November 2019 - Midwest Beef Producer Magazine

November 2019 Annual Subscription $24 www.midwestbeefproducer.com

Midwest Beef Producer

A Day Among Friends

Back To School On A Bus

Midwest Beef Producer

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The Beef Management Magazine For Beef Producers

November 2019

Midwest Beef Producer

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Serving our customers for more than 34 years.

November 2019

“Balanced Breeding for Success” FEMALE SALE

November 16, 2019 Saturday • 1 pm • At the farm

Sale Features

Woodhill Evergreen Z291-B233 17915086 Dam of Woodhill Blueprint

Woodhill Blueprint

Woodhill Blackbird X197-Z7

Woodhill Relevance

Watch for our sale book in the November Angus Journal® See a complete listing of the bulls and heifers that sell at woodhillfarms.com For More Information Contact:

WOODHILL FARMS S7589 Tainter Hollow Raod Viroqua, WI 54665 Brian McCulloh: 608.606.3238 woodhill@mwt.net www.woodhillfarms.com

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19197873

Midwest Beef Producer

17332620 Dam of Woodhill Relevance

18876777

November 2019

Midwest Beef Producer

Celebrating 23 years of production management information for beef producers in the Upper Midwest

Volume XXIll Number 10 November 2019 The eye of the master fattens his cattle.

Frank B Morrison And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Matthew 19:24

Article Index Editor/Publisher Jim Sample jim@midwestbeefproducer.com 651-224-1489 Marcomm Publishing Company Inc. 634 WSatson Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55102-3910 Phone: 651-224-1489, Fax: 651-224-1753 Email: Jim@midwestbeefproducer.com

Editorial................................................................................................................................... 6 Fall Calendar of Leading Ladies............................................................................................. 7 Free Half-Day “Safetalk” Sessions Planned In Minn............................................................ 10 Top Performing Cattle Earn Prestigious Grid Master Award................................................. 10 A Day Among Friends........................................................................................................... 14 Back to school on a bus....................................................................................................... 20

Midwest Beef Producer

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Advertiser’s Index

Tim McCray Advertising Manager timm@midwestbeefproducer.com 651-917-4093

Amdahl Angus & Hereford ....................................................................................................32 American Foods Company....................................................................................................22 Blue Lake Plastics LLC..........................................................................................................30 Common Sense Manufacturing.............................................................................................24 Dairyland Supply...................................................................................................................26 E-Z Trail Inc.............................................................................................................................9 Herbster Angus Farms..................................................................................................... 12-13 Midcontinent Livestock Supplements....................................................................................22 Mix 30....................................................................................................................................11 Rawhide Portable Corral.......................................................................................................31 Schweiss Doors.....................................................................................................................24 Shipwell Cattle Company......................................................................................................24 Spear U Angus........................................................................................................................5 TJs Fencing Company.............................................................................................................7 Westway Feed.........................................................................................................................2 Wichita Farm & Ranch Show.................................................................................................29 Woodhill Farms........................................................................................................................3

Send advertising materials to: ads@midwestbeefproducer.com Midwest Beef Producer (ISSN 1551-2339) is owned, produced and published monthly except for combines issues during December-January, May-June and the Bull Buyers Guide in January and no issue in July by Marcomm Publishing Company In., 634 Watson Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102. Printed in the U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Saint Paul, MN and other entry points. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Midwest Beef Producer, 634 Watson Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102-3910.

November 2019

A.I. Sires Include: TEX Playbook 5437 (Reg: +*18414912) BUBS Southern Charm AA31 (Reg: *17853196) Deer Valley Growth Fund (Reg: +*18827828) Musgrave 316 Exclusive (Reg: *18130471) EXAR Guru 8719B (Reg: +*19066319) S A V Raindance 6848 (Reg: +*18578965) Casino Bomber N33 (Reg: *18658677)

Another page of history turns as Greg and Lori Shearer offer the entire Spear U Angus herd for sale.

Years and years of blended Angus genetics have built this program.

They are now offering you the chance to saddle up, take the reins and utilize the effort they put into producing great cattle.

Midwest Beef Producer

Sale book online at: www.angus.org

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Bid online:

November 2019

Editorial

Midwest Beef Producer

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A Life-Changing Decision We all act on impulse. I went to the Sam’s yesterday to buy orange juice and came home with $156 of groceries. Everything I purchased beyond the juice was an impulse buy, a spur of the moment decision. Did I need these items? Probably not.

The point is that they were bought on impulse.

If we do something after thinking about the options, the result is a major decision. You make major decisions throughout your life. One of the definitions of man -- a creature of insatiable wants -- results in a decision. Right, Wrong, Good, Bad, Yes, No. These are minor decision. Major decisions require much thought and planning.

I gave a good deal of thought before I left the Air Force many years ago. I had a wonderful job as base information officer; I reported to a one star General, and I worked with top brass every day.

While I didn’t care much for the weather at my location, I had the best job in the Air Force. I was the liaison between the military and the civilians in the nearby city.

Why did I want to leave? Simply because I had a BS degree in Agricultural Journalism and a MS degree in Agricultural Economics. I had trained as a journalist in agriculture, and I was not doing for what I had been trained. My background as a farm boy reminded me of the good-times I had growing corn and beans and showing cattle in 4-H. You only need look into a cow’s eyes to see the innate trust she has in you to feed and tend her needs. Nothing beats this! I had worked hard on the general farm, and there is no better place for a child to grow up than on a farm.

I told General Hicks that I was leaving the Air Force. The service had been a wonderful experience, and he encouraged me to stay in. But I decided to leave. Long ago I learned that if you don’t go after what you want, you never will achieve it.

That is what a life-changing decision is all about. You have probably had at least one or two of life-changing decisions. They don’t occur with any regularity. The purchase of a farm or ranch; the decision to marry; the decision to adopt or creNovember 2019

ate a child; the decision for a complete dispersal; the decision to retire.

Life-changing decisions such as these cannot be made on a moment. They require careful thought and discussion with others. It is the same with your health. A few years ago, I became a candidate for triple bypass heart surgery. If I turned it down, my quality of life seriously would be compromised.

If I accepted, the operation was risky. You would be on a heart-lung machine. Would the graphs hold? You could die. Recovery would take time and require a change in diet and lifestyle.

At 55 years, what would you do? A major decision is needed. After prayer and much thought, I finally voted for the operation.

Now the issue is my kidney. After watching a slow degradation of the kidney, my body chemistry said that the kidneys had failed. Should I go on dialysis or continue to degrade? Is another kidney available? Can I get on the kidney list? Will a hospital accept me as a candidate?

