December 2019 Brangus Journal

DECEMBER 2019

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December 2019

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

IBBA STAFF

Area 1: AL, FL, GA & South America Chris Heptinstall, 2nd Vice President 205.363.0919 :: chris@salacoavalleybrangus.com Area 2: AR, LA & MS Bill Davis, 1st Vice President 336.210.1222 :: bdavis@billdavistrucking.com Area 3: ND, SD, MN, WI, IA, IL, MO, KS & NE Vern Suhn 620.583.3706 :: vern@genetrustbrangus.com Area 4: IN, MI, PA, OH, KY, TN, NC, SC, VA, WV & New England States Darrel Law 615.666.2976 :: cklaw@nctc.com Area 5: OK Shiloh Hall 918.798.1337 :: shiloh518@yahoo.com Area 6: NM, AZ, CA, NV, UT, CO, WY, MT, ID, WA, OR, Canada & Australia Greg Romans 541.473.3822 :: romansbrangus@yahoo.com Area 7: TX & Mexico Allen Goode 214.683.1600 :: allen@triocattle.com Area 7: TX & Mexico Danny Farris 325.669.5727 :: farrisranching@yahoo.com Area 7: TX & Mexico Lee Alford 979.820.4205 :: alfordcattleco.lee2@yahoo.com Area 8: Central Time Zone (except TX & OK) Doyle Miller 615.351.2783 :: dmiller@doylemillercpa.com Area 9: TX & OK Mike Weathers, Secretary/Treasurer 979.733.0907 :: mikeweathers@msn.com Area 10: Mountain & Pacific Time Zone States Troy Floyd 575.734.7005 :: tfloyd@leaco.net Area 11: Eastern Time Zone States Eddy Roberts, President 386.935.1416 :: wetfarm1@windstream.net

International BrangusÂŽ Breeders Association 8870 US Highway 87 E, San Antonio, TX 78263 P.O. Box 809, Adkins, TX 78101 O: (210) 696-8231 F: (210) 696-8718 info@gobrangus.com gobrangus.com

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December 2019

Executive Vice President Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D. dwilkes@gobrangus.com 210.718.8051

Director of Accounting & Finance Justine Voss jvoss@gobrangus.com 210.696.8231

Director of Registry, Media & BPI Co-Editor Jessie England jengland@gobrangus.com 830.263.9384

Director of Genomics & Research Macee Prause mprause@gobrangus.com 210.696.8231

Member Services & Marketing Coordinator Lori Edwards ledwards@gobrangus.com 210.696.8231

Director of Information & Technology Andrew Sicotte asicotte@goregstr.com 210.696.8231 Software Developer Daniel Ross dross@goregstr.com 210.696.8231

Registry Services

Mary Douglass mdouglass@gobrangus.com 210.696.8231

Customer Service

Amber Mosel amosel@gobrangus.com 210.696.8231

Brangus Publications, Inc. Editor Emily Lochner elochner@gobrangus.com 254.230.8444

Advertising Sales

Melanie Fuller mfuller@gobrangus.com 979.255.3343

DE CE M BE R 2019

Cover photo by Lori Edwards, IBBA Membership & Marketing Coordinator @gobrangus | #gobrangus

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DEC

2019 Volume 67 :: Issue 8

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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EXECUTIVE CORNER

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DNA TESTING SETTING REALISTIC EXPECATIONS AND TIMELINES

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DECADES OF BEEF LEADERSHIP

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QUAIL VALLEY BREEDER HIGHLIGHT

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HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PRODUCTION SALE

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THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE STOCKMAN: FETAL PROGRAMMING

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NATIONAL SHOW OF MERIT SHOW RESULTS

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2018-2019 SHOW ANIMALS OF THE YEAR

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FIND A BREEDER PROFILE FORM 5

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

FOLLOW THE LEADER, brangus leader

by Eddy Roberts, IBBA President

Fall sale season is slowly drawing to an end, leaving some producers satisfied and some disappointed.

I’ve never seen a market with as much spread from top to bottom as we’ve seen this fall. I’m no longer going to talk about averages because they simply don’t tell the story of the cattle market like they used to. Market reports from Iowa to New Mexico to Texas and Florida tell the same amazing story: well-bred and well-managed yearlings are bringing more per pound than bawling calves weighing half as much. I never dreamed I’d see that.

When Darrell Wilkes presents the draft of the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Long Term Plan, he talks about two “800-pound gorillas”

that will affect the cattle industry in big and powerful ways in the years ahead. One of them is a spreading market, where some cattle qualify for value-added programs and others simply don’t.

Those that qualify have three ingredients: 1) solid genetics, 2) very good – documented- nutrition and health management and, 3) they are professionally marketed.

Producers who are covering all three bases are selling their cattle at the top of the market. Without the right genetics, the top of the market won’t be realized.

There is a lot of buzz about Bos indicus percentages in our cattle. Perhaps Wilkes nailed it last month in his article. He reported ‘within our breed we can fit diverse environments ranging from very hot and wet to very hot and dry to pretty hot with cold spells.’ He’s right, our cattle are certainly adaptable. Over time, the environment and we (the breeders)

IBBA FACTS DNA facts & in aEPD flash in a flash in the past 30 days

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bi-annual report

20 New Senior Members

1,134,848 Animals in EPD Evaluation

32 New Junior Members

1,503,582 Animals with Performance Data

3 New Associate Members 1,177 New DNA Submissions

1,502,845 Animals with Complete Pedigree Information

1,407 New Female Registrations

27,514 Animals with GE-EPDs

895 New Bull Registrations

28,936 Animals with Genomic Profiles

December 2019

will select the type of cattle that fits our climate.

We have more information and data at our disposal every day. How we use and manage new inputs will determine whether we lead or follow the rest of the beef industry.

We must make the decisions that push us ahead. Personally, I would like us to lead, not follow. What we can do with the knowledge that our percentages vary can be a curse or a fantastic blessing as we learn how to match our bulls to people’s needs. The board will discuss what action to take when we have enough information to make rational and informed decisions.

Ballots will soon be in the mail for four seats on our board.

Please consider who you want to represent you. With longrange planning and percentage discussion, leadership is more critical than ever. Please vote! May God bless you and may God bless America!

join us for the

Brangus Summit membership gathering

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EXECUTIVE CORNER

REGSTR, with more to come

new features in

by Dr. Darrell Wilkes, IBBA Executive Vice President To say that it has been a challenge to build the new registration system while simultaneously using it would be a gross understatement. If you were to try that with your baler – baling hay while replacing the belts – you’d probably lose an arm or a leg. As testament to the perseverance of Brangus® breeders and the IBBA staff, you have registered over 25,000 head with the new system since it was launched on January 2.

I am frequently asked, “When will you be done with REGSTR?” I sometimes answer this with a smart aleck question, “When will you be done improving your Brangus herd?” My objective in answering this way is to make a point that the software and information system is a work in progress that is never really done. There will be tweaks and improvements that go on for years. But, to the point of the question, we believe we can have the major FUNCTIONAL systems all working by the end of the first quarter of 2020. Many features are already highly, if not fully, functional. Others, like recovering DNA information and ordering DNA tests, are still done mostly manually. DNA information management is a number one priority for our programming team.

In plain English, when I use the term FUNTIONALITY, I mean that: 1) you are able to efficiently input information and data into the system, 2) the system will efficiently receive and accurately process your inputs, and 3) very 8

December 2019

attention to this as you enter importantly, you will have access data. You already know that many to tools to get your information animals were assigned erroneous back out of the system to use contemporary groups for birth, as you need, whether you are weaning, and yearling/ultrasound analyzing your data with an Excel spreadsheet or downloading it into data. Beginning November 1, the logic errors that were creating a third-party software package these problems have been fixed like CattleMax or GEM. Some of and any data the reporting “Now functioning: new and improved submitted since features that you screens for entering weaning, yearling, and then should had in the old be free of system may not ultrasound information.” contemporary be completed by -Dr. Darrell Wilkes, IBBA EVP group issues. that date, but I can assure you that we fully intend By the time you read this letter around December 1, we plan to to exceed your expectations when have completed a mass repair of all it comes to giving you easy access contemporary group assignments to your own data along with some for cattle registered since the first programs that allow you to of the year. We ask that you take analyze it.

In the balance of this letter, I an active role in checking your want to draw your attention to contemporary group assignments some new and vastly-improved as you use the new data entry processes in REGSTR, several that screens for weaning, yearling, and are now functioning and one that is ultrasound data.

To be more specific, as you on the very near horizon. enter the PHN of animals for the Now functioning: new and improved screens for entering purpose of inputting weaning data, the screen will show you which weaning, yearling, and birth contemporary group each ultrasound information.

These improvements were animal was previously assigned. added in early November. Visit This may seem trivial but is vitally the website to view video tutorials important. If an animal is assigned of how to use the new screens for the wrong birth contemporary data input. I think you will find group, it will be in the wrong the new data input format to be contemporary group(s) the rest intuitive and very easy to use. Most of its life which compromises the members will use these screens to value of subsequent performance enter their data. Those members data for weaning, yearling, who use CattleMax or GEM and ultrasound. If the birth software at home can download contemporary grouping does files directly into those screens. not seem right to you, please let We have built in a quality IBBA know. Hint: if you have a control process as it relates to reasonably tight calving season, contemporary grouping and and all cattle are treated the same, (continued on page 10) request that all members pay

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EXECUTIVE CORNER (continued from page 8)

you may only have two birth contemporary groups; one for bull calves and one for heifers. If you have ET calves, each calf should be in a separate birth contemporary group.

As you enter weaning data on each animal, you will see a ‘calculate’ button which, when clicked, will assign a contemporary group and calculate the ratio for that animal. This can be done with each individual, or it can be done when you’re finished entering the data for the entire set. You will then see all the ratios and the contemporary group assignments on the screen before you are required to ‘submit’ the information. The system does not require that you enter all your data in one setting. If you enter weaning data, for instance, in multiple different settings but it involves the same calf crop, the system will put them all together into the appropriate contemporary groups and will re-calculate ratios accordingly. Please review the contemporary group assignments as you go along, bearing in mind that if two calves are in different birth contemporary groups, they can never be in the same weaning contemporary group.

The next step is yearling and/ or ultrasound data. As you enter yearling or ultrasound data, you will be able to see the weaning contemporary group assignments on the screen. Please take a minute and do your own quality control check on the contemporary group assignment. If you think it is wrong, please call the office, and we will work with you to fix it.

Photo by Nancy Ward

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December 2019

A new feature, due for completion by the end of the year.

The IBBA has contracted with an outside programmer to create what I call the “Data Smorgasbord.” This was a feature in the predecessor program, and it is a favorite of many breeders.

In essence, it is a member-defined query of the data points that you want to see. You will have a menu (a list) of all the data available on your cattle. You then click the box beside the data points you want to see, click a “search” button, and then open an Excel spreadsheet.

Once in an Excel spreadsheet, you can do whatever you want with it.

This program will also have a feature where you can pre-define certain ‘groups’ of cattle and select data points only on that group.

For example, if you create a group for your 2020 Spring Bull Sale, and then request numerous data points for that group, you will get your selected information only on the members of that group. Within some limit that we have not yet defined, you can make as many groups as you wish, you can name them using your own terms, and they will remain intact until you disband the group.

Integrated accounting is moving up on our list of priorities.

