May 2025 Brangus Journal by International Brangus Breeders Association

Brangus

8870 US Highway 87E, San Antonio, TX 78263 • P.O. Box 809, Adkins, TX 78101 (210) 696-8231 • Fax (210) 696-8718 • info@gobrangus.com • gobrangus.com

IBBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Grady Green, Arkansas

1st Vice President Josh Walker, Ph.D, Arkansas 2nd Vice President Warren Young, Oklahoma Secretary/Treasurer Jeremy Jackson, Arkansas

CONTACTS

EAST REGION

:: Trey Cuevas :: treycuevas3@yahoo.com Purvis, Mississippi

:: Grady Green :: grady@dragginmranch.com El Dorado, Arkansas

IBBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

IBBA STAFF

:: Executive Vice President :: Rick Cozzitorto :: rcozzitorto@gobrangus.com

:: Director of Field Services & Strategic Projects :: Kyle Caldwell :: kcaldwell@gobrangus.com

:: Director of Shows & Youth Activities :: Lori Edwards-Dunkerley :: ledwards@gobrangus.com

:: Director of Media & Marketing | Editor :: Jessie England :: jengland@gobrangus.com

:: Director of Genomics & Research :: Macee Wagner :: mprause@gobrangus.com

:: Director of Registry Services :: Callie DeLarm :: cdelarm@gobrangus.com

:: Director of Operations :: Abby Geye :: ageye@gobrangus.com

:: Contract Controller:: Laurie Lyssy :: llyssy@gobrangus.com

8870 U.S. Highway 87E, San Antonio, Texas 78263 • P.O. Box 809, Adkins, Texas 78101 210-696-8231 • Fax 210-696-8718 • info@gobrangus.com • gobrangus.com

BRANGUS PUBLICATIONS, INC. STAFF

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS

IBBA STAFF

President Jeremy Jackson, Gentry, Arkansas

:: Jeremy Jackson :: jjackson101@gmail.com Gentry, Arkansas

Executive Vice President

1st Vice President Rob Singleton, Florida

2nd Vice President Shiloh Hall, Oklahoma

Secretary/Treasurer Allen Goode, Texas

INT BRANGUS AUXILIARY BOARD

:: President ::

Tina Gardner, China Spring, Texas

:: 1st Vice President :: Tami Jones, Stillwater, Oklahoma

:: 2nd Vice President ::

Marlene Schwerin, Gentry, Arkansas

:: Secretary :: Sami Roop, Grapevine, Texas

:: Treasurer :: Connie Smart Runge, Texas

:: Historian ::

Jodi Jackson, Waco, Texas

:: Social Media Coordinator ::

Jennifer Walker, Ben Lomond, Arkansas

INT BRANGUS FOUNDATION BOARD

:: President :: Brandon Belt, Gatesville, Texas

:: Secretary/Treasurer :: Rick Cozzitorto

Allen Goode, Mabank, Texas

Chris Heptinstall, Dothan, Alabama

AUXILIARY BOARD

Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D., dwilkes@gobrangus.com

:: Rob Singleton :: rsingletoncattle@yahoo.com Seville, Florida

East Region

Trey Cuevas, Purvis, Mississippi treycuevas3@yahoo.com

TEXAS REGION

Grady Green, El Dorado, Arkansas grady@dragginmranch.com

Controller

Director of Registry

:: Editor in Chief :: Jessie England :: jengland@gobrangus.com

Brian Sadovsky, bsadovsky@gobrangus.com

Jessie England, jengland@gobrangus.com

President Brenda Brull, Atchison, Kansas

1st Vice President Tina Gardner, China Spring, Texas

2nd Vice President Ginger Pritchard, McLoud, Oklahoma

:: Advertising Sales :: Kyle Caldwell :: kcaldwell@gobrangus.com

Registry and Records Assistant

:: Mary Douglass :: twoheartsbrangus@yahoo.com Seguin, Texas

Callie DeLarm, cdelarm@gobrangus.com

Director of Genomics and Research

Macee Prause, mprause@gobrangus.com

Jeremy Jackson, Gentry, Arkansas jjackson101@gmail.com

:: Joe Fuller :: jw.fuller@yahoo.com Willow City, Texas

Rob Singleton, Seville, Florida singletons2002@yahoo.com

Tracy Holbert, College Station, Texas

Traci Middleton, Puryear, Tennessee

Cindy Blazek, Leona, Texas

Secretary Mary Beth Farris, Tuscola, Texas

Treasurer Janet Greuel, Brooks, Georgia

Historian Jodi Jackson, Waco, Texas

:: Advertising Sales :: Jay Carlson :: jay@carlsonmediagroup.com

Director of Shows & Youth Activities

Lori Edwards, ledwards@gobrangus.com

Member Services

:: Jodi Jackson :: jodibjackson1990@gmail.com Waco, Texas

Texas Region

Mary Douglass, Seguin, Texas twoheartsbrangus@yahoo.com

Social Media Coordinator Jennifer Walker, Ben Lomond, Arkansas

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS FOUNDATION BOARD

IBBA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Mandie Sadovsky, msadovsky@gobrangus.com

