November 2019 Brangus Journal

N OVE M B E R 2 0 1 9

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November 2019

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Breed Better!™

www.SRRBRANGUS.com

Kent Smith, General Manager (979) 540-8338 | kent@srrbrangus.com Gerald Sullivan, Owner Kelley Sullivan, Owner

Santa Rosa Ranch

best

Crockett & Navasota, Texas •936-624-2333 • info@srrbrangus.com

♦ Private Treaty Sales ♦ Bulls ♦ Replacement Females ♦ Semen and Embryo Sales ♦ Commercial Steers and Heifers

Santa Rosa Ranch - Making The

As the largest breeder in the United States, Santa Rosa Ranch is your single source for premium Brangus and UltraBlack genetics! We work one-on-one with our customers so we can learn more about their programs and select bulls and females that will be most successful for them! Stop by the ranch – we look forward to your visit!

SINGLE SOURCE

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

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 512.876.5441

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

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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Cover photo by Pennie Bowie, Omni Advertising and Graphics, Inc @gobrangus | #gobrangus

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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EXECUTIVE CORNER

SUMMARY OF LONG RANGE STRATEGIC PLAN

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BREEDER HIGHLIGHT

NOV 2019

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PRODUCTION SALE

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THE HONEST APPROACH THAT CHANGED THE MEAT SCIENCE INDUSTRY

MARKETING TO A NEW GENERATION

Volume 67 :: Issue 7

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BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATE PROFILES

Photo by Nancy Ward

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

NOW IS THE TIME to test bulls

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by Eddy Roberts, IBBA President

ow is the time for testing bulls, working sales, and finishing hay baling before winter. At my farm, and most of yours I’m sure, praying for rain is a daily occurrence. From Texas to the rest of the Southeast, it is very dry. Winter feed may be a premium product this year.

I’m writing this letter about 2:00 p.m., which seems to be my regular lunch time, and just came in from semen checking sires. Matt Peterson, my vet and friend, just got down to writing health papers for my upcoming bull sale. I asked him what we should consider in Bull Soundness Exams (BSE), and here is the short version of his response. He says to follow protocol according the policy of

theriogenology. In regular English terms that includes a basic physical exam, breed identification, age, body condition, feet, legs, eyes, sex glands, penis prepuce, and scrotal circumference according to age.

Then finally semen motility and morphology. Supplemental tests are also needed if the bull is not a virgin for trichomoniasis and vibrio. The tests are a snap shot in time worth every penny to protect your future bottom line.

We have a busy schedule ahead, with IBBA fall meetings to discuss and get comments on the Long Range Strategic Plan for our breed. By the time this is printed, the last meeting will be closing in for November 22-23 in Gainesville, Florida at the Hilton in the University of Florida Conference

IBBA FACTS in a flash in the past 30 days

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New Adult Members

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New Junior Members

1330 New Female Registrations 1226 6

November 2019

New Bull Registrations

Center, 352.371.3600. I would like to urge every Brangus breeder in the area to attend. I firmly believe that we are at a juncture in our breed, where we have the opportunity to grow as never before if we all work together, collect the data, and promote the breed.

Don’t forget we have another Brangus event in Florida in June – our new Brangus Summit! The Summit will be held in Orlando, June 7-9, immediately prior to the Beef Improvement Federation Conference.

In closing, I wish everyone a good rain and God bless you all until we meet again!

Sincerely, Eddy, IBBA President

join us for our first-annual

WRC Mr Tequila 11F ~ R10381461 ~ Born 2/23/18 Purebred Brangus ~ Top 10% for WW, Top 5% for TM

WRC Mr Presidente 789F3 ~ R10408664 One of our Top 5 Yearlings to Sell ~Born 9/8/18 Out of a Dawn daughter ~ 75 lb. BW, 648 lb. WW

WRC Mr Tequila 541F2 ~ R10412373 One of our Top 5 Yearlings to Sell ~ Born 11/23/18 Tequila x Csonka ~ 692 lb. WW ~ Top 10% for SC

Mr JLS Prime 767F ~ R10390548 ~ Born 2/18/18 Purebred Brangus ~ Prime x Affirmed daughter

WRC Mr John Adams 2F8~ R10407897 One of our Top 5 Yearlings to Sell ~Born 10/12/18 56 lb. BW ~ Top 4% for BW, Top 2% for CED

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EXECUTIVE CORNER

HOW MUCH SUGAR

DO YOU LIKE IN YOUR COFFEE? How much Bos indicus is right for you?

by Dr. Darrell Wilkes, IBBA Executive Vice President Neogen Corporation recently announced the availability of a genomic test for Bos indicus percentage. You can expect cattle breeders, both commercial and seedstock, to debate the usefulness of this test and ask questions about how this test may or may not bring value to their breeding plans. I encourage every Brangus breeder to learn as much as you can and give this topic some deep thought because you will certainly be asked about it by your customers.

The IBBA saw this coming. An ad hoc committee was appointed early in 2019 by Mark Cowan, Chairman of the Breed Improvement Committee, to address this exact issue. The nickname for the committee is the “percentage committee,” chaired

by Chris Heptinstall. I have had the good fortune to engage in the debate amongst some very bright Brangus breeders as this issue has been sliced and diced over the past few months. The discussion and debate continue – with no final recommendation reached at this point. While it may seem pretty straightforward at first glance, the question of how to proceed becomes complex very quickly. I certainly don’t know the answer, but I have learned through

experience that difficult issues like this are easier to deal with if you set the stage with some facts.

Let’s begin with a fundamental fact: not all Brangus cattle are 37.5% Bos indicus (3/8th). Not all UltraBrangus™ are 3/16th Bos indicus. Even without a genomic test, any geneticist can show the

“The point is, Brangus is not a ‘one size fits all’ breed.”

-Dr. Darrell Wilkes, IBBA EVP math proving that the 3/8th – 5/8th composition of Brangus is and always has been, a theoretical average. In the breed-up process to create Brangus from Angus and Brahman, the only cross where the percentage is guaranteed is the initial cross of a purebred Brahman with a purebred Angus. This cross will yield a 50/50 composition every time. But as soon as you back-cross a 50/50 animal to either an Angus or a Brahman, you begin to create variation around the theoretical composition of 75/25.

This is one of those theories that is correct on average but doesn’t hold up when you look at individuals.

If you produce 100 calves by crossing 50/50 F1 animals to either purebred parental breed, the average composition of the 100

calves will be very close to 75/25.

But I can guarantee that there will be individuals within the group that are closer to 70/30, while others are closer to 80/20. This is something that cannot be debated.

It is simply a FACT. It is a result of the way that chromosomes are randomly sampled each time an animal produces a gamete (a sperm cell or an egg).

Now, continuing with the fact that was established in the previous paragraph, if a breeder happens to select a 70/30 sire to use in his/her herd (let’s assume it is 70% Brahman, 30% Angus), and mates that animal to a group of Angus cows to produce first generation Brangus, the average composition of those calves will be 35/65. Again, due to random sampling of chromosomes, the progeny will vary from 30/70 to 40/60 (using round numbers).

If you happen to like the 30/70 animals better and select them for breeding, you’ve just shifted the genetic composition of future generations away from the 3/8th – 5/8th theoretical composition you thought you were getting with Brangus.

This phenomenon is called (continued on page 10)

Photo by Rebecca Cowan

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EXECUTIVE CORNER didn’t know that’s what they were doing.

Among a group of current Brangus sires tested by IBBA, the range in Angus was from 58% to 81%. While the majority shifted toward more Angus, some shifted toward more Brahman. This is NOT a crisis! Brangus are the same great cattle they were before we knew this about their DNA composition. Moreover, most of us had already developed a theory that the Angus percentage had drifted higher based simply on phenotype.

In a dataset produced by Colorado State University and the USDA, the percent Angus vs. Bos indicus was computed for each chromosome. This is where it really gets interesting. While the average Angus content across the entire genome was about 70% in this database, some of the chromosomes had Angus content near 55% and some had Angus content over 85%. Decades of selection for the desirable traits of Brahman and the desirable traits of Angus have created an interesting mosaic of DNA that is unique to Brangus.

And, most importantly, not all Brangus are the same.

I do not consider myself a marketing guru.

I recognize a marketing genius when I Build your cattle business the right way with see one, but it BQA training and certification. doesn’t come naturally to me.

GET AFTER IT AT BQA.ORG. Having said that, I don’t think one has to be a marketing Funded by the Beef Checkoff. genius to see the potential in

(continued from page 8)

genetic drift. I submit that genetic drift began to occur as soon as the first 3/4 bloods were selected as parents. Current DNA data suggests that Brangus breeders have, on average, tended to favor selection of animals that had a bit more Angus and a bit less Brahman. This has resulted in genetic drift to the point that the “average” Brangus is now around 70-75% Angus – based on DNA. But there is a vitally important point to make about this. While the population in general has drifted toward Angus, there are some cattle that have shifted toward more Brahman. We can speculate that this is more likely to happen in those environments that are extremely harsh, where the extra dose of Brahman DNA improved fertility and productivity and, thus, compelled the breeders in those areas to select for a bit more Brahman DNA even though they

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this for Brangus. 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. The point is, Brangus is not a ‘one size fits all’ breed.

Now, I’m going to throw a little cold water on my own excitement about the marketing opportunities opined in the previous paragraph.

I can do this with one inconvenient question: once I know the percent indicus in an animal, what conclusion can I draw about their performance? That’s a pretty pragmatic and basic question.

I don’t know the answer. It is important to be aware of this issue because there will be much talk about it and you may get questions from your commercial bull customers. This may be the right place to remind everyone of a bit of wisdom that has stood the test of time: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Whatever the DNA based Bos indicus content of your Brangus happens to be, if your cattle are working well for your customers there is no need for you to depart from the successful breeding plan that got you to this point.

Imagine I’m a commercial producer looking at your bull offering. I’m comparing two bulls with very similar EPDs for the traits of importance to me.

They were both produced in an environment similar to mine. I like the phenotype of both bulls.