As I’m writing this letter on November 13, our accounting department just mailed a pile of invoices for THR-equivalent fees for ET calves that have been registered since the first of the year. This is NOT how we would prefer to do things. We would much rather invoice for these things as they occur. But our

registration software does not yet ‘talk to’ our accounting software.

We must rely on a manual process of pulling data from the registration system and manually entering it into the accounting system. I mention this not to beg for pity on the staff, but to point out why your invoices sometimes represent billable activity covering several (or many) months.

It would be much easier on staff and better for IBBA’s cash flow if these systems all worked, but we have delayed this work because we felt it was more important to get the features working for members first. As we enter 2020, you will see more timely invoices for transfers, ET calf fees, and other pay-as-you-go transactions.

Some wild ideas that we’re thinking about.

What if you could build your own selection index and then project what your herd’s genetic trend would look like in 10 or 15 years if you selected animals based on your index? What if you could toggle up or down to put more or less pressure on a certain trait in your index to simulate the effects on your population over time?

What if you could download the data from another breeder’s sale catalog and apply your own index to their offering? Would that help you make your selection?

These are the kinds of tools that I believe a 21st century breed association needs to provide to serious cattle breeders. We’ll get the registration system working as it should, and then we need to brainstorm together about some new tools and features that can move us forward, faster.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

DNA TESTING

Setting Realistic Expectations and Timelines

by Leoma Wells, Strategic Accounts Manager, Neogen “My advice is to never do tomorrow what you can do today.

Procrastination is the thief of time.” ~Charles Dickens It’s that time of the year.

Summer has come and gone, the calves are weaned or about there and we’re selecting our spring sale prospects, replacement heifers and potential show strings.

Well, guess what else this time of the year means? The Neogen laboratory in Lincoln, Nebraska is entering their busiest season too.

Thousands of sample submissions are arriving each day and customer expectations are running wild. The goal of this article is to provide insight and realistic perspective which will set you up for DNA testing success. When it comes to DNA testing, the earlier we can start, the more we ensure your ability to capture the full value of testing you have paid for, which is the ultimate goal for all producers.

Below we are going to outline the simple steps each breeder can follow to submit your DNA samples and receive results on time, setting yourself up for triumph instead of despair and frustration.

The most critical part of submitting DNA is to set up expectations based upon facts, especially if you’re operating with a deadline looming such as a sale or show. There’s brutal honesty outlined within the steps below when it comes to expectations surrounding DNA turnaround and to be frank, adjustments will need 12

December 2019

to be made on your calendar based upon these timelines. Let’s say the bull sale is being held on February 24, 2020. If the breeder needs the results by January 15th so they can be printed in their catalog and all International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) submission instructions are followed, they should submit their samples for testing no later than November 18th. An even more optimal time frame would be sending in samples

by November 4th, allowing some extra time, especially with the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

See Figure 1.

With DNA it’s best to start early and give all areas of this wheel extra time cushion and save yourself, and others, unnecessary stress. Outlined below is each step translated to expected business days and turn around.

Step 1 – It is highly encouraged to mail samples Step 5: GGP in a way used in genetic where you are evaluation to supplied with produce GEa tracking EPDs monthly number. In my opinion it is worth the $8-$20 to have peace of mind, Step 4: IBBA especially sends DNA results to since you’ve breeder already January 3 invested time, energy and expense in to collecting the samples.

Typical

mailing time can vary from one to 10 days depending on shipping method.

Step 2 – As long as your samples arrive with the proper IBBA paperwork, they typically go in to test within three to seven business days, depending on sample volume being received at the lab and, it varies depending on the time of year. The lab is extremely busy October-March so plan on the seven business days for this step, just to be safe.

Step 3 – DNA is being run on the samples and results are reported electronically to IBBA via our Lab Information Management Software (LIMS). Typically, from the time a sample enters testing to when results are reported to the association is 17-28 days depending on testing selected and current lab testing volume.

Step 4 – IBBA downloads the results in to their database and Step 1: Breeder mails samples to Neogen for testing November 18

Figure 1 GGP

Step 3: Lab reports results to IBBA December 30

Step 2: Samples enter testing December 2

FEATURE ARTICLE reports them to the breeder. This process and timeline is dependent upon IBBA workload but it’s safe to assume three business days with regards to this calendar planning.

Step 5 – IBBA runs monthly genetic evaluations. If you submit DNA testing prior to the data being pulled for the genetic evaluation, then once updated EPDs are published your animal’s records will reflect DNA enhanced EPDs. In between evaluations your animal will have interim EPDs assigned until the next evaluation is completed. This step is not included in Figure 2. See below.

Given the above steps, it could take four to six weeks from the time a breeder submits their samples to the lab for them to receive DNA results back from the association. Now, if there’s any re-testing or paperwork delays that

Step 1 Mail samples 1 to 10

six weeks can quickly turn in to eight. Planning ahead also gives us time to re-submit a sample if the initial submission ends in a sample failure. From experience, 2-3% of samples fail testing, so if you’re submitting 100 samples there may be three samples you’ll need to recollect and submit through testing again. If you are ahead of the game and start early, there’s still time to get the re-submits completed prior to your final deadline.

It’s important to note there is not a way to expedite DNA testing or magically make the results appear, so there’s no room for procrastination or excuses for being late. My best recommendation is to make sure you follow your association’s DNA instructions closely, gather samples using proper collection techniques and start early, this is the ultimate

Step 2 Samples enter testing 3 to 7

recipe for success. It is advised for breeders to implement a DNA testing calendar that works for your operation and do your best to stick to it. You may end up testing a few more animals than needed by doing it early, but the payoff from having all the information is well worth it. Keep in mind, DNA testing is an important investment in the future of the genetics for your operation and that of your customers. There’s too much riding on the results arriving in time to throw a “Hail Mary” or be found crossing your fingers a week before the sale. The time to get started testing your spring sale animals, replacement heifers and show prospects is NOW. The moral of the entire story is: please don’t delay, submit those DNA samples with proper paperwork TODAY!

Figure 2

Step 3 DNA results reported 17 to 28

Step 4 IBBA uploads results 1 to 3

Total = 48 days

*All estimations are in days, excludes holidays and weekends.

Photo by Bryan Tucker Photography

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December 2019

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BEEF INDUSTRY BEAT

Decades of Beef Leadership Led by Kendal Frazier

by Emily Lochner, IBBA Editor

Thirty-five years ago, there were 109.6 million beef animals in the United States and the industry was churning out a commanding 23.7 billion pounds of red meat, annually. Three decades later, the beef community reflects a 14.8 million head drop in cattle numbers, yet, producers have managed to escalate an additional 2.8 billion pounds of beef production. How? Genetics, nutrition, and technology advancements have driven the bus of evolution, in theory. But it’s no secret the beef industry has faced a roller coaster of tribulations alongside advancements over the course of time; and since 1985, Kendal Frazier has been along for the ride.

In the mid-1980s, Frazier left the Kansas Livestock Association to join the National Cattlemen’s Association (NCA) as Director of Communications. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Vice President of Communications where he served for 25 years with a front row seat to industry innovation, including the merging of the NCA and the Beef Industry Council in 1996 to become the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). For the past decade, Frazier has served in a governance role, eventually as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NCBA since 2014. For Frazier, it’s the end of an era as he plans for retirement at year end, passing the reigns on to Colin Woodall and reflecting back on a lifetime spent 16

December 2019

of its beef production exported, serving cattle producers.

“I’ve tried to think of the thanks to that first agreement.” An biggest wins over the years,” states accomplishment that, according to Frazier. “It started in the late 80s the U.S. Meat Export Federation and early 90s when beef demand (USMEF), added over $300 per was low.” Many may remember a head to the price of fed cattle in time when beef was villainized by 2018. “And, of course, working the health community, pointing on keeping the estate tax low is blame towards saturated fat and a victory for cattle producers,” cholesterol concerns. “I’d like he says. “The long-term goal is to think I was a part of the team to repeal the estate tax. In the that helped stabilize beef demand meantime, we have worked to by focusing keep the estate tax “You cannot do things by yourself that a rate low and the on the consumer,” membership organization can do.” exemption high he reminisces. enough to allow -Kendal Frazier The industry, estates to be passed led by advocacy efforts from to the next generation.”

There’s value in membership.

NCBA, safely steadied nutrition “You cannot do things by yourself discrepancies just in time for that a membership organization another blow to the cattle can do,” Frazier contends. Alone, business, Bovine Spongiform no single cattle producer can Encephalopathy (BSE), better simultaneously advocate in known as Mad Cow Disease. “The recovery from BSE was critical, and Washington D.C., while studying consumer beef purchasing trends, mainly, ensuring we could prevent while developing new cuts of meat, it from hurting beef demand was while fighting for water rights at top priority,” recalls Frazier. And, a state capital and also calve cows they succeeded. While U.S. beef and fix fence all in a day’s time. exports dropped, beef demand But, a membership organization internally remained strong, can. Frazier believes “By joining seeing little to no decline in beef together you can advance your consumption per capita.

“Another strong win during industry. You’re always stronger my career would have to be the together whether it’s through first trade agreement with Japan NCBA, a state cattlemen’s that opened the Japanese market,” association, or a breed association Frazier claims. “That agreement membership.”

Predictably, the industry really laid the foundation for continues to face threats both other countries to follow suit internally and externally as Frazier with international beef trade retires. “The external threats are agreements. Now, the beef two-fold,” he forecasts, “we need to industry sees 13 to 14 percent

BEEF INDUSTRY BEAT keep our eye on the consumer, but we have to be vigilant about things that will increase cost for the producer. Honestly, Australia and Brazil can produce beef cheaper than we can. As an industry, we have to always be careful of adding additional expense to the producer that could one day price us out of the domestic and international marketplaces.

But we also have to produce a demand-worthy product for the American consumer.” With activist propaganda hitting the American consumer from all sides, fake meat products, vegan celebrities, and anti-meat funded legislative proposals are an ever-present concern. “Internally, the Human Society of the United States (HSUS) is a long-term threat,” Frazier concedes. The Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) continues to further their cause in discrediting the beef Checkoff program and instigating a general unrest among beef producers towards the government-mandated program that’s been an astounding success since its inception in 1985.

Meanwhile, R-CALF (RanchersCattlemen Action Legal Fund), an organization that ‘fights for the independent cattleman’ has filed a lawsuit against the Checkoff.

“Unfortunately, organizations like OCM and R-CALF sound positive, but have actually aligned themselves with HSUS,” Frazier says. The solution? Put your boots on and get back to work.

“If we continue to focus on our consumer, and focus on producing a quality product, as we have done for generations, we’ll be fine,” he assures.

Another widely discussed topic in today’s industry lies at the center of the production process: the packer. Is there enough innovation

taking place? Frazier responds beef industry. Sure, operations are simply and strongly, “If you walk getting bigger and consolidation into a grocery store or restaurant, is increasing. But, like a doubleit looks very different than it edged sword, innovations in did 20 years ago. That’s because machinery, labor, and technology innovation continues to drive our are going to help keep farms and industry. Consumer education ranches in the hands of families.”

