre of professional breeders to perform the actual inseminations. Semen is selected to satisfy the specific needs of the ranch, whether it is for crossbreeding, enhanced growth or simply to increase uniformity. With outstanding market prices predicted for the short term, AI for the commercial beef ranch offers an opportunity without increasing herd size or finding new pastures to quickly increase production taking advantage of those prices.

Tips for Ensuring A.I. Success Compiled by Brad Stroud, DVM, Stoud Veterinary Embryo Services, Weatherford, Texas, for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Though artificial insemination has many benefits for both seedstock and commerical beef producers, there are many steps you need to be taking to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck. Mishanding Frozen SEMEN CAN LEAD TO BREEDING FAIlURE From semen collection to breeding, there are many opportunities for accidental thermal exposure of semen, which can lead to sperm damage and decreased viability, especially after it reaches the farm or breeding center.

.Who is handling the Semen? •. Lab Technicians .• Support & Clerical Staff .• Couriers .• Cattle Handlers & Ranch Managers .• A.I. salesmen & Technicians Tips for handling SEmen Keep the internal temperature of straws below -130 degrees Celsius (-202 Degrees F) at all times. Canes or Canisters should not be exposed any longer than 8 seconds in the neck of a dewar. It only takes 10 to 12 seconds for the internal temperature of a straw of frozen semen to reach -100 degrees C in the neck of a medium-sized ranch dewar half full of liquid nitrogen.

Your cattle need to be ready to be bred There are several factors that can lead to breeding failures: •. Nutritional Stress .• Poor Heat Detection .• Inadequate A.I. Skills .• Viral Backterial & . metabolic diseases .• Genetic influences • poor semen quality • mishandled frozen semen

March 2014 California Cattleman 43


Why Aren’t you Using Artificial Insemination? Getting the most out of your reproduction program is vital in today’s cattle industry. Recently developed breeding systems for cows and heifers are more reliable, more productive and more profitable than ever before. Using an AI system reduces costs, saves labor and adds value to both your breeding animals and the calves you produce, generating rewards that mean greater profit potential. Get a high percentage of pregnancies in the 1st week of the breeding season resulting in: lncreased Pregnancy Rates: By increasing the potential number of heats during the breeding season and inducing a fertile estrus in many anestrous cows which results in more days postpartum when the next breeding season begins. lncreased Weaning Weights: Earlier-bom calves are heavier at weaning time. lncreased Uniformity of your Calf Crop: Groups of same age, same weight and same color calves are worth more!

More Predictable Performance: Using Proven A.I. Genetics allows you to utilize sires that have Proven Performance. lncreased Cow Productivity: Heifers that are bom early in the calving season are more likely to conceive early in their first breeding season and subsequent breeding seasons, wean heavier calves and are more profitable during their lifetime than their later-born contemporaries.

ALL WEST / SELECT SIRES For all your A.I. needs, A.I Schools, liquid nitrogen, heat synchronization programs, Paste Plus microbials or a free Beef Sire Directory call 1-800-426-2697

Estimated Added Value on a 100 cow herd (90 cows pregnant)

Age Advantage: $5054.40

postpartum days are shortened per cow by 13 days when compared to natural breeding. 13 days x 90 cows = 1170 calf days, calves gain 2.7 lbs. per day, 1170 calf days x 2.7 lbs. = 3159 extra lbs @ $1.60/lb = $5054.40

Genetic Advantage: $1320.00

A.I. sired calves can add 15 lbs. over average weaning weight. 55 calves x 15 lbs. = 825 lbs. x $1.60/lb. = $1320.00

Total A.I Advantage: $6374.40 ($5054.40 + $1320.00)

Total cost per 100 cows $1000.60

Total Breeding Cost ($7375.00) - A.I Advantage ($6374.40) = $1000.60

Cost per Calf (90) $11.18 per calf P.O. Box 507 • Burlington, WA 98233 1-800-426-2697 • Fax: 360-757-7808 In California: P.O. Box 1803 • Turlock, CA 95381 1-800-278-8254 • Fax: 209-667-8379 contact@allwestselectsires.com www.allwestselectsires.com

Your California SourCe for Top beef GeneTiCS Call Greg Furtado first for all of your beef semen, CIDRS, semen tanks and breeding supplies. AAR TEN X

Authorized distributor for 061

BIRD 9

UNDER

SAV TH

Bovagene

furTaDo

BLACK NNEALY

SITz WISDOm 481T

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E

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CO

Greg furtado 3924 S. Central Avenue • Turlock, CA 95380 (209) 634-8612 • (209) 541-5141 Cell (209) 634-8676 Fax • furtadoang@aol.com I-80

44 California Cattleman March 2014

UNSTOPPABLE


Calving Ease Sires

With so many exciting calving ease sires to choose from, it's hard to pick just one!

A A R TEN X 7008 S A

014AN00377 REG#:15719841 IN FOCUS x ADAPTOR CE

8

BW

.1

WW 67

YW 136

CONNEALY FINAL SOLUTION 014AN00387 REG#:16447791 ANSWER 71 x DANNY BOY CE

11

BW

.9

WW 63

YW 113

HXC CONQUEST 4405P

014AR02028 REG#:975924 JULIAN B571 x CHEROKEE CNYN CE

21

BW

-6.5

WW 57

YW 93

S A V THUNDERBIRD 9061

TC EZ MONEY 029

014AN00351 REG#:16396499 FINAL ANSWER x BISMARCK 014AN00376 REG#:16734459 RIGHT ANSWER x NEW DESIGN 205 CE

8

BW

-.2

WW 70

YW 121

CE

14

S A V PLATINUM 0010

014AN00370 REG#:16687592 PIONEER x TRAVELER 004 CE

14

BW

-1.5

WW 72

YW 117

GMRA TRILOGY 0226

014AR02060 REG#:1367533 PACKER x CHATEAU CE

9

BW

-4.6

WW 70

YW 116

BW

WW 65

-1.7

YW 109

C C A EMBLAZON 702

014AN00383 REG#:15980098 EMBLAZON x 338 CE

16

BW

-1.8

WW 60

YW 100

KCF BENNETT 9126J S100 014HP01019 REG#:42681148 9126J x 3008

CE

8.3

BW

-1.2

WW 42

YW 79

Call today for your FREE copy of the 2014 Beef Sire Directory! RST TIME’S A WASTIN’ 0124

014HH00108 REG#:43123163 ABOUT TIME x BLAZER 1000 CE

5.2

BW

.3

WW 49

YW 85

EPD (INFO AS OF 2/14/2014)

March 2014 California Cattleman 45


Scenes from 2014 RedBluff Bull & Gelding Sale

Traynham Ranches’ Brad Cox and longtime Red Bluff Committee member Ron Anderson.

