JB Angus 2023 Bull Sale Catalogue

Welcome

Hello All, and welcome to the annual JB Angus bull sale. This years’ bulls present well, coming off possibly our best season in nearly twenty years. They were photographed straight off spring-grass during the first week of January, before being supplemented with pellets and hay through to sale day. I simply didn’t have to feed the sixteen to eighteen month-old bulls who came in for scanning weighing six to eight hundred kilos. While I am thankful for a plentiful spring, I am pleased with their real-world performance and the generally strong muscle expression in this group of young bulls.

This year also gives me great pleasure to announce Baynes Angus via Keith, as our guest vendor with two quality bulls. Simon Bayne and partner Staci Jennings have been my extra stud labour, social media guru’s and marketing assistance for a few years now, so it just made perfect sense to add Bayne’s bulls to the mix at weaning, and allow them to develop and be offered for sale within the JB Angus group. Simon and Staci have recently added five spring calvers from JB Angus and will continue their spring calving herd at Keith, so we can expect to see more from Baynes adding further depth to this sale.

For those of you who have been following JB Angus, you will have noted a growing influence from both Alpine Angus via Myrtleford Vic, and Coonamble Angus via Bremer Bay WA. I have sourced bulls and embryos from Alpine, while from Coonamble a couple of bulls and in 2020 a group of Q heifers, with lot one JB Stellar S10 a taste of what might be to come. So when opportunity knocked, I had no hesitation in investing sixty-two thousand dollars to

secure two top cows from Coonamble’s record breaking female sale, held just a few months ago. L109 and L339 will enter our donor programme after calving in April, and further strengthen the JB Angus cow herd and our future sale teams. Meanwhile I am keenly awaiting the first progeny from my latest Alpine Angus investment, R289. A Rennylea N542 son, from a big strong highly credentialed Coonamble Junior daughter, R289 combines the powerful phenotype we’re striving for with 3.5% IMF, a real carcass improver.

As for next year, you’ll see a large run of ET bulls from Anvil H207, a maternally orientated Dream Y301 granddaughter, and Old Kentucky Royal-line H33, the powerfully constructed VRD daughter whom I purchased as the lead donor at Baynes Angus a couple of years ago. Together with our Coonamble bred cows and our strengthening natural increase, season 2023 our tenth year, promises both a lift in quality and quantity at JB Angus.

With the country wet from top to toe, favourable long-term forecasts, and cattle prices holding well above the ten-year average, producers should feel some genuine optimism for the season ahead. I hope to see you all at our field day on Monday the sixth of February, for a relaxed inspection of this year’s sale bulls, or alternately for the count down inspection on sale day Wednesday the eighth from two pm. If I can assist in any way or for a private inspection don’t hesitate to call.

Wishing you all the best for the season ahead, Jock Hislop

Sale Information

Sale Date and Time

The sale will open at 9am on Wednesday the 8th of February, and conclude at 5pm, SA time. This is a Helmsman auction conducted independently by Auctions Plus. Auctions Plus is Australia’s premier on-line selling platform, with our sale being a true Helmsman auction. All bulls are for sale simultaneously, allowing you, the buyer, the freedom to bid on any lot regardless of sale order, and time to consider each bid. If you are unfamiliar with Auctions Plus, please contact your agent or Auctions Plus, as you will be required to log-in to view the sale and place a bid. Many of you and your agents will be very familiar with this, as this type of sale is now common place. We have chosen this format to give you, the buyer, maximum flexibility to compete on the bull or bulls of your choice in a relaxed and transparent setting. We hope you find this this format easy to use, whether you join us for the “countdown” on Wednesday from 2pm, or make use of this technology from home, or in the paddock!

Pre Sale Inspection

Beef week Field Day 06/02/23 on farm, at 754 Lochaber South road, Stewart Range via Naracoorte, open from 9am till 5pm. Bulls will again be penned for the “countdown” inspection on Wednesday the 8th from 2pm.

Rebate for outside agents

A rebate of 3% will be paid to outside agents who accompany buyers to the sale, or introduce buyers in writing 24 hours prior to the sale.

Our Guarantee

All sale bulls have been evaluated for structural soundness and fertility. To the best of our knowledge all catalogued bulls are in sound working condition at the time of sale.

If a bull should prove infertile, or breaks down due to reasons other than injury, misadventure, disease, mismanagement, or negligence, we will provide you with a satisfactory replacement if one is available, or issue you with a credit equal to the purchase price minus the salvage value.

The guarantee covers the purchase price of the bull, without interest, costs, or damages. Credit may be used for purchase at a future JB Angus sale, or paid as a refund. Any request for credit must be lodged with us within 12 months of purchase, and at our request be accompanied by a veterinary certificate.