There will be setbacks. Like is propelling forward cuts that when a hail storm comes and takes haven’t always been popular the lives of two newborn calves; the like the tri-tip or the flank steak. beef industry itself Brands such “If we continue to focus on our consumer, is not immune as Certified and focus on producing a quality to adversity. But, Angus Beef product, as we have done for just as a rancher (CAB) are generations, we’ll be fine.” has no business creating a hours, the quest certain quality -Kendal Frazier for beef industry reliability in improvement also never ends. All the meat shelf. And, at the end it takes is a look down memory of the day, the packers know that lane to remember just how far they need the cow/calf producer we’ve come. The beef industry to survive. Packers continue to has secured a seat at the meat innovate with new brands and consumption table, member alliances with cattle feeders. In organizations are continually led many places the walls between by strong leaders with a producer the segments in the industry mindset, and nutrition research are breaking down and I see has proven beef can be a part of more people working together a lean diet. The advancement of to produce products that the technology and beef production consumer wants. Packers are has been overwhelming in the past producing a variety of products few decades. for their retail and foodservice “I had the privilege of working customers. In addition, we have with Kendal for over a decade at greatly improved the quality of NCA (now NCBA),” says Darrell beef that we are marketing to Wilkes. “He is one of those rare consumers. The percent of fed people who are, quite literally, 100 cattle grading choice and prime percent trustworthy. If he tells is nearly 80 percent. That is a dramatic change from just 20 years you he’ll do something, he does it. Always. He doesn’t understand ago.”

As the average age of producers the concept of an excuse and increases, coupled with land prices has never had to invent one. beyond production sustainability, The beef industry has benefitted a dark clouded question looms enormously from his work over overhead, ‘What is the future of the the decades.” We’ve come a long beef industry? Is the family farm way, beef industry, there’s no time a reality in 10 to 20 years’ time?’ to stop now! From all of us at the Frazier quells the fear, “Yes, the International Brangus Breeders family farm and ranch is a reality Association, we wish Kendal for the foreseeable future. It’s a Frazier well in retirement, and best stable foundation for American of luck to new NCBA CEO, Colin agriculture, particularly in the Woodall.

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FT

-0.029

DMR ELDORADO 30B15

$50 per unit CED BW WW 8.1

-2.1

27

YW 47

M TM CEM 5

19

4.0

SC REA

0.64 0.32

IMF

0.04

FT

-0.036

21

BREEDER HIGHLIGHT

QUAIL grows VALLEY FARMS with brangus

by Caitlin Richards

Quail Valley Farms in Oneonta, Alabama although new to the Brangus business, is no stranger to the cattle industry. Previously, Quail Valley primarily raised solely Santa Gertrudis cattle; after 10 years, owner, Ricky Cleveland decided to incorporate Brangus cattle into the operation. “We were looking to grow our herd size,” says Cleveland. “We live in an area where black cattle are still king. So, bringing in Brangus cattle made the most sense in keeping with eared cattle.”

The desirable traits of Brangus also added to Cleveland’s draw to the breed. In 2017, Quail Valley bought their first Brangus cattle – two females and a bull. From that purchase, they have grown their operation to nearly 300 head of Brangus cattle alongside their 400 head of Santa Gertrudis. They have a strong breeding program utilizing embryo transfer and artificial insemination and mainly market semen, females, and bulls to commercial cattlemen.

Ricky Cleveland, far right, poses with family after their production sale.

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December 2019

Before getting into the cattle business, Cleveland raised whitetail deer for 15 years. He had hunting and breeding operations in Alabama, Missouri, and Texas. “In our deer program, we were totally a hundred percent AI or embryo transfer,” Cleveland recalls. “What we did with the deer and what we are doing with the cattle – there are a lot of similarities. We’re going out and selecting animals we want to build our herd around.”

Selecting the best is the foundation of the Quail Valley embryo program. Cleveland says they prefer to turn generations by using young heifers with potential and correct breeding EPDs. They focus on building the herd around younger females rather than going back to their older proven donors.

“We are about turning genetics and turning generations here,” Cleveland notes. “We are always trying to find that next great donor and the great thing about doing it with embryo transfer is you can try different things with different

sires, and if it doesn’t work, it isn’t the end of the world.”

While the operation is growing every year, Cleveland says one of the biggest challenges they face is land. They currently run their 700 head of cattle on 2,000 acres but are looking for more property to grow their operation even more.

Right now, he says they are excited about developing the offspring from one of the best purchases he says they have made.

“Never Surrender, that bull has been just amazing for us here,” says Cleveland. “Unfortunately, he isn’t producing a lot of semen.

So, the semen has been limited but the demand of people wanting it has been very high. We are excited about all of his offspring we have been able to create here and getting those females and bulls into production in the next few years.”

Quail Valley Farms is a family operation, owned by Cleveland, while his brother-in-law, Brian Wood, is the operations manager.

Ricky and his wife, Angie, have

BREEDER HIGHLIGHT four sons. Their second son, David, currently works for the farm, and their youngest son, Luke, also works on the operation when he is home from college.

Since joining the Brangus business, Cleveland has enjoyed seeing how robust the breed is, and how breeders across the United States do things differently to fit their market and operation’s needs. The adaptability of the Brangus cow is one of the things Cleveland enjoys the most. “We are really excited about where the

breed is going and have enjoyed getting to know all the people within the breed,” says Cleveland.

“It is always enjoyable to go to the sales and go to the different events to see everyone.”

Being new to the Brangus business, Cleveland is grateful for the help of Mark Cowan, Richard Hood and Trey Kirkpatrick at American Marketing Services (AMS). Cleveland says Quail Valley Farms’ growth and success would not have been possible without them.

Outside of the cattle business, Cleveland owns a commercial masonry business. With his successful masonry business and growing cattle business, he stays busy. But, raising cattle is what Cleveland enjoys more than anything. It is now a family affair where everyone works cattle together and enjoys being on the property together. “We all have a really strong work ethic, and don’t mind long hours and hard work, because we see the reward and benefits of what we do.”

Texas Brangus Breeders Association (TBBA) members will soon be receiving sale cattle nomination forms in the mail for the April 4, 2020, TBBA sale held in Salado, Texas. It is time to start evaluating your herd and deciding which females would make good

sale prospects and getting breeding and genetic information compiled on them.

Nominations for TBBA director will be due by December 15. This will be for a three-year term beginning in April 2020. If you are interested in running for the

TBBA board or know someone who is, please email frances@ txbrangus.org. If you would like to join the TBBA, please go to our web page at txbrangus.org to find a membership application. Dues are $50 per year.

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December 2019

FEATURE ARTICLE

HOW TO GET THE MOST

OUT OF YOURproduction sale part 2

by Graham Blagg, Innovation AgMarketing, LLC; Larry Cotton, Cotton & Associates; Alan Sears, Sears Marketing Service; Emily Lochner, IBBA Editor

Editor’s Note: Brangus Publications, Inc. (BPI) chose to seek the opinions of sale managers outside the Brangus breed to avoid a conflict of interest. The sale managers interviewed are not seeking to solicit business from the Brangus breed (sale managers are often very breed specific). The Brangus breed has several knowledgeable, talented sale managers within breed who continue to work with and grow Brangus business. Please refer to ads within the BPI issues to find your next Brangus sale manager.

Three hundred and sixty-four days a year breeders across the nation put in the work for the one day that makes the whole operation spin: sale day. Thanks to online auctions and private treaty phone bid-offs, live auction production sales are less popular than in years past. Yet, many still argue there’s nothing like the competitive atmosphere of a live production sale.

Graham Blagg, Larry Cotton, and Alan Sears respectively representing the Simmental, Angus and Shorthorn sale management rings shed light onto the ultimate day of income, and how breeders can make the most of their turnkey day.

What advertising do you recommend for a ranch in general, and also sale specifically?

GRAHAM: I believe each program is different; each operation must evaluate their goals and establish a target audience they wish to reach to effectively promote their product. I personally prefer to receive sale catalogs and direct mail flyers, but realize the era of social media and technology has become prevalent in our society.

We recommend the major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snap Chat. I also

utilize an SMS Text Messaging service to reach our established customers and remind them about important events. But, it’s all about balance. Regionalized farm and ranch papers may be more effective when selling volume bulls or bred females compared to social media to market show heifer prospects.

LARRY: Maintain a really, really good website. Keep it fresh. Keep it interesting. Give people a reason to check it out frequently. E-blasts are a good marketing tool but can easily be overdone. Be careful not to become a nuisance in someone’s inbox, or they’ll stop following you altogether.

And, if you haven’t already set up a Facebook business account, do it.

Avoid the typical Facebook trivia and focus on building your ranches brand.

ALAN: A big part of the sale promotion is your advertising strategy. Obviously in-breed advertising is the first priority on a purebred female sale. With a bull sale, you should focus more emphasis using the media that reaches into your target market of commercial producers. The digital world is here to stay. A sound advertising strategy should include a balance of print, website, internet, and other digital avenues to broaden

your reach into your target market.

Print media is still your foundation to establish brand recognition, creditability, and trust with current or potential customers.

Do Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) really matter?

GRAHAM: EPDs are a tool that if utilized correctly can propel any program in a forward direction. I believe more and more producers are genomically testing their sale bulls in place of ultrasound data.

One thing that I emphasize is that quality, visual performance, and structural integrity will never go out of style as industry trends change.

Breed cattle that fit your market place, you know your customers better than anyone.

LARRY: Genetics matter! Stout EPDs backed up with genomics will matter in the sale ring. No matter how good they look, it is hard to sell below average EPDs for an above average price. But, remember, phenotype matters, too! Stout EPDs won’t save an animal with structural problems, or one that is presented unprofessionally. It’s getting harder and harder to sell “average” females in a production sale. The top end cattle are holding their value true. (continued on page 26)

25

FEATURE ARTICLE parents, who also look the part, will always be at the top of the price ALAN: Today’s world of serious range. cattle breeding includes all the data you can tap into. Real time data What can producers do to you can collect for birth, weaning, build the integrity of their sale? yearling, or ultrasound contributes GRAHAM: I am a firm believer to the animal’s EPD profile. Genetic that the agricultural industry is one testing is here to stay and will only of the few communities left where grow with identification of more trait a handshake and one’s word is all markers. If you want to be a leader, you need to conduct business. Stand gather and use all of the data for behind your product, believe in your breeding decisions and share with product, and if something goes awry your customers to help them make for your customer, simply work with informed buying decisions. them to make it right, and it will pay Does an AI or ET calf always off in the end. Always do the right thing – you can never buy back your bring more money than a integrity. natural calf?

GRAHAM: We are in a quality LARRY: The integrity of a driven market place. The technology program is established well before available to producers is better the decision to have the first sale. than ever and continues to evolve.

The objective of most breeders is I believe quality will always prevail to have the highest quality herd and being AI sired or the product of cattle they can produce. Their of embryo transfer may certainly purchase of seedstock from other fetch a premium. At the same time, breeders as well as the bulls they use there are many and buy certainly “As a general rule, an AI or ET calf will programs that identifies the type generate a higher value than have established of program they working cow have. In addition, a herd bull sired calf.” herds who will being active in -Larry Cotton, Cotton & Associates only flush cows local, state, and of a certain age reaching a donornational breed organizations is of worthy status. It’s all about balance. utmost value. People sell to people, and one’s ability to know fellow LARRY: As a general rule, an breeders, promote your product and AI or ET calf will generate a higher to be active in the industry creates value than a herd bull sired calf.

