March2014connection

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Yearling Charolais Bulls Sell

• Bulls are broke with good dispositions • Semen Tested • Mostly Polled • Free Delivery up to 300 km • White and Red Factor • Performance data posted Come early to choose your bull and join us for lunch View the catalogue online at www.bylivestock.com

HTA TEXAS 318A • Senator x Grid Maker BW 101, 205 DW 919, 365 DW 1377 CE 66 BW 2.6 WW 54 YW 105 M 24.2 TM 51

HTA NEVADA 327A • Quigley x Coach BW 102, 205 DW 850, 365 DW 1485 CE 44 BW 3.0 WW 68 YW 118 M 10.9 TM 45

HTA MORGAN 347A RGP Remington x KCH Remington BW 110, 205 DW 1041, 365 DW 1567 CE 12 BW 5.7 WW 63 YW 118 M 19.2 TM 51

HTA MAINE EVENT 319A Nobleman x Everest BW 100, 205 DW 719, 365 DW 1452 CE 91 BW 1.8 WW 48 YW 97 M 21.3 TM 46

Guest Consignors: www.htacharolais.com Find us on Facebook

RAMMER CHAROLAIS Wayne & Melva Ramsey 204-566-2314 Matthew & Sarah Ramsey 204-365-0976

Sale Manager

Visitors welcome anytime! Come for an on-farm inspection of the bull pen!

Charolais Connection • March 2014

JMB CHAROLAIS Bert & Judy McDonald 204-354-2267

306-584-7937 Helge By 306-536-4261 Candace By 306-536-3374 charolaisbanner@gmail.com www.bylivestock.com 3

contents

The Charolais Connection 124 Shannon Road Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 5B1 Ph. (306) 546-3940 • Fax (306) 546-3942 www.charolaisbanner.com charolaisbanner@gmail.com ISSN 0824-1767 Manager/Publisher Helge By Managing Editor Candace By charolaisbanner@gmail.com

MARCH 2014 • VOL. XXXI, NO. 2

Production/Graphic Design Susan Penner charolais.susan@sasktel.net Web Design Dalyse Robertson pdmrobertson@gmail.com FIELDMEN:

From the Field......................................................................................8 du champ ...........................................................................................10 Canadian Charolais Association .......................................................12 De L’Association de Charolais Canadien ..........................................16 Profile – Russett Farms......................................................................23 Herd Health– Semen Evaluating ......................................................32 Canadian Charolais Youth Association News..................................34 Industry Info ......................................................................................38 Pre-Calving Nutrition Crucial ............................................................42 Focusing on Productivity ..................................................................44 Management Practices of Developing Heifers................................52 Neonatal Disease...............................................................................58 Calendar of Events ............................................................................67 Index of Advertisers..........................................................................70

Alberta & British Columbia Craig Scott 5107 Shannon Drive, Olds, AB T4H 1X3 Res. (403) 507-2258 Fax (403) 507-2268 Cell (403) 651-9441 craigscott22@gmail.com Saskatchewan, Manitoba, USA & Eastern Canada Helge By 124 Shannon Rd., Regina, SK S4S 5B1 Office (306) 546-3940 Office Fax (306) 546-3942 Res. (306) 584-7937 Cell (306) 536-4261 charolaisbanner@gmail.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: $6.30 per year $16.80 – 3 years (Prices include 5% GST) The Charolais Connection is mailed to over 13,000 cattlemen nationwide. Those cattlemen include all purebred Charolais breeders, buyers of purebred Charolais bulls from the past six years and all subscribers to the Charolais Banner.

No material contained in the Charolais Connection may be reprinted without the permission of the Charolais Banner. The publishers reserve the right to refuse any advertisements.

The material produced in this publication is done so with the highest integrity, however, we assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. We are responsible for only the value of the advertisement.

Animals in the photographs in the Connection have not been altered by computer enhancement or mechanical methods according to the knowledge of the publisher.

on the cover…

This calf is enjoying some sun at Creek’s Edge Land & Cattle

Photo: Helge By Design: Susan Penner

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Charolais Connection • March 2014

Printed by Print West, Regina, Saskatchewan Publications Mail Agreement No. 40047726 Postage paid at Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada Postmaster: Please return undeliverable publications (covers only) to Charolais Banner, 124 Shannon Road, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 5B1, Canada.

Published by the Charolais Banner, Regina, SK (3 times per year - February, March and Fall)

Charolais Connection • March 2014

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Charolais Connection • March 2014

MXS 395A SVY Northstar 153Y X Erixon’s Spitfire 127T BW 3.4 WW 57 YW 106 M 26.8 TM 55

MXS 359A MXS Craftsman 910W x Sparrows Eldorado 361L BW -1.4 WW 35 YW 67 M 17.4 TM 35

MXS 397A CJC Big Sky X623 X Sparrows Alcatraz 18N BW 2.6 WW 54 YW 96 M 18.0 TM 45

MXS 338A Keys All State 149X X HTA Whitehot 105A BW 2.0 WW 47 YW 84 M 16.0 TM 40

MXS 343A Sparrows Landmark X Sparrows Alcatraz 18N BW 4.5 WW 51 YW 102 M 25.0 TM 51

Charolais Connection • March 2014

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POINTS TO PONDER

From the Field Helge By

If you need Charolais bulls this spring I would venture to say that there is a great selection of bulls of exceptional quality as you go through this issue of the Connection.

I have spent most of January and February going through bull pens and picturing for many of the upcoming sales. Many days were not that much fun as you are all aware with the winter we have been having.

With what I have seen, along with the great looking bulls that are being advertised that I haven’t seen, the quality is excellent. I believe the Charolais breeders have done a great job producing the good calving bulls that have lots of hair and meat and are very sound to go and work for you the cow/calf producer and then perform and be profitable at all levels of the beef industry.

It is hard to get the smile off a cattlemen’s face right now, especially if they have a pen of calves yet to sell.

The prices are good and where they should be for long term profitability of the industry. With the market as strong as it is as well for cull cows and bulls, make sure you clean up the herd and if you are close to

replacing a bull it may be the spring to sell the old guy and replace him with some fresh new genetics. The thing that has amazed me is the affordable good bred females these past few months. When you can buy a bred female and have the potential to get your purchase price back in one calf it seems like good sense to me.

In Western Canada, the price for bred females has strengthened some with many finding homes in the USA. I was down to the Denver Stock Show in mid January for a few days and visited with many who were bringing breds in from Canada.

Good breds in Nebraska were trading at $2,000 and up and if you got further down in to Texas the prices there seemed to be about $2,500 and up. So with a bit of trucking, there has been money made moving some of these females south to replace many herds that were eliminated during the drought of the past couple of years.

Back here at home the reason the bred prices weren’t stronger is that there were more sellers than buyers.

There were a lot of producers at or over retirement age that after last winter just said, we are done. This will provide opportunities for some as there will be some grass available

to access with these herds gone. With the price of grain tanking I don’t see any more marginal land getting tore up like the last couple of years as it won’t be profitable to do this. This makes me remember a story from years ago when they were just starting to seed corn in Manitoba. A specialist in corn production was talking at a meeting and was asked the question “how many acres of land in Manitoba are suited to growing corn”. His reply was “what is the price of corn”. Some marginal land may be profitable with $15 canola but not at $7.

The new buzz word in the seed stock industry is Genomics. What this is in a nut shell is the identifying of markers on the strands of DNA that contribute to all aspects of an animal’s make up. There can be multitudes of DNA markers that are present in say high lean meat yield animals or high growth animals. The key is to find and identify as many of these as possible, so from a DNA test you can predict what an animal will be like and how it will produce. How will this affect you the cow/calf producer? Well most breed associations are just going to continued on page 20

Thick, Deep, Commercial Cattlemen’s Bulls for Sale in Ontario Great selection of BIO tested YEARLING and TWO YEAR OLD BULLS available at the farm

Miller Land & Livestock George, Dianne, Dwayne & Ashley Miller 406 Conc. 6, RR 1, Jarvis, ON N0A 1J0 SPARROWS PORTLAND 903W

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519-587-2755 Charolais Cattle • Hay • Straw • Feedlot

Charolais Connection • March 2014

FEATURING 43 CHAROLAIS YEARLINGS • 16 CSS Gridmaker 2W sons • 9 VFF Time Out 172Y sons • 6 Sparrows Reno 824U sons • 5 SOS Polled Detonator 8M sons • 3 WESC Hicks Revolver 14R sons

CEDARLEA REBEL YELL 5A 3rd Gen Pld • BW 94 CSS Sir Gridmaker x FFBB Roper Pld CE 93 BW .1 WW 40 YW 74 M 23.9 TM 44

CEDARLEA WHEELHOUSE 26A 3rd Gen Pld • BW 98 SOS Polled Detonator x Sparrows Reno CE 94 BW 0 WW 50 YW 100 M 27.4 TM 53

CEDARLEA THE KEG 38A Dbl Pld • BW 85 VFF Time Out x CSS Show Boat CE 97 BW -1.8 WW 39 YW 79 M 25.3 TM 45

CEDARLEA BOOM TOWN 40A Dbl Pld • BW 96 VFF Time Out x CSS Show Boat CE 91 BW 0 WW 44 YW 87 M 22.6 TM 45

CEDARLEA VOODOO 42A Dbl Pld • BW 90 VFF Time Out x CSS Show Boat CE 97 BW -.9 WW 46 YW 92 M 25.5 TM 49

CEDARLEA ATTORNEY 46A Dbl Pld • BW 108 VFF Time Out x CSS Show Boat CE 79 BW 2 WW 47 YW 91 M 25.9 TM 49

WINDY WILLOWS FARMS featuring: • 60 Black Angus and 10 Red Angus Yearling Bulls • Select Group of Open Heifers Contact: Collin & Michelle Sauder 306-677-2507 Collin’s cell 306-677-7544

• FREE DELIVERY UP TO 300 KM • FREE BOARD UNTIL MAY 1 • ALL BULLS SEMEN TESTED Garner & Lori Deobald 306-677-2589 Cell 306-677-7777 Kylie & Brian Hawkins Cell 306-650-7766 g.deobald@sasktel.net • www.cedarleafarms.com

Sale Manager:

Videos available online at www.cattleinmotion.com

306-584-7937 Helge By 306-536-4261 Candace By 306-536-3374 charolaisbanner@gmail.com

Catalogue online at www.cattlemanagement.ca and www.bylivestock.com Charolais Connection • March 2014

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POINT A SURVEILLER

Du champ Helge By

Eh bien, si vous avez besoin de taureaux charolais ce printemps, je peux vous certifier, quʹil y a un grand choix et une qualité exceptionnelle, vous n’aurez que l’embarras du choix. Les mois de Janvier et Février ont été fort occupés à visiter plusieurs producteurs pour les ventes de taureaux printanières. Les derniers jours n’ont pas été de tout repos, avec l’hiver rigoureux que l’on connait cette année. Je suis vraiment surpris de l’excellente qualité de taureaux, je n’avais pas vu de qualité semblable depuis quelques années. Je crois que les éleveurs charolais ont fait un excellent travail, produisant de bons taureaux pour des vêlages faciles et avec le pelage nécessaire pour affronter notre climat ainsi que très viandés et prêts à travailler pour les producteurs

JTA DIAMOND CHAROLAIS BULL SALE WEEK on the farm

Monday, March 24th,1:00 p.m. to Saturday, March 29th

23 TWO YEAR OLDS 15 YEARLINGS ALL SEMEN TESTED RED & WHITES

Contact:

Jerome & Cindy Tremblay 306-394-4406 Courval, SK 10

vache/ veau pour rendre leurs exploitations le plus rentable possible.

Il est difficile de cacher le sourire sur le visage des éleveurs présentement, surtout qu’ils ont encore plusieurs veaux a vendre. Les prix sont bons et ils sont où ils devraient être pour la rentabilité à long terme de lʹindustrie.

Avec les prix que nous retrouvons sur le marché présentement, c’est une très belle opportunité de faire un bon ménage dans vos vaches les moins rentables et vos taureaux âgés ainsi que remplacer votre batterie de taureaux avec de la nouvelle génétique et pour plusieurs vendre le vieux et le remplacer par un plus jeune. La chose qui mʹa le plus surpris est qu’on peut remplacer une femelle pour le prix de vente d’un veau, cela peut être très intéressant pour plusieurs.

Dans lʹOuest canadien, le prix des femelles en gestation est à la hausse dû a la forte demande provenant des Etats‐Unis. Jʹétais au Denver Stock Show à la mi Janvier et j’ai passé quelques jours à visiter, et je peux vous dire qu’il y a beaucoup de vaches en provenance du Canada. Les bonnes vaches dans le Nebraska se négociaient à 2000 $ et à plus de $2500.00 au Texas.

Donc, avec un peu de transport, il y a de lʹargent à faire en vendant des vaches aux USA pour remplacer les troupeaux qui ont été decimés par la sécheresse ces dernières années.

Retour à la maison, ici les prix sont moins élevés car il y a plus de vendeurs que d’acheteurs. Il y a beaucoup de producteurs qui sont âgés et à la fin de l’hiver dernier ont décidé de prendre leur retraite. Cela offre des possibilités pour certains car il y aura plus de pacage disponible pour remplacer ces troupeaux. Avec le prix des grains je ne pense pas que des terres seront laissées en friche comme dans les dernières années.Je me souviens dʹune histoire il ya quelques années quand on commençait tout juste à semer du maïs au Manitoba. Un spécialiste de la production de maïs a Charolais Connection • March 2014

posé la question suivante lors dʹune réunion ; combien dʹâcres de terres au Manitoba sont adaptés à la culture du maïs, la réponse a été quel est le prix du maïs. Certaines terres marginales peuvent être rentables à $ 15 pour le canola , mais pas à 7 $.

Le nouveau mot à la mode dans l’industrie des semences est le mot GÉNOMIQUE. Quʹest‐ce que qu’il y a dans une coquille de noix qui peut contribuer à l’ identification de marqueurs sur des fibres dʹADN et qui contribuent au marquage génétique d’un animal. Il peut y avoir une multitude de marqueurs dʹADN qui sont présents pour les rendements en viande maigre et pour les facteurs de forte croissance. La clé est de trouver et dʹidentifier le plus grand nombre possible de ces marqueurs par un test d’ADN pour savoir ce que l’animal produira.Cette information qui affectera directement le producteur vache/veau. Eh bien la plupart des associations de race vont intégrer cette information directement dans les EPD pour des EPD améliorés. Ce sera un outil de sélection plus précis, non seulement pour lʹexploitant de vaches/veaux mais contribuera aussi à une meilleure sélection pour le classement des carcasses. La technologie progresse rapidement dans ce domaine, et ne sera que positive en apportant de très bons résultats dans tous les secteurs de la viande bovine . En utilisant des taureaux éprouvés, vous serez en mesure de puiser tous les bénéfices de cette technologie.

Alors que nous entrons présentement dans la phase la plus achalandée des ventes de taureaux, si Craig Scott ou moi pouvons vous aider de quelques manières que ce soit n’hésitez pas à nous contacter un simple coup de téléphone ou e‐mail.

Nous sommes toujours heureux de vous aider. À la prochaine.

Helge

BULLS 37 YEARLING TWO YEAR OLD BULLS 8 Most are Polled • Some Red Factor

HC AMBUSH 397A

HC ASSAULT 399A

HC ABSOLUTE 338A

CE 53 BW 1.9 WW 60 YW 100 M 15 TM 45 Winn Mans Quigley x Crystal D Pierce Red Factor, 3rd Gen Pld/s • BW 108, Adj 205 819

CE 95 BW -1.5 WW 56 YW 102 M 22.7 TM 51 SRK Canyon x Sparrows Vendetta Red Factor, 3rd Gen Pld • BW 88, Adj 205 781

CE 72 BW 2.2 WW 41 YW 79 M 19.3 TM 40 TR Mr Fire Water x Westdale Montana Pld Double Polled • BW 104, Adj 205 733

• Complete Performance Data Available • Bulls can be viewed any time • Video sale, come early to inspect the bulls and join us for lunch

HC AFFINITY 361A

HC AXEL 302A

HC AMARILLO 3101A

CE 66 BW 3.2 WW 55 YW 103 M 16.9 TM 44 KCM Ultimate x CS Pld Junction 3rd Gen Pld • BW 110, Adj 205 809

CE 62 BW 1.7 WW 44 YW 88 M 21.3 TM 43 Elders Special Edition x Sparrows Alcatraz Polled • BW 94, Adj 205 684

SVY Northstar x Sparrows Alcatraz CE 38 BW 3.1 WW 56 YW 101 M 28.7 TM 57 Polled • BW 106, Adj 205 858

HUNTER CHAROLAIS A Charolais family operation for over 30 years Doug, Marianne, Jim, Kristi & Michael Hunter Box 569, Roblin, MB R0L 1P0 • 204-937-2531 Doug 204-937-7737 • Michael 204-247-0301 Jim 204-937-0219 • huntchar@mymts.net

Contact us for more information

View the videos and catalogue online at www.huntercharolais.com Charolais Connection • March 2014

Sale Manager:

306-584-7937 Helge By 306-536-4261 Candace By 306-536-3374 charolaisbanner@gmail.com www.bylivestock.com

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CANADIAN CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION 2320 - 41st Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6W8 Phone: (403) 250-9242 Fax: (403) 291-9324 cca@charolais.com • www.charolais.com PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVES: ALBERTA| President: Lyle Bignell, Stettler Secretary: Kristina Prokuda, Glenevis SASKATCHEWAN President: Donna Ross, Coronach Secretary: Dave Blechinger, Rosetown MANITOBA President: Shawn Airey, Rivers Secretary: Rae Trimble, Portage la Prairie ONTARIO President: Brad Buchanan, Victoria Harbour Secretary: Doris Aitken, Mount Forest QUEBEC President: Mathieu Palerme, Gatineau Secretary: Laurent Jourdain MARITIMES President: Ricky Milton, Cornwall, PE Secretary: Jennifer MacDonald, St.Mary’s, Kent Co., NB STAFF: Registry & Office: Mel Reekie Registry: Lois Chivilo Registry: Judy Cummer French Membership: Cynthia Beck 306-436-2007 • CBeck@charolais.com EXECUTIVE: PRESIDENT: BRENT SAUNDERS RR 3, Markdale, ON N0C 1H0 (519) 986-4165 Fax (519) 986-4273 saunders@bmts.com 1st VICE-PRESIDENT: JOHN WILGENBUSCH Box 4, Halbrite, SKS0C 1H0 (306) 458-2688 Fax (306) 458-2371 wilgenbusch@sasktel.net 2nd VICE-PRES: BRIAN COUGHLIN RR3 1012 Snake River Line, Cobden, ON K0J 1K0 (613) 646-9741 (613) 312-0270 cornervu@nrtco.net PAST PRESIDENT: WADE BECK Box 5, Lang, SK S0G 2W0 (306) 436-4564 wcbeck@sasktel.net DIRECTORS: LYLE BIGNELL Box 1055, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 (403) 742-6792 Fax (403) 742-8128 lylebignell@hotmail.com CAMPBELL FORSYTH Box 3, Eriksdale, MB R0C 0W0 (204) 739-2678 Fax (204) 739-5547 cmforsyt@mts.net BERNARD BEGIN 1630 Rg St-Martin, Ste-Marie, PQ G6E 3A8 (418) 387-7514 Fax (418) 387-5623 louberfarm@hotmail.com ROD McLEOD 293113 Twp Rd 263, Rockyview County, AB T4A 0N5 (403) 932-4622 Fax (403) 250-8928 rodmcl@telus.net DORY GERRARD RR 2, Innisfail, AB T4G 1T7 (403) 227-5632 Fax (403) 227-2583 gerrardcattle@gmail.com RICKY MILTON 4558 Rt. 19 RR 2, Cornwall, PEC0A 1H0 (902) 393-8699 rmilton@upei.ca

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FROM THE CANADIAN CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION

Spotlight on Genomics – Evaluating the Potential Tom Lynch-Staunton, Dawn Trautman – Livestock Gentec Part 2 in a two part series. The first installation was in the February issue of the Charolais Connection.