I have now been on hemodialysis for nearly three years. The long and short of it is my age. I have been “worked up” by two hospitals. But now I have been turned down for the kidney list by four hospitals. One hospital said that they would do it only if I had a living donor. With no donor available, it is time to make a life-changing decision.

I have decided to stay on dialysis and end my search for a kidney. The doctors assure me that a long, healthy life is possible. Already, I have found a way to live and work with my dialysis machine whom I have named Esmeralda. We see each other three times a week. Eventually, I will switch from hemodialysis to peritoneal dialysis as it is easier on the body.

As you review your life-changing decisions, keep one crucial point in mind. Major life-changing decisions must be made without ever looking back. There are no “wish-a-could-a-should-a” thoughts in the decision to seek a new direction.

Fall Calendar of Leading Ladies

Goodhue, MN

Nov 19 Idland Cattle Co. Complete Female Dispersion Sale, Billings, MT Nov 20 Spickler Ranch North Annual Bull and Female Sale, Glenfield, ND Nov 21 Largent And Sons Desert Mart Bull Sale, Kaycee, WY Nov 21 Montana Ranch Bull Sale, Columbus, MT

“We built our new ABS Global Calf Facility in the summer of 2016. This was the first time we utilized anything except steel at one of our facilities and it was a hard sell to the staff. However, after meeting with Travis at TJ’s Fencing in Harpers Ferry, and having him bring a gate home to show the staff, we were sold. We utilize more than 200 different sizes of gates, all purchased from TJ’s Fencing and installed by Cliff ’s Incorporated from Friesland, WI. The gating is holding up very well. We intend to expand our calf facility this summer and will definitely continue utilizing TJ’s Fencing for the gating.” - Jim Meronek, Health Assurance, Production and Supply Chain Director ABS Global, Inc DeForest, WI

Midwest Beef Producer

Jungels Shorthorn Farm “Durham Nation” Production Sale, Kathryn ND Nov 2 Land of Lincoln Sale, Altamont, IL Nov 2 Missouri Simmental’s Fall Harvest Sale, Springfield, MO Nov 2 Ridder Farms Family Values Sale/Fall Calving Cow Dispersal, 1 p.m., at the farm, Hermann, MO. Nov 3 DJS Shorthorns Production Sale, Laurel, NE Nov 3 Hawkeye Simmental Sale, Bloomfield, IA Nov 3 Tk Cattle Co. Online Sale, Burwell, NE Nov 3 Triangle J Ranch, Harvest Select Sale, Miller, NE Nov 4 Summit Farms & Shepherd’s Hill Charolais Online Production Sale, CharAuctions.com.

Nov 5 Cobb Charolais Ranch Fall Bull Sale, 12:30 p.m., Great Falls Livestock Auction, Great Falls, MT. Nov 5 Holt Cattle Company, Fall Fusion online sale Nov 9 Bowman Superior Genetics, “Form to Function” Sale, Greensfork, IN Nov 9 South Dakota Hereford Assn. Excellence Sale, Brookings, SD Nov 9 Vedvei Charolais Ranch the Dakota Standard V Female Production Sale, at the ranch, Lake Preston, S.D. Nov 10 Nebraska Hereford Assn. Cornhusker Classic Sale, Grand Island, NE Nov 10 Pearls of the Prairie Angus female Sale, Mandan, ND Nov 11 Mohican West Bull Sale, Laurel, MT Nov 12 Sitz Influence Commercial Replacement Female Sale, Dillon, MT Nov 13 Heart K Ranch Bull Sale, Lewistown, MT Nov 13 Montana Feeder Calf Sale, Headwaters L/S,

Three Forks, MT Nov 1 4Bieber Fever Fall Production Sale, Leola, SD Nov 1 4Diamond D Angus Annual Sale, Valier MT Nov 14 K2 Red Angus, Wheatland, WY Nov 15 Green Mountain Angus Ranch A nnual Sale, Ryegate, MT Nov 15 Papa Alliance Red Hided Feeder Sale, Bloomington, WI Nov 16 C-Bar Ranch “Last Call” Female Sale, Brownell, KS Nov 16 Females of Fall Red Angus Sale, Albany, WI Nov 16 Show-Me Polled Hereford Classic Sale, WIndsor, MO Nov 16 Stanley Martins Farms’ Herd Reduction Sale, Decorah, IA Nov 16 Woodhill Farms, Balanced Breeding for Success Female Sale, Viroqua, WI Nov 18 Cannon Valley Ranch Angus Online Female Sale

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Nov 2

Call or check our website for dealers & all our other products!

November FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 30 YEARS!2019

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Midwest Beef Producer

Nov 22 Heartland Simmental Performance with Class Sale, Waverly, IA Nov 23 Amdahl Angus & Hereford, Annual Bull & Female Sale, Rapid City, SD Nov 23 Best of Both Worlds Sale, Newark, OH Nov 23 Dalebanks Angus, Annual Bull Sale, Eureka, KS Nov 23 Felt Farms’ Foxy Ladies Sale, West Point, NE Nov 23 Sonderup Charolais Ranch Inc. & Friends Foundation Female Sale, at the ranch, Fullerton, Neb. Nov 24 Farrer Stock Farms, Dynamic Dams Bred Cow Sale, Royal Center, IN Nov 24 Heart of America Hereford Assn. Fall Sale, Greenville, IL Nov 24 Kohlstaedt and Friends, “Genetic Power Sale,” Wellington, MO Nov 24 North Cental Simmental Fall Classic, Hubbard, IA Nov 25 Bar N Shorthorns Holiday Classic GBred Heifer Sale, Bellview, MN Nov 25 Hankins Farms Fall Colors Online Sale, CharAuctions.com Nov 25 R-Math Farms Bull Sale, Glasgow, MT Nov 26 Lowderman Cattle Co. Online Sale (Illinois), Lowderman Auction Options Nov 27 Benes Cattle Company Online Heifer Sale.

Contact: Mitch Benes.

