April 2020 Brangus Journal

Brangus A PR I L 2 0 2 0

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April 2020

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

IBBA STAFF

Area 1: AL, FL, GA & South America Chris Heptinstall, President 205.363.0919 :: cgstall@yahoo.com Area 2: AR, LA & MS Jeremy Jackson 479.659.4200 :: jjackson101@gmail.com Area 3: ND, SD, MN, WI, IA, IL, MO, KS & NE Vern Suhn, 2nd Vice President 620.583.3706 :: vern@geneplusbrangus.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, 1st Vice President 214.683.1600 :: allen@triocattle.com Area 7: TX & Mexico Mary Douglass 210.269.3220 :: twoheartsbrangus@yahoo.com Area 7: TX & Mexico Lee Alford 979.820.4205 :: alfordcattle@aol.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 830.263.9384

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

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

Director of Information & Technology Andrew Sicotte asicotte@goregstr.com 210.696.8231

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 Rob Singleton 770.862.0983 :: singletons2002@yahoo.com

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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April 2020

Cover photo by Show Champions Photography at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo @gobrangus | #gobrangus

BRANGUS 6 9 10 14 24 28

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

EXECUTIVE CORNER ULTRABLACK ULTRARED CLARIFICATION CATTLEFAX INSIGHTS: SHORTER CALVING, MORE DOLLARS BREED TRENDS IN VIDEO FEEDER CALF AUCTIONS DETERMINING SUCCESS OR FAILURE ON SALE DAY

32 36 41 44 48

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO SHOW RESULTS

STOCK SHOWS ADD VALUE TO SEEDSTOCK BUSINESSES LEAVING A LEGACY MEET THE 2020-2021 IBBA COMMITTEE CHAIRS AFFILIATE UPDATES & SALE SUMMARIES

APRIL 2020 Volume 68 :: Issue 3

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

CHARGE WITH COMMITTEE MEMBERS Let’s Lead the

by Chris Heptinstall, IBBA President

Let me begin my inaugural presidential letter by extending a big thank you to Bill Davis. I’ve heard you for years sitting in your auction block at the “Cow Palace” saying, “It’s a thankless position.” In many cases you were correct. I hate that we had the years of service incorrect; it should be you taking the president’s position this year. So, on behalf of the Brangus breed, thank you Bill Davis for your service. I appreciate you.

I deeply appreciate the nominating committee’s recommendation for me to take the position of International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) President this year. It’s humbling, as many directors are deserving. I appreciate the hard work of the committee system this past year. In particular, the IBBA Long Range Planning Committee. We have had several face-to-face meetings all over the country and even more phone calls. This group has labored over several tough, but meaningful topics. Gentlemen, thank you for your service. It’s up to the board, strong committee system, and staff now to implement and follow through with the plan.

IBBA FACTS in a flash in the past 30 days

14 New Senior Members 9 New Junior Members 4 New Associate Members 1,213 New DNA Submissions 1,359 New Female Registrations 1,139 New Bull Registrations 6

April 2020

A charge to the committee system

The IBBA Long Range Planning Committee is now a standing committee, chaired by Tracy Holbert. It is comprised of a group of minds that will rival any breed. Folks, I hope you continue the think tank and challenge committees and board of directors to keep pushing forward to achieve goals. I challenge you to keep an eye on the big picture of the beef industry.

Study our competition. What do they do well? How can we do it better?

The IBBA Breed Improvement Committee, again, a strong committee that is on the leading edge of science and technology. I have asked Mark Cowan to continue as chair of this committee. We talked a lot about continuity in IBBA Long Range Planning Committee. We have several things on the verge of being implemented, and I believe a continuation of leadership is paramount. To the members of the IBBA Breed Improvement Committee, continue the progressive actions that make Brangus innovators in the cattle industry. I know Regstr has been tough for implementation, but the light is visible at the end of the tunnel. I challenge you to attend the Beef Improvement Federation meetings coming to Orlando in June, which will be just after the IBBA Summit. I believe our presence there speaks volumes within the industry. We must also get the Brangus Value Project started. We need commercial producers to partner with us to AI cows to the sires enrolled in the project.

The progeny will go to a feedlot and on to a packing plant; we really need this data. This will be critical to our future as a growing part of the beef industry.

The IBBA Finance Committee all owes Mike Weathers, chair, a big thank you for his time reconciling our financials. We might not like the financials presented this year, but the numbers are accurate. This is a good solid foundation for us to build on. As we integrate Regstr with accounting, we anticipate THR billings to be timely and funds collected coinciding with the historical budget.

The IBBA International Committee has been a very active committee. Chairman, Allen Goode, has done an outstanding job championing this. The committee’s vision of truly becoming an international

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE association with the completion of Regstr is becoming attainable. As a thought and action leader in the Federation of International Brangus Associations (FIBRA), the IBBA will maintain our position as a global source for Brangus genetics and research.

The IBBA Show Committee, again chaired by Allen Goode, is a passionate and enthusiastic group of Brangus promoters to the industry and within our association. They strive to represent our breed at all levels, from the bright lights of national shows, to regional and state fairs. I challenge this committee to develop shows and programs where the present and future of Brangus, Red Brangus, and Ultra’s are presented to the beef industry with truly elite cattle.

Look for the opportunities to partner with the other committees that have been proactive. I’m glad to hear of the changes coming from this committee.

Next the IBBA Commercial Marketing Commitee.

My vision for this committee is to be the catalyst that assists breed improvement in moving our carcass EPDs from ultrasound only to ultrasound, plus actual harvest data to include marbling. I look forward to watching this committee flourish. I challenge the members of this committee to make the Bos indicus discount on feeder cattle a thing of the past for Brangus feeder cattle. When we achieve this, we will have a hard time producing enough bulls to meet commercial demand.

The IBBA Membership and Education Committee is a committee that has become inactive. I have asked Cheramie Viator to champion the revival of this committee. If you know her, she will be successful in this endeavor. Jeremy Jackson will assist as board liaison.

The IBBA Promotion Committee has always been an active committee. I have asked Joe Fuller to take on the task of chairing the promotional efforts of the

association, as it is an integral portion of the IBBA. I look forward to seeing the vision of this committee.

Jeremy Jackson, past chairman, who is now on the IBBA Board of Directors, established a new level of energy and passion for this committee. I challenge Joe to take advantage of Jeremy’s work and take it to the next level.

A very important part of our association is the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA). To keep the IBBA connected, and the IJBBA aware of the long range goals of the IBBA, the incoming director from Texas, Mary Douglass, will act as liaison for the junior program.

We have a great staff, filled with brilliant minds.

I challenge you to strive to represent our association and our breed to a standard of excellence. You are the backbone of our association, and it is up to you to implement the actions of the committee system. You are our day-to-day operations management. I know that your work has been hobbled with the re-write of Regstr, and I want to thank you for your patience.

Mergers with accounting, DNA, and functionality of our system are paramount. Thank you, Dr. Wilkes, for leading the charge. I look forward to working with you and your staff this year.

In closing, I believe a strong committee system is what makes breed associations flourish. I call on all members who want to be involved to call the IBBA office, Dr. Wilkes, or any of your board of directors to let them know. Together, we can make Brangus the best breed to be involved in. I look forward to working with the staff and committee system this year as your president. If you have questions or concerns, please call your area director or myself at anytime.

Don’t be afraid to go where the data takes you, Christopher G. Heptinstall

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April 2020

EXECUTIVE CORNER

Matter

ASSOCIATIONS

by Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D., IBBA Executive Vice President

was highly dysfunctional and very inefficient. A lot of I’m penning this letter exactly one year from taking progress has been made, and it is nice to hear members the reins as your executive vice president. And, I have offer complements about the improved system. In the a confession to make. As a breeder of registered cattle very next breath, they usually mention some functions my entire adult life, I have been guilty of taking the that still aren’t back to where they were in the “old breed association’s services for granted. I just didn’t system”. In truth, we appreciate hearing both the good worry about it. I was focused on breeding cattle that worked for my customers. I trusted that the association’s and the not-so-good. Believe me when I say that we have a list of all the pending needs offered by members and systems would always work when I needed them, and none of them will be ignored. never really gave a second thought to the complexity of the software and information systems that I relied upon I told the members gathered in Houston that, in my when registering cattle, submitting performance data, estimation, the Regstr system was 20 percent complete ordering DNA tests, or any other of the detailed tasks one year ago, and is about 80 percent complete now. that producers take on when they decide to produce Shortly after you receive this issue of the Brangus seedstock rather than commercial beefstock.

Journal, we will be releasing a major upgrade to the system which will significantly close the gap on the So, I admit it. I have taken association services for remaining 20 percent of granted for many, the system that is nonmany years. However, If we want to maintain an industry functional. This roll-out will even though I have dominated by the family-sized seedstock be accompanied by a series personally been guilty outfit, we need to keep breed associations of webinars where we will of this, I have never vital and strong. show you how to efficiently taken for granted how use the new features. The vital the association’s IBBA staff is looking forward to tutoring you through services were to my success as a breeder – actually, the new features and having you feel good about the to my very existence as a breeder. If not for breed capabilities of YOUR association. associations, I submit that there would be no such thing as the “family-sized” seedstock operation. Of course, The year 2019 was a challenge. But as a wise man there would still be seedstock operations, and they would once said, challenging times don’t build character, they still compute EPDs and process genomic information, reveal it. As I’ve worked with the officers and directors, but they would be very large mega-firms with proprietary with the committee chairs and the Long Term Planning genetics and their own computerized systems. Smaller Committee, and with the IBBA staff, what I’ve witnessed breeders, without access to the services of a breed is an incredible passion for Brangus and unshakeable association, would be trying to sell seedstock based on character in people that simply refuse to back down from visual appraisal and in-herd ratios. A few would survive, a challenge. I was attracted to IBBA because I have long but most would not. Commercial bull customers would believed that the Brangus breed deserves a larger market do business with the large genetics firms who have the share, and I have never been more certain that we can data and the sophisticated analyses to estimate genetic earn it if we work together and focus on the possibilities merit. The beef genetics business would begin to look rather than dwelling on past problems. This breed is like the pig and chicken genetics industry – a few megajust too darn good to be number six or seven on the list firms with proprietary genetics. of breeds in terms of registrations. With the re-build of If we want to maintain an industry dominated by the the registration system nearly done, I am very anxious to dig into the Long Term Plan and begin executing the family-sized seedstock outfit, we need to keep breed projects in the plan that will grow our breed. associations vital and strong. IBBA needs your support.

