Charolais Genetics: Adaptable + Marketable
From added pounds and performance to adaptability and marketability, Charolais-influenced cattle fill the bill in the hot and humid South. By Kim Holt
Volume 10, Issue 1
January 2012
Published by the American-International Charolais Association and Charolais Journal
CHAROLAIS
On the Edge Today
“…for folks who are making a living from commercial cattle in Mississippi and are crossbreeding, “Charolais would be one of the top breed choices.” ■ page 1 ■
“We found the most profitable steers had the highest weight gain, the heaviest carcasses and the highest percent Choice and Prime,” Walter says. “The top third of lots averaged a $90.26/head profit, while the bottom third had a $39.15/head loss.” ■ page 10 ■
“Beef industry press recently reported that for the first time in more than 40 years, the U.S. would be a net beef exporter in 2011. In fact, exports are predicted to continue to increase, …” ■ page 2 ■
“…substantial research contributed to the guidelines of developing heifers to reach 60 to 65 percent of mature body weight pre-breeding. This was to ensure heifers reached puberty and, thus, maximized pregnancy rates, particularly by being fed high-energy diets.”
Each year presents a new set of challenges, but commercial cattle producer David Hayward and his brother, Tommy, know too well that mud is a given they’ll have to contend with each winter and spring on their commercial cattle operation located 90 miles south of Memphis near Grenada, Miss. To deal with this environmental condition, the Haywards delay calving until March, even though their temperatures would allow it to start earlier in the year. And to aid in their quest to improve quality, these brothers breed Charolais bulls to black-hided females. “We think that’s about as good a cross as there is to obtain hybrid vigor,” David Hayward remarks. The Haywards have successfully used Charolais bulls since 1994 and, up until several years ago, retained ownership on their calf crop. In doing so, they fed for about eight years in Texas, and more recently in Iowa at the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity for four years. They’re not alone in their choice of genetics. Hayward comments that for folks who are making a living from commercial cattle in Mississippi and are crossbreeding, “Charolais would be one of the top breed choices.” They’ve found their steers are acceptable
at weaning with 500-550-lb. weights, and that they’ve finished around 1,430 lbs. While they’d like to keep retaining their own calves, Hayward relays it’s been tough to do the past three years. “It’s hard to feed cattle at $7 corn,” he remarks. Still, they took home some very valuable information from feeding their own cattle all the way through. Their Charolais crosses performed and converted feed extremely well, their yield grade was more than acceptable, and their cattle were healthy – a huge advantage no matter when, but especially if retaining ownership. As Hayward points out, even if a sick calf recovers, there is the cost of treatment and decreased performance to deal with. Their goal was to keep calves vaccinated, healthy and uncommingled. On the Hayward operation, calves are weaned in October and backgrounded through winter. These days, they’re sold for May shipment, yearlings destined for feedlots. Hayward believes that using Charolais bulls does make a difference at marketing time. His bull supplier, Jimmy Ray Parish of Clear Water Cattle, LLC, agrees and has been told as much from visiting with friends who are in the stocker and order buying business. Parish relays, “They’ll tell me ‘we’re going to give as much if not more for a smoke calf as a black calf.’” Their reason: they know a Charolais-sired calf, if a smokey color, is a crossbred calf. “And the calves can do so many things.” (Continued on page 8)
■ page 18 ■
Charolais genetics fit almost any type of environment, including the challenges presented in the Southeastern U.S. (Photo courtesy Clear Water Cattle, LLC)
PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Jefferson City, MO 65101 Permit #303
page 2
January 2012
No Shortage of Signals We may have a shortage of a lot of things. However, industry information signals are not among them! Many of us feel knowing how to sort the overwhelming volume of information is the biggest problem. Long-term weather forecasts indicate another year of historic drought throughout a huge part of cow country. The largest beef producing state, Texas, has experienced equally historic cowherd reductions and liquidations. The corn futures have moderated slightly with no real indication of any permanence or long-term leveling out. The price of hay is only slightly less than gold and for many, even more precious! Yet, for the first time since the BSE outbreak in 2003, and the death spiral of our markets that followed, the beef industry appears to be positioned for several years of “good times”. Beef industry press recently reported that for the first time in more than 40 years, the U.S. would be a net beef exporter in 2011. In fact, exports are predicted to continue to increase, particularly in Asia and the Far East where the middle class is emerging. The U.S. marketing efforts are definitely making a difference. Many foreign consumers actually know the difference between U.S. beef and other suppliers such as South America and Australia, and request our beef at the retail level. We all know the nation’s cowherd has been in decline for the past 20 years. Our ability to manage supply and meet the demand for beef here and around the world is clearly the result of increased efficiency. The beef industry’s ability to produce more pounds on less feed and land resources is really miraculous and a much overlooked testament to scientific progress. In fact, a researcher that’s been in the news lately is Jude Capper, Ph.D., Washington State University. Dr. Capper’s research, “The Environmental Impact of Beef Production in the United States: 1977 compared with 2007”, was recently pub-
By J. Neil Orth AICA Executive Vice President
lished in the Journal of Animal Science. The study examines 30 years of production and addresses the hot-button topic of the beef industry’s carbon footprint. Carbon footprint may not be a hot-button topic among the average beef producer. But, like it or not, it will be! Capper’s research is important and validates our efforts to use science and technology to improve efficiency. Her research proves our industry is engaged in best practice methods and production systems. Here are just a few interesting points from the research: Each pound of beef raised in 2007 used— • 33% less land • 12% less water • 19% less feed • 9% less fossil fuel — than beef produced in 1977. Ranch management and feeding improvements made between 1977 and 2007 resulted in a 13% increase in yield from 30% fewer animals. It’s easier to simply acknowledge the study proves what we already thought to be fact. However, there is a growing faction of misinformed, misguided activists (i.e.: consumers) that believe the opposite. They believe the answer is to dismantle efficient production and are hell-bent on using their financial resources to politically influence
the already oppressive regulatory process. “As the number of mouths to feed increases and the quality of diets in many areas around the world improves, the demand for nutrient-rich protein like beef will increase,” says Capper. “At the same time, resources like land, water and fossil fuels will become increasingly scarce. These realities are like two trains speeding toward each other on the same track. If we listen to alarmists shouting at us to slow down, we could face a head-on collision of epic proportions. The only way to avoid this disaster is to accelerate the pace of progress.” Understanding one’s most vocal critic is important, regardless of the issue. Relevant to the carbon footprint debate, it’s important to understand the faction of consumers wanting to turn the industry clock back 50 years has no attachment to the beef business. They do not understand where their food comes from or what it costs to produce. This consumer has had the lifetime luxury of making food selections from abundant meat cases and store shelves and has the financial resources to pay for it. This industry critic is not among the millions of people in our own country uncertain about their next meal. Dr. Capper’s research is rigorous, peer reviewed and timely. Her foretelling of an impending food catastrophe is unimaginable to most of us. Yet, if we listen to the industry signals here and around the world, there isn’t a single indication we will need less food in the future. In fact, analysts predict that by 2050 world population will increase by 50% and we will need to produce 70% more food than we produce today. Charolais beef producers are on track. The beginning point in food chain efficiency is your genetics. Charolais-influence genetics are and always have been efficient. The perpetual process of using the newest and best selection tools available insure your ability to produce a value-added product positioned for the future.
