ChiConnection Spring2013

Spring 2013 | Chianina Connection | Page 1

Page 2 | Chianina Connection | Spring 2013

Spring 2013 | Chianina Connection | Page 3

Contents

In this issue

Published by the American Chianina Association

16 10

Raising Someone Else’s Calves Preparation Key for Successful Bull Purchases

1708 N. Prairie View Rd. PO Box 890 • Platte City, MO 64079 816.431.2808 • 816.431.5381 (fax) Email: acjeditor@earthlink.net www.chicattle.org

12

Improving Efficieny Starts with Understanding the Measures

StAFF

Features

By Bob Weaber, Ph.D.

By Bob Weaber, Ph.D.

Columns 5

Chi Hybrid Advantage

6

Big Opportunities for Small Breeders

7

Where Technology has Lead Us

Stan Comer

Tyler Humphrey Brad Stoppel

Cover Photo by Laura Nelson, WY

Upcoming Events January 12

Bellar Beautiful Beef Babes, Wisner, nebraska

January 17

Process all Hybrid advantage show & sale entries, nWss, 9 a.m.

January 20

Pen Bull & Female show, nWss in Denver, Co 8 a.m.

January 20

Hybrid advantage Bull & Female sale, Denver, Co, 1 Pm

January 28

Cardinal Cattle Diamonds in the mine online sale

February 1

Ft. Worth stock show Junior show 10 a.m. open show, noon

February 2

Horsley Bros. eastern exposure sale, new Paris, oH

February 14

Iowa Beef expo show 11:30 a.m. sale 5 p.m., Des moines, Ia

February 16

Willow oaks Best Black Bulls In america sale, rogersville, tn

February 23

ne Cattleman Classic Chi/Chiangus show & sale, Kearney, ne

March 2

melroe & Beckett Dakota Gold Bull sale, miller, sD

March 3

Kentucky Beef expo Jr. show 8 a.m., louisville, KY

March 16

Chi Connection sale, Columbus, oH

March 23

schaefer Chiangus 19th annual sale, Kist livestock auction, mandan, nD

March 24

Holt Bros. Black Velvet Bull sale, aberdeen, sD

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Chief Executive Officer Stan Comer amerchianina@earthlink.net ACJ Production Manager/Director of Shows & Activities Jaclyn Upperman acjeditor@earthlink.net Registrar Jennifer Roach acaregistrations@earthlink.net Director of Marketing & Performance Tyler Humphrey acamarketing@earthlink.net Administrative/Membership Services Coordinator Cheryl Minyard acamembership@earthlink.net

See Board of Directors on page 5.

Board of Directors

Column

Ed Miller, Chairman, At Large 2015 8805 FM 818, Big Spring, TX 79740 432.816.8676 • ecmiller26@hotmail.com

Chi Hybrid Advantage

John Higgins, Vice Chairman, At Large 2015 9845 Statesville Rd., Watertown, TN 37184 615.207.4555 • higginjo@realtracs.com

Stan Comer - CEO of American Chianina Association

Ken Culp III, Secretary, At Large 2014 1065 Durham Lane, Nicholasville, KY 40356 859.227.7506 • ken.culp@uky.edu Don Esch, Treasurer, At Large 2015 717 N 22nd Rd., Unadilla, NE 68454 303.709.1595 • don@eschcattle.com Jordan Holt, Northwest Region 2014 13319 378th Ave, Aberdeen SD 57401 605.380.1209 • jordan@midwestag.biz Matt Michel, Northeast Region 2015 4161 E. 750 S., Fort Branch, IN 47648 812-632-0379 • snakeruncattle@sit-co.net Rob Sheets, At Large 2013 8250 U.S. Hwy W, Lafayette, IN 47906 765.583.4555 • rsheets462@aol.com Mark Johnson, At Large 2013 4620 Goldfinch Ave., Maurice, IA 51036 712.567.3986 • mpjchi@mtcnet.net Art Pittman, At Large 2013 PO Box 336, Micro, NC 27555 919.284.5580 • littlecreekfarms@bbnp.com Bryan Schaefer, At Large 2014 Box 28, Des Lacs, ND 58733 701.725.4902 • bschaefer@srt.com Val Shields, Southeast Region 2104 837 Dahms Rd, Falmouth, KY 41040 859.654.4440 • vbsfarms@aol.com Brad Stoppel, Southwest Region 2013 18361 Reservior Rd., Russell, KS 67665 785.483.2753 • jstoppel34@hotmail.com

A

s commercial beef producers examine their operation’s bottom line in order to make production decisions for 2013 there are two profit centers that are bred in to Chianina Composites, Heterosis and Efficiency. Cattlemen in the US today cannot afford to leave the advantages of composite hybrid vigor out of their breeding program. It has been well documented over the years that the advantages of highly heritable traits are significantly increased when two or more breeds are genetically blended together.

There is a theory being discussed within the beef industry today that suggests that some straight bred cattle are more profitable due to more consistant quality grading results. While quality grade is an important factor in consumer acceptance of our product, it certainly is not the most important factor in a commercial beef operation’s bottom line.

A live, healthy calf that gets up and starts to nurse quickly has always been the first limiting factor for profitability of a beef operation.