I really can’t decide which one I like better. They are 22% and 31% Bos indicus, which one should I select? I know it’s a bit ornery to end this letter without answering that question. I think this helps put you in the shoes of the people on the “percentage committee” and explains why this committee, comprised of some very bright people, has not come to a final recommendation on what to do with this new tool. We have some very fundamental questions to answer before a conclusion is reached. Stay tuned.

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COMMITTEE PULSE

LONG RANGE STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE Summary of Purpose, Action, and Plan

by Tracy Holbert, LRSPC Chairman

The current Long Range Strategic Planning Committee (LRSPC) was called to service in the late stages of 2018 at the request of International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) President Doyle Miller. The 13 members of LRSPC were handselected to appropriately represent the IBBA Board of Directors through varying areas of the United States, age groups, size and scale of programs, breed genetic populations, and diversity of business backgrounds. Collectively the 13 member committee impressively achieved the initial goals in forming the LRSPC with over 300 years invested in the Brangus breed. The committee is fueled by a passionate and dedicated group of breeders as follows: J.C. Bouse, El Campo, Texas; Mark Cowan, Detroit, Texas; Bill Davis, Concord, Arkansas; Pete DeLeeuw, Paige, Texas; Joe Fuller, Fredericksburg, Texas; Allen Goode, Dallas, Texas; Chris Heptinstall, Fairmount, Georgia; Tracy Holbert, Lake Park, Georgia; Doyle Miller, Waynesboro, Tennessee; Eddie Roberts, O’Brien, Florida; Dr. Randy Schmidt, Texarkana, Texas; Vern Suhn, Eureka, Kansas; Mike Vorel, Luther, Oklahoma; Dr. Darrell

Photo by Bryan Tucker

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Wilkes, Executive Vice-President, IBBA. Once called together as a formal committee, the group initiated discussion and structure with a series of conference calls to form a thesis of action based on the past history of the Brangus breed, the current role of Brangus in the beef business, and future of our breed in terms of growth, relevance, and place in the seedstock segment of the beef business. Each member put together thoughts, structured in the form of a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). Upon completion of SWOT analysis the committee then met in conjunction with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana; Beef Improvement Federation (BIF), Brookings, South Dakota; and the Beef Cattle Short Course, College Station, Texas.

During these two-day sessions, the LRSPC focused on several items that came to light as a result of the SWOT overview, with a main emphasis on growing our breed in parallel to other thriving industry breed associations. Boiling the vast pieces of our SWOT analysis down to a few observations is not an easy task, but a few points surfaced as follows:

Strengths • High quality, industry demanded beef from a heat- tolerant adaptable maternal package, which is unique to the entire industry • Good supply of elite herd sires capable of significantly moving the genetic curve Weaknesses • Failure to take advantage of elite sires via breed wide artificial insemination • Flat demand curve for commercial bulls due to lack of significant research to use in promotion to help move product demand Opportunities • Prove feedlot/carcass value with indisputable data and evidence • Document, prove, and promote maternal performance advantages of Brangus genetics considering 9-3-1 value concepts Threats • Apathy leading to inaction • Failure of computer system to be fully functional After outstanding committee input, an initial action plan was formulated with a soft roll out to breed membership through “town hall” type meetings around the country by Dr. Wilkes and various members of LRSPC. While factoring membership input from these town hall meetings into an evolving plan, the initial action points from LRSPC for a ten-year growth plan are broken into four segments:

COMMITTEE PULSE Technology • Embrace technology and innovation • Invest in breed sponsored research Accountability • Accountability from elected leaders at each breed level • Organization effectiveness • Governance Renewing Membership Passion and Excitement • Well informed and passionate membership • Reenergize Brangus events • Stronger grass roots involvement Open New Marketing Areas • Market Brangus genetics more effectively at feedlot and packer level • Collaborate with value-added supply chains • Reclaim the nations commercial cowherds where Brangus once dominated

With this brief summary composed from several hundred hours of committee discussion, we all realize the success of Brangus seedstock producers is anchored entirely to the success of commercial producers who utilize Brangus genetics - with their profitability being JOB ONE for each IBBA member. As breeders of Brangus genetics, we lead with cowboy values of stewardship, integrity, family, and fair dealings to ensure a sustainable, growing, thriving Brangus lifestyle.

Photos by Bryan Tucker

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BEEF INDUSTRY BEAT

the honest approachthat changed THE MEAT SCIENCE INDUSTRY A Feature Story on Drs. Russell Cross and Gary Smith

by Emily Lochner, IBBA Editor

It’s just after midnight in plan to revolutionize the beef Washington, D.C., January 1993, industry. Wilkes and Lambert and the phone is ringing. “Hello?” consulted with Smith, a meat “Russell, we’ve got a problem in science specialist researching red Seattle.” The phone call came meat safety, to help bring their idea from Secretary of Agriculture, to life.

Smith determined an audit was Mike Espy’s, Chief of Staff. The needed to determine a baseline recipient was Dr. Russell Cross, Administrator of the United States standard within the industry Department of Agriculture (USDA) before any recommendations for Food Safety and Inspection Service improvement could be made.

He created a research proposal (FSIS). The problem? Over 600 and submitted it to NCBA for reported cases and four deaths funding, however it was vetoed caused by E. coli 0157:H7, the result of undercooked hamburgers due to a lack of official “request for proposal” (RFP). Yet, NCBA served by Jack in the Box. A thousand miles away, in Fort saw value in Smith’s plan, and Collins, Colorado, a beef quality shortly thereafter, an RFP was assurance plan is already two years issued. Smith was awarded a in the making by a professor at grant, in tandem with Dr. Jeff Colorado State University (CSU), Savell at Texas A&M University Dr. Gary Smith. In the spring of (TAMU), to begin compiling 1991, Dr. Chuck Lambert with the data for an industry audit. Smith National hired professor “Wilkes replied with a comment that Cattlemen’s Dr. Mark Miller Beef changed the beef industry as we know it.” – now the San Association Antonio Livestock (NCBA) was preparing for a Exposition Endowed Chair in Meat presentation at the International Science, Texas Tech University – to Stockman’s Educational begin collecting data at packing Foundation (ISEF) Congress. plants across the nation. Before Lambert had approached an the 1991 year ended, the checkoffNCBA coworker, Dr. Darrell funded National Beef Quality Audit Wilkes, for advice on a topic for his (NBQA) was born. presentation at the ISEF Congress. The NBQA was making progress. The 1991 audit reported Wilkes replied with a comment findings such as too much fat that changed the beef industry as we know it. He asked, “What if you thickness ($111/head was lost in excess fat trimmings), horn issues talked about how much money (31% of cattle had horns), and the beef industry is leaving on hide issues due to lice, ticks, and the table? What if we didn’t have side brands, but the NBQA was shipping fever? What if we could determining issues that would improve profits through better affect producer profitability, not management?” Wilkes’ idea not only became the topic of discussion beef safety. In 1993, post Jack in the Box crisis, Cross, in addition in Lambert’s ISEF presentation, but quickly developed into a viable to managing FSIS (and it’s $600

million budget and 10,000 employees), began forming a plan with President of the National Meat Association, Rosemary Mucklow. After surveying over 7,000 meat processing plants in America, they discovered that less than 300 were actively implementing Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) protocols in raw products. Cross began actively pursuing a solution and, together with Mucklow, founded the International HACCP Alliance, serving as CEO from 1994–1997. The alliance prepared the industry to rapidly accept HACCP protocols, and today includes over 40 industry associations, 50 universities, and regulatory government agencies from 12 countries.

For most people, founding an internationally renowned organization (or two) or creating the guideline for a national audit that changed meat industry standards would be a career highlight, but for Cross and Smith, it was just the tip of the iceberg.

Together, they boast accolades from distinguished teaching awards to hall of fame inductions and industry service awards. They have also authored or co-authored 1,500+ scientific journal articles.

What was the path to acclaim?

For Smith, it began humbly in southwest Oklahoma. Smith’s father was a farmer raising cattle, chickens, and hogs as well as growing cotton, peanuts, and mung beans as a cover crop on 160 acres.

Their family home didn’t have electricity or running water, but it did help raise Smith’s first livestock

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BEEF INDUSTRY BEAT (continued from page 15)

project in 1953, Snowball, a whopping 630-pound live weight show steer project. In 1956, Smith graduated high school and attended College of the Sequoias, with a tuition of $8 per semester.

He later transferred to Fresno State, where he was hired on to work at the college beef center making $0.35/hour. Smith finished his bachelor’s degree and began teaching high school vocational ag, however, he quickly returned to school to obtain a master’s degree from Washington State University (WSU), after prompting from a college advisor. Not long into his master’s program at WSU, the agriculture head of department called Smith into his office, asking, “Have you ever taken a meats course?” Smith, uninterested in meat science at the time, hesitantly answered, “Yes, one.” “Great,” the head of department responded, “You’ll be teaching meats, meat science, meat evaluation, and animal science this year. Take ten days to get prepared.” Smith laughs when recalling his early days teaching meat science. In class, he talked as fast as he could for 52 minutes so none of his students had time to ask him questions, that he probably wouldn’t know the answer to. Fortunately for the industry, Smith started taking an interest in the meat science he was teaching. He later transferred to Texas A&M University, in 1968, where he obtained a Ph.D. in Meat Science and Muscle Biology.

Smith remained as a professor at TAMU for the next 21 years before transferring in 1990 to join the staff at Colorado State University (CSU), where he remained until 2014. Today, if you tour the CSU campus, you’ll find a brand-new meats building in the center of campus, the Gary and Kay Smith Meat Science Lab. Cross’ story began in Bushnell,

Florida. His father was a plumber and electrician in addition to owning the local hardware store, grocery store, and movie theater.

Cross worked throughout high school at Central Packing, a slaughterhouse in town, and developed a passion for meat science early on. He obtained his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Florida.

After his undergraduate degree, he moved to Kansas City to work with the USDA as a meat grader. In 1969, Cross attended the American Meat Science Association (AMSA) Congress and was invited by Zerle Carpenter to join the TAMU doctoral program in meat science.