Product Manager

Andrew Sicotte Jr., asicotte@goregstr.com

:: Gary Adamek :: gary@fayettecountryhomes.com Schulenburg, Texas

Allen Goode, Mabank, Texas allen@triocattle.com

WEST REGION

Andrew Scamardo, Bryan, Texas scamardobrangus@gmail.com

President Brandon Belt, Gatesville, Texas

:: Awards :: Shiloh Hall, Okmulgee, Oklahoma

Senior Software Developer

Marcel Vieira, mvieira@goregstr.com

Software Developer Raul Ramos, rramos@goregstr.com

:: Sharee Sankey :: sankeys6nranch@yahoo.com Council Grove, Kansas

Gary Adamek, Schulenburg, Texas gary@fayettecountryhomes.com

Secretary/Treasurer Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D. Allen Goode, Mabank, Texas

Chris Heptinstall, Marianna, Florida

Tracy Holbert, College Station, Texas

Traci Middleton, Puryear, Tennessee

:: Breed Improvement :: Josh Walker, Ph.D., Ben Lomond, Arkansas

Cindy Blazek, Leona, Texas

David Wood, Magnolia, Mississippi

BRANGUS PUBLICATIONS, INC. STAFF

:: Commercial Marketing :: Cody Glenn,West Point, Mississippi

Nic Cornelison, Flat Rock, Alabama

INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR BRANGUS BOARD

David Wood, Magnolia, Mississippi

Nic Cornelison, Flat Rock, Alabama

IJBBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

:: President :: Emma Tittor, Texas

:: Ex-Officio :: Jaxon Allen, Oklahoma

:: Queen :: Camille Burns, Texas

:: Director :: Aubrey Meador, Texas

:: Director :: Savannah Hanson, Texas

:: Director :: Gracie Johnson, Texas

Advertising Sales, Melanie Fuller mfuller@gobrangus.com, 979-255-3343

:: Matt Barton :: rangeroptics@gmail.com Stillwater, Oklahoma

West Region

Shiloh Hall, Okmulgee, Oklahoma shiloh518@yahoo.com

:: Finance ::

Brangus Journal Publications, Inc. Editor Jessie England | editor@gobrangus.com

:: Warren Young, DVM :: wbydvm@hotmail.com Blanchard, Oklahoma

Greg Romans, Vale, Oregon romansbrangus@yahoo.com

AT-LARGE

Vern Suhn, Eureka, Kansas vern@geneplusbrangus.com

2021-2022 IJBBA Board of Directors

Jeremy Jackson, Gentry, Arkansas

:: International ::

IBBA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Awards Shiloh Hall, Okmulgee, Oklahoma

President April Villarreal, Brookshire, Texas

Ex-Officio Jacob Jones, Stillwater, Oklahoma

Queen Payge Dupre, Florida

Garrett Thomas, Waxahachie, Texas

Breed Improvement Randy Schmidt, M.D., Texarkana, Texas

Director Briana Hicks, Danbury, Texas

:: Long Range Planning :: Joe Fuller, Willow City, Texas

Director Jaxon Allen, Haworth, Oklahoma

Director Samuel Belt, Gatesville, Texas

Director Tyler Towns, Bryan, Texas

Commercial Marketing Cody Glenn, West Point, Mississippi

:: Randy Schmidt, M.D. :: doctorrand@me.com Texarkana, Texas

Finance Allen Goode, Mabank, Texas

At-Large

Randy Schmidt, M.D., Texarkana, Texas doctorrand@me.com

International Garrett Thomas, Waxahachie, Texas

:: Josh Walker, Ph.D. :: josh@redbudfarms.net Ben Lomond,Arkansas

Josh Walker, Ph.D., Ben Lomond, Arkansas | josh@redbudfarms.net

@gobrangus | #gobrangus

MEMBER OF

Director Jayden Pinkston, Shefner, Florida

:: Membership & Education :: Karen Adamek, Schulenberg, Texas

Long Range Plan Joe Fuller, Willow City, Texas

:: Promotions ::

Director Kaily Warren, Lufkin, Texas

Megan Greenwood, Plantersville, Texas

Membership Marty Lavender, Melrose, New Mexico

:: Show ::

Promotion Lisa Neal, Morganza, Lousiana

Show Gina Gill, Beckville, Texas

Mark Perry, Waco, Texas

IJBBA Advisory, Brandon Belt, Gatesville, Texas

:: IJBBA Advisory :: Brandon Belt, Gatesville, Texas

:: Director :: Isabelle Parkey, Texas

:: Director :: Kade Whiddon, Texas

:: Director :: Carter Aucoin, Louisiana

:: Director :: Grant Goree, Mississippi

:: Director :: Emily Jackson, Arkansas

Cover photo by Kelsey Gibson, Town Creek Inside photos by Sarah Tisdel, Triangle K Ranch, Kelsey Gibson, Town Creek and Matt Roppolo

Cover Photo

Chimney Rock Cattle Co

From Dream to Legacy

Bill Davis, owner of Chimney Rock Cattle in northeast Arkansas, has spent the past 25 years building a top-tier Brangus cattle operation rooted in his lifelong passion for ranching. While his early career took a detour into trucking and NASCAR, his heart remained in cattle, leading him to establish a respected herd and become a key partner in GENEPLUS—a marketing alliance focused on producing balanced, durable cattle for commercial producers nationwide. Bill’s strategic mindset, commitment to quality, and leadership have earned him widespread respect in the industry and within the International Brangus Breeders Association.

