The Gelbvieh Guide Fall 2023

Fall 2023

Canadian Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

Eddie Marsman

25032 Twp. RD 274

Red Deer County AB T0M 0V0

403-588-1400

eddie@hillsdowncontractingltd.onmicrosoft.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Bev Milne

Box 1573

Fairview AB T0H 1L0

780-835-2645

milneranch@live.ca

DIRECTORS

Lorna Okell

Box 627

Duchess AB T0J 0Z0

403-501-1019

jenty@eidnet.org

Cody Congdon Box 366

Bashaw AB T0B 0H0

403-350-5791

rockytopgelbvieh@hotmail.com

Kirk Hurlburt

Box 3 Site 206 RR2

Saskatoon SK S7K 3J5

306-222-8210

hurlburtlivestock@sasktel.net

Duncan Pearson

Box 589

Calmar AB T0C 0V0

780-220-5730

pearsongrainandcattle@gmail.com

Cody Girling

515 6th AVE

Dunmore AB T1B 0J9

403-928-1923

cgirling1983@gmail.com

Gelbvieh Association of AB/BC Reps

President

Darrell Hickman

RR #1 Sundre AB T0M 1X0

780-581-4510

darrell.ddhickman@gmail.com

Secretary

Olivia Koziak

RR #1 Star AB T0B 4E0

780-835-0264

koziaklandandcattle@gmail.com

ManSask Gelbvieh Association Reps

President Ian Thackeray

Box 1002 Weyburn SK S4H 2L0

306-861-7687

tgfis@sasktel.net

Secretary Cynthia Wirgau

Box 25 Narcisse MB R0C 2H0

204-278-3255

maplegrovegelbvieh@gmail.com

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The Gelbvieh Guide is mailed out to purchasers of Gelbvieh cattle when registration certificates are transfered; the seller of the animal for a registration certificate when you purchase a Gelbvieh animal.

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Canadian Gelbvieh Association

gelbvieh@gelbvieh.ca

403-250-8640

President’s Message

Eddie Marsman

Summer is almost over and that means it is time for the fall edition of the Gelbvieh Guide. The fall edition always had my keen attention because of the listings with the Dams of Merit and Dams of Distinction which are featured in this publication. I am looking forward to checking it out!

This year it seemed as if summer went by faster than ever before! Am I the only one that feels this way? Despite the fast pace of the season, we were delighted to attend several really great events over the course of this summer.

In May, there was the LMAC (Livestock Markets Association of Canada) event in Olds Alberta. Our association’s first time sponsorship was welcome and greatly appreciated! We felt very welcome there; what a great group of people! There were very informative panel discussions, a tour of Olds College, and we socialized with representatives of different breed associations and several key LMAC members. As luck had it, we were welcomed to sit at the presidents table one evening and really got to know many LMAC key players, past and present. Livestock auctions are a large part of the cattle business, and especially important to a lot of smaller communities across our country. Our sponsorship of this event most certainly gives more exposure to our breed, and I would suggest we consider continuing to support this important annual event.

Next on the agenda was the Alberta/B.C. Gelbvieh Association Field Day at Towerview Ranch in Medicine Hat, Alberta. The turnout was great; lots of familiar faces and some new ones as well. As one might

expect at a field day, there was lots of socializing, great food and fun activities for adults and kids alike! My fiancée Sue forgot how much fun it was to have a water balloon fight in the hot summer sun! The seminar on how to use EPDs, put on by Sarah Van Schothorst and Cody Girling, was professionally done, highly informative and well received! We as a board are planning to do more webinars and presentations on a variety of key subjects pertinent to our industry moving forward. I would like to thank Gary and Kerry Pahl for the awesome hospitality. The ranch was just beautiful and the whole event was top notch. Great job!

In July we attended the Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Association show in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. After attending this event in Stettler last year, I thought that it could not possibly get any better. But guess what, it was another fantastic event! It was heartwarming to see these young people enjoying working so hard at this junior event; their passion, cooperation and pride was well deserved and applauded by all. Where there is a junior show, there’s bound to be parents in the cattle business around, so the CGA took the opportunity to have our AGM at this event. This enabled a lot of the junior Gelbvieh parents (and other breeders) to attend the meeting in person. Consequently, our AGM attendance was very good; it was a full house. A big thank you to the Junior Gelbvieh Association for accommodating us and for the great success of their show event.

With the arrival of fall on the doorstep, show and sale season is upon us. We will try to attend as many of these events as time, work and distance allows. Sue and I look forward to seeing you there. In the meantime, I hope everyone has an excellent fall run this year. Thankfully cattle prices continue to be strong which is always a bonus.

Office Report

Sarah Van Schothorst

It has been a pleasure to attend Gelbvieh and industry events throughout the summer.

Gary and Kerry Pahl hosted the GAABC field day on July 1st. It was great to do a presentation with Cody Girling (CGA director) on EPDs, genomically enhanced EPDs, and percentile rank. There was welcomed engagement from the members in attendance. We look forward to doing a similar presentation at the Wish List sale in Stettler. We will be expanding this topic into contemporary and management groups and we will further the presentation wherever the discussion and questions want us to go.

I attended the BIF convention in Calgary in July. It was exciting to connect with industry partners and the representatives attending from the American Gelbvieh Association. One of the focuses was methane emission in the beef industry and the narrative around the environmental impact of producing beef. There is research being done primarily in dairy on the heritability of the microbiome in the rumen and looking at ways to breed cattle to produce lower amounts of methane. Overall there was also discussion about the skewed data that has been presented to the public on the beef industry’s impact on climate and how hard it is to change a negative narrative. It takes six positive messages for every 1 negative message. There was also discussion from the floor that perhaps a focus on fertility and continuing to increase the amount of beef produced on less, as we have been doing for years, would be beneficial.

Beef on dairy was also a topic. Dairy producers are using sexed semen to produce replacements while using beef bulls on the lower end of their herds. There is a focus on selecting breeds and genetics with increased muscling and other traits that will enhance the deficiencies of a straight dairy carcass. Perhaps this is a market to expand on for Gelbvieh producers.

A couple of the most valuable sessions were a discussion about the use of genomics in the commercial sector and how the seedstock industry

can help their customers through genomics. As DNA testing is becoming more prevalent throughout the commercial industry it will become a more useful tool at all levels of production. Examples include DNA’ing to sort into different management groups based on genetic potential for feeding in feedlots or choosing commercial replacement breeding animals. There was a panel discussion made up of seedstock and commercial producers from Canada and the USA and they discussed how genomics impacts their operations. These producers explained how they use EPDs as selection, marketing, and risk management tools for themselves and their customers. As one speaker said, “Nobody has ever asked for an ugly one. EPDs are one tool that seedstock producers have at their disposal to aid in these areas, and they should be used. How EPDs and which EPDs are used more heavily than others should be matched to improve traits based on the producers environment.” By 100K testing sale bulls, you are giving customers more confidence in your product. One producer made the comparison of “Would you pick a yearling bull with no progeny or would you pick a bull that had 25 calves on the ground with some proven performance behind his EPDs?” Most producers would pick the bull with progeny. When calves outperform their parents it is due to the favourable random sampling of the parent’s genes. Genomics increase our confidence in the accuracy of the EPDs and so genomically enhanced EPDs provide you with the accuracy of progeny equivalents. The number of progeny equivalents is different for each EPD, a chart can be found on the CGA website under the Performance tab.