He agreed and enrolled shortly thereafter. Cross mentioned, “I didn’t love it and was near leaving the program when a new professor stepped in and changed my mind.” The professor that made all the difference? Dr. Gary Smith. Cross obtained his Ph.D. in Animal Science (Meats) from TAMU in 1972 and rapidly began climbing the ladder of success.

Throughout his career, he’s served as a Research Leader at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska; Administrator of USDA FSIS, Washington, D.C.; CEO of Future Beef Operations; Vice President at DuPont Food Industry Solutions; Executive Vice President, Food Safety at National Beef Packing; Chief of Staff to the President of TAMU; Executive Vice President, of TAMU; and most recently, Head of the Animal Science Department at TAMU. Today, he’s simply a professor, the equivalent of his first teaching job at Texas A&M. He says, “The best job is always the one you start with.”

Cross and Smith have taught college students for 50 years each.

Is retirement near? Luckily, they both say ‘no’. “We’re still enjoying it, the students and teaching

Drs. Smith and Cross pose in front of the Texas A&M University Rosenthal Meat Science Center

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aspect continues to remain fun,” boasts Smith, a young 81 years old. Together, Cross and Smith teach an undergraduate/ graduate level class at TAMU titled “Current Issues in Animal Agriculture.” They both agree that one of the biggest issues is that the beef industry is always on the defensive, meaning activists and the uninformed public are continuing to make claims against agriculture, and farmers, ranchers, academia, and industry are responding defensively. It’s hard to disseminate quality information about agriculture when you’re too busy putting out fires. “We need leadership,” says Smith. “We need someone to stand up and take the lead, creating and distributing industry content on the offense.”

Another problem they’re afraid must be confronted within the decade is the trend of big carcasses.

A recent article published by Cross states: “In 2016, the Texas Beef Council commissioned a study at Texas A&M University to analyze the potential impact of the increase in size and weight of cattle, carcasses, subprimal

BEEF INDUSTRY BEAT cuts, and retail cuts/portions on forced to reduce steak thickness supermarket operators, purveyors, to meet target demand purchase and distributors in Texas. During price, yet consumers still prefer this study, researchers interviewed thicker steaks.” Smith comments, representatives of six supermarket “Retailers today are not properly chains and seven purveyors/ training employees to cut meat.” In distributors. We conducted addition, we have packages in the audits of 54 supermarkets, and grocery store labeled “round steak”. we conferred with individuals An average consumer believing from several any “steak” can “One of the biggest [issues] is that the be cooked on a industry trade industry is always on the defensive.” organizations grill will be sorely and disappointed universities. What I personally with their tough, fat-lacking, observed and learned during overcooked round steak after nine this study disturbed me greatly. minutes on the grill. Education From 2005 to 2014, Americans on properly cooking meats is decreased their beef consumption lacking, and consumers are being by 19 percent, causing beef’s turned-off when their expensive market share to drop from 45 beef purchases are not palatable percent in 1970 to only 25 percent due to inappropriate cooking in 2016. Average slaughter weight methods. Sometimes bigger isn’t in beef carcasses has increased always better. Cross and Smith by 330 pounds in the last 40 believe it’s time for the U.S. beef years, making the average hot industry to focus on consumers carcass weight today around and take meat quality, consistency, 900 pounds. Retailers are being and preparation methods more

seriously.

It is said that innovation distinguishes leaders from followers. Maybe so. But when it comes right down to it, a leader is also defined by hard work, long hours, passion, and an honest review of one’s self and industry.

There is no better example of industry leaders than Drs. Russell Cross and Gary Smith. They’ve blazed their own their paths, which have intertwined throughout the years. What has unified them?

Their ability to continuously question the status quo, believing, “The way things have always been done” is not an acceptable solution if America intends to continue feeding the world, over 7.5 billion inhabitants and growing. The industry needs leaders who face crises’ (like Jack in the Box or lack of audits), who have the vision and the drive to facilitate change, fearlessly. The industry needs more Crosses and Smiths.

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BREEDER HIGHLIGHT

CONSISTENTLY Brangus

by Caitlin Richards

John and Carolyn Kopycinski have been in the cattle business together longer than they have been married. A month before they were married in 1967, they purchased 10 cows and three heifers from Zig Zag Ranch in Chappell Hill, Texas.

“Through the years we bought more land and cattle,” said Kopycinski.

Currently, Oak Creek Farms in Chappell Hill, Texas has grown their herd to over 1,000 head of Brangus, Red Brangus, Angus, and Red Angus running the cattle on about 2,000 acres. Both John

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and Carolyn have deeps roots in agriculture in the area. John’s family primarily raised cotton and corn in the Brazos Valley area, while Carolyn’s family raised cattle in Austin County.

“Carolyn’s dad was in agriculture his whole life in this hot humid Gulf Coast area,” said Kopycinski. “When I met her father around 54 years ago, he told me that every cow needed to have enough Bos indicus in her pedigree to be able to take the heat in our area. He had low input cattle that did well. I have used his advice and that was one of the main reasons that Carolyn and I chose the Brangus breed. Oak Creek Farms cattle are raised to be functional and high-performing.

Brangus cattle were designed for our climate.”

Since the beginning the foundation of Oak Creek Farms breeding program has been foragebased cattle that do not receive any hot rations. Oak Creek’s Brangus calves are developed on forages at their dam’s side in the pasture until weaned. The Kopycinskis believe cattle perform best and have less health problems long-term on a forage-based program. In addition to grass, they get hay, baleage, and mixed-rations of cotton burrs and soybean hulls.

“Once the cattle are weaned, they have free-choice hay and freechoice baleage,” notes Kopycinski.

His philosophy is that the top 50% of the heifer crop should be better than the bottom 25% of the cow herd. Utilizing technology has also been a pillar of Oak Creek Farms. For 35 years,

J O H N

&

the Kopycinskis have utilized ultrasound as one of their tools in selecting the genetics of their Brangus cattle especially for identifying the intramuscular fat (IMF).

“The bulls we have been using, probably for the last 25 years, all have had IMF of 4% or more,” said Kopycinski. “We were proud when we had 120 calves at a feedlot grade 47% premium choice, 45% choice, 3% prime, and 5% select.”

Oak Creek Farms markets their cattle through their annual Forage Developed Registered Purebred Brangus Bull Sale. They emphasize low maintenance bulls that excel in

C A R O L Y N

K O P Y C I N S K I

carcass quality since their primary buyers are commercial producers.

These forage developed Brangus are ready to go straight to the purchaser’s pasture and go to work.

The Kopycinskis are passionate about raising quality beef cattle.

John said that he appreciates the foresight of the founding breeders who developed the Brangus breed over 60 years ago. Their philosophy of breeding practical, fertile, easy fleshing cattle with great maternal traits that can thrive on grass still holds true today.

Quoting Dr. Jan Bonsma, world-renowned beef scientist from South Africa, John remarked, ‘the

cattle business is a simple business but man tries to complicate it.’ The Kopycinskis believe the future is simple and the future is Brangus.

“Carolyn and I have enjoyed it along with our family over the years,” said John. “It has been a good ride.”

John and Carolyn have two children, son Mark, daughter Christi K. Strock, and son-in-law Matt, and are now grandparents to three grandsons John, Robert and Will Strock. They all enjoy spending time together out at Oak Creek Farms.

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November 2019

23

FEATURE ARTICLE

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOURproduction sale

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 work to prepare for the one day that makes the whole operation spin: sale day. No matter the operation type – commercial, seedstock, crossbred, purebred, show ring focused, international focused, or otherwise – the one tie linking every operation together is the unspoken understanding that a market must exist for profit to prevail. If a market fails to exist, so will the operation.

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 on the ultimate income day and how breeders can make the most of their turnkey day.

Tell us a little about yourself and your sale management business.

GRAHAM: I’m Graham Blagg. I live in Spring Hill, Kansas, with my wife, Kasey. In January 2017, we started Innovation AgMarketing, 24

November 2019

LLC with the goal to specialize in a broad range of sale management and consulting services. During my time in college, I was on the livestock judging team at both Redlands Community College and Texas A&M University, where I worked for several different purebred cattle operations at national shows and in preparation for sales. I enjoyed working with the sale cattle and went to auction school at the Texas Auction Academy shortly after graduation. During the 2019 spring and fall sale seasons, we will manage 30 live auction production sales for Simmental, Angus, and Red Angus, primarily. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work in an industry that I grew up in, with so many people who share the same passion for the business.

LARRY: Cotton & Associates was created in January 2000 after I worked in the sale management and marketing business since 1990 with my partner, Bernie Scheer. We’re based out of Howell, Michigan and primarily manage registered Angus sales but have a few select clients in other breeds. In addition, we are involved in management for a select group of commercial female sales.

We work with operations ranging in size from over 1,000 to the smaller

family operations of 100 females. We focus on targeting customers based on whether the breeder is specialized in show cattle or performance cattle, the region of the country the producer is located, and the specific customer they’re trying to reach. Today, Cotton & Associates employs eight staffers specializing in registered cattle marketing, auction and private treaty sales, livestock management consulting, and sale management. Our goal is to provide services that will assist in generating value for the breeder’s cattle.

ALAN: My career has included seedstock marketing through involvement with two breed associations, the American Shorthorn Association and North American Limousin Foundation; three livestock publications, Shorthorn Country, Drover’s Journal, and the Western Ag Reporter; and also two opportunities with large bull sellers, Deiter Bros., Faulkton South Dakota, and Five Star Cattle Systems, Loveland, Colorado, with ties to feeder calf marketing for bull customers.

What does a sale manager typically “do” besides show up on sale day?

GRAHAM: Sale management is a convenience-based service

FEATURE ARTICLE that can aid in the success of an operation’s sales by making sure all minute details are addressed.