Chianina and Chianina Composites have proven they have the ability to do this consistently. Much of this has to do with calving ease. The longer more narrow head and flat shoulder and hip structure of the Chianina breed allows for ease of passage through the birth canal and less dystocia during birth. The Chianina sired calf has the ability to grow fast and efficiently to weaning. Once in

the feedlot, Chianina Composite cattle have the genetic predisposition to gain rapidly, efficiently and can be fed to a heavier harvest weight with outstanding carcass traits without putting on additional fat and taking a discount for yield grade.

Cowherd efficiency is equally important. It is possible to get your cowherd more efficient over time with selection pressure placed on mature cow size. Typically, the smaller the cow, the less inputs it takes to maintain her, giving the appearance that she is more efficient. The issue here is that you are probably giving up a great deal of weaning weight. With Chianina Composite females, you can target optimal mature cow size,while remaining input efficient. Increased longevity and udder integrity are also traits that the Chianina Composite can add to your bottom line The Chianina Hybrid Advantage offers commercial beef producers optimal efficiency and the advantages of true heterosis to improve your bottom line. ©ACA

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Column

Big Opportunities for Small Breeders Tyler Humphrey, Director of Marketing & Performance

O

ne of the most frequently asked questions from breeders with smaller herds are “where and how should I market my cattle?” With today’s technology there are many different ways that you can market your product, but probably the most popular method would be the online sale. Before I talk about how to correctly go about having a successful online sale, I would like to let you in on a little secret - You will get exactly out of it, what you put into it!

Selection Process It is very important to select quality cattle for your sale. It may be a good idea to cull the bottom 20 percent and only offer the “cream of the crop.” This will give you and your program more credibility and show the public that you are serious about offering a quality product.

Advertising Just because you are not having a live sale with an auctioneer does not mean you shouldn’t advertise. At the very least, you need to be utilizing banner ads on various cattle web sites and also several e-blasts to make people aware of your online sale.

I would strongly suggest running some type of print advertisement in your breed’s or in a multi-breed publication. You can have the best

stock in the country, but if no one knows about it you will not get a premium for your hard work.

Pictures & Videos This is where the wheels can really fall of the bus. It is less than a month until the sale and it is time to picture and video (yes, both) your cattle. It is imperative that you get top quality videos and pictures for your online sale. These pictures and videos are what drives 90 percent of your potential buyers and some people may even buy the cattle sight un-seen just off of the pictures and videos. If they are not top quality you may lose many potential buyers. When I am preparing a sale catalog, one of the scariest things people tell me is “I am taking my own pictures.” Some folks do a really nice job, others do not. If in doubt, please ask someone in the livestock merchandising field to evaluate your photos and videos.

Phone Work Ideally, your goal should be to

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post your sale to the sale site two weeks prior to the sale date. Once the sale has been posted you may begin the real work, calling and selling your stock! If you post your online sale and “let her ride” you probably will not like your results.

If you are not comfortable selling your cattle, discuss your options with your breed field representative or give one of the many livestock marketers across the country a call. ©ACA

Column

Where Technology Takes Us...

Brad Stoppel - ACA Board Member

I

n the information driven world we now live in today we are constantly bombarded with new concepts, data, statistics, blogs, facts, truths, and untruths.

While the list constantly streams on and on we are forced to sort out what we conceivably can apply and benefit from and what is not possible to utilize or gain from. This same selection process also closely mirrors the beef industry. When we add in the reality that our decisions making process must be profitable, it seriously complicates the picture.

The cattle business has always been deeply embedded in tradition and history and most likely to some degree always will be. There’s no shame in that but we constantly need to take advantage of new technology and embrace change. While not new to the scene, Chianina and Chianina hybrid seed stock can provide a fresh and innovative solution to an ever evolving industry. Chianina genetics offer as much flexibility and diversity as the industry has to offer. Being one of the first breeds to expand into hybrids has allowed breeders to fine tune and to be ahead of the curve in maximizing heterosis. Gone are the days of the hard doing cattle with

disposition issues and efficiency.

Instead you’ll find breeders that have retooled and reshaped programs to produce uniform groups of beef bulls that hit the “target” in multiple scenarios.

Few breeders can lay claim to the fact that they excel in multiple facets of the industry. Ask anyone that uses Chi influenced females about their unpaired udder quality or fertility in limited resource situations. But the true value of Chianina genetics may come from the flexibility they offer producers along the road to harvest. Chi hybrid bulls sire fancy groups of feeders that weigh like lead and top the market. In the feeding faze Chi cattle uniquely outshine the competition. If one examines the main profit drivers in the feed yard you’ll find Chi hybrids feed to heavier weights with less cover than the yard average. Fewer YG4’s, less days on feed, plus increased feed efficiency translate into better closeouts and more towards the bottom line.