Obviously, the promotion, exposure, identity, trust, value and integrity. and identity of an AI/ET individual ALAN: A successful sale always is much greater, therefore that calf has two things that builds integrity. is more valuable to most prospective First, hard work around developing buyers. Pedigree, EPDs, and your brand. This provides the genomic rankings will be of higher foundation of trust and creditability value than those of a breeders’ herd to your customers. The second thing bull. It should be noted, however, is customers service. Following up that an individual that does not with customers on their purchases possess quality phenotype, these is paramount to customer retention. other influences will not increase A customer always likes attention, sale value. especially on his or her recent investment. Follow up calls also ALAN: Well, not all AI sired calves or ET calves make the top cut. allow you to learn of any problems or disappointments the buyer may However, if you want to accelerate have. Of course, making good on your program, the use of AI and ET those problems real or perceived will makes a huge difference. Typically, make or break keeping that buyer a bred females carrying the confirmed repeat customer. service to a popular AI sire bring a premium over the ‘bull bred’ If you had a list of “top five females. ET calves out of proven commonly made mistakes” (continued from page 25)

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December 2019

when producing a sale, what would that look like?

GRAHAM: (1) The seller is not ready to have a sale and is forced to offer more than they should, in turn, this has a negative effect on their ability to create the next generation of seedstock. (2) Cattle are pictured too early and are not ready. Picture and video day IS sale day! (3) Condition of the sale cattle.

I think it is important to have the cattle in shape to sell, this means not too far to one side or the other. Ask yourself the question – “would I buy that animal?” (4) How many catalogs need to be mailed out? 5,000 books for a 70-head sale is an unnecessary expense. Established a well-versed and meaningful mailing list ahead of time. (5) Offer quality, do not use your production sale as an outlet for problematic cattle. Once again “would I buy them?”

LARRY: (1) Making sure that there is a proper balance of management groups: feature females, cows with calves at side, bred cows, open heifers, bred heifers. Generally, there are only so many buyers for a particular group, too many of one group can reduce value. (2) Not planning an advertising budget that meets the needs of sale quality and the number of the head in the sale. (3) The sale cattle do not get sorted from the herd early enough in order to be properly conditioned to maximize eye appeal. (4) The display pens where the cattle will be located prior to the sale are not thought out in a manner that both provides adequate number of pens, as well as pens of workable size. (5) Planning for and having an adequate number of experienced cattle workers ahead of and during the sale.

ALAN: There’s always something that gets lost in ramping up for a sale. (1) Letting time get away from you. (2) Not getting cattle separated from the herd early enough. Cattle prep includes feed and conditioning of sale offering. (3) Failing to buffer in weather issues that could disrupt your photo and video schedule. (4)

FEATURE ARTICLE Not getting your paperwork in order concerning registrations and genetic testing. (5) Forgetting to get tests done like semen testing bulls and pregnancy testing females. Having all of these items completed on time makes meeting catalog and adverting deadlines possible.

It’s stressful to host a live sale. What is the biggest reason breeders avoid having their own sale and rather consign, sell private treaty, or host online? What would you say to curb that fear?

GRAHAM: There is no better option than the live auction method of merchandising livestock in my opinion. Selling at auction allows for true price discovery. It is more than just an auction, it is a chance for producers to gather, offer one another hospitality, and learn from others to help one’s own program evolve. A live auction provides excitement and a competitive atmosphere. There is nothing like a fast-paced, high energy auction!

LARRY: The involvement and use of social media and online transmission of auctions will continue and, to some degree, increase in usage. It appears though that in marketing registered seedstock, buyers prefer to physically see the cattle, even though they may not physically go through the ring.

Technology always finds its way seating, having clean and attractive into business. We think it will be a display pens for your offering is long time, if ever, where buyers and paramount to having your cattle sellers will feel that on-site auction look their best. Providing meals sales should not exist. The single and refreshments is a must. Always biggest stress factor, I think, is: will remember to be a great host. People people show up? Breeders are their tend to react the way you want them own best salesman. Don’t expect a to if they are always comfortable in good crowd if you don’t personally the setting they’re in. Make every work at it. Breeders who expect sales effort to provide a clean, attractive, management to draw the crowd comfortable environment for your will be sorely disappointed. Other visitors on sale day. It will make a stress factors are created solely lasting impression. by procrastination. Get stuff done

on time, and then focus on your Collectively, Graham, Larry customers. If you’re scrambling at and Alan have a combined 50 plus the last minute to sort the cattle, years managing cattle sales. They paint the facility, or get your come from places of rich heritage supplement sheet together, it forces rooted in a technology era. The act you away of marketing cattle has from the “A successful sale always has two things come a long way from customer. the railroad bound for that builds integrity: [hard work] My biggest Chicago, to black tie around developing your brand, advice: get affairs, to bidding with and [customer service].” your sale one click online. But, -Alan Sears, Sears Marketing Service in order in a way, it’s better early so you today. In a time where can focus on the actual sale when it social media and news can supersede arrives. a person’s social media feeds and ALAN: Hosting a live auction television screens, there’s nothing is still the best way to achieve true like the escape to the barn. There’s price discovery and added value for nothing like gathering with breeders your product. It does put a lot of on a cold, winter day for a bowl of stress and risk in play. In hosting chili and the rough cry of the ring your own sale, you need to have men for just one more bid. There’s your facility up to the task. Building nothing like a production sale. an auction ring, with comfortable

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MARSHALL FARMS BRANGUS BUILT FOR BUSINESS

Schmidt Farms BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK

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December 2019

29

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Science Behind the Stockman: FETAL PROGRAMMING

by Dr. N.T. Cosby, Purina Animal Nutrition, Senior Nutritionist To define stockmanship might be akin to describing leadership.

Both terms are difficult to define, but we know it when we see it.

We’ve probably all been around or are familiar with a stockman, and in every case, that term is reserved as a high compliment to describe the individual.

We know the type: a person that could take over an outfit and, with the same genetic base and similar or possibly even fewer resources, improve the performance and productivity of the ranch and the livestock, regardless of species. The stockman seemingly has an innate understanding of livestock production and range management and coordinating both for mutual benefit. The livestock under his care seem to have fewer ‘bad days,’ and their performance is reflective.

Although the stockman may or may not be formally educated, one might ponder if there are practices that a stockman employs that have basis in science that others could learn to implement while striving for the goal of that title.

Genetics and Environment One of the many challenges of cattle production is matching

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December 2019

a cow’s requirements with forage resources. It is an incredibly difficult task because we must recognize that one, and typically both, are changing every day.

Certainly, forages change throughout the growing season and are impacted by amount and timing of moisture, soil fertility and grazing management. Cows may be grouped by stage of production as a means of managing nutrient requirements; however, a 90day calving window means there is still a trimester of difference in requirements in addition to differences in cow ages, weights, maintenance requirements, and condition scores. Throw in the unpredictability of the environment, and a brood cow could often be nutritionally shortchanged and experience some ‘bad days.’

What if a sequence of those ‘bad days’ occurs during a defined time in the gestation period of the cow? We have learned through science and research that nutritional challenges during gestation can affect how an animal’s genetics are expressed after birth. The term used to describe this is called epigenetics.

The Greek prefix “epi” implies features that are “over” or “in addition to.” In other words, factors that affect how an animal performs that are in addition to their genetic make-up. Although an animal’s genetics cannot be changed, the uterine environment during gestation may affect how those genes are expressed. As one thinks about animal breeding and genetics, this concept is obviously critical.

Furthermore, consider this: true epigenetic changes are heritable for at least one generation. So, in a real-world example, how we take care of our cows prior to calving could potentially affect genetic expression and performance for subsequent generations. For the improvement of our herds, our breed, and our industry we clearly need to understand how management practices can impact genetic expression.

Fetal Programming The concept that environmental stimulus during gestation could alter long term development, health, and heritability was first hypothesized and termed fetal

FEATURE ARTICLE programming by UK scientist, nutrition may influence subsequent over 40 years. In a classic study2 David Barker. In 1993, he reported reported in 1975, first-calf heifers heifer lifetime productivity in the epidemiological data of children were fed either 100% (HE) or cowherd.”4 Productivity could be affected for multiple generations born to undernourished mothers 65% (LE) of their dietary energy 1 through retained females. during the Dutch famine . Since requirements during the last the publishing of that paper, Intramuscular Fat Deposition trimester. Average birth weight Intramuscular fat, or marbling, animal scientists have sought was increased by only 4.4 lbs in is important for the flavor, to understand in livestock how the HE cows, yet there was no nutrition and environment can difference in dystocia. Survivability juiciness and palatability of beef.

For an animal to achieve a high interact to affect progeny and their of calves at birth and to weaning degree of marbling, it must have development and performance. was substantially increased when adequate intramuscular Numerous performance studies have been conducted.

“Some producers are concerned third fat cells called adipocytes.

These studies have been Adipocytes associated with trimester nutrition will increase calf size, marbling are primarily conducted in a multitude of production settings, formed during late gestation [this perception] has been designed to encompass the and the early postnatal disproven for over 40 years.” tremendous variability of period up to 250 days of age.

Consequently, late gestation beef cattle systems. Beef cows -Dr. N.T. Cosby nutrition of the dam could are managed in a variety of affect marbling potential of the forage, range, and environmental born to HE cows. Weaning weight calf. Studies designed to determine conditions which demonstrates was also higher for HE calves the effects of fetal programming on the adaptability and advantages even though milk production was carcass characteristics have shown of the ruminant animal; not different between the HE and increased marbling scores and however, those attributes are also LE cows (more on that below). percentages of carcasses achieving confounding and complicating Also, this is one of the very first the Choice grade or higher, measures when compared across papers to describe that prepartum but the response is not always production systems. In biology nutrition affected heifer fertility as observed.1,4 Because marbling it is very difficult to implement daughters born of HE dams were adipocytes are being formed both strategy A and always expect pubertal 19 days sooner.

Since 2007, a number of pre- and postnatally, a nutrition outcome B because of differences University of Nebraska studies program for the cow that meets in environment, genetics, and have demonstrated that late her requirements during the last prior management among many gestation supplementation of trimester and then is adjusted factors. It is fair to say that there cows grazed on dormant Sandhills for the increased demands of is no complete agreement across pasture resulted in heavier weights lactation to provide adequate calf all the studies relating to effects of heifers at weaning and at nutrition would be most likely to of prepartum nutrition of cows on pregnancy diagnosis, decreased result in benefits to intramuscular performance of progeny. It is also age at puberty, improved fat potential. In times when a fair to say that the long duration pregnancy rates, as well as an lactating cow’s requirements of pregnancy in beef cattle allows increase in number of heifers may be inadequate, creep feeding for management of cow nutrition calving in the first 21 days of the calves may offer an opportunity to to enhance and improve future season1. There is also evidence increase adipocytes and improve generations. The discussion to that maternal malnutrition during subsequent quality grade at follow highlights areas of interest the first trimester can negatively harvest. for breeders and producers of affect ovarian development and Muscling and Weight cattle around those opportunities.

Increasing muscle size can only follicle number in the fetus, Heifer Fertility It is well-recognized that 75% be done in two ways: an increase implying that a heifer calf’s of the fetus’ growth occurs in the in the number of muscle fibers fertility and her subsequent third trimester. Because of this, (hyperplasia) and an increase offspring’s performance could be some producers are concerned in the size of the muscle fibers affected.3 In a recent review of that third trimester nutrition will (hypertrophy)5. An important thing research on the effects of cow to remember is that, in contrast to dramatically increase calf size supplementation on heifer fertility, fat cell development, and incidence of dystocia. This (continued on page 33) researchers stated that “Maternal perception has been disproven for 31

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December 2019

FEATURE ARTICLE (continued from page 31)

there is no increase in the number of muscle fibers once an animal is born. Equally important to know is that muscle development occurs in every month of gestation. The number of muscle fibers in a calf is determined in the first two trimesters of gestation. In the third trimester, the size of the muscle fibers begins increasing if adequate nutrition is provided to the dam.

