Texas Longhorn Trails
February 2014
FEBRUARY 2014 VOL. 25 NO. 11
Cover Stories:
About the Cover:
Zeus EOT 9ES...... This is a full brother to the longest horned cow in the breed, and he produces outstanding offspring! For more information on this great sire, contact Mike Bowman at (316) 778-1717 or mbowman@wildblue.net
34 Bullish On Mentoring by Henry King
38 50th Anniversary Salute:
Maudeen Marks
42 Management of Beef Bulls by Glenn Selk
Feature Articles: 28 Raising Texas Longhorns As A Business by Darol Dickinson
50 Bale Grazing Tips by Heather Smith Thomas
54 Vaccinations... Let’s “Shoot” Straight 67 Texas Registered Longhorn Beef Provider List
Shows & Sales: 37 50th Anniversary Golden Heifer Sale
39 50th Anniversary Golden Heifer Sale Consignment Form 4
Texas Longhorn Trails
Departments: 13 Officer & Directors 16 A Moment in TLBAA History 18 CEO Letter with Mike Coston 20 TLBT Letter 22 Events Update with Liz Nessler 24 Affiliate News 26 News On The Trail 32 New Members 58 Movers & Shakers 64 In The Pen 66 Herd Management 68 Save the Date 71 Ad Index 71 Just For Grins
Notesfrom the Editor The 2014 year is off to a fast start, and the Trails magazine is keeping up with the pace. The February issue focuses on the herd sires of the Longhorn breed, and we are excited to include the Cattle Baron’s catalog with this issue this year, and we encourage all members to participate in this great sale. Show season is upon us, and this is my favorite time of the year. Being a part of a junior organization and exhibiting cattle all over the state helped me become the person I am today. I am very fortunate to be a part of my family and have the opportunites that I was given. I wish all the exhibitors luck at the majors! We appreciate the continued patience in the mailing of the magazine, as we are continuing to strive for that 15th mailing date. The Trails staff is working dilegently to get your magazine out in a timely manner, and we appreciate all the wonderful emails and conversations about the past issues. We encourage your suggestions on improving the magazine for your association by emailing laura@tlbaa.org. Please keep in mind the policy changes regarding E-blasts and print advertising, as we are hoping the costs will help streamline production even more. Time saved means more time spent on the overall look of your magazine as well as timely mailing. We are continuing the drive towards the 50th Anniversary in May, and we look forward to seeing you all.
– Laura Standley
(817) 625-6241• (817) 625-1388 (FAX) P.O. Box 4430 • Fort Worth, TX 76164 E-Mail: trails@tlbaa.org • www.tlbaa.org Editor in Chief: Laura Standley • Ext. 105 • laura@tlbaa.org • trailseditor@tlbaa.org Contributing Editor: Henry L. King Advertising: Matt Durkin • (512) 923-9015 • mattdurkin1073@aol.com
Ashley Loos • (217) 653-8403 • ashley@tlbaa.org Phil Norwood • (713) 294-0139 • phil@tlbaa.org Joe Raimo • (352) 361-8274 • deucer49@aol.com Graphic Design & Production: Myra Basham • Ext. 108 • myra@tlbaa.org • artdirector@tlbaa.org
President/CEO: Mike Coston Ext. 102 • mike@tlbaa.org
Show & Sales: Liz Nessler • Ext. 104 liz@tlbaa.org salesandevents@tlbaa.org
Registrations: Dana Coomer • Ext. 116
Regional Correspondents: Lori Beeson • Nolensville, Tennessee | Paige Evans • Kiowa, Colorado | Deb
dana@tlbaa.org registrar@tlbaa.org membership@tlbaa.org
Lesyk • Outlook, Saskatchewan, Canada | Wanda Moore • Sulphur Bluff, Texas | Bodie Quary • Prague, Oklahoma
Rick Fritsche • Ext. 107
Graphic Artist/Multimedia Design: Anna Hendry • Ext. 109 • web@tlbaa.org
rick@tlbaa.org registrar@tlbaa.org
Deadline: March 2014 deadline is January 28th. The Texas Longhorn Trails (ISSN-10988432, USPS 016469) is published monthly by the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, 2315 N. Main, Ste. 402, Fort Worth, TX 76164. Periodical Postage Paid at Fort Worth, TX. Subscription rates: $60 per year; foreign per year $75. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Texas Longhorn Trails, 2315 N. Main, Ste. 402, Fort Worth, TX 76164. Phone (817) 625-6241. Fax (817) 625-1388. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all content of advertisements printed and also assume responsibility for any claims arising from such advertisements made against the publisher. Publisher reserves exclusive rights to accept or reject advertising or editorial material submitted for publication in the Texas Longhorn Trails magazine. Articles and photos from this publication may be reprinted only with permission of the publisher.
Accounting:
Donna Shimanek • Ext. 121 donna@tlbaa.org
Receptionist/ Adminstrative Assistant:
Cynthia Guerra • Ext. 100 Printed in the USA
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“We reach every TLBAA member”
cynthia@tlbaa.org
Texas Longhorn Trails
Give your breeding program Frank Anderson Jr. and III 828 South Rosemary Drive • Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 846-8020 • (281) 501-2100 edie.wakefield@gmail.com
Beadle Land & Cattle - Ray & Bonnie Beadle Los Gatos & Hollister, CA (408) 834-0110 • (408) 656-6266 e-mail: rlbeadle@longfibre.com
Box Z Ranch - Steven Zunker & Louis Christa 1506 Harwood Road, Luling, TX 78648 Ranch mobile (210) 827-3940 www.boxzranch.com
Kaso, Lisa & Jake Kety - Little Ace Cattle Company P.O. Box 386, Folsom, LA 70437 (985) 796-3918 e-mail: ketyfolsom@aol.com
PJ’s Cattle Company – Jim Swigert or Lance Swigert 2130 CR 100, Caldwell, TX 77836 Jim: (979) 224-2861 or Lance (979) 219-4902 e-mail: jim@swicoauctions.com or lance@swicoauctions.com www.pjslonghorns.com
McLeod Ranch – Michael, Jackie, Mike & Makayla McLeod 355 C.R. 303A, Edna, TX 77957 (361) 782-0155
Brennan & Michele Potts - Rocking P Longhorns
P.O. Box 579, Emory, TX 75440 (903) 473-2430 Cell: (903) 348-5400 www.rockingplonghorns.com • e-mail: bpotts1@verizon.net
Rio Vista Ranch - Elmer & Susan Rosenberger 4818 Eck Lane, Austin, TX 78734 (512) 266-3250 Cell: (512) 422-8336 e-mail: elmer@riovistaranch.com www.riovistaranch.com
Westfarms Inc. - Dale, Lynette, Leslie & Matt Westmoreland 13529 Hwy 450, Franklinton, LA 70438 (985) 839-5713 Cell: (985) 515-3172 e-mail: westfarmsinc@gmail.com
This space is available for your ranch listing!
a boost with Butler genetics! Frank Anderson Jr. and III 828 South Rosemary Drive • Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 846-8020 • (281) 501-2100 edie.wakefield@gmail.com
DALGOOD Longhorns - Malcolm & Connie Goodman (713) 782-8422 • Waller, TX e-mail: dalgood@comcast.net www.dalgoodlonghorns.com
Eagles Ridge Longhorns - Paul & Judi Sellers 3245 Sugarloaf Key Rd, U21A, Punta Gorda, FL 33955 (941) 979-2419 or (443) 624-0792 e-mail: ancop5@me.com
Harrell Ranch-Kent & Sandy Harrell
15 W 6th St Ste 2510, Tulsa, OK 74119 (918) 299-6402 • (918) 733-4008 www.harrellranch.com • e-mail: Kent@harrellranch.com
Moriah Farms - Bernard Lankford Weatherford, TX (817) 341-4677 • (817) 319-9198 cell www.moriahfarmslonghorns.com
Rocking G Ranch - Mrs. Ramie Griffin 5005 Callais Road • Beaumont, TX 77713 (409) 892-2662 • Fax (409) 838-6926 Cell (409) 790-6565 e-mail: dayamisrockingranch@yahoo.com
Rockin I Longhorns - Nancy Ince & Tony Mangold 30 FM 3351 N, Bergheim, TX 78004 (830) 237-5024 • e-mail: tmangold@sbcglobal.net www.rockinilonghorns.com
Sidewinder Cattle Company - Ed Shehee, Jr. 1007 Airport Blvd • Pensacola, FL 32504 (850) 572-6595 www.sidewindercattleco.com
Jane’s Land & Cattle Co. - John & Jane Thate 418 W. Margaret St. • Fairmont, MN 56031 (507) 235-3467
Triple R Ranch - Robert & Kim Richey 21000 Dry Creek Road • San Angelo, TX 76901 (325) 942-1198 • e-mail: r3ranch@aol.com www.butlertexaslonghorns.com
This space is available for your ranch listing!
2 0 1 3 T L B A A H O R N S H O W C A S E S P O N S O R S
2 0 1 3 T L B A A H O R N S H O W C A S E S P O N S O R S
2 0 1 3 T L B A A H O R N S H O W C A S E S P O N S O R S
Alaska
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Canada, New Zealand, Australia
17 13
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
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2 3
16
14 15 NORTH WEST
Hawaii
9
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CENTRAL
EAST
12
6
5
7
10
SOUTH
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SOUTHEAST
TLBAA Regions
DIVISION A ~ REGIONS 1-6
Chairman of the Board: Todd McKnight • (620) 704-3493
Secretary: Robert Richey • (325) 942-1198
Executive Vice Chairman: Jim Rombeck • (785) 562-6665
Treasurer: John Parmley • (281) 541-1201
1st Vice Chairman:
Director: Tom Smith • (616) 293-0977
2nd Vice Chairman: L.D. McIntyre • (308) 750-8384
Director: Bernard Lankford • (817) 341-2013
DIVISION B ~ REGIONS 7-12
DIVISION C ~ REGIONS 13-18
At-Large Director
At-Large Director
Mark Hubbell
(269) 838-3083 hubbelllonghorns@aol.com
Lana Hightower
(903) 681-1093 glcattleco@aol.com
(620) 704-3493 chairman@tlbaa.org
At-Large Director
At-Large Director
At-Large Director vacant
At-Large Director
Todd McKnight
Ken Morris
(704) 361-6035 khaoslonghorns@earthlink.net
(281) 541-1201 john@jspservicesinc.com
Region 1 - Director
Region 7 - Director
Jeff Jespersen
(780) 966-3320 jeffj91@hotmail.com
Donnie Taylor
(936) 414-1401 longhorn4t@msn.com
(308) 750-8384 or (308) 246-5600 tejas@mcintyreranches.com
Region 2 - Director
Region 8 - Director
Region 14 - Director
John Parmley
Region 13 - Director
L.D. McIntyre
Nelson Hearn
(484) 638-0228 nel_tam_hearn@yahoo.com
Bernard Lankford
(817) 341-2013 MoriahFarmsBL@aol.com
(785) 562-6665 jl.rombeck@outlook.com
Region 3 - Director
Region 9 - Director
Region 15 Director
(616) 293-0977 tom@widespreadranch.com
Tom Smith
Region 4 - Director
Jim Rombeck
Robert Richey
(325) 942-1198 r3ranch@aol.com
(979) 906-0043 cperz1@hotmail.com
Region 10 - Director
Region 16 - Director
Craig Perez
Scott Hughes
(828) 287-4257 shughes@partonlumber.com
Gary Bowdoin
(254) 640-0844 Tonkawacattleco@aol.com
(435) 275-2112 doughuny37@gmail.com
Region 5 - Director
Region 11 - Director
Region 17 - Director
Doug Hunt
Nancy Dunn
(334) 318-0887 nancydunn2010@windstream.net
(281) 935-2811 texasslonghorns@aol.com
Larry Smith
(208) 860-7430 terry@fuhrimanins.com
Region 6 - Director
Region 12 - Director
Region 18 - Director
(501) 690-0771 k.kittler@hotmail.com
(210) 827-3940 stevenzunker@msn.com
Kathy Kittler
CHARLES SCHREINER III* 1964-1967 WALTER G. RIEDEL, JR.* 1967-1969 J.G. PHILLIPS, JR.* 1969-1971 WALTER B. SCOTT* 1971-1973 JAMES WARREN* 1973-1975 J.W. ISAACS* 1975-1977 J.T. “HAPPY” SHAHAN* 1977-1978
Terry Fuhriman
(408) 834-0110 rlbeadle@longfibre.com
Ray Beadle
Steven Zunker
JOHN R. BALL 1979-1980
RIEMER CALHOUN, JR. 1990-1992
BILL ANTHONY* 1981-1982
GLEN W. LEWIS 1992-1995
DR. L.V. BAKER 1982-1984
TIM MILLER* 1995-1998
DR. W.D. “BILL” CLARK 1984-1986
SHERMAN BOYLES 1998-2003
RICHARD D. CARLSON 1986-1988
BOB MOORE* 2003-2005
JOHN T. BAKER 1988-1990
JOEL LEMLEY 2006-2007 * DECEASED
— MEMBER —
BEN GRAVETT 2007 DR. FRITZ MOELLER 2007-2009 MAURICE LADNIER 2009-2010 ROBERT RICHEY 2010 STEVEN ZUNKER 2010-2011 BRENT BOLEN 2011-2012 BERNARD LANKFORD 2012-2013
TLBAA EDUCATIONAL/RESEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Chairman: Dr. Bob Kropp – (580) 336-0220
Matt McGuire - (405) 742-4351
Mark Hubbell – (269) 838-3083
Dr. David Hillis – (512) 789-6659
Felix Serna – (361) 294-5331
John T. Baker – (512) 515-6730
Russell Hooks – (409) 381-0616
bob.kropp@okstate.edu
semkinlonghorns@mindspring.com
hubbelllonghorns@aol.com
doublehelix@att.net
fserna@elcoyote.com
jtb2@earthlink.net
russellh@longhornroundup.com
February 2014
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2 0 1 3 T L B A A H O R N S H O W C A S E S P O N S O R S
A Moment in TLBAA History Here’s What You Think!
A look back at significant moments throughout the years since the foundation of the TLBAA. Reprinted from July 2001 issue of Trails Magazine
Results of the Breeder's Opinion Poll 2001
SEVERAL MONTHS AGO,THE TLBAA BREED ADVISORY COMMITTEE ASKED TLBAA MEMBERS TO NOMINATE THEIR CHOICE FOR THE TOP LIVING BULLS AND THE TOP SIRES OF ALL TIME. THOSE ANIMALS NOMINATED WERE THEN LISTED IN THE TRAILS AND MEMBERS ASKED TO PICK THEIR TOP TEN CHOICES. FOLLOWING ARE THE 25 SIRES THAT WERE CONSIDERED THE “BEST IN THE BREED” BY THE MEMBERSHIP.
