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Simmental Sightings!
The Official Newsletter of the Minnesota Simmental Association
Meet your Sr. Board! President: Matt Pearson Vice President: Amanda Hilbrands Secretary: Andrea Diehn
Tresurer: Beth Andersland Directors: Stacie Mueller, Mark Schoenfeld, Tyler Johnson, Kory Bigalk, Jared Seinola, Matt Hoffman
We did it! Minnesota Smashes AJSA Summer Classic! Now that the dust has settled and we have a little time to reflect on the National Classic we just hosted, the only thing to say is WOW! As an association, we absolutely kicked it out of the park. The volunteer group, along with our fearless coordinator, Jessica Aggen, was praised and admired by families all over the country that spent the week “Chillin at the Coolest Show in the Nation� for our organization and smoothness of the week. Cont. Pg 2
We asked the Board to name their favorite Sire Group for the 2018 Calving Season! Matt Pearson- W/C Executive Order Amanda Hilbrands-W/C Executive Order Andrea Diehn- One Eyed Jack Beth Andersland-CCR Cowboy Cut Stacie Mueller- W/C Executive Order Mark Schoenfeld- OMF Cruise Control Tyler Johson- Hooks Bozeman Kory Bigalk- Hooks Blackhawk Jared Seinola- CCR Boulder Matt Hoffman- CCR Wide Range
Save the Date! MN State Fair
MN Beef Expo
State Sale 2019
9/1/18 Open Show ENTRIES OPEN ONLINE JUNE 18th, CLOSE AUGUST 6th
Oct 18-21, 2018 Come join the fun of one of the largest multi breed Jr Beef Shows!
Feb 22-23. 2019 Save the date! Haas Livestock and Treasure Island!
SIMMENTAL SIGHTINGS
SUMMER 2018
MN Juniors Held Strong in Competition 84 Minnesota kiddos competed in the Nationals Junior Division Cattleman’s Quiz, Genetic Eval, Judging Cattleman's Quiz: 6th- Jazlynn Hilbrands 11th- Courtney Allen 13th-- Madison Small 16th- Brennir Peterson
Contest, Sales Talk, Public Speaking and Showmanship that week to win top honors!
Judging Contest: 3rd- Jazlynn Hilbrands 17th- Nick Rossman 18th- Madison Small Sales Talk 16th- Jazlynn Hilbrands Genetic Evaluation Quiz 2nd- Jazlynn Hilbrands 7th- Nick Rossman 9th- Jenna Dougherty Public Speaking 1st- Jazlynn Hilbrands 13th- Cowan Mortenson 20th- Grace Mortenson Showmanship 8th- Audrey Redalen 9th-Jazlynn Hilbrands Overall Top Junior Individuals: 2nd- Jazlynn Hilbrands 15th- Audrey Redalen
Intermediate Division Cattleman's Quiz 5th- Coltan Raatz 7th- Branstyn Peterson 13th- Baleigh Peterson (21st HM)- Sawyer Otto
Senior Division Senior Cattleman's Quiz 3rd- Sam Virnig 8th- Matthew Allen 13th- Sam Holst 20th- Rylee Hackett (21st HM)- Kylee Kohls Senior Cattle Judging 11th- Katie Moller 3rd- Sam Holst Senior Sales Talk 4th- Katie Moller 9th- Kylee Kohls
Genetic Evaluation Quiz 10th- Branstyn Peterson 14th- Bo Peine
Public Speaking 11th- Martha Moenning Showmanship 9th- Caroline Mayer 14th- Grace Britton 17th- Alex Kellen 18th- Emily Thorson
Senior Genetic Evaluation Quiz 5th- Beth Moller 10th-Whitney Olson 20th- Dakota Grainer Senior Public Speaking 8th- Mary Moenning 14th- Kylee Kohl's Senior Showmanship 18th- Paige Peine 5th-Tom Norman 7th- Jorli Hauge
The Peterson Family had a great week!
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SIMMENTAL SIGHTINGS
SUMMER 2018
Breeder Spotlight: Anderson Cattle Co Get to know Dr. Jason Anderson, DVM and his operation near Benson, MN!
Tell us about your current operation: I maintain a herd of
approximately 25 registered Simmental cows. Most of the herd is purebred. Embryo transfer and artificial insemination are used extensively in my program. All but a small, core group of cows are eligible to be embryo recipients each year. If they do not settle to an embryo mating, they have the opportunity to be rebred to an AI sire. By utilizing those reproductive technologies, I’m able to work with Mark and Amanda Hilbrands to raise show heifers while simultaneously working with Tom Hook, as well as the rest of the Bred for Balance group, to raise cattle with higher genomic value suited for commercial producers. My goal is to create value in every calf by targeting him or her for one of those partnership markets.
First Simmental bull you used (back in the day): I exhibited at the Minnesota State Fair for the first time in 2001 and was fortunate enough to stall next to Triple C Farms. CCR Ameritrade 155J was in their string that year. After he was Reserve Grand Champion that following winter behind OMF Long Cut J6, I selected him for use in my early herd because he was the first Denver winner I had actually seen in person.
How long have you been breeding Simmental genetics? For our family, 2001 marked the last year my grandpa was heavily involved in the cattle business. That was also the year when I started pursuing my interest of developing a small herd rather than just pulling heifers out of Grandpa’s program to show in 4-H.