Herd Health

We have a Biosecurity plan with a J-Bas 8 score.

The entire JB Angus herd is fully vaccinated with 7in1 and Pestigard. All bulls also receive Vibriovax. None of the cattle offered for sale have ever received treatment for their feet or been clipped, what you see IS what you get!

Semen Tested

All bulls have under gone a breeding soundness examination. This included semen collection and evaluation, with crush side morphology.

Freight and Delivery

Your purchase price includes free delivery by JB Angus within a 500 km radius of us, outside of this, we will assist as best we can.

Insurance

It maybe prudent to protect your new investment with insurance, with many companies offering 3, 6 or 12 months cover. Please contact selling agents for information.

Disclaimer

All reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information provided in this catalogue is correct. However neither the vendors, selling agents or representatives thereof assume any responsibility whatsoever for the correctness, use or interpretation of the information on animals included in this catalogue.

PV: both parents have been verified by DNA, SV: the sire has been verified by DNA, DV: the dam has been verified by DNA, #: DNA verification has not been conducted

E: DNA verification has identified that the sire and/or dam may possibly be incorrect, but this cannot be confirmed conclusively

UNDERSTANDING THE TRANS TASMAN ANGUS CATTLE EVALUATION

TACE (TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation) is the genetic evaluation program adopted by Angus Australia for Angus and Angus infused beef cattle. TACE uses Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) technology to produce Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) of recorded cattle for a range of important production traits (e.g. weight, carcase, fertility).

TACE includes pedigree, performance and genomic information from the Angus Australia and New Zealand Angus Association databases to evaluate the genetics of animals across Australia and New Zealand. TACE analyses are conducted by the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI), using software developed by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), a joint institute of NSW Agriculture and the University of New England. Ongoing TACE research and development is supported by Meat and Livestock Australia.

What Is An EBV?

An animal’s breeding value can be defined as its genetic merit for each trait. While it is not possible to determine an animal’s true breeding value, it is possible to estimate it. These estimates of an animal’s true breeding value are called EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values).

Using EBVs to compare the genetics of two animals

Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs can be used to estimate the expected difference in the genetics of two animals, with the expected difference equating to half the difference in the EBVs of the animals, all other things being equal (e.g. they are joined to the same animal/s).

Using EBVs to benchmark an animal’s Genetics with the breed

EBVs can also be used to benchmark an animal’s genetics relative to the genetics of other Angus or Angus infused animals in Australia and New Zealand. To benchmark an animal’s genetics relative to other Angus animals, an animal’s EBV can be compared to:

• the breed average EBV

• the percentile table

The following is a brief description of EBVs and $ Index values and Accuracies.

Accuracy (%) – Provides an indication of the reliability of an EBV. As more performance information becomes available on an animal (or it’s progeny, or relatives) then the accuracy of it’s EBVs for particular traits will increase. See Understanding Accuracies for a more detailed explanation.

Calving Ease DIR (%) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in the ability of their calves from 2 year old heifers to be delivered without assistance.

Calving Ease DTRS (%) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in the ability of their 2 year old daughters to calve without assistance.

Gestation Length (Days) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in the number of days from the date of conception to the calf birth date.

Birth Wt (kg) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in calf birth weight.

200-Day Wt (kg) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in liveweight at 200 days of age.

400-Day Wt (kg) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in liveweight at 400 days of age.

600-Day Wt (kg) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in liveweight at 600 days of age.

Mature Cow Weight (kg) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in cow weight at 5 years of age.

Milk (kg) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in milk production, expressed as variation in 200-day weight of daughter’s calves.

Scrotal Size (cm) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in scrotal circumference at 400 days of age.

Days to Calving – Estimates of the genetic differences in female fertility, expressed as the number of days from the start of the joining period until subsequent calving.

Carcase Weight (kg) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in carcase weight, adjusted to 650 days of age.

Eye Muscle Area (cm2) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in eye muscle area at the 12/13th rib site, in a 300kg carcase.

Rib Fat (mm) – Estimates of the genetic dif-ferences between animals in fat depth at the 12/13th rib site, in a 300 kg carcase.

Rump Fat (mm) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in fat depth at the P8 rump site, in a 300kg carcase.

Retail Beef Yield % (RBY%) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in percentage retail beef yield, in a 300kg carcase. Intra-Muscular Fat % (IMF%) – Estimates of the genetic differences between animals in percentage intra-muscular fat (marbling) at the 12/13th rib site, in a 300 kg carcase.

Trial Net Feed Intake (NFI) – Estimates of the genetic differences in feed intake for animals adjusted to the same growth rate and weight base.

Foot Angle – Genetic differences in foot angle (strength of pastern, depth of heel).