New technology is becoming available to

genetically predetermined value in the beef population, couple that with the flexibility and the heterosis that Chi hybrids provide and the stage is set making dramatic progress inexpensively. Whatever the target- selling eye-popping calves at weaning, heavy weighing feeders, or premium producing fats the Hybrid Advantage can produce for you! ©ACA

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ACA updAtes

ACA Sale Reports

Sale reports from ACA Members Fall 2012 Wilson Cattle Company Sale

Chianina National Sale

September 9, 2012 Auctioneer: Eddie Sims 68 total lots grossed $321,755 to average $4,731 Lot # Amount Sold For Sold to

November 12, 2012 Auctioneer: Ron Kreis 19 total lots grossed $114,800 to average $6,042 Lot # Amount Sold For Sold to

Lot 38 $5,000 1/2 Interest WCC Grand Hustle 465Y

Clarahan Farms, IA

Lot 2B $30,000 HIGG Zilla 233Z

Becking Farms, SD

Lot 46 $4,900 WCC Dillinger 413Z

Chuck Holder, MS

Lot 4

$11,000 APS GK Forever Lady Michelle 3Z

Schaefer, ND

Lot 57 $5,300 WCC Mignonne 426Z

Michael Hodge, IN

Lot 1

$10,500 Flush of BMS Xcellance 0015X

Seale, Lesky & 9 Land & Cattle, TX

Holt Bros./Hartwell Cattle - Online Sale September 2012 CW Cattle Sales 28 total lots grossed $122,007 to average $4,357 Lot # Amount Sold For Sold to Lot 8

$8,000

Winegardner Harvest of Excellence Sale November 3, 2012 Auctioneer: Kevin Wendt 43 total lots grossed $288,800 to average $6,716 Lot # Amount Sold For Sold to Lot 1A $31,500 Man Up x Eye Candy Lot 2

$42,000 Who Da Man x Hotline

Martin Dream Girls Sale November 25, 2012 Auctioneer: Ron Kreis 86 total lots grossed $467,950 to average $5,441 Lot # Amount Sold For Sold to Lot 3

$19,000 ML Waverly (Irish Whiskey x Waverly)

Lot 29 $18,000 JDCC Turn It Up 2351 (My Turn x JD Ms Blackbird) Lot 2

$13,500 1/2 Interest ML Miss Crystal 89Z (Friction x ML Denver Momma)

Lot 1A $13,500 ML Miss Anne 13Z (Adrenaline x HARK Miss Indiana)

Holt Bros./Hartwell Cattle Online Sale November 2012 CW Cattle Sales 16 total lots grossed $67,050 to average $4,190 Lot # Amount Sold For Sold to Lot 23 $16,100 Believe In Me x Improver

New Minimum Percentage Rule Effective January 1, 2012

The minimum percentage rule for nationally sponsored ACA shows and sales took effect on January 1, 2012.

Breeding cattle born on or after January 1, 2012 must have a minimum of 6.25% Chianina blood in order to participate in ACA nationally sponsored shows and sales. Nationally sponsored shows or sales include: The Southwest Stock Show & Rodeo in Fort Worth, The National Junior Heifer Show, The National Show in Louisville and the National Western Stock Show in Denver.

Breeding cattle with less than 6.25% Chianina blood are still eligible for registration and may still be shown at any other show other than nationally sponsored shows and sales.

Spring 2013 | Chianina Connection | Page 9

feature

Preparation Key for Successful Bull Purchases by Commerical Cattlemen Bob Weaber,Ph.D., Cow Calf Extension Specialist, Kansas State University

A

s the winter and spring bull-buying season approach, seedstock purchasers should do their home work to help ensure the bull(s) they purchase this year meet their needs.

Preparedness is the key to making an informed purchase. Before you crack open the sale catalogs of seedstock suppliers, there are few resources and skills you should possess.

First, make sure you understand the use of Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) and selection indexes. While EPDs are not the only selection information you should consider, EPDs are the most effective tools available to describe the genetic differences between animals within and across herds.

EPDs are much more effective genetic predictors than actual or adjusted performance records.

If an EPD is available for a trait it should be used instead of an animal’s own performance record for that trait. The EPD removes age and environmental effects that can bias a decision based on actual or adjusted performance records. Use Calving Ease (CE or CED) EPD, rather than birth weight (BW) EPD, if it’s available to select bulls that minimize calving difficulty. CE EPD calculations include BW data and other sources of information that affect dystocia.

Not all EPDs are the same, so make sure you know the appropriate information for the breed of cattle you are purchasing. For a useful reference on EPDs and other genetic topics see the Beef Sire Selection Manual (http://www.nbcec.org/ producers/sire.html) Obtain the breed average EPDs and a percentile rank table available from the most current genetic evaluation for the breed of interest. Percentile rank tables can be found on most breed association websites. These tools will enable you to compare the relative genetic merit of individual animals to other animals in the breed.

Second, make sure you know what traits you would like to improve in your herd? What breed(s) fit in your mating system? If you are using a crossbreeding system make sure the breed you selected fits your objectives. Other factors to consider are: keeping replacement heifers, endpoints for progeny marketing (weaning, back-grounded or in the beef ). Assessment of these factors will help point you to the best breed for your needs and the combinations of maternal/growth/carcass traits that best fit your operation and environment. Be sure to apply selection to traits that have direct economic importance in your production system.

Third, set a realistic budget for bull purchases. Like most things

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in life, price is driven by quality.

Evaluation of a seedstock supplier’s prior year sale averages will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of purchase costs. That said, prices over the last 12 months indicate that seedstock purchases are substantially more expensive, some as much as $500 more, than in previous years.