Prior to sale day, we’ll establish a marketing plan with our customers that covers advertising and social media marketing and schedule the photographer, videographer, auctioneer, professional ring staff, and buyer representatives. In some instances, we will secure the sale location if it is held offsite from the ranch. I work with graphic designers to brand each program specifically and schedule advertisement with livestock publications. After visual assessment of the cattle, I’ll write the footnotes and establish and construct a mailing list that will best suit the seller’s target customer base. I will arrive several days ahead of sale day to assist with penning, assembling a sale order, and organizing the supplement sheet.

We’ll clerk the sale, collect sale proceeds, pay sale expenses, and pay out the seller once the sale is closed.

Once cattle are paid for in full, we’ll transfer registration papers to the new owners.

LARRY: We recognize the importance of a production sale and all of the work and expense required. We’ll start by preparing a sale budget, including advertising, sale catalog printing, auctioneers, ring men, sale settlements, etc.

We’ll then visit a farm to inspect the cattle for the sale and help with cattle selection. We assume all the responsibility for advertising and develop all our ads in-house, proofing ads with the breeder before sending to individual publications. Cotton & Associates coordinates everything related to the preparation of a sale catalog.

We send the breeder a catalog proof prior to printing. We make site visits prior to the sale and arrive several days ahead of time to assist with penning, sale order, and general sale conduct. And of course, we’ll develop potential clientele for purchase of the sale cattle.

to layout alongside registration ALAN: Full sale management numbers, breeding information, includes presale marketing and scanned carcass data, and footnotes advertising, including developing in the catalog. Ideally, I like to have the advertising program and budgeting. Sale managers assist with the catalog completed, proofed, edited, and to the printer roughly a the design and completion of the month prior to sale day and ready sale catalog and make contact and to mail five to seven days later so secure the services of auctioneers, that the book is arriving in buyers’ ring men, and clerks per the sellers’ mailboxes three weeks prior to the preferences. Sale day chores include sale. There will be obstacles along sale order, fielding and coordinating bids by proxy or phone, sale opening the way that can be challenging to anticipate (like mother nature). My remarks, and coordinating clerical recommendation is to always build information to properly close the in a few extra days for each step of sale. Finally, we’ll complete sale the process. invoices and assist in transport LARRY: Good planning, detailed arrangements, if needed.

Give us a brief timeline of when organization, and communication between sale management and to start thinking about a sale. producer is key to a smooth, Let’s say a breeder is having a successful sale. It is necessary to production sale March 1, 2020.

When should preparation start start planning at least 90 days for sale day? prior to the sale date to agree on GRAHAM: I preface my response by an advertising budget, plan for saying there is no correct answer, but sorting and feeding the cattle, and in my opinion the sale preparation allow for sufficient time to contact process begins two to three years prospective buyers. So, March 1 sale before the event, with breeding preparations should start around decisions and genetic selections. It December 1. One of the major is important to have a product that challenges producers face is that sale is sought after by your customer planning and execution is required base, which means incorporating over and above fulfilling their fresh genetics annually is imperative. everyday workload – crops need When approaching a sale, I like to planting, hay needs to be baled, cows meet with my customers 120 days need to be bred, calving season, etc. or more prior to the sale to discuss It is easy to put off sale-related work the budget, establish a timeline of when you’re busy with everyday events, select animals for the sale, ranch and farm demands. and schedule ALAN: If you are “The sale preparation process begins two to planning for your first important dates, such sale in March 2020, three years before the event.” as pictures -Graham Blagg, Innovation AgMarketing you should have and videos. already established I emphasize picturing cattle when your brand and had some visibility they are ready. For example: fall within your breed and in your bred cows due in September look regional area. You should have a their best the first week of August general idea of what cattle you plan coming off grass, while show heifer to offer. Is it a bull sale, purebred prospects might be better suited for female sale, or a combination of pictures after 30 days in the show both? Have you developed a list of barn. Bulls selling March 1st will potential cattle to be offered? Now is be mature enough to picture right the time to get your timeline down after New Year’s Day. Forty-five for cattle preparation, adverting days prior to sale day is my target budget, and schedule. deadline to have photos ready

*Article to be continued in the December Brangus Journal.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

marketing to a new

GENERATION

by Paige Wallace Arnold, Paige Wallace Photography

When I was in college, ranch Facebook pages and websites were just becoming popular. It has been incredible to see the growth and change of farms and ranches using social media and online marketing over time. Today, social media pages and websites are more of a requirement for operations, and hiring photographers to create high quality sale cattle photos and beautiful imagery for your online platforms has now become the norm. So what’s next? What will become the new “norm” for farmers and ranchers in their marketing plan? I believe it’s video, and using video to tell the story and showcase the people behind an operation.

When I first started filming promotional videos for farms and ranches in 2014, to be honest,

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November 2019

customers weren’t knocking down my door. Producers were skeptical of this new concept, and the price tag created a bit of push back. Fast forward to 2018 and one of my clients, Eric Walker of Willow Springs Cattle Company, understood my vision for video marketing and we teamed up to create a video to describe his operation and the announcement of his new purchase of the Bushy Park cow herd. It garnered over 60,000 views on Facebook, and the feedback we received was immeasurable. I knew then that the online world had changed in those four years time, and video now had its place.

Today, I own my own photography and videography business and work for myself fulltime. I focus on two sectors in the industry – promotional photos and videos for farms and ranches, and wedding photography. I feel incredibly fortunate that I am able

to serve farms and ranches in this capacity, and I always look forward to the chance to help an operation tell its story.

Telling your operation’s story and showing the faces behind a ranch name is incredibly important in my eyes. I oftentimes see operations solely focus on just marketing their cattle. However, with so many producers out there marketing cattle, it can be hard to be heard. This can be applied to all sectors of marketing, for example, I encourage my clients to have lots of family photos and information about them on their website. But today, I’ll dive deeper into how you can tell your story through video marketing.

TRUST. I truly believe promotional videos allow you to create a personal connection with potential customers. With so many livestock operations across the country, buyers have a lot of options. However, I still believe

that when you are able to meet This summer I spoke at the Hereford Association Marketing a person face to face and build a Summit about using video relationship with them, you have marketing in your operation. the advantage. Unfortunately, After my talk, Bruce Everhart that isn’t always possible because of Indiana approached me and you can’t make it to every show or explained how his perception sale. Video can replace that faceof Hoffman Ranch changed to-face interaction. When your clients can hear your voice and feel after watching the promotional video I created. “I had never as if they are genuinely engaging been to [Hoffman Ranch] with you by watching your video, and had always admired how that experience can replace an they represented in-person interaction “People want more than just cattle. They themselves at want your brand and they want the story.” shows. Their and build video showed a trust -Jason Hoffman, Hoffman Ranches different aspect with your to them that urged me to potential clients. And my buy a Kelly heifer from their customers believe it, too.

“I’ve been astonished of the online fall borns and made me exposure our past videos has want to attend their female sale created for us. I’d say to date, other they recently held at the ranch,” than stepping foot on customers says Bruce Everhart, Everhart own turf, this has been the best Herefords.

PROFESSIONALISM. A video way to connect and promote our of this scale also grabs the attention cattle. People want more than of your customers and portrays just cattle. They want your brand professionalism and, as a result, and they want the story. This has elevates your brand image. At this been the best way to combine all point, there are very few operations three things and get into people’s who use video consistently and homes,” says Jason Hoffman, at a professional level. Sure, a Hoffman Ranches, Thedford, video can be a large investment.

Nebraska.

PERCEPTION. A video also But I oftentimes encourage my allows you to develop a perception customers to take their marketing of your operation and emphasize budget for a few months and what is important to you. You redirect it towards one promotional can also change a preconceived video to give it a try.

HISTORY. When I first perception people might have. started creating these videos, I For example, a show cattle family only thought about the marketing wants to be seen as a working benefits. But now I realize that ranch, but few people have seen their facilities or heard them speak a video like this can also be a wonderful archive of not only about their passion for other parts your operation, but of your family of their business. This is the case for many of my customers because members at this stage of life. It can really become a way to capture the while cattle shows are a great way story of your operation for future to market your business, they generations to look back on. So often lead to customers knowing many of my clients now attest to you only for show ring presence. how much they value this part of A promotional video can offer the experience. them the opportunity to see your Overall, whether it’s through operation first hand and learn video or any other form of social about the other sectors of your media, I encourage more breeders operation.

to get online and tell your operation’s story.

Continue to be present, show your face, and let people hear your voice. I know it can feel intimidating at times to put yourself out there, but people want to know the faces behind your operation. Allow them to get to know you online, and I believe this will open the door to more people approaching you at shows and events and lead to new clients and relationships down the road.

WAYS YOU CAN USE VIDEO Sale cattle • Each sale lot • Video updates of sale cattle • Facebook Live each sale Daily video content on your farm • Behind the scenes • Your opinion • Tips and education • Fun moments with your kids • Sale or show prep • Ways to cook beef Promotional videos • Overview of your operation • Discuss upcoming sales • Customer testimonials Overall: show your face and let people hear your voice!

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MARSHALL FARMS BRANGUS BUILT FOR BUSINESS

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Schmidt Farms BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK

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AFFILIATE CONNECTION

SOUTHEAST BRANGUS BREEDERS FIELD DAY

The Southeast Brangus Breeders Field Day was hosted by Clover Ranch in Grantville, Georgia, August 16 -17, 2019. The event was moderated by Richard Hood, American Marketing Services, and speaking topics included reproduction, nutrition, health and best marketing strategies. After the speaker presentations, dinner was held and attendees were able to view cattle on display.

SOUTHEAST BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

by Janet Greuel

34

The Southeast Brangus Breeders Association (SBBA) moved their Annual Banquet and Female Sale to Troy, in southern Alabama. The banquet, a delicious steak dinner, was held at the Pike County Cattlemen’s Association building on Friday, September 27, 2019.

The SBBA Hall of Fame honor this year went to Roger and Janet Greuel from Brooks, Georgia.

Roger and Janet have been active members of SBBA the past 28 years. Roger has been a director for SBBA multiple times and Janet was secretary/treasurer for 10 years in the 1990s and currently handles the fun auction and awards. The Greuel’s have been active in the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association at state and local levels. Their children, Richard and Ann, came up through the junior program, with Ann serving as a director.

