Stettler Independent, December 30, 2011

The

Business of Cattle 2015 Supplement to: al ion Reg

Bashaw Star

*rural only

Photo by KAREN DOUGLASS/ Ponoka News

Page 2 - The Business of Cattle

January 2015

Photo by KAREN DOUGLASS/Ponoka News

Cow-calf survey open to cattle producers until Feb. 28 Independent staff Cattle producers across Western Canada have been invited to take part in a

cow-calf productivity survey aimed at quantifying production benchmarks.

The Western Canadian Cow-Calf Productivity Sur-

vey was developed together by producer associations in four provinces, provincial ministries of agriculture, Canfax, the Beef Cattle

Research Council and the Western Beef Development Centre (WBDC).

The survey is open to any cow-calf producer from

British Columbia to Manitoba, and can be completed in written form or through the WBDC’s website.

In the Alberta Beef Pro-

ducers’ (ABP) newsletter of Jan. 16, it was noted that “response rates have been disappointing so far.” continued on page 3

January 2015

The Business of Cattle - Page 3

Cow-calf survey open to cattle producers continued from page 2

Photo by KAREN DOUGLASS/Ponoka News

The newsletter stated that the survey results would be used to determine what aspects of production may be improved through management, research and extension.

“Without these benchmarks, we’re basically guessing on where the industry is at,” the newsletter read.

The survey was first made available to the public in October, and has been distributed at Provincial Producer Association district meetings and other producer events, including Agribition, Cow-Calfenomics, FarmFair, the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference and so forth.

The survey will continue to be open until the deadline of Saturday, Feb. 28. It contains a total of 58 questions and should require

approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

According to the WBDC website, the new survey is based on the former Alberta Beef Herd Analysis, first conducted in 1988 and last taken in November 1998 using a mail-in survey distributed across Alberta.

Over 1,700 producers took part in that year’s survey, a response rate of about 21 per cent. They answered questions relating to current production indicators, feeding, animal health, marketing and quality assurance practices.

For the new survey, questions are related to the time between the 2013 breeding season and the 2014 weaning timeframe. For the first time, the survey is expanding beyond Alberta to include producers in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The WBDC’s website explains how herd productivity is related to profitability, and how benchmark productivity measures will provide an important gauge of the profitability of the cow-calf sector.

Thus, the survey will seek to provide an understanding of cowcalf producers’ production and management practices, and measure the resulting productivity of their operations.

The WBDC stated that individual results will remain confidential, but the combined results will be aggregated in order to generate productivity and management practice benchmarks on a regional, provincial and herd size basis.

In turn, these benchmarks and survey findings will be shared widely throughout the industry beginning in the spring of 2015. continued on page 6

9th Annual Two Year Old Angus & Red Angus Bull Sale

Ponoka Veterinary Clinic Dr. Murray Jacobson Dr. Clayton West Dr. Ashley Shannon

February 12th, 2015 2:00 pm Stettler Auction Mart Stettler, AB

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Page 4 - The Business of Cattle

January 2015

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See dealer for details. Limited time offer which may not be combined with other offers. Discounts or other incentives may be available for cash purchases. By selecting the purchase financing offer, consumers may be foregoing such discounts and incentives which may result in a higher effective interest rate. 1Manufacturer’s estimate of power (ISO) per 97/68/EC.

January 2015

The Business of Cattle - Page 5

Majestic Full Fleckvieh

Full Fleckvieh s: Epic

ds: Montana

s: Windsurfer

Full Fleckvieh ds: Gold Rush

Full Fleckvieh ds: Razzmatazz

Candy Man Polled Purebred s: Eyecandy ds: Red Ceasar

Dan, Karen, Mackenzie & Garren Skeels Box 1638 - Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0

s anchordranch@albertahighspeed.net

Mardi Gras Polled Purebred s: Stubby

Rimbey

Rg Rd #21

Gold Brick

s: Epic

Hwy 20

s: Epic ds: Jahari

High Noon

Mazorotti

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Hwy 53

Directions: From Rimbey 1 1/2 miles North on Hwy #20, 3 miles East on Hwy 53, 3 1/2 miles North on Rg Rd #21, 1/4 mile East on Twp Rd #433A

Page 6 - The Business of Cattle

January 2015

Cow-calf survey open to cattle producers until Feb. 28 QUALITY SHORTHORN BULLS FOR SALE

continued from page 3 For instance, the results will allow a historical comparison to show changes in the industry since the last survey was conducted in 1998.

The results will also be used to guide extension and research efforts, provide validation of anecdotal evidence on production concerns, identify the

management practices that link to strong production performance, and set new production benchmarks for the industry.

The hard copy of the survey can be downloaded and printed from the website, including a postagepaid mailing label. Hard copies can also be requested from the ABP office.