Top Living Bulls
Top Sires of All Time The survey listing of the top Texas Longhorn bulls of all times reads like a “Who’s Who” of the Texas Longhorn industry as it should be. The respondents topped the list with proven bulls that have each made an impact on the breeding programs of many Texas Longhorn breeders. Sons of proven sires and outstanding cows dot the list. The son and father combo of Emperor and Overwhelmer topped the voting. Each of these bulls has proved his breeding value, market value and popularity over time. The half brother combo of Monarch 103 and Classic followed closely in third and fourth place. Both bulls were sired by Bevo and Monarch’s dam is a full sister to Classic. It goes on and on. As you move through the list, you can easily see that genetics have played a very important role in the production of the outstanding Texas Longhorn cattle of all time. The importance of genetics and the transmittance of the desirable traits from sire and dam to the offspring cannot be undervalued. 1. Emperor (Overwhelmer X Ranger’s Measles) 2. Overwhelmer (Cowcatcher X Doherty 698) 3. Monarch 103 (Bevo X Lady Butler) 4. Classic (Bevo X Beauty) 5. Bail Jumper (Cowcatcher X Ranger’s Measles) 6. Phenomenon (Superior X Doherty 698) 7. Texas Ranger JP (Two Tone X Brazos Belle 182nd) 8. Dixie Hunter (Classic X Rose Red) 9. Bold Ruler (Sam X Miss Dayton #5) 10. Measles’ Super Ranger (Texas Ranger JP X Measles 2849) 11. Cowcatcher (Texas Toro 60 X Calico Gal) 12. Jet Jockey (Bail Jumper X Better Yet) 13. Bar M Don Abraham 3/0 (Don Quixote Spear E113 X Damn High) 14. GF G-Man (Colorado Cowboy X Inez of Acampo) 15. Colorado Cowboy (Conquistador X Shenandoah) 16. Impressive (Don Quintana X Ranger’s Measles) 17. Widespread 11/9 (Bellringer X Bluntzer Babe) 18. Abraham (Bar M Don Abraham 3/0 X French Lovin) 19. Whelming King (‘King’ X Whelming Laney) 20. Dode’s Classic FM446 (Dode’s Boy X Classey Nicole FM 170) 21. Gunman (GF G-Man X Sizzle) 22. Country Liberator (Country Boy X Tri-W 698 Liberator) 23. Deigo’s Hot Shot (Blackwood’s Deigo X Moore’s Maiden 48/6) 24. Don Quixote Spear E 113 (WR 1882 X WR 1878) 25. Ace’s Mojo (Bold Ruler X Maressa)
The current popularity of horn measurement and the Butler bloodline was quite evident in the breeder survey of the top living bulls. Voted as the top four sires were VJ Tommie (aka Unlimited), Coach, Ace’s Mojo, and Ace’s Dayton Desperado, all very popular Butler bloodline bulls. With the importance of horn and Butler genetics in the marketing of Texas Longhorn cattle today, these very popular sires ranking at the top demonstrates the emphasis that many breeders are placing on horns, pedigree, popularity and marketing. The World Grand Champion bulls and sires of many show winning animals, Abraham, Jet Jockey, Country Liberator, Sunrise Admiral and B/B Lonely Rebel, also placed high. Many TLBAA breeders enjoy the World Show Circuit and select sires whose progeny continue to dominate the championships. Outstanding sires that are owned by breeders who utilize significant advertising and promotion in the marketing programs also made the list of top sires. Whelming King, Tango, Boomerang CP, JK Creekmore, JMC Phenomenal Ranger and Overlord CP are examples of bulls that have definite name recognition in our industry and will play significant roles in future years as more offspring hit the ground. 1. VJ Tommie (aka Unlimited) - (No Double X OT Superior’s Droopy) 2. Coach (Don Juan of Christine X Miss Redmac 256) 3. Ace’s Mojo (Bold Ruler X Maressa) 4. Ace’s Dayton Desperado (Ace’s Mojo X F.M. Graves 54) 5. Abraham (Bar M Don Abraham 3/0 X French Lovin) 6. Dixie River (Emperor X Delta Nicole) 7. Tabasco (Dixie Hunter X Delta Diamond) 8. Whelming King (‘King’ X Whelming Laney) 9. Jet Jockey (Bail Jumper X Better Yet) 10. Country Liberator (Country Boy X Tri-W 698 Liberator) 11. Tango (Play Boy X Guadalajara) 12. Sunrise Admiral (Dominator X Sunrise Sunshine) 13. Boomerang CP (Overlord CP X Indian Girl 636) 14. JK Creekmore (Widespread 11/9 X Locksmith Lady) 15. JMC Phenomenal Ranger (Phenomenon X HCR Classy Rangerette) 16. Overlord CP (Emperor X Kimco 5) 17. Sage Dode FM950 (Dode’s Boy X Monarch Missy) 18. Roundup (Tabasco X Hard Twist) 19. B/B Lonely Rebel (BB Lonesome Stranger X Moore 218) 20. Windwalker FM 50 (Mr. Graves X Classey Blubutler FM 386) 21. Tri-W 698’s Legend (Tri-W Slide Rule X Doherty 698) 22. Not Gunna (Gunner X Not Dot) 23. Sensor (Zhivago X Sensitivo) 24. Turbo Jet (Jet Jockey X D Bar S Dominique) 25. JK Sterling 262 (Widespread 11/9 X Tar Baby’s D Lite)
2 0 1 3 T L B A A H O R N S H O W C A S E S P O N S O R S
This has been a great year for me and TLBAA. I started by having the staff clean the clutter from their workplace, from the mail room and the break-room trying to create a positive and more professional working atmosphere in the office so that the staff could better serve our membership. I implemented a dress code, and caught a little flak over that from some of the staff, but we survived. We are all so proud of our working environment, and we welcome our members to visit anytime. Then I was baptized swiftly by attending several Longhorn sales, every other week it seemed. These included the Hudson-Valentine Sale, Midwest Longhorn Sale, the Red River Sale and the Red McCombs Fiesta Sale just to name a few. Man, you all pay a lot for those things! Got to meet a lot of great people, and had good conversations with all. During my visits and travels, I certainly learned a lot about our past and tried to convey a positive future and vision for the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America. Let me tell you what we have accomplished thus far. • I contracted a magazine and marketing consultant to work with our Trails staff for 3 days to help us with suggestions on how to better provide a quality magazine for you. How do you like it so far? • I created a “Quiet Time”, a week during Trails deadline that phone calls were held from the Trails staff until late afternoon so that they could concentrate on the quality magazine you are now receiving. • For the first time in a long time, we now have “Clean Financials” Profit and Loss statements and Balance sheets the Board of Directors can count on. • The Board was able to create a good clean budget for our fiscal year 2013 – 2014. And we are, after the first 5 months, at 97% of our budgeted goal for income with a positive net income of almost $ 40,000 for the first 5 months. • We were recognized by the State of Texas, during their last legislative session, in a Legislative Resolution (HR 2116), for our 50 years in existence. • I was able to save TLBAA the ad-valorem tax on our Foundation property. A tax savings of $25,000 per year. • I have applied for a NEZ program (Neighborhood Empowerment Zone) to request an exemption for the TLBA Foundation from building permit fees. This could be as high as $30,000, and I am negotiating with the City of Fort Worth for an exemption from the taxes on the new building for a five-year period. I have enjoyed working for you over the last year and look for even greater things to come over this next year.
Mike
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Dear TLBT Members,
Wow! I can’t believe it’s already February. So many great and fun events have happened, and the time is moving so fast. Before we know it, August will be here and we will be at the 2014 World Show! We have a lot of great things planned for our World Show this year. At the banquet, we will be decorating according to the theme of Golden Opportunities. Again, the word “golden” is to celebrate the TLBAA’s 50th anniversary. The original goal of the TLBAA was to spread knowledge of the Texas Longhorn, and look at how successful they’ve been! The word “opportunities” is for our service project, Variety, The Children’s Charity of Texas, which offers services and financial aid directly to children in need or other organizations that support those children. I recommend all of you, if you get a chance, to check out their website at www.varietytexas.org. They are a wonderful foundation, and we are so happy to be able to help. To benefit our service project, we are doing the Cow Patty Bingo fundraiser at several Longhorn functions. At the Horn Showcase, our reporter Alex Rivera did a wonderful job heading up our first Cow Patty Bingo, and she managed to raise $240. This is a great start, and we are planning to have several more of these. Also at the world show banquet, we are planning to have a slide show with pictures from different Longhorn gatherings throughout the year. Please feel free to take pictures and send them in to be a part of this. We will also be having a presentation for our graduating seniors. If you are a graduating senior, please let one of our officers or directors know so that we can include you. There are many upcoming events that I am so excited for, and I hope to see all of you in the upcoming months. Until then, stay safe and have fun! Sincerely,
Tarah Moore, TLBT President
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
by searching Texas Longhorn Breeders of Tomorrow
TLBT OFFICER SPOTLIGHT
Shelby Rooker
TLBT Office: Teen Director Age: 14 School: Bridgeport High School Number of Years in the TLBT: 10 What are the benefits in being a TLBT Officer or Director? It is a big responsibility, but it teaches me not only what the TLBT does for it’s members, but what the breed can do to the community. Why do you enjoy showing Texas Longhorns? Getting to know people, and make lifelong friends. Do you see the TLBT helping you with your future career? Yes, I have learned so much through the TLBT, responsibility wise. It’s definitely building a good work ethic in everyone. What have you learned over the past year through the TLBT? You can’t always win, but if you leave the ring knowing you gave your all, that’s all you really need to feel achieved. What would be your advice to a newcomer? To really watch a show and what happens. Watching the experts can give you an idea of how to handle and present an animal. And of course, just have fun!
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February 2014
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F
irst off, I would like to thank everyone who participated in Longhorn Weekend and the Eddie Woods Cowtown Sale! It was a huge success, and we couldn’t have done without y’all. We are on our way to bigger and better things, and I am so honored I am here to help with those major improvements. February is the month of love, and we have events coming up that we are sure you will love! In March, the Houston Livestock Show is finally here. All you show people get those cattle ready with boots shined! Can’t wait to see all of you at the show and finally get to know everyone better. Check-in for the Houston Livestock Show begins on Thursday, March 6th. You must be in place by 5 p.m. and checked-in by 7 p.m. that day. Saturday, March 8th is the TLBAA Trophy Steer show and the TLBAA Open Longhorn show. These shows will begin at 2 p.m. The Youth show will be the following day starting at 12:30 p.m. The release of all animals will follow the conclusion of the shows. See you all there! Next, we will have the TLBAA 50th Anniversary Celebration! 50 years, can you believe it? This event will be a golden adventure that you don’t want to miss. If you did not purchase your banquet tickets at Longhorn Weekend, make sure you do soon! They are $50 per ticket, and they are going fast. The clay shoot and fashion show are going to be awesome. Please don’t miss this spectacular event. Although World Show is further away, we can’t forget about this show! Make sure you are getting the cattle ready and getting all of the hotel reservations taken care of! Kevin Rooker is the main contact for this event, and you can contact him at kevin@alamoxray.com, or you can contact me at Liz@tlbaa.org. Let us know if we can be of service.
Liz Nessler, Shows and Events
Did You Know? According to our TLBAA Handbook (page 43): All bulls competing are shown at halter WITH A NOSE LEAD. Bulls 12 months of age and over must show with a permanent nose ring and nose lead. All bulls over 12 months must use neckties or neck straps when secured in stall. Handlers must be 18 years or older and/or in the TLBT Senior Showmanship Division to show bulls in Classes 2729 and Produce of Dam/Get of Sire classes if a Class 27-29 bull(s) is/are entered. All youth may show Class 26 or under.
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With Christmas bells ringing, bull bells gonging and elf hats flashing, the Idaho Texas Longhorns Producers garnered full color, front page recognition in the Melba/Kuna newspaper after winning the first place award for the "Down Home Country Christmas Night Light Parade" held in Kuna, Idaho. The theme of the parade was a perfect fit for the Longhorns. The registered Longhorn riding steers were the main attraction of the entry that measured almost 100 feet long. Shadows Apollo, owned by Dan and Connie Erskin, was ridden by last minute replacement rider 12-year-old Valeria Flores of Parma, Idaho. "It was scary but fun," said Valeria, "It was the first time I've ridden a cow". Riding steers Apollo and Nemo, owned by Dean Goodner of Lawrence Morgan Longhorns were ridden by Becky Goodner and Nancy Schiffer, both of Kuna, Idaho. Steer handlers, Denny and Gilbert Doan and Dean Goodner all of Kuna, Idaho, and Jake Erskin of Parma, Idaho, hauled, saddled and lighted the steers with Christmas (not holiday) lights and held the steers as bystanders had their pictures taken on the steers before the parade. S A X Chase Conley of Nampa, Idaho, and David Schiffer of Kuna, Idaho, dressed in elf costumes RAN E T IDAHO ORN on either side of the float passing out candy to eager bystanders. They managed to pass out two LONGH TION five-gallon buckets of candy each, and they would have had more candy to pass out, but the kids A I C in wagon number two wanted in on the action and threw out two five gallon buckets of candy O ASS themselves (it was dark, who was going to know?). After the parade, everyone headed to Lana and Terry Scotts' home in Nampa, Idaho, for food, hot Dean Goodner, President (208) 890-0760 drinks, sharing of pictures and experiences. dean@bestlonghorns.com Coordination and cooperation make these events possible. Thank you to all that were not mentioned by name in this event. The South Texas Longhorn Association had another successful show with the 2013 Winter Festival bringing in more than 160 entries. The show was held on Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th in Edna, Texas. The STLA Winter Festival consisted of two youth shows, an open show, and a free show. It was held at the beautiful Brackenridge Recreation Complex. This facility has proved to be one of the nicest facilities for putting on a Texas Longhorn Show. Buckles and other great S A X E T prizes were given out to the winners. The judges for this year were Russell Hooks and Bill H SOUT HORN Henderson. If you missed out on this great show, we hope you will make a point to attend LONG TION next year. A The STLA will now be turning our attention to our other three upcoming shows. The San ASSOCI Antonio Stock Show Texas Longhorn Show will be February 7-8, 2014. The Star of Texas Longhorn Show will be held in Austin on March 7-9, 2014. Our final 2014 World Qualifying Show, will be the STLA Rockdale Spring Show held in Rockdale, Texas on March 28, 2014. You won’t Danny Russell, President want to miss out on these fun shows, so mark your calendars now, and we look forward to seeing you. (361) 781-4269 crose@cactusroselonghorns.com As the Spring months approach, the East Texas Longhorn Association is gearing up with a new youth activity. Ron and Barbara Marquess of Marquess Arrow Ranch, in Ben Wheeler, Texas will be hosting an ETLA Youth Meeting & Clinic on May 17, 2014. Along with the youth meeting, the Marquess’ will be educating the youth about their cloning and breeding program. For more information, you may contact the ETLA Youth Advisory committee; Timothy Roddham at 903-852-5225 or Amy Weatherholtz, ETLASecretary@gmail.com. EXAS In November, Brooklyn Davis, ETLA youth member celebrated her birthday in a different EAST T REEDERS and very special way. Her wish for was to raise money for SPCA of East Texas Adoption NB N R O H G Center and to gather donations for homeless pets that are rescued in East Texas. In 2013, N LO ATIO she helped foster 63 dogs and cats. Davis is the daughter of Todd and Heather Davis, of ASSOCI Troup, TX. Also in November, during the Kaufman Police Assocation Longhorn Show, Joel Norris and the Kaufman Police Association raised$500 for Samuel Faske Medical Fund. The KPA Show held in Connie Ollive, Terrell was extremely cold this year, but saw increased numbers. President (903) 780-0665 Some time has passed since the East Texas State Fair ETLA Longhorn Show, but we would like to thank connie_ollive@aol.com our sponsors: Dr. Gene & Lana Hightower, David & Bobbie Persinger, Don & Diane Gibson, Don &
Kathy Kittler, Ron & Barbara Marquess, Proline Panel System, John Soules Foods, Kurt & Glenda Twining, Tina & Keith DuBose, Bruce & Connie Ollive, Austin Bank, Richardson Media & Publishing and McAllisters. Keep up with the ETLA on facebook www.facebook.com/EastTexasLonghornAssociation or check out our Newsletter online at http://issuu.com/aweatherholtz/docs/etla_jan_newsletter. See ya’ll down the road. Continued on p.26
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NEWS On the Trail... TLBT Member Competes For State Title in Free Enterprise Speech Contest
TLBT Member Exhibits Bovine and Swine Grand Champions
Submitted by Jaema Krier
TLBT member, Tud Krier, attended the Texas Farm Bureau's 80th Annual Meeting which took place December 7-10, in San Antonio, TX. Tud was one of 13 District Winners in their Free Enterprise Speech Contest and was there to compete for the State title. Each of the contestants were awarded a $1,500 scholarship as well as a 4 day trip to Washington, D.C. in Summer 2014 for their advancement to State. The top 6 contestants at State were awarded additional scholarships, with first prize being $6,000. As the representative for District 5, Tud spoke on his own experiences with Free Enterprise and what he learned while attending the week-long Texas Farm Bureau Youth Leadership Conference at Tarleton State University last summer. Although he did not win additional scholarship money, he was a strong competitor and was awarded a commemorative Texas Flag with certificates from the Governor and the Sergeant of Arms certifying it has flown over the State Capitol. "The entire experience was very rewarding and provided me with valuable experiences toward my goal of being a Communications major in college. I love public speaking and with over 150 people in the audience, it was definitely the largest crowd I have ever spoke in front of," said Krier, who has won multiple speech awards at the Autobahn Youth Tour and hopes to use his talent to become a sports broadcaster. Tud is the son of Orchel and Jaema Krier of Winnsboro, TX. A Junior at Winnsboro High School, he purchased his first Longhorn in 2009 and now owns/exhibits 12 head. He currently serves as a Senior Director for the TLBT, is 2nd V.P. on his Wood County 4-H Council and will run for a District 4-H office this next summer. He also loves playing the snare drum for his high school marching band.
TLBT member Tarah Moore, daughter of Trigg & Traci Moore, Hico, TX won Grand Champion Heifer with TTT Bedazzled at the Hico Barn Show in December 2013 as well as taking Grand Champion Breeding Hamp while showing a pig for the first time at the Hamilton County Stock Show.
TLBAA Members’ Hunting Success Submitted by Joe Valentine
TLBAA members Bill Hudson, Jr, Joe & Lorinda Valentine and Elizabeth Hudson all filled their tags in two days during a successful December hunt in Missouri.
Continued from p. 24
The TLBNM members met in Ruidoso on January 4, 2014, to elect new officers and make plans for GHORN our upcoming Longhorn year. Ron Gentry was N O L S TEXA RS OF NEW elected President, Sylvia Johnson, Vice President; E Terry Whalen, Secretary/Treasurer; and newly elected BREED EXICO board members are Wade Wilson and Ronna Bryant; M with Mat Meteivier and Shirley Sisneros continuing Ron Gentry, President their terms respectively. The club wants to thank (575) 864-1220 outgoing officers for all of their dedication and time, jangen33@msn.com they did a great job. It was suggested and received Jerry Stevens, Anthony, NM and Ron Gentry, with enthusiasm, that our board meet monthly with Belen, NM all members invited. Plans should be firm for our 2014 show schedule by the end of January. TLBNM wishes to thank the TLBAA staff for all of their help and to all our Longhorn friends and family have a wonderful New Year. We hope to see many of you on the trail. Wade Wilson, Director, Capitan, NM; Terry Whalen, Secretary/Treasurer, Belen, NM; Ron Gentry, President, Belen, NM; Sylvia Johnson, Vice President, Anthony, TX; Shirley Sisneros, Director, Edgewood, NM; Matt Metevier, Director, Datil, NM; Ronna Bryant, Director, Tularosa, NM
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By Darol Dickinson
BUSINESS Inventory Selection For Texas Longhorn Beef
RAISING TEXAS LONGHORNS AS A
Note: This is the second installment for the Trails by Darol Dickinson which will detail plans for a profitable business with Texas Longhorn retail beef sales, locating processors, building your own business, market development, expanding the ranch acreage, meat distribution and nutritional advantages over other breeds of cattle.