Regrettably, we have not had a registration and To those members who have continued paying dues recording system during the past year that you could and other fees that keep your association functioning, take for granted. It has been a struggle to re-build a thank you. To those who drug their feet and delayed registration and recording system while simultaneously payment in protest of the imperfect system, but finally using it every day. But, the light at the end of the tunnel paid up, thanks for your support. And finally, to those is now visible. Honestly, it wasn’t visible a year ago. few who may be wondering if they even have a future as a Brangus breeder, please re-join the family. The It comes as no surprise to anybody that 2019 goes prospects for Brangus success have never been greater. down in history as a difficult year for IBBA. Along with We need you. you, the IBBA staff struggled through the year making the best of a registration and recording system that

“

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Clarification

by Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D., IBBA Executive Vice President There is some confusion about what constitutes an UB1. The second cross creates the UB2. The third Ultra. There is conflicting information in the IBBA cross creates the Brangus.

This new policy was necessary because of Breeder’s Handbook, historical Brangus Journal conflicting information in various IBBA documents articles, by-laws, and board minutes about the which has resulted in confusion. This clarification is definition of an Ultra animal. Recent deliberations by also necessary in order to program the IBBA computer the IBBA Breed Improvement to generate the correct prefix as animals Committee, and are registered. subsequent actions If one reviews the history of Ultrablack or by the IBBA Board Ultrared, it is easy to see how the confusion arose. The of Directors, is balance of this article attempts to put this in context intended to and to share some history that perhaps is not known clarify what an by all.

Ultra is and Ultrablacks were originally thought of as a how it can terminal cross between an Angus and a Brangus. be used in If I understand the history correctly, the idea came a breeding from the late Joe Reznicek who was trying to respond program.

I debated with to the demand for Angus genetics in Florida and myself whether other gulf environments. Producers in those areas were being encouraged by the market to add Angus to state the genetics to improve the marketability of their feeder new policy first calves. But, straight bred Angus bulls struggled in and then give that environment. The theory was that a bull resulting the background or, from the cross of a Brangus and an Angus would alternatively, to tell provide the strong dose of Angus genetics demanded the story first and finish by the marketplace, while also having enough Brangus this article with the new policy. influence to allow the bull to survive and successfully I decided to state the new policy and then give the breed cows in the harsh environments. background for those who wish to read it (see below).

To put this in context, existing policy states that it In hindsight, it was a way to increase the market takes two top-crosses with Brangus beginning with an penetration of Brangus while also providing the Ultrablack1 (UB1) in order to breed up to a Brangus Angus dose that producers had been convinced they designation which requires 87.5% Brangus breeding. needed. It seems that Ultrablacks were used to replace If one starts with an Ultrablack Pending (UBP), it will take three Ultra Policy, Adopted by the IBBA Board of Directors March 5, 2020 top-crosses to achieve the Brangus Any animal that falls below 50% Brangus (the balance registered Angus) based on designation. In this sense, a UBP pedigree, will receive a prefix of UBP or URP, which means Ultrablack Pending, or is similar to an enrolled Angus.

Ultrared Pending. EPDs will be computed and published on such animals. UBP and It takes three top-crosses with URP animals may become parents of Ultrablack or Ultrared animals if their progeny Brangus, beginning with an Angus are 50% or higher Brangus. If, based on pedigree, the progeny of a UBP or URP falls cow for instance, to get back to between 50% and 74.9% Brangus, it shall be a UB1 or UR1 and if it falls between 75% Brangus. The first cross creates the and 87.49% Brangus it shall be a UB2 or UR2.

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April 2020

Angus bulls, not Brangus bulls. The net effect, at least in theory, was an increase in Brangus influence through the use of Ultras in a market that would have otherwise used Angus bulls.

Under this original view of Ultrablacks, the definition was that an Ultrablack was an animal consisting of anywhere from 12.5% to 87.5% Brangus, with the balance Angus. At this time, in 2005, it was not contemplated that Ultrablacks or Ultrareds would be used to breed up to Brangus and so the wide range in percent Brangus wasn’t an issue. If somebody wanted more Brangus in their Ultrablack, they could get it. If they wanted less, they could get that too.

Anybody looking at this from the outside would conclude that this was a smart approach because it was flexible enough to give commercial customers all the options they would need. That’s just smart business.

So far in this story, there’s no confusion.

Ultrablacks were essentially a line extension for Brangus with as much flexibility as needed to satisfy diverse needs.

In 2013, IBBA agreed that Ultras could be used in a step-up or breed-up to Brangus. Under the assumption that an Ultrablack was 50% Brangus and 50% Angus, the association agreed that such animals could be bred to Brangus to produce a UB2, which would be 75% Brangus and still be called an Ultrablack. A UB2 could then be mated to a Brangus and produce an animal that is 87.5% Brangus (12.5% Angus) and that such animals would be registered as Brangus.

The word assumption is underlined and highlighted in the previous paragraph for a reason.

If the only Ultrablacks under the existing definition at the time were 50:50 Brangus:Angus, then the assumption holds and things remain simple. But that was not the case. Some breeders were putting Angus bulls on their yearling Ultrablack heifers and, thus, producing offspring that were 75% Angus and 25% Brangus. When they asked IBBA how such animals could be registered, the answer (reportedly) was “they’re Ultrablacks under the original definition.”

So now, under this scenario, it no longer holds that one can breed an Ultrablack to a Brangus and automatically get a UB2 because some so-called Ultrablacks were less than 50% Brangus. Confusion. It is easy to see how it happened.

As the IBBA Breed Improvement Committee was tackling this issue, one suggestion was that the UBPs or URPs could be registered, and they could be parents of Ultras if they are bred to Brangus, but IBBA should not produce EPDs on these cattle

because IBBA is here to promote Brangus, not Angus, and such cattle are mostly Angus.

That’s true, but such would be inconsistent with the fact that IBBA computes and publishes EPDs on enrolled Angus cattle. If we produce EPDs on enrolled Angus, why wouldn’t we produce EPDs on cattle that have at least some Brangus?

Moreover, if breeders are going to wisely mate such animals to produce Ultrablacks, they need the EPDs to make the best mating decisions. Ultimately, the arguments in favor of publishing the EPDs on these cattle carried the day.

I hope this article is informative – in more ways than one. First, I hope the context provided here helps to understand the final policy decision. Second, this is an example of an IBBA committee doing the tough work to advance the breed and be fair to all. As the deliberation and debate was going on, what I observed was a group of people who put the Brangus breed and IBBA members front-and-center in their discussions.

The debate often gets lively, but it never becomes disrespectful.

THE ULTRA

Cheat Sheet

Brangus x Angus = Ultrablack (UB1)/Ultrared (UR1) UB1/UR1 x Brangus = UB2/UR2 UB2/UR2 x Brangus = Brangus Animal with < 50% Brangus and the remainder Angus = Ultrablack/Ultrared Pending (UBP/URP) UBP/URP x Brangus = UB1/UR1 if Brangus percentage is 50% to 74.99% Brangus UBP/URP x Brangus = UB2/UR2 if Brangus percentage is 75% to 87.49% 11

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April 2020

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CATTLE FAX INSIGHTS

SHORTER CALVING,

MORE DOLLAR$ The IBBA is proud to bring you the CattleFax Trends Publication that is sponsored by Ritchie Industries. Look for this article each month in the Brangus Journal and Frontline. If you would like to learn more about CattleFax, please go to www.cattlefax.com.

Calving season is either wrapping up soon or in full swing for spring calving operations. This is an exciting time of year as the new calf crop provides the first glimpse at the mating decisions that were made nearly a year ago during breeding season. It can also be a stressful and exhausting period for producers to ensure live and healthy calves. Calving season can seem like it drags on forever, but in reality, it should create the opposite feeling. There is significant data that supports it should be more of a sprint than a marathon. This issue will discuss how a tighter or shorter calving season can benefit an operation and some of the important items that need to be considered when making this transition.

According to the results of the CattleFax Annual Cow-Calf Survey, roughly 20 percent of operations calve for more than 60 days. Theoretically, 60 days or

less should be the maximum length for all producers.

Obviously, this cannot be achieved by everyone due to facilities, labor and feed resources, logistics, etc.

The survey results also indicate over the last couple years, 43 to 45 percent of participants have been able to achieve a 0 to 45-day calving season, which is even more ideal. This is what the high-return producers shoot to obtain. Forty-eight percent of the most profitable enterprises calve within 45 days and an additional 38 percent are finished within 60 days.

One reason why these operations are given the designation of “high-return” producers is because they sell more pounds – both from a weaning weight and headcount standpoint. They are simply more efficient. Part of this can be traced back to calving length. There are many factors that affect the number of calves weaned per cow exposed, but the accompanying chart shows there is a clear relationship between calving window and calf crop percentage.

For example, the more than one percentage point that is the difference between the middle and longest interval in 2018 may not seem like much, but to put it into perspective, that’s an additional three calves and three fewer replacements needed in a 300 head herd. If replacements are retained from the calf crop, that also means more heifer calves to market.

Simply, it can have a

(continued on page 16)

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April 2020

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CATTLE FAX INSIGHTS (continued from page 14)

significant impact on your bottom line.

The tighter window gives the entire herd more time to recover from calving and reach a more optimal body condition score for breeding. It also gives a higher number of the cows a longer postpartum anestrus period, or time when they are not cycling.

Ideally, a female should come into estrous, or heat, at least once before turning the bull out. The Mathematical “Laws” of Estrous Synchronization developed by Dr. Michael L. Day provides a simple yet powerful way to better grasp this concept. With 365 days in a year, and a gestation length of 283 days, leaves 82 days between giving birth and conception if a cow is to maintain the same calving interval each year. As a result, the later calving females simply have fewer days and odds drop significantly for females to breed back if they are one of the last to calve, assuming all bulls are turned out at the same time.

As mentioned earlier, the other way high-return producers market more pounds is via weaning weights, which is influenced by the calving window along with other variables. Based on the survey results, increasing the calving length from 60 days or less to more than 60 days caused weaning weights to decrease by 22 pounds, on average. That’s leaving a lot of money on the table. For instance, at $160/ CWT that’s a difference of $35 per calf. Take it a step further and multiply that times the six additional head from the calf crop percentage discussion earlier and just the revenue side of the equation improves by $210.

A uniform calf crop should also improve the marketability of the calves and eliminate the need for any sorting, if that is currently being done. Buyers want to purchase load lots of even calves so they can all be managed the same way. Whether the calves are sold to a stocker operator, backgrounder, or go straight to a feed yard – uniformity matters. Few people truly want to pull half the cattle from grazing because some are getting too big while the rest still have more time due to a large variation in starting weights. The same goes for a feedlot setting as it requires more time, labor, and puts unnecessary stress on cattle. If a uniform set of calves are put on feed, in theory, there should be minimal variation in performance and conversion from a maturity and weight standpoint – keeping costs in check.