Pictured (L to R): Col. Rick Machado, Beef Northwest’s Ron Curran, Col. Max Olvera and Beef Northwest’s Eric Drees.

Dick England and Red Bluff Sale Committee Member Kenny Hufford.

The team from Novartis Animal Health (L to R): Kolby Romrell, Janel Fisher, Steve Burchett, Dr. H Nielsen, DVM, and Floyd Lewis, Jr.

Bobby Lax of Lax Cattle Co., was named outstanding consignor. He is pictured with nephew Jaxon Toews.

Crossroads Cattle Company’s Terrell Western Video Market’s Laurie Ostrum with Darrell Wood of Noreen with Katherine Doverspike Panorama Meats.

Pictured (L to R) are bull judges John Edwards Dave Thompson; and Chris Gansberg.

Picture with their Jack Owens Ideal Range Bull are Morrell Ranches’ Bailey, Carrie and Barry Morrell.

Terry Cotton, American Angus Association.

2014 Red Bluff Sale auctioneers and sale crew are pictured (L to R): Matt Macfarlane, Col. Trent Stewart, American Hereford Association’s Mark Holt, Col. Jake Parnell, Teddy Robinson, John Dickinson, Col. Rick Machado, American Angus Association’s Terry Cotton, Western Cowman’s Jim Danekas and Western Livestock Journal’s Logan Ipsen and Jerry York.

2013-2014 Andy Peek Memorial Scholarships were awarded by Mason Peek (front center) prior to the bull sale. Others pictured are the Peek Family and this year’s scholarship recipients.

Join us in making more memories January 28-31, 2015! 46 California Cattleman March 2014


Bull, Gelding, Mule, Stock Dog & Replacement Heifer Results

Red Bluff Bull Sale

154 Angus....................... $3,338 8 SimAngus.................... $3,988 47 Hereford.................... $3,031 1 Maine-Anjou............... $3,900 28 Polled Hereford....... $2,600 2 Limousin..................... $2,725 12 Balancer®. ................. $4,404 23 Charolais.................... $2,787 6 Simmental................... $3,133 22 Red Angus................. $3,920 10 Brangus...................... $3,025 3 Shorthorn.................... $3,083 1 Chiangus...................... $3,000 318 Total Bulls............... $3,264

Red Bluff Gelding Sale

Stockhorse Champion - Rusty Child Ranch Cutting Champion - Jaelynn Sleeman Snaffle Bit Champion - Gene & Michelle Morris Champion Head Horse - Nancy Tingey Champion Heel Horse - Tyler Martinez Craig Owen’s Ideal Ranch Horse - Nancy Tingey 77 Geldings........................................$6,018 5 Mules................................................$4,980

Red Bluff Stock Dog Sale

Red Bluff Staff

Adam Owens, Sale Manager Marianne Brownfield, Bull & Dog Secretary Trish Suther, Gelding Secretary

Bull, Gelding & Stock Dog Auctioneers

Col. Rick Machado Col. Justin Holmburg Col. Trent Stewart Col. Max Olvera

Champion Stock Dog & High-selling Dog - Merle Newton...............................................$10,200 16 Stock Dogs....................................$4,181 2013 Halter Champions by Breed Angus Champion – Lot 116 - Lax Cattle Company, Arbuckle Reserve – Lot 113 - Lax Cattle Company, Arbuckle Charolais Champion – Lot 277 – Rafter DN Charolais – Powell Butte, Ore. Reserve - Lot 272 – Cardey Ranches, Turlock Hereford Champion – Lot 333 – Morrell Ranches, Willows Reserve – Lot 329 – Macfarlane Livestock, Cottonwood

Champion Angus - Lax Catttle Co.

Res. Champion Angus - Lax Catttle Co.

P. Hereford Champion – Lot 395 – Sonoma Mountain Herefords, Kenwood Reserve – Lot 378 – Lambert Ranch, Oroville Simmental Champion – Lot 447 – Hinton Ranch, Montague Reserve – Lot 445 – Hinton Ranch, Montague Red Angus Champion – Lot 420 – Lazy J Red Angus, Prineville, Ore. Reserve – Lot 424 – Owings Cattle, Powell Butte, Ore. Limousin Champion – Lot 355 – Haugen Limousin, Los Molinos Reserve – Lot 357 – Whitcomb Cattle Co., Marysville

Champion Hereford - Morrell Ranches

Champion P. Hereford - Sonoma Mtn. Herefords

Shorthorn Champion – Lot 430 – Cardey Ranches, Turlock Reserve – Lot 431 – Cardey Ranches, Turlock Mainetainer Champion – Lot 361 – Macfarlane Cattle Co., McArthur Brangus Champion – Lot 252 – Wyman Creek Cattle Co., Palermo Reserve – Lot 246 – Wyman Creek Cattle Co., Palermo Balancer ® Champion – Lot 90 – Cardey Ranches, Turlock ChiAngus Champion – Lot 283 – Macfarlane Livestock, McArthur

Calving Ease Champion - Lax Cattle Co.