Roger and Janet have attended the National Junior Brangus Show every year since 1991.

The SBBA Award of Excellence

was presented to Doug and Belinda Cheney from O’Brien, Florida.

The Cheney’s bought their first registered Brangus in 2007 and have faithfully attended SBBA events since. They helped with the Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show (SRJBS) and Annual Banquet for several years. For the last two years, Doug has chaired and Belinda has handled all the administrative details for the female and bull sales sponsored by SBBA. Doug currently is a Director and Vice President for the SBBA. Following the awards presentation, the annual fun auction was held. An outdoor metal cutout of the Second Amendment, a child’s John Deere wheelbarrow, a coffee table book about the breeds of cattle, a pound cake, and bottles of wine were among the items auctioned off.

Almost $2,500 was raised for the association’s treasury. The annual SBBA Showcase Sale of females was held the following day at South Alabama Stockyards at Brundidge,

Alabama, selling 85 lots.

The SRJBS moved this year to Suwannee County Fairgrounds in Live Oak, Florida. Cattle checked in on Friday, September 20, followed by a steak dinner.

Fourty-four exhibitors and 108 head of cattle had been entered, making it the biggest show since its revival in 2011. The show started on Saturday morning with a chuckwagon breakfast for all followed by showmanship including pee-wees through seniors. The senior division exhibitors had their show sticks taken away and each had to speak to the crowd on the microphone, introducing themselves and their future plans. After lunch, all the classes of cattle were judged by Shelby McCall from Mayo, Florida.

The day concluded with the awards presentation. The SRJBS Juniors Award of Appreciation was presented to Michael and Kim Carter of Haines City, Florida, for all their hard work and dedication to the SRJBS.

SBBA Hall of Fame recipients Roger and Janet Greuel

SBBA Award of Excellence recipients Doug and Belinda Chesney

SRJBS Juniors Award of Appreciation presented to the Carter Family

November 2019

B For SullS and ale privaFemaleS te tr eaty !

FINAL SOURCE Show Bull of the Year

Showing

pionS! ChampionS to pro48du.46Ce12 â– Cmahark@mmp electric.net

Mark, TaMMy, Mason & Megan Perry

254.8

35

SHOW RESULTS Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

WESTERN NATIONAL BRANGUS SHOW RESULTS

Grand Champion Brangus Female TCR/BNH HOPE 313F Triple Crown Ranch, Angleton, Texas Briana Hicks, Danbury, Texas

Reserve Champion Brangus Female PP MISS MEREDITH 915F15 Pack Ponderosa, Boyd, Texas

Grand Champion Red Brangus Female MS 5M OLIVIA 214F2 ET Kayce Lopez, Fort Worth, Texas 5M Farms, Justin, Texas Red Bud Farms, Ben Lomond, Arkansas

Reserve Champion Red Brangus Female CX MS DREAM HOMBRE 10F2 Cox Excalibur Brangus, Katy, Texas

Grand Champion Brangus Cow/Calf Pair MISS JLS ELEGIDO 915E3 GKB Cattle, Waxahachie, Texas

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November 2019

Reserve Champion Brangus Cow/Calf Pair MISS MS MOLLY 789E6 Mason Perry & MP Brangus, Waco, Texas

Grand Champion Red Brangus Cow/Calf Pair CX MS LEGENDS DREAM 59/E1 Cox Excalibur Brangus, Katy, Texas

SHOW RESULTS Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

WESTERN NATIONAL BRANGUS SHOW RESULTS

Grand Champion Brangus Bull GBB DEADWOOD 915E7 G Bar G Brangus, Beckville, Texas

Reserve Champion Brangus Bull KL MR COAL MINE 820F K&L Brangus, La Vernia, Texas

Grand Champion Red Brangus Bull DOS XX’S MR BODACIOUS Dos XX Cattle Company, Washington, Texas Sendero Red Brangus, Laredo, Texas

Reserve Champion Red Brangus Bull TRIO’S MLS RBF FRANCISCO 175F2 Trio Cattle & Genetics, Mabank, Texas El Roble Red Brangus, Tamaulipas, Mexico Red Bud Farms - Ben Lomond, Arkansas

Grand Champion Ultra Brangus Female MSC OVERLOAD 329F2 GKB Cattle, Waxahachie, Texas

Reserve Champion Ultra Brangus Female GKB MISS CCEO 003F GKB Cattle, Waxahachie, Texas

Grand Champion Ultra Brangus Bull WC UB FORTRESS 322F Wyman Creek Cattle Company, Summersville, Missouri

Reserve Champion Ultra Brangus Bull MR TW BALL 34 Kendra Brull – Atchison, Kansas

37

SHOW RESULTS Texarkana, Arkansas

BRANGUS FUTURITY RESULTS CONTINUED FROM OCTOBER JOURNAL

Grand Champion Ultra Female MSC Overload 329F2 GKB Cattle, Waxahachie, Texas

Reserve Champion Ultra Female TCR/WL Bitsy 802G Triple Crown Ranch, Angleton, Texas

Reserve Champion Ultra Bull Mr TW Ball 34 Kendra Brull, Atchison, Kansas

Reserve Champion Ultra Cow/Calf Pair RLJ Miss Hulk 20E Kameron Steele, Alachua, Florida

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

38

November 2019

39

IJBBA CONNECTION

GETwithINVOLVED theIJBBA

by Kendra Brull, IJBBA Ex-Officio

Hi, International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA) members! I don’t know about you, but I love to show cattle. I love to have fun, learn new things, and make new friends from across the country. I know the livestock industry as a whole provides many of these things, but I am not sure any other breed/ organization puts all of this together in the unique package that Brangus does. I think that being a part of this amazing breed is a great opportunity, and I want to take this chance to encourage every IJBBA member reading this to take advantage of being a part of all Brangus offers.

IJBBA provides so many great opportunities for us to come together as junior breeders.

From the annual National Junior Brangus Show (NJBS) to the biennial IJBBA Legacy Leadership Conference hosted by the IJBBA Board of Directors, Brangus offers juniors multiple opportunities to come together, learn, and have a ton of fun. However, many regional Brangus groups are taking it even further and opening their doors to all IJBBA members, such as the Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show, the Oklahoma State Fair Junior Brangus Show, the Texas State Brangus Show, and the Arkansas State Show.

Furthermore, the opportunity of becoming an IJBBA Director, traveling the nation, working with 11 peers who love cattle, meeting and working with progressive breeders on a regular basis, and having a great time doing it all is one of the greatest parts of IJBBA. Being part of the IJBBA for over 14 years and loving every

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November 2019

single moment, the things I have learned along with the friends and memories I have made are truly unforgettable. IJBBA has realized tremendous growth throughout the years and continues to offer some of the most unique experiences. Of the numerous ways IJBBA impacts its membership, my personal favorite and most encompassing is the opportunity to serve the association as an IJBBA Director.

Being on the IJBBA Board of Directors is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I know this because it has had a tremendous impact on mine. Being on the IJBBA board offers you real life experiences that you cannot get anywhere else. Most young adults will never have the opportunity to plan, organize and execute a $100,000 NJBS or a $35,000 Legacy Leadership Conference.

Most young adults do not have the opportunity to travel and attend four national shows and work alongside some of the most highly recognized cattle breeders.

Most young adults do not have the opportunity to fly to Denver, Colorado, St. Louis, Missouri; or Minneapolis, Minnesota to iconic industry corporations or see some of the most unique ways to raise cattle, all while networking with peers from other breeds who have a passion for the industry that might rival yours. However, the board is about more than anything professional. It’s work, but it’s an opportunity to get to know directors from different states and make lifelong friends. I know from personal experience, since two of my best friends I met through being on the board. I would never have met them without taking

advantage of the opportunities the IJBBA board offers.

So, I challenge all IJBBA members to jump in and get involved. Attend the next Brangus show near you – even if you do not have cattle, go for the contests and the learning opportunities.

Sign up to go to the IJBBA Legacy Leadership Conference – even if you do not know anyone else attending. I promise you will make some lifelong friends - it won’t matter that you didn’t know one another before the event, but it will matter when you get together at another one down the road.

Attend the NJBS – even if your heifer is not going to win the show. Do it to enjoy a week full of fun with the “Brangus family” and make lifelong memories and friendships. Participate in every NJBS contest – even if you are not sure what you are supposed to do. Take the opportunity to learn incredible things that will pay off down the road in your personal and professional life. Apply for the IJBBA Board of Directors – even if you are not sure you will be selected, do it to improve your application and interview skills. DO IT ALL, because one day you are going to be too old to participate and you will miss it.

Seize the opportunities that IJBBA offers you!

Lastly, if you are a junior member and you have any questions about any of these opportunities, please feel free to contact myself or any of the IJBBA board members! We would love to talk to you about the opportunities we have taken advantage of and tell you our amazing experiences.

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AFFILIATE CONNECTION

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS AUXILIARY

A group of 40 people attended the International Brangus Auxiliary (IBA) meeting and social held during the National Junior Brangus Show in Texarkana, Arkansas, this July. The theme “Coffee, Chocolate and Cows” was again used to welcome the attendees. A short business meeting was conducted, and the members and guests were treated to beautiful decorations and goodies. A variety of shopping was also available provided by DeShae Wild and Free, The Quirky Cowgirl,

and Farris Custom Leatherworks.

A special thanks goes to Jennifer Walker, Jessica McLain and Anne Hjetland for their help in promotions, decorations, food and drinks for the social.

The IBA also hosted the pancake breakfast, a scholarship workshop, and sponsored the hospitality room during the junior event. The IBA is a proud supporter of the juniors and previously awarded six scholarships this year.

WEST TEXAS BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

TEXAS BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

The West Texas Fair Junior Brangus Show was held on September 8 in Abilene, Texas. Dr. Jake Franke evaluated 32 heifers exhibited by 24 juniors from age 7-21. The Grand Champion Heifer was PP Miss Cheridan 915G1 exhibited by Molly Pack, Azle, Texas. The Reserve Champion Heifer was Miss JLS Charmaine 21E7 exhibited by Megan Perry, Waco, Texas. The Third Best Female was MP Miss Ultimate Source 38F exhibited by Megan Perry, Waco, Texas. The Senior Showmanship buckle was awarded to Emma Pack from Azle, Texas.

