October 2019 - Midwest Beef Producer Magazine

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Midwest Beef Producer The Beef Management Magazine For Beef Producers

October 2019

Midwest Beef Producer

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A Great Family Event!

8 pm

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 6 am Barn opens for stalling 8 am-noon Trade Show set-up 8 am-6 p.m Junior Show and Showmanship check-in: Show Office 10 am Sullivan Supply Fitting Contest registration closes 11-11:30 am Knowledge Bowl check-in: Warner Coliseum 11:30 am Knowledge Bowl: Warner Coliseum Noon Trade Show opens Noon-2 pm Sullivan Supply Stock Show University Seminar: Show Ring, Warner Coliseum 2:30-4:30 pm Sullivan Supply Fitting Contest 4-7:30 pm MYBEP Symposium Beef Industry Ideas & Insights. Symposium: CHS Miracle of Birth Center Barn closes for the night for stalling (Online registration closes for showmanship.)

All cattle arriving after this time MUST REMAIN ON TRAILERS. TIE-OUTS OF STALLS CANNOT BE TAKEN. Stalls will be assigned when the show office opens again at 6 a.m. Friday morning.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 6 am Barns open for stalling 8-9 am Judging Contest registration Warner Coliseum Concourse 8-11 am Junior Show & Showmanship check-in 8 am-noon Sale cattle check-in & weigh-in: Christensen Pavilion East Ring 9:15-11:30 am Judging Contest: Warner Coliseum Sponsored by Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation 10 am Trade show opens 10 am Sale and Junior Cattle must be in place & checked in by Expo staff 1-3 pm Junior Show Prospect & Market weigh-in 1:30 pm MYBEP Interviews: Warner Coliseum 2:30 pm Judging Contest Awards: Warner Coliseum 3 pm MYBEP Showmanship: Warner Coliseum 4 pm Junior Showmanship Competition: Warner Coliseum Showmanship has traditionally been, and will continue to be, a “no fit” show. Exhibitors will be judged strictly on their showmanship skills, with no emphasis being placed on fitting skills; exhibitors do have the option of fitting their animal for the sole purpose of personal practice.

4 pm Grab & Go Burger Dinner: Warner Coliseum Concourse SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019 7:30 am Sale Cattle Show: Warner Coliseum 8-11:30 am 2019 MN Beef Ambassador Team Competition: CHS Miracle of Birth Center 9 am Trade Show opens: Warner Coliseum 11 am-1:30 pm All sales will run concurrently in Warner Coliseum 2 pm Supreme Row Social! Warner Coliseum Concourse Fruit and desserts will be offered 2:30 pm 17th ANNUAL SUPREME ROW Selection: Warner Coliseum • 2019 Minnesota Beef Ambassador Recognition • 2018 MYBEP Achievement Award • 2019 MYBEP Heifers Awarded • Selection of Supreme Row Champions 4 pm Market Beef and Prospect Show: Warner Coliseum Ring 1: Judge-Amanda Schnoor, San Mateo, Calif.

Prospect Steers (breed steers followed by crossbred steers) Ring 2: Judge, Jack Ward, Kansas City, MO. Market Beef followed by Prospect Heifers *Prospect Calf Championship (both judges) 5 pm Grab & Go Dinner: Warner Coliseum Concourse Sponsored by Minnesota Hereford Breeders SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2019 8 am Show Order Breeding Heifer Show: Warner Coliseum Ring 1: Judge - Amanda Schnoor Red Angus, South Devon, Hereford, Shorthorn, Charolais, Angus, Shorthorn Plus, Charolais Composite Ring 2: Judge - Jack Ward Foundation Simmental, AOB, Limousin, Maine Anjou, Simmental, Commercial, British White Park, Miniature Hereford The Supreme Champion Heifer selection will follow the last class of the show. Premier Exhibitor winners will be announced during the Supreme Heifer Selection.

10 am Trade Show opens: Warner Coliseum

2018 SUPREME GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE Breeder: Lee Bjorklund Buyer: Mike Henderson, Wiota, IA

2018 RESERVE SUPREME CHAMPION FEMALE Breeder: Jeff White Buyer: Matt Weber, Lake Benton, MN

17th Annual Supreme Row Sponsored by

MN FARM GUIDE • AGRI MEDIA GROUP

Purina Animal Nutrition LLC and Optimizer Calf Gel Supreme Champion Female will receive $4,000 $2,000 goes to the consignor & $2,000 goes to the buyer

Reserve Champion Female will receive $2,000 $1,000 goes to the consignor & $1,000 goes to the buyer

Supreme Champion Steer will receive $500 $250 goes to the consignor & $250 goes to the buyer

Reserve Champion Steer will receive $250 $125 goes to the consignor & $125 goes to the buyer

2019 Featured Breed:

HEREFORD

For full details and entries, log onto

www.mnbeefexpo.com

Sale Managers: Val & Lori Eberspacher www.ebersale.com Phone 507-532-6694 • Val’s Cell 612-805-7405 sales@ebersale.com • Fax 507-532-9457 2904 Co Rd 6, Marshall, MN 56258

Sale Cattle Show sponsored by Showrite and Hubbard Feeds, Inc. Sale sponsored by Lanesboro Sales Commission, Inc. 2

Midwest Beef Producer

October 2019

T

his has been a challenging year. Trade issues are affecting all of ag. Planting, temperature & precipitation issues made for an interesting forage & cropping year. Cattle markets have been volatile & unpredictable.

In it for the

H

ow do you position your cowherd when it seems like the rules are always changing? A reproductively efficient cow is your FOUNDATION year in and year out. The best numbers, performance, genomics, and carcass don’t mean a danged thing unless you have the calf first.

T

he traits we have always focused on help you survive and thrive no matter what comes at you. Reproductive efficiency is number one. We don’t give lip service to that; we live it. We finish cattle so we know what you need to earn premiums. We know that maximum is rarely optimum and we know how to balance traits. Could we chase the latest fads? Sure, but it’s not in your long term interest or ours. Our program took YEARS to develop, and take strict discipline to not only maintain, but to continually improve.

W

hat will the future bring, whether it’s next year or 10 years down the road? Whatever it is, with the thoughtful, deliberate, PROVEN genetics of Kniebel Cattle Co. & Downey Ranch behind you, you can be certain you’ve positioned your herd for the future.

Long Haul 2018.

From his sell like t Bulls 1, 2019!

Nov.

DRI Remington E075 Top 10% WW, YW, $B w/o the frame.

Now owned with Southern Cattle Co., FL

KCC Excellence 139-774 Top 10% HB, GM, CED, REA! Now owned with All Beef & Select Sires

Selling 135 head!

Friday, Nov. 1, 2019 @ 12:00pm* CDT 12 mi. SE of Manhattan, KS

135 COMING 2 YEAR OLD Black Angus, Red Angus, & SimAngus bulls moderately developed, performance tested, fertility tested with genomically enhanced EPDs o

70 Black Angus bulls - from Downey Ranch with sons of

o

53 1A Red Angus bulls - from Kniebel Cattle Co. with sons of

o

12 SimAngus bulls - both Black & Red 1/2 blood bulls with sons

o

Bull Wintering Available - turn out a 2-year-old come spring and

Playbook, Acclaim, Capitalist, Super Bowl, Counselor, and more!

Spartacus, Silverbow, Atomic, Pinnacle, Salute & more!

of Prime Beef, All Aboard, & Cowboy Cut from KCC & DRI cover 50% more cows than with yearlings.

*Please note new start time @ 12pm. Also note that no females

will sell in the sale this year. Females available private treaty.

Because we’re in it for the long haul.

Just like you.

Kniebel Cattle Co.

Kevin & Mary Ann Kniebel Chuck & Kim Kniebel White City, KS (785)349-2821

www.KCattle.com October 2019 2019 DRI KCC MBP ad.indd 1

Downey Ranch, Inc.

Joe Carpenter & Barb Downey Wamego, KS (785)456-8160

www.DowneyRanch.com Midwest Beef Producer

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Midwest Beef Producer

Volume XXIll Number 9 October 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

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

Treatment Timing for Cattle Grubs.......................................................................................... 9 Angus Win Honors At Indiana State Fair................................................................................ 12 Hauling Cattle......................................................................................................................... 13 Bayer Sells is Animal Health Business to Elanco................................................................... 13 Illinois State Fair Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show.............................................................. 20 Limousin Today purchased by Limousin365........................................................................... 21 Zoetis to Sponsor Workshops at Angus Convention.............................................................. 26 NALF to increase registration fee........................................................................................... 26 Nat. Classic Promotes Breed, Primes Future Generation...................................................... 26 Colorado Farm Recognized as a Historic Angus Herd........................................................... 29 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 ---The Last Bull Sale.................................................................................................. 5 Fall Calendar of Leading Ladies.............................................................................................. 6 How Important is Cow Longevity?