Nov 29 Chestnut Angus Female Sale, Pipestone, MN Nov 30 Able Acres Sale, Wingate, IN Nov 30 Central Missouri Polled Hereford Breeders/College of The Ozarks Sale, Point Lookout, MO Nov 30 Trennepohl Farms’ Right By Design Sale, Middletown, IN Nov 30 Vermillion Angus Fall Production Sale, Billings, MT Dec 1 Adcock Cattle/Crum Cattle Co. Family Traditions Online Sale (Ilinois), Lowderman Auction Options Dec 1 Bollum Family Shorthorns “red White and Roan OnLine Sale Dec 1 KOLT Cattle So/Aegerter Cattle “Simple Choices” Production Sale, Seward, NE Dec 1 Siebring Angus Production sale, Gilman IL Dec 2 CK Cattle and Wager Cattle Inaugural Female Sale Dec 2 Hawk Livestock Online Sale 3 (Illinois), Lowderman Auction Options Dec 2 Stevension’s Diamond Dot Annual Production on Sale, Hobson, MT Dec 3 Badlands Angus Alliance Sale, Dickinson, ND Dec 4 Beef Country Breeders Bull Sale, Columbus, MT Dec 4 Big Sky Elite Female Sale, Logan, MT Dec 4 Goehring Herefords Female Sale, Libertyville, Ia Dec 5 Sitz Angus Ranch 54th Annual Fall Bull sale, Harrison, MT Dec 6 Evans Cattle Co., Cozad, NE Dec 6 KG Ranch Annual Production Sale, Three Forks, MT Dec 7 Currant Creek Angus Fall Sale, Roundup, MT Dec 7 Pyramid Beef/Frederickson Ranch Bull Sale,

Spearfish, SD Dec 7 Jewels of the Northland Sale, Clara City, MN Dec 7 Missouri Hereford Assn. Annual Meeting, Sedalia, MO Dec 7 Montana’s Choice Sale, Billings, MT Dec 7 North Dakota Hereford Assn. Sale AND Annual Meeting, Valley City, ND Dec 7 Paint Valley Shorthorns and Byland Shorthorns “Maternal November 2019

Event” Sale, Miillersburg, OH Pyramid Beef/Fredrickson Ranch Bull Sale, Spearfish, SD Sonstegard Cattle Co, Female Sale, Montevideo, MN T-Heart Ranch’s Fall Female Sale, LaGarita, CO Wright Charolais 9th Annual Female Sale, 1 p.m., Wright Charolais Sale Facility, Kearney, MO. Dec 8 Missouri Hereford Assn. Opportunity Sale, Sedalia, MO Dec 9 Cross Diamond Cattle Co., Bertrand, NE Dec 9 Indreland Angus Bull Sale, Big Timber, MT Dec 1 0Blue Ribbon Stpck Show Cow Sale, Billings, MT Dec 1 1Armstrong Angus Ranch Annual Sale, Cardwell, MT Dec 1 1Shipwheel Cattle Co. Bull Sale, Chinook, MT Dec 1 1Sprucehill Ranch Combined advantage , Ludlow, SD Dec 1 3Carr Angus Bull Sale, Lewistown, MT Dec 11 Shipwheel Cattle Co, 11th Annual Production Sale, at Clear Creek Ranch, South of Chinook, MT Dec 13 ND Red Select Sale, Mandan, ND Dec 13 Richard Angus Annual Bull Sale, Belfield, ND Dec 14 Cardinal Cattle Co. The Program, Wyoming, IL Dec 14 Gaugler Angus Bull Sale, Judith Gap, MT Dec 14 Minnesota Hereford Assn “Gopher The Purple” Sale, Hutchinson, MN Dec 14 NDSA’s Simmental Classic Sale, Mandan, ND Dec 14 ND Red Select, Mandan, ND Dec 15 Torrance Herefords Sale, Macomb, Il Dec 15 Trauernicht Simmental Nebraska Platinum Standard Sale, Beatrice, NE Dec 16 Hunt Creek Angus Bull Sale, Miles City, MT Dec 18 Spear U Angus, Complete Herd Dispersion, Sheridan Livestock Auction, Rushville, NE Dec 21 South Dakota Source Sale, Mitchell, SD Jan 4 Royal Classic, Hansen Learning Senter, Ames, IA Jan 6 Greater Midwest Hereford-Influenced Feeder Calf Sale, Carthage, IL Jan 6 MacDonald Ranches 9th annual Genetic Partners Female Sale, Napoleon, ND Jan 9 The Berry’s Hereford Sale, Cheyenne, WY Jan 15 National Western Stock Show Junior Hereford Show, Denver, Co Jan 18 National Western Stock Show National ROE Pen Show, Denver, Colo.

Jan 19 National Western Stock Show Junior Charolais Heifer Show & Junior Percentage Charolais Heifer Show, Denver, Colo.

Jan 19 Charolais In the Rockies Sale, 1 p.m., National Western Beef Palace Auction Arena, Denver, Colo. Auctioneer: James Birdwell. Sale Manager: Hubert Cattle Sales.

Jan 20 National Western Stock Show National

ROE Show, Denver, Colo.

Jan 20 Van Newkirk Herefords Bull And Female Sale, Oshkosh, NE Jan 23 Sioux Empire Farm Show And Sale, Sioux Falls, SD Jan 25 21 Angus, 26th Annual Top Cut Bull Sale,

New England, ND Jan 27 APEX Cattle Heterosis Headquarters ‘Age Advantaged Bull and Bred Heifer Sale, Dannebrog, NE Jan 27 Delaney/Atkins Bull Sale, Lake Benton, MN Dec 7 Dec 7 Dec 7 Dec 7

Jan 28 Jan 29 Jan 30 Feb 1 Feb 3 Feb 4 Feb 5 Feb 7 Feb 7 Feb 8 Feb 8 Feb 9 Feb 10 Feb 10 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 13 Feb 14 Feb 14 Feb 15 Feb 15

Feb 17 Feb 18 Feb 19 Feb 20

Churchill Cattle Co. World Class Bull Sale, Manhattan, MT Black Hills Stock Show Hereford Sale, Rapid City, SD Ridder Herefords Bull And Female Sale, Callaway, NE Upstream Ranch Bull Sale, Taylor, NE Pelton’s Polled Herefords Bull Show, Halliday, ND Cane Creek Cattle Co. Bull Show, Mobridge, SD Stroh Herefords Production Show, Killdeer, ND Dvorak Herefords Bull Show, Lake Andes, SD Baumgarten Cattle Co. Bull Show, Belfield, ND Baker Herefords/Amdahl Herefords Bull Show, SD Rydeen Farms Annual Genetics with Vision Simmental and Sim Angus sale, Clearbrook, MN Mrnak Hereford Ranch Production Show, Bowman, ND Logterman Family Production Show, Valentine, NE Fawcett’s Elm Creek Ranch Bull Show, Ree Heights, SD Friedt Herefords Bull Show, Dickinson, ND Durbin Creek Ranch Bull Show, Thermopolis, WY Iowa Select Hereford Show, Des Moines, IA Topp Herefords Production Sale Vol. XX, Grace City, ND Hoffman Ranch Bull Show, Thedford, NE Carmichael Herefords Bull Show, Meadow, SD Strommen Ranch Maternal Power™ Angus Bull Sale, Fort Rice, ND Rausch Herefords Annual Production Show, Hoven, SD Bar JZ Ranches Bull Show, Holabird, SD Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Show & Show, Kearney, NE Olson’s Red Power Bull Show, Argusville, ND