In August I attended the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, expenses paid by the Rancher’s Resiliency grant through the USA. I was able to complete some online courses and do some paperwork to make this work.

One of the riskiest decisions a commercial producer makes is a herd bull purchase and 100K testing your sale bulls helps them to mitigate some of this risk and accelerates everyone’s genetic gain.

I attended the Canada-US Roundtable with Canadian Cattle Association staff. There was discussion regarding the international trade market particularly with the European Union (EU). Canada and the USA are world leaders in science based food safety production standards and neither country has any intention of conforming with EU methods. Consumers in Europe have more confidence in North American beef which has standards that must be met as opposed to beef produced somewhere else.

The EU is placing trade barriers based on non-science based facts. The Association staff was of the opinion that “if they don’t want to eat our beef that is fine but they shouldn’t tell us how we should be producing it either.” They are talking about restricitions on beef that is produced using soy based proteins as a feed source or in any areas they deem to have deforestation problems. The deforestation barrier is a problem because they could start putting that on any commodity if they succeed at putting it on beef. The EU is finding plant based protein options and meat is becoming a social issue in Europe. Ironically, there are no restrictions being placed on the soy plant-based protein alternatives.

Another topic was the vaccine bank for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). It was discussed that the vaccine bank is only one part of a plan of reaction. This is important, but preparedness on how to implement the plan and other measures are equally as important. Government resources are limited and they discussed how one disease outbreak is a risk factor for another disesase outbreak. Lumpy Skin disease has emerged in Asia as a major issue, as they were focused on FMD. Australians are quite concerned given their proximity to Indonesia, who is facing a large spread of this disease. Lumpy skin disease is spread through blood sucking/ biting insects. Overall the North Americans thought that moving forward, the measures we are taking to mitigate an FMD outbreak would also work to mitiage other pathogens. The Canadian and US associations are going to keep working at getting funding toward these areas. The USA is looking at their traceability practices as they don’t want to wait for an issue like a disease outbreak to have to get their act together. Canada is already advanced in this area due to the historical BSE outbreak.

The efficiencies of modern beef production have been sustainable before it became “cool”. The USA is promoting this and they have been able to eliminate

any GHG emission requirements being implemented. From what I understand they have done a better job of this than Canada.

There was discussion specifically about rumen methane and how, for example, it is not the same as carbon emitted from transport exhaust. The USA has educated the government in modern beef production which has decreased the threat, instead of them having to be reactionary to policy implementation. They said “Having the science to back up claims helps!” One of these facts is that Canada and the USA produce over two times the amount of beef for each cow compared to other countries around the world. Another fact is that 47% of American consumers said that sustainable beef production had to do with animal welfare, not climate. There was discussion about carbon border adjustments that could affect the industry and trade but that if we are ahead of the policies we could perhaps write them. Both Associations explained that they have experienced increased discussion and consulation with government on policy and potential policy that would impact the beef industry in recent years.

One of the main issues both associations felt needs to be addressed is the long term profitability of the industry in light of some of the barriers producers are facing. Everyone needs to recognize the positives brought to the global food chain by the North American beef industry and that we need to take a global stance on sustainable production and climate change policies. We have Ireland trying to decrease the number of cows on land and New Zealand putting a tax on every animal that is slaughtered. One of the Association members quoted “When there are times of change, 20% of the people make it happen, 60% of the people watch and are the second adopters, and 20% of the poeple wonder what happened”. The demand for beef is there and during COVID beef counters were empty while beyond meat counters were full. The consumers will always go back to what they feel confident in. Despite government and activists, people want to eat beef and they enjoy the eating experience. How we package our narrative moving forward needs to be believable in a way that connects to the consumer, not just other beef producers and there needs to be continued trust between the beef industry and the consumer.

I look forward to attending more Gelbvieh events and beef production related seminars throughout the fall and winter.

Gelbvieh Association of AB/BC News

Darrell Hickman

As we roll into late Fall, I hope this finds each of you enjoying the days of the season! I know we are not all sitting in the same scenario of harvest conditions, or feed supplies, however cattle prices are supportive of continuing forward positively. Some certainly have an easier time this year than others, as is typically the case in agriculture. As I have traveled this year and visited with breeders, a common message has arisen. The high cattle and feed prices, coupled with low inventories of both, seem to be driving a higher level of quality in most of our herds. The cow families who have the ability to produce, and be profitable, are rising to the top and setting a new bar. I highly encourage you to engage and connect with breeders to experience the direction our breed is moving! There are many opportunities remaining this year with shows and sales to connect and I can’t encourage you enough to make the effort!! We all can learn, evaluate our current directions of our herd, and add to your arsenal. There are some exciting pieces coming forward this year via new breeders showing, new lots in established sales, and entirely new sale events coming forward to advance our breed. Take a few minutes, and get out to support these efforts to

encourage everyone!

On behalf of your board, we would love to see each of you attend the Wishlist and Bull Futurity event in Stettler! The cattle are rolling in as we speak and are absolutely a stellar set. The donation this year has been graciously donated by the great folks at Flatland Ranch and she is an incredible opportunity for some lucky ticket holder! We can’t thank Chuck and Jenn enough for digging so deep to support the association!! The board would also like to thank Kert Ness from Keriness Cattle Co. for sponsoring lunch at the Wish List. The engagement during the Wishlist weekend is second to none and we are planning a new opportunity during the social hour to connect and enjoy the camaraderie. The Bull Futurity is also a key location to source your potential new herd sires from, the best to be offered across Western Canada. Every year the cattle have a diverse offering of the newest and proven bloodlines to ensure you have multiple options to advance your herd. Grab a membership, and join the excitement that unfolds over the two days of the event. As well, please remember to support the silent auction via donations/bidding to add to the excitement!

PEOPLE’S CHOICE BULL FUTURITY December 1-2, Stettler AB

$400 Membership

Provides the member with one voting card, the chance to win their choice of the Futurity Bulls and draw down prizes. Draw down prizes will include cash value vouchers to purchase animals or genetics from any Bull Futurity Member either privately or from a sale.

$200 Bull Entry Fee

Only Bull Futurity Members are eligible to enter bulls. No limit on number of entries.

Updated set of rules:

• Futurity Entries must be born on or after January 1st of the previous year (2022).

• Bulls will only be allowed to enter the Futurity once.

• Futurity Member must be the registered owner of their Futurity Entries by August 1 of the current year.

• All entries must be CGA or AGA registered PC88, Purebred or Fullblood

• All Futurity Entries must be virgin bulls and not have had semen collected.