An earlier reference was made to the 1975 research study in which the inadequately supplemented dams had slightly smaller calves at birth, but weaning weight was reduced by 28 lbs. This was likely due to a reduction in development of muscle fiber number and size during gestation. Studies have demonstrated reductions in weaning weights and hot carcass weights associated with inadequate dam nutrition during the middle and last trimesters of gestation.1 A recent review of the published literature reported a

difference in weaning weight of 15 lbs associated with late gestation protein supplementation of the dam, but no difference was found in hot carcass weight.4 Because muscle fiber number and size are determined throughout gestation, the timing and degree of nutrient restriction are possible reasons for varied responses. With that in mind, a consistent plane of nutrition to the dam during each trimester would be important for genetic expression of muscling potential in the progeny.

Summary and Conclusions So, what do epigenetics and fetal programming have to do with a stockman? Perhaps a stockman manages forage resources and cow needs more closely so that a cow never plays ‘nutrition catch-up’ during critical times of gestation and has fewer ‘bad days.’ There is evidence from the science of epigenetics and fetal programming that strategies can be implemented toward achieving a goal of being a stockman. We must remember that forage resources and cow requirements are constantly changing.

Managing a herd to shorter calving windows and tightening up the span of requirements will pay long term dividends.

A nutritionist can help with those goals and design supplementation programs that complement forage resources.

A qualified nutritionist and manager team will recognize that they are

supplementing the cow, the calf by her side, and, during most of the year, the gestating calf that will affect generations to come.

A suitable quote to close and summarize: “Feeding with reference to the perfect development of the animal should commence even before its birth. During pregnancy the cow should be fed with a more liberal hand than at any other period.”

Interestingly, this quote was taken from a book written by John E. Read called Farming for Profit.6 The book was published in 1880, and Mr. Read was very likely a stockman.

References 1 Fetal Programming: Implications for Beef Cattle Production. A. F. Summers and R.N. Funston. 2012.

Proceedings of the 44th Annual Beef Improvement Federation Symposium and Meeting, pages 82 - 93.

2 Influence of prepartum nutrition on the reproductive performance of beef females and the performance of their progeny. L. R. Corah, T.G. Dunn and C.C. Kaltenbach, 1975. Journal of Animal Science 41:819.

3 Fetal programming of reproduction, what we know and how we manage it. R.A. Cushman et al. 2016 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle, pages 242-250.

4 Developmental programming in a beef production system. D. Broadhead, J.T. Mulliniks, and R.N. Funston. 2019. Vet. Clin. North Am. Food Anim. Pract. 35:379.

5 Optimizing livestock production efficiency through maternal nutritional management and fetal developmental programming. Min Du, S.P. Ford, and Mei-Jun Zhu. 2017. Animal Frontiers, July, Vol. 7, No. 3.

6 Farming for profit. A handbook for the American Farmer. John E. Read.

1880. Published by J.C. McCurdy & Co.

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SHOW RESULTS Shreveport, Louisiana

NATIONAL SHOW OF MERIT SHOW RESULTS

Grand Champion Brangus Female KK Miss Superstar 924F Waylon Hinze, Brenham, Texas Diamond K Ranch, Hempstead, Texas

Reserve Champion Brangus Female SB Ms Hotshot 924G3 Scamardo Brangus, Bryan, Texas

Grand Champion Red Brangus Female DDD Miss Ronna 38E20 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch, Poteet, Texas

Reserve Champion Red Brangus Female CX Ms Dream Hombre 10F2 Cox Excalibur Brangus, Katy, Texas

Grand Champion Brangus Cow/Calf Pair Miss Ms Molly 789E6 Mason Perry, Waco, Texas MP Brangus, Waco, Texas

Reserve Champion Brangus Cow/Calf Pair KL Ms Athena 77UD K&L Brangus, La Vernia, Texas

Grand Champion Red Brangus Cow/Calf Pair CX Ms Legends Dream 59/E1 Cox Excalibur Brangus, Katy, Texas

Grand Champion Brangus Bull DIAMOND K’S All Star 924G4 Diamond K Ranch, Hempstead, Texas MP Brangus, Waco, Texas

Reserve Champion Brangus Bull CHAMP Mr Warrior 150F2 Champion Valley Brangus, Schulenburg, Texas

View and keep up with current Show Animal of the Year standings at gobrangus.com/show-animal-standings 34

December 2019

SHOW RESULTS Shreveport, Louisiana

NATIONAL SHOW OF MERIT SHOW RESULTS

Grand Champion Red Brangus Bull DOS XX’S Mr Bodacious Dos XX Cattle Co., Washington, Texas Sendero Red Brangus, Laredo, Texas

Reserve Champion Red Brangus Bull KTS Mr Foundation 21F KTS Cattle Co, New Ulm, Texas KO Cattle Service, Waxahachie, Texas

Grand Champion Ultrablack Female TCR/VIL Simone 634F Triple Crown Ranch, Angleton, Texas

Reserve Champion Ultrablack Female MSC Overload 329F2 GKB Cattle, Waxahachie, Texas

Grand Champion Ultrablack Cow/Calf Pair MCC Elvira 1028E Maxwell Cattle Co., Ponder, Texas

Grand Champion Ultrablack Bull WC UB Fortress 322F Wyman Creek Cattle Co., Summersville, Missouri

Grand Champion Produce of Dam Scamardo Brangus, Bryan, Texas Grand Champion Red Produce of Dam Cox Excalibur Brangus, Katy, Texas Grand Champion Red Get of Sire Cox Excalibur Brangus, Katy, Texas 35

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December 2019

SHOW RESULTS

Brangus Show Heifer of the Year TCR Dreamgirl 222E1 Triple Crown Ranch, Angleton, Texas

Red Brangus Show Heifer of the Year CX Ms Legends Dream 59/E Sendero Red Brangus, Laredo, Texas

Brangus Show Bull of the Year DDD Final Source 38D21 Mark & Tammy Perry, MP Brangus, Waco, Texas Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch, Poteet, Texas

Red Brangus Show Bull of the Year Dos XX’s Mr Bodacious Dos XX Cattle Co., Washington, Texas Sendero Red Brangus, Laredo, Texas

Brangus Show Dam of the Year DDD Ms Iselie 38W5 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch, Poteet, Texas

Red Brangus Show Dam of the Year CX Ms Home Run 59/Y Cox Excalibur Brangus, Katy, Texas

Brangus Show Sire of the Year Skyhawks Presidente Skyhawk Brangus, Tyler, Texas Williams Ranch Co., Bastrop, Texas

Red Brangus Show Sire of the Year CX Dream Forever 365/A Cox Excalibur Brangus, Katy, Texas 37

WE WISH YOU A

Merry Christmas AND A BLESSED

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38

December 2019

FT

Vernon & Vicki Suhn

Vernon & Vicki Suhn

1647 200th St - Eureka, KS 67045 (620) 583-5923 - (620) 583-3706 M suhn@wildblue.net www.suhncattlecompany.com

1647 200th St - Eureka, KS 67045 (620) 583-3706 - (620) 583-4240 suhn@wildblue.net www.suhncattlecompany.com

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FIND A BREEDER PROFILE

The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) is implementing a new tool soon-to-be launched on their website titled ‘Find a Breeder Near You.’ The new feature will allow potential customers to search breeders within their designated vicinity. Breeders are encouraged to fill out the below information and send this sheet into the IBBA office. Breeder information will not be added without consent from the breeder, or a completed form. The ‘Find a Breeder’ tool is anticipated to go live in late 2019 or early 2020, shortly followed by ‘Find a Brangus Sale’ near you. Both search tools will be complimentary to all IBBA members.

Breeder’s Name: ________________________________________________________________ Breeder’s Member Number: ________________________________________________________ Ranch Name: __________________________________________________________________ Ranch Address: ________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________ State: _________________ Zip: ____________________ Email Address: ________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ________________________________________________________________ Ranch Website: ________________________________________________________________ Check what you sell: _____ Bulls _____ Heifers _____ Semen _____ Embryos How do you market your cattle? _____ Private Treaty _____ Annual Sale _____ Consignment Sale What time of year do you market your cattle? _____ Spring _____ Summer _____ Fall _____ Winter Mail form to IBBA office at PO Box 809, Adkins, Texas 78101 or email to ledwards@gobrangus.com.

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS AUXILIARY MEMBERSHIP FORM

To join the International Brangus Auxiliary (IBA), please fill out the form below, make check payable to the IBA and mail to: Janet Greuel, 438 Price Road, Brooks, Georgia, 30205 Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Spouse: ______________________________________________________________________ Ranch Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: ______________ Phone: _______________________________________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________________________ Membership dues are $25.

I am a new member _________________

I am a renewal membership _________________

What is the International Brangus Auxiliary (IBA)?

Founded in 1977, the IBA was organized as a professional and educational organization designed to promoted interest in the Brangus breed and further the education of Brangus juniors. The goal was to build enthusiasm for the breed and provide financial assistance for a college education, by awarding educational scholarships annually to members of the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA). A fund was established through breeder donations and fund raising activities, and the first scholarship was awarded in 1979. For 40 years, IBA has awarded scholarships to junior exhibitors throughout the Brangus breed.

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SALE SUMMARIES

SALESummaries

BIG D RANCH All of us at Big D Ranch would like to say thank you to everyone for coming out and supporting our vision at the 2019 Building Your Tomorrow Sale. High Sellers were Lot 11, BDR Hummer 4F7 who will now call Black River Ranch home with Lynn White and John McKnight. Lot 1, BDR Mufasa 1420F2 sold to Kenneth Banks at Banks Ranch.

Lot 66, BDR Ultra Resource 1420F7 went home with volume bull buyer Byrne Land & Cattle. Bill Davis with Chimney Rock Cattle Company chose two females, Lot 84, BDR Ms Too Cool 541E5, with heifer calf at side and Lot 92 BDR Ms On Star 1420F4.

Sale Averages: Bulls - $3,773 Registered females - $3,583 Commercial bred heifers - $1,775 Commercial open heifers - $1,230

GENETRUST AT CHIMNEY ROCK CATTLE CO Concord, Arkansas, November 1, 2019 20 3N1 $8,137.5 19 Bred Heifers $5,026.32 8 Donors $16,125 63 Open Heifers $5,246.03 1 ET Pick Lot $27,000 111 Gross $744,750 to Average $6,709.46

Glorious sunshine welcomed a capacity crowd to the world class Chimney Rock facility on Friday afternoon, November 1, 2019 to appraise the most elite offering of females ever assembled by the GENETRUST partners.

Buyers readily absorbed the genetics put forth, spreading across the United States and into Mexico. With a large number of highlights, the high selling females were as follows.