Feb 20 Lowell Fisher Family Herefords Production Show, Spencer, NE Feb 22 Kreth Herefords Production Show, MT. Vernon, SD Feb 22 TS Ranch Bull Show, Cottonwood Falls, KS Feb 28 Jamison Herefords Bull Show, quinter, KS Feb 28 Gant Polled Herefords Bull Show, Geddes, SD Feb 28 Vin-Mar Cattle Co. Bull Show, Rushville, NE Mar 2 Kester Herefords Bull Sale, Atkinson, NE Mar 3 Schutte & Sons Polled Herefords Production Sale,

Guide Rock, NE Mar 5 Jensen Bros. Bull Sale, Courtland, KS Mar 6 L Bar W Cattle Co. Production Sale, Absarokee, MT Mar 7 Bischoff’s Ravine Creek Ranch Bull Sale, Huron, SD Mar 9 Tegtmeier Polled Herefords Production Sale, Burchard, NE Mar 9 Holden Herefords Production Sale, Valier, MT Mar 10 Cooper Hereford Ranch Production Sale, Willow Creek, MT Mar 14 I-29 Bull Run Sale, Sioux Falls, SD Mar 16 B&D Herefords & Angus Production Sale, Claflin, KS Mar 20 Macdonald Ranches Performance Power 2020 Sale Bismark, ND Mar 23 Oleen Bros. Sale, Dwight, KS Mar 24 Frenzen Polled Herefords Production Sale, Fullerton, NE Mar 25 NJW Polled Herefords Bull Sale, Sheridan, WY Mar 25 Performance Unlimited Bull Sale, Creston, IA Mar 28 Dakitch Hereford Farms Bull Sale, Ada, MN Mar 28 Sandhill Farms Production Sale, Haviland, KS Apr 7 Lowderman Cattle Co. Spring Online Sale (Illinois),

“My cows don’t waste enough hay to lay on anymore.” R.M., Dardanelle, AR Saving hay & labor feeding cattle is a matter of... good stewardship! “For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills”. Ps. 50:10 The Secret is Out ...many excited cattlemen & women testify saving tons of expensive hay using a 22’ BALE MOVER with Quick-attach FEEDER panels.

$4,900

Hauling 11 bales

Midwest Beef Producer

“My neighbors look on with envy when they see me haul 11 Feeding 8 bales bales or feed 8 bales at a time. I have cut my chore time from 1/2 day to 2 hrs.” - S.M., Simpsonville, SC "The concept is terrific. I am a cattlewomen who farms alone. I also Feeder Panels Included represent New York on the cattlemen's beef board & am a NCA Committee vice chairman. The Carrier/Feeder is the answer for feeding my cattle especially when away for 5 - 6 days at a time." - E.S., Cameron, NY Self-Adjusting Feeder Panels

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“Since I have another full time job, I can’t spend much time with my cattle. My bale feeder will feed 50 cows for 5 days. It’s hard to believe how well they clean up everything. Due to a recent drought I am short of hay, so I loaded 8 bales of wheat straw; when I checked my cows later it was all cleaned up! There wasn’t enough left to tell if they were eating hay or straw.” - B.A., Mantua, OH

November 2019

Midwest Beef Producer

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Free Half-Day “Safetalk” Sessions Planned In Minn

The trainings run 8:30 a.m.

12:30 p.m. and take place on the following dates: Farmers and others who work • November 20, Faribault in agriculture are used to helping (South Central College) neighbors, clients, family and • November 21, Austin (Riverfriends do chores or make repairs, land Community College) but they may not know how to • December 3, Marshall (MERhelp someone having thoughts of IT Center) suicide. A free, half-day “safe• December 4, Waite Park TALK” training sponsored by the (Quarry Center) Minnesota Department of Agri The training is free but culture (MDA) and Minnesota pre-registration is required, as Department of Health (MDH) enrollment at each session is limwill be offered in six locations ited to 30 participants. Register around the state this fall to help today at www.safetalk-agriculpeople build the skills they need ture.eventbrite.com [ http://www. to offer that help. safetalk-agriculture.eventbrite.

The “safeTALK” training com ] teaches participants how to rec “This workshop is supported ognize someone having thoughts by the Minnesota Department of suicide, how to engage them, of Agriculture and the National and how to make sure they Institute of Food and Agriculget help. This evidence-based ture, U.S. Department of Agtraining is effective for people as riculture, under award number young as 15 years old. Farmers, 2018-38640-28416through the lenders, mediators, agency staff, North Central Region SARE clergy, educators, veterinarians, program under project number health care and social service ENC18-170. “ providers, agricultural advisors Individuals with a disability who and business people are all invit- need a reasonable accommodaed to attend. tion to participate in this event The impact of suicide goes please contact “Stephen Moser” beyond the individual person or at 651-201-6012 or through the even the immediate family, and Minnesota Relay Service at 711 affects entire communities, said at least one week prior to the MDH Health Commissioner Jan session you want to attend.

Malcolm. Its important for us to raise awareness about suicide and for us to share the fact that suicide is preventable, mental Top-Performing Cattle illness is treatable, and recovery Earn Prestigious Grid is possible.

Master Award Unfortunately, farming com The Grid Master Award, munities experience more than an honor bestowed by the Red their share of suicide, said MDA Angus Association of America, Commissioner Thom Petersen. is earned by operations that have We want people to know what they can do to help when they see successfully combined high-performing Red Angus genetics, warning signs.

November 2019

skillful feeding and precise marketing to achieve success with the slaughter of superior beef carcasses. Nolan Woodruff, Red Angus Association of America commercial marketing specialist, announced the recipients of the 2019 Grid Master Awards at the 66th annual National Red Angus Convention held Sept. 11-13, 2019, in Dubuque, Iowa.

“The Grid Master Award program has a rich history of recognizing the top producers of high quality carcass cattle.

These producers have bred cattle that excel in the industry, both in quality and yield. This year’s winners raised the bar with more prime carcasses than ever before in the history of Grid Master,” said Harold Bertz, RAAA director of commercial marketing.

To be named a Grid Master, entries must be Red Angus or Red Angus-influenced cattle enrolled in the RAAA’s Feeder Calf Certification Program or the Allied Access tag program, and must achieve a specified level of carcass excellence. The program is open to both conventionally and naturally fed cattle.

Conventionally fed Red Angus cattle must be marketed in lots of at least 30 head, reach a minimum of 90 percent Choice and Prime and have a maximum of 5 percent Yield Grade 4s.

Naturally fed Red Angus cattle must also be marketed in lots of at least 30 head, achieve 90 percent Choice and Prime, with a maximum of 10 percent Yield Grade 4s.