Why Genomics Matters Global demand for sustainable protein sources is increasing; we exist in a global marketplace, and have an opportunity to become a source of food security beyond our borders.

Domestically, consumption is falling, but there are opportunities to introduce value‐added products consumers demand, along with information on food safety, quality, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.

On the production side of the equation, rising feed and animal care costs are reducing profit margins. Trade restrictions are proving to be an on going and challenging issue. And the effects are being felt – we have fewer producers and fewer cows.

So, what can genomics technologies offer an industry facing multifaceted challenges? For producers genomics technology can increase competitiveness by providing information for selecting animals with decreased feed intake, improved health, improved breeding performance, and decreased management.

At the industry level, genomics will impact competitiveness by ensuring that safe and healthy meat is delivered to consumers. Genomics can assist in selecting for animals that are naturally more docile, easy gaining, resistant to disease, and low methane emitters. These qualities, along with the ability to provide foolproof traceability for beef products, amount to an amazing opportunity to provide consumers with quality, safe, and nutritious beef products.

The financial benefit of genomics is realized when combined with the basics of livestock breeding, including collecting phenotypes, defining clear breeding objectives, and with data collection, sharing, and management within the industry. Knowledge transfer and open access of information is essential to

growth and success of this technology application. Adapting to change requires innovation, and genomics may be the economical answer for the beef industry.

The Potential of Genomics and Beef The Canadian beef industry has endured through times of crises – both economically and socially. The industry is not “broken”, but in it’s current state it simply exists. The historic success and importance of the beef industry means that there is inherent resilience and ability to make the transition to something brilliant.

It starts with being bold, pushing past the complacency of merely existing and taking action. The issues facing the beef industry are complex; something that genomics embraces and is able to distill clarity from the noise. Investments should pay dividends and genomics technology has proven its ability to drive productivity and profitability in other sectors, such as dairy.

Genomics technology offers new solutions to old problems, it’s Canadian, it’s collaborative, and it’s changing the industry. It’s the opportunity to create solutions for combating environmental challenges, fighting disease, and ensuring a nutritional food supply. The opportunity is now. Let’s not miss it.

Dawn Trautman is a technology translator and Tom Lynch‐Staunton is director of industry relations, both with Livestock Gentec at the University of Alberta and Delta Genomics Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.

Interested in learning more about genomics technology opportunities? Please contact Dawn at det@ualberta.ca or 780‐492‐4319.

Charolais Connection • March 2014

QUALITY BULLS that will add the PERFORMANCE you want and the RETURN you need

KLR ELDER’S AMIGO 142A • 3RD GEN PLD Grant’s Playboy x RC Nebraska • BW 90, Adj 205 791 CE 99 BW -3.7 WW 36 YW 55 M 17.9 TM 36

ELDER’S ARMAGEDDON 148A • POLLED Sparrows Nixon x HTA Tautus • BW 104, Adj 205 930 CE 69 BW 1.7 WW 51 YW 105 M 26.6 TM 52

On Offer: 38 YEARLING and 2 TWO YEAR OLD Charolais bulls • Many Polled • Some Red Factor • Guaranteed • Free delivery up to 200 km before May 1 or take them home sale day and deduct $100 from your total purchase

ELDER’S ROYAL HILTON 176A • DBL PLD Wahkamo x HTA Tautus • BW 103, Adj 205 738 CE 79 BW 2.1 WW 47 YW 96 M 22.6 TM 46

ELDER’S HERCULES 149A • POLLED Sparrows Nixon x SVY Kaboom Pld • BW 90, Adj 205 711 CE 95 BW -.3 WW 42 YW 90 M 25 TM 46

Call for a catalogue or view it online at www.bylivestock.com

ELDER’S ACADIA 185A • 3RD GEN PLD Grant’s Playboy x SVY Kaboom PLD • BW 99, Adj 205 732 CE 96 BW .6 WW 45 YW 78 M 19.3 TM 42

Thank you to all our previous buyers for supporting and believing in our program!

Mel Elder Ron & Donna Elder 306-267-4986 Michael & Judy Elder 306-267-5655 Box 81 Coronach, SK S0H 0Z0 • relder@sasktel.net Visitors Welcome

Feel free to stop by, have a coffee and view the bulls.

Charolais Connection • March 2014

ELDER’S ARGONAUT 192A • RED FACTOR, 4TH GEN PLD C2 Sir Xtreme x Elder’s Lil Boogie • BW 110, Adj 205 782 CE 65 BW 3.1 WW 60 YW 112 M 17.9 TM 48

Sale Manager

306-584-7937 Helge By 306-536-4261 Candace By 306-536-3374 charolaisbanner@gmail.com 13

WOB 18A • Merit Roundup x Sparrows Bolivar BW 83, Sept 15 WW 745, ADG 3.75 CE 90 BW 0 WW 49 YW 97 M 23.2 TM 48

WIE 8A • LT Bluegrass x Sparrows Chitek BW 80, Sept 15 WW 790, ADG 3.51 CE 99 BW -1.3 WW 40 YW 71 M 19.5 TM 40

12th Annual Bull Sale Selling:

51 BULLS

WOB 30A • Sparrows Bolivar x Granadas Red Ace BW 105, Sept 15 WW 805, ADG 4.19 CE 48 BW 5.5 WW 47 YW 99 M 24.4 TM 48

DIAMOND W CHAROLAIS & RED ANGUS Thursday, March 20, 2014 – 1:00 p.m.

VALLEY LIVESTOCK SALES, MINITONAS, MB (5 miles East of Swan River on Highway 10)

CHAROLAIS 36 Yearlings • Polled & Red Factor 5 Two Year Olds

Our bulls will work for you:

RED ANGUS 12 Yearlings • 2 Two Year Olds

BLACK ANGUS 2 Yearlings • 1 Two Year Old Delivery Available: $75/bull or $50 off the purchase price if you take the bulls home sale day

• Big, solid bulls that can cover pastures • Big Testicles, Good Feet, Easy Fleshing • Lot of Hair – Full of Meat • Performance Tested • Structurally sound • Semen Tested, Measured and Ready to Work!

View the bulls online at www.bylivestock.com DIAMOND W CHAROLAIS

SALE MANAGER:

Ivan, Ethel & Orland Walker Box 235, Hudson Bay, SK S0E 0Y0 T 306-865-3953 C 306-865-6539 diamondw@sasktel.net

306-584-7937 Helge By 306-536-4261 Candace By 306-536-3374 charolaisbanner@gmail.com

Commercial Consultant: Clayton Hawreluik, Heartland Livestock, Yorkton, SK 306-621-3824 (cell) Valley Livestock Sales: Randy Hart, 204-734-8624 (cell) WIE 25A • Sparrows Sanchez x M6 Grid Maker BW 85, Sept 15 WW 745, ADG 3.24 CE 95 BW -.7 WW 29 YW 66 M 30.5 TM 45

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WIO 7A • Thomas Powder River x Ridge VRD BW 90, Oct 1 WW 745 BW -.8 WW 63 YW 103 M 33 TM 64

Charolais Connection • March 2014

WIO 36A • Red Get-A-Long Unltd x Red Brylor New Trend • BW 85, Oct 1 WW 685 BW -1.1 WW 38 YW 43 M 12 TM 31

Winn Mans Bullitt 642Z

Merit 7329T x Sparrows Durango BW 90, Adj 205 DW 801

Winn Mans Confederate 847Z

NATURALLY MUSCLED

Our bulls are developed in the “real world” on mom’s milk and grass with NO CREEP! They went on stockpiled grass as yearlings in April, brought home in November and are being fed a gentle TMR. They are built to last by “common sense” cattlemen.

Merit 7329T x Sparrows Durango BW 91, Adj 205 DW 683

Winn Mans Bamboozle 910Z

BORN EASY, WEAN BIG

Our roots are deep in the commercial cow-calf business. In 2014 we’ll calve over 800 cows on grass and background the calves, so we realize how important it is for our bulls to sire calves that are born easy, wean big, have great feed conversion and look the part in the sale ring.

MORE BULL FOR YOUR BUCK

We are the only Charolais sale in Manitoba that offers this volume of 2 year old bulls.

These guys were specially selected for this sale and were never before offered for purchase! Get more cows covered with these older bulls and forget the hassle of babysitting those frustrating yearlings.

BHD Stout x Hoodoo Diamond BW 92, Adj 205 DW 680

Winn Mans Spur 948Z

Winn Mans Devils Cut 839Z

Winn Mans Ruckus 708Z

BHD Stout x Winn Mans Lanza BW 96, Adj 205 DW 787

MD Ontop x Hoodoo Diamond BW 100, Adj 205 DW 717

MD Ontop x Winn Mans Riata BW 88, Adj 205 DW 797

Longest running One-Iron Charolais Bull Sale in Manitoba To receive a free detailed catalogue call, email or text:

JEFF, ASHLEY & KASSI BEYAK Ph: 204.656.4991 C: 204.648.6443 • winnman716@yahoo.ca

KEVIN, SHERRY, TY & BRYCE BEYAK Box 487, Winnipegosis, MB R0L 2G0 Ph: 204.656.4689 • beyak@hotmail.ca

Charolais Connection • March 2014

SALES CONSULTANTS Kim Crandall 204.657.2267 Myles Masson 204.447.2266

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ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE CHAROLAIS 2320 - 41st Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6W8 Phone: (403) 250-9242 Fax: (403) 291-9324 cca@charolais.com • www.charolais.com REPRÉSENTANTS PROVINCIAUX: ALBERTA| President: Lyle Bignell, Stettler Secretary: Kristina Prokuda, Glenevis SASKATCHEWAN President: Donna Ross, Coronach Secretary: Dave Blechinger, Rosetown MANITOBA President: Shawn Airey, Rivers Secretary: Rae Trimble, Portage la Prairie ONTARIO President: Brad Buchanan, Victoria Harbour Secretary: Doris Aitken, Mount Forest QUEBEC President: Mathieu Palerme, Gatineau Secretary: Laurent Jourdain MARITIMES President: Ricky Milton, Cornwall, PE Secretary: Jennifer MacDonald, St.Mary’s, Kent Co., NB PERSONNEL: Registry & Office: Mel Reekie Registry: Lois Chivilo Registry: Judy Cummer French Membership: Cynthia Beck 306-436-2007 • CBeck@charolais.com EXÉCUTIF: PRESIDENT: BRENT SAUNDERS RR 3, Markdale, ON N0C 1H0 (519) 986-4165 Fax (519) 986-4273 saunders@bmts.com 1st VICE-PRESIDENT: JOHN WILGENBUSCH Box 4, Halbrite, SKS0C 1H0 (306) 458-2688 Fax (306) 458-2371 wilgenbusch@sasktel.net 2nd VICE-PRES: BRIAN COUGHLIN RR3 1012 Snake River Line, Cobden, ON K0J 1K0 (613) 646-9741 (613) 312-0270 cornervu@nrtco.net PAST PRESIDENT: WADE BECK Box 5, Lang, SK S0G 2W0 (306) 436-4564 wcbeck@sasktel.net DIRECTEURS: LYLE BIGNELL Box 1055, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 (403) 742-6792 Fax (403) 742-8128 lylebignell@hotmail.com CAMPBELL FORSYTH Box 3, Eriksdale, MB R0C 0W0 (204) 739-2678 Fax (204) 739-5547 cmforsyt@mts.net BERNARD BEGIN 1630 Rg St-Martin, Ste-Marie, PQ G6E 3A8 (418) 387-7514 Fax (418) 387-5623 louberfarm@hotmail.com ROD McLEOD 293113 Twp Rd 263, Rockyview County, AB T4A 0N5 (403) 932-4622 Fax (403) 250-8928 rodmcl@telus.net DORY GERRARD RR 2, Innisfail, AB T4G 1T7 (403) 227-5632 Fax (403) 227-2583 gerrardcattle@gmail.com RICKY MILTON 4558 Rt. 19 RR 2, Cornwall, PEC0A 1H0 (902) 393-8699 rmilton@upei.ca

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DE L’ASSOCIATION DE CHAROLAIS CANADIEN

Gros Plan Sur La Génomique – Evaluerson Potentiel Tom Lynch-Staunton, Dawn Trautman – Livestock Gentec

LA SITUATION Les préoccupations face à l’industrie bovine canadienne au cours des dernières années comprennent la production d’un animal rentable qui est aussi apprécié par le consommateur de viande. Les coûts de production ne cessent d’augmenter, tandis que la consommation de bœuf a chuté.

Quelles sont les solutions disponibles pour l’industrie de production de viande bovine – une industrie qui n’est pas seulement précieux pour l’économie canadienne, mais qui représente également un mode de vie?

Pendant des siècles, la méthode de sélection en élevage s’est basée uniquementsur des variations physiques.

Toutefois, les améliorations ont été limitées aux caractères relativement faciles à mesurer et elles ont atteint un seuil de succès limité, inconsistant et très lent.

Les progrès technologiques ont permis la combinaison des informations phénotypiques et généalogiques, résultant en une meilleure précision dans la sélection de caractères, tout en utilisant des méthodes un peu traditionnelles.

Cependant pour les caractéristiques difficiles à mesurer, par exemple, l’efficacité alimentaire et la qualité de carcasse, qui ont une héritabilité faible, plus de précision et d’efficacité de sélection sont nécessaires pour l’avancement de l’industrie.

C’EST QUOI LA GÉNOMIQUE ?

L’année 2014 marque le cinquième anniversaire du séquençage du génome bovin. La sélection à l’aide de technologies génomiques a été dénommée la révolution génomique de l’industrie du bœuf, mais qu’est‐ce que c’est et comment ça fonctionne?

Qu’avons‐nous appris au cours des cinq dernières années, et qu’avons‐nous investi pour profiter pleinement des découvertes?

On a découvert que le génome bovin est constitué d’environ 3 milliards de paires de base avec environ 22,000 gènes, dont 80% sont les mêmes que ceux des êtres humains.

La génomique est l’extraction et

l’analyse de l’ADN afin d’identifier les variations génétiques importantes. C’est une science qui analyse les relations entre la génétique et les caractères et utilise les données pour résoudre des problèmes, tout en tenant compte de tous les gènes et les composantes interactives de l’organisme.

Quand il s’agit de sélection de caractères, la génomique augmente la précision, qui conséquemment augmente le taux d’amélioration génétique chez le bétail. Les défauts génétiques peuvent également être contrôlésen connaissant leur existence.

Anecdotes Question : Au niveau de la génétique, quel animal Temps a le plus en commun avec les êtres humains; les souris, les rats ou les vaches?

Réponse : Les vaches.

Les humains et les bovins partagent 80% des mêmes gènes.

QUI EST GENTEC? Livestock Gentec est une initiative de Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions Centre basée à l’Université de l’Alberta. Nous sommes une organisation fondée sur la collaboration de scientistesen recherche génomique de renommée mondiale, dirigée par le directeur général Graham Plastow. Nous collaborons avec d’autres instituts de recherche principaux, associations industrielles, organismes gouvernementaux et entreprises du secteur privé pour développer de nouvelles solutions génomiques. Notre centre de service Centre de génomique Delta, est un laboratoire qui offre des services dans le domaine de testage d’ADN pour le secteur animal et pour les projets de recherches.

IMPLICATIONS À LA RECHERCHE Gentec est impliqué dans plus de 20 projets de recherche dans le secteur bovin, dont plusieurs avec l’Association Canadienne Charolais en tant que suite à la page 18

Charolais Connection • March 2014

Charolais Connection • March 2014

17

partenaire. Une des initiatives actuelles est le projet canadien de génome bovin (CCGP). L’objectif de ce projet est de développer des équations de prédiction génomique précises en testant un grand nombre de bovins, ce qui créera une population de référence pour l’amélioration des progrès génétique du cheptel canadienne.

Le projet, L’accélération de l’adoption de la méthode SNP vise à réduire les coûts de testage d’ADN et accélérer l’adoption des technologies génomiques en facilitant la transition de la méthode microsatellites vers celle de SNP pour le Charolais et d’autres races.

Une initiative de collaboration avec l’Association Canadienne Charolais, Gentec, Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada (AAC) consiste à mesurer la relation entre l’indice de consommation et les mérites de carcasse. Pour ce projet, des données génotypiques ont été combinées avec des données phénotypiques ainsi que des données de consommation de nourriture pour un groupe de bouvillons Charolais.

Les résultats de ce projet confirment que la corrélation génétique et phénotypique de l’ingestion résiduelle d’aliments (RFI) avec les traits de carcasse sont faibles, ce qui signifie que la sélection pour des sujets Charolais efficaces n’entraînera pas d’effets néfastes signifiants sur les traits de mérite de carcasse.

EST-CE LA GENOMIQUE EN VAUT LA PEINE? Gentec et Delta, avec les services de consultation fournis par Abacus Bio Ltd de Nouvelle Zélande et le financement fourni par ALMA, a examiné les compromis coût‐ avantage des outils de sélection des reproducteurs. L’analyse comprend l’augmentation des prises de données phénotypiques (par exemple la prise de poids) et le testage génomique au sein de l’industrie du bœuf en l’Alberta.

L’étude a examiné l’impact des investissements dans des technologies génomiques pour le secteur de la viande bovine sur la rentabilité au niveau vache‐veau et 18

de l’industrie en général. L’objectif d’élevage est exprimé en dollars par vache accouplée par année et est développé en utilisant les caractères qui se pèsent, les indices de sélection et aussi les prédictions de gain génétique à l’aide de valeurs économiques. La valeur finale est l’avantage de l’adoption de la génomique moins les coûts de production supplémentaires subis.

Selon les tendances qui entrainent déjà le progrès génétique dans l’industrie, l’augmentation annuelle du poids au sevrage est environ 0,7 kg / an. Pour évaluer l’impact de l’amélioration génétique, avec l’adoption de la technologie au sein des troupeaux, les groupes d’éleveurs et de parcs d’engraissement/abattoirs sont censés prendre note de caractères supplémentaires, à comparer à la catégorie de base qui contient uniquement des données à de naissance, de sevrage et à un an.

Le rassemblement des trois catégories se traduit par un regroupement global (tableau 1). L’adoption de la technologie génomique est incluse dans l’analyse de l’écartprévu chez la descendance génomiquement renforcée (geEPD) avec les résultats obtenus pour une précision (répétabilité) supposée de 50 %.

Les gains financiers provenant de

l’adoption des technologies génomiques sont spécifiques aux intervenants dans la chaîne de valeur. Il est estimé que les producteurs commerciaux vache‐veau, qui achètent des taureaux avec la bonne information recevront 40% de l’avantage des améliorations génétiques, le secteur desparcs d’engraissement/abattoir gagnera 17%, tandis les 43% qui restent, peuvent bénéficier tous ceux qui seront propriétaire des veaux le long de leur acheminement dans la chaine de production.

Lorsqu’un producteur achète un taureau avec seuls des EPD pour le poids à la naissance, le poids au sevrage et le gain post‐sevrage, autrement dit sans aucun profil génomique, on estime que la valeur supplémentaire générer par le taureau par vache accouplée par an est de 3,90$ sur l’ensemble de l’industrie. En y ajoutant une sélection pour les caractères maternels et ceux de finition et carcasse, tout en utilisant les meilleures pratiques actuelles, les valeurs augmentent de 3,97$ et 4.75$, respectivement. Et, si la sélection comprend la combinaison des deux (maternelle et d’engraissement/carcasse), la valeur augmente à 4,81 $ par vache accouplée par an (tableau 1).

Tableau 1: Valeur estimée du progrès génétique par vache accouplée par an, Alberta1.