Shortening the calving season is not an easy task and may have some additional costs associated with it during the transition phase. Planning ahead is definitely necessary to alleviate some of the challenges in the short-term. Creating a tighter calving window can be done using two different strategies, or even the combination of both to start off. One method is 16

April 2020

shortening the breeding season or limiting the time cows are exposed to bulls. This requires the operation to have the necessary resources to pull herd sires at the appropriate time. Producers also need to ensure bulls are in optimal physical condition and the battery is sufficient enough to cover all cows in a shorter timeframe, as it will be more strenuous compared to an 80 or 90-day breeding season. When using this method for 60-day breeding, every cow should have the chance to come into estrous at least twice with potential for a third time, assuming all cows are past the anestrus phase. The same is also true if 15 days are shaved off and bulls are turned out for 45 days.

It all comes down to how many opportunities you are willing to give your cows to breed. Maybe the breeding season is decreased by 10 days over the next few years until the optimal time period is reached, so the change is not as drastic. Nonetheless, fertility is the most economically important trait for a cow-calf enterprise.

The other strategy would be incorporated following breeding season when cows are preg checked. With improving technologies and intelligence, veterinarians have become more accurate to closely pin down the time of conception. Because of this, producers have the ability to cull the females that are expected to calve at the tail end of the herd.

Obviously, this will result in an elevated culling rate for the first year or two.

Whether an operation decides to utilize just one method or the combination, more inputs, especially replacements, will be required at the beginning.

Additional replacements will need to be retained or purchased to re-stock the herd. Ideally, if replacements come from within the herd, heifers that are born in the first half of the calving season would be kept back. This should be the females with superior reproduction genetics and gives these heifers more time to mature before breeding. While on the topic of replacements, most of the time it is recommended that heifers calve earlier than cows to allow extra time to recover. Consequently, first calvers may not fit in the herd’s 45 or 60-day calving window, but they too should follow a strict protocol.

Shortening calving season to 60 days and especially 45 days is not an easy task, but the longerterm benefits that have been discussed far outweigh the early difficulties. A tighter calving window may require a more intensive labor demand and the proper facilities, but it will ultimately improve your bottom line. Over time, it should eliminate the poorer reproductive genetics and improve fertility in your herd. Consult with a veterinarian, nutritionist, and/or extension to draft a plan specific to your operation.

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CRC FUTURE FOCUS 21244D4

ELIGIBLE FOR

ELIGIBLE FOR

ELIGIBLE FOR

YON CRC WARLOCK D524

$30 PER UNIT

$30 PER UNIT

$30 PER UNIT

THRU MAY 1, 2020

THRU MAY 1, 2020

THRU MAY 1, 2020

CED BW WW 4.4 0.6 52

YW 107

M TM CEM SC 9 35 3.6 1.42

REA 0.87

IMF FT 0.28 -0.035

CED BW WW 3.6 2.0 36

YW 69

M TM CEM 8 26 4.4

SC REA 0.61 0.58

IMF FT 0.13 -0.021

CED BW WW 3.6 2.3 38

YW 75

M TM CEM SC REA 4 23 3.5 1.09 0.47

IMF FT 0.25 -0.051

CRC UPGRADE 55D3

ELIGIBLE FOR

$30 PER UNIT THRU MAY 1, 2020

CED BW WW 4.1 1.7 34

YW 65

M TM CEM SC 10 27 3.8 1.23

GENEPLUS

REA 0.31

IMF FT 0.15 -0.013

FEATURE ARTICLE

Kansas State University has been mining the Superior Livestock video auction database for several years exploring a number of factors that affect sale price. Their latest study appeared in the journal of Applied Animal Science, and explored the “Breed trends in beef calf lots marketed through video auctions from 1995 through 2018.” This included the proportion of lots described as English and English crossed, English-Continental crossed, and Brahmaninfluenced, as well as price differences between these classes of lots. Particular attention was given to the impact of Brahman-influence on lots sold in video auctions. Lastly, it explored the breed trends for lots with single breed sires. In all three cases — proportion of breed type, price difference by breed type, and breed sire trends — the data yielded significant results.

Data available for the researchers to analyze included 93,081 lots marketed through 189 summer video auctions from 1995 to 2018. The average lot size during this period was 121 head, which indicates that these lots were consigned by relatively large producers. To fill load size lots, the researchers postulated that consignments would generally have come from commercial producers with 300 or more cows. To hone in on price differences in the breed types, the data were further scrubbed to 82,598 lots.

One of the most significant findings was the precipitous decline in Brahman-influence, which dropped from 22 percent of the lots in 1995 down to 10 percent in 2018. However, when the data is studied by region, it reveals that this decline varied greatly.

The largest decline was seen in the West Coast, Rocky Mountain and North Central, South Central, and Texas regions. However, in the coastal region of the Gulf Coast and subcoastal region of the southeast, the number of Brahman-influenced lots remained steady.

The highest percentage of feeder cattle lots 24

April 2020

carrying Brahman-influence were observed in the coastal region, where between 98 percent and 89 percent were Brahman-influenced over the 24 year period analyzed. This is logical because of the need for Bos indicus in a crossbreeding program where the cattle must adapt to the subtropical climate of the coastal region.

Dr. Harlan Ritchie, in his 2009 publication Breeds of Beef Cattle and Multi-Purpose Cattle, explained, “Due to their heat tolerance and insect resistance, Brahman crossbred cattle have contributed immeasurably to the profitable beef production throughout the Gulf Coastal region of the U.S. Because of their relatively wide genetic differences, crosses of the Brahman and European breeds can result in a very high level of heterosis.” He cites research done

by Texas A&M with Brahman-Hereford crossed cows where the crossbred cows produced 25 percent more beef compared to their purebred counterparts. The biggest impact of this heterosis was on lowly heritable traits like fertility, longevity, and calf survival, as well as a modest increase in growth of the crossbred calves.

Another interesting region was Texas; which next to the coastal region had the second highest percentage of Brahman-influenced lots. Even though Texas saw a significant decline in Brahmaninfluence, it still had 51 percent of the lots in 2018 with Brahman-influence. Texas is a hard state to lump into one region because of the varied climate that ranges from the heat and humidity of the Gulf Coast and extreme south Texas compared to more temperate and semi-arid regions like those found in the Texas panhandle. One can assume the decrease in Brahman-influence occurred in regions like the panhandle, while areas along the Gulf Coast likely maintained an appropriate amount of Brahman in their crossbreeding systems.

The other findings were a significant increase in

FEATURE ARTICLE English and English crossed lots compared to EnglishContinental lots. There were also significant price differences in the various influenced lots. According to the research, “Brahman-influenced lots had an average price discount of $4.49 and $3.65/CWT when compared to English, English-crossed, and EnglishContinental crossed lots with no Brahman-influence, respectively. Over the 24 years analyzed, the smallest discount for Brahman-influenced lots occurred in 1997 at $1.45/CWT. [Conversely,] the greatest price discount for Brahman-influenced lots was in 2018 at $7.61 and $6.74/CWT of body weight when compared with English and English-crossed and EnglishContinental crossed lots, respectively.”

The authors of the research postulated that the decrease in Brahman-influence was due to both the discount Brahman-influenced lots receive, as well as the industry’s focus on carcass quality. They cited that the Select quality grade may be being phased out, and they pointed out that it is well documented that Brahman-influenced fed cattle tend to have lower marbling scores and tenderness than their Bos taurus counterparts. However, removing Brahman from the system significantly decreases productivity and adaptability of commercial cows managed in hot humid climates. Therefore, designing a breeding program must take into account the environment, management, and the market the cattle will be expected to perform within.

The next part of the study sought to analyze the change in lots whose sires were identified to a single breed and were marketed between 2010 and 2018.

This comprised of 35,483 breed identified lots marketed in 211 video auctions (see table).

The American Angus Association is the largest beef breed association in the world, so it is not unexpected that the largest sire group is Angus. They peaked at a dominate 82.2 percent of the lots in 2010, but they have significantly declined down to 71.2 percent in 2018. Angus had been on a path similar to Holstein’s total domination of the dairy industry.

However, this decline in Angus lots indicates the improved appreciation of what certain other breeds offer commercial producers, as well as the benefits of breed complementarity and heterosis gained in a planned crossbreeding system.

SimAngus and Red Angus benefited the most in capturing the market share lost by Angus.

This included SimAngus increasing from the inconsequential amount of 0.7 percent of the lots in 2010 to 5.2 percent of the lots in 2018. During this same time period, Red Angus market share also significantly increased from 7.6 percent of the lots to 11.9 percent. Other breeds that significantly increased market share were Brangus and Charolais.

The one breed that remained steady was Hereford, which ranged from 1.3 to 1.9 percent of the lots over the eight years studied. This is somewhat surprising considering that Hereford is the second largest breed registry, and the authors of the study postulated that lots containing Hereford downplayed the breed’s influence opting to describe them in other ways such as black baldies.

In summary, commercial producers are lowering the Brahman-influence in their herds, which helps them avoid the significant discount “eared” feeder cattle generally receive. However, Brahman still plays a crucial role in breeding programs where heat and parasite tolerance are critical. Producers must also weigh the loss of productivity and longevity when Brahman is removed from a crossbreeding system in hot climates. The other major take home message from the study is that Angus is still the dominate breed in the feeder calf market, however, Angus is starting to lose a significant amount of market share to Brangus, Red Angus, SimAngus, and Charolais.

There also appears to be a renewed interest by commercial producers in taking advantage of breed complementarity and heterosis gained through crossbreeding systems. This change is to the benefit of the breeds that compete with Angus for market share.

THE PERCENTAGE OF BEEF CALF LOTS DESCRIBED AS FROM A SINGLE-SIRE BREED MARKETED VIA 211 VIDEO AUCTIONS FROM 2010 THROUGH 2018.

Sire breed

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

P*Value1

Angus

82.2

79.9

79.1

78.6

77.6

74.3

72.4

73.1

71.2

<0.0001

Red Angus

7.6

8.2

8.6

9.1

9.2

9.8

10.8

11.3

11.9

<0.0001

Charolais

7

6.9

7.2

7

7.4

8.5

8.6

7.8

7.4

0.004

Brangus

1.3

1.8

2

1.9

2

2.5

2.2

1.9

2.5

0.0002

Hereford

1.3

1.5

1.4

1.5

1.8

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.9

0.1

SimAngus

0.7

1.7

1.7

2

2.2

3.4

4.6

4.6

5.2

<0.0001

The P*value represents the significance of a trend within each single breed sire(s) 25

26

April 2020

27

FEATURE ARTICLE

by Lindsay L. Allen

determining or

SUCCESS

Success never happens overnight. Similarly, having a profitable day at the livestock market is never the result of a few minutes of good luck in the ring; it’s a result of decisions made and practices implemented months and months in advance.