D
on't misunderstand! As these articles deal with developing a successful Texas Longhorn beef retail market it in no way diminishes the great profitability of top end registered breeding stock. Marketing of lean Texas Longhorn (TL) beef is where every producer harvests the highest profits from the bottom half of the herd, not using the very highest quality, trophy horned, beautifully colored cattle. Okay? The high dollar, registered cattle are the top of the best of this business and it will not change. Sorting inventory is the first job. For meat products the steers and bulls gain faster, and produce more beef than heifers. The fact is that only one bull is needed per 40 females; this works out perfect. There is a lot of male inventory that don't make the herd sire selection. Sort bull calves at weaning into 1) herd sire prospects, 2) exhibition show steers, 3) feeder meat steers and 4) roper/recreational steers. 1) Keep as many of the best bull calves as you have a market for. If you have not advertised registered bulls for sale and have no idea of who a buyer will be, the number should be very small or zero. With the good prices of TL beef, most male calves are worth more as feeder steers than bulls. This is a fact! If a mistake is made by keeping too many bulls, they can be castrated with a bander up to 2 years. Never castrate with a knife. Avoid any process with cattle that causes blood. When cattle bleed, and blood drips to the ground, dollars will fall out of your pockets – believe it! 2) The exhibition steer market will be steers with exceptionally large horn. Additional value is created with wild pretty colors. They do not have to have the correct conformation of a herd sire. The exhibition steer market is a slow one and probably will not yield a good profit as quick as a freezer beef steer. They are fun to own, ride and the really nice ones can bring a lot of money as
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pasture ornaments. 3) Feeder steers can be any color with some variations in conformation, but, MUST have good growth genetics. They need to be tall, thick, with large bone and good big frames. This type will gain economically, and make more profit. They can have record horn genetics or the worst horn in the pasture – it makes no difference. 4) Recreational steers are the smaller ones. Maybe from old cows or very young cows. These are the steers that are fine boned, light muscled and only good for rodeo use. A really good roper is not a good feeder and a good feeder gets too big too quick for a good roper. Roping steers can be flawed conformation, solid colors, a little silly, or all of the above. The recreational market is also a place to sell small cull heifers who are not up to speed for registered breeding stock. This market can be directed to steer ropers, team penners or cutters. This four way inventory selection is very important. Due to various genetics certain herds will evolve stronger into these different divisions. To move a herd from a high percent of ropers up to a higher percent of feeders most often will require a genetic change to thicker herd sires. Considerations of the profit from a $400 to $600 roper up to a fed steer, ready for retail consumption at over $2000, is a financial factor to take seriously. Departing from in-herd inventory selection, thousands of TL cattle sell privately or at auction for prices within a profitable range for processing meat. Often at the local cattle auctions, where generic critters are liquidated, TL cattle sell for discounted prices. This is a profit opportunity to add these TL cattle to the home raised stock for meat sales. To evaluate these different types and sizes, here is what can be expected for retail meat sales. Some will weigh more or less and some will sell meat for higher or lower prices. Use these numbers to start accumulating your own exact data.
This fine boned heifer is not good for breeding stock, too large to rope, not profitable to put on feed for freezer beef. No one is going to make very much money with her and yet to allow her to continue to eat costly grain and or hay is not a pleasant alternative. Here is her data: Live weight – 510 lbs. Generic auction value 510 lbs. X $.35 = $178.50 less commission, hauling, Beef Checkoff. Hanging weight 231 lbs. or 45.29% of live weight. Lean trim weight 27% of live weight = 138 lbs. Ground beef 138 lbs. X $5 per lb. retail value = $690 Process cost, kill fee $64 + cut and wrap at $.50 per lb. = $179.50 Process cost $179.50 subtracted from retail grind sales = $510.50 Retail grind net $510.50 less generic auction value $178.50 = $332 additional income
This traditional size TL cow is fine boned and a normal size for many adult cows. -- continued on pg. 30 Texas Longhorn Trails
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-- continued from pg. 28
Live weight – 710 lbs. Generic auction value 710 lbs. X $.50 = $355 Hanging weight 348 lbs. or 49% of live weight Lean trim weight 31% of live weight = 220 lbs. Ground beef 220 lbs. X $5 per lb. retail value = $1100 Process costs, kill fee $64 + cut and wrap at $.50 per lb. = $238 Process costs $238 subtracted from retail grind sales = $862 Retail grind net $862 less generic auction value $355 = $507 additional income
This traditional trophy steer has some age, but does press down the scales. Live weight – 1610 lbs. Generic auction value 1610 lbs. X $.50 = $805 Hanging weight 757 lbs. or 47% of live weight Lean trim weight 29% of live weight = 467 lbs. Ground beef 467 lbs. X $5 per lb. retail value = $2335 Process costs, kill fee $64 + cut and wrap at $.50 per lb. = $442.50 Process costs $442.50 subtracted from retail grind sales = $1892.50 Retail grind net $1892.50 less generic auction value $805 = $1087.50 additional
income This large cow is 15 years old and has failed to breed. She is considered a "volunteer." Many people have a herd
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rule which is, either the cow produces a good calf, or she donates herself. Either way there is income for the owner to recover boarding expenses. Live weight – 1430 lbs. Generic auction value 1430 lbs. X $.80 = $1144 Hanging weight 772 lbs. or 54% of live weight Lean trim weight 37% of live weight = 529 lbs. Ground beef 529 lbs X $5 per lb. retail value = $2645 Process costs, kill fee $64 + cut and wrap at $.50 per lb. =$ 450 Process costs $450 subtracted from retail grind sales = $2195 Retail grind net $2195 less generic auction
value $1144 = $1051 additional income This bull had great early beef gain and size, yet failed to grow wide, large lateral horn. He was bred 2 years due to great beef quality. Live weight – 2090 lbs. Generic auction value 2090 lbs. X $.95 = $1985.50 Hanging weight 1212 lbs. or 58% of live weight Lean trim weight 39% of live weight = 815 lbs. Ground beef 815 lbs. X $5 per lb. retail value = $4075 Process costs, kill fee $64 + cut and wrap at $.50 per lb. = $670 Process costs $670 subtracted from retail grind sales = $3405 Retail grind net $3405 less generic auction value $1985.50 = $1419.50 Everyone is encouraged to negotiate the best quality of processing possible. Develop data and know the data that fits your business plan. Beyond the raw data, here are some concluding recommendations for a more profitable TL lean beef business. Ground beef from old fat steers has a slightly greasy texture when processed. Old cows have a slightly watery meat which goes with less firmness in the muscle. Some very poor lean
cows are actually too lean. The solution is a blend of young bulls, steers and cows. A blend of 6 to 10 animals makes an ideal grind product. A good processor will do this blend to your specifications. Poor bulls or cows are often grain fed a month or two before processing. This is costly, reduces the omega 3 and adds fat, which is not wanted nor needed. Use these cattle for a blend grind and go right from pasture to the processing plant. If a steer is retained as an exhibition steer and doesn't grow outstanding horn, grind him. A 3 or 4 year old steer is a choice grind product. He is worth more as grass fed grind at this age than if he was grain fed. He is too old to develop tender steaks. Historically corn fed beef is the juicy, tender and a melt-in-our-mouth product. Although it is often an enjoyable eating experience the percent of omega 3 remaining after being fed 200 days will be zero or close to none. Either raise corn fed, melt-in-your-mouth with no omega 3 health benefits, or grass fed with healthy nutrition. It is difficult to have both virtues. Grind the grass fed and it will be tender, flavorful and healthy. Angus producers have warned for 50 years of the horrible, awful, terrible damage to carcases from horn wounds, punctures and bruising. After feeding TL steers in lots for 16 years, with horns, I asked our processors if they had trimmed any bruised muscle from our steers? In 16 years they said it was not a problem – none had been trimmed off. This is because of two things, 1) never let the feed trough get empty; steers can eat 24 hours a day and never have to fight for feed, 2) raise gentle cattle that are easy to handle and easy on themselves. Lesson – never automatically believe the competitor's criticism. It is a very good thing for breeders to be feeders. If owners know which bloodlines of cattle gain economically, it will quickly affect the herd breeding decisions. Experience in tests of TL cattle have revealed that on full feed some steers gain as little as .8 of a pound per day and others gain up to 3.8 lbs. The person who is buying the feed will soon get real serious about which bloodlines they like. Try it – keep records. Learn – enjoy what you learn. Texas Longhorn Trails
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Since November 1, 2013 over 65 applications for membership to the TLBAA have been submitted. We would like to say, “WELCOME!” to each of you. You are in great company as you join the over 3,900 members that share the same passion as you…the Texas Longhorn. We are always mindful of our purpose, “to protect the unique heritage of the Texas Longhorn, to preserve the purity of the breed, and to promote Texas Longhorns as a distinct breed while encouraging its future through promotion, education and research.” At the TLBAA we have many established services to honor this purpose. Whether it is our registration department, special events such as shows and sales throughout the year or our award winning publication the Texas Longhorn Trails, we are here to serve you, our valued member. Once again, WELCOME. We hope to see you all soon!
Les Craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Stan or Raelynn Stephens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX D & K Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Ferris FFA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Tia Catoir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LA Colt Catoir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LA John Gary & Robin R. Blocker. . . . . . . . . . . TX Lindegard Maelkeproduktion A/S . . . Denmark Brian & Colleen Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NJ Gail Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IN Circle Dot J Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TN Shay & Jean Talley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Frech Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OK Patrick Mullinix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX John & Joy MacNelly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Ben Garner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Dave Bilgrien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WI Donald L. Smale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NC
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James C. Barnhill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LA Chris and Chantal Pittman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Pauline S. Freberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX K.O. Cattle Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Brian Nelson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NE Hidden Trail Longhorns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KS Bryan Arceneaux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LA Wyona & Vance Ballard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Tyler Myers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NC J.M.M. Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Pisces Partners L.P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Mike & Jan Bradstreet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OK Jeff & Marcy Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Cristal Sanchez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Roy Garber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Rockn' T Longhorns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Stanley B. Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Greg Crider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AL
William Clyde Brudenell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CO Star Creek Ranch/ Graves Partnership. . . . TX DG Ranch, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Bowman/ Gibbons Partnership . . . . . . . . . . KS Gary Steinbrenner & Maryse Laurin . . . . . . TX Quinton King. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Marianne Adriaans . . . . . . . . . . . . Netherlands Elburn/ Beach Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IN Dominick Esquivel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Bryan Schmidt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CO Riley Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Murphy/ Hornbrook Partnership . . . . . . . . . MO Addison Patton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LA Tanner Petree. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Dessie Putnam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Roger & Suzan Cole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MO Esmeralda Guzman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Ronald J. Schlosser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ND Colton White. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Landri Vasut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Nathan Helm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Ronnie & Lee Lange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Lindsey Straka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NE Bryan R. Molina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Dianne Warner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OK Stotts/ Clinard Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Jason W. Roznovsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Matthew Roznovsky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Benji Cranford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GA Adkins, Hughes, McLeod, Morris Partnership NC Emily Carpenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TX Rebekah Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NE Flying H Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TN
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“We are trying our best, and we are really excited about what’s in front of us and what the future holds.” Washington, IN
Dan Jones proudly proclaims that his late father, Tracy Jones, was influenced by western novelists Zane Gray, Louis L’Amour and others. “We loved the concept of the Longhorns, the Old West – that kind of thing,” he observed. “And being from the Midwest, you read a lot of old Westerns and developed an affinity for the Old West. We initially got into it for that and the meat concept of it – the low cholesterol. Dad had high cholesterol, so we got our first cows, and we had them for a number of years and never did much with them; we just ate everything we raised, just had them on the farm.” “We started out with the WR line, which was sort of the predominant line back then, sort of the original, and that was what we were looking at, because we wanted the original. But as time went on, we realized we needed a bigger frame animal, and the horn game was taking over, so we scrapped the whole herd and started over six years ago.” “After our dad (Tracy Lynn Jones) passed away, that’s when we decided to get in or get out,” said Dan. He and his brothers, Tracy Lee and Nathan, began to make dramatic upgrades in their program, with input from Larry Stewart, Bob Loomis and Jimmy Jones. “You could go on and on about the breeding,” said Dan. “It’s unbelievable what’s happening in the industry. But back then, Larry Stewart was the guy that we really looked up to. He had Maximus ST at the time, then Gun Smoke and LLL Lucky. We decided we were going to upgrade, get some better animals, and we went down there and bought some animals from him. That’s where we got a lot of our genetics, straight out of Larry Stewart’s program.” “Mike Bowman is another big influence. He had a lot of good stuff, and some of the animals we have came from Mike
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Bowman. So I guess we are a mini Larry Stewart-Mike Bowman-Bob Loomis. That’s sort of where we started. Since then, we’ve added other genetics such as JP Rio Grande and Sittin Bull.” “If you had your perfect wish list, you’d take a gene out of this bull and a gene out of that cow and put it in this cow, and you are always matching. I think that’s the fun part of trying to continually breed better animals. The horn gene is really desirable, and we’ve got that and we are trying to breed for more color. So that’s what we are trying to do – get a nice, springy animal that we can market in our meat program, but at the same time, get that horn genetic and produce some good-horned, gentle animals with a lot of color.” “We bought Maximus ST from Larry. We bought a heifer bred to LLL Lucky, a son of Maximus, and that’s how we got the Lucky genetics in our herd. Lucky had just turned two when he won his class at the Horn Showcase – he was 64 inches as a two-year-old at the time. He broke his back when they turned him out to breed that fall – I think he was only 27 months at the time, and that’s when he died. Boy, he really produced some good animals. We knew we had to get some of those genetics in the herd because of the early horn growth. He was a brindle bull and had color – he had everything we wanted to get into the herd.” Maximus ST was at the recent Horn Showcase Bull Alley, where he garnered more semen sales than any of the other bulls. “That’s due to Lady – Delta Lucky Lady that we own,” explained Dan. “She set records as a two- and three-year-old for tip-to-tip and total horn. At the time, she was the youngest 80-inch heifer. She hit 80 before her fourth birthday. That’s a granddaughter of Max, and we’ve got another little heifer that we got out of Max, Mona Lisa. She won bronzes in all the classes we put her in. Mona Lisa is a phenomenal young heifer and you’ll hear a lot about her as she develops. She’s just two, and she is a beautiful, big-famed heifer with a lot of horn and big bases. Now she has produced a little heifer that is really nice.” Like many other breeders, Hoosier
Longhorns are getting “tuff” – Cowboy Tuff genetics from the Bob Loomis program. With this in their mix, they expect to get both horn genetics and frame. “We don’t just want to be all about horn,” explained Dan. “We like to produce stuff with good frame and color as well. We have developed a personal meat market; we don’t take anything and run them across the scales; we sell everything out of our locker here at the farm. That’s one of our philosophies – if they don’t make it in the breeding side, we’ve got to be able to market it and get more than we would across the scales. We sell quite a bit of meat off the farm. We’ve got a walk-in freezer, and we are in a store in town. We have people that come by all the time.” “It’s one of those trial-and-errors you learn. At first, you try to get people together and buy a quarter or half of an animal and then butcher; that’s sort of the old way to do it.” The Jones brothers found it easier to package everything up in individual packages; then the customer can walk in and buy what they want. This eliminated a lot of problems in marketing meat. Disgruntled customers may think a cow should have more rib eyes than it actually does. When they can walk in and buy ten rib eyes and some hamburger – either bulk or patties – they can buy what they want and leave happy. Their meat is processed at a certified facility about 45 minutes south of the farm. It has to be state certified to sell, and that’s the closest one that can package to their satisfaction. “And getting back to trial-and-error,” said Dan, “when we got the packages at the place we were several years ago, they were certified, but they did everything in white packages. You can’t market it in white packages. People need to hold it and look at it. We found a place that did the state certification, but they did vacuum clear packages, and then it was easy to market and sell the meat. That’s one of the things that helped us market our meat better.” By the pound or by the head, Hoosier Longhorns offers top quality meat or superb quality bloodlines to their various kinds of customers. Texas Longhorn Trails
Western author Zane Gray has been dead seventy-three years, and it would be a stretch to call him a mentor, but his evocative descriptions of the frontier west still resonate with readers and create emotional attachments with the era, the people, the places – and even the animals – which populate his novels. More recent writers such as Louis L’Amour, Elmer Kelton and Larry McMurtry have carried western fiction forward, and some of their works have been made into movies or, in McMurtry’s case, the television miniseries, Lonesome Dove. It is likely that none of these authors deliberately and personally tried to influence someone to buy Texas Longhorn cattle, yet it is highly likely that their romanticized depictions of ranch life, roundups and cattle drives create a nos-
talgia that benefits the true Texas Longhorn narrative. The trail drives that rescued an impoverished Texas following the Civil War created cattle barons, developed enormous ranches and turned cowboys into legendary beings of almost mythic proportions. All these were the solid facts upon which the fictional worlds of the western novels were built. This nostalgia is a big part of the emotional attachment owners have for their Texas Longhorn cattle, and knowingly or not, underlies the reason many owners sought out these cattle.