Firms receiving Grid Master honors include the following: • Conventionally Fed Division • Victor Miller, Halfway, Mis-

• • • • •

•

•

• • • •

Scott City, Kansas.

• Dan Otley, Princeton, Oregon, fed by Simplot Feeders.

• Yarborough Ranches, Alpine, Texas, fed at Cattlemen’s Choice Feedyard, Gage, Oklahoma.

• Otley Bros. Inc., Diamond, Oregon, fed by Beef Northwest Feeders.

• Rossi Ranches, Paulina, Oregon, fed by Beef Northwest Feeders.

• Hoffman Farms, Dale and Bryon Hoffman, Graettinger, Iowa, home fed.

Photos Winners of the Grid Master Award were recognized at the 66th National Red Angus Convention in Dubuque, Iowa, on Sept. 13, 2019.

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•

•

at Whitham Farm Feedyard, Leoti, Kansas.

Anderson Land & Cattle Co., Oberlin, Kansas, earned Grid Master honors on three loads, home fed.

Pelton Red Angus, Burdett, Kansas, fed by Anderson Land & Cattle Co., Oberlin, Kansas.

Ammann Red Angus Ranch, Wilmot, South Dakota, fed

by Gary Vandiver, Camden, Missouri.

Prairie Dog Creek Cattle, LLC., Dresden, Kansas, home fed.

Phillips Ranch, Selden, Kansas, fed by Stephens Farms Inc., Menlo, Kansas.

Naturally Fed Division Leon Tuttle, Gove, Kansas, fed at High Choice Feeders,

Midwest Beef Producer

•

souri, fed at Tiffany Cattle Co., Marquette, Kansas.

JYJ Red Angus, Columbia, Alabama, fed at Finney County Feedyard, Garden City, Kansas.

Hayes Red Angus, Jetmore, Kansas, fed at Boot Hill Feeders in Jetmore, Kansas.

H-F Red Angus, Abilene, Kansas, fed at Cow Camp Feedlot in Ramona, Kansas.

John Shannon, Kim, Colorado, fed by Schleing Genetics, Ault, Colorado.

Lorenzen Ranches Inc., Bend, Oregon, fed at Simplot Feeders.

Hueftle Cattle Co., Cozad, Nebraska, earned Grid Master honors on five loads, home fed.

DeLong Ranches Inc., Winnemucca, Nevada, fed

November 2019

November 2019

Midwest Beef Producer

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November 2019

Midwest Beef Producer Page 13

A Day Among Friends

By Jim Sample & Tim McCray

Midwest Beef Producer

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Y

ou could tell that fall was in the air as we got out of the car in Holloway, Minn, for the Minnesota State Hereford tour in late September. The sweet smell of newly cut silage filled my nose, and I just stood there for a minute or two to take in the savory aroma and think how wonderful the chilly fall weather was.

Then, I zipped up my jacket, squared my hat and headed to the barn for a roll and coffee.

The Minnesota Hereford Breeders brings together polled and horned Herefords. The state association consists of 85 breeders who are excited about their breed, its junior programs and the promotion of Certified Hereford Beef. The enthusiasm is evident. You can hear it as they talk

November 2019

to one another and see the excitement as a group.

Many of these guys drove up to seven hours to attend the one-day tour. They are genetically oriented and phenotypically driven, and that is one of the reasons why Herefords have attracted so much attention among other breeders and commercial cattlemen.

Of particular interest was the number of youth on the tour. Any high school boy or girl who is willing to get up early on a Saturday and ride for hours in a pickup has a desire to learn the breed and contribute to its success. Herefords have gained attention among all age groups.

This year’s tour focused on breeders located on the west central part of the state. Gathering point was JMF Herefords & SimAngus, Holloway, Minn. Jared and Makayla Flower are a young couple who have endured endless ups and downs to

Tom Walsh, Walsh Family Herefords

2014 to add strong femininity and maternal traits to the herd. Then in 2016, they acquired a Full Throttle son from TSR at the I-29 bull sale to add thickness and power. Both have improved the herd immensely. They rounded out the program in 2018 with the purchase of a Pilgrim son from Fredericksons to combine strength and maternal value.

Tom sums it up this way, “We take pride in the cows that we raise and the cows that we bring home. As much as we love having good cattle to bring to shows, it’s more important that they have (Continued on next page)

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Walsh Family Herefords is a name long associated with Herefords. For many years, Tom Walsh showed and learned about the Hereford breed with his brother-in-law, Mark Frederickson. Then Tom took a full-time job at Riverview Dairy, and most of the cows were dispersed with a core group of about 20 cows left on the farm. Now, Tom’s children, Jackson, Halle and Mia have started to make major decisions with the herd. Jackson has taken a big role in a lot of breeding decisions and recently purchased his own herd of 20 cows.

Halle works in the show barn and goes to school. Mia, being the youngest, is sharpening her skills in the show ring.

To improve the program, the family has used AI for the past few years. Recent examples include Churchill Pilgrim, H FHF Dreamer, NJW Historic, H Montgomery and GKB Laramie.

“Getting a good variety of cattle is important to us,” says Tom. When the Frederickson family moved to South Dakota, Walsh acquired a number of cows from their dispersion. To supplement these, they bought a Lambeau son from Black Top Farms in

Midwest Beef Producer

emerge as outstanding Hereford breeders. When they moved to their present location last winter, there was no house, only a big old barn that was used for feeder cattle. The couple quickly carved a small section of the barn into a two-room dwelling and lived in it during the rest of the long, cold winter. Last spring, they brought a double-wide trailer to the property, and it is now a comfortable home for the family that consists of three children, Jaelyn (6), Tayton (4+), and Ty (3).

“We expect our cows to flat out work hard,” says Jared.

“Cows must calve, wean a high percentage of their body weight and breed back year after year.

Every cow must have problem-free udders, adequate disposition and sound feet. There are no exceptions.”

As the 80+ guests visited penned cattle and reviewed pedigrees, you could tell that the cows on display emulate the criteria set by Jared and Makayla.

Efficient, low-input cattle have added value to the JMF Hereford program.

Then, everyone loaded on the bus for the second stop of the day.

November 2019

Midwest Beef Producer

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the ability to come home and make good cows.”

When the bus rolled into Carlson Farms, Murdock, Minn, it was time for lunch. Beth and Ross Carlson had prepared a sumptuous meal, and after a few introductions, it was time to eat.

Everyone lined up for a lunch of pasta salad, baked beans, flank steak, chips and dessert.

Carlson Farms is a beef and grain farmed owned and operated by Richard, Robb and Ross Carlson and their families.

Herefords have been the focus for at least three generations both at home and in the show ring.