Charolais Champion - Rafter DN Charolais

SimAngus Champion – Lot 444 – Teixeira Cattle Co, Pismo Beach Reserve – Lot 434 – Eberhardt Livestock All Other Breeds Champion – Lot 420 – Lazy J Red Angus, Prineville, Ore. Reserve – Lot 444 – Teixeira Cattle Co, Pismo Beach

2013 Range-Ready Champions by Breed Angus Champion – Lot 44 – Cardey Ranches, Turlock Reserve – Lot 73 – Cooper Cattle, Scotia Champion Shorthorn - Cardey Ranches

Champion Limousin - Haugen Limousin

Hereford Champion – Lot 332 – Morrell Ranches, Willows Reserve – Lot 340 – Morrell Ranches, Willows Charolais Champion – Lot 275 – Rafter DN Charolais, Powell Butte, Ore. Reserve – Lot 276 - Rafter DN Charolais, Powell Butte, Ore. SimAngus Champion - Lot 442 – Little Shasta Ranch, Montague Reserve – Lot 438 – Little Shasta Ranch, Montague Red Angus Champion – Lot 398 – 6R Ranch LLC, Redmond, Ore. Reserve – Lot 410 – High Summit Cattle Co.

Champion Red Angus and AOB - Lazy J

Champion Simmental - Hinton Ranch

Brangus Champion – Lot 243 – StarDust Farms, Oak Run Reserve – Lot 245 - StarDust Farms, Oak Run Balancer ® Champion – Lot 238 – The Bull Mart, Myrtle Point, Ore. Reserve – Lot 236 – The Bull Mart, Myrtle Point, Ore.

2013 Special Award Winners

Champion Brangus - Wyman Creek Cattle Co.

Champion Mainetaiiner - Macfarlane Cattle Co.

Calving Ease Champion – Lot 117 – Lax Cattle Company Jack Owens Ideal Range Bull – Lot – from Morrell Ranches 2 013 Outstanding Consignor Award to Lax Cattle Company

March 2014 California Cattleman 47


Breeders of the 2014 Red Bluff Champion Hereford and Jack Owen’s Ideal Range Bull

2014 Red Bluff Champion Hereford

siRe: golden oAk outCRoss 18u • Mgs: hh AdVAnCe 932J 1et

2014 Jack Owen’s Ideal Range Bull

siRe: hh AdVAnCe 8203u et AdVAnCe • Mgs: l1 doMino 96943

BW

WW

YW

MILK

MARB

$CHB

BW

WW

YW

MILK

MARB

$CHB

+5.5

+62

+107

+23

+.20

+$32

+5.2

+58

+88

+18

+.18

+$27

Thanks to Pine Creek Ranch, Turlock, CA, for buying both of these champions!

Also thAnks to these CustoMeRs Who shoWed fAith in ouR genetiCs: • Joe Russ, ferndale, CA • Balin Ranches, klamath falls, oR • Baxman Ranches, duncan Mills, CA • • gerald timmerman, springfield, ne • tim Roche, Chico, CA • Bosworth Ranch, Burney • • White & sons, Paskenta, CA • homestead Cattle, WA • fraguero, Angels Camp, CA •

Barry, Carrie & Bailey Morrell • (530) 934-2047 morrellranches@aol.com • 5640 County Road 65 • Willows, California 95988 Cardey

2013 CBCiA seedstock Producer of the Year

Lazy J

HINTON RANCH

The Source for Outstanding Simmentals

Bringing champions to Red Bluff year after year!

2014 Champion Simmental

HINTON RANCH Proven Performance Cattle

2014 Reserve Champion Simmental John & Shauna Hinton, Montague, CA: (530) 459-3928 Lester & Paula Hinton, Klamath Falls, OR: (541) 882-1218

Thank you to our buyers for your support!

48 California Cattleman March 2014


Thanks to those who supported us at Red Bluff! Find this kind of quality at our

Next Generation Bull Sale

October 18, 2014 • Kenwood, CA 2014 Red Bluff Champion 2014 Red Bluff Reserve Polled Hereford Champion Polled Hereford Thank you to our buyers! Mike Sumner, Hayfork, CA Mitchell Ranches, Willits, CA Guidici Ranch, Vinton, CA Roberti Ranch, Loyalton, CA 3 Js Ranch, Palo Cedro, CA

SMH DURANGO DOMINO 2076J ET

LAMBERT DRIVER 7W 73Y ET

Jim, Marcia & Jamie Mickelson Bobby & Heidi Mickelson (707) 527-5948 • (707) 481-3440

Bobby Mickelson, Herdsman (707) 396-7364 JMMick@sonic.net sonomamountainherefords.com 5174 Sonoma Mountain Rd. • Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Steve Lambert Family (530) 624-5256 Oroville, CA slambert@digitalpath.net LambertRanch.com

Producing champion hereford genetics Morrell Ranches

Fromstranger an operation that’s no to success...

CArDey rAnChes broughT more winners To reD bluff!

2014 Champion Red Angus & Champion AOB From Lazy J Red Angus

2014 Range-Ready Angus Champion © JDA

MMF FAT TONY

2014 Reserve Champion Charolais Thank you to our loyal bull customers!

We’ll See You in Red Bluff Next Year!

CARDEY RANCHES

Don & Diana Cardey • Turlock, CA (209) 634-5491 • (209) 634-1857

SIRE: RED NORTHLINE FAT TONY 605U • MGS: LCC CHEYENNE B221L BW +1.7 • WW +54 • YW +94 • MK +22 • MB +.29 • RE +.27 • FAT +.01

CONGRATULATIONS TO BUYER WAYNE CRISS, MACDOEL, CA

We appreciate your support! Also thank you to the Red Bluff Committee!

Lazy J Red Angus Merle Eakin & Sue Willhoite 8061 NW Lamonta, Rd. Prineville, OR 97754 (503) 791-4804

March 2014 California Cattleman 49


FUTURE FOCUS Around the World in 90 Days

Young Cattlemen on-the-go engaging in beef pursuits from the California Young Cattlemen’s Committee As a group of ambitous and energetic college students, the California Young Cattlemen’s Committee (YCC) officers have had many travel opportunities and have proudly taken their own stories with them on the road. When they aren’t sharing their stories in person, they are writing about them for the brand new YCC blog which launched in January. Recent stories on the new blog include a guest article from California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), student and past National Beef Ambassador Jessica Sweet, YCC Publicity Chair Erica Bianchi’s trip to the National Western Stock Show (NWSS), in Denver, Colo., and YCC Chair Katie Stroud’s trip to the Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale. “We hope that everyone is as excited as we are for this new project,” said Bianchi. “We look forward to receiving stories from our fellow young cattlemen and we encourage any feedback you may have. We all play a special part in the California beef industry, and this blog aims to share the successes, the areas for improvement, the people, the events and more.” Where have your Young Cattlemen Been?