• All entries must have a minimum of complete SNP parent verification on file (both parents) with the CGA or AGA by Monday November 27th, 2023. 100K, polled and color DNA testing is up to the discretion of the Futurity Member but is recommended.

• All bulls will be tattoo checked and weighed at the event.

• All bulls must have videos taken before the Futurity that can be made available on-line.

• The Bull Futurity Entries may be cataloged in conjunction with the Wish List Sale catalog. Entry deadline to be included in the catalog is October 1st. Late entries and substitutions can be made up until November 27th.

• The Bull Futurity will provide a stall card that must be displayed. All other promotional signage is at the discretion of the Futurity Members.

• On-Line voting will be available for Futurity Members who are unable to attend the event, there will be no proxy voting.

• The Futurity Entry that receives the most votes will be named the Bull Futurity Champion.

• The last name to be drawn will be the Draw Winner and have their choice of the Futurity Entries. This bull will be the Selected Futurity Bull.

• The Draw Winner is not eligible to choose their own bull.

• The Bull Futurity Committee has the discretion to assign pay out amounts to each of the winners and other prizes.

• Full ownership of the Selected Futurity Bull is assumed by the Draw Winner and the prize money paid to the owner of the Selected Futurity Bull when the bull passes a breeding soundness evaluation or if the Draw Winner chooses to take ownership before that. Until ownership is assumed the care of the Selected Futurity Bull is the responsibility of the owner.

• The owner of the Selected Futurity Bull Champion may draw in herd semen. They may not sell this semen or use it to breed cows they do not own.

• Purchase of insurance of the Selected Futurity Bull is up to the discretion and/or responsibility of either the owner of the Selected Futurity Bull or the Draw Winner.

• The Draw Winner has the option to sell the Selected Futurity Bull any time after they take ownership.

To purchase a membership or enter a bull contact Aaron Birch 403.485.5518

BETSY Partners with the Female Foundation Project

OneCup AI developed Bovine Expert Tracking and Surveillance Technology (BETSY) to monitor and track animal health, welfare, activity, growth and nutrition.

“OneCup AI has designed an artificial intelligence (AI) technology using computer vision that is named BETSY, which stands for Bovine Expert Tracking and Surveillance,” explained Mokah Shmigelsky, OneCup AI. Shmigelsky was a featured speaker during the 2023 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Symposium July 5 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

According to Shmigelsky, BETSY was created because of the lack of permanent traceable identification in the livestock industry. Visual Identification was the first developed product followed by seven other value propositions.

“As we went through the developmental process, we discovered there was a lot of different things on farm that producers didn’t have access to because many of these processes are very manual,” Shmigelsky said.

In the beef and dairy cattle industry, the use cases that were identified were calving, feed tracking, shipping, tracking, as well as estrous and breeding. Shmigelsky said cattle tend to leave the herd or not face the camera making it difficult to collect data.

“In computer vision models you need to have a robust

data set and all the data needs to be annotated as well,” Shmigelsky said. “Instead of tracking individual symptoms we were going to track what the animal’s behavior was.”

Once the animal is detected, BETSY identifies different behaviors and what is going on with the animal and alerts the producer. The user interface is an easy-to-understand system that gives the producer information both graphical and visually along with alerts.

BETSY brain is broken down into levels that classify each animal by detection, bounding box, key points, identification, instance and time-series.

BETSY predicts animal’s ID 238D

Foot scoringD

“Level 0 is detection, it identifies different animals in the scene as well as humans and vehicles,” Shmigelsky said. “Level 1 is the bounding box, it depicts the entire body of the animal and pulls out the relevant pixels needed for the next levels. Level 2 has 52 key points and angles which allow us to identify limping and changes in the animal. Level 3 is identification and can pair the final data to an individual animal as well as read the tag. Level 4 gets into the behavior and growth changes in the animals.

OneCup AI worked closely with the Canadian Angus Association to identify hooves, claws, udders and teats as the phenotypes of highest importance. To identify these, they created additional points to the hooves and udders as well as created a 3-D visual. Clean animals made it easier to get a good ratio and analysis. Mud and walking through grass can affect accuracy.

“We are working on getting a more accurate reading so we can identify more than just the good things,” Shmigelsky explained.

The Canadian Gelbvieh Association is very excited to be working with OneCup AI to develop some phenotypic docility scoring as well as expanding their foot and leg scoring population that goes toward training for BETSY.

The Female Foundation project is working to examine different measures and methodologies of assessing docility; examine the interrelationships of various traits, including docility on profit drivers such as mothering ability, calf survival, rebreeding success, longevity and carcass characteristics; and developing an interrelationship matrix that can be used in the creation of a maternal selection index which includes the influence of docility. So far there are 1200 females enrolled in the project. Collecting docility scores and foot and leg scores on these operations will go a long way in positively impacting the accuracy of the EPD evlautions. This accuracy will be further increased with the 100K testing on all of these females.

Key Points Bounding

Key Angles

ManSask Gelbvieh Association News

Cynthia Wirgau

Hope everyone is finishing up their harvest season, and preparing for shows and sales. We would like to remind you to let Cynthia know if you want to sponsor a class at Agribition this year. Deadline for entries is October 1, 2023. This is also the deadline for Agribition entries.

We are excited to announce the Gelbvieh Champagne Classic. This will be held back in the barns, after the Gelbvieh/Balancer show. Please see the ad for more information or contact Maureen Tubman (306-7307822) as soon as possible. Be sure to read the ad, and get your females entered.

It is time to start thinking about nominations for the Purebred and Commercial Breeder of the Year Awards. Please submit your nominations to Neil Overby (overbystockfarm@gmail.com) or Ryan Zalinko (zalinko. ryan@gmail.com) by October 1st.

We would also like to thank Hurlburt Livestock for donating this years donation heifer. Be sure to get your tickets to have a chance to win this heifer. The draw will be made at the Fun Auction in Moose Jaw December 9th. Tickets are $10 each.

This year we sponsored Junior shows at Saskatoon, Yorkton, Young Ranchmans and the Canadian Jr Gelbvieh show. 40 tokens were mailed out to 4-H members. We appreciate the pictures we received from 4-H members showcasing Gelbvieh influenced animals. Congratulations to all the members, on their accomplishments.

Please mark your calendar and join us at the AGM on Dec 9 in Moose Jaw at noon. Location TBA.

Wishing everyone a Happy Harvest and hope see you all down the road at a show or sale barn. Lets grab a coffee, or cold beverage and discuss Gelbvieh!

A resource for the livestock industry, the TACLP promotes increased production efficiencies, improved health and welfare, and enhanced environmental sustainability.

oldscollege.ca/TACLP | 403.556.8314

• Cattle performance & feed efficiency testing.

• Third-party validation of technologies & management practices.

• Coordinate & deliver producer training.

Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Association National Show Results

SHOWMANSHIP

Champion Senior Showmanship

On the Block

Wacey Hollman

Res. Champion Senior Showmanship Hillary Sauder

Junior Champion Showmanship Quin Hamilton

Res. Junior Champion Showmanship Cameron Davidson

Sponsored by: Koziak Land & Cattle

Champion Pee Wee Showmanship Colby Hollman

Res. Champion Pee Wee Showmanship Luke Loren

Sponsored by: Ron Hoffmann

ART

Champion Senior Art

Wacey Hollman

Res. Champion Senior Art Aspen Blake

Junior Champion Art Austin Hollman

Res. Champion Junior Art Colby Hollman

Sponsored by: JSJ Livestock

Champion Pee Wee Art

Res. Champion Pee Wee Art

Sponsored by: Lonesome Dove Ranch

Judging

Champion Senior Judging

Coy Hamilton

Ethan Curral

Champion Senior On the Block Aspen Blake

Res. Champion Senior On the Block Kelsey Schmitz

Champion Junior On the Block Colby Hollman

Res. Champion Junior On the Block Chayse Hollman

Champion Pee Wee On the Block Luke Loren

Res. Champion Pee Wee On the Block Coy Hamilton

Sponsored by: Diamond A Excavation “99”

Herdsmanship

Champion Senior Herdsmanship Wacey Hollman

Res. Champion Senior Herdsmanship Aspen Blake

Junior Champion Herdsmanship Colby Hollman

Res. Champion Junior Herdsmanship Kaden Hollman

Sponsored by: Goodview Gelbvieh

Champion Pee Wee Herdsmanship Coy Hamilton

Res. Champion Pee Wee Herdsmanship Beau Hallborg

Sponsored by: Lonesome Dove Ranch

Hillary Sauder

Res. Champion Senior Judging Aspen Blake

Junior Champion Judging Amber Spray

Res. Champion Junior Judging

Sponsored by: Jen-Ty Gelbvieh

Champion Pee Wee Judging

Rhyker Vangen

Keegan Little

Res. Champion Pee Wee Judging Luke Loren

Sponsored by: Jace Cattle Co.

TEAM GROOMING

Champion Senior Team Grooming Avary Hickman & Wacey Hollman

Res. Champion Senior Team Grooming Aspen Blake & Will Rieder

Sponsored by: Fladeland Livestock

Champion Junior Team Grooming Chayse Hollman & Keston Hollman

Res. Champion Junior Team Grooming Shelby Horn & Ruby Felhauer

Sponsored by: Triple S Cattle Co.

Champion Pee Wee Team Grooming Coy Hamilton & Ethan Currall

Res. Champion Pee Wee Team Grooming Keira Kunze, Vance Hallborg & Beau Hallborg

Sponsored by: Eyot Valley Ranch

PERCENTAGE / BALANCER CONFORMATION CLASSES

Sponsored by: Limestone Stock Farm

Sponsored by: Limestone Stock Farm

Sponsored by: Jonus Cattle Co.

Sponsored by: Jonus Cattle Co.

Sponsored by: Stone Gate Farm

Sponsored by: Stone Gate Farm

Sponsored by: Diamond Z Livestock

Sponsored by: Diamond Z Livestock

Sponsored by: Jonus Cattle Co.

Sponsored by: ManSask Association & Pearson Farms

Sponsored by: Brittain Farms

Champion Heifer Calf Ruby Fehlauer

Reserve Champion Heifer Calf Amber Spray

Champion Bull Calf Kaden Hollman

Reserve Champion Bull Calf Luke Loren

Champion Two Year Old Pair Kaden Hollman

Mature Cow/Calf Pair Amber Spray

Reserve Two Year Old Pair Kelsey Schmitz

Grand Champion Percentage/Balancer Female Kaden Hollman

Reserve Grand Champion Percentage/Balancer Female Colby Hollman

Champion Bred Heifer Colby Hollman

Reserve Champion Bred Heifer Ruby Fehlauer

PUREBRED CONFORMATION CLASSES

Colby Hollman

Sponsored by: Maple Grove Gelbvieh

Sponsored by: Stone Gate Farm

Daniel Green

Sponsored by: Maple Grove Gelbvieh

Sponsored by: Stone Gate Farm

Sponsored by: Towerview Ranch

Sponsored by: Towerview Ranch

Colby Hollman

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by: AKS Ranch

Cameron Davidson

Sponsored by: Blake Ranch &

Chayse Hollman

Sponsored by: Blake Ranch & Braylen Blake Gelbvieh

Colby Hollman

Sponsored by: Gelbvieh Association of AB/BC

Sponsored by: BNH Livestock

Grand Champion Purebred Female

Reserve Grand Champion Purebred Female Wacey Hollman

Champion Mature Cow/Calf Pair

AKS Ranch

Reserve Mature Cow/Calf Pair

Chase Loren

Champion Two Year Old Cow/Calf Pair

Braylen Blake Gelbvieh

Reserve Champion Two Year Old Cow/Calf Pair

Champion Bred Heifer Wacey Hollman

Reserve Champion Bred Heifer Kaden Hollman

Champion Bull Calf

Raleigh Little

Reserve Champion Bull Calf Cameron Davidson

Champion Heifer Calf

Reserve Champion Heifer Calf

AGGREGATE BUCKLES

ADDITIONAL JUNIOR SPONSORS

Twin View Livestock

Canadian Gelbvieh Association

Sundown Livestock Transplant Dr. Don Miller

L&M Wood Residues Ltd.

Grant Scheirlinck - Southwest Genetics

Bar GR Gelbvieh

Deep Sands Livestock

MEAL SPONSORS

Nelson Gelbvieh

Fir River Livestock

Function & Finesse

Rocky Top Gelbvieh

Don Oberg Auction Services

Milne Ranch

Overby Stock Farms

LCF Gelbvieh

Henry Little

Thank

THANK YOU JUDGES

Conformation judges: Tracey Willms & Owen Willms

Grooming & Showmanship: Tyler and Suzanne Smyth

Judging: Darrel Hickman & Leighton Dyck

Art: Brenda Faubion

On the Block: Don & Angela Oberg

COW CAMP SPONSORS

Thanks to the herdsmanship judges, ring people, Marshall’s, and all the other volunteers

Pee Wee Coy Hamilton Sponsored by: Cowlick Ranch

Junior Colby Hollman

Sponsored by: Davidson Gelbvieh

Senior Aspen Blake Sponsored by: Common Ground Sale Group

City of Swift Current Winder’s Golden Gelbvieh

CGA Congratulates 2023 Scholarship Recipient

On my family’s farm we run about 100 head of commercial Gelbvieh cattle. We have primarily run Gelbvieh since the 1990’s. Gelbvleh cattle are very suitable for our herd because of their calm and quiet disposition, calving ease, and their ablllty to remain in good shape for many years. I have been around these cattle all my life. At a young age I showed Gelbvieh yearling heifers in my local 4-H club but due to other commitments I only showed for three years. Although I no longer show Gelbvieh cattle I am able to continue to make an important contribution to the Association.