Maximizing Genetic Potential

The Importance of Artificial Insemination in the Cattle Industry

By Grady Green, International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) president

In today’s competitive and increasingly data-driven cattle industry, producers should constantly be seeking ways to improve the productivity, profitability, and overall quality of their herds. One of the most effective tools available to modern ranchers is artificial insemination (AI). This reproductive technology allows producers to access world-class genetics, increase the consistency of their calf crop, and take advantage of elite Brangus bulls—often worth hundreds of thousands of dollars—without the associated cost of ownership. AI is not just a convenience; it's a strategic investment in the future of any cattle operation.

At the heart of AI’s value is its ability to give producers access to top-tier genetics. Traditionally, improving herd genetics required buying and maintaining high-dollar bulls—an endeavor that carries not only a hefty price tag but also considerable risk. Bulls worth $100,000 or more are often unattainable for the average producer. Even if such a bull were purchased, the cost of maintaining him and the limited number of cows he can breed each season make the investment hard to justify on smaller or mid-size operations.

AI changes that equation entirely. Through AI, producers can purchase a straw of semen from these elite Brangus bulls—bulls that have proven themselves through performance data, progeny records, and breed-leading traits—for a fraction of the cost of owning the animal. For a few dozen dollars per straw, ranchers can tap into genetics that would otherwise be out of reach, elevating their herd’s potential in one generation.

Whether you're managing 50 cows or 5,000, you can use the same caliber of bulls as the top breeders in the

industry. AI enables you to breed for specific traits—whether it’s calving ease, feed efficiency, carcass quality, or maternal performance—by selecting semen from bulls that consistently pass on those qualities.

Another major benefit of using AI is the consistency it brings to a calf crop. In natural service systems, even highquality bulls can produce a wide range of offspring types due to genetic variability. AI allows producers to control mating decisions with precision, ensuring that all cows are bred to bulls with specific, desirable traits. Over time, this leads to a more uniform group of calves, which is critical for marketing and profitability.

Uniformity in a calf crop means more even weaning weights, more predictable performance in gain tests and feedlots, and more consistent carcass quality. Order buyers and producers alike, whether at weaning or harvest, are willing to pay premiums for consistency. Feedlots appreciate cattle that finish at the same time. Packers want carcasses that grade similarly. When all your calves look alike and perform alike, you’re no longer selling animals individually—you’re selling a reliable product. AI helps you build that kind of brand around your cattle.

Additionally, using fixed-time AI protocols means more calves are born earlier in the calving season. This leads to heavier weaning weights and less labor over an extended period. Synchronizing your breeding season also simplifies recordkeeping, vaccination schedules, and marketing plans.

For cattlemen all across the United States and beyond, Brangus cattle—known for their outstanding maternal traits, heat tolerance, adaptability, and hybrid vigor—are a logical choice. The best Brangus bulls in the

country command prices that reflect their genetic superiority. These bulls are bred for a balance of performance, maternal strength, carcass quality and phenotype, all while thriving in a variety of environments.

With AI, ranchers can incorporate semen from highdollar Brangus bulls into their program at a cost-effective price. These bulls may have sold at auction for $50,000, $100,000 or more—but through AI, their genetics are now accessible to producers who want to improve their herd without breaking the bank.

This ability to incorporate elite Brangus genetics also means producers can make rapid and targeted improvements to their herd. Want to improve marbling while maintaining maternal strength? Choose a Brangus bull with those exact EPDs. Want to moderate frame size but increase muscle and feed efficiency? There’s a bull for that. AI allows you to match the right bull to each cow, optimizing every mating.

In addition to improving genetics and consistency, AI reduces some of the inherent risks associated with natural breeding. Bulls can become injured, infertile, or underperform without the producer knowing until it's too late. AI eliminates the

guesswork. Fertility testing is done on semen before it's sold, and conception rates under a solid synchronization program are predictable and measurable.

Moreover, AI lowers the cost per pregnancy when compared to maintaining multiple herd bulls. Feed, fencing, health care, and labor all add up. With AI, a producer can manage a large group of females with fewer bulls, or even implement a timed AI program followed by cleanup bulls, dramatically increasing the efficiency of the operation.

As the cattle industry continues to move toward data-driven decision-making and precision agriculture, artificial insemination will play an even larger role. The ability to consistently produce better calves year after year—and to do so with genetics from bulls that would otherwise be unobtainable—is a game changer.

AI is no longer just a tool for seedstock producers or large operations. It’s a smart, scalable solution for any cattleman who wants to improve herd quality, add value to their calf crop, and remain competitive in a challenging market. By embracing AI, producers aren’t just buying semen—they’re buying the future of their herd.

Progress, Pride, and the Power of Showing Up

by Rick Cozzitorto, International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) executive vice president

As we step into the summer season, I find myself reflecting once again on growth—not just in numbers, but in quality, connection, and our shared commitment to the Brangus breed.

With no Brangus Journal issues in June or July, this is the perfect moment to pause and appreciate the people who make our publications—and this community—what they are. Our advertisers, our breeders, our readers: thank you for being part of something bigger than yourselves. You are the fuel that keeps this engine moving.

Before we dive headfirst into summer, a quick reminder: Total Herd Reporting (THR) deadlines are quickly approaching. THR is critical to maintaining accurate records, preserving the integrity of our data, and ensuring continued progress in performance tracking. It’s a responsibility we all share—and following through strengthens not only individual herds, but the Brangus breed as a whole. Please be sure your records are submitted on time. And speaking of summer milestones, I’m especially looking forward to this year’s National Junior Brangus Show and Futurity, June 29 through July 5. It’s more than a showcase of elite young cattle—it’s a celebration of the families, mentors, and dreams that power our breed.