Headed in a plethora of different directions, each member of the officer team has been working on agricultural pursuits related specifically to the beef industry. CCA members can rest assured that the future of the beef industry is certainly in good hands. As a member of the livestock judging team at California State University, Chico (Chico State), Katie Stroud says her last year as a National Beef Ambassador defintely prepared her for for the intense travel schedule of collegiate livestock judging. The Chico State team has recently attended competitions at the Big Fresno Fair where Chico placed first place overall and Stroud earned high individual in the sheep judging contest. “Though, as the daughter of a cattle rancher, it was an unexpected accomplishment, but my first competition was a tremendous learning experience, and it was there that I became fully committed to reaching my potential.” During Christmas vacation, the team spent most of their time practicing and traveling to two national shows: Arizona National Livestock Show in Phoenix, Ariz., and the NWSS. Stroud says judging has given her the opportunity to enhance her proficiency in livestock evaluation, increase her public speaking skills and visit livestock operations throughout the United States. She is excited to use her experiences to enhance future YCC activities. YCC Vice Chair Trevor Airola, also a Chico State student, is – like many other YCC members – approaching graduation. Majoring in Agriculture Education, this ranchraised student is currently influencing up-and-coming agriculture advocates as he works as a student teacher at Las Plumas High School in Oroville. Airola said his student teaching experience has only 50 California Cattleman March 2014

further ignited his excitement about becoming an agriculture education instructor. “I am reminded every day that I have chosen a perfect path for me,” Airola said. “Ideally, I’d like to end up near home, teaching in the same community that influenced me, but I’m just excited to see what the future holds.” Along with more than 100 other Californians, YCC Secretary Kellie Mancino, a student at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, attended the annual Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn., early in February. Mancino said it was inspiring to see so many individuals committed to the success of the beef industry and she was proud to see so many Californians take advatage of the opportunity to take part in the event. As previously mentioned, YCC Publicity Chair Erika Bianchi, Fresno State, has been on-the-go fitting and exhibiting cattle in some of the nation’s most prestigious of places – both with her own family and with industry friends. In early January, she was Denver-bound for the NWSS. There, she worked for Wyoming-based Silver Spur Ranch where she spent her time on “the hill” and in the yards working on Charolais and Red Angus cattle— two breeds that she is passionate about. Networking and marketing were the two main focuses of her trip. Bianchi Ranches, her family’s operation, was fortunate enough to display an exciting new herdsire, EB Wait for It, in the renowned “herdsire alley.” There Bianchi got to meet and talk with producers while marketing semen and telling her beef story. “It is these kinds of opportunities that will help shape my future, which is the case for many other young cattlemen,” Bianchi said. To stay updated on the latest happenings within the Young Cattlemen’s Committee check out the YCC blog for yourself at www. cayoungcattlemen.wordpress.com or check for updates on the California Young Cattlemen’s Committee Facebook page. The YCC officers encourage all California Young Cattlemen to share their stories, endeavors and background on the YCC blog. If you are interested in contributing to the YCC blog, please contact Bianchi at bianchi2010@mail.

fresnostate.edu.


WITH SEASON-LONG CONTROL, YO UR CAT TLE

T HE NE IGHBORS WILL STARE.

will look so good

Introducing new LONGRANGE with 100 to 150 days of parasite control in a single dose.1

Nothing else comes close to the control of LONGRANGE.2,5-7* DECTOMAX® (doramectin) Injectable

SMALL INTESTINAL WORM (C. oncophora) SMALL INTESTINAL WORM (C. punctata) STOMACH HAIRWORM

A pasture full of thicker, slicker cattle is a beautiful sight. Get the look with LONGRANGE. Its unique THERAPHASETM Technology gives you 100 to 150 days of parasite control in a single dose.2 Break the parasite life cycle and see the performance benefits all season.3,4 Ask your veterinarian for prescription LONGRANGE.

CYDECTIN® (moxidectin) Injectable

LONGRANGE Injectable

BARBER’S POLE WORM NODULAR WORM BROWN STOMACH WORM (O. ostertagi) BROWN STOMACH WORM (O. lyrata) LUNGWORM 0

30

60

90

120

DAYS

Available in 500 mL, 250 mL and 50 mL bottles. Administer subcutaneously at 1 mL/110 lbs.

*SAFE-GUARD® has no demonstrated persistent activity.

For more information, visit

150

theLONGRANGElook.com

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not treat within 48 days of slaughter. Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows, or in veal calves. Post-injection site damage (e.g., granulomas, necrosis) can occur. These reactions have disappeared without treatment. 1

®LONGRANGE and the Cattle Head Logo are registered trademarks, and THERAPHASE is a trademark, of Merial. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. ©2013 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. RUMIELR1213-E (09/12)

Dependent upon parasite species, as referenced in FOI summary and LONGRANGE product label.

LONGRANGE product label. Morley FH, Donald AD. Farm management and systems of helminth control. Vet Parasitol. 1980;6:105-134. Brunsdon RV. Principles of helminth control. Vet Parasitol. 1980;6:185-215 5 CYDECTIN® Injectable product label. 6 DECTOMAX® Injectable product label. 7 SAFE-GUARD® product label. 2 3 4