Lot 5, SCC Miss Mytty 30Z5 from Suhn Cattle Company, commanded $40,000 from Lake Majestik Farms, Flat Rock, Alabama and Triple T Brangus, Fayette, Alabama Lot 55, MS DMR Empire 415G from Draggin’ M Ranch, was selected by Lackey Ranch, Karnes City, Texas for $32,000 Lot 93, MS DMR Jethro 795Y2 from Draggin’ M Ranch, was a $29,000 highlight, selected by Triple T Brangus, Fayette, Alabama Lot 51, Pick of ET calves out of MS Brinks Bright Side 415R23 from Cross N Farm scored a final bid of $27,000 from Peanut Carr, Columbia, Louisiana Lot 69, MS DMR Empire 468F16 from Draggin’ M Ranch, gathered up $26,000

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from Quail Valley Ranch, Oneonta, Alabama Lot 106, CB MS Hombre 924Z11 from Double W Ranch and Johnston Brangus was selected by Triple T Brangus, Fayette, Alabama for $25,000 Lot 99, MS WW Empire 803G1 from Double W Ranch, was chosen by Ganaderia Millan, Magdalena, Sonora, Mexico for $20,000 Lot 88 and 88A, CB MS Chisholm 561B2 and CB MS Capital Gain 561G from Cavender Brangus were both selected by Lackey Ranch, Karnes City, Texas for a $17,500 total valuation at $10,500 and $7000, respectively Lot 45, MS CRC North Star 331A5 from Chimney Rock Cattle Company, commanded $16,000 from Giffin Brangus, Huntsville, Arkansas Lot 13, Suhn’s Miss Synergy 30G23 from Suhn Cattle Company, landed at $15,500 going home with Star G Ranch, Van, Texas Lot 33, MS DMR Empire 99F20 from Draggin’ M Ranch, had a final bid price of $11,500 from Ganaderia Millan, Magdalena, Sonora, Mexico Lot 8 Suhn’s Miss Three D 30F36 from Suhn Cattle Company, was the $11,000 selection of Reggy McDaniel, Columbia, Louisiana Lot 107, Riverbend Rita Z1373 from Cavender Brangus, was chosen by Johnston Brangus, Letohatchee, Alabama at $11,000 Volume buyers for the registered female event were Reggy McDaniel, Columbia, Louisiana and Star G Ranch, Van, Texas.

GENETRUST AT CHIMNEY ROCK CATTLE CO Concord, Arkansas, November 2, 2019 Registered Brangus and Ultrablack Bull Averages 29 Coming 2’s $5,405 91 Yearlings $4,101 120 Total Bulls Gross $529,936 to Average $4,417 Commercial Brangus and Ultrablack Female Averages 202 Bred Heifers $1,650 58 Open Heifers $1,357 3 Fall Pairs $2,300 260 Total Commercial Females Gross $418,900 to Average $1,593

Chimney Rock Cattle Company was the gathering point for commercial and purebred cattlemen on November 2, 2019 for the annual GENETRUST Bull and Commercial Female Sale hosted

by Bill and Gail Davis. An extremely functional and market driven set of cattle were presented as progressive

commercial producers from Florida to California and throughout the Midwest gathered genetics that allowed for diverse environmental and production system adaptability. High selling bulls were as follows.

Lot 275, DMR Empire 924F12 from Draggin’ M Ranch, topped the offering at $11,500 for ½ interest and full possession to Johnston Brangus, Letohatchee, Alabama Lot 206, DMR Capitalist 55F9 from Draggin’ M Ranch, commanded $10,500 for 2/3 interest and full possession from Sewell Cattle Company, Eldorado, Arkansas Lot 182, CRC Foundation 1528F2 from Chimney Rock Cattle Co, was chosen

by Cavender Brangus, Troup, Texas at $10,000 for ¾ interest and full possession.

Lot 173, CRC Beacon 535F25 from Chimney Rock Cattle Company was selected by Draggin’ M Ranch, Eldorado, Arkansas for $9,000.

Following the bull sale an elite offering of ranch raised commercial females tracing back to GENETRUST genetics were presented by GENETRUST partners and leading commercial customers with a large and active crowd aggressively pursuing them.

Three pair from Chimney Rock Cattle Company topped the event at $2,300/ pair to Danny Ferguson, Mountain Home, Arkansas. The high-quality string of bred heifers were topped by 3 head from C3 Rusty & Rebecca Davis Cattle at $2,150 selling to Jon Quinn, Troy, Tennessee. The open heifer division was topped by Sewell Cattle Company, with 9 head going to Triple T Brangus, Fayette, Alabama.

GENETRUST kicks off an exciting spring sale season February 17-18, 2020 with their Easy Access online video bull sale hosted on DVAuction.com, where 60 Brangus and Ultrablack bulls will be offered. On March 24th, 2020 the GENETRUST crew will be in Eureka, Kansas at Suhn Cattle Company with a tremendous offering of 160 breed leading Brangus and Ultrablack bulls.

April 25th, 2020 GENETRUST will be in Jacksonville, Texas at Cavender’s with 150 Registered Brangus and Ultrablack females and 500 commercial Brangus females. For more information on the nation’s leader in Brangus and Ultrablack genetics visit www.

GENETRUSTBrangus.com.

SALE SUMMARIES DOGUET’S DIAMOND D RANCH Where Performance Meets Style- Annual Fall Production Sale October 19, 2019-Poteet, Texas 61 Bulls averaged $6,966 High Selling Bulls: Lot 152- DDD Off The Wall 118F5 sold to Noah Stockman for $49,000 Lot 137- DDD New Strategy 74F2 sold to Brad Cotton, Floresville, Texas for $45,000 Lot 125- DDD/RAFTER L Full Throttle 157C5 sold to Villa Ranch, Brookshire, Texas for $45,000 Top Yearling Bull: Lot 203- DDD Power Built 804F63 sold to Paul Drake, Gulfport, Mississippi for $11,500 83 Registered Females averaged $6,636 High Selling Females: Lot 2- DDD Sandra Dee 1252G sold to GKB Cattle, Waxahachie, Texas for $41,000 Lot 60A- DDD Miss Rockefeller 38G10 sold to Villa Ranch, Brookshire, Texas for $27,000 Lot 101- DDD MS Stock Option 118B7 sold to A.N.B Cattle, Laredo, Texas for $19,000 9 Commercial Females averaged $1,500 GENETRUST AT CAVENDER’S NECHES RIVER RANCH Jacksonville, Texas, November 15-16, 2019 Brangus & Ultrablack Bull Averages 95 Coming 2’s $6,855 85 Yearlings

$5,574 180 Total Brangus and Ultrablack Gross $1,125,000 to Average $6,250 Commercial Brangus Female Averages 83 Fall Pairs $2,030 43 Bred Cows

$1,903 312 Bred Heifers $1,819 84 Open Heifers $1,386 522 Total Commercial Females Gross $934,250 to Average $1,790

Spectacular weather combined with a power packed set of bulls and females greeted buyers at the annual gathering of GENETRUST genetics at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch November 15-16, 2019. The two-day format saw tremendous demand with the commercial females selling on Friday and bulls on Saturday. With several herd sires heading into registered programs, high selling bulls were as follows.

Lot 174, DMR Crossroads 795F7 from Draggin’ M Ranch, was the high selling bull of the day at $80,000 for ½ interest and full possession to Clover Ranch, Marietta, Georgia.

Lot 67, DMR Investment 535F40 from Draggin’ M Ranch, had a final bid price

of $40,000 for ½ interest and full possession from Sewell Cattle Company, Eldorado, Arkansas.

Lot 62, DMR Cash Flow 535F30 from Draggin’ M Ranch, sold to Triple T Brangus, Fayette, Alabama for $30,000 for ½ interest and full possession.

Lot 87, WAT/WW Notable 924F from Double W Ranch and Johnston Brangus commanded $25,000 for 2/3 interest and full possession from Elias Brangus, Caborca, Sonora, Mexico.

Lot 77, CB Wrangler 561F3 from Cavender Brangus, was selected by Jackson’s Double J Brangus, Gentry, Arkansas and Ogden Angus Ranch, Lockwood, Missouri for $20,000 for 2/3 interest and full possession.

Lot 114, WAT Mandate 30F101 from Johnston Brangus, was the $20,000 choice of Marshall Farms, Grady, Alabama for ½ interest and full possession.

Lot 52, CB Oracle 468F15 from Cavender Brangus, commanded $18,500 for 2/3 interest and full possession from Schmidt Farms, Texarkana, Texas and Lake Majestik Farms, Flat Rock, Alabama.

HILL COUNTRY BRANGUS BREEDER’S ASSOCIATION November 9, 2019, San Angelo, Texas 30 bulls averaged $3,000 High selling bull: Lot 3, W&WB PRESIDENTE 8/F5 sold to Hester Brangus, Detroit, Texas for $4,100 20 commercial females averaged $1,510 L.G. HERNDON, JR. FARMS SALE REPORT What a cattle sale! Tropical Storm Nester arrived bringing rain, wind, and buyers to the L.G. Herndon, Jr. Farms Best of the South Open House and first Private Treaty Sale in Lyons, Georgia. The forecast of blowing rain and gusts up to 40 miles per hour did not stop the tent full of friends, guests, and buyers from coming. “It was a relaxing sale the way it was done,” said one guest. A bidder’s board by each lot listed the minimum price per lot. Buyers wrote their buyer numbers on the bidder’s board next to the lot(s) that they wanted to buy.

Lots with multiple buyer numbers were auctioned off between those listed buyers. “It was a fantastic sale” stated another buyer. “We came after more bulls than we purchased but that was because the bulls sold so good.”

Brangus bulls total of 18 lots: $66,750 to average $3,708 (15 lots of 2-year-olds total: $58,245 to average $3,883; 3 lots of yearlings: total $8,500 to average $2,833) Heifers total of 44 lots: $83,650 to average $1,901

Total sale: 86 lots grossed $237,100 to average $2,757

Lot 3, HF Legacy 468E36, was the top-selling Brangus bull. He was sired

by Legacy 302A4 and out of an IFCC MS Jethro 488Y16 sold to Clay Floyd of Swainsboro, Georgia for $5,200. Lot 8 was the next high-selling Brangus bull, another Legacy 302A4 son out of Ms Iron Farm Nuff Said 730Y sold to Bottomley Evergreens, Ennice, North Carolina for $4,800. $4,500 was the third high-selling Brangus bull, Lot 4, HF Absolute 209F17, a good-looking son of KCF Bennett Absolute and out of MS Brinks Bright Side 209L11. He sold to Clay Floyd of Swainsboro, Georgia.

Bamboo Road Farms was the sale’s volume bull buyer, while M & M Farms of Baxley, Georgia was the volume heifer buyer.

“We appreciate all the buyers who supported our sale. We know the bulls we just sold will work in any program,” Bo Herndon said. “Each one has an HF guarantee because they were raised and managed to be functional bulls.” Bo and his staff look forward to presenting another great set of cattle at their 2nd Annual Sale – same time, next year at the L.G. Herndon, Jr. Farm.

MIDSOUTH CATTLE COMPANY ANNUAL BULL SALE September 21, 2019 - St Francisville, Louisiana 50 Brangus and UltraBlack bulls averaged $5,542 High sellers: Lot 1 is a full brother to MSC Dinero, he is sired by MC Profit 924B16 and out of the 111U25 donor. He sold to Thomas Soileau of Bunkie, Louisiana for $16,000.

Lot 43 was the standout among a strong flush of full brothers sired by BWCC Bocephus 111C2 and out of a big revenue producing Rock Star daughter.

Mill Creek Land and Cattle of Puryear, Tennessee purchased their selection for $15,000.

Lot 5 is sired by the Boulder bull and out of a first calf heifer. This UB2 was a standout both in person and on paper.

Miller Brangus from Waynesboro, Tennessee purchased him for $12,500.

Registered Females averaged $6,850 High seller: lot 72 is a BWCC Monument daughter out of a full sister to MSC Dinero 111D10, she sold for $10,000 to Pennridge Ranch of Paige, Texas.