By John Grimes, Ohio State University .......................................................................... 8 The Cull Cow Market is Looking Up

By David P. Anderson, Professor & Ext Economist, Texas A&M.................................... 10 Preparation for the Feed

By Steve Boyles, Extension Specialist, Ohio State Univ................................................ 14 Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium Unites and Informs Producers

By Hannah Frobose, Red Angus Assn of Am................................................................. 18 Nutritional Strategies for Starting Calves

By Twig Marston, Hubbard beef nutritionist.................................................................... 22 Stirring the Pot at Weaning

By Jeff Lehmkuhler, University of Kentucky................................................................... 24 Weaner Cattle Need Their Own Trainer

By Kirsten Nickes and Anthony Parker, Ohio State Univ................................................ 28

Advertiser’s Index

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

American Foods Group.............................. 29 Apex Cattle ........................................... 23 Callicrate Banders...................................... 24 Carlson Wholesale/Ritchie......................... 13 Common Sense Manufacturing.................. 24 Dairyland Supply........................................ 21 Herbster Angus Farms..........................16-17 Jacobson Red Angus................................. 24 Kniebel Cattle Co & Downey Ranch............ 3

Minnesota Beef Expo................................... 2 Montana Angus Assn.................................. 27 Multimin USA/A-Train Marketing................ 25 Rawhide Portable Corral............................ 31 Schweiss Doors.......................................... 24 SNL’s Farm................................................. 11 TJ’s Fencing Company............................... 19 Westway Feed Products............................. 32 Wichita Farm & Ranch Show..................... 28

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.

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Midwest Beef Producer

October 2019

Editorial

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The Last Bull Sale

saw him only a few days ago. Ten days before that we had had an hour’s conversation on the phone. We talked about cattle, land and selling 60 truckloads of boulders off the ranch to landscapers in the Twin Cities. Much of our discussion centered around auctioneers and ring people. Like many cattlemen, he favored one auctioneer. “I think we have used the same auctioneer for the past 12 years,” he said. “You know, a good auctioneer should be as honest as God. We’ve been fortunate to have Seth Weishaar.”

He said that his cattle sale this year with 125 yearlings had been pretty good, and he had just come home from delivering a load of bulls to a customer. “I think this is the best part of ranching,” he said. “I get out and talk with my buyers. They are so appreciative and excited to have new genetics to plug into their programs.”

Yep, he was full of life when he talked about ranching and cattle.

While he had some tough times to work through with kids leaving the ranch, an expensive divorce and times of deep depression, he rallied each time with help of doctors and medication. He was especially proud that the boys had graduated from college and his daughter was finishing her degree soon. The older son had married the love of his life, and the younger son had a top paying job in Alexandria.

His dad, who was 94, was still a big help around the ranch. Each morning he’d hop on his ATV and scoot across the road to handle chores and other odds and ends.

He told me about buying a 160-acre parcel on the north side of the ranch. Yes, this was a ranch on the move, a ranch with 70 years of breeding history.

I remembered the first time we met. It was on one of the yearly cattle tours put on by the Minnesota Cattlemen’s local association. Each year cattle buyers and local ranchers met at the member-owned cattle scale to board a school bus and head for various cattlemen’s pastures to see cows and calves in their natural setting. As we traveled the bumpy gravel roads, Roy Bell or one of the other cattlemen entertained us with the latest jokes.

As we got off the bus, I noticed a cattleman who had followed us in his pickup. We shook hands and he introduced me to his mother and dad. We struck a kindred spirit right away. He had this warm handshake that continued with a great smile and a pleasant “howdy.” When the tour was over, he asked if I wanted to see his cattle as they were not on the tour that year. I readily agreed, and we hopped on his ATV and headed for the pastures.

The pasture tour was most enlightening. He pointed out various herds of Angus, the area where he had captured a bear the year before and the trouble he and other cattlemen had with wolves. The bumpy ride traversed October 2019

hills and hollows, but it was worth the trip as I was able to shoot numerous pictures which later graced the pages of this magazine.

The following year he called me well in advance of the cattlemen’s tour. “I want you to come this year as we will have a trick horse,” he said. Sure enough, our busload of cattlemen rolled into the local fairgrounds, and there was the horse. This horse could bow, shake hands, roll over and stand on two legs. The finale was when the horse jumped from the ground to the center of a flatbed trailer. It was quite a show, and everyone present was amazed.

Breeders such as my friend spend a lot of time with cattle mattings, EPDs of various cows and bulls and planning which cows to put with this bull or that bull. He told me several times that he was not good with numbers and it took him longer to get everything right. Yet, when Flying W Ranch held a sale, everyone from miles around came to buy progeny of some of the finest mattings and superior genetics. Prior to the sale, potential buyers would enter the pens to make their own evaluations and selections of bulls and open females and then go inside to get a prime seat for the sale.

A few days ago, I answered a call from my friend’s son. He said that his dad had died. I was shocked by the news. Here was a guy who was in the prime of health.

Sure, he had some mental issues, but medications could easily handle this. Evidently, they didn’t work this time.

My friend had passed away less than a week after we had spoken. In his honor, I decided to attend the viewing and funeral.

I found the church in Pine River without trouble because of the cars parked outside. Hundreds of people were present, each talking to one another. As I made my way inside, I was greeted by area cattlemen who had been on previous cattle tours. We expressed our sorrows and reminisced about the good times. Once in the sanctuary, I saw my friend down front.

With flowers surrounding where he lay, my friend had that characteristic smile. His old hat lay nearby. I was drawn to his hands; those were the hands of a working cattleman – big fingers, rough and skinned knuckles designed to pull a calf, brand a cow or work with a set of bulls. My mind wandered as I recalled the hundreds of stock he had worked and how he had taught his sons to love the land and the cattle. His outstanding work on the ranch must have been noticed by a higher being, and I felt confident that Danny Leroy Wiese would continue his love for cattle in perpetuity. So long, Danny. . .

Midwest Beef Producer

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Oct 17 Oct 18 Oct 19 Oct 19

Fall Calendar of Leading Ladies Oct 1 Oct 1 Oct 1 Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 5 Oct 5 Oct 5 Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 6 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 8 Oct 12 Oct 12 Oct 12 Oct 12 Oct 12 Oct 12 Oct 12 Oct 12 Oct 12 Oct 13 Oct 13 Oct 13 Oct 13 Oct 13 Oct 14 Oct 14 Oct 16 Oct 16 Oct 17 Oct 17 Oct 17 6

Oct 19

Factory Direct Sale, West Lafayette, IN Jason Weber Charolais Mature Cow Dispersal, CharAuctions.com.

Moore Shorthorns, Spring Born Online Sale, Jerseryvill, IL Meyer Farms, Show Heifer Online Sale, Rushville, IN Mettler Polled Herefords Sale, Menno, SD Buckeye”s Finest Sale, Zanesville, OH Colyer Herefords Female Sale, Bruneau, ID Eastern Ohio Shorthorn Assn Fall Sale, Dover, OH Journagan Ranch/Missouri State University Annual Production Sale, Springfield, MO Badger Southern Select Sale, Burlington, WI Fawcett’s Elm Creek Ranch Annual Female Sale, Ree Heights, SD Field of Dreams Production Sale, Hope, IN Polzin Cattle Leading Ladies Online Sale, Darwin, Minn.

Hankins Farms Fall Colors Online Sale, SC Online Sales Montana Ranch Female Sale, Big Fork, MT Bonebrake Herefords AND Guests Production Sale, Buffalo, MO Generations Family Affair Sale, Endeavor, WI Great Lakes Hereford Roundup Sale, St. Louis, MI J&N Ranch Female & Select Bull sale, Leavenworth, KS New Day Genetics’ Ranch Ready Bull Sale, Springfield, MO New Direction Sale, Seward, NE Perks Ranch Fall Celebration Sale, Rockford, Il Schrag 605 “Family Event” Production SAle, Marion, SD Studer Family Shorthorns, “Family Legacies” Production Sale, Creston, IA Hawk Livestock Online Sale 2 (Illinois), Lowderman Auction Options Kaczmarek 4k Herefords Bill & Roberta Retirement Dispersal Sale, Salem, MO Next Generation Genetics/MGM Polled Herefords Family Affair Sale, Endeavor, WI Ridgeview Farm Sale, Alto, MI Sullivan Farms, “maternal Legends” Production Sale, Dunlap, IA Burlap and Barbed Wire Vol. V Female Sale, Clay Center, KS Zehnder Waage Partnership Pearls of Fall Online Female Sale.