The Junior Showmanship buckle was awarded to Madelyn Eskew from Waxahachie, Texas.

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2019-2020 IBA Officers

President Brenda Brull 1st Vice President/Ways & Means Chair Tina Gardner 2nd Vice President /Scholarship Chair Ginger Pritchard Secretary Mary Beth Farris Treasurer Janet Greuel Historian Jodi Jackson Ex Officio Sami Roop Director Rebecca Cowan Director Marlene Schwerin Director/Membership Chairman Kay Gibson *For membership inquiries: jimk.gibson@sbcglobal.net

Nominations for the Texas Brangus Breeders Association (TBBA) directors are due by December 15. The director positions will serve a three-year term beginning in April 2020. Board members meet during the annual TBBA Convention in Salado, Texas, each April. Most of the association’s business is conducted by conference calls to save the time and expense of traveling. If you are interested in running for the TBBA board or know someone who is, please email frances@txbrangus.org.

The International Brangus Auxiliary wants to help you with special gifts this season.

We can customize several items with your personal brand including fleece throw blankets, door mats, wine glasses and more.

Call for more information.

Tina Gardner, 254.744.0033, be sure to leave a message.

SALESummaries

CX ADVANTAGE SALE 2019 October 12, 2019, Weimar, Texas

Pairs 3 pairs grossed $28,000, average $9,333 Brangus Females 28 Red Brangus bred heifers grossed $113,450, average $4,051 16 Red Brangus open heifers grossed $62,350, average $4,157 Show Heifers 3 Red Brangus show heifers grossed $18,750, average $6,250

Bulls 10 Red Brangus bulls grossed $64,450, average $6,445 Embryo Lots 2 embryo packages grossed $29,450, average $2,677/embryo High Sellers Lot 3, embryo lot, CX MS Red Chief x CX Legends Dream 3/B1, purchased by Gerardo Alanis for $18,200 Lot 7, bull, CX Dream Forever 844/D, purchased by Tom and Mary Moore for $27,000 Lot 24, female, CX MS Exaclibur’s

Solution 10F1, purchased by Johannes and Marieanne Khats for $9,000 Lot 28, female, CX MS Home Run 4/F1, purchased by Tom and Mary Moore, $8,500 Volume buyers included Tom and Mary Moore, Houston, Texas; Rafter Two Ranch, San Antonio, Texas; Gerardo Alanis, Laredo, Texas; Johannes and Marieanne Khats, New Ulm, Texas; Bob Villarreal, Hockley, Texas; and Tancredo Vidal, Monterrey, Mexico.

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1202F ~ Born: 3/4/18 ~ R10374560 Skyhawks On Star 302Y x Dallas daughter ~ WW Ratio of 106

348F2 ~ Born: 12/11/17 ~ R10380893 Skyhawks Teddy 915B6 x Tonto granddaughter ~ Top 15% for BW

02F ~ Born: 5/20/18 ~ R10393759 Skyhawks Twister x Black Gold granddaughter

274F ~ Born: 2/2/18 ~ R10374468 Skyhawks On Star 302Y x IH Bart 535S16 daughter

November 2019

915F7 ~ Born: 6/15/18 ~ R10387947 Skyhawks Twister x Presidente daughter ~ 915 Cow Family

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BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES

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AREA 2 Grady Green

rady Green is the general manager at Draggin’ M Ranch in El Dorado, Arkansas, where he resides with his wife, Sara, and two children, Hadley and Breck. His passion for Brangus cattle is rivaled only by the love of spending time with his young family. Draggin’ M Ranch, owned by John Milam, is one of the most progressive Brangus operations in the United States and is also one of the founding partners of GENETRUST. Born in Eureka, Kansas, where his father, Craig Green, worked for the famed Brinks Brangus, Grady was introduced to the Brangus breed early in life. From there, his experience with Brangus cattle continued to expand by moving with his family to other respective Brangus operations including Caldwell Farms, Jack

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in the breed. For the last 10 years under Green’s control, Draggin’ M has bred and raised herd sires and donor females that have made and continue to make a tremendous impact wherever they’re used.

Green has been active in service to the Brangus breed, including serving on the IBBA Breed Improvement Committee and being a member of the Southeast Brangus Breeders Association, and is currently serving as a Board Director for the Texas Brangus Breeders Association. If elected to the IBBA Board of Directors, Green will use his passion for Brangus cattle and wealth of experience to help make decisions that will move the Brangus breed forward in the future. Green would like to thank all area two members for their consideration.

AREA 2 Jeremy Jackson

eremy Jackson grew up on a rural Benton County Arkansas farm. His family owned a registered Holstein dairy and also a broiler chicken operation for Peterson Farms.

When Jackson was 10 years old, his family began the process of transitioning the dairy into a commercial Brangus operation.

After high school, Jackson chased his other passion, the fire service.

Jackson received degrees in Paramedic Science and Fire Service Leadership. He was also awarded a 46

Moore Ranch, and eventually Camp Cooley Ranch. While living and working at Camp Cooley, Green was exposed to all aspects of the production of Brangus cattle from setting up donors to flush and transfer embryos, tagging calves, as well as being responsible for the health and wellness of yearling bulls on gain test, all while attending high school in Franklin, Texas.

After high school, Green attended Tarleton State University and eventually ended up in the prestigious Ranch Management Program at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas, where he graduated at the top of his class.

After graduating from TCU, Green was immediately hired as the manager at Draggin’ M and took over day-to-day operations of raising some of the most wellaccepted Brangus bulls and females

Congressional title after graduating from the National Fire Academy’s prestigious Executive Fire Officer Program. Jackson has also been published multiple times at the National Fire Library.

Jackson served in many different roles during his career in the fire department. Aside from the every day work of the fire department, Jackson served on multiple committees and boards within the fire service. He spent a significant amount of time in the latter years of his career teaching for several colleges, as well as the fire department. Jackson also

gained experience developing and administering municipal budgets while overseeing large groups of personnel.

Jackson married his best friend, Michelle, in 2004 and they immediately started their own commercial Brangus operation.

In 2010, Jackson contacted an old family friend at Hatfield Brangus and bought several registered Brangus heifers. Over the next two years, Jackson transitioned the commercial herd to a completely registered herd and formed Jacksons Double J Brangus. In

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BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES

(continued from page 46)

2011, Jackson left the fire department and came home to the farm full time.

Jackson and Michelle are blessed to be raising two amazing kids, Wyatt and Emily. The kids are both IJBBA members and were excited to attend their first Junior Nationals in Texarkana this summer. Wyatt is in his second term as President of the Logan 4-H Club, where Emily also serves as club photographer. Emily wants to be a doctor, while Wyatt wants to go to Oklahoma State University to judge livestock and major in ranch management.

Currently, Jackson manages

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ernon Suhn was raised on a 10,000 head commercial Angus operation in central South Dakota, where his family incorporated some of the earliest large-scale use of artificial insemination (AI). Suhn left South Dakota in the 1970s and moved to Loyalton, California to work as a herdsman and later manager for Ankony Shadow Isle, a registered Angus operation. Later, the Suhn’s moved to Nebraska where Vern became managing partner for Loos Angus until its dispersal in February 1980.

In May of 1980, Suhn had the opportunity to go to work for Brinks Brangus, Poteet and Sisterdale, Texas. He served as operations manager for Brinks through 1989. During his time there he did an extensive amount of AI and embryo transfer (ET) work with the Brinks team. He helped to set up and establish their

his family’s farming and ranching operations. They produce around 1.2 million chickens per year and market around 100 feeder calves as well. The registered operation, Jacksons Double J Brangus, is Jeremy’s true passion. Jackson has tried to become a student of the Brangus breed and push his herd and himself to succeed.

Jackson has served in the past on the IBBA Membership and Education Committee. In 2019, Jackson was asked to chair the IBBA Promotions Committee.

Jackson also has served as Vice President of the Benton County Farm Bureau and on the board of the University of Arkansas Benton

County Extension Service. His family was named Benton County Farm Family of the Year in 2018.

Jackson wants the breeders in Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana to know that if elected, he plans to represent all of the breeders regardless of size. While he is friends with and holds great respect for many of the larger breeders, Jackson understands the needs of all sizes of operations. He knows what it’s like to make tough financial decisions to try to make a small operation cash flow. Jackson will accept advice equally from the folks that have five cows and the folks that have five hundred.

AREA 3 Vernon Suhn first bull development program.

Under Suhn’s management, Brinks became one of the first Brangus operations to start selling Brangus bulls as yearlings. He was instrumental in establishing the cooperative effort between Brinks and Kansas State University to utilize ultrasound technology measurements, which provided the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) with the information needed to produce the first expected progeny differences (EPDs) for ribeye area in the beef industry.

After leaving Brinks, Suhn and his wife, Vicki, and children, Jared and Jessica, purchased their current ranch location in August 1990. The Suhn’s ranching operation was established with an original nucleus of 15 cows. To help cash flow, after purchasing the ranch, they began developing and merchandizing bulls for other breeders. As a small breeder at that time, Suhn says they felt the

need to bring bulls together for comparison and to establish a market for himself, as well as other breeders in the non-traditional Brangus country. The Suhns held their first production sale in 1993; this year marked their 26th sale. The cowherd has produced numerous breed leading sires including Next Step, Affirmed, Alydar, Foundation, Majestik Beacon, Signal and Business Line among a host of others. Name brand maternal cow families such as the 30’s, 53’s, 331’s, 416’s, 894’s, 918’s, and 919’s also trace their heritage back to the Suhn program.

Moreover, his breeding decisions and maintaining of the Jack Moore Brangus herd led to the production of the renown TJM Three D 302A. Suhn has been actively involved in the IBBA Promotion Committee and Breed Improvement Committee, of which he served as chairman. In addition, he has served as President of the IBBA,

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BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES He attends the annual BIF Convention, and he has been a participant in a panel discussion at their convention.