Claw Set – Genetic differences in claw set structure (shape and evenness of claws).

$A – Genetic differences between animals in net profitability per cow joined in a typical commercial self replacing herd using Angus bulls. This selection index is not specific to a particular market end-point, but identifies animals that will improve overall net profitability in the majority of commercial, self replacing, grass and grain finishing beef production systems.

$A-L – Genetic differences between animals in net profitability per cow joined in a typical commercial self replacing herd using Angus bulls. This selection index is not specific to a particular market endpoint, but identifies animals that will improve overall net profitability in the majority of commercial, self replacing, grass and grain finishing beef production systems.

The $A-L index is similar to the $A index but is modelled on a production system where feed is surplus to requirements for the majority of the year, or the cost of supplying additional feed when animal feed requirements increase is low.

While the $A aims to maintain mature cow weight, the $A-L does not aim to limit the increase in mature cow weight as there is minimal cost incurred if the feed maintenance requirements of the female breeding herd increase as a result of selection decisions.

How to use:

The Beef Class Structural Assessment System uses a 1-9 scoring system for feet and leg structure: • A score of 5 is ideal

• 4 and 6 show slight variation from ideal, but this includes most animals. Any animal scoring 4 and 6 would be acceptable in any breeding program

• 3 and 7 shows greater variation, but would be acceptable in most commercial breeding programs, however seedstock producers should be wary

• 2 and 8 are low scoring animals and have been culled

Temperament

Reference: 1-5 (half scores permitted) using yard test scale below:

1. Docile

The animal is easily held in the corner and the handler can get close enough to put their stick on the animal.

2. Restless

The animal can be held in the corner but exhibits some restlessness and flicking of the tail. The handler cannot get close enough to put their stick on the animal before it moves away.

3. Nervous

The animal is not easily held in the corner even when the handler is some distance back from the animal, continual movement and tail flicking.

4. Flighty (wild)

The animal cannot be held in the corner, frantically runs the fence line and may jump when penned individually, exhibits long flight distance.

5. Aggressive

Similar behavior to score 4 but is also aggressive towards the handler, stares at the handler and threatens to charge or charges (Handler is advised to exit the yard before the animal actually charges).

All JB Angus sale bulls have been independently structurally assessed to maximise the quality of stock offered.

All stock have been assessed by Chris Saunders on the 22/12/2022

Our Genomic Quandary

As an industry we are always striving to push out the boundaries, more growth, higher carcass value, higher performance. As we push to stay ahead of the curve, we sometimes forget about the interconnected systems, or unintended consequences that or efforts set in motion. Massive marbling, but terrible feed efficiency, massive growth but massive mature weight also, and so it goes on. At some point the law of diminishing returns kicks in, making that next jump in performance just too costly and economically inefficient.

It is amazing how much progress our industry has made with genomics in such a short time. Genetic improvement is absolutely vital for every facet of our industry, as this improvement promotes sustainability and profitability. However, producers need to be mindful of the inevitable trade-offs that come with a rapidly accelerating performance curve. Years ago, the push for performance was inadvertently tied to frame, and as mature size increased, some calving difficulties followed. This had a negative effect on the marketability of many breeds, though unintended, the consequences were significant. Today cow maintenance, or input costs continue to challenge producers, some seasons significantly more so than others. So, if we continue to select for higher and higher performance, we must be prepared to adjust the feed in-put requirements that are sure to follow.

Phenotypic aspects may also struggle to keep pace with a rapidly advancing genetic population. Evidence of this can be seen in the national beef herd by simply looking at their feet or assessing their temperament. The push to market cattle that set new benchmarks for growth, calving ease and carcass value, could create a noticeable gap in animal soundness, and as new technology continues to expedite the discovery process, this gap may only get bigger. Unintended consequences are bound to arise under the strain of continual genetic advancement, and it will take discipline not to trade away fundamental function for added performance. I am by no means making an argument against continuing to push the envelope, and I am a firm believer in using every tool at our disposal to create continual improvement. I simply see the road ahead is not straight and narrow, but rather full of twists and turns, with the occasional pothole to be avoided.

As a breeder, you need to understand the trade-offs that inevitably come with accelerated genetic selection. Can your cow herd afford to carry the cost attached to that next jump in performance? Or is it better to keep pace just behind the curve, and capture value, whilst allowing all facets of your herd to come along for the ride.

Mature Cow Weights

A larger cow will raise a bigger calf than a smaller cow right? Not necessarily! Consider this data from North Dakota State University Dickinson Centre: Cows were separated into three groups based on their mature weight: the light group 1200 pounds or lighter, medium group 1300 pounds, large group 1500 pounds or heavier.