Those who participate can also opt to receive a

RED ANGUS

BULLS Reds, Roans and Whites - great disposition - longevity - appendix and TH free - adds milk production and carcass quality Les & Shelley Peterson & Families Tel. 780-877-2444 Cell. 780-608-0398 Meeting Creek, AB www.prospecthillshorthorns.com

RIMBEY FEEDS OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY 9AM-5:30PM HI-PRO BAGGED FEEDS WEST OF THE 5TH CATTLE MINERAL

Heifer Bulls Cow Bulls

complimentary report detailing how their own operation stands compared to the average benchmarks for their area. Those who wish to receive the report must finish the survey, indicate their desire and provide a point of contact, either a physical mailing address or an email address.

Funding for the survey was provided in part by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s Agriculture Development Fund and Agriculture Canada’s Growing Forward II, through Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.

For more information on the survey or to download a copy for your own use, please visit www. wbdc.sk.ca/wcccs.htm.

Performance & EPD data available A.I. Sires

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Commercial and Agriculture Lending Specialists With more than 50 years combined experience in commercial and agricultural lending, Steve, Dwayne and David know how precious time is to your business and farm.

Come visit Dwayne Grover or David Sheets at the Stettler branch or have Dwayne come see you! Now based out of our Camrose head office Steve Davis can also meet with you at your farm.

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4911 51 Ave., Stettler, AB T0C 2L2

403-742-2331 www.visioncu.ca

January 2015

The Business of Cattle - Page 7

For cattle buyers, livestock auctions are the place to be Joel van der Veen Independent reporter

Becoming an auctioneer is a lot like getting to Carnegie Hall: you’ve got to practise, practise, practise.

That’s the best advice Allen B. Olson of Rimbey can give to budding auctioneers, based on more than half a century of experience.

Now 69, Olson took an auctioneering course when he was 16, and he has continued in the business for most of his life.

“When you’re young and starting out, practice is what makes a good auctioneer,” he said.

For most cattle farmers, livestock auctions are the way to go when it comes to connecting with buyers and selling your animals. continued on page 11

File photo

The “age-old tradition” of cattle auction is also a good place for little ranchers to start to learn the ins and outs of the business while also having fun.

Plan now to attend ....

Rawes Ranches Ltd. 32 Annual Performance Tested Charolais Bull Sale nd

Tuesday, y Februaryy 17, 2015 at the ranch, Strome, AB.

On offer: 140 TWO YEAR OLDS Proven genetics + Many ½ & ¾ brothers + Single and Pair lots + Internet bidding In house warranty program + Video sale with bulls available for on-site viewing + Personal guarantee

This is your opportunity to purchase bulls from a family that has been selling Charolais bulls for forty years.

We offer you the largest selection of Two Year Olds from a program that guarantees sound, functional, uniform bulls, with built in perfomance to sire calves that will top the market.

Catalog and Bull Video Available Online

www.rawesranches.com The Ranch where performance is no accident!

John & Myrna Rawe 780-376-3598 Philip & Marie Harty 780-376-2241

Page 8 - The Business of Cattle

Customized Farm Operation

January 2015

For Your

For all of your agricultural financial needs please contact Ray or Russ at 780-352-2251 or drop in to speak to either one of our lenders.

Our interest rates are very competitive in the agricultural industry.

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LOOK CLOSELY. At Hi-Pro, our value is proven by your results! The highest quality ingredients and an expert team of nutritionists give optimum performance for your herd. Providing support to all or customers is a priority and we’re always here when you need us!

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Feed that works as hard as you do!

January 2015

The Business of Cattle - Page 9

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D. R Bale Feeders • cow/ calf and calf sizes

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Meet our Agriculture Services Team We know that farming is more than a business – it’s a way of life. We are committed to serving Canada’s farm communities by providing flexible financial solutions that let you get on with the business of farming.

Contact one of our Agriculture Specialists. We’ll take the time necessary to understand your unique needs. Together we can meet today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities.

Garry Belisle Relationship Manager Red Deer, Rimbey, Panoka, Lacombe 403-357-1880 Garry Belisle

Scott McKenzie Relationship Manager Stettler, Cornation, Hanna, Castor 403-742-3464 ext. 305 scott.mckenzie@td.com

Lindsay Cummings Relationship Manager Wetaskiwin, Leduc 780-361-5200 ext. 305 lindsay.cummings@td.com

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Page 10 - The Business of Cattle

Si

Mart

Stettl

uc er A tion

n c e 19 5 3

Phone 403-742-2368 website: www.stettlerauction.ab.ca Box 1238, Stettler, AB

REGULAR CATTLE SALES Every Tuesday 9 a.m.

Note: Online bidding and viewing each sale at 11 a.m. see stettlerauction.ab.ca

LOOKING AHEAD BULL SALES

Thursday, February 12 Chapman Cattle Co. Angus Bulls (Red & Black) — 80 - two-year-old tested bulls. 100% forage raised & developed.

Thursday, March 19 Buffalo Lake Charolais and Shorthorn Bull Sale plus Wilkie Charolais — 80 Charolais yearlings & two-year-olds. — 10 Shorthorn yearling.

Friday, April 24 Last Chance Bull Sale — Open consignment, all breeds plus cow/calf pairs, bred cows

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FARM & EQUIPMENT AUCTIONS Saturday, May 2 - David Broderson - Halkirk Wednesday, May 6 - Trevor Vallett - Vallett Herefords - Bashaw Saturday, June 20 - Consignment Equipment Auction at Stettler Auction Mart - Estates, machinery, vehicles, RVs, Tools, Misc. Real Estate

Weekly show alley cattle sale, internet, regular ring.

