MN Simmental Spring Newsletter

Minnesota simmental spring 2011 Issue

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Congratulations Minnesota Simmental enthusiasts!

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The Minnesota Simmental Association celebrated another success weekend on February 25th and 26th, 2011 as they held their annual meeting, large state banquet and 38th Annual Simmental Sale in Rochester, MN. Despite the blowing snow prevailing in the area, a large crowd was on hand sale day to select cattle from 27 of the top Simmental breeders in Minnesota. The weekend events also including the crowning of the new Queen Bailey Pankonin of Lamberton, MN, honoring Outstanding Seniors, Bruce and Beth Andersland of Emmons, MN, Traveling Bell honors went to Matt and Jessica Aggen and family of Harmony, MN, Commercial Producer Award went to JB Farms of Appleton, MN and many Juniors were honors with jackets for County Fair achievements.

Auctioneer: Col. Al Conover (IA) | Sale Management: Eberspacher Enterprises, Inc. (MN) Marketing Reps: Val Eberspacher (MN), Matt Aggen of MN Simmental Assoc., Tom Rooney of Lee Agri-Media Livestock Group, Mike Sorenson of Livestock Plus and Kelly Schmidt of the American Simmental Assoc.

Lot #1 Pick of the Herd - $9,500 A Flush from any Female in the Grass-Lunning Herd Consignor: Grass Lunning Simmentals Buyer: AJE Cattle Company of Marshall, MN and Chase Cattle Company of Chatfield, MN Lot #2 Pick of the Herd - $5,200 Choice of the Brant Farms Bred Heifers Consignor: Brant Farms Buyer: K-LER Cattle Company of St. Charles, MN Lot #26 GBL/K-LER Firenze 16X - $4,500 K-LER Make It Rain x G616 (SimAngus) – Sold Open Breeder: K-LER Cattle Company Buyer: TMJ Show Cattle of Lancaster, WI

Lot #10 Volz’s Dream Sister W12 - $4,300 CNS Dream On L186 x JS Sister 3N – Bred to SS Ebonys Grandmaster Breeder: Volz Farms Buyer: K-LER Cattle Company of St. Charles, MN

Lot #15 RCC Mark Me Sweet W4094T $4,000 RCC Trademark S6045 x RCC Sinfully Sweet – Bred to Ellingson Legacy M229 Breeder: Redalen Cattle Company Buyer: Josh Brown of Peterson, MN

Lot #7&7A Embryos By Cherrys Legacy P023 - $3,750 3 Frozen Embryo Package by Kappes Trailblazer & 3 Frozen Embryo Package by DJ Salution Breeder: AJE Cattle Company Buyer: Hudak Cattle Company of Minneapolis, MN

Sale Averages:

2 Special Pick of the Herd Lots averaged $7,350 8 Bred Simmental Females averaged $2,994 31 Open Simmental Females averaged $2,070 3 Simmental Yearling Bulls averaged $2,733 7 Frozen Embryo Lots averaged $2,314

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51 Total Simmental Lots averaged $2,500

Lot #51 WF Grand Slam 14X - $3,500 SS Ebonys Grandmaster x Lady Sarge Pref Angel S6014 Breeder: Wilmes Farms Buyer: Stan Bergan of LeRoy, MN

Lot #30 RCC Puppy Love X0079 - $3,200 RCC Heavyweight U8006 x RCC Black Star T7076 – Sold Open Breeder: Redalen Cattle Company Buyer: Pigtail Acres of Peterson, MN

Lot #21 Miss Sarge Diva X0004 - $3,100 Plainview Lutton E102 x Lady Sarge In Dew Time T7268 – Sold Open Breeder: Sargeant Farms Buyer: Durheim Family of Sandstone, MN

Lot #8&8A Embryos by BDV Sabrina 6S13 - $3,000 3 Frozen Embryo Package by GCF Mr. Amigo & 3 Frozen Embryo Package by STF Dominance T171 Breeder: Sargeant Farms Buyer: Stan Askeland of St. James, MN Lot #12 RCFS Wiggles 41E-9W - $3,000 Mytty In Focus x RCS Elisha – Bred to HTP SVF In Dew Time Breeder: Roger Claeys Simmental Buyer: Carlisle Farms of Sparta, WI