Scenario Méthodes courantes

Valeur Supplémentaire

Base (PN, PS, GPS)

$3.90

Base + Maternel

$3.97

Base + Engraissement/Carcasse

geEPDs2 caractères multiples

$4.75

Valeurs Globales

$4.81

Base

$8.78

Valeurs Globales

$9.43

1

Les valeurs sont calculées selon l’impact de la sélection avec ou sans valeurs d’élevage génomiques. Les valeurs de base supposent utilisation de pratiques actuelles avec le poids à la naissance (PN), poids au sevrage (PS) et le gain post‐sevrage (GPS) enregistrés. Les valeurs globales comprennent des caractères maternels et d’engraissement/carcasse supplémentaires.

2 geEPD sont des EPD avec valeurs génomiques dont la précision est de 50% (répétabilité).

Charolais Connection • March 2014

Charolais Connection • March 2014

19

L’ajout des technologies génomiques (geEPD), précis à 50 %, augmente les bénéfices de 8,78$ et 9,43$ par vache accouplée par an pour les caractères de base et globales respectivement (tableau 1). Une autre vérité incroyable au sujet du gain génétique, c’est que son progrès est cumulatif, lorsqu’il est utilisé dans des programmes d’élevage bien conçu.

Ce qui signifie que les avantages augmenteront d’année en année.

Pour l’éleveur de taureaux, cela montre l’importance de bien prendre note des mesures phénotypiques car une fois ajoutées aux profils génomiques, le produit (taureaux) porte une valeur supérieur à comparer aux taureaux qui n’ont pas de EPD ou geEPDs La valeur économique supplémentaire au niveau de l’amélioration génétique, en sélectionnant des taureaux optimaux, pourrait atteindre 9,43$ par vache accouplée avec l’utilisation des outils génomiques; Pour l’industrie de bœuf de l’Alberta en général, cela équivaut à plus de 300 millions de dollars par année.

L’IMPORTANCE DE LA GÉNOMIQUE La demande mondiale augmente pour des sources de protéine durables.

Nous existons dans un marché mondial et possédons la possibilité de devenir une source alimentaire sécuritaire au‐delà de nos frontières.

Au Canada, la consommation est à la baisse, mais il est possible d’introduire des produits à valeur ajoutée que nous demandentles consommateurs, ainsi que des informations sur la sécurité alimentaire, la qualité, le bien‐être animal et la durabilité environnementale.

Sur le côté de la production, la hausse des coûts de production et des coûts associés avec la protection des

animaux réduisent les marges de profit. Les restrictions et difficultés associées à l’exportation font parties du commerce de tous les jours. Tous ces effets se font sentir; nous avons de moins en moins de producteurs et de moins en moins de vaches.

Ceci étant dit, qu’est‐ce les technologies génomiques offrent à une industrie qui fait face à des défis multiples? Pour les producteurs, la technologie génomique peut accroître la compétitivité en fournissant des informations pour sélectionner des animaux qui mangent moins, dont la santé est meilleure, qui performent d’avantage en reproduction et qui requièrent moins d’attention.

Au niveau de l’industrie, la génomique affectera la compétitivité en veillant à ce que la viande vendue aux consommateurs soit saine et sécuritaire. La génomique peut aider à choisir des animaux qui sont naturellement plus dociles, faciles d’entretien, résistants aux maladies et qui émettent moins de méthane. Ces qualités, ainsi que la possibilité de fournir une traçabilité infaillible pour les produits de bœuf, s’élèvent à une occasion formidable de fournir aux consommateurs des produits de qualité, sains et nutritifs.

L’avantage financier de la génomique est réalisé lorsqu’il est combiné avec les pratiques d’amélioration de base en l’élevage de bétail, y compris la collecte des phénotypes, une définition claire des objectifs de reproduction et la collecte de données, le partage et la gestion au sein de l’industrie. Le transfert des connaissances et le libre accès de l’information sontessentiels à la croissance et au succès de l’application de cette technologie.

S’adapter au changement nécessite de

l’innovation, et la génomique pourrait être la solution économique pour l’industrie bovine.

LE POTENTIEL DE LA GÉNOMIQUE ET DE LA VIANDE BOVINE L’industrie bovine canadienne a enduré des temps de crise – tant sur le plan économique que social.

L’industrie n’est pas cassée, mais son état actuel, est une simple existence.

Son succès au fil du temps prouve la présence d’une résistance inhérente et l’habilité de faire une transition envers quelque chose de brillant.

Le premier pas vers l’avant est de prendre des mesures osés au‐delà de la complaisance d’une simple existence.

Les enjeux de l’industrie du bœuf sont complexes ; la génomique peut vous aider à y voir clair. Les investissements devraient verser des dividendes et la technologie génomique a prouvé sa capacité à stimuler la productivité et la rentabilité dans d’autres secteurs, tels que la production laitière.

La technologie génomique propose de nouvelles solutions à des vieux problèmes, c’est canadien, c’est une collaboration, et c’est en train de changer l’industrie. C’est l’occasion de créer des solutions pour la lutte contre les défis environnementaux, la lutte contre les maladies et s’assurer un approvisionnement en aliments nutritifs. L’opportunité se présente maintenant. Ne le manquez pas.

Aube Trautman est un traducteur de la technologie et Tom Lynch‐Staunton est directeur des relations de l’industrie, à la fois avec Livestock Gentec à l’Université de l’Alberta et Centre de génomique Delta Edmonton, en Alberta.

Vous voulez en savoir plus sur les possibilités de la technologie de la génomique? S’il vous plaît communiquer avec Dawn à det@ualberta.ca ou 780‐492‐4319.

FROM THE FIELD CONT. FROM PAGE 8

incorporate this information in with the EPD (Expected Progeny Differences) to make what are called Genomic Enhanced EPD. It will make a more accurate selection tool not only for the cow/calf operator but will aid in better selection pressure 20

being able to be applied to the hard to measure traits such as carcass.

Technology is advancing fast in this area and should have positive results for all in the beef industry. By using registered bulls, you will be able to tap into the benefits of this technology.

Charolais Connection • March 2014

So as we get into the bull sales, if Craig Scott or I can be of any assistance please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are always happy to help in any way we can.

Until next time, Helge

Charolais Connection • March 2014

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22

Charolais Connection • March 2014

GOOD MANAGEMENT Russett THE KEY Farms PROFILE

Tbetween Stirling and

ucked in the rolling hills

Campbellford, Ontario, is a diversified family operation that is doing things extremely well.

Russett Farms has 600‐700 steers on feed at one time. They buy the majority of them at Hoard’s Station stocker sales. “The cattle are just as good in Ontario, but we just don’t have the numbers. Sometimes we have to get some from Quebec or the west. We’re only five miles from Hoard’s and I like to go and watch the markets and do my own buying.

Some people don’t like to buy their own because they are too busy. If you need a calculator to figure out if you can make money on a steer, your margin is just too close. If we have to source from the west or Quebec, I have to use an order buyer.”

“We buy all whites and buckskins if we can. They are growthier and deeper bodied. If they eat an extra 4 lb. per day, they’re gaining. Those tucked up calves have no capacity and just don’t do well. We prefer a red mother using Charolais bulls and we prefer French over purebred if possible. Hoard’s has a weekly sale

Candace By

that is a dairy bull calf drop and they do get into a few veal. Most of the year they sell 100‐400 stockers every week, in the fall there would be more. We try to buy at the Quinte Stocker Sales because they are supported by better cattlemen and good farmers, who do a good job vaccinating.

They have 6 of them a year. By supporting, this sale we get to know whose cattle do well for us and whose cattle we have trouble with. I think it is better to support people in the area. We don’t like to buy calves, they are just too much trouble to get going. We also don’t redo vaccinations unless we don’t know what they have received and they have not been double moved.

Darrell Russett carries a little book in his pocket where he writes down everything he needs to know Charolais Connection • March 2014

but he pretty much remembers everything. Sandra, his wife, has tried to get him to utilize more technology, but he finds it easier to stick with his own system.

Their son Rodney has joined him on the farm full time. They grow about 400 acres of corn, 100 acres of wheat, 200 acres of soy beans, 300 acres of hay, 80 acres of barley and 80 acres of barley and peas which they take off early, 50 days after planting, to put as green feed in the silo as a first cut. The alfalfa, which was underseeded, is cut for silage as a Rodney & Darrell Russett

23

“We buy all whites and buckskins if we can. They are

”

growthier and deeper bodied

second cut.

They seed winter wheat after soy beans. “We really like soy straw in the finish steer ration. We try to get our hay off early and because of that, there is no rough scratch in the gut for roughage. Everything is just too soft. Soy straw has a lot of pods, it is almost like a brush, it is good scratch in the gut to make things digest. Last year we fed beef cows wheat straw to extend our feed because of the drought and they ate it like hay, but it was so soft it was like velvet.”

They buy wet distiller’s grain from a corn‐ethanol plant. It is 70% moisture content, but it never runs. It is more solid and jiggles like jelly. It dries out a bit as it sits in the pit, but since they bring it in every two weeks, it still stays soft.

“We tried using round bales, but we just find square baling goes faster.

When we were doing round bales, it felt like you spent half your day waiting for the bales to tie. I figured it out and I would spend two and a half days with my foot on the clutch

for one cut,” he shares with a laugh.

For people this busy and on the go, it just didn’t seem productive enough.

“We also know when we use square bales, we can take a flake from the bale that weighs 20 lb. It is easy to measure how much we are putting in the mixer for our feed ration. Round bales just don’t lend themselves to measured feed rations. We mix 13 lb. distiller’s grain, 8 lb. high moisture corn, 5 lb. dry corn, 1 lb. of hay, 1 lb. soy straw. They auger flight the ration into the trough in the pens.

“We can handle 600‐700 head now at one time. With a little more space, they would do better and it would be less work for us. We used to milk 20‐ 25 dairy cows, but we are converting that space into more feeding area. We

scrape and bed every other day now.

“We just purchased a new hydraulic chute to help us process the steers. We have a problem with strawberry foot rot and control it by running them through a foot bath.

The nutritionist said foot baths won’t work but he hasn’t come up with any other option for us to try. It would be nice to find something else, as the formaldahyde and water isn’t the most pleasant for us. If the strawberry is bad, we do it three times in a row and then when it is in check we do it once a week for maintenance. Once we have done it once, it only takes about a half hour to put them all through. You know if you are doing it right if they walk through and go lay down or shake Top: Hay Storage; Left: Feeding system; Below: Squeeze chute and foot bath

24

Charolais Connection • March 2014

Straw spreader

Hay flakes are about 20 pounds each for ease of measuring

Tilage Radishes used for fall pasture

Manure spreader

Canada Beef sign on the store front

their feet and lick them. If they have it, the stinging causes these reactions after the bath. You know you have a problem if you notice the steers standing like a horse, lifting one leg.

One might think that disinfecting the cement pads they stand on would be an option, but it only lasts for one hour and just isn’t effective.”

They run a turn and a half of steers through the operation each year, sending a load every other week. “We like to buy them at 750 lb. and take them to 1600 lb, we like 1000 lb dressed.”

They have been marketing their product to Riding Regency in Toronto. They want thick cattle that are at least an AA. None of their feeders get Zilmax or Optiflex. They all get Rumensin in the feed and they haven’t had an A grade in years.

“Some people say it isn’t worth it to sort. They buy in a load and they sell a load. We prefer to pick our loads.

We find if you have one steer that isn’t doing as well, if you give him a couple of weeks, you have a product that is worth something. If you ship him before he is ready, you have a product that is worth nothing.

“You have to use good genetic bulls. Any old cow can raise a calf, but the bull is 80‐90% of the calf. You can take a pretty plain set of Hereford cows and throw a really good French Charolais bull on them and get a vastly improved product.”

Outside of their 200 acre soy bean cash crop, everything else goes out under a skin.

They use a manure spreader to bed. There is a pallet factory in Tweed where they purchase sawdust for bedding the cattle close to finish.

This way they aren’t eating straw. We don’t want to use straw that is finer for bedding. We want something that will really soak up the moisture. We find the manure spreader doesn’t make it finer. Corn stalk is phenominal for wicking up water.

Corn stalk breaks down better than straw because it is so brittle. It spreads really fine on the fields when it is cleaned from the pens. You don’t even see it. They spread in the summer and stock pile in the winter.

They spread right on hay land and there are no lumps. They like to spread on the frost of the morning in the spring.

They normally get three cuts of hay each year. They put up 1400 bales dry and the rest goes into haylage.

They put up 500 square bales of red clover for winter feed for their cow herd. They used 200 bales of wheat straw last year to stretch the hay because of a feed shortage due to drought.

They have been selling to Regency in Toronto for two years. Before that they sold to St. Helen’s in Toronto and before that in Cookstown. Now things seem better to sell live.

Sometimes they sell into the cash market, but they have also been contracting one load per month. So far the contracts are bringing more money than the cash market. When this article was written in September

Charolais Connection • March 2014

25

“We like to buy them at 750 lb. and take them to 1600 lb,

”

we like 1000 lb dressed

of 2013, Darrell had some contracted until June of 2014.

Russett Farms also has 30 commercial females and 19 bred heifers. These cattle are wintered outdoors on 6‐7 acres totally surrounded by trees for shelter. They calve the cows starting April 1 and the heifers starting June 1. In the following year, they back the heifers up to fit with the cowherd calving interval. When they feed their own calves, they definitely have more flexibility with calving and weaning periods. They just have too much trouble with ice in March to mess around with calving.

The cows are fall pastured on oats, barley and tilage radishes by moving portable fences until the snow gets too deep. More tilage radishes have been seeded in the area in the last two or three years. It is seeded on wheat and they use liquid manure and the radishes to break up packed continued on page 28

5 SONS OF BAR J TROJAN 68X

WRAZ 32A BW -1.1 WW 44 YW 82 M 16 10 half brothers by Red Brylor JKC Ghost Rider 108Y

GBR 87A CE 98 BW -3.6 WW 37 YW 68 M 23.6 TM 42

WRAZ 56A BW 2.1 WW 61 YW 83 M 15 One of the sons of Red Brylor Wraz Mak’n Waves 39X

GBR 53A CE 85 BW -.4 WW 45 YW 86 M 21.5 TM 44

4 SONS OF G. BROS CREW 607Y

WRAZ 4A BW -2.1 WW 54 YW 92 M 18 11 sons many out of heifers from calving ease Red YY Hitch 23X sell

GBR 75A CE 81 BW .3 WW 34 YW 72 M 23.9 TM 41 Phil Birnie, Lana Kormos & Family Box 461, Wawota, SK S0G 5A0 T 306-739-2988 • C 306-577-7440 “The program you Info@wraz.ca • Gordon Murray can count on” T 306-739-2177 • C 306-646-7980

26

OPEN HOUSE at WRAZ Saturday, April 5, starting at 1:30 p.m.

Presale viewing of the bulls, their sires, dams and siblings with calves at foot.

Charolais Connection • March 2014

GBR 38A CE 86 BW -.1 WW 36 YW 77 M 22.5 TM 40

GBR 152A CE 94 BW -.8 WW 44 YW 96 M 21.8 TM 44

GBR 19A CE 90 BW 1.5 WW 35 YW 75 M 23 TM 41

GBR 72A CE 80 BW 1.3 WW 40 YW 83 M 22.4 TM 42

4 SONS OF PLEASANTDAWN MATCH 465X

GBR 121A CE 67 BW 2.1 WW 41 YW 86 M 22.7 TM 43

GBR 86A GBR 45A

CE 84 BW .7 WW 47 YW 93 M 19 TM 42

CE 51 BW 4.3 WW 44 YW 93 M 20.5 TM 43 Sale Manager

306-584-7937 Helge By 306-536-4261 Candace By 306-536-3374 charolaisbanner@gmail.com

View the catalogue online at www.bylivestock.com

Kelly, Tracy, William & Wyatt Brimner Box 93, Manor, SK S0C 1R0 T 306-448-2028 • C 306-577-7698

Charolais Connection • March 2014

27

Above: Meat cuts & scale-education is part of marketing beef; Left: It takes labour but the cattle are kept very clean; Bottom: Sandra Russett with her freezers and retail space

land. Radishes are the only thing that will store nitrogen, phosphorus and potash for release in the spring.

He was buying Hereford heifers for replacements, but now is changing to Simmental.

They have two problems in the area. One is a real problem with racoons. They hunt them every chance they get. They have black and brown hounds for hunting. They will let anyone hunt the racoons on their property, they just do too much damage by trampling crops.

The second problem is in finding enough grazing land. Much of the rougher area has been sold to naturalists where there should be cows. The people moving from urban areas, don’t want to rent the land to people who could utilize it for grazing. “I have been trying to get those acreages rezoned as recreational land so they at least will have to pay the correct tax on them.

If they don’t want recreational tax rates, they’ll have to show the land is being used for agricultural purposes.

So far the township has not moved in this direction.”

They purchased some land for Darrell’s dad to build a house sixteen years ago and it had 18 acres of apple 28

orchard on it. It took two full time people to keep it operating. It was just too much, so they have cut it back to seven acres, and Sandra can manage to sell all of them at the market. This year they will bring in only two pickers and that way Sandra should be able to market them weekly as fast as they are picked. It will take about two months to complete all of the picking. They have quite a variety of apples: MacIntosh, Gala, Honey Crisp,

Charolais Connection • March 2014

Cortland, Northern Spy. Their meat is sold in individual packages. If people want a quarter or a half, they go to the farm directly to make arrangements.

They market approximately twenty head each year through meat sales.

The market has changed to people doing their weekly meat shopping there. Many people just don’t have freezers for quarters and halves and tend to buy for one week at a time.

They market a selected breed continued on page 30

RGCG 346A

RGCG 357A • Dbl Pld/s BW 88, WW 840, Adj 365 1321 HBSF Specialist x Beaver Creek Redzone CE 80 BW .6 WW 42 YW 75 M 16.9 TM 38

DBLG 777A • Red Factor, 3rd Gen Pld BW 84, WW 820, Adj 365 1298 KCH Red Label x Gilliland Monarch CE 75 BW 1 WW 48 YW 94 M 20.8 TM 45

4th Gen Pld • BW 105, WW 930, Adj 365 1459 G.BROS Napoleon 214X x JMB Dateline WW 48 YW 94 M 19.5 TM 44

DBLG 801A • 3rd Gen Pld/s BW 108, WW 890, Adj 365 1482 G.BROS Governor 624Y x Beaver Creek Redzone CE 71 BW .8 WW 48 YW 96 M 19.8 TM 44

DBLG 781A • 4th Gen Pld

DBLG 803A • 3rd Gen Pld

RGCG 348A • 3rd Gen Pld

BW 75, WW 785, Adj 365 1376 ACC I Am Legend x JWX Quiksilver CE 93 BW -.9 WW 37 YW 75 M 23.7 TM 42

BW 105, WW 880, Adj 365 1364 G.BROS Governor x Bar J Saviour CE 73 BW 2.4 WW 51 YW 101 M 22.4 TM 48

BW 80, WW 820, Adj 365 1170 ACC I Am Legend x SOS Revenge Pld CE 95 BW -2.7 WW 35 YW 72 M 22.3 TM 40 Sale Manager

Greg & Dayna Gilliland 306.928.4841 Ron & Jackie Gilliland 306.928.2118 Box 254, Carievale, SK S0C 0P0

306.584.7937 Helge By 306.534.4261 Candace By 306-536-3374 charolaisbanner@gmail.com

For more information or a catalogue contact us, or view the the catalogue online at www.bylivestock.com Charolais Connection • March 2014

29

“You have to use good genetic bulls. Any old cow can raise a calf, but the bull is 80-90% of the calf.

You can take a pretty plain set of Hereford cows and throw a really good French Charolais bull on them and get a vastly

”

improved product.

Above: Farm from the road; Below: Growing steers

which fits the meat market trade as they can guarantee no hormones have ever been given to the animal and it is easy to keep them straight from their other steers.

They operate a small store on the farm, mostly for November through

30

April, but some people do come out during the Market months as well.

The exposure from the market has increased their store traffic during the non‐market seasons.