By Henry King Whatever the motivation, owners new to the breed need advice and direction on many facets of Longhorn ownership. No one begins with a full plate of knowledge; all have sought and received guidance to some extent and the Longhorn business is fortunate to have many veteran owners who willingly share and guide newcomers. A few of these mentors are mentioned below.
Red Oak, TX
That old puzzle, ‘Which came first, the chicken or the egg?’ could be rephrased regarding the Helm family’s entry into the ownership of Texas Longhorn cattle. Which attracted first, the land or the Longhorns? Ovilla, Texas, is not far from the Helm location in Red Oak, Texas, both communities located just south of Dallas. The land and the Longhorns in question were near Ovilla. “We had a large tract (in Red Oak) we weren’t doing anything with,” said John Helm, “and we bought a smaller tract at Ovilla, Texas that had some Longhorns on it. The gentleman who owned it had fixed it up real nice and had put some Longhorns on it. We were attracted to the property initially, real nice fencing around it, and the Longhorns being there created the whole image. We bought the property, and bought the Longhorns he had in order to maintain the Ag exemption on the property.” “To be honest,” said John, “the Longhorns were kind of a secondary attraction to the property. Looking back, I think that’s what set the place off – the fencing and the trees, the old water well and the stock tank. It was just an attractive piece of property, then you plant the Longhorns in the middle of that, and the rural piece of property was even more attractive.” “The first of the year, we babysat those February 2014
Longhorns, and just about all of them had babies, then we started trying to figure out what we had and what kind of genetics we had. Then my son jumped on board, and the rest of the family followed thereafter and it just kind of ballooned after that. My wife, Debra and my son Nathan and myself are pretty much the core of the operation.” In addition to the cattle and their registration certificates, the previous owner also gave them a stash of Texas Longhorn magazines. The family studied those and started looking at the websites of other programs. “We just got to exploring” said John, “and of course the magazines started rolling in after we joined the TLBAA and the ITLA, and those are interesting, too. We really just started pursuing information about programs in general and what they were doing. Of course, when you see a Longhorn bull or a Longhorn cow that are ahead of the curve on horn, you get excited about that and you want to know more.” One of the first programs they looked at was Darol Dickinson, then Asaad Longhorns and Zech Dameron. They looked at overall programs, started calling folks, calling other programs. “I know we went out and visited with Zech Dameron early on; we got linked up in a partnership on a bull with Doug Hunt; we did some partnerships on some breeding with Stan Searle; we started going to some auctions once we got our heads kind of screwed on right trying to figure out what were the good genetic lines and what appeals visually. We got a little more selective about what we were
putting on the ground; what we were buying, what we were taking home and what we bred what to.” “We have been really pleased with some heifers we got out of CV Cowboy Casanova; all of them are exciting and we have been real pleased with that partnership and having access to Casanova.” “We have a couple of young bulls that are our breeding; one of them, Helm Toro Caliente, was a triple bronze winner at the Horn Showcase. He is out of a nice, largeframed cow we own named ASOCL Burning Desire that we mated up with JP Rio Grande – so he is a JP Rio Grande son. That’s what we are using right now; we’ve been using a lot of Cowboy Tuff Chex, Cowboy Casanova, a little bit of Tejas Star – those are the primary bulls we AI’d to this last season.” “Obviously, Cowboy Tuff Chex has record horn, being over 90 inches. It’s kind of hard not to be excited about a young bull that’s nearly three years old and already over 90 inches.” “I guess our philosophy, in a nutshell, is not a whole lot different from anybody else – we try to take select dams with great overall genetics and breed them to the best bull we have access to, either A.I. or natural service. Then you feed them real good, give them all of the right minerals, give them good hay, cubes when they need it, then wait for the babies. Our dam selection has certainly changed a little bit in transition from day one, since we have learned more about the industry and how important the maternal side is, and basically connecting the dots and hoping and praying for the best.”
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Lamesa, TX Longhorns were going to be the middle-age hobby for Terry and Sherri Adcock. They have two grown children, a boy and a girl, who have both gone off to separate things, although they and their families come back often to visit and check out the cows. Terry and Sherri have five grandkids, two girls and three boys. The Adcock's operate an extensive farming operation and running over a hundred head of Longhorns has added another layer of responsibility. "We grow cotton and we are partners in a cotton gin here in Dawson County," said Terry. "We grow our own hay and have some for sale, but this area of the state is mainly cotton country. The drought has really impacted us all. We are in pretty sandy, low-rainfall country. Our average rainfall is only 18 inches and we went through two years that were just bone dry. If we hadn't had irrigation to grow wheat and haygrazer for hay, we would have had a lot of trouble." Although the Adcocks had decided to get some Longhorn cattle, they didn't rush into it. "We did a lot of research on the internet," said Terry. "We learned what the popular and proven bloodlines were. We also went to several ranches looking and talking to breeders before we bought our first three animals, two bred heifers and a six-month-old calf. We got them from Cedar Creek Longhorns down close to Luling, Texas." "We got a lot of guidance from Mike Bowman and his foreman, Donn Schouten," said Terry. “They have both been a lot of help to us. Their influence
has played a lot on which way we have gone with bloodlines and our program in general." "There are a whole lot of people we have met," said Terry. "We made friends over time and every time we sit down and visit with them, we get ideas. The Longhorn people are real good to visit with you, tell you the things they have done wrong, tell you the things they have done right. Nobody has any well-guarded secrets. They will pretty much try to help you. Everybody has been real friendly to us since we got into this about eight years ago." Three years ago the Adcocks bought a cow, Hubbell's Victoria II, from Mark Hubbell at the Premier Heifer Sale in Ft. Worth. She was carrying what turned out to be their junior herd sire, TS Magnificent Ken, sired by Concealed Weapon. "He is growing into an awesome bull," remarked Sherri. “We will start having his first calves in the spring. He just turned 32 months old about 10 days ago. We measured him and he was 70.25" tip to tip with 85" of total horn. Ken won his class in total horn and composite at the Horn Showcase back in October." "We have two older bulls that are our main herd sires," said Terry. "Cadillac 55 is out of GR Grand Unlimited and BL Raggedy Ann. Zargus EOT 34/6 is out of Boomerang C P and EOT Gabrielle 188. Both are Horn Showcase past champions. We've had Zargus several years longer than we have had Cadillac. Right now we have
Aaron Adkins doesn’t have to go very far to contact a mentor if he has a question or needs advice concerning Texas Longhorn cattle. He has been raising Longhorns since 2005, but his father-inlaw, Scott Hughes, has been in the business 20 years and is a current member of the TLBAA Board of Directors. “I kind of married into the Longhorns,” he said. “My wife’s father is Scott Hughes. I just grew to love the cattle, so I bought my first one from him in 2004 or 2005 and it kind of grew from there.” “I grew a little herd of my own, and then my brother, Clay Adkins, who lives in Virginia, got the itch to get in, so he joined in with me. We’ve kind of grown from there – we have several partner animals with my father-in-law and our other partner in North Carolina, Ken Morris. Some folks refer to us as the Carolina Cartel.” The Adkins brothers keep their cattle in Rutherfordton on the same farm with Aaron’s father-in-law Scott Hughes. “Jimmy Jones also helps me a lot,” said Aaron. “His program is unquestionably one of the best in the breed. We have become really good friends, and he gives me a lot of good advice. Ken Morris, an-
other member of the Texas Longhorn Board of Directors, has been instrumental in helping us along the way to grow our program. Zack Moffitt has helped a lot. Jimmy, Ken and Scott have probably had more influence on what we do with our program than anybody else.” “We’ve used several bulls over the years. We look at the maternal and paternal side to pick our herd sires. We want strong consistency there, and look for the traits that fix the issues that we believe we have, whether its size or horn or color or whatever, we try to pick bulls that come from parents that have the traits we are looking for.” Aaron, his brother Clay, his father-inlaw Scott Hughes and mentors Ken Morris and Jimmy Jones have combined with Terry King and Mark Hubbell in ownership of one of the most exciting young bulls in the Southeast. “We bought Cowboy Catchit Chex, a full brother to Cowboy Tuff Chex, for the consistency that his dam, BL Rio Catchit, has produced. Hopefully he will bring that same consistency into our herds.” “He won two classes at the Horn
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more cows with Cadillac than we do Zargus and Magnificent Ken. And we are using CV Cowboy Casanova to AI some of our cows. The first group of cows was AI'd in January 2013 but we didn't have good luck with them. However, we did get a real pretty bull calf out of it from a Tabasco's LeZawe daughter. The second group of cows we AI'd to CV Cowboy Casanova is due in late spring and we can't wait for them to start hitting the ground." "The thing we like best about Longhorns," said Terry, "is that we can go out there in the pasture and we can call all of our cows by name. They all look different - you don't just have a black herd or a red herd or a white herd. We enjoy their different personalities and love their colors and spots." "I am very pleased with the direction the TLBAA is heading and with the people that are stepping up and being on our board, and being our regional directors," said Sherri. “I just think we have a top notch group of people and staff who are leading this organization in a really good way. I get real excited about the things that they've got planned and I think the future of the TLBAA is looking very bright for all of us and our Longhorns.”
Rutherfordton, NC
Showcase – Composite and Tip-to-Tip. He was 69-1/8” a week before his second birthday. We partner on him and we think he is going to do great things for our program. His genetic package and everything he has to offer is everything we look for in a bull. We are super excited to get his first calves on the ground, about January or February and we are really excited about that genetic package.” “Without question,” Aaron continued, “we couldn’t have purchased Cowboy Catchit Chex without Bob Loomis allowing us the opportunity to purchase such a bull. We are just hoping he will be as good as his two brothers, and like I say, his calves will be hitting the ground soon and we are super excited about that. It’s really going to be fun to watch and see; we think he is going to take our program to the next level.” “We are trying our best, and we are really excited about what’s in front of us and what the future holds.” Texas Longhorn Trails
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Texas Longhorn Trails
By Carolyn Hunter Reprinted from May 2009 issue of Trails
M
audeen Marks was one of the rare few who literally was associated with Longhorns from the cradle to the grave. She was born in 1918 at the LH7 Ranch in Barker TX, to Maud and Emil Marks, one of the earliest breeders to recognize the value of the Texas Longhorn and establish a separate herd. Maudeen virtually learned the cattle business from the back of a horse. She was riding horseback at age three and a few years later began participating in the ranch roundups, all the while learning at her father’s side. She also learned the rodeo business early on. Eventually the LH7 roundups became popular with the public and evolved into the legendary LH7 Ranch Rodeo, which at one time drew several thousand spectators. In the early 1930s, the LH7 was running almost 7,000 head of com-
mercial cattle including a private herd of some 500 head of Texas Longhorns. It also became one of the first ranches in the United States to use Bos Indicus cattle, crossing them with the native Texas Cattle (Longhorns) and commercial cattle. (20 years later Maudeen would be picked as the public relations representative of the American Brahman Breeders
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Association, a position she held for six years). However, Emil never lost sight of preserving Longhorns and maintained a pure line of handpicked old style Texas cattle, many from East Texas. Emil Marks was a founder and served on the first Board of Directors when the Houston Fat Stock Show was created in
1931, and the Marks family participated wholeheartedly. Maudeen put on a pair of wooly chaps and rode in the first Houston Fat Stock Show Parade and with rare exceptions participated in every one since, whether riding horseback, in a wagon or on a Longhorn steer. The Marks took advantage of nearby Houston. Maudeen and her mother traveled there every Saturday for piano and violin lessons. Often Maudeen and her father would attend wrestling the night before. Once a month, during the season, the family attended the Houston Symphony Orchestra Season Sponsors Performance. – continued on p. 40 Texas Longhorn Trails
Animal Name____________________________________________DOB_______________ Private Herd Number_________________ Holding Brand_____________ OCV_________ TLBAA Registration Number__________________________________________________ Breeding Information: Exposed to: _______________________From__________________To_________________ Exposed to:_______________________From__________________To_________________ Catalog Comments:__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Consignor Information: Name______________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________________ Email Address ______________________________________________________________ I have read and agree to the consignment rules for donating animals for the 50th Anniversary Golden Heifer Sale. I hereby authorize the TLBAA and their authorized personnel to sell these animals and do not hold the TLBAA or any person assisting with sale responsible for any loss of health, loss of life, loss by theft or other perils. I understand and agree that all guarantees are between the consignor and the purchaser and the TLBAA assumes no responsibility or liability for these guarantees.
______________________________________________ Signature of Consignor August 2013
ge 37 See Pa plete m for co les. sale ru
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– continued from p. 38
In 1939, Maudeen graduated from Texas State College for Women in Denton, with a BS in Speech Arts and Education, and a minor in Spanish. After graduation she accepted a position with Houston Light and Power as a Home Service Advisor. Soon after joining the firm, she was summoned to the office of the president. Her assignment was to stand in the lobby of the building and sell advance tickets for the Fat Stock Show. When attendance at the Houston Rodeo began to decline, Maudeen was asked to renew enthusiasm. She wrote exciting radio commercials, helped create downtown window displays and provided programs to local service clubs. A few years later after joining a Houston advertising firm, she was named publicity director of the Stock Show, which was one of her advertising clients and continued as publicity director until her retirement in 1962. Maudeen realized the importance of the media and asked the Rodeo for permission to have a press box. To her surprise, they granted her six seats and she proceeded to bring the lumber and built the very first press box at the HLSR. Maudeen consistently dressed in her finest western gear to attend meetings and was a strong proponent of the “Dress Western” program. After the success of the “Dress Western” at the newly formed Tulsa Stock Show and Rodeo that Maudeen helped publicize, a “dress western” Houston committee was formed. From that committee came the Phrase “Go-Texan”, still used by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo today. In 1952 Maudeen along with her father and several others rode from Barker to Houston following the route that the pioneer cattlemen had used to drive live-
stock each winter to the salt grass pastures on the Gulf Coast. By 1954 this became an organized annual event known as the famous Salt Grass Trail Ride. It was Maudeen’s idea to organize a group of Gulf Coast breeders and in 1982, Texas Longhorn Breeders of the Gulf Coast was incorporated. Through her initiative, a Texas Longhorn Sale was begun at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and the first “Gathering” Sale was held in 1984. The 20th Anniversary of the sale was dedicated to Maudeen and that same day was declared Maudeen Marks Day in Harris County, TX. In 2002, Maudeen was
preservation of the breed. With 10 guest cottages, she hosted trail riding groups, hunters, vacationers and tour groups. Tour groups, many from foreign countries who wanted to view the cattle, often visited her. She loved telling everyone the Longhorn story. Many a visitor would go home reliving the excitement of riding with Maudeen through the pastures in her old Suburban to see the cattle. Maudeen was always an active member of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America (TLBAA) and in its early days in the late 1960s served as the non-elected, unpaid publicity director, writing news releases and promoting Association events. Through the years, she participated in as many Long“My idea of heaven is to own Texas, stock it with horn events as possible inTexas Longhorn cattle, staff it with Texas Rangers, ride from windmill to windmill and have a dance cluding sales, conventions, trail rides, shows, etc. She every night”. –Maudeen Marks was easy to recognize as she honored by being asked to almost always wore a hat, and most often stand with former President George W. sported a pink one. Her enthusiasm for Bush to bid farewell to the old home of “Texas Cattle” brought her close friends the HLSR, the Houston Astrodome, as of all ages, and her sharp mind and quick they prepared to move to its new home, wit made her a favorite at gatherings. Reliant Park. In 1996 she was the co-recipient of After the death of her parents, the one of the most prestigious awards given Marks estate was divided among the chilby the TLBAA, the Jack Phillips Affiliate dren and Maudeen inherited the LH7 President’s Award, which recognizes a Ranch home at Barker, three steers, a coubreeder who works in the background, ple of old Longhorn cows and seven without recognition, for the betterment heifers. Her brother Travis loaned her a of the breed. pure Marks bull and from that small Maudeen was also a Founder of the group, Maudeen single-handedly built a Cattlemen’s Texas Longhorn Registry that nationally recognized registered herd of was formed in 1991 and was instrumenover 200 Texas Longhorns all with the tal in the formation of the Cattlemen’s LH7 brand. In 1978 her herd was seTexas Longhorn Conservancy in 2005. lected as the data base herd for DNA testIn 2004, Maudeen was nominated to ing at Texas A&M University and was one the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth. of the first herds to be blood typed for If anyone is qualified to be inducted into purity. this prestigious group, it is certainly By 1981, the Barker Ranch was overMaudeen Marks, who made her mark on taken by the city of Houston and a predominantly male industry by hard Maudeen purchased 1300 acres at Banwork, knowledge of the cattle industry dera, establishing the LH7 Ranch and Reand a dedication to the Texas Longhorn sort where she promoted the purity and breed.