Lot #17 OMF Dixie W99 - $3,000 Hooks Pharoah 16P x OMF Dixie S51 – Bred to S A V Bismarck Buyer: Kaelberer Ranch of New Salem, ND

2011 MJSA State Merchandise Auction Donated By:

Merchandise:

Purchased By:

Bill Krause Eberspacher Enterprises AJE Cattle Co. Franke Family Franke Family Ralph & Mena Kaehler Bruce & Beth Andersland Bruce & Beth Andersland Redalen Cattle Co. Brass Family Claeys Family Claeys Family Marla Thissen Jay Harguth Dr. Kory Bigalk Nate & Carrie Horman Jim & Stacy Mueller Thesing Family Mike Lynch/Hubbard Feeds Allen Family Hook/Virnig Families Eberspacher Enterprises Mulert Southside Simmentals Bill Krause/Agri News

Simmental Pillow Guys Basket "The Charcoal Connoisseur" Farm Picture Farm Picture Tony Oliva Baseball Lighted Cow and Calf Framed Print Assorted Cheese Basket Digital Frame Tailgaters Basket Summer Fun Basket Tablerunner basket Simmental Sign Donor Flush and Embryo Transfer Wine Bottle Holder Cooler w/ Goodies Baking Basket Lick Tub and Cap Necklace and GC Show/Grooming Basket CJ Brown Print Wine/Cheese Basket 1 Agri News Subscription

Dave Durheim Pankonin Family Roger Claeys Bruce Andersland Brass Family Bob Franke Bakeberg Family Harold Williams Mena Kaehler Livestock Plus/Mike Sorenson Gabe Chase Kory Bigalk Lori Franke Hillbrands Simmental Ed Kaehler Pankonin Family Jay Harguth Mark Dietz Andersland Simmentals Julie Hudak Tri E Simmentals Grass Lunning Simmentals Mena Kaehler Paul Krueger

a note from the junior president Greetings Simmental Enthusiasts! The Junior meeting during State Sale went very well.

Members reminisced about last years shows, and were encouraged to create new memories by attending AJSA Regionals and Nationals this summer. Junior members are reminded to apply for Merit Awards through the AJSA. Also, the Minnesota Junior Spring Classic is right around the corner. I look forward to seeing our junior members at shows this summer. Good luck to everyone!

Your President, Andrea Diehn

President :: Andrea Diehn Vice President :: Theresa Claeys Secretary :: Bailey Pankonin Tresurer :: Mackenzie Brass Board Members :: Sam Virning, Clint Harguth & Brandi Raatz

2010 Jacket Winners

Youth exhibiting Champion Simmental Genetics at their County Fairs!

Ethan Anderson – Pope County – Heifer and Feeder Calf Laura Mulert – Steele County – Cow/Calf Dylan Lunning – Mower County – Feeder Calf Clint Harguth – Winona County – Heifer and Cow/Calf Collin Grass – Mower County – Heifer Lucus Grass – Mower County – Steer Heather Jager-Durheim – Pine County – Feeder Calf Michael Durheim – Pine County – Heifer Dylan Celander – Martin County – Heifer Hunter Aggen – Fillmore County – Cow/Calf Kirsten Pike – Isanti County – Cow/Calf Jennifer Johnson – Chisago County – Cow/Calf Paul Elmstrand – Isanti County – Steer Hilary Hawkins – Dakota County – Cow/Calf Brandi Raatz – Pipestone County – Heifer Megan Boesl – Douglas County – Heifer Katie Boesl – Douglas County – Steer Seth Kaehler – Olmsted County – Heifer Kjersten Pearson – Meeker County – Heifer Andrea Diehn – Sibley County – Heifer Sarah Virnig – Mille Lacs County – Heifer Zac Virnig – Mille Lacs County – Cow/Calf Cassandra Hook – Redwood County - Heifer

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JB Farms Selected as MSA Commercial Producer of the Year The Minnesota Simmental Association announced the 2011 MSA Commercial Producer of the Year Award going to JB Farms of Correll, MN owned and operated by Justin & Dr. Rachel Bakeberg along with daughter Carolynn. This award was presented at the annual banquet in Rochester, MN. The mission statement that the award carries is to honor an outstanding commercial producer who has utilized the Simmental breed for powerful heterosis.