The increased bull cost is largely driven by increased development costs incurred by seedstock producers.

The added purchase cost makes it even more important to make a well thought out decision.

Fourth, get to know your seedstock supplier and make sure he/she knows you and your operational goals. Seek out recommendations from your supplier well in advance of the sale.

Once you receive the sale catalog make a short list of bulls (6-12 head) that fit your specifications. Arrive at the sale site early to inspect the bulls on your short list. Shorten this list of candidates based on conformation and updated data to identify your purchase candidates. Keep the sale order in mind. Stay focused on the bulls you selected earlier. Sticking to your plan will avoid impulse purchases. Remember: Failure to plan is planning to fail. Please contact Tyler Humphrey, Director of Marketing and Performance Programs for the ACA if you need help finding resources to aid in your sire selection activities. ©ACA

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NEws

Improving Efficiency Starts with Understanding the Measures Bob Weaber,Ph.D., Cow Calf Extension Specialist, Kansas State University

A

s the winter and spring bull-buying season approach, seedstock purchasers should do their home work to help ensure the bull(s) they purchase this year meet their needs.

Preparedness is the key to making an informed purchase. Before you crack open the sale catalogs of seedstock suppliers, there are few resources and skills you should possess.

For commercial beef producers, the implementation of technologies and breeding systems that increase the quality and volume of production and/or reduce input costs is essential to profitability.

Efficiency is a term that refers to the proportion of outputs to inputs and is a frequently mentioned goal of beef producers. There are many different ‘efficiencies’ that affect beef production, especially at the cowcalf level. Some of these efficiencies are observed at the individual animal level and some observed at the system or herd level.

The various efficiencies can be categorized into measures of biological or economic efficiency.

Improvement in individual animal efficiency, especially during the postweaning growing or finishing phases, may or may not improve efficiency at the herd or system level, and may have an undesirable correlated response in traits of cows.

So, why is improvement in feed efficiency important and why does the beef industry focus on it?

During the growing and finishing phase of production, a one percent improvement in feed efficiency has the same economic impact as a three percent increase in rate of gain. Assuming 27 million cattle are fed per year and that 34 percent of cattle in the feedlot are calves and 66 percent are yearlings, the beef industry could save over a billion dollars annually by reducing daily feed intake by just 2 pounds per growing animal.

Different Measures of Efficiency There are a variety of measures of efficiency discussed and utilized in beef production. Some may or may not be important to cow-calf producers. For improvements in ‘efficiency’ to positively impact profitability of a cow-calf producer, the efficiency improvement must be realized prior to the marketing endpoint of progeny. In the following sections a variety of ‘efficiency’ measures are discussed including their applicability and limitations for improvement in efficiency of the cow herd. These measures or their component traits have been shown to be heritable, so selection for improvement is possible but anticipated to be slow, requiring a decade or more to move the population a meaningful distance.

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Feed Efficiency or Feed Conversion Ratio: Many cow-calf producers and, certainly cattle feeders, are familiar with the term feed efficiency (FE; live weight gain per unit of feed consumed) or its reciprocal, feed conversion ratio (FCR; F:G or pounds of feed per pound of live gain). Both of these measures are most commonly associated with animals during the growing or finishing phases. Both measures are suitable for managerial use during feeding but are poor selection tools.

Their utility is limited in selection due to two issues. First, the measures are ratios of inputs and outputs, so improvement in the ratio can be achieved by changing the numerator, the denominator or both. Therefore breeders don’t have control over which parameter in the ratio changes due to selection. Selection tools like an index that consider each input and output separately are more effective.

Second, FCR or FE is strongly related to average daily gain (ADG) and composition of gain. Leaner biological types and larger, faster growing animals tend to have better FE and FCR. Selection based on FE or FCR results in larger, later maturing and leaner cows. This type of cow tends to have higher maintenance energy requirements.

Residual Feed Intake: Recently, residual feed intake (RFI; Koch et al. 1963) has been reintroduced

News as an efficiency measure for beef production. It is computed as the difference between actual average daily feed intake (AFI) and the predicted daily dry-matter intake based on the animal’s gain and maintenance requirements for its body weight. The actual calculation results in an RFI value that is not correlated with phenotypic ADG and body weight (an advantage over FCR or FE).

However, research shows underlying genetic correlations between RFI with FI, ADG and BW as well as measures of composition. Computing RFI on the genetic scale as an index of EPDs assures a selection tool with fewer antagonisms. RFI can and does identify efficient animals that also have slow growth and low feed intake making these candidates undesirable for selection and use in the commercial beef industry. Some research suggests that selection for RFI produces slightly larger and leaner cows over time and cows that have older ages at first calving.

In general, selection for favorable (negative) RFI results in animals with equivalent performance, but achieves that output with less feed consumed.

Residual Average Daily Gain: A concept closely related to RFI is residual average daily gain (RADG) which was proposed at the same time as RFI as a potential tool for selection for improved feed efficiency. This term is defined as the difference between actual weight gain and the gain predicted based on dry matter intake, maintenance of body weight and fat cover. In the calculation, differences in ADG are controlled/adjusted for differences in

AFI and body weight.