MAUDEEN MARKS SPONSORSHIP
Table #1: H.E. & Evelyn Rasmussen Table #2: H.E. & Evelyn Rasmussen Table #3: Stephen Head & Friends of Gulf Coast Table #4: Bandera, TX- Chamber of Commerce Table #5: Triple R Ranch
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JACK PHILLIPS SPONSORSHIP Keith & Tina DuBose Texas S Longhorns & Triple R Ranch
WALTER SCOTT SPONSORSHIP
Todd & Kelli McKnight, CedarView Ranch Anonymous Texas Longhorn Trails
INTRODUCTION A topic often discussed in recent times is equality of the sexes. Many cattlemen have unwillingly taken this principle and applied it to herd management, where no more emphasis is given to the selection or care of a herd sire than individual cows in the herd. Does it make sense that a single bull breeding 30 to 80 females by natural service, or perhaps several thousand females through Al, should receive emphasis equal to one female in a breeding program? The extensive, potential reproductive and productive impact of a single herd sire dictates that cattlemen practice blatant discrimination through added emphasis on bull evaluation and management, particularly with respect to reproduction. Each year, a greater proportion of yearling beef bulls are used. With proper management yearling bulls can be a successful part of the breeding program. Bulls used as yearlings sire more calves in their productive lifetimes, and the bull cost per calf produced can be reduced. Likewise, some purebred producers prefer to market bulls as yearlings, since their investment in producing these bulls is usually reduced. Some commercial cattlemen prefer to buy weaned bull calves and grow them out to suit themselves. If this practice is followed, it may be a good idea to select a few more bulls than will be needed, because some may not develop as anticipated.
Reprinted from February 2004 Texas Longhorn Trails By Glenn Selk Extension Animal Reproduction Specialist Oklahoma State University
GOALS FOR A BULL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: 1. Keep costs to a reasonable level, but do not cut corners. 2. Have the bulls well grown as yearlings so they may be used effectively. 3. Have the bulls physically fit so they will be active breeders. 4. Minimize health problems with a well-designed herd health program developed with your local veterinarian. 5. Provide a proper environment so genetic differences may be effectively assessed.
CARRY OUT A HEALTH PROGRAM To get all bulls off to a good start and to minimize health related problems during the post-weaning period, a comprehensive health program should be implemented. The local animal health professional should be familiar with disease problems in the area and can recommend a disease prevention program. This may include preconditioning the calves before weaning. Vaccinations should include a booster for blackleg, malignant edema, and other clostridial diseases. Other possibilities are the viral diseases including the respiratory complex. Lice and other external parasites must be controlled. Internal parasites may or may not be a problem. If in doubt of the need to use a wormer, a fecal egg count may be appropriate. Read and follow label instructions of parasite control products carefully.
FACILITIES An ideal bull development facility will allow the bulls to be comfortable and protected from severe weather and will provide ample room for exercise and feeder or bunk space to minimize the competition between animals. If more than 30 bulls are fed, divide them into two groups. When dividing calves into groups,
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horned and polled calves should be separated and sorted by size. A well-drained facility will help minimize foot problems. Cattle that are dry and comfortable will convert feed more efficiently and gain faster. When winters are severe or exceedingly wet, some type of shelter or housing is advisable. An open-sided pole-type shed may be adequate. It should contain 25 to 30 square feet per bull. Exercise over rough or rocky ground will help keep the bulls active and physically fit. Pens should be large enough so bulls can exercise and also get away from each other when necessary. Bulls housed away from heifers or cows tend to stay quieter and do less riding and fighting. Many different feeding systems can be used for bulls. If a selffed complete ration is used so the cattle can eat free choice, 8 to 12 inches of bunk space per head are adequate. If all animals need to eat at the same time (such as with hand feeding), about 24 to 30 inches of bunk space or feeder space per bull are required. To ensure proper feed use, water needs to be available at all times. One way to encourage exercise is to locate feed and water at opposite ends of the pen.
NUTRITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS OF WEANED OR PURCHASED BULLS General Nutrition Concepts An ideal nutritional program for young bulls should be moderate in cost, allow for rapid growth, and avoid excessive condition. It should also avoid digestive problems that may have an impact on animal performance or reduce soundness. The daily nutrient requirements for medium- and largeframed bulls of different bodyweights and performance levels are found in Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle, National Research Continued to p.44 Texas Longhorn Trails
February 2014
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– continued from p.42
Council, Sixth Revised edition, 1984. Daily nutrient requirements for growing bulls, two-year old bulls, and mature bulls are listed in tables 1 and 2. They can serve as guidelines to determine if dietary needs are being met. Rations can be developed to meet the nutrient requirements for the desired level of performance. You may need to seek assistance of a livestock nutritionist by first visiting with your local county extension office. Also further information about nutrient requirements and ration balancing are found in the Oklahoma Beef Cattle Manual (third edition). This publication can be ordered through any county extension office.
One way to manage the feed for young bulls is to offer a high quality grass hay free choice and a concentrate fed at a rate of about 2% of body weight. An example ration for young bulls would be the following: 44% grass hay (the hay is offered free choice) 43% cracked corn 11% soybean meal 0.9% limestone (calcium carbonate) .35% salt .0122% vitamin A-30000 The grain mix could be ground and mixed separately. It should be fed at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 pounds of bull bodyweight. To mix a one-ton batch of the grain portion of the diet, the amounts of ingredients per ton would be as follows: 1566 lbs corn 392 lbs soybean meal (44%) 29 lbs limestone 11.5 lbs salt 0.5 lbs vitamin A-30000
BULL CALVES Probably the most common mistake made in purchasing young, weaning age bulls is failure to provide an adequate diet to continue their growth and development. Often bulls are delivered, turned out with the other bulls, and left to ‘rough it” until breeding time. Thus, bull development is delayed, sexual maturity is not achieved, and the resulting calf crop is less than it should have been. The first step in providing adequate nutrition is determining the desired level of performance. Typically, young bulls have 160 days to grow from weaning to yearling age. Because of the growth potential of our current beef population, yearling bulls are heavier than 1,000 pounds. Therefore, young bulls need to have gains of 2.5 daily. Moderate energy diets (those with grain) are needed to attain these performance levels. For young bulls not intended for gain testing, rations should include concentrates fed (as a minimum) at about 2 percent of body weight. That is, 600-pound calves can easily consume about 10-12 pounds of grain with alfalfa hay or grass hay fed free choice. This will require 18 pounds of total dry matter or about 20 pounds of air-dry feed per day. This will help promote rapid growth without excessive fattening. Be certain to start the grain feeding gradually. As the bulls increase in size, the amount of grain must increase to maintain the 2 percent of body weight level unless it is obvious that they need more high-energy feed. At this age, the bulls should be growing rapidly, so they need to have 12-13 percent total protein in their diet. Depending on the kind and quality of the roughage and the grain being fed, this will probably require that a protein supplement be included in the grain mix. Young bulls may require 16 to 20% protein in the grain mix. Mature bulls require lower concentrations of protein in the diet. However, rumen function may be impaired if the diet does not contain at least 10.5% protein. This is the reason that supplemental protein is still desirable for mature bulls grazing low quality grasses or hays.
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If smaller amounts of the grain mix are to be fed to young growing bulls, the protein and calcium content must be increased to meet the needs of these rapidly growing animals. Seek assistance from your local extension office. Remember to start the grain feeding program gradually and bring bulls up to the desired intake over at least a two-week warm-up period. If the producer wishes to use high quality alfalfa (19% crude protein), then the concentrate portion of the ration only needs to be grain and can be provided as 1 part grain and 2 parts alfalfa hay on an as-fed basis. These “dry lot” rations should produce at least 2.5 to 3 pounds a day gain for large frame bull calves. High quality small grain pastures, such as rye and ryegrass combination pastures, are used to produce similar rates of gain. These are often the pastures used in forage-based gain tests and provide enough energy and protein to achieve average daily gains at about 2.5 pounds per day. The yearling bulls come off the test at about 1000 pounds and in a body condition score of 6. If individual producers choose this method to grow young bulls, they should not forget to supply appropriate mineral mixes to bulls on these lush pastures. Often the critical mineral needs for cattle on small grains are calcium and magnesium, minerals that wheat pasture stocker cattle need to avoid grass tetany.
YEARLING BULLS Yearling bulls should be well-grown but not too fat. The energy content of a ration should be reduced if bulls are getting too fat. Fat bulls may fatigue rapidly, contributing to fewer cows conceiving. For a yearling bull to be used successfully, he should have reached puberty 3 to 4 months before breeding time. The age of a bull at puberty depends on several interrelated factors, but size or weight and breed are probably the controlling factors. The production of semen by a young bull largely depends on his overall growth as well as the development of his testicles and other reproductive organs. The size of testicles and volume of semen produced are positively correlated. Bulls should also follow similar nutritional diets from the approximate 60 to 120 days from yearling age until breeding time. All bulls should be gaining weight and maintaining moderate condition during this time. Study the Body Condition Scor– continued to p.46 Texas Longhorn Trails
– continued from p.44
ing System used for cows (Oklahoma Beef Cattle Manual). The system uses “1 “for emaciated animals and “9” for very obese animals. Therefore an optimum body condition score for young bulls is “6”. Perhaps the best way to verbally describe the ideal condition is bloomy but not fat. A young bull will use body stores of energy and lose over 100 pounds during the breeding season. This should come from energy stored as fat (condition) rather than muscle tissue since the bull is still growing. Excessive rapid condition loss lowers the bull’s fertility and libido and should be avoided.
HIGHLY FITTED BULLS
on the ground and can eliminate the need for bunks. Make sure all the bulls have gathered at the feeding area before feeding any grain. This will help insure that each bull gets his fair share, and this will also help avoid possible problems from overeating by a few head. Amounts of up to 10 pounds per head can be fed in a single feeding. Greater quantities should be split into two equal feedings. When 10 pounds or less of concentrate is needed per bull, then a cereal grain (corn or milo) makes an adequate energy supplement. As the amount of concentrate fed per bull increases beyond this level, bulk up the feed with the addition of one part of oats, to two parts corn or milo. Wheat is not a good bull feed and should be avoided, since it can cause stiffness and founder. Adequate levels of vitamin A are necessary for optimum
Research at Kansas State University has illustrated that young “gain-tested” bulls have normal fertility and libido when allowed to return gradually to moderate fleshiness and hearty physical condition before the Adequate levels of vitamin A are necessary for optibreeding season. In fact, many performance-tested bulls are returned to the mum semen production. To insure adequate levels, add owner’s ranch after the gain test in order a natural or synthetic source to supplemental feed or that they be allowed to be properly conto the mineral supplement. This can also be accomditioned before the sale date. Test station sales usually offer bulls that completed plished by giving all bulls a vitamin A shot one or more their gain tests about 6 months previ- times during the winter. ously. Any rancher who purchases a young, highly fitted or condisemen production. Green-growing forages are high in vitamin A tioned bull should plan to gradually reduce the fleshiness of the value, and cattle can store this vitamin for as long as seven bull before the breeding season. To let these bulls down, it is a months. Green color of hay is a good indicator of vitamin A good practice to start them on a ration that is not too dissimilar value. However, because of the importance and reasonable cost to the one they have been accustomed to but that is 60 to 70 perof vitamin A, to insure adequate levels, add a natural or synthetic cent of their previous intake. The amount of grain can be reduced source to supplemental feed or to the mineral supplement. This at the rate of about 10 percent per week until the desired level is can also be accomplished by giving all bulls a vitamin A shot one achieved. At the same time, substitutions should be made in the or more times during the winter. Bulls should also have access to form of light, bulky feeds—such as oats or alfalfa hay. Ideally, a free choice source of supplemental phosphorus year round. A this letdown should be completed prior to the time bulls are mineral mix that contains 1/2 trace mineralized salt and 1/2 diturned out. Dramatic nutritional changes can have an adverse efcalcium phosphate can be provided. Adding 5% soybean meal fect on semen production, so it is important that these ration to the mix will encourage greater consumptions. modifications be done gradually. Allow the change to take place Good bulls represent a substantial investment and are critical gradually instead of allowing a rapid condition and weight loss, to the success of a breeding program. Proper care prior to the breedwhich could be reflected in a reduced calf crop next year. ing season will help insure fertile, active bulls during that time.
TWO-YEAR-OLD BULLS These cattle should have more of their mature size by breeding season, so their ration is not quite so critical. A 1,300 pound 2-year-old will probably only need to gain 1 pound per day at this stage in his life. To do this, active bulls may need 35 pounds of feed or more, of which 5 to 7 pounds should be grain. Continue to monitor the total protein content of the diet and keep the concentration of crude protein near 12%. Depending on the forage available this again may require protein supplements such as soybean meal to be included in the gram mix. Monitor the body condition of the bulls closely and make grain feeding adjustments to reach the body condition score of “6” before the breeding season begins.
OLDER BULLS For older bulls, the ideal energy level during the conditioning period will depend on their body condition at the beginning of that time. If bulls have been wintered in good condition, then 5 to 7 pounds of grain may be adequate to build the desired energy reserve. If the bulls are thin, then they may need to receive 20 pounds or more of grain per head per day. Be certain to start the grain feeding gradually. Several general precautions can help insure success of concentrate feeding. Adequate feeder space for all the bulls to eat concurrently should be available. Large bulls need about two feet per bull. High energy range cubes can be fed
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BULL MANAGEMENT BEFORE THE BREEDING SEASON To better understand nutritional need in proper bull management, the bull’s year can be divided into three seasons: 1. Pre-breeding or conditioning 2 months 2. Breeding season 2-3 months 3. Post-breeding season or rest and recuperation 4-8 months While the length of each segment may vary from one operation to another, the basic requirements during the periods I or 2 remain basically the same. In herds with both fall and spring breeding seasons, bulls may need a high plane of nutrition to recover body condition more quickly than if they are used just once a year. At the start of the conditioning period, the bull battery should be fairly well established. A producer should have determined bull needs for the upcoming breeding season and then have appraised his present bull battery, in light of these needs. This evaluation should include a breeding soundness exam, which checks the reproductive capacity and physical soundness of each bull. Those bulls that prove unsatisfactory, and possibly those that are questionable, should be replaced. New bulls should be acquired at least – continued to p.48 Texas Longhorn Trails
– continued from p.46
60 and preferably 90 days prior to the breeding season. This provides ample time for the new acquisitions to adjust to the feed and climate of an area. It also allows bulls that will be working together to become familiar with each other and to develop a social structure. Newly acquired bulls as well as the carry-overs in the bull battery should be brought up to date in a complete health program with the balance of the herd. Proper attention and care of bulls’ feet can prolong their useful life and can help insure a high rate of activity during the breeding season. After an extended period of inactivity, bull’s feet may be long and misshapen. Hoof trimming should be done at the start of the conditioning period, so there is time for some regrowth that acts as a cushion during the breeding season.
FACTORS INFLUENCING BULL TO FEMALE RATIO: Distribution of the breeding females Terrain–Water availability–Carrying capacity-feed intensity– Pasture adaptation–Pasture size Bull variation Age–Condition–Mating ability–Libido–Fertility–Sperm reserve–Social behavior–Injury Management decisions include: Length of breeding season–Reproductive diseases–Breeding intensity–Amount of observation
Most of these factors must be considered to define the optimum bull to female ratio. The following graph illustrates how BULL EXERCISE difficult it is for producers to know what the optimum cow:bull One of most critical factors for proper bull development is ratio should be. This study, conducted in Colorado, shows the exercise. A bull during the breeding season might be equated to percentage of synchronized females that bulls impregnated when an athlete since in most situations he travels several miles each given the opportunity to breed 7 to 51 synchronized females. Noday and maintains a high degree of physical activity. Physical fittice that some bulls had a poor percentage pregnant even when ness requires several weeks of conditioning. Bulls are by nature exposed to small numbers of females and some bulls had a high very active and become more so as the weather warms prior to the percentage pregnant even though they were running with 30 or breeding season. If given ample area in bull pastures, bulls will more synchronized females. usually exercise themselves. In designing bull facilities, it is a Proper management during the breeding season should regood idea to locate supplemental feeding and water areas as far sult in each female being bred by a single fertile bull each time apart as possible. Bulls that are physically fit when turned out she is in estrus. Bull overlap (more than one bull breeding a cow will breed more cows during the breeding season because they in heat) is not desirable, primarily because it does not enhance will retain a high degree of libido and remain sound longer as pregnancy rates. Disadvantages of bull overlap are increased risk well. Exercise prior to the breeding season also reduces injuries of bull injury (through competition for estrous females), addifrom fighting and riding normally occurring during that time. tional pressure from social dominance and the extra costs incurred by purchasing and maintaining more bulls. ULL ANAGEMENT Recent research at an Eastern Colorado research station, where the average carrying capacity is 25 acres per-animal-unitURING THE REEDING EASON year, showed similar conception rates for bull to female ratios of 1:25 and 1:50. This research was conducted with multi-sire breedBULL TO FEMALE RATIO ing pastures. All of the bulls were experienced bulls that had preThe three major goals of any breeding season should be to: viously passed a breeding soundness examination. get the cows settled as early in the breeding season as possible; get Bull overlap can be decreased by eliminating bull congregathem bred to the bulls with the highest possible genetic worth; tion within breeding pastures. This can be achieved by dividing and achieve both as economically as possible, by getting the cows the breeding herd into separate pastures or by using pastures that bred with the fewest possible bulls. Defining the optimum bull have natural barriers that reduce mixing of breeding groups. In to female ratio is important to a successful breeding season. addition, riders can be used to keep bulls well distributed among However, no one ratio is optimal for all ranches or small herd breeding groups. operations. The number of bulls required to adequately cover the These large cow to bull ratios can reduce bull costs on very breeding females is related to many factors, some of which are large ranches with minimal risk. On a small 50 to 100 cow operlisted below. ation, using just one bull that happens to undergo an injury or disease could spell disaster for an entire calf crop. Recommendations for smaller herds that will utilize only one bull per pasture The easy way to work Longhorn cattle! may need to be more conservative. A time • Can be shipped by common carrier anywhere in honored rule-of-thumb is to place about the the U.S. same number of cows or heifers with a • Galvanized pipe and steel sheeting young bull as his age is in months. For in• Grease inserts for easy maintenance & operation stance a bull that is 14 months old going • Vaccinate or deworm cattle into his first breeding season should be exWe’ve got what you • Palpation gates ! pected to breed 14 or 15 cows; whereas as a ed ne • Measure horns two-year old bull may be placed with 20-25 • A.I. cows cows. Mature bulls that have been examined by a veterinarian and have passed a breedin e ut ch e The Official Chute of the th of e video ing soundness exam can be placed with 25TLBAA Horn Showcase Check out our onlin ! action on our website 35 cows and normally give good results.