Val & Lori Eberspacher (left) pictured with Rachel & Justin Bakeberg JB Farms consist of 175 black commercial cross cows with emphasize on low birth weights, high weaning weights and strong maternal traits. The Bakeberg’s have been using Simmental bulls in the operation for over 15 years and that F1 cross allows them to sell calves in late fall at the Hub City Livestock Auction in Aberdeen, SD. This firm consistently tops the market with feeder steers and heifers that have ideal phenotype and the ability to gain built in.

Calving ease is especially important in any herd, Justin smiles and comments, “it is really important when you are the one married to the vet!” Dr. Rachel operates her own Vet Practice in Appleton, MN. The couple says they will continue utilizing Sim-genetics and wish to send a thank you to the MN Simmental Association for this prestigious award.

Breeders Spotlight

k l a g i B Kory

Kory’s parents, Earl and Arlene Bigalk, started Diamond K Farms in 1975, named after their seven children whose names all start with the letter K. They purchased their first Simmentals in 1977. The Simmental herd grew to about 50 purebred cows before Earl and Arlene passed away in 1987. The farm and most of the cattle were sold in 1988.

A few of the better cows were sent to Dr. Lynn Aggens which allowed Kory to remain involved with 4-H and Simmental cattle throughout his youth which included serving as the MJSA President and also serving a term on the National Junior Simmental Association’s Board of Directors.

Along with the Aggen crew, Kory did a great deal of showing from the county fair to national classics which were highlighted by Kory and Matt’s heifer “Snickers” being Kory and wife Kareen, named Reserve Overall Female at their first AJSA National Classic in 1989 in Des with twins James & Lila Moines, IA. Kory has owned Simmental cattle with the Aggen family ever since and more recently has bought some cows with Bob Grass of Grass-Lunning Simmentals. Between the two herds, Kory owns about 20 mostly purebred cows. Kory is able to graze most of the cows at his place for the summer but they are sent back to Aggens’ and Grass’ for the winter. The cattle are marketed through Grass’ Bulls Eye Bonanza sale, the MN State Simmental Sale and sold privately.

Kory’s youthful influences, experiences and desire to work in the cattle industry led him to the University of Minnesota in 1991 where he did his undergraduate studies and attended veterinary school. After graduating from veterinary school in 1998, he worked as a large animal veterinarian for 12 years before purchasing Future Genetics from Dr. Clair Sauer in March of 2010. Dr. Sauer’s business was combined with his current embryo transfer clientele to begin Diamond K Genetics, PLC. Diamond K Genetics is a full service embryo transfer business that Kory operates out of his home in Zumbrota, MN. In addition to traditional embryo transfer services, Kory also provides reproductive ultrasound services, in vitro fertilization services and is in the process of building a donor housing facility in Leroy, MN in partnership with Grass-Lunning Simmentals.

Kory married Kareen Kurth on New Year’s Eve in 2007 and they welcomed twins, James and Lila, into the world on October 5, 2010. Kareen was very involved in 4-H although not with livestock(this was new to Kory because he didn’t know 4-H was anything besides showing livestock). They are excited to continue the tradition of raising a family heavily involved in 4-H, Simmental Cattle and animal agriculture. (However, there is some disagreement on whether the kids will be forced to participate in Share the Fun).

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NEW INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR JUNIORS SPONSORED

BY THE MINNESOTA SIMMENTAL ASSOCIATION At the February annual meeting, the MSA decided to sponsor a new incentive program for juniors. When a junior purchases a female at the annual MN State Simmental Sale, the junior has the option to bring the female back as a bred female to resell at the next year’s auction, or if the junior purchased a bred female, the junior may bring back her resulting off-spring to sell at the next year’s auction. When the junior brings back the animal to sell, they will only be charged ½ of the usual sale expenses. This is a one-time option available to all juniors. Animals must be purchased and resold during consecutive years to take advantage of the program. Consider the opportunities as you study your 2012 MN State Sale catalog!!!