November 2019

Presently, there are 150 registered Herefords and 100 commercial cattle. Most cattle are marketed by private treaty and local sales including Wolff Cattle Company, Friends Sale and Gopher-the-Purple Sale I had been on the farm once before and found it enlightening to see the changes that had been added as well as the enthusiasm for the breed that is exhibited by the family members. Beth Carlson and I had a chance to chat later in the day. She indicated that everyone in the family works together to make the farm run efficiently. “We are a hands-on family,” she said.

While some checked out the cattle in pens, others went on a hayride to the pastures. The beautiful day with a slight wind made looking at cows in their working clothes quite enjoyable.

The bunch of satiated cattlemen and spouses boarded the

bus for the next stop on the tour.

As we turned into the Cardinal Creek Cattle Company, there was a lovely grove of trees flanking each side of the road.

It reminded me of the beautiful drives at some of the southern belle mansions I has seen on another tour several years ago. Off to the right were pens of cattle waiting to be inspected by guests.

Robert and Rochelle Orsten greeted us and explained that they had moved to this location earlier this year. For 25 years, their farm was called R & R Family Farms. “This year, sons RJ and James joined the business, and we moved to this location,” says Robert. “The name Cardinal Creek better fits our enlarged family operation. The Cardinal comes from my grandma Lottie’s love of the majestic red Cardinal bird, and creek reminds us of God’s creation and the peaceful summertime by the refreshing cool streams of running water.”

The couple purchased their first Hereford cow from Elton Erickson in 1994. “We also added (Continued on page 18)

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a cow from Ross and Beth Carlson,” says Rochelle. “Its name was CF 281 Dominette 721, and she became the matriarch of our herd.”

“A son of JWR Boomtowns Victor 075U ET became an influential bull for us,” continued Robert. “His sire was the great Prince Victor 711 and his mother was a flush sister to P606.

Their get, a bull, Boomer, has left us with many daughters and granddaughters with near perfect udders, very docile temperaments and great fertility.”

Currently the operation runs about 230 brood cows with the majority being Herefords. They added a few Black Angus in 2018. Orsten started to use ET to

November 2019

enhance the genetic line in 2002.

Since the spring of 2014, he has collected DNA on the entire herd, and each year he samples all heifers and bull calves that he keeps.

Guests spent a long hour at the pens. They reluctantly loaded the bus for the last stop of the day.

As the bus sped down the road, my mind wandered about the Hereford breed. Many people have been to England where the breed originated in Herefordshire. I imagined Englishman Benjamin Tomkins at his table laboring over parings to produce animals that had a natural aptitude to grow and gain from grass and grain, hardiness, early maturity and prolificacy. Gee, those

are the same things we strive for today. No wonder Tomkins’ cattle produced an explosion of interest and caused a huge exportation of the breed from England.

It’s easy to see why Herefords became the first English cattle to be recognized as a true breed.

When the bus pulled up to the headquarters building at Louriston Dairy, everyone was asked to wear safety glasses and don a yellow safety vest. Someone explained that the safety vest was needed to identify us from the cows!

This dairy started in 2017 and is part of the Riverview consortium of dairies. Employees own a significant share in the enterprise. 9,500 cows are milked two

grow corn and permit manure to be spread on fields. It is virtually a full-time job.

As we bussed back to Holloway for dinner, I reflected on the day. We saw three cattle enterprises that are built around Herefords. Whether it is the show ring, the feedlot or an annual production sale, this versatile breed has stood the test of time.

Once bypassed by the introduction of some of the fancier European lines, Hereford breeders have made a strong comeback.

Evidence of this was screaming at us all day. I was fortunate to witness the excellence of cattle and the dedication of these breeders.

Page 19

back out of the stall and return to the loafing area. The efficiency of this operation is obvious.

Machinery handles most of the major chores. No longer is a cow called “Bessie,” “Toots” or “Petunia.” Now it is #735 or #914. Inside the cow barn that is 600 feet wide and 1600 feet long, it is relatively quiet except for an occasional moo. Curious cows lift their heads to say “hello” and then go back to a carefully measured dinner of silage and minerals. All is quiet on the home front. . .

Outside there is a whirlwind of activity. Semi-truck load after semi-truck load of newly chopped corn silage arrives and is dumped alongside a monstrous silage pile. Four big 4-wheel drive John Deere tractors continuously drive the pile to compact it. The pile rises to around 18 feet before it is capped with a tarp and tires. It takes several piles this size to feed the 9500 cows year-round.

Behind the silage bunkers are three large lagoons for manure processing. Louriston Dairy contracts with area farmers to

Midwest Beef Producer

times each day. Cows are a percent cross between Holstein and Jersey. This results in more milk at a higher butterfat. All cows are AI bred. Born calves are immediately hand-fed colostrum and at a month or so shipped to growing pens in Arizona. At four years, cull cows are sent to American Foods Group in Long Prairie, Minn, for processing.

Cows live in an ideal open environment. Pens are cleaned frequently. Two employees clip feet so cows have no difficulty standing. Veterinarians standby to handle disease situations.

At milking, gates crowd cows toward the parlor which consists of a 106-cow carousal. Cows step into the merry-go-round and men below spray disinfectant on the udder, wipe teats with paper towels and secure suction cups to teats for milking during the seven-minute trip around the room.

Big silver tanks in the next room receive milk and flash-cool it.

Trucks take the milk to several cheese factories in the area.

By the time the carousal makes one revolution, the cow has finished milking. A squirt of water in the face alerts her to

November 2019

Breed Back to school on a bus

Midwest Beef Producer

Page 20

By Jim Sample & Tim McCray

November 2019

tours are an educational experience. They provide a tangible way to prove what you designed genotypically is standing in the pen phenotypically. Tour visitors either agree or disagree as they walk the pens and judge for themselves. This scenario is repeated time after time each summer and fall.

What makes it interesting is the human element. I like to call it management, because no one breeder handles his or her herd the same as another. The purpose of the tour is to note the techniques of management that each cattle owner uses and the results in the pen.

The South Dakota Angus Association is a progressive organization. Because of the size of the state, the association plans a cattle tour on each end of the state every other year. This year it was on the west end. Upwards of 150 cattlemen and spouses from 15 different states piled on two busses in Rapid City, SD, for the first leg of the tour at Grandview Angus Ranch, east of town.

At this ranch the goal is to raise deep, thick, structurally sound, gentle cattle. “We have put an emphasis on building a strong, respected cow herd over the years,” explains Dan Lewis who ranches with his wife, Amy, and sons, Jamie and Jake Lewis. “Over the years we have selected for docility, structural soundness and performance to make functional cattle that excel in the real working cattle world.”

Lewis is particularly proud of the fact that he has been raising their own sires. Sonic, Grandview, Dually are sires Grandview has developed.