March 2014 California Cattleman 51


RANGELAND TRUST TALK Conserving Bay Area Rangelands One Acre at a Time By California Rangeland Trust Chairman Darrell Sweet The California Rangeland Trust has a strong working presence in the San Francisco Bay Area that promotes increased appreciation for rangelands and the contributions of private ranching to conservation. With its Mediterranean climate, the Bay Area is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. With only 5 percent of California’s land area, among all of the habitats found in the state, more than a one-third of those habitats can be found in the Bay Area’s nine counties. The strong economy of the region has also made the Bay Area one of the six most important biodiversity hot spots in the nation. The Bay Area includes the nine counties touching San Francisco Bay. It is known worldwide as one of the most innovative, culturally diverse and prosperous areas anywhere in the world. What is often overlooked is that nearly half of the Bay Area’s land mass is rangeland, or about 1.9 million acres according to the Conservation Lands Network and the Rangeland Trust’s own mapping. Rangeland is defined as land that produces vegetation suitable for livestock grazing. Significantly, of the 1.9 million acres, about 1.35 million acres (70 percent) are privately owned rangelands. The Spanish missions introduced cattle and sheep ranching to the Bay Area by the late 1700s. Consequently, as Lynn Huntsinger, Ph.D., of the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) often points out, many of the habitats we value have evolved with livestock grazing for more than 200 years. Thus, many habitats and species absolutely depend upon continued grazing and management by ranchers on both private and publicly owned rangelands. The environmental community has

come to recognize the value of grazing to reduce fire hazard and to promote and maintain plant and wildlife diversity. Recognizing the vital role Bay Area rangelands play in wildlife habitat, watersheds and, very importantly, food production, a number of funders have graciously helped finance the Rangeland Trust’s efforts to keep private working ranches and ranchers in the Bay Area. As a fifth generation Bay Area rancher and Rangeland Trust Board Member myself, I sincerely appreciate these funders: S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation and the Smart Foundation – which all specifically support the Rangeland Trust’s Bay Area conservation efforts. I also acknowledge and appreciate the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund for providing the original Rangeland Trust Bay Area funding.

Darrell Sweet

Open Space Council, California Rangeland Conservation Coalition and Santa Clara County Open Space Authority. Valuable rangeland science support is provided by Stephanie Larson, Ph.D., and Sheila Barry, University of California Cooperative Extension; Previously-mentioned Lynn Huntsinger, a professor of Rangeland Ecology and Management at UC Berkeley; and Stuart Weiss, Ph.D., Creekside Center for Earth Observations. The Rangeland Trust’s Bay Area staff representative is Nancy Schaefer, who resides locally and has extensive experience with Bay Area conservation. Her role is quite challenging, covering all nine counties to advocate and support private rangeland conservation efforts. Using conservation easements to ©Weiss conserve private ranches is a major re-direction in the Bay Area’s conservation efforts, The Rangeland Trust collaborates in contrast to the large amount of with other organizations to promote planning and funding used by public private rangeland values and agencies to acquire ranches. With conservation opportunities in the Bay Nancy’s diligence and dedication, Area. These include San Francisco board member support and the Public Utilities Commission, Coastal valuable contributions of those noted Conservancy, Alameda County here, the California Rangeland Trust is Resource Conservation District, becoming an active leader in Bay Area Natural Resources Conservation rangeland conservation projects. Service, Blue Ridge – Berryessa Conservation Partnership, Bay Area

52 California Cattleman March 2014


Talking with Temple from the Food Animal and Reproduction Medicine Club at the University of California, Davis As published in the February 2014 issue of this publication, the Food Animal and Reproduction Medicine (FARM) Club at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine recently hosted Temple Grandin, Ph.D., to speak at both the Beef Improvement and Cattle Handling Seminar and the Food Animal Practitioner’s Symposium at UC Davis on Jan. 11. Following Grandin’s presentation, veterinary students Jacob Murphy and Michelle Sanborn were able to interview Grandin. below are their questions and her responses.

Extended-Release Injectable Parasiticide 5% Sterile Solution NADA 141-327, Approved by FDA for subcutaneous injection For the Treatment and Control of Internal and External Parasites of Cattle on Pasture with Persistent Effectiveness CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS FOR USE LONGRANGE, when administered at the recommended dose volume of 1 mL per 110 lb (50 kg) body weight, is effective in the treatment and control of 20 species and stages of internal and external parasites of cattle:

TEMPLE GRANDIN, Ph.D.

Q: When did you know working with animals would be your career? A: Well I got started out in high school taking care of the horses in the horse barn around age 14. Q: Having autism, how are you better able to envision what’s best for animals? A: I am a total visionary thinker. when I was young, I learned that animals don’t think in words, they are sensory-based, their memories are going to be pictures, sights, sounds and smells. One of the first things I noticed was the things that make cattle balk, maybe a chain hanging down, a pickup parked next to a chute, a reflection on something, a puddle, etc. They notice little distractions that people don’t notice, but it was obvious to me. When I was very young, I didn’t know that to most people, who think in words, it wasn’t obvious to them. In my book, The Austistic Brain, I get into those different types of thinking. Q: Why do you think animals feel more comfortable in a squeeze chute? A: Some evidence exists that pressure in wide areas of the body can help calm them down. I feel the worst thing is to put cattle in a headgate and have their body flopping around. I think they would be more comfortable with you holding large areas of their bodies instead. But there is an optimal pressure, you got to make the chute tight enough to feel held but not so tight that it hurts, the mistake people make when they are holding animals is that they often squash animals too hard. You also do not want to trigger floor falling, this is why people need non-slip floors. That applies to the squeeze chute lanes and to the veterinarian’s exam area. Q: In terms of the beef industry, where do you see it going in terms of feedlots versus grass-fed beef? A: Well there is no way that all of our beef can be grass fed beef. What I see happening in livestock and chickens etc., it will break into sections, niche markets that are maybe 25 percent of the market. We will still have large-scale production that makes food more affordable. You know, I think J.S. West has done well with the nest boxes and perching system, it is probably a reasonable alternative for large scale commercial for the laying hen. But there are some things that have to change, like the sow stalls have to go, two-thirds of the public do not accept that, reconfinement, most people will not accept. I think we have to look at what we are doing in ag like this, “How would these things fly with your wedding guests, people in L.A., Chicago or New York.” Q: In terms of veterinary students and future ranchers, what can we do now that will help us in our future careers? A: Get out and see as many places as possible. On Christmas vacation get out and see some farms, expose yourself to the different managements. Travel is a great educator, get out and see lots of different things. Q: How do you think HBO portrayed you with the movie about your life? A: I was very involved, I was on site when they filmed the dip vat parts and they did a great job. Claire Danes sort of became me, it was like a 60s, 70s time machine. They did a great job. The FARM club was very grateful to have the opportunity to interview one of the greatest minds in the animal industry. For more information on the FARM Club at the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine please go to https://www.facebook.com/FarmClubAtUCDavis?ref=hl or to http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/clubs/farm/