Future Issues Ad Deadline Mail Date Cattleman’s Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 1 September Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 1 December/January Edge . . . . . . . . November 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 15 February Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 25
AD SIZES
Volume 10, Issue 1
January 2012
Published periodically by:
American-International Charolais Association 11700 NW Plaza Circle Kansas City, MO 64153 Phone: (816) 464-5977 ● Fax: (816) 464-5759 E-mail: info@charolaisusa.com Website: www.charolaisusa.com Charolais Journal 11700 NW Plaza Circle Kansas City, MO 64153 (816) 464-5977 • fax (816) 464-5759 Web site: www.charolaisusa.com
Association Staff
J. Neil Orth Executive Vice President, ext. 101 north@charolaisusa.com Marilou Wegner Recording Secretary, ext. 400 mwegner@charolaisusa.com Maggie Smithee Assistant Recording Secretary, ext. 401 msmithee@charolaisusa.com David Hobbs Director of Activities, ext. 200 dhobbs@charolaisusa.com Robert Williams Director of Breed Improvement & Foreign Marketing, ext. 103 rwilliams@charolaisusa.com Molly Mader Director of Foundation, ext. 104 mmader@charolaisusa.com Kaitlyn Lewis Director of Junior Activities klewis@charolaisusa.com Judy Clements Administrative Assistant & Affiliates Coordinator, ext. 102 jclements@charolaisusa.com Lewis Meyer Controller, ext. 300 lmeyer@charolaisusa.com
To use the extenson numbers listed for the above staff, phone (816) 464-5977.
Journal Staff J. Neil Orth CPI President David Hobbs Manager Molly Mader Editor Forrest Bassford Publisher Emeritus
Field Staff Central/Northeast Representative Call AICA (816) 464-2474, ext. 200 North Central Representative Colt Keffer c (765) 376-8784
A Graphic Arts of Topeka, Inc. production
1 Page • 10" x 10.75"
1/2 Page Vertical 4.875" x 10.75"
1/2 Page Horizontal 10" x 5.25"
1/4 Page 4.875" x 5.25"
Southeast Representative Floyd Wampler Bristol, TN c (423) 612-2144
Southwest Representative Wes Chism c (281) 761-5952
Western Associate Advertising Sales Dennis Metzger c (816) 519-8208
CHAROLAIS EDGE
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Dennis Charolais Farm Eric, Angie, Haley & Brayden Dennis 170 Rock Bluff Road Saint Jo, TX 76265 s www.dennischarolais.com
Auctioneer: Greg Clifton
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January 2012
“ A Ranching Outfit Raising Charolais Seedstock for Over 18 Years”
Join Us
THANK YOU,
Tues., February 7, 2012
to our customers in the past year! We look forward to being of service to you again at our annual bull sale in 2012. It's been an exceptional year again for moisture and look forward to a successful Fall marketing season on our commercial calves. The prices look good and cattlemen that bring a high-quality, eye-appealing, scalepushing set of Char-cross calves to town will be rewarded! We strive to bring you consistent, docile, easy-calving performance genetics, from our proven herd bull battery. The calves from these bulls look outstanding! We’re very proud of how this years’ group of calves has developed and also with how the coming 2-year olds are growing out on grass. Our goal is to help you put more dollars in your pocket by producing more pounds from your cowherd. If you’re not already one of our many satisfied customers, come take a look at our program and our bulls this February in Philip. We believe you’ll be impressed. Joel Deering
This bull was very popular last year, many of his 1/2 brothers will sell in 2012.
Philip Livestock Auction, Philip, SD Selling 60 Yearling & 2-yr. Old Bulls
Long bodied thick made bulls like this sale topper will sell in 2012.
2012 Featured Sires CC Alicia’s Cigar Hoodoo Justice 825 Justice 828 2TM Cigar 406 Polled 2TM Triple Ease 2TM Infinite Wind 2TM Infinite Justice 504 Polled Of Wasta, South Dakota (605) 381-0885 cell (605) 993-3151 jdiamond1969@yahoo.com
www.cheyennecharolais.com
CHAROLAIS EDGE
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January 2012
RUARY B E F
www.rancherschoicesale.com
25
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Eltopia,Wash. Offering 120s Bulls
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Featured Charolais sires: LT Wyoming Prime 2019, LT Easy Blend 5125, LT Cheyenne Blend 7142.
Live online bidding via
Our Angus Co-sponsors:
PIONEER ANGUS Hay, WA
HANG’N A CATTLE COMPANY Alan & Leslie Alexander x{£Ó ÀV , >` U *>ÃV ] 7 Îä£
(509) 545-8816 > } >J ÜÌ°V U ÜÜÜ° > } >V>ÌÌ i°V “Your Northwest Source for Quality Charolais Cattle”
ROCKING R CATTLE COMPANY Hayden Lake, ID
SHB ANGUS Reardan, WA
CHAROLAIS EDGE
page 7
Great Faces – Great Places For Charolais Genetics In South Dakota There Are Three Great Places To Buy Great Charolais Genetics From Some Of The Greatest Charolais Breeders In The Country!