Our time was well spent and enjoyed as we learned about this

Charolais Connection • March 2014

operation and yes, they do a lot right.

As Darrell comments, “In today’s market, with today’s margins, I don’t see where there’s room to do it any other way.”

LEJ 350A

Come take a look at the farm. Our 2014 lineup of bulls represents our efforts to supply our customers with the genetics needed for profitability for years to come.

L

C H A RO L A I J E For more info call S

Jim and Rae Olson 204-252-3115 or 204-856-6357

LEJ 242Z

Sons of the great PRIVATE RYAN bull as well as sons of our performance enhancing bull HC EXPEDITION

Watch for our consignments to the NMF 376A • TWN Yangster x SDC Laredo BW 91, Oct 1 WW 940, Jan 19 wt 1328, WPDA 4.2 Definite herdbull out of an amazing cow. Butts - Guts - Nuts BW 1.3 WW 56 YW 102 M 20.7 TM 49

NMF 214A • Pro-Char Captain Morgan x KCH Malibu BW 89, Oct 1 WW 996, Jan 19 wt 1398, WPDA 4.17 Extreme capacity, maternal brother to Tri-N Prefix BW .2 WW 53 YW 99 M 23 TM 50

14th Annual Cattleman’s Classic Multi-Breed Bull Sale Sunday, April 6th, 2014, 1:00 p.m.

Heartland Livestock Yards Virden, Manitoba For more information call

CHAROLAI -NMerv, I S R Joanne, T Jesse & Brittni Nykoliation Box 899, Lenore, MB

204-838-2107

Jesse 204-851-3391 • Merv 204-838-2107 merv1@prairie.ca NMF 235A • TWN Whistler x SOS Crimson Tide BW 88, Oct 1 WW 801, Jan 19 wt 1244, WPDA 4 Thick, deep and wide outcross bull out of a 1st calf heifer BW 1.9 WW 50 YW 100 M 25.4 TM 50

NMF 401A • Pro-Char Captain Morgan x 50C Laredo BW 92, Oct 1 WW 862, Jan 19 wt 1253, WPDA 3.9 Homo Red, moderate BW with tonnes of middle and hair BW 1.2 WW 43 YW 79 M 16.5 TM 38

Charolais Connection • March 2014

See these bulls and others at

www.trincharolais.com Breeding Quality Red & White Charolais since 1986 31

HERD HEALTH

Alleviating the Common Pitfalls of Semen Evaluating Roy Lewis, DVM

In the past 32 years of semen evaluating bulls, I have come across many tricks of the trade to make this procedure run very smoothly. This article will hopefully give you some tips to use at semen checking time. set of bulls somewhat unique, so most of these points involve common sense and casual observations I have made over the years.

A common dilemma is bulls, which are hard to stimulate and collect an adequate semen sample from. More often than not the rectal probe is too small and there is not enough contact made between the probe and the urethral muscles. This is especially true in very large herd bulls. You can increase contact by lifting up on the back of the probe as the bull is being stimulated. This pushes down the front of the probe increasing the contact and initiates better stimulation.

The percentage, which will protrude, also increases. This is very important as visualization of the penis detects problems such as warts, cuts or frenulum’s (tie backs) and these conditions can then be addressed.

There are still a very small percentage of bulls refractory to the electro ejaculator. If bulls are still unable to be stimulated, it may be worth it to put the effort into another collection technique. This would involve having the bull breed a cow in heat with your veterinarian present. The cow can then be run in and the semen sucked out of her vagina using a pipette and examined. This semen will be mixed with the cows vaginal mucous so the motility will be slowed a bit when your veterinarian examines it. Generally if a bull is hard to collect or refractory to the electro ejaculator this problem will repeat itself in subsequent years so mark that down on the semen form.

Bulls going down in the chute is a common problem especially with real 32

quiet show type bulls so often leaving their heads free with not much squeeze restraint put on them may help in this regard. Tieing their head up with a halter may also accomplish keeping them up. A bar or post placed behind the bull is enough to keep them ahead and often the bulls will stay up long enough to collect a sample. This is especially true of large herdbulls. Confinement in a sturdy alley may be easier than trying to hold their heads in a headcatch. As a safety with mature bulls I will often have a bar behind them in case they get their head free.

In hydraulic chutes, I leave the back door slightly closed so if they pull their head free they won’t back over me.

The ejaculators with automatic programs may need to be put on manual so the stimulation can be gradually increased. This is where observing and using one’s experience will yield great benefits on the successful collection of a semen sample. If bulls don’t protrude their penis they are difficult to stimulate.

However many of these bulls will ejaculate in the sheath and the semen can be milked out by ending stimulation and massaging the sheath and collecting the semen when it runs out. These bulls will have to be observed at their first breeding to make sure there is no physical impairment to the penis extending or your vet may tranquilize them to make sure they will protrude the penis.

On rare occasions bulls will consistently urinate in the sample.

These bulls I have found with some rest (say one hour) followed by quick stimulation will often result in a successful collection. Again the bulls, which are urinators, will often repeat this same trick in subsequent years as well.

Stagnant semen (high percentage of dead sperm) can be present in bulls in winter and at other times when they Charolais Connection • March 2014

are not actively ejaculating. In pens of bulls it is definitely more common in the more mature bulls. With pecking order the most dominant bulls and least dominant bulls seem to have the greatest incidence of this condition.

My theory is the most dominant bulls have nothing to prove so don’t ride and the least dominant bulls are the ones being ridden. In each case ejaculation does not occur and the semen becomes stagnant and dead.

These bulls may need to be ejaculated two to three times in succession to get this old semen out of their system.

Subsequent sample quality should improve drastically if this was the only problem. Veterinarians can often tell by the type of morphologic defects (sperm cell defects) if the sample is stagnant or not but have to retest if the defects are too high. A good management procedure is to have cycling cows close by before semen testing, as this will get the bulls active.

Because the very minute amount of electricity required to stimulate bulls any disruption in this low current flow will cause the stimulation process to fail. It is very important the equipment be maintained and the electrical ends be replaced as they become worn. The contact points must be cleaned and a smooth stimulation will result.

Semen collection is as much an art as a science. An experienced veterinarian will use all this knowledge to insure as successful an evaluation as possible. Bulls will still fail because they should, but we want to insure that no outside forces will make a fair evaluation impossible.

Certain failure issues warrant a retest especially if the main complaint was stagnant semen. Work with your veterinarians as they test your purebred Charolais bulls this spring and be aware certain minimum requirements for Charolais has gone up by one cm this last year.

Selling: 12 Two Year Old Charolais Bulls

25 Yearling Charolais Bulls HMG 63Z WINN MANS LANZADERO x HC PRINCE BW -2.6 WW 36.7 YW 70.8 MK 22 TM 36.3

20 Red Angus Yearling Bulls

HMG 185Z WOOD RIVER COUNTRY BOY x RUTH SUNRISE BW -2.2 WW 35 YW 60.3 MK 22.5 TM 40

6 Gelbvieh Bulls

HMG 94A

HMG 110A

WOOD RIVER COUNTRY BOY X P-3 PERFECT LAD BW 0.6 WW 36.7 YW 63.6 MK 20.3 TM 38.7

WINN MANS LANZADERO X HC PRINCE BW 1.4 WW 39.6 YW 83.9 MK 24.3 TM 44.1

Breeders of 2013 Agribition Champion Charolais Female Many brothers of this Fantastic Female Sell

HMG 8A RED HOWE FINEST TRADITION X MULBERRY 26P BW 2.6 WW 65 YW 104 MK 11 TM 43 Reserve Champion Red Angus Bull at Manitoba Livestock Expo 2013

HMG 6A RED HOWE FINEST TRADITION X DOMINOR BW -2.7 WW 34 YW 51 MK 11 TM 27

Charolais Connection • March 2014

33

CANADIAN CHAROLAIS YOUTH ASSOCIATION NEWS

Purchase Incentive Program Changes Luke Marshall, Director

Hopefully everyone has had a good start to the New Year.

I know I always enjoy this time of year, getting the new crop of calves, seeing what the new herdbull calves are like and what some of my favorite cows have.

This also used to be the time of year I would really start to plan for my 4‐H show. If your steer is on track to be finished by show day then you’re in good shape. If you think he could use a little extra feed to get there, then it is best to start now. The best time to increase your calve’s feed is when cold weather hits or you get a new batch of feed. It is also important to remember to only increase their feed a little bit at a time so that they don’t eat too much and CCYA NATIONAL BOARD charolaisyouth@gmail.com President: Kirstin Sparrow kp.sparrow@hotmail.com Vice-President: Sarah Weinbender sarah.weinbender@gmail.com Treasurer: Courtney Black blackbern@hotmail.com Secretary: Tomina Jackson tomi_j_@hotmail.com

go off feed.

The other thing to keep in mind to have your steer and or female projects looking good on show day is to really work with their hair. The better you have it trained now, the better it will look on show day. It’s also important to start training it as they will be growing new hair soon and also to prevent as much hair loss as possible. A good way to train the hair and help them maintain their winter coat until show day is cold water rinsing. If you have facilities where you are able to rinse them this time of year you also want to ensure that your animal is dry when you put them back outside to avoid them getting sick.

On the note of showing, be sure to start thinking about the conference this summer that will be taking place

Director: Luke Marshall futureal@telusplanet.net Director: Megan McLeod rodmcl@telus.net Director: Holly Smith holly27smith@gmail.com Director: Shae-Lynn Evans lpevans@sasktel.net CCYA 2013 Conference Executive Co-ordinator: Billie Jo Saunders dbjsaunders@gmail.com

in Portage La Prairie, July 23‐26. At the winter meeting we made changes to the Purchase Incentive Program, where now if you purchased a Charolais influence female you are also eligible for the rebate; you can find the application form online.

Another contest to take notice of is the essay competition, this year’s topic is, “If you could teach someone about agriculture, what is your story?” Details on the conference and these plus more programs are available on the website http://youth.charolais.com.

Hopefully some of these tips help you to be successful at your shows this year. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about any of the programs, either check out the website or feel free to contact any of your National Board members.

Co-Chair: Holly Smith holly27smith@gmail.com Co-Chair: Randi Aldcorn randi.aldcorn@yahoo.ca Secretary: Courtney Black petunia-101@hotamil.com Treasurer: Emily Bromley ebromley@uoguelph.ca CCYA Provincial Advisors SK: Darwin Rosso Rosso.c@sasktel.net

ON: Billie-Jo Saunders dbjsaunders@gmail.com MB: Donna Jackson Jackson7@mymts.net AB: Kasey Phillips kphillips@mcsnet.ca Youth Coordinator: Brandon Sparrow, 306-291-6968 b.sparrow265@gmail.com

March 2, 2013 BW 81 lb., 205 DW 772 lb., 365 DW 1326 lb.

Sire: Whitecap Concept 42Y Dam: Merit Hilda 7130T

He Sells!

April 14, 2013 at the SELECT GENETICS BULL SALE, Heartland Livestock, Swift Current, SK Check out the rest of our consignments online at www.castlerockmarketing.com or call for a catalogue!

Jones Charolais Matt, Emily and Eva Jones Gull Lake, SK • Call or text: 306.671.7820

34

Charolais Connection • March 2014

Charolais Connection • March 2014

35

Selling: 50 Yearlings • 20 Two Year Olds A sample of the 20 two year olds on offer

DSY 348Z • Distinction x Santiago BW 1.7 WW 38 YW 80 M 22.8 TM 42 BW 101, Adj WW 678, Adj YW 1341

DSY 4A • SEMINOLE x OAK RIDGE BW 3 WW 57 YW 105 M 21.1 TM 50 BW 101, Adj WW 1029, Adj YW 1568

DSY 43A • SEMINOLE x LANDMARK BW 2.8 WW 59 YW 115 M 22.4 TM 52 BW 102, Adj WW 974, Adj YW 1400

DSY 226A • SEMINOLE x SANCHEZ BW 2 WW 49 YW 100 M 24.2 TM 49 BW 101, Adj WW 796, Adj YW 1450

DSY 178A • SEMINOLE x OAKRIDGE DSY 48A • SEMINOLE x BERLIN BW 0 WW 42 YW 83 M 19.6 TM 41 • BW 95, Adj WW 860, Adj YW 1436

36

Charolais Connection • March 2014

BW 2.1 WW 48 YW 95 M 19.9 TM 44 BW 100, Adj WW 680, Adj YW 1267

Join us for a presale lunch in our heated sale barn

DSY 6A • LEROY X DISTINCTION BW .5 WW 43 YW 83 M 23.4 TM 45 BW 88, Adj WW 789, Adj YW 1419

DSY 103A • SEMINOLE x BERLIN BW 2.9 WW 44 YW 94 M 19.9 TM 42 • BW 106, Adj WW 901, Adj YW 1562

DSY 160A • SEMINOLE x MEMPHIS BW -1 WW 49 YW 92 M 20.9 TM 45 BW 90, Adj WW 789, Adj YW 1341

Volume Discount Available • 3 bulls - 3% off • 4 bulls - 4% off • 5 or more bulls - 5% off

DSY 166A • SEMINOLE x BERLIN

Stop by to view the bulls anytime

BW .5 WW 43 YW 89 M 20.7 TM 42 • BW 94, Adj WW 897, Adj YW 1398

Call for more information or view the catalogue and videos online at www.bylivestock.com

Cattle in Motion, LLC Sarah Buchanan 1.888.554.VIDS

Sale Manager:

Box 7, Miami, MB R0G 1H0

Andre & Katie Steppler • T 204-435-2463 C 204-750-1951 Dan & Pat Steppler • T 204-435-2021 stepplerfarms@hotmail.com • www.stepplerfarms.com Charolais Connection • March 2014

306-584-7937 Helge By 306-536-4261 Candace By 306-536-3374 charolaisbanner@gmail.com 37

NEWS

Industry info Quantum Genetix Acquires GenServe Laboratories™ Quantum Genetix is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Saskatchewan Research Council’s (SRC) GenServe Laboratories™.

Quantum Genetix has been providing genetic testing and research to the agricultural industry for over a decade. Quantum continually works towards expanding their services to provide customers with the leading genetic technology in order to improve animal production and value. “The acquisition of GenServe Laboratories™ is a strategic move which further expands Quantum’s services and positions Quantum as a leader in the field of genomics,” explains Leigh Marquess, President of Quantum Genetix.

GenServe Laboratories™ has been a prominent laboratory known for application of advanced DNA technologies for the past 25 years.

GenServe has a wide array of services that enhance those currently provided by Quantum Genetix, which will lead to a seamless transition for both companies.

GenServe Laboratories™ has been a service provider to breed associations since 1987. Quantum Genetix will acquire the GenServe name, along with the livestock portion of its services and will continue operating with minimal changes to daily operations. SRC will retain the crop portion of GenServe’s testing suite and will continue to provide these services to the agriculture industry.

China Buying Foreign Farmland Reportedly, China is moving ahead with plans to purchase 7.4 million acres of Ukrainian farmland, a move that would make Ukraine China’s largest overseas farming center, as the Asian country attempts to keep pace with rising food demand by buying farmland abroad.

Experts have advised that China 38

needs to expand its international farming to ensure sufficient food supplies because of its own limited land and low productivity. China has 20% of the world’s population, but just 9% of global farmland.

Fake Beef Confiscated Police in China’s Shaanxi province have seized more than 20,000 kilograms (22 tons) of fake beef fabricated from pork and treated with chemicals. The pork was apparently exposed to paraffin wax and industrial salts to make it look like beef.

More than 1,500 kg (3.3 tons) of the faux beef at a price of $4 to $5 a kg was sold to local markets in the province. Six manufacturers of the product have been shut down and the meat confiscated as evidence.

The province has a high Muslim population – forbidden by their faith from consuming pork and may have purchased some of the “disguised” product.

Consumers Don’t Follow Through A recent Australian survey finds that shoppers say they want humanely raised meat and are willing to pay for it, but their actions prove otherwise.

The survey found that people said animal welfare is an important issue they consider during grocery shopping – and that they would pay 5‐10% more for meat they knew was raised humanely. However, the survey found that almost all respondents failed to follow through on their claims at the point of purchase.

Benefits of Early Weaning Studies conducted by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) confirm that it pays to wean calves early when severe weather conditions such as drought hinder beef cattle production. The study found that early weaning positively affects cows, heifers and steers. Cows were in better body condition at the start of winter, while early‐weaning Charolais Connection • March 2014

increased the likelihood that first‐calf heifers will become pregnant on time the following breeding season.

Early‐weaned steers reached maturity sooner when body weight gain, feedlot performance and carcass traits were measured.

Ticks Resist Pesticide Scientists at the University of Glasgow (Scotland) have discovered that the cattle tick, Phipicephalus microplus, a significant parasite of cattle in the tropics, have developed a resistance to Amitraz, which is widely used to control the pests.

About 80% of cattle around the world, mostly in the tropics and subtropics are exposed to the cattle tick, costing more than $6 billion annually. The resistance to Amitraz was found in more than 50% of Mexican ticks and 20% of Australian tick populations.

McDonald’s Changing Menu Rising beef prices resulting from shrinking herd sizes are blamed for forcing fast food giant McDonald’s to adjust its value menu. Items will still be offered for $1 or less, but other menu lists will move prices higher.

Beef prices have increased dramatically in recent years for several reasons. Consecutive years of drought, rising feed costs and liquidation of cattle numbers have all contributed to the shrinkage.

New Zealand, China Uproar New Zealand meat exports being held up in Chinese ports are described as “a bureaucratic blockade” that may have been sparked by Chinese efforts to curb counterfeit meat sales.

A substantial amount of lamb, mutton and beef was held up indefinitely as officials attempted to verify documentation.

Reportedly, hundreds of tons of meat were held up for three to four weeks, casting doubts on the Chinese claim that the delay was caused by “inadequate paperwork”. continued on page 40

8th Annual

Size Matters

Weinbender and Mangels

Selling: 28 Yearling Bulls Mostly Polled

CHAROLAIS BULL SALE

Thursday, April 10th, 1:30 p.m.

At the Weinbender farm, Canora, SK

(5.5 miles S on Hwy 9 and 1 mile E at Burgis Beach sign) WE STRESS

Performance • Calving Ease • Fertility • Hair We know you sell your calves by the pound, so SIZE MATTERS to us.

GLM 38A • HC X-EMPT 20X x ZDM MAC 21K BW 97, Act. WW 840 BW -1.3 WW 42 YW 86 M 21.9 TM 43 SHSH 5A • MERIT 9809W x DVY SVY RIO 17P BW 87, Sept 10 WW-675 BW -2.0 WW 49 YW 91 M 18.2 TM 43

• Cash rebate of $75 per buyer if you take your bull/bulls home sale day.

• Free board until June 1st • $75.00 charge per buyer for delivery after May 1, at sellers convenience

Join us for lunch sale day.

For information or a catalogue contact:

GLM 19A • LT BLUEGRASS x MERIT 9733W BW 87, Act. WW 745 BW -2.4 WW 38 YW 75 M 16.6 TM 36

Carey & Lee Ann Weinbender Box 1809, Canora, SK S0A 0L0 SHSH 46A • MERIT 9809W x SPARROWS SERENGETI 521N BW 109, Sept 10 WW 705 BW 3.9 WW 61 YW 106 M 19.7 TM 50

306-563-6678 Cell 306-571-9035 clweinbender@gmail.com

View videos at www.slidinghillscharolais.com

Glen & Lori Mangels RR#1, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0

306-769-4132 GLM 3A • HABANERO 349U x PERFECT LAD 6N BW 100, Act. WW 785 BW 4.4 WW 47 YW 91 M 17.8 TM 41

SHSH 71A • MERIT 9809W x SHELCO MADE EASY 512R BW 96, Sept 10 WW 605 BW -0.7 WW 51 YW 86 M 17.8 TM 44

glen@sasktel.net Registered Purebred Charolais Covering the Bases from Birth to Beef

Bull pictures available at grantspix.com

View the catalogue online at www.buyagro.com Charolais Connection • March 2014

39

INDUSTRY INFO, CONT. FROM PAGE 38

India Experiencing Meat Dispute Goa, a small state on the west side of India which has a sizeable Muslim and Christian population, has experienced the closure of a government‐run beef processing plant. Community leaders have accused the government of a conspiracy to deny them (minorities in a Hindu country) of a source of protein and nutrition.