In 2009, Suhn and a group of Brangus breeders put together a marketing alliance called GENETRUST that markets 650

(continued from page 47)

and received the Breeder of the Year award in 2003. Suhn says he realizes the importance of data and performance information.

In an effort to support and better the industry, he joined the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF).

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AREA 7 Mary Douglass

ary Douglass and her husband, Chris, operate Two Hearts Brangus in Seguin, Texas. Along with their ranching enterprise, they operate Dent Masters, an automotive dent repair service. They formed Triune Enterprises Inc. in 2000, where Mary serves as the secretary/ treasurer and office manager.

Mary’s early professional career was spent in the banking industry. She had the privilege to be mentored by some of the most prominent women bankers in El Paso. With their tutelage, she advanced to the position of banking officer and then on to manager of the Loan Operations Department of InterFirst Bank El Paso. She held a similar position with the Bank of the West and Surety Savings and Loan, which was in receivership with the Resolution Trust Corporation. In 1991, Chris and Mary decided to undertake the opening of their own business venture. They established

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plus Brangus and Ultrablack™ bulls each year. With a successful first decade guided in large part to his intuition, experience, and tutelage, Vern has backed down from his role as President to focus on his own Brangus herd.

Dent Masters in El Paso, Texas, and then worked to move it to San Antonio in 1992.

Mary’s love of Brangus officially began on April 22, 1995, with the purchase of six head of registered Brangus at the Leaning H Ranch Sale. Since that day, Mary has been an enthusiastic supporter of Brangus cattle, Brangus breeders, and especially junior Brangus exhibitors. She quickly plunged into volunteering as an adult advisor for the Texas Junior Brangus Breeders Association (TJBBA) where she served for several years helping put on the TJBBA State Show. In 2000, she was chosen to serve as International Junior Brangus Breeders advisor, where she served until 2010. In recognition of her efforts on behalf of the IJBBA, Mary received the prestigious Georganne Myers National Supporter of the Year Award in 2005. Mary Douglass has served as a director on both the Hill Country Brangus Breeders Association and the Texas Brangus Breeders

Association boards. She has also served on the IBBA Show Committee.

She is proud to have served as an IBBA staff member from 2006 until 2010. While an employee of IBBA, she never hesitated to help the membership wherever she could. Answering the phone and helping the membership with their requests was her favorite job assignment. While she was the Director of the IBBA Open Shows, she traveled as the association representative to the various national shows to insure adherence to IBBA show policies. She also was responsible for most aspects of DNA sample submission and reporting.

Mary and Chris have two adult sons, Derek Russell and Denny Douglass. They have one grandson Landon Douglass, who will be showing his first Brangus heifer this coming show year. If elected, Douglass will honorably serve the members of the IBBA to the best of her ability.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES AREA 7 Pete DeLeeuw

P

ete DeLeeuw and his family operate Pennridge Ranch in Paige, Texas, about an hour east of Austin.

Pennridge Ranch is truly a family operation, with son, Pete Jr., as the general manager, and daughter, Diann, running most of the marketing efforts, registrations and breed paperwork.

In 1978, DeLeeuw purchased 12 Brangus heifers soon after acquiring a small ranch in Brenham, Texas. For many years, he ran a small registered operation of 40 females. In 2011, DeLeeuw and wife, Kay, purchased a larger ranch in Paige and expanded the herd to around 175 registered females, in addition to several commercial recipient cows. Pete works at being a progressive breeder with an embryo transfer program, and all females not being used as donors for E.T. will be artificially inseminated. He has made substantial improvement in the quality of his herd over the last five to eight years by using premier bulls in the breed through A.I., alongside purchasing a few excellent bulls for Pennridge cleanup pasture use. Additionally, all cattle are DNA tested at weaning to

M

create genomic enhanced EPDs. DeLeeuw has a business background and has been in the chemical industry with senior executive positions at Shell and as the CEO of Sterling Chemical – both out of Houston. He has also been active in his community and served on the Tomball School Board for nine years. In the IBBA, he has served on the Breed Improvement Committee and the Long Range Strategic Planning Committee (LRSPC) since its inception. DeLeeuw believes the LRSPC group is enacting some exceptional work in improving, and ultimately growing the association.

DeLeeuw’s rationale for serving on the IBBA Board of Directors is as follows: 1. He has experience in serving on several boards over his business career and would work to ensure that the IBBA had one of the most effective boards in the industry.

2. Growth should be a priority.

The Brangus breed has about the same number of cattle (in 2016) as listed in the early 1990s. Other breeds, such as Angus and Beefmaster, have had far more growth, and given the positive attributes of Brangus cattle, he believes

we should and could be a leading growth breed.

3. Currently, the IBBA is making good progress in becoming a more progressive breed in the use of genomics and is sponsoring important research work in thermo-tolerance.

Pete would work to prove, through data collection with feedlots and packers, that Brangus cattle yield among the very best on the rail.

Brangus should be recognized for quality carcass and great maternal traits.

DeLeeuw believes Brangus is the best breed for a large share of the country, but it needs to be proven through data collection – a challenge he hopes to work on if elected to the IBBA Board.

If elected, DeLeeuw assures members he will put in the effort to contribute towards overall breed improvement, leading Brangus to a premier status. DeLeeuw will work towards a data-driven advantage list, proving Brangus’ attributes to any progressive cattleman or woman. He humbly asks for your support and promises to be available to discuss issues with members whenever desired.

AREA 11 Rob Singleton y name is Rob

Singleton. It is my privilege to be nominated as a candidate for the IBBA Board of Directors, and if elected, it will be

my pleasure to serve the members of this wonderful organization.

Having spent most of my life in the seedstock business, I have learned that we are not in the cattle business, but in the people business and the cattle are merely

the vehicle we use to participate.

I mention that to say, although Brangus have everything to offer the beef industry, it is the people involved in this breed that make it special. We can continue to

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BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES beef producers, I was offered an opportunity by Three Trees Ranch to be a division manager. Three Trees was the largest seedstock producer east of the Mississippi River and the third largest in the nation. I was at Three Trees for more than 14 years and my division ran 1,000 cows, and kept 1,000 bulls on feed that I later marketed. It was at Three Trees that my Brangus affiliation started.

After Three Trees, my next career step was the manager’s position at The Oaks Brangus and Genetix Cattle Plus in Grantville, Georgia.

It is now my privilege to manage

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advance our breed by serving its people.

I was born into the beef cattle industry as my family ran a commercial cow/calf operation.

I began to get interested in the seedstock sector late in my high school years and that interest continued to grow as I studied animal science at the University of Tennessee. Upon graduation, I managed a Limousin ranch for two years, and then returned home to go into business for myself. After ten years of running my own cows and providing services to other

D

AREA 11 Doug Williams

oug Williams comes from a family of cattlemen near northeast Georgia.

After Williams graduated from high school, he went to work for his uncle and he’s been in the cattle business ever since.

In 1985, Williams moved away from the family business in order to manage a Charolais ranch in Commerce, Georgia. Then in 1988, he moved to Mocksville, North Carolina to work for one of the largest Brangus breeders in IBBA at that time, Cow Creek Ranch (CCR). During his time at CCR, he had the opportunity to work with show cattle and work in sales, which earned him the IBBA Herdsman of the Year in 1993.

While working at CCR, Williams started a joint venture with long-time friend, Jim Latham, L&W Cattle, when in 1990

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Phillips Ranch in Bunnell, Florida.

Phillips Ranch is a very aggressive and progressive Brangus ranch and we plan to be a part of this wonderful breed for many, many years.

My wife, Deb, and I have three beautiful children, two daughters and a son. Outside of ranching, you’ll find me spending time with my family. We are thankful for our past experiences in this industry, but even more excited for what the future holds. My love for the Brangus breed grows every day and I am thankful to be a part of it and extremely excited to see it move forward.

they purchased Brangus cattle from CCR. After CCR moved to Aliceville, Alabama and shut down operations in 1995, Williams moved to manage Whip-O-Will Land and Cattle in Mocksville, North Carolina, owned by Carl Boon.

In 2007, Carl sold all of his cattle and equipment and leased all of the land to L&W Cattle. Then in 2017, Williams became a sole proprietor when he bought the business from Jim Latham, but he kept the name L&W Cattle.

Williams’ profession is also his passion. He’s been a leader in the industry for 31 years. Not only does Williams have his own herd of cattle, he also manages several large sales including the Southeast Brangus Female Sale, the Southeast Brangus Bull Sale, which remains the oldest Brangus Bull sale in the southeast, and also the Cut Above Sale.

Additionally, Williams also has extensive experience in selling the breed he loves. He was a member of the sales team at Southern Cattle Co. and for the last six years and served as a sale representative for GENETRUST. Last but not least, Williams has previously served on the IBBA board from 20092011 and served as the President for Southeast Brangus Breeder Association for four years. Today, he serves on the board of directors for SBBA, as he has for several years. If elected, he will leverage all of his experience with the breed, sales, and board leadership to be the best representation of the best breed of cattle, Brangus and Ultrablack™.

When Williams is not in the field with the cattle, he is spending time with his four grandchildren, son, Steven, daughter, Tausha, and wife, Glenda.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

FRIENDS WE WILL MISS R

RONALD “RONNIE” FARRINGTON

onald “Ronnie” Leon Farrington peacefully transitioned into spiritual ascension August 8, 2019 at his home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where he and his wife, Jacqueline, have resided for 25 years.

Farrington graduated from Welch High School, Welch, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, at Stillwater. He

was active in the Brangus cattle industry and real estate throughout his business career in Oklahoma, Texas, and Mexico.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, daughter Katrina Morphis, son Alan Farrington, sister Elizabeth Farrington, brother Abe Farrington and wife Patsy, along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Farrington was born February 7, 1936 and was proceeded into spirit by his father, Abe Farrington Sr., mother Marvelle Farrington Tucker, and sister, Carolyn Pierce.