Sioux Empire Farm Show Charolais Show & Sale #HAMPIONS
*ANUARY s 7 ( ,YONS &AIRGROUNDS 3IOUX &ALLS 3 $ #HAROLAIS 3HOW AM 3ALE PM A Midwest tradition of high quality bulls, bred females and show heifer prospects. Don’t miss this exciting Charolais event featuring some of the Midwest’s finest. For Further Information & Sale Booklets, contact— $EAN /DDENˆ2EE (EIGHTS 3$ s "RIAN $RISCOLLˆ$E3MET 3$ s #OLT +EFFERˆ#HAROLAIS *OURNAL 2EP s WWW SIOUXEMPIREFARMSHOW ORG
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Black Hills Stock Show Charolais Show & Sale *ANUARY s 2USHMORE 0LAZA #IVIC #ENTER 2APID #ITY 3 $ #HAROLAIS 3HOW AM 3ALE PM Without a doubt, the breed’s top multi-consignor bull sale! Multiple national champion bulls have come out of this sale along with numerous herd sires. Top quality females can be your claim at this sale as well, Including elite show heifers and bred females. For Further Information & Sale Booklets, contact— $ONNY ,EDDYˆ3TOCKHOLM 3$ s *IM 3CHEELˆ"ELVEDIERE 3$ s "LACK (ILLS 3TOCK 3HOW /FlCE s #OLT +EFFERˆ#HAROLAIS *OURNAL 2EP s WWW BLACKHILLSSTOCKSHOW COM
#HAMPIONS
Champion Female
Champion Bull
South Dakota Showplace Charolais Show & Sale &EBRUARY s 7ATERTOWN 7INTER &ARM 3HOW 7ATERTOWN 3 $ 3HOW AM 3ALE PM Sponsored by the South Dakota Charolais Breeders Association, this sale will feature lots from many of the elite programs in South Dakota that have sculpted the Charolais breed nationwide. Selling bulls and females for the most discriminating breeder. For Further Information & Sale Booklets, contact— !LAN 6EDVEIˆ,AKE 0RESTON 3$ s 3COTT *ENSENˆ,AKE 0RESTON 3$ s #OLT +EFFERˆ#HAROLAIS *OURNAL 2EP s
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January 2012
Charolais Genetics‌ (Continued from page 1)
Filling a genetic need Located in Aberdeen, Miss., Parish and his wife, Jane, a beef cattle Extension specialist with Mississippi State University, along with Roye and Elizabeth Carnell, determined there was a deficit in their central state region for Charolais genetics. For the past eight years, they have focused on raising quality genetics for commercial herds like the Haywards and have since expanded numbers. Parish says they’ll market about 60 Charolais bulls this year into the Southeast and Texas. Next year they’re on track to market 100-plus bulls and an additional 50 the year after. “The reason we raise Charolais is, no. 1, we really enjoy the breed itself. The cows are very fertile, very productive,� Parish explains. “They are pretty doggone good mothers, and do a good job raising a calf.� He shares their target is 350 cows, and they’ll see if the market can handle that many bulls in their area. Bull customers range from producers with 15 momma cows on up to 2,000. “It’s a very broad spectrum,� he says, “so it’s a challenge. “We’ve sold bulls into every
got cocow cows?
Southeastern state. That’s pretty much our hub,� he explains, but the majority of their bulls go to central and south Mississippi. Clear Water mates their cattle based on balanced-trait selection. “I can’t stress balance enough,� Parish assures. “I feel like too many breeders are single-trait selecting, which isn’t good for cattle, the breed or commercial bull customers. I think single-trait selection really hurts those guys.� The Parish family’s momma cows are expected to forage and raise big healthy calves on their own. While birth, weaning and yearling are all emphasized, so are carcass and scrotal traits – they won’t use a bull below breed average for scrotal. Cattle have to look the part too – deepribbed, easy fleshing, structurally correct, with good udders and, no less, good dispositions. “If they snort, they’re gone.� Parish explains, in their part of the country, there are older cattlemen with smaller herds, “so disposition is very important for us.�
Environment presents extremes Weather-wise, Parish explains that Mississippi weather does present some “pretty big extremes,� from an annual rainfall of 60 inches to extreme humidity and winter cold. It’s not uncommon to have humidity levels reach over 90 per-
cent, and this past summer brought lots of days over 100°F. Clear Water is located in what’s known as the Black Belt region that runs through Mississippi, Alabama and several other states. The region’s black soils and heavy clays don’t lend to winter freezing, so “mud is a big issue down here,� Parish explains. It’s another stressor on cattle, and part of the weed-out program for their bull and heifer development. “As far as bull development, our environment really tests those cattle,� he says. “The bulls that make it are good cattle that can adapt and work in any environment. They can go south to Louisiana and Florida and do just fine or we can send those cattle up into Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri, and they do fine up in that region also.� They’ve even sent some bulls into Texas with good results. Mud doesn’t allow Clear Water bulls to be confined. For this and other reasons, they’re developed on pastures where they have access to exercise, forage and a grower-type ration that doesn’t “burn� bulls up. “We expect them to gain 3.25 pounds per day,� Parish relays. “We’re teaching them at a younger age to go out and be athletes instead of couch-potato bulls.�
More net dollars Clear Water markets yearling bulls, all privately. In doing so, they strive to help customers find bulls that fit their operation’s production, marketing goals and breeding needs. The Clear Water operation is open to all feedback, but Parish admits it’s been difficult for them to obtain carcass data. “The place that we feel we’re going to have a better chance (of getting data back) is with the Tri-County Steer Futurity up in Iowa,� he says [see sidebar]. They have fed purchased cattle there before with successful results, and are considering buying back customers’ calves to feed through and track data. For now, though, Parish says, “We’ll help any bull customers market their calves, if they want it. We offer marketing assistance as a service.� A relatively new feeder-cattle marketing option that has worked well for Mississippi producers, including the Hayward brothers, is what’s known as “board sales.� These sales provide producers state-wide with a means to pool numbers of like kind and type calves to market to buyers in load lots. Cattle are videotaped and catalogued, and are presented in that fashion to potential buyers prior to and on sale day. The state’s (Continued on page 12)
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page 10
January 2012
Balance and Predictability VCR Seedstock stack generations of Balance Multiple Trait selection - EPDS, Performance, Structure, Milk - to provide our customers with predictable results - Profit and Satisfaction.
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VCR Sir Duke 914 Pld
The Benchmark Sire
19-Time Multiple Trait Leader
Time proven VCR Herd Sires - Mac 2244 and Duke 914 provide our foundation. Our next step - with stacked pedigrees - includes HC Rhinestone 8355 Pld.
Look for these VCR Seedstock consignments at these winter sales –
Sioux Empire Farm Show Thursday, January 26 U 6 , i ÃÌ i £Èn * M803156 AWW/R: 732/111
U 6 , À Þ >ÃÌÞ £ÎÓ /7 * M803130 EPDs - BW: -3.5 M: 13
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F1137582 Milk EPD: 14
U 6 , ÃÃ Þ >ÃÌÞ £{ * F1137581 Great Pedigree
Herd Sire Prospects Available Private Treaty Sons of Rhinestone, Dakota Syle, Real Deal and other VCR Proven Sires
Vedvei Charolais
Alan & Deb Vedvei 44213 204th St. U Lake Preston, South Dakota 57249 Èäx® n{Ç {xÓ U >Ý Èäx® n{Ç {n£ä U Ûi`Ûi JÀ>« ``>Ì>ÃÞÃÌi ð iÌ
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2000 AICA Seedstock Producer of the Year
Fed Cattle Can Make Money, Even With High Inputs
Fed cattle can make money, even as high input costs continue to plague cattle-feeding profitability.