Gastrointestinal Roundworms Cooperia oncophora – Adults and L4

Lungworms Dictyocaulus viviparus – Adults

Cooperia punctata – Adults and L4 Cooperia surnabada – Adults and L4 Haemonchus placei – Adults

Grubs Hypoderma bovis

Oesophagostomum radiatum – Adults Ostertagia lyrata – Adults Ostertagia ostertagi – Adults, L4, and inhibited L4

Mites Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis

Trichostrongylus axei – Adults and L4 Trichostrongylus colubriformis – Adults Parasites

Durations of Persistent Effectiveness

Gastrointestinal Roundworms Cooperia oncophora Cooperia punctata Haemonchus placei

100 days 100 days 120 days

Oesophagostomum radiatum Ostertagia lyrata Ostertagia ostertagi Trichostrongylus axei Lungworms

120 days 120 days 120 days 100 days

Dictyocaulus viviparus

150 days

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION LONGRANGE® (eprinomectin) should be given only by subcutaneous injection in front of the shoulder at the recommended dosage level of 1 mg eprinomectin per kg body weight (1 mL per 110 lb body weight). WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Withdrawal Periods and Residue Warnings Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 48 days of the last treatment. This drug product is not approved for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. Use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows. A withdrawal period has not been established for pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. Animal Safety Warnings and Precautions The product is likely to cause tissue damage at the site of injection, including possible granulomas and necrosis. These reactions have disappeared without treatment. Local tissue reaction may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter. Observe cattle for injection site reactions. If injection site reactions are suspected, consult your veterinarian. This product is not for intravenous or intramuscular use. Protect product from light. LONGRANGE® (eprinomectin) has been developed specifically for use in cattle only. This product should not be used in other animal species. When to Treat Cattle with Grubs LONGRANGE effectively controls all stages of cattle grubs. However, proper timing of treatment is important. For the most effective results, cattle should be treated as soon as possible after the end of the heel fly (warble fly) season. Environmental Hazards Not for use in cattle managed in feedlots or under intensive rotational grazing because the environmental impact has not been evaluated for these scenarios. Other Warnings: Underdosing and/or subtherapeutic concentrations of extended-release anthelmintic products may encourage the development of parasite resistance. It is recommended that parasite resistance be monitored following the use of any anthelmintic with the use of a fecal egg count reduction test program. TARGET ANIMAL SAFETY Clinical studies have demonstrated the wide margin of safety of LONGRANGE® (eprinomectin). Overdosing at 3 to 5 times the recommended dose resulted in a statistically significant reduction in average weight gain when compared to the group tested at label dose. Treatment-related lesions observed in most cattle administered the product included swelling, hyperemia, or necrosis in the subcutaneous tissue of the skin. The administration of LONGRANGE at 3 times the recommended therapeutic dose had no adverse reproductive effects on beef cows at all stages of breeding or pregnancy or on their calves. Not for use in bulls, as reproductive safety testing has not been conducted in males intended for breeding or actively breeding. Not for use in calves less than 3 months of age because safety testing has not been conducted in calves less than 3 months of age. STORAGE Store at 77° F (25° C) with excursions between 59° and 86° F (15° and 30° C). Protect from light. Made in Canada. Manufactured for Merial Limited, Duluth, GA, USA. ®LONGRANGE and the Cattle Head Logo are registered trademarks of Merial. ©2013 Merial. All rights reserved. 1050-2889-02, Rev. 05/2012

March 2014 California Cattleman 53


54 California Cattleman March 2014


March 2014 California Cattleman 55


The Best of Both Worlds

Phone 707.448.9208

h

Bulls and females available private treaty at the ranch!

56 California Cattleman March 2014


Pitchfork Cattle Co.

Hereford Bulls Now Available!

Dave Goss PO Box 13 Vinton, CA 96135 530-993-4636

March 2014 California Cattleman 57


58 California Cattleman March 2014 58 California Cattleman March 2014

March 2014 California Cattleman 58


Would you like to gain exposure for your ranching operation? Do you have a business that has something to offer to California beef producers? Consider advertising in our buyers’ guide inexpensive

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for more information on rates contact Matt Macfarlane at (916) 803-3113 or call the CCA office at (916) 444-0845.

AUTHORIZED DEALER! 10391 E. STOCKTON BLVD in ELK GROVE March 2014 California Cattleman 59 March 2014 California Cattleman 59


In Memory Hubbard Russell, Jr.

Hubbard Russell Jr., passed away, Feb. 10, in Bradbury. “Hub” was born Sept. 7, 1917, to Hubbard and Reba Russell. He lived his early childhood on the family Triunfo Ranch in Ventura County. Later in childhood he moved to Los Angeles, where he completed his education, graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles. Russell married Marie, and they had two children, Richard and Barbara. His early career was as an executive with the YMCA. He later joined the family cattle and farming business, working with his father and other family on the beautiful Rancho Cuyama in Santa Barbara County. Russell and his family were all very pleased and proud that, for many years, they had one of the finest herds of Hereford cattle in the West. Russell was an active member of the California Cattlemen’s Association, serving as chairman of CCA’s Convention Committee for many years. Russell’s passions were first, his commitment to God, his wife and children and the cattle business. He devoted much time and energy to each of these endeavors. Russell is preceded in death by his wife, Marie, and daughter, Barbara. He is survived by his son, Richard, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren; Jill and Andrew, children of Barbara, and Rich and Ryan, children of Richard. Any contributions to Russell’s memory can be directed to the YMCA or the California Cattlemens Association, to help young people better their lives and careers. lanned.