Since the start of a government investigation into “illegalities” the plant has resumed production, but with strict requirements which make finding cattle and affordable beef all but impossible to locate.

Contaminated Beef in British Food Chain A report from London indicates that the British government has been processing beef from cattle infected with bovine tuberculosis with the meat being sold to the nation’s hospitals and military installations.

Reportedly, British caterers and food processors have been annually purchasing beef from roughly 28,000 cows infected with bovine TB. Oddly, meat from TB ‐infected cattle is

prohibited by restaurants and grocery stores, but is approved for consumption by the military and in schools and hospitals.

Cargill Earns Tenderness Recognition Cargill has become the first major beef processor to earn certification under USDA’s new tenderness marketing standards. The company laboratory in Wichita, KS, and plants in Dodge City, KS; Schuyler, NE; Fort Morgan, CO; and Friona, TX, have been certified for future harvest, fabrication and packaging of certified tender products.

Cargill began testing on producing a consistently tender beef product back in 2000, focusing on a product concept that would translate into an increase in demand. Current plans call for the introduction of the certified tender products in the early months of 2014.

Burger King Delivers Burger King has announced expansion of its innovative home delivery program.

The fast‐food giant’s delivery program, already in effect in New

York, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Sacramento, Phoenix, Denver and Washington, DC has now added Boston.

A company spokesman said that “as its popularity has grown, we have seen an increasing demand for the program in other markets.”

Customers are able to order through the Burger King website or by telephone on a minimum food order of $10.

Beef as Night-time Snack A survey commissioned by Wendy’s Hamburgers found that Millennials want quality meals, often hamburgers, when picking a destination for a late‐night snack.

The survey indicated that burgers were chosen over tacos, and that beef and cheese were among the “most crave‐able” ingredients.

The survey of 1,000 millennial‐age consumers was completed by Braun Research, an independent company, also found that the targeted audience valued convenience (79%), quick service (78%), and food costs under $5 (73%).

Wayne & Melva Ramsey

204-566-2314 Matthew & Sarah Ramsey

204-365-0976 Box 73, Cardale, MB R0K 0J0 msramsey@live.ca

WMM ARIZONA 307A • 3rd Gen Pld Merit Roundup x HTA Hunter Polled BW 102, WW 825, Feb. 4 1290

40

Consigning 11 Bulls to HTA Charolais & Guests Bull Sale March 26th, 2014 Neepawa, MB

WMM ARTHUR 328A • 3rd Gen Pld Winn Mans Quigley x Sparrows Fargo BW 106, WW 815, Feb. 4 1280

Charolais Connection • March 2014

Charolais Connection • March 2014

41

MANAGEMENT

Pre-Calving Nutrition Crucial to Producing Healthy Calves Dwayne Summach, PAg, M.Sc. Regional Livestock Specialist, Kindersley Regional Services Branch for Agriview, Saskatchewan Agriculture

Pre‐calving nutrition that a beef cow receives can have far‐reaching effects on productivity. Inadequate pre‐calving nutrition can reduce calf vigour, health, survival and growth performance. Pre‐calving nutrition may also affect the postpartum interval and conception rates.

Achieving the goal of one calf per cow per year is highly dependent on your attention to energy, protein, mineral and vitamin nutrition, beginning with the last trimester of pregnancy through to the end of the breeding season.

Late gestation is a crucial time in the cow’s yearly production cycle for a number of reasons. Fetal growth follows an exponential curve, which means the majority of growth takes place in late pregnancy.

Approximately 70 per cent of pregnancy growth products (fetus,

uterine and placental tissues) occur in the final six weeks. The cow’s energy, protein, mineral and vitamin requirements are increasing at the same time rumen capacity is decreasing due to displacement caused by the growth of the uterus and fetus. These increased nutrient demands may also coincide with the coldest and windiest time of year. We know that nutrient demands are greatest following calving, so the likelihood of improving the cow’s body condition score after calving is very low.

Provide cows with good‐quality forage (cut early, with little weathering) for six weeks pre‐calving, and minimize or eliminate straw from the diet.

Introducing an energy concentrate, such as cereal grain, to the ration prior to calving will help cows adapt to higher‐concentrate feeding levels

necessary to maintain their body condition, as well as produce milk and return to estrous after calving.

Inadequate pre‐calving nutrition can reduce calf vigour, health, survival and growth performance, and also the mother’s postpartum interval and conception rate, so it is important to ensure pregnant cows get enough nutrition from the last trimester of pregnancy to the end of the breeding season.

Cows in poor condition and first‐ calf heifers are the most susceptible to nutrition‐related complications.

Their body condition needs to be improved prior to calving if it is below 2.5 out of 5. This may require segregating these animals from the main herd to reduce feed competition and allow them to access high‐quality forages, a supplemental energy source, minerals and vitamins.

Swistun Charolais to North West Bull Sale Monday, March 24, 2014 • 1:00 p.m. • Kramer’s Big Bid Barn • North Battleford, SK A sample of the bulls going to the sale

Call for more information on these and others.

Swistun

DPS 13A

CHAROLAIS

Donnie & Heather Swistun

DPS 16A

BW 79, 205 DW 742, 365 DW 1366 CE 100 BW -5.1 WW 33 YW 69 M 25.4 TM 42 RR 1, North Battleford, SK S9A 2X3 ph 306-445-9868 SVS Nobleman x Whitecap Trilogy

42

Charolais Connection • March 2014

BW 99, 205 DW 743, 365 DW 1265 CE 89 BW -.3 WW 37 YW 70 M 21 TM 40 MXS Marathon x SVY Deliverence

ON OFFER: Charolais and Black Angus Yearling and Two Year Old Bulls and Open Commercial Replacement Heifers

• All bulls are ranch raised and performance tested • Delivery available • Free board until May 1

CWC 1A • IMPAIR x FA MAC 2244

CWC 26A • LAE X-PLOSIVE 29X x RPJ EVEREADY

CWC 65A • BORDERLANDS MACK 138R x BORDERLANDS ICON 153N

CWC 45A • BORDERLANDS MACK 138R x SAVIGNEUX

Thank you to our 2013 supporters!

Find us on Facebook, Borderland Cattle Company

CWC 40A • LAE X-PLOSIVE 29X x PALADIN Rockglen, SK

Glenn, Wendy & Wyatt Ching • 306-476-2439 View the catalogue online at: www.borderlandcattleco.com Charolais Connection • March 2014

43

MANAGEMENT

Focus on Productivity Beef Cattle Research Council • www.beefresearch.ca

The feedlot and packing sectors have been very successful at driving productivity and efficiency gains through larger carcass weights, average daily gains, feed to gain ratios and yield in order to decrease per unit costs and maximize profits.

Are things really so different for the cow/calf sector?

Over the last 10 years producers have looked at every aspect of their cost structure and are saying there are no more costs that can be cut.

From the capital investment in machinery and buildings, to the number of hours required to feed during the winter, cash costs have been reduced. The number of farms indicating they are using some form of in‐field winter grazing or feeding in the 2011 Ag Census was 49.3% of all beef farms.

Producers are continually looking to reduce cash costs. Let’s look at two producers: one with a low cost winter feeding program and total cash costs of $575/cow; the other with cash costs of $625/cow. A lower reproductive efficiency, higher death loss and lower weaning weight mean that the low cash cost producer actually has a higher per unit cost of production (COP) at $1.30/lb compared to the high cost and high productivity producer of $1.20/lb.

Cash Costs Reproductive Efficiency Death Loss to weaning Weaning Weight COP

Low $575 88% 4% 525 lbs $1.30/lb

High $625 92% 3% 585 lbs $1.20/lb

By focusing solely on cash costs a cow/calf operation can miss productivity gains that ultimately impact the bottom line and profitability of the operation.

Reproductive Efficiency Reproductive efficiency can range widely from 85‐92% and is influenced by bull management, cow:bull ratio, 44

pasture size during breeding, cow nutrition and heat. It is the combination of your conception rate and calving rate.

Reproductive Efficiency = # Calves born / # Cows Exposed Higher reproductive efficiency means fewer cows are maintained to produce the same amount of beef.

Being able to produce more beef from fewer cows and a smaller land base is important for the industry as a whole, but also for individual operations. Holding everything else constant, a 2% increase in reproductive efficiency decreases COP by $16.50/head.

Cash Costs Reproductive Efficiency Death Loss to weaning Weaning Weight COP

Low $625 88% 3% 550 lbs $1.33/lb

High $625 90% 3% 550 lbs $1.30/lb

Low reproductive efficiency also has implications on the number of heifers needed to be retained in order to maintain the herd. In a steady herd of 100 cows if the culling rate is 10% and the reproductive efficiency is 85%, 12 heifers need to be retained.

But if the reproductive efficiency is 92% only 11 need to be retained in order to replace the 10 cows.

Consequently, a lower reproductive efficiency increases the per unit cost of raising replacement heifers.

But there is also a multiplying effect. Not only is a higher percentage of available heifers required when reproductive efficiency is low, it also means fewer total heifers are available to replenish the herd. Only 42.5 heifers are available in the first scenario but 46 are available in the second. Thus, if a higher percentage of a smaller number is required for replacements, the impact upon the number of marketable heifers is dramatic with 30.5 heifers sold in the first scenario Charolais Connection • March 2014

(42.5‐12) but 35 in the second scenario (46‐11). On average the herd operator who maintains high reproductive efficiency (92%) has almost 14.7% more marketable heifers each year than are available in a herd of low reproductive efficiency (85%), once again impacting the pounds of beef sold for every cow maintained.

This also means that as reproductive efficiency improves not only are fewer cows needed to produce the same amount of beef, but fewer replacement heifers are needed to create expansion. As we look at the current cattle cycle in North America with shrinking beef cow inventories and record low heifer retention, improvements in reproductive efficiency mean that smaller changes in inventories are needed to create a supply response in terms of pounds of beef produced. In fact, expansion could occur from improvements in reproductive efficiency alone.

Death Loss Death losses from calving to weaning in the cow/calf sector vary widely not only from operation to operation but also from year to year as they are impacted by herd health, weather, and predators. There are advantages to a smaller operation that can give more attention to a smaller herd if it reduces death losses. However, that is not always the case. A 1% increase in death loss increases COP by $7.45/head.

Cash Costs Reproductive Efficiency Death Loss to weaning Weaning Weight COP

Low $625 90% 4% 550 lbs $1.315/lb

High $625 90% 3% 550 lbs $1.302/lb

Losses caused by outside factors like predators can accumulate quickly and create incentives to invest significant dollars to remove the problem. A 12% increase in death loss increases COP by over $100/head. continued on page 46

ING

L SEL

40ING

10TH ANNUAL BULL SALE

RL YEA ULLS B

March 22, 2014, 1:00 p.m.

Ashern Auction Mart, Ashern, MB

TMJF ALEXANDER 277A • 3rd Gen Pld Merit Roundup x Baldridge Fasttrack CE 93 BW -.2 WW 56 YW 101 M 25 TM 53 BW 110, Oct 2 WW 870, Feb 8 Wt 1400

TMJF ANDREW 273A • 4th Gen Pld Merit Roundup x HTA Hotsy CE 98 BW -3 WW 44 YW 86 M 24.4 TM 47 BW 92, Oct 2 WW 830, Feb 8 WT 1240

TMJF AFORDABULL 299A • 4th Gen Pld Winn Mans Bonita x HTA Hotsy CE 82 BW 1.4 WW 55 YW 110 M 24.2 TM 52 BW 104, Oct 2 WW 750, Feb 8 Wt 1270

TMJF ALFONSO 260A • 3rd Gen Pld LT Bluegrass x PF Impressed CE 100 BW -3 WW 40 YW 74 M 15.3 TM 35 BW 92, Oct 2 WW 840, Feb 8 Wt 1320

TMJF ALBERTSON 268A • 3rd Gen Pld Merit Roundup x LT Western Spur CE 95 BW -1.8 WW 40 YW 78 M 18.9 TM 39 BW 96, Oct 2 WW 700, Feb 8 Wt 1260

TMJF ASHTON 267A • 3rd Gen Pld Merit Roundup x Montana Silver CE 99 BW -3.8 WW 44 YW 84 M 23.1 TM 45 BW 80, Oct 2 WW 700, Feb 8 Wt 1220

All Bulls Semen Tested We will keep them until May 1 View the sale catalogue online at www.charolaisbanner.com • Many A.I. sired and alll of the sires have been used on our own heifers.

For catalogues or information contact:

• Most bulls have below breed average Birth Weight EPD and above breed average Weaning Weight EPD

Terry & Marilyn Johnson Box 206, Ashern, MB R0C 0E0

Tee M Jay Charolais Ph: 204.768.2819

Charolais Connection • March 2014

tmjfarm@mts.net

45

Weaning Weight This is where there have been tremendous gains in the cow/calf sector over the last 20‐30 years with weaning weights steadily increasing.

A 5 lb increase in average weaning weights decreases COP by $6.75/head.

Weaning weights have increased around 4 lbs per year from around 350 lb in the 1950s to around 600 lbs in the last decade. This increase is a large contributer to the average annual gain in carcass weights, which is not surprising since the feedlot practice is generally to have cattle on feed for a minimum number of days to produce the desired marbling regardless of the weight cattle enter the feedlot. So as in‐weights increase, out‐weights correspondingly increase.

This can be achieved with a cow of any size. Assuming a cow will eat around 2% of body weight per day, a 1200 lb cow will eat 24 lbs/day and a 1500 lb cow will eat 30 lbs/day. If feed costs are $80/tonne, annual feed costs would be $318 and $397 respectively. If the calf of both cows is 45% of the mature body weight the breakeven on feed costs for both calves will be the same at $0.589/lb.

Mature weight of cow (lbs) Daily Intake (lbs/day) Tonnes per year $ of feed Weaning weight (lbs) $/lb weaned towards cow feed

COW SIZE, WINTER FEED, WEANING WGT The goal is to produce a calf that is 45% of the mother’s body weight.

Research has shown that cow efficiency is dependent on the level of nutrition they receive. Larger higher‐ producing cows are the most efficient in lush, high nutrition environments and smaller low‐producing cows are the most efficient in limited nutrition environments. Measuring beef cow efficiency includes determining the amount and quality of feed consumed compared to the net return.

A better (lower) feed conversion ratio such as 17 vs. 24 kg DM/kg of calf weaned can be achieved from a lower mature body weight and therefore lower energy requirement for the cow, or higher productivity through heavier weaned weight, lower death loss, or higher reproductive efficiency. The idea is to have a low birth weight, same mature weight but a heavier weaning weight, resulting in a bent growth curve with faster maturing cattle.

46

1200 24 3.97 $318 540 0.589

1500 30 4.97 $397 675 0.589

Hence, the ideal cow size will vary with the environment, with the goal of a bent growth curve attainable at any cow size.

BENCHMARKING PERFORMANCE There are a number of provincial programs that provide cost of production benchmarking. While each province may use a different methodology to calculate costs and margins key performance indicators are relatively static wherever you are located. The following table provides some of the more accessible Reproductive Efficiency Death Loss

AB 86.5% 4.6% (3.2-5.0)

Weaning percentage Weaning weight (lbs) Avg Selling Wt Wean wt % of cow wt

579.8 (542-580) 44.5% (41.8-44.5)

SK 4% (0-20) 88% (72-103) 549

40%

QC 92% 9.5%

670 n/a

AB – Alberta Agriculture, AgriProfit$ Production year 2010. October 2011 SK – Western Beef Development Centre, 2011 Production year QC – Federation des producteurs de bovins du Quebec

Charolais Connection • March 2014

performance information. As previously noted these performance indicators can vary within an operation from year to year with weather conditions as much as across operations in a province. Tracking trends over 2‐3 years provides an indication if your operation is improving or standing still in these areas.

VALUE OF A BRED HEIFER The value of a bred heifer can be indicated by its Net Present Value (NPV). NPV is the sum of future cash flows in present value dollars. It’s calculated as: NPV = Σ Rt / (1+i)t where: t is the year in the future; i is the discount rate; and Rt is the net cash flow (income less expenses) for the year t.

NPV is affected not only by cash costs like annual maintenance and economic factors like salvage value and calf prices, but also by productivity factors such as reproductive life span and weaning weight (discussed above). For the purpose of this discussion, we assume that the salvage value of a cow is $937.50 ($75/cwt at 1250 lbs live when culled) and the average weaning weight is 550 lb. A 5% discount rate will be used to calculate future cash flow.

Annual Maintenance Costs include breeding stock replacement, veterinary and medicine, repair and maintenance, depreciation, insurance, custom work, utilities, office expenses, interest cost and all other yardage costs. They vary across operations and negatively affect the NPV of a heifer.

Suppose a heifer produces 8 consecutive calves in her lifetime and the calf price is expected to average $150/cwt, a producer whose annual maintenance costs for a heifer is $650 will have a net return of $1760 from this heifer. For every $50 increase in annual maintenance costs, the NPV on a bred heifer decreases by $324.

Since NPV determines a producer’s willingness to pay for a bred heifer, this also has implications on a producer’s purchasing decision. A producer who has lower maintenance continued on page 48

MUTRIE FARMS BAR H CHAROLAIS

Bull Sale

Wednesday, April 9th, 2014 1:00 p.m. • Candiac (SK) Auction Mart

with guest Hawken Shorthorns

1 hour SE of Regina off Hwy 48

Reference Sires of Mutrie offering

Offering

BAR H 53Z • 3rd Gen Pld Powerful son of LAE Texas, the M6 Grid Maker son we used here

Year 11 Two Olds 24 Yearlings Two Year Old 1 Shorthorn 5 Shorthorn Yearlings

JWX WADSWORTH 5W • Powerful son of Pierce who is doing a great job with 12 sons in the sale

Merit Roundup 9508W • Herdsire potential son of Roundup was admired on the fall show road

BAR H 58Z • 4th Gen Polled Smooth made son of our calving ease herdbull, JWX Silver Norm

• Most are Polled • Many Red Factor • Easy calving • Structurally sound • Not over fat bulls • Industry leading genetics BAR H 76A • Red Factor, 4th Gen Pld

VFF TIME OUT 172Y • Attractive son of this popular sire sells

Complete, good haired son of the proven SVS Nobleman

For more information or to receive a catalogue, give us a call, or view the catalogue online at www.bylivestock.com

BAR H CHAROLAIS Kevin & Donna Haylock and family Lawrence & Joan Haylock 306-697-2901 grenlock@sasktel.net Box 459, Grenfell, SK S0G 2B0

Conveniently located 3/4 mile off Hwy 1

Sale Manager

306-584-7937 Helge By 306-536-3374 Candace By 306-536-3374 charolaisbanner@gmail.com

HAWKEN SHORTHORNS Jodi Hawken 306-429-2737 Box 239, Glenavon, SK S0G 1Y0

Charolais Connection • March 2014

MUTRIE FARMS Richard & Helen Sydorko 306-429-2711 Wade Sydorko 306-424-2961 Box 57, Glenavon, SK S0G 1Y0

mutriefarms@gmail.com 47

costs will have more opportunities to buy bred heifers at or below his willingness to pay and therefore more likely to expand first.