By Larry Stalcup, BEEF Contributing Editor Reprinted with permission from BEEF Magazine and BEEFMagazine.com
With high feeder cattle and ration costs putting fed-cattle breakevens in the $1.25/lb. range – or higher – “anything cattle feeders can do to improve performance is important,” says Shawn Walter of Professional Cattle Consultants (PCC), Weatherford, OK. Just how important that performance really is revealed in a detailed PCC study on cattle-feeding profitability. The study found that monthly profit and loss can range from a repressive $250/head loss to a take-it-to-the-bank $350/head profit. The survey by Walter and Ron Hale for PCC used data provided by Certified Angus Beef LLC and its Feedlot Licensing Program (FLP). They examined closeouts on 443,000 steers finished from January 2004 to December 2009. No natural cattle were included and the profit and loss (P&L) statement didn’t include any riskmanagement strategies by feeders. Walter says a full range of Choice-Select spreads, from $0 to $23/cwt. was accounted for, as were a wide range of ration prices that more than doubled from $153/ton in 2006 to $315/ton in 2009. A standardized cost-in variable was achieved by using the average CME feeder-cattle price index with a 5¢ slide applied either way from 750 lbs. The mass of data was analyzed by looking at the P&L of each lot and ranking it within the month it closed, then assigning it to a low-, middle- or high-profit group. The result was a profile for low-profit lots, average-profit lots and high-profit lots, Walter says Obvious results, with a twist “We found the most profitable steers had the highest weight gain, the heaviest carcasses and the highest percent Choice and Prime,” Walter says. “The top third of lots averaged a $90.26/head profit, while the bottom third had a $39.15/head loss.” However, the results underscored the importance of balance. Feeding cattle to a very high degree of finish can cause reduced feeding performance, which adversely affects profitability. “We found that added gain can easily
overcome USDA Yield Grade (YG) 4 and 5 discounts in most cases,” Walter says. “And, regardless of the market, there are nearly always individual lots that are making money and some that are losing money.” Of all the cattle surveyed, the top-third, high-profit lots had an average daily gain (ADG) of 3.31 lbs. That compares with 2.68 lbs. for the low third, and 3.13 lbs. for the middle third. He says both live and carcass performance contributed to improved profitability in the PCC survey. “High-profit lots had a 56.20% Choice or higher carcass, with 12.28% in the premium Choice category, while the low-profit lots had 49.83% Choice or better and 9.6% premium Choice,” he says. “The middle-profit cattle were 51.66% or higher Choice and 10.88% premium Choice or higher.” The high-profit lots had about 13% YG 4s and 5s, compared with 11% for the lowprofit lots. “That showed us that the additional carcass weight and improved quality grade (QG) overcame YG discounts and probably additional carcass weight discounts, netting more profit to the bottom line,” Walter says Feed efficiency important The PCC survey illustrates the importance of feed efficiency and gain when ration prices are high. “In 2006, the average ration price was $166/ton (dry matter basis),” Walter says. “But prices doubled by July 2008, topping out at $315/ton.” Effects showed up at closeouts. He says that for cattle finished in 2009, when late-2008 ration prices were highest, ADG widened even more – from 3.71 lbs. for the high-profit group, to 2.35 lbs. for the lowest group. “As Choice-Select spreads narrowed from 2006 to 2009, ration costs magnified the effect of feeding performance,” Walter says. “Average QG improved and became less of a factor in influencing profitability.” As carcass weights increased throughout the six years the data was collected, the profit profile remained similar, with a 26to 30-lb. range between the high and low groups. In 2004-2006, lighter-weight cattle fed to heavier weights were the most profitable. But after higher ration costs became common in the latter years, the most profitable cattle averaged 100 lbs. heavier when placed on feed. In further examining QG, high QG cattle had a 3.18-lb. ADG, compared with 3.09 lbs. for the middle-quality group and 2.97 lbs. for the low QG group. Walter notes that it’s often perceived that you give up feeding performance to get grade, yet the
(Continued on page 16)
CHAROLAIS EDGE
page 11
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page 12
January 2012
Charolais Genetics… (Continued from page 8)
Extension service facilitates these sales. The primary advantage of these auctions is that they add flexibility. They can accommodate a large number of feeder calves that might not all be ready to ship on a certain day. They also offer cattle in load-lots made up of single or multiple consignments of uniform calves with similar health programs. Referencing these sales, Parish says, “The cattle have brought really good money.” He adds that the person who procured the Haywards cattle had them placed the minute he bought them. His wife, Jane, an Extension facilitator of the board sales, adds, about 80 percent of the cattle sold through these formats have brought back a premium over the average market price at the time they were loaded out. Since the first sale in 2008, more than $10 million has been generated for producers, she relays. Parish continues, “There’s a huge demand for Charolais-influenced calves. The Angus movement has been so big that people have basically gotten purebred Angus herds that aren’t registered. You’ve lost a lot of hybrid vigor – and the stocker guys in our neck of the woods are really seeing it.” He points out that producers actually make more money when they sell Charolais-sired calves versus straight blacks, because the calves weigh more. “They have more performance so it goes back to net dollars. ‘How much money am I putting in my checking account’ is what it’s all about. And these smokey calves and Charolais-sired calves are putting more net dollars in producers’ pockets.” A bigger bang for the buck Brandon Cutrer of the V8 Ranch in Boling, Texas, just one hour south of Houston, agrees with Parish. The V8 runs around 1,200 commercial cows, and uses Charolais genetics to its advantage. “The majority of our commercial cattle are half-blood Brahmans,” he explains, either half Hereford or half Angus. For first calves, these heifers are bred back to Angus or Brangus-type bulls and, from then on, to Charolais. Cutrer explains, “The reason we breed them to Charolais bulls is because we send most of the calves to the sale at weaning time. The black calves will probably bring a little more per pound, but the Charolais-cross calves outweigh them so much more that it only makes sense to use a Charolais bull.” The V8 Ranch is globally recognized for its excellent registered Brahman stock. Brandon is married to Rachel Williams and
they have one daughter, Mollie Jo. They are now the third generation who is active in all daily ranching operations. Cutrer is a Mississippi State University grad and, before moving to Texas in 2010, was herdsman of that university’s beef cattle unit. He explains the V8’s commercial cattle supplement their purebred Brahman cattle operation’s cash flow. Therefore calves aren’t retained. Similar to other ranches, the V8’s cattle and operations present full plates for family members and employees. Cutrer says, “We love the Charolais bulls, but we have some limited labor and don’t see these commercials as often.” Therefore, first-calf heifers are bred to black-type bulls just to make sure they get a live calf on the ground. “After that, those Brahman-cross cows can have them,” but they still pay attention to birth weights during sire selection because the “more live calves we can get, the better,” Cutrer assures. As far as the Charolais bulls adapting to the southeast Texas heat and humidity, he reports: “They sure take the heat a lot better than the black cattle. The Charolais bulls – with their lighter hair coats – they can get out there and do a better job. Now they still don’t fare as well as our Brahman-cross cattle, but they do a pretty good job as far as hanging with the heat.” He adds, “We like to buy bulls that come from the Southern regions because they are semi used to the heat and can handle it from there.” The V8’s Charolais purchases are from Thomas Charolais, Raymondville, Texas, and some also came from Parish’s Clear Water Cattle this past year. Cutrer says he was pleased with how the bulls from Mississippi held up and covered cows. He is also pleased with how their Charolais-sired calves sell on sale day. He reports that buyers pick up these V8 crossbred calves as quickly as possible. “We have a reputation around our area for having good quality calves. The Charolais help us get the most bang for our buck whenever we do sell calves. They might bring a couple cents behind the black calves, but they’re going to outweigh them from 50-100 pounds. So even if they are a few cents less, they’re going to bring us more money.” (Continued on page 22)
4
Participants may enroll by contacting Marilou Wegner, AmericanInternational Charolais Association, e-mail mwegner@charolaisusa.com or 816-464-5977, ext. 400.