Upcoming Events for 2011: :: April 16-17: MN Jr. Spring Classic - Austin, MN :: May 5: Entry deadlines for Regionals :: June 1: Deadline for submitting Merit Award Applications (Must qualify for Bronze before you can receive Silver or Gold) :: June 10-11: MN Jr. Livestock Show – Rochester, MN :: June 12: U of M Block & Bridle Show – Rochester, MN :: June 15-18: Eastern Regionals – Morehead, KY :: June 15-18: Western Regionals – Tremonton, UT :: June 20: Online registration opens for MN State Fair FFA and Open shows :: June 20-24: North Central Regionals – Wausau, WI :: July 3-8: National Classic – Sedalia, MO :: August 25-September 5: MN State Fair :: October 20-23: MN Beef Expo

Would you like to highlight your program this summer?

We are looking for someone interested in hosting the 2011 Field Day!

On the Road

with Kelly

Spring is finally here!! It is a beautiful spring day today and the snow has just about all melted. We have all been anxiously awaiting this kind of weather. This winter certainly took its toll on cattleman all over the Midwest. Record snowfalls and long cold spells made it especially long this year. The good thing that made this winter and early spring a lot more bearable has been the fantastic cattle prices. Record cattle prices across the board have certainly made producers everywhere talk. I can’t tell you how many different stories I have heard this spring from various cattlemen about their cull cow, slaughter bull, fat cattle or feeders that reached prices they had never seen before. It has been a lot of fun for everyone.

I wrote a Viewpoint article for the Register coming out about the same time this newsletter should arrive to most of you. I encourage all of you to check out that article. In it, I talk about the huge demand we have had for Simmental genetics this year. I also explain how the demand isn’t necessarily from one or two parts of the cattle business, but really every facet of the beef business wants Simmental genetics to advance their programs and reach their goals. It is truly an exciting time to be in the Simmental breed. There is no doubt that our breed is achieving some great things in terms of adding value to the overall beef cattle business. But I want to highlight the point I made in the article about keeping the cattle good. We have to keep making cattle that are high quality, functional and problem free. We can certainly enjoy the success we are having, but we have to remember what got us there and what the cattle industry wants. We shouldn’t take this great demand for granted. We need cattle that calve easy, grow fast and efficiently and have excellent carcass traits. Making cattle that do those things well, as well as having good physical features and acceptable disposition, will keep our Simmental cattle in high demand for many years to come!

Finally, I want to congratulate the Minnesota Simmental Association for having another great Simmental weekend in Rochester for the MSA Meeting, Banquet and State Sale. It was a great weekend for Simmental enthusiasts to get together and catch up on things and talk cattle. While the sale was down on numbers a bit this year, it was still a very nice sale. I can assure you that the MSA State Sale has a terrific reputation of being one of the top State Association sales in the country. People from other states are always aware of the offering every year in Rochester. I encourage everyone to bring out their best for next year’s sale. Good ones are always easy to sell.

I hope to see many of you soon as I am out and about traveling the countryside. If you have any questions about the Association or if I can help in any way, please let me know. Have a great Spring!

-Kelly Schmidt, ASA Field Representative 406-599-2395, kschmidt@simmgene.com

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2011 MN Beef Expo Simmental Heifer Donated by: Hilbrands Simmentals, AJE Cattle Company and Boehland cattle COmpany Hilbrands Simmentals is a family run operation that purchased their first purebred Simmentals in 1987. They run approximately 75 head of a mature cows and with the help of good cooperative herds try to implant around 150 to 200 embryos each year. Their donor cows are the base of their program and are hand picked selectively from highly proven cow families based on the attributes that will produce outstanding seedstock backing up their motto "Predictability Through Top Genetics."

AJE Cattle Co. was established in 2000 with the purchase of the first purebred Simmental show heifer from C-Mor Beef Farms. Since then, the program has grown with the help of great partners, embryo transfer and 10 donor cows. The focus of the operation is to produce quality seedstock, backed by proven cow families, to help junior members establish Simmental programs of their own.

Having just completed the American Junior Simmental Program, Amanda Eberspacher has first hand experience of what great results a Simmental female can have for a young member.

Mel Boehland Cattle Co. is owned by Mel and Pat Boehland of White Bear Lake, MN. A non-cattle owner but cattleman by heart, Mel’s passion for the cattle industry would often lead him to the MN Beef Expo each year. During one of those visits, he met Val and Lori Eberspacher resulting in a friendship that led to the fulfillment of Mel's dream of owning cattle. In 2002, he partnered with Eberspachers to purchase his first Purebred Simmental, JF First Glance. Since then, he's expanded the herd to several donors owned in partnership with Eberspachers and Hilbrands along with a small set of AI cows. Though their herd may be small the standards are set high and quality is excellent!