We treat “your” livestock as if they were “ours”.

Call for details on our services.

Stettler Auction Mart (1990) Ltd. INDEPENDENT - COMPETITIVE - MODERN - THE BEST RATES IN THE INDUSTRY

Lic. #00354 Auctioneers: Allen McMillan Dick Creasey Greg Johnson Scott Douglas Terry Silbernagel Office Administrator: Lona Benjamin Sales Reps: Greg Hayden - 403-740-9610; Jim Abel - 403-740-9609; Brad Lohr - 403-679-5500; Dick Creasey - 403-740-9434

Call AL YORK at 403.843.3700

Rimbey Implements Ltd. 5410 - 43 Street | Rimbey Alberta | T0C 2J0 email: l alyork@rimbeyimplements.ca l k b l www.supremeinternational.com

STEWART LIMOUSIN OFFERING BULLS FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY • Thick, deep, muscular and quiet.

• 45 years selling Limousin bulls.

• Satisfaction always guaranteed, semen tested and delivered when you need them.

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January 2015

The Business of Cattle - Page 11

For cattle buyers, livestock auctions are the place to be continued from page 7 Jim Abel — co-owner of the Stettler Auction Mart, located at the northeast end of town — called livestock auctions “an age-old tradition.”

By bringing buyers into a competitive atmosphere, he said, auctions are the best way to achieve the highest price for the product, making them an ideal method for sales.

According to its website, The Auction Mart has been in operation in Stettler since 1953, founded by C. Q. (Charlie) McKay and Ace Pratt.

The market has remained in the hands of the McKay family for its entire history. Currently, it is co-owned by Jim and Marilyn Abel and Greg and Karen Hayden. (Marilyn and Karen are daughters of Charlie McKay.) The website also states that the mart sells a total of 70,000 cattle annually, with regular cattle auctions being held each Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Abel said that the number of livestock auctions usually increases to two

or three weekly sales between October and Christmas, explaining, “That’s when the majority of spring calves are weaned and sold.”

He also said the market employs three full-time auctioneers and two part-time auctioneers.

Allen Olson said he spent a good part of his career working in the Rimbey Livestock Auction Mart, which was purchased by his family around 1967.

“I worked there off and on most of my life,” he recalled.

The Olson family owned for about six years before selling the business again. Olson continued working there and started his own company, Allen B. Olson Auction Services Ltd., in 1980, specializing in machinery sales.

In the mid-1990s, he and three partners purchased the Rimbey Livestock Auction Mart, running it together for several years. Olson later bought his partners out and eventually sold the business altogether, citing a desire to “slow down a little.” continued on page 13

February 26, 2015 1:00 p.m.

Rimbey Agriplex Rimbey, AB

Long Yearling Gelbvieh , along with Yearling Red Angus & Gelbvieh bulls for sale by private treaty.

For more details call Ray & Anne Davisson 403-323-0233; or email lcranch@xplornet.com

Selling 60 Red, Black and Fullblood bulls from R-Five Simmentals, Stone Simmentals, Stout Bros. and Movald Ranches

For more info or catologue contact: Jim 403-783-9933

Blaine 780-312-0098

Cam 403-963-1034 Duane 780-696-3907

Page 12 - The Business of Cattle

January 2015

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HEJ 88B - Sired By All You Need Bw: 1.7 WW: 42 YW: 83 MM: 25.1 TM: 46

HEJ 62B - Sired By LT Lanza Bw: 0.1 WW: 53 YW: 100 MM: 26.1 TM: 53

View the catalog online at www.hejcharolais.com

HEJ 14B - Sired By All You Need Bw: 2.5 WW: 49 YW: 92 MM: 25.0 TM: 50

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Sale Management:

T Bar C Cattle Co. Ltd.

#4-3342 Millar Ave. Saskatoon, SK S7K 7G9, 306-933-4200 Chris Poley’s Cell 306-220-5006 Shane Michelson’s Cell 403-393-9973 Ted Serhienko’s Cell 306-221-2711

10th Anniversary Sale!

HEJ 40B - Sired By Hey Zeus Bw: 5.4 WW: 60 YW: 107 MM: 15.9 TM: 46

HEJ Charolais

Henrik, Jeralyn & Marina Rasmussen 35137 Rg Rd. 283, Red Deer County, AB T4G 0M6 Phone: 403-227-2824 Cell: 403-318-4659 Email: henrikr@telusplanet.net

January 2015

The Business of Cattle - Page 13

For cattle buyers, For Work Or Play We Have The Perfect Trailer For You! livestock auctions are the place to be continued from page 11 After almost 35 years, he continues to operate his own company, focusing on machinery, farm and real estate sales.

According to Olson’s website, his company conducts the largest single-day farm machinery consignment sales in Alberta, held four times an-

nually.

Olson explained that livestock auctions are somewhat different from selling other farm equipment because the bids are usually coming from order buyers, working on behalf of feedlots.