There are lots of ways to make money with Charolais genetics.
we just made it
CHAROLAIS EDGE
DOLL
page 13
32nd Annual Charolais& Simmental Genetics Production Sale Tuesday, 1:30 pm (CT)
March 6, 2012 Kist Livestock, Mandan, ND
Auctioneer: Lynn Weishaar
:IQ[QVO +PIZWTIQ[ [QVKM ! IVL ;QUUMV\IT[ [QVKM ! A special thank you to all our customers present and new customers.
Selling top genetics in both breed’s.
;XZQVO +PIZWTIQ[ *]TT[ Π;XZQVO ;QUUMV\IT *]TT[ 7XMV +PIZWTIQ[ 0MQNMZ[ Π7XMV ;QUUMV\IT 0MQNMZ[ DCR MR Superior Y173
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8WTTML ÂŒ *QZ\P ,I\M" ̉!̉ ?\ *?< ! EPDs BWT 0.7, WW 48, YW 80, Milk 4, MW 28 ;QZM" ?+: ;QZM ,]SM ÂŒ ,IU" 2+0 5; 0IZ^M ? ! 4WWSQVO NWZ \PQKSVM[[ IVL TW\[ WN JWLa TWWS PMZM ?+: ;QZM ,]SM Q[ ][ML WV W]Z Ă…Z[\ KITN PMQNMZ[ _Q\P VW XZWJTMU +IT^QVO MI[M
DCR MR S143 Pro Y231
8WTTML ÂŒ *QZ\P ,I\M" ̉ ̉ ?\ ! *?< -8,[ *?< ??< A?< 5QTS 5? ;QZM" 2+0 5: 8MZNMK\QWV ; ÂŒ ,IU" 2+0 5; *TIVKW = <WX ?\ QV \PM *]TT 8MV 0Q[ [QZM W]Z \WX [MTTQVO TW\ QV W]Z J]TT XMV 0M [QZML W]Z \WX [MTTQVO TW\ QV W]Z TI[\ aMIZ#[ [ITM 0MZL [QZM XT][ \PQKSVM[[ XT][ TMVO\P IVL ^MZa LMMX JWLQML 0Q[ UW\PMZ Q[ I 4< :QW *TIVKW LIU 0Q[ OZIVLUI J163 was named a Diamond Dam of Distinction.
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Doll Charolais Ranch !! \P ;\ZMM\ Π6M_ ;ITMU 6, LWTTJWa (_M[\ZQ^ KWU
www.dollranch.net
8WTTML ÂŒ *QZ\P ,I\M" ̉ ̉ ?\ *?< ! -8,[ *?< ??< A?< ! 5QTS 5? ;QZM" 2+0 5: 8ZW = ÂŒ ,IU" 2+0 5; ;QZM ,]SM < ;QZM = Q[ I PITN JZW\PMZ \W ; JW\P IZM PWUMOZW_V _Q\P \ZMUMVLW][ \PQKSVM[[ < Q[ I ^MZa XW_MZN]T KW_ 0Q[ great grandam was named a Sterling Dam of Distinction.
Raising top Charolais since 1958 Charles & Pam Doll 701-843-8673 Harlan & Jodie Doll 701-843-8771 David & Donna Doll 701-843-7947 dollfarm@westriv.com
Visitors Always Welcome.
Directions: West of Bismarck, ND. Take I-94 to exit 134. Go 2 miles north 1 mile west.
page 14
January 2012
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TODAY THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO USE A REGISTERED CHAROLAIS BULL.
Serious beef producers realize the value of objective, reliable genetic information only available by using a registered bull in a value-based marketing system. Registered bulls provide access to the Charolais Advantage age- and source-verified program and producers can add as much as $25 per head to the bottom line before any other premiums are earned. Get the facts before making your next herd sire purchase.
Š American-International Charolais Association 2012
AMERICAN-INTERNATIONAL CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION
11700 NW Plaza Circle • Kansas City, Missouri 64153 • 816.464.5977 • Fax: 816.464.5759 • www.charolaisusa.com
CHAROLAIS EDGE
page 15
Mark your Calendar!
Ó ` Õ> Õ -> i U Ì Ì i v>À Wednesday, March 28, 2012 Selling 50 Bulls 6LUHV ,QFOXGH
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page 16
January 2012
29th Annual Production Sale Friday, January 27, 2012
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Selling 70 Yearling Bulls
AI Sires:
M6 Grid Maker 104 P ET EC No Doubt 2022 WDZ Firemaker 6062 Pld CMF 192 Wrangler 256
RCB Dakota Spur S022
EC Without a Doubt 3023 Pld
Herd Sires:
SCR Sir Spur 944 Pld
6#2 $AKOTA 6ISION 0LD s 2#" $AKOTA 3PUR 3 0LD %# 7ITHOUT $OUBT 0LD s 7#2 3IR 6ISION 0LD 7#2 3IR 6ISION 0LD s 3#2 3IR 3PUR 0LD
JAY & LYNN SOREIDE Joy, Zach, Kaylee, Casey and Johnny Kinsey TH !VE 37 s "OWMAN .$
soreidecharolais@ndsupernet.com
(701)523-5355 or Cell (701) 523-1323
Fed Cattle‌ (Continued from page 10)
higher-grading cattle also tended to gain better. “We typically think that as an animal attains a higher degree of finish, its live performance declines,� he adds. “This is true when evaluating performance at various days on feed. But, if we look at it from a feed utilization standpoint, the QG profile actually makes a lot of sense. “If the poorer gain is a result of a lessefficient use of feed nutrients, we could expect the poorer nutrient utilization to limit fat deposition. We would expect to see more YG 1s and 2s and fewer Choice and Prime carcasses. But, if an animal is more efficient at utilizing feed nutrients for gain, there is potentially more energy available for fat deposition. That means fewer YG 1s and 2s and more Choice and Prime carcasses.� In looking specifically at the QG profiles, the low-third group had an $18.03/head profit, compared with $24.02 for the middle third and $35.21, or nearly double, for the higher third. That compares with ADG profile profits of $45.20 (based on 3.66 lbs. ADG) for the higher third, $27.69 (3.15 lbs.) for the middle third, and $4.32 (2.44 lbs.) for the lower third.