I have always been a part of my family’s farm from a young age. I have helped on the farm by moving end processing cattle when and where I was able to help. Cattle were always a very important thing in my life. From helping feed on cold winter mornings or fixing fences in blazing heat, being in the cattle industry has taught me a tremendous amount. The cattle we raised on our farm taught me many things that I have been able to transfer into real life scenarios. I believe that because of the long hours I helped out, I have beeome very dedicated, patient, and hardworking in everything I do. This not only shows when I am helping around cattle, but also when I am doing school, volunteering and many other things life throws at me. I have always enjoyed working with Gelbvieh cattle and hope to continue for many years to come.

Over the past two years I have competed in 4-H regional judglng and placed 2nd place and 6th place. Both placing to qualify for provincial 4-H judging. I have always enjoyed judging and I have improved tremendously over the past few years. With my judging knowledge I have learned what to look for in all ages of cattle from very young to older. With this knowledge I am able to help decide what animals to keep and what to cull. This helps to not only improve our herd but also improve the breed’s reputation.

In my past three years in High school I have had the privilege to take cow calf courses online. These courses gave me the opportunity to not only learn more about cattle but also promote the Gelbvieh breed. Often throughout the course I would have assignments to post forums for other classmates to read. I took this as an opportunity to talk about the breed of cattle my family raises and I often talked about the advantages of the breed.

The Gelbvleh breed is very Important to me and my family because of the many things the breed as a whole has provided for us. I hope to continue to promote Gelbvieh cattle and become a huge impact in the association. My family has achieved many things that may have been impossible without these cattle. I am very glad to be able to help raise and be a part of the best breed in the industry.

Meet Your Farmfair International Judges

Kirk & Reese Wildman

The Wildman family have been Ranching in Alberta since 1887, originally homesteading west of Innisfail. In 1970 Kirk’s parents started in the purebred Red Angus business as Towaw Cattle Co. and celebrated 50 years of continuous membership in the Canadian Angus Association a couple of years ago. The family will host their 45th Annual Bull Sale next Spring. Jill also comes from a purebred cattle background as her grandfather and parents ran purebred Hereford and Angus Cattle under the Caine Cattle Co. name. Both Kirk and Jill were heavily involved in the 4-H and junior programs and their three children; Thomas, Reese, and Ryder spend their summers showing and working with cattle as well.

Reese is in grade twelve now and has had a lot of success in judging competitions; two time Western Canadian Team judging champion in the junior division and Reserve Champion in the Senior Division. She has also been the Intermediate Champion Judge at Summer Synergy as well as Third place overall as a first year Senior Division Member. She hopes to join a Collegiate Judging Team in the U.S. next fall.

Meet Your Agribition Judge

Kelly Howe

Kelly Howe along with his wife Julie-Anne and 3 children; Matthew, Elise and Avery operate Howe Coulee Charolais – a 150 cow purebred Charolais and Angus operation just outside Moose Jaw, SK. The family is very active in showing livestock in Junior shows, 4-H and Canadian Western Agribition. Kelly has also judged many 4-H, Junior and Purebred Livestock shows across the prairies.

Kelly is active on several boards including Chairman of the Friends of the Canadian Charolais Association, Canadian Western Agribition Board of Directors, Claybank Bricks and Beef Junior Show Committee, Leader of the Moose Jaw 4-H Beef Club.

Kelly and Julie-Anne also operate Bar Over HC Livestock which consists of a Feed and Nutrition Business, Apiary and a substantial contract business working with Verified Beef, Sask Association of Watersheds and other groups.

Breed Gelbvieh

From The Commercial Perspective Part I

Maritimes

Richard Culberson & Sons is a 7th generation family farm located in New Brunswick. They grow processing potatoes and feed cattle with feed grown on their farm.

They really like the base that the Gelbvieh breed provides for the cattle feeder. Aden explained “You can really see the pronounced muscling in those 6-7 weight calves. They don’t skip a beat when they come into our yard and that muscle growth doesn’t slow down.” Aden said that when the cattle get to the finishing phase they have a really great frame that’ll get them to the hanging weight they are looking for with the quality that drives profitability.

At the end of the day we are paid by the weight and quality of the carcass and that’s why we like feeding Gelbvieh and Gelbvieh influenced cattle.

Sarah Van Schothorst, BSc

Koziak Land & Cattle, Star AB

Manitoba

Lee and Cynthia Wirgau with Neal and Christine Wirgau and their families run 150 commercial cows that are Gelbvieh and Gelbvieh/Red Angus cross. They have been doing this since 1986. Six years ago they decided to start breeding with Red Angus or Gelbvieh bulls for the first week of the breeding season and select their replacement females from this group of resulting calves. They then turn out Charolais bulls for the durration of the breeding season for a terminal cross. There was and continues to be high demaind for the Charolias cross calves with the large frames in Ontario. Lee said “We decided to try it out and take advantage of the premium being paid for the tan/buckskin calves.” They have also been able to tap into a market for their Charolais cross heifer calves through the Charolais breeders they buy their bulls from.

Lee explained that the fertility and the milking ability of the Gelbvieh cross cow makes them hard to beat. The cows are able to calve these crossbred calves and turn them into something marketable. The Charolais breed brought them some frame size as they have focused their cow herd to be more moderate in frame. Lee said “The Gelbvieh cross cow is able to produce the milk and muscle to fill out that frame.” All of the cattle on the Wirgau’s operation have to forage for themselves on native grass and bush pastures near Narcisse Manitoba. The Wirgau’s really appreciate the sound structure, especially in the udders, feet and legs, and the temperament that their Gelbvieh cross cows have. They background their heifer calf pen and then sell them in the spring and find the calves to be easy fleshing.

The Wirgau’s calve their commercial herd in March and April with birthweights between 90 and 100 pounds and sell at the end of October to the beginning of November with weaning weights of 650 to 700lbs. Lee said

“ The best commercial crossbred female in the industry is a Gelbvieh cross because of the combination of maternal traits cows are supposed to have. They do it well and efficiently.”

Saskatchewan

Dave and Kim Gavelin from Deep Sands Livestock, Meyronne SK have been running Gelbvieh bulls since 1997. They ran a purebred herd of Gelbvieh as well but stopped registering cattle about 10 years ago. Currenlty they are running a Gelbvieh x Red Angus cow herd raising their own replacements. They have purchased some commercial Gelbvieh heifers from Thackeray Land and Cattle over the years. Throughout the years they have required cattle that are docile, having had young kids years ago and now being older themselves. They use Red Angus bulls on specific Gelbvieh cows to produce replacement females and Charolais bulls on the remainder of the Gelbvieh cows for a terminal cross. They appreciate the smaller more moderate framed cow so that they can optimize the bang for their buck. Dave said we appreciate the fertility of the Gelbvieh cross cows, they turn out the bulls on the first of June for 45 days. Dave said “We have to have cow power to produce steers that will wean off at 650lbs in October.” Hybrid vigour is a known money maker and the Gelbvieh breed is versatile when crossed with other breeds of cattle, British or Continental. Dave told me about one of his kid’s old 4-H cows, 14X, “She has a 600lb steer at her side this fall and she looks like a million bucks!”