In fact, the decisions and practices for a positive sale day start long before even the breeding of a particular group of calves.

“It takes several years to build your reputation,” explained Jackie Moore, co-owner of Joplin Regional Stockyards located in southwest Missouri, northeast Oklahoma, southeast Kansas and northwest Arkansas, “Buyers know a producer’s calves by their history and connect that to the producer’s name. Sometimes it’s all they know about him or her, good or bad. With a “good reputation” a producer can stand out on sale day.”

Part of that reputation and potential sale day profit can be seen in certified Brangus programs, like Brangus Built®, which Ken Jordan, owner of Jordan Cattle Auction in central Texas, said is an advantage in the sale ring. The Brangus Built tagging program is for the commercial producer that has cattle who are the progeny of at least one registered Brangus parent.

“The Brangus Built ear tag certifies to the buyer what these calves are made of and the Brangus breed has done a great job of utilizing this program for their producers, and so our auctioneer knows he can tout these cattle when they walk in and draws attention to the ear tag because of what it represents. We really see an advantage in price when females have this tag,” Jordan said.

28

April 2020

You can’t talk about the genetics of your calf crop without stressing the importance of bull selection.

Jordan said that while most are hesitant to spend high dollars on a good bull, the impact he has on the herd speaks for itself. “You can take mediocre cows, breed them to a well-balanced bull that fits your region and add so much value to your herd,” he continued, “One cow in a herd of 25 will impact the outcome of five calves over the course of five years. A bull in the same herd and window of time will impact 125 calves! You can’t afford to not select quality bulls.”

Understanding your goals (terminal cross calves, retaining females, etc.) will help you select a bull(s) that fits your program, but overall Jordan recommends bulls have adequate bone and length, combined with depth of body. “The bull is the most important decision a person can make for their calf crop because of his longevity impact,” Jordan stated. Or, as Moore puts it, “Since postweaning performance depends so much on genetics, reputations for commercial ranchers often goes back to their bull suppliers.”

The next decision to tackle when selling calves is the big question of “when?” Moore points out that a producer’s first concern is managing cattle, but being paid well means understanding the market. “Prices increase and decrease seasonally by class, as any veteran marketer knows. Pay attention to what’s going on within the market and study how it works,” Moore continued, “Learn where the highs are for certain types of cattle and the lows for certain types of cattle.

Try to hit those high times with your calves if they

FEATURE ARTICLE fit.” If you haven’t kept up with the market, call the local livestock market and ask for advice, and what the trends are at that time.

Because buyers are aware that fall brings warmer days and cooler nights, which leads to more health issues among cattle, the year after year trend almost always shows that the fall market is the time of lowest profit for a producer, according to Jordan. “Buyers know that they have to buy cattle at a lower price to cover the likely medicine cost and death loss that you face that time of the year. Even if you wean calves in the fall, consider holding them throughout the winter and selling them sometime between January and March. At that time, you see a strong seller’s market because buyers are willing to take the light calves and turn them out on wheat pasture and grass,” Jordan added.

Another way to help increase your pay day at the livestock market is to consider the time period between weaning and selling. Jordan recommends fall weaned calves have a 45-day pre-conditioning period and all other calves be weaned at least 30 days prior to sale day. In doing so, you can add a lot more value to your cattle.

Joe Don Pogue, co-owner of Sulphur Springs Livestock in east Texas, said that a producer would be surprised by the amount of weight a calf can gain during the preconditioning period and the performance that results. Additionally, Pogue said that calves at the livestock market that were weaned prior to sale day see less shrink, compared to those that are sold immediately following weaning.

A producer can go to all the time and effort of selecting the right bulls, providing proper vaccinations, weaning ahead of time and so forth, but if no one knows about a producer’s efforts and practices, then the producer will not see a reward.

Moore, Jordan, and Pogue all stress the importance of getting to know the people at the livestock auction and passing along all the herd health management practices so the auctioneer can announce it on the block.

“It is not a good practice to unload your cattle and leave after you have taken all these special steps,” Pogue said, “Have it advertised. I like for producers to bring me information and am more than happy to pass it on to potential buyers and have the cattle properly represented on sale day by the auctioneer.

The market owner is working for you when you drop your cattle off, so give him or her the tools they need to advertise your cattle.” It can be as simple as writing up the information and handing it off when you arrive.

A successful day at the livestock market won’t likely stem from luck, but from a number of good herd management decisions and the announcement of these practices when it’s your calves’ time in the ring.

SELLING CALVES THROUGH A SPECIALTY PROGRAM

If you are castrating your calves, administering proper vaccines, preconditioning them for 30-45 days and taking other steps to add value to your cattle, then it is worth the time to at least consider how to market them in a way that will represent your calves well and highlight the work you have put in to them. For producers in the northeast Texas area and beyond, the answer is through the Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization (NETBIO) sale. Joe Don Pogue, co-owner of Sulphur Springs Livestock in east Texas, hosts, markets, and auctioneers for the NETBIO sale, which is a group of independent cow-calf producers and agribusiness representatives working together to enhance the beef industry in northeast Texas.

With an outlined set of requirements for weaning, vaccinations, castration, and more, the sale offers producers an avenue to market their pre-conditioned calves in load lots, even if they are a smaller producer.

Pogue said that at each of the six annual sales cattle are comingled, sorted into groups of same sex, similar quality with weight spreads of 40 lbs., and sold in lots. This is a huge advantage for buyers who would otherwise have to travel to several sales to get this many similar calves, but with NETBIO sales they are able to fill up a truck load or more with liketype calves at one stop.

In addition to being a benefit for buyers, producers reap the rewards, too.

“One of the main pillars of the NETIBIO program is to add value to the small producer. We wanted an avenue for smaller producers to sell a product and a chance to sell them in load lots. By consigning the calves and sorting them all into groups, we can do this and let the producer see the benefits of having their cattle sold in a uniform group,” he continued, “If a small producer has five sizes of calves, I can find a group for each one of them. It’s also a value-added program because of the requirements to wean, vaccinate, and so forth, as buyers know what type of cattle to expect and that is why they come to the NETBIO sale and leave with truck loads. These calves are proven,” Pogue said.

By taking cattle to a sale that represents and aligns to the operation you are operating, you are guaranteed to find a market that represents your cattle well and then a profit that will follow.

29

BUILD

HERD SIRES TO

WITH.

DMR EMPIRE 795D12

415G, EMPIRE DAUGHTER

468F16, EMPIRE DAUGHTER

ADJ MEASUREMENTS BW: 72(92) WW: 726(109) YW: 1237(103) IMF: 4.64(106) REA: 14.54(105) FT: 0.31(103)

CED BW WW 6.7 0.1 37 IMF FT 0.09 -0.045

EPDS: YW M TM CEM SC REA 63 0 19 4.7 0.88 0.55 HPR STAY CWT TRM FERT 2.77 0.64 6.88 3.01 0.35

R10323531 | GEN: 4 | $40 PER STRAW Sire: TJM Three D 302A Dam: Ms DMR Jethro 795Y2 ••• • Proven Three D son that we retained at Draggin’ M out of the $29,000 MS DMR Jethro 795Y2 donor.

• Sire of the $40,000 DMR Investment 535F40.

• 15 sons and daughters sold in the fall of 2019 to gross $184,500, averaging $12,300 per head.

• Calves are moderate framed, and stout made.

• Daughters are coming into production and have a perfect udder design and are easy fleshing.

DMR ELDORADO 30B15 R10284830 | GEN: 5 | $40 PER STRAW Sire: TJM Coronado 535X Dam: Suhn’s Miss Patton 30X6 Owned with: Jeff Thomas ••• • Sired by the calving ease king, EPDS: “Coronado”.

M TM CEM SC REA 5 18 4 0.71 0.25 • Dam is the $60,000, “30X6” female that sold in Houston in the spring of 2019.

STAY CWT TRM FERT • Calves are consistently coming easy 0.23 -7.48 2.51 0.71 and then taking off with more growth and carcass quality than most true calving ease sires across the breed.

• Daughters are making exceptional breeding pieces, and many are fast becoming donor candidates.

ADJ MEASUREMENTS BW: 74(93) WW: 604(107) YW: 1198(104) IMF: 4.82(107) REA: 14.74(104) FT: 0.26(82) CED BW WW 7.8 -2 26 IMF FT 0.13 -0.04

YW 46 HPR 1.54

DMR LOUISIANA PURCHASE 924D10 R10323539 | GEN: 4 | $40 PER STRAW Sire: TJM Three D 302A Dam: RBM Ms Jethro 924W5 Owned with: Bushley Creek Cattle Co. and Peanut Carr EPDS: ••• M TM CEM SC REA • $100,000, highest selling bull 4 23 3.6 0.69 0.5 that we’ve ever raised.

STAY CWT TRM FERT • A Three D son that will improve 0.72 13.06 3.09 0.62 sheath design.

• Sons & daughters are moderate framed and easy fleshing with lots of eye appeal.

• Dam is a full sibling to the Rockstar, Onstar, and Elegido bulls, as well as many other donor females that have been retained across the breed.

ADJ MEASUREMENTS BW: 72(92) WW: 708(107) YW: 1226(102) IMF: 4.15(94) REA: 14.6(105) FT: 0.47(155) CED BW WW 6.4 0.1 38 IMF FT 0.07 -0.017

30

April 2020

YW 68 HPR 3.04

DMR CROSSROADS 795F7 ADJ MEASUREMENTS BW: 74(100) WW: 742(100) YW: 1280(100) IMF: 4.7(100) REA: 14.4(100) FT: 0.24(100) CED BW WW 4.7 1.4 34 IMF FT 0.26 -0.042

EPDS: YW M TM CEM SC REA 58 8 24 3.4 1.03 0.38 HPR STAY CWT TRM FERT 1.87 0.23 -4.38 3.06 0.62

R10416850 | GEN: 5 | $40 PER STRAW Sire: BWCC Cross Fit 541B28 Dam: Ms DMR Coronado 795C5 Owned with: Clover Ranch ••• • The $80,000, high selling bull of the entire fall 2019 sale season.

• A calving ease CrossFit son that doesn’t sacrifice the growth and carcass that we desire from the CrossFit cattle.

• Donor dam is a maternal sibling to “Empire” and one of the most phenotypically pleasing females that we have.

• Should work well bred to “Three D” females to add carcass quality and more acceptable sheath design.