This event is a cornerstone of our calendar, uniting breeders from across the country and shining a spotlight on the next generation. These juniors aren’t just tomorrow’s leaders—they’re today’s inspiration.

The value of this event goes far beyond banners and buckles. It’s about building lifelong friendships, mentoring future breeders, and reinforcing standards that make Brangus cattle a smart, sustainable choice for producers—whether they’re improving a mixed herd or seeking maternal efficiency in a tough environment.

At IBBA, we believe in the power of print, the strength of story, and the impact of presence. Every time you advertise, every time you show up, you help strengthen Brangus’ position in the beef industry. We’re proud to help carry that message forward—and we’re grateful for your continued support in doing so.

Here’s to a strong summer, a successful Junior National, and a future full of opportunity.

God Bless our Ranchers, our Military and our Country. Coz

UPDATE from the Field

by Kyle Caldwell, Director of Field Services and Strategic Projects

As the spring sale season comes to a close, I like to take time to reflect on the successes of the season. The bull and female sales this spring were nothing short of outstanding in terms of both quality of offering and sale day performance.

I left off last month heading to the GenePlus spring bull sale at Chimney Rock Cattle Company in Concord, Arkansas. Another well attended sale with a very active buyer base combined with a high quality, uniform sale offering at the cow palace yielded positive results for the GenePlus crew. Next, I headed over to Salado, Texas for the Texas Brangus Breeders Association Spring Spectacular Sale. This sale has proven to be a terrific opportunity for breeders across the country to buy into some very well-known brands in the Brangus business.

Then, it was up to Fort Worth for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention and Trade Show. Jessie and I had the opportunity to meet with several IBBA members as well as commercial cattlemen using Brangus in their operations.

After that it was back home to Natchitoches for the Superior Livestock Auction Gulf Coast Classic sale. Premium Brangus feeder cattle were on full display with a set of 100 steers from Chimney Rock Cattle Company topped the market at $302/cwt!

While back in Natchitoches, I took the opportunity to visit local Louisiana Brangus breeders and commercial producers. All of Louisiana has grass coming out of its ears and the cattle were in great shape. The first stop was MidSouth Cattle Company in St. Francisville for a quick visit and to view bulls selling later this year. The next stop was

Frey Cattle Company in New Roads. Cole is a progressive young commercial cattleman in Pointe Coupee Parish finding value in using Brangus bulls to not only create a jam up replacement female, but highly marketable steer calves as well. Cole organizes field days on his ranch every year to facilitate knowledge transfer from experts from companies across the beef industry. I attended a highly informative field day last fall and will be attending the next one on February 21st, 2026. After finishing at Cole’s, the next stop was Floyed Cattle Company. Thurman is a longtime user of Brangus genetics, at one time also being a registered breeder. He and his grandson Brad run the commercial operation together and had a fresh set of replacement heifers that were stout enough that if they told me they had registration papers, I would’ve believed them.

Immediately after the Superior sale I headed over to College Station to assist in hosting representatives from Argentina on an inbound trade mission. The next morning, I then headed to Mound Creek Ranch in Leona with the same group.

We have a busy summer ahead of us still as well as a few spring sales still to come. Next up on the docket, I’ll be heading up to the Cavender Ranches Spring Female Sale on April 26th, the 1st Annual Circle F Farms Brangus Female Sale on May 3rd, and the Quail Valley Farms Sale on June 7th. I will also be attending the NCBA Young Cattlemen’s Conference as a representative from IBBA, the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium in Amarillo, Texas, and an International Brangus Congress in Lima, Peru, hosted by a newly formed Peruvian Brangus Association, immediately followed by the National Junior Brangus Show in West Monroe, Louisiana. See you down the road!

COW-CALF PROFITS CONTINUE HIGHER

CattleFax recently conducted its annual Cow-Calf Survey to analyze sector trends and benchmarks from 2024. First, we thank all who took time to participate in the survey as the data collected here provides valuable insight into trends regarding management practices, marketing strategies, and many other key metrics. More importantly, participant producers can utilize regional benchmarks to identify target areas for improvement.

Responses to this year’s survey came from across the country with the largest percentage of respondents coming from the Southern Plains. The average herd size in this year’s dataset was 385 cows, well above the U.S. average herd size of 47 head reported by the USDA. This suggests that the survey is generally more representative of operations that rely on the cow-calf enterprise as their main source of income.

As expected, costs increased modestly from the prior year. U.S. average cash cow costs rose by $30, or 4%, to $753/ head in 2024. It’s important to note that these are just cash costs and do not include non-cash expenses such as depreciation or returns to management. These were asked as separate questions with an average of $147/head projected for unpaid labor and management and $134/head estimated for depreciation expenses. Together, these estimates would combine for a total cow cost of $1,034/head.

CATTLEFAX TRENDS

by Matthew McQuagge

in 2024 at $827/head. Despite this, the North Plains maintained the largest average cow cost due primarily to high pasture and feed costs. This was followed by the Corn Belt at $795 per cow. What makes the Corn Belt region unique compared to other is how much feed costs contribute to overall expenses. In 2024, feed costs made up 45% of all expenses which is 10 percentage points above the national average. Finally, the West and South Plains averaged $781 and $732/head respectively.