The feedlots will give the buyers an order to purchase livestock, and they attend the auctions to bid on their clients’ behalf.

“There’s not a heck of a lot of difference, whether you’re selling livestock or equipment,” he said, adding that “knowing your values” is also a helpful skill when auctioning off livestock.

Canfax maintains a list on its website of auction markets in Western Canada specializing in livestock. For more information, visit canfax.ca.

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Page 14 - The Business of Cattle

January 2015 10th 10 0tth hA Annual nnua nn uall

Bucking the trend leads Cutting to family bull business

Edge

Bull Sale Offering ff g

RED ANGUS & + 50 BLACK ANGUS View Catalogue and

BULL VIDEOS ONLINE www.cuttingedgebullsale.com

Thursday,

March 5, 2015

– 1 PM

Rimbey Auction Mart, Rimbey, Alberta

VAW V VA AW 222B 22B B

BW: 100 lbs Adj WW: 846 lbs Adj YW: 1500 lbs

SIRE: SIRE: E: S A V 707 707 RITO RITO TO 9969 9969 MGS: P S POWER PLAY EPD’S: BW: 6.8 WW: 55 YW: 97 M: 21 TM: 49

LCE LCE 33B LC B BW: 88 lbs Adj WW 875 lbs BD Feb 2

SIR SIRE: S SI IRE: R RED ED MAF MAF C CHESTER HE S 20Z MGS: RED BRYLOR SDL REDWOOD 217S EPD’S: BW: -0.3 WW: 75 YW: 117 M: 16 TM: 54

Stacey Lavallie Independent reporter

The decision to breed bucking bulls to a small herd of milk cows has paid off big time for a Bothaarea family, creating a family passion and business and winning several major awards.

It is obvious within moments of speaking with Warren Weatherly that he has the bucking bull bug, a passion for the business that can’t be faked. When his parents, Stan and Elda Weatherly, bred bulls to his grandfather Norman’s cows nearly four decades ago, they couldn’t have known they’d be building a family business that would stretch generations.

The herd is kept small, each animal’s bloodline impeccably tracked back generations. As the years have gone by, each bucking bull has had increasingly prestigious bloodlines as bucking bulls and

cows bred from bucking bulls have contributed to provide the best possible traits.

To date, several of the Weatherly bucking bulls have won awards, including one bull that won best bucking bull twice at the Calgary Stampede, a rare double-win.

Bucking rodeo myths As a rodeo cattle raiser, Weatherly’s happy to talk about what he does – from how he raises his cattle to what they do in the ring.

“It’s my responsibility as a rodeo man to help dispel myths,” he said. “A lot of people have misconceptions about what happens at a rodeo.”

Weatherly notes that a lot of people believe the cattle are abused and terrified, or wild and uncontrollable. In the case of the Weatherly bucking bulls, Weatherly is sure to buck all those assumptions.

Right from a young

age, the bulls are handled and are around people, he explained.

“Some people think bucking bulls have to be wild to get the best kicks and spins, but we don’t hold with that,” he said.

By working with the bulls from a young age, they become used to the presence of people, the noise and confinement of the chutes, the presence of riders on their back, and the excitement of a crowd, he said.

“A scared animal does unpredictable things,” he noted.

Already this year’s bulls, cattle still shy around strangers but more comfortable around the regular hands, have been at rodeo practice. Weatherly takes them to Olds, getting them used to vehicle rides and strange pens, before putting them in chutes and setting them out into the rodeo arena. continued on page 15

TRENDSETTER LIVESTOCK VAW VA AW 112B 2B

BW: 89 lbs Adj WW: 741 lbs Adj YW: 1443 lbs

BW: 3.0

SIRE: SIR SI RE S A V 707 707 07 RITO RITO IT T 9969 999969 6 MGS: L T 598 BANDO 9074 WW: 50 YW: 95 M: 20

TM: 45

VAW V VA AW 22B B BW: 91 lbs Adj WW: 717 lbs Adj YW: 1341 lbs

SIRE S A V 707 SIR SI 707 07 RITO RITO ITO 99 99969 699 SIRE: MGS: WACHING TRADITION 309 EPD’S BW: 5.4 WW: 49 YW: 88 M: 14 TM: 39

WILM W WI ILLM M 7B 7B

BW: 93 lbs Adj WW: 762 lbs Adj YW: 1366 lbs

SIIRE: S A V 707 77007 07 RITO RITO T 99 TO 99969 9699 969 SIRE: MGS: LVA 17M BRUNO 29S EPD’S: BW: 5.0 WW: 52 YW: 94 M: 20 TM: 46