Daniel M. “Dan” Russell,

Dan Russell, a lifelong cattleman and heir of a historic Folsom family ranching and rodeo livestock operation passed away Dec. 29, 2013 at his home near Henryetta, Okla., where he moved in 2002 and supplied bucking animals for major rodeos throughout the United States, said his brother-inlaw Ralph Pavey. Russell owned and operated Western Rodeos, Inc., renowned as

ELWIN ARCHIBALD RONEY

cattleman who worked closely with UC Cooperative Extension toward several farming and beef improvement initiatives as well as land management and foothill abortion issues. He was one of the early commercial cattlemen to use artificial insemination in his herd. While the rest rotation management of pastures today is commonplace, it was Elwin who helped pioneer this concept in an ongoing eighteen year project on his family’s permit in the Lassen National Forest. Another hallmark of Elwin’s dedication to rangeland improvement was his cooperative effort with the California Department of Forestry, The Tehama County Agricultural Stabilization committee, and neighbors and friends to bring about a 10,000acre control burn in the foothills of Tehama County. Though it took years to complete, it proved a valuable tool for range improvement and its effects can still be seen today. Through the years, Roney served as a 4-H leader, director of the Tehama County Land Bank, president of the Nord Farm Bureau, Director of the Butte County Farm Bureau, a trustee of Nord Grammar School for nine years, and a member of the Red Bluff Bull Sale sifting committee. He is survived by his son Wallace Clark Roney (Billie Jean) and daughter Catherine Jane Oviedo (Edgar), four grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

one of the top rodeo companies in the country for its tough stock. Three of his bulls – Pacific Bell, Trick or Treat and Grasshopper – won the bucking bull of the year award a total of five times from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Russell’s family began cattle ranching in the Folsom area just after the Civil War. He was the son of the late Dan H. Russell, who grew the family’s ranching business into one of the biggest cattle operations in the

United States and helped build the rodeo arena named for him in Folsom. He was born March 13, 1952, in Sacramento. He graduated from Folsom High School in 1970 and had two children with his first wife, Esther. Russell is survived by his wife, Linda, his son Daniel and daughter Tanya. He also is survived by three sisters, Gail Phillips, Diane RussellPavey and Linda Catlett; and two grandchildren.

Elwin Roney, born Aug. 11, 1920 to “Jock” George Wallace Roney and Ulrica Marguerite Bennett Roney in Chico, left for greener pastures on Jan. 22. Growing up, Roney attended elementary school in the one-room school house in Live Oak and graduated from Los Molinos High School. Elwin graduated from the University of California, Davis, in 1942. He belonged to the Honorary Society of the Alpha Zeta Fraternity. Elwin was not only an exemplary student, he was also one heck of a basketball player for the Aggies. In 1940, at the old dance hall in Paradise, Elwin met Emily, the love of his life. They were married in 1943. A founding member of the Butte County Cattlemen’s Association, Roney later served as the group’s president. He also belonged to the Tehama, Plumas-Sierra and Lassen County Cattlemen’s Associations. Roney represented Butte County on the CCA Board of Directors and went on to serve as a second vice president for the state association. As tax relief for ranchers was a personal mission for Roney, he worked with many local and state leaders and the CCA Taxation Committee to develop tax relief proposals. He was also instrumental in helping initiate the creation of what producers know today as the Williamson Act. Roney was a forward-thinking

60 California Cattleman March 2014


Cattlemen’s Report Cowman’s Kind Bull & Horse Sale Bar 6 Charolais and Angus & Bar 9 Angus Madras, Ore. — Jan. 24-25 Auctioneer: Col. Dennis Metzger 66 Charolais..................................... $4,150 35 Angus.......................................... $3,600 11 Sim Angus.................................. $3,045 6 Horses........................................... $4,241 Klamath Falls Bull Sale Klamath Falls, Ore. — Feb. 8 Auctioneer: Col. Eric Duarte 73 Angus.......................................... $2,605 3 Charolais....................................... $2,867 9 Hereford....................................... $2,383 2 Limousin...................................... $3,000 6 Polled Hereford........................... $2,308 1 Red Angus.................................... $1,900 1 SimAngus..................................... $3,200 96 total bulls averaged................... $2,575

“PERFORMANCE PLUS” BULL SALE Camas Prairie Angus Ranch & Crouthamel Cattle Co. Lewiston, Idaho — Feb. 13 Auctioneers: Col. Butch Booker and Col. Rick Machado Sale Management: Parnell Dickinson, Inc. 81 Fall Bulls..................................... $3,911 90 Yearling Bulls............................. $3,583 171 total bulls averaged................. $3,739 74 open heifers averaged ............. $1,333 Shaw Cattle Co Production Sale Caldwell, Idaho — Feb. 19 Auctioneers: Col. Butch Booker and Col. Trent Stewart 105 Hereford Bulls......................... $4,900 234 Angus Bulls.............................. $4,269 20 Red Angus Bulls........................ $3,700 359 total lots averaged.................. $4,422 Thomas Angus Ranch at LGW Bull Sale Pendelton, Ore. — Feb. 14 Auctioneers: Col. Trent Stewart, Col. Rick Machado Sale Management: Cotton & Associates 95 Fall Yearling Angus Bulls......................... $4,288 11 Fall Yearling Commercial Bulls.............. $2,414 106 total lots averaged................................... $4,094

Advertisers’ Index Accelerated Genetics..................................... 45 All West Select Sires...................................... 44 Amador Angus.............................................. 54 American Hereford Association.................. 56 Apache Polled Herefords.............................. 56 Bar R Angus............................................. 19, 54 Black Gold Bull Sale...................................... 22 BMW Angus.................................................. 54 Bovine Elite, LLC........................................... 59 Broken Arrow................................................ 54 Broken Box Ranch................................... 17, 57 Buchanan Angus Ranch............................... 54 Byrd Cattle Co......................................... 54, 64 California Custom......................................... 59 California State Univestity, Chico............... 57 California Wagyu Breeders.......................... 57 California Windmill...................................... 59 Cardey Ranches............................................. 49 Cargill.............................................................. 16 Cattlemen’s Livestock Market........................ 9 CattleVisions............................................. 40,41 Charron Ranch.............................................. 54 Cherry Glen Beefmasters............................. 56 Conlan Ranches California.......................... 57 Conlin Fence Company................................ 57 Conlin Supply Company, Inc....................... 13 Corsair Angus Ranch.................................... 54 Dal Porto Livestock.................................. 29,54 Diamond Back Ranch................................... 57 Donati Ranch........................................... 17, 54 Edwards, Lien & Toso, Inc........................... 57 Escalon Livestock Market............................. 37 Fair Oaks Ranch............................................ 55 Five Star Land and Livestock................. 19, 55