DMR CASH FLOW 535F30 ADJ MEASUREMENTS BW: 78(100) WW: 686(100) YW: 1375(100) IMF: 5.99(100) REA: 16.08(100) FT: 0.32(100) CED BW WW 4.4 1.3 45 IMF FT 0.26 -0.023

EPDS: YW M TM CEM SC REA 88 11 33 3.8 0.88 0.72 HPR STAY CWT TRM FERT 2.86 2.11 -2.05 4.37 2.2

UB10386538 | GEN: 1 | $40 PER STRAW Sire: SAV Resource 1441 Dam: Ms DMR Coronado 535A8 Owned with: TTT Brangus Farm ••• • $30,000, high selling Ultrablack bull of our Fall 2019 sale season.

• His dam, MS DMR Coronado 535A8, is fast becoming one of the most popular donors in our herd.

• Cash Flow is working great on “Three D” bred females.

• Will add muscle, growth, exceptional sheath design, and plenty of “look” in a moderate calving package.

DMR INVESTMENT 535F40 ADJ MEASUREMENTS BW: 79(104) WW: 697(104) YW: 1314(107) IMF: 3.96(90) REA: 15.03(106) FT: 0.35(132) CED BW WW 6.0 0.4 31 IMF FT -0.02 -0.036

EPDS: YW M TM CEM SC REA 55 5 20 4.3 0.94 0.45 HPR STAY CWT TRM FERT 2.49 0.82 -1.81 2.41 1.16

R10386630 | GEN: 5 | $40 PER STRAW Sire: DMR Empire 795D12 Dam: WAT Ms Baxter 535C Owned with: Sewell Cattle Co. ••• • $40,000 son of our Resident Herdsire, DMR EMPIRE 795D12.

• Should work very well bred to Brangus or Ultrablack females.

• More desirable sheath design than his Grandsire.

• Dam is a sound footed, neat uddered, fertile, functional female.

John Milam, Owner Grady Green, Ranch Manager, 870-314-3673, grady@dragginmranch.com Craig Green, Consultant | ‭(870) 834-1976‭ El Dorado, Arkansas | www.dragginm.com 2015 IBBA BREEDER OF THE YEAR Raising Registered Brangus cattle for the serious cattleman.

31

SHOW RESULTS Houston, Texas

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS SHOW

Grand Champion Brangus Female DDD Full Swing 150F9 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch, Poteet, Texas GKB Cattle Company, Waxahachie, Texas

Reserve Champion Brangus Female TCR/BHC Athena 1252F Triple Crown Ranch, Angleton, Texas Myles Hackstedt, Needville, Texas

Grand Champion Red Brangus Female Miss C-Dream Girl 317F7 Lane Berry, Amarillo, Texas

Reserve Champion Red Brangus Female Ms 5M Olivia 214F2 Kayce Lopez, Fort Worth, Texas

Grand Champion Ultra Brangus Female TCR/WL Simone 634F Triple Crown Ranch, Angleton, Texas

Reserve Champion Ultra Brangus Female GKB Miss CEO 003F GKB Cattle Company, Waxahachie, Texas

Grand Champion Brangus Cow-Calf Pair DDD Sweet Source 38D22 Megan Perry, Waco, Texas

32

April 2020

Reserve Champion Brangus Cow-Calf Pair MISS MS Camila 789E2 Casey Harper, Haines City, Florida

Brangus Champion Produce of Dam: Diamond K Ranch, Hempstead, Texas Brangus Champion Breeder’s Herd: Triple Crown Ranch, Angleton, Texas Red Brangus Champion Produce of Dam: Dos XX’s Cattle Company, Washington, Texas Red Brangus Reserve Champion Produce of Dam: Red Bud Farms, Ben Lomond, Arkansas Red Brangus Champion Junior Get of Sire: Dos XX’s Cattle Company, Washington, Texas Red Brangus Champion Senior Get of Sire: Dos XX’s Cattle Company, Washington, Texas Red Brangus Champion Breeder’s Herd: Dos XX’s Cattle Company, Washington, Texas

SHOW RESULTS Houston, Texas

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS SHOW

Grand Champion Brangus Bull DDD Tank 468E GKB Cattle Company, Waxahachie, Texas Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch, Poteet, Texas

Reserve Champion Brangus Bull ACC Fearless 674F3 Allen Cattle Company, Crockett, Texas

Grand Champion Red Brangus Bull Dos XX’s Mr Bodacious Dos XX’s Cattle Company, Washington, Texas Sendero Red Brangus, Laredo, Texas

Reserve Champion Red Brangus Bull TRIO’s ER RBF Francisco 175F2 TRIO Cattle & Genetics, Mabank, Texas El Roble Red Brangus, Tamaulipas, Mexico Red Bud Farms, Ben Lomond, Arkansas

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

Reserve Champion Ultra Brangus Bull GKB Yucatan’s Conquest 476F7 GKB Cattle Company, Waxahachie, Texas

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

Reserve Champion Red Brangus Cow-Calf Pair Marvel’s Kateri 813 Marvel Farms, High Springs, Florida

33

INVESTMENT DMR

535F40

THE $40,000 EMPIRE SON

R10386630 | Empire x WAT Ms Baxter 535C | $50/STRAW DMR Investment 535F40 is one of the best “Empire” sons to sell yet! He offers an outstanding blend of calving ease, phenotype, numerical balance, excellent performance and a reliable, proven pedigree. A great compliment to a number of Brangus females, he would also set up very well back into an Ultrablack program, making UB1’s, UB2’s or 1st Generation Brangus. Invest in your cowherd. Contact us today for semen.

CED

BW

WW

YW M TM CEM

6

0.4

31

55

5

S C SEWELL CATTLE

Gary Sewell, Owner | 870-814-3041 Isaiah Dark, Ranch Manager | 318-475-2638 Craig Green, Sales Consultant | 870-834-1976 El Dorado, Arkansas

Owned with:

20

4.3

SC

REA

IMF

FT

0.94

0.45

-0.02

-0.036

FEATURE ARTICLE

STOCKADD SHOWS VALUE

TO SEEDSTOCK BUSINESSES

by Emily Lochner, IBBA Editor During the first week of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR), breeders and international guests flooded the aisles of the barn. Board meetings were held, semen was sold, cattle were exhibited, and lifetime memories were made. Breeders across the nation travelled thousands of miles to gather in one place, and most do it year after year. But why? Why travel 13 hours pulling a trailer load of cattle? Why spend endless resources on hotels, gas, and show equipment? Five breeders from Kansas, Texas, and Florida shed light into the real value a stock show adds to the seedstock business.

Traveling nearly 900 miles, Lettelier Brangus of Citra, Florida receives the title of “farthest traveled” to be in attendance at Houston. Lettelier Brangus is a family-owned ranch, now in its 35th year of operation and at the helm are sisters Lauren and Emily Lettelier.

“At Lettelier Brangus, we run 150 head of registered cattle, so hauling to shows is a huge part of our marketing plan,” states Emily. “We’ve been able to meet future customers at shows. For us, Houston is the show of all shows. If you are lucky enough to place well, it can be a huge marketing opportunity for your farm or ranch.”

But, a stock show means more than just selling cattle for the Lettelier sisters. “Showing cattle has Lauren Lettelier exhibits a bull at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

36

April 2020

provided us such a window of opportunity to help get youth involved in agriculture,” says Emily. “We feel such a strong force towards getting more juniors involved because they are truly the future. We feel so honored to have learned so many life lessons from raising and showing cattle, and we just hope to keep sharing our passion with more youth as we continue to travel.” Together, Lauren and Emily have encouraged and assisted several youth to be involved not only in agriculture, but specifically Brangus cattle, and have had great success at the Florida, regional, and national level exhibiting as a team.

New to the Brangus business, but not new to the agricultural business is Scamardo Brangus of Bryan, Texas. Father-son team, Andy and Andrew Scamardo have been deeply rooted in production agriculture for generations. “Our family’s sole source of income is made through farming and ranching.

Because production agriculture is our livelihood, we understand what traits and phenotype are profitable for the everyday rancher, and we focus on breeding cattle that have what it takes to add value to a cowherd, calf crop, and the industry,” comments Andrew.

Anyone in the agricultural business knows relationships are everything, and that’s certainly Sisters Emily and Lauren Lettelier pose with winnings after a state show

FEATURE ARTICLE The Scamardo crew in the stalls at Houston

not lost for the Scamardos. “We understand how important it is to develop relationships in the cattle industry, and we feel that attending shows allows us to build these relationships with fellow breeders and future clients. Livestock shows allow us to market our program and exhibit the type and kind of cattle we strive to produce. We also get the opportunity to look at other cattle to see what matings are working, allowing us to make the best breeding decisions for our program,” he adds.

Lastly, the Scamardos know the real audience that makes or breaks the profitability of the beef industry – the customer. “The public walks through the stalls at shows, and we feel it is our responsibility as cattlemen to educate consumers and demonstrate good stewardship of livestock,” believes Andrew.

Not far down the road from the Scamardos is the Villarreal family of Villa Ranch located in Hempstead, Texas. “Our ranch is a family owned, operated, and managed cattle business that has been in the commercial agricultural industry for 100 years,” says April Villarreal. “Our family is always looking to improve and upgrade our operation and so, we decided to get into purebred registered cattle.

We began to research what breeds would fit our environment, how that breed could fit in our operation, and be geographically popular, soon we landed on Brangus, both red and black. By having both red and black, we have a broader market domestically, but particularly internationally. We knew that in our plan to build the best genetics, we needed to become actively involved in the breed,” she describes.

The Villarreal’s were only in the breed for about a year when daughter, April, delved in full force by applying for the junior board. “I feel that being on the junior board is a great way to be a part of an organization where juniors share the same interest and are passionate about the same thing. It is a

feeling of pride to be a part of something bigger than myself, I am able to help juniors be more involved, and to make it fun for them Top photo: The Villarreal family to participate Bottom photo: April Villarreal exhibits in educational a heifer calf at Houston activities,” she notes.

To the family behind Villa Ranch, a stock show is a culmination of pride in all they’ve worked towards.

“We believe that it is important to participate in stock shows as a way to support our association and keep the breed strong. Stock shows are a way to feel proud of the projects we’ve spent our blood, sweat, and tears on. We deeply respect the breeders who’ve shown for generations and hope to continue that tradition with our family for years to come,” she says.

A generational livestock show family, the Sankey’s of Council Grove, Kansas, have roots tracing back to the 1900s. Sankey’s 6N Ranch is located in the Flint Hills of Kansas operated by Chris and Sharee Sankey.

Their children, Cody and Jeana, grew up in the Angus and Brangus breeds, both serving as International Junior Brangus Breeders Association Board Directors.

Cody, and his wife, Lindsay, and children, Caroline and Cyrus, live in Economy, Indiana. Jeana, and her husband, Dustin Hurlburt, and children Bayler and Mattie, live in Raymond, South Dakota. All families are actively involved in Sankey’s 6N, and have a fall female sale each year with cattle from all three operations.