Red & Black Simmental Bulls

LLCE LC CE 440 40B 0B BW: 85 lbs Adj WW: 867 lbs BD: Feb 15

SIRE: RED BADLANDS OPPORTUNITY 53Y MGS: RED MAF 105 ANTHONY 28R EPD’S: BW: 0.0 WW: 84 YW: 143 M: 13 TM: 55

LLCE LC CE 49 449B 9B BW: 80 lbs Adj WW: 798 lbs BD: Feb 15

SIIRE: RED S RED D IDEAL IDEAL IDE DEALL BE BER RR 912 RR SIRE: BERRY MGS: RED LAZY MC SMASH 41N EPD’S: BW: -1.7 WW: 53 YW: 92 M: 24 TM: 50

email: vpbradford@gmail.com

WACHING ANGUS - Glenda Wacher

Join Us For Lunch at NOON Sale at 1PM

LCE LLC CE 55B B

BW: 86 lbs Adj WW: 885 lbs BD: Feb 03

S SIR SI IRE: PEA PE EAK D OT TE NTO T UR SIRE: PEAK DOT ENTOURAGE 3W MGS: JS BLIZZARD 10 EPD’S: BW: 2.7 WW: 58 YW: 98 M: 28 TM: 54

Ponoka, AB

Peter & Vicki Bradford P: 403.729.2592 C: 403.588.6199

Sell at Severtson Land & Cattle Annual Bull Sale March 9th, 2015 at Severtson Farm by Innisfail Over 90 Bulls Selling

Mark & Kathy Matejka P: 403.783.6389 C: 403.783.9857 John Matejka email: markponoka@gmail.com

RYAN, NANITA & QUADE COOK PH: (780) 818-3452 BIG VALLEY,AB EMAIL: trendsetterlivestock@hotmail.ca FEEL FREE TO VISIT US AT THE FARM TO VIEW THE BULLS

January 2015

The Business of Cattle - Page 15

Bucking the trend leads to business continued from page 14

STACEY LAVALLIE/Independent reporter

The Weatherly bucking bulls, cows and heifers are raised on a healthy diet of grain, hay and natural summer grazing, something that’s important for “building strong athletes,” according to rancher Warren Weatherly.

“Some are naturals,” he said of the bulls. “They buck and turn right away.

Others need some help figuring it out.”

Others don’t figure it out at all, lacking the energy or desire to be a bucking bull.

Ever aware of the slim margins of the industry’s budget, these bulls end up culled from the herd.

Bull athletes Weatherly likens the care and training of the bucking bulls to that of the training and care given to athletes.

“Our business is raising the best athletes we can,” he said.

All year round, the bucking bulls and the small herd of cows from which they are bred are raised on premium hay and feed, an expensive necessity to build the right type of muscle and sizing for the perfect rodeo bull. Though costs are lower in the summer, when the cattle can graze, there’s still a bale rolled

out every day, if not more frequently.

The herd of cows, about 20 strong, knows what it means when the forklift pulls down a bale, gathering around to wait for their dinner to be rolled out. After a meal of hay, it sometimes is time for oats, and the cows

gleefully follow after Weatherly’s truck as the farmhand spills the grain from the back.

“This serves a special purpose,” Weatherly explained of the process.

“It spreads out the grain and the feeding line, so there’s no fighting over the grain.”

North Slope Farms Private Treaty Sales

Yearling and 2 yr old - Red & Black Limousin Bulls Mostly Polled - Genetics From Proven - Trait Leading Al Sires Semen Tested - Guaranteed QUIET & RANCH RAISED northslopefarms.ca

LX

“The brand of quality and customer satisfaction”

Bull Sale

With guest consignor Silvertop Simmentals Saturday March 7, 2015 1:00 pm at Lockhart Valley Farms, Rimbey AB

LHVS 67B

LX

Eugene & Sylvia Axley Czar, AB Phone 780-857-2094 or cell 780-842-9640

Lockhart Valley/Beagle Simmentals

LHVS 46B

An important thing, as several cows begin butting heads over the grain piles as he drives.

Once separated from their dams, the bulls and the few heifers Weatherly chooses to keep for the breeding herd are penned with a single, older bull. continued on page 19

Call for a catalog ue and/or request a DVD to view bu lls

LHVS 69B

** Remember New Sale Name And Sale Location, Same great Bulls!!!!

Lockhart Valley Simmentals

Lee & Tina Robson Phone: 403.748.2054 Lee Cell: 403.357.4280 email: lhvs@platinum.ca

BEAGLE Simmentals

Chad & Michelle Beagle Phone: 403.843.4848 Cell: 403.704.4607

Page 16 - The Business of Cattle

January 2015

LLB

29TH ANNUAL

Spring Spectacular l

BULL & FEMALE SALE

at the Farm Erskine AB

MARCH 14, 2015

Offering 600 head of Quality Black & Red Angus Cattle Canada’s Largest Angus Production Sale

150 yearling bulls 100 two year old bulls

100 yearling heifers 200 commercial heifers

50 commercial bred heifers

LEE, LAURA & JACKIE BROWN TRISH & TIM HENDERSON email: llbangus@xplornet.com Box 217, Erskine, Alberta T0C 1G0 Phone: 4 Ph 403-742-4226 Fax: 403-742-2962

catalogue available at www.llbangus.com

14th Annual

Yearlings Two Year Olds, Reds and Blacks

March 16, 2015

at the Ranch, NW of Ponoka, AB

IN LIMOUS US G AND AN CE INFLUEN

50+ N BULLS O OFFER

www.diamondcranchlimousin.com

1:30 PM Neil N & Sherry, Braeden & Annie Christiansen Ph: (403)783-2799 Cell: (403)704-4403

January 2015

The Business of Cattle - Page 17

Wee help W h e l p you y o u Work Wo r faster, W Work smarter

. Post pounder . Hay drag . 14’ Breaking disc . Bin cranes . Brillion grass seeders . Post augers . Skid steers . And so much more

RED ANGUS YEARLING BULLS FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY Info: Anthony (403)820-4776 Website: anchorranchredangus.com

Email: anchorranchredangus@gmail.com

ERSKINE, ALBERTA 2 year old virgin Limousin bulls.