Because of the diversification in environments and business models, costs varied widely between, and within, regions. Therefore, these averages need to be taken with context. The most important point is that a majority of operations across the country are facing record high input costs. The Southeast region saw the largest jump in cow costs in 2024 up $45 to $691/ head, yet still remain the least expensive due in large part to the availability and low cost of forage. This stands in contrast to the North Plains which, after a substantial cost increase in 2023, was mostly steady

Across the U.S., year-over-year increases in the individual components that make up the overall cash cow cost were fairly consistent. The exception was feed and hay costs which actually saw a small decline in 2024 as increased hay production allowed softer prices. On a percentage basis however, feed and hay remains the most expensive category in the cow cost calculation at 35% followed by pasture costs at 27%. Overheads, which include many of the indirect costs such as facilities, utilities, fuel, equipment repairs and maintenance, made up the next largest category at 12%. These costs are usually relatively fixed and thus, independent of levels of production. Hired labor, supplies and miscellaneous expenses, along with veterinary and breeding costs made up the final 26% of cash cow costs. The upside to the

survey was that the increase in reported calf values far outpaced the higher costs. Average calf values rose by $194 per head, or 14%, compared to 2023, to $1,615/ head. Adjusting for average weaning weights yields an average price of $300/cwt for both steers and heifers in 2024. Using cow costs, and making adjustments for the weaned calf crop percentage, this resulted in a simple profit margin of $747/ head. This is a $158 increase from 2023 and the largest net return recorded in this survey. This simple margin calculation sets aside a few big costs discussed earlier as well as heifer development charges. Likewise, income from cull cows and bulls, which often makes up around 20% of an operations revenue, is also ignored. Nonetheless, this analysis still reflects the leverage shift towards the cowcalf sector common with this stage of the cattle cycle.

Using the same margin calculation described above, CattleFax sorts survey responses into three equal-sized categories based on profit status to further evaluate what sets “high-return” producers apart from “average” or “low-return” operators. High-return operations recorded an average net return of $1,087/ head while low-return ones received an average of $398 per head, still a historically strong margin. These results were characterized by a uniform distribution of both cow costs and calf values among return groups. This is a deviation from the past two years where results indicated that low- and average-return operations saw a greater difference in cow costs whereas the difference between average- and high-return operations was found primarily in calf values. A more even distribution this year offers less targeted strategies for improvement and, instead, requires us to focus more on differences between the low- and high-return groups. Evaluating the two categories saw a 24% increase in calf value from the lowto high-group compared to a 28% decrease in cow cost. This suggests that a greater net value can be achieved by focusing on reducing costs rather than by increasing calf value.

Despite these impressive net margins, the wide variation in costs means that a small percentage of producers were still operating in the red last year. This percentage grows even larger when accounting for non-cash expenses that were excluded from the calculation. Fortunately, the cow-calf sector is expected to maintain favorable leverage over the next couple years as tighter cattle and beef supplies favor continued strong prices. This year’s calf market has already posted year-over-year gains with 550-pound steer calves averaging $349/cwt in the first quarter. It’s important that producers continue to seek ways to manage costs and maximize efficiencies in order to capture the full benefit of these record margins.

Add $48 per head with VAC45

Buyers prove the value of preconditioning practices at sale time

By Dave Sjeklocha, DVM Cattle Technical Services Manager Merck Animal Health

Picture yourself unloading a group of uniform, healthy calves at the sale barn; each is a testament to outstanding stockmanship and careful management. Now, envision the financial rewards that follow, especially the sale premiums realized because every box was checked, which leads to increased revenue.

Preconditioning boosts the immune system and health status, helping equip calves to thrive in a backgrounder or feedyard phase. A successful preconditioning program includes a series of vaccinations and management practices, such as weaning, deworming, and transitioning calves to dry feed, as well as castrating and dehorning.

Does

the investment pay off?

Merck Animal Health, Superior Livestock Auction and Kansas State University have worked together to evaluate the management decisions, programs, and health protocols that drive the price per pound paid by buyers. The 2024 dataset includes information from 851,181 calves with an average weight of 572 pounds.1

Each trait was evaluated relative to a base with all other factors being constant. So, an additive approach can be used when evaluating multiple traits.

VAC45 calves, that is, those vaccinated with two doses of a clostridial vaccine, two doses of a five-way modified live viral vaccine, and at least one dose of Mannheimia haemolytica and/or Pasteurella multocida vaccine, and weaned at home for 45 days before delivery, added $8.46/cwt compared to those receiving only one dose of each of the three vaccines and weaned at shipping.2 Not to mention, calves weighed more at the end of a 45-day preconditioning program than those weaned at sale time. Selling calves on a VAC45 program added $48.39 per head.

More opportunities to add value

While not directly rewarded with premiums, producers not implanting forfeit an average of 23 lbs. of gain, which translates to $66 per head at the sale block compared to calves that were implanted.

Simply by following a VAC45 program and implanting your calves, you can potentially add $115 per head.

Other factors that delivered value include selling no-horn calves, having medium- to large-frame vs. small-frame calves, using known bulls with high genetic merit and breed type. While lots described as fairly even stood to gain an additional $1.14/cwt, those described as very uneven brought $3.29/cwt less than lots that were described as uneven or were missing a classification.

Certain marketing and nutrition programs can add value at auction, but it is important to evaluate the costs and make sure the economic return is there.

Realize the rewards of your investment

PrimeVAC™ by Merck Animal Health is a value-added preconditioning program that focuses on respiratory and clostridial vaccinations, as well as protection against internal parasites. It also includes optional implant protocols. No matter your herd goals, PrimeVAC has options to help you get calves off to the best start.