Currently, sires such as Diesel, Cadet and Automatic are putting their influence into the herd.

Additionally, the family has used selective embryo transfer and AI from some of the top industry bulls to develop thick, deep bodied, easy fleshing cattle.

Grandview Angus

Millar Angus

Millar Angus

Page 21

Lehrkamp Livestock

Midwest Beef Producer

“When we sell superior Angus bulls, buyers need to see and evaluate the cowherd,” he says.

“One of our goals is to help producers raise highly functional cattle that will perform well in their herds,” Lewis reminds everyone that the Lewis Brothers’ Angus Bull Sale will be at the St. Onge Livestock on Friday, February 21, 2020.

While at Grandview, visitors saw some selected cattle from Lewis Angus Ranch. Jesse and Kathy Lewis ranch close by. “Our herd started from the purchase of two females,” says Jesse. “Style Pride Lady was the Watertown Champion female and BonView Blueblood Lady was a proven show champion and producer in the herd. Since the beginning, an intensive AI program plus some ET progeny from our own proven dams has seen this herd’s progression over the years.”

Also showing cattle at the Grandview Ranch was Ravellette Cattle, owned by Don and Tami Revellette. They began their registered herd of Angus in 2001. “We “cherry picked” select females from longtime Angus herds in South Dakota and Montana,” says Don. “With the inclusion of AI and ET, our goal is to produce Angus genetics that withstand the test of time. “We strive to improve our herd by visiting with cattlemen, studying what works and implementing it into our fall and spring calving cows.”

From Gandview Ranch, the buses headed along the rugged five mile stretch of the Cheyenne river just north of Wasta to the Trask Angus Ranch.

This ranch was purchased by Milton and Lyla Trasks in 1947. Todd Trask and his wife Samra and son Tyler took over in 1981. In 1985, Todd purchased 20 registered females as the foundation of the business.

Now they run 400 cows that are young, easy fleshing, high maternal, high docility animals. Todd and Tyler sell 60 head of Black Angus yearling bulls each spring in their annual sale they hold with Randy Peterson. Bulls are weaned at six months and finished at DARR Feedlot in Cozad, NE. Todd says he and Tyler strive to produce exceptional sires with outstanding maternal traits, docility and carcass merit. Last year they raised one of the best herd sires on the market out of PAHR Yeti B5. This year’s sires are S Powerpoint WS 5503, KFC Bennett The Rock A473, 3S10 of 9Q15 Prog(Continued on Page 23)

November 2019

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producer but the order buyer at the ress, Herbster Increase 624, sale barn and catch the attention Herbster Imprint 619, Herbat the feedlot and on the rail. No ster Serviceman 644, PAHR creep is fed, so its up to the mamas Yeti B5, and Sensation 5615. and Mother Nature to prove their Thirty-five miles southeast worth. of Rapid City on Hwy 44 is

Some of the bulls they used Lehrkamp Livestock. Visthis year are: RCL Activate 4282, itors exited the bus and lined up for lunch. While they ate, McConnell Altitude 3114, SCC Rock Solid, Connealy Black GranMike Lehrkamp told them ite grandson, CDS Cash 35, Deep that this was an Angus operaCreek Wilson 201 and D025 Caption and not a Hereford ranch, italist A366. New bloodline ineven though there was a big cludes LL Gun Powder 600, Buford Hereford painted on the barn.

Pathfinder C304, LL Next GenerThen, he explained that their cow herd is based mainly on ation 630, KM Broken Bow 002, Lehrkamp Angus Mil Bar Hickok 7242 and Musgrave maternal traits. “We try to foApache. cus on structure, disposition, milk, The ranch bull sale is scheduled for the last fleshing ability, calving ease and reproduction,” Saturday in March, March 28, 2020. says Mike. “We feel these are important qualities Matt Kammerer of Kammerer Livestock had in a cow that will go to work for us and our cusa few of his cattle on display at the Lehrkamp’s tomers. ranch. He said that they purchased some bulls When visitors went to the pens, they agreed from Lazy K Ranch, Kadoka, MT, this year to add that the Lehrkamps also concentrate on eye appeal.

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Since then, the focus has been on what commercial cattlemen would want to have in their herds to make a living in the many harsh weather conditions in this area of the country. “We have been fortunate over the years to have purchased some herd bulls, such as TC Rancher, Rito 616,

Spear U Angus Ranch

GAR 50-50, Connealy Consensus 7229 and SAV Prosperity,” says Greg. “These have helped our program reach many of its goals, from calving ease to high maternal cow makers that have the right carcass merit to make our customers money.”

Greg and Lori have made a life-changing decision to disperse the complete herd, including registered cows, bred heifers, heifer calves and bulls on December 18-19 in Rushville, NE. “We will continue with our commercial cattle business and provide support to our son and daughter, Jace and Tisha., with their Registered Angus business,” says Greg.

Page 25

Spear U Angus Ranch

Schaack Ranch

Midwest Beef Producer

some different genetic options for their customers.

Then it was time to board busses for a visit to the Schaack Ranch at Wall, SD. Here’s a family that has spent a lifetime ranching. Clay and Holly Schaack have a strong passion and commitment to this enterprise. For over 20 years, they have been driven to grow their cattle herd into a registered Angus operation that started from selling their bulls private treaty to a public sale at the ranch. Next year’s sale is already scheduled for April 15, 2020.

‘The genetics of their program runs deep as they have extensively used AI and embryo technology to produce bulls that excel in multiple traits.

“We continually use genomically enhanced EPDs on every registered animal that we raise,” says Clay. “We use EPDs, DNA and conformation as our selection tools for cattle that convert well and perform on the grid but also produce great females that thrive in western SD,” The result is a cow herd that becomes better each year. For the last few years, they have pulled embryos out of some of the elite cows to produce some top-notch cattle.

Schaack Ranch also has two great stallions, PC Frosty Calibar and Jess Vegas PC Frosty Calibar is a proven arena horse, as are his progeny.

They have been used in steer wrestling, calf roping and barrel racing at every level from youth to PRCA.

Visitors then loaded the busses for the 35-mile trip to Spear U Angus Ranch. This ranch started in the commercial cattle business.

However, in 1981, Greg and Lori Shearer purchased 115 high quality performance tested Registered Angus

November 2019

The last stop of the day was Mt. Rushmore Angus, some 90 miles away from Spear U Ranch.

The busses headed down the road to arrive late afternoon.