Priced to sell by private treaty.

Fully guaranteed.

Carole Barclay (403) 742-4825 Ricky Barclay (403) 742-3882 cell (403) 740-5711 Terry Barclay (403) 742-5916 cell (403) 740-5037 bardale@xplornet.com

403-783-2370 • PONOKA Also available at McCFeeds & Bashaw Farm Supply Check out the website for all models available!

www.cattlecastratorscanada.com

RENTALS

INC.

BAR-DALE LIMOUSIN

RALLY

5504 - 51 Ave., Stettler, AB 403-742-5859

Page 18 - The Business of Cattle

January 2015

REICH ANGUS RANCH 2 Year Old Black Angus Bull Sale Wednesday March 18, 2015 - 1pm

Bar Limousin Th il The R Rea F Family Marengo, SK

20TH ANNUAL

BULL SALE March 19, 2015 • 1:00 PM (MST) Crossroads Centre - Oyen, AB

Calnash AG Events Center- Ponoka , Alberta UNDER PRESSURE

YOUNG GUN

SELLING – 40 Red Black Polled Yearlings & 2 Year Olds

TITANIUM

25 Powerful Black Bulls Ready To Go To Work on your Cow Herd Harold & Dorothy Reich

TOLEDO

Year Lease on a Celebrating One Featherlite Trailer 20 Years Supplied by Bert Duncan Trailer Sales We are giving away a

Kolton Kasur & Bailey Whyte Ranch: (780) 372-2175 Harolds Cell (403) 783-0207 Koltons Cell (780) 387-8376 RR#1 Bashaw Alberta T0B 0H0

Catalogue available at www.reichangusranch.ca

Catalogue on-line in color at www.bohrson.com t FREE DELIVERY! Talk to us about our Sight Unseen Purchase & Boarding Program

,FWJO o t ,FO o PS r3bar@hotmail.com

Grelan Feedd and Ag Supply For All Your Farm & Mineral Needs

Ritchie Waterers.

Pet Food and Supplies Groomers, we can get you grooming supplies!

403-843-3915

Cattle Handling and Horse Panels available by special order

Western Tack and Farrier Supplies

Rimbey, Alberta • www.grelandfeeds.com • grelanag@telus.net

January 2015

The Business of Cattle - Page 19

Bucking the trend

STACEY LAVALLIE/Independent reporter

An older bull like this fellow is penned with the yearling bulls and heifers to help teach them about cattle society. He teaches the youngsters herd society rules like pecking order and turn-taking, while teaching them how to forage and survive.

continued from page 15

MARCH 19, 2015 • 1:00 P.M. • STETTLER AUCTION MART, STETTLER, AB

“He shows them the ropes,” Weatherly explains.

The old bull introduces the yearlings to the idea of a social pecking order, how to find food and water, and other important parts of herd culture.

Unlike the cows and the older bulls, these youngsters are penned where they have near-constant exposure to people, keeping them from going wild and helping them become accustomed to people.

“There’s not a lot you can do to train these boys,” Weatherly said. “Feed and care is the best tool we have.”

However, once they’re about a year old they start chute training, which helps Weatherly determine if the bull has what it takes to be a bucking bull.

“Some bulls take off better from the left or the right, and chute training tells us that,” he noted.

ON OFFER: 55 CHAROLAIS BULLS

continued on page 20

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35 PUREBRED YEARLINGS • 20 FULL FRENCH INFLUENCED TWO-YEAR-OLDS JOIN US FOR LUNCH ON SALE DAY

BLC MISSION 86Z Double Red Double Polled herdsire Prospect Member of champion pen of three, Alberta Select Bull Show Born: Feb 26/2012 • BW 98lbs

BLC FITZ 71Z MANCHEE son with tremendous hip and quarter Show steer sire alert here Born: Feb 8/2012 • BW 96 lbs

OFFERING: 5 YEARLING SHORTHORNS • 1 ROAN • 4 RED BLC GREY GOOSE 48Z

BUFFALO LAKE CHAROLAIS

MOHICAN SONS

WILKIE RANCH

Lyle & Wendy Bignell

Don & Wanda Wilkie

403-742-6792 cell 403-740-4968 lylebignell@hotmail.com

403-876-2596 cell 403-740-5727 wwilkie@telus.net Clint & Erin Wilkie 403-876-2548 cell 403-740-5794 Casey Wilkie 403-876-2138 cell 403-741-5799

Kendall & Shirley Bignell

403-742-4709 cell 403-742-9608

Please feel free to visit and look at the bulls on the farm anytime. See you sale day.