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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 for advertising spaces

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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 for advertising spaces

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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 for advertising spaces

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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 for advertising spaces

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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 for advertising spaces MikeShelton-DirectoryCard.indd 1

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November 2019

10/19/17 7:32 AM

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

RioRanchcard1.indd 1

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

www.zottarelliranches.com

Zottarelli Ranches 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

fall meeting nov 22-23, 2019 Hilton University of Florida Conference Center 1714 SW 34th, Gainesville, FL 32607 // 352.371.3600 Contact Melanie Fuller at mfuller@gobrangus.com or 979.255.3343 for advertising spaces

57

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

To: IBBA DNA Clients From: Macee Prause, Director of Genomics & Research Subject: Sample Storage Procedures effective October 1, 2019 at Neogen/GeneSeek IBBA has been recently notified by Neogen/GeneSeek that DNA sample storage will no longer be a free service provided by the lab. This is unfortunate news, but understandable as DNA is becoming an increasingly useful product in the industry and the company has limited storage space. With such notice, the IBBA is actively working with the lab to ensure we can obtain all DNA samples submitted through the organization. We will be storing all successfully processed DNA blood and hair cards temporarily (for a 8-year period) at the IBBA office.

For previously submitted orders and future submissions, we will leave it up to each member to decide how they wish to store their samples long-term. Please select one of the options below for your GeneSeek DNA orders. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

I wish for all of my DNA samples to be mailed back to my mailing address on file at the IBBA. I wish for all of my DNA samples to be discarded after testing has been completed.

I wish for my hair or blood samples to be stored at the IBBA temporarily, but my other sample types returned to me.

I wish for my hair or blood samples to be stored at the IBBA temporarily, but my other sample types to be discarded.

I wish to pay GeneSeek’s fee of $1/sample/year for proper continued storage at GeneSeek until I notify IBBA otherwise or the sample reaches the maximum 5-year lab storage period at which time it will be discarded. ___ I wish to pay Genetic Protection’s fee of $0.50 per sample each year for proper continued storage at Genetic Protection until I notify IBBA or Genetic Protection otherwise. *If you do not submit an official designation, the IBBA will interpret as choosing to discard the sample after processing.* Additionally, the lab is moving to a regional based system for their beef representatives. Commensurate with this change, GeneSeek is requesting certain information on all customers so they may provide information, education, etc. Please provide your mailing address below for GeneSeek’s record if you wish to release the information. This is NOT required. You may opt out of their request, but the day may come when test orders will be rejected if the customer information is anonymous.

Name or Business Name Address Email address

City (optional)

State

Zip

Phone number (optional)

We greatly appreciate your understanding during this transition. Please return this letter by mail, fax or email to IBBA office. If you have any questions about sample storage or any other DNA matter, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Macee Prause Director of Genomics & Research

Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D. Executive Vice President 59

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

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IBBA Member Rate

November 2019

CALENDAR of events NOVEMBER 2019 1-2 GENETRUST at Chimney Rock Cattle Company, Concord, AR 2 Tanner Farms Bull Sale, Shuqualak, MS 4 The Branch Ranch’s Rough & Ready Ranch Raised Brangus Bull Sale, Mansfield, LA 8 16th Annual Briggs Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Bloomington, TX 8-9 Blackwater Cattle Company Genomic Extravaganza, Lake Park, GA 9 44th Hill Country Brangus Bull & Female Sale, San Angelo, TX 13 Stockman’s Choice Online Sale 15 Fort Worth Stock Show Open Brangus Entry Deadline 15-16 GENETRUST at Cavender Ranches, Jacksonville, TX 15-16 Salacoa Valley Farms Bull & Female Sale, Fairmount, GA 23-24 IBBA Fall Meeting, Gainesville, FL 28-29 IBBA Office Closed for Thanksgiving 26 Quail Valley Farms Open Tank Embryo Sale DECEMBER 2019 2-4 FIBRA Meeting, Fort Worth, TX 7 Heart of Alabama Brangus Bull Sale, Uniontown, AL 7 Skyhawk Brangus Reduction Sale, Bastrop, TX 7 Williams Ranch Company Brangus Bull Sale, Bastrop, TX 15 San Antonio Livestock Exposition Open Brangus Show Entry Deadline 24-25 IBBA Office Closed for Christmas 31 IBBA Office Closed for New Year’s Eve JANUARY 2020 1 IBBA Office Closed for New Year’s Day 1 IBBA Board of Director Ballots Due 5 Houston Livestock Show Open Brangus Entry Deadline 8 Dixie National Livestock Show Open Brangus Entry Deadline 22 Fort Worth Stock Show Open Brangus Show, Fort Worth, TX FEBRUARY 2020 5-7 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show, San Antonio, TX 6 Florida State Fair Open Brangus Show, Tampa, FL 10 San Antonio Livestock Exposition Open Brangus Show, San Antonio, TX 10 Dixie National Livestock Show Open Brangus 15 Houston Livestock Show Open Brangus Late Entry Deadline

Photo by Bryan Tucker

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ADVERTISING INDEX

5K Cowbelle Ranch..................................................... 54 American Marketing Service .... 11, 14, 18-19, 22, 41, 45 Amrich Ranch............................................................. 55 Big D Ranch................................................................ 52 Blackwater Cattle Company....................................... 53 Bobby and Bobbie Brangus........................................ 54 Bovine Elite, LLC.........................................................51 Brinks Brangus at Westall Ranches........................... 54 Burke Brangus Farm.................................................. 53 Bushley Creek Cattle Co............................................. 54 C&C Brangus............................................................... 55 Carter Brangus............................................................ 52 Cavender Ranches...........................................32-33, 55 Char-No Farm ............................................................ 53 Chimney Rock Cattle Co............................................. 52 Clark Cattle Services....................................................51 Clover Ranch...................................................14, 52, 58 Cox Excalibur Brangus............................................... 55 Cross F Cattle.............................................................. 55 Cross N Farms............................................................ 54 Diamond K Ranch...................................................... 55 Doguet Diamond D Ranch...........................IFC, 55, BC Don Hall Brangus....................................................... 52 Don Thomas & Sons................................................... 54 Dotson, Wes.................................................................51 Double Creek Brangus Ranch.................................... 55 Double W Ranch......................................................... 54 Draggin M Ranch........................................................ 52 Drake Land & Cattle................................................... 55 E3 Ranch, LLC............................................................ 55 Elgin Breeding Services, LLC................................39, 51 Far Niente Farms........................................................ 52 Farris Ranching Company.......................................... 56 Fenco Farms....................................................22, 41, 53 Galloway Brangus....................................................... 52 Garry Clem Brangus................................................... 56 Genesis Ranch....................................................... 11, 56 GENETRUST......................................26-29, 32-33 IBC Giffin Farms................................................................ 53 GKB Cattle.................................................................. 56 Greenwood Cattle Co.................................................. 56 Greuel Family Brangus.............................................. 53 Hardee Farms............................................................. 53 Hi Point Sales + Marketing................ IFC, 9, 17, 23, BC Hill Country Brangus Breeders...................................17 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo..............................13 IBA.............................................................................. 42 IJBBA..........................................................................40 Indian Hills Ranch..................................................... 56 Jacksons Double J...................................................... 52 JLS International........................................................ 56 Johnston Brangus....................................................... 52 K&L Brangus............................................................... 56 K&R Broken Bar Ranch.............................................. 55 L.G. Herndon, Jr. Farms, Inc..................................... 53 62

November 2019

Lack-Morrison............................................................ 54 Lake Majestik.............................................................. 52 Lambert, Doak.............................................................51 Lawman Ranch........................................................... 55 Little Creek Farms...................................................... 53 Marshall Farms........................................................... 52 Mid South Cattle Company.................................... 9, 54 Miller Brangus............................................................ 55 MO Brangus................................................................ 53 Mobley, Luke...............................................................51 Mound Creek Brangus................................................ 56 MP Brangus.......................................................... 35, 56 NCBA Beef Quality Assurance.................................... 10 Oak Creek Farms........................................................ 56 Oakley, Lakin...............................................................51 OK Farms.................................................................... 56 Old Colita Ranch......................................................... 56 Parker Brangus........................................................... 52 Pennridge Ranch........................................................ 56 Perry Ranch................................................................ 55 Peterson Brangus........................................................ 54 Phillips Ranch....................................................... 43, 53 Quail Valley Farms................................................41, 45 Rafter 2 Ranch............................................................ 56 Reagan, Terry..............................................................51 Red Bud Farms........................................................... 53 Rio Ranch................................................................... 57 Roop Cattle Co............................................................ 57 Salacoa Valley Farms....................................... 18-19, 54 Santa Rosa Ranch................................................... 3, 57 Scamardo Brangus...................................................... 57 Schmidt Farms........................................................... 57 Skyhawk Brangus....................................................... 44 Southeast Brangus Breeders................................ 34, 52 Spanish Ranch............................................................ 53 Stockmans Choice ...................................................... 23 Suhn Cattle Co............................................................ 54 T3 Brangus.................................................................. 54 Tajo Ranch.................................................................. 57 Texas Brangus Breeders............................................. 42 The Oaks Farms.................................................... 22, 54 Trio Cattle & Genetics................................................ 57 Triple Crown Ranch................................................... 57 Triple JR Cattle Co..................................................... 57 TTT Brangus Farm..................................................... 52 Tuna Rosa Ranch........................................................ 57 Valley View Ranch...................................................... 54 Vineyard Cattle Co...................................................... 57 Vorel Farms................................................................ 55 W.E.T. Farms.............................................................. 53 West Texas Brangus Breeders.................................... 42 Williams Ranch Co....................................................... 7 Wynne Ranch............................................................. 53 Zottarelli Ranches....................................................... 57

LOT 52 - CB NEW TRADITION 468F15

LOT 62 - DMR CASH FLOW 535F30

LOT 67 - DMR INVESTMENT 535F40

LOT 77 - CB WRANGLER 561F3

LOT 80 - CB SPECIAL DELIVERY 803F2

LOT 87 - WAT/WW NOTABLE 924F

LOT 106 - CB PAYDIRT 9237F9

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November 2019