This is a ranch that was started by Marty’s father Milo Rypkema who traveled with his brother Eddie to the Shalco Cattle Company production sale to buy 12 Registered Angus cows and one Registered Angus bull. Milo summered the cows with a nephew, Claude Smith, and wintered them with his brother, Eddie, at the 76 Angus Ranch in Artex SB Series Spreader

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In 1970 Milo purchased a small ranch at Hermosa, SD, from Ed Bradley. When you are in the east pasture, you can see the Mt. Rushmore Memorial, and that is how the ranch got its name. Then in 1993, Milo added a second ranch east of Fairburn, SD. The current ranch on the Lower Spring Creek was purchase in 1998 from Walter O’Neill, and that is now the headquarters of Mt. Rushmore Angus.

When Milo passed away, Marty and Eddie Rypkema took over the management. Altogether, there are 6,000 deeded acres and additional forest service leases for summer grazing. Each year, 400 to 450 cows are calved to provide 130 bulls for the annual sale and 100 heifers as replacements.

“Day-to-day operations are divided equally

weaned off, fleshing ability, longevity and docility.

“As you can see, we focus on the longevity of the mother cow.” Says Tim Amdahl.

“This is a crucial trait to ensure profitability which can be overlooked in bull selection. We make sure that females offer high production ratios, udder quality, structural soundness and a correct top line.” Amdahl Angus & Hereford Ranch’s annual production sale is November 23, 2019, While at Amdahl’s tour guests also viewed cattle from Hills View Ranch, a registered Angus and Hereford operation. This ranch is operated by Cleve Woods’ three sons, Todd, Tyler and Justin Wood. The herd is built around highly proven maternal and growth genetics with emphasis on docility, fertility and structural soundness.

“We have been using older, reliable bloodlines to produce cattle suited to our environment,” says Todd Woods. “This allows other breeders the opportunity to use outcross genetics.”

“With our operation practices, we can offer cattle with real world growth, longevity and maternal qualities that we believe Angus cattle should possess,” sums up Tyler Woods.

At 20 miles east of Sturgis on highway 30 is mile marker 55. Turn south and proceed 11.5 miles along the Belle Fourche River. This is Mil-

Page 27

Amdahl Angus & Hereford Ranch

Midwest Beef Producer

among David Uhrig, Clay Seidler and Dalton Nohr. The main goal at the ranch is to produce highly functional bulls and females.

“Our emphasis is on selecting strong maternal sires, but we work to select sires who also offer carcass merit and performance,” explains Marty. “We focus to retain deep, broody feminine females who offer set to their hock, fleshing ability, good udders and clean feet.”

Marty says that his next sale will be February 26, 2020. “Its our 54th Annual Production Sale,” he says.

When everyone had viewed the cattle and made their comparisons, they sat down to a banquet and auction by the South Dakota Angus Assn. Then it was back to the hotel.

The early morning cattle call was 7 a.m. Sleepy-eye visitors loaded he busses for a trip to Amdahl Angus & Hereford Ranch. Here’s a breeder who for 47 years has strongly focused his attention on production, efficiency, breed back and longevity with solid carcass traits to meet the industry’s demand. He has taken the top females that have met those rigorous demands and used them in ET. Genetics offered in their Hereford program include predominantly line one horned Herefords that are strengthened with traits such as foot soundness, fertility, heavy milking and docility. Their Angus program is one of the nation’s top cowherds for the combination of percent of body weight

November 2019

Craig, Deb and Callie Kukuchka Bar 69 Angus Ranch pasture when the weather permits. In the winter, the herd runs on cake and grass, but when it is really cold, they are fed hay.

Cows are AIed through natural heat detection for three weeks. Saddle horses are used to gather the cows to be bred. After three weeks, bulls are turned out, then pulled at 45 days. Heifers start calving February 1 and cows March 1 “Our calves are preconditioned, pasture weaned and then brought to our river ranch,” explains Craig. “We use home grown feed – corn silage, oats and hay.” The commercial steer calves are sold to Superior Livestock in the fall, along with about a third of the heifer calves.

“Our 32nd annual bull sale will be April 2, 2020,” says Craig. “Over 80 percent sell to repeat customers. Sires for next year’s bulls include: (Continued on Pasge 30)

Midwest Beef Producer

Page 28

lar Angus Ranch and the ranch home of Jon and Breezy Millar and children Ryle and Kobi.

Our goal has always been to produce cattle that will be as economical and profitable as possible,” says Jon. “We run about 450 cows, and we back it with nearly 40 years of AI breeding. We place much emphasis on the mother cow. You know, you’ve got to have a good factory.”

“We work hard to produce efficient females with calving ease, good replacement heifers and temperament,” continues Breezy.

“We’re proud to say that we’ve seen many customers experience increased weaning weights off the cow and substantial gains in feedlot performance.”

As visitors compared cattle and pedigrees, they also walked around the farmstead and saw a magnificent sale arena inside a building.

After two days on the bus, visitors become “old hands.” Interactions between each other becomes friendlier and friendlier. At mid-day, most grabbed coffee and chatted together for the ride to Bar 69 Angus, 25 miles north of Belle Fourche.

This is the home to 300 Registered Angus and 1,000 ewes. They all march to the drumbeat of Craig, Deb and Callie Kukuchka.

“Our goal is to raise cattle consistent and sound in all traits,” explains Craig. “We know what it takes to make cows work in our environment, which is very similar to the commercial cattleman’s environment.”

This ranch strives for cows that are easy keepers with good dispositions. They run on native grass at their north ranch and then brought to the home place for calving. Cows and calves go to Millar Angus Ranch Sale Barn

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Bakers Lemar Angus Ranch was the last stop of this year’s tour. Leo and Marilyn Baker started his ranch near Ada, Minn, with 13 Registered heifers in 1951. Leo was one of those hard-working guys who got

involved in virtually everything.

During his career, he served as a board member of the Am Angus Assn. He helped at cattle sales, and he showed cattle at county and state fairs.

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tion that Leo sold cattle to President Dwight D. Eisenhower and J. C. Penney. He always said that “not many people can say that their cattle overlook Gettysburg Battlefield and were owned by a WWII General and President.”

One of the game changers was a bull from a Erdmann son that stood 63 inches when he was shown in Denver. Lemar Eileenmere Lad 549 “Skyhigh” and later SAV Final Answer 0035 set the stage for a lifelong reputation of quality.

In 1977, Baker purchased the ranch near the Black Hills to facilitate the marketing of their cattle. When Leo passed away in 2016, the family continued to raise Black Angus cattle, the breed of cattle we love, Leo always said. “The best thing about an Angus cow is that it brings good people together.”

As the tour ended in Rapid City, I reflected on the nine Angus operations we had seen in the past two days. One doesn’t get to see excellence of this caliber without a great deal of planning.

The people who worked behind the scenes, the sponsors and the Black Hills Angus Association did an outstanding job of planning and coordination. These people have set the bar high for the next tour in South Dakota.

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