Work with your veterinarian to select and certify a PrimeVAC protocol that best fits your operation and maximizes your return at sale.

To see more of the Superior Livestock Auction dataset and get resources on the PrimeVAC program, visit PrimeVAC.com

flushed those cows and learned a lot and worked with Camp Cooley Ranch throughout the process. Vern Suhn became a close friend and mentor to me as well and has helped me grow Chimney Rock Cattle all these years. We would eventually buy Vern’s herd when he dispersed as well,” Bill said.

Bill’s superior cow herd and business acumen made him a key partner of GENETRUST, which has now morphed into GENEPLUS, of which Bill is a partner in as well.

GENEPLUS, a unique marketing alliance, with five partners, is laser focused on their view of the business and the direction the industry is headed and Chimney Rock Cattle is a foundational member and voice in the decisions of the alliance.

Cody Gariss, GENEPLUS president said, “The customer base of GENEPLUS is centered around the commercial cattlemen, and everything else spawns out from there. With customers from coast to coast, cattle are built to appeal to the vast majority of the industry, bringing to the table the intangibles the Brangus and Ultrablack cattle provide without sacrificing the eye appeal to fit even the most discriminating bull buyers.”

Chimney Rock Cattle is the host of two GENEPLUS sales each year and a bull feeding center for the organization, but Bill offers more than facilities to the alliance as he is respected for his wisdom and strategic mindset in the group too.

Cody also shared that “Bill Davis has always been a heavy lifter and tremendous team player, going the extra mile to make sure GENEPLUS is successful. For the past 16 years, Chimney Rock Cattle has been part of a marketing alliance, (between GENETRUST and GENEPLUS), and Bill has always been in the background, handling logistics,

finances, building relationships, and opening doors not only with future customers, but symbiotic relationships that are beneficial for the organization.”

Bill’s contributions to GENEPLUS extend beyond self and include his sought after cattle too. Cody continued by saying, “Bill has always wanted his registered cowherd to mirror the environment and real world conditions that commercial cattlemen live in, and at no point in his long history in the breed has that been more the case than it is right now. Through his vision, and assembly of a ranch management team that is second to none, cattlemen find bulls and females from Chimney Rock Cattle that are balanced, complete, sound, and able to acclimate to multiple environments. In a word, the Chimney Rock cowherd is consistent. Having sold a number of high dollar bulls and females over the years, Bill's ultimate goal has been to produce bulls that fit the entire commercial industry throughout the country. Bill's acquisition of the Suhn Cattle Company herd in 2022 added depth to his program and further entrenched Chimney Rock Cattle as a program that will stand for years to come.”

The approach is to build bulls for commercial cattlemen that can work throughout the country, especially in the Midwest and West where many of their bulls sell. When talking about the herd at Chimney Rock Cattle, Derrick Miller, general manager for the ranch, said “To align with our goal, we have identified sires and cow families that can replicate this in multitude, as balance and consistency is our biggest key to success. As you look at the GENEPLUS AI sire lineup you will see a theme, with many sons of the leading cow families in the organization and breed calling Chimney Rock Cattle their home. Cow families like the 2's, 25's, 30's,

53's, 331's, 416's, 894's, 918's, 919's and 1528's scatter throughout the pastures at Chimney Rock Cattle and we put a large emphasis on AI first and foremost and compliment that with strong ET program to propagate females who have proven themselves worthy.”

Echoing that, Bill said, “We focus on building the best bull we can with the commercial cowman in mind and if we stick with that, we will come out on top.”

The ranch markets their bulls twice a year through their March and November sales, in addition to private treaty sells throughout the year, alongside their GENEPLUS partners. The registered females are sold in the November sale and they also sell commercial females in both the March and November sales.

The respect Bill has gained through the herd he has developed and the breeding decisions he has made have earned him accolades and positions of importance within the International Brangus Breeder’s Association (IBBA). From Breeder of the Year to two terms on the board of directors and active member every year, the IBBA has recognized and benefitted from Bill’s contributions.

The respect he has gained through the IBBA parallels the respect he has gained with his GENEPLUS partners as well. Cody shared that, “Having operated multiple businesses, Bill brings experience from each of those industries and has the ability to apply lessons learned to the cattle business. He is a team player to the highest degree, never worried about who gets the credit, just wanting to make sure the job gets done. He always likes to say ‘I didn't have time to wait for success, I went on without it,’ and his business career would say success followed rapidly, but he never lost his humility.”

SALESummaries

Texas Alliance Sale

March 18, 2025 | Bloomington, Texas

CUT ABOVE SALE, CULLMAN, AL – APRIL 30, 2022

125 Registered Lots grossed $723,250 to average $5,786

Commercial Females

Bull Lots

Average

59 Brangus & Ultra lots grossed $239,350 to average $4,057

11 commercial lots grossed $11,200 to average $1,018

50 Brangus Coming 2 YOs

The total sale grossed $250,550

12 Santa Gertrudis Coming 2 YOs

$7,760

$6,729

324 Commercial pairs with Brangus and Ultrablack calves at side grossed $890,500 to average $2,748

San Jose Cattle Co, Kingsville, TX paid $15,000 for ½ semen interest and full possession of Lot 5, Harris 9146L. This good Santa Gertrudis bull is sired by Harris 958 724F26 and boasted big growth and Fertility and top 10% EPDs on 11 traits. He was owned by Harris Riverbend Farms, Cleburne, Texas.