Commercial Females 80 bred heifers averaged $1,508, high selling pen $1,600 50 open fall heifers averaged $1,063, high selling pen $1,125 (continued on page 44)

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SALE SUMMARIES (continued from page 43) MILLER BRANGUS SELLS A BIG PERFORMING OFFERING TO SERIOUS CATTLEMEN 1 Brangus Donor Choice Lot grossed $4,000 to average $4,000 13 Spring 3-n-1’s grossed $47,200 to average $3,630.77 12 Fall Bred Cows/Pairs grossed $39,800 to average $3,317 10 Fall Bred Heifers grossed $$25,900 to average $2,590 8 Spring Bred Heifers grossed $21,750 to average $2,719 2 Spring Bred Cows grossed $5,200 to average $2,600 46 Female Lots grossed $143,850 to average $3,101 73 Brangus Bulls grossed $225,200 to average $3,085

42 buyers from eight states converged on Waynesboro, Tennessee both in person and via the internet for the Miller Brangus Fall Bull and Female Sale. Heavy rains and high winds did not deter the groups of serious-minded buyers there to own the big performing sale offering.

Quail Valley Brangus, Oneonta, Alabama won the bid on the day’s high selling female when they paid $6,400 to own Lot 24, MB MS Atlanta 129C40.

This donor quality fall bred cow was a granddaughter of the choice donor 1D, MB MS Infocus 129X16. Clover Ranch, Marietta, Georgia paid $5,500 to own Lot 11 and 11A, MB MS Yellowstone 129D82. This Yellowstone daughter with her Big Town heifer at side was a sale highlight and overpowering in her performance values. Also at $5,500 was Lot 4 and 4A, MB MS Big Town 000E7 and her heifer calf. She presents power and unmatched phenotype. She also sold to Quail Valley. Joe Carmack, Halls, Tennesse paid $4,000 to own Lot 12 and 12A, MB MS Yosemite 329E3 and impressive Big Town heifer calf at side.

Branch Ranch, Mansfield, Louisiana also paid $4,000 for their choice donor, Lot 1D, MB MS Infocus 129X16.

In the bull sale, Warrington Brangus, Kosciusko, Mississippi paid $7,500 to own Lot 55, MB El Toro 000F7. This big bodied son of El Toro records top 10% WW EPDs. Doug Yelverton, Columbus, Mississippi paid $4,500 to own Lot 60, MB Revelation 468F26. He records top 1% WW and YW EPDs. PENNRIDGE PRIVATE TREATY BULL SALE

Buyers from multiple states gathered to average $5,276 on their purchases and paid an average of $600 over the listed prices. The sale format was unique, transparent, buyer friendly, and low stress.

The day was led off by PR Stonewall 111F. He is a big, stout Stonewall son out

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of a Gamechanger daughter that outperformed his contemporaries in every trait, and once again out-performed his contemporaries on sale day by commanding $13,600 from Lackey Ranch of Karnes City, Texas.

The second-high seller was PR Main Event 127F3 combining outcross genetics of Main Event, Crossover, and the dam of Gamechanger. This bull was purchased by Buckeye Ranch of LaGrange, Texas for $6,900. Buckeye Ranch was also the volume buyer of the day.

STOCKMAN’S CHOICE SALE SUMMARY November 13, 2019 - Online Sale, Hosted by Smart Auctions Semen lots averaged $144/unit High Selling Semen: BWCC Crossfit 541B28 DDD Masterplan 1019W10 MC Jethro 000S3 Embryo lots averaged: $412 each High Selling Embryos: Stormy 804E X Tank 468E Stormy 804E X Kill Shot Flush Lots averaged: $6,500 High Selling Flush: Red Velvet 204D TANNER FARMS BULLS AND FEMALES GREETED WITH STRONG DEMAND 15 Brangus bulls grossed $55,300 to average $3,687 7 Ultrablack bulls grossed $24,500 to average $3,500 5 Commercial bulls grossed $16,000 to average $3,200 106 Tanner Farms bulls grossed $369,150 to average $3,483 21 Registered and commercial Brangus heifers grossed $39,675 to average $1,890 40 Registered and commercial Tanner Farms heifers grossed $69,175 to average $1,730

Sunny skies and pleasant temperature greeted 94 registered buyers from eight states gathered at Tanner Farms in Shuqualak, Mississippi for their annual production sale. The selected Angus, Brangus and Ultrablack bulls and females met with ready acceptance as the gathered crowd snapped up the offering at a torrid pace.

The days second-high selling bull, at $5,800, was Lot 42, Tanner Stonewall 271F. This big topped Ultrablack bull boasted big Milk and IMF and sold to Jeff Resnicek, Salem, Alabama. Cook Farms, Starkville, Mississippi paid $5,200 to own Lot 43, Oaks 99C68 Passport 541F7. This stellar Brangus bull is a calving ease prospect with big IMF EPDs. Walter Field, Shuqualak, Mississippi purchased the high selling pen of 3 registered spring bred Brangus heifers as he paid $2,250 per head for

this fancy set of females AI’d to Atlanta.

Crowell Farm, New Johnsonville, Tennessee purchased the next two high selling lots of spring bred Brangus heifers when they paid $2,050 to own the 6 heifers in Lots B and C. THE PERFORMANCE SALE DRAWS 100 BUYERS FROM 12 STATES 1 embryo lot grossed $7,500 to average $7,500 23 bred heifers grossed $63,400 to average $2,757 9 3-in-1s grossed $24,200 to average $2,689 5 fall bred cows grossed $12,400 to average $2,480 12 spring bred cows grossed $23,550 to average $1,963 26 open heifers grossed $56,100 to average $2,158 76 registered Brangus female lots grossed $179,650 to average $2,364 30 Brangus and UltraBlack bulls grossed $84,800 to average $2,827 24 commercial females grossed $30, 350 to average $1,265

Over 100 registered buyers from 12 states converged on the Cullman Stockyards recently for the first annual Performance Sale hosted by Addison Brangus Farm.

The high selling female lot was Lot 192, a set of frozen embryos sired by Three D and out of the Addison donor, 468C7. Phillips Ranch, Daytona Beach, FL, purchased 10 and Quail Valley Farms, Oneonta, Alabama, purchased 5 for a total price of $7,500. The embryos were consigned by Addison Brangus Farm, Winfield, Alabama. Lot 101 and 101A were the second-high sellers and were consigned by DS Farms, McMinnville, Tennessee. Quail Valley Farms paid $3,500 to own Lot 101, DS MS Holly 27A2 while Bill Keys, Neely, Mississippi took the good Hollywood bull calf at side, 101A for $1,500.

Sunshine Acres, Trussville, Alabama paid $5,100 for the third-high selling female. She was lot 181, ABF MS Final Cut 468F3. This big performing open heifer is a daughter of the Addison donor, 468C7 and was consigned by Addison Brangus Farm. King Land and Cattle, Ashland, Alabama paid $4,600 for the next high seller. She was Lot 136, ABF MS Big Town 23E3. This powerful fall bred heifer was also consigned by Addison Brangus. The high selling bull, at $4,000 was lot 219, DS MR Atlanta 27F. This balanced trait Atlanta son sold to Yoder Brangus, Falkville, Alabama, and was consigned by DS Farms. Lot 400 was the high selling commercial pair as Prairie Creek Farms, Gallian, Alabama paid $1,650 to own this young pair from Addison Brangus Farm.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Col. Luke Mobley Auctioneer Livestock Marketing 205.270.0999 | www.LukeMobley.com

GET TO KNOW THE IJBBA BOARD

SAVANNAH SCOTT 2019-2020 IJBBA President

What is your full name?

Savannah Scott Where are you from?

Angleton, Texas How old are you?

21

Where are you going to school?

I graduated high school and am working full time at my family’s Brangus ranch, Triple Crown Ranch.

Why do you have interest in your future career choice?

I have chosen a career choice in a field that I have grown up in and I aspire to be in the cattle business for a very long time.

How have the National Junior Brangus Show (NJBS) educational contests helped you become the person you are today?

All of these contests have helped me become the motivated, outgoing, and competitive person that I am today.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while showing cattle?

Winners never quit. Showing has also taught me to have the strong work ethic and responsibility that comes with caring for one of God’s live creatures.

What advice do you have for younger members?

Make the most of your time while you are able to participate at NJBS. Do as many contests and activities that you can, and immerse yourself in the people and friendships in order to get the life long memories!

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STATE DIRECTORY

FIND A BREEDERNEAR YOU ALABAMA — ARIZONA — ARKANSAS

GALLOWAY BRANGUS BRANGUS SINCE 1978

LARRY

cell 256-603-1945 gallowaybrangus@comcast.net

LANCE

cell 256-924-5571 gallowaybrangus@gmail.com

Farm located at Gallant, AL 35972

NIC CORNELISON nic@lakemajestikfarms.com

VINCE ROBERTS vince@lakemajestikfarms.com

22015 Alabama HWY 71 • Flat Rock, AL • 256-632-3027 • LakeMajestikFarms.com

Big D Ranch Phillip & Beth DeSalvo 173 Miller Lane Center Ridge, AR 72027 (501) 208-6119 www.BigDRanch.net

Bill Davis • Owner • 336-210-1222 Ed Slisher • Manager • 870-612-4117 www.CHIMNEYROCKCATTLE.com

Contact Melanie Fuller at mfuller@gobrangus.com or 979.255.3343 or Jessie England at jengland@gobrangus.com for advertising spaces

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December 2019

STATE DIRECTORY

VISIT US AT

g o b r a n g u s . c o m / b r e e d e r- s e a r c h ARKANSAS — CALIFORNIA — FLORIDA — GEORGIA Two-Year-Old Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls Sell fall Brangus & angus InvItatIonal Bull sale

Sat., September 28

Tulare Co. Stockyard, Dinuba, California sale Cattle Details: www.spanishranch.net Follow Us on Instagram @spanishranchcuyama

SPANISH RANCH Brangus and Ultrablack Cattle THD ©

Daniel & Pamela Doiron l 805-245-0434 Cell doiron@spanishranch.net l www.spanishranch.net

For the best in Registered & Commercial Brangus

Mike Coggins (229) 232-3096 mike@bwcattle.com

Tracy Holbert (979) 255-4357 tracy@bwcattle.com

[ www.bwcattle.com ]

Contact Melanie Fuller at mfuller@gobrangus.com or 979.255.3343 or Jessie England at jengland@gobrangus.com for advertising spaces

47

STATE DIRECTORY

FIND A BREEDERNEAR YOU

GEORGIA — KANSAS — LOUISIANA — MISSISSIPPI — MISSOURI — NEW MEXICO — NORTH CAROLINA

Contact Melanie Fuller at mfuller@gobrangus.com or 979.255.3343 or Jessie England at jengland@gobrangus.com for advertising spaces

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December 2019

STATE DIRECTORY

VISIT US AT

g o b r a n g u s . c o m / b r e e d e r- s e a r c h OKLAHOMA — TENNESSEE — TEXAS

TRAIT LEADERS AND

MONEY MAKERS Bill Felton

Sales & Marketing

901- 494-0554 bill@millerbrangus.com

Bart Pope

Ranch Manager www.mbrangus.com

931-722-0244 bart@millerbrangus.com

REGISTERED & COMMERCIAL BRANGUS

Mike & Lisa Doguet, Owners Beaumont Ranch McCoy & Poteet Ranches (409) 866-8873 Records (210) 269-3220 Regan Elmore (210) 834-0034 Timmy Lucherk, Genetics Manager (210) 834-1247 Where Performance Meets Style!