2K Cattle Online Show Heifer sale, Glen Haven, WI Northern International Livestock Exposition Class A ROE Show, Billings, Mt. Coleman Angus Female, Sale Charlo, MT Jacobson Red Angus Complete Cowherd Dispersal, Mahnomen, MN Northern International Livestock Expo Hereford Show, Billings, MT

Oct 19 Oct 19 Oct 19 Oct 19 Oct 19 Oct 21 Oct 22 Oct 22 Oct 23 Oct 24 Oct 25

Oct 25 Oct 26 Oct 26 Oct 26 Oct 26 Oct 26 Oct 26 Oct 26 Oct 26 Oct 26 Oct 26 Oct 26 Oct 27 Oct 27 Oct 28 Oct 28 Oct 30 Oct 30 Nov 1 Nov 1 Nov 1 Nov 1 Nov 2

Midwest Beef Producer

Pine Coulee Female Sale, Billings, MT Buckles and Banners Sale, West Point, IA A. Goff & Sons Sale, Harrisville, WY Aschermann Charolais 29th Edition Charolais Bull Sale, 1 p.m., at the farm, Carthage, MO. Auctioneer: Jackie Moore. Contact: Larry or Peggy Aschermann.

Bradley Cattle Bred Heifer Sale, 4 p.m., Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, MO. Auctioneer: Rob Nord. Sale Manager: Hubert Cattle Sales.

Indiana Performance Bull Test Sale, Springville, IN Midwest Made Sale, Prairie City, IA Minnesota Beef Expo, Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Saint Paul, MN NILE Angus Female Sale, Billings, MT Angell-Thomas Charolais Bull & Female Sale, 12:30 p.m., at the farm, Paris, MO. Contact: Russ or Sally Thomas.

J&L Livestock Montana Angus Female Bonanza Sale, Billings, MT Koz-E-Acres and Wilmes Farms’ Harvest Sale, Le Sueur, MN Stevenson Angus , Online Female Sale, Hobson, MT Michell Ranch Bull Sale, Ft. Bridger, WY Jensen Bros. Female Sale at Sanders Ranch, Louisburg, KS 10 Grand Sale, American Royal Livestock Show Wagstaff Sale Center, Kansas City, MO. Sale Sponsor: Missouri Charolais Breeders Association. Auctioneer: Justin Stout. Sale Manager: Hubert Cattle Sales.

Royal Breeders Bull Classic, 10:30 a.m., American Royal Livestock Show, Kansas City, MO. Aha Annual Membership Meeting, Kansas City, MO American Royal Livestock Show National Roll of Excellence Show, Kansas City, MO. Cason’s Pride and Joy Elite Female Sale, Russell, IA Clear Choice Sale, Milan, IN Durham Nation Female Sale, Kathryn ND J&L Cattle Services & Guests Sale, Jeromesville, OH Ladies of The Royal National Hereford Sale, Kansas City, MO Lauer Polled Shorthorns, “Herd Dispersion” Farmers & Ranchers Sale, Pavilion Salina, KS Mead Farms Fall Performance Tested Bull Sale, Mead Sale Headquarters, Versailles, MO Michigan Simmental Assn’s 6th Annual Fall Sale, St. Louis, MI Pieper Red Angus Fall Run, Hay Springs, NE American Royal National Hereford Show, Kansas City, MO Lacy’s Red Angus Annual Bull & Female Sale, Drexel, MO Century TC Ranch Dispedrsal, Franklin,NE Rust Mountain View Ranch, Queens of the Pasture, Mercer, ND Fink Beef Genetics 29th Annual Bull Sale, Fink Beef Genetics Sale Facility, Randolph, Kan. Valley Creek Ranch Online Sale (Nebraska), Lowderman Auction Options Apex Cattle, Complete fall calving dispersion, Dannebrog, NE Jamison Herefords Fall Female Sale, Quinter, KS Kniebel Cattle Co & Downey Ranch, Annual Sale, Wamego, KS Moser Ranch, 28th Annual Bull Sale, Wheaton, KS “Breeders Alliance” Sale, Hosted by Norman/ October 2019

Ripberger, Newman, IL Nov 24 Combined Excellence Sale, Mason, OH Nov 25 Cottonwood Angus, Fall Female Sale, Pipestone, MN Harriman Santa Fe Bull Sale, Windsor, MO Nov 25 Irvine Ranch Annual Production sale, Manhattan, KS Nov 25 Jungels Shorthorn Farm “Durham Nation” Production Nov 26 Sale, Kathryn ND Nov 2 Land of Lincoln Sale, Altamont, IL Nov 27 Nov 2 Missouri Simmental’s Fall Harvest Sale, Springfield, MO Nov 2 Ridder Farms Family Values Sale/Fall Calving Cow Nov 29 Dispersal, 1 p.m., at the farm, Hermann, MO. Nov 30 Nov 3 DJS Shorthorns Production Sale, Laurel, NE Nov 30 Nov 3 Hawkeye Simmental Sale, Bloomfield, IA Nov 3 Tk Cattle Co. Online Sale, Burwell, NE Nov 30 Nov 3 Triangle J Ranch, Harvest Select Sale, Miller, NE Nov 30 Nov 4 Summit Farms & Shepherd’s Hill Charolais Online Dec 1 Production Sale, CharAuctions.com.

Nov 5 Cobb Charolais Ranch Fall Bull Sale, 12:30 p.m., Dec 1 Great Falls Livestock Auction, Great Falls, MT. Nov 9 Bowman Superior Genetics, “Form to Function” Sale, Dec 1 Greensfork, IN Nov 9 Nebraska Hereford Assn. Annual Meeting, Grand Dec 2 Island, NE Nov 9 South Dakota Hereford Assn. Excellence Sale, Dec 2 Brookings, SD Nov 9 Vedvei Charolais Ranch the Dakota Standard V Dec 4 Female Production Sale, at the ranch, Lake Preston, S.D. Dec 4 Nov 10 Nebraska Hereford Assn. Cornhusker Classic Sale, Dec 4 Grand Island, NE Dec 5 Nov 10 Pearls of the Prairie Angus female Sale, Mandan, ND Dec 6 Nov 11 Mohican West Bull Sale, Laurel, MT Dec 7 Nov 12 Sitz Influence Commercial Replacement Female Sale, Dec 7 Dillon, MT Dec 7 Nov 13 Heart K Ranch Bull Sale, Lewistown, MT Dec 7 Nov 14 Bieber Fever Fall Production Sale, Leola, SD Dec 7 Nov 14 Diamond D Angus Annual Sale, Valier MT Nov 14 K2 Red Angus, Wheatland, WY Dec 7 Nov 15 Green Mountain Angus Ranch A nnual Sale, Ryegate, MT Nov 15 Papa Alliance Red Hided Feeder Sale, Bloomington, WI Dec 7 Nov 16 C-Bar Ranch “Last Call” Female Sale, Brownell, KS Dec 7 Nov 16 Females of Fall Red Angus Sale, Albany, WI Dec 7 Nov 16 Show-Me Polled Hereford Classic Sale, WIndsor, MO Nov 16 Stanley Martins Farms’ Herd Reduction Sale, Dec 8 Decorah, IA Dec 9 Nov 19 Idland Cattle Co. Complete Female Dispersion Sale, Dec 9 Billings, MT Dec 10 Nov 20 Spickler Ranch North Annual Bull and Female Sale, Dec 11 Glenfield, ND Dec 11 Nov 21 Largent And Sons Desert Mart Bull Sale, Kaycee, WY Dec 13 Nov 21 Montana Ranch Bull Sale, Columbus, MT Dec 13 Nov 22 Heartland Simmental Performance with Class Sale, Dec 13 Waverly, IA Dec 14 Nov 23 Amdahl Angus & Hereford, Annual Bull & Female Dec 14 Sale, Rapid City, SD Nov 23 Best of Both Worlds Sale, Newark, OH Dec 14 Nov 23 Dalebanks Angus, Annual Bull Sale, Eureka, KS Dec 15 Nov 23 Felt Farms’ Foxy Ladies Sale, West Point, NE Dec 15 Nov 23 Sonderup Charolais Ranch Inc. & Friends Foundation Female Sale, at the ranch, Fullerton, Neb. Dec 16 Nov 24 Farrer Stock Farms, Dynamic Dams Bred Cow Sale, Dec 21 Royal Center, IN Nov 24 Heart of America Hereford Assn. Fall Sale, Greenville, IL Nov 24 Kohlstaedt and Friends, “Genetic Power Sale,” Wellington, MO October 2019 Midwest Beef Producer Nov 2 Nov 2 Nov 2 Nov 2 Nov 2

North Cental Simmental Fall Classic, Hubbard, IA Bar N Shorthorns Holiday Classic GBred Heifer Sale, Bellview, MN Hankins Farms Fall Colors Online Sale, CharAuctions.com R-Math Farms Bull Sale, Glasgow, MT Lowderman Cattle Co. Online Sale (Illinois), Lowderman Auction Options Benes Cattle Company Online Heifer Sale. Contact: Mitch Benes.