Varying Maintenance Costs Maintenance Cost Calf Price Net Present Value $650 $150/cwt $1766/head $700 $150/cwt $1442/head $750 $150/cwt $1119/head $800 $150/cwt $796/head

Reproductive Lifespan Another essential component of the economic value of a cow is the value of the calves she produced during her lifetime. Cows that produce more calves are more profitable. While the above discussion assumes a bred heifer produces eight consecutive calves in her life time, a significant number of beef females are culled between 3 to 5 years old. First calvers are typically the hardest to re‐breed – they are still growing and they need to raise a calf, cycle and breed all at the same time. Management (particularly nutrition) of first calf heifers before and during the breeding season can impact the proportion that re‐breeds. Open cows at a young age contribute to a lower average slaughter age for cows which is around 8 years old (after 6‐7 calves). Therefore the impact of an open cow and early culling should also be taken into account when valuing a bred heifer.

The three scenarios shown in the table represent: (1) the ideal case where a cow produces eight consecutive calves; (2) open in the second year producing seven calves; and (3) culled after producing five consecutive calves.

The NPV of a heifer missing her second calf at $695/head is $748 or 50% lower than the ideal case at $1,443/head. The lower value is due to a 14% reduction in the total calf value while the costs for maintaining this heifer for that year are $635 increasing the per unit cost of production of all other calves raised.

A cow that is open after her first calf is valued at $695, while a cow that is open after her seventh calf is valued at $884. While both produce seven 48

calves the difference of 21% is because the lost revenue in the second year is worth more today than the lost revenue in year eight.

8 Calves Open Yr 2 Early Cull Maintenance Cost ($/year) Calf Price ($/cwt) Calves # NPV of Salvage ($/hd) Total Value of Calves Produced Total Maintenance Cost ($/hd) NPV of Bred Heifer

$700 $150 8 $635

$700 $150 7 $635

$700 $150 5 $735

$5332

$4584

$3572

$4524 $1443

$4524 $695

$3031 $1276

For the third scenario, where the heifer is expected to be culled after five calves, her NPV at $1,276 is 12% lower than the ideal case as the higher salvage value and lower total maintenance costs are not enough to offset fewer calves being produced.

A group of heifers purchased will typically represent a combination of the above scenarios. The below table provides the weighted average value for a group of heifers based on various percentages in each group. So if 40% had eight calves, 30% were open in the second year and 30% were culled after five calves the weighted average value of that group of bred heifers would be $1,168.50/head. A 10% reduction in heifers that are open after their first calf increases the weighted average value of a group of heifers by $75/head.

Bred Heifer $ Scenario 1 Scenario 2 8 calves $1443 40% 30% Open year 2 $695 30% 40% Early Cull $1276 30% 30% Weighted Average Value of $1,168.50 $1,093.70 a Bred Heifer

It should be noted that as the above estimation is based on prices at one point of time, the actual impact of open cow and early culling will vary depending on where we are at the cattle cycle.

FEEDLOT PRODUCTIVITY As previously noted, feedlots have focused, measured and been successful at improving productivity Charolais Connection • March 2014

of cattle on feed over the years.

The Feed: Gain Ratio is a key performance measure in feedlots indicating how many pounds of feed are required for every pound of gain.

If a 550 lb calf is placed on feed and taken to 1250 lbs with a feed:gain ratio of 7:1, improving feed:gain by 2% to 6.86:1 decreases feed costs by $11/head and if reduced by 4% to 6.72 would decrease feed costs by $23/head. In a small margin business, these changes in productivity can make the difference in profitability and long term survival.

Feed:Gain Feed Intake (tonnes) Cost of Feed

6.72 2.13 $542

7 2.22 $564

7.14 2.27 $575

*Barley priced at $253.81/tonne

Feed:Gain ratios have improved and become more consistent over time, averaging 7.14 with a range of 5.81 to 8.471. Most improvements in feed:gain ratios have been connected to higher average daily gain, as daily feed intake is more difficult to monitor.

A higher average daily gain (ADG) can reduce the number of days on feed and potentially increases the turn rate of the feedlot and the fixed costs applied to each animal. For placements gaining 600 lbs in the feedlot with ADG ranging from 3 lbs/day to 4 lbs/day; days on feed (DOF) will range from 150 days to 200 days. Consequently, bunk space can only be turned 1.83 times a year for animals gaining 3 lbs/day versus 2.4 times a year for animals gaining 4 lbs/day.

ADG 3.0 3.5 4.0

DOF 200 171 150

Turns/year 1.83 2.13 2.43

A 15,000 head feedlot with a fill rate of 75% and 1.82 turns per year will spread $100,000 of operating costs over 20,475 head for fixed costs of $4.88/animal. While that same 15,000 head feedlot with a fill rate of 83% and turn rate of 2.17 will spread costs over 27,017 head with fixed costs of $3.70/animal.

1

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles. BCRC Historical Evaluation April 2012.

continued on page 50

CED 12A

Cedardale Apollo 12A • Double Polled CSS Sir Gridmaker x LT Wyoming Wind DOB: Jan. 2/13 • BW 93, Adj WW 808, Adj YW 1442 BW 0.9 WW 33.8 YW 59.7 M 21.2

CED 109A

Cedardale Alakazam 109A • Polled Merit Roundup x HFCC Calypso 1N DOB: Feb. 3/13 • BW 96, Adj WW 868, Adj YW 1434 BW 0.3 WW 47.5 YW 89.6 M 19.3 Sr. Bull Calf Champion 2013 Royal Winter Fair

CED 123A

Cedardale Abracadabra 123A • Double Polled Cedardale Winchester 70W x LT Wyoming Wind DOB: Mar. 2/13 • BW 91, Adj WW 926, Adj YW 1412 BW -0.5 WW 43.5 YW 75.8 M 17.7 Jr. Bull Calf Champion 2013 Royal Winter Fair

CED 61A

Cedardale Agustus 61A • Double Polled Cedardale Winchester 70W x LT Wyoming Wind DOB: Jan. 13/13 • BW 106, Adj WW 922, Adj YW 1548 BW 0.7 WW 41.3 YW 75.0 M 19.7 Reserve Sr. Bull Calf Champion 2013 Royal Winter Fair

To view videos and pictures of the bulls Tel: (905) 986-4608 • info@cedardalefarms.ca • www.cedardalefarms.ca please visit our website at Follow Hwy 7A E of Port Perry 3 km E of Nestleton. Turn N onto Johns Rd., E onto Malcolm Rd., N onto Cedardale Rd. First farm on left. www.cattleinmotion.com www.cedardalefarms.ca

Trevor, Scott & Ryan Nesbitt • 17100 Cedardale Road, Nestleton, ON L0B 1L0

20 BULLS SELL at Chopper K Red Angus & Guests Bull Sale 2:00 • April 2nd Alameda, SK

Janelle Campbell Box 93, Griffin, SK S0C 1G0 ccfarms@sdcwireless.com

306-842-6231

Videos can be viewed online at:

Campbells Charolais CAMPBELLS ASTONISH 317A

CAMPBELLS AWESOME 592A

CAMPBELLS ALL YOURS 187A

Pleasant Dawn Magnum 26T x DBLG’s Champ 9J • 3rd Gen. Polled BW 95 lb. WW Oct. 18 954 lb.

Capacity and length

Pleasant Dawn Magnum 26T x Campbells Tigger 417M • 4th Gen. Polled BW 105 lb. WW Oct. 18 978 lb.

Meat and Volume

Pleasant Dawn Tank 102X x Pleasant Dawn Magnum 26T • 4th Gen. Polled BW 91 lb. WW Oct. 18 800 lb.

Complete individual out of a 1st calf heifer

Also selling Red Angus Bulls from Chopper K Thank you to all our past, present and future customers for their support Charolais Connection • March 2014

49

Lot Size Fill Rate Turn Rate Fixed Costs $/head 15,000 83% 2.17 $3.70 15,000 75% 1.82 $4.88

The ADG on finishing rations has increased over the last 50 years from 1.75 lbs/day to 3.2 lbs/day, an average increase of 0.03 lbs per year.

Advancements in daily gains have come from changes in diet and feedlot management, moving from primarily forage based diets to higher grain concentrate.

Death losses in the feedlot are typically low (~1%) with the high risk time in the first 45 days after weaning. This creates incentives for feedlots to place cattle that have been pre‐conditioned, backgrounded or are yearlings. This is a high risk with implications on potential profits for cow/calf producers who are considering retained ownership.

While carcass weights, yields, and quality grades are measured at the packing house they are impacted by feedlot management. When paid on these attributes feedlots are able to drive performance in these areas.

Packers continue to pay by the pound because they are paid by the pound for boxed beef. If they can sell the same number of pounds of beef with fewer shifts they are able to spread that margin over fewer labour hours, decreasing the variable cost per pound. So while fixed costs per head increase, the fixed cost per pound does not as long as packers are able to continue to produce the same amount of pounds annually.

Source: CBGA

Since 1975, steer carcass weights have increased on average 7 lbs per year with some years more and others less. In 2012, the annual steer carcass weight jumped 22 lbs from the previous year to 879 lb. Larger carcass weight can offset the impact of decreased cattle slaughter on beef production. In 2012 when slaughter 50

cattle marketings was down 6.6%, beef production was only down 3.9% as a result of heavier carcass weights.

Dressing Percentage is calculated by dividing the warm carcass weight by the shrunk live weight of the animal. Two animals with same live weight and same live price can have different economic value due to the difference in dressing percentage. As shown in the table below, for two 1350 lb animals at $113/cwt live price ($1,525.50/head), a 0.5% difference in dressing percentage will result in a 7 pound difference in carcass weight.

Consequently, the breakeven on the carcass is $1.60/cwt higher for the one yielding 0.5% lower, representing $13.30 on an 840 lb carcass. Hence, the major shift away from live to rail pricing over the years.

Value of Live Animal Dressing Percentage Carcass Weight (lb) Breakeven on the Carcass weight ($/cwt)

$1,525.50 60.0% 810

$1,525.50 59.5% 803

$188.33

$189.92

In addition to dressing percentage, the economic value of a carcass is also affected by its quality (i.e. Prime, AAA, AA and A) and yield grades (YG1, 2, 3).

Yield Grades give a prediction of the amount of red meat on a carcass.

A yield grade 1 (Y1) indicates that a carcass contains 59% or more lean meat while a yield grade 3 (Y3) contains 53% or less lean meat.

Y1 Y2 Y3 (>59%) (54-56%) (<53%) Warm Carcass Weight (lb) 800 800 800 Lean Yield (lb) 472 448 424 AA cutout price ($/cwt) 179.59 179.59 179.59 Revenue from red meat ($) 847.66 804.56 761.46 Discount per carcass ($) – 43.1 86.2

The industry is interested in lean yield because two carcasses, which are at the same weight, can vary significantly in terms of the amount of meat they yield. For two carcasses, which are both 800 lbs, the amount of meat yield from a Y1 is 472 lbs while the meat yield from a Y3 is 424 lb.

This 48 lbs difference in red meat will result in a $86 difference in revenue per carcass.

Charolais Connection • March 2014

Correspondingly, that is 48 lbs of fat that a feedlot has paid to put on and then a packer, processor, or retailer is paying someone to cut off and find a use for elsewhere.

Source: CBGA

From 2010 to 2012 the percentage of A grades which are Y1 has decreased from 52% to 49% while Y2 is steady at 34%. Consequently, the proportion of Y3 cattle has increased from 14% to 18%.

Obviously there is very little market incentive to reduce Y3 production and increase Y1 production.

Over the past 20 years, there has been significant improvement in quality grades. From 2008 to 2012 the percentage of AAA+Prime product increased from 52% to 57%. This 5% improvement in the percentage of AAA+Prime product, increased packer returns on every 10,000 lbs of A grade product by $23.80. In years when the premium on AAA product over AA product is larger there is a larger impact on revenue.

All A Grades (lb) % AAA + Prime AAA cutout price ($/cwt) AA cutout price ($/cwt) Revenue from all A grades ($)

10,000 57% 184.35 179.59 $18,230

10,000 52% 184.35 179.59 $18,207

CONCLUSION Regardless of the calf price or how low you are able to reduce cash costs if there is not a focus on productivity in the cow/calf herd there is money being left on the table. Benchmarking is a popular term for a reason. But your best competition no matter where you are on the scale is what your herd did last year and if there is improvement. Feedlots have shown how a focus on productivity can drive profitability in a small margin business.

Keeping records is the first step!

Selling at the 28TH ANNUAL VERMILLION CHAROLAIS GROUP BULL SALE

LKVR Casper 61Z

SATURDAY, APRIL 5TH, 2014 VERMILION, AB

LKVR Imperial 96X

Lakeview Charolais LKVR Matador 14Z

Rob & Heather Murray Marwayne, AB Home 780-875-0218 Cell 780-205-0912

LKVR Beck 19Z

lakeviewcharolais@hotmail.com • www.lakeviewcharolais.ca • Catalogue available at www.dlms.ca

Charolais Connection • March 2014

51

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Management Practices of Developing Heifers Affects Lifetime Productivity Dr. Jack C Whittier, Professor and Extension Beef Specialist, Colorado State University Presented at Beef Improvement Federation 2013 Annual Meeting, Oklahoma City, OK, June 12-14, 2013

Introduction The manner in which replacement heifers are managed during development has an impact on their lifetime productivity. Because beef production occurs across a wide range of environments and under many different production objectives, it is important for this presentation to focus on management practices that are somewhat “environment neutral”.

Therefore, I will focus primarily on fundamental principles related to heifer management and approaches that have proven beneficial under many different scenarios.

Heifer Management to Produce Early Calving Cows As a boy, I recall my dad saying “Once an early calver, always an early calver”. While Dad may have been exaggerating when he used the word “always”, this fundamental principle has stuck with me and I accept it as a truism.

Principles from the 1950s and 60s in Montana (Lesmeister et al., 1973) is an oft quoted study, to document the relationship of relative date of first calving compared to herd mates and subsequent calf production, and was published in Journal of Animal Science in 1973 – forty years ago – by Lesmeister, Burfening and Blackwell (Lesmeister et al., 1973). I quote the summary from that article: “A study was made of the effect of relative first calving date in beef heifers on lifetime production using production records from two beef herds [Bozeman and Havre, Montana]. The study involved 2036 spring calves [born] from 481 cows weaned in October or November of each year. An initial calving group 52

was determined for each heifer based on the relative birth date of her first calf. A subsequent calving group was similarly assigned to each additional calf from the same cow. Heifers calving initially in the early, first and second groups tended to calve earlier throughout the remainder of their productive lives than heifers calving initially in later groups. However, repeatability estimates for calving group in the two herds were 0.092 and 0.105 indicating that only moderate improvement might be made by culling cows that calve late during the normal calving season.

Calves born in earlier groups grew significantly faster from birth to weaning and weighed more at weaning than calves born in later groups. Lifetime production was significantly affected by initial calving group. Early calving heifers had higher average annual lifetime calf production than late calving heifers.

This study indicates the importance of managing and breeding heifers so they will calve early in the season and thus tend to maintain early calving throughout their productive lives.

Such management should contribute profit in the cow‐calf operation.”

(Lesmeister et al., 1973) As mentioned, this study is frequently quoted since it describes and documents the benefits of managing heifers to calve in the first 21 days of their first calving season.

Let’s explore a few of the fundamental management principles that can be gleaned from this study and apply them to current opportunities in heifer development.

Principle #1 (Lesmeister) – Heifers that conceive early as yearlings during their first breeding season appear to be “programmed” for Charolais Connection • March 2014

productive lives. The summary paragraph of this article demonstrates the wisdom of the authors in setting the stage for many of the management practices used in the beef industry currently. Today, the term “programmed” is frequently used in connection with “fetal programming”, or the impact that the maternal environment plays on the performance of the individual throughout its life. The author’s use of the term “programmed” did not encompass today’s fetal programming meaning, but it is insightful that even in 1973 it was suggested that preparing heifers for early calving by nutrition and selection was a recommended practice. Here is a portion of the concluding paragraph: “[T]hese data indicate the importance of managing first‐calf heifers for early calving in the optimum season in herds with a limited breeding season and a definite time of weaning. A larger proportion of replacement heifers than needed should be bred, pregnancy tested and culled at the end of the breeding period if they are open. The heifers that conceive and calve the earliest immediately indicate their greater reproductive efficiency and lifetime potential. They should be given some preference in selection.

The proper application of selection for rapid growth and early sexual maturity in yearling beef heifers and adequate nutritional regime are essential for “programming” beef cows for early, regular calving throughout their productive lives.” (Lesmeister et al., 1973) Principle #2 (Lesmeister) – Early‐ born calves performed better than later‐born calves. The Lesmeister study was done with spring‐calving

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cows in native range grazing environments near Bozeman and Havre, Montana (MT). The breeding season at Havre began approximately June 15 each year of the study and lasted for 60 days. The length of the breeding season at Bozeman ranged from 10 to 133 days. Weaning occurred each year in October and November across the 19 years at Bozeman and 15 years at Havre that were studied. The reported results for calf performance were: “The calving group [early, mid or late] for a particular calf had a highly significant (P< .01) effect on its performance from birth to weaning.

Calves born earlier in the normal season weighed more at weaning than later calves due to their older age and their faster rate of pre‐weaning gain.” (Lesmeister et al., 1973) Calf survival from birth to weaning at Havre was also enhanced if calves were born early in the calving season.

“Calving group significantly (P<.01) affected the percent of calves surviving from birth to weaning in the Havre herd but not in the Bozeman herd. The percent survival declined continually for each 21 days later that calves were born during the calving season at Havre.” (Lesmeister et al., 1973) Higher survival rate and greater weaning weights combined to improve the lifetime productivity of

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the cows. The authors emphasized this outcome when they stated: “One of the most important findings of this study was the fact that cows calving early the first time produce more kilograms of calf (P<.01) in their lifetime than cows calving later the first time… Most of the difference in average annual lifetime production was associated with increased production at the first calving.” (Lesmeister et al., 1973) Principle #3 (Lesmeister) – Release of dominance expressed as heterosis in reproductive traits is real. The cow records in this study were collected during the 1950s and 1960s and included purebred Angus and Hereford cows in Bozeman and four different closed lines and one crossline of Herefords at Havre. The Havre crossline Hereford cows (line 5) resulted from mating line 1 cows with line 4 cows to evaluate the release of linebreeding dominance.

The results of this crossing were: “…cow line…significantly (P<.01) affected birth weight, weaning weight and ADG of calves…There was a consistent and statistically significant difference among the cow lines at Havre for all of the production traits analyzed. The crossline cows [line 5] consistently showed better performance than the straight line cows and earlier initial calving groups than the mean of straight line

cows. The calves had heavier birth weights, heavier weaning weights, older weaning ages and higher average daily gains than the straight line calves. Inbreeding depression and heterosis were evident.”

(Lesmeister et al., 1973) As noted, this study dealt with straightbred cows and cows of the same breed (Hereford) in a cross with selected lines. Numerous additional studies have clearly shown heterosis for reproductive traits when breeds are crossed. For example, Cundiff (Cundiff, 1970) reported the results of projects conducted by W‐1, NC‐1 and S‐10 animal breeding regional committees. The reported conclusions from this report (Cundiff, 1970) identify the advantages of heterosis on reproductive traits as follows: “…the major benefit will be accrued through the cumulative effects of heterosis on fertility, maternal ability and growth rate. It appears conservative to conclude that production per cow exposed for breeding can be increased 20 to 25 % by systematic crossing of British breeds. About half of this advantage is dependent upon the use of crossbred cows to take advantage of heterosis for maternal ability and reproduction.”(Cundiff, 1970) The advantage in herd survival rate to 12 years of age and longevity for crossbred cows compared to

Charolais Connection • March 2014

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straightbred cows was reported by Núñez‐Dominguez et al. (1991) from the population of Angus, Hereford and Shorthorn first‐cross cows in the animal breeding regional projects described above by Cundiff (1970).

Núñez‐Dominguez et al. (1991) concluded: “Survival of cows is an important component of lifetime productivity measured as the total calf weight weaned per initial replacement female. Longevity is an equivalent measure of cumulative survival at some final age. In either trait, performance of crossbreds was higher than that of straightbred cows. Thus, crossbreds needed fewer replacements than straightbreds and had a lower culling rate at any age.”