“Higher gainers were almost 40 lbs. heavier when they went on feed (753 lbs. vs. 714 lbs.),� Walter says. “However, they achieved an out-weight (1,334 lbs.) that was 121 lbs. heavier than the slower-gaining cattle that finished at 1,213 lbs. – and they did it with 41 fewer days on feed.�
Too much Choice? Again, the PCC survey indicates that as grade improves, so does ADG, but to a point. “It would appear that once cattle reach a threshold level of finish, gain drops off,� Walter says. “ADG improves until 7075% of the lot is Choice or higher, at which point ADG begins to drop off. “About 30% of the cattle (in the survey) grading 90% Choice or higher were still in the low-profit group. It confirms our theory that reaching a certain degree of finish kind of flips a biological trigger that starts limiting intake, which is often seen at the end of the feeding period.� Walter concludes that continued gain throughout the feeding cycle should add to profit potential. “However, we found that there is an ADG threshold, which is about 4.3 lbs.,� he says. “Cattle that outperform expectations begin to push through the weight ceiling and get too much of a heavy weight discount to offset the value of the additional gain.�
CHAROLAIS EDGE
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page 18
January 2012
Don’t Replace Replacements – Focus on Proper Nutrition and Profitability Proper nutrition and management sets young females up for lifetime reproductive performance. By Kim Holt
The beef business is high-tech these days, from genome mapping and marker-assisted selection to sexed semen and instrument grading. The cornerstone of the industry, however, is still reproduction. It is the single most important factor for profitable beef production, reminds Rick Funston of the University of Nebraska West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte.
sary forage and feed quality. At weaning, the young females selected as herd replacements need the same attention, including vaccinations, as calves that will be marketed. Introducing immune animals into the breeding herd lessens the risk of disease spread. The nutrient needs of replacement heifers differ from those of mature cows because they are growing and developing. For optimum results, the younger females need to be sorted, fed, and managed separately from the herd.
During the last several decades, substantial research contributed to the guidelines of developing heifers to reach 60 to 65 percent of mature body weight pre-breeding. This was to ensure heifers reached puberty and, thus, maximized pregnancy rates, particularly by being fed high-energy diets. Current research, however, has re-evaluated this approach based on substantial changes that have occurred over time in cattle genetics and the economy. It contends that, while intensive heifer development systems may maximize pregnancy rates, they
Replacements represent future profitability On the female side, replacement heifers represent the future profitability and genetic improvement of a herd. But they also represent management and economical challenges for producers, because they won’t produce a return for more than two years. An easy way to consider a replacement’s nutritional requirements is to divide them into four phases: weaning; weaning to breeding; breeding to calving; and calving to rebreeding. Then, for each phase, consider a heifer’s weight, her nutrient requirements, and neces-
don’t necessarily optimize profit or sustainability. More recent research, including heifer development studies conducted at the University of Nebraska (Funston and Deutscher, 2004) and the USDA Agricultural Research Service Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Lab, Miles City, Mont., shows that heifers can be developed to lighter than traditional target weights at breeding (around 53 to 58 percent of expected mature weight) without negatively affecting profitability or future productivity. Researchers, including Funston, suggest that one reason reproductive performance has not been drastically impaired by feeding to lower target weights may relate to genetic changes in age of puberty. Kansas State University and Fort Keogh studies show that young females can be grown at a slower weight gain early on and then get caught up towards the end. Or they can be grown in a stair-step fashion, gradually increasing their growth rate up until the breeding season. The most important thing is to make sure heifers are in a positive energy balance going into breeding season, and are even (Continued on page 20)
+
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Charolais Sires Include: )MPRESSIVE $ s 2EALITY 7INN -ANS ,ANZA s "LUEGRASS 2OYAL $YNASTY s #HEYENNE "LEND &IELD 2EP s .O $OUBT
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CHAROLAIS EDGE
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page 19
Friday, April 13, 2012
ardinal harolais
at the ranch
Annual Bull & Heifer Sale
Hillrose, CO Offering: Ɣ 100 Sandhills Bred Bulls Ɣ 20 Replacement Females
“QUALITY SELLS POUNDS PAY”
www.cardinalcharolais.com Pat Gebauer & Luan August 15488 Co Rd 57 Hillrose, Colorado 80733 970-847-3345........Ranch 970-380-1355......Pat Cell 970-380-1725....Luan Cell
WCR Class of 2012 Watch Them Grow! Mark Your Calendar!
April 28th, 2012 43rd Annual Bull Sale at the Ranch
Herd No.
2011 DOB
Sire
AWW/R
BW
WW
EPDs YW
M
TM
115
2-7
Design 851
767/124
-2.9
43
72
10
32
116
2-8
Visionary
728/118
-1.1
37
41
6
24
146
2-15
Big Ben
726/118
-0.2
41
71
6
26
155
2-21
Big Ben
780/126
0.4
44
69
6
28
175
3-4
Design 851
732/119
1.6
38
63
11
30
186
3-7
Duke 7340
705/114
0.7
44
68
9
31
185
3-12
Big Ben
711/115
-0.4
34
56
4
21
1106
3-13
Polled Prince
716/116
-0.6
31
55
7
22
1108
3-13
Design 851
757/123
-1.3
47
78
7
30
1185
3-24
Firewater 8600
689/112
2.8
39
70
8
28
193
3-25
Duke 261
809/131
1.6
44
65
1
24
1229
4-4
Design 4246
727/118
0.9
37
59
20
39
1231
4-4
Polled Prince
687/111
-1.1
32
52
11
27
1238
4-5
Impressive 626
762/124
-2.7
34
52
2
20
1273
4-14
No Question
699/113
2.4
36
71
16
34
1275
4-14
Polled Prince
702/114
-2.1
31
52
10
25
1288
4-19
Duke 6090
691/112
1.7
42
71
15
36
1302
4-22
Duke 6090
782/127
0.9
41
63
11
32
Contact us to be added to our mailing list, you’ll want to see the “Report Cards” on this set of calves.
WienkCharolais.com Arnold Wienk (605) 860-1111 (605)847-4350
Jeff Eschenbaum Sterling Eschenbaum (605) 860-0505 (605) 203-0137 (605)847-4880
acwienk@rapiddatasystems.net
Lake Preston, SD
page 20
January 2012
Replacements… (Continued from page 18)
picking up pounds, but are not losing weight. The goal is to get the heifer bred and settled for a live calf born early on in calving season. To this extent, 20-plus year’s research at Fort Keogh proved that heifers that produced a calf early in the calving season continued to calve early and wean heavier calves throughout their lifetimes. The lifetime reproductive performance of heifers that produced their first calf late in the calving season was more erratic, and they did not calve every year.