“Profit, attitude and longevity are why we have chosen the Gelbvieh breed in our operation. We are in this business to make money and for us the Gelbvieh gave us the bang for our buck!”

Celine Hicks runs a commercial cattle operation with her husband and two young boys near Parkbeg SK. They run 100 head of Red Angus cows, with some Simmental influence in some of the females. They start calving around March 20 and they calve 90% of their herd in 6 weeks with an average birth weight of 85lbs. They used to run a straightbred Angus operation but were looking to add some hybrid vigour as weaning weights started to decline and the outcome of the breeding was becoming a bit too maternal. Currently they breed all of their breeding stock cows to Gelbvieh bulls and their heifers back to Red Angus bulls. Celine said “We appreciate the calving ease that we still have with the Gelbvieh bulls we have purchased from Twin View Livestock and throughout drought conditions we have weaned off an average of 650lb steers, which is a 100lb increase from when we were breeding Angus.” They also like the disposition of the Gelbvieh cross and enjoy having the ability to take their kids out into the pens or the field without having any issues. Having bulls and replacement heifers that are easy to handle makes things run a lot smoother.

Celine has kept steers to butcher for themselves and she said “The calves muscle up nicely and finish quickly with great carcass characterisitics.”

Alberta

Dave and Lisa Trachuk are now joined by their boys Blayne and Nathan running 150 head of tan cows out of Myrnam, AB. The Trachuks have been using Gelbvieh bulls, some purchased from HMR Gelbvieh, for years. Over the years, their herd has increased it’s Gelbvieh influence through replacement heifers. Dave said “One of the benefits of the Gelbvieh breed is the replacement heifers make very good mothers with good milk production.” They start calving the last week of March and sell their calves the last week of November off of the cow. Creep feed is available to the calves, he explained “The calves learn the feeders, and they use them.” Their weaning weights have been increaseing to 700lbs + on the steers over the last few years. Dave also said they like the easy calving Gelbvieh bulls for their heifers, maybe having to assist 5-10% per year.

“There is the three of us out there and our Gelbvieh cross cattle are docile. We have no trouble with our Gelbvieh replacement heifers or bulls, they are easy to handle and nobody is flighty. They work for us.”

Kris Millar along with her mom, Cathy Millar-Sande, and husband Jeff Bingeman run Rolling Ridge Ranch, comprised of approximately 170 cows near Ponoka, AB. They used to breed mostly Charolais but were looking for something to bring in the red/tan color but clean up poor udder structure and add docility to the herd. Kris and her mom started running the cow calf operation after her father passed away when she was 11 years old. The Charolais had too much attitude and they were looking for some more docility so that calving and handling the cattle was safer. Kris said “The Gelbviehs are sweet mommas that allow us to be out working with them and they are very maternal and take care of their babies.” They also appreciated the muscling that Gelbvieh has. It has paired well with the frame of the Charolais cattle. The calving ease and the calf vigour of the Gelbvieh calves has been great, they love that the calves get up and get going with gumption at birth. They start calving the first of March with birth weights between 80 to 90 pounds and wean at the beginning to middle of October, with an average weaning weight of at least 650lbs to 700lbs. Kris said “We background our heifer calves through the fall and they are very easy to put pounds on compared to the Charolais, we like to see them grow up before choosing our replacements and then selling the rest as commercial feeders.”

“We were looking to improve our maternal excellence and calf per pound profitability.Gelbvieh has delivered!”

Bull purchased from BNH Livestock

CBBC Report

Sandy Russell, CEO

Historically, the seedstock sector has struggled with unified representation within the beef industry for many reasons, one of which is the considerable amount of diversity that exists within beef cattle genetics. I have often said that our diversity is our biggest challenge but is also our biggest opportunity. The absence of unified representation at times though has often resulted in the important role that cattle breeders or ‘genetic influencers’ play in beef production not being acknowledged by the entire production chain. It has also led to the seedstock sector not being engaged in some of the critical conversations and decision making that drives the industry forward.

The Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) works hard to represent the interests of our collective membership and support constructive, collaborative conversations between the diverse interests of the seedstock sector to ensure that the collective voice is heard within the entire Canadian beef industry. Whether it is through representation at industry events, active engagement and participation with other national industry organizations or through the Canadian Beef Improvement Network (CBIN), our increased efforts to engage in collaborative efforts has clearly started to capture the attention of some within our industry as more and more organizations are reaching out to connect or engage in advancing the awareness of the value of genetics in beef cattle production and sustainability. Increasingly, CBBC is being invited to participate in critical conversations for our industry and that collective representation for the seedstock sector is absolutely essential as the beef industry faces some of our biggest challenges including declining cow herd numbers, skyrocketing costs and validating sustainable production methods.

Whether it is the individual sectors (seedstock, cow/calf, feeder, packer, retailer) or individual breeds, tackling these issues independently is often not as effective and can even be detrimental to consistent communication and achieving solutions. We are more powerful when we work collaboratively. Advancing the utilization of genetic data and innovative technologies within the beef industry is no different. It is something that has been pursued for a very long time by many with minimal success. I believe the only way to accomplish this very difficult goal is collaboratively. That being said, collaboration is not easy.

It has been known for some time that the beef industry has lagged other livestock sectors in adopting innovative genetic tools and capturing the full value potential of genetic selection. And while we don’t want to become pork or chicken we do want to fully utilize all the tools that we have to remain competitive and capture value for breeders, producers and the entire beef production chain. It is for this reason that CBIN is such an important initiative for the Canadian beef industry.

While I know, and we work hard to promote, the fact that Canadian beef producers offer some of the highest quality beef cattle genetics in the world, other countries are investing and driving genetic improvements in beef cattle at an aggressive pace and are making considerable gains. If we are too busy competing amongst ourselves or become complacent in driving tangible investments in genetic improvement, we will be surpassed by others. Our competition should not be others within the Canadian beef industry… our competition is other countries and other protein options.

While some collective efforts across our industry with various partners are underway, we know we have a long way to go. Collaboration is not easy and it does take compromise and cooperation but there is no doubt that we will go much farther as a seedstock sector if we can focus on healthy competition while also collectively driving the ultimate goal of providing top quality genetics to beef producers both domestically and internationally.

One example of this important collaboration was this past July when CBBC hosted the Beef Improvement Federation’s Symposium in Calgary. Leading experts in beef cattle genetics and guests from around the world gathered in Calgary to discuss advancements in genetics while seeing the quality of Canada’s diverse beef industry. CBBC will continue to work hard to support collaborative opportunities like this for all our members.

The idea of capturing value from data driven genetic selection decisions is no doubt advancing within the industry as many are trying to find the key to unlock this substantial opportunity. We can each choose to work independently and duplicate investments and resources in the ongoing pursuit of this goal or we can work collaboratively to leverage our collective investments and resources. I for one believe that collaboration is the key to cracking this incredibly difficult issue and that breeders and producers should be in the driver’s seat in order to fully reap the benefits.