59 Brangus and Super Baldy Bred Heifers grossed $140,950 to average $2,389

14 Brangus Yearlings

$6,054

6 - sets of Embryos grossed $25,750, to average $4,292

3 -3-N-1 grossed $13,950, to average $4,650

7 - bred cows grossed $25,400 to average $3,629

76 Total Bulls grossed $553,500 to average $7,283

14 – bred heifers grossed $42,350 to average $3,025

11 – pairs grossed $74,500 to average $6,773

20 – open heifers grossed $50,250 to average $2,512

2 – bulls grossed $7,150 to average $3,575

118 Bred Santa Gertrudis, Brangus, Red and Black Mott Commercial Bred Heifers grossed $370,000 to average $3,136.

Buyers from 6 states were on hand to compete for the high quality lots consigned by 20 breeders across the Southeast. The highest selling lot MS. Boulder 000F16 with a heifer calf at her side, consigned by Vanna Farms, was purchased by L & K Farms for $26,000.

The volume buyer was Eagle Ridge Farms, Cottondale, Al -purchased 12 lots

Commercial and Registered Cattlemen from South Texas and 5 states converged recently at Briggs Ranch, Bloomington, Texas to bid on and buy an exceptional set of Santa Gertrudis and Brangus Bulls and a premium set of bred commercial females. 55 buyers were greeted by a windy South Texas day and great hospitality at the Texas Alliance Sale.

All consigners and buyers are greatly appreciated.

The 2023 Cut Above Sale will be in Cullman, AL on April 29, 2023 at 10:00 am

CAVENDER DRAGGIN’ M AND PARTNERS SPRING SALE

Registered Female Sale

The tone was set early in the day when Fenco Farms, Floral City, FL. paid $32,000 for ½ semen interest and full possession of Lot 19, Midnight Train Briggs 468L7. In a spirited battle they took home the rights to this good Masterpiece son who features calving ease, big growth and carcass. This Brangus bull was owned by Briggs Ranches, Bloomington, Texas.

1 Registered Brangus Herd Sire grossed $15,000 to average $15,000

7 Brangus and Ultrablack 3N1’s grossed $67,500 to average $9,643

10 Brangus and Ultrablack Donors grossed $79,500 to average $7,950

14 Spring Pairs grossed $45,750 to average $3,268

25 Fall bred Brangus and Ultrablack Heifers grossed $183,250 to average $7,330

65 Open Brangus and Ultrablack Heifers grossed $318,500 to average $4,900

3 Fall Pairs and Pregnant Recipients grossed $13,750 to average $4,583

66 Open Brangus Heifers grossed $140,050 to average $2,122

449 Commercial Females grossed $1,171,500 to average $2,609

Lot 20, Grid Iron Briggs 541L14 was the day’s third high selling bull at $14,500. Another calving ease Masterpiece son he also displayed plenty of power, growth and carcass. ½ interest and full possession sold to Cavender Ranches, Jacksonville, TX and he was owned by Briggs Ranches.

163 buyers from 12 states and Mexico were greeted by pleasant spring weather, mild temperature and welcoming hospitality from the hosts at Cavenders Neches River Ranch.

In a very steady offering and strong buyer demand Brangus bull Lots 29, 36, 46 and 49 all sold for $9,500 while an additional 6 Brangus bulls sold for $9,000.

at the 2nd annual CDP Spring Female Production Sale. The sale featured Registered Brangus and Ultrablack cattle from the CDP group as well as customers and included 450 commercial cattle, many with calves at side sired by CDP bulls. The bidding was fast paced and furious as demand for quality Brangus seedstock ran high.

In the commercial females, a set of Red Mott Fall Bred heifers topped the offering at $4,200 selling to T&S Farms, Leesville, SC. They were consigned by Harris Riverbend Farms and were safe to Harris and Briggs LBW Brangus bulls.

The day’s top selling female, at $25,000 was Lot 85, PR MS Crossroads 129J7. This powerful open heifer was consigned by Pennridge Farms, Paige, Tx. Her dam is a full sister to the dam of Modello and Herndon Farms, Lyons, Ga was the winning bidder.

The next high selling groups of commercial bred heifer were at $3,500 and there were six sets from, Harris, Briggs and Tol and Kelsey Cawley.

Briggs Ranch, Bloomington TX and Harris Riverbend Farms, Cleburne, TX teamed to eran the bid of $24,000 for Lot 107, MS DMR Resource 415J52. She was another stout open heifer and was consigned by CDP Partner, Draggin M Ranch, Eldorado, Arkansas.

B/K Beef LLC, Boerne, TX was the purchaser of the next high selling lot when they paid $22,500 to own Lot 42, MS DMR Empire 222H5. This bred heifer, safe to Growth Fund, was also consigned by Draggin M.

B/K Beef also purchased the day’s next high seller when they paid $20,000 to on Lot 41A, CB MS Capital Gain 117H20, another stylish bred heifer this time safe to Masterpiece. She was consigned by CDP Partner Cavender Brangus, Jacksonville, TX.