Chestnut Angus Female Sale, Pipestone, MN Able Acres Sale, Wingate, IN Central Missouri Polled Hereford Breeders/College of The Ozarks Sale, Point Lookout, MO Trennepohl Farms’ Right By Design Sale, Middletown, IN Vermillion Angus Fall Production Sale, Billings, MT Adcock Cattle/Crum Cattle Co. Family Traditions Online Sale (Ilinois), Lowderman Auction Options Bollum Family Shorthorns “red White and Roan OnLine Sale KOLT Cattle So/Aegerter Cattle “Simple Choices” Production Sale, Sewa4rd, NE Hawk Livestock Online Sale 3 (Illinois), Lowderman Auction Options Stevension’s Diamond Dot Annual Production on Sale, Hobson, MT Beef Country Breeders Bull Sale, Columbus, MT Big Sky Elite Female Sale, Logan, MT Goehring Herefords Female Sale, Libertyville, Ia Sitz Angus Ranch Annual Production SAle, Harrison, MT KG Ranch Annual Production Sale, Three Forks, MT Currant Creek Angus Fall Sale, Roundup, MT Jewels of the Northland Sale, Clara City, MN Missouri Hereford Assn. Annual Meeting, Sedalia, MO Montana’s Choice Sale, Billings, MT\ North Dakota Hereford Assn. Sale AND Annual Meeting, Valley City, ND Paint Valley Shorthorns and Byland Shorthorns “Maternal Event” Sale, Miillersburg, OH Pyramid Beef/Fredrickson Ranch Bull Sale, Spearfish, SD T-Heart Ranch’s Fall Female Sale, LaGarita, CO Wright Charolais 9th Annual Female Sale, 1 p.m., Wright Charolais Sale Facility, Kearney, MO. Missouri Hereford Assn. Opportunity Sale, Sedalia, MO Cross Diamond Cattle Co., Bertrand, NE Indreland Angus Bull Sale, Big Timber, MT Blue Ribbon Stpck Show Cow Sale, Billings, MT Armstrong Angus Ranch Annual Sale, Cardwell, MT Shipwheel Cattle Co. Bull Sale, Chinook, MT Carr Angus Bull Sale, Lewistown, MT ND Red Select Sale, Mandan, ND Richards Angus Annual Bull Sale, Belfield, ND Gaugler Angus Bull Sale, Judith Gap, MT Minnesota Hereford Assn “Gopher The Purple” Sale, Hutchinson, MN NDSA’s Simmental Classic Sale, Mandan, ND Torrance Herefords Sale, Macomb, Il Trauernicht Simmental Nebraska Platinum Standard Sale, Beatrice, NE Hunt Creek Angus Bull Sale, Miles City, MT South Dakota Source Sale, Mitchell, SD

7

How Important is Cow Longevity?

I

n cattle terms, longevity would be the age at which a cow dies or is removed from the herd due to her lack of productivity. Assuming normal conditions and a minimal amount individual stresses on a cow, it is not unusual to expect a beef cow to be productive up to 8 – 12 years of age.

8

As we all know, cows can be culled

much earlier than this “average” lifespan for various reasons while some cows can remain productive for many years past this range. We’ve all heard the occasional boast of someone possessing a cow that was “old enough to vote”.

Greater longevity certainly has economic benefits for the commercial producer. Given the ever-increasing costs associated with developing a heifer or purchasing replacement females,

Midwest Beef Producer

By John F. Grimes Ohio State University Extension Beef Coordinator

these females need to remain in the herd several years to help spread out the initial expense of adding young females to the herd. Cows with greater longevity reduce the need for replacement heifers.

Herds with a greater number of mature cows usually have a higher percentage of calf crop weaned and wean heavier calves. Mature cows simply do not face the challenges that a first-calf heifer faces such as the first calving and lactation, getting rebred and continuing to grow towards mature size.

How can we improve the longevity of a beef cow? Research data has shown that longevity is a relatively low heritability trait that is difficult to make progress with through simple selection. A commercial producer can make significant improvement on longevity as with other lowly heritable traits by using crossbreeding. Research data has shown that crossbred females typically live longer and are more productive than purebred females.

A producer can make improvements in cow longevity by concentrating indicators of structural soundness. Emphasizing skeletal soundness, good feet, udder quality, and monitoring tooth wear can help to keep a female in the herd for October 2019

breed’s documentation of change over a many years. Matching a cow’s biological type and genetic potential to available period of years and you can observe an increase in numeric values in growth and feed resources and the environment is carcass EPDs. This is a direct result of also important to insure a long, producusing proven sires on younger females tive life. For example, a larger framed, with higher EPD profiles than their mahigher milking female probably will not ternal predecessors. rebreed and perform as well in an arid

Is this increase in EPD values a climate as will a more moderate framed, positive? I believe the answer is a average milking female. “qualified” yes. More growth rate and

Seedstock producers are starting improved carcass traits is a positive as to see more selection tools becomlong as it does not negatively impact the ing available to them from national fertility and productivity of the cow herd. breed associations that should improve Finding the proper balance between progress in longevity through selection. these potentially antagonistic traits is the Expected Progeny challenge for today’s Differences (EPDs) The value of cow longevity is are available for such important to all segments of the seedstock producer.

Given the fact that the measures as Calving cow-calf industry but is probanation’s cow herd is Ease Direct (CED), bly valued a bit higher by the currently at historically Heifer Pregnancy average commercial producer low levels, we need to (HP), Calving Ease than many involved in seedefficiently produce an Maternal (CEM), and stock production. increasing number of Stayability (STAY). pounds of high quality By utilizing EPDs such as these, the seedstock producer can product from each head in order to meet the needs of the U.S. and world market. provide the proper genetics that can stay The value of cow longevity is im in the commercial producer’s herd for portant to all segments of the cow-calf inmany years. dustry but is probably valued a bit higher

However, it is evident that many by the average commercial producer than seedstock producers do not value cow many involved in seedstock production. longevity as highly as the commercial I suppose the variation in emphasis lies producer. In today’s highly competitive in the producer’s perspective of the beef seedstock market, breeders are often industry. My perspective of longevity has compelled to make continual improvechanged with the passing years. I certainment on highly marketable traits such ly value longevity much more today than as weaning weight, yearling weight, and I did when I was a teenager! carcass traits. Look at just about any

October 2019

Midwest Beef Producer

Treatment Timing for Cattle Grubs

By Rory Lewandowski Ohio State Extension Agent Proper timing of treatment is important when using systemic grubicide pour-ons, spot-ons, or sprays on beef and non-lactating dairy cattle. Summer-time treatments for cattle grubs usually provide two to three weeks of horn fly control. For most effective results, cattle should be treated as soon as possible after heel fly activity ceases, but at least six weeks before grubs appear in the back, i.e. from July to the first killing frost (October). Do not treat after November 1 for cattle grubs.

Do not treat on extremely hot days.

Host-parasite reactions such as bloat, salivation, staggering and paralysis may sometimes occur when cattle are treated, especially in November and December when the common cattle grub, Hypoderma lineatum, is in the gullet, or when the northern cattle grub, H. bovis, is in the area of the spinal cord. Cattle should be treated either before or after these stages of grub development to prevent toxic reaction complications.

9

The Cull Cow Market is Looking Up

By David P. Anderson, Professor and Extension Economist, Texas A&M Cull cow prices continued their slow increase into September. Prices in the Southern Plains reached their high of the year, so far, at $54.36 at the end of August.

That was 12.5 percent higher than a year ago. There is some good reason to think that prices may continue to be above a year ago.

Cow slaughter hit some multi-decade highs in the first few months of the year, largely driven by dairy cow slaughter. After the surge early in the year, dairy cow slaughter has fallen back to year ago levels. Over the last month, dairy cow slaughter has been almost 1 percent below a year ago. For the last two months, only 900 head more have gone to market compared to last year. Normally, dairy cow marketings tend to move higher seasonally after July and that is happening this year as well.

Beef cow culling has lagged behind a year ago over the last two months. Beef cow slaughter over this time period is almost 1 percent below last year. Beef cow culling typically hits it’s seasonal peak for the year in the Fall. It’s likely some earlier culling this year may have pulled some cows ahead into slaughter. Growing dry condition in the Southern Plains have likely not added to culling numbers, yet.

Total cow slaughter is almost half a percent below a year ago over the last 2 months. As the cow slaughter has declined cow prices have creeped above a year ago.

Cow prices broke sharply lower in Southern Plains in July, 2018. Prices fell even lower as culling ramped up in October. The heavy culling during the first half of 2019 may act to reduce potential numbers going to market in the Fall, especially in the dairy side of the industry.

Another factor in higher cow prices and higher cowbeef cutout values is cow weights. Not only has slaughter fallen below a year ago, but weights of those culled cows have been below a year ago. Cow dressed weights have averaged 7.6 pounds less in 2019 than in 2018, and 5.5 pounds less over the last month. So, not only have fewer gone to market, but they have weighed less, as well. The overall effect has been less cow beef production in recent weeks, supporting the 90 percent lean fresh beef price, the wholesale cutout value, and the cull cow price.