On average, the small cows’ calves weaned at 617 pounds, the medium at 589 pounds, and the large cows’ calves weaned at 573 pounds. Not only that, but the difference in feed requirements for 50 cows, from the large group to the smaller group, is 23 tonnes! Do you want to buy extra winter hay (and have lower summer stocking rates) to raise lighter calves? If not, be sure to keep an eye out on mature cow weight EBVs on the bulls you buy.

I had “No Fear” selecting lot 15 from the 2019 Coonamble Angus production sale for his eye-catching phenotype and wonderful temperament, he just ticked all the boxes!

Presenting half a frame under the average for height, his superior length, depth, and width, see him happily grazing at over 1000kg’s. No Fears’ masculine B muscle expression, width of base, and easy movement at any gait are impressive, as is his pedigree.

On inspection his list of donor dams were impressive individuals, beginning with his Elevator bred dam L105, and powerful G’dam F152, an Infinity daughter from what must be one of Australia’s’ most influential matrons, the Dateline bred A61. Dam of Junior and G’dam to Hector, A61’s influence is felt far and wide with multiple sons and daughters in stud herds across the country. And not to be out done, No Fears’ sire is a classy A241 son out of yet another top-quality donor at Coonamble, in the Warwick sired D94, the dam of Leader, Hero and Kevin, undoubtably some serious breeding behind this sire.

As for his calves? No Fear has bred deep, soft cattle that show extra muscling. Standing on good solid feet and legs, he was L105’s first calf, born unassisted, and has himself been used heavily over heifers both here, and at Coonamble with a bare minimum of fuss. No Fear will leave a lasting impact at JB Angus through his attractive, functional daughters. Sire of last years top price bull, twice.

While these are the first Sitz Stellar

in South Australia, Stellar joins our programme as a proven U.S. sire. Stellar, a $50,000 sale topper himself, has lead sales at Sitz Angus Ranch for a couple of years now. At their spring 2021 “elite sort” female sale, his dam sold as the second top price bred cow for $112,500, and Stellar sired the top bred heifer for $85,000, along with second and third top open heifers, for $60,000 and $40,000, respectively. In addition, Sitz Incentive, who was held over for this sale due to injury, sold for an incredible $235,000. This “stellar” result coupled with the sales of Resilient in 2019 for $165,000, Profound for $70,000 and the $50,000 Barricade, show both his ability to sire quality females, and the continuing strength and popularity of Stellar sons in the U.S. Phenotypically Stellar is siring thick topped, deep sided progeny displaying added substance, muscle shape, and fleshing ability. His calves are born early and easily, and with over six hundred calves scored, his top ten percent foot data show him a real foot improver. Destined to become a mainstay at JB Angus producing well-rounded, real-world cattle.

REFERENCE SIRES

Big, strong Baldridge Beastmode son, whose dam D18 was described by stud master Chris Oswin, as Alpines’ best Lawsons Dinky Di daughter. Punter’s top one percent for every trait relating to weight, will see him as the big power sire of this catalogue. Easy to the eye with attractive silky coats, look for Punter sons to add some frame and real power to your cows.

Coonamble Leader is a moderate son of proven high performance sire Elevator. My 2019 inspection revealed exceptional phenotype and structure, coupled with strong growth in a bull who has successfully calved heifers, a must use sire. Leader is a full brother to Coonamble Hero H176, who has sold high priced sons here over the past few years.

STATISTICS: Number of Herds: 13, Prog Analysed: 196, Genomic Prog: 39

Born in 2019, Broadview is the new kid on the block, and sold as JC Heiken and Son’s 2020 sale topper to ABS Global. Broadview joins our programme as a big spread calving ease sire, displaying a tremendously long level spine, and clean front end. His elite data package shows both breed leading calving ease and growth, coupled to solid end product merit. Broadview’s potential outcross, calving ease and ability to leave attractive females behind, will see him make an impact.

SAV Resource has been a popular sire in the U.S. for over a decade, combining the maternal excellence of the now famous Black Cap May 4136, and the true breed character of the timeless Rito 707 lineage. His fundamental qualities of feed efficiency and fleshing ability combine with good structure, added thickness, and masculine muscle expression to produce a powerful phenotype. His rare ability to pass along breed leading EMA, positive fats, ample milk, and top udder quality will continue to see Resource appear in the maternal pedigrees of several young A.I. sires.

NOTES

Attention Buyer

Animal details included in this catalogue, including but not limited to pedigree, DNA information, Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and Index values, are based on information provided by the breeder or owner of the animal. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information provided in this catalogue was correct at the time of publication, Angus Australia will assume no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information, nor for the outcome (including consequential loss) of any action taken based on this information.