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SOCIAL BEHAVIOR Social ranking (dominance) of bulls can influence their sexual activity when they – continued to p.60 Texas Longhorn Trails
Home of
Awesome Alamo BL Night Chex x Hatch’s Candy Cane Horn Showcase Champion DOB: 2/28/04 Awesome Alamo Semen Available
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Robert & Kim Richey 325/942-1198
Letting cows feed themselves during winter is one of the best ways to save on feed costs. Bale grazing provides some economic and environmental advantages over some traditional feeding methods.
BALE
GRAZING By Heather Smith Thomas
Bale grazing is not new, but acceptability of this feeding method is relatively new. Lorne Klein, grazing and forage specialist, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, says a few people were doing it 30 years ago but may have been thought of as poor managers—leaving bales out in the field for cows to eat. “Over the past decade, people began
S P TI
to realize the benefits of this method,” says Klein. Most of the early bale-grazing programs involved hauling bales to a specific site, placing them in a grid pattern, and allocating a certain number of bales every 3 to 5 days, using electric wire. Now some producers are letting cows eat bales on the hayfields where the bales are dropped—which saves more time, labor and fuel. “When you bale graze on fields at the proper rate, so you enhance vegetation— not at a density where you kill the vegetation—you recover 34% of the original nitrogen that was in the bale. If you do it properly, and manage the pasture properly afterward, you allow the vegetation to recover and grow.” The plants explode with new vigor. Even if you have to haul bales and place them on a pasture that needs fertilizer, this is more effective (and cheaper) than hauling manure out to that pasture or using commercial fertilizer. The results and benefits also last longer than commercial fertilizer because you have a combination of nutrients and litter from manure and the small amount of wasted hay.
TWINES VERSUS NET-WRAP Producers have tried various types of twine and ways to avoid the challenge of removing frozen twines from round bales. – continued on p.52
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Texas Longhorn Trails
February 2014
51
– continued from p.50 Leaving unwrapped bales in the haycompletely wrapped with just 1.5 field is an option, but only works if to 2 revolutions. Leaving net wrap they are eaten fairly soon after baling. on the bale also acts as a feeder, Otherwise they come apart and won’t slowing down cattle’s ability to shed moisture, wildlife gets into them break the bale apart and waste it. more easily, and there is more spoilage. “Most people with big herds are It’s also impossible to move them if using net wrap, and leave it on the you need to. bales. They may pick up the net There are two kinds of twine—sisal wrap later in the winter, but it’s easand plastic. Sisal can be left on the iest to clean it up in the spring. It’s bales. Some producers remove plastic amazing how easy it is to pull net twine before it freezes to the bales with wrap out of the litter and manure, freezing rain or melting snow. “If bales and cows don’t seem to have any will be grazed in the field where they problem with it. The net wrap is Producers use various types of twine on bales, includare made, sisal twine is a big advantage ing sisal or plastic string (above) and the more effecfairly easy to pull out, compared to because you don’t have to clean it up. tive but more expensive net wrap (p. 48). pulling twine out of a grazed bale. You can leave it on the bales and it’s When cattle eat on a bale wrapped biodegradable. There’s an advantage to leaving twine on bewith plastic twine, the twine is tangled in amongst the hay cause it helps hold the bale together as the cows eat it,” says that’s left and it can be a nightmare trying to get the twine Klein. out,” says Klein. Plastic twines should always be removed because they can “The net wrap reduces waste, because it’s difficult for cows last too long in the environment, and can be a mess in the to start eating those bales; they tend to gang up on the bales field for next haying season. Twines are also dangerous to and finish them off before they start on a new one,” he says. cattle because they may get caught in their hooves or around Some producers are now letting cows into the whole field, their head or legs. Ear tags may get caught and pulled off by eating 3 to 4 weeks’ worth of net-wrapped bales. This elimitwines. Plastic twines are hazardous for cattle if ingested, nates the task of moving electric fence every day or every few since they don’t break down as readily in the stomach as sisal days. and may create indigestion or plug the digestive tract. USING ELECTRIC FENCE Net wrap is often used, even though it costs more. There There are many ways to use electric fencing to control the is less leaf loss, and it’s faster when making hay; the bale is bale grazing. “The most important thing, if you are going to use electric fence in the winter is to train cows to it before winter. If they’ve dealt with it during summer, they will respect it in the winter, and won’t get into the next batch of bales before you allow them to. By winter they are not interested in challenging the fence,” Klein says.
Temporary electric fence is often used to control access to bales.
“Some people use one strand, others use two strands (one is hot, one is ground). It doesn’t really matter what you use as long as the cows already respect a hot wire and don’t question it.”
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Texas Longhorn Trails
Vaccinations ... Let’s “Shoot” Straight! Every good cowman knows that, used from intramuscular (I.M.) injections properly animal health products such of 7-way and 8-way clostridial bacas vaccines, dewormers, and antibiotics, terins (vaccines) and certain I.M. play a vital role in reducing the toll injectable antibiotic products. that disease and parasites can take on Seven-way clostridial vaccine given his cattle. He also knows healthy cattle in the muscle between the hooks mean more money in his pocket at the end of the year. However, vaccinations can cost him money if not done properly. A study by Colorado State University for the NCA’s Beef Safety Assurance Task Force estimated that injection site blemishes caused a $46,051,869 loss for the beef industry in 1991 or $1.74 per every steer/heifer slaughtered. These blemishes caused by Suggested muscle scars and lesions reTenting Technique sulting from irritated and damaged tissue, do NOT present a food safety concern, but they do represent a quality conand pins at branding can cause scartrol defect in the product and an ring (gristle or tough spots) at economic loss for the industry. In the slaughter. The scars require a lot of NCA study, injection site blemishes trimming, and that has caused a dewere the second major concern cline in demand for top butts and after excess external fat of purveyors, even the whole top sirloin. restauranteurs, and packers. A good herd manager can reduce Research data showed a high inciloss by following a few simple dence of tissue irritation resulting procedures:
1. Always read the label. Products work most effectively when they’re used as specified on the label. To get the best possible immune response, reduce the chance of reactions and minimize the risk of residues, look for these instructions: the proper dosage; timing, route of administration; warnings or indications; withdrawal periods; storage and disposal requirements; and shelf life. Using products in ways that are not specified on the label can be a factor in drug residue problems. 2. Stay away from the muscle. Some products are given intravenously, orally or intranasally, but the most common routes are intramuscular which means injecting into the muscle; and subcutaneous (SUB-Q), which means injecting just under the skin. Generally, bacterins or killed products can be given subcutaneously. Modified live virus products should be given intramuscularly, because this is a more favorable environment for the virus to reproduce and reach the animal’s lymphatic system. Some products offer a choice of administration route. Whenever possible—and if it’s specified on the label—use the subcutaneous route. 3. Choose the best site. The best site is not always the one that’s fastest and easiest to get to. It’s the site where the product will be most effective, with the least possible risk of damage to valuable cuts of meat. NCA recommends that -- continued to pg. 56
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Texas Longhorn Trails
-- continued from pg. 54
6. Other tips for proper injection. Sanitation is essential. It can reduce the YES - Here NO - Bad risk of spreading infection from one animal to another, reduce the chance of contaminating the vac4. Use multiple injeccine, and reduce injection tion sites. When giving site reactions. multiple injections, be Don’t go back into a vacsure the injection sites are cine bottle with the same at least several inches needle you use to vacciapart. For maximum upnate. take and effectiveness, Change needles fredon’t put more than ten quently, at least every 10 to cc’s into any one site at a 15 uses, or every syringetime. full of vaccine. If a needle develops a bend or a burr, mended for SUB-Q and I.M. injec5. Use the correct size needle. discard it immediately, as it will tear tions. One-half to 3/4 inches in Using the correct size needle will the tissue. If you lose a needle, get it length is usually adequate for help ensure that vaccine gets into out even if you have to call a veteriSUB-Q administration. One to one the animal’s system properly. The narian. Do not ever try to straighten and one-half inches is usually adeselection depends on the size of a bent needle. It is the one that is quate for I.M., depending on where animal being vaccinated, and the most likely to break off in the anithe injection will be given and the route of administration. mal. size of the animal. A 16 or 18 gauge needle is recomWhen using killed vaccines, keep a saucer or sponge of disinfectant or alcohol nearby and wipe off the needle after each use. DO • Semen Collection & Processing NOT disinfect needles between uses • CSS Available Facility when using a modified live vaccine, • Storage • Shipping • Supplies as the disinfectant can destroy the • AI • Embryo Collections vaccine. Injecting cattle during wet • AI Training Schools weather increases the chance of contaminating the injection site. At our facilities Do not vaccinate late in the feedor on-farm collecting ing period. Check with your vet18035 FM 17 • Canton, TX 75103 903.521.7904 Bob Woodard erinarian or on the label for the Toll Free 1.866.604.4044 proper time. Brenda Barton 903.567.4044 (Office) Fax 903.567.6587 all clostridial bacterins be given subcutaneously in the neck region, preferably using the “tented” technique. (see illustration).
Craig Barton
56
903.920.3223
Injection Site Locations - Yes/No
www.championgenetics.com
7. Know the products you’re using. Muscle scars and lesions result from irritated and damaged tissue. Require that suppliers/ manufacturers provide you and/or your veterinarian with sufficient documentation showing that the chosen injectable animal health products do NOT cause tissue irritation. Remember, you are responsible for the quality of the beef you produce, so “shoot”, but “shoot” straight.
Texas Longhorn Trails
MONTHLY MOVERS & SHAKERS
Registrations and Transfers from December 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013
Division A
Division B (cont.)
Division B (cont.)
Division C
Tom A. Smith Dennis W. Jones Terry King Meridian Longhorns Carl R. Brantley Panther Creek Ranch Mark Hubbell Scott Simmons George and Laureen Gennin Khaos Cattle Company Nancy C. Dunn Jim Steffler Maurice Ladnier Ronnie & Lee Lange Wil-O-Vic Cattle Co. Helmwood Mark, Darryl, Keith Christenson Westfarms, Inc. Willis Bend Longhorns Aaron Adkins De Karolientjeshoeve Jeffrey Hudspeth Kathy Kittler Mark and Tammey Stuck Mary Grace Moffitt One Tree Ranching Co. LTD Scott Hughes Shawn & Cathy Norton Max Byles B. Eugene Berry, M.D. Cory Batt David & Melissa Hackney Hoosier Longhorns Jay Wachter & Susan Willard Jody Shaw Karly Mims Mark and Tina Stewart Mozella Acres Paul Corlett Robert W. Daniels III Rolling M Longhorns Terry Creel
Terry and Sherri Adcock William T. & Sandra J. Martin Mike Crawford & Pam Watkins John R. Randolph Vincent T. Girolamo Shawn Stewart W.A. (Al) Vinson Barry W. Chinn David Vizza H & L Ranch Suzanne & William H. Torkildsen, M.D. John & Ursula Allen Doug and Sandy Stotts Hickman Longhorns Inc Marion M. Woolie Ronald J. Martens Vida Nueva Ranch L Bar C Longhorns Eric & Anna Redeker Hacienda PBT, LLC Joseph P. Stilwell Michele Reed Stephen P Head Rio Vista Ranch Steve Day Bernard Lankford Betty Baggett Miller Frank Anderson, III Todd Jaynes Zeph & Ann-Caroline Fogerson Bruce and Connie Ollive Gary & Teresa Bowdoin Jerusalem Ridge Ranch Jim and Carolyn Van Duzee John & Diann Chase John Marshall Shana L. Miller Star Creek Ranch Steven Zunker Bob Moore/Ginger Kinder ACR Longhorns Copper Creek Ranch Gary Steinbrenner & Maryse Laurin James & Amy Roesler Joe Tucker
Matthew & Staci Krueger Randy Tschacher Roy & Maria Bailey Brent & Cynthia Bolen John Oliver Struthoff Ranch 4W Ranch Charis Horse & Cattle Chris & Lisa Parker Dave & Althea Sullivan David & Kathy M. Adams Deer Creek Longhorns Eddie W Braidfoot Edward Payne El Coyote Ranch John & Laurie Stewart Johnna Williams J. Todd and Christie T. Price Kathryn Leann Head Kelly & Sharon Harris Kenneth Cook Leslie Cook Lonnie Shan Lonny and Nella Montgomery Rex & Sherese Glendenning Rob & Debbie Pinder Rocking 'O' Ranch Ron & Kevin Asbill Steve and Rene' Azinger Swing'n Star Ranch Tawnya Dykstra-Soto Wes and Carol Chancey Young Ranch @ Flat Rock Crossings Kimble Cattle Company
Conner Scheer Dale Hunt Gregg or Sandra Lynn Sherwood Norman and June Cady Eugene L. Schlosser Marlin and or Vickie Krump Del Vic Farms Fort Robinson Jim Hutchinson J Wade and Kristi Wilson Kevin Mathey Anchor D Ranch - NAIS David Roberts Elsie A. Rose and/or John A. Rose Frank & Teresa Locatelli Jonathan R. Jennings Wayne & Pamela Irey Alexandra Dees Bob & Pam Loomis Larry &/or Mary Ann Long Leo & Jolene Omlin Oren & Dianna O'Dell Pace Cattle Company Woodson School Ranch Art Anders C 4 Longhorns Craig Kipf Dave Hodges Dean M & Jill K Wagner J5 Longhorns Jerry and Gretchen Lotspeich Kent & Sandy Harrell Mike & Debbie Bowman Mike Lutt Warren and Cathy Dorathy
Division B
Scott Herring Tom and Cay Billingsley Sandra K. Nordhausen
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Division C Nate Edwards Randy or Mary Kumpost Billy & Audrey Doolittle Bill and Connie Courtney Carole Muchmore Craig, Cel and Rietta Iversen Chad & Janell Smith Mike and Carole Koss Safari B Ranch
Texas Longhorn Trails
– continued from p.48
are run in multiple-sire breeding pastures. Probably the best example of this resulted in an Australian study. In that study, calves that were born to cows bred as a herd to the same three or four bulls over five years were blood-typed to establish their sire. The results (Table 3) showed that the oldest or second oldest bull in the group sired 60 percent or more of the calves each year, while the youngest sired 15 percent or fewer. As social ranking in bulls is largely controlled by age and seniority within groups, it is reasonable to assume these results reflect the influence of social ranking on the reproductive capabilities of the bulls. The importance of these results becomes clear when considering either the reproductive or genetic implications. If the dominant bull were sterile, or even sub-fertile, at least a portion of these cows would probably have calved late or even missed calving entirely. On the other hand, if the younger bulls were superior genetically in traits of economic importance, the total value of the calf crop produced would have been reduced. To avoid dominance problems, bulls of the same size and age should be used together. Young bulls, especially yearlings, should not be expected to compete with older bulls in the same breeding pastures. Rotation of bulls can be done to ease the breeding pressure on any one bull or groups of bulls. Some producers choose to synchronize the cows or heifers with products on the market for this purpose. In this case, use the best bulls first, so that the better bulls will have a chance to breed a large number of cows while the herd is still concentrated. This will maximize the input of these superior bulls on the entire calf crop and especially in the
heifer group that will be candidates for replacements. Use poorer quality bulls for “clean-up” bulls. Rotating bulls in this regard allows rested bulls to replace those that have located and serviced a large number of synchronized females in estrous during the first 2 weeks of the breeding season. Much has been written about rotating bulls during the normal non-synchronized breeding seasons. Some producers turn their older bulls out early in the breeding season, then follow up with the young bulls late in the season. In this way, the young-
sters get some use, but they are not left out long enough to cause any long-term setback. If only young bulls are in the bull battery, then rotating them at a minimum of two weeks, will allow for optimum reproductive performance and not allow young bulls to become too fatigued and lose condition too rapidly. If pasture and management capabilities allow, rotating young bulls once per week should slightly improve reproductive performance, because depleted sperm stores would be replaced with rested bulls before any decrease in fertility should be occurring. – continued to p.65
FEMALES – BRED & OWNED – TIP-TO-TIP CLASS 19 – Born Sep - July 2010
1. ANNIE GET YOUR RIFLE BCB
74.250"
BANDERA CHEX x COOPERS 167 LAMB Owner: Brent & Cynthia Bolen, LUFKIN, TX
9/11/2010 Breeder: Brent & Cynthia Bolen
2. ECR TEJANITA 67.375" EL CID ECR x ECR LA TEJANA Owner/Breeder: El Coyote Ranch, KINGSVILLE, TX 3. HELM TC LAURAS GRACE 66.000" TOP CALIBER x WIREGRASS LAURA Owner/Breeder: HELM CATTLE COMPANY, RED OAK, TX
9/9/2010
9/30/2010 ANNIE GET YOUR RIFLE BCB Bred & Owned TTT, TH AND COMP
FEMALES – BRED & OWNED – TOTAL HORN
FEMALES – BRED & OWNED – COMPOSITE
CLASS 19 – Born Sep - July 2010
CLASS 19 – Born Sep - July 2010
1. ANNIE GET YOUR RIFLE BCB
88.125"
BANDERA CHEX x COOPERS 167 LAMB Owner: Brent & Cynthia Bolen, LUFKIN, TX
9/11/2010 Breeder: Brent & Cynthia Bolen
1. ANNIE GET YOUR RIFLE BCB
186.875"
BANDERA CHEX x COOPERS 167 LAMB Owner: Brent & Cynthia Bolen, LUFKIN, TX
9/11/2010 Breeder: Brent & Cynthia Bolen
2. ECR TEJANITA 168.438" 9/9/2010 2. HELM TC LAURAS GRACE 79.750" 9/30/2010 EL CID ECR x ECR LA TEJANA TOP CALIBER x WIREGRASS LAURA Owner/Breeder: El Coyote Ranch, KINGSVILLE, TX Owner/Breeder: HELM CATTLE COMPANY, RED OAK, TX 3. HELM TC LAURAS GRACE 168.375" 9/30/2010 3. ECR TEJANITA 78.875" 9/9/2010 TOP CALIBER x WIREGRASS LAURA EL CID ECR x ECR LA TEJANA Owner/Breeder: HELM CATTLE COMPANY, RED OAK, TX Owner/Breeder: El Coyote Ranch, KINGSVILLE, TX In the December issue of the Trails magazine, the 2013 Horn Showcase results were reported. We are publishing corrections to this event in this issue, and we apologize for the errors. We congratulate all the winners and participates during the event.