10

Midwest Beef Producer

October 2019

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Angus Win Honors at Indiana State Fair

C A Convo Cheyenne 724 won grand champion cow-calf pair at the 2019 Indiana State Fair Angus Show, Aug. 7 in Indianapolis, Ind. Haley Lowder, Noblesville, Ind., owns the January 2017 daughter of SAC Conversation. A February 2019 heifer calf sired by ZWT Summitt 6507 completes the winning pair.

SK Patton Proven Queen 705 won reserve grand champion cow-calf pair at the 2019 Indiana State Fair Angus Show, Aug. 7 in Indianapolis, Ind. Karson Patton, Frankfort, Ind., owns the April 2017 daughter of S A V Sensation 5615. A March 2019 son sired by LMF Profile 717 is at side.

WCC Chips F6 won supreme champion and grand champion bull at the 2019 Indiana State Fair Angus Show, Aug. 7 in Indianapolis, Ind. Anne Patton Schubert, Taylorsville, Ky.; Wilson Cattle Company, Cloverdale, Ind.; and Wooden Shoe Farms, Blackfoot, Idaho, own the March 2018 son of EXAR Blue Chip 1877B. He first claimed junior champion. Dean Jansen, Edwards, Ill., evaluated the 50 entries.

WCC Scrappy E57 won reserve grand champion bull at the 2019 Indiana State Fair Angus Show, Aug. 7 in Indianapolis, Ind. Wilson Cattle Company, Cloverdale, Ind., and HVF Cattle Farm LLC, Magnet, Ind., own the May 2017 son of PVF Insight 0129.

Patton Farrah 802 won reserve grand champion female at the SSF Lady O138 won supreme champion and grand champi2019 Indiana State Fair Angus Show, Aug. 7 in Indianapolis, on female at the 2019 Indiana State Fair Angus Show, Aug. Ind. Karson Patton, Frankfort, Ind., owns the January 2018 7 in Indianapolis, Ind. Katie Brock, Stilesville, Ind., owns the daughter of S A V Bismarck 5682. She first won junior champiOctober 2018 daughter of Colburn Primo 5153. She first won on. senior calf champion. Dean Jansen, Edwards, Ill., evaluated 12 October 2019 Midwest Beef Producer the 50 entries.

Hauling Cattle

Handle/transport all cattle in such a fashion to minimize stress, injury, and bruising. Use vehicles to transport cattle that provide for the safety of personnel and cattle during loading, transporting, and unloading. Follow these guidelines when transporting your own livestock: • Perform a structural check of trailer/ truck and tires prior to loading livestock.

• Inspect trailer/truck for cleanliness (biosecurity) as well as broken gates that may injure/bruise cattle.

• Check weather and route to ensure a safe and uneventful trip.

• Verify withdrawal on any animals being sold.

• Verify that all animals are fit to ship.

• Back up squarely and evenly to the loading chute.

• Load using Low Stress Handling Practices.

• Pull away from the chute slowly and drive to allow cattle a chance to gain their balance in transit.

• Minimize time in transit by limiting stops and using prior preparation to ensure an organized event.

Regional circulation

Bayer Sells Its Animal Health Business To Elanco

German-based Bayer AG, squeezed by liabilities for Roundup, the weed-killer it inherited with its acquisition of Monsanto last year, is selling its veter-

inary drugs business to Elanco Animal Health in a deal valued at $7.6 billion.

Bayer is the world’s largest maker of flea and tick control products for cats and dogs.

Market researchers expect the $44 billion animal health sector to grow 5%-6% per year, driven by an increase in livestock farming and, more importantly, by more people wanting to own pets and spending more money on their wellbeing.

The move combines our long-standing focus on the veterinarian while meeting pet owners’ changing expectation of pet care and access to products,” Elanco CEO Jeffrey Simmons states in the release announcing the deal.

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October 2019

Midwest Beef Producer

13

Preparation for the Feedlot

By Steve Boyles Extension Specialist Ohio State University

B

were finished in fewer days, but had lighter final body weight and carcass weight.

Feeding a grower diet for 76 days prior to the finishing phase allowed additional time for skeletal growth as evidenced by the 71 lb. increase in final BW and 45 lb. greater carcass weight when cattle were harvested at similar back

ack-

grounding is a term used to describe a phase of growing calves being prepared for feedlot placement. As compared to wintering programs, backgrounding emphasizes a faster rate of gain, with relatively more grain and less roughage.

An example of a typical backgrounding operation would be to feed 400 to 500 pound steer calves to a weight of 600 to 700 pounds. If the feeding period was to be about 120 days, a ration and management program that produces an average daily gain of 1.5-2.5 would provide the desired sales weight.

Advantages of Backgrounded Feeder Calves • Provide a market for homegrown grain and roughage that might otherwise have little market value.

• Calves are efficient converters of good quality feeds.

• Avoid the stress and resulting health problems associated with shipping of young calves through the marketing system. Because of the potential death loss and health problems associated with handling and shipping of young calves, the cow herd owner has an advantage over those who purchase their calves through the marketing system.

• Avoids the seasonal fall market glut and targets sales during seasonally strong feeder prices.

• Provides more flexibility to spread marketings and choose among po-

14

ten- tially profitable alternatives.

Provides additional flexibility for marketing heifers either as feeders or as herd replacements.

A study at the University of Nebraska in 2018 exhibits the advantages of first placing calves on a grower diet as opposed to placing them directly on a finishing diet.

It was observed for calves that went directly to finishing diets (FINISH) to consume more feed daily compared to calves placed on grower diets (GROW); however, GROW calves were on feed for 60 more days. Calves in the FINISH treatment also had greater average daily gain and improved feed efficiency.

When evaluating growing and finishing performance independently, GROW calves had daily gains of 2.76 and 3.29 pounds per day during the growing and finishing phase, respectively. Although overall ADG was less, GROW calves still finished with 71 lb. greater final body weight. Twelfth rib fat thickness, calculated yield grade, and Loin Eye Area area did not differ between treatments.

Calves fed the grower diet prior to the finishing phase had 45 pounds more carcass weight and greater marbling compared to calves in the FINISH treatment. Calves that were adapted to the finishing diet following weaning •

Midwest Beef Producer

fat.

Feeding Alternatives

There is not a golden rule but in general, purchased calves should be fed long enough to gain at least 150 pounds on a backgrounding program. Initial costs of gain tend to be relatively high as calves recover from the stress of movement and handling, a new environment and, most likely, a new ration.

Most feeder cattle will not be placed on a full-feed ration until they reach the 700-800 pound range. And, many feedlots specialize in finishing cattle from the full-feed stage only.

Feed Requirements

Faster gains are more efficient and usually more economical because a smaller proportion of total feed consumed is used for maintenance. With faster gains, the same total gain can be put on a calf in less time, reducing interest, labor and yardage costs due to the shorter feeding time.

When calves are being fed to slaughter weights under single ownership, the most rapid gains are usually the most profitable. Where animals are being grown to sell to other parties for final finishing, however, maximum gains may not be most profitable. Maximum gains will frequently result in a greater degree of fattening than is desired by the feeder, who will tend to discount the price on excessively fleshy calves. There is also a trend for lowered prices with increased calf weights. Heifer calves ordinarily gain approximately 10 percent slower October 2019

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Midwest Beef Producer

October 2019

October 2019

Midwest Beef Producer

17

Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium Unites and Informs Producers “You folks belong to a breed that has tremenT dous respect from a maternal standpoint,” said his year’s National Red Angus Convention, hosted in Dubuque, Iowa, featured the Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium which allowed members to hear from industry professionals about opportunities to increase profit in their herds.

The symposium theme, “Navigating the River to Profitability,” effectively summarizes the insight that speakers offered. Troy Marshall

Odde. “That’s a really strong position to be in.

You can attribute that to a lot of different things, but one in particular is a really strong set of breeders for such a long period of time.”

Dr. Tony Bryant, head nutritionist for Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, started the afternoon’s discussion of ideal feeder cattle, focusing on factors that influence a successful feedyard such as health, consistency and uniformity. He further discussed the increasing role that consumers play in influencing production practices, and how that will impact future market trends.

“Consumers want to know where the cattle come from, how they’re treated and if they had a good home,” said Bryant. “Natural, organic, antibiotic-free, vegetarian – these are huge percentage increases that show the trend. Yet, in the grand scheme, traditional beef is still a big percentage.”

Bob Scherer, director of procurement for Tyson Foods, continued the discussion with “Designing the Best Finished Cattle.” While

Troy Marshall, Marshall Cattle Co., addressed the crowd during the opening session of the Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium at the National Red Angus Convention in Dubuque, Iowa. Marshall’s keynote lecture was titled “Which Came First - The Cow or the Calf?” of Marshall Cattle Co., led this year’s symposium asking the audience five questions relating to the Red Angus industry: where are we? what lays ahead? where do we want to go? do we have the right crew? and are we on the right course?