Freitas Rangeland Improvements................ 37 Fresno State Agricultural Foundation........ 57 Furtado Angus............................................... 55 Furtado Livestock Enterprises............... 44, 59 Genoa Livestock............................................ 57 Gonsalves Ranch..................................... 26, 55 Haugen Limousin Cattle Ranch.................. 56 HAVE Angus.................................................. 55 Heritage.......................................................... 19 Hinton Ranch................................................. 48 Hone Ranch.................................................... 56 J/V Angus....................................................... 55 Kennedy Nutrition Services......................... 59 Kerndt Livestock Products........................... 57 Lambert Ranch........................................ 49, 57 Laurel Fowler Insurance Broker, Inc........... 57 Lazy J............................................................... 49 Lee Hutchens Herefords............................... 57 McPhee Red Angus....................................... 57 Merial Anmal Health/Longrange.......... 51, 53 Morrell Ranches............................................. 48 Multimin......................................................... 37 Next Generation............................................ 49 Noah’s Angus Ranch..................................... 55 Novartis............................................................ 6 O’Connell Ranch..................................... 17, 55 O’Neal Ranch................................................. 27 ORIgen............................................................ 59 Orvis Cattle Company.................................. 57 Pitchford Cattle Co............................................ Pitchfork Cattle Co........................................ 57 Powell Scales NW, Inc................................... 39 Producers Livestock Madera........................ 34 Pacific Trace Minerals............................. 16, 57

R&R Farms..................................................... 57 Rancho Casino............................................... 29 RayMar Ranches............................................ 25 RayMar Ranches...................................... 25, 54 Ritchie Industries ......................................... 35 Romans Ranches Charolais.......................... 11 RoundUpCattle.com................................... 1, 5 Sammis Ranch............................................... 55 San Juan Ranch.............................................. 56 Schafer Ranch................................................ 55 Schohr Herefords........................................... 57 Sierra Ranches................................................ 57 Silveira Bros................................................ 3, 55 Skinner Livestock Transportation............... 59 Sonoma Mountain Herefords................ 49, 57 Spanish Ranch................................................ 56 Tehama Angus Ranch............................. 22, 56 Teixeira Cattle Co.................................... 56, 63 Templeton Livetock Market....................... 1, 5 Tumbleweed Ranch....................................... 56 Turlock Livestock.......................................... 15 Universal Semen Sales.................................. 59 Veterinary Services, Inc................................ 57 VF Red Angus................................................ 31 Vintage Angus Ranch................................... 56 Visalia Livestock Market............................ 1, 5 Western Fence & Construction, Inc............ 57 Western Stockman’s Market......................... 28 Western Video Market.................................... 2 Wulff Brothers Liverstock...................... 17, 56 Yara Pure Nutrient........................................ 62 York Ranches.................................................... 7

March 2014 California Cattleman 61


Yield or environment? I care for both. Historically, ammonium nitrate produces the highest yield and quality forage compared to other nitrogen fertilizers. The nitrate is immediately available for uptake by plant roots leading to a “quick green up”. The result is a higher yielding forage with a higher protein content and an increased return on investment. Greenhouse gas emissions for nitrogen fertilizer occur during manufacturing and from reactions in the soil. Of all the nitrogen fertilizers, nitrates are the most environmentally sound with low ammonia volatilization and leaching since grasses are highly efficient bioaccumulators of nutrients. Through innovative production technologies, Yara has further improved nitrates’ environmental performance by reducing their carbon footprint by 29%. This is why Yara’s nitrate-based fertilizers are pure nutrients, offering higher yields, better crop quality and lower environmental burden than any other.

62 California Cattleman March 2014

Scan for more information on Yara’s crop nutrition products. www.yara.us • 800-234-9376


March 2014 California Cattleman 63


Have your feed costs been high during this extremely dry winter? There is a soluTion ... buying bCC bulls ThaT are proven for feed effiCienCy. Think about the following real world scenario ... Bull A’s daughters eat $800 of feed over the winter. Bull B’s daughters eat $400 of feed over the winter.

the cost of raising cattle, we believe in offering our customers every opportunity to save money by purchasing tested, documented feed efficient genetics.

If you have 50 daughters by each bull, there is a $20,000 difference in the wintering cost of those daughters. If both sets of cows wean the same pounds of calf, which would you rather have?

Every bull in our sale sells with individual Residual Feed Intake (RFI) data, in addition to Zoetis 50K DNA percentile rankings. This adds a substantial cost on our end, yet the benefit to you, our customer, is priceless.

At Byrd Cattle Company, we’re continually moving forward with new technology. We see feed efficiency as an untapped “great frontier” in the beef business. And we don’t just talk about it, we’ve been testing for it for generations. With feed costs accounting for nearly 70% of

If you’re thinking about buying Angus bulls or females, let us show you how BCC genetics can make you more profitable. We sell affordable bulls and females bred with cow sense – but most importantly with common sense!

every bull sells with individual residual feed intake (rfi) data and Zoetis 50K dna percentile rankings!

14th Annual “Best of Both Worlds” Angus Bull & Female SalE

Friday, September 5

150 Bulls & 80 Females sell

2002 CBCIA SeedStoCk ProduCer of the YeAr

BYrd CAttLe CoMPANY, LLC P.O. Box 713 • Red Bluff, CA 96080

Dan 530-736-8470 • Ty 530-200-4054 byrdcattleco@hotmail.com • www.byrdcattleco.com THD ©

The West’s #1 Source for Low Birth, High Growth Bulls with Marbling, Muscle and Feed Efficiency!

64 California Cattleman March 2014


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