60 60
TexasLonghorn LonghornTrails Trails Texas
ALABAMA
COLORADO
ARKANSAS
FLORIDA
KANSAS
EAS CAT Y LOC TLE ATO R!
KANSAS
KENTUCKY
CALIFORNIA
LOUISIANA
MICHIGAN
February 2014
61
MISSOURI
OKLAHOMA
PENNSYLVANIA
MISSOURI
TENNESSEE
OKLAHOMA
NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS
NORTHEAST TEXAS
CENTRAL TEXAS
SOUTH TEXAS
62
Texas Longhorn Trails
SOUTH TEXAS
SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS
UTAH
WEST TEXAS SOUTHEAST TEXAS
WISCONSIN
CANADA ALBERTA
SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS
February 2014
63
Would you like extra copies of the 2014 TLBAA calendar? Get yours before they are gone! $15 plus s/h. Call the office to order yours today.
(817) 625-6241
r kindly droppin’ in We thank these folks fo at the TLBA A office. 2
1
3
5
6
4
1. Brad Scherer and Sascha Smith, Maypearl, TX; 2. Hal Hickerson, Arlington, TX; 3. TLBAA’s Laura Standley with Amy Franks, Paradise, TX; 4. TLBAA’s Myra Basham and Victoria Luminary, Lott, TX; 5. Heatherly and Larry Smith, Glen Rose, TX; 6. Mikell Deatherage, Fort Worth, TX
64
Texas Longhorn Trails
– continued from p.60
Each producer will need to develop a bull management plan that works best for his or her operation. That plan, if it is to be successful, will need to be flexible to adjust for problems as they arise.
BULL OBSERVATION A good manager keeps an eye on his bulls during the breeding season to make sure that they are getting the cows bred. Injuries to bulls during the breeding season are relatively common. When a bull does become lame or incapable of breeding because of an injury to his reproductive tract, he needs to be removed from the breeding pasture and replaced by another bull. Occasionally, a bull that has passed a breeding soundness exam may have difficulty serving cows in heat, especially after heavy service. Inability to complete normal service and low fertility are more detrimental than failure to detect cows in heat to calf crop percent. Such problems can best be detected by observing bulls while they work. Likewise, a small proportion of bulls can wear out from heavy service and lose interest. These, too, will need to be replaced. The greater the number of cows allotted to each bull in the breeding pasture the more critical it is that every bull be ready to work every day of the breeding season.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT Good managers do everything possible to facilitate a bull’s job. Occasionally, cattle are moved long distances during the breeding season, such as driving cows to a rented pasture. Bulls will arrive in better shape if they are hauled in a truck or trailer instead of being expected to travel with the cow herd. Not only will they be less tired, but their feet should stay in better shape.
February 2014
65
TLBAA Breed Advisory Committee’s
February - Herd Management Guide
Gold N Rule Sittin Bull
Max Caliber Coach
Mountain Home, Texas
1-800-YO RANCH charlie4@yoranch.com Proud member of the TLBAA and TLMA
66
Spring Calving: 1. As females near parturition and lactation, nutrient requirement for energy, protein, minerals and vitamins increase substantially. Two-thirds of fetal growth occurs during the last three months of gestation. Prepartum nutrition of females has been shown to also influence colostrum (first milk) production, subsequent calf viability and liveability, weaning weights and percent of calves actually weaned. During the last 30-60 days of gestation, it is recommended that females consume 1.8 -2.0 pounds of total protein daily from grass and supplemental feeds to insure adequate fetal development and first milk production. 2. During the first 3-4 months of lactation, a 1000 pound cow with average milking ability (producing 10 pounds of milk daily) requires 11.5 pounds of energy, 2 pounds of protein, 0.06 pounds of calcium, 0.05 pounds of phosphorus and 36,000 international units of vitamin A per day. Warm season pasture grasses are dormant until midApril and provide most of the energy needs, but limited protein, phosphorus and Vitamin A. Sufficient nutrients must be supplied to the lactating females in the form of protein and/or energy supplements, as well as mineral and vitamin mixes to meet their nutrient requirements. If pasture grass is plentiful, but dormant and poor in quality during this time of year, then protein is generally your first concern. A 1000 pound cow in good body condition with average milking ability should generally be fed at least 1.5 pounds of crude protein (CP) from a protein supplement, depending upon the protein value and availability of the dormant pasture grass. Feeding 3-4 pounds of a 40 percent CP supplement, 4-6 pounds of a 30 percent CP supplement or 6-8 pounds of a 20 percent CP supplement per head per day should be adequate to meet most protein and energy needs. Choice of appropriate supplement (20 percent CP, 30 percent CP or 40 percent CP) should be based upon the cheapest source of protein. Price per pound of protein may be determined by dividing the cost per pound of protein supplement by the percentage of crude protein in the supplement. A source of salt, as well as a good commercial calcium:phosphorus mineral mix with added Vitamin A should be available on a free choice basis. If your cows are thin in body condition, then feeding supplemental hay plus higher levels of a low crude protein, high energy range cube (20 percent crude protein) will provide increased intake of vital nutrients. If pasture grass is limited due to overgrazing or poor rainfall during summer, then energy is your first concern. Feeding a medium (8-10 percent crude protein) hay free choice plus 2-3 pounds of a 20 percent CP supplement daily or approximately 15-20 pounds of a high quality (15-17 percent crude protein) hay per head per day will provide an excellent source of energy and protein for the females. If winter pasture is available, then the females should not need additional energy or protein supplementation.
3. Even though Texas Longhorns are known for calving ease, difficult births may arise. Check first calf heifers (due to calve) and pregnant cows daily for possibility of calving difficulties. Once fetal membranes (water sac) have been expelled and ruptured, assistance should be provided if calf delivery has not occurred within 30-60 minutes. 4. Colostrum consumption during the early hours of a calf’s life is essential for passive absorption of important antibodies needed for protection from disease. Absorption of antibodies found in colostrum ceases after 24 hours after birth; therefore, a newborn calf should receive at least 2 quarts (5-6 percent of birth weight) in first milk within the first 6 hours to insure adequate antibody protection. Commercial sources of colostrum may be purchased or the first milk from other cows may be frozen for later use. Many females, especially first calf heifers, do not produce sufficient colostrum and there is no way of knowing how much the calf has nursed. Baby calf scours are typically the result of inadequate consumption of colostrum during the early hours of a calf’s life. Clean calving areas and proper attention to the newborn may reduce exposure to disease organisms and reduce incidence of scouring problems. 5. Dip navels of newborn calves in a 7 percent tincture of iodine solution when you happen to be there shortly after birth as a preventive measure of navel ill problems. 6. At 12-14 months of age, vaccinate replacement heifers with intramuscular IBR/BVD (modified live virus), a 7-way Clostridial booster, 5-way Leptospirosis, and vibrosis at least 60 days before breeding. Consult a local veterinarian on vaccine types and other vaccinations recommended in your area. Deworming is recommended prior to spring grass. 7. Evaluate the growth of your yearling heifers as well as first calf females. The goal should be to have your yearling heifers weigh 65 percent of their mature weight by first breeding (14-15 months of age) and have a weight of 85 percent of their mature weight, including the weight of the fetus, prior to calving at 23-25 months of age. Fall Calving: 1. Continue supplemental feeding program until good spring grass is available and calves are weaned. Lactating cows grazing dormant range grass require approximately 3-4 pounds of a 40 percent range cube or 6-8 pounds of a 20 percent range cube daily to meet their protein requirement. If winter pasture is available, forage intake should be sufficient to meet nutrient requirements of lactating females. 2. Remove bulls after a 90 day breeding season. A February 20 breeding date will result in December 1 calves. For a fall calving program, September, October and November calves are most desirable. 3. Consider limited creep feeding (16 percent crude protein) for calves nursing older cows, first calf heifers or any calves needing additional nutrition. Texas Longhorn Trails
PROVIDER LIST XC Longhorns-Joe Cunningham www.xclonghorns.net jamacunningham@att.net 254-479-1080
Diamond D Ranch-Dawn Divinia www.ddrlonghorns.com dawn@ddrlonghorns.com 972-890-8891
MLC Cattle Company-Chris Clark chris@beaverpipeline.com 936-520-4212 ACR Longhorns-Diane Rivera dr.thisandthat@yahoo.com 214-243-0572
Diamond G Farms - Ben Garner ben.garner@eqdepot.com 512-801-8242 White Rock Ranch -Vincent Girolamo www.whiterocklonghorns.com whiterockranch@hotmail.com 214-542-4727
February 2014
End Of Trail Ranch-Mike Bowman www.endoftrailranch.com mbowman@wildblue.net 316-778-1717 Top Of The Hill Ranch -Dennis & Judy Urbantke www.topofthehillranch.com 325-656-9321
Gary Lee Hershberger hershbergergary37@yahoo.com 330-893-3763/330-731-8783
Wantabe Cattle Co.-Scott Govlait sgovlait@yahoo.com 936-499-3202 Texas North Land & Cattle -Curt Mulder www.texasnorth.com cmulder@wolvgroup.com 616-437-1543 Wulfco Ranch-Alex Wulf alex_g_wulf@yahoo.com penny_wulf@yahoo.com 620-226-3350
Cherokee Cattle Co. -Bob & Brady Elmore www.cherokeelonghorns.com elmoreB84@gmail.com 940-257-3921/940-282-3575 Trinity Creek Ranch -Sandra Nordhausen www.trinitycreeksranch.com sandienordhausen@gmail.com 512-898-2401 Ferguson Ranch -Larry & Meloney Ferguson ferguson-meloney@gmail.com 903-297-5893
Semkin Longhorns -Charlene Semkin & Matt McGuire www.semkin-texaslonghorns.com semkin@mindspring.com 580-336-2925 KD Bar Cattle Co.-Joe Dowling dowlingjoe@yahoo.com 979-906-0043
Arrowhead Cattle Co.-Craig Perez www.arrowheadcattlecompany.com cperz1@hotmail.com 979-906-0043 Blue Ridge Ranch-John Marshall www.blueridgelonghorns.com john.marshall83@yahoo.com 713-398-5024 RC Larson Longhorns -Bob & Carmen Larson rclarsonlonghorns@gmail.com
Helm Cattle Co. -John, Debra & Nathan Helm www.helmcattlecompany.com johnhelm1@me.com nathanhelm@me.com 972-670-5134/817-897-8535 North View Farms -Emanuel Jr. & Carolyn Miller Dundee, OH 330-359-7165 Tonkawa Cattle Co. -Gary & Teresa Bowdoin www.tonkawacatteco.com run4funbow@aol.com 254-640-0844
Liberty Longhorn Ranch -Dustin Divinia www.libertylonghornsranch.com dustin_divinia@yahoo.com 903-408-7288 TL Longhorns -Toni & Larry Stegemoller tostog0713@yahoo.com 817-933-5059
Kittler Land & Cattle-Kathy Kittler www.kittlerlandandcattle.com k.kittler@hotmail.com 501-6990-0771 G&L Cattle Company -Dr. Gene & Lana Hightower glcattle@aol.com 903-963-7442/903-681-1093 Doug Hunt doughuny37@gmail.com 435-680-4822
TS Longhorns -Terry & Sherri Adcock www.tsadcocklonghorns.com sherri@pics.net/tadcock@pics.net 806-488-7906/806-759-7486
- continued on pg. 69
Astera Meadows Ranch -Carolyn & Wilton Wilton www.astermeadows.net cjwilton@juno.com 512-560-1264/512-560-1263 River Ranch -Rick & Tracey Friedrich www.riverranchlonghorns.com rick@riverranchlonghorns.com 713-305-0259 Diamond Q Longhorns -Steve & Bodie Quary dqlonghorns@yahoo.com 405-567-3093
Dickinson Cattle Co. Inc. -Darol Dickinson www.head2tail.com darol@texaslonghorn.com 740-758-5050
Nel-Tam Longhorn -Nelson & Tammy Hearn www.neltamlonghorns.com nel_tam_hearn@yahoo.com
Silver T Ranch-Kurt Twining www.silvertranch.com kurt_twining@msn.com
67
Save The Date! FEBRUARY 2014 FEB 28 • Winchester Futurity, Mid-Tex Auction Barn, Navasota, TX. TLBGCA. Steve Azinger (713) 823-5371, s_azinger@lazyaranch.org. Rick Friedrich (713) 305-0259, rick@riverranchlonghorns.com.
MARCH 2014 MAR 1 • Cattle Baron’s Premier Sale, Mid-Tex Auction Barn, Navasota, TX. TLBGCA. Steve Azinger (713) 823-5371, s_azinger@lazyaranch.org. Rick Friedrich (713) 305-0259, rick@riverranchlonghorns.com. MAR 1-2 • San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, San Angelo, TX; Dennis Urbantke (325) 656-9321 or dennisurbantke@zipnet.us. For entries: www.sanangelorodeo.com. Qualifying Haltered, Free & Youth. MARCH 7-9 • Austin Star of Texas Show, Travis County Expo Center, Austin, TX. Louis Christa, Chair (210) 863-7003 or LChri58@msn.com. Non-haltered trophy steer show. Qualifying Haltered, Free & Youth. MAR 8-9 • Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Houston, TX. Scotty O’Bryan (817) 625-6241 or scotty@tlbaa.org. www.tlbaa.org. Qualifying Haltered & Youth. MAR 14-16 • Glen Rose North Texas Spring Show, Glen Rose, TX. Kevin Rooker (817) 692-7843 or krooker@centurylink.net. Qualifying Haltered, Free & Youth. MAR 14-15 • Texas Longhorn Legacy Sale X, Grapevine, TX; TLMA (512) 556-0300 or www.thelonghornalliance.com. MAR 21-23 • Stillwater Shootout, Stillwater, OK. Steve & Bodie Quary (405) 567-3093 or dqlonghorns@yahoo.com. Qualifying Haltered, Free & Youth. MAR 22 • First Annual Blue Ridge Ranch Sale, Llano, TX. John Marshall (713) 398-5024 or Bubba Bollier, Ranch Manager (325) 247-6249 www.blueridgelonghorns.com MAR 27 • South Texas State Fair Longhorn Show, Ford Fairgrounds, Beaumont, TX. Sec.- Carolyn Abney (409) 284-9881 or ChairmanLee Hall (409) 720-7588. www.ymbl.org. Qualifying Haltered, Free & Youth. MAR 28 • Rockdale Spring Show, Rockdale, TX. Sandi Nordhausen & Suzanne Torkildsen (956) 793-5484. Qualifying Haltered, Free & Youth.
APRIL 2014 APR 4
• Southeastern Winchester Futurity, WKU Ag Expo Center, Bowling Green, KY. Terry King – tklonghorns@centurylink.net or (850) 956- 4154.
TEXAS LONGHORN Coming Events APR 18-19 • Cherry Blossom Sale, Culpeper, VA; TLMA (512) 556-0300 or www.thelonghornalliance.com. APR 25-26 • Midwest Longhorn Sale, Winfield, KS. Mike Bowman (316) 778-1717 or www.endoftrailranch.com.
MAY 2014 MAY 2-3 • Red McCombs Fiesta Sale and Premier Heifer Sale, Johnson City, TX. www.redmccombslonghorn.com. Alan & Teresa Sparger, alan@redmccombsranches.com, teresa@redmccombsranches.com, (210) 445-8798.
MAY 9-11 • TLBAA 50th Aniversary Celebration Weekend, Fort Worth, Texas MAY 16-17 • Millennium Futurity, Glen Rose, TX; TLMA (512) 556-0300 or www.thelonghornalliance.com.