“As generational Angus families, with my [Sharee’s] family raising Angus since 1900 and Chris’s since 1940s, we were set to continue our family

(continued on page 39)

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April 2020

FEATURE ARTICLE (continued from page 37)

history with Angus,” says Sharee. “We saw that we could add a three-quarter, one-quarter bull on our Angus cows and raise two breeds. It was a great way to diversify and the Brangus cattle were good. Now we have two established herds with the Angus and Brangus, and it is a great fit for the UltraBlacks. The interest and opportunity in the marketplace has been a good one with the Ultrabacks being added to our program,” she explains.

Exhibiting cattle isn’t just an afterthought for the Sankey’s, either. In fact, they have had several Show Animals of the Year in both Angus and Brangus, including the 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 IBBA Brangus Show Bull of the Year. “Showing cattle has been a big part of our ranch program and advertising, frankly, you can’t buy enough advertising to make up for the exposure you get at a stock show” Sharee assures. “The HLSR is the premier event for Brangus cattle. We get the opportunity to meet more Brangus breeders and international cattleman in Houston than any other event. Winning Houston just gives us so much great exposure.”

Their cattle have to be seedstock cattle first, though, Sharee comments. “We don’t raise show cattle…we show cattle to show off what we’ve raised.

Stock shows give us the opportunity to be advocates of our lifestyle and agriculture as a whole.”

Marvel Farms, of High Springs, Florida, couldn’t agree more. “We have traveled from Florida to Houston for 16 years, because it is one of the largest

The Sankey family’s next generation

The Marvel’s pose with their Reserve Red Brangus Pair at Houston

Brangus shows in the world,” says Sandra Marvel.

She and husband, Daniel, believe strongly in the Red Brangus breed, especially for their humid, Gulf Coast climate. The red cattle perform well in tropical environments, and because of their international connections made through stock shows, they’ve been able to sell semen, embryos, and live cattle to over 10 countries in Africa, Central America, and South America.

“Showing is part of our cattle business, but we do it because we have fun,” Sandra adds. “It is a lot of work and long hours on the road, but we love it.

One of the best things about showing cattle is the opportunity we have to share that experience with juniors. In our 30 years in the business, we’ve helped over 25 young people who work with cattle at our farm to show at local, state, regional, and national shows. These kids learn valuable life lessons, gain an appreciation for the cattle industry, and have become successful in a variety of career fields.”

Beyond the marketing and junior aspect, cattle shows bring lifelong friendships. “Showing is a chance to showcase our cattle to potential buyers, but there’s greater benefits. We get to meet so many breeders and make friends. Seeing the production of other breeding programs helps us evaluate our own cattle and assists in the selection of genetics to improve our herd. Stock showing is just a rewarding experience because it connects us with like-minded breeders domestically and internationally,” she describes.

Generational and first year seedstock breeders agree, there’s nothing like the communal atmosphere of a stock show. The markets for selling and trading abound, and the pride of showcasing livestock alongside family is second to none. Let it not fall short, though, the value a stock show brings to helping raise the next generation of livestock enthusiasts cannot be matched. Stock shows add value to the seedstock business of today and tomorrow.

39

y c a g Female e L The 2020 IJBBA

offered by: Draggin’ M Ranch

$37,50

0!!!

John Milam, Owner Grady Green, Manager grady@dragginmranch.com (870) 314.3673

www.dragginm.com

Thank You!

2 Hearts brangus alex brull alford cattle co. april Villarreal bar Jr Farm belt brangus blackwater cattle company brandon baker briana Hicks brinks brangus @ westall ranches brull brangus brushley creek cattle c&c brangus cavender ranch champions Valley brangus chimney rock cattle co. circle Lee Farms circle M ranch clover ranch cox Excalibur crimson springs cattle cross F cattle cross n Farms cwD brangus Dakota williams 40

April 2020

The 2020 iJbba Legacy Female buyer Group

Diamond K ranch Doguet’s Diamond D ranch Double D brangus Double w ranch El Pescadito ranch Farris ranching co.

Foster Lanie Gamble cattle Gardner cattle co.

Genesis ranch GKb cattle Greenwood cattle co.

Greuel Family brangus Hayes brangus J.c. bouse Jackson Family brangus Jackson’s Double J Jax Lee John McKnight JrT K&L brangus Kay burton KM red brangus L ray ranch Lavender brangus Mary a ranch Maxwell cattle co.

MbJ ranch Midsouth cattle company Mill creek Land & cattle MM ranch OK Farms Omni advertising Pam adams Parker ranch Parkey brangus Pennridge ranch Pumpjack cattle co.

Quail Valley Farms red bud Farms rogusa Ganadera roppolo brangus san Martin ranch scarmado brangus

star G steve & Pam adams swinging J brangus T3 brangus Tajo ranch Tanecka ranch The branch ranch Thomas soileau TMac Farms Trio cattle & Genetics Triple crown ranch TTT brangus Farm Villa ranch williams ranching co. wolfpoint cattle wyman creek cattle co.

Zottarelli ranches

www.JuniOrbranGus.cOM

IJBBA CONNECTION

LEAVING A

by Tyler Dean, IJBBA Director of Youth Activities

Each year for the past 10 years, I have had the opportunity to sit down to write an article along the lines of this one. Each year, I remain amazed at the ways in which the Brangus breed supports its youth.

This time is no different as once again, I need to take this opportunity to give incredible thanks to an incredibly long list of people.

Let’s start with the 84 individuals, breeders, and ranches who joined the 2020 International Junior Brangus Breeders Association (IJBBA) Legacy Female Buyer Group. Each and every one of these buyer group participants committed themselves to the future of the Brangus breed and gave their hard earned dollars to “Leave their Legacy” in the Brangus breed. A huge thank you goes to each and every participant in the buyer group for their commitment.

Another thank you goes to the Genetic Edge Sale Committee, the auctioneers, the ring men, the managers, and everyone who has a hand in making sure the annual Legacy Female is such a huge success.

IJBBA would not be the success it is without the support it receives from these individuals, not solely just with the Legacy Female, but throughout the entire year. Thank you!

Last on my list to thank, but certainly and completely not least is Draggin M Ranch of El Dorado, Arkansas. John Milam and Grady Green have a longstanding tradition of supporting the youth in this breed and this year with their donation of Ms. DMR LA Purchase 302G as the 2020 IJBBA Legacy Female, they joined an elite group of donors “Leaving their Legacy” in the Brangus breed.

“Leave a Legacy” has become the tagline of the IJBBA. Author Jamie Munson states, “Life is full of opportunity. Leadership is about taking those opportunities. LEGACY is what you will leave behind when you do.” With this in mind, the past several years IJBBA has been presented with some incredible opportunities and those opportunities culminated in 2019 with the formation of the IJBBA Legacy Foundation.

The IJBBA Legacy Foundation, a multi-year project, was the vision of numerous IJBBA directors, advisors and supporters in order to provide unprecedented resources for multiple generations of Brangus youth to come. With the incredible opportunity that presented itself with the 2019 IJBBA Legacy Female, the IJBBA Legacy Foundation was immediately able to exponentially expand upon the opportunities presented to the IJBBA membership.

With the ultimate goal of increasing demand for Brangus cattle, the foundation created the IJBBA Legacy Foundation Supreme Heifer Showdown to be held annually at the National Junior Brangus Show (NJBS). With $10,000 in scholarships available to juniors showing at the NJBS, the foundation hopes to create pull-through demand for Brangus genetics regardless of whether it is Brangus breeders selling additional Brangus, Ultra, or Percentage show heifers or other cattle producers looking to incorporate Brangus genetics through breeding stock, semen, or embryos. Whatever way they choose, we sincerely hope that such a scholarship opportunity will encourage agricultural instructors, 4-H leaders, and juniors across the nation to give Brangus a chance. Even greater though is that this program (continued on page 42) 41

(continued from page 41) recognizes the hard work of juniors and provides opportunities that they might not otherwise have for advanced schooling.

The IJBBA Legacy Foundation Board of Directors is always looking for new ways to expand its reach and ability to provide more to juniors. It will continue to support the efforts of the IJBBA Board of Directors through their travel through representation at the IBBA National Point Shows, their travel and participation in the Youth Beef Industry Congress, and the development of cattle industry enthusiasts through the IJBBA Legacy Leadership Conference. As a 501(c)3, the IJBBA Legacy Foundation also provides donors with a unique opportunity to give to an organization dedicated to the future of this great breed and the beef industry.

To close, I want to reference something I shared about this time last year. According to the latest United States Census of Agriculture completed in 2012, the average age of the U.S. farmer was 58 years old, while the number of farmers under the age of 55 continued to decline.

That statistic drives home and remains at the forefront of the minds of the IJBBA and IJBBA Legacy Foundation Leadership.

The discussion always comes around to these key goals: 1) How does IJBBA attract new membership from across the nation and retain them? 2) How can IJBBA educate and develop its membership to be future leaders? 3) What is the best approach to accomplish these things for the betterment of the association and do so within the means available?

I wholeheartedly promise each and every idea, event or activity that IJBBA has implemented in recent years is designed to accomplish these goals. IJBBA wants to thrive as not only a junior association but as an entire breed. Sometimes not all ideas implemented have been popular or even been successful, but at the end of the day, all IJBBA members should know that the IJBBA Board of Directors makes these decisions with the aforementioned key goals in mind – goals that will help IJBBA and Brangus “Leave a Legacy.”

Thank you again to all supporters for you unwavering commitment to the youth of this great breed.

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April 2020

GET TO KNOW THE IJBBA BOARD

FORD

2019-2020 IJBBA Vice President

Where are you from? Lawton, OK How old are you? 17

Where are you going to school? Elgin High School Where do you plan to Oklahoma State University attend college?

Are you involved in any Yes, I do many activities such as extracurricular clubs/activities National Honors Society, 4-H, outside showing cattle? Multicultural Club, Art Club, church youth group and etc.

What is your major? My future major is Agricultural (Or future major?) Education and Agribusiness What field do you hope to Maintaining a career in attain a career in? agriculture by working for the USDA. Why do you have an interest in Because it has provided me your future career choice? with many opportunities, relationships, and job readiness for the future. It is my passion and something that lets me break out of my comfort zone.

How have the NJBS educational contests {public speaking, livestock judging, showmanship, etc.} helped you become the person you are today?

These contests have molded me into who I am today by pushing me to do my best no matter the circumstances and to be a role model for the younger kids.

What is the most valuable Patience is the key to success lesson you’ve learned while because at the end of the day showing cattle? having fun is all that really matters.