There is no doubt that beef production will continue to evolve and data is the currency that can truly inform decisions to increase value in our production chain. I have heard it said that determining how best to capture that value from genetics can be done by us, can be done with us or will be done for us. I believe it should be done by us collaboratively and CBBC will continue to work on behalf of its members to ensure that occurs. This is why it is so important to be a CBBC member actively engaging in those challenging conversations and working collaboratively to continue to ensure Canadian beef cattle genetics and Canadian beef continues to be sought after and maintains its rightful place as the highest quality, most sustainable product in the world.

We invite all our members, cattle breeders and industry stakeholders to engage, be sure your voice is heard and participate in these challenging conversations at our Annual General Meeting in conjunction with Canadian Western Agribition in Regina on Monday, November 20, 2023.

Maternal Excellence

2023 Dams of Merit & Dams of Distinction

RECOGNIZING SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTION

Recognized Females Meet the Following Criteria

• All data must be submitted to the CGA office by September 10

• A Dam of Merit must have produced at least 3 calves and a Dam of Distinction must have produced a minimum of 8 calves.

•Age at first calving must not exceed 25 months

•Produced a calf that was born between January 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023

•Possess a minimum average weaning weight ratio of 101 for all calves

•Maintained a regular calving interval. Average calving interval must not exceed the value calculated using the following formula:

(# of calving intervals x 365 days) + 30 days)/# of calving intervals

•The female had her third calf before her fourth birthday and maintained a 365 day calving interval thereafter.

Top 20 for Owners of Dams of Merit and Dams of Distinction for 2023

Top 20 for Breeders of Dams of Merit and Dams of Distinction for 2023

Feed efficiency – What is it and how can you realize the benefits in your herd?

Contributed article, Olds College AB

In beef cattle production, feed costs constitute a substantial portion of expenses accounting for up to 70% of the total operational costs. This can significantly impact a farmer’s bottom line. As feed costs fluctuate with grain prices, weather conditions, and market demands, it affects not only the viability of individual farms but also influences the industry’s overall sustainability. Consequently, improved feed efficiency has become a strategy for producers to optimize their operations.

Feed efficiency can be defined as the ability of cattle to convert feed into body weight gain. Improving feed efficiency can reduce feed costs while enhancing the profitability and sustainability of a farm operation. However, measuring and selecting for feed efficiency is not a simple task since different indicators and methods can be used to evaluate this complex trait.

One common indicator of feed efficiency has been feed conversion ratio (FCR), which is simply the ratio of feed intake to weight gain. However, FCR has some limitations as it does not account for the maintenance requirements of the animal, nor the differences in body composition and growth potential among animals. In fact, studies have shown that selecting animals using FCR results in larger mature weights over time.

A more accurate and comprehensive indicator of feed efficiency is residual feed intake (RFI), which is defined as the difference between actual feed intake and expected feed intake based on weight and growth rate. Animals with low (negative) RFI are more efficient as they consume less feed than expected for their level of production. RFI is independent of body size and growth rate, and can be used to select for feed efficiency without adversely affecting other production traits. Another indicator that combines RFI and residual average daily gain (RADG) is residual intake and body weight gain (RIG). RIG identifies cattle that consume less than expected and gain more weight than anticipated, making it more suitable for beef selection. RFI and RIG calculations require feed intake monitoring and weight gain of individual animals over a period of time ranging from 49 to 91-day tests.

Selecting cattle based on RFI or RIG can have significant positive impacts on beef production systems. Studies have shown that selecting cattle for low RFI can reduce feed intake, improve feed efficiency (both RFI and FCR), reduce methane emissions, and increase net income. Research assessing the relationship between RFI and carcass traits has been conflicting —, some studies show reduced carcass fat and ribeye area in more efficient animals, but other studies show no significant effect. Similarly, results on reproductive performance associated with more efficient cattle are mixed; some studies found reduced pregnancy rates and others observed no differences between high and low RFI groups. Further research in these areas is needed to better understand the influence of selecting for improved feed efficiency.

The adoption rate of feed efficiency testing in beef cattle is low, likely due to a lack of access to facilities which can measure individual animal feed intake. One solution to the limited testing facilities is genomic testing. Genomic selection using DNA markers to predict the genetic merit of animals for feed efficiency has been extensively researched, and can increase the accuracy and reliability of estimated breeding values (EBVs)

by capturing the effects of many genes that influence complex traits. Several research projects have identified DNA markers associated with feed efficiency traits in different beef cattle populations using high-density SNP chips or whole-genome sequencing. These markers have been used to develop genomic tests that can identify cattle with superior genetics for feed efficiency with relatively high accuracy. Genomic tests can reduce the cost and time of measuring feed intake, increase the number of animals evaluated, and enable early selection of young animals before they enter production.

The Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP) at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is a research and innovation hub that provides support and services to the livestock industry by offering access to state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and expertise in areas such as animal health, nutrition, genetics, and welfare. The TACLP aims to improve animal health and welfare, increase production efficiency, and enhance environmental sustainability of livestock production in Canada and beyond. One of the services offered is feed efficiency testing for beef cattle and sheep on a fee-for-service basis.

Feed efficiency at the TACLP is assessed using the Vytelle SENSE (formerly GrowSafe) system, which includes feed bunks that monitor individual feed intake through sensitive scales and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag readers. Every time an animal visits a feed bunk, the scale precisely measures its intake and matches it to the respective animal via RFID tag recognition. Additionally, an in-pen weighing system which enables daily weight measuring could shorten the official testing period to 49 days. This would make the total testing period as short as 59 days considering a minimum of 10 days of adaptation to the system, environment and diet.

With space still available, anyone interested to learn more about the testing program can contact Sean Thompson, TACLP Director, at sthompson@oldscollege.ca.

Prepared by Dr. Yaogeng Lei, Research Associate at the Olds College Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENTS

Please send in any junior achievements by the content deadline of the given Gelbvieh Guide issue. The CGA is proud to showcase all junior achievements and sucesses including Gelbvieh and Gelbvieh influenced 4-H projects.