Good nutrition is paramount both pre- and post-calving Once bred, replacements still need to be managed for continued growth and development so they calve unassisted as two-yearolds. Funston says that many calving problems can be eliminated if heifers are of adequate size pre-partum. “Their weight at first calving should be approximately 85 to 90 percent of their expected mature weight,” he advises. Firstcalf heifers should have a body condition of 5 to 6 at calving through re-breeding to assure optimal reproductive performance. Balanced nutrition – protein, energy, minerals, vitamins, and water – is the key to
Focusing on Replacement Heifer Success For 13 years, Missouri beef producers have offered in- and out-of-state customers a trusted, quality source for herd additions through what’s known as the Missouri Show-Me-Select (SMS) Replacement Heifer Program™. This replacement development and marketing program is a state-wide educational effort emphasizing a Total Quality Management-approach to reproduction and beef-cow management. Since its inception in 1996, the program has seen state beef producers increasingly adopt management practices that offer the potential to improve their herd’s long-term reproductive efficiency. Says founder Dr. David Patterson, state beef Extension specialist and SMS reproductive specialist, “The original intent was focused on trying to improve management of replacement heifers to improve what happened during their first calving period and rebreeding. The marketing aspect was
a spin-off of this educational intent.” To become an ‘SMS-certified heifer’, females have to meet qualifications and requirements. All undergo a comprehensive health program, including clostridial, respiratory, and reproductive vaccinations, and must meet minimum standards for reproductive soundness, pelvic size, body condition, and weight. Heifers are guaranteed bred to easycalving bulls of known identification and breed, with complete EPD information. All sires used naturally or artificially meet the program’s birth weight or calving-ease EPD requirements. Replacements that sell in an SMS-trademarked sale must weigh a minimum of 800 pounds and body condition score at least a 5. They are screened for frame, muscle, structural soundness, disposition, and general sale acceptance. The females are sorted into lots according to calving
dates and body-type similarities. Since 1996, the SMS has enrolled more than 85,000 heifers from some 700 farms. Oftentimes producers in their first year of the SMS have found out that what they assumed to be adequate body condition and weight on replacement heifers, wasn’t enough. According to Patterson, there has been an improvement, in terms of nutritional development, in heifers that are in the program. “This, and a structured health program, are the two obvious things off the bat.” Some 80 percent of producers are also using synchronization and A.I. on heifers. Surveys show that buyers appreciate the assurances offered by SMS replacements, from their health status to lower risk for calving difficulty in general. For more information on the SMS, see http://agebb.missouri.edu/select.
optimizing production. And the critical times for mineral supplementation are 45 days prior to calving, through breeding season, and prior to weaning. Nutritional demands increase greatly in late gestation and even more in early lacta-
tion. Reproduction is of very low priority when nutrient partitioning is considered, and that is why cows in thin body condition often don’t rebreed. “The plane of nutrition during the last 50 to 60 days before calving has profound
effects on postpartum interval,” Funston says. “Body condition at calving is the single most important factor controlling when a beef heifer will cycle after calving.” Pre-partum body condition score correlates with factors such as postpartum inter-
CHAROLAIS EDGE val, services per conception, calving interval, milk production, weaning weight, calving difficulty, and calf survival. Breeding heifers ahead of the cow herd is a worthwhile strategy, as properly developed and managed heifers generally have a 20- to 30-day longer postpartum interval versus older cows. Funston says breeding replacements this much earlier gives them additional time to return to estrus and rebreed with the mature cows the next year. But these heifers need to be managed separately after calving, or early breeding is of no benefit.
He explains, “It is important to manage these heifers separately for two reasons: earlier calving will likely mean that pastures are not available as soon, and you’ll need to supply additional nutrients. Also, nutrient requirements (percentage of ration) are higher for first-calf heifers than for mature cows.� As already stated, calving difficulty also affects the post-partum interval. Heifers encounter greater calving stress than do mature cows, and that’s one reason why low birth-weight bulls with high accuracies are a must for breeding younger females. Calving difficulty and time of intervention research from Fort Keogh indicates that females that experience calving difficulty take longer to cycle than those that don’t. The length of time before intervention in a difficult birth also affects cyclicity. According to Ft. Keogh researchers, for every 10 minutes beyond the time period in which assistance is needed, two days more are added to the time frame in which it takes a cow to begin cycling. And that’s not to mention the affects that difficult births can have on calves. For these reasons and more, Funston encourages producers to pay strict attention (Continued on page 22)
page 21
Wakefield Farms – A name you u can trust for P Performance erforma erformance ance T Tested ested Char Charolais rolais Bulls Since 196 62 1962 RC C Di ist stan ta t ance 315 54 Pld Distance D a 3154 ,4 , 4 $ISTANCE X 7HITEHOT LBS !77 2 !77 2 LBS LBS !97 2 !9 97 2 "7 LBS LBS LBS %0$S "7 77 97 - 4- 3# 2%! -"
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JJDSS HHe’s’ My King K 2038 03 P ET #1 Fall 2011
Multiple Trait Leader
30th Annual Bull Sale
April 14, 2012
Visit our website at
www.HebbertRanch.com
)25 6$/( ,1)250$7,21 &$7$/2*6 Genetics — Functional cows are the foundation of our program. Every &$// cow in the herd has been born and bred on the Hebbert Charolais Ranch. Using performance sires from Charolais breed’s most proven bloodlines we have stacked the pedigrees emphasizing the important basic traits of calving ease, structural soundness, fertility and total performance.
More Than Genetics -
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Ma c 24,, 2012 March at the ranch, ranc , Manchester, M chester er, Tenn. T n. Performance rfformance or nce Records, Recor ecor EPDs EPD and Ultrasound nd information inf in rmat n furnished. fur hed “O e of the best bes sets ets of Charolais Char ais Bulls B s to sellll this th Spring� Spri � “One David & Barbara Sullivan 6XOOLYDQ 'U ‡ 0DQFKHVWHU 71 jdsoo77@gmail.com
931-607-1580
page 22
January 2012
We All Understand the Power of Profit
By On the Farm – Carl C. Stafford, Extension Agent, Culpeper County, Virginia Reprinted with permission
The cost of production has far more to do with farm profitability than does the value or volume of your production. This statement is proven by Kansas State University in a study at www.agmanager.info (Dhuyvetter, K. 2011) comparing characteristics of high, medium and low profit beef producers.