What advice do you have for Enjoy the little things because younger members? you should always strive to do what you can with what you have where you are.

2020

NATIONAL JUNIOR

BRANGUS SHOW

BEAUMONT, TEXAS JULY 12-18, 2020 IMPORTANT INFORMATION Entry Deadline: May 15, 2020 Ownership Deadline: May 17, 2020

Hotel Accomodations: Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza (409) 842-7808 NOTE: No RV Hook-Ups will be available at Ford Park.

Please visit our website for RV Information.

DNA Rules: All NJBS Percentage Females and All Futurity Animals must be Parent Verified. Submit your DNA Now! Please carefully read all rules and entry information online at www.juniorbrangus.com/shows 43

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Joe Fuller is a Brangus breeder from Willow City, Texas. He has been with Purina Animal Nutrition for 26 years and is currently the national director of the Farm Production Consultant program. He is graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science.

He has been involved with the Brangus breed for nearly 40 years in a variety of roles including field representative and director of marketing for IBBA from 1984-1989, co-founder of Cattle Brokers sales management company, director of marketing for Camp Cooley Ranch, a founding member of GENETRUST Brangus, and dad to Katy and Ben, who showed national and international champion Brangus heifers. Fuller and wife, Melanie, and their son Ben and his wife, Trisha Fuller are partners in Cross F Cattle. The Fullers also have their hands full with seven grandchildren.

“The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Promotion Committee brings together 10 breeders invested in bringing a strong image of the Brangus breed to the beef industry,” says Fuller. He adds, “The IBBA Long Range Planning Committee has outlined the future direction of the Brangus breed and the focus on marketing the positive traits of Brangus cattle. The Target 75 Project is a priority to be completed. This program will interview 75 key influencers across the cattle industry, and they will be asked for their insights and perceptions of today’s Brangus. These results should then drive marketing strategies and promotional messages. Once these insights are completed, the committee will form two to three key marketing propositions and look to deploy a professionally produced advertising campaign that will drive market demand for Brangus and Ultra cattle.”

Cheramie Viator grew up in south Louisiana. Today, she works for Westway Feed Products as their national marketing manager. Based in Tomball, Texas, she works with their sales team to implement marketing strategies across the country. In the past, Viator has worked for Camp Cooley Ranch ,where they sold 1,000 bulls annually.

She also worked for Silver Spur Ranch. While there, she was responsible for genetics, bull development, registered cattle marketing and all natural age and source audits for the 15,000 head cowherd at ranch

locations in Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and Nebraska. She is known for implementing creative and successful marketing campaigns and strategies, ranch photography, and her time spent working with young beef industry enthusiasts.

The IBBA Member Services and Education Committee’s responsibilities are to enhance membership programs, encourage growth in membership enrollment, and develop and retain association members. In addition, it is the goal of the committee to create educational opportunities on the local, regional, and national level for all members.

of marketing. In addition, he’s served as a field representative for the American Hereford Association (AHA) and later the IBBA. In the mid-90s, Cowan served as the executive vice president of the Arkansas Cattleman’s Association, where he grew membership to the second largest state cattlemen’s association in the nation. Today, he’s a managing partner at American Marketing Service, a multi-faceted cattle marketing firm focused on purebred and commercial seedstock, primarily of the Bos indicus influence.

Mark Cowan, of Detroit, Texas, has been in the cattle industry his entire life. Cowan is a 1980 graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, where he competed on the livestock and meats judging teams. Cowan has led beef cattle operations and associations his entire career, but most notably served as the president of Camp Cooley Ranch, the fourth largest seedstock operation in the nation, after serving as director of cattle operations and director 44

April 2020

(continued on page 45)

(continued from page 44)

recruited to participate, donating 200 units of semen and $2,000. Then, commercial cooperators will designate 300 or more cows to be synchronized and AI bred to program sires. The resulting calves would be weaned and comingled in a feedlot, then harvested together to get comprehensive carcass data accurately comparing sires against each other.

Mike Weathers, of Columbus, Texas, became a Brangus breeder after retiring as president of an investment banking firm in 2001. For many years, Weathers served on the IBBA Finance Committee, along with past board members. Upon his election to the IBBA Board of Directors in 2019, he assumed the role of secretary/treasurer with the goal of evaluating the financial position of the organization with the conversion to Regstr in December 2018.

A transition, which, left the association without an automated interface with the accounting system.

As a result, Weathers intends to serve as secretary/

treasurer for the duration of his board term.

“The IBBA Finance Committee participates in the review of on ongoing financial reports and makes recommendations to the board when there are issues requiring attention,” says Weathers. He goes to explain, “The committee has remained small and could use some additional participation to provide oversight to the control of funds and expenses.

Membership on the committee would require two or three conference calls per year and some effort to help staff prepare an annual budget for presentation to the board of directors.”

that positively presents and promotes our cattle and association to the purebred beef industry. We strive to encourage participation at all levels of shows across regions where there is the opportunity for Brangus cattle to thrive. We also want to properly recognize the accomplishments of IBBA members when they excel, and create an atmosphere of comradery where the common goal is to shine the lights on our elite Brangus, Red Brangus, and Ultra cattle.”

“The International Committee serves two primary vital objectives for the IBBA. First is to serve as the liaison for IBBA members to the Brangus world. The IBBA is viewed as a global leader in the breeding of Brangus, and the research and technology that is driving the global beef industry. We must continue to fulfill this leadership mantle, by facilitating discussions and forums, such as through the FIBRA organization, so we can work alongside our fellow country associations to grow the global presence of our breed. Second, the IBBA International Committee should provide opportunities for the promotion of our members’ genetic advancements and cattle that will benefit programs in other parts of the Brangus world. This is done through education, the sharing of research, and trade missions. We also have much to learn from our Brangus colleagues and this committee will work to enable collaboration between borders.”

Cowan, and wife Rebecca, along with daughters Alexis, Tanessa, and Jessica own Bar X Brangus.

It is a primary goal of the IBBA Breed Improvement Committee, per the IBBA Long Term Plan, to establish the Brangus Value Project (BVP).

The BVP is a birth-to-beef evaluation of Brangus, Red Brangus, and Ultra sires. Ideally, 15-20 sires would be

Allen Goode is a co-founder and managing partner of TRIO Cattle & Genetics. At TRIO, Allen has established one of the most progressive Red Brangus operations in the country with the collection of performance and genomic data.

Along with this, has built the TRIO brand to be one of the most respected Red Brangus genetic programs in the show ring and around the world. Allen joined the IBBA Board of Directors in 2018, after serving for many years on a range of committees, including the Show, International, Breed Improvement, Membership, and Junior Advisory Board. He has also served as an IBBA Delegate to FIBRA (Federation of International Brangus Associations), on the Board of Directors for the Brangus Foundation, and on the IBBA Long Range Planning Committee. He also serves as Vice President of the International Red Brangus Breeders Association.

“The exhibition of Brangus is a rich story of the development and growth of our breed over the decades. Showing Brangus provides a stage upon which we, as the IBBA, can introduce and promote our elite cattle and genetic programs. Showing provides opportunities for all breeders to showcase their cattle and programs at state, regional and national shows. It is the IBBA Show Committee’s objective to develop and conduct a show program

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April 2020

47

AFFILIATE UPDATE

SOUTHEAST BRANGUS BREEDER’S ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP LEVELS CONTINUE UPWARDS

by Michael Childers Way to go Southeast Brangus Breeders Association (SBBA)! Membership is on the rise, and we are nearing our membership level from last year. You are doing great, keep up the good work! We are compiling the list of SBBA members for the website’s “Find a Member” tab, broken down by each state. The “Find a Member” drop down tab is under the member services banner at www.sebrangus.com. Use the “Find a Member Directory” as a resource, if someone asks you if you know someone who sells Brangus cattle, help them out by being a good steward and advocate of the International Brangus Breeders Association, the SBBA, and Brangus cattle in the Southeast.

The SBBA would like to proudly announce this that year’s donation heifer, LM MS XEROX 362G, R10431506 is being graciously offered by Lake Majestik Farms,. With cooperation from Lake Majestik Farms, the SBBA is going to be promoting the heifer in a “watch me grow” style, with getting periodic updates about the heifer from Lake Majestik.

This takes a great deal of time and commitment, so please thank them with your appreciation, conversation, and participation. Updates can be viewed on our Facebook page Southeast Brangus Breeders Association. Check her out and watch her grow!

TEXAS BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING AND SALE CANCELED The Texas Brangus Breeders Association (TBBA) Annual Meeting and Sale has been canceled due to COVID-19.

Stay tuned for updated sale information.

SALESummaries

ALLEN CATTLE COMPANY Full Possession and 50% semen interest on 2 Bulls averaged $16,750 6 Embryos averaged $375 70 Straws of semen averaged $171 1 Flush averaged $8,000 High Selling Lot: ACC Fearless 674F3 – 2020 Reserve International Grand Champion Bull sold for $24,000 to GKB Cattle in Waxahachie, Texas RED CARPET FROZEN GENETICS – HOSTED BY TRIO CATTLE & GENETICS AND MBJ RANCH 128 Straws of semen averaged $107 5 Flushes averaged $3,400 60 Embryos averaged $562 High Selling Lot: Dos XX’s Miss Ruby 14/4 x TJR Red Dynasty 198/A sold for $1,050/embryo sold to Sendero Red Brangus, Gerardo Alanis of Laredo, Texas 48

April 2020

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – HOSTED BY DOGUET’S DIAMOND D RANCH 15 Straws of DDD Wall Street 150C averaged $882 20 Straws of DDD Masterplan 1019W10 averaged $389 34 Embryos averaged $815 High Selling Lot: 3 Full Sib Embryos to DDD Tank 468E sold for $1,125 each to Brent Cromwell of Waxahachie, Texas GENETIC EDGE 25TH ANNIVERSARY SEES GLOBAL DEMAND 1 Red Brangus Bull grossed $37,500 to average $37,500 7 Brangus donors grossed $168,250 to average $24,036 7 Brangus and Red Brangus flushes grossed $106,750 to average $15,250

(continued on page 49)

SERVICE DIRECTORY

GOBRANGUS.COM

(continued from page 48)

3 Bred Brangus and Red Brangus heifers grossed $26,000 to average $8,667 3 Pick of Calf Crop grossed $32,250 to average $10,750 24 Open Brangus and Red Brangus heifers grossed $234,500 to average $9,771 4 Red Brangus Semen and Embryo Packages grossed $25,375 to average $6,344 49 Total Brangus and Red Brangus Lots grossed $639,325 to average $13,047 The 25th anniversary Genetic Edge Sale was a roaring success. Enthusiasm and global demand ran high throughout the Houston events. A powerful lineup of cattle from which to choose were presented.