In 2010, Hilbrands Simmentals, AJE Cattle Co, Hecksel Simmental Farm, Mel Boehland Cattle Co and guest consigners established the Jewels of the Northland Simmental Sale held at the Hilbrands Sale Facility in Clara City, MN. Taking place the first Saturday in December, the sale offers approximately 100 lots of Simmental Genetics, including show heifers, breds, bulls and embryos. Hilbrands Simmental and AJE Cattle Co also exhibited and marketed through the National Western Sale, Denver, CO, North American Select Simmental Sale, Louisville, KY, and the MN State Simmental Sale, Rochester, MN. While a majority of the bulls are marketed privately off of the farm you may also see them consigned to one of the previous mentioned sales along with the Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City, SD. Hilbrands Simmentals, AJE Cattle Co and Mel Boehland Cattle Co are proud to be the sponsor of this years MBE Simmental Donation female. We look forward to working with the recipient and wish them the best of luck with their new project!

Highlights from the MN Simmental Assoc.

Annual Meeting, Banquet & State Sale

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President’s Comments Dear Fellow Simmental Breeders, Though it may not feel like spring yet (hopefully the warm weather has decided to arrive prior to this newsletter) many of you are probably winding down, smack in the middle of, or just beginning your 2011 calving season. If you don’t already have a vaccination and worming program in place for your herd, now is a good time to discuss this with your veterinarian. Getting those calves off to a good healthy start by assuring they’re up and nursing colostrum soon after birth is just the beginning; and by working closely with a local veterinarian you can be confident that your health program is tailored specifically to your area. As we transition into the breeding season, don’t forget to keep in mind the MN State Simmental Sale in February and how beneficial it is to our State Association to having a good solid set of cattle represented there each year. Not only does our sale embody what MN has to offer as a whole but it is also an opportunity for you the breeder to highlight what your program has to offer, advertise it nationally through the catalog and potentially use it to create new customers and opportunities. I thank all of you who have regularly consigned cattle over the years and look forward to seeing you again next year and challenge those of you who haven’t consigned lately (or at all) to think about joining us in 2012!

Your MSA President, Adrienne Hilbrands

2011 MSA Officers President: Adrienne Hilbrands 365 170th Ave. NW Hollaway, MN 56249 320-394-2118 hilbraam@morris.umn.edu

Secretary: Paul Krueger 9819 Neal Ave. S Hasting, MN 55033 651-335-6544 pc_krueger@hotmail.com

Vice President: Matt Aggen 27133 146th St. Harmony, MN 55939 507-772-4522 (H) 701-866-3544 (C) mattaggen@hotmail.com

Treasurer: Beth Andersland 12758 670th Ave. Emmons, MN 56029 507-297-5986 (H) 507-402-1095 (c) andersland@gmail.com

Amy Brass, Jr. Advisor 4340 30th Ave SE | Rochester, MN 55904 flatiron@myclearwave.net

2011 MSA Directors

Ed Schmidt 3455 190th St. Tracy, MN 56175 507-629-3513 (H) 507-530-2635 (C)

eecattle@imail.mvtvwireless.com

Erick Barberg 2545 Rockwood Ave. SW Cokato, MN 55321 651-260-1951 ebarberg@hotmail.com Jason Anderson 245 4th St. E Harmony, MN 55939 507-421-2494 ande3543@umn.edu

Ed Kaehler 203 Cty. Rd. 7 SE Eyota, MN 55934 ejkaehler@hotmail.com

Bill Krause 12431 Cty Rd 3 NW Pine Island, MN 55963 507-356-2179 bkrause@agrinews.com Scott Franke 38572 Co. Rd. 187 Sauk Centre, MN 56378 507-259-7690 frank422@umn.edu

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Join the excitement!

Minnesota Simmental Association

www.mnsimmental.com Adrienne Hilbrands- MSA President 320-394-2118 hilbraam@morris.umn.edu Kelly Schmidt - North Central ASA Representative 406-599-2395 kschmidt@simmgene.com Beth Andersland - MSA Treasurer 507-297-5986 andersland@gmail.com