Like RFI, RADG, is a transformation of the data and can be computed based on either the live measurements alone (phenotypic) or by information from both the individual and relative data (genetic). While RADG is indicative of differences in efficiency of feed utilization for growing animals, it may have limited utility for prediction of differences in maintenance efficiency of cows. RADG should not be used alone in selection for feed efficiency. Data reveals that some animals with favorable RADG have sub-par feed intake and consequently undesirable ADG. Average Daily Feed Intake: Also known as AFI. AFI is a gross measure of nutrient input. While it cannot be used alone as a predictor of feed efficiency, it provides a useful data input for computation of a selection index. Feed intake represents an economically relevant measure of cost that can be associated with a variety of output or endpoint measures. AFI could be measured on animals during different phases of production and used to capture input:output (efficiency) information. A selection index for AFI or an AFI EPD can be reliably produced analyzing performance records for a variety of growth traits. An AFI EPD produced without actual feed records

but based on genetic associations between growth and intake can account for nearly 75% of the variation in observed feed intake.

These measures of efficiency are most commonly discussed when considering data that measure individual intake of growing animals in a feedlot setting. Cow/ calf producers that retain an interest or ownership of calves through harvest may be considering them as options to improve profitability of the finishing phase of production.

Since growth is not a desired output of the cow, other measures of cow efficiency are needed that account for reproduction, maintenance and milk production.

Reprinted with permission from Beef Tips, March 2012, Kansas State Research and Extension.

Beef Tips is available online at: http://www.asi.ksu.edu/p. aspx?tabindex=39&tabid=297 ŠACA

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feature

Raising Someone Else’s Calves John F. Grimes, OSU Extension Beef Coordinator

T

he last couple of years have been some of the most eventful in memory for this nation’s cow-calf industry.

While feeder calf prices have been historically high during this time, input costs have escalated as well.

Aggressive cattlemen have always tried to balance to the antagonistic mix of maximizing gross income from their calf crop while controlling input costs. The bottom line is that it has always been and continues to be a challenge to make a profit in the cow-calf business.

Cow-calf producers are constantly searching for new ways to add value to their calf crop. Efforts are made to use the best genetics available, provide balanced diets, implement sound health programs, and provide management history in order to attract potential buyers. Buyers can be found in different locations.

Traditional livestock marketing outlets continue to set the standard for market price discovery. Satellite and internet sales open up more potential markets for the producer.

Source- and background-verified cattle are seeing increased demand with potential customers.

However, I am going to suggest

a less-traditional option for cowcalf producers looking to maximize the value of their calves. My recommendation is not to raise your own calves but to raise someone else’s calves. This can be accomplished by using your cows as “foster” or “surrogate” mothers to raise calves for other producers. In this situation, a herd of commercial cows serves as a “Cooperator Herd” for another herd wanting to produce additional calves from a desirable female through embryo transfer.

Embryo transfer is the process of removing eggs from a superovulated donor and placing them into recipient cows. Beef seedstock producers have utilized embryo transfer for many years as a means to produce more calves from females with real or perceived higher monetary value. The first calf resulting from embryo transfer was born in 1951 and the first commercial embryo transfers in cattle were done in the early 1970’s.

The recipient cow is the key component to any successful embryo transfer program. A good candidate for a recipient cow is one that possesses the following important traits: the ability to deliver calf easily; adequate milk production; good

Page 16 | Chianina Connection | Spring 2013

mothering ability; and excellent fertility. This sounds that the job qualifications for a good commercial cow, doesn’t it? The perceived notion of the “ideal” recipient cow has evolved over the years but it generally comes down to these previously mentioned traits.

The utilization of the recipient cow by seedstock producers has evolved over time. Seedstock producers have typically used lower valued cows in their herd or purchased commercial cows to serve as recipients for eggs produced in the embryo transfer programs. As the beef seedstock industry has become more competitive over time, many producers have been unable to produce enough calves out of valuable cows within the constraints of their current land, labor, facility, and cow herd resources. Several years ago, a few innovative producers sought out commercial herds as a means to produce more calves from their genetically superior or valuable females.

For the commercial herd to become a successful “Cooperator Herd”, the operator must be willing to utilize the same recommended production practices used by profitable operations combined with

Spring 2013 | Chianina Connection | Page 17

Raising Someone Else’s Calves, Continued

feature

the same basic heat synchronization protocols used by the artificial insemination industry. The process requires a higher degree of planning and recordkeeping than most producers are accustomed to but can easily be accomplished.

I will attempt to outline the basic process of transferring embryos into recipients. An implant date is established for transfer of the eggs. Cows targeted for use as recipients should at least 45-60 days post-partum and cycling. Cows are typically synchronized to get as many cows in heat as possible in a narrow time frame (+/- 24 hrs. from the scheduled implant time).

A key point to remember is that embryos are removed from donor females at approximately seven days after breeding. Therefore, they are placed into recipients approximately seven days after she was in heat. A trained embryologist then transfers fresh or frozen embryos in recipients that have the proper uterine characteristics to match the sevenday-old embryo. Refer to the OSU Extension fact sheet “Utilization of Embryo Transfer in Beef Cattle” for more information on this subject. It can be found at the following link: http://ohioline.osu.edu/anr-fact/pdf/ ANR_17_08.pdf Conception rates for matings from embryo transfer will be similar to or slightly less than typical rates achieved through natural matings or artificial insemination. Typically, 55–70% of the fresh embryos and 50–65% of the frozen embryos

implanted will result in pregnancies.