Quality and demand aligned as cattle and Brangus genetics sold to a packed house of buyers representing four countries and 19 states.

Lot 3, T3 MS Three D 30D, was the evenings high selling lot, at $65,000. She was consigned by Quail Valley farms, Oneonta, Alabama and purchased by T3 Brangus, Purvis, Mississippi and Herndon Farms, Lyons, Georgia.

Lot 2C, the International Reserve Champion Red Brangus bull was the eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second high seller as TRIOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ER RBF Francisco 175F2 fetched a bid price of $37,000 for full interest and full possession. He was purchased by Rancho La Miura, Sonora, Mexico. He was consigned by TRIO Cattle, Madisonville, Texas,

Red Bud Farms, Ben Lomond, Arkansas and El Roble Brangus, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Also selling for $37,000 was Lot 40, the opportunity to flush any two Draggin M donors.

Elias Brangus, Sonora, Mexico made the purchase consigned by Draggin M Ranch, El Dorado, Arkansas.

Phillips Ranch, Daytona Beach, Florida paid $32,000 to own Lot 8, TTR A5051 U0286 X6200, a breed leading IMF donor consigned by T3 and Salacoa Valley Farms, Fairmount, Georgia.

Quail Valley Farms paid $28,000 to own the evenings fourth high seller. They purchased Lot 19, MS DMR Cross Fit 30G2, consigned by Draggin M Ranch. $21,000 was the bid price on the Genetic Edge Sales fifth high selling lots. Draggin M paid the price for Lot 16, the pick of the UB yearling heifers from Cavender Brangus, Troup, Texas, and for the privilege of flushing Lot 45A, MS DMR Capitalist 415D, from TTT Brangus Farm, Fayette, Alabama. Also, Quail Valley paid $21,000 to own Lot 25, Phillips MS Atlanta 209G19, from Phillips Ranch.

Villa Ranch, Brookshire, Texas paid $20,000 for Lot 39, the right to flush any Cox Excalibur donor, consigned by Cox Excalibur, Weimar, Texas. Tuna Rosa, Gonzales, Texas paid $20,000 to own Lot 4, MB MS Yellowstone 129B6, consigned by Pennridge Ranch, Paige, Texas.

49

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

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

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

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

50

April 2020

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 — KANSAS Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls Available Now at the Ranch and the fall Brangus & angus InvItatIonal Bull sale

Sat., September 26, 2020

Tulare Co. Stockyard, Dinuba, California bull Photos anD matings: www.spanishranch.net Follow Us on Instagram @spanishranchcuyama

SPANISH RANCH Brangus and Ultrablack Cattle

THD ©

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

For the best in Registered & Commercial Brangus

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

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

[ www.bwcattle.com ]

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

51

STATE DIRECTORY

FIND A BREEDERNEAR YOU

LOUISIANA — MISSISSIPPI — MISSOURI — NEW MEXICO — NORTH CAROLINA — OKLAHOMA

DAVID WOOD MAGNOLIA, MS 713-539-5715

dwood@woodcorporation.com

HOME OF SINGLETARY, CITATION AND FOUNDATION

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

52

April 2020

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; TEXAS

Commercial & Registered

Isaias Castillo 903-806-4711 icastillo903@yahoo.com Daniel Castillo 903-452-1052 castillotrucking903@yahoo.com

f

REGISTERED & COMMERCIAL BRANGUS

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

Drake Land & Cattle 398 Drake Road Quanah, Texas 79252

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

est. 1924 Quanah, Texas

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

53

STATE DIRECTORY

FIND A BREEDERNEAR YOU TEXAS

J ackson family brangus

JODI & DAVID JACKSON

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

3099 Horseshoe Bend Waco, Texas 76708 Jodi cell: 254.722.9138

jodiatbentwood@sbcglobal.net

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

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

251-947-5688 210-218-4804

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

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

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April 2020

10/19/17 7:32 AM

STATE DIRECTORY

VISIT US AT

RANCH

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 Registered Brahman, Charolais and Brangus Raul Montez 832-331-6800 jraulmontez@ymail.com 39606 FM 1736 Hempstead, TX 77445 RIORANCHTX.COM

Randy Schmidt 903.278.7777

Richard Norris 903.276.1804

Schmidt Farms BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK

ZR

www.zottarelliranches.com

417-880-2839

Zottarelli Ranches Angelo Zottarelli 2156 FM 2414 Evant, Texas 76525

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

Garrett Hinds

GOBRANGUS.COM

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

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

55

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: Chris Heptinstall, President: Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D., Secretary/Treasurer: Mike Weathers Subscriptions Lori Edwards, ledwards@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

Full Color Rates Ad Size

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Service/State Directory

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

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April 2020

CALENDAR APRIL 2020 1 IRBBA Scholarship Applications Due 2 Treasures of the Ozark’s, Hosted by Wyman Creek on Smart Auctions 7-8 Beef 706 Program Hosted by Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 8 Stockman’s Choice Genetic Online Sale, Hosted by Smart Auctions 10 IBBA Office Closed for Easter 10 Ad Reservation Deadline for May Brangus Journal 15 IBA Scholarship Application Deadline *extended 17-18 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Sale, Poteet, Texas 18 Super American Sale, Bloomington, Texas 19 Triple Crown Ranch Online Semen Sale, Hosted by SC Online Sales 25 Cavender Ranches Commercial Female Sale, Cavender Neches River, Jacksonville, Texas MAY 2020 9 Cut Above Brangus Sale, Cullman, Alabama 16 Clover Ranch Annual Sale, Cragford, Alabama 16 IRBBA Annual Meeting and “Divas in Red” Sale, TAMU Beef Center, College Station, Texas JUNE 2020 5-6 Quail Valley Farms Premier Invitation Santa Gertrudis & Brangus Female Sale, Oneota, Alabama 7-9 Brangus Summit Membership Gathering, Orlando, Florida 9-11 Beef Improvement Federation Meeting, Orlando, Florida 17-20 Texas Junior Brangus Breeders State Show, Bryan, Texas 21 Texas Invitational Open Show, Bryan, Texas 23-24 Florida Cattlemen’s Association Convention & Trade Show, Orlando, Florida JULY 2020 12-18 National Junior Brangus Show, Beaumont, Texas 18 Brangus Futurity, Beaumont, Texas

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Index

ADVERTISING 5K Cowbelle Ranch.............................................................. 52 Amrich Ranch...................................................................... 52 Big D Ranch.........................................................................50 Blackwater Cattle Company.................................................51 Bobby and Bobbie Registered Brangus............................... 52 Bovine Elite..........................................................................49 Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranches.................................... 52 Burke Brangus Farm............................................................51 Bushley Creek Cattle Company........................................... 52 C&C Brangus........................................................................ 53 Carter Brangus.....................................................................50 Cavender Ranches............................................................... 53 Char-No Farm.......................................................................51 Chimney Rock Cattle Co......................................................50 Clark Cattle Services............................................................49 Clover Ranch.......................................................................50 Cox Excalibur Brangus........................................................ 53 Cross F Cattle Co................................................................. 53 Cross N Farms..................................................................... 52 Diamond K Ranch............................................................... 53 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch................................. IFC, 53, BC Don Hall Brangus................................................................50 Don Thomas & Sons............................................................ 52 Dotson, Wes.........................................................................49 Double Creek Brangus Ranch............................................. 53 Double W Ranch.................................................................. 52 Draggin’ M Ranch........................................30, 31, 35, 40, 50 Drake Land & Cattle............................................................ 53 E3 Ranch, LLC..................................................................... 53 Elgin Breeding Service........................................................49 Far Niente Farms.................................................................50 Farris Ranching Company................................................... 53 Fenco Farms.........................................................................51 G Bar Brangus...................................................................... 54 Galloway Brangus................................................................50 Gardner Cattle Co................................................................ 53 Garry Clem Brangus............................................................ 53 GENEPLUS..................................................................... 17-23 Genesis Ranch..................................................................... 54 Giffin Farms.........................................................................50 GKB Cattle................................................................26-27, 54 Greenwood Cattle Co........................................................... 54 Greuel Family Brangus.........................................................51 Hardee Farms.......................................................................51 Hi Point Sales + Marketing........................................ IFC, BC Indian Hills Ranch.............................................................. 54 Jackson Family Brangus..................................................... 54 Jacksons Double J...............................................................50 JLS International, Inc......................................................... 54 Johnston Brangus................................................................50 K&L Brangus..................................................................38, 54 K&R Broken Bar Ranch ...................................................... 52 58

April 2020

L.G. Herndon Farms......................................................47, 51 L&W Cattle Co..................................................................... 52 Lack-Morrison Brangus...................................................... 52 Lake Majestik.......................................................................50 Lambert, Doak.....................................................................49 Lawman Ranch.................................................................... 53 Midsouth Cattle Company................................................... 52 Mobley, Luke.......................................................................49 Mound Creek Ranch............................................................ 54 MP Brangus......................................................................... 54 Oak Creek Farms................................................................. 54 Oakley, Lakin.......................................................................49 OK Farms............................................................................. 54 Old Colita Ranch.................................................................. 54 Parker Brangus....................................................................50 Pennridge Ranch........................................................... 12, 54 Perry Ranch......................................................................... 53 Peterson Brangus LLC......................................................... 52 Phillips Ranch.......................................................................51 Pope Farms Brangus............................................................51 Quail Valley Farms.......................................................... 4, 47 Rafter 2 Ranch..................................................................... 54 Reagan, Terry......................................................................49 Red Bud Farms.....................................................................51 Rio Ranch............................................................................ 55 Ritchie...................................................................................15 Roop Cattle Co..................................................................... 55 Salacoa Valley Farms............................................................51 Santa Rosa Ranch............................................................ 3, 55 Scamardo Brangus............................................................... 55 Schmidt Farms.................................................................... 55 Sewell Cattle........................................................................ 35 Southeast Brangus Breeders Assn.......................................50 Spanish Ranch......................................................................51 Starwood Ranch.................................................................. 55 Suhn Cattle Company...........................................................51 T3 Brangus..................................................................... 47, 52 Tajo Ranch........................................................................... 55 The Branch Ranch............................................................... 13 Town Creek Farm................................................................34 TRIO Cattle & Genetics....................................................... 55 Triple Crown Ranch...................................................... 46, 55 Triple JR Cattle Company................................................... 55 TTT Brangus Farm..............................................................50 Tuna Rosa Ranch............................................................12, 55 Valley View Ranch............................................................... 52 Vineyard Cattle Co............................................................... 55 Vitaferm.............................................................................IBC Vorel Farms......................................................................... 53 W.E.T. Farms........................................................................51 Wynne Ranch.......................................................................51 Zottarelli Ranches................................................................ 55

59