JUNE 2014 JUNE 7 • 2014 Longhorn Ranch Sale & Social, Yamhill, OR. Contact: Daniel Fey (503) 349-7866 or daniel@feylonghorns.com JUNE 11-15 • 2014 Autobahnanza, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX. Larry Barker (817) 988-6110 or lbarker@abahn.com. www.autobahnyouthtour.com JUNE 20-21 • Winchester Futurity of the North, Gibson County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IN. Scott Simmons – ssimmons@copeplastics.com or (618) 610-1921 or Deanna Sanders – dsanders71@hughes.net or (618) 780-5365.
AUGUST 2014 AUG 6-9 • TLBAA World Show, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX. Scotty O’Bryan (817) 625-6241 or scotty@tlbaa.org. www.tlbaa.org. Qualifying Haltered, Free & Youth. AUG 30 • Butler Breeders Invitational Sale, Lockhart, TX. Kaso Kety (985) 674-6492 or Michael McLeod (361) 771-5355.
SEPTEMBER 2014 SEPT 12-13 • Hill Country Heritage Sale, River Ranch, Fredericksburg, TX. (325) 668-3552 or (713) 305-0259.
OCTOBER 2014
APR 4-5 • Hudson-Valentine Spring Invitational Texas Longhorn Sale, WKU Ag Expo Center, Bowling Green, KY. Lorinda Valentine (270) 393-2012.
OCT 4 • 6th Annual Appalachian Trail Registered Texas Longhorn Sale & TLBAA Horn Showcase Satellite Measuring, Turnersburg Livestock Market, Turnersburg, NC. Carl Brantley, Wilkesboro, NC pyledriver1964@yahoo.com or (336) 667-5452.
APR 11-13 • TLBGCA Spring Show, Washington Co. Fairgrounds, Brenham, TX; Steven Head headshorns@hotmail.com or (979) 5495270. Qualifying Haltered, Free & Youth.
OCT 24-26 • Ark-La-Tex Annual Fall Show, George Henderson Expo Center, Lufkin, TX. Donnie Taylor (409) 414-1401 or Bobbye DuBose (409) 384-8120. Qualifying Haltered, Free & Youth.
APR 12 • Nebraska Texas Longhorn Association Spring Sale, Broken Bow Livestock, Broken Bow, NE. Rodger Damrow (402) 423-5441.
Let us know about your upcoming events! (817) 625-6241or email us at laura@tlbaa.org.
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Texas Longhorn Trails
- continued from pg. 67
El Coyote Ranch www.elcoyote.com fserna@elcoyote.com dserna@elcoyote.com 361-294-5462
Moriah Farms-Bernard Lankford www.moriahfarmslonghorns.com moriahfarmsbl@aol.com 817-341-4677 Singing Coyote Ranch -George & Barbara Schmidt bfs@ranchwireless.com 830-393-6241
Rocking O Ranch-Curtis Ohlendorf www.rockingolonghorns.com rockingolonghorns@gmail.com 512-680-7118
JD Longhorns-Jim & Denise Taylor jdlonghorns@yahoo.com 409-553-7516 IM Rockin I-Nancy Ince www.rockinilonghorns.com nince@incedist.com 210-219-4681
Rockin 4 Browns-Brian & Carolyn Brown bcbrown26@live.com 580-277-0220
Commanders Place Longhorns -Kim Nikodym www.commandersplacelonghorns.com bardies@hotmail.com 405-387-2460
SS Backwards Longhorns-Scott Simmons www.ssbackwardslonghorns.com ssimmons@copeplastics.com 618-729-2006 Double LB-Lee & Linda Blackwell www.doublelblonghorns.com lblackwell2@austin.rr.com 830-889-5880 Widespread Ranch-Tom Smith www.widespreadranch.com tom@widespreadranch.com 616-293-0977 Rolling D Ranch-Nancy Dunn nanchcarterdunn@yahoo.com 334-318-0887
Pearl Longhorn Ranch-Allen Perry www.pearl-longhorn-ranch.com 512-970-3793
Hicks Texas Longhorns-Johnny Hicks hicksamericanbulldogs@yahoo.com 269-721-3473 White Pine Ranch-Scott Hughes www.carolinacartellonghorns.com shughes@partonlumber.com 828-287-7406
Horseshoe J Longhorns-Jimmy L. Jones horseshoejlonghorns@centurytel.net 334-382-6840 Double A Longhorns-Aaron Adkins www.carolinacartellonghorns.com doublealonghorns@gmail.com 704-490-9208 Triple R Ranch-Dick & Peg Lowe www.rrrlonghorns.com ralowe642@hotmail.com 517-688-3030 Lazy A Ranch-Steve Azinger www.lazyaranch.org s.azinger@commair.us 713-823-5311
91 South Cattle Co.-Jeremy & Pam Lay pamlay@outlook.com 251-747-4332/251-752-9874 Running Arrow Farm, LLC Sandra & Bill Martin www.runningarrowlonghorns.com info@runningarrowfarm.com 806-205-1235
Victorea Luminary www.luminarylonghornranch.com victorea@luminarylonghornranch.com 254-931-5441
WI Longhorns and Leather-Roland West www.wilonghornsandleather.com 580-682-3016
Please send an acknowledgement to: Name ________________________________________ Address ______________________________________ City ____________________ State _____ Zip _______ My Name _____________________________________ Address ______________________________________ City ____________________ State _____ Zip _______ February 2014
Wolfridge Ranch-Ethan & Ashley Loos www.wolfridge.net eloos5@msn.com 217-617-0420 Smith Longhorns -Chad & Janell Smith www.smithlonghorns.com smithlongs@hotmail.com 701-590-9073
La Pistola Longhorns-Bobby Gutierrez www.lapistolalonghorns.com gtrg40@hotmail.com 979-575-2838 Kropp Cattle Co.-Dr. Bob Kropp bob.kropp@okstate.edu 580-336-0220
Harrell Ranch-Kent & Sandy Harrell www.harrellranch.com kent@harrellranch.com 918-587-2750 Simmons Cattle Company -Ralph & Christa Simmons simmonscattle@hotmail.com 580-384-8365
GFT Longhorns Devin Graves & Annissa Huckaby gftlonghorns@outlook.com 480-713-2769
Roberts Longhorns-David Roberts www.robertslonghorns.com robertslonghorns@live.com 573-406-9868 JBR Longhorns-Jim Rombeck 785-562-6665 VanLiew Ranch-Rob VanLiew www.vanliewranch.com vanliewranch@gmail.com 405-420-1728
CedarView Ranch-Todd McKnight www.cedarviewranch.com tnck7@ckt.net 620-704-3497 Win Vue Longhorns-James Dyal jzd9122@yahoo.com 423-231-9122
Rocking B Longhorns-Dr. Gene Berry www.rockingblonghorns.com gene@rockingblonghorns.com 225-772-5618 Ferguson Ranch-Cynthia Williams cwilliams1@suddenlink.net 325-653-5257 J Bar J Longhorns -Rusty & JoAnne Clark rc.ranch@hotmail.com 573-216-0332
Enclosed is my gift of ___ $25 ___$50 ___$100 __$_____
___ In memory of: ______________________________ ___ In honor of: ________________________________ Name of person to be remembered. Please print. Please mail form and donation to the Texas Longhorn Breeders of America Foundation, P.O. Box 4430, Ft. Worth, TX 76164.
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CLASSIFIEDS
AUCTIONEERS
JoelAuctioneer Lemley P.O. Box 471 Blackwell, TX 79506
325-668-3552
www.lemleyauctionservices.com TX. License 15204
Bruce E. McCarty Auctioneer Weatherford, TX
DORA THOMPSON just registered 38 QUALITY HEIFERS and 17 HERD SIRE prospects BRED FOR HORN. We specialize in Hunts Command Respect and McGill Ranch genetics and offer young stock at reasonable prices. We have a Farlap Chex son on a herd of straight Butlers. Sand Hills Ranch is 20 mi. off the TX line in Northwest Louisiana below Shreveport. A large herd (approx. 175 mama cows) promises you plenty of variety. echoofambush@aol.com www.sandhillsranch.com • Tel (318) 872-6329
REAL ESTATE
(817) 991-9979 HOME & RANCH REALITY TRIGG MOORE
CATTLE FOR SALE ELITE TEXAS LONGHORNS FOR SALEDale Hunt - www.rockinhlonghorns.com (402) 214-4851. BEAVER CREEK LONGHORNS- Check our new Web site with "Super Sales" and herdreduction prices. Tazman (Gunman) genetics. Carole Muchmore, Ponca City, OK (580) 7659961, www.beavercreeklonghorns.com
THATE Cattle Company
Cell: (254) 396-5592 Ofc: (254) 965-5500 Fax: (254) 965-5532
Owner/Broker 936 S. Hwy 281 Stephenville, TX 76401 Email: trigg@c21homeandranch.com
www.c21homeandranch.com
SEMEN FOR SALE LONGHORN SEMEN – Phenomenon, Emperor, DH Red Ranger, Tempter, JP Rio Grande, WS Jamakism, Working Man Chex, VJ Tommie and more. John Oliver 972-268-0083 or www.oliverlonghorns.com
SERVICES
Your source for big-horned cattle in the North—utilizing the right bloodlines to produce the horn. Fairmont, Minnesota
(507) 235-3467
Have a Happy, Happy, Happy Valentine Celebration …and remember our great choices of Longhorns to supplement an existing herd, begin a new one or just surprise that special person on your gift list! ★ Top notch, gentle bulls, bred and open heifers, plus beautiful young cows…many with calves at side. ★ Awesome, big horned trophy steers, 3 yrs and up. They are destined to become traffic stopping pasture art. Very gentle and colorful! To schedule a ranch tour or just talk Longhorns, call:
Dorie Damuth • Flying D Longhorn Ranch Magnolia, Texas • 281-356-8167 281-356-2751 Fax www.damuthflyingdranch.com • dorie27@sbcglobal.net
OLIVER LONGHORNS
www.oliverlonghorns.com
Cattle for sale “To God Be The Glory”
joliver@mytocn.com (972) 268-0083
LONE WOLF RANCH Dr. Lee and Linda Ragains (918) 855-0704 • Sallisaw, OK
www.lonewolfranch.net
For information, visit
www.tlbaa.org or read the Trails Magazine!
70
TRADE & BARTER TRADE YOUR LONGHORNS – We’ll take your bulls and steers in trade for cows, heifers, pairs, herd sires or semen from breeds’ top quality bulls. Stonewall Valley Ranch, Fredericksburg, TX. Days (512) 454-0476 / Weekends (830) 644-2380. WE HAVE JUBAL JANGLER AND VANIZM HEIFERS, also ranch raised, young, well-bred AQHA Quarter Horses we will trade for your Registered Longhorn steers, bulls, etc. Save your cash for hay. Call (785) 447-9132 McIntyre Ranches - www.mcintyreranches.com.
TRANSPORTATION
LIVESTOCK TRANSPORTATION Ted Roush (713) 299-7990 Cell www.asocl.com or troush57@yahoo.com YOU CALL - I HAUL!
TEXAS LONGHORN T•R•A•I•L•S (817) 625-6241 • Fax (817) 625-1388 trails@tlbaa.org
Classified ads are $15.00 for 25 words. Box ads are $25.00 per inch. Deadline is the 25th of the second month preceding publication.
____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ Texas Longhorn Trails
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
A Adcock, Terry & Sherri............................29, 63 Adkins, Aaron & Clay....................................29 Almendra Longhorns ....................................61 American Livestock Magazine ....................65 Anderson, Frank Jr. & III..............................8-9 Autobahnanza ................................................47
B Bar H Ranch..............................................23, 61 Beadle Land & Cattle ................................8, 61 Bear Boot Ranch ............................................63 Bentwood Ranch ..................................IFC, 33 Big Valley Longhorns ....................................61 Billingsley Longhorns....................................63 Blue Mountain Longhorns ..........................50 Blue Ridge Ranch ..........................................BC Box Z Ranch................................................8, 63 Brett Ranch ......................................................62 Broken W Ranch ............................................62 BT Farms ..........................................................62 Buckhorn Cattle Co.......................................62 Bull Creek Longhorns ..................................62 Buffalo Gap Longhorns................................33 Butler Breeders ..............................................8-9
C
L Lazy J Longhorns............................................61 Lazy A Ranch ............................................31, 63 Lemley Longhorns ........................................63 Lightning Longhorns ....................................62 Little Ace Cattle Co...........................................8 Lone Wolf Ranch............................................62 Longhorns & Lace Sale..................................53 Longhorn Sale Pen ........................................64 Loomis, Bob & Pam ..............................17, 29
M Marquess Arrow Ranch........................62, IBC McLeod Ranch ..................................................8 Midwest Longhorn Sale..........................14-15 Miller, Tim........................................................61 Moriah Farms ............................................9, 62
N Northbrook Cattle Co...................................62
Just For Grins Create an original caption for this photograph and win a TLBAA cap! (Only first-place winners receive prizes.)
Photos for “Just for Grins” are welcome, but they cannot be returned. Send your caption to: Texas Longhorn Trails P.O. Box 4430 • Fort Worth, Texas 76164 or laura@tlbaa.org (Email entries should include address.) Please specify which month your caption is for.
P P&C Cattle Pens ............................................33 Panther Creek Longhorns........................2, 61 Pearl Longhorn Ranch ..........................49, 63 PJ’s Cattle Company ........................................8
Caballo Bravo Longhorns ............................61 Cactus Rose Longhorns ................................49 R CedarView Ranch............................IFC, 33, 61 Champion Genetics ......................................56 R & R Ranch ....................................................62 Red Peak Ranch..............................................25 Red River Longhorn Sale..............................53 D Registered Texas Longhorn Beef..................67 Dalgood Longhorns ........................................9 Rio Vista Ranch ................................................8 DCCI Equipment ..........................................56 River Ranch......................................................27 Deer Creek Longhorns..................................63 Rocking G Ranch..............................................9 Diamond D Ranch ........................................21 Rockin I Longhorns ..................................9, 63 Diamond Q Longhorns ..............................62 Rocking O Longhorns ..................................49 Double LB Longhorns ..........................52, 63 Rocking P Longhorns ......................................8 Doug Hunt Longhorns ................................63 Rocky Mountain Longhorns ................51, 61 Rolling D Ranch..............................................61 Running Arrow Farm ....................................52
Photo courtesy of Melissa Reese.
E
Eagles Ridge Longhorns..................................9 S El Coyote Ranch ..........................................1, 5 End of Trail Ranch ..................................FC, 61 7 Bar Longhorns ............................................62 7D Longhorns ................................................61 Safari B Ranch ................................................62 F Sand Hills Ranch........................................7, 61 5D Ranch ........................................................63 Semkin Longhorns ........................................61 Flying Diamond Ranch ................................62 Sidewinder Cattle Co.......................................9 Flying H Longhorns ......................................62 Singing Coyote Ranch ..................................63 Smith, Jean ....................................................62 Smith Longhorns ..........................................33 G SS Longhorns..................................................62 G6 Longhorns ................................................62 Star Creek Ranch ............................................41 Gist Silversmiths ............................................50 Stotts Hideaway Ranch ................................63
H Hacienda, PBT, LLC........................................51 Haltom Hollar Ranch....................................61 Harrell Ranch ....................................................9 Helm Cattle Co. ............................................62 Hickman Longhorns ....................................63 Hodges, Dave ..........................................62, 66 Horseshoe J Longhorns................................29 Hubell Longhorns ..................................29, 31 Hudson Longhorns ..................................3, 45 Hudson-Valentine Spring Inv. Sale ......10-12
J
T Tallgrass Cattle Co. ........................................19 Texas S Longhorns ........................................63 TLBA Foundation ..........................................69 TLBAA 50th Anniversary ................37, 39, 43 TLBAA Membership......................................72 TLBAA Special Events....................................59 Trinity Creeks Ranch......................................41 Triple R Ranch (MI) ......................................61 Triple R Ranch (TX) ..................................9, 49 Twisted Sister Longhorns..............................49
U
JBR Longhorns ................................................61 Underwood Longhorns................................61 J&C Longhorns ..............................................49 J.T. Wehring Family Ranch ..........................63 W Jack Mountain Ranch....................................63 Jane’s Land & Cattle Co...................................9 Walker, Ron ....................................................63 Johnston Longhorns ....................................62 Westfarms, Inc...................................................8 Just Little Bull Cattle Co...................................54 White Pine Ranch ..........................................29 Wichita Fence..................................................48 Woodson School Ranch ..............................62
K
Khaos Cattle Company ..................................29 Y King, Terry & Tammy ................................29, 61 Kittler Land & Cattle Co. ..........................32, 61 YO Ranch ........................................................66 February 2014
JANUARY PHOTO FIRST-PLACE WINNER: “I see you.... Do you see me?”
Wendy Hastings, Art, TX
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Join Us! We’re Growing Fast!
a small group of concerned cattlemen banded together to preserve the unique heritage of Texas Longhorn cattle. With this goal, they established the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America (TLBAA) to maintain the breed registry and to promote the magnificent breed to as many persons as possible.
In 1964,
the purposes of the TLBAA remain the same. In addition, the Association has expanded its membership services as the number of Texas Longhorn enthusiasts has increased to an all-time high.
Today,
The Advantages of Membership Include:
★ State of the art Registration Department to maintain five ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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★ Educational Web site. ★ Sales Management Division with cattle sales available to the membership.
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