Keegan Little

HWL Lady Alexa 809L

Mukk Boots & Mittens, Webb SK Reserve Champion Heifer Calf

Raleigh LIttle

Steer “Big Mac”

Mukk Boots & Mittens, Webb SK Placed 3rd

Raleigh Little

LLC Head Over Boots BTM 4K

Mukk Boots & Mittens, Webb SK 5th in class

Keegan Little

LCF Oreo 7K

Mukk Boots & Mittens, Webb SK 3rd in class

Keegan Little

LCF Oreo 7K

Abbey/Lancer 4-H Achievement Day

Grand Champion Heifer

1st in Cloverbud Showmanship

2nd in Grooming

1st in Cloverbud judging

Raleigh Little

LLC Head Over Boots BTM 4K

Abbey/Lancer 4-H Achievement Day

3rd in class

1st in Junior showmanship

2nd in Junior Grooming

1st in Junior Record Book

Raleigh Little

Steer “Big Mac”

Abbey/Lancer 4-H Achievement Day

Reserve Champion Light Weight Steer

Thank you Arbil Backhoe Services for buying

Keegan LIttle

LCF Oreo 7K

Swift Current Frontier Days

Grand Champion Yearling Heifer

Raleigh Little

LLC Head Over Boots BTM 4K

Swift Current Frontier Days

Reserve Champion Yearling Heifer

BNH Tibbie’s Independence 9K ET

National Junior Heifer Show, Bashaw

Semi-finalist in her bracket of the Lady Elaine bracket challenge

DL Jen-Ty Hot Stuff 550H with heifer calf

BNHC Hot Damn 2L

National Junior Heifer Show, Bashaw

Reserve Champion Mature Purebred Female

Supreme Quest Qualifier

CK Justified Vintage 11J with bull calf, BNHK Lamborghini 3L

National Junior Heifer Show, Bashaw

Represented Gelbvieh in the Supreme Quest

CK Justified Vintage 11J with bull calf, BNHK Lamborghini 3L

Knee Hill Valley 4-H Show

Grand Champion 2 Year Old Cow/Calf

Reserve Champion Female

Lincoln Hollman

BNH Harvest Moon 17H with bull calf

BNH Titan 8L

Knee Hill Valley 4-H Show

Reserve Champion 3 Year Old Cow/Calf

DL Jen-Ty Hot Stuff 550H with heifer calf

BNHC Hot Damn 2L

Knee Hill Valley 4-H Show

Grand Champion 3 Year Old Cow/Calf

Grand Champion Female

BNH Tibbie’s Independence 9K ET

Knee Hill Valley 4-H Show

Reserve Champion Yearling Heifer

Shelby Horn

Dimples 48K

Darwell County Fair Reserve Open Champion Yearling Heifer

Shelby Horn

Dimples 48K

Summer Synergy

Reserve Intermediate Yearling 4H Heifer & placed 2nd in Open AOB class

Reserve 4H Intermediate Aggregate Champion

Shelby Horn

Dimples 48K

National Junior Heifer Show, Bashaw 2nd in class

Shelby & Ruby Fehlauer - top 5 in Jr Show Team Judging

Colby Hollman

Colby Hollman

Kaden Hollman

Kaden Hollman

Colby Hollman

Colby Hollman

News & Notes

Update from PEI

It was the night of Sept 24/25 when Hurricane Fiona made landfall here on PEI. We have been through a few bad storms over the years, but nothing like that has ever been recorded here. Our 200 x 80 tarp barn was destroyed, trees down everywhere, corn in the fields flattened. A year later, we are still trying to recover. It took an extra three weeks to fix fences due to tree damage, and in most hay fields the outside rounds were left due to dead trees waiting to be cleaned up. We had to calve outside last winter, which is not ideal in a snowy, wet maritime winter; the foundation for a new steel barn is being poured this week, which the money from the Gelbvieh association is helping cover. We are really thankful for that, as we were unaware it was happening and really appreciate all the generosity. We had the wettest summer on record, which saved us from the wildfires others had, but pushed harvest and construction later than would have liked. Hopefully by this time next year, we will be able to report back to normal but we will have to see. My warmest regards to all, and thanks from the whole Whalen family.

Ron

O’Faelan Farms

Vernon River, PEI

Success for Aspen Blake at the Junior National Heifer Show

In August I attended the Junior National Heifer show and National Young Cattleman (NYC) program representing the National Junior Gelbvieh show. NYC took place in Bashaw, Alberta. Several competitions were organized to judge individuals not only on their fitting and showmanship abilities, but also industry skills such as building public trust via social media communication, presenting on a current agricultural issue in a professional setting, and creating an Instagram reel that gives viewers a clear “view from the farm.”

The reel that I created showcased some daily tasks that take place on my family farm such as checking cows, doing chores, halter breaking, and a few fun clips of our cattle, cats, and dogs.

I was selected as the reserve champion in the reel making competition and 5th in the special competition focused on building public trust in the agriculture industry. I was lucky enough to make the top three NYC aggregates, qualifying for NYC next year as well.

Events

October 1 - Deadline for entries to Canadian Western Agribition, Regina SK

October 13 - Function & Finesse 5.0, Twin View Livestock, Parkbeg SK

October 25-28 - MB AG Ex, Brandon MB

October 25 - Gelbvieh Pre-sort Sale, Medicine Hat Feeding Company, Medicine Hat AB

October 26 - Gelbvieh Pre-sort Sale, Heartland Livestock Services, Swift Current SK

November 9 - National Gelbvieh Show, Farmfair International, Edmonton AB

November 15-16 - The Destination Elite Female Sale, DLMS Farmgate Timed Auction

November 22 - Gelbvieh Show at Canadian Western Agribition

November 22 - Champagne Classic, Gelbvieh Barn following the show, Canadian Western Agribition

December 1-2 - Wish List Sale, Stettler AG Society Grounds, Stettler AB

December 1-2 - Canadian People’s Choice Bull Futurity, Stettler AG Grounds, Stettler AB

December 2 - GAABC Annual General meeting 10AM, Stettler AB

December 4 - The Gathering, Severtson Ranch, Innisfail AB

December 8 - JSJ Livestock Dispersal, Hartney MB

December 8-9 - Prairie Gelbvieh Alliance Sale, Moose Jaw SK

December 9 - ManSask Annual General Meeting 12PM, Moose Jaw SK

December 31 - New Years Resolution Frozen Genetics Sale Vol. XII, Online with DLMS & Live at Edmonton AB

January 1 - Ad Booking Deadline for Spring Gelbvieh Guide

January 15 - Content Deadline for Spring Gelbvieh Guide

March 1 - 35th Anniversary Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch Bull Sale, At the ranch, Ponteix SK

March 4 - 2024 Severtson Bull Sale, At the Ranch, Innisfail AB

Business Directory

This Spot Could Be Yours $180 / Year

This Spot Could Be Yours $180 / Year

British Columbia

Alberta

United States

Chuck & Jenn Williams 403-854-6270 flatlandranch.com

Gelbvieh Genetics For Sale

Kert & Cindy Ness 403-860-4634 kertness@shaw.ca

Jonus Cattle Co. Joe Ness 403-852-7332 jonuscattle@gmail.com pearsongrainandcattle@gmail.com

Business Directory

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Advertising Content

The Gelbvieh Guide assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of submitted advertising copy, and has the right to refuse any ad copy or photos. Advertisers shall indemnify and hold harmless the Guide containing pedigrees or statements regarding performance must conform to records kept by the Canadian Gelbvieh Association. Copy deviating from official records may be changed as necessary without advertiser consent.

Editorial Polilcy

Opinions expressed are the writers and not necessarily those of the Gelbvieh Guide or Canadian Gelbvieh Association. Photos are welcome, but no responsibility is assumed during transit or while in the office.

Publisher’s Statement: All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim. The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher