Bits ‘N Pieces bits ‘n pieces Registration Updates More and more the envelope processing that happens with the U.S. Postal Service is damaging semen samples that are sent through the mail for DNA testing if these samples are not packaged correctly. The way to send a semen sample is to package the semen straw in an empty pen tube or empty plastic semen cane, put that inside a Ziploc bag and then place it all in a padded envelope. Packing a straw in between a piece of cardboard DOES NOT provide enough protection from the mail processing machines and a large percentage of those straws do not make it to their end destination intact. Packing the straws right the first time will save the cost of sending additional straws on the same animal to your DNA testing lab. The International Year Code for 2009born calves is “W”. Make sure you use the letter “W” in the tattoo. Registration and transfer credits stay with the member that paid the Herd Assessment on the active cow. The credits do not move with the cow when she is sold and transferred. If the cow has a calf at side when purchased, make sure the seller registers and transfers the calf as well.
DNA Update Igenity and Pfizer Animal Genetics are both doing the Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM) gene testing. Go to www.igenity. com or www.pfizeranimalgenetics.com for information on ordering test kits and order forms. Please read the new AM policy approved by the AGA Board of Directors on Pages 28-29 of this issue. There are some animals that will be required to be tested at AGA’s official parent verification lab, which is Igenity.
Gelbvieh Marriages Danika Anderson, daughter of Dan and Sharon Anderson of Meadow, S.D., married Kevin Schmidt on December 13, 2008 in Lemmon, S.D. Danika was active in the South Dakota Gelbvieh Junior Association,
brother. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 207 East Alpine Ave., Stockton, CA 95204, or St. Joachim Catholic Church Building Fund, PO Box 232, Lockeford, CA 95237. H. Burton Zech, age 89, passed away January 24, 2009, at Golden Living Center in Wellington, Kan. He was born on May 26, 1919, in Renfrow, Okla. He married Dixie Wood in 1941 in McPherson, Kan. Zech worked with Kansas State University to develop new strains of wheat and other crops, as well as working with American Breeders Association to develop a computerized breeding program for dairy and beef cattle. He owned and developed a Gelbvieh herd as well. He is survived by his wife, Dixie, one son, one daughter and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A memorial fund has been established with the Wellington, Kan., FFA Chapter. Charles Wayne “Chuck” Ladner of Topeka, Kan., passed away at the age of 65, on February 4, 2009. He was born in the Onaga, Kan., area and worked with the Farmers Home Administration, and retired from Farm Service Agency in 1998 after 32 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; two sons, Teddy Ladner of Argonia and Terry Ladner of Omaha, Neb.; one sister, two brothers, three grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. Chuck in recent years has attended many Gelbvieh junior events to watch his grandson, Chandler Ladner, participate.
mailed to sments were es ss A d er H y. The 2009 in mid-Januar s er b em m r junio r all adult and d to keep you ai p e b st u m ents and Herd assessm es for adults o g is th e— v acti e AGA membership ue back in th d e ar ts en sm ack in juniors. Asses apply if not b es fe e at L . 5 l1 received office by Apri th . If you haven’t 5 1 l ri Ap ffice. the office by ct the AGA o ta n co t, en m ss your herd asse
When registering/recording a set of twins, make sure to use the correct Number Born code on the registration application. Refer to #20 on the back of the Registration Application. If only one calf is born, use 1 for single. If the calf you are recording is a twin to a bull, use 2 for the code. If the calf is a twin to a heifer, use 3. For more than two calves, use M for multiple birth. For example, a cow has two bull calves. When recording those calves on the registration application, you will use the code 2, twin to a bull, for both calves. If a cow has a bull and a heifer, the heifer calf will have code 2 entered (twin to a bull), while the bull calf will be a code 3 (twin to a heifer).
AGA News & Notes The AGA E-newsletters that are sent bi-weekly are now archived on the AGA website. There is a link on the AGA home 24 | March 2009
page at www.gelbvieh.org and also under the What’s New page on the website.
as well as American Gelbvieh Junior Association activities. The couple is at home in Sibley, Iowa.
Gelbvieh Farewells
State Association News
Corry T. Dekuyer of Herald, Calif., passed away on December 25, 2008, at the age of 69 after a battle with cancer. She was born in Olgensplaat, Holland, on November 3, 1939. On December 3, 1965, she married Gerardus “Jerry” Dekuyer. They made their home in the Lodi, Calif., area and worked as dairy farmers. In 2001, they moved to the Herald area and she became active in the Gelbvieh breed. Corry is survived by her husband, Jerry, three sisters and one
The Kansas Gelbvieh Association elected officers and directors at its annual meeting in Salina on November 28, 2008. Butch Stucky of Salina is the new president, Kelly Overmiller of Smith Center is vice president, and Charlotte Anderson of Jamestown remains as secretary/treasurer. Serving as directors are: Jerry Grund, Wallace; Randy Odle, Stockton; Jim DeGeer, Erie; Jason Hightower, LaCygne; Steve Buffo, Lansing; Derek Martin, Dighton; and Cody Raile, St. Francis.