Many factors will influence the pregnancy rates achieved at any given operation.

The following scenario would be a fairly typical “Cooperator Herd” scenario. The commercial producer covers the cost of synchronizing their cows in preparation for embryo transfer. They also provide the facilities and labor on the day of embryo transfer. The seedstock producer provides the embryos and pays for embryos to be implanted in the commercial cows. The commercial producer manages the cows that become pregnant with embryo calves along with the other cows in the herd.

Calves are developed from birth to weaning and the seedstock producer purchases the calves produced from embryo transfer from the commercial producer. This is a bit of an oversimplification of a detailed process. I would strongly encourage both parties to develop a written agreement that outlines the different responsibilities and expectations for the entire process.

So why would a commercial cowcalf producer consider becoming a “Cooperator Herd”? Simply put, it is the easiest way I know of for the commercial producer to achieve the maximum price for their calves at weaning. Seedstock and club calf producers have shown a willingness to pay a premium for calves produced from their genetics and raised by another operation. There are many different arrangements

Page 18 | Chianina Connection | Spring 2013

that are utilized across the country.

“Cooperator Herds” will receive a premium for their calves that will be in the form of an agreed upon price above the market price at weaning in either cents per pound or a flat per head price. Commonly reported premiums have ranged from $100 $250 per weaned calf.

The “Cooperator Herd” concept, when carried out properly, can be a “win-win” process for both the seedstock producer and the commercial cow-calf producer. Yes, there are risks involved for both parties but they can be minimized.

The primary advantage for the commercial producer is the ability to receive a large premium for a weaned calf with a nominal increase in input costs. The seedstock producer can producer can produce more calves from their valuable females without investing in long-term resources such as additional land or cows. At the core, the principles of this process are not vastly different from grain farmers renting crop ground. One producer is using the resources of a landlord to increase production.

This sounds like American agriculture at its finest!

If you have any questions about the process of becoming a “Cooperator Herd”, you can reach me by e-mail at grimes.1@osu. edu or by phone at 740-289-2071, extension 242. ©ACA

Spring 2013 | Chianina Connection | Page 19

Advertiser’s index A.B.’s Ranch..........................................................................26 American Chianina Association..........................IFC, IBC, BC Ard Ridge Cattle Company...................................................23 Bessler, James..........................................................................7 Cattle Visions........................................................................11 Circle E Cattle Company......................................................26 Circle E Farms......................................................................21 Champagne Farms................................................................23 Clarahan Farms..............................................................13, 22 Classic Genetics.....................................................................25 CK Cattle Company..............................................................21 Coward, Danny.....................................................................23 Davis, Tim............................................................................24 Esch Cattle Company............................................................24 Foster Brothers Farms............................................................26 Four Roses Cattle..................................................................22 Garrett’s Show Cattle............................................................22 Gehrke Farms........................................................................21 Gettinger Chi Angus.............................................................21 Graham Chiangus.................................................................25 Grassland Farms....................................................................25 Hunt Farms...........................................................................24 Jeff Miller Show Cattle..........................................................22

Page 20 | Chianina Connection | Spring 2013

Johnson Chiangus.................................................................21 McHale Farms.......................................................................26 Melroe Farms.................................................................17, 24 Ohlrichs, Wayne & Barb......................................................24 Ramsey Chiangus.................................................................24 Riverbend Farm....................................................................25 Riverview Farm....................................................................24 Ron Kreis, Auctioneer...........................................................25 RSE Farms, Inc.....................................................................21 Schaefer Chiangus.............................................................3, 24 Schrick Land & Cattle..........................................................26 Sears Marketing Services.......................................................21 Sexton Chiangus...................................................................22 Sky Meadows........................................................................25 Trennepohl Farms.................................................................22 VBS Farms............................................................................23 VKR Cattle Company...........................................................23 Ventura Farms.......................................................................23 Walter G. Mizes Ranches......................................................26 White Cattle Company.........................................................25 Whitten Chiangus.................................................................26 Willow Oak Cattle Ranch.....................................................25 Wilstem Guest Ranch...........................................................22 Woodhaven Farms.................................................................25

Chi GenetiCs DireCtory

Talmo Ranch Chiangus & Chiford Cattle

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Chuck Madaris

Ned Ellis

Cell: (334) 657-5833

Home (334) 227-4446

Wayne & Jill Miller, Owners P.O. Box 68 • Talmo, GA 30575 Phone: (706) 693-4133 or Fax: (706) 693-4359 Email: talmoranch@aol.com

Web site: www.talmoranch.com

illinois

232 Cruise Rd. • Hope Hull, AL 36043

“Professional Sale Management & Marketing Services” Alan Sears 61 Westward Way • Eaton, CO 80615 Home/Office: (970) 454-3986 • Mobile: (970) 396-7521 aksears8@msn.com • www.searsmarketingservices.com

Johnson

C h i a ng us

Terry Johnson, Owner 309.337.8440

GF

GeorGiA

rse

Drew Johnson 309.337.5700

Gehrke Farms

Gehrke Farms Beef ( 877) LEANBEEF • gehrke.farms@yahoo.com Freezer Beef & Beef Snack Sticks

Farms, Inc.