Here in Virginia we know there are premiums to be had in the feeder cattle market place, discovered through the added value of health, source, sire and age verified marketing programs. Buyers show they are willing to offer premiums for these features and for the additional value they see in feeder cattle prepared for the feedlot through short comingled, feeding prior to sale. However, the Kansas study suggests we can make nearly three times as much difference in our bottom line through cost savings. Kansas State University, Department of Agricultural Economics offers its beef producers the opportunity to enroll their herds
in their Farm Management Association. A program with cow-calf enterprise records accumulated over 32 years, used to evaluate and compare members. Here in Virginia we offer similar management services under the Beef Management Institute records program. The intent is similar—keep records, use records, compare records from multiple producers to evaluate differences and identify reasons for profitability. From the Kansas study, it is “important to recognize which characteristics determine relative farm profitability between producers.” We must ask questions about the size of the operation, the weight and price of
Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity: A Reliable Partner (Continued from “Charolais Genetics… page 12”)
Nearly 30 years ago the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity (TCSCF) began because cow-calf producers from three Iowa county cattlemen’s associations had a common goal: to figure out which cattle were the most profitable to feed. Today, producers from Iowa and beyond continue to utilize the TCSCF for feedback which they can use to better manage and market their beef products. The TCSCF has evolved from its first trial which attracted 32 Iowa producers and 106 head of steers to include cattle from the Midwest and Southeast, along with sire testing for several breeds. “In the last 10 years, we have fed over 76,000 head from 23 states and Manitoba, Canada,” relays Darrell Busby, retired Iowa State University Extension Livestock Specialist who has coordinated the Lewis, Iowa-based program since its inception in 1983. “Ninety percent of the cattle we fed last year were from repeat consignors.” And 98% of the cattle are retained ownership. The TCSCF is actually a cooperative governed by a 10-member board of which seven are southwest Iowa cow-calf producers. Local feedlots bid to feed the TCSCF cattle. Busby explains, “We’re looking for feedlots who we think can keep the records that we want and be competitive on how they feed the cattle.” Some feedlots have actually been with the TCSCF for 12-14 years. “The feedlots here locally have to be good partners,” Busby explains. “They work together as a group to compare notes on rations, pharmaceuticals, management -– anything they can learn from each other.” New cattle arrive at TCSCF feedlots nearly every month, with about two-thirds arriving in the fourth quarter. Busby points out, “Our sire summary probably has one of the biggest data sets on Charolais-sired calves there are.”
Bulls are sorted by profit, based on which has the most profitable progeny. Busby notes the top sire last year out of 1,300 tested was a Charolais. He estimates the TCSCF has probably fed some 7,000 head of Charolais-sired calves. In fact, the cattle TCSCF fed for the Haywards from Mississippi were “probably one of the fastest gaining sets of cattle we’ve ever fed,” Busby notes. From his experience, Busby relays the key to profitability is finding a balance between growth, quality, health and temperament, too. “When you have the type of growth they had, you can give up some quality grade and still be very profitable in the feedlot.” The Haywards have used Charolais genetics since 1994. David Hayward estimates these bulls make up from 40-50% of their bull battery. The Haywards found the TCSCF through the Mississippi State Extension Service. Beef Cattle Extension Specialist Jane Parish helps producers in her state coordinate shipments to TCSCF, and will help them interpret and apply the data once received back. “The big reason we like to use the TCSCF is because of the data that we get back,” Parish explains. “It’s a very valuable data set –- there’s so much detail to it –- in a form that those producers can take and use right away.” Producers receive the traditional data plus more, such as temperament and financial, for $9 per head. With spreadsheets in hand, they’re able to compare cattle from their herd to others in the program. Parish remarks, “You’re getting a big slice of the pie that you don’t ordinarily get with other places,” plus TCSCF also has age and source premiums. She notes the program is for larger producers who can fill a load and also for those with fewer cattle. “We’ll work on this end to put cattle together,” she says,
“so smaller producers can also benefit from getting this information.” State Extension personnel play valuable roles because they’re able to help producers interpret and apply the data in a more localized fashion. This is one reason why Busby says the TCSCF prefers to work through a state’s Extension service. Producers can use feedlot programs like the TCSCF to measure, and then apply the information and make changes to breeding and/or management programs or as a basis for a change in marketing. Busby comments, “If you don’t know what your cattle will do in the feedlot, you have no idea what changes you should make. There are people out there who are selecting sires for growth, high marbling or quality grade and then not taking advantage of it by at least finding out what they have.” In Mississippi, Parish says the TCSCF is part of the Farm to Feedlot Program that assists producers who are interested in learning more about their cattle. Mississippi State’s Extension Service will work with producers wherever they choose to feed cattle, she says. But Extension can recommend the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity because they’ve found it a “reliable partner.” “We know they’re going to get good data, it will be accurate, and collected in a timely matter. It’s definitely a very positive relationship with a lot of benefits to our producers.” For more information about the TCSCF: Producers in the Southeast are encouraged to work through their state coordinator. A list is available at: www.tcscf.com. Producers from the West and those interested in the TCSCF’s USDA QSA program, should contact Darrell Busby at (712) 769-2600, dbusby@iastate.edu. Projections are run at no cost to producers.
calves sold, the level of costs and areas these costs cover. What are the features of profitable producers? Answers to these and related questions provide curious managers choices. “High profit farms were larger on average and had slightly heavier calves.” They also received “slightly higher prices” and generated “almost $95 more revenue per cow, but the “differences in costs between operations were much larger than the revenue differences.” “High profit operations had a cost advantage in every cost category” resulting in a net return advantage of as much as $345 per cow between the most and the least profitable farms. To be clear, the study found cost competitive farms in all categories— large size does not guarantee low costs. The biggest cost is winter feed. Most of the net return (72%) came from cost differences, while a much smaller amount (28%) of the net return came from the gross income from higher prices and heavier calves. Dhuyvetter summarizes this situation as not “unexpected in a commodity market where producers are basically price takers, i.e., the ability to differentiate oneself financially from the average is typically done through cost management.” While economists tend to speak a different language than the rest of us, we all understand the power of profit. The reasons for profit are uncovered through keeping records and then using them to manage among other things, your biggest cost which is winter feed.
Replacements… (Continued from page 21)
to their herd’s females’ pre- and post-calving phases. “Management decisions made during these time periods will greatly influence profitability of beef cattle operations.” He explains, cows that cycle earlier have a greater chance of getting bred during a limited breeding season. As a result, conception rates will be higher, and calves born earlier in the season are older and heavier at weaning. “The length of breeding season will influence uniformity of your calves and, therefore, influence their value at weaning,” Funston relays. “To have a short breeding season, it is vital that cattle cycle early in the season.” Thus proper nutrition and optimum body condition are two keys to success.
CHAROLAIS EDGE
V
alley
iew Charolais Over 100 of our cull Purebred Charolais heifers fed only 119 days at North Platte Feeders. In weight: 754 lbs. Out weight: 1,271 lbs. Choice: 86% (after only 119 days on feed) Avg. Marbling Score: 4.3 Avg. REA: 15.1 ADG: 4.3 lbs. Dry Conversion: 5.19 lbs. of feed per lb. of gain
“At our feedlot these heifers made superior gains from fantastic feed conversion. Their carcasses proved impressive, quality grading 86% Choice, with optimum yield and desired marbling scores. These DUH JHQHWLFV IRU SUR¿WDELOLW\ ´ - North Platte Feeders
Flash in 2011 our Purebred Charolais Cull
heifers graded 93 % prime or choice with 66% cutability.
Visit our website www. vvcrbulls.com
page 23
Megan, Lori & Galen Fink 15523 Tuttle Creek Blvd., Randolph, Kansas 66554, Phone/Fax: 785-293-5106 Galen’s cell: 785-532-9936 Lori’s cell: 785-532-8171 Megan’s cell: 785-410-5559 Website: www.finkbeefgenetics.com Email: finkbull1@twinvalley.net Beef Genetics
Commercial Services Representatives Barrett Broadie: 620-635-6128 Gene Barrett: 785-224-8509