(Núñez‐Dominguez et al., 1991) Effect of Calving Distribution on Progeny Performance The objectives of the Lesmeister paper published in 1973 from cows in the 50s and 60s discussed above were investigated recently in a paper by Rick Funston and co‐workers (Funston, et at., 2012) in cows in Nebraska. The Funston paper reported on records from 1997 to 2010 for steer and heifer progeny from composite cows (Red Angus x Simmental) at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, Whitman, Nebraska (NE). These two studies report on different environments (MT vs. NE), different breed‐types (straightbred AN and HH vs. crossbred), and across a 40 to 50 year difference in time. Funston and co‐ workers also collected more detailed information, including feedlot and carcass characteristics of steer progeny and reproductive traits of heifer progeny, than Lesmeister and co‐workers. This is expected with advances in sophistication of research approaches over the past 40 years since 1973. However, the outcomes of the importance of cows calving early in the calving season are very similar.

Principles from the 1990s and 2000s in Nebraska (Funston, et at., 2012) In the introduction of the Funston paper (Funston, et at., 2012) the authors review additional advantages 54

seen in other research reports as related to retention of cows in the herd and the influence of preweaning growth on puberty.

“Calving date can also influence the number of cows calving the next year. Cows that calved late 1 yr tended to calve late or not calve the next year (Burris and Priode, 1958; Kill et al., 2012). In a review by Patterson et al. (1992), data are cited from the 1950s to early 1980s, indicating preweaning growth exerts a greater influence on puberty than postweaning growth.” (Funston, et al., 2012) Principle #4 (Funston) – Heifers born early in relation to herdmates, increases the likelihood that they will conceive early in their first breeding season. Funston and co‐workers followed the heifer progeny through development and their first breeding and calving seasons.

“Percentage of heifers cycling at the beginning of the breeding season decreased (P < 0.01) with advancing calving date (70, 58, and 39%, respectively) and 45 d pregnancy rates were lowest (P = 0.02) for heifers born in the third calving period (90, 86, and 78%, respectively).” (Funston, et al., 2012) Dunn and Kaltenbach (1980) point out that females conceiving early in the breeding season result in increased postpartum recovery period the following year, thus increasing the probability of early conception again.

Principle #5 (Funston) – Early‐born heifers tend to have early calves themselves. It is interesting, though not surprising, that heifers born as first calf progeny tended (P ≤ 0.10) to have the greatest weaning weight if they were born to a heifer that was born in the first calving period. Thus, there was a generational advantage for early calvers. “…more (P < 0.01) calves were born in the first 21 d of the calving season if the heifer herself was born in the first calving period.” (Funston, et al., 2012) Principle #6 (Funston) – Steer progeny from early calving cows Charolais Connection • March 2014

produce higher value carcasses than late calving cows. The Funston study reported that steer progeny also displayed an advantage if they were born during the early portion of the calving season when compared with later born steer progeny.

“Carcasses of earlier born steers were more valuable on a [body weight] basis and received a greater premium on a carcass basis than later born steers.” (Funston, et al., 2012) A summary of the results reported in the Nebraska study is explained in the implications section of the Funston article as follows: “Heifer calves born during the first 21 d of the spring calving season had greater weaning, prebreeding, and precalving [body weight]; greater percent cycling before breeding; and greater pregnancy rates compared with heifers born in the third calving period. First calf progeny from heifers born in the first 21 d of the calving period also had an earlier birth date and greater weaning [body weight].

Calving period of heifer progeny significantly impacts development and first calf characteristics. Steer calves born earlier in the calving season have greater weaning [body weight], [hot carcass weight], and marbling scores. Increasing early calving frequency may increase progeny value at weaning and enhance carcass value of the steers.

Managing groups of heifer and steer progeny by calving date may allow for more efficient use of resources and optimize reproductive performance of heifer calves and feedlot performance of steer calves.”

(Funston, et al., 2012) Lifetime productivity has been shown to be greater in heifers managed so they calve early their first calving. This results from both older and faster growing calves that are born early relative to later‐born herdmates. Advantages of early‐born calves are perpetuated by greater pregnancy rates at first mating in early‐born heifers and greater carcass value in early‐born steer calves.

Differences in Lifetime Productivity of Heifers Conceived by AI or Natural Service A study done by Colorado State University and recently published (French et al., 2013) evaluated 6,693 records from 1,173 females at the CSU John E. Rouse Beef Improvement Center (BIC) located in Saratoga, WY. The objectives of the study were: 1) determine the effect of conception to AI or natural service (NS) as yearlings on lifetime productivity, and 2) compare lifetime productivity among females that were the offspring of an AI or NS sire.

In herds that use AI, such as BIC, it is a standard practice to conduct AI at the beginning of the breeding season, and follow later with clean‐up bulls for natural mating.

Therefore, the opportunity for NS sires to produce early born calves is compromised under these circumstances. It is also quite common for heifers to be synchronized for estrus in some manner when AI is part of the ranch management practice. This practice will also skew the data for AI toward the early part of the calving season compared to non‐synchronized breeding with either AI or NS. Since both of these practices were used at BIC in the data reported by French et al. (2013) we must recognize that the results likely contain a bias toward AI. As further explanation of the CSU study, each year yearling heifers were inseminated 3 to 4 weeks before the cows. This is also a common industry management practice. As a result of this practice the production records from the dams at BIC were classified into 4 different categories: 1) heifers that conceived to AI (H‐AI), 2) heifers that conceived to NS (H‐NS), 3) cows that conceived to AI (C‐AI) and 4) cows that conceived to NS (C‐NS).

This delineation was made to isolate the effect of the parity of the dam of a female on its lifetime productivity. In addition, due to the genetic objectives at BIC related to investigation of high‐elevation (brisket) disease, the same sires used for AI were used for NS with the heifers; different AI and NS sires were used with the cows.

Lifetime revenue from females in the CSU study was estimated using the sum of the weaned calf value for all calves produced by these females.

Calf value was computed based on local auction market prices over the period from 1991 to 2010. These estimates reflected varied prices for various weight and sex classes.

Using this approach, it was possible to compute lifetime revenue for each female category of females (H‐AI, H‐NS, C‐AI, and C‐NS) as classified above.

The overall purpose of the present paper is to discuss the effect of management practices of developing heifers on lifetime productivity. There are some additional principles that can be drawn from the CSU study (French et al., 2013) to add to the work of Lesmeister and Funston already discussed.

Principle #7 (French) – Yearling heifers that respond to estrus synchronization and conceive early to AI produce greater lifetime revenue than heifers that conceive to natural service. When Lesmeister et al. (1973) published their study on cow records from the 1950s and 1960s, estrus synchronization was not done, other than experimentally. Therefore, as Lesmeister and co‐workers point out in their publication, “All cows could not be expected to be in estrus the

first day of the breeding season due to the length of the estrous cycle.”

With advances in estrous cycle management over the intervening 50 years, it is common, especially in heifers, for a high percentage of synchronized females to be in estrus on the first day of the breeding season. The majority of females that are not in estrus in synchronized herds are not cycling – either due to being non‐pubertal or anestrus cows.

In cows, anestrus likely results from short postpartum intervals at the beginning of the breeding season in later calving cows.

“Females that conceived to AI as a yearling were older and heavier (P = 0.02) at the time of AI than were females that conceived to a clean‐up bull via NS. Females that conceived to AI as a yearling also had greater (P = 0.04) average weaning weight for calves produced during their lifetime and weaned more (P < 0.0001) weight and more (P < 0.0001) total calves throughout their lifetime than did females that conceived to NS as a yearling [Table 1].” (French et al., 2013) The use of AI in beef herds allows use of proven sires with documented genetic merit. Lamberson et al. (1993) stated that AI offers the advantage of making available many sires with outstanding genetic merit, a situation that would not be economical for

Table 1 – Measures of heifer’s own performance and summarized performance of its calves among females that conceived at AI or natural service (NS) as yearlings.

Performance of heifer

Conception Classification

n

Lifetime Age of revenue2 heifer at ($, actual 1st AI (d) PPI1 (d) price basis)

Performance of progeny

n

Lifetime weight weaned (lb)

Lifetime calves weaned

Conceived to AI

871

429a

92

$2,483

4,530

2,363a

5.2a

Conceived to NS

302

418b

87

$1,561

909

1,398b

3.0b

11

5

$922

965

2.2

Difference a,b

Means within a column without a common superscript differ (P< 0.05).

PPI = postpartum interval; defined as the number of days between the calving date of the female and the subsequent date of AI. This number is the average PPI across all years that the female was in the herd.

2 Lifetime revenue produced per female was calculated using prices from Torrington Livestock Market LLC (Torrington, WY) from 1991 to 2010. See original manuscript for further explanation of how this was calculated.

1

Charolais Connection • March 2014

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Table 2 – Measures of female’s own performance and performance of calves by dam classification.

Performance of female

Dam Class1 H‐AI H‐NS C‐AI C‐NS

n 195 40 618 320

Lifetime Age of revenue3 heifer at ($, actual 1st AI (d) PPI2 (d) price basis)

Performance of progeny

n

Lifetime weight weaned (lb)

Lifetime calves weaned

a

88

$2,223

926

2,147

4.6

b

88

$1,949

175

1,918

4.2

b

87

$2,253

2,928

2,129

4.7

c

84

$2,313

1,454

2,180

4.7

450 421

427

403

a,b,c,d

Means within a column without a common superscript differ (P< 0.05).

H-AI = female born to a primiparous heifer and the offspring of an AI mating; HNS = female born to a primiparous heifer and the offspring of a natural service (NS) mating; C-AI = female born to a multiparous cow and the offspring of an AI mating; C-NS = female born to a multiparous cow and the offspring of an NS mating.

2 PPI = postpartum interval; defined as the number of days between the calving date of the female and the subsequent date of AI. This number is the average PPI across all years that the female was in the herd.

3 Lifetime revenue produced per female was calculated using prices from Torrington Livestock Market LLC (Torrington, WY) from 1991 to 2010. See original manuscript for further explanation of how this was calculated.

1

most commercial producers for use in NS. As noted above, heifers at BIC were mated to the same sires AI and NS, therefore, some of the potential advantages of AI compared to NS are not fully reflected in the article by French et al. (2013). As further explanation why this was done at BIC, the authors state: “One of the goals of the BIC was to produce seedstock Angus bulls specifically adapted to high‐altitude environments. Because of this, ranch management inseminated heifers to bulls produced by the ranch and then used these same bulls via NS on their females. This facilitated genetic improvement of the herd while also using sires that could perform in the environment. This decision to AI heifers to the same bulls used for NS is noteworthy because it reduced some of the benefit of using elite genetics through AI but also reduced the risk of introducing genetics that were not adapted to the high‐altitude environment. The average weaning weight of calves from females conceiving to AI may have been greater if outside sires with improved 56

genetics for growth had been used (Ellis, 2005) but also would have increased the risk of mortality in offspring associated with nonadapted genetics.” (French et al., 2013) However, the advantage of females conceiving to AI was demonstrated indirectly due to earlier conception in both females that conceived to AI and those sired by AI when compared to NS (Table 2.) This table reports the female’s response, based on the dam classification, based on age of dam and whether progeny resulted from AI or NS. French et al. (2013) summarized the results of their study in the implications section of their paper as follows: “Replacement females that conceive earlier in the breeding season, accomplished via the use of estrus synchronization and AI, have increased longevity. Furthermore, estrus synchronization with AI can be an effective management tool to produce replacements that are older at breeding, become pregnant early in the breeding season, and have the potential to consist of superior Charolais Connection • March 2014

genetics.” (French et al., 2013) Summary The primary focus of this paper has been on the benefits of managing heifers to conceive early in their first breeding season. This practice produces cows that have greater lifetime productivity due to more growing days of their progeny before a set weaning date, which results in greater weight weaned. It also provides for longer postpartum intervals to prepare for the subsequent breeding season, therefore increasing the probability of conception early in the breeding season to facilitate early calving the next calving season.

Combined, these factors result in greater lifetime productivity of heifers that calve early relative to herdmates.

The use of estrus synchronization and accompanying AI are tools available to increase lifetime productivity and facilitate earlier calving.

Over the past several years, the traditional practice of developing replacement heifers to a target weight of 65% of expected mature weight has been questioned. Funston and Deutscher (2004) and Funston et al.

(2011) reported that prebreeding rate of gain has minimal effect on heifer pregnancy rate. This has led to changes in management by some producers in an attempt to reduce input costs for heifer development while not compromising reproductive performance.

Approaches such as developing heifers at a rate of gain and target weight at first breeding lower than traditionally used (55 vs. 65% of mature weight) appear to be a viable practice for heifers with improved genetic merit for growth and reproduction available in today’s beef industry. In addition, exposing a higher number of heifers during a short breeding season and retaining pregnant heifers into the herd will serve to improve the lifetime productivity of heifers.

The principles outlined in this paper will allow producers to identify heifers that match the production environment and contribute to having early calving cows in the herd.

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MANAGEMENT

Neonatal Disease Beef Cattle Research Council, beefresearch.ca

One of the most important production factors influencing the economics of the beef cow calf farm is the calf crop percentage. This is defined as the percentage of cows exposed to the bull that raise a calf to weaning. In order to achieve this, a cow must become pregnant, successfully carry the calf through to term, give birth to a live calf and raise it to weaning age. Many factors can influence the calf crop percentage including reproductive management as well as calf losses through abortions, stillbirths, and other mortalities. A number of studies have demonstrated the importance of perinatal and neonatal losses in beef cattle in affecting the calf crop percentage.

Research suggests that over 8% of the calf crop is lost after the cow becomes pregnant. A large research study on Western Canadian cow‐calf herds provides an overview of the reasons for calf losses. The results give a snapshot of what the ‘normal’ level of calf losses are in Western Canadian cow‐calf herds. The study found that during that breeding and calving season: •1.6% of the pregnant cows aborted •2.6% of the calves were stillborn •4.0 % of the calves born alive died before reaching weaning age These numbers are similar to what has been seen in other studies in other parts of North America.

For the average beef producer, most calf losses occur between birth and the first 7 days of life. A number of factors can contribute to these losses including: • Dystocia (calving difficulty) • Maternal nutrition • Maternal behaviour • Climate • Infectious agents and environment.

In one extensive study of cow‐calf herds, 69% of pre‐weaning mortality 58

occurred within the first 96 hours of birth (Bellows et al, 1987). Almost 2/3 of these losses were directly attributable to dystocia (calving difficulty).

In one extensive study of cow‐calf herds, 69% of pre‐weaning mortality occurred within the first 96 hours of birth (Bellows et al, 1987). Almost 2/3 of these losses were directly attributable to dystocia (calving difficulty).

Dystocia can directly cause a calfʹs death or indirect losses by increasing the susceptibility to infectious disease. Calves that survive dystocia have been shown to be 2.4 times more likely to become sick during the first 45 days of life. Calves that experience dystocia are 13 times more likely to die within 12 hours of birth.

Producers can minimize dystocia by utilizing some of the following management tools: Birth weight has been consistently demonstrated to be the most important contributing factor contributing to dystocia. Birth weights account for 30‐50% of the variability in dystocia rates.

Birth weight is a function of genetic and environmental factors and is moderately heritable. Wherever possible, a bull with a low Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) for birth weight should be selected. Selecting an easy‐calving breed of bull for use with replacement heifers is another option when EPD are not available.

Ensure replacement heifers reach 85% of mature weight at calving and all cows are in good body condition (2.5-3.0) The risk of dystocia is greatest in replacement heifers. The heifer rearing program should be adequate so that heifers have reached 85% of their mature weight at calving time.

Avoid overconditioning. Nutritional intake in late gestation should not be restricted as it will have no impact on birth weights. Although pelvic measurements have been used as a Charolais Connection • March 2014

method of selecting heifers with larger pelvises, they tend to be of limited value.

Adquate Surveillance Early assistance in the calving process affects subsequent reproductive capacity of the dam.

Early assistance can lead up to a 9% increase in the number of animals cycling at the onset of the breeding season and a 14% increase in the fall pregnancy rate. Furthermore, early assistance will greatly increase the chance of producing a live calf if an animal does have dystocia. Producers should be familiar with the normal sequence of calving.

Lighted calving area and adequate facilities Adequate light makes surveillance easier at night. Producers should have one 8 x 10 maternity pen for every 20 cows, depending on season of calving and climate. Adequate facilities are needed to catch, handle and restrain cows with dystocia or mothering problems.

Calve heifers separately 2-3 weeks before cows Calving heifers prior to cows allows for concentrated surveillance on the high risk group for dystocias.

Heifers are more likely to have dystocia and mothering problems.

Early calving for heifers also provides them a clean calving area with no pathogen build‐up. Heifers need more time to return to estrus than cows.

Know when to intervene in calving Cows should be examined by trained personnel to make a decision about assisting with calving if any of the following scenarios occur: • Cow actively strains for 40 minutes with no progress • 90 minutes have passed since the waterbag first appeared • The legs emerge with the surface of the hooves pointing up • Only the head or tail emerges.

• An un‐calved cow is mothering another calf • A cow demonstrated greater than 5‐6 hours of anxiety (i.e.: walking about, tail extended) Maximize General Immunity Newborn calves are born with virtually no immunity of their own.

The cow’s placenta does not allow antibodies to pass from the mother to the calf during pregnancy, which means the calf must receive its initial immunity from the antibody rich colostrum, or first milk of the cow.

This initial immunity is essential because it provides protective antibodies against many of the diseases that affect newborn calves, such as calf scours, navel abscesses, arthritis and pneumonia. Even the vaccines used to prevent scours in calves rely on this passive transfer of immunity in the colostrum.

The calf is only able to absorb these antibodies at significant levels during the first 12 hours of life. The gut’s closure to antibody absorption is a gradual process but begins to decline rapidly at 12 hours until complete closure occurs at about 24 hours of age. After the gut closes, the antibodies can still have local effect within the gut, but they can no longer be absorbed into the blood stream.

Calves that do not receive adequate amounts of colostrum immediately after birth are at a much higher risk of becoming sick and are also more likely to die. Many cases of diarrhea, navel ill, blood poisoning and pneumonia in calves are a result of failing to receive an adequate level of colostral immunity.

Ideally, a calf needs at least two liters of colostrum within the first six hours of life to provide optimal levels of immunity, but the required volume depends on the concentrations of antibodies in the first milk of the cow.

Beef calves should get up quickly after birth and begins to suckle within the first few hours. Calves that have not nursed properly within the first two to three hours should be noted and observed more closely.

In colder weather, calves will become hypothermic and may be less vigorous and less likely to suckle immediately. These calves should be tube fed colostrum and placed in a warming box. A calf can probably be given more time to suckle properly on a warm day, but it should be tube fed colostrum if it has not suckled by six to eight hours.

The calves that are at the highest risk of failing to receive adequate colostral immunity: • had a difficult birth • were abandoned or mismothered • are hypothermic in cold weather Pendulous udders and large teats can also make suckling difficult, even for vigorous newborn calves.

Colostrum can be collected by milking the cow or by using reconstituted freeze dried colostrum substitutes. The quality of colostrum substitutes vary, so ask your veterinarian to recommend a good substitute.

Extra colostrum can be kept in the refrigerator for seven to 10 days to be used for other newborns. Extra colostrum can also be kept frozen for up to one year. Frozen colostrum should be gradually thawed in a warm water bath because high heat can destroy antibodies.

Utilize a Vaccination Program to Enhance Immunity Work with your veterinarian to design a vaccination program to enhance the immunity of the calf to specific diseases. Vaccines for scours are usually given to the cow in late pregnancy to promote the production

of specific antibodies against bacteria and viruses that cause neonatal calf diarrhea. However, the calf can only receive these antibodies through the cow’s colostrum to receive the benefit of this protection.

Decrease the Infection Pressure Reducing the amount of exposure of young calves to manure is an important aspect of preventing disease in the newborn. Most of the disease agents that cause diseases such as scours in young calves are carried normally by the adult cow, and are often found in the manure of normal cows.

The following strategies may help with reducing the infection pressure and minimizing the manure exposure to young calves.

• Minimize confinement of the cow herd • Utilize separate wintering and calving areas • Move cows onto calving area less than 2 weeks before calving • Avoid crowding in calving area • Rotate calving area from year to year • Remove snow and provide adequate bedding • Separate nursery areas for cow‐ calf pairs • Avoid restricted feeding/bedding areas • Provide creep areas or "Calf Condos" • Quarantine diarrheic calves Thanks to: Dr. John Campbell, University of Saskatchewan Researcher and Head of the Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department and Canadian Cattlemen’s Association General Manager of Operations and staff to the Animal Health & Meat Inspection Committee for contributing his time and expertise to writing this page.

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Charolais Connection â&#x20AC;˘ March 2014

IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES IN OUR INDUSTRY

Calendar of Events March 14 Reese Cattle Co. Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Innisfail (AB) Auction Mart

March 7 South Central Charolais Breeders Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Innisfail (AB) Auction Mart

March 11 McTavish & Guests Charolais and Red Angus Bull Sale, 1:30 p.m., at the farm, Moosomin, SK

March 7 A. Sparrow Farms Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., at the farm, Vanscoy, SK

March 11 Valley Charolais Bull Sale, 12:30 p.m., BC Livestock Co‐op, Kamloops, BC

March 15 Pleasant Dawn Farms 12th Annual Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., Heartland Livestock, Virden, MB

March 8 Horseshoe E Charolais Annual Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., Johnstone Auction Mart, Moose Jaw, SK

March 12 Built Right Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Provost (AB) Livestock Exchange

March 15 Sandan Charolais Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., at The Farm, Erskine, AB

March 8 Wrangler Made 2nd Annual Bull Sale with guest consignor Spruce View Charolais, 1:30 p.m., at Sekera‐Triple J Livestock, Westlock, AB

March 13 Charolais Power, 1:00 p.m., Dryland Cattle Trading Corp. Veteran, AB March 14 Family Tradition Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., at Rolling D Charolais, Dropmore, MB

March 8 Vente Synergie, 12:30 p.m., Ste‐Sophie de Levard, QC

March 14 11th Annual Northern Classic Bull Sale, Grand Prairie, AB

March 10 Harvie Ranching Bull Sale, at the ranch, Olds AB

March 14 Northern Alliance Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Spiritwood (SK) Stockyards

March 15 Rollin’ Acres/Patton/Whiskey Hollow & Guests 4th Annual Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., Maple Hill Auctions, Hanover, ON March 15 Lanoie Bros. Charolais Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., Johnstone Auction Mart, Moose Jaw, SK March 15 Ferme Palerme Charolais Bull Sale, Vinoy Test Station, 1:00 p.m., at Ferme Gagnon, Cheneville, QC

TSS 115Z 3rd Gen Pld

ll dbu Her ect p To rosp P

TTSS 29Z Double Polled BW 94 lb.

BW .6 WW 44 YW 80 M 15.6

BW 103 BW 2.2 WW 49 YW 87 M 17.9

PHS 11Z Double Polled BW 103 BW 1.8 WW 37 YW 71 M 13.4

June Rose Charolais Box 321, Simpson, SK S0G 4M0 Peter, Lynne and Shannon Stewart

T 306-836-4613 Trevor & Tammy Stewart & family

T 306-946-2456 • C 306-946-8474 junerose@sasktel.net

Charolais Connection • March 2014

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3RD Annual Family Bull Sale • March 28, 2014 •1:30 P.M. at the Ranch • 33 Charolais Two Year Olds • 34 Angus • 22 Hereford THJ 13Z

THJ 36Z

THJ 42Z

Contact us if you would like to receive a catalogue… or view it online at KJWW 22Y

John & Kirsten Taylor Ph: 780.858.2435 C: 780.806.3395

March 18 Neilson Cattle Co. 24th Annual Bull Sale, at the farm, Willowbrook, SK March 19 Transcons 19th Annual Advantage Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Saskatoon (SK) Livestock Sales March 20 Diamond W Charolais & Angus 12th Annual Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m.

March 20 Buffalo Lake Charolais and Shorthorns Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Stettler (AB) Auction Mart

KJW 56Z

KJW 1Z

Kevin & Janice, Kailey & Lexi Wirsta Ph: 780.724.2789 C: 780.614.5959 E: kcow@telus.net

March 22 Wilgenbusch Charolais 3rd Annual North of the 53rd Bull Sale, 1:30 p.m., at the CSS Charolais Ranch, Paynton, SK March 22 Tee M Jay Charolais Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Ashern (MB) Auction Mart March 24 White is Right Bull Sale, Balog Auction Mart, Lethbridge, AB March 24 North West Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Kramer’s Big Bid Barn, North Battleford, SK

March 21 Winn Man Farms 13th Annual Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., at the farm, Winnipegosis, MB

March 24-29 JTA Diamond Charolais Bull Sale Week, 1:00 p.m., at the farm, Courval, SK

March 22 Benchmark Charolais Bull Sale, 1:30 p.m., Renfrew Pontiac Livestock Facility, Cobden, ON

March 25 Steppler Farms 3rd Annual Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Steppler Sale Barn, Miami, MB

March 22 Transcons Mountainview Angus and Charolais Bull Sale, Innisfail, AB

March 26 HTA Charolais & Guests Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Neepawa, MB

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www.kcow.ca

Charolais Connection • March 2014

March 27 Elder Charolais 4th Annual Bull Sale, 1:30 p.m., at the farm, Coronach, SK March 27 Tradition Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Bow Slope Shipping, Brooks, AB March 28 Thistle Ridge Ranch Bull Sale, Taber Agriplex, AB March 28 K‐Cow Ranch Family Bull Sale, at the ranch, Elk Point, AB March 29 Gilliland Bros. Charolais Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., at the farm, Carievale, SK March 29 Impact Angus & Charolais Bull & Female Sale, 1:00 p.m., Saskatoon (SK) Livestock Sales March 29 PIC Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Carson Sales Arena, Listowel, ON March 29 Borderland Cattle Company Bull Sale, 1:30 p.m., at the farm, Rockglen, SK

March 29 3rd Annual High Point Charolais Breeders Bull Sale, 6:00 p.m., Carmarthen Lake Farms, Singhampton, ON March 30 Best of the Breeds Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., Parkland Livestock Auction, Leross, SK April 1 Cedarlea Charolais & Windy Willows Angus Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Windy Willows Farm, Hodgeville, SK April 2 White Cap/Rosso Charolais & Howe Red Angus Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., at White Cap Charolais, Moose Jaw, SK April 3 Hunter Charolais Bull Sale, 1:30 p.m., DST, at the farm, Roblin, MB April 5 VerMillion Charolais Group 28th Annual Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Nilsson Bros. Livestock Exchange, Vermilion, AB April 5 Maritime Bull Test Station Sale, at the test station, Nappan, NS

SKW 13A • Roundup son BW 94 lb., WW 930 lb.

BW .9 WW 45.9 YW 87.9 M 21.2

SKW 2Z • Roundup son BW 85 lb., WW 785 lb.

BW -0.6 WW 44 YW 89 M 24

April 5 N.E. Source Bull Sale, 1:30 p.m., Edwards Livestock Centre, Tisdale, SK April 5 Manitoba Bull Test Station Sale, 1:30 p.m., at the test station, Carberry, MB April 5 Saunders Charolais 9th Annual Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., Keady (ON) Livestock Market

April 10 Size Matters Bull Sale, 1:30 p.m., at Sliding Hills Charolais Farm, Canora, SK April 12 Eastern Select Bull & Female Sale, 1:00 p.m., Hoards Station Sale Barn, Campbellford, ON April 12 Saint‐Hyacinthe (QC) Test Station Sale

April 5 Transcon’s Cattle Country Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Beautiful Plains Ag Complex, Neepawa, MB

April 14 9th Annual Select Genetics Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., at the Forsyth Ranch, Herbert, SK

April 6 Cattleman’s Classic Multi‐Breed Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Heartland Livestock, Virden, MB

April 19 Cornerstone Charolais & Red Angus Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Whitewood (SK) Auction Mart

April 7 Wilgenbusch Charolais 11th Annual North of the 49th Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., at the farm, Halbrite, SK

April 19 Cedardale Charolais 11th Annual Bull & Select Female Sale, 1:00 p.m., at the farm, Nestleton, ON

April 8 Top Cut Bull sale, 2:00 p.m., Stockman’s Weigh Co., Mankota, SK

April 19 Lindskov‐Thiel Bull Sale, at the ranch Isabel, SD

April 9 Mutrie Farms/Bar H Charolais Bull Sale, 1:00 p.m., Candiac (SK) Auction Market

June 10-12 Canadian Breeders School, Regina, SK

SKW Merchant 32A • Steppler 83U son BW 100 lb., WW 1120 lb.

BW 2.7 WW 55 YW 92.8

Stephen & Kristin Wielgosz Yellow Creek, SK • T 306.279.2033 C 306.279.7709 wielgoszsk@gmail.com

Charolais Connection • March 2014

SKW 51A • Steppler 83U son BW 105 lb., WW 1085 lb.

BW 4.8 WW 54.4 YW 96.3 M 16.9

SKW 23Z • Birmingham son BW 92 lb., WW 950 lb.

BW .4 WW 45.6 YW 79.6 M 19.2

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LOOKING TO FIND SOMEONE?

Advertisers Index Amabec Charolais .........................................64 Anchor J Charolais ........................................62 Arntzen, Dean ...............................................61 B Bar D Charolais ..........................................64 Baker Charolais .............................................64 Bar H Charolais.........................................47,65 Bar Punch Ranch ...........................................62 Bar 7 Easy Charolais .....................................62 Beau Char Charolais......................................62 Beck Farms.....................................................65 Be-Rich Farms ................................................62 Blackbern Charolais ......................................64 Bo-Jan Enterprises.........................................65 Borderland Cattle Co. ...................................43 Bova-Tech Ltd. ...............................................61 Bow Valley Genetics Ltd. ..............................61 Bricney Stock Farms ......................................65 Bridor Charolais.............................................64 Brimner Cattle Company ....................26,27,65 Buffalo Lake Charolais .................................62

By Livestock ...................3,9,11,13,14,26,27,29, ...............................................36,37,47,IBC,OBC Campbells Charolais......................................49 Carey, Brent ...................................................61 Cedardale Charolais .................................49,64 Cedarlea Farms................................................9 Charla Moore Farms .....................................65 Char-Maine Ranching ...................................62 Charolais Journal...........................................61 Charworth Charolais Farms ..........................62 Chomiak Charolais .......................................62 Circle Cee Charolais Farms.......................17,62 Cougar Hill Ranch .........................................65 Creek's Edge Land & Cattle Co. ..............66,69 C2 Charolais..............................................41,63 Davis-Rairdan ................................................61 Diamond W Charolais..............................14,66 Dog Patch Acres ............................................21 Dorran, Ryan .................................................61 Double L Ranch .............................................62 Dubuc Charolais ............................................65 Dudgeon-Snobelen Land & Cattle ...............64 Eaton Charolais .............................................66 Elder Charolais Farms ..............................13,66 Ericson Livestock Services .............................61 Ferme Palerme ..............................................65 Fischer Charolais............................................62 Fleury, Michael ..............................................61 Foat Valley Stock Farm .................................62 Footprint Farms ............................................62 Forsyth Bros. Charolais ................................64 4-G Charolais Ranch......................................66 Future Farms .................................................62 Gerrard Cattle Co..........................................62 Gilliland Bros. Charolais...........................29,66 Good-Anchor Charolais ................................51 GRP Ltd. .........................................................61

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H.S. Knill Company Ltd. ................................61 Happy Haven Charolais ................................64 Harcourt Charolais ........................................21 Hard Rock Land & Cattle Co.........................64 Harvie Ranching ...........................................63 Hawken Shorthorns ......................................47 HEJ Charolais ................................................63 Hicks Charolais ..............................................64 High Bluff Stock Farm................................5,64 Holk Charolais ...............................................63 Horseshoe E Charolais ..................................66 HTA Charolais Farm ..................................3,64 Hunter Charolais .....................................11,64 JMB Charolais ............................................3,64 Johnstone Auction ........................................61 Jones Charolais..............................................34 Jordan River Charolais .............................39,66 JTA Diamond Charolais.................................10 June Rose Charolais ......................................67 Kaiser Charolais Farm ...................................63 Kanewischer, Jerry ........................................61 Kay-R Charolais ............................................63 KCH Charolais................................................63 K-Cow Ranch .................................................68 Kirlene Cattle ................................................64 La Ferme Patry de Weedon ..........................65 Lakeview Charolais .......................................51 Land O' Lakes Charolais................................64 Langstaff Charolais .......................................65 Laurel Creek Ranch .......................................66 Leemar Charolais ..........................................63 LEJ Charolais.............................................31,64 Lindskov-Thiel Charolais Ranch....................66 M & L Cattle Co.............................................65 Mack's Charolais............................................65 Maple Leaf Charolais ....................................63 Martens Cattle Co. .....................................7,66 Martens Charolais .........................................64 McAvoy Charolais Farm ...........................19,66 McKay Charolais............................................64 McKeary Charolais ........................................63 McLeod Livestock ..........................................62 McTavish Charolais........................................66 Medonte Charolais........................................65 Miller Land & Livestock .............................8,65 Misty Hills Charolais......................................51 Murphy Livestock ..........................................63 Mutrie Farms ............................................47,66 Myhre Land and Cattle.................................64 Nahachewsky Charolais ................................66 Norheim Ranching ........................................62 P & H Ranching Co........................................63 Packer Charolais ............................................65 Palmer Charolais ...........................................66 Parklane Charolais ........................................63 Patton Charolais............................................65 Phillips Farms.................................................66

Charolais Connection â&#x20AC;˘ March 2014

Pleasant Dawn Charolais ..............................64 Poley, Chris ....................................................62 Poplar Bluff Stock Farm................................68 Potter Charolais ............................................65 Prairie Cove Consulting ................................62 Prairie Gold Charolais ...................................66 Pro-Char Charolais ........................................63 Qualman Charolais ......................................66 R & G McDonald Livestock ...........................53 Rammer Charolais ......................................3,40 Ranch Ostiguy Charolais...............................65 Rawes Ranches ..............................................63 Rebuild with Steel.........................................62 Reykdal Farms Charolais...............................64 Rollin' Acres Charolais ..................................65 Rosso Charolais (Cypress)..............................35 RRTS Charolais...............................................63 Saddleridge Charolais ...................................63 Sandan Charolais Farms.............................6,63 Saunders Charolais........................................65 Scarth Cattle Co. ...........................................64 Serhienko/Voegeli Cattle Co. .......................66 Sharodon Farms ............................................65 Skeels, Danny ................................................62 Sliding Hills Charolais ..............................39,66 A. Sparrow Farms.........................................IFC Sproule Charolais ..........................................63 Spruceview Charolais ....................................63 Stephen Charolais Farm................................66 Steppler Farms Ltd. ............................36,37,64 Stock, Mark ...................................................62 Stockmen's Insurance....................................62 Sunrise Charolais ...........................................65 Swistun Charolais ..........................................42 T Bar C Cattle Co..................................6,19,21, Tee M Jay Charolais ......................................45 Temple Farms ................................................66 Thistle Ridge Ranch .................................22,63 Transcon Livestock Corp. ...........................5,62 Tri-N Charolais ..........................................31,64 Turnbull Charolais .........................................63 Western Litho................................................62 Whiskey Hollow Cattle Company ................65 White Cap Charolais ................................35,66 White Heather Charolais ..............................63 Wilgenbusch Charolais...................66,IBC,OBC Wilkie Ranch .................................................63 Windy Willows Farms .....................................9 Winn Man Farms...........................................15 Winters Charolais ..........................................65 Wood River Charolais (Cypress) ...................33 Wrangler Charolais .......................................63 WRAZ Red Angus.....................................26,27 XXX Farms .....................................................51

JWX 26A

JWX 71A

JWX REDNECK CRAZY 26A CSS Sir Navigator 37T x HTA Fathom BW 101, Adj 205 778, Adj 365 1340 CE 68 BW 2.7 WW 40 YW 71 M 17.9 TM 38

JWX TED 71A CSS Sir Navigator 37T x Baldridge Fasttrack BW 91, Adj 205 765, Adj 365 1299 CE 98 BW 0 WW 39 YW 63 M 20.1 TM 40

JWX 1056A

JWX MASTERCHEF 1056A KCM Ultimate x PCC Navigator BW 101, Adj 205 817, Adj 365 1372 CE 62 BW 3.1 WW 50 YW 91 M 18.2 TM 43

Selling: 53 CHAROLAIS YEARLINGS • All bulls are Semen Tested • All bulls are Guaranteed • Delivery Available • Ultrasound Data Available Contact us for more information • View catalogue or videos of bulls online at www.wilgenbusch charolais.com

JWX 1730A

JWX MACKLEMORE 1730A LAE Juice Box x DBAR Survivor BW 106, Adj 205 776, Adj 365 1402 CE 59 BW 3.5 WW 51 YW 91 M 21.3 TM 47

JWX 447A

JWX THE HEAT 447A CSS Sir Navigator 20Y x KAYR Tex 26L BW 103, Adj 205 656, Adj 365 1315 CE 54 BW 2.7 WW 39 YW 70 M 22.2 TM 42 Box 4, Halbrite, SK S0C 1H0 John & Brenda 306-458-2688 C 306-458-7873 Craig & Tricia 306-458-7482 wilgenbusch@sasktel.net www.wilgenbuschcharolais.com

JWX 79A

JWX ABSENCE 79A JWX Solid Red x MSW Craven Red BW 106, Adj 205 795, Adj 365 1333 CE 83 BW 1 WW 41 YW 83 M 23.7 TM 44 Sale Manager

306-584-7937 Helge By 306-536-4261 Candace By 306-536-3374 charolaisbanner@gmail.com www.bylivestock.com

Selling: 22 Two-Year-Olds • 66 Yearlings

JWX 816A

JWX 91A

Homozygous Red • Dbl Pld • Dark red son of SRK Solid with lots of performance. This thick bodied, deep ribber, good haired bull was admired last fall on the show road.

Red Factor, Dbl Pld • Very correct, calving ease son of SRK Solid out of a highly productive Ferrugo female

JWX 747A Double Polled • An impressive son of LAE Juice Box. Sr Bull Calf Champion at Manitoba Livestock Expo and Champion Jr Bull Calf at Agribition

Bulls Guaranteed To Work and Make You Money

Bigger and better than ever is this year’s offering of white and red factor bulls • Semen Tested • All Bulls Guaranteed • Red Factor Will keep bulls for FREE until you need them in the pasture Delivered when you need them. Terms Available – Contact Us Ultrasound Data Available

Call for more information or a catalogue. View catalogue and videos of the bulls online at www.wilgenbuschcharolais.com

JOIN US…for beef supper and bull viewing on Sunday

JWX 717A 3rd Gen Pld • Silver Lining is a full brother to Buckle and Bullet, sired by Bar J Silverado and out of the great KMAC Miss Marmalade 4 full brothers sell

JWX 883A

JWX 1058Z

Radio Active is one of 6 full brothers selling from the winning cross of TR Mr Fire Water and the million dollar producing Thomas Ms Impressive 0641. Full brother to many U.S. national champions, including Turton

Box 4, Halbrite, SK S0C 1H0 John & Brenda 306-458-2688 C 306-458-7873 Craig & Tricia 306-458-7482 wilgenbusch@sasktel.net www.wilgenbuschcharolais.com

This thick bodied, deep sided, moderate framed bull is sired by the proven M6 Grid Maker and is out of a Navigator Jr daughter

Sale Manager

306-584-7937 Helge By 306-536-4261 Candace By 306-536-3374 charolaisbanner@gmail.com www.bylivestock.com