P.O. Box 330 Stephens, GA 30667

Troy Gehrke, Manager Delavan, Illinois (309) 244-7819 • Barn (309) 846-1614 • Cell

Garland & Kathie Gehrke Hartsburg, Illinois (217) 642-5862 Roddy Sturdivant

mobile (770) 372–0400 office (770) 921–3207

Rob Postin

inDiAnA

home (706) 759–2220 barn (706) 759–2209

Gettinger Chi Angus Selling Bulls, Heifers & Steers Barb Gettinger 3464 S. 325 E. Rushville, IN 46173 (765) 938-1971

Jeff & Lisa Gettinger 4858 E 200 S Rushville, IN 46713 (765) 561-4434 jlgett@yahoo.com

Sam Gettinger (765) 561-3130 s.gettinger@yahoo. com

www.gEttINgERchIaNguS.com Spring 2013 | Chianina Connection | Page 21

ChI GeneTICS dIReCToRy

IndIana Guest Ranch

Jeff Miller Grand Champion Steer 2012 Indiana State Fair

6863 S. 200 E. Cutler, IN 46920 (765) 268-2409 (765) 414-4547 – cell

Bulls & Females for sale at all times.

P.O. Box 189 French Lick, IN 47432 (812) 630-4850

Home of WRL Tracken

Iowa

Clarahan Farms Dennis • Ryan • Neil

Breeders of Chiangus Cattle 19425 280th Avenue • Harper, IA 52231 (641) 635-2454 – office Dennis: (319) 330-6377 • Ryan: (641) 660-2713 Neil: (641) 660-2257

Scott Trennepohl

6591 W 625 N • Middletown, IN 47356

(765) 620-1700 • cell (765) 779-4528 • home sttrennepohl@yahoo.com

Jeff Trennepohl

5487 N 525 W • Middletown, IN 47356

(765) 620-0733 • cell (765) 533-4644 • home

Mike & Teresa Logansport, Indiana Rose (574) 753-4652

ad copy deadline of February 1!

Gary & Bev Rose

Page 22 | Chianina Connection | Spring 2013

for the March/April Chi Journal

chi genetics DiRectORy

KentucKy

814 Ard Ridge Rd. Nancy, KY 42544 Office & Fax: (606) 871-9454 Owners: Leonard & June Branscum: (606) 871-7859 Neal & Rebekah Branscum: (606) 872-5395

Home of Quality Chiangus Cattle Val B. & Vicky B. Shields

837 Dahms Rd. Falmouth, KY 41040 (859) 654-4440 or (859) 391-0758 Web site: www.VBSFarms.com

Michigan

V VK KR

Home of FBF Nevada Nights 2CA

The Vander Kolks Carl, Gail, Craig, Kim & Susan Dorr, Michigan

(616) 896-9190 (office) • (616) 896-9433 (Carl & Gail) (616) 896-1637 (Brady & Susan Ostrom)

Ventura Farm

Chiangus, Chimaine & Angus Bulls Available by Private Treaty

Ken, Deb & Christina Geuns 4995 Sleight Rd. Bath, MI 48808 (517) 641-7152

Harlan & Leah Ritchie 4537 Comanche Dr. Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 333-0649

VF New Edition 201 1CM 2003 ACA National Champion Chi Bull

Champagne Farms

Fullblood Chianina Bulls & Females Available

Chris & Brandhi Howard 5365 West Highway 36 Sharpsburg, KY 40374 606.247.2154 chris.howard@bath.kyschools.us www.champagnefarm.com

Mississippi

Danny Coward

Home of WOCR Ozzie 67M, sire of the winning Beef Derby Calves

For Sale: Semen on RDD Mr VRD 105N utilizing genetics from Willow Oak Ranch & circle e Farms 501 Russell Rd.• Noxapater, MS 39346 (662) 724-2685 (home) • (662) 325-2675 (work) • coward@ cvm.msstate.edu

MissOuRi

Cattle Company Do you have the nextLees cover photo?

Fullblood Chianina Email your photos to Tyler at acamarketing@earthlink.net for a chance to Chiangus Breeding Bulls & Heifers

Brad Connection!

Lees for your photos to be featured in the Chi Journal and Chi 3437 Co. Rd. 2560 • Higbee, MO 65257 (816) 213-3941 • lees7832@yahoo.com

Follow us on Facebook – Lees Cattle Co

Spring 2013 | Chianina Connection | Page 23

chi Genetics Directory

nebraska

north carolina

Carolina Chiangus Tim Davis & Kids P.O. Box 1347 • Huntersville, NC 28070 (704) 361-3098 tdavis4886@aol.com

north Dakota

Wayne & Barb Ohlrichs

55943 U.S. Hwy. 275 Norfolk, NE 68701 (402) 371-0695 Cell (402) 649-5804

Chi's, Maines, Simmental & Angus Club Calves & Breeding Stock

2009 NWSS Champion Chianina Pen

Annual Bull Sale Feb. 2, 2013 at the OHL ranch E-mail: ohl@conpoint.com

Visit us at www.schaeferchiangus.com

Melroe Farms

Ramsey Chiangus Lincoln, Nebraska

Steve, Barb, Tyler & Bethany 8005 Hwy. 32 Gwinner, ND 58040 (701) 678-2225 Tyler (Cell) (605) 695-3295