Covering recent trends, he reflected on where the industry has been and discussed where it is going, emphasizing the economic factors that are driving current and future needs.

“The exciting thing to me is that we have the tools to address every one of these needs,” said Marshall. “The value of genetics is going to become even more important in the future and we’re going to have genetics that will not only change the production side of things, but also the efficiency, marketing and even address consumer preferences.”

Dr. Ken Odde, Kansas State University, continued the morning’s discussion. He highlighted Superior Livestock Auction and Merck Animal Health’s data while crediting the reputation that Red Angus Assn of America members have established for their cattle.

18

Bob Scherer, director of procurement for Tyson Foods, shared insight on designing the best feeder cattle at the Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium at the National Red Angus Convention in Dubuque, Iowa.

Midwest Beef Producer

October 2019

Dr. Ken Odde, professor of animal sciences & industry at Kansas State University, explained findings from data collected with Superior Livestock, Merck Animal Health and Kansas State University. referencing the history and current state of Tyson, Scherer maintained that the driving factor of the fed cattle industry is quality.

“We’re looking for pounds, we’re looking for efficiently yielding animals, but more importantly, we’re looking for quality,” Scherer said.

The symposium concluded with a live ultrasound demonstration from The CUP Lab LLC. Members gathered to watch as Mark Henry, CUP Lab president, performed ultrasound demonstrations on cattle provided by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, while stressing the value of ultrasound use and not forgetting the importance of scanning heifers.

“If you’re not scanning heifers in your operation, you really should be,” said Henry. “It can provide valuable data that will greatly influence future breeding decisions.”

The annual Red Angus Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium is an excellent opportunity for members to hear from industry professionals on current trends that are directly impacting producers.

The Red Angus Association of America serves the beef industry by enhancing and promoting the measurable advantages of Red Angus and Red Angus-influenced cattle. The RAAA provides commercial producers with objectively described cattle by implementing new technologies and utilizing scientifically sound principles that quantify traits of economic importance to beef producers in all segments of the beef industry. by: Hannah Frobose, Red Angus Association of America media intern October 2019

“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

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Illinois State Fair Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show

Grand Champion Cow-calf Pair

Res Grand Champion Cow-calf Pair

Dameron Barbara 765 won grand champion cow-calf pair at the 2019 Illinois State Fair Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show, Aug. 12 in Springfield, Ill. Ella Brooks, Prophetstown, Ill, owns the March 2017 daughter of Silveiras Style 9303. A February 2019 heifer calf sired

by Dameron Northern Frontier completes the winning pair. Steve Patton, Frankfort, Ind., evaluated the 105 entries.

Younge Greiman Lady 439 won reserve grand champion cow-calf pair at the 2019 Illinois State Fair Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show, Aug. 12 in Springfield, Ill. Holly Marsh, Union, Ill, owns the April 2014 daughter of SCC First-N-Goal GAF 114. A January 2019 bull calf sired by TGM Compton 1738 is

Grand Champion Bull

Reserve Grand Champion Bull

HAG McK Model 1748 won grand champion bull at the 2019 Illinois State Fair Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show, Aug. 12 in Springfield, Ill. The Haggards, Modoc, Ind., own the March 2017 son of C&C McKinley 3000 EXAR. He first claimed senior champion. Steve Patton, Frankfort, Ind., evaluated the 105 entries.

Rocklin Examination 804 won reserve grand champion bull at the 2019 Illinois State Fair Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show, Aug. 12 in Springfield, Ill. Brady Schnelten, Rockbridge, Ill, owns the January 2018 son of Hurlbut OSU Final Exam 5130. He first won junior champion. Steve Patton, Frankfort, Ind., evaluated the 105 entries.

20

Midwest Beef Producer

October 2019

Limousin Today purchased

by Limousin365

Grand Champion Female Dameron Northern Miss 8153 won grand champion female at the 2019 Illinois State Fair Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show, Aug. 12 in Springfield, Ill. Paige Lemenager, Hudson, Ill, owns the May 2018 daughter of EXAR Blue Chip 1877B. She first won intermediate champion. Steve Patton, Frankfort, Ind., evaluated the 105 entries.

The Board of Directors of the North American Limousin Foundation and the Limousin365 ownership group have reached an agreement regarding the purchase of the official breed publication, Limousin Today. The purchase was finalized at the Foundations’ August board meeting.

Gary Fuchs, NALF Board of Directors President, said “the sale is viewed by the current NALF board as a team effort between the Foundation and Limousin365 to provide services to the membership regarding the promotion of Limousin and Lim-Flex® cattle to effectively grow the breed.”

NALF Executive Director Mark Anderson added, “the sale of the magazine allows the Foundation to concentrate on maintaining the quality and accuracy of the herdbook. Membership utilization of the animal recording and DNA services provided by the Foundation will enable them to capitalize on the genomic information and the new single-step cattle evaluation for more accurate EPDs.” Under the terms of the agreement, Limousin Today will be rebranded Limousin365. The planned initial publication date is January 1, 2020.

“The Limousin365 ownership group is excited to take over the management of the breed’s official publication and look forward to working closely with the Foundation and its breeders to promote the Limousin breed through this valuable breed marketing tool,” said Kiley McKinna, ownership partner of Limousin365.

“Our team will strive to uphold the high standards set forth for the publication which has proudly been the flagship promotional piece for the breed for nearly half a century.

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Reserve Grand Champion Female PVF Blackbird 8001 won reserve grand champion female at the 2019 Illinois State Fair Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show, Aug. 12 in Springfield, Ill. Ashton Dillow, Villa Ridge, Ill, owns the January 2018 daughter of PVF Insight 0129. Steve Patton, Frankfort, Ind., evaluated the 105 entries.

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21

Nutritional strategies for starting calves

By Twig Marston, Ph.D., PAS, Hubbard beef nutritionist

In the cattle business, there are few things as rewarding as getting weaned calves and newly arrived feeder cattle off to a good start. The first 30–45 days after weaning and/or commingling can set the tone for calves’ lifelong health, performance and profitability. Whether calves are destined to be herd replacements or feeder cattle, they should all be provided with feed that helps them build strong immune systems and grow at a pace that will enhance their production for their entire lives.

When transitioning calves off of their mother’s milk, forage and/or creep feed-supplemented diets, producers should continue providing diets that build their calves’ gut health. Approximately 70% of the immune system is involved with the digestive tract, making gut health critical to sustaining a long and productive life.

A key indicator of a healthy, low-stress, well-performing calf is its appetite. Making sure every calf is eating an adequate amount of feed ensures the group is off to a great start. Newly arrived calves should have plenty of feed-bunk space (18 to 24 inches/calf).

Total mixed rations are easy to manage and are fairly predictable.

Many cattle feeders like to stay slightly behind the appetite of calves when they start those calves on feed, as doing so forces them to come readily to the bunks when fed. One simple approach is to provide 2% of their body weight of long-stemmed hay on the first day of arrival; then, on the second day, add concentrate at 1% of their body weight to the long-stemmed hay. When their appetite matches the concentrate-long-stemmed hay delivery, most cattle feeders will then convert the calves to a 100% starter diet. Each group will be different, but normal, healthy calves should be consuming 2.5 to 3.0% body weight (100% dry-matter basis) within a couple of weeks.

The following tips can help transition calves to the starter TMR quickly and safely and minimize digestive upsets, such as bloat, and other negative side effects. These tips will also help you take advantage of a period when favorable feed efficiency can lead to increased profitability.

• Water: The importance of water quality and availability cannot be 22

overemphasized. Encourage cattle to drink as much and as often as they would like. Water intake is positively correlated to feed intake, so water should be just as high-priority as feed, feed bunks and feed delivery management. Water should be clean (i.e., free of solids, unappetizing flavors, algae and odors) so that even the most particular calves will be encouraged to drink; don’t give them a single reason to go thirsty. If calves aren’t attracted to a watering site, some consultants will suggest allowing water to flow on the ground in an effort to attract and lead cattle to the water source.

• Ingredient selection and presentation: For calves experiencing pen feeding for the first time, palatability and feed presentation are two major factors to consider. Prior to weaning, calves really have it easy, with access to a continuous supply of mother’s milk, grass and creep feed.

Upon weaning, not only do calves have to deal with the social shock of leaving their mother, they are also expected to grow accustomed to both a new diet and the way it is catered. And it’s not just the calf that is experiencing these changes — the rumen bacteria must also shift to accommodate the new nutrient sources being consumed by the calf.

Try to start out with feeds that calves are accustomed to, such as grass hays of a similar composition to the pastures on which they were raised.

Creep-fed calves have the advantage of exposure to a transition feedstuff, and many producers will successfully incorporate creep feeds into the first week or two of the post-weaning transition periods.

In most cases, calves prefer dry starter feeds. There are many options for formulating a starter feed; corn, soybean and wheat grain co-products are excellent ingredients to utilize, along with grains, protein sources and roughages.