Page 20 - The Business of Cattle

January 2015

Bucking the trend leads to family bull business continued from page 19 As they get older, a robotic dummy is strapped to the bull’s back as it’s in the chute. It weighs less than a human, since these bulls

aren’t yet big enough to support the weight of a fullgrown human. Designed to hold on and give bucking bulls a taste of what it’s like to have a person on his back, it also is remote-controlled

so it can “let go” and fall off the bull if it performs properly. A few good kicks and turns and the dummy will release, teaching the bull that the better he kicks and the more often he turns, the

faster he loses the weight on his back.

Family ties Each Weatherly bull, heifer and cow can trace his or her bloodlines back

to the jersey milk cows that started the family’s bucking journey more than four decades ago. Since then, multiple bloodlines have been introduced, creating wonderfully coloured bulls.

Join us in our NEW SALE BARN for Lunch at 11:30 and Refreshments Sale Day

TRENDSETTER BULL SALE March 28, 2015

Some of the Sires Represented in the Sale

At The Ranch Hand Hills Lake, Alberta (between Hanna and Drumheller)

PRESALE VIEWING

Red Lazy MC Honky Tonk 11x

Sale Day at 10:00 AM Video Auction - 12:30 PM On offer 40 Red Angus & Angus/Simmental Cross Bulls & Replacement Heifer Packages

Red Ter-Ron Hurricane 88z

ALL BULLS WILL BE SEMEN TESTED AND GUARANTEED Red Vikse Fully Loaded 29y

For More Information or to Request a Catalogue shilohcattle@netago.ca • www.shilohcattle.com

Blake Morton & Darcy Olesky R.R. 3 Craigmyle , Alberta, Canada T0J 0T0

Darcy - 403-820-1830 Blake - 403-820-4162 Ranch - 403-665-2023 Auctioneer Dan Skeels - 403-783-1217

While the majority of the cows are black, some are spotted like their jersey cow forebears, while others bear the horizontal stripe down their middles like their belted Galloway mothers.

This year a Mexican fighting bull’s bloodlines were added, creating a blue and white bull with patterns that look like drifting smoke.

When a bucking bull is particularly successful in its life, and then breeds successful bulls or cows that breed successful bulls, the Weatherly family does much to preserve the bloodline, up to and including sperm preservation.

Weatherly’s most wellknown bucking stock includes the two-time Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) saddle bronc champion War Cry, the 1980 Calgary Stampede champion bareback horse Tanya Tucker, and Stampede champion bulls Cowtown’s Raisin’ Hell and Handyman.

Keeping track of those bloodlines is important business, not only to help ensure that there’s no close familial bloodlines, but to help pass on the beneficial bucking traits that the family relies upon for success in the business.

“We mostly breed our own bloodlines,” Weatherly said, but noted that the family isn’t “closed” to selling off excess cows, allowing those bloodlines out into the cattle community.

The business began when Weatherly’s parents, Stan and Elda, decided to breed Stan’s father’s milk cows to bucking bulls. At the time, Weatherly noted, there wasn’t a lot of specifically bucking-bull breeding going on in the province.

Over the next four decades, Stan and Elda perfected their craft, introducing their son to it at a young age and kindling the passion that is so evident even to strangers as he speaks about being a bucking bull man.

“You don’t do this to get rich,” Weatherly said with a grin. “You do this because you love it. And I love it.

It’s the best.”

Five years ago this June, Stan passed away, leaving the business to his wife, son, and daughters Diane and Donna. They all remain involved to some extent today, with Elda owning half of the herd. continued on page 20

January 2015

The Business of Cattle - Page 21

Bucking the trend leads to family bull business continued from page 20 “She’s still out here all the time,” Weatherly said of his mother.

The land the cattle are raised on belongs to all four Weatherlys, with a bit here

and a bit there.

Stan and Elda began Big Country Rodeo and began supplying local rodeos with their bucking bulls, steers and horses, making a name in the business.

In addition to the local rodeos, the family provided

35 bulls on offer

stock to the Calgary Stampede for nearly three decades as well.

In the end, there’s simply nothing else Weatherly would want to be doing, and it’s something he hopes the next generation will love as well.

Animal Care Conference 2015 promises something for everybody Alberta Farm Animal Care is hosting the 2015 Annual Livestock Care Conference (LCC) at the Calgary Stampede grounds on March 26 and 27.

As usual, the event conference provides an opportunity for researchers, industry, students, government and the public to address challenges and trends in animal care.

In this year’s conference, participants are not asked to sign up for specific events beforehand as they will be considered as having signed up for the whole set of presentations. The only choice that has to be made is whether one would be participating in the events scheduled for March 26, all of which are optional.

Speakers at the conference will come

LAZY S LIMOUSIN & CHAROLAIS BULL SALE

from a broad range of disciplines like Brent Moen, a provider of management services to swine operations throughout the province, to Cody Creelman a veterinarian expert, to David Fraser, a professor animal welfare and applied animal behaviour.

Hugh Simpson, a proprietor beekeeper will also make a presentation about bees as livestock and beekeeping practices.