Customer Focused on Value Traits And Services Producers of Chiangus and Chimaine Breeding Cattle Breeding Heifers, Breeding Bulls and Club Calves Now Available For Viewing and Sale Private Treaty • Call for Directions Bill & Linda Ramsey 5125 South 75th Street • Lincoln, NE 68516 Cell: (308) 380-1549 www.ramseychiangus.com

BFW Hot Iron 1CM

Form to Function ohio

new Jersey

RIVERVIEW FARM

Bryan, John & Jerry Schaefer P.O. Box 28 • Des Lacs, ND 58733 Bryan: (701) 721-8091 bschaefer@srt.com John: (701) 720-7220 Jerry: (701) 720-2061 schaeferchiangus@srt.com

Hunt Farms

FULL BLOOD CHIANINA NOW AVAILABLE: Bulls & Cows Cow/Calf Pairs Open & Bred Heifers Bull Calves

Adam F. Ambielli 412 Trimmer Road Califon, New Jersey 07830 (908) 832-2526 ambielli@earthlink.net

Page 24 | Chianina Connection | Spring 2013

Home Phone (937) 548-3050

Tom, Deanna and Megan 2505 Weavers Station – Ft. Jefferson Rd. New Madison, OH 45346

Chi geneTiCS DireCTory

ohio

PennSylvania

Ron KReis, AuctioneeR 2005 World Champion Livestock Auctioneer Specializing in Purebred & General Livestock Auctions Ron Kreis Adamsville, OH (740) 796-5242 (740) 683-3235 rtkreis@hughes.net

TenneSSee

oklahoma

Classic Genetics

Jan, Jeff & Brandon Johnson P.O. Box 337 Dunlap, TN 37327 Office (423) 949-2434 Home (423) 949-3559 email: janbj@bledsoe.net www.riverbendcattle.com

Chase Comer P.O. Box 705 • Ardmore, OK 73402 (580) 504-1716 Purebred Chiangus

We breed for oPTimUmS. Not extremes.

Performance tested bulls and females • Show prospects

“Come visit us in the beautiful Sequatchie Valley”

oregon

John Coble, Consultant • (406) 254-2548 Scott Coble, Herd Manager • (423) 921-4221 Business office: Old Mills Square • 215W. Broadway St., Ste. D, Rogersville, TN 37857 (423) 272- 0225 richard alan arnold, President & Manager

Willow Oak Chiangus Ranch Bottom line genetics For Profit minded Cattlemen

White Cattle Company Your West Coast Chi Connection Mary Lee & Doris White 74138 Turnout Road • Burns, OR 97720 (541) 589-1476 – Mary Lee (541) 573-6566 – Doris www.whitecattleco.com • maryleewhite@centurytel.net

WoodhavenFarms Sponsor of

John & Debbie Woodroof 1264 Young Rd. Lebanon, TN 37090 (615) 444-3519

Tennessee Chianina Steer & Heifer Futurity

Tom Gunn & Family R.R. 3, Box 120 Decherd, TN 37324 (615) 467-3254

Spring 2013 | Chianina Connection | Page 25

Chi genetiCs DireCtory

Graham ChianGus Breeders of Quality Chi Cattle

Pete, Debra, Taylor & Blythe Graham

2355 Peavine Firetower Rd. • Crossville, TN 38571 (931) 484-4666

E

texas

Jody & Shawnda Rt. 2, Box 36 Lockney, TX 79241 (806) 652-2383 (806) 983-7225 cell

David & Dar Lee HCR 4, Box 93 Lockney, TX 79241 (806) 652-3824 (806) 983-7221 cell

Circle E Cattle Company Mineral Wells, Texas

Raising Quality Chi Cattle Shawn Ethridge (940) 328-4723

BW Ethridge (940) 452-1100

Jered Shipman • Herdsman/Consultant • (806) 983-7226 Fax: (806) 652-3738 www.fosterbrosfarms.com fosterbros@att.

Walter G. Mizes Ranches

Fullblood Chianina bulls and females always available.

Charles McDonald Ranch Manager/Herdsman Hwy. 281 North Hico, TX 76457 (254) 796-4070 • Fax (254) 796-2330

Call for video. west virginia

McHale Farms Lewisburg & Union, West Virginia Land & Cattle Club Calf & Chiangus

Keith & Dana Schrick Business: (817) 613-0724 Cell: (817) 366-6435

Jason Schrick Business: (817) 596-0799 Cell: (817) 366-8511

Certified Brucellosis & TB Free Herd ID #20020090310

Page 26 | Chianina Connection | Spring 2013

Steve McHale P.O. Box 302 • Union, WV 24983 (304) 772-3389 • (304) 667-1962 whomadewho1@frontier.com

Spring 2013 | Chianina Connection | Page 27

Page 28 | Chianina Connection | Spring 2013