Palatability is key. Ingredients must be fresh and high-quality — that is, free of molds and unappetizing flavors and smells. Commercial calf starters are an easy-to-use, fully fortified, hassle-free calf starter feeding program. The results of several trials at Purdue University (Hendrix et al., 2002) show that using commercial calf starter programs — like Hubbard Feeds’ StressGuard Starter System (https://www.hubbardfeeds.com/ product/stressguard-starter-system) — can be economical and also provide Midwest Beef Producer

excellent calf performance, compared to a variety of other on-farm diet combinations.

Speaking from experience, here are a few important tips: • When managed properly, complete commercial starter feeds (like StressGuard Starter System products) are highly successful and economical.

• Grain co-products contribute both protein and energy, with a very small starch component.

• Many different combinations of ingredients can create satisfactory starter diets; however, feed analysis is necessary to formulate a diet that will fulfill the animal’s nutrient requirements.

• Soyhulls provide fiber but not roughage — and roughage is critical for providing a scratch factor that stimulates rumen motility.

• Offering low-moisture blocks — such as Crystalyx, Blueprint, Battalion or Brigade) — can bolster feed and water intake and will stimulate saliva flow for newly started calves.

• Nutrient requirements and feed additives: The nutrient density of the ration must adequately supply calves with the proper amounts of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. Energy levels should be formulated to promote enough growth while also including roughage to complement the transition between diets.

The Iowa State University extension reports that normally weaned, well-managed calves fed a ration of 50–60% concentrate and 47–50 megacalories/hundredweight NEg is nearly ideal; however, some producers would rather start calves at 44–48 megacalories NEg. Protein will usually be fed at levels of 13–14.5% — or even more, if the dry matter intake is below normal. Including urea is discouraged until the calves are well-up on feed and weigh more than 450 pounds. The proper amount and balance of minerals and vitamins should be formulated into starter diets. Organic trace minerals, especially those from yeast sources, offer superior bioavailability and are able to support performance better than other forms.

There are numerous feed additives available, each with its own unique properties; as such, it is important to understand why and when these additives should be included in the diet to achieve maximum performance and profit.

October 2019

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Stirring the Pot at Weaning

T

Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, Associate Extension Professor, University of Kentucky

he many challenges facing the beef industry today sometimes can seem a bit overwhelming. Issues such as lab grown meat, trade negotiations, genomics, antibiotic utilization, sustainability, and so many other issues are thrown into the stone soup of beef production. At some point you have to wonder when will the soup be spoiled by so many spices. The best thing you can do is be familiar with the components you are adding. This means we need to be as informed as we possibly can about our industry’s driving forces.

What main ingredient is stirred into the industry “soup pot” every fall?

This time of year folks are weaning and

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marketing their spring-born calf crop.

Weaning is a transition phase for calves and, to keep our “soup” from spoiling, we need to be knowledgeable of management practices that can reduce the stress that calves experience due to the many changes during this period.

Stressors a calf may experience at this time include dam and herd separation, diet change from milk and grass to hay and grain, castration / dehorning, and altering the physical location of calf from pasture to a drylot pen. All these factors can stress the calf (add spice to the soup pot) especially if another “spice” is added.

A major spice that can ruin the weaning soup is weather. The drastic weather changes we experience in the add a major “spice” to the stressed-calf soup pot. Weather impacts our markets as yards with muddy pen conditions

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create conditions that result in bawling calves. You can’t control the weather, but you can control when and how you market the calf crop.

What is the normal “recipe” for weaning soup?

Abruptly remove calves from their dams, load them into a trailer to transport them to market facility, separate them from herd mates, haul them to an unfamiliar location and commingling with strange calves, and transport them several hours to a completely different state with different climate conditions and surroundings.

No wonder this soup often spoils!

We have all seen this recipe before. The question is how long will we be allowed to make this entrée?

Change is hard and replicating the perfect recipe often never happens.

However, the more care we take to follow the recipe the greater the chance the results will be similar to the last time.

Vaccinating calves prior to weaning will boost immunity. Weaning on pasture eliminates the physical location change.

Fenceline weaning may ease dam separation and allow calves to rebound quicker.

Castrating and dehorning at a young age is one more element that does not have to be associated with this time of year. By planning and applying simple management practices and making slight alterations, we have changed our recipe and in many instances simplified our weaning recipe.

Less stress on the calf, means less stress on you. This is not the only reward. In many markets this fall it appears that the value of a weaned calf is being communicated and higher prices are being paid. I will argue that sometimes you shouldn’t have to be rewarded for doing what is right, but that’s an argument we can have over dinner sometime

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Zoetis to Sponsor Workshops at Angus Convention

The American Angus Assn welcomes Zoetis as the sponsor for the 2019 Angus University workshops during the Angus Convention held in Reno, Nevada, November 2-4.

“The hands-on workshops provide an environment for producers to listen to speakers and have their questions answered in a candid format,” said Mark McCully, American Angus Assn CEO. “With a wide variety of content, there is something for producers of all sizes and segments of the cattle business. We are excited to bring Zoetis on board as a sponsor of our comprehensive educational event.”

This year’s Angus University workshops cross a multitude of topics.

Angus 101 covers everything a producer needs to know about interacting with the Business Breed. From how to tell your story with the Angus Media team to learning more about Association herd management tools, the track will keep a producer up-to-date on all things Angus.

A bull-focused track covers proper bull development, and the Angus Genetics, Inc. team will give $Value updates.

Then, a female-focused session will host industry leaders from the King Ranch Institute and Iowa State University as they discuss decisions in a profitable cow-calf operation, as well as the relationship of marbling and cow function.

Sessions geared toward the commercial sector will help producers learn more about value-added feeder calf programs and also includes a CattleFax market report. Finally, the live cattle handling arena will host industry experts as they demonstrate effective stockmanship and evaluating structural correctness and foot scoring.

“Zoetis has been a great partner of the Business Breed for many years,” McCully said. “We are excited for them to join us as we present educational support for producers in every segment of the cattle industry. We hope producers come eager to learn because there is no shortage of education at the Angus Convention.”

NALF To Increase Registration Fee

Since Spring 2019, the Executive and Finance committees of the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) board have reviewed the current business model of the NALF. Registra26

tions, transfers and DNA testing are the primary income items. Registrations have declined this fiscal year by nearly 2,600 head compared to the previous fiscal year. This registration decline has also contributed to a reduction in DNA testing.

The Executive and Finance Committees also have analyzed services required for membership in order to provide accurate and timely recording and transferring of cattle, EPD production, DNA test results and the management of events or activities that the membership has come to count on.

The results of these analyses were presented to the NALF Board of Directors at its August meeting. The board analyzed expense, revenue, fees, dues, services and structure for NALF, previously analyzed by the NALF executive committee last April 2019. This review was not only comprehensive internally but compared operation and fee structure to other breed associations. The decline experienced in animal recording and DNA testing has had a significant negative impact on the income side of NALF financials in the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

Expenses for the 2018-2019 fiscal year are well within budget.

With recent cuts in staffing, relocation to a smaller, less expensive office location and consolidation of the staff job duties, the NALF board and staff has controlled expenses and maintained services.

The NALF board voted to increase its current fee structure effective October 1, 2019. These higher rates will enable the organization to maintain services and still balance the budget as mandated by the NALF strategic plan. The change in rates is very comparable to the rates charged by the American Simmental Assn for both whole herd reporting (LIMS) and non-whole herd reporting.

Given the new rate structure, members that are not already on the LIMS whole-herd reporting program should look to do so versus recording cattle under the Non-LIMS registrations fees.

Small herds also can benefit from wholeherd reporting with higher EPD accuracy values and the inclusion of all performance data, while receiving the benefit of the lower per head rate.

Nat. Classic Promotes Breed, Primes Future Generation

Real-world genetics and youth development meet at Simmental’s preMidwest Beef Producer

mier junior show. Bozeman, MT - The Simmental breed is founded on data, but it balances a science-backed approach with youth development. Both existed in tandem during the American Junior Simmental Association’s National Classic, hosted in Louisville, Kentucky.

“Here at the National Classic, we pride ourselves in our educational contests that we have throughout the week.

We have a genetic evaluation quiz, a cattlemen’s quiz, a public speaking contest, a sales talk and e a judging contest,” says Darla Aegerter, American Simmental Association Junior Activities Director and Foundation Manager. All the educational contests are in addition to exhibiting some of the breed’s top genetics. The idea is to equip each attendee with the knowledge and skills necessary to face life in and out of the ring.

Hunter Aggen, Minnesota, junior, is a testament to that goal. “I’ve learned about many different things about cattle.

I’ve made lots of friends and lots of connections that have helped me in places that go way beyond the cattle industry and the Simmental breed,” Aggen says.

“They go way beyond that.” Required to participate in four of the five activities, Aggen is one of 283 youths who participated in the 2019 program.