El Granizo De San Juan, Durango, Mexico purchased the next high seller when they paid $19,000 to own Lot 43, MS

SALESummaries

GENEPLUS at Chimney Rock Cattle Company

March 25, 2025 | Concord, Arkansas

CUT ABOVE SALE, CULLMAN, AL – APRIL 30, 2022

Lots Average

125 Registered Lots grossed $723,250 to average $5,786

Commercial Females

Registered Bulls

59 Brangus & Ultra lots grossed $239,350 to average $4,057

Lot 80-G+ Just Business 416M13 from Chimney Rock Cattle Co was sired by the popular GACC All Business 561H3, and packing a combination of performance and phenotype, commanding $28,000 from Bar V Genetix, Vinemont, AL for full interest and full possession.

324 Commercial pairs with Brangus and Ultrablack calves at side grossed $890,500 to average $2,748

32 Long Yearlings

The total sale grossed $250,550

84 Yearlings

$7,890

11 commercial lots grossed $11,200 to average $1,018

$8,830

6 - sets of Embryos grossed $25,750, to average $4,292

3 -3-N-1 grossed $13,950, to average $4,650

116 Registered Brangus and Ultras Grossed $994,250

59 Brangus and Super Baldy Bred Heifers grossed $140,950 to average $2,389

66 Open Brangus Heifers grossed $140,050 to average $2,122

Average $8,571

7 - bred cows grossed $25,400 to average $3,629

14 – bred heifers grossed $42,350 to average $3,025

Lot 77-G+ Elevation 416M7 was a deep sided, power packed son of Suhn’s Spectrum 53J2, from a legendary herd sire producing dam, Suhn’s Ms Broken Bow 416E2, and was selected by Capote Cattle Co, Ocala, FL for $25,000 for full interest and full possession.

449 Commercial Females grossed $1,171,500 to average $2,609

Commercial Females

11 – pairs grossed $74,500 to average $6,773

30 Bred Heifers

20 – open heifers grossed $50,250 to average $2,512

$3,223

2 – bulls grossed $7,150 to average $3,575

84 Open Heifers

$2,570

Buyers from 6 states were on hand to compete for the high quality lots consigned by 20 breeders across the Southeast.

163 buyers from 12 states and Mexico were greeted by pleasant spring weather, mild temperature and welcoming hospitality from the hosts at Cavenders Neches River Ranch.

114 Commercial Brangus and Ultra Grossed $312,550

Average $2,742

The highest selling lot MS. Boulder 000F16 with a heifer calf at her side, consigned by Vanna Farms, was purchased by L & K Farms for $26,000.

The volume buyer was Eagle Ridge Farms, Cottondale, Al -purchased 12 lots

All consigners and buyers are greatly appreciated.

The 2023 Cut Above Sale will be in Cullman, AL on April 29, 2023 at 10:00 am

CAVENDER DRAGGIN’ M AND PARTNERS SPRING SALE

Registered Female Sale

A gorgeous day, booming cattle markets, and leading cattlemen from across the country were present in person and online as the 32nd annual spring offering of Brangus and Ultrablack bulls was presented by the GENEPLUS Partners in Concord, AR, hosted by Chimney Rock Cattle Company. With brisk demand from start to finish, cattle scattered from South Florida to Oregon, as the demand for the industry-accepted, profit-driven GENEPLUS Bulls proved to be as good as ever, as producers realize the quality, consistency and adaptability of the G+ program, and the difference it can drive to their own bottom line. High selling individuals were as follows.

1 Registered Brangus Herd Sire grossed $15,000 to average $15,000

Registered Bull Highlights

7 Brangus and Ultrablack 3N1’s grossed $67,500 to average $9,643

10 Brangus and Ultrablack Donors grossed $79,500 to average $7,950

14 Spring Pairs grossed $45,750 to average $3,268

Lot 91- G+ Czar 535M30 was a herd sire from Schmidt Farms, sired by Suhn’s Kingpin 53H4 and out of the iconic SF Miss Mack 535E20 dam, selling for $46,000 for 2/3 interest and full possession to Lake Majestik Farms, Flat Rock, AL.

25 Fall bred Brangus and Ultrablack Heifers grossed $183,250 to average $7,330

65 Open Brangus and Ultrablack Heifers grossed $318,500 to average $4,900

3 Fall Pairs and Pregnant Recipients grossed $13,750 to average $4,583

Lot 92-G+ Kingpin 535M34 was a full brother to the leadoff bull, another Kingpin x 535E20 from Schmidt Farms, and sold for $32,000 for full interest and full possession to Draggin’ M Ranch and Sewell Cattle Co, both of Eldorado, AR.

Lot 89-G+ Prism 535M27 from Schmidt Farms, hailed again from the 535E20 dam, this time sired by Suhn’s Spectrum 53J2 and landed with Lawman Brangus, Okmulgee, OK at $24,000 for 2/3 interest and full possession.

Commercial Female Highlights

Top Selling Bred Heifers- 4 head of fall calving Ultrablack bred heifers from Derrick Miller commanded $3300 from Dawson Shrum, Lafayette, TN.

Top Selling Open Heifers-4 head of spring yearling Super Baldys from Singleton Brangus commanded $3000 from Gary Tharp, Siloam Springs, AR.

The next offering of GENEPLUS genetics will be back at Chimney Rock Cattle Company, Concord, AR on October 31-November 1, 2025, where they will host the premier event of the fall, including 80 Registered Brangus and Ultrablack females, 160 Brangus and Ultrablack bulls and 350 commercial Brangus and Ultrablack females. For more information on the GENEPLUS program, private treaty offerings or semen and embryos visit www.GENEPLUSBrangus.com.

B/K Beef also purchased the day’s next high seller when they paid $20,000 to on Lot 41A, CB MS Capital Gain