Drake Land & Cattle 398 Drake Road Quanah, Texas 79252

Cell: (832) 331-2527 Ranch: (940) 663-6143 drakeranch398@gmail.com www.drakeranch.com

est. 1924 Quanah, Texas

Contact Melanie Fuller at mfuller@gobrangus.com or 979.255.3343 or Jessie England at jengland@gobrangus.com for advertising spaces

49

STATE DIRECTORY

FIND A BREEDERNEAR YOU TEXAS

Registered Red Brangus & Ultrareds show heifers, herd sires, and replacements available Megan (713) 492-6158 John (281) 740-0572 greenwoodcattleco@yahoo.com

JLS International, Inc. Where winning tradition and performance collide Brangus bulls and heifers available year-round at private treaty.

www.jlsbrangus.com Jeff Smith, Owner Myron Saathoff myronsaathoff@yahoo.com

251-947-5688 210-218-4804

MIKE SHELTON C: 713.560.8333 Colita Loop, Colita, TX 77351 www.brangusprofit.com Registered Brangus and Ultrablack Cattle

Contact Melanie Fuller at mfuller@gobrangus.com or 979.255.3343 or Jessie England at jengland@gobrangus.com for advertising spaces MikeShelton-DirectoryCard.indd 1

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December 2019

10/19/17 7:32 AM

RioRanchcard1.indd 1

STATE DIRECTORY

VISIT US AT

g o b r a n g u s . c o m / b r e e d e r- s e a r c h TEXAS

Rafael Ortega - Owner Scott Milligan - Manager 39606 FM 1736 West, Hempstead, TX 77445 Scott: 806.683.6435 - scottm@rioranchtx.com Raul: 832.331.6800

Home of Stonewall 222W6

12/13/2018 10:41:45 AM

Randy Schmidt 903.278.7777

Richard Norris 903.276.1804

Schmidt Farms BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK

Garrett Hinds 417-880-2839

ZR

Zottarelli Ranches

www.zottarelliranches.com

Angelo Zottarelli 2156 FM 2414 Evant, Texas 76525

REGISTERED & COMMERCIAL CATTLE Mailing Address PO Box 400 Evant, TX 76525

254-471-5675 Ranch 512-422-3123 Mobile zrbrangus@sbcglobal.net

Send in your Board of Director ballots no later than January 1, 2020.

Contact Melanie Fuller at mfuller@gobrangus.com or 979.255.3343 or Jessie England at jengland@gobrangus.com for advertising spaces

51

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS OR OPERATION

The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) is proud to offer its members and other friends in the industry the opportunity to promote themselves through Brangus Publications, Inc.’s (BPI) and IBBA’s print and digital mediums. IBBA’s printed publications are produced by Brangus Publications, Inc., and are distributed to a mailing list, which is updated on a monthly basis. The mailing list is comprised of addresses in Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Philippines, Thailand, and the United States.

ABOUT THE BRANGUS JOURNAL

Circulation: approximately 2,000 The Brangus Journal (ISSN 0006-9132) is published by Brangus Publications, Inc. (BPI), 8870 US Highway 87 East, San Antonio, Texas 78263, monthly except February, June, July and September. Periodicals postage paid at San Antonio, Texas and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address change to: Brangus Publications Inc., P.O. Box 809, Adkins, Texas 78101.

The Brangus Journal is the official publication of the International Brangus® Breeders Association (IBBA). This internationally-distributed publication provides Brangus® seedstock producers and the IBBA membership with information about news within the association and the industry. The Brangus Journal is published eight times annually, and is designed to highlight accomplishments, advancements, and improvements made possible by IBBA members, staff, volunteers, and other industry leaders. The purpose of the Brangus Journal is to serve the best interest of IBBA members by showcasing breeding programs, efforts, and achievements to other Brangus® seedstock producers. Lastly, the Brangus Journal serves as an outlet for the IBBA to provide updates by directly communicating with the membership.

The claims made by advertisers in this publication are not verified by BPI or the IBBA. BPI Officers & Board of Directors Chairman: Eddy Roberts, President: Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D., Secretary/ Treasurer: Mike Weathers, Director: Bill Davis Subscriptions Justine Voss, jvoss@gobrangus.com, 210.696.8231 Subscription Rates Domestic Periodicals (one year) $25; First Class $55; Foreign Periodicals (one year) $25; air mail to Canada or Mexico $70; air mail to other countries $115.

Brangus Journal Editorial Calendar January March April May August October November December distribution map

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Service/State Directory

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$775

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Contact Melanie Fuller at mfuller@gobrangus.com or 979.255.3343 or Jessie England at jengland@gobrangus.com for advertising spaces

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December 2019

CALENDAR of events

DECEMBER 2019 2-4 Federation of International Brangus Associations (FIBRA) Conference, Fort Worth, Texas 7 Heart of Alabama Brangus Bull Sale, Uniontown, Alabama 7 Skyhawk Brangus Reduction Sale, Bastrop, Texas 7 Williams Ranch Company Brangus Bull Sale, Bastrop, Texas 10 Ad Reservation Deadline for January Brangus Journal 15 Sire Directory Bull Listing/Advertising Reservation Deadline 15 San Antonio Livestock Exposition Open Brangus Show Entry Deadline 24-31 IBBA Office Closed for Christmas and New Year’s 27-28 Arizona National Livestock Show, Phoenix, Arizona JANUARY 2020 1 IBBA Office Closed for New Year’s Day 1 IBBA Board of Director Ballots Due 1 IBBA Annual Membership Fees Due 5 Houston Livestock Show Open Brangus Entry Deadline 6 2020 Brangus Sire Directory Online 6 American Rancher – Brangus Segment – Begins Airing 8-9 IBBA Staff Hits the Road with Macee Prause, California 10 Ad Reservation Deadline for Spring Frontline 10-15 Plant & Animal Genome Conference, San Diego, California 22 Fort Worth Stock Show Open Brangus Show, Fort Worth, Texas FEBRUARY 2020 5-7 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show, San Antonio, Texas 6 Florida State Fair Open Brangus Show, Tampa, Florida 10 San Antonio Livestock Exposition Open Brangus Show, San Antonio, Texas 10 Ad Reservation Deadline for March Brangus Journal 15 Houston Livestock Show Open Brangus Late Entry Deadline 17-18 GENETRUST Easy Access Online Video Auction 26-28 US Livestock Genetics Export Annual Meeting, Franklin, Tennessee 28-29 IBBA Staff Hits the Road with Macee Prause, Tennessee MARCH 2020 5 Annual IBBA Membership Meeting 1:00 PM, Houston, Texas 5 Annual IBA Membership Meeting, Houston, Texas 6 Houston International Livestock Show Open Brangus Bulls, Houston, Texas 7 Houston International Livestock Show Open Brangus Females, Houston, Texas 10 Ad Reservation Deadline for April Brangus Journal 21 Mound Creek Ranch Bull & Female Sale 21 West Texas Brangus Breeders Sale 24 GENETRUST at Suhn Cattle Company Sale 27-29 Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Convention, Fort Worth, Texas 53

ADVERTISING INDEX

5K Cowbelle Ranch.....................................................48 American Marketing Service............14 - 15, 32, 36, IBC Amrich Ranch............................................................. 49 Big D Ranch................................................................ 46 Blackwater Cattle Company....................................... 47 Bobby and Bobbie Brangus........................................48 Bovine Elite, LLC........................................................ 45 Brinks Brangus at Westall Ranches...........................48 Burke Brangus Farm.................................................. 47 Bushley Creek Cattle Co.............................................48 C&C Brangus............................................................... 49 Carter Brangus............................................................ 46 Cavender Ranches....................................7, 28 – 29, 49 Char-No Farm............................................................. 47 Chimney Rock Cattle Co............................................. 46 Clark Cattle Services................................................... 45 Clover Ranch.............................................................. 46 Cox Excalibur Brangus............................................... 49 Cross F Cattle.............................................................. 49 Cross N Farms......................................................38, 48 Diamond K Ranch...................................................... 49 Doguet Diamond D Ranch.......................... IFC, 49, BC Don Hall Brangus....................................................... 46 Don Thomas & Sons...................................................48 Dotson, Wes................................................................ 45 Double Creek Brangus Ranch.................................... 49 Double W Ranch.........................................................48 Draggin M Ranch.................................................... 9, 46 Drake Land & Cattle................................................... 49 DVAuction.................................................................. 36 E3 Ranch, LLC............................................................ 49 Elgin Breeding Services, LLC..................................... 45 Far Niente Farms........................................................ 46 Farris Ranching Company.......................................... 50 Fenco Farms...................................................14 - 15, 47 Galloway Brangus....................................................... 46 Garry Clem Brangus................................................... 50 Genesis Ranch............................................................50 GENETRUST.............7, 9, 11, 18 – 21, 28 – 29, 38 – 39 Giffin Farms................................................................ 47 GKB Cattle..................................................................50 Greenwood Cattle Co.................................................. 50 Greuel Family Brangus............................................... 47 Hardee Farms............................................................. 47 Hi Point Sales + Marketing...................................... IFC IBA.............................................................................. 33 IJBBA.......................................................................... 45 Indian Hills Ranch..................................................... 50 Jacksons Double J...................................................... 46 JLS International........................................................ 50 Johnston Brangus....................................................... 46 K&L Brangus...............................................................50 K&R Broken Bar Ranch.............................................. 49 L.G. Herndon, Jr. Farms, Inc..................................... 47 Lack-Morrison............................................................48 54

December 2019

Lake Majestik........................................................ 41, 46 Lambert, Doak............................................................ 45 Lawman Ranch........................................................... 49 Little Creek Farms...................................................... 47 Marshall Farms.....................................................28, 46 Mid South Cattle Company........................................48 Miller Brangus............................................................ 49 MO Brangus................................................................ 47 Mobley, Luke.............................................................. 45 Mound Creek Brangus................................................ 50 MP Brangus................................................................50 Oak Creek Farms........................................................ 50 Oakley, Lakin.............................................................. 45 OK Farms....................................................................50 Old Colita Ranch......................................................... 50 Parker Brangus........................................................... 46 Pennridge Ranch.................................................... 7, 50 Perry Ranch................................................................ 49 Peterson Brangus........................................................48 Phillips Ranch....................................................... 23, 47 Quail Valley Farms................................................15, 32 Rafter 2 Ranch............................................................50 Reagan, Terry............................................................. 45 Red Bud Farms........................................................... 47 Rio Ranch....................................................................51 Roop Cattle Co.............................................................51 Salacoa Valley Farms..........................................48, IBC Santa Rosa Ranch....................................................3, 51 Scamardo Brangus.......................................................51 Schmidt Farms............................................................51 Southeast Brangus Breeders...................................... 46 Spanish Ranch............................................................ 47 Star G Ranches .......................................................... 24 Suhn Cattle Co......................................................39, 48 T3 Brangus..................................................................48 Tajo Ranch...................................................................51 Texas Brangus Breeders............................................. 36 The Oaks Farms.................................................... 14, 48 Trio Cattle & Genetics.................................................51 Triple Crown Ranch....................................................51 Triple JR Cattle Co......................................................51 TTT Brangus Farm..................................................... 46 Tuna Rosa Ranch.........................................................51 Valley View Ranch......................................................48 Vineyard Cattle Co.......................................................51 Vorel Farms................................................................ 49 W.E.T. Farms.............................................................. 47 Wynne Ranch............................................................. 47 Zottarelli Ranches........................................................51

Merry Christmas + HAPPY NEW YEAR

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December 2019