“Whether it’s at your hometown, in the grocery store or at a livestock show, wherever it may be across the country, you gain skills like being able to hold conversation and stand up for your own thoughts - all the stuff that comes from being around a bunch of other juniors that are pushing you to constantly be better and do better,” he says.

Beyond the friendships, Aggen says the diversity of genetics at the show represent the balance his family seeks in their herd back home. “Balance is several different things. You want balanced phenotype, cattle that are going to type up in a showring that are going to be the right type and kind, but at the same time you want to have a balance of EPDs and genomic backing behind those cattle to where they can stand out,” he adds.

The goal is balanced cattle that succeed in the ring and America’s pastures.

And, of course, kids with a passion for Simmental who will someday blaze their own trail. Consider, for example, Katherine Nemcovic, a young Florida junior member. “I like cows because they’re nice when you work with them and they’re sweet - especially my heifer, Senorita. She’s the sweetest as can be,” she says.

October 2019

The PICK OF THE HEIFER CALVES from GREEN MOUNTAIN ANGUS RANCH, Ryegate, MT

This outstanding female was a product of the GMAR program.

You will have the opportunity to pick from all 2019 natural born and ET heifer calves. Featured sires of the offering include: BUBS Southern Charm, Connealy Spur, Payweight 1682, SAV Raindance, and Spring Cove Reno.

Many top heifers will be out of daughters of Basin Payweight 1682, S Chisum, SAV Resource, RB Active Duty and GMAR Super Duty. Featuring ET calves out of GMAR donor dams that are full sisters to Onward and Tombstone.

The PICK OF THE BRED HEIFERs from VAN DYKE ANGUS RANCH, Manhatten, MT You will have the opportunity to pick from the entire group of VDAR bred heifers Her daughter, VDAR Lass 8164 (Reg: 19086424) will be offered in the pick. This feature bred heifer will be due, February 17 to VDAR Great Plains 4008 (Reg: 19086426)

This powerful bred heifer sired by RB Black Ranger sells.

She is bred to calve 2-14-20 to 2XL Bronc 8153.

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Featured genetics from: BUBS Southern Charm, Poss Achievement, DL Dually, Stunner, Raindance, Jet Black, Capitalist 316, RB Black Ranger, Stevenson Big League, FF Easy Money, Justified, PVF Insight, Circle L Gus, PVF Surveillance, Final Answer, Sitz Logo, Cowboy Up, Basin Paycheck, Hilltop Edge, Stevenson Turbo Power, EXAR Classen, Basin Rainmaker 4404, SAV Hindquarter 5006, Stevenson Turbo, Spur, Reno, North Camp Silver Star, SydGen Enhance, C&C Priority, OCC Eureka 865E, Stevenson Declaration, Mytty Source, S&R Roundtable, Panther Creek Incredible, and more

This proven Donor Dam will be an outstanding addition to any registered Angus herd.

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President – Cory Poser 1st Vice President – Jake Callantine 2nd Vice President – Jeff Flesch Executive Administrator – Jesse Thompson

ASSOCIATION

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Weaner Cattle Need Their Own Trainer

Kirsten Nickles MSc and Anthony Parker PhD The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences

T

he addition of a social facilitator cow seems to reduce the negative walking behaviors associated with weaning.

The most common weaning method in the US beef industry is the abrupt removal of calves from cows at 5-8 months of age (Enríquez et al., 2011). Natural weaning in beef cattle however, occurs later in life for a calf at 7-14 months of age (Reinhardt and Reinhardt, 1981).

This immediate cessation of milk supply

and complete maternal separation causes calves to exhibit stereotypical behaviors such as walking and vocalizing at weaning. Calves will engage in these stereotypical behaviors for three to four days and the excessive activity and lack of feed intake result in body weight loss and fatigue (Weary et al., 2008).

The anxiety and frustration experienced at weaning by the calf are critical factors that negatively affect the growth rate of the calf and can contribute to the onset of disease such as bovine respiratory disease. This is why we should aim to manage calves in a way that reduces these negative stereotypical weaning behaviors.

The use of a “trainer cow” or “social facilitator” has been proposed as a

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method to reduce negative stereotypical weaning behaviors such as walking, and increase calf eating behavior during weaning. Cattle are gregarious animals, thus a further source of stress for calves at weaning is the removal from the hierarchical structure provided by the herd they were raised in.

In this cow-calf hierarchy, brood cows are the dominant figures in which calves follow and model their behaviors.

Therefore, it has been proposed that using mature animals as “trainer animals” or “social facilitators” will have positive effects on body weight gain, health, and behavior of feedlot calves (Loerch and Fluharty, 2000). The reported results on the efficacy of trainer cows is equivocal.

Loerch and Fluharty (2000) completed several trials evaluating the effect of both trainer cows and steers on calf performance, health, and behavior. It was reported that the use of feedlot adapted trainer steers was not beneficial.

Alternatively, the authors did discover that in some of the studies, trainer cows had positive short-term effects on average daily gain, morbidity, and eating behaviors of calves. While these effects were short-term, the authors speculated that the effects were sufficient in moderating stress and making the transition into the feedlot less difficult for calves.

Schwartzkopf-Genswein et al.

(1997), however, reported that while trainer cows did alter calf eating behavior in the feedlot, they did not observe an effect on body weight gain or the health status of calves. Additionally, Gibb et al. (2000) found negative consequences of using trainer cows as they observed calves penned with mature cows lying less frequently and appearing to avoid the cow at the feed bunk.

More recently, research has been conducted by Ohio State to evaluate the effect of a social facilitator cow on walking behaviors in calves abruptly weaned on pasture. We found that the addition of a social facilitator decreased the total distances walked on the day of weaning by calves placed with a social facilitator compared to control calves abruptly weaned on pasture without a social facilitator (7.19 km compared with 9.02 km, respectively).

The calves weaned with a social facilitator also devoted less time to walking on the day of weaning compared with control calves (2.46 hours compared with 3.14 hours, respectively). While negative stereotypical walking behaviors were decreased in calves placed with a social facilitator, there were no observOctober 2019

able differences in calf body weight.

Therefore, the addition of a social facilitator seems to reduce the negative walking behaviors associated with weaning, however, results when a social facilitator or trainer cow was used in a feedlot are equivocal. The difference between studies may be due to environmental factors and/or experimental design.

As an alternative weaning method, the use of a trainer cow is a non-invasive, non-labor intensive management strategy that is a viable option for producers to implement. This method can easily be done in both pasture and feedlot settings, depending on what a producer has available. This is also an ideal weaning method if a cull cow is used as the “trainer cow”, as it is an easy way to supplement the cull cow and add body condition before marketing the trainer cow.

There are, however, considerations that should be made prior to using a trainer cow as an alternative weaning method. Allow the trainer cow and a friend access to the weaning paddock for three days before the calves are weaned and placed with her. All cattle display exploratory behaviors when placed in a new area but these behaviors will decrease after 48 hours.

If a cull cow or non-pregnant cow is used as the “trainer cow”, producers must control the cow’s estrus cycle to prevent her from displaying estrus at weaning as this can increase walking behaviors in calves, especially bull and steer calves.

If weaning calves in a feedlot, or if supplementing calves and the trainer cow on pasture, producers must provide enough bunk space such that calves are not intimidated by the trainer cow at the bunk. If insufficient bunk space is provided, the mature trainer cow may intimidate calves from coming up to the bunk, and could negatively impact eating

Colorado Farm Recognized as a Historic Angus Herd Lazy JB Angus was established in 1969 in Louisville, Colorado, after Richard Biella received his first Angus heifer, “Black Diamond,” as a Christmas gift from his parents Frank and Elizabeth.

She became the foundation of the commercial operation that would eventually become a registered Angus operation.

In the beginning, many of their Angus

females were purchased from Ken Caryl, Littleton, Colorado and Forest Toyne and Cy Winkler, Sedwick, Colorado. In 1998 the operation relocated to its current location in Montrose, Colorado, where it continues to grow in number and quality.

Today, their main focus is on the production and sale of superior seedstock cattle.

Over the years, Lazy JB Angus has shown many champion animals. The heifer Lazy JB Queen Latifah 925 and bull Lazy JB Top Shelf 9000 made history during the 2010 Northern International Livestock Expo where they captured the grand champion bull and heifer awards.

In 2009, Richard received the Colorado Angus Association Breeder of the Year Award, and in 2010, Jeff and Kathi were honored as Herdsman of the Year at the Western National Angus Futurity. Lazy JB Angus was also honored with the 2001 and 2015 Colorado Angus Association Promoter of the Year awards.

The farm currently consists of 225 females and is managed by Richard’s daughter and son-in-law Kathi and Jeff Creamer, along with their children, Brandon and Britney. Richard and his wife Elaine still live on the ranch.

CA TOD LL AY!

October 2019

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Call the Midwest Beef Producer.

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