What is your favorite Simmental sire group of calves this year: I’m impressed this year with the quality of both the heifers and bulls out of TJ Diplomat 294D. He particularly crossed well with a two year old W/C Executive Order 8543B daughter to produce an exciting heifer calf. In addition, Tom Hook and I have an incredible crop of IVF flush mates by him out of our Hook’s/JRA Daphne 606D donor who is a maternal sibling to the Denver Champions Hook’s Bella 72B and Hook’s/JRA Demi 605D.
Who got you into using Simmental Genetics? My grandpa, Bruce Anderson, had a herd, which was strongly influenced by Simmental genetics so it was just natural that I found a similar passion for the breed.
Fun Fact about your family/operation: While I never expected to win Denver once, it was a terrific feeling having had a hand in two winners who just happened to be full sisters two years apart in age.
Holly’s Farmers Casserole • • • •
1 lb lean ground beef A great, quick weeknight meal sure to 2-3 garlic cloves, minced please the whole family! From the ½ cup onion, diced Rockin H Cattle Kitchen to Yours! 1 small green cabbage head, chopped (about 4 cups) 1. In a large, deep skillet or dutch oven, brown ground beef, onions and garlic • 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced together. Cook until browned and tomatoes crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard • 1 (8oz) can tomato grease. sauce 2. Add cabbage, tomatoes, tomato sauce, • ½ cup beef broth broth, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper and • 1 teaspoon paprika bring to a boil. • 1 tablespoon brown 3. Cover and reduce heat, and simmer until sugar cabbage is tender, about 30 minutes. • 2 teaspoons salt • 1 teaspoon pepper 3
SIMMENTAL SIGHTINGS
SUMMER 2018
The Traveling Bell 40 years of Simmental Tradition Since 1978, the MN Simmental Association has awarded an outstanding Simmental member with the Traveling Bell. The first recipient was Harold Harries and this time-honored tradition has continued to be a highlight of the MN State Simmental Weekend for 40 years! Each member of the association “Jim and I feel very honored to have been chosen to be receives a vote towards one of the nominated the 2018 Traveling Bell Award recipients. We value the operations. This year, the award went to the friendships we have made and the lessons we have Mueller Family, Jim & Stacie Mueller of learned while being involved in the MN Simmental Assn. We purchased our first Simmental in 2000, and to sit Arlington, MN. back and think about what has all transpired since then is hard to put into words. Our fellow Simmental members have been a huge resource for us to learn from and the knowledge they possess as a group is priceless. The MN Simmental Assn is an elite group of cattle producers and we are thankful we picked this awesome breed of both cattle and people!”
Mueller Farms is a cow calf operation that sells replacement females and herd bulls both off the farm and at sales. Their annual production sale “The Royal Classic” is held the first Saturday in January in Ames. IA. They strive to produce quality seed stock that will perform in the show ring as well as the pasture. My Fellow Simmental Breeders: Summer seems to be flying by! Calves look great in the pasture, and the bounty of moisture seems to keep the pastures green. As I pause to reflect on the year to date, I feel grateful to be a part of such a wonderful association. Hats off to everyone who made the AJSA National Classic a success in July! It’s wonderful to receive such great feedback on how well the events, facility and most importantly the people were. Our juniors were outstanding in all events and it sure showed! Many youth are busy with county fairs now and gearing up for state fair. Just a reminder we will be holding our annual meal at noon during open class weekend (September 1st). I invite all members to grab a plate and enjoy the Sim fellowship and wonderful food. Some dates to put on the calendar: -The Minnesota Beef Expo will be held on October 18th-22nd in St. Paul at the fairgrounds. -The MN State Simmental Banquet and sale will be held February 22nd & 23rd in Cannon Falls, MN. It’s a great time to start planning ahead for your State Sale Consignments. I look forward to catching up with everyone in the coming weeks ahead. Best of luck to all juniors at the fair! Sincerely, Matt Pearson MSA President. 4
SIMMENTAL SIGHTINGS
SUMMER 2018
My first event after being crowned queen was in May. I brought a cow calf pair to an elementary school in Rochester, MN as a part of the Rochester Urban Ag Day. Throughout the day, I spoke to hundreds of kids about beef production and answered their questions. I enjoyed interacting with the students and promoting Simmental cattle. Then in the blink of an eye Junior Nationals arrived! The biggest blessing I received from junior nationals was participating in the mentor program. I was fortunate enough to be paired with a young girl from Iowa. This was her first AJSA event. I prepared her for her contests and helped her gain confidence. It was a rewarding experience to hear her excitement after her contests. Additionally, at junior nationals I was able to hand out awards with other Simmental royalty. I especially appreciated the help from our MN Simmental Princess, Madilyn Latzke. It was an honor to represent our breed on a national stage. We really did have the coolest show in the nation. Thank you to all volunteers for making it possible. For the upcoming year I plan to hand out award at county fairs, state fairs, and do classroom visits. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Best wishes at your upcoming shows!
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Champion Pen of 5 % Bulls Congrats to Oak Meadow Farms!
Res. Pen of 3 % Heifers Congrats K-Ler Cattle, Paul Hill and Lee Cattle Co!
Champion Purebred Bull- HILB/SHER Data Breach Congrats Hilbrands, Sherwoods and Partners! 6