The first day of the conference will be particularly interesting for students, as it will feature a four-hour session allowing them to meet with experts and discuss matters of interest.

A one-hour night session will also allow students to make presentations to participants.

2 year olds & Yearlings

Saturday, March 28, 2015 7:00 pm Rimbey Agriplex

40 Hereford/ Angus X Replacement Heifers Stan & Ty Skeels Vykki Johns 403-704-0288 lazyslimousin@gmail.com

Guest Consignor: Runaway Ranch Kurt Wilkie Arlene Butler 403-318-3579

Making Your Calving Easier, Safer and More Profitable!

WIRELESS & WIFI COWCAM

• Stop disturbing them while calving • Get more sleep

• IR Infrared 300’ • 324x zoom / 360° pan • WIFI - watch from your smartphone!

• Saves 3-5 calves per year!

• Save 100’s of trips to the barn

STARTING AT $85000 TOLL FREE:

1-866-289-8164 www.allenleigh.ca DEALERS IN PONOKA, FORESTBURG, STETTLER & POLLOCKVILLE

The Honda TRX420FM is a combination that’s pretty tough to beat with its get-up-and-go performance

R. JOHANSEN SALES LTD. ½ mile east of Ponoka on Hwy 53, 2 mi. south on MacDonald Rd. & ½ mile east

OPEN: Tuesday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m Sunday & Monday - Closed

Ponoka: 403-783-5185

Sales Desk: 1-800-662-7135

Page 22 - The Business of Cattle

January 2015

Black & Red Angus Yearling Bulls

STEWART LIMOUSIN

cell: 403-742-9813

Since 1965 Black & Red Angus Yearling Bulls

403-741-9916 or 403-742-3846

High Selling Bull from The Prime Limousin Club Bull Sale

TWO-YEAR-OLD AND YEARLING BULLS

403-742-5226

Angus

Contact Russell Lohr

• Satisfaction is very important to us if you are not happy then we will make it right, no matter what.

• All bulls are individually priced for sale at the farm.

• 45 years selling Limousin bulls.

For more information: Murray & Bev Stewart

Spruceyvale

* Free wintering till May 1st * No creep * Free delivery within 100 miles

411Y Sons Sell From the bull pen to the pasture we expect our bulls to continue growing and looking good. Our bulls are fed a light ration so they can last.

Photo by KAREN DOUGLASS/Ponoka News

Box 1326 Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 irl@telusplanet.net

Thank You Farmers & Ranchers For your commitment to producing the very finest. Your hard work improves the quality of our lives everyday!

Nichols Trucking (1994) EUGENE NICHOLS • 53 ft. Tri Axle Cattleliner • Norbert 53 ft. Stock Trailer • Walk On, Walk Off • Competitive Rates • Clean & Bedded Trailer

For all your livestock hauling needs.

PHONE 403-742-3898 MOBILE 403-740-5438

BOX 1314 STETTLER, AB T0C 2L0

January 2015

The Business of Cattle - Page 23

Lauron Red Angus and Guests 24th Annual Bull and Heifer Sale Saturday April 4 @ 1:00 p.m. at the Olds Cow Palace, Olds, Alberta

60 head Red Angus Yearlings

Select Open Heifers Contact info: Ron & Laurie Hunter 403-335-9112 Ron cell 403-994-1623 lauron@xplornet.com

Laurie cell 403-994-1686 Jared 403-507-1030 lauronredangus.com

12 WK $QQXDO

K

Selling sons from these top herd sires:

LLB DARKHORSE 328Y

Lead Off Bull & 2nd High Selling Bull at LLB 2012 Spring Sale Sire: Limestone Darkhorse U322 MGS: MG G : SAV AVV N Net W Worth orr 44200

BW

WW

YW

MILK TM +22 + 22 + +51

BAR E-L EXECUTOR 23X

High Selling Yearling Bull at Bar E-L 2011 Spring Sale BW WW YW MILK TM Sire: HF Tiger 5T MGS: Rainbow Hills Prime Cut +3.3 +66 +105 +29 +62

Spady Bull Sale Wednesday, April 15 th, 2015

Selling: SSe elling elling el ng: 120 Black Angus Bulls

PEAK DOT ELIMINATOR 780Z

2nd High Selling Yearling Bull at Peak Dot 2013 Spring Sale Sire: SAV Eliminator 9105

BW

High Selling Yearling Bull at Johnson 2012 Spring Sale

WW

YW MILK

TM +50 + 50 5

FV MANDATE MAN 146Y

Sire: Sydgen Mandate 6079 BW WW YW MILK TM MGS: FV 20K King 308M -0.2 +66 +118 +25 +58

at the Ranch, Alliance, Alberta

SOO LINE KODIAK 9169 Sire: HF Kodiak 5R BW WW YW MILK TM MGS: Bon View New Design +1.7 +55 +97 +21 +49

* Volume Buyer Incentive * Sight Unseen Guarantee * Free Delivery or $50 Credit if you take your bulls home Sale Day

Craig Spady 403-740-4978 Travis Spady 780-879-2298 Tom Spady 780-879-2180 Brian Spady 780-879-2110

Page 24